One of the most important things happening in the world right now must be African industrialisation. With more than 1.2 billion people, the vast continent is home to a growing fraction of human beings who are still in extreme poverty:

By 2030, the World Bank projects that almost all the people in extreme poverty will live in sub-Saharan Africa. The reason is twofold. First, Africa’s population is growing rapidly. Secondly, Africa has lagged in the industrialisation necessary to generate mass employment.

The lack of strong, stable governments — a legacy of colonialism — has made it difficult to provide the education, infrastructure, court systems and other public goods that help prepare countries for the leap from subsistence farming to factory work. Well-meaning Western aid and international development agencies couldn’t fill the gap. Meanwhile, nations in East Asia and Southeast Asia became the world’s factories before Africa did.

But late doesn’t mean never. Rising labour costs in China, and the threat of U.S. tariffs, are finally causing manufacturers to diversify their supply chains. Some of their factories will go to Vietnam and Bangladesh, two rising stars of the developing world. But those countries won’t be big enough to replace China, which means that if manufacturers really want to keep costs down, many will have to look to Africa.

This process is already well underway. In her book “The Next Factory of the World: How Chinese Investment Is Reshaping Africa,” Irene Yuan Sun — a development-aid worker turned McKinsey & Co. researcher — describes the wave of private Chinese investment sweeping the African continent. This investment often goes overlooked by the international press, which tends to focus on China’s splashy government-backed infrastructure projects and loans. But what Sun describes is something else — Chinese business people moving to Africa and building privately owned factories.

In 2017, Sun’s research team estimated that there are about 10,000 such factories on the continent, and the number is surely higher now. Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania and Ethiopia have the largest concentrations, but many other countries are in the mix. Although China still has less total capital invested in Africa than in other regions, it’s catching up fast.

The picture Sun paints of Chinese capitalism in Africa is not always a pretty one. She cites anecdotes of corruption, pollution, overwork, injuries and managers’ disdain for local workers — phenomena that seem universal to every country in the early stages of manufacturing. But Sun argues powerfully that this ugly, costly process is still the only way that countries can escape poverty.

The programmes of liberalisation and deregulation offered by Western countries in the 1990s under the name of the Washington Consensus failed to produce the desired results. Development aid from rich countries has done some real good (and occasionally some bad) in Africa, but hasn’t been enough to change the continent’s basic economic conditions. And with a few small exceptions like Botswana, natural resources have generally been more of a curse than a blessing. The only thing that reliably seems to transform poor countries into rich ones seems to be the so-called flying geese theory — the idea that manufacturing moves in waves, looking for the next cheap, politically stable production base.

Now the geese are finally flocking to Africa. This isn’t the neo-colonialism that some fear — indeed, Sun finds that Chinese factories overwhelmingly employ local African workers rather than imported Chinese labourers, nor is there any sign that automation has made labor-intensive manufacturing obsolete. In other words, there is every indication that the process that brought Europe and Asia out of poverty is starting to work in Africa.

How they can help African industrialisation continue is the question for the U.S. and other developed countries. An industrialised Africa is in America’s best interests. First of all, with Chinese costs rising, African factories are necessary to keep the prices of clothes, electronics and other goods from rising too much. And while some may claim that African competition is taking jobs from American manufacturers, the truth is that if that manufacturing were done in the U.S., it would be mostly automated.

More importantly, the key to a stable world is African development. An underdeveloped Africa, with an exploding impoverished population, would fall prey to climate disasters and wars. That would create global tensions, as in Syria, the U.S., Russia, and other powerful countries racer for influence over war-torn regions. It would also create waves of refugees, knocking at the doors of rich countries — as Syria has, but on a much larger scale.

In order to forestall this grim future and give hope and security to the world’s neediest people, the U.S. and other rich countries need to encourage imports of African-made goods. The African Growth and Opportunity Act, passed in 2000, was a good start, but more can be done. Market access ensures stable demand, which provides an incentive for Chinese and other entrepreneurs to invest and build for the long term.

African industrialisation will complete the great transformation that began more than two centuries ago in Britain — the mass movement of humanity from extreme poverty to material security. This is the last frontier of poverty reduction.


(Bloomberg)


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Thanks to a new design of drones created to help battle the effects of climate change as millions of acres of degraded landscapes can be brought to life again.Deforestation and forest degradation account for 17% of global carbon emissions — more than the entire transportation sector in the world, according to the United Nations, reports ABC NEWS.

A tech company called BioCarbon Engineering has been using the flying robots to plant trees on a massive scale. The drones, which were developed by an ex-NASA engineer, are designed to fire off pre-germinated seed pods into the ground.

The drones have been shown to plant trees exponentially faster than locals being forced to plant them by hand, and the method is far cheaper than traditional planting methods.

BioCarbon worked with the Worldview International Foundation for Conservative Nonprofit to replant mangrove saplings in Myanmar. The saplings have grown to 20 inches tall since the drones started their work in September, providing exciting new evidence that the drones can be deployed on a much larger scale.

“We now have a case confirmed of what species we can plant and in what conditions,” BioCarbon engineering co-founder Irina Fedorenko told Fast Company. “We are now ready to scale up our planting and replicate this success.”

Worldview has been working with Myanmar communities over the past seven years to plant over 6 million trees – but now they hope to plant another 4 million trees by the end of the year with the help of the drones.

