4.2 magnitude earthquake rattles north-central Montana
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Source:The North Africa Journal
January 31, 2026 00:40 UTC
High air pollution expected in Israel this weekend
High air pollution is expected across all regions of the country from this weekend through Monday, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Health Ministry made on Friday. The statement indicated that high air pollution is associated with southwestern winds transporting dust from North Africa to the local region. Due to the hazardous outdoor conditions, the Health Ministry recommends that sensitive populations - such as individuals with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, children, and pregnant women- avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors. Directives for general population amid sandstormAdditionally, the general population is advised to limit physical activity outdoors as a precaution. The statement also said the public would be updated as needed based on forecasting data and measurements from monitoring stations across the country.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 20:24 UTC
Turkey’s Drone Industry at a Strategic Crossroads
Following years of quiet ascent, Turkey’s combat drone industry now finds itself at a moment of decision. Europe’s combat drone market alone is projected to reach $19 billion by 2030, with increasing defense autonomy and joint procurement initiatives like Eurodrone accelerating demand. Cheap and Useful with No Strings AttachedThree core factors explain Turkey’s combat drone prominence globally. NATO Integration: The European Pivot that Makes SenseIn contrast to strategic incoherence elsewhere, Turkish combat drone integration to NATO systems supports a viable and coherent perspective for Ankara’s combat drone futures. These moves open doors to the European combat drone market — projected to exceed $19 billion by 2030 — but also invite greater scrutiny.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 15:01 UTC
What I’ve learned: Ridha Moumni
The way art is expressed in the Arabic language is very different from French or English. It belongs to an ethical idea of beauty and is often expressed in an almost elemental way. He was probably the most knowledgeable person on Tunisian art history. I remember our last conversation: I told him that when I returned from my travels, I wanted to record all our discussions so I could preserve traces of his memory and of Tunisian art history. I learned of his passing at the age of 96 while I was travelling, and I deeply regretted not having seized the moment.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 14:51 UTC
Smartphone revenues hit record high as premium demand lifts Q4
Global smartphone revenues climbed to a record US$135 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, rising 7% year-on-year as higher prices and strong demand for premium devices offset ongoing pressure on shipments. Demand for silicon from AI servers and accelerators has tightened supply, feeding through into higher handset prices. Counterpoint senior analyst Shilpi Jain said the combination of higher ASPs and resilient consumer demand delivered a “positive quarter” for the industry. Apple was the clear standout, delivering its strongest fourth quarter since 2021 and generating US$76 billion in revenue, up 11% year-on-year. Apple accounted for 57% of total smartphone revenue in the quarter, up from 54% a year earlier.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 11:26 UTC
New Cassava–AXON deal aims to modernize telecom networks across Africa
Cassava Technologies and AXON Networks have announced a strategic partnership to develop and deploy a telecom network virtualization platform across Africa. The initiative is designed to support telecom operators and internet service providers as they modernize their networks. Managing costs and improving efficiencyThe partnership comes as African telecom service providers face rising pressure to manage network-related operating costs. In its 2022 report “5G in Africa: Realizing the Potential,” the GSMA warned that telecom operators’ operating costs would continue to rise. He said this shift should significantly lower operating costs and improve access for both customers and service providers.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 11:01 UTC
When and where to watch Elche CF v FC Barcelona
After Champions League action in midweek, Barça turn their attention back to La Liga and a trip to one of this season's promoted sides, Elche CF. The visit to the Martínez Valero will be a demanding one as Eder Sarabia's team are having a solid season on their return to the top flight currently sitting in 11th place in the table on 24 points. The game kicks off at 9.00pm local time and this guide should help you work out what time that will be in your part of the world. However, we cannot guarantee they will be televising this particular game and please consider that the rights may have been transferred to another broadcaster. Check local TV listings to be sure.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 10:15 UTC
IAU-OAD to Fund 18 Astronomy-for-Development Projects in 2026
The International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU-OAD) will support 18 global projects in 2026, selected to receive a total of EUR 111,161, to continue promoting sustainable development. Additionally, the project will train community-based facilitators in basic astronomy and trauma-sensitive facilitation to ensure sustainability and long-term impact. Since 2012, the IAU has granted close to EUR 1.5 million to more than 200 projects, impacting thousands of lives in over 100 countries. These teams then worked closely with the OAD to strengthen the impact potential of their projects. Additional Funded ProjectsOther African Funded Projects include;
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 09:26 UTC
Africa Is Set to Dominate Global High-Impact Oil and Gas Drilling in 2026
The upstream sector is set to carry strong momentum into 2026, with high-impact wildcat drilling activity expected to remain elevated following a solid 2025. Such activity in 2026 is expected to drive exploration momentum higher in specific basins and countries, with 42 such wells identified globally. Africa is set to continue leading global activity, accounting for around 40% of planned high-impact exploration wells, driven largely along the Atlantic margin, with exploration expected to focus on the Orange Basin in Southern Africa and the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, reinforcing the region’s role in global high-impact drilling. Aatisha Mahajan, Head of Exploration, Oil & Gas Research, Rystad EnergyOutside Africa, Asia accounts for eight high-impact wells, led by Indonesia with four, followed by India and Malaysia with two each. Among operators, ONGC, Petronas, Oil India, Mari Petroleum and Petro Matad secured the largest acreage positions over this period, positioning them to lead high-impact exploration activity in the coming years.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 08:13 UTC
TOTAL Formally Restarts in Mozambique; First LNG Expected in 2029 - Africa’s premier report on the oil, gas and energy landscape.
