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Current Affairs

Kenya Confirms Discovery of Coltan Deposits
Kenya has officially announced the discovery of coltan deposits within its borders, marking the first time the valuable mineral has been found in the country. C... Kenya has officially announced the discovery of coltan deposits within its borders, marking the first time the valuable mineral has been found in the country. Coltan, composed of niobium and tantalum, is crucial for electronics like smartphones and electric car batteries. Tantalum, derived from coltan, is a key component in capacitors used in modern tech devices. The discovery in six Kenyan counties holds economic potential, with officials conducting assessments to determine the feasibility of mining. While global demand for coltan is increasing, Kenya faces ethical concerns related to responsible extraction, given the industry's history of issues in other regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
IEA's Electricity 2024 Report
The latest projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) in the Electricity 2024 Report indicate that India's electricity demand is set to surpass Chin... The latest projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) in the Electricity 2024 Report indicate that India's electricity demand is set to surpass China's, boasting the world's fastest growth rate by 2026. With an annual average growth rate of 6.5% over 2024-2026, India's additional electricity demand in the next three years is expected to nearly match the total demand of the UK. Despite the growth of renewables, coal is projected to meet 68% of India's electricity needs in 2026. Economic expansion and increased cooling requirements are primary drivers of this electricity demand surge, with coal continuing to play a dominant role. While India is pushing for clean energy to achieve its 2070 net-zero target, coal remains indispensable in the medium term, necessitating a careful balancing act between transitioning to cleaner sources and maintaining growth and development.
Sahel States Quit ECOWAS Bloc
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, currently under military regimes, have unexpectedly withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing... Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, currently under military regimes, have unexpectedly withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing it as a "sovereign decision." The Sahelian nations, facing jihadist insurgencies and economic challenges, have strained relations with ECOWAS due to recent military coups. In response, the junta leaders formed the "Alliance of Sahel States" to collectively counter ECOWAS criticism. The withdrawal underscores the delicate balance between stabilizing coup-affected countries and upholding democratic values, posing uncertainties for the citizens' political and economic futures. The move could also jeopardize regional peace and stability.