High power torpedoes

Niger is due to hold a run-off presidential election on February 21 after no candidate was granted a majority of the vote in last year's December 27 election. The election is expected to be a historical moment for the West African country, with incumbent president Mahamadou Issoufou planning to voluntarily step down after two five-year terms in office. Transitioning power to a new democratically-elected leader will be a first for Niger. The Sahelian nation has only functioned as a multi-party democracy for a decade. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, it has experienced multiple coups and has never witnessed a peaceful hand-over of power. How Niger handles the electoral process at the polls and in the days following will determine how the country has democratically matured in the last ten years. "February 21 is an opportunity eagerly awaited by the people of Niger to witness a transfer of power from an outgoing president to another," political analyst and … [Read more...] about Niger set for first-ever peaceful transition of power

Apt solutions sought for local solar power Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last week asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) to review issues related to Vietnam’s solar power development as well as avoid massive solar development without a proper plan, which could cause power grid overload. According to the updated data, as of December 25, 2020, there were 83,000 rooftop solar power projects connected to the power system with a total installed capacity of nearly 4,700 megawatts-peak. The total power generation output to the grid from rooftop solar power has reached more than 1.13 billion kWh, contributing to ensuring power supply for the national power system. Meanwhile, there is no new decision or guidance for implementation of the policy after Decision No.13/2020/QD-TTg issued last April on encouraging mechanisms for solar power development in Vietnam, which had its deadline set for December 31 last year for solar systems of any scale … [Read more...] about Apt solutions sought for local solar power

The Hanoitimes - Vietnam's solar power sector holds much potential thanks to rising demand and a supportive regulatory framework. Coupled with an increasingly supportive regulatory environment and an expected surge in electricity consumption over the next decade, Vietnam’s renewables sector is poised for a new dawn, bringing great opportunities for investors. The outlook for growth in Vietnam’s renewables sector is positive and untapped solar power potential remains substantial, according to Daine Loh, research analyst at Fitch Solutions. The solar segment is one of the key drivers of this impressive growth, he said. Vietnam's estimated solar capacity by 2028. Photo: Fitch Solutions Increasing power demand Vietnam is set for a surge in power demand and consumption over the coming decade which largely stems from an expanding industrial and manufacturing sector, particularly as the ongoing US-China trade war plays out. In addition, positive … [Read more...] about Investors see great opportunities in Vietnam’s solar power

With smart home features included in many residential properties these days, buyers now have ways to control their home security system, electronics and appliances at a touch of their phones. What are the popular smart home features found in such high-tech homes? Here's a look. 1. SMART HOME ASSISTANT You've just ended a long day of work and you're on the sofa, ready to catch up on Stranger Things. But your remote control is out of reach and you are too comfortable to get up. That's where a smart home assistant such as Google Home comes in. Simply say, "Google, play Stranger Things on Netflix”, and in a few seconds, the episode you were halfway through last night is up on your TV without you moving a muscle. Google Home doesn't just control your entertainment system; its voice-activated speaker, which is powered by Google Assistant, lets you run the whole gamut from thermostat control to switching off the lights by simply speaking. READ: Real estate advice: How to … [Read more...] about High-tech abodes: Smart home features that could come with your new apartment

LONDON: Digital currencies Ethereum and XRP soared on Monday, gaining momentum as bitcoin powered on towards its all-time high. Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation after bitcoin, jumped 7per cent to its highest since June 2018, taking its gains to more than 25per cent over the last three days alone. Traders said ethereum, which often moves in tandem with bitcoin, has been boosted by growing demand ahead of an upgrade to its blockchain network - due in early December - that is widely expected to make it quicker and more secure. Third-biggest coin XRP soared 15per cent to its highest in two years, taking gains to more than 75per cent over the last three days. Traders said there was no immediate news catalyst for its jump on Monday. The price of these so-called altcoins is closely tied to bitcoin. Less liquid than their bigger cousin, they tend to suffer from even greater volatility than the original cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has risen around … [Read more...] about Smaller digital coins soar as bitcoin powers on towards record high