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☆ 3 men arrested after attempting to kidnap an Iranian-American journalist and activist who is critical of the country's human rights abuses, feds say
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Sarah Al-Arshani | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Three men were indicted on charges of money laundering and murder-for-hire, the DOJ said. The target, Masih Alinejad, told The Associated Press the FBI read her the messages the men exchanged. The indictment did not say if the Iranian regime was directly involved in the murder order. Alinejad told The Associated Press that the FBI read her the messages the men exchanged,"I'm not scared," Alinejad told the AP. While the man behind the plot is in Iran, the DOJ indictment did not say whether the Iranian government was behind the plot.

☆ Nigerian artist's exhibition showcases food preservation methods
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LAGOS, Jan 27 (Reuters) - In his latest exhibition, Nigerian artist Olufela Omokeko is exploring the importance of food preservation in a country where food is often spoiled due to lack of quick access to markets and cold storage. During a recent art exhibition in Iwaya, a slum in the commercial capital Lagos, guests also had the chance to taste Omokeko's puree from dried tomatoes, peppers and local spices as he showcased age-old traditions on how to extend the shelf life of perishable food. Nicknamed "son of a pepper seller," Omokeko grew up seeing women who sell perishables at their homes or at the market throw away food because it was rotted. That problem remains, and Omokeko hopes to show Nigerians who come to his exhibitions how to dry and blend food to preserve its lifespan while maintaining the taste. Reporting by Seun Sanni; writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; editing by Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

LONDON, Jan 27 (Reuters) - India’s power generators have struggled to rebuild coal stocks so far this winter because consumption is rising faster than the rail network can deliver more fuel from the mines. Fuel stocks are only slightly higher than this time last year, when inadequate coal supplies coupled with higher than normal temperatures in March and April contributed to widespread blackouts. But stocks have increased by only 2.3 days since September 2022, leaving generators poorly positioned to meet higher demand when temperatures climb from March and April onwards. As a result, the amount of coal consumed by power generators has exceeded the amount arriving from domestic mines by between 100,000 and 300,000 tonnes per day. Resolving railway bottlenecks and accelerating imports will be critical to ensuring there is enough fuel in the pre-monsoon (March-May) and post-monsoon (September-October) periods when power supplies are most stretched.

☆ Most Americans just aren't into their jobs, new Gallup data shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Julianne Mcshane | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

As Americans enter the third year of the pandemic, most workers just aren't into their jobs, with nearly three-fourths saying they're either not engaged or actively disengaged at work, according to new Gallup data released Wednesday. Only 32% of American workers said they were engaged at work last year, down from an all-time high of 36% in 2020 and 34% in 2021, the data shows. Workers who are actively disengaged "are disgruntled and disloyal because most of their workplace needs are unmet," according to Gallup. Both women and younger workers value freedom and autonomy in the workplace, Harter said. Hybrid workers saw 2% increases in both active disengagement and "quiet quitting," and a 4% drop in engagement.

☆ Russia's $45 billion stash of Chinese yuan is helping Moscow weather massive plunge in energy revenues
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Russia has a $45 billion stash of Chinese yuan that could help it weather sanctions, per Bloomberg. Moscow has sought to deepen ties with Beijing amid a barrage of western sanctions. Selling its yuan reserves will help Russia cover its losses for the next three years, according to an analysis from Bloomberg Economics. Its flagship Urals crude blend is now trading around $50 a barrel – a third of what it was last year, Bloomberg reported. The measures have severe crimped Russia's oil revenue, which could spell trouble for the nation in the long-term, economists warn.

☆ Artist Àsìkò explores Yoruba culture through mythology
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Lamide Akintobi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Lagos, Nigeria CNN —Appreciating cultural heritage and using it to imagine a better future: that’s one of the goals of self-taught photographer and visual artist Ade Okelarin. Drawing on aspects of traditional Yoruba culture has been an important aspect of his creative journey. In this work, Okelarin reimagines Olokun, the Yoruba goddess of the oceans, seas and wealth. Okelarin also uses digital rendering, layering the photographs with aspects of his cultural heritage, such as fabric and textures. “Living in the diaspora, now more than ever, my cultural heritage is a big part of my identity and who I am.

