CategoriesTOP-NEWS

Dialog Axiata Recognised as the Largest FDI Contributor by BOI

Posted on 04/30/2024by namastefromananya

In a significant acknowledgment of its contribution towards the development and growth of the national economy, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, was recognised by the Board of Investment (BOI) as the largest FDI Contributor. This prestigious accolade, presented during the BOI’s 45th anniversary celebrations, underscores Dialog’s unwavering commitment to driving forward Sri Lanka’s economic development as the country’s largest Foreign Direct Investor, with investments totalling USD 3.25 Billion to date.

The Board of Investment Awards programmewas incepted to recognise a wide spectrum of enterprises that have demonstrated resilience, innovative capabilities, and remarkable agility in navigating the global marketplace. This recognition is part of the BOI’s mandate to facilitate significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects that have helped shape and transform Sri Lanka’s Economy. Held at the Presidential Secretariat, the ceremony saw His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe bestowing 30 awards on companies that have made noteworthy contributions to foreign direct investment, export performance, and the broader economic landscape of Sri Lanka.

Commenting, Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka said, “We are pleased to recognize Dialog Axiata as a significant FDI contributor and its contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy. It is this spirit that the BOI Awards seeks to recognize – a testament to our collective resilience and ambition.”

“We are honoured to receive this distinction from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka,” stated Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC. “This recognition reflects our significant investment in Sri Lanka along with our commitment to fostering a resilient, competitive economy. It reiterates our dedication to the nation’s growth and our promise to continue being a catalyst for innovation and development.”

The award highlights Dialog Axiata’s extensive contributions to the Sri Lankan economy, reinforcing its position as a leader in driving economic growth and innovation. As Dialog continues to invest in the country’s future, this recognition by the BOI serves as a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness and economic stature.

Photo – Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC receiving the award from His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in the presence of Hon. Dilum Amunugama, State Minister of Investment Promotion

The post Dialog Axiata Recognised as the Largest FDI Contributor by BOI appeared first on Adaderana Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.

CategoriesTHE MOST RECENT NEWS

Endorsements for ASUCR Elections 2024-2025

Posted on 04/30/2024by namastefromananya

With the upcoming election season at the University of California, Riverside, it is pertinent to stay updated with potential representatives of next year’s student body. The purpose of newspaper endorsements is to help inform the public on candidates for various positions and help them come to better-informed decisions when the time to vote comes. Here are the endorsements for the 2024-2025 Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) elections candidates that the Highlander Editorial Board believes are especially qualified.

 

President: Abby Choy

Current President Pro Tempore Abby Choy understands the importance of providing ASUCR with the structural support to effectively serve the student body and hold ASUCR accountable, with a unique focus on long-term viability. Choy is committed to ensuring that projects undertaken by ASUCR are continued by future elected officials and has a clear roadmap for doing so. As the most experienced member of the ASUCR Senate, Choy has a deep understanding of the administrative structure of student government and knows how to leverage that to achieve her goals of implementing structural change and continuing work on initiatives such as combating food insecurity. Choy has led by example during Senate meetings, providing thoughtful insight during them when tackling agenda items and effectively communicating progress on her various initiatives, such as working on the Food Recovery Program and assisting with the R’Garden referendum.

 

Executive Vice President: Ray Khan

Ray Khan, current College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) Senator, is resolved to make internal changes within ASUCR to increase transparency to ensure that the government accurately reflects the interests of the student body. Khan is determined to first increase communication within ASUCR, specifically between the Legislative and Executive, to hold those within the organization accountable, and understands the importance of collaborating with others. He has a proven track record within the Senate of following through with the commitments that he has made and being transparent on where he is in terms of progress for those initiatives, providing updates during Senate meetings and on social media. Even more, through his initiatives this year, Khan has shown that he is proactive in reaching out to campus partners and developing relationships with the administration. Khan has demonstrated this through initiatives such as hosting an event promoting Breast Cancer Awareness and having conversations with officials like the Chancellor.

 

Vice President of Campus Internal Affairs: Anjana Narasimhan

Anjana Narasimhan, current Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) Senator, has demonstrated an active commitment to the campus community, fostering connections with student clubs and organizations on campus, and promoting initiatives on student empowerment and campus safety. Her campaign is focused on important issues that align with the duties of the Vice President of Campus Internal Affairs, including academic affairs and basic needs. As Senator, Narasimhan has demonstrated a strong capability of tackling these issues; she has worked with campus partners and administration to develop initiatives, including the Global Fair and various legislations. Most importantly, through her student engagement and initiatives, Narasimhan has proven that she understands the diverse needs of a diverse campus and is eager to take the initiative and proactively build relationships with the student body she will be representing. Narasimhan is committed to creating an environment on campus where students feel seen, and their concerns are heard.

