UK could be left behind in the electric car race
The UK risks being left in the slow lane when it comes to building electric cars, according to a new report.
Influential green group Transport and Environment (T&E) says as recently as 2018, the UK produced roughly half of all electric cars built in Europe.
But it claims a lack of investment by UK manufacturers means that by the end of the decade that figure will have fallen to just 4%.
This comes at a time when the market is expanding rapidly.
As a result, the Brussels-based campaign group says that, despite being one of the first countries to outlaw the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, the UK will be almost wholly reliant on electric vehicles imported from abroad.
The market for electric cars remains relatively small, but it is growing rapidly, largely due to increasingly stringent emissions limits.
A number of European governments have already set targets for phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, in their efforts to meet climate change targets.
The UK, which plans to ban the sale of most new cars with internal combustion engines by 2030, is among the most ambitious.
But according to the study by T&E, manufacturers based here are among the worst prepared for the change.
T&E's report is based on information compiled by industry data specialist IHS Markit, including the carmakers' own market and production forecasts.
It concludes that by 2030, battery-powered electric cars will account for 48% of production across the 27 countries of the EU and the UK. Plug-in hybrids will make up 11%.
Germany is expected to remain the dominant car producer in Europe. By 2030, its output is expected to increase from 4.5 million cars a year to 5.1 million - with half of them being electric.
But the UK, it says, will see output fall from its pre-Covid level of 1.3 million cars a year to just 1 million - and only 24% are expected to be battery-powered electric vehicles.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which represents the automobile industry, strongly refutes T&E's conclusions.
Source-BBC
Hyundai Motor reportedly pushing a project to localize auto chips
South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group is out to localize automotive chips to ensure undisrupted supplies by teaming up with foundries at home.
According to industry sources on Monday, Hyundai Mobis responsible for parts for Hyundai and Kia vehicles has proposed a joint project with DB HiTek Co. and Key Foundry Co. to establish automotive chip value chain.
The project will involve power management integrated circuits (PMICs) and microcontroller units (MCUs) that are needed in large quantity to power latest cars of connectivity and electronics functions, sources said.
Hyundai Mobis officially denies the project or having discussions with local foundries. But multiple sources claim the auto conglomerate has already moved on with the vision to localize auto chips.
Hyundai Mobis would design the necessary chips and consign the production at the foundries. The group also could consider taking over a fabless company to design its chips on its behalf.
Car productions have been disrupted at the group’s manufacturing lines at home and the United States due to chip shortage. Its Alabama plant is suspended maximum three weeks from this week for chip adjustment and maintenance.
Chip shortage is expected to affect production of about 4-6 million cars globally, according to Boston Consulting Group. “Auto and auto parts makers much be prepared for the chip crisis for a year from now and thus, close cooperation with chip makers is inevitable,” said Kim Min-ji, a consultant at Boston Consulting Group.
Source- Pulse News
Windows 10 to be retired in 2025
Microsoft says it will stop supporting Windows 10 in 2025, as it prepares to unveil a major revamp of its Windows operating system later this month.
When Windows 10 was launched, Microsoft said it was intended to be the final version of the operating system.
But from 14 October 2025, there will be no new updates or security fixes for either the Home or Pro versions.
And Microsoft says its successor will represent one of the "most significant updates" to the OS in the past decade.
Windows 10 was released in July 2015 and dubbed "Windows as a service", which meant the software was gradually updated at no extra charge, rather than the company releasing a new version of its OS every few years.
At the time, chief executive Satya Nadella said it marked a "new era" for personal computing.
Developer evangelist and Microsoft employee Jerry Nixon went further, describing it as "the last version of Windows".
And Mr Nadella added he was particularly "excited" by features such as digital personal assistant Cortana, which was intended to compete with Apple's Siri.
But Cortana never really took off and in April this year it was retired on mobile, focusing instead on productivity help in Windows 10, Outlook and Teams.
Mr Nadella and chief product officer Panos Panay will launch the new OS at a virtual event on 24 June, with Microsoft now facing stiff competition not just from Apple but also from Google.
