Month: June 2021

Categories
-Top News India News

India-Gambia ready to refurbish governance reforms

The step will be taken as the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a pact between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News

India and the Gambia will now help each other in refurbishing the personnel administration and governance reforms that include improving performance management system in government, implementation of contributory pension scheme and e-recruitment in government.

The step will be taken as the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a pact between the two countries which will help in understanding the personnel administration and enable in improving the system of governance through replicating, adapting and innovating some of the best practices and processes.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances under Ministry of Personnel and Public Service Commission, Office of the President, Republic of the Gambia.

Each country will be responsible for its expenditure in connection with the implementation of this MoU. Actual amount of expenditure will depend on the activities that may be undertaken under the MoU.

ALSO READ: India asks UN to address terrorists exploiting cyberspace

The main objective of the MoU is to strengthen and promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries in personnel administration and governance reforms, as this will facilitate a dialogue between Indian government agencies and the agencies of Republic of the Gambia.

More so, Gambia is keen to engage with India to promote cooperation in areas such as improving performance management system in government, implementation of contributory pension scheme and e-recruitment in government.

The MoU with Gambia will provide a legal framework to the cooperation between the two countries in refurbishing personnel administration and governance reforms so as to improve upon the existing system of governance by learning, sharing and exchanging administrative experiences in the area of personnel administration and governance reforms and instill a greater sense of responsiveness, accountability and transparency.

India has taken up a goal of quantum shift in delivery of government services across the country and also aims to further government’s efforts at revamping of personnel administration and governance reforms which is relevant in the context of the goal of ‘Minimum Government with Maximum Governance’.

ALSO READ: 2021 is as much India’s moment as 1979 was China’s

Categories
-Top News COVID-19 India News

J&K rolls out scheme for Covid-hit families

All the deputy commissioners and officials of the Social Welfare Department have been directed to identify the families which have lost their loved ones due to Covid…reports Asian Lite News

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday rolled out a Special Assistance Scheme for Covid Mortalities (SASCM) by handing over scholarships and pension certificates to the children and members of families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The J&K government is committed to support the children who lost their parents to the pandemic. The administration will take all necessary steps for their well-being and education, so that they can have a bright future,” Sinha said.

“We stand in solidarity with the families who lost earning members due to the pandemic. Besides pension, every effort will be made to ensure they live a dignified life and have no financial difficulties,” the Lt Governor said, adding: “It is our duty and responsibility to support families, restore livelihoods and ensure stability in their life.”

For extending handholding to the affected families, a special cell has been constituted under the Social Welfare Department to track and facilitate the benefits under the existing government-sponsored welfare schemes which the families may be eligible for, Sinha said.

J&K rolls out scheme for Covid-hit families(ANI)

ALSO READ: Suspected drone attack at Jammu IAF station

He also said that the administration will reach out to every affected family with financial assistance if they are willing to start their own business or other ventures for self-employment, besides imparting training and providing market linkages to them.

All the deputy commissioners and officials of the Social Welfare Department have been directed to identify the families which have lost their loved ones due to Covid, so that social protection and other necessary support can be extended to them.

In order to provide round-the-clock support, Sinha directed the district social welfare officers to pay regular visits to such families in their respective areas.

Under SASCM, cash assistance of Rs 1,000 per month shall be provided to the spouse and the eldest member of the family.

Apart from this, the scheme provides for scholarship of Rs 20,000 per annum for school-going students and Rs 40,000 per annum for college-going students.

A family in distress shall be eligible for scholarships for two children, if they are not getting any other scholarship. Besides, the benefits of all the other social welfare schemes, including pensions, etc. will be extended to the families.

ALSO READ: NIA begins probe on Jammu AFS drone attack

Categories
-Top News India News

J&K govt ends 149-year-old ‘Darbar Move’ practice

All officers allotted the ‘Darbar Move’ accommodation at the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar have been asked to vacate the same within three weeks….reports Asian Lite News

Saying goodbye to the 149-year-old official practice of rotating the seat of governance between the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu on six-monthly basis called the ‘Darbar Move’, J&K government on Wednesday cancelled the practice and the accommodations given to employees who would shuttle between the twin capitals.

Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha had said on June 20 that since the administration had completed transition to e-office, there was no need to continue the practice of the biennial ‘Darbar Move’ of the government offices.

All officers allotted the ‘Darbar Move’ accommodation at the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar have been asked to vacate the same within three weeks.

The decision to end the biennial ‘Darbar Move’ will save the exchequer Rs 200 crore each year.

Following this decision, government offices will now function normally at both Jammu and Srinagar.

The Raj Bhawan, Civil Secretariat, offices of all major heads of departments would earlier shuttle between Jammu and Srinagar following the Darbar Move.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has also cancelled residential accommodations of government officials in the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha

ALSO READ: Suspected drone attack at Jammu IAF station

According to an order issued by Commissioner Secretary, Estates Department, M Raju, the officials have been asked to vacate their government quarters in Jammu and Srinagar within 21 days.

On June 20, the L-G had announced that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual darbar move.

“Now both the Jammu and Srinagar secretariats can function normally for 12 months. This will save the government Rs 200 crore per year, which will be used for the welfare of the deprived sections,” he said.

The practice of darbar move has been a part of the Jammu and Kashmir administration since 1872 when it was introduced by Maharaja Gulab Singh. Srinagar serves as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, while Jammu is the winter capital. The administration used to function in Jammu during the six months of winter and in Srinagar during the summer.

Due to this, employees from Jammu were allotted residential accommodation in Srinagar and those from Srinagar in Jammu. The Raj Bhavan, the civil secretariat and other major offices used to be shifted to the twin cities in phases, which used to cost the exchequer close to Rs 200 crore.

The order issued by Commissioner Secretary, Estates Department said sanction had been accorded to the cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers and officials in Srinagar and Jammu.

The order said the officers and officials would vacate their government-allotted residential accommodation in the twin capital cities within 21 days.

ALSO READ: NIA begins probe on Jammu AFS drone attack

Categories
-Top News Education UK News

UK Opens New Immigration Route For Graduates

The international graduates must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements, to apply to the Graduate route, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk 

The government has opened a new immigration route on Thursday allowing international graduates to kick start their careers in the UK after they have finished their studies at a UK university.

The Graduate route provides an opportunity for talented international graduates who have been awarded their degree from a UK university to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for at least two years.

The new route, part of the points-based immigration system, will help attract the best talent from around the world and ensures that businesses can recruit the most highly qualified from across the globe to complement the skills already in UK, the Home Office said.

It added that the new move will drive the economy forwards as Britain builds back better from the pandemic.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel said that it is vital “the UK continues to be a beacon for talented young people.”

“Our world leading universities welcome thousands of international students every year. As we build back better, it is vital that the UK continues to be a beacon for talented young people across the globe who want to make a difference,” Patel said.

@C – By Tim Green from Bradford, UK

“The new Graduate route does just that, giving the best and brightest graduates the opportunity to continue contributing to the UK’s prosperity and the freedom to kickstart their careers in the UK, she added.

The route will work for all corners of the UK, ensuring that communities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can benefit from talented individuals who want to build their careers in the UK after their studies. 

“International students are a vital part of our society, and those who graduate from our world-leading universities should have the opportunity to stay and build meaningful careers here, in the UK,” Michelle Donelan, Universities Minister said.

“That is why we are introducing this new route for international graduates, enabling British businesses to attract and retain some of the brightest, most talented graduates across the globe, and helping this nation build back better from the pandemic, the minister added.

The Home Office clarified that international graduates must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements, to apply to the Graduate route. 

The Graduate route is unsponsored, meaning applicants do not need a job offer to apply to the route. There is no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route can work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.  

A coronavirus concession on the date by which students must enter the UK, if they started courses in 2020 and are unable to travel due to the pandemic, has been extended to 27 September, recognising the continuing disruption many face due to international travel restrictions. 