 

Vice President of External Affairs: Vivian Herrera

Vivian Herrera, current Civic Engagement Director, has shown her dedication to amplifying student voices on campus and is willing to speak up for the issues that matter to students in the role of Vice President of External Affairs. She has demonstrated this in a supportive role by providing organizational support to various communities on campus during student action movements as well as speaking out during various protests regarding undocumented student rights, calling for the administration to take action. Herrera is passionate about serving the diverse needs of the student body, as seen from her encouraging students to register to vote and participate in local ballots through various social media and in-person initiatives that External undertakes throughout the year. Herrera is determined to hold the administration accountable and make the bureaucratic education system better known to students by informing them about student charges like the Cohort system, which makes incoming freshmen pay more in tuition than the previous year.

 

Vice President of Finance: Cooper Kumar

Cooper Kumar, through his campaign and work as the current Director of Campus Partnerships in the External Branch, has proven his ability to support and engage with the student communities that he would be serving as the Vice President of Finance. Through his experience in working closely alongside student organizations in Costo Hall, Kumar comprehends how receiving funding is a complicated process and wants to streamline it and make it more accessible. He has clear and achievable goals, one being to create a more personal relationship between the finance committee and these clubs through active outreach and support tailored to each club’s needs. Kumar seeks to financially empower students beyond campus affairs and prepare them for the future through various workshops surrounding topics such as Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preparation, tax filing and investing. 

 

International Student Director: Michelle Wang

Michelle Wang has a unique understanding of issues pertinent to the international student body, with clear initiatives ranging from connecting students with campus organizations to foster a sense of community to finding employment opportunities while on a visa. Through her experience working with the International Affairs Department on campus, she has built connections with administration and outside agencies to support and provide programming tailored to the international population, such as creating more accessible career fairs for international students. Wang shows a deep interest in connecting with international students and hearing out their concerns.

 

From the Editorial Board: Behind the Endorsement Process

To maintain transparency on how we endorsed candidates, The Highlander is releasing the steps we took to ensure that the process was fair and unbiased. Prior to the beginning of the campaign season, The Highlander reached out to ASUCR’s Election Committee and requested the contact information of every candidate as well as the positions that they were running for. An email was sent out at the start of campaign season to every candidate, offering them the opportunity to follow up with the paper to schedule an endorsement interview at their own discretion. These interviews act as a method of information for the Editorial Board to understand a candidate’s goals and the experience they have gained over the years. Using this information, as well as supplemental information from reports and meetings throughout the year, a profile was made for each candidate who had come for an interview. During an editorial meeting, the Editorial Board discussed each of the interviewed candidates at length in order to determine who we would want to endorse as a paper. In order to receive an endorsement, a candidate needed to receive approval from 80% of the Editorial Board.

 

Here are a list of candidates that reached out to the paper for endorsements:

  • For the position of President, Abby Choy and Adam Ramirez were interviewed.
  • For the position of Executive Vice President, Ray Khan and Naia Pizarro were interviewed.
  • For the position of Vice President of Campus Internal Affairs, Leila Haidar and Anjana Narasimhan were interviewed.
  • For the position of Vice President of External Affairs, Vivian Herrara was interviewed.
  • For the position of Vice President of Finance, Cooper Kumar and Philson Ho were interviewed.
  • For the position of Vice President of Marketing & Promotions, Ashley Estrella and Ian Tjan were interviewed.
  • For the position of International Student Director, Michelle Wang was interviewed.
  • For the position of First-Time College Student Director, Juan Campos was interviewed.
  • For the position of SPP Senator, Sofia Jimenez was interviewed.
  • For the position of CHASS Senator, Braydon Cabanilla and Sai Reddy were interviewed.
  • For the position of CNAS Senator, Anthony Ching was interviewed.
  • For the position of BCOE Senator, Uma Akundi was interviewed.

Photo credits: ASUCR Candidate Website

The post Endorsements for ASUCR Elections 2024-2025 appeared first on Highlander.

CategoriesTHE MOST RECENT NEWS

¿Será el fin del "Zar" en el fútbol profesional? Christian Noboa hospitalizado por una complicación en su rodilla

Posted on 04/30/2024by namastefromananya

Christian Noboa, incorporación estrella de Emelec para este 2024, aún no ha podido tener actividad en la presente temporada. Aquello, por motivo de una lesión de rodilla que resultó ser más grave de lo esperado.

Este 19 de abril, de acuerdo a una publicación del diario Extra, el “Zar” se encontraría hospitalizado, ya que presentó problemas de movilidad por causa de su afección.