Representatives estimate they could plant up to 400,000 trees per day with two local workers being trained to operate a fleet of ten drones. Assuming the project remains successful, the drones could help resuscitate degraded landscapes around the world in the near future.
(GNN)

For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes a major world concern, soon humans may come to terms with this reality. One of the ideas behind this race for developing robotics with AI is to assist humans in today's world displacing beings from some jobs. Immigration remains one topic sparking debates in contemporary world politics. What this means is that in the nearest future there could be a decline in demand for low skilled workers and maybe even medium-skilled workers as robots could be in charge, except if they (prospective immigrant) can demonstrate that they got high skills that are in demand in the West. At the moment there are accusations of exploitations as they would no longer want to be accused of exploiting cheap labour. In other words, remittance will fall and other benefits that spread with emigration. Africa remains the most backward continent in terms of Science and Technology. It is time to wake up and look deep into the future because it may get worse than ever for the continent if we fail to address reality.

A bill submitted to Parliament would make it illegal to own animals after 2025 in order to kill them "for the sale or any other use of their fur", PHY ORG reports.

The proposed ban is the result of an agreement that was reached in January 2018 when the right - wing government expanded to include the small Liberal Party that insisted on the action.

While the fur sector has largely come to terms with the idea of a gradual dismantling of their industry, it was critical of the compensation the government was offering farmers, calling it a "historic betrayal".

"We're being offered a few kroner, which is far from compensating for the planned dismantling of farms," Guri Wormdahl, a spokeswoman for the fur farmers' organisation Norges Pelsdyralslag, told AFP.

"The way it has been designed, it will lead farmers straight to bankruptcy," she said.

The government has estimated it will have to pay farmers around 500 million kroner (52 million euros, $54 million) in compensation for either the dismantling or reconversion of their businesses.

According to Norges Pelsdyralslag, the country's fur farming industry employs around 500 people and has annual sales of 300 million kroner.

Norway accounts for about one percent of global production of mink fur and about two to three percent of production of fox fur.

Germany closed its last fur farm this week, following similar bans around Europe.

https://drifternews..com/2019/04/norway-set-to-ban-fur-farms-by-2025.html

Today, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network released the World Happiness Report, a date declared by the United Nations to be the International Day of Happiness.

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 20 as World Happiness Day, recognising "the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives."

The report ranks countries on six key variables that support well-being: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity.

"The top 10 countries tend to rank high in all six variables, as well as emotional measures of well-being," says report co-editor John Helliwell, a professor emeritus of economics at the University of British Columbia.

This report is the seventh to come out since 2012. The rankings of the world's happiest countries came from an analysis of data from surveys in 156 countries, including the Gallup World Poll starting in 2005-2006.

World's happiest countries: 1. Finland 2. Denmark 3. Norway 4. Iceland 5. Netherlands 6. Switzerland 7. Sweden 8. New Zealand 9. Canada 10. Australia.

World's least happy countries: 1. South Sudan 2. Central African Republic 3. Afghanistan 4. Tanzania 5. Rwanda 6. Yemen 7. Malawi 8. Syria 9. Botswana 10. Haiti.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Multiple people have been injured after a shooting incident inside a tram in the Dutch town of Utrecht on Monday.

Dutch authorities are considering “a possible terrorist motive” for the shooting, which happened in 24 October Square at 10:45 a.m. (5:45 a.m ET), Utrecht police said on Twitter.

“We cannot rule out terrorist motive,” Holland’s National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism, PJ Aalbersberg, tweeted. “Crisis team is activated.”

Police have not taken any suspects into custody, according to Joost Lanshage, spokesman for the police in central Holland. He said the shooting is now over, but that the police operation is ongoing.

Three rescue helicopters have been sent to the scene — which has since been cordoned off — to “monitor” the situation, Lanshage said.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Nigerian Emelife Chinelo Stella studying at the University Of Mysore, India has broken a record by winning 20 masters gold medals in Chemistry.

Stella, who stood out as the best MSc graduating student from the university, received outstanding honours for her impressive grades and achievements during her programme.

It was gathered that she graduated with a final grade point (FGP) of 9.263%, thereby receiving 20 gold medals and cash prizes at the 99th annual convocation of the university on Sunday.

According to the University of Mysore, this is perhaps the first time in recent years that a foreign student bagged so many gold medals.

Stella, during her first degree, also graduated as the overall best student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, in the 2012/13 set with 4.86 CGPA.

“I want to say that I’m stunned, but everyone who grew up in Sokoto has heard of the Emelife excellency and of its torchbearer, Emelife Stella Chinelo, who has, since her primary school, remained top of her class. What we didn’t know, however, is that after receiving an Indian government scholarship to study in its country, she’d go on to top all of its citizens,” said Stella’s sister Jennifer Emelife, on Facebook.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

A surgeon and the Founder of Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, says no drug can shrink fibroids in a woman.

Olowojebutu, made this known at a news conference on Saturday in Lagos, adding that Fibroids are non-cancerous abnormal growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus).

The surgeon advised women that instead, they should visit a doctor and get examined when they suspect that they might have.

“There are lots of fallacies and superstitious beliefs around fibroids that you can take medicines to shrink or pass it out from the anus; that is what is killing many women today.

“Some women have been taken herbal drugs for years and instead of shrinking the fibroid, it is getting bigger.

“We want to create awareness to let people know that there is help for them,” Olowojebutu said.

He said that his foundation was willing to meet the needs of women who could not afford to pay for surgeries, stressing that the target for 2019 was 1,000 women.

Olowojebutu said that fibroids were very common in African women and also in Nigeria.

He said, however, that the risk of developing fibroids could be reduced if a woman married early and they have a break from menstruating due to pregnancy.

