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jp888 Abdelgowad scores 26 in UMass' 86-52 victory over UMass-BostonQatar’s commitment to enhancing human capital development and improving public service quality has been reflected on Qatar’s general budget for 2025. Two key sectors – education and health have been allocated a significant outlay they deserve – QR41.4bn, which accounts for 20% of the total budget. Strategic sectors such as trade and industry, research and innovation, tourism, digital transformation, and information technology have also been allocated significant resources to support economic diversification and sustainable development efforts. These sectors play a vital role in shaping a knowledge-driven, innovative economy. This underscores Qatar’s commitment to the development of its nationals, recognising that the development of human capital is vital for the progress of all other sectors, be it economic or social. Qatar’s 2025 budget approved by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani clearly aligns with the country’s plans and strategies to support its ongoing economic growth and achieve economic diversification within the framework of the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. The budget for fiscal 2025 expects total revenues of QR197bn and an expenditure of QR210.2bn with an anticipated deficit of QR13.2bn. According to HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Qatar has set an oil price of $60 per barrel in preparing the budget. HE al-Kuwari said, “Qatar continues to adopt a conservative approach in estimating oil and gas revenues, with an average oil price of $60 per barrel. This approach aims to enhance financial flexibility and ensure spending stability.” The minister noted that Qatar’s total expected revenues for the 2025 fiscal year budget are estimated at QR197bn, reflecting a 2.5% decrease compared to the 2024 budget revenues. He stated, “The anticipated oil and gas revenues for 2025 are QR154bn, down from QR159bn in the 2024 budget, marking a 3.1% decrease. Non-oil revenues for 2025 are estimated at QR43bn, which remains unchanged from 2024 levels.” The budget projection of QR43bn non-oil revenues reflects the country’s focus on non-oil sectors as part of its economic diversification policies and efforts to establish alternative income sources alongside gas and oil. Al-Kuwari said total expenditures projected at QR210.2bn next year, showed a 4.6% increase compared to 2024. He noted the expected budget deficit of QR13.2bn will be financed through local and external debt instruments, as required. Allocations for salaries and wages are set to rise by 5.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, totalling QR67.5bn. Current expenditures will see a 6.3% increase, while secondary capital expenditures are expected to grow by 7.7%. Meanwhile, major capital expenditure allocations will experience a modest 1.4% increase to ensure the ongoing implementation of strategic and developmental projects. Qatar’s economy has shown itself to be resilient following the World Cup in 2022. Caution over fluctuating oil price, reduction of national debt, and promoting private sector employment are among the priorities. The budget underscores the effectiveness of sound economic policies and strategies adopted by Qatar, particularly in achieving economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. It aligns with the Third National Development Strategy, focusing on economic diversification and building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. The budget clearly reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to further strengthening the national economy and fostering sustainable development. Related Story UDC, QSTP sign MoU to foster technological innovation, sustainability UDC gears up for Cityscape Qatar 2024

