Central News Hub

Month: September 2022

Shehbaz govt deliberately delays polls to choose army chief: Imran

Khan added that only free and fair elections can ensure political stability in Pakistan and the government was running away from doing so because they want to “install an army chief of their choice in November”…reports Asian Lite News

Former Pakistan Prime Minister PTI Imran Khan has slammed the coalition government for stalling the elections, saying that the delay is being done to “appoint an army chief of their own choice”.

Addressing his supporters during a party gathering in Faisalabad, the PTI Chairman said that the government has “destroyed the country within four months’ time”, Geo News reported.

He said that the government has only arrived in power to end corruption cases against itself.

Shehbaz Sharif

Khan added that only free and fair elections can ensure political stability in Pakistan and the government was running away from doing so because they want to “install an army chief of their choice in November”, Geo News reported.

Following his routine, the former premier took a jibe at the government and said that the incumbent government was the “weakest administration ever.”

“According to the IMF, corruption is the root cause of poor economic conditions in the country,” he said, adding that the government has only done damage in four months.

“Inflation is skyrocketing, while the economy has fallen to the ground,” he remarked, reiterating his stance of conspirators imposing “thieves” on the nation.

“Today, the nation is seeking answers from those who have betrayed them,” he stated.

ALSO READ: IMF cautions against Chinese investment in Pakistan

5 September 2022
How poverty fuel human trafficking in Pakistan

Greek security forces on the border with Turkey are also using dangerous green lasers to deter migrants and refugees from crossing…reports Asian Lite News

Spurred by the twin crises of rising inflation and unemployment, a large number of Pakistanis are crossing borders through illegal channels, often falling prey to a thriving racket of smugglers exploiting their poverty, a media report said.

For many people fleeing poverty, getting across the borders requires them to pay huge sums and even their lives, with transnational smugglers squeezing them to pay more than 500,000 PKR, said the report by The Express Tribune.

Trekking through mountainous terrains and no-man’s-lands to avoid arrests, most of these young men endure a gruelling journey to the ‘promised land’ of Europe, grasping for an economic lifeline as jobs dry up in their country.

But theirs is a failed journey, often resulting in more suffering as gangs lurk in darkness for potential victims, The Express Tribune report said.

While many are nabbed at the borders of Iran and Turkey, which have become transit countries for illegal migrants, and deported to Pakistan, others walk themselves into death after authorities in Greece use disproportionate force to push them back toward Turkey.

Greek security forces on the border with Turkey are also using dangerous green lasers to deter migrants and refugees from crossing.

Once detected by the radars, many refugees are thrown into panic and lose their life in their vain attempts to escape.

Smugglers take advantage of desperate people willing to take risks in search of a better life when they cannot access legal channels of migration.

As many families find themselves almost famishing, greedy smugglers salivate over the misery to feed their dark business.

Sources privy to the surging murky business of human trafficking told The Express Tribune that many greedy agents in Punjab’s districts such as Wazirabad, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Lala Musa and Jhelum are sending many innocent people, who are unaware of the dangers of the routes, to European countries via Iran and Turkey.

ALSO READ: IMF cautions against Chinese investment in Pakistan

5 September 2022
Pakistan irked over Taliban’s drone allegations

Yaqoob last week had alleged that Pakistan was allowing the US to operate drones from its soil….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan may have publicly expressed concerns over the Afghan Taliban’s allegations that the country was allowing the US to operate drone from its soil, Islamabad has privately conveyed in categorical terms to the de facto rulers of Kabul that such public outbursts will be detrimental for the bilateral ties.

Pakistan was dismayed by the acting Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob’s allegations, reflecting the same mindset of the previous Afghan administrations that blamed their own follies on Islamabad, The Express Tribune reported.

Sources said Pakistan was not expecting such a public statement from the senior Afghan Taliban leader given the fact that Islamabad had done so much for the interim government since the Taliban returned to power.

Yaqoob last week had alleged that Pakistan was allowing the US to operate drones from its soil.

“According to our information the drones are entering through Pakistan to Afghanistan, they use Pakistan’s airspace, we ask Pakistan, don’t use your airspace against us,” said Mullah Yaqoob, who is the son of former Taliban spiritual leader Mullah Omar.

