Month: August 2022

Categories
-Top News

Sunak’s warning for Truss in PM race

Sunak, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, told the paper he feared that unfunded spending commitments would lead to spiraling debt, rising inflation, interest rates and borrowing costs…reports Asian Lite News

Rishi Sunak, the underdog in the Conservative leadership race, has warned that the next prime minister faces the risk of markets losing confidence in Britain’s economy.

Sunak’s opponent, Liz Truss, who is widely expected to win the race to No. 10 next Monday, has said she would swiftly implement a series of tax cuts, as well as some as yet undefined support for households, at an emergency fiscal event in mid-September.

But in an interview with the Financial Times published Tuesday night, Sunak said he “struggled to see” how Truss’s tax and spending commitments “add up,” warning it would be “complacent and irresponsible” for the next prime minister “not to be thinking about the risks to the public finances.”

Sunak, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, told the paper he feared that unfunded spending commitments would lead to spiraling debt, rising inflation, interest rates and borrowing costs.

Urging Truss to stick to fiscal rules that would see debt falling as a share of GDP within three years, Sunak said: “Ultimately, you have to decide whether you think sustainable rate of borrowing are important or not. I think they are.”

He added: “We have more inflation-linked debt by a margin than any other G7 economy — basically more than double. Because of the structure of QE [quantitative easing], we’re also particularly much more sensitive to an upward rate cycle than we have been.”

Sunak also told the FT that the Bank of England did not need a new mandate, and defended his demand for “call in” powers for ministers over City regulators.

ALSO READ-Truss, Sunak’s campaign highlights differing approaches

Categories
Abu Dhabi Health

Cleveland Clinic introduces preventive surgery for cancer patients

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, making it the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide…reports Asian Lite News

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a Mubadala Health partner, has recently introduced bypass lymphedema surgery for breast cancer patients in the UAE, after findings show that one in five breast cancer patients is at risk of developing lymphedema.

Lymphedema is often triggered by cancer, axillary lymph node dissection surgery for cancer, or radiation treatment. It is a debilitating condition that manifests as acute swelling of the upper arm after metastasized lymph nodes are removed. The condition brings an increased possibility of infection, along with social, mental and physical implications for those already undergoing cancer treatment.    

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, making it the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. The WHO’s Global Cancer Observatory also cited that in 2020, breast cancer was the most common cancer in the UAE, with 1,030 new cases reported that year.

In partnership with Cleveland Clinic in the U.S., Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced this preventive surgery to the UAE, having recently conducted the procedure on a local patient whose breast cancer had metastasized to her lymph nodes. The surgery, which is normally conducted in tandem with other primary cancer surgeries, such as a mastectomy, serves as a preventive measure for lymphedema and may negate the need for further surgery.

Dr. Raffi Gurunian, Department Chair and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi said: “Performing this lymphedema preventive supermicrosurgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will lay the foundation for greater access to this treatment and a better chance of a positive outcome, especially for post-operative breast cancer patients who have a higher risk of developing lymphedema. This type of surgery is part of our wider efforts at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to advance a healthcare model that focuses on patient-centered and preventive care. This approach aligns closely with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s increased focus and investment in preventive and precision medicine.

“Lymphedema is a physically and emotionally draining condition that often creates social isolation, along with mobility issues. While this bypass surgery may alleviate the condition, people need to also take care of their lifestyle choices to avoid developing further health-related complications. Obesity, and other preexisting comorbidities, increase the possibility of developing lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Being able to manage both, the physiological and psychological effects of cancer and treatments are key to the patient’s success. Given the prevalence of breast cancer in the UAE, we anticipate performing more of these preventive operations on breast cancer patients to avoid developing lymphedema and help alleviate this stigma-inducing condition.”  

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Breast Health Clinic’s multidisciplinary cancer program continues to raise awareness around breast health and breast cancer prevention alongside the importance of regular screenings. For more information on breast cancer screenings or related tests, please visit Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Breast Health Clinic page.

To book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.

