China tests hypersonic passenger plane that can fly from London to New York under 2 hours

(Independent) A Chinese aerospace firm has completed the first test flight of a passenger plane that it claims can fly at Mach 4 – more than twice the speed of Concorde.

Beijing-based Space Transportation, also known as Lingkong Tianxing Technology, said the prototype of its Yunxing plane has conducted a successful outing ahead of further engine tests in November.

The first full-scale supersonic passenger jet is expected to perform its maiden flight in 2027, according to the South China Morning Post, who first reported the test flight.

If successful, the Chinese-built craft could become the first supersonic airliner to fly passengers in nearly a quarter of a century, with Concorde completing its final flight in 2003.

Travelling at speeds of 5,000kph (3,000mph), the new plane could potentially fly between London and New York in 1.5 hours. The fastest transatlantic crossing for a Concorde was 2 hours and 53 minutes, while standard airliners take around eght hours.

Space Transportation claims that its hypersonic plane can travel at speeds of Mach-4, which is double the speed of Concorde (Space Transportation)

Space Transportation is one of several companies attempting to reignite commercial supersonic air travel.

US-based Venus Aerospace is currently developing a jet engine that it claims could go as fast as Mach 6 and “make the hypersonic economy a reality”.

SpaceX and Tesla boss Elon Musk has also expressed his interest in building a supersonic jet, though is not in the process of developing one due to his workload.

Credit: The Independent

Nigerian Electricity consumers disconnect over rising tariffs

(Punch)Many consumers have requested electricity distribution companies also known as DisCos to disconnect them from power supply, lamenting that they can no longer pay their energy bills.

Most of the consumers opting for disconnection fall under the Band A and B categories and are postpaid customers.

Saturday PUNCH findings revealed that the consumers receive estimated billing ranging from N40,000 to N400,000, depending on the electricity gadgets and size of the house or shop.

This was as some prepaid consumers on Band A also found it difficult to pay for the electricity tariff, forcing them to stay in darkness for days.

The electricity tariff for Band A is N209.50 per kilowatt-hour, while that of Band B is N64.07 per kWh.

Band A’s minimum electricity supply hours are 20 hours per day, while Band B consumers enjoy 16 hours daily.

Nigerians have been lamenting the increase in electricity tariffs coupled with the high cost of fuel.

Many unmetered consumers continue to decry high estimated billing from their DisCos, resulting in their resolve to stay without power rather than accumulate debt for ‘unused energy’.

Saturday PUNCH noted that the number of consumers asking DisCos to disconnect their electricity due to estimated billing had been increasing amid economic hardship.

A staff member of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, who spoke on condition of anonymity said the company  has been disconnecting between 15 and 20 houses every month based on requests from owners.

According to him, the affected consumers receive estimated bills of between N180,000 and N300,000 every month, regardless of the structure.

He said, “It is a common request from people, especially those on Band A who find it difficult to pay for electricity. Postpaid customers on Band A, who are frustrated with estimated bills of N80,000, N100,000, N200,000, N350,000, and above, have been requesting disconnection.

“On average, we disconnect 15 to 20 houses on request every month, and we suspend their accounts pending installation of prepaid meters. 

Credit: punchng.com 

Trump is Next President of the United States - prophecy

On the 5th of November, 2024, Donald J. Trump will be elected as the President and Commander-in -Chief of the United States of America. I prophesy. The World should take note of this. Trump is next President of the United States. 

Trump is coming to bring peace to the world.

He is a realist and not a racist.

He is a strong leader the world respects and not a weak leader.

He loves the United States of America with passion and wants the best for Americans.

Donald J. Trump is selfless, patriotic, bold and courageous.

He is a leader, family man, great father and a success with the Midas Touch.

He may not be perfect like any other human being but God Almighty loves him and has ordained him to restore the glory of the United States and end needless wars in the world.

They label him "fascist," but that is utter lie  by the Democrats, whose stock-in-trade is disinformation using the fake news media of America.

Those that call Trump "fascist" are so deranged and bigoted because that is not possible in a democracy except they are saying that America is a fascist State  - You can see how they are shooting themselves in the foot.

The more they try to vilify and demonize Trump the more God Almighty blesses and glorifies him.

His victory was stolen in 2020 and because of that God Almighty decided to restore him this time to complete the assignment given to him from Heaven above.

They tried to kill him but God Almighty saved him.

Donald J Trump is a good man and God has ordained him to govern America.

Nothing created can stop it. This is Trump moment and he is ready to Make America Great Again.

The World should take note of this . Trump is coming. It is unstoppable. I have spoken.

I am Hon. Prince Ben AHANONU.

Newly-Wed Woman Abandons Husband on Wedding Night to Be with Lover

 

(Gazette) In a shocking turn of events, a newly married woman, Sisasenkosi Mpofu, from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, abandoned her husband on their wedding night to spend the evening with her secret lover, sparking outrage among both families.

Mpofu, who tied the knot with Mbongeni Moyo, a church elder at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Iminyela branch, at the end of May, disappeared just hours after the ceremony.

She was reported to have spent the night with her lover, Geshom Gwatiringa, a police officer stationed at Hillside Police Station, and returned the following day.

When questioned by her husband, Mpofu reportedly failed to explain her absence, leading Moyo to confiscate her phone.

Upon discovering incriminating messages between Mpofu and Gwatiringa, she admitted to spending the night with him.

The situation escalated when Moyo, alongside his brother-in-law Fungai Mpofu and two friends, Prosper Ndlovu and Allen Munhuru, confronted Gwatiringa at his home in the early hours of the morning.