Persons: Ade Okelarin, ”, Okelarin, ” Okelarin, Thor, Okelarin reimagines Olokun, “, ’, – Okelarin, didn’t, – Organizations: Nigeria CNN, Sun Locations: Lagos, Nigeria, ”, West Africa, Caribbean, South America, UK

☆ We'll need natural gas for years — but can start blending it with green hydrogen today, CEO says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

As the planned transition takes shape, there's been a lot of talk about the relationship between hydrogen and natural gas. "Now, what we can start to do today is … start to blend it with green hydrogen," he added. "But it's just difficult to see that you're going to have enough green hydrogen to substitute it like, in the next 10 years." Produced using electrolysis and renewables like wind and solar, green hydrogen has some high-profile backers. "We see green hydrogen as playing probably the most important role in the energy transition," she said.

☆ Russia ramps up January oil exports, India remains top buyer
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Around 70% of January cargoes of Urals oil are heading to India, according to traders' data and Reuters calculations. India has been a top buyer of the Russian grade for several months now, filling the void left by EU buyers. In December India's oil imports jumped to a five-month record amid active buying of the Russian oil. Russia loaded 4.7 million tonnes of Urals and KEBCO from Baltic ports in December, traders said and Refinitiv data showed. Last year Kazakhstan changed the name of the oil it exports via Russian sea ports, from Urals to Kazakhstan Export Blend Crude Oil (KEBCO), dissociating it from oil originating in Russia to avoid sanction risks and issues with financing.

☆ 55 years after sending a hit squad on a deadly raid in Seoul, North Korea has found new ways to threaten South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Benjamin Brimelow | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

In January 1968, North Korean commandos slipped across the border into South Korea. Infiltrations into South Korea, both across the DMZ and by sea, by North Korean agents and commandos were also increasing. After cooperating with South Korean authorities, Kim Shin-jo was released in 1970 and received South Korean citizenship, which led North Korean officials to execute his parents and siblings. In December, a North Korean drone flew into a no-fly zone around South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's office in Seoul. It was one of five North Korean drones that flew into South Korea, the first to do so in five years.

☆ Firing an anti-ship missile at a regular building is a chaotic strategy Russia may regret, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Sophia Ankel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Russia fired an anti-ship missile into an apartment complex in Dnipro, Ukraine, last weekend. Its use is an illustration of Russia's "kitchen sink approach," a missile expert told Insider. Yuriy Ihnat, a Ukrainian military spokesman, told local media that the strike used a Kh-22 anti-ship missile. He said the Kh-22 missiles are "basically being used as terror weapons," totally removed from their actual military purpose. The attack in Dnipro was not the first time Russia used a Kh-22 in a civilian attack, and will most likely be the last, Williams said.

☆ The best beard trimmers, according to experts
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Harry Rabinowitz | Harry Rabinowitz Is A Reporter For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

Short or long, they can enhance your look quickly!”SKIP AHEAD The best beard trimmers | Professional beard care tipsWe spoke with hair care professionals who shared with us their top beard trimmers as well as tips on keeping a beard healthy and tidy. How to shop for a beard trimmerLike most personal care products, there are an overwhelming amount of beard trimmers on the market. PowerOur experts recommend beard trimmers that are cordless with rechargeable internal Lithium-ion batteries rather than traditional corded trimmers. WaterproofingMost beard trimmers aren’t waterproof, and trimming your beard while wet can lead to some uneven results (take it from me). The best beard trimmersWe spoke with experts about their favorite beard trimmers and other beard-care essentials.

☆ This fund crushed it last year in part by heavily betting on one unique oil stock
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The fund isn't tied to any index, nor does Schwartz try to mimic a specific sector weighting. About 40% of the fund's investments today are in energy, Schwartz said, with no bets on the consumer defensive and utilities sectors, according to Morningstar data. Then a trust, many people steered clear of the large Texas land owner, which owns land often used for oil and gas drilling, and traded at around $150 a share. Schwartz's bet on energy extends to a more traditional stake in Chevron , (4.3% of the fund) which he calls a premiere integrated oil and gas company. But Schwartz started accumulating energy stocks well before the latest rally, when crude oil plummeted during the pandemic.