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Categories
-Top News UK News

More energy aid under incoming leader, says Zahawi

Truss, the strong favorite, has vowed to cut taxes and take green levies off energy bills, but has so far failed to detail how she’ll help the lowest earners and pensioners who’ll benefit the least from her plans…reports Asian Lite News

Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi said he’s working on additional measures to help households and businesses with soaring energy bills.

The proposals will help the country’s incoming prime minister “hit the ground running” after a leadership vote in the governing party concludes next week, Zahawi said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Monday. He said smaller businesses, in particular, will likely need assistance as a result of the energy crisis engulfing the UK and other European countries.

Zahawi’s remarks come as economic headwinds build against the UK, with the Bank of England predicting a recession lasting more than a year amid surging inflation. Adding to the gloom, the regulator Ofgem on Friday said a price cap on domestic energy bills will rise in October to nearly triple last winter’s level, piling misery on Britons already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.

Zahawi is hamstrung in what he can do to help consumers because of a government pledge not to make major fiscal decisions while a leadership contest plays out to decide who’ll succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister next month. He is working on policy options that the two remaining contenders, Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak, could implement if they win power.

Truss, the strong favorite, has vowed to cut taxes and take green levies off energy bills, but has so far failed to detail how she’ll help the lowest earners and pensioners who’ll benefit the least from her plans. Meanwhile Sunak has pledged more support for those groups, but has yet to say how much.

Zahawi, who backs Truss, may end up being one of the UK’s shortest-lasting chancellors, even if the foreign secretary does emerge victorious. That’s because Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng is strongly tipped by Tory insiders to be Truss’s chancellor. Zahawi only took office in July after Sunak quit the post, helping to trigger a slew of ministerial resignations that led to the prime minister’s own downfall.

Asked whether more public spending to help with the energy crisis will worsen inflation, Zahawi said the UK has some room for additional capital expenditures, and will maintain fiscal discipline. He also backed the Bank of England’s efforts to tame prices.

“I am confident that the governor has the tools available to him to be able to also bear down on inflation,” the chancellor said, also noting that the bank is independent.

The winner of the leadership contest will be announced Sept. 5 and take over from Johnson the following day.

ALSO READ-EU to debate visa ban for Russians

Categories
-Top News UK News

UK govt starts issuing priority visas to Indian students  

Alex Ellis (Picture Credits: Alex Ellis/Twitter)

The ‘Super Priority’ service is optional and has a fee in addition to the visa fee…reports Asian Lite News

British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said on August 30 that the United Kingdom has started issuing priority and super priority visas to students again.

He wrote on Twitter: “Update for Indian students travelling to the United Kingdom — Great Britain has now made priority and super priority visas available for students. There is a high demand and we recommend you apply for your visa as early as possible with the required documentation.”

As per the latest ‘UK Immigration Statistics’, nearly 1,18,000 Indian students received a visa to study in the UK in the year ending June 2022 which is an 89 percent increase from the previous year.

According to the British High Commission, the UK continues to be a popular destination for Indian holidaymakers too as Indian nationals accounted for the highest proportion (28 percent) of visitor visas granted. It said more than 2,58,000 Indian nationals received visit visas in the year ending June 2022, a 630 percent increase compared to the previous year when travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic were still in place.

Further, the British High Commissioner said that currently, the United Kingdom is dealing with visa requests in about 15 days. “There is a huge demand. So please, Indian students great that you want to come to the UK. Apply now, get the documentation right,” he concluded.

According to the UK government website, these are the fast ways to secure a visa decision. While the ‘Priority’ service ensures a visa decision in five working days, under the ‘Super Priority’ service, the decision can be announced by the end of the next working day.

Applications submitted on the last working day of the week or the last working day immediately before a public holiday will be available for collection at the end of the next working day, the website further says.

The ‘Super Priority’ service is optional and has a fee in addition to the visa fee.

This comes weeks after Mr Ellis shared a video message on Twitter about the delay in visa approvals. He had “apologised” to people who were affected by it.

Citing the reason behind the delay, the High Commissioner had said there has been an “unprecedented surge in a demand for UK visas post-Covid” and “because of global events, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

The latest UK Immigration Statistics data, released earlier this month, showed an 89 per cent increase in student visas granted to Indians, as compared to the previous year. It showed that has overtaken China as the largest nationality being issued sponsored study visas in the UK, with 1.18 lakh visas in the year ending June 2022.