“Se pudo conocer que una infección en su rodilla lo tiene así y a eso se suma un coágulo, lo que lo alejaría de las canchas hasta no se sabe cuándo”, informó el medio antes mencionado.

Por otro lado, durante el programa digital De Una, el periodista Eduardo Erazo señaló que la situación de Noboa no es alentadora y el jugador podría decirle adiós a su actividad en cancha por este año. “Se jodió más, se infectó. Me atrevería a decirte que chao 2024. Dependiendo del grado de infección y de donde, te diría que se le acabó el año, dijo el comunicador.

🔵 ¿QUÉ PASARÁ CON CRISTHIAN NOBOA?

“Se jodió más, se infectó. Me atrevería a decirte que chao 2024. Dependiendo del grado de infección y de donde, te diría que se le acabó el año”.

Ojo a lo que cuenta @eduardoerazov en #DeUnaXSF. 🟢⚽ pic.twitter.com/ucBYygO857

— DeUnaSF (@DeUnaSF) April 29, 2024

  • ¡Partido intenso! Con un gran Pedro Ortíz, Emelec consiguió el empate frente a Barcelona SC en el estadio George Capwell (VIDEOS)

Cómo comenzó el calvario de Noboa

El tricolor, el pasado 19 de febrero, sufrió un esguince de rodilla. El 1 de abril le realizaron al futbolista una artroscopia. Pese a eso, Noboa sigue ausente en el cuadro azul.

El 9 de abril, Emelec había subido un vídeo alentador sobre el “Zar”, quien aparecía realizando trabajos de rehabilitación.

💪🏼 Cristhian Noboa continua con su proceso de recuperación 👏🏼

Hoy trabajo bajo el método de hipertrofia mediante componente de Restricción 🔥

¡Dale Zar! 💪🏼#PorEmelec 🤜🏼🤛🏼⚡ pic.twitter.com/DTOylAomxr

— Club Sport Emelec (@CSEmelec) April 9, 2024

(D)

The post ¿Será el fin del “Zar” en el fútbol profesional? Christian Noboa hospitalizado por una complicación en su rodilla appeared first on Qué Noticias.

CategoriesTOP-NEWS

Cyclist crashes into PMA rider travelling against flow of traffic along Sims Avenue

Posted on 04/30/2024by namastefromananya

Cyclist crashes into PMA rider along Sims Avenue

On Monday (29 April), the SG Road Vigilante – SGRV Facebook page posted a video of a collision between a cyclist and a Personal Mobility Aid (PMA) rider along Sims Avenue.

The clip shows the cyclist heading straight for an oncoming PMA rider travelling against the traffic flow in the bus lane.

The two riders promptly crashed into each other.

Cyclist crashes into PMA rider

According to SGRV, the incident occurred along Sims Avenue today (29 April).

Dashcam footage shows a cyclist riding past a vehicle turning out onto the main road.

At the same time, a PMA rider was also travelling in the same lane, but in the opposite direction.

Source: SG Road Vigilante – SGRV on Facebook

Seemingly not noticing someone in front of him, the cyclist crashed into the PMA rider.

The impact knocked the cyclist off his bicycle, though the collision did not appear to affect the PMA rider.

Source: SG Road Vigilante – SGRV on Facebook

The clip ends after the dashcam vehicle pulls over to the other side of the road.

Whether the two riders sustained any injuries is unclear.

Netizens blame both riders for collision

After watching the video, many Facebook commenters were confused as to how the cyclist was unaware of the PMA rider directly in front of him.

Source: Facebook

Others pointed out that the two riders were “lucky” to not have been involved in a more severe collision.

Source: Facebook

However, most commenters agreed that both riders were to blame for their lack of care for road safety.

Source: Facebook

Also read: Elderly Man On PMA Collides With Motorcycle In Jurong West, He Passes Away From Injuries

Elderly Man On PMA Collides With Motorcycle In Jurong West, He Passes Away From Injuries

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at [email protected].

Featured image adapted from SG Road Vigilante – SGRV on Facebook.

The post Cyclist crashes into PMA rider travelling against flow of traffic along Sims Avenue appeared first on Must Share News – Independent News For Singaporeans.

CategoriesTOP-NEWS

President Expresses Confidence in Business Community to Drive Economic Growth

Posted on 04/30/2024by namastefromananya

  • Emphasizes People’s Role in Determining Nation’s Economic Trajectory.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s aim to create a highly competitive, export-oriented economy based on market economy, expressing full faith in the business community of the country. He pointed out that the current challenge facing the nation is not about maintaining the executive presidential system but rather about building a robust economic framework.

The President underscored the importance of allowing the people to decide the country’s economic trajectory, highlighting that this opportunity should not be missed by anyone.

