Month: October 2020

Categories
Business UAE News

DP world, Jafza, CII discuss auto sector revival

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region and CEO of Jafza

The Confederation of Indian Indusrtries (CII), DP world UAE region and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Jafza together held a meet to discuss the bounce back of the auto industry. The Auto Resurgence Summit held on Thursday reflected upon the measures to be taken to ensure the revival of the sector, after being hit by the pandemic crisis.

Speakers highlighted the significance of creating a self-reliant, sustainable and stable market, emphasising the need to adopt measures like increased localisation, use of technology, new-gen mobility and increased participation in the global value chain.

“We were thrilled to be a part of the Auto Resurgence Summit 2020. Joining hands with CII was a great opportunity for us to tap the Indian market and reach out to our partners there. The pandemic has revealed the vulnerability of supply chains and demonstrated the need to have resilient ones,” said Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region and CEO of Jafza.

The DP world has got significant presence in India. DP World’s network spans a wide range of ports in the Indian subcontinent. It is the first global operator with a pan-India license in Indian freight rail industry.

Last year, DP World, UAE Region had launched the India-UAE Bridge, a major project that aims to attract Indian trade and investments to its flagships, Jebel Ali Port and Jafza.

Also Read: September becomes India’s worst pandemic month

Also Read: India extends Int’l flight ban till Oct 31

Categories
-Top News UAE News

UAE, China relations built upon mutual respect: Sharjah Chamber

The chamber is aware of the advantages that connect the two friendly countries and the efforts to enhance their economic, commercial and investment cooperation…Reports Asian Lite News

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has said that the relations between the UAE and China are historic and based on respect and mutual interests in many areas, including the economy, commerce and tourism.

In an exclusive statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Al Owais said that the ties between the two countries have significant potential and represent a leading model of international economic relations, noting that they are witnessing further development, especially in Sharjah, which is an ideal destination that attracts Chinese companies.

“The chamber is aware of the advantages that connect the two friendly countries,” he added while highlighting its efforts to enhance their economic, commercial and investment cooperation.

Al Owais then pointed out that Sharjah’s economic advantages have attracted the presence of Chinese companies, of which 1,020 are members of the chamber in 2020.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadhi, Director-General of the Chamber

In another statement to WAM, Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadhi, Director-General of the Chamber, stressed that China is a strategic economic partner of the UAE, as it is the second leading commercial partner of the country and an influential global economic power with an advanced commercial sector and innovative advanced industries. Therefore, developing the joint commercial ties between China and Sharjah is one of the chamber’s priorities, he added.

Al Awadhi also noted that the strategic geographic location of Sharjah related to the “Belt and Road Initiative” is a key incentive for attracting Chinese investment.

Also read:‘IPL shows world’s trust in UAE’

Categories
Business USA

American Airlines fires 19,000 workers

(140213) -- WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2014 (Xinhua) -- A plane of American Airlines is seen in snow at Reagan National Airport in Washington, capital of the United States, Feb. 12, 2014. Snowstorm hitting south U.S. has extended to its east areas, causing many flights cancelled or delayed. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) (bxq)

It would reverse the move if Congress reaches a deal to extend aid…said Doug Parker…Reports Asian Lite News

(140213) — WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2014 (Xinhua) — A plane of American Airlines is seen in snow at Reagan National Airport in Washington, capital of the United States, Feb. 12, 2014. Snowstorm hitting south U.S. has extended to its east areas, causing many flights cancelled or delayed. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) (bxq)

At least 19,000 American Airlines workers will be furloughed from Thursday, the Texas-based airline said in a statement, adding that it would reverse the move if Congress reaches a deal to extend aid.

In the statement issued on Wednesday, CEO Doug Parker said that he spoke with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and that negotiations were continuing on an agreement that would include the extension of funds, The Hill news website reported.

“Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that any of these efforts will come to fruition. However, in an effort to encourage cooperation and keep hope alive or our team, I informed the Secretary that if these efforts to extend (the Payroll Support Program) are successful over the next few days, we will reverse our furlough processes and recall any impacted team members,” Parker was quoted as saying in the statement.

The CEO added that Congressional leaders were also discussing to pass a separate extension.

“I am extremely sorry we have reached this outcome. It is not what you all deserve. It is a privilege to advocate on behalf of the hardworking aviation professionals at American and throughout the industry, and you have my assurance that we will continue to do so in the days ahead.

“Please keep contacting your elected officials about the importance of reaching an agreement that will extend PSP. We are not done fighting,” he added.

Also read:Cleveland-Cliffs takes over ArcelorMittal USA

Categories
-Top News India News

September becomes India’s worst pandemic month

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

India on Thursday reported 86,821 new coronaviruses cases and another 1,181 fatalities, making September its worst month of the pandemic.