Pakistan rejected Afghan Taliban government’s allegations that the country was allowing the US to use its airspace for drones, terming the charge as defying diplomatic norms.

Responding to allegations, Foreign Office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said that Pakistan had noted, with deep concern, the allegation by the acting defence minister of Afghanistan regarding use of Pakistan’s air space in the US counter-terrorism drone operation in Afghanistan.

“In the absence of any evidence, as acknowledged by the Afghan Minister himself, such conjectural allegations are highly regrettable and defy the norms of responsible diplomatic conduct,” he added.

ALSO READ: IMF cautions against Chinese investment in Pakistan

5 September 2022
Traditional recipes to celebrate Onam

Onam is a festival that is celebrated by Malayalis across the globe with a variety of tasty foods, festive decor, and fun activities. Onam is an extravagant festival and the elaborate feasts play a huge role in the celebrations not only in Kerala but across the world! Having said that, some of the citizens who are away from Kerala and still want to celebrate the festivities with some nostalgia, here are some mouth-watering traditional recipes that can be made using Voltas Beko Microwave ovens and Refrigerators. These will take minimum time and bring back those memories that you shared with your family during the festival.
Sarkaravaratti — For a quick snack with your family!

Serves: 4-5 Duration: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

4 Raw green bananas

1 cup jaggery

1 cup water

1 tsp ground cumin

10-12 green cardamom

2 tbsp dry ginger powder

Coconut oil

Steps:

Peel and cut the bananas into pieces, in the shape of a moon

Place a single batch of banana chunks on a microwave-safe plate and put it in the oven

On high, microwave for one minute. The banana will start to soften and release moisture

Carefully flip each piece over, then season with salt, ground cumin, dry ginger powder

Microwave for 2 more minutes on high, pausing after the first minute and then restarting. The chips will be crisp and finished at this point. If not, wait another 30 or so seconds.

Take it out in a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Paal Payasam — A dessert that you can enjoy with your friends and family!

Serves: 3-4 Duration: 1 hour

Ingredients:

3 tablespoon basmati rice

4 tablespoon sugar

1-litre milk

4 pods of green cardamom

1 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter)

10-12 cashew and almonds for garnishing

Steps:

Rice should be rinsed and drained and soaked for at least 20 minutes. Once soaked, add the rice to a food processor to break the grains.
Take the milk in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.
Remove and mix the broken, soaked rice with the heated milk in the microwave for another 8 minutes, uncover and stir every 2 minutes.
Remove the bowl, then whisk in the sugar, green cardamom powder, cashews and almonds.
Cool it for 10 minutes and keep it in a refrigerator for 1 hour.
Take it out and enjoy a traditional dessert with your fam!

Avial — Without which your Sadya is incomplete

Serves: 2-3 Duration: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For vegetable-

100g chopped carrot, beans, brinjal, potato, cauliflower, each

50g chopped bottle gourd and drumstick, each

For paste-

1/2 coconut, grated 4-5 green chillies

For tempering-

200g beaten curd

1-2 dry red chillies

1tsp mustard seeds

5-6 curry leaves

Chilli powder and salt as per taste
1tbsp oil
Steps:
Make a paste with green chillies and coconut.
Wash and roughly cut each vegetable into 1-inch pieces.
Microwave the veggies in half a cup of water for 10 minutes
Add the coconut and chilli paste, and salt, to the microwaved vegetables and microwave for 6 minutes
Heat the oil for 30 seconds and add in the dry red chillies, curry leaves and mustard seeds and microwave for 2 minutes.
Pour the tempered oil on the vegetables and microwave for another 2-3 minutes.
Allow it to stand for 5 minutes and serve with rice or pooris.

ALSO READ-

Onam is a festival that is celebrated by Malayalis across the globe with a variety of tasty foods, festive decor, and fun activities. Onam is an extravagant festival and the elaborate feasts play a huge role in the celebrations not only in Kerala but across the world! Having said that, some of the citizens who are away from Kerala and still want to celebrate the festivities with some nostalgia, here are some mouth-watering traditional recipes that can be made using Voltas Beko Microwave ovens and Refrigerators. These will take minimum time and bring back those memories that you shared with your family during the festival.
Sarkaravaratti — For a quick snack with your family!