“Women who menstruate early, let us say at 10 years old and you are now 35 years old, that is 25 years of bleeding without a break.

“When there is no break in your menstrual flow, that is, the longer you are menstruating for, the more time you have to stimulate the oestrogen hormone to produce fibroid.

“Women who have many babies may not have fibroid, because there is usually a break; one year of pregnancy and another for breastfeeding, which is two years of break.

“So, the oestrogen hormone cannot stimulate their wombs to grow the fibroids,” he said.



For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Former Finance Minister of Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has revealed she will be ready to take on the presidency of the World Bank if she is nominated for the work.

Okonjo-Iweala was a two-time Finance Minister in the West African nation and she is eying the position after current President Jim Yong Kim’s resignation, three years ahead of time.

Speaking on the sideline of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Okonjo-Iweala said she would run but only under the right conditions.

“I know that because I contested the last time in 2012… Many people were asking that question,” she told CNN.

“It is a shareholders’ decision and they have to decide how they want it. Someone has to nominate.

“If the right person were to nominate, and if the circumstances are right and people feel I can do the job, yes!”

On if she had declared her candidacy, she said: “No, I have not declared my candidacy, you asked a hypothetical question and I answered it fairly.

“I’m very happy right now, and I just want you to know that I’m enjoying life for a change for a portfolio of what I like.”



For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Boeing has announced that they have completed a successful first test flight of its autonomous passenger air vehicle (PAV) prototype.

The PAV prototype completed a controlled takeoff, hover, and landing during the flight, which tested the vehicle’s autonomous functions and ground control systems from an airport in Manassas, Virginia.

Future flights will test forward, wing-borne flight, as well as the transition phase between vertical and forward-flight modes. This transition phase is typically the most significant engineering challenge for any high-speed VTOL aircraft.

“In one year, we have progressed from a conceptual design to a flying prototype,” said Boeing Chief Technology Officer Greg Hyslop. “Boeing’s expertise and innovation have been critical in developing aviation as the world’s safest and most efficient form of transportation, and we will continue to lead with a safe, innovative and responsible approach to new mobility solutions.”

Powered by an electric propulsion system, the PAV prototype is designed for fully autonomous flight from takeoff to landing, with a range of up to 50 miles (80.47 kilometers). Measuring 30 feet long (9.14 meters) and 28 feet wide (8.53 meters), its advanced airframe integrates the propulsion and wing systems to achieve efficient hover and forward flight.

“This is what revolution looks like, and it’s because of autonomy,” said John Langford, president and chief executive officer of Aurora Flight Sciences, the Boeing subsidiary responsible for designing the aircraft. “Certifiable autonomy is going to make quiet, clean and safe urban air mobility possible.”

The test flight represents the latest milestone for the company’s urban mobility department: Boeing NeXt. The division works with regulatory agencies and industry partners to lead the responsible introduction of a new mobility ecosystem and ensure a future where autonomous and piloted air vehicles safely coexist.

The new aircraft is a likely candidate for Uber’s developing “air taxi” initiative. According to the ride-sharing company, the Uber Air network will initially launched in Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles with commercial services expected to be made publicly available as soon as 2023.

In addition to the PAV, the Boeing NeXt portfolio includes an unmanned fully electric cargo air vehicle which is designed to transport up to 500 pounds (226.80 kilograms) and other urban, regional and global mobility platforms. The cargo craft completed its first indoor flight last year and will transition to outdoor flight testing in 2019.

“Boeing was there when the aviation industry was born and in our second century, we will unlock the potential of the urban air mobility market,” said Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt. “From building air vehicles to airspace integration, we will usher in a future of safe, low-stress mobility in cities and regions around the world.”


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet passed new immigration laws on Wednesday to make it easier for lower-skilled foreigners to seek work in Germany and offer rejected asylum seekers who can't be deported a path to residency.

Click the link below to read the rest of the story.

https://drifternews..com/2018/12/german-cabinet-approves-immigration.html



And for more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Nigerians have been urged to desist from vandalising telecom infrastructure. This call was made yesterday in Lokoja at a 'One Day Sensitisation Programme On Protection Of Telecom Infrastructure' , organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Zonal Operations Department, NCC, Ms Helen Obi said the protection of telecom infrastructure is a collective responsibility, she noted that the telecom sector has contributed a lot, 'it is worth emphasizing that over the past 15 years, we have experienced tremendous growth in this sector and a significant contribution to the Nigeria's GDP.'

Ms Obi also admitted that there are some challenges pervading the seamless provision of telecom services in the country rising from misconception and misguided facts about key telecom infrastructure such as Base Transceiver Station (BTS), power supply and others. She however added that with the Commission's pervasive drive to achieve 30% Broadband Penetration by the end of the 2018, it becomes a collective responsibility for the public to ensure that they protect and report any telecom vandalism to security agencies and NCC's zonal offices.

'As we are aware, telecommunication has been an integral part of our daily lives with provision of services ranging from telephony, entertainment, information and learning over a broad range of media platform , she added.

Mr. Lawal Bello of Technical Standard and Network Integrity said that the Federal Government of Nigeria recently sponsored a bill before the National Assembly geared towards ensuring that telecom infrastructure in the country are protected and seen as national asset.

He further said that Nigeria needs about 80,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to be able to
provide optimum services to the growing telecom consumers.

He however urged Nigerians to protect telecom infrastructure stressing that the spate of telecom vandalism across the country has slowed the pace of growth.