These remarks were made during his presence at the International Rotary District Conference 2023/24 of the District 3220 Club for Sri Lanka and Maldives held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.

The district conference featured a keynote address by Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services of Tamil Nadu, India.

District 3220 Rotary International for Sri Lanka and Maldives, established in 1929, comprises over 17,000 members. The club has been actively involved in numerous community and social welfare initiatives, as well as projects aimed at fostering social and economic development across the country. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been a member of the District 3220 Colombo West International Rotary Club since 1994.

Addressing the gathering the President further said,

We are living at a time when Sri Lanka has reached a crossroads, deciding which path to take. This decision lies in the hands of the people of this country. Are we moving forward? Are we staying stagnant? Or do we wish to regress?

Allow me to recount an incident today when a young person asked me, “What plans do you have for the country? What plans do you have for the educated people? What plans do you have to develop the physical infrastructure?” To which I replied, “I have no fixed plans.” I can only envision a market economy where market forces will determine the course. Within that framework, we can establish policy guidelines, outline three or four-year programs, and adapt as needed.

Thinking of a rigid plan to spur growth seems implausible to me. We must understand how to influence market forces, perhaps even manipulate or direct them. If we aim to progress, we must first decide on the economic system we desire. Do we want a government-led approach, following a five-year plan? We’ve tried numerous plans in the past, yet remained impoverished. Vietnam, once poorer than us, changed its course after the war. The Minister of Industries from Vietnam sought advice on promoting foreign investment, a scenario I now find myself reversing.

We often aspire to emulate countries like Malaysia or Singapore, yet hesitate to make the necessary decisions. It’s time to confront our reality. We must decide on the type of economy we want. For me, only one model is viable: a highly competitive, export-oriented economy. Despite lacking the vast markets or mineral wealth of other nations, we’re strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, regaining significance as an economic hub.

We cannot afford to dwell in illusions. Economic stabilization measures undertaken will soon be finalized. Are we continuing with an import-dependent economy, rendering past efforts futile? This is the decision we must all make; there’s no escaping it. Today’s decision for the country isn’t about retaining or abolishing the executive presidency; those are secondary concerns.

Issues like educational reform are important. What matters most is our future trajectory. If we desire a competitive economy, we must embrace competition. I have faith in Sri Lankan businesses; we can overcome challenges. It’s with this confidence that I advocate for our ability to succeed.

At the event, distinguished guests including Mr. Per Hoyen, representing the President of the Rotary International and conference president Mr. Kumar Sundararaja, alongside District 3220 Rotary International District Adviser Mr. Pradeep Amirthanayagam, Past Presidents including Mr. R. Ravindran, representatives of Rotary International, office bearers of the District 3220 Rotary International, members and a gathering of esteemed guests graced the occasion.

The post President Expresses Confidence in Business Community to Drive Economic Growth appeared first on Adaderana Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.

CategoriesTHE MOST RECENT NEWS

Gran socavón interrumpe la movilidad en la vía Gualo-Llano Chico: ¿Cómo se está solucionando el problema?

Posted on 04/30/2024by namastefromananya

Este 29 de abril, desde muy temprano se informó sobre el cierre de la vía Gualo-Llano Chico. En esa arteria vehicular se produjo un socavón, producto del colapso de un sistema de drenaje.

En imágenes, publicadas por La Empresa Metropolitana de Movilidad y Obras Públicas (Epmmop), se observa un gran agujero en la calle 17 de septiembre, mismo que está siendo atendido por trabajadores municipales, quienes usan maquinaria pesada.

El personal de la Epmmop también se encuentra removiendo y limpiando el colector colapsado, con el fin de que se facilite la liberación de agua estancada.

#MuéveteInformado | En la calle 17 de septiembre, sector #LlanoChico desplegamos personal y maquinaria para trabajar en:

➡Remoción y limpieza del colector colapsado para facilitar la liberación del agua estancada
➡Inspección detallada de todo el cruce#QuitoRenace pic.twitter.com/Y6zAmtcZad

— Obras Quito (@ObrasQuito) April 29, 2024

  • Avenida Simón Bolívar y Granados afectada por un deslizamiento de tierra: ¿Qué acciones están ejecutándose en esa ruta vehicular?

Lo que informa la AMT sobre el socavón en la vía Gualo-Llano Chico

La Agencia Metropolitana de Tránsito (AMT), por medio de un comunicado, deja en aviso que la vía Gualo-LLano Chico no está habilitada en ambos sentidos.

Por otro lado, la entidad de movilidad capitalina indica que, en un lapso de 48 horas, se implementará un puente peatonal en el sitio, donde está el gran agujero.