Rather surprisingly, research firm Corporate Knights says the answer is Schnitzer Steel Industries (SCHN.O), a U.S. scrap steel recycler, which has knocked wind turbine maker Vestas Wind off the top spot. "Schnitzer Steel is the first steel company to top the Global 100," said Corporate Knights CEO Toby Heaps. "If one of the world's dirtiest sectors can produce the most sustainable company in the world, then there is no excuse for any company in any sector not to step up." In 2022, the Global 100 beat the ACWI on an annual returns basis by 2.8% though both were significantly down on 2021 at -15.6% and -18.4% respectively. Between 2013 and 2022, the Global 100 returned 145.1% compared to 115.4% for the MSCI ACWI.

☆ How China planted an FBI mole who was discovered only after gutting the CIA's vast spy network
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( James Bamford | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +25 min

At the time, four years after the handover from Britain to China, much of Hong Kong remained a world of neon and noise. "Five years ago, everyone looked down on you if you spoke Mandarin," said a Beijing executive living in Hong Kong. As soon as the Hong Kong Arts Festival ended, the Hong Kong International Film Festival began. In February 2006, Alex Ma, China's mole in the FBI, sent David photos he received from his handlers of five suspected human sources. Born in Hong Kong like Alex, Lee grew up in Hawaii and became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

But this could present an opportunity to address shortages of homes, property bosses said. "Office buildings need to be converted to residential," said Howard Lutnick, chairman and CEO of New York-based investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, during a panel discussion. Offices are emptier than official data suggests as most buildings are still generating income for landlords. However, as these rental contracts expire, cities like New York will have a significant number of obsolete buildings, said Christian Ulbrich, CEO of global property consultancy JLL Inc. (JLL.N). Millions of workers were forced to work from home during lockdowns aimed at stalling the spread of COVID-19 in 2020.

PARIS, Jan 18 (Reuters) - France's hardline CGT union has threatened to cut off electricity supplies to lawmakers and billionaires before a nationwide strike on Thursday, in an increasingly acrimonious showdown over the government's plan to raise the retirement age. "I suggest they also go see the nice properties, the nice castles of billionaires," Philippe Martinez, leader of the CGT, France's second-largest trade union, told France 2 television on Wednesday. In recent days, Sebastien Menesplier, of the hardline CGT's energy and mine branch, has also threatened electricity cuts targeting the offices of MPs, local media quoted him as saying. Government spokesman Olivier Veran said threats to cut electricity were "unacceptable." Seven out of 10 primary school teachers will walk off their job, as will many refinery workers, unions and transport operators said.

SINGAPORE, Jan 18 (Reuters) - General Electric's (GE.N) turbine manufacturing unit said on Wednesday it had agreed with Japan's IHI Corp (7013.T) to develop gas turbines operating on ammonia to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. GE and IHI would work to develop technology that would allow some of GE's existing gas turbine products to safely burn 100% ammonia by 2030, the companies each said in separate, almost identical statements on Wednesday. "We will focus our efforts on satisfying domestic and overseas demand for large-scale ammonia gas turbines, stimulating further demand for fuel ammonia and expanding the fuel ammonia value chain," Hiroshi Ide, president of IHI Corp said. Reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan; Editing by Bradley PerrettOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The EU is concerned that European companies will move to the United States, which has a $369 billion scheme to subsidise green production. The EU will therefore provide money for its industry as well, von der Leyen said. "To keep European industry attractive, there is a need to be competitive with the offers and incentives that are currently available outside the EU," she said. For the medium term, we will prepare a European Sovereignty Fund as part of the mid-term review of our budget later this year," von der Leyen said. She said the Commission was now working on what the needs of the green industry were.

☆ Analysis: Russia's falling oil revenues could create vicious circle for budget, rouble
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Darya Korsunskaya | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Jan 16 (Reuters) - Russia's attempts to plug its budget deficit by selling foreign currency reserves could lead to a vicious circle that pushes the rouble higher and further reduces the Kremlin's crucial export revenues, analysts say. That process could trigger a cycle of weaker export revenues, requiring more foreign currency sales and leading to an even stronger rouble, exacerbating the budget hole. Finance minister Anton Siluanov said in December that the price cap imposed on its oil could mean Russia's budget deficit is wider than current plans for 2% of GDP in 2023. Government officials have also publicly said they would like to see a weaker rouble - something the foreign currency interventions seem likely to prevent. Russia's budget for this year is based on a Urals blend price of around $70.10 a barrel, though Russia's main blend is currently trading at around $50 a barrel.