The Nigerian Communications Commission( NCC), is the independent national regulatory authority for the telecommunication industry in Nigeria. The Commission is responsible for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators, the Commission is also responsible for technical regulations of telecom industry in line with international best practices.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

In a bid to enlighten Telecom Consumers with adequate information on their rights, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has organised a Town Hall Meeting in Kazuare, Jigawa state.

The 42nd Edition of Consumer Town Hall Meeting with the theme 'Using Information and Education as Tools for Consumer Empowerment and Protection' is aimed at sensitising consumers on their rights regarding telecommunications.

Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs. Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, represented by her deputy, Mr. Ismail Adedigba in his opening remark noted that 'this event is one of the initiatives of NCC to bring together Telecom Consumers in the rural areas with the Network operators and regulator to discuss and find solutions to consumers complains'. Adding that the Commission strongly believe that 'Consumer is the King' and as such they must be entitle to their basic rights which include the right to be heard, right of choose, right to be educated as well as right to safety.

Mr. Adedigba further said, the NCC has been inundated with various complaints and the Commission which is consumer - centric institution has taken appropriate steps to ensure that consumers are not cheated.

Complaints desk was also set up at the event with representatives from all the service providers, consumers with various telecom issues present their complains for prompt resolution.

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has developed a number of programmes aimed at enlightening telecommunications consumers. The Consumer Town Hall Meeting is one of the initiatives. The commission uses it to bring Telecom Consumers in the rural areas together with network operators to discuss and proffers solutions to issues relating to telecommunications, this is geared towards ensuring that Consumers get value for their money through effective services and clear information from their telecom provider.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and the Consumer Protection Council, CPC have inaugurated a Join Investigate Committee (JIC) today to look into the complaints received from the Presidency and National Assembly on “The increasing rate of dropped calls and other unwholesome practices by telecommunication network operators in Nigeria that have robbed Nigerians of their hard earned billions of naira”.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Sunday Dare, the Executive Commission, Stakeholders Management stated that, the Nigerian Communications Commission and Consumer Protection Council met on two occasions and agreed to form a Joint Investigative Committee to respond to the letter received from the Presidency and National Assembly.

Mr. Sunday Dare noted that the Committee will review various initiatives of the Commission including the directions issued by it which are targeted at protecting consumers and the various resolutions jointly taken by NCC and Telecom service providers to ensure improvement in telecom consumer experience, the committee is expected to also collate information from the industry working group on Quality of Service and the task force on Call Masking.

The Director General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera, said Telecom operators’ decision to transfer their operating cost to customers is unacceptable, stressing that, the telecommunications industry has become one of the most vital sectors in our economy, and as such it is important to pay appropriate attention to the industry and protect consumers as well as to ensure they are happy and willing to pay for services. He added that the scope of the investigation includes, Quality of Service, Call Masking, unsolicited subscriptions, and other key telecommunications services.

Mrs. Felicia Onguegbuchalam, Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC is to Head the Committee. The Committee is expected to complete its assignment in a month’s time. Expected outcomes are better services, more transparent charges and increased customer service responsiveness by telecommunications operators. Report will be forwarded to the National Assembly and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in response to the letters received earlier from them.



For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari warned Nigerians to desist from illegal migration to Europe through the deadly Sahara desert and Mediterranean Sea, emphasising that those who do it, do so at their own risk.

He gave this warning while answering a question on what Nigeria was doing to stop illegal immigration to Europe during a joint press briefing he addressed German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

According to the president, Nigeria does not support any form of illegality and indiscipline from its citizens and hence, dissociates itself from any illegal migration through the Sahara desert and Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

He said any Nigerian who is dissatisfied with the situation in the country and opts to seek greener pasture abroad through illegal movement, puts his/her life in jeopardy.

However, he said as done earlier, any citizen who gets stuck in Libya or anywhere in the world in the course of illegal migration would be brought back to the country by the government and sent to his/her local government.



For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

In furtherance with one of it's cardinal goals in achieving the 8-point Agenda of Protecting, Informing and Educating consumers of Telecoms services, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has organised the 41st Edition of Consumer Town Hall Meeting in Ekpoma, Edo State on Thursday.

The theme of the event ' Using information and Education as Tools for Consumer Empowerment and Protection' is aimed at sensitizing Telecom consumers of their rights in-respective of their geographical locations.

The Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Mrs Felicia Onwuegbuchulam who was represented by her Deputy, Alhaji Ismail Adedigba called on Consumers to always reach the Commission through the Toll-Free Line - 622 to lodge their complaints on issues if they are not resolved satisfactory by their service providers, adding that, 'it's Consumers rights to receive accurate, relevant and timely information in clear and simple language from their service providers'.

He also noted that NCC is ready to empower the Telecom consumers through information sharing, education and dialogue and base on this, various platforms have been provided by the Commission to drive home this awareness. "The popular clause that, ' Consumer is King' is held in high esteem in the Commission because everything we do focuses on how the Consumers get maximum value for money spent" Adedigba said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Jide Abdulazeez of Consumers Advocacy Group, said Consumers determine the market, therefore, protection of the Consumer is important and will help in boosting the economy. He however urged Telecom operators to always go for what will benefit the consumers.

Consumer Town Hall Meeting is one of the platforms used by NCC to educate, inform Consumers and also provide the platform for open discussion with various telecom service providers, the 41st Edition of it held in Ekpoma was well attended by stakeholders from different segments and burning issues where treated.