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Yum! Brands Inc. stock rises Wednesday, still underperforms marketDriving a feed truck on a farm means steering a 60,000-pound vehicle inches away from a concrete feed trough that would wreck the truck. While augers are shoveling food out of the truck to the hungry cattle below, drivers have to drive perfectly straight. "It's just one of the most demanding jobs in one of the worst environments out there," said Jason Hansen, the CEO of ALA Engineering. "And so food truck drivers, specifically, do not stick around very long." ALA Engineering, a startup based in Scottsbluff that also has an office at Nebraska Innovation Campus, hopes to change the livestock industry with driverless technology. The company showed off its concept for a driverless feed truck at the Nebraska Ag Expo in Lincoln earlier this month. Hansen said the truck could help farmers deal with labor shortages and food costs. The ALA Navigator is still being developed, but the company brought its technology attached to a normal feed truck to the Ag Expo. Once the truck is on the market, it would drive a predetermined route with lane limits. The truck will also have sensors in order to see any obstacles on the road ahead while it is dumping feed. Hansen, who studied software engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said the predetermined routes that will be used by the truck means that autonomous vehicles in agricultural settings are safer than a driverless car in city traffic. "When larger robotaxi companies and stuff make big public mistakes, it shines negatively on the autonomy industry as a whole," Hansen said. "And it's worth knowing that agricultural and industrial and off-highway autonomy is a lot different than kind of urban autonomy, especially when it comes to safety." Although the company's trucks may be less likely to crash, there are still big stakes. "If you plant a week late it's a big deal," Hansen said. "If you don't feed cattle for a week, it's the end of the world." The engineering company is building multiple different sensors into the truck so that it can operate day after day in whatever weather conditions a state like Nebraska might throw at it. The backup sensors even have backups. Asher Khor, the senior embedded engineer for the company and a UNL graduate, said the truck can be accurate within less than an inch. "If you're a few inches off, you will hit the bunk," Khor said. "They're major vehicles and so we need really, really precise accuracy of the vehicle." The truck is meant to solve problems like inaccuracies in food distribution and crashes. Hansen also said the agriculture industry as a whole has experienced labor shortages. The average farmer was unable to hire 21% of the workforce they would have hired under normal circumstances, according to a 2022 National Council of Agricultural Employers survey. The vehicle is set to go into production in 2026, Hansen said. Before then, the company will work on commercial pilot programs and complying with different regulations. The truck will be ALA Engineering's first product. Hansen said the company had built a driver-assistance program but decided to keep engineers working in research and development, building toward the end goal of an autonomous vehicle. The startup's goal isn't to replace all of a farmer's trucks or employees, Hansen said. He said good employees are often more useful elsewhere in a stockyard. "As your oldest truck ages out of your fleet, bring in one of ours," Hansen said. "As you lose an employee, or you have an unfilled position, bring in one of our trucks." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

– German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck recently visited Kenya to discuss energy collaboration and attempt to dissuade the East African nation from proceeding with plans to construct a nuclear power plant with Russian involvement. Kenya, a leader in renewable energy, generates approximately 90% of its electricity from sustainable sources such as geothermal, hydro, and wind. However, despite this achievement, significant gaps remain. The Olkaria geothermal power plant, one of the nation’s largest renewable energy facilities, provides only a fraction of the electricity needed, leaving nearly 25% of Kenya’s population without access to power. Faced with this pressing energy deficit, Kenya’s government has outlined plans to build a nuclear power plant, citing the need for a reliable and large-scale energy solution to meet growing demand. The proposed project would involve Russian assistance, a decision that has raised eyebrows internationally. During his visit, Habeck lauded Kenya’s renewable energy progress, calling it “a model for the world,” but expressed deep concerns over the nuclear project. “We need that kind of commitment to renewables too,” he remarked, underscoring Germany’s own transition away from nuclear energy in favour of green alternatives. Habeck attempted to persuade Kenyan officials to reconsider their nuclear ambitions, arguing that partnerships with Russia in such a strategic sector could have long-term implications for Kenya’s sovereignty and energy policy. “Nuclear energy is neither democratic nor sustainable,” Habeck reportedly told Kenyan officials, urging them to explore renewable alternatives and technological collaboration with Germany and other Western nations instead. Kenyan officials, however, appear resolute in their plans. They argue that while renewable energy is critical, it alone cannot meet the country’s growing energy needs, particularly as urbanisation and industrialisation accelerate. Energy Minister Davis Chirchir defended the nuclear proposal, stating, “Renewables have brought us far, but they cannot address our base-load power needs. We require a stable and consistent source of energy to support our economic development, and nuclear offers that solution.” Kenya has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, which has offered to provide technology, expertise, and funding for the project. Habeck’s efforts to dissuade Kenya from partnering with Russia highlight broader geopolitical tensions. Western nations, particularly Germany, have distanced themselves from nuclear energy in favour of renewables. The involvement of Russia in Kenya’s energy sector also raises concerns amid strained global relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions. Energy experts warn that the project could deepen Kenya’s dependence on foreign powers while exposing the country to risks associated with nuclear energy, including high costs, waste management challenges, and potential safety issues. Despite Habeck’s unsuccessful bid to alter Kenya’s course, the visit signals Germany’s interest in strengthening ties with African nations in the energy sector. Habeck proposed increased investment in Kenya’s renewable energy infrastructure, including expanding geothermal and wind capacity, as an alternative to nuclear power. While no agreements were reached during the trip, Habeck vowed to continue advocating for sustainable and democratic energy solutions. Kenya, meanwhile, remains steadfast in its pursuit of nuclear energy as a means of ensuring energy security and supporting its economic ambitions. As the debate continues, Kenya’s decision could have lasting implications for its energy landscape and international relations.None

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