Serves: 4-5 Duration: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

4 Raw green bananas

1 cup jaggery

1 cup water

1 tsp ground cumin

10-12 green cardamom

2 tbsp dry ginger powder

Coconut oil

Steps:

Peel and cut the bananas into pieces, in the shape of a moon

Place a single batch of banana chunks on a microwave-safe plate and put it in the oven

On high, microwave for one minute. The banana will start to soften and release moisture

Carefully flip each piece over, then season with salt, ground cumin, dry ginger powder

Microwave for 2 more minutes on high, pausing after the first minute and then restarting. The chips will be crisp and finished at this point. If not, wait another 30 or so seconds.

Take it out in a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Paal Payasam — A dessert that you can enjoy with your friends and family!

Serves: 3-4 Duration: 1 hour

Ingredients:

3 tablespoon basmati rice

4 tablespoon sugar

1-litre milk

4 pods of green cardamom

1 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter)

10-12 cashew and almonds for garnishing

Steps:

Rice should be rinsed and drained and soaked for at least 20 minutes. Once soaked, add the rice to a food processor to break the grains.
Take the milk in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.
Remove and mix the broken, soaked rice with the heated milk in the microwave for another 8 minutes, uncover and stir every 2 minutes.
Remove the bowl, then whisk in the sugar, green cardamom powder, cashews and almonds.
Cool it for 10 minutes and keep it in a refrigerator for 1 hour.
Take it out and enjoy a traditional dessert with your fam!

Avial — Without which your Sadya is incomplete

Serves: 2-3 Duration: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For vegetable-

100g chopped carrot, beans, brinjal, potato, cauliflower, each

50g chopped bottle gourd and drumstick, each

For paste-

1/2 coconut, grated 4-5 green chillies

For tempering-

200g beaten curd

1-2 dry red chillies

1tsp mustard seeds

5-6 curry leaves

Chilli powder and salt as per taste
1tbsp oil
Steps:
Make a paste with green chillies and coconut.
Wash and roughly cut each vegetable into 1-inch pieces.
Microwave the veggies in half a cup of water for 10 minutes
Add the coconut and chilli paste, and salt, to the microwaved vegetables and microwave for 6 minutes
Heat the oil for 30 seconds and add in the dry red chillies, curry leaves and mustard seeds and microwave for 2 minutes.
Pour the tempered oil on the vegetables and microwave for another 2-3 minutes.
Allow it to stand for 5 minutes and serve with rice or pooris.

5 September 2022
Indian Army Chief hands over non-lethal equipments to Nepal

Pande arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday on a five-day official visit to the Himalayan nation….reports Asian Lite News

India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande on Monday handed over non-lethal equipment to the Nepali Army.

General Pande presented the equipment worth 220 million NPR along with light vehicles for augmenting the Nepali Army’s technical capabilities, said the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

Ahead of handing over 10 mines protective vehicles, four horses, simulators, medical equipment and maintenance spares parts, Pande had held delegation level talks with his Nepali counterpart, General Prabhu Ram Sharma.

Pande arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday on a five-day official visit to the Himalayan nation.

Earlier on Monday, Pande was given guard of honor by the Nepali Army.

Later in afternoon, he will be conferred with the honorary rank of Nepali Army by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at a function at President Office.

ALSO READ: Indian Army Chief in Kathmandu

5 September 2022
Saudi keen to advance joint action with Egypt

Sisi stressed that the Egypt-Saudi Arabia ties represent “a cornerstone for stability in the entire Middle East region,” particularly considering the delicate conditions Arab countries are going through…reports Asian Lite News

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi met with visiting Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Cairo, where they discussed bilateral ties and regional and international issues of mutual interests, said the Egyptian presidency.

Sisi stressed that the Egypt-Saudi Arabia ties represent “a cornerstone for stability in the entire Middle East region,” particularly considering the delicate conditions Arab countries are going through and various challenges they are facing, said Egypt’s presidential spokesman Bassam Rady in a statement on Sunday.

For his part, the Saudi Foreign Minister highlighted the kingdom’s commitment to strengthening “the strategic cooperation” with Egypt at various levels, adding that Saudi Arabia is keen to further advance the joint action and intensive coordination with Egypt on regional and international issues, Xinhua news agency reported.