The segment ended with a closing prayer led by a representative of the 'Onoje of Ekpoma' , Chief Ehijafor Alfed.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

In March 2019, Britain's membership in the European Union will cease. A new dawn in the political-economy of Britain will begin; a superb reason for its desperate move to attract new partners and allies. This move by Britain is nothing but an attempt to establish dominance which was not achieved while a member of EU due to the powerful influence of Germany and France in the bloc.

The constant yearnings of the British to re-establish a strong tie with Africa must be watched closely, in order to avoid the mistakes of the past. Africa must be wise this time when getting into any type of partnership with a view to gain parity not disparity. It is noteworthy that Theresa May becomes the first British prime minister to set foot in Kenya since Margaret Thatcher in 1988 in her on going trip to Africa.

The puzzle: Why is everyone scrambling to establish a strong tie with Africa, China, and now Britain? One reason for this heightened interest is the belief that Africa's abundant mineral resources can easily be exploited due to its poor leadership. Ties can be good for countries. No country would want to stay in isolation if it wishes to advance economically in today's world but, reasons for ties with Africa, most especially from the world powers are usually suspicious. One cannot dispute the infrastructural benefits that have been derived from some partnerships but when it leaves impoverished countries saddled with ballooning foreign currency debts they eventually become quasi colonies.

Overt tactics such as the transatlantic slave trade and Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 have been replaced with the covert operations of foreign aid and investment but the mission remains owning Africa. Africa must assert itself and take advantage of the competing interests in order to secure the best deals. Britain must take responsibility for its role in the destabilization and impoverishment of the continent. Any re-engagement must be mutually beneficial. The emergence of youthful, articulate leaders across the continent bodes well for the future and this time Britain better be prepared for business unusual.

Tips:

- Avoid foreign aid just like India is doing.
- In exchange for Africa's raw materials, they (UK or anyone interested), should allow Africa fully tap into their technological know how.
- The ongoing efforts by the Africa Union to re-establish an Economic formidable bloc should serve as a catalyst when trading with the rest of the world.
- At the back of all these, African leaders must purge themselves of corruption, bad leadership and imbue political will for the progress of continent.
- It is time for Africa to be smart just like China and the EU.


Written by Paul Azemata Amune



For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Most of our to-do lists consist of pretty innocuous things like “go to the grocery store” and “do the laundry” – but what would be written on the to-do list of a genius? A genius like, say, Leonardo da Vinci?

According to historian and author Toby Lester, da Vinci did keep a to-do list, and it gives us an astonishing insight into the insatiable curiosity of history’s greatest artist.

In Lester’s book, “Da Vinci’s Ghost: Genius, Obsession, and How Leonardo Created the World in His Own Image”, the historian describes how da Vinci would carry a notebook with him wherever he went. Whenever he got an idea or inspiration from his surroundings, he would open up the little book to sketch and scribble down his thoughts.

One of the pages of his notebook contains a sort of to-do list that he maintained in 1490. Thanks to translations and notations from Lester and NPR’s Robert Krulwich, we can read da Vinci’s to-do list and marvel at his incredible motivation to learn and create.

Here are a few of the chores on da Vinci’s list:

-[Calculate] the measurement of Milan and Suburbs
-[Discover] the measurement of the castello (the duke’s palace itself)
-Get the master of arithmetic to show you how to square a triangle.
-Get Messer Fazio (a professor of medicine and law in Pavia) to show you about proportion.
-Get the Brera Friar (at the Benedictine Monastery to Milan) to show you De Ponderibus (a medieval text on mechanics)
-Draw Milan
-Ask Maestro Antonio how mortars are positioned on bastions by day or night.
-[Examine] the Crossbow of Mastro Giannetto
-Find a master of hydraulics and get him to tell you how to repair a lock, canal and mill in the Lombard manner
-[Ask about] the measurement of the sun promised me by Maestro Giovanni Francese

There are several other items on the list that Lester translated for NPR, but the gist of the list is enough to motivate even the laziest learner.

Because maybe if we were even a fraction as fascinated by the world as da Vinci, we could all be a few steps closer to our own form of greatness.

So what are you waiting for? Take some tips from history’s hungriest genius and start exploring whatever makes you tick.


(GNN)



For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

An Amateur Photographer, Johannes Neuhäuser in Bavaria, Germany captured shots of the total lunar eclipse that took place yesterday as it rose. Earth's natural satellite turned a striking shade of red or ruddy brown.


Click link below to view stunning photos of the total lunar eclipse that took place yesterday as sent to us at drifternews..com by Johannes Neuhäuser:

https://drifternews..com/2018/07/see-stunning-photos-of-yesterdays-blood.html

Jennifer Taylor, Lawyer, Writer and Professional Storyteller answered on Quora:

I believe that there are 3 main things that ruin people’s lives. It does not happen instantly or during a single event, but slow and steady over time.

I. They Can’t Get Off the Consumption Treadmill

The “Keeping Up with the Joneses” idiom refers to when an individual constantly upgrades their lifestyle because they see their neighbours doing the same and do not want to be perceived as having an inferior socioeconomic status. For example, you may buy a new Mercedes because you noticed your friend just bought a new BMW. You upgrade your iPhone because your co-worker has the newest version.

This is dangerous for two reasons.

First and foremost, you will always lose. New products are coming out every single second, with brilliant marketers selling you on why you need it in your life.

You will also start to develop the mindset that happiness can be obtained through the pursuit of bigger and better possessions. This is a recipe for disaster. It also shows to your friends, family and colleagues that you value style over substance.

Second, this is a sure-fire way to never accumulate wealth. In order to generate true wealth, you have to live within your means.