“This restart of project activities onshore and offshore follows the decision made on November 7, 2025, by Mozambique LNG consortium to lift the Force Majeure that was declared in 2021 and resume project activities”, TOTAL says in a statement. First LNG is expected in 2029 as the project progress is currently at 40% – almost all engineering and procurement of main equipment have been executed during the force majeure period”, the company explains. During the meeting, the government of Mozambique confirmed its commitment to work together with Mozambique LNG to support the restart of project activities and address the consequences of the Force Majeure period. TOTAL notes that the 13Million Tonnes Per Annum MLNG project has ambitious local content plan. “The project will provide up to 7,000 direct jobs for Mozambicans during construction, and contracts awarded to Mozambican companies are expected to amount to more than $4Billion.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 04:45 UTC
Investing in Africa’s growing young population for prosperity
The answer lies in Africa’s ability to equip its youth with the skills, health, and education to compete effectively in a 21st century labor market. Only by investing in its youthful population will Africa claim a prosperous 21st century. Below are recommended policy foci which could be used to turn pledges into concrete results that deliver progress for Africa’s youth. Future skills: Preparing youth for tomorrow’s jobsEven graduates often lack the skills demanded by the labor market, particularly in STEM and digital competencies. Bridging this gap between education and work will require expanded youth employment programs, particularly those tailored to young women.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 30, 2026 03:51 UTC
Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program 2026/2027 for early-career scholars.
Application Deadline: March 19, 2026Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program. The Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program provides opportunities for early-career scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences who hold refugee status or have been forcibly displaced. Through the Global Center, they will be connected to a global network of academics and scholars from Columbia University and beyond. Full integration into the vibrant life of one of the Columbia Global Centers. For More Information:Visit the Official Webpage of the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2026 22:40 UTC
Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Unveils Interactive Programming to Enhance Education and Networking
Intersolar & Energy Storage North America, the premier U.S. tradeshow and conference series for solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and manufacturing, today announced onsite activities that enhance education, collaboration, and connection at its Flagship event on February 18-20 at the San Diego Convention Center. More Headlines Articles"As the industry navigates administrative headwinds and unprecedented load growth, solution providers, experts, and practitioners must work together," said Beckie Kier, Event Director, Intersolar & Energy Storage North America. "Programming for IESNA Flagship—the first major solar and storage event of 2026—provides professionals across the clean energy value chain with opportunities to build relationships, share insights, and establish progressive frameworks. Additional registration required for workshops and educational meals.Join the ConversationRegister here to secure your access to insider insights, meaningful connections, and targeted training at IESNA Flagship 2026.About Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA)Intersolar & Energy Storage North America is the premier U.S. tradeshow and conference series for solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and manufacturing. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2026 20:16 UTC
Moroccan FM Confident About Positive Prospects of Morocco-EU Partnership – The North Africa Post
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, expressed, on Thursday in Brussels, confidence in the positive and promising prospects of the partnership between Morocco and the European Union. “I am convinced that this meeting will be fruitful and will open up positive prospects for both parties,” Bourita told the press shortly before the start of the 15th session of the Morocco-EU Association Council. Bourita also highlighted the political dimension of this session, which is being held in an international context marked by uncertainty and conflict. The minister recalled that the Kingdom has always been a partner that is both demanding in expressing its expectations and loyal in honoring its commitments, an approach that will continue to guide its relations with the European Union. On the economic front, Bourita noted that Morocco remains the European Union’s leading trading partner south of the Mediterranean and in Africa, considering that this partnership can serve as a source of inspiration for the future of relations between the EU and its southern neighborhood.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2026 19:39 UTC
9 Most Walkable Town Centers In North Carolina
An Atlantic coastal state in the southeastern US, North Carolina is a hotspot for vibrant, highly walkable towns where Southern hospitality rules. More in North CarolinaVisit these 8 unpretentious towns in North Carolina. Editorial credit: J. Michael Jones / Shutterstock.comA homey college town a couple of hours from larger urban centers, Boone is located in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern part of North Carolina. Centered around very walkable, lively King Street, the vibes here are a fun mix of mountain town friendliness and artsy college energy. HillsboroughLocal businesses in King Street in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2026 17:12 UTC