The Health Ministry’s update for the past 24 hours raised India’s total to more than 6.3 million people infected and 98,678 dead from COVID-19. India added 41 percent of its confirmed cases and 34 percent of fatalities in September alone.

India is expected to become the pandemic’s worst-hit country within weeks, surpassing the United States, where more than 7.2 million people have been infected.

The government announced further easing of restrictions to start October 15. Cinemas, theaters and multiplexes can open with up to 50 percent of seating capacity, and swimming pools can also be used by athletes in training.

The government also said India’s 28 states can decide on reopening of schools and coaching institutions gradually after October 15. However, the students will have the option of attending online classes.

International commercial flights will remain suspended until October 31. However, evacuation flights will continue to and from the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, France, Japan and several other countries.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed the world’s stringent lockdown across the country late March, but started easing restrictions after two months to revive the severely-hit economy that contracted an unprecedented 24% in the April-June quarter. The lockdown cost more than 10 million impoverished migrant workers their jobs in the cities.

Also Read: India extends Int’l flight ban till Oct 31

Categories
Sport

Lakers dominates the first finals game

The LA Lakers made their intentions loud and clear in the 2020 NBA Finals with a dominating 116-98 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1.

In a game played late on Wednesday, the Heat were able to take an early 13-point but that was it. Post the first six minutes of the Game, the Lakers took control of the game and closed the first quarter on a 19-3 run. At one point, it became 75-30.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel agreed that the team got off to a slow start but lauded his bench for turning the tide. “Kuzma and Rondo came in and Alex, those guys brought great energy. Helped us get stops and get out on the break some. Rondo orchestrated a few buckets for us and helped turn the game around,” said Vogel.

LeBron James too agreed that run from Miami was like a wake up call for his team. “From that moment when it was 23-10, we started to play to our capabilities. We started flying around. We started getting defensive stops. We started sharing the ball a lot better offensively and just got into a really good groove,” explained James.

For Lakers, Anthony Davis was the star with 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists. James was happy he was on the same team as Davis. “I’m happy to be on the same floor with him and in the same uniform. He was, once again, a force in every facet of the game, offensively and defensively,” he said.

Game 2 of the Finals between the two teams will now be played on Saturday.

Also Read: Lebron pays emotional tribute to Kobe

Categories
Education EU News

EC to reform education through digitalisation

BRUSSELS, May 27, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Margrethe Vestager, European commissioner for competition and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group (ALDE) lead Candidate to the Presidency of the European Commission, speaks at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, May 27, 2019. Voters in Germany, Lithuania, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece and Italy cast their ballots on Sunday in elections to the European Parliament (EP). Citizens of the 28 European Union (EU) member countries, among whom over 400 million voters are eligible, are expected to vote over the course of four days, starting from Thursday, to elect 751 members of EP (MEPs) for a five-year term. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/IANS)
  • BRUSSELS, May 27, 2019 (Xinhua) — Margrethe Vestager, European commissioner for competition and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group (ALDE) lead Candidate to the Presidency of the European Commission, speaks at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, May 27, 2019. Voters in Germany, Lithuania, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece and Italy cast their ballots on Sunday in elections to the European Parliament (EP). Citizens of the 28 European Union (EU) member countries, among whom over 400 million voters are eligible, are expected to vote over the course of four days, starting from Thursday, to elect 751 members of EP (MEPs) for a five-year term. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/IANS)

It is a call to action to make education and training systems truly fit for the digital age…Reports Asian Lite News

The European Commission has adopted the new Digital Education Action Plan, reflecting lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis and devising a plan for a high-performing digital education eco-system, according to an official statement.

In the statement, the Commission said that the plan proposes a set of initiatives for high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education in Europe.

It is a call to action to make education and training systems truly fit for the digital age.

“The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has put distance learning at the centre of education practices.

“This has shed light on the pressing need to improve digital education, as a key strategic objective for high-quality teaching and learning in the digital age,” the statement said.

The Action Plan has two long-term strategic priorities: First, fostering the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem and second, enhancing digital competences for the digital transformation.

“Education and training have faced huge disruption due to Covid-19 and a quick shift to distance and online learning. The mass use of technology has revealed gaps and exposed weaknesses,” the statement quoted Executive Vice President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager as saying.

“This is also an opportunity to reset education and training for the digital age. Ninety-five of respondents to the public consultation on the Digital Education Action Plan see the crisis as a turning point for the way technology is used in education and training.

“This is a momentum to shape and modernise education for the digital age,” she added.

Also read:EU considers legal actions over UK Brexit treaty breach

Categories
-Top News

India extends Int’l flight ban till Oct 31

Air India.

The Central government on Wednesday extended the suspension of scheduled commercial international flight operations to and from India till October 31.

“This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),” an official statement said.

“However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case to case basis,” it added.

