Month: October 2021

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-Top News India News

‘Deadlock’ persists between Punjab CM, Sidhu even after meet

A day earlier Channi said he has spoken to Sidhu and invited him to have a chat and sort out differences, if any…reports Asian Lite News.

The crisis in the Punjab Congress between Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state chief Navjot Singh Sidhu seems to be continuing despite their first face-to-face meeting on Thursday since the latter resigned from the post.

The meeting lasted for over two hours and the issues raised by Sidhu will be put before the Cabinet on October 4, sources in the party said.

After the meeting at Punjab Bhavan, where AICC observer Harish Chaudhary was also present, both Channi and Sidhu left the meeting venue without talking to the media.

After meeting the Chief Minister, Sidhu held a closed-door meeting with his close confidantes, legislators Pargat Singh, Raj Kumar Verka, and Kuljit Nagra.

A day earlier Channi said he has spoken to Sidhu and invited him to have a chat and sort out differences, if any.

“Whoever is party President is head of the family. I had called him and told him that the party is supreme. I have spoken to him on phone and told him to let’s sit, talk it out and resolve the issue,” he had told the media here.

Days after the ‘deadlock’ between Channi and Sidhu over the appointments of the Director General of Police and Advocate General, besides re-induction of a ‘tainted’ legislator in the Cabinet, Sidhu, ahead of the meeting, indicated that he was ready to end the impasse.

He especially came from his hometown Patiala to meet Channi in Chandigarh.

Ahead of the meeting, Sidhu tweeted: “Chief Minister has invited me for talks will reciprocate by reaching Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh at 3:00 PM today, he is welcome for any discussions !”

A day after his resignation as the Congress chief, Sidhu on September 29 said he will fight for truth till his last breath as the fight is for principles that he won’t compromise with.

“I will fight for truth until my last breath,” Sidhu had said in a video message posted on his Twitter handle.

“It is not a personal battle but a fight for principles. I won’t compromise on principles,” Sidhu had said categorically.

Without mincing words, he had said he would not accept tainted ministers being brought back into the newly constituted state cabinet led by Channi.

In the video message in Punjabi, the cricketer-turned-politician, who said his only religion is to make people’s lives better, had said he had fought for justice and for Punjab’s agenda.

Unhappy over the expansion, allocation of portfolios and appointments on crucial posts, including the Advocate General, Sidhu on September 28 resigned from his post after remaining at the helm for 71 days.

As his decision pushed the state Congress into deeper crisis, Sidhu, however, maintained that he would not be leaving the party.

ALSO READ-Sidhu once again exhibited ‘shifty’ character, says Amarinder

READ MORE-Amid standoff with Punjab CM, Sidhu shows solidarity, strength

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-Top News UK News

Youth have every right to be angry on climate change, says PM

Boris Johnson tells climate activists in Milan that they were paying the price for the “reckless actions of their elders”, reports Asian Lite News

Boris Johnson says young people have every right to be angry about the state of climate change.

The prime minister told climate activists in Milan that they were paying the price for the “reckless actions of their elders”.

The penitent mood here was underlined by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who said politicians needed to be “whipped into action.”

Both agreed that urgent action to limit warming was now desperately needed.

For several days around 400 young activists have been working on proposals for tackling climate change here in Milan.

They’ve heard from a host of voices including Greta Thunberg who castigated politicians for dashing the hopes and dreams of young people.

She mocked their promises on climate as just more “blah, blah, blah”.

Several senior politicians conceded that Thunberg was essentially correct in her analysis.

“Young people around the world are already paying the price for the reckless actions of their elders,” said Johnson.

“Hundreds of millions of you are facing rising seas, failing crops, burning forests, and evermore ferocious storms, daily challenges that lead to lost opportunity. And your future is literally being stolen before your eyes.”

Some young activists had interrupted a previous speech by Italian Prime Minister Draghi.

Johnson said he understood their actions.

“I saw the protesters earlier on. And frankly, you have every right to be angry with those who aren’t doing enough to stop it.”

All the senior politicians who’ve addressed this meeting say that lessons have been learned and that action on climate is now happening.

Johnson pointed to the COP26 meeting in Glasgow at the start of November as a pivotal moment in tackling the issue.

If significant changes could be agreed on some key areas, COP26 would mark “the beginning of the end of climate change.”

To get there, Johnson said, would need major progress on phasing out coal, ending the use of petrol and diesel cars, and planting “trillions of trees”.

A long-standing promise of cash for developing countries would have to be honoured, he said.