I live a frugal lifestyle. I only purchase indulgences that truly optimize my happiness. I still eat sushi, get drinks with friends and buy coffee at Starbucks. However, these are all done within moderation are ultimately constrained by my budget. Since I do not engage in these activities every single day, it actually optimizes the pleasure I receive from these indulgences when I do have them.

We need to be more mindful about what we consume.

II. They Lack Discipline

You need habits.

You need routine.

You need values.

Without either one of these things, you will be directionless and unproductive.

I would not be able to write 20 hours every week while working as a full-time lawyer without a rigid daily routine.

During Monday to Friday, I wake up at 5:30 AM, make coffee, sit down at my desk and write for an hour and a half. I then shower, eat breakfast and get ready for work. On my half an hour commute to and from work, I read either on my iPad or a physical book. When I return home in the evening I write for at least another hour. An hour before I sleep, I stop scrolling social media and leave my phone on my nightstand. I then read, again, until I head to bed. Rinse. Repeat.

The hours that have been given are enough to accomplish our wildest goals. We just don’t have the discipline to get anything done.

III. They Don’t Chase What Makes Them Truly Happy

I believe, more than anything, that you need to figure out two things: your interests and what you’re good at. And then, how those two things intersect so you can profit off what you love.

This relates to my first point – stop looking for happiness in things that will end up in a landfill in 5-10 years. Instead, spend that money on exploring what you enjoy and what you’re good at.

Instead of upgrading your cellphone, enroll in a writing course.

Instead of upgrading your house, travel somewhere new.

Instead of upgrading your car, buy those luxury craft materials that will take your handmade product to the next level.

It’s such a simple formula but one that few rarely follow.

Determine what makes you happy.

Determine how you can keep doing that for as long as possible.

Concentrate on what matters. Stop allocating your time and money on the rest.

In summary, people ruin their lives because they lack focus, discipline and self-awareness. Although these are interconnected, I view them each as very distinct.

You need to focus on things that only align with your values, ambitions and aspirations. You need the discipline to put in the actual work to achieve the goals that you defined. And, most importantly, you need the self-awareness to know what actually makes you happy.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

The Nigerian government has advised Nigerians to always confirm laboratory test before taking malaria treatment.

National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr Audu Mohammed, said this at the second quarter media chat in Abuja.

Represented by Chukwu Okoronkwo, Head of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation, Mohammed said that malaria was still a major morbidity and mortality in the country.

He explained that Nigerians must adopt the right health seeking behaviour for the elimination of malaria.

According to him, commencing malaria treatment without laboratory test is highly discouraging.

“Let me re-emphasise that it is critical that Nigerians demand to be tested when they have fever to be sure it is malaria before undergoing treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs) if malaria is confirmed,” he said.

“We collaborate with our partners to make ACTs available free to public health facilities in most states of federation.

“We have started embarking on advocacy with all relevant partners and governments at various levels to ensure the provision of malaria commodities to the private health facilities at subsidised rate.”




For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

The top 10 countries of origin were all African apart from Bangladesh.

Most migrants came from Nigeria, followed by Guinea and Ivory Coast.

Here's the full list:


1. Nigeria

2. Guinea

3. Ivory Coast

4. Bangladesh

5. Mali

6. Eritrea

7. Sudan

8. Tunisia

9. Morocco

10. Senegal



(Source: BBC)


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Egypt has been ranked the safest country in Africa and higher than both the UK and US, according to a new global poll.

The annual Gallup Global Law and Order asked if people felt safe walking at night and whether they had been victims of crime.

The survey placed Egypt 16th out of 135 countries, while the UK was 21st and the US 35th.

Singapore was ranked the safest, with Venezuela was seen as the least.

Egypt got 88 out of 100 in the survey, placing it on the same level as countries like Denmark, Slovenia and China. This was an improvement on 2016, when it got 82.

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has led the country since the military removed Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

His government has been battling Islamist militants who last year killed more than 70 people in suicide attacks against churches in the capital Cairo and in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria.

Militants allied to Islamic State have also launched several daring attacks in the Sinai Peninsula, targeting Egyptian troops operating.

Gallup says it interviewed 148,000 adults in 142 countries and areas for its survey.

Its questions revolved around confidence in local police, safety at night, cases of theft and whether participants or a family member had been mugged or assaulted within the past 12 months.

In Afghanistan (46%), Uganda (49%) and South Sudan (50%) residents were more likely than lowest ranked Venezuelan to say they had been the victims of theft in the past year.

Top five safest countries:

Singapore

Norway

Iceland

Finland

Uzbekistan


Five least safe countries:

Venezuela

Afghanistan

South Sudan

Gabon

Liberia


South Sudan was ranked the least safe country in Africa.


The East African nation is followed by Gabon, Liberia and South Africa, one of the continent's most popular tourist destinations.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, just 60% of people polled told Gallup they were confident in the local police force, rising to 68% across North Africa and the Middle East.

Rwanda scored highest on the continent when it came to safety at night, with 88% of people saying they would be happy to walk about after dark.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:

https://drifternews..it/?m=1

These buildings may look strange like something out of a sci-fi tale, but the future is now.

The community, being built in the Netherlands, will likely be remembered as the world’s first group of habitable 3D-printed houses.

There have been several other buildings constructed around the world using a 3D printer, but these are the first ones, the group claims, that will be ready to fully accommodate humans. 20 applicants have already expressed their interest in renting the homes, which will be ready for occupants next year.