They allegedly attacked him, dragging him to Entumbane Police Station while continuing the assault.

Gwatiringa, who was severely injured, collapsed at the station and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.

A police case was opened against Moyo and his accomplices, leading to their arrest on charges of attempted murder.

Credit: The Gazette (Nigeria)

Emirates introduce free transit visas to lure Nigerian travellers to Dubai

 

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(BusinessDay) Emirates has introduced free transit visas for Nigerian passengers transiting through Dubai on its flight. In a recent email message to its passengers, Emirates said,  “We are pleased to offer 48 or 96-hour UAE visas to our passengers purchasing tickets during the month of November.”

BusinessDay findings show that those eligible for the visas are only passengers travelling on the Emirates flight from Nigeria.

Bankole Bernard, the Group Managing Director (GMD), Finchglow Holdings, a holding company for six travel companies in Nigeria told BusinessDay that the introduction of the free transit visas is simply to lure passengers to book Emirates tickets because the airline hasn’t been getting passengers since it resumed flight operations into Nigeria.

“What they have to do further is to relax the visa rules. People have moved on. Emirates is feeling the heat and they may still feel it more if UAE fails to relax its visa rules. They have to study their comeback to know which way they have to go.

“Emirates need to readjust themselves. They are also hard on the travel agencies,” Bernard said. Recalled that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier Emirates resumed flight operations into Nigeria on October 1.

This is coming two years after the suspension of operation by the airline over several issues including unresolved trapped funds belonging to the airline.

Before its flight resumption, BusinessDay had earlier reported that the airline recorded low bookings.

Apart from competition arising from other foreign airlines which had since benefited from the absence of Emirates on the Nigerian route, travel agents and stakeholders in the aviation sector have attributed the low passenger turnout to the stringent visa requirements imposed on Nigerians and the airline’s dollarised tickets.

A Nigerian passport holder applicant is expected to provide a proof of six months bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 (about N16 mil­lion) in his or her account before applying for a UAE visa.

For Nigerian citizens with valid United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Schengen visas on their passports, the rule may be a bit liberal on them.

Also, Nigerians with green passports are mandated to provide round-trip flight tickets and proof of hotel booking before applying for the UAE visa.

Besides, Nigerian applicants are to also obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN), which the UAE said was to au­thenticate and verify documenta­tion essential for visa applications to the UAE.

UAE unveiled different types of visas for Nigerians with diverse fees, ranging from N150,000 to N270,000.

For a transit visa, a Nigerian passport holder is expected to pay the sum of N150,000 for, a tourist visa for 14 days; N200,000 for, a tourist visa for 30 days; N250,000 for and tourist visa for 60 days would pay the sum of N270,000.

Credit: Businessday

    

FIRS Unveils Step-By-Step Guide For Recruitment As Tax Officers for Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu others

 

(Leadership)The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially announced the opening of its recruitment portal for Tax Officer positions, with applications starting at 12:00am on November 2, 2024.

In a post shared on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, the tax collection agency revealed that it was seeking to fill positions of Officer I and Officer II across multiple locations in Nigeria.

The FIRS emphasised that women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply as part of its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The two positions will be available in eight states, namely Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Oyo. However, successful applicants should be aware that they must be ready to work in any of FIRS’ business locations, regardless of their initial posting preferences.

The recruitment drive will present a valuable opportunity for eligible candidates across the country to contribute to national development through tax administration.

Hereunder is the step-by-step guide to apply for the job offers:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Age Limit: You must be 27 years old or below by 31st December 2024.

NYSC Completion: You must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) no later than December 31,2021

Educational Qualifications: You should possess a Bachelor’s Degree or HND in a relevant discipline, with First Class or Second Class Upper Division.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Visit the official FIRS recruitment portal at www.firs.gov.ng/careers. Be sure to use this official website to avoid scams and fraudulent activities. Fill out the online application form accurately, ensuring all the information provided is correct.

Step 3: Upload and Submit Required Documents

Prepare and upload clear copies of the required documents. These include:

Academic certificates (Bachelor’s Degree or HND).

NYSC discharge certificate.

Relevant professional certifications, if applicable (e.g., ICAN, ACCA).

A recent passport photograph.

Once uploaded, ensure to note any confirmation or reference number provided after submission.

Step 4: Monitor Your Email

After submission, regularly check your email for communications from FIRS. This will include updates regarding your application status and next steps in the recruitment process.

Step 5: Assessments and Interviews

If shortlisted, you will be invited to participate in assessments and interviews. During these, be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and suitability for the role. You will be notified via email regarding the outcome of these assessments.

Step 6: Onboarding

If selected, FIRS will provide further instructions regarding onboarding, which include training and orientation sessions.

 Credit: Leadership

Nigeria bans Nivea roll-on deodorant over harmful chemical content

Nairametrics reports that Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recalled Nivea BLACK & WHITE invisible roll-on deodorant due to harmful chemical content.

NAFDAC disclosed this through Public Alert No. 041/2024 to Nigerians.

The agency stated that the recalled Nivea product is said to contain 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (BMHCA),” a chemical prohibited in cosmetics products due to its ability to cause harm to the reproductive system, impairs the health of an unborn child as well as skin irritation and burns to users.”

The agency said the product, produced in Germany, is marked ‘48H protection in African climate’, with batch number: 93529610 and bar code number: 42299882.

Members of the public in possession of the affected batch of product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and iOS stores.”

Credit: Nairametrics