To signal that actions speak louder than words on climate, Johnson’s government today announced that it would require businesses bidding for major government contracts to commit to achieving net zero emissions.

The UK is believed to be the first country in the world to put such a measure in place.

Steps like this might not be quite what youth activists are demanding.

Their proposals to leaders include giving young people “meaningful participation” in all decision making on climate change.

They are calling for the end of fossil fuels by 2030, as well as transparent climate finance systems and responsible and sustainable tourism.

“We are going completely in the wrong direction and unfortunately speeding into the wrong direction,” Nisreen Elsaim from Sudan told the conference.

“I’m afraid that not only you, the old generation, but us will be the last generation to witness that planet as it is.”

As the young people depart the stage here in Milan, environment ministers and key negotiators are arriving, hoping to see progress on some key issues.

The aim is to clear the decks so that the presidents and prime ministers who arrive in Glasgow in November will be able to concentrate on a few major political decisions.

While there is some sense of optimism, much more “blah” will be needed if Glasgow is going to be a success.

Last week, addressing the UNGA, Johnson told world leaders that humanity must “grow up” and learn to deal with climate change. In his impassioned speech, the British premier compared the collective conscience of humans to an impetuous 16-year-old – a teenager on a bender – and said that it is high time that we stopped trashing the planet. “My friends, the adolescence of humanity is coming to an end,” Johnson addressed world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. “We must come together in a collective coming of age.”

Johnson said that we will see desertification, drought, crop failure, and mass movements of humanity on a scale not seen before. “Not because of some unforeseen natural event or disaster, but because of us, because of what we are doing now,” he said.

ALSO READ-UK, India to collaborate in climate research

READ MORE-UK furlough scheme comes to an end

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Events News World

Jaguar XF debuts in No Time To Die

Jaguar XF debuts in No Time To Die

Renowned for its unrivalled blend of ride, handling and refinement, the XF was put through its paces in pursuit of James Bond on the streets of southern Italy in the twenty-fifth 007 film..reports Asian Lite News

The Jaguar XF will demonstrate its exceptional performance and exhilarating driving dynamics in a thrilling chase sequence in the new James Bond film No Time To Die in cinemas 07 October in the region.

Filmed in Matera, Southern Italy, two XF saloons weave through the narrow, twisting city streets, driving across piazzas and down cobbled steps in pursuit of James Bond.

Jaguar XF debuts in No Time To Die

Both XFs feature Jaguar’s all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, which delivered incredible levels of traction on the low-grip surfaces as No Time To Die’s henchmen demonstrate that no street is too small and no corner too tight. The saloon’s lightweight aluminium-intensive architecture and advanced suspension design enable exceptional handling and agility together outstanding ride, comfort and refinement.

ALSO READ: Jaguar XF debuts in No Time To Die

Chris Corbould, No Time To Die’s special effects and action vehicle supervisor, said: “The Jaguar XF was an exciting choice for this high-intensity car sequence. We always look to push the boundaries to extreme limits in our stunts, and this extends to the capabilities of the vehicles too. There is no compromise with this particular scene. There were only inches to spare in the narrow alleyways and no margin for error, the XF shows its performance and driving dynamics.”

Anna Gallagher, Jaguar Brand Director, said: ““The Jaguar XF is a car designed to tackle any journey with an unrivalled balance of luxury, comfort and refinement.

Jaguar XF debuts in No Time To Die

“Whether it’s a high-speed pursuit through twisting streets and piazzas of Southern Italy, where the car filmed it’s No Time To Die chase sequences, or the bustling streets of London – the XF really is a car for every occasion.”

No Time To Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for the fifth and final time as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. The film will be released in cinemas 30 September in the region.

Watch the behind-the-scenes film from the set of No Time to Die here:

Categories
-Top News India News Politics

Priyanka urges aggressive campaigning in UP

She asked her party leaders and workers to reach out to the people and effectively convey the party’s points, besides strongly countering any vicious propaganda…reports Asian Lite News.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has urged party cadres to campaign aggressively and counter the BJP-RSS propaganda fearlessly on social media platforms.

Priyanka, who is taking back-to-back meetings during her five-day stay in Lucknow, said it was essential to counter the anti-Congress propaganda being carried out on the social media by non-Congress parties.

She asked her party leaders and workers to reach out to the people and effectively convey the party’s points, besides strongly countering any vicious propaganda.

Without naming any party, she said that the non-Congress rule in the past 32 years in Uttar Pradesh, had taken the state on the path of decline.