Delays and a higher probability of rejection have, meanwhile, been reported from the US and Canada in particular.

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Categories
Food Lite Blogs Recipes

Protein rich Soya chunks cutlet

Soya chunks cutlet is a very popular for protein and can be taken as a simple snack item. I personally hate soya but it is very easy to make and can be had as an appetizer. we usually have soya cutlet as light evening snack with tea. it is great for small parties and get together. Today we will learn how to make soya chunks cutlet following this easy recipe.

Ingredients

  1. Soya Chunks –1 ½ cups
  2. Oil – 2 tbsp
  3. Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
  4. Ginger Paste – 1 tsp
  5. Onion – 1 [finely chopped]
  6. Carrot – 1 [finely chopped]
  7. Beans – ¾ cup [finely chopped]
  8. Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
  9. Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
  10. Garam Masala – ½ tsp
  11. Cumin Powder – ½ tsp
  12. Chaat Masala – ½ tsp
  13. Green Chillies – 3 [finely chopped]
  14. Coriander Leaves – ½ cup [finely chopped]
  15. Potatoes – 3 small [boiled]
  16. Corn Flour Slurry
  17. Bread Crumbs

Method

  1. Soak the soya chunks in hot water for 10 mins.
  2. After 10 mins strain and squeeze out the excess water.
  3. Once the soya chunks cool down, give it a pulse in the grinder.
  4. In a pan, Add oil on a low medium flame.
  5. Add onions and green chillies, saute until translucent.
  6. Add ginger and garlic paste and saute until the raw smell comes.
  7. Add the beans, carrot  saute this for 5mins and add the soya mixture and mix everything nicely. Add salt accordingly.
  1. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, chaat masala.
  2. Mix everything nicely and cook it for 5 mins on medium low flame.
  3. Now add the mashed boiled potatoes and mix everything nicely, lastly add the coriander leaves.
  4. Once the mixture cools, make patties.
  5. Dip the patties in slurry and roll it in bread crumbs.
  6. Deep fry the patties until golden – brown.

YOUR SOYA CUTLETS ARE READY TO BE SERVED.

ENJOY!

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Categories
UK News

UK in India marks anniversary of Section 377 judgment

Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, Honourable Judge of the Supreme Court of India, said, “While the decision in Navtej was momentous, we have a long way to go…reports Asian Lite News

The British High Commission will host a reception to mark the fourth anniversary of the landmark Indian Section 377 judgment. The judgment passed on 6 September 2018 by the Supreme Court of India decriminalised consensual sexual conduct between adults of the same sex. The landmark judgement has had major implications for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

The reception will see members of Indian business, civil society, NGOs working on human rights, and Consul Generals of other international missions coming together to celebrate and advance rights of the LGBT community. Justice DY Chandrachud, one of the five judges responsible for passing the historic judgment, has been invited to grace the celebration as the guest of honour.

Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, Honourable Judge of the Supreme Court of India, said, “While the decision in Navtej was momentous, we have a long way to go. The Beatles famously sang ‘All you need is love, love; Love is all you need’. At the risk of ruffling the feathers of music aficionados everywhere, I take the liberty to disagree with them and say – perhaps we need a little more than love. Structural changes as well as attitudinal changes are essential.”

Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said, “Thank you to Justice Chandrachud and everyone joining today’s event to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the historic Section 377 judgement furthering LGBT rights in India. Earlier this year in July, the UK celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Pride in London. These are milestones in non-discrimination which remind us of where we have come, and what more we have to do, in the UK and in India. The UK in India family is proud to work with Indian organisations that promote diversity and inclusion and believe in equal rights for all.”

Rudrani Chhetri, transgender model and activist, said, “I am honoured to attend today’s event organised by the British High Commission to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Section 377 judgment. This historic judgment is protecting people from abuses and different forms of atrocities like blackmail and sexual violence that the LGBT community faced earlier. We are all less fearful now in expressing ourselves not just freely but proudly and believe this is a step forward in the right direction that upholds universal human rights.”