Applicants who began their studies in autumn 2020, or in spring 2021 will need to be in the UK with permission as a student, by 27 September 2021.Students beginning their course this autumn or early next year will need to be in the UK by 6 April 2022.

Anne Marie Graham, Chief Executive of UK Council for International Student Affairs, said that employability is a priority for international students coming to study in the UK.

“We welcome the Graduate route as a unique opportunity for eligible international graduates to further enhance employability skills and gain experience of the UK labour market for a period after completing their studies,” she said.

“International students who are able to access this route will have the flexibility to apply for work in any sector or role that fits their skills profile, including self-employment, without the need for employer sponsorship,” she added.

ALSO READ-Indian Student UK Visas Up By 93%

READ MORE-Asian Lite Daily Digital – November 13, 2020 – Red Cross Seeks UK Visa Reforms

Categories
-Top News London News UK News

New investment for green spaces across London

Mayor visited the Cookbook Edible Library project in Tottenham, which is enabling the local community to grow and cook their own food and providing positive opportunities for young people, reports Asian Lite News

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has announced a further £6 million of fresh investment in improving green spaces across London.

The £1.2m Grow Back Greener fund, with £500,000 provided by Thames Water, will offer grants to dozens of community-led projects to help more Londoners access green space in their neighbourhoods, the Mayor’s Office said.

It will focus on the most disadvantaged areas, supporting community gardens, food growing projects, pocket parks and cleaner waterways.

Separately, the new £4m Green and Resilient Spaces Fund will support large-scale green space projects, helping to tackle the climate emergency by reducing the risk of floods and keeping the city cool, it said.

This could include restoring rivers, creating new wetlands, opening up new green connections between parks, or creating new woodlands.  

Funding will be targeted where it is most needed, using cutting-edge data, including new climate risk mapping, that highlights where Londoners are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It will also target areas with the least access to public open space.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital importance of London’s green spaces for Londoners’ health and wellbeing. London’s parks saw the highest increase in usage of anywhere in the country during the first lockdown last spring.

Yet it has also brought into sharp focus the inequalities in access to green space across our city. The Mayor believes this is a matter of fairness, and wants all Londoners to live within a 10-minute walk of a green space.   

The Mayor on Wednesday visited the Cookbook Edible Library project – a partnership between Haringey Council, Edible London and Volunteer It Yourself – awarded funding through the first round of the Mayor’s Grow Back Greener Fund in December 2020.

The project has transformed an unused piece of land to create a community kitchen and a garden at St Ann’s Library, which is helping local families and young people learn to grow and cook their own food, as well as giving 14-24 year olds the chance to learn new skills whilst participating in outdoor activities, including construction and gardening.

The Mayor’s Office said approximately one in six Haringey pupils are known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals (16 per cent), but provisions are not available out of school hours. This project aims to be up and running in time for their planned summer holiday food programme for children and young people who often have little or no access to healthy food, it said.

“As Mayor, I want London to lead the way in tacking the climate emergency and for all Londoners to be have access to great green spaces close to where they live,” Mayor Khan said.

He said the new funding announced during London Climate Action Week is “just the start of even more investment in green spaces, nature and projects to help tackle the climate emergency.”

“The community-led projects that benefit from this programme provide so much more than just improved green space for local communities,” he added.

He also said the Cookbook Edible Library project provides an “educational, safe space for young people to develop new skills – providing positive opportunities and alternatives to those who might be vulnerable to getting drawn into gangs.” 

ALSO READ-Sadiq Khan Backs UK Film Industry

READ MORE-Sadiq Khan Supports IPL in London

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

OTT tells a number of tales

Over the past few year, we have had anthologies such “Ludo”, “Unpaused”, “Ajeeb Dastaans” and “Ray” in Hindi. Thanks to the fact that OTT provides unrestricted viewing to all audiences across the nation and the globe…writes Yashika Mathur.