⬇ATENCIÓN⬇#MuéveteInformado pic.twitter.com/r01Ib9KS4T

— Obras Quito (@ObrasQuito) April 29, 2024

📢 #AMTInforma | ¡Pilas!
Debido a un socavón en la vía 17 de Septiembre se ha producido un cierre vial.
🔎 Conoce las rutas alternas.
🚙 ¡Planifica tu salida con anticipación y llega a tu destino sin contratiempos!
🚘 Al conducir con precaución #QuitoRenace pic.twitter.com/V1qdIAvb9n

— AMTQuito (@AMT_Quito) April 29, 2024

(I)

The post Gran socavón interrumpe la movilidad en la vía Gualo-Llano Chico: ¿Cómo se está solucionando el problema? appeared first on Qué Noticias.

CategoriesTOP-NEWS

More than 800 speeding violations caught by red-light cameras in 3 weeks, police express concern

Posted on 04/29/2024by namastefromananya

Red-light cameras were activated to detect speeding violations on 1 April

On 1 April, red-light cameras across Singapore were activated to detect speeding motorists.

Since then, more than 800 speeding violations have been caught, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said.

Source: Singapore Police Force

The police have expressed concern at the figure, saying that enforcement will continue to be stepped up.

More than 800 speeding violations caught by cameras as of 21 April

According to a media factsheet provided to MS News, SPF noted that the activation of the speed enforcement function in red-light cameras started on 1 April.

Subsequently, more than 800 speeding violations had been caught by these cameras as of 21 April — three weeks since the activation.

Source: Singapore Police Force on Facebook

Speeding and beating the red light — both offences that the cameras can detect — accounted for about 75% of traffic violations in 2023, SPF said.

They are also the top two traffic violations, it added.

Cameras tap 3 types of technology to catch speeding violations

Explaining how speed cameras and red-light cameras work, SPF said that three types of technology are tapped:

  1. laser technology
  2. radar technology
  3. detector loops

Laser technology makes use of laser beams, which calculate a vehicle’s speed by bouncing laser beams off it and measuring the time it takes. Radar technology does this with radio waves instead of laser beams.

Red-light cameras typically use detector loops embedded in the road. These loops can be activated when the traffic light turns red, creating an electromagnetic field.

When a vehicle goes over the loop it disrupts the field and triggers the camera to take a photo of the vehicle.

Upon activation of the speed enforcement function, the loops can trigger the camera when a speeding vehicle goes over them.

Violations captured on camera are first reviewed by Camera Unit officers in a two-layer verification process. A violation report is created only after validity and accuracy is ensured.

A Notice of Traffic Offence may be issued based on investigations.

An offender may also be arrested, charged in court and have their licence suspended.

Number of speeding violations of concern: Police

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Foo told The Straits Times (ST) on Monday (29 April) that activating the speeding function on red-light cameras has provided the Traffic Police (TP) with more tools to catch speeding motorists.

However, the figure of more than 800 speeding violations was “of concern”, he said, adding:

We will continue to step up on our enforcement and will not hesitate to take action against errant motorists who choose to flout traffic rules.

DSP Foo, who oversees the TP’s Surveillance Camera Unit, said violations are typically processed within two to three weeks.

TP officers patrol the roads around the clock and conduct traffic enforcement operations regularly, SPF said.

240 active red-light cameras across Singapore

According to the SPF website, there are 240 active red-light cameras across Singapore as of 12 April, with 12 more pending relocation.

Their exact locations are listed on the website. Before each camera, a warning sign will also be placed with the relevant speed limit for that road.

Source: Singapore Police Force

Lists of the locations of four types of speed enforcement cameras are also on the website.

Number of fatal accidents related to speeding went up in 2023

The activation of red-light cameras to catch speeding violations comes as the number of fatal accidents related to speeding went up by 83.3% in 2023, compared with 2022.

The proportion of fatal accidents due to speeding also increased, from 17.3% in 2022 to 25.2% in 2023, said SPF in a statement on 30 March.

However, fewer speeding violations were detected by cameras last year, with 73,152 cases in 2022 but 52,237 cases in 2023.

In contrast, more speeding violations were caught by police enforcement operations, with 52,016 cases in 2022 and 63,468 cases in 2023 — an increase of 22%.

That means “motorists still choose to speed at locations where they think no one is watching”, SPF said.

About a week ago on 22 April, two people were killed after the driver of a black Saab was seen beating the red light at a traffic junction in Tampines, causing a multi-vehicle pile-up.

Also read: TP Officer Seen Hiding Among Shrubs Along ECP, Drivers Say No Fear If Not Speeding

TP Officer Seen Hiding Among Shrubs Along ECP, Drivers Say No Fear If Not Speeding

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at [email protected].

Featured image adapted from Singapore Police Force on Facebook and Singapore Police Force.