The five Dutch houses will be built in a quiet district of Eindhoven in the Netherlands as part of the “Project Milestone” collaboration between The Eindhoven University of Technology and several other partners, all of whom will be making sure that the homes meet comfortable living standards.

The first set of houses will only be 1 story tall, but as the process develops, the designers believe that the concrete houses could be up to 3 stories. Additionally, as the construction process becomes more refined, the housing designs can become more intricate and personalised depending on the individual’s needs.

The 3D-printed homes that made headlines back in 2016 used a similar design and concept, except they were not nearly as durable, since the houses were made using clay. While this did make them dirt cheap and ideal for emergency housing in poorer regions of the world, the same design could not be used in urban settings.

The price of the Project Milestone houses has not been publicised, although officials say that as the initiative becomes more popular, the prices will become cheaper.

“3D-printing of concrete is a potential game changer in the building industry,” said a spokesperson for Eindhoven University.

“Besides the ability to construct almost any shape, it also enables architects to design very fine concrete structures. Another new possibility is to print all kinds, qualities and colours of concrete, all in a single product.”

The precise nature of a 3D-printer also means that the houses require much less material than if they were built with human hands. This not only saves money, but it also cuts down on harmful carbon emissions from the concrete.

“We need a technical revolution in the constructing area to respond to the shortage of skilled bricklayers in the Netherlands and all over the world,” Rudy van Gurp, a manager of the construction company in charge of the project, told CNN. “3D printing makes things quicker, better, cheaper and more sustainable by using less material. It also fosters creativity and freedom in the design.”


For more news, information and updates click link below to follow us on:

https://drifternews..it/?m=1

According to statistics in Mirror UK. Here are the top ten best sex positions to conceive:

1. Missionary - 75%


2. Doggy style - 36%


3. The Eagle - woman lies flat while man kneels up and holds her legs up high - 30%


4. Cowgirl - woman on top facing man - 19%


5. Downward doggy - 18.5%


6. The Toad - woman clasps legs around man as both of you lie flat - 18%


7. The Curled Angel/Spooning - spooning position lying on side - 15%


8. Reverse Cowgirl - woman on top facing away from man - 7%


9. Standing up - 6%


10. The Peg - man lies flat while woman lies flat on top of him - 5%




For more news, information and updates click link below to follow us on:

https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Rohan Kamath answered on Quora:

“You don’t deserve this”

My first week at Stanford and a group of Indians got together for dinner. I was in awe because the people around me were a mix of gold medalists from the top institutes like the IITs, NITs and BITS. I was without doubt the black sheep in the room.

We were going around doing introductions and when it was my turn I didn’t have any fancy university name or GPA to brag about; forget an AIR (All India Rank), I never even took the JEE. I could feel the eyes judging me, some in admiration for fighting the odds and some snubbing me for being that inferior being who just got lucky. I stood there with my head hanging meekly waiting for the next person to start speaking when suddenly, a guy who had some of the most impressive credentials in that group spoke some words that I will never forget

“There are so many candidates I know who are smarter and more deserving than you. You shouldn’t be here. My batch-mates should have been here instead of the likes of you. People like you come and dilute the prestige of this institute. You should realize that they just brought you in for diversity. You don’t deserve this.”

My initial reaction was that of shock followed by anger. Then came the rush of sadness when I realized that he was right. And then something clicked. I felt happy. He was absolutely right and this made me happy. Sometimes you will get lucky and stumble on good fortunes and opportunities that you absolutely do not deserve. Embrace them. Make the most of them. Do not shy away from the challenge.

A lot of people complain about how life is unfair. I have a different perspective here. LIFE IS UNFAIR. Embrace it. I never see people complain about life being unfair to them in a good way.

- Some of us will be born to loving and caring parents (while thousands grow up orphans).

- Some of us will make friends for life (while millions live and die alone).

- Some of us will find the love of our lives (while others get their heart broken).

- Some of us will stuff ourselves with food today (while millions sleep hungry).

- Some of us will get that success we didn’t deserve (while others get left behind).

- Some of us will be happy and content (while most remain sad and pessimistic).




For more news, information and updates click link below to follow us on:

https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Over 350 exhibitors spanning 20 local industries are expected to showcase more than 2,000 products during this year’s 46th Expo Jamaica trade show at the National Arena and National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston from April 19 to 22.

The biennial event is being jointly staged by the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) and Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) in collaboration with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), under the theme: “Advancing Breakthroughs”.

This was disclosed by Expo Jamaica Co-Chairman, Richard Coe, during a JIS Think Tank at the Agency’s head office in Kingston on Wednesday (March 28).

Mr. Coe advised that 506 buyers from 23 countries have, to date, registered to attend the event, pointing out that this is an increase over the 431 who came in 2016.

He pointed out that this year’s attendees include 321 locals, with the others slated to arrive from Canada, Europe, Nigeria, India, Japan, South Africa, and the Caribbean.

Mr. Coe further stated that the event is intended to facilitate and create opportunities for high-level manufacturing, trade and business for local suppliers as well as showcase brand Jamaica to the world.


For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Brendon Lemon answered on Quora:

1. Write every day - Maybe it’s a journal, maybe it’s a blog, hell, maybe it’s answering Quora questions! The point is that writing forces you to articulate your thoughts, forecast the future, explain the past, and generally refine your ideas and values. Many, many intelligent people through history had a practice of writing every day, including Da Vinci.

2. Read things you disagree with - Read news articles that you don’t like and don’t agree with. Now figure out why. Put pressure on your values and ideas, challenge yourself.