Anthologies are not a new trend, but the number of such kind of story telling has increased in the digital space. Storytellers on OTT have struck gold with anthology films and shows. While the genre is not altogether new, it seems to increasingly find favour for more than one reason. For one, it lets makers of OTT shows and films pack in more, in terms of actors. More importantly, the audience gets more than one flavour of storytelling thanks to the multitude of stories that are mostly directed by different directors, hence bringing in varied styles.

Over the past few year, we have had anthologies such “Ludo”, “Unpaused”, “Ajeeb Dastaans” and “Ray” in Hindi. Thanks to the fact that OTT provides unrestricted viewing to all audiences across the nation and the globe, regional anthology films such as “Putham Pudu Kaalai” and “Paava Kadhaigal” (both Tamil) have also managed to draw attention beyond the home state.

“Everyone makes a normal routine film but anthology is difficult and challenging. The taste of the audience has evolved and they are exposed to international shows. Earlier it was tried with ‘Dus Kahaniyaan’ but audience back then didn’t understand the concept. Now, cinema-making and cinema consumption has changed. Every generation has its taste. Earlier social, action and romantic films worked. This is a new format the audience is enjoying,” trade analyst Atul Mohan tells IANS.

From the perspective of a film maker, while one may feel that bringing multiple creative storytellers can be challenging, Srijit Mukherji has his take. Mukherji, who has directed two of the four stories in “Ray”, talks of whether individual treatment of a filmmaker gets affected, knowing there are two more stories clubbed with his film, directed by two others.

“It would have (been affected) if I would have known what others are treating their films like. Fortunately, here, Sayantan Mukherjee, who is the show runner of ‘Ray’, didn’t let anyone know what the other director is making. He had the overall picture on how four films were shaping up. There was no one way that one guy’s film would affect the other’s,” says Mukherji.

Actor Chandan Roy Sanyal, who was impressive in Vasan Bala’s segment “Spotlight” in the anthology “Ray”, explains what about the format of anthology attracts him as an actor.

“What attracts me in an anthology is that you can tell four different stories on one topic and every actor and director has a different interpretation. You are watching the same thing on love, lust or horror and everyone has their own take on it. It’s lovely to see everyone have their own version. The soul is the same but storytelling and treatment are different,” says Chandan.

With the ready acceptance recent anthologies have seen, ne sure there will be many lined up over the next months. A new one, “Feels Like Ishq” helmed by six directors, was been announced a few days back. The film will star Radhika Madan, Amol Parashar, Neeraj Madhav, Tanya Maniktala, Kajol Chug, Mihir Ahuja, Simran Jehani, Rohit Saraf, Saba Azad, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Zayn Khan and Skand Thakur.

ALSO READ-Lockdown fuels growth of E-commerce, OTT, gaming

READ MORE-‘Sherni’ teaser out, set for OTT release

Categories
Business UAE News

ADNOC, Reliance sign pact for chemical project

Reliance

The agreement capitalises on the growing demand for these critical industrial raw materials and leverages the strengths of ADNOC and Reliance as global industrial and energy leaders….reports Asian Lite News

Reliance Industries and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), a state-run oil company of the UAE, have finalised an agreement for a petrochemical joint venture several months after signing a broad framework agreement.

The two on Tuesday announced that through the agreement, Reliance will join a new world-scale chlor-alkali, ethylene dichloride and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production facility at TA’ZIZ in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi.

The agreement capitalises on the growing demand for these critical industrial raw materials and leverages the strengths of ADNOC and Reliance as global industrial and energy leaders.

The project will be constructed in the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone, which is a joint venture between ADNOC and ADQ.

The agreement continues the momentum of ADNOC’s downstream and industry growth plans in line with ADNOC’s 2030 strategy.


Petrochemical, refining and gas growth projects are currently under construction, with a number of projects also recently completed across the downstream and industry portfolio.

ADNOC is gearing up for growth with TA’ZIZ, the world-scale chemicals production hub and industrial ecosystem based in Ruwais, with investment in excess of 18 billion AED (Arab Emirates Dirham) and a number of further growth projects in the downstream and industry sector.