Though she did not name any political party directly, her reference to the BJP, SP and BSP was obvious as she referred to 32-year rule of non-Congress parties that had taken the state on the path of decline.

“We need to bring out the truth,” she said referring to campaigns based on spreading hatred and lies.

Priyanka, who has been taking meetings mostly at Kaul House, where she is staying, is expected to spend five days a week -Mondays to Fridays – in Lucknow.

She will launch the Congress campaign with a rally in Varanasi in the second week of October, after ‘Pitra Paksh’ ends.

The Congress is also preparing to launch ‘Pratigya Yatras’ on four different routes on October 17. Through these yatras, party leaders had been asked to convey the promises the party proposed to make to the people in the 2022 Assembly elections.

The party proposes to hold a rally at Meerut on October 20 and a mega public rally is likely to be held in Lucknow on November 19, the birth anniversary of late Indira Gandhi.

An aggressive campaign to reach out to the people by going door to door is likely to be launched after the Lucknow rally.

As the Congress has launched micro plans for every assembly constituency.

The party has given indications that the first list of candidates will be out by the second week of October. A preliminary meeting of the screening committee was also held on Thursday.

A number of delegations have also met Priyanka and these include delegations of weavers, banjara, Rajbhar and Nishad communities.

ALSO READ-Congress needs to give Priyanka a role outside UP

READ MORE-Priyanka: People cry for oxygen, PM laughs at rallies

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India News

Owaisi, Shia cleric come in support of UP IAS officer

The Yogi Adityanath government has taken a firm stand against forcible and illegal religious conversions in the state…reports Asian Lite News.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi and Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad have come out in support of Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Mohd Iftikharuddin, who is being invested on charges of religious conversions.

Owaisi alleged that the BJP government in the state was targeting Muslims for political mileage.

Owaisi said, “The UP government set up an SIT to ‘investigate’ a six-year-old video of a senior IAS officer. The video has been taken out of context and is from a time when this government was not in power. This is blatant and targeted harassment based on religion.”

Accusing the BJP government of double standards, he further said, “If the parameter is that no officer should be connected to religious activity, then prohibit use of all religious symbols/images in offices. If merely discussing faith at home is a crime, then punish all officers participating in public religious celebration.”

Well-known Shia cleric, Maulana Kalbe Jawad, has also come out to support the IAS officer.

He said, “Every person has the right to pray in his house. If this IAS officer offered prayers in a particular manner in his house, why should he be tried for it? SIT probe in every matter is not justified because everyone has the freedom of religion.”

The Yogi Adityanath government has taken a firm stand against forcible and illegal religious conversions in the state.

The UP ATS has arrested more than 14 people on charges of being involved in large-scale conversions across the country through their organisations.

During investigations, it was revealed that the people involved in this have been offering money for threatening innocents and luring them to convert to Islam, police sources have said.

ALSO READ-Mayawati has no plans for tie-up with Owaisi

READ MORE-Mob lynching is Modi’s legacy: Owaisi

Categories
-Top News India News UK News

UK, India to collaborate in climate research

The report illustrates the strong UK-India research and innovation relationship, its impact and the opportunities for further bilateral collaboration, a British High Commission statement said…reports Asian Lite News.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is looking at over 1 mn pounds funding towards eight new UK-India projects for collaborative research, addressing key environmental challenges relevant to COP26’s Adaptation and Resilience theme, a statement said on Thursday.

“Findings from these projects are expected to form the basis of future bilateral opportunities between the UK and India,” Director UKRI India, Rebecca Fairbairn said.

The other two areas where the UKRI is looking for future collaborations are ‘Enhancing Food Quality’ and ‘Creative Industries and Cultural Heritage’, it was stated at the launch of the UKRI India impact report ‘UK-India: Partnerships for Growth with Research and Innovation’.

The report illustrates the strong UK-India research and innovation relationship, its impact and the opportunities for further bilateral collaboration, a British High Commission statement said.

“UKRI India is delighted with the findings of this report and the impact of our research and innovation collaboration with India. Our partnership with Indian funders has led to the development of new knowledge and products. As we launch this impact report, I am delighted to announce that we are working with our partner funders in India to explore new priority areas that connect to our shared 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations,” Fairbairn said.

Real-world impacts such as life-saving medical devices to apps allowing a digital experience of Delhi, over 200 technical outputs, including 84 new databases to 20 new pieces of software are among the outcomes and impacts of the UKRI-India collaboration, the report said.