3. Read philosophy - Don’t just read Buzzfeed articles, read some real and dense works of intellectual merit. Start with the classics of the western canon: Locke, Hobbes, John Stuart Mill, Thomas Paine, The Federalist Papers, and roll forward from there. Reading these works will give you greater context to the world you live in. It will also help you learn and understand what a mind working out and communicating heavy ideas looks like.

4. Exercise - Studies show that physical fitness is associated with higher intelligence. So spend some time each day exercising and getting your heart rate up, it’ll pay dividends in I.Q.

5. Eat right - Just like exercise, good diet is associate with higher I.Q. So much so that it actually alarmed the researchers.

6. Get good sleep - The jury might still be out on whether or not good sleep can increase I.Q., but it certainly is clear that sleep deprivation decreases normal I.Q. So keep your sleep schedule regular, and get that shuteye.

7. Learn a new language - You don’t need to study hardcore every day, but taking a few minutes to listen to a podcast in a foreign language or translating a news article from one language into another is a great way to exercise this muscle.

8. Engage in real discussion in real life - Not online, not on Facebook, not on Twitter. In real life. In your real, waking life, find people who are interested in the same topics you are and talk with them about them. Find out what you agree on and why, and what you disagree on and why. Let go of the idea of “being right” and instead focus on just exploring ideas.

9. Let go of being right - Is this something you can “do?” Yeah, you can. Remind yourself that becoming intelligent isn’t a zero sum game. Having intelligence means the ability to consider questions and problems from multiple perspectives, sometimes even realizing that some things have paradoxically true answers. Just explore.

10. Seek the next challenge - What’s one of the most consistent things about world-class high performers? It’s that they find their edge and then work to push it outward. Push your edge a little bit every day. If you get even .5% better daily you’ll be more than 150% more effective within a year.





For more news, information and updates click link below to follow us on:

https://drifternews..it/?m=1

An interactive graphic has been published which compares erect penis sizes across the globe, Daily Mail reports.

Africa bests stiff competition to claim the title for the world’s largest joysticks, while men from Asia are shown to have the smallest on average.

Check Nigeria’s spot at:

https://drifternews..it/2018/03/africa-jamaica-and-haiti-topped-list-of.html?m=1

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption, NAN gathered.

Finland claimed the top spot as the world’s happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and Nigerians at 91st position.

Finland rose from fifth place in 2017 to oust Norway from the top spot.

The survey also found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer.

The 2018 top-10, as ever dominated by the Nordics, is Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia.

The U S. came in at 18th, down from 14th place in 2017.

Britain was 19th and the United Arab Emirates 20th.

One chapter of the 170-page report is dedicated to emerging health problems such as obesity, depression and the opioid crisis, particularly in the U. S. where the prevalence of all three has grown faster than in most other countries.

While income per capita has increased markedly in the U. S. over the last half-century, the happiness index has been hit by weakened social support networks, a rise in perception of corruption in government and business and declining confidence in public institutions.

“We obviously have a social crisis in the U. S.: more inequality, less trust, less confidence in government,” the head of the SDSN, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs of New York’s Columbia University, told Reuters as the report was launched at the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

“It’s pretty stark right now. The signs are not good for the U.S. It is getting richer and richer but not getting happier,” he said.

Asked how the current political situation in the United States could affect future happiness reports, Sachs said: “Time will tell, but I would say that in general that when confidence in government is low, when perceptions of corruption are high, inequality is high and health conditions are worsening… that is not conducive to good feelings.”

For the first time since it started in 2012, the report, which uses a variety of polling organisations, official figures and research methods, ranked the happiness of foreign-born immigrants in 117 countries.

Finland took top honours in that category too, giving the country a statistical double-gold status.

The foreign-born were least happy in Syria, which has been mired in civil war for seven years.

“The most striking finding of the report is the remarkable consistency between the happiness of immigrants and the locally born,” said Prof. John Helliwell of Canada’s University of British Columbia.

“Although immigrants come from countries with very different levels of happiness, their reported life evaluations converge towards those of other residents in their new countries,” he said.

“Those who move to happier countries gain, while those who move to less happy countries lose.”



For more news, information and updates follow us on:
https://drifternews..it/?m=1

Aaron Dinin answered on Quora:

Absolutely! 100% Yes! Without a doubt!

This is called the Hollywood Rule. I first learned it when I was fresh out of college during a meeting with a former Hollywood producer.

At the start of our meeting, he offered me a drink, and I said, “No thank you.” He then explained that, in Hollywood, the rule is you’re always supposed to accept a drink when it’s offered.

Here are some of the reasons why:

1) Show That You’re Comfortable

No matter how nervous you are, by accepting a drink at the beginning of a meeting, you’re showing the people you’re meeting with that you’re so comfortable you don’t even mind imposing on them to get something for you.

2) Put Yourself In Control

By having the person you’re meeting with get you a drink, you’re setting a precedent that you’re in control and the other person should be doing things for you. While not always appropriate or necessary, when you want something from the person you’re meeting (e.g. a job), it’s a useful way to reconfigure the power dynamic.

3) Acclimate To A New Environment

From an evolutionary perspective, the “hunter-gatherer brain” deep inside all of us needs a few minutes to adjust to any new environment before we feel safe. Since having part of your brain thinking about other things is problematic, accepting a drink gives you more time to adjust to your surroundings before you have to focus on the meeting itself.


For more news, information and updates click link below to follow us on:

https://drifternews..it/?m=1