ALSO READ-India, UK complete 5th round of FTA talks

Categories
-Top News UAE News

Abu Dhabi Labour Court hands over AED 42 mn dues to nearly 5K workers

The Labour Court commended the efforts made by all relevant authorities and the provision of services that help workers meet their vital needs during the transitional phase towards the final settlement…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi Labour Court has successfully secured the payment of unpaid dues of 5,832 workers engaged in a collective dispute for a total amount of 42,767,967 dirhams.

The matter was settled in a record time that did not exceed two months by taking prompt legal measures to register the claims, consider the cases and deliver its decisions with expedited enforcement and finally complete the process by handing over the said dues to the workers in their labour camps Abu Dhabi Labour Court secures the dues of 5,832 workers worth 42mln dirhams by mail.

The Abu Dhabi Labour Court affirmed that the speedy settlement of labour cases, especially collective cases, and the facilitation of the payment of sums due to workers at their place of residence, come in implementation of the directives of Deputy Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Labour Court also stressed the effectiveness of the mechanism employed to ensure the rapid settlement of disputes and enabling all parties to obtain their rights as guaranteed by law, in coordination with the competent authorities, as part of the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to safeguard the rights of workers and provide them with the necessary protection under the rule of law, through a pioneering judicial system that ensures the achievement of an accomplished justice.

The Labour Court also commended the efforts made by all relevant authorities and the provision of services that help workers meet their vital needs during the transitional phase towards the final settlement of their situation, with the outstanding efforts of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in addressing the conditions of workers who wish to change companies.

ALSO READ: Realty, banking blue chips continue to drive UAE markets

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Categories
USA

NYC creates ‘gun free zones’ after court ruling

City Council members also introduced their bill this month to redefine the Times Square area as a sensitive location…reports Asian Lite News

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) are copying signs declaring Times Squares gun-free status.

Robert Barrows, the NYPD’s executive director of legal operations, held up one of the signs which reads “GUN FREE ZONE”, at a City Council hearing on Tuesday focused on securing sensitive spaces after the Supreme Court gutted New York state’s concealed carry handgun law, reports dpa news agency.

After the June ruling, state lawmakers passed and Governor Kathy Hochul signed laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons in various high-risk settings including Times Square, subways, buses and bars.

The rules take effect Thursday.

City Council members also introduced their bill this month to redefine the Times Square area as a sensitive location after the ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

Noting that more than 360,000 people pass through Times Square daily, Barrows said the state law and city bill “recognise that Times Square is a dense, complex and highly trafficked area”.

He said the NYPD is working to educate cops and the public alike on developments since the conservative Supreme Court’s ruling.

“The signage will be placed at every entry point in the zone,” Barrows said. “This will be temporary. More permanent signage will be installed if, as expected, this bill becomes law.”

He said sign installation will begin Thursday.

The placard also bears language saying that “Licensed gun carriers and others may not enter with a gun unless otherwise specially authorized by law” and warning that violation of the rule is a felony.

Before the Supreme Court ruling, which marked a historic expansion of federal gun rights into the public sphere and levelled a law that stood for more than a century, New Yorkers needed to show specific self-defence needs in order to acquire concealed carry handgun licenses.

The new state rules introduced after the decision make concealed carry a crime in sensitive places that include libraries, poll sites, schools and entertainment venues.

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Categories
-Top News Asia News

Taiwan vows ‘counter-attack’ to defend itself against China

Taiwan said it would exercise its right to self-defence and “counter-attack” if Chinese fighters and warships were to enter its territorial space…reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Wednesday said that China’s recent military drills had jeopardised the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, vowing to “do whatever it takes” to defend the island.

“We will continue defending our national security, firmly holding on to the median line, and doing whatever it takes to protect our homes, our families, and our sovereignty,” Ministry spokesperson Li-Fang Sun said.

Taiwan said it would exercise its right to self-defence and “counter-attack” if Chinese fighters and warships were to enter its territorial space.