In June, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud paid a state visit to Cairo, during which he met with Sisi and witnessed the signing of 14 investment deals worth $7.7 billion in total, covering infrastructure, renewable energy, e-commerce, digital finance, and other fields.

ALSO READ: ‘UAE is keen to address global energy challenges’

5 September 2022
Abu Dhabi hosts UAE-Bulgarian biz forum

The Forum shed light on the main opportunities and trends for enhancing bilateral cooperation….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE-Bulgarian Business Forum, organised by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), concluded its activities which were held in Abu Dhabi. The Forum emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral relations, and setting new strategic frameworks that drive economic partnerships by stimulating investment in a number of vital sectors.

The Forum was held in the presence of Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Abdullah Mohammed Al Mazrui, Chairman of ADCC; and Humaid Mohamed ben Salem, Secretary General of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI).

Rumen Radev, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, said: “It is a privilege to be in a country that serves as a pillar of stability in the region. A strategic collaboration between the UAE and the Republic of Bulgaria is key for opening doors and providing opportunities for economic cooperation in different industries including energy, trade, investment, digital and green technologies, smart solutions, agriculture, defense, education, and other sectors.”

“The UAE has built a strong economy and we are keen to do more business with the country, given its strategic location, best access to the European market, stability, good relations, qualified labour force, and lack of corporate taxation,” he added.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: “The UAE deeply values our longstanding partnership with Bulgaria, and we are encouraged by the significant progress made across political, economic and cultural areas in recent years. For example, non-oil foreign trade amounted to US$121 million in the first half of 2022, representing a 40 percent growth compared to the same period 2021, and 10 percent growth compared to 2019. Today, Bulgaria ranks as one of the UAE’s top 25 trading partners among European countries.”

“The UAE serves as Bulgaria’s second largest trading partner among GCC countries, accounting for more than 25 percent of its trade with the GCC in 2021. Economic partnerships remain a top priority within the UAE’s foreign cooperation policy. As we pursue an aggressive reform agenda to accelerate and sustain future economic growth. We are also working to expand our trade and investment cooperation with key global partners,” he added.

The Forum shed light on the main opportunities and trends for enhancing bilateral cooperation. It showcased the UAE’s prosperous business environment, which attracts foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as its sustainability and effective and flexible legislative framework in the region.

At the conclusion of the Forum, a number of officials from both countries gave presentations on key investment opportunities in the different sectors, including Fintech, Construction, Defence, Information and Communications Technology, and Manufacturing, which are the most attractive sectors for attracting FDI. In addition, a number of bilateral meetings were held between official, businessmen, and investors from both sides.

ALSO READ: UAE President receives Modi’s letter on strengthening ties

5 September 2022
WGS boosts its partnership with WHO

The meeting discussed the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration on global public health challenges as well as the future of healthcare globally…reports Asian Lite News

The World Government Summit (WGS) Organisation and the World Health Organisation (WHO), during a meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further dialogue and partnerships on global health.

The MoU, which builds on the positive impact of the WGS and WHO past collaborations in developing new solutions in health policies and related sustainable development goals, was signed by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications, Managing Director of WGS Organisation, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The meeting discussed the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration on global public health challenges as well as the future of healthcare globally.

“The World Government Summit is keen to strengthen its partnerships with key international organisations that are focused on shaping the future, as well as fostering an advanced opportunity system enabling governments around the world to anticipate challenges and trends in vital fields,” Minister Al Olama said.

He also added that this partnership will contribute to ideas, solutions and recommendations developed by world class experts and specialists to existing and emerging challenges, building on successes and positive impact resulted from past collaborations with WHO, which contributed immensely in elevating agility and government readiness in tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic.

For his part, Dr. Ghebreyesus stated, “The Pandemic has underlined the critical importance of public health in all countries, and how government action is the essential ingredient to protect and promote people’s health, and safeguard societies. WHO is delighted to sign this MoU with WGS, and support the critical role governments play in preserving the health and wellbeing of our communities through multilateral action and shared solutions to shared threats.”