Under the terms of the agreement, TA’ZIZ and Reliance will construct an integrated plant, with capacity to produce 940 thousand tonnes of chlor-alkali, 1.1 million tonnes of ethylene dichloride and 360 thousand tonnes of PVC annually.

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to attract an investor of Reliance’s caliber to partner with ADNOC and ADQ in accelerating growth at TA’ZIZ. This agreement is a significant milestone, as we continue to grow a globally competitive industrial ecosystem and highly attractive investor value proposition.”

Welcoming the initiative, Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said: “We at Reliance are excited to enter into a strategic partnership with ADNOC for establishing a world-class and world-scale chemical project at TA’ZIZ in Ruwais. This important milestone further bolsters our long-standing relationship with ADNOC, reaffirming our faith in the global vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.

“It is also yet another testimony to the enormous potential in advancing India-UAE cooperation in value enhancement in the energy and petrochemicals sectors. The project will manufacture ethylene dichloride, a key building block for production of PVC in India. This is a significant step in globalising Reliance’s operations, and we are proud to partner with ADNOC in this important project for the region.”

Chlor-alkali is used in water treatment and in the manufacture of textiles and metals. Ethylene dichloride is typically used to produce PVC, which has wide range of applications across housing, infrastructure and consumer goods. The market for these chemicals is expected to enjoy steady growth supported by the needs of growing demand, particularly in Asia and Africa.

ALSO READ: UAE, Israel ink key pact on economic, trade cooperation

Categories
Science UAE News

Emirates Nuclear Energy, French EDF to cooperate on R&D

The collaboration is part of ENEC’s commitment towards progressing the UAE’s nuclear energy industry, supporting innovation, clean electricity production and tackling climate change….reports Asian Lite News

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed a Letter of Intent with France’s electricity company EDF to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on research and development (R&D) in the nuclear energy sector.

The collaboration is part of ENEC’s commitment towards progressing the UAE’s nuclear energy industry, supporting innovation, clean electricity production and tackling climate change.

The MoU will elevate the strategic partnership between the two entities through sharing global expertise and the latest advancements in the nuclear energy sector, as well as exploring the production of green hydrogen-powered by carbon-free nuclear energy.

EDF (Électricité de France) is a French multinational electric utility company, largely owned by the French state. As the leading nuclear operator of the largest nuclear fleet worldwide, EDF is supporting the global energy transition movement by exporting its expertise in low-carbon energies, such as nuclear energy, renewable energies, and energy services.

Since November 2018, EDF has provided Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s operations and maintenance JV subsidiary Nawah Energy Company with a range of services. These include operational safety, radiation protection, fuel-cycle management and environmental monitoring. Expertise is provided through engineering studies, on-site support, training and benchmarking sessions.

This year’s signing took place at the annual E-FUSION (Emirati French Industrial Supply Chain Initiative for Nuclear), a two-day event through a partnership between ENEC and Business France, which is an Emirati-French initiative to create a local supply chain for the nuclear sector. Launched by ENEC, EDF and GIFEN (French Nuclear Cluster) in 2019, the event aims to develop new Franco-Emirati commercial relations in the nuclear sector.

ENEC’s Barakah Plant is one of the largest nuclear energy plants in the world, with four APR-1400 Units. Construction of the Plant began in 2012 and has progressed steadily ever since. Unit 1 started the commercial operations in April 2021. Unit 2 has now completed the fuel load process and is working through all the required processes before start-up.

Construction of Units 3 and 4 are in the final stages, with the Units 94 percent and 89 percent complete. Thus, the construction of the Barakah Plant as a whole is now more than 95 percent complete.

ALSO READ: UAE Ministry of Defense delegation visits Lockheed Martin’s Centre

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

Dubai ruler aims to leverage Dubai as first economy capital

Sheikh Mohammed recently approved the new Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers as part of efforts to enhance their contributions to Dubai’s economy…reports Asian Lite News

”Economy has priority in the next stage, and we must mobilise all our creative minds and our exceptional efforts to catapult Dubai’s economy to new heights,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

He was speaking during a meeting with the Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers after the major restructuring where he formed three entities – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Dubai Chamber of International Trade.