The post More than 800 speeding violations caught by red-light cameras in 3 weeks, police express concern appeared first on Must Share News – Independent News For Singaporeans.

CategoriesFeatures

Offshore wind expansion will rely on ports, including New Bedford

Posted on 04/29/2024by namastefromananya

NEW ORLEANS — The federal government’s announcement last week of up to 12 more lease sales on both coasts by 2028 means more demand (and potential work opportunities) for vessels and ports, including the Port of New Bedford. 

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland made the announcement at a wind industry conference in New Orleans, where she and other federal officials also shared the news of millions in funding for offshore wind research, and the streamlining of rules governing how the government holds auctions and reviews projects.

“This is so exciting because it means that developers and communities can expect predictability and transparency as they plan for future projects,” Haaland said. “It also means that all stakeholders from tribes to states to fisheries to academia have more time to weigh in on the process.”

The closest lease sales to Massachusetts will be the Gulf of Maine this year, and the New York Bight, in 2027 (the last one was in 2022 with six areas going to bid). There were no announced lease sales for the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

Lease sales will also occur in California, Hawaii, and an unspecified U.S. Territory in 2028. Each sale could see several areas leased. 

Haaland last made a similar announcement in 2021 that the government would hold up to seven offshore wind lease sales by 2025. 

This year, the government plans to auction leases in the Gulf of Mexico, Oregon, the Central Atlantic, and the Gulf of Maine. 

Asked how many leases could go for auction, a BOEM spokesperson said the final size and number will be announced in upcoming sale notices for this year, as the wind energy areas have already been identified. 

For sales in the coming years, including for the New York Bight, the spokesperson said there will be “extensive planning processes” involving public input for identifying new or existing areas that could be included.

Wind turbines with the Vineyard Wind project stand in waters south of Martha’s Vineyard. Federal officials, turbine suppliers and developers are weighing the pros and cons of upscaling turbine size. Credit: State House New Service via Vineyard Wind/Worldview Films

The New York Bight is an area of interest and concern for the fishing industry and the Port of New Bedford, as it overlaps with scallop grounds. It’s a block of ocean between New York and New Jersey frequented by fishermen from the Carolinas to New Bedford. Fishermen have landed tens of millions of pounds from the area in a year, National Fisherman reported. 

This month, a New York agency announced it was unable to move forward with three planned projects, some of which overlapped with scallop grounds, as a result of issues with the larger proposed turbine, and the fishing industry celebrated the news. 

Annie Hawkins, executive director of the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA), called the Biden administration’s latest offshore wind announcement a “mixed bag.” 

“We’ve been requesting more regularity and notice in the leasing process and are therefore strongly hopeful that having an advance schedule will give BOEM ample time to conduct up-front, comprehensive, and programmatic environmental review in advance of any future leasing decisions,” Hawkins said by email.

She criticized that the federal government made the announcement at “an exclusive conference of offshore wind developers” instead of a range of stakeholders, including the fishing industry and ratepayers.

“It goes without saying that we remain highly concerned about the impacts of this many additional leases,” Hawkins said. “BOEM should work with states, fishing industry members, energy security experts, and environmental justice communities prior to issuing new leases to ensure appropriate siting, mitigation, and decommissioning occur under affordable conditions for ratepayers, before rushing to sell more areas creating uncertainty for all parties involved.”

Mayor Jon Mitchell called the news a “positive development” for the industry and the Port of New Bedford for staging and supporting the maintenance of projects. But he also stressed the importance of designating lease areas in the New York Bight responsibly.

In 2021, he and the fishing industry pushed for a 5-mile buffer across some of the bight leases; BOEM conceded a 2.5-mile buffer. 

“It will be important, of course, that future lease areas are developed in a way that respects the interests of the commercial fishing industry, especially in the New York Bight which is one of the leading areas for scallop fishing,” he said in an email statement. 

Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper also applauded the news, stating it will help support up to 32 gigawatts of offshore wind in New England. 

“This emerging industry is well supported by the New Bedford port, which is at the forefront of offshore wind development and poised to serve many of the new lease areas,” she added. 

Other wind conference takeaways:

Turbines + ports: Federal officials, turbine suppliers and developers are weighing the pros and cons of upscaling turbine size. The next round of projects built out of Massachusetts will use 15-megawatt turbines, but there is global discussion of growing to 18 megawatts — and even bigger for floating wind.

A benefit for larger turbines is fewer foundations installed in the seafloor to meet energy contracts, which could reduce fisheries and habitat impacts. However, experts say growing too quickly increases project risk as the components and technology may not be tested or ready. The latest example of this is in New York, where the state agency had to abandon three projects because they hinged on an 18-megawatt turbine that was not available. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is set to release a report on the impacts and risks of turbine growth. 

