Latest news with #African
CAF
2 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
7 days to go before the Women's AFCON: VAR made its debut in 2022
Published: Saturday, 28 June 2025 The countdown to the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun. To mark the occasion, takes a look back at some of the defining moments that have shaped this competition, now gearing up for its 13th edition. Today, we shine a light on the introduction of a major technological tool that marked a turning point in the tournament's history: Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Just 7 days to go until the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. For the first time, during the Morocco 2022 edition, VAR was used on all 28 matches of the Women's AFCON, becoming the first women's competition in Africa to benefit from this tool on all pitches and in every match. Deployed as part of CAF's modernisation strategy, this innovation aimed to strengthen the fairness, transparency and quality of refereeing, while offering officials valuable assistance in crucial decisions of the game: penalties, red cards, disputed goals or errors of identity. "The introduction of VAR in African women's football is a strategic step forward. It reflects our desire to place the competition at the highest level of demand," said Souleiman Waberi, president of the CAF Referees Commission from 2021 to 2025, at the opening of the tournament. This system was accompanied by rigorous work beforehand: intensive training, referee upgrading, technical tests on the stadiums, etc. The deployment of VAR was part of a global approach led by CAF to further professionalize the environment of women's competitions on the continent.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders acquires majority stake in Colombo Dockyard for $52.96 million
Mumbai: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on Friday announced its first international acquisition—a controlling stake in Sri Lanka's largest and most established shipyard, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), in a deal valued at up to $52.96 million ( ₹ 452 crore). Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders acquires majority stake in Colombo Dockyard for $52.96 million The deal will include India's largest shipyard acquiring the shares of CDPLC's current majority shareholder, Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd, according to a press release. The Japanese company owns a 51% stake in CDPLC. After the acquisition is completed, CDPLC will become a subsidiary of MDL, the press release added. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has a market capitalisation of $15.12 billion ( ₹ 1,29,254 crore). It reported a turnover of approximately $1.13 billion ( ₹ 9,660 crore). Explaining the reason behind the acquisition, Captain Jagmohan, the chairman and managing director of the state-run MDL, said, 'With CDPLC's strategic location, proven capabilities, and strong regional presence, this step will position MDL as a key player in South Asia and lay the foundation for our emergence as a global shipyard.' He added, 'This is not just an acquisition—it is a gateway. It marks our first international foray and reflects our ambition to transform into a global shipbuilding enterprise.' An MDL spokesperson said that the Colombo Dockyard offers MDL a strong operational foothold in the Indian Ocean region, which is one of the busiest and most geopolitically significant maritime corridors in the world. 'With this acquisition, MDL positions itself not only to strengthen its presence in the region but also to enhance its competitiveness in the global shipbuilding and marine engineering arena,' the spokesperson added. Colombo Dockyard has more than five decades of experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, and heavy engineering. The company has manufactured offshore support vessels, cable-laying ships, tankers, and patrol boats for many countries, including Japan, Norway, France, the UAE, India, and several African nations. It is the only shipyard in Sri Lanka that offers services ranging from in-house design and construction to advanced repair and marine steel fabrication. However, Colombo Dockyard has been in dire straits for some time. It reported losses of LKR 2.48 billion ( ₹ 70.7 crore) in 2024, according to Maritime Gateway, a shipping news portal. Onomichi Dockyard, which currently controls the Colombo Dockyard, had sought financial relief from the Japanese and Sri Lankan governments. In December last year, Onomichi Dockyard informed the CDPLC board that it planned to divest its 51% stake in the company. The takeover by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders would, thereby, come as relief for Colombo Dockyard. With MDL's support, particularly in technology sharing, access to Indian supply chains, and entry into Indian and allied maritime markets, Colombo Dockyard can hope for a financial turnaround and long-term growth. Naval experts described the acquisition as a great strategic move by Mazagon Dock. Retired Commodore Rakesh Anand, MDL's former chairman and managing director, said the company has taken a big leap with the acquisition. 'It is a matter of pride for India. Our global footprint will be visible. The Colombo shipyard is important for ship repairs and shipbuilding. This is the first port after crossing the Suez Canal and is strategically located. A lot of repair activity will happen there, where MDL can now participate,' he added. A former vice-admiral in the Indian Navy, who requested anonymity, said, 'It is a fantastic, strategic move. Along with other players like Adani Ports, who have a stake in the Colombo port, this acquisition complements the other one and gives India a strategic advantage in the maritime space.'