Sheikh Mohammed recently approved the new Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers as part of efforts to enhance their contributions to Dubai’s economy, and to catalyse Dubai’s economic transformation and further reinforce the city’s rise as a global business hub.

”Establishing a solid and prosperous economy is at the center of our priorities,” Shiekh Mohammed added.

“The global economy has undergone a tremendous change.. Dubai has developed and made great leaps.. Today we are the global capital of economy,” he further added. “Today, we are thinking about the next fifty years, and we are also thinking for future generations. This is a duty for all of us.”

“Our goal is to leverage Dubai as the first economy capital in the world,” he concluded.

The Board will work to create a comprehensive unified strategy for Dubai Chambers, set key priorities and objectives, propose major initiatives to advance Dubai’s strategic economic development, and ensure streamlined coordination and integration between the three chambers, the WAM reported.

The Board of Dubai Chambers seeks to accelerate the growth of the Dubai economy by promoting Dubai as a global business hub and attracting multinational companies. The Dubai Chamber of International Trade will represent and support the interests of local companies with international presence and international companies based in Dubai, it added.

It will also support Dubai’s vision to expand to new global markets, forge new economic partnerships and support local companies in achieving global success, while also attracting promising talent and investors from across the world

The Dubai Chamber of International Trade seeks to cover 30 international markets that are considered important markets for Dubai through promotional projects.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is tasked with launching projects and developing studies on the new future economy, as part of efforts to build the world’s best digital infrastructure and transform Dubai into an international technology hub.

With the objective of promoting the interests of technology companies and advancing the role of the digital economy in the emirate, the new chamber will build a network of relationships with local and international tech entrepreneurs and investment funds. It will also help draft legislations in Dubai and the UAE to create a growth-friendly environment for the digital economy.

ALSO READ: UAE welcomes ceasefire in Tigray

Categories
-Top News India News UAE News

Emirates flies 100 tonnes of relief cargo to India free of charge

Under the Emirates India Humanitarian Airbridge, Emirates donated cargo capacity to transport essential supplies such as relief tents and thousands of oxygen cylinders…reports Asian Lite News

Emirates SkyCargo flew 100 tonnes of relief materials free of charge from Dubai to India in May to support the Indian community to battle the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the Emirates India Humanitarian Airbridge, Emirates donated cargo capacity to transport essential supplies such as relief tents and thousands of oxygen cylinders and concentrators on flights to Indian destinations.

“Emirates is deeply connected and committed to India. The Emirates India Humanitarian Airbridge was our contribution to assist the Indian community fight the second wave of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. We are heartened that India is overcoming the virus and we are honoured to have supported the efforts of partners by donating much needed air cargo capacity for moving essential goods quickly and reliably into nine Indian cities,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

“The Emirates India humanitarian airbridge confirms the important role that is being played by the private sector worldwide, for providing assistance to millions of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This airbridge done with Emirates, confirms the strong partnership and commitment of the two Dubai entities in facilitating the humanitarian action of the international organisations and United Nations agencies operating within IHC,” said Giuseppe Saba, CEO of the IHC.

“IHC has embraced the Sustainable Development Goal ‘Partnership’ and is very proud to have partnered with Emirates SkyCargo and the International humanitarian community for the extraordinary efforts done for responding to the requirements due to the pandemic in addition to other emergencies,” he added.

Emirates set up the India Humanitarian Airbridge in early May 2021 to boost the transportation of urgent medical and relief items to India by offering cargo capacity on its flights from Dubai to India.

The first shipment under the Airbridge initiative flew from Dubai to Delhi on 13 May and comprised 12 tonnes of multi-purpose tent equipment for field hospitals sent by the World Health Organisation through the IHC.

ALSO READ: UAE takes part in coalition meet against Daesh