Additionally, fast turbine upsizing may not allow enough time for the necessary infrastructure (ports, vessels) to catch up and accommodate the larger components. 

Termed “enabling infrastructure,” ports and vessels can serve as significant bottlenecks to getting steel in the water, even if the turbine supply is available. Port officials at the conference addressed this issue, stating size and weight of turbine components factor heavily into the decisions they make when designing and building their ports. 

“I think the port team has relayed size is a concern even as we’re building what we hope is a future-proof port,” said Dan Fatton, director for offshore wind at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which is developing a major marshaling and manufacturing port. 

Bruce Carlisle, director of offshore wind at MassCEC, during a panel discussion noted the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal was built about a decade ago, and as such, has “some constraints” as a facility. However, he said MassCEC will soon roll out a “very, very significant” expansion project at the site, and will share more information in the coming months. 

Fisheries compensation: BOEM still has no official date when it expects to release its final guidance for developers to compensate the fishing industry. The agency hopes to issue it by the end of the year. Officials, however, say the draft version has been informing project review. Concurrently, the search for a fund administrator continues by the 11 states working on a regional compensation fund, with plans to make an award in the next month or two. 

After that, the selected administrator — with oversight from a committee formed by developers, the fishing industry and states — will design the fund. 

Glauconite: BOEM cited The Light’s reporting (and mapping) of offshore wind leases with glauconite in its presentation during a panel devoted to the problematic soil.

“One of the topics that has come to a head for sure is glauconite,” said George Hagerman, offshore wind techno-economic lead at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “The regulatory impact of glauconite can be summed up in that it’s eliminating not just one or two turbine positions, but dozens of turbine positions in East Coast lease areas. And that translates to many, many 10s of megawatts … the industry is taking a hit because it really constrains environmental alternative layouts.”

Information on glauconite is displayed at the offshore wind conference. Credit: Anastasia E. Lennon / The New Bedford Light

Not all developers are including sufficient geotechnical data in their construction and operations plan (COP) regarding glauconite and the feasibility of the turbine foundations. Hagerman said not every COP has looked at all three factors — thickness, depth and concentration — which inform not only how the glauconite will behave, but also the risk of pile refusal for turbine installation. 

The real world impact, or “lessons learned” as BOEM phrased it, happened with the Sunrise Wind project, in which several turbine positions were deemed no longer viable. This limited project alternatives, which were proposed to minimize fisheries or other environmental impacts. 

BOEM also noted the mitigation techniques to address the glauconite challenge — such as increasing the energy used to hammer the piles, or drilling out clogs from the pile as it’s installed — have acoustic and environmental impact implications. 

Zachary Westgate, professor of civil engineering at UMass Amherst and a researcher on the industry-funded glauconite project, shared an overview of how different turbine foundations would be affected. Suction bucket foundations, for example, can avoid glauconite layers as the foundations don’t reach as deep into the seafloor. 

Zachary Westgate, professor at UMass Amherst, presents on glauconite at the offshore wind conference. He is joined by other panelists Proserpine Peralta, left, and George Hagerman, middle. Credit: Anastasia E. Lennon / The New Bedford Light

He also said another phase of research may soon begin. To date, Avangrid, RWE, Equinor, Orsted and Attentive Energy are the developers funding this research project. 

The topic of glauconite came up at other points throughout the four-day conference. 

Geotechnical engineers raised it during a discussion on pile installation risks. And Michael Brown, CEO of SouthCoast Wind, said glauconite is one of the key challenges for offshore wind development on the U.S. East Coast. He said the industry must ensure it has the technology to meet the challenging “ground conditions.” 

The Light has updated its glauconite map based on new information obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests. Per BOEM emails, New England Wind (a two-phase project formerly named Park City Wind and Commonwealth Wind) contains glauconite. 

A spokesperson with Avangrid has not responded to a question on whether glauconite is limited to only New England Wind 1 or New England Wind 2. 

To learn everything you need to know about glauconite, check out The Light’s coverage.  

Email Anastasia E. Lennon at [email protected]. 

The post Offshore wind expansion will rely on ports, including New Bedford appeared first on The New Bedford Light.

CategoriesTHE MOST RECENT NEWS

Así se puede realizar el cambio de domicilio electoral hasta el 11 de mayo para las elecciones del 2025

Posted on 04/29/2024by namastefromananya

El Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) de Ecuador permitirá realizar cambios de domicilio electoral para toda la ciudadanía en territorio nacional y en el exterior. El proceso se podrá efectuar de cara a las Elecciones Generales 2025. Este servicio está disponible desde el pasado 12 de abril y se mantendrá  hasta el 11 de mayo de 2024.