Source-BBC
The MOH provides an update on COVID-19 variants in the TCI
The Ministry of Health and Human Services through the National Public Health Laboratory, sends samples meeting the Caribbean Public Health Agencies (CARPHA) sampling criteria, for genomic sequencing. To date, the B.1.1.7 variant has been identified in a number of samples sent for sequencing from the TCI.
On June 10 2021, additional results from CARPHA were received from ten (10) samples which were submitted for sequencing. Of these samples six (6) were identified as variants of concern (VOC). Five samples were reported as the B.1.1.7 variant (Alpha variant) and one sample was positive for the P.1 or Gamma variant.
The World Health Organisation recently renamed the variants with Greek letters. The UK or B.1.1.7. variant is now known as the Alpha variant. The P.1. variant which has now been identified for the first time in the TCI, was previously known as the Brazilian variant and is now called the Gamma variant.
Additionally, 2 cases of the B.1.429 and one of the B.1526 variants were identified which are classified as variants of interest by the World Health Organisation as these may be associated with increased transmissibility.
Genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Variants of concern are variants for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease (e.g., increased hospitalizations or deaths), significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination, reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures.
The vaccines in use in the TCI are effective against the variants identified locally thus far, however the efficacy may be somewhat reduced.
The fact that a number of the variants of concern which are in circulation globally can spread more easily from person to person and may be associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, reinforces the need for more persons to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the TCI. The vaccine continues to be offered free of cost to all TCI residents throughout the country. Persons are encouraged to register to get vaccinated on https://covidvaccineregistration.gov.tc/.
Barbados reviewing options to tackle fuel prices
Barbados Minister of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Kerrie Symmonds is standing firmly behind his ministry’s regulation of the petroleum sector, in the face of tremendous concern about a sharp climb in the price of the important commodity.
On Monday, the outspoken minister described the fledgling ‘$3.88’ protest movement as “a nonsense”, as he blamed a 61 per cent increase on the import cost of fuel between January and June for the market instability.
And, as stakeholders desperately attempt to tackle the problem, Symmonds is advising consumers to reduce their driving as a worthwhile cost-saving measure.
“I appreciate that people would want to express their own individual concern as it hits them in the pocket. I caution them to apply the best possible analyses and prudence in their decision-making,” Minister Symmonds told Barbados TODAY.
“Frankly, I will not spend my time driving from gas station to gas station just to replace a litre of fuel. That is a nonsense. There is truth to the fact that prices have surged. The Government is conscious of it and looking at all options, but you will make a bad situation worse for yourselves if you only go and buy a litre of gas. If I can make a suggestion, it is wiser wherever possible to limit the amount of driving you do,” he further suggested.
Minister Symmonds was referring to increasing pressure from accountant Olujimi Clarke who has been encouraging citizens to fill their vehicles with one litre of petrol until the government addresses the surging cost of fuel.
Because the current price stands at 3.88 per gallon, the movement has become synonymous with this number.
While acknowledging that he “understands what the young man is trying to do”, Symmonds declared the “emotionally provocative” issue is one that requires more careful analysis.
The minister recalled that at the height of the pandemic when air and ground transportation ground to a halt, waning demand resulted in plummeting oil prices. He explained that as countries rebound and demand suddenly increases, the price of oil has skyrocketed.
“We have looked at all of the price movements between January and June of this year and the imported price of petroleum into this country has gone up by 61 per cent,” contended Symmonds.
“Now that is the price of petroleum without the government taxes being applied so that the fuel tax applied to the litre is still 40 per cent; the excise tax applied to the litre of petroleum products is still at 99 cents on the litre so that the issue that we are dealing with once again is the substantial increase in product,” he added.
Minister Symmonds further defended the relatively high taxes on fuel products contending that it was necessary to fund much-needed improvements to the country’s crumbling road network.
Source-Barbados Today
The Bucks ties the series against the Nets
First they lost James Harden, then Kyrie Irving, and finally the Brooklyn Nets lost their lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Though the series is tied, the Milwaukee Bucks are way ahead in the health category as Sports Watch host Amin McCartney said last week, indicating the Bucks has the pieces to wrap up the nets.
It's down to Kevin Durant as their lone healthy superstar, the Nets limp home to host Game 5 on today Tuesday, a team that once piled up points with ease suddenly struggling to cobble together much offence at all.
