From the Editors: Unit 2 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant keeps UAE on course for Net Zero 2050

UNIT 2 OF BARAKAH NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANT KEEPS UAE ON COURSE FOR NET ZERO 2050: March 24, 2022, was yet another landmark in the UAE’s journey towards achieving self-sufficiency in clean energy production. With Unit 2 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi commencing commercial operations, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation is now all set to add another 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity to the national grid. With this addition, the Barakah plant is now supplying 2,800MW of zero-carbon emission electricity to the national grid. This will go a long way in ensuring the nation’s energy security and helping the country achieve its sustainability goals. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is currently leading the largest decarbonisation drive for any industry across the entire Arab world, keeping the country well on course for its Net Zero 2050 objective. All this has been made possible by the visionary leadership of this country that is known for framing policies that are futuristic and designed to provide maximum benefits to the maximum number. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant bears testimony to that.[COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS ITALY STUNNED BY NORTH MACEDONIA AND MISS OUT ON WORLD CUP: For the second consecutive time, Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup. Last night the European Champions were stunned by North Macedonia in their play-off match in Palermo. It was an Aleksandar Trajkovski goal deep into injury time that inflicted the damage and the shock defeat means Roberto Mancini and his men will not travel to the 2022 showpiece in Qatar which kicks off in November. It was a sensational strike from long range but Italy should have navigated their path past the minnows with the sheer quality of players at their disposal. But they haven’t and it now means the Azzurri will endure at least 12 years between appearances on the world’s biggest stage. At the full time whistle Jorginho, Barella, Immobile and co fell to the knees while the North Macedonians celebrated wildly. They are now just one step away from making it to the finals - but it will be odd not seeing Italy there. Just eight months ago they won the Euro 2020 on penalties against England. How the mighty fall… [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

ELTON JOHN IS ROARING INTO 75TH BIRTHDAY: Nothing can stop the music for singer Elton John, whose 75th birthday is today. The ‘Rocket Man’ singer is still touring and performing, and doesn’t seem to want to take a breather after all these years in the music industry. It’s a testament to his spirit and love for music. Apart from that, John has been an avid fundraiser and activist, promoting many causes for the betterment of the world. All of these qualities have cemented his status as an icon in the sphere of music and beyond.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]