Según el ente, el trámite se puede hacer de manera presencial en las veinticuatro Delegaciones Provinciales Electorales y en los consulados del extranjero. Además, para mayor comodidad, se habilitó la opción en línea a través del sitio web www.cne.gob.ec. Para completar el proceso, los interesados deberán contar con su cédula de identidad, pasaporte o ID consular.

Durante este periodo, también se ofrece la posibilidad de habilitarse del Registro Electoral Pasivo, dirigido a aquellas personas que no han ejercido su derecho al voto en las últimas cuatro elecciones, ni han realizado trámites ante el CNE. Asimismo, se pueden solicitar inscripciones de extranjeros en el Registro Electoral.

¡Acercamos el voto a nuestros compatriotas que habitan en el exterior!

Actualiza tu Domicilio Electoral para las #Elecciones2025Ec. Tienes hasta el 1⃣1⃣ de mayo, para realizarlo en cualquiera de estas modalidades ⤵

👉🏾 Oficinas Consulares
👉🏾 Correo Postal
👉🏾 En línea:… pic.twitter.com/I6EoW6FJ4u

— cnegobec (@cnegobec) April 29, 2024

Para ecuatorianos en territorio nacional

  • Al acudir a las delegaciones provinciales, de forma presencial, se debe cumplir con los requisitos.
  • Se debe portar la cédula de identidad o pasaporte.
  • Llevar una  planilla de servicios básicos para verificar el sector de domicilio.
  • No tener multas electorales.

En el extranjero

Para residentes en el exterior hay tres opciones que se puede usar para cambiar de domicilio electoral. La primera es presencial, en las oficinas consulares presentes en cada país. También se puede hacer por correo postal, descargando el formulario en la página votoenelexterior.cne.gob.ec,  pero asimismo se lo puede hacer en la página del CNE siguiento los pasos.

Según el organismo electoral, en mayo del 2025 se realizarán las Elecciones Generales para escoger a Presidente y Vicepresidente quienes gobernarán por cuatro años.

(I)

 

The post Así se puede realizar el cambio de domicilio electoral hasta el 11 de mayo para las elecciones del 2025 appeared first on Qué Noticias.

CategoriesTHE MOST RECENT NEWS

Avenida Simón Bolívar y Granados afectada por un deslizamiento de tierra: ¿Qué acciones están ejecutándose en esa ruta vehicular?

Posted on 04/29/2024by namastefromananya

Un deslizamiento de tierra y piedras se registró en la avenida Simón Bolívar y Granados, cerca a la Casa de la Selección. Aquello, ocurrió este 29 de abril en horas de la madrugada, así los reportó la Central de Emergencias del ECU-911.

#CierreVialQuito | ¡Atención!

🚧 En la av. Simón Bolivar, hay el cierre total de la vía en sentido norte-sur, desde la av. Granados hasta la altura Casa de la Selección.

👮‍♀️ Con precaución y atención en las vías #QuitoRenace pic.twitter.com/Dn3xvmgDMS

— AMTQuito (@AMT_Quito) April 29, 2024

Personal del Cuerpo de Bomberos (CBQ), la Agencia Metropolitana de Tránsito (AMT), el COE Metropolitano y la Empresa Pública Metropolitana de Movilidad y Obras Públicas (Epmmop) acudió al sitio para ejecutar acciones correspondientes a la limpieza de la vía.

La AMT, desde las 05:36 de este lunes, informó sobre el cierre total de la Av. Simón Bolívar en sentido norte-sur, desde la Av. Granados. Dicha institución, recomendó utilizar la siguientes rutas alternas: Av. 6 de Diciembre, Av. de los Shyris, Av. González Suárez y la Av. Eloy Alfaro.

🛣 Toma rutas alternas para que llegues a tiempo a tu destino:
✅ Av. 6 de Diciembre
✅ Av. De Los Shyris
✅ Av. González Suárez
✅ Av. Eloy Alfaro pic.twitter.com/Ej9Y78HhOv

— AMTQuito (@AMT_Quito) April 29, 2024

  • Así demostró un joven la extorsión de dos agentes de la AMT en Quito: Exfuncionarios irán a prisión

Emergencias en Quito

La Epmmop, previamente, informó que durante la noche del domingo y la madrugada de hoy se han presentado emergencias en varios puntos de la capital como: la Av. Oswaldo Guayasamín, Cumbayá, Conocoto, Puente 2, Monteolivo, Av. Simón Bolívar en varios tramos y en La Vicentina.

(I)

 

 

 

The post Avenida Simón Bolívar y Granados afectada por un deslizamiento de tierra: ¿Qué acciones están ejecutándose en esa ruta vehicular? appeared first on Qué Noticias.