The Nets were bitten by the injury bug all season, with long absences for Durant and Harden in the second half. Their three stars played together only eight times in the regular season and they may not have another chance until October.
Coach Nash said Irving won't play tonight Tuesday because of the sprained right ankle he sustained in Game 4. Harden hasn't played since the opening minute of Game 1 because of right hamstring tightness. When he returned from the same injury in April, he promptly strained it minutes into his return and missed the next 18 games, so the Nets are being cautious with him at the moment.
Will the Bucks close out the series or will Durant shoulder it all the way? Time is ticking as we inch closer to game 5.
Here are the results from Monday nights games, Atlanta 103, Philadelphia 100 (Series tied 2-2) and LA Clippers 118, Utah 104 (Series tied 2-2).
Crude oil climbs to highest price in nearly 3 years, pushing up gas prices
Crude oil has climbed to its highest price in nearly three years as the pandemic recedes and global demand soars.
U.S. crude oil was $71.50 a barrel on Monday -- its highest price since October 2018 -- and Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, topped $73 a barrel.
Crude oil prices have risen steadily since the start of the year as businesses reopen and demand for air and auto travel bounces back. As of Monday, U.S. crude oil is about $23 a barrel more expensive than it was in January.
Meanwhile, the national average price of gasoline has also risen for eight consecutive weeks to reach $3.07 a gallon on Monday, according to data from fuel-tracking site GasBuddy. This national average price is 98 cents higher than a year ago and 3.7 cents higher than a month ago.
Source-ABC
Cashier dead, 2 wounded during argument over Georgia store's mask policy
A shooting that broke out over a Georgia store's COVID-19 mask policy has resulted in the death of a cashier on Monday. A victim and the suspect were wounded, authorities said.
The incident transpired at a Big Bear grocery store in DeKalb County when an unidentified male suspect entered the store without wearing a mask and argued with the staff over the policy, according to DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox.
Maddox says the suspect allegedly shot the cashier, which killed her.
As for the victim, Maddox identified him as an off-duty officer. The victim was a veteran of the sheriff’s office and pulled his weapon when the shooting occurred. Maddox said he opened fire on the suspect.
The suspect was hit but he returned fire, shooting the off-duty officer twice, said Maddox.
Both were taken to the hospital. Maddox said the off-duty officer was listed in stable condition, but the condition of the suspect was not immediately known.
The incident is under investigation.
Source-ABC
Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey reflect over their iconic 2003 record "I Know What You Want"
Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey created a hit with their 2003 collaboration, "I Know What You Want," but apparently someone else was originally supposed to sing the male vocals.
In a new YouTube documentary titled Divine: The 18 Year Anniversary Celebration, Busta, Mariah and others reflected on the song and video for its 18th anniversary.
Busta recalls being sent a beat from producer Rick Rock while on a tour bus with his hype man, rapper Spliff Starr, who called it "genius."
"I reached out to [Mariah], she told me to send it, and I told her that I sang the reference to the hook on the song, and I wanted to just give her an idea of what I think she should be doing," he explains.
Busta admits that he originally wanted a male R&B singer to exchange vocals with Carey on the track, but she "insisted" otherwise.
"Yes, Busta was singing and I remember going like, 'Do you want me to sing this part over? Or...like 'is he keeping that part?'" Mariah recalls. "Because at that time, rappers weren't really doing the singing thing, but I loved it."
Divine: The 18 Year Anniversary Celebration also features interviews with rappers Rah Digga, Rampage, Baby Sham, Trippie Redd, video director Chris Robinson and actor Michael Jai White, the latter of which starred in the "I Know What You Want" video. The documentary also features behind-the-scenes clips and explains how the song led to Busta and Mariah's 2020 sequel, "Where I Belong."
Source-ABC
Registration Drive & Job Readiness starts in June 2021
“The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” Oliver Holmes
As the Minister with responsibilities for Education, Labour and Employment Services, my colleagues and I from the Ministry saw it fitting to address the nation on our initiatives and the way forward to improving the Employment Sector in the TCI.