“We will use naval and air forces and coastal fire to repel PLA (Chinese People’s Liberation Army) forces that enter our 24-nautical-mile or 12-nautical-mile zones,” said Major General Lin Wen-huang, director of operations and planning division.

“When the PLA aircraft and ships are in our 12-nautical-mile territorial sea and air space, we will act in accordance with operatiorders to exercise the right of self-defence to counter-attack,” he said at an online news briefing.

After US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei on August 2, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army launched military manoeuvres around Taiwan, followed by large-scale maritime and aerial drills, reports dpa news agency.

Chinese drones have been spotted over the Taiwanese island of Kinmen.

A video from China showing two Taiwanese soldiers staring up the drone went viral.

Taiwan’s Kinmen Defense Command said late Tuesday that it had fired warning shots at a Chinese military drone.

On Tuesday, President Tsai Ing-wen said at an air base in Penghu county that she had ordered Taiwan’s military to take necessary and strong countermeasures against China’s provocations.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday denounced the passage of two US Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a “provocation” aimed at “sabotaging regional peace and stability”.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Washington must observe the “One China” policy, which is the position that there is only one Chinese government, reports dpa news agency.

On Sunday, the guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville made a “routine” mission through international waters, the US Navy’s 7th Fleet said.

“The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows,” the statement said.

It was the first time the US military sent warships through the strategic waterway since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan on August 2.

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Categories
-Top News USA

DOJ bans officials from attending partisan political events

The headline-grabbing move was to ban officials from appearing at any partisan political events and seen as being part of any political outfit, according to Garland’s announcement…reports Ashe O

US Attorney General Merrick Garland, the big boss of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has slapped new bans and restrictions on non-career appointees and its permanent staff alike from taking part in any partisan political events as it has increasingly come under fire and widespread accusations of harbouring political bias.

The headline-grabbing move was to ban officials from appearing at any partisan political events and seen as being part of any political outfit, according to Garland’s announcement.

“Although longstanding Department policy has permitted non-career appointees to attend partisan political events, e.g., fundraisers and campaign events, in their personal capacities if they participated passively and obtained prior approval. Under the new policy, non-career appointees may not participate in any partisan political event in any capacity,” the Attorney General declared in a statement on Tuesday.

“In the past, when the Department has further limited attendance at partisan political events during Presidential election years, it has allowed an exception for non-career appointees who had close family members who were running for partisan offices or similar situations,” he added.

“The new policy permits no exceptions.”

The Washington Examiner said that Garland also noted that prior DOJ policy “allowed non-career employees to passively attend campaign events and other partisan political events in their personal capacities on the evening of election day”.

He said that now “non-career appointees may not attend partisan political events, even on the evening of election day”.

The timing of Garland’s directive is significant following scrutiny of the FBI’s raid of Mar-a-Lago. Former President Donald Trump and his allies have accused the agency and officials of bias following the FBI’s unprecedented raid of his Florida resort home.

Republicans have said they believe a double standard has been on display with the DOJ’s handling of its investigation into Hunter Biden and its inquiry into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s mishandling of classified information on a private e-mail server when compared to the FBI’s raid of Mar-a-Lago.

Garland on Tuesday pointed to a DOJ-wide memo issued by acting Assistant Attorney General for Administration, Jolene Lauria on Tuesday.

Lauria noted on Tuesday that certain DOJ employees, such as members of the FBI and those in the DOJ’s criminal and national security divisions, were already “further restricted” in their political activities, saying that previous Attorney Generals determined that “all political appointees will be subject to the rules that govern ‘further restricted’ employees under the Hatch Act to ensure there is not an appearance that politics plays any part in the Department’s day-to-day operations”.

She also stressed that political appointees at the DOJ may not “engage in partisan political activity” or “use their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election”.

She said that DOJ officials “must be vigilant to prevent the appearance that any of our official duties are an effort to influence the outcome of an election”.

“As Department employees, we have been entrusted with the authority and responsibility to enforce the laws of the US in a neutral and impartial manner,” Garland said on Tuesday.

“In fulfilling this responsibility, we must do all we can to maintain public trust and ensure that politics — both in fact and appearance — does not compromise or affect the integrity of our work.”

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