World

Zurich [Switzerland], December 23: Argentina have ascended to second place in the FIFA rankings, trailing only quarter-finalists Brazil, FIFA, the global governing body announced on Thursday.
Lionel Messi's side, who lifted the trophy in Qatar on Sunday, move up one place, as do runners-up France, who are now third, with Belgium dropping to fourth.
Last weekend's final was decided on penalties and if one side had won the match after 90 minutes then, according to FIFA regulations, they would have gone above Brazil.
Croatia have moved from 12th to 7th after finishing third in the tournament with fourth-placed Morocco now 11th as the highest positioned African nation.
FIFA rankings top 10 run as follows:
1. Brazil 1840.77 points.
2. Argentina 1838.38.
3. France 1823.39.
4. Belgium 1781.30.
5. England 1774.19.
6. Netherlands 1740.92
7. Croatia 1727.62.
8. Italy 1723.56.
9. Portugal 1702.54.
10. Spain 1692.71.
Source: Emirates News Agency
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World
UAE's 'Beyond2020' delivers solar-powered water sources to 20,000 rural Sudanese
UAE, Beyond 2020, solar-powered water sources, water sources, rural Sudanese
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Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 23: The UAE-led 'Beyond2020' humanitarian initiative has provided a safe source of water for about 20,000 residents of the villages of 'Tawit' and 'Tahjr' in Kassala State, eastern Sudan.
Under the initiative, two small solar-powered water basins were erected in accordance with a groundwater pumping system to provide 20 liters of water per day to residents of the two villages, with the goal of improving access to water and residents' hygiene and health standards.
Practical Action, a non-profit organisation based in the United Kingdom that works with a variety of communities to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle the difficulties they confront, implemented the project.
Beyond2020 is the continuation and expansion of the pioneering UAE-led humanitarian initiative 20by2020, which was launched by the Zayed Sustainability Prize in partnership with several leading local and international organisations in December 2019. The company is the winner of Zayed Sustainability Award 2017.
Beyond2020 represents Phase 2 of the initiative, having reached 8 countries, and impacted approximately 110,000 people during its first phase and debut year.
Going 'beyond generations', 'beyond borders' and 'beyond limits', Beyond2020 offers critical, life-transforming solutions to a broader number of beneficiaries worldwide, providing tech for good and fostering development that is inclusive and sustainable.
Beyond2020 remains inspired by the enduring legacy of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The initiative seeks to continue championing Sheikh Zayed's sustainability and humanitarian values by providing a unique platform for former Zayed Sustainability Prize winners and finalists to deploy their innovations in communities that need them the most and reach a much wider number of people.
Source: Emirates News Agency