CAIRO, Jan 15 (Reuters) - The United States and United Arab Emirates announced on Sunday that the first $20 billion of their $100 billion clean energy partnership would be allocated to fund 15 new gigawatts of renewable energy projects before 2035, state news agency WAM said. The investments would be led by UAE's Masdar and a consortium of US private investors, and financed through $7 billion in private sector cash equity and $13 billion in US debt financing and other instruments, WAM said. Reporting by Nayera Abdallah and Nafisa EltahirOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Toyota says it plans to transform older cars into eco-friendly models to reduce carbon emissions, as the carmaker faces increased criticism for EV hesitancy
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( Bethany Biron | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Toyota plans to convert older cars into eco-friendly models by updating parts, the AP reported. CEO Akio Toyoda announced the effort at an industry event in Tokyo on Friday, per the AP. Toyota has been reluctant to produce EVs due to high costs and concerns about lack of demand. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda said the company plans to use a "conversion" strategy that involves transforming older cars into more sustainable models by replacing certain parts, the Associated Press reported. At the time, Toyota also pledged to make all models in its Lexus line electric in the US, China, and Europe by 2030.

☆ 8 best gluten-free meal delivery services in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Mili Godio | Mili Godio Is An Associate Reporter For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +13 min

Fortunately, many meal kits and pre-made meal delivery services offer several gluten-free menu items for any type of meal that can be tasty, creative and easy to prepare when you’re in a rush. To determine the best meal delivery services with gluten-free options or entirely gluten-free menus, we spoke to nutritionists and dieticians about the best services to try out and highlighted each individual service’s pricing, delivery frequency and meal options. 8 best gluten-free meal delivery services to tryWe spoke to experts about their favorite meal delivery services that either provide gluten-free options or have an entirely gluten-free menu. One of Sunbasket’s 10 available meal plans is the Gluten-Free plan, which features five to eight gluten-free options each week. BistroMD offers a specialized gluten-free program that lets you choose from over 100 gluten-free meals each week, according to the service.

☆ 8 best meal delivery services of 2023, according to experts
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Mili Godio | Mili Godio Is An Associate Reporter For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +26 min

SKIP AHEAD The best meal kit delivery services | How to shop for a meal kit delivery serviceTo determine the best meal delivery service for you, we spoke to chefs, nutritionists and recipe developers about what to look for in a meal delivery service and highlighted their recommendations for the best ones to try this year. 8 best meal delivery services in 2023We talked to our experts about important features to consider when shopping for meal kit delivery services, including available options for certain dietary restrictions, how customizable the plans are and the quality of the ingredients. We separated them into two categories: meal kit services that send out individual ingredients and pre-made meal delivery services. Best meal kit delivery servicesThese expert-recommended meal delivery services all feature an option to send separate ingredients and allow shoppers to cook themselves. For those who don’t have as much time during the week, ready-to-eat meal delivery services are typically the best option.

☆ India's coal imports directive to power plants a precautionary step, official says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (Reuters) - India's recent coal imports directive to power plants was a precautionary measure as the country is expecting high electricity demand to continue in the coming months, a top government official said on Thursday. India this week asked all power plants to import and blend 6% of their coal requirement as domestic coal availability is expected to fall short due to high consumption. "It is a matter of abundance caution," Coal Secretary Amrit Lal Meena told reporters on Thursday. Reporting by Sarita Chaganti Singh, writing by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by Krishna N. DasOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ The story behind hing, one of India's most divisive ingredients
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Shalbha Sarda | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The resin from its roots is used in Indian cooking – usually after it’s ground into powder and mixed with flour. At the Khari Baoli market in old Delhi, for instance, hing even manages to ‘out-smell’ all the other spices. Despite the culinary diversity of India, hing is a constant.”Jains, for example, eschew onion, garlic and ginger in addition to not eating meat. The history of hingSome scholars credit Alexander the Great for first bringing hing to India. Nevertheless, Indians have had their encounter with hing now; it came, it saw, and it stayed.”The professor adds that hing was used in some Greco-Roman cooking but didn’t last long.

Persons: ‘ Asa ’, it’s, hing, Hing, Siddharth Talwar, Rhea Rosalind Ramji, Ramji, Talwar, Alexander the Great, ”, Ashish Chopra, “, umami, asafoetida Organizations: CNN, The, Showbiz Chefs, hing, National Library of Medicine Locations: Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, India, Delhi, Worcestershire

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