COVID-19 has impacted the global economy and the Turks and Caicos Islands, has had its share of the impact. To date, four hundred and seventy-six (476) persons have registered with the Labour Department with 80% of registrants being Belongers, 9% As Naturalized persons, 5% being holders of Spousal Residence Permits, 4% Residence Permits Holders and 2% Being Free Lance Work Permit. Of the total two hundred and sixty-one (261) are female and two hundred and twenty-five (225) are male.
The Government is committed to ensuring that on this road to recovery, our people are gainfully employed in positions that are aligned with their skillset.
The Employment Services Department is pleased to announce our new initiative - J.O.B.S. – Job, Opportunity and Basic Skills. This initiative seeks to assist job seekers with obtaining basic skills prior to applying for vacancies and attending interviews with potential employers.
This initiative will commence, Tuesday, June 8th 2021 at IGA Parking Lot in the nation’s capital Grand Turk. We realize that Grand Turk does not have the largest population, however, we sympathize with those who have been unemployed for over one year due to the closure of the Grand Turk Cruise Center. This is to ensure that residents are fully prepared for the anticipated opening.
The drive will continue throughout the family islands on Friday, June 11th at Sunny Foods in Five Cays
Wednesday 16th June Butterfield Square, Downtown, Providenciales.
Friday, 18th June Nell’s Gift Shop, Leeward Highway
Monday, 21st June PTV Parking Lot
Thursday, 24th June IGA Gourmet
Friday, 25th June North Caicos
Monday, 28th June South Caicos, Digicel Parking Lot
This registration drive aims to account for all local unemployed and underemployed persons, so that the Department of Labour and Employment has the opportunity to properly evaluate their resumes and ensure they have continuous health coverage during this period…..
If you are already registered, the Department of Labour and Employment Services will be making contact with you to update our records. There is no need to re-register at this time unless there has been a material change to any information on your resume. We are asking you to monitor your phone and emails for any correspondence from our department.
Shortly following this Press Conference our Registration Drive Calendar will be circulated on the Government’s Website and on Social Media. Currently, persons have the option of submitting their resumes in the Red Drop Boxes located in Providenciales at the following grocery stores: Graceway IGA, Smart and Sunny Foods. If persons prefer to communicate electronically, their submission can be sent via email to jobregistration@gov.tc .
In continuing our efforts to ensure that the unemployed are job ready, the Department has set aside the month of July 2021 to host numerous workshops geared towards Job Readiness Training, inclusive of but not limited to basic skills, focusing on resume building, interview skills including dress code and communication skills throughout the islands. Further updates will be circulated at a later date.
As part of our training, we have partnered with the Ritz Carlton and the Marriott Ambassadors who are on island to provide hospitality training for their staff. They have lent support to assist us from Wednesday, June 9th to Friday, June 11th for persons registered as unemployed and interested in hospitality careers. These persons have already been identified and are eager to commence the workshops. The training will cover Food & Beverage, Front Office and other key hospitality functions. The Human Resource Manager has promised an ongoing series of workshops in partnership with Employment Services.
The recent Moratorium that came into effect on May 1st 2021 has provided the Department of Labour and Employment Services the opportunity to assess the employment market and strategize as to how best unemployed and underemployed residents can benefit from any available jobs that would have been occupied by First Time Work Permit Holders.
The Moratorium also speaks to the consultation period with key stakeholders. In light of this, the Ministry has already begun consultation and will continue its initiative with the Hotel Association, Chamber of Commerce, Water Sports and Restaurant Groups. Discussions at these meetings will be centered around local recruitment, training, and communicating the government’s plans moving forward. We will also request staffing information from companies throughout the TCI to build on our current employment database in order to compare wages, gender information, youth employment, skills deficit across various sectors and predict potential job growth in the next two years.
In July once the government has had its first 60 days to consult with stakeholders and consider the state of employment in the country there will be a further update.
All in all, the people of these islands can rest assured that their government is making every effort to collect relevant information in an effort to make informed decisions. In closing, I encourage unemployed persons to register with the Labour Department, help us to help you! If the government is unaware of the current state of employment, it would prove challenging to be effective in crafting policies to assist its citizens. We encourage you to Register and take advantage of these opportunities.
Hon. Rachel Taylor
Min. of Education, Labour & Employment Services