See - Sada Elbalad
5 hours ago
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Delivers Medical Aid to Gabonese Ministry of Health in Support of Bilateral Health Cooperation
Taarek Refaat In a renewed gesture of African solidarity and health diplomacy, Egypt's Ambassador to Gabon, Reham Hussein Ammar, officially handed over a consignment of Egyptian medical aid to Gabon's Minister of Health, as part of Cairo's ongoing support for the Egypt-Gabon Joint Hospital in the capital, Libreville. The aid package, which includes essential pharmaceuticals, was provided by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) — an initiative under Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at strengthening cooperation with African nations through development-focused support. Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Gabonese Minister of Health expressed deep gratitude to the Egyptian government and people for their continued commitment to improving public health services in Gabon. The Minister highlighted Egypt's role not only in providing medical supplies but also in offering scholarships and professional training programs across several sectors, which he described as critical to Gabon's human capacity development. He also voiced hope for the swift arrival of additional Egyptian doctors to serve at the Egypt-Gabon hospital, and expressed interest in expanded future cooperation, saying the medical aid is 'a promising sign of deeper engagement.' In her remarks, Ambassador Ammar reaffirmed Egypt's strategic vision for reinforcing ties with African nations, particularly in vital sectors like health. She emphasized that the donation symbolizes Egypt's 'long-standing commitment to revitalizing African partnerships, with health care as a cornerstone of that mission.' 'The Government of Egypt attaches great importance to sharing its pharmaceutical capabilities and medical expertise with sisterly African nations, including the Gabonese Republic,' she said. The Egypt-Gabon Joint Hospital, established in 2009 in Libreville, stands as one of Egypt's flagship development projects in Central Africa. Staffed by Egyptian medical professionals and equipped with Egyptian-supplied technologies, the hospital treats thousands of patients annually and has become a regional hub for multi-specialty care, attracting patients from across Gabon and neighboring provinces. Egyptian officials say the hospital exemplifies African-led cooperation and sustainable development, aligning with broader continental goals under the African Union's Agenda 2063. This latest shipment of medical supplies reflects Egypt's intent to scale up its presence and positive impact in Africa through practical, people-centered initiatives — particularly in health care, where access and equity remain key challenges across the continent. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Mazagon Dock's Lanka deal to give India big foothold in region
NEW DELHI: In a major development, Mumbai-based defence shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is poised to acquire a controlling stake in Sri Lanka's largest shipyard, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), in a deal worth almost $53 million. The move marks the first international acquisition by India's largest shipyard that builds submarines, warships and other vessels, and will provide it with a 'strategic foothold' in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China, of course, has made deep strategic inroads into Sri Lanka. Chinese Navy's expanding presence in IOR, along with its hunt for additional logistical hubs in the region, has emerged as a major security challenge for India. The $53 million investment will be carried out through a combination of primary infusion and secondary share purchases, including the acquisition of shares from Onomichi Dockyard Co Ltd, the current majority shareholder. Lanka deal to herald our emergence as global player: MDL Upon completion, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) will become a subsidiary of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Mazagon Dock chairman and managing director Capt Jagmohan told TOI that the proposed acquisition of a controlling stake in CDPLC, which has been approved, is a "gateway" towards achieving the shipyard's ambition of transforming into a regional maritime player first and then into a global shipbuilding enterprise. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Gorgeous Women, Ranked BigGlobalTravel Undo "With CDPLC's strategic location at Colombo port, proven capabilities, and strong regional presence, this step will position MDL as a key player in South Asia and lay the foundation for our emergence as a global shipyard," Capt Jagmohan said. CDPLC has more than five decades of experience in shipbuilding, ship repair and heavy engineering. "It has a track record of delivering complex offshore support vessels, cable-laying ships, tankers and patrol boats for clients across Japan, Norway, France, the UAE, India and several African nations," another MDL official said. CDPLC is currently pursuing a pipeline of orders over $300 million, which includes cable-laying ships, multi-purpose utility ships and newbuild fleet support vessels. "With MDL's support, particularly in technology sharing, access to Indian supply chains, and entry into Indian and allied maritime markets, CDPLC is well positioned for a financial turnaround and long-term growth," the official said. MDL, on its part, continues to do well in India. In partnership with German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), MDL is on course to bag the mega project to build six new stealth diesel-electric submarines for the Navy. The initial cost of these submarines, with both land-attack cruise missiles and air-independent propulsion (AIP) for greater underwater endurance, was estimated to be around Rs 43,000 crore when it got the 'acceptance of necessity (AoN)' by the defence ministry several years ago. It will now be around Rs 70,000 crore, as reported earlier by TOI. Another major contract for MDL in the pipeline is the proposed construction of another three French-origin Scorpene submarines with AIP at a cost of around Rs 38,000 crore. These three new submarines, if approved, will add to the six Scorpene or Kalvari-class submarines already built at MDL for over Rs 23,000 crore.
India Gazette
5 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi to embark on five nation-visit from July 2, attend BRICS Summit in Brazil
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation visit from July 2, during which he will attend the BRICS Summit and hold meetings with leaders of Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and Namibia to strengthen bilateral ties. During the visit, PM Modi is expected to address the parliaments of Trinidad and Tobago and Namibia. The Prime Minister will start his five-nation visit with Ghana. This will be the Prime Minister's first bilateral visit to the African country. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration, and development cooperation partnership. This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] and the African Union, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. Visit of Indian Prime Minister to Ghana is taking place after three decades. PM Modi will travel to Brazil, during the fourth leg of his visit, from July 5 to 8 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 followed by a state visit to the South American country. This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro. During the Summit, PM Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. The Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. In the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will pay an official visit to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) from July 3-4. This will be his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level to T&T since 1999. During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the President of Trinidad & Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discuss further strengthening bilateral ties. PM Modi is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. The visit of the Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries, the MEA release said. PM Modi will visit Argentina in the third leg of his visit on July 4-5. Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Argentine President Javier Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to enhance further bilateral partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral visit of Prime Minister will further deepen the multifaceted Strategic Partnership between India and Argentina, the release said. In the final leg of his visit, PM Modi will embark on a State Visit to Namibia on July 9. This will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to Namibia, and the third ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. During his visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, PM Modi will also pay homage to the Founding Father and first President of Namibia, Late Dr. Sam Nujoma. He is also expected to deliver an address at the Parliament of Namibia, the MEA release said. The visit of Prime Minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia,it added. (ANI)
