Paris, France | AFP | The first flower to appear along the path of plant evolution, during the time of the dinosaurs, was a hermaphrodite with petal-like organs arranged in concentric circles, researchers said Monday. The bloom had both male and female reproductive organs at the centre, surrounded by multiple layers …
Read More »China opens first overseas base in Africa
Beijing, China | AFP | China has officially opened its first overseas naval base in Djibouti, state media said Tuesday, a major step for the country’s expansion of its military presence abroad. Chinese military personnel, officials and guests attended a flag-raising ceremony and military parade to mark the occasion, the …
Read More »Customising ICT solutions for clients
Haruna Nyanzi is the managing director of the Kampala-based Sombha Solutions, an information and communication technology provider. He spoke to The Independent’s Ian Katusiime about how the young company is setting itself apart in a rather competitive industry. What is your management style? I believe in clear goal sharing, where …
Read More »Watch out Messi, here come the footballers at RoboCup
Nagoya, Japan | AFP | With steely focus, player number 3 scored a stunning opening goal in the first few minutes of the high-stakes football match between a dominant Bordeaux and their plucky Chinese opponents. But as the crowds cheered, the pint-sized player, known as Arya, showed none of the customary …
Read More »Apple removes some VPN services from Chinese app store
Beijing, China | AFP | Apple has removed software allowing internet users to skirt China’s “Great Firewall” from its app store in the country, the company confirmed Sunday, sparking criticism that it was bowing to Beijing’s tightening web censorship. Chinese internet users have for years sought to get around heavy internet …
Read More »Formula One: Steering wheel of fortune for Vettel
Budapest, Hungary | AFP | Sebastian Vettel admitted he was glad that it is so difficult to overtake around the tight Hungaroring circuit after nursing his Ferrari car, with steering problems, to victory in Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix. The four-time world champion, whose victory lifted him 14 points clear of …
Read More »Amazon’s Jeff Bezos becomes world’s richest person – briefly
New York, United States | AFP | Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on Thursday became the world’s richest person, as a jump in the share price of the US tech giant enabled him to overtake Microsoft founder Bill Gates, a new estimate showed. Forbes magazine said its real-time tracking of personal …
Read More »Twitter dives, growth stall highlights contrast with Facebook
San Francisco, United States | AFP | Twitter shares were hammered Thursday after the company reported no gain in its user base in the past quarter, raising fresh fears about the future of the service as it loses more ground to Facebook. Twitter, which has been struggling to keep pace …
Read More »TECH: Kluger Vs Prado
Comparing two of Toyota’s hottest SUVs from 2014 Here’s a comparison between the 2014 Toyota Kluger and the Toyota Landcruiser Prado 150 series. This is probably the most relevant and interesting comparison you’ll ever read and consider. You see, to many the Prado’s off road capability is completely irrelevant. For …
Read More »World gears up for electric cars despite bumps in road
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Technological advances mean fossil fuel in cars could be phased out within decades but switching to electric carries its own environmental and economic concerns as more and more countries announce radical plans. Britain on Wednesday said it would “end the sale of all conventional petrol …
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