This MOU formalises WGS and WHO commitment towards enriching dialogue and collaboration on the global public health agenda, its challenges, and future opportunities.

In his keynote speech at the WGS annual meeting in March 2022 session, the WHO Director-General called on governments and the global healthcare community to join forces in the face of current and future pandemics.

ALSO READ: UAE President receives Modi’s letter on strengthening ties

5 September 2022
UAE to host World Amateur Golf C’ships for first time in Middle East

The Emirates Golf Federation presented the Greg Norman-designed Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai as the host venue….reports Asian Lite News

The International Golf Federation has announced that the Emirates Golf Federation will host the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships, as voted upon during the IGF biennial meeting, which was held virtually. This marks the first time the event, which dates back to 1958, will be held in the Middle East.

The 30th women’s championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy will be held from 18th to 21st October and the 33rd men’s championship for the Eisenhower Trophy from 25th to 28th October 2023.

The Emirates Golf Federation was selected over the Singapore Golf Association after the two were identified as the finalists by the IGF Bid Panel from an initial group of eight National Federation members that had expressed interest in hosting the biennial team event for men and women.

“Both candidates provided exceptionally strong bid proposals, which was duly noted by both the IGF Administrative Committee and the IGF Bid Panel,” said Antony Scanlon, Executive Director of the IGF. “We greatly appreciate the interest and strong case presented by the Singapore Golf Association. At the same time, the Emirates Golf Federation made a compelling case that resonated with our member organisations and we’re very excited to be holding our first World Amateur Team Championships in the Middle East region. We look forward to working with the Emirates Golf Federation to deliver a memorable event and experience for the athletes in 2023.”

The Emirates Golf Federation presented the Greg Norman-designed Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai as the host venue.

ALSO READ: ‘UAE is keen to address global energy challenges’

5 September 2022
Code of Conduct issued for education professionals

Dr. Al Falasi added that the code is a framework of the basic values and ethics that an educator must commit to, in establishing an institutional culture based on the best ethical standards…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE Ministry of Education has approved the Code of Conduct for education professionals in general education to enhance the profession and establish clear and public ethical standards, rules, and principles of conduct for the educational process.

The code of conduct aligns with the vision and mission of the Ministry of Education, to build an institutional culture based on ethical norms and rules. It will enhance an educator’s professional and educational responsibilities and their pioneering role in building the future of our students to reach globally advanced levels in the hope of implementing the vision of the enlightened leadership in the UAE.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, said, “We are proud of our educational professions and we are keen to consolidate the values of the UAE’s society according to the directives of the wise leadership.”

Dr. Al Falasi added that the code is a framework of the basic values and ethics that an educator must commit to, in establishing an institutional culture based on the best ethical standards that reflects the traditions and values of the UAE.

The code of conduct is based on ten principles, behaviour and ethics for workers in educational institutions in the country. That includes encouraging positive values in students, safeguarding them against being drawn into ideas deemed unacceptable by the UAE’s society and promoting the principles of tolerance and acceptance of others.

The code also aims to encourage students to highly regard the UAE’s journey of development and prosperity, and encourage them to participate in national activities and events actively.

Under the code of conduct, educational professionals are asked to protect children from neglect, exploitation, bullying and all forms of abuse, as well as avoid disclosing confidential information about the students and their families.

The code of conduct includes avoiding spreading fake news and rumours and refraining from committing any verbal or physical violence against students under all circumstances.

One of the most essential principles of the code of conduct is demonstrating positive behaviour in dealing with the parents and the community. It is followed by respecting Emirati culture and traditions and highly regarding the values of Islam.

Workers in the general education sector must respect the cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of the workplace, and refrain from committing any behavioural or verbal offences against their colleagues, the educational institution and its employees.

In addition, through the Ministry of Education’s code of conduct, workers in the general education sector must refrain from using, possessing or falling under the influence of any unauthorised substances, including smoking, in the workplace. In addition to refraining from spreading socially unacceptable behaviour or any other behaviour deemed inappropriate to the UAE’s society.

The code also requires all workers in the sector to adhere to appropriate, non-revealing clothing, respect the traditions of the UAE and show a respectful image of workers in the educational sector.

ALSO READ: ‘UAE is keen to address global energy challenges’

5 September 2022