“As many as 1,665 scholarly publications, with an average field-weighted citation impact of 2.2, which is more than twice the global average, a total of 5 per cent of these publications were amongst the top 1 per cent of most highly cited publications globally and 9 per cent of all publications were written via academic-corporate collaboration, which is three times more than the global average,” it said.

Launched in April 2018, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

UKRI and Indian partners have co-invested over 330 million pounds in joint programmes, which, the report shows, has generated more than 450 million pounds in further funding, from public bodies, non-profit organisations, and commercial entities, attesting to the relevance of these projects.

“This report shows how research and innovation contributes to the UK and India’s deep-rooted partnership and collaborative efforts to transform the lives of people in both our countries, and beyond,” British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said.

ALSO READ-Indian youth climate leaders join hands with UN to showcase achievements

READ MORE-Leaders urged to protect most vulnerable against climate change

Categories
-Top News Bollywood UK News

Royals Get Bond Treatment

The 53-year-old actor said to being “greatly relieved” that ‘No Time To Die’, which had previously seen its release delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, is now finally ready to be released in cinemas, after so many months of frustration…reports Asian Lite News.

The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall along with William and Kate attended the world premiere of the new Bond film ‘No Time To Die’.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have hailed the “inspirational” efforts of the cast and crew.

The Royal couple said in a post on their Twitter account @KensingtonRoyal: “Wonderful to see @007 back on our big screens! No Time To Die is the 25th Bond film and Daniel Craig’s last after 15 years in the role.

“It showcases the inspirational work of actors, musicians, directors, cinematographers and all those involved in making the film so special.”

Funds from the world premiere have been awarded to charities that support serving and former members of the UK’s intelligence agencies, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

  The royals have welcomed the news in their Twitter post.

 The tweet added: “Tonight’s world premiere will benefit charities supporting serving and former members of the three intelligence agencies: the Secret Intelligence Service, the Security Service, and @GCHQ.”

  The Duke and Duchess were joined at the premiere by Daniel Craig, who is making his last-ever appearance as James Bond in the movie.

 The 53-year-old actor said to being “greatly relieved” that ‘No Time To Die’, which had previously seen its release delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, is now finally ready to be released in cinemas, after so many months of frustration.

  Reflecting on the lengthy delay, Craig said: “We’ve had Covid so everything has to be put into perspective doesn’t it?

  “I am greatly relieved: we make Bond movies for the cinema and we’re here and I couldn’t be happier about that.”

ALSO READ-Roger Moore: James Bond ‘007’

READ MORE-Craig may return as James Bond

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-Top News London News UK News

Sadiq urges workers leaving furlough to retrain for free

While all sectors have faced challenges during the pandemic, around one in five of the jobs on furlough in London were in the accommodation and food services sector at the end of July…reports Asian Lite News.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is encouraging low paid Londoners and those facing unemployment when the furlough scheme ends to retrain for free and find good jobs in sectors with skills shortages.

London has the highest uptake of furlough in the country with around 8 per cent of eligible workers (297,100) still on furlough at the end of July 2021 against a UK average of 5 per cent. Eight of the ten local authorities with the highest furlough rates were in London. Hounslow, Newham, Barnet, Brent and Redbridge all had furlough rates of 10 per cent.

As furlough comes to an end, there is a risk that there will be a rise in unemployment as Londoners are no longer supported by the scheme. The Mayor is providing free training to low skilled and unemployed Londoners, regardless of their prior qualifications, “to help them get jobs in futureproof sectors of our economy that are vital to London’s recovery.”

Earlier this month, Sadiq announced a total package of £11m to help Londoners to gain qualifications and get jobs in the hospitality, digital, creative, green and health and social care sectors. These fully funded training opportunities will be delivered through local colleges and adult education providers across the city.

While all sectors have faced challenges during the pandemic, around one in five of the jobs on furlough in London were in the accommodation and food services sector at the end of July.

 In the midst of this, UK businesses are facing a skills shortage caused by the perfect storm of COVID-19 and Brexit. According to the ONS, the total number of job vacancies in the UK reached a record high between June to August 2021.

 “The end of furlough may signal the end of a regular income for many Londoners, with hundreds of people in the hospitality and service sector finding themselves out of work,” Khan said.

“I’m offering Londoners the chance to retrain or upskill for free and gain qualifications in futureproof industries that are key to London’s recovery from the pandemic. This funding will help many people find their feet after what has been an extraordinarily difficult 18 months,” he added.

Shevone Parris was made redundant at the end of 2020 due to the pandemic. Shevone has since completed a cooking course at Westminster Kingsway College and has started up her own online food business with her partner.

