Central News Hub

Month: September 2022

  • Ananya Birla to make int’l ramp debut

    Ananya Birla to make int’l ramp debut

    Alongside Kochhar, Elizabeth Emanuel, a British designer best known for designing late Princess Diana’s wedding gown,  currently on display at Kensington Palace London, will appear during the nightfall slot…reports Asian Lite News

    Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ananya Birla, is preparing for her debut in the international fashion world. She is well-known for her eclectic sense of style and will be walking the runway for celebrated Indian couturière, Archana Kochhar. The designer will be showcasing for the first time at prestigious London Fashion Week.

    Ananya Birla states, “I’m looking forward to being a part of the London Fashion Week and supporting the Make In India campaign on the world stage. Archana Kochhar is a talented designer and I can’t wait to walk for her. ”

    The show, in collaboration with the British Fashion Council, will take place on September 17, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency, London – The Churchill. Kochhar, who has worked with Bollywood stars, is also the first Indian designer to be designated to propel the Make In India campaign, which was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in 2014 on global territories.

    Alongside Kochhar, Elizabeth Emanuel, a British designer best known for designing late Princess Diana’s wedding gown,  currently on display at Kensington Palace London, will appear during the nightfall slot.

    Kochhar’s collection ‘Lé Gehna,’ focuses on emerging bridal trends from the modern world. The collection will be a vibrant showcase of royal hues, avant-garde cuts, and seamless textures, with a striking medley of artisanal Indian embroidery and western silhouettes. Birla is expected to dazzle in a bespoke emerald saree gown, with an emphasis on promoting Indian heritage on the global stage.

    Archana Kochhar states, “Craft and handiwork are at the core of my work and I’m pleased to associate with Ananya Birla who enjoys a distinct cultural and artistic lineage. My collection’s overall theme is all about inclusivity and consciousness and to inspire forward-thinking fashion conversations in the bridal fashion circuits.”

    ALSO READ-Revathy returns to direction

  • Munisyari’s mesmerizing Tulip Garden

    Munisyari’s mesmerizing Tulip Garden

    Located at an altitude of 2,200m from the sea-level, Munisyari generally experiences a cold climate round the year due to which it receives a lot of tourists during the summer…reports Asian Lite News

    Far from the famed hill stations of Uttarkhand such as Mussoorie, Nainital and state capital Dehradun, lies the hamlet of Munisyari in Pithoragarh district which is also a popular tourist destination in its own rights.

    Also described as “The Little Kashmir”, the place has been getting lots of attention and tourist footfalls especially due to its serene Tulip Garden situated in the backdrop of snow-clad Panchachuli ranges.

    Located at an altitude of 2,200m from the sea-level, Munisyari generally experiences a cold climate round the year due to which it receives a lot of tourists during the summer.

    The hamlet’s name has two words — Mun and Syar — meaning of whose locally are ice and mud.

    The ancient name of Munisyari is Tiksen. It was one of the major trading centres prior to the 1962 India-China war. Later, the hamlet came to be known as Himnagri.

    Located around 264 km away from Nainital, Munisyari is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

    The Tulip Garden here was set up at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore, and the eco-garden is spread over an area of 30 hectares.

    The work on the garden project began in 2018.

    Upon completion of work two years later, then Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on May 9, 2020 had tweeted: “I am happy to share the first pics of the successful pilot of my dream project — Munsiyari based Tulip Garden. Set amidst the backdrop of Panchachuli ranges, this garden will be one of the biggest tulip gardens in the world and will transform tourism in Munsiyari region.”

    The Forest Department’s efforts for converting a barren stretch of land into a breath-taking floral sport has been lauded by everyone.

    The idea of coming up with a garden of such a magnitude had then germinated as the soil was losing its fertility due to large-scale growth of wild grass.

    DFO Pithoragrh, Vinay Bhargav, said that the local residents have also played a key role in the setting up of Tulip Garden. Also, the garden went on to generate employment for the locals.

    He also that said Tulips were first found in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

    “We would like to have at least 1 lakh tulips here… That would draw more tourists to the place, and also generate source of living for the local residents,” he said.

    The Tulip Garden is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. The seeds were imported from the Netherlands to grow the flowers. Besides, 7,000 tulips were also brought in from there.

    ALSO READ-How Radhakrishan got Stalin to support India on Kashmir

  • Indian-American Vedant Patel holds State Dept presser

    Indian-American Vedant Patel holds State Dept presser

    Patel will be handling the next news briefing, which is scheduled for Wednesday…reports Asian Lite News

    Vedant Patel, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, has created history by becoming the first Indian-American to hold the daily State Department news briefing.