Passenger air services were suspended on March 25 due to the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19. Domestic flight services, however, resumed from May 25.

Also Read: IATA foresees 66% fall in Air Traffic

Categories
Sport

French Open: Nadal, Thiem get into third round

Rafael Nadal (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei/IANS)

Rafael Nadal, the 12-time Roland Garros champion, completed another overwhelming show at the ongoing French Open as he registered a straight-sets win No. 236 Mackenzie McDonald to progress to the next round.

On Wednesday, the ‘King of Clay’ defeated McDonald 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in just one hour and 40 minutes to improve his record at the clay court grand slam to 95-2.

“I am very happy,” Nadal said after his triumph as per the ATP Tour website. “(It) will be another difficult match against Travaglia or Nishikori. I hope to play a good level. It’s always very special to play here in Paris, especially here on Court Philippe-Chatrier, so I’m very happy to play another time,” he added.

Second seed Nadal will now face Italy’s Stefano Travaglia in the round of 32. The latter survived a five-set thriller against Japan’s Nishikori Kei to advance 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7), 4-6, 6-2.

In the other men’s singles clash, newly-crowned US Open champion Dominic Thiem extended his winning streak to nine matches, defeating American qualifier Jack Sock 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (6) in two hours and 22 minutes. He will next face No. 28 seed Casper Ruud.

Meanwhile, in women’s singles, top seed Simona Halep beat her fellow Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu 6-3, 6-4 to book a spot in the third round, while third seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine overcame defeated Mexican qualifier Renata Zarazua 6-3, 0-6, 6-2 to keep on track for her maiden Grand Slam title.

Also Read: French Open cuts down spectator count

Categories
Sport

Royals’ guns go silent before the Knight Riders

A clinical Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday secured a 37-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) here. After scoring 174/6 wkts in 20 overs, KKR restricted RR to 137/9 in 20 overs, with top scorer Tom Curran (54 not out off 36 balls) being one of just three RR batsmen to enter double figures.

Pat Cummins struck early with the big wicket of his Australian team mate Steve Smith in the second over of the RR innings. The in-form Sanju Samson was dismissed by Shivam Mavi in the fifth over which meant that RR had lost both their highest scoring batsmen thus far this season within the powerplay.

Jos Buttler scored a quickfire 21 off 16 and threatened to get back to the form he displayed last season, before falling to the very first ball of the seventh over bowled by Mavi.

It was all downhill for RR after that as they failed to get partnerships going. They were reduced to 88/8 in the 15th over with the fall of Jofra Archer. They were dragged to 137/9 by Curran who scored 54 not out off 36 runs and it meant that his unbeaten last wicket stand of 31 runs with Ankit Rajpoot ended up being RR’s highest on the day.

Dubai: Owner of the KKR Team Shahrukh Khan watches the match 12 of season 13, Dream 11 Indian Premier League (IPL) between the Rajasthan Royals and the Kolkata Knight Riders held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on the 30th September 2020. (Photo: BCCI/IPL)

Earlier, opener Shubman Gill’s 47 and Eoin Morgan’s unbeaten 34 helped the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) score 174/6 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. For RR, Jofra Acher marked his return to form with the ball as he bagged 2/18.

Sunil Narine’s dry spell with the bat continued as he was dismissed for 15 runs in the fifth over. His opening partner Gill, however, anchored the innings throughout its first half before finally falling in the 12th over to Archer, three runs short of a second consecutive half century.

Explosive all-rounder Andre Russell was threatening to finally show his full array of shots this season, reaching 24 runs in 14 balls. His innings was punctuated by three sixes but it was cut short by Ankit Rajpoot who got him holed out at deep midwicket. Morgan then anchored the lower middle order and saw KKR through to 174 for six in 20 overs.

Brief scores: KKR 174/6 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 47, Eoin Morgan 34 not out; Jofra Archer 2/18) beat RR 137/9 in 20 overs (Tom Curran 54 not out, Jos Buttler 21; Kamlesh Nagarkoti 2/13) by 37 runs’

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals seize their first outing

Categories
-Top News India News

India Welcomes Libyan Peace Efforts

Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs

India has welcomed international efforts for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Libya through an intra-Libyan dialogue.

“We have been closely monitoring the developments in Libya and have noted the progress in intra-Libyan dialogue facilitated by the Kingdom of Morocco,” Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

India also noted the talks in Montreux, Switzerland, under the auspices of the UN Support Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, following Berlin International Conference on 19th January 2020 and Cairo Declaration of 6th June 2020.

“We welcome these international efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the conflict through an intra-Libyan dialogue, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people, while preserving Libya’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” the statement added.

This is the second time recently that India has expressed its views on the situation in Libya.

“The continuing conflict and instability in Libya is a matter of international concern. We support efforts towards immediate cessation of all hostilities in Libya,” an earlier statement said.