Shevone said: “Losing my job made me sign up for the Culinary Arts cooking course at Westminster Kingsway College. It also gave me the inspiration to set up my business, Deliciously Fresh. I suppose everything happens for a reason.”

ALSO READ-Sadiq Calls For Urgent Climate Action

READ MORE-Sadiq launches new ‘London Refugee Response’ fund

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-Top News EU News UK News

EU extends Covid vaccine export controls

Meanwhile, the first aircraft carrying UNICEF lifesaving medical supplies arrived in Kabul through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Airbridge, the UN agency said…reports Asian Lite News.

The European Union is extending an export control mechanism to monitor and potentially limit the export of Covid-19 vaccines from the bloc until December 31 from the current deadline of end-September, media reported.

The mechanism, launched in January this year will restrict vaccine makers from exporting the doses produced in the EU without approval from the bloc.

According to report, the only time the export mechanism was used to block vaccine exports was in April, when around 250,000 AstraZeneca doses for Australia were ordered held back.

Meanwhile, the first aircraft carrying UNICEF lifesaving medical supplies arrived in Kabul through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Airbridge, the UN agency said.

“These medical supplies come at a critical time for children and mothers in Afghanistan as they face an escalating health and nutrition crisis,” said Herve Ludovic De Lys, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan. “We thank the EU for their support to ensure children and mothers can receive the basic health services they require.”

A UNICEF release stated that 32 metric tonnes containing essential drugs, oral rehydration salts and antibiotics, medical and surgical supplies were flown in on Wednesday covering the needs of 100,000 children and women for the next three months.

The supplies touch down as health facilities across Afghanistan face serious shortages of supplies and medications.

This is the first of two consignments planned to be flown into Kabul via the ECHO Airbridge in the coming days. (with inputs from ANI)

ALSO READ-EU-Australia trade talks on brink of collapse

READ MORE-EU announces defence summit in 2022

Categories
-Top News EXPO 2020 Woman

Expo ‘Visions and Journeys’ to host inspiring female personalities

EXPO 2020

October will witness eleven women figures, including ministers, international officials and first ladies, reports Asian Lite News

Expo 2020 Dubai will host a number of influential women from across the globe who specialise in various sectors as part of the ‘Visions and Journeys’ initiative. The sessions will be take place at the Women’s Pavilion and are part of Expo 2020’s commitment to highlight women and gender balance related topics.

Louise Mushikiwabo

The sessions will be held throughout the period of Expo 2020. October will witness eleven women figures, including ministers, international officials and first ladies. Speakers will include: Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie; Natasa Pilide, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry; Ndeye Saly Diop Dieng, Minister of Women, Family and Gender of Senegal; Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs; Erika Mouynes, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Panama; Dr. Ferencz Orsolya, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research in Hungary; Ms. Fazna Ahmed, First Lady of the Maldives; and Marie-Celine Zialo, Minister for Youth, Sports & Family in Seychelles.

Ndeye Saly Diop Dieng

Shamsa Saleh, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said: “The ‘Visions and Journeys’ sessions serve as an important platform for knowledge exchange between female figures and visitors during Expo 2020 as well as aligning with the broader themes and goals of the global event. The speakers will share their inspiring experiences in the hope that this will provide learning opportunities for aspiring women. Across the years , women have inspired societies around the world with their capabilities , therefore, every effort should be made to empower women and provide them with the right ingredients for success.”

Erika Mouynes

She affirmed the commitment of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and President of Dubai Women Establishment, to gender balance issues in cooperation with the international community as well as promoting equal participation of men and women across development paths in line with achieving the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

ALSO READ: The first preview of AR Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra is out

She added: “Through this partnership, Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Gender Balance Council will seek to enhance awareness around this topic , as well as shed light on the UAE’s success in supporting women and their achievements across sectors over the past 50 years.”

Simonetta Di Pippo

Hind Alowais, Vice President of Participant Management at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are delighted to partner with the UAE Gender Balance Council and we thank H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for her commitment and continuous support in promoting gender balance in the UAE. This support is fundamental to achieving the goal of a fair balance between men and women across all fields.”

Fazna Ahmed

Alowais added: “Our partnership with the UAE Gender Balance Council will enrich the Women’s Pavilion, which is organised by Expo 2020 in partnership with Cartier. The ‘Visions and Journeys’ initiative consists of numerous common values and strategic goals between the Women’s Pavilion and the Council, and given the initiative’s success in attracting influential women to share their insights and experiences with visitors from all across the world, we hope it will inspire many girls and women to follow this path.”