    With State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on vacation, the 33-year-old Patel from California on Tuesday took the briefing room in the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department to represent the country on foreign policy issues before the media, news agency PTI reported.

    According to the report, Patel covered topics ranging from Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, negotiations around the JCPOA and Liz Truss becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Patel will be handling the next news briefing, which is scheduled for Wednesday.

    Vedant Patel made an impressive debut from the podium. “Kudos to” Vedant Patel on his podium debut, tweeted Matt Hill, senior Associate Communications Director at the White House.

    “Representing the United States on the world stage is a huge responsibility, and Vedant did it with the utmost professionalism and clear communication,” Hill said.

    Pili Tobar, former White House deputy communications director said: “It’s so great to see Vedant Patel at the podium”.

    “Congrats my friend on an amazing debut,” she tweeted.

    Patel, who was born in Gujarat, is a graduate from the University of California, Riverside, and previously served as an Assistant Press Secretary and Spokesperson for President Biden in The White House.

    Prior to that he served as a spokesperson on the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Biden-Harris Transition.

    He also held communications positions on the Biden Campaign both in the primary and general election.

    Previously, Patel worked as Communications Director to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Communications Director to Congressman Mike Honda.

    ALSO READ: Indian-origin Suella Braverman appointed UK’s Home Secretary

  • Pentagon announces plan to test ICBM

    Pentagon announces plan to test ICBM

    Ryder added that the purpose of the launch is to demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and provide confidence in the security and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent….reports Asian Lite News

    The US Department of Defence has confirmed that the military will test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday, in the second such practice operation of the country’s nuclear defence in less than a month.

    “There will be an operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile early tomorrow morning, September 7, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California,” Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder has said.

    He said the launch is a routine test which was scheduled far in advance, and consistent with previous tests, “this ICBM launch will validate and verify effectiveness and readiness of the system.”

    “In accordance with standard procedures, the United States has transmitted a prelaunch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian government in advance pursuant to treaty obligations,” he noted.

    Ryder added that the purpose of the launch is to demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and provide confidence in the security and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

    The US Air Force successfully launched a Minutemen III ICBM August 16, after having postponed the test twice to avoid stoking tensions over Ukraine and Taiwan.

    The missile carried a test re-entry vehicle, which in a strategic conflict could be armed with a nuclear warhead.

    The re-entry vehicle traveled about 4,200 miles (6,760 kilometers) to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the western Pacific.

    Ryder said the two tests were scheduled long in advance and are occurring close together because of the first one’s postponement.

    “As you may recall, the last test launch was August 4th, which had been delayed. So for those wondering about timing, the two launches moved closer together due to the delays from the August date sliding to the right.  And again, tomorrow’s launch was scheduled far in advance,” Ryder told reporters.

    ALSO READ: US not to label Russia as ‘sponsors of terror’

  • Rahul Gandhi meets Sheikh Hasina

    Rahul Gandhi meets Sheikh Hasina

    Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also met President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi during her four-day visit to India.

    Hasina began her four-day visit to India yesterday as Bangladesh is an important partner under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.

    Soon after arriving in New Delhi on Monday, Bangladesh Prime Minister met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed issues of bilateral interest. She also visited Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, a prominent pilgrimage tourist attraction in Delhi.

    Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also met President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi.

    While welcoming Sheikh Hasina to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that “our shared history, language and culture connect us with each other”, according to a statement released by Rashtrapati Bhavan.

    President noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh have grown immensely. She further said that the way the two countries have celebrated the 50th year of Bangladesh’s independence and the golden jubilee of India-Bangladesh bilateral relations is truly special.

    The President was happy to note that Bangladesh has achieved great success in the socio-economic prosperity of its people. She assured me that India will continue to be a reliable partner in the developmental journey of Bangladesh.

    Earlier today, Sheikh Hasina met Prime minister Narendra Modi and held bilateral talks to review and further strengthen the relationship between both countries at Hyderabad House, following which seven MoUs have been signed between India and Bangladesh during the visit of Sheikh Hasina to India. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Hasina needs to show ‘tangible gains’ from India visit

  • Indian-origin Suella Braverman appointed UK’s Home Secretary

    Indian-origin Suella Braverman appointed UK’s Home Secretary

    The new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss had appointed Suella Braverman as her Home Secretary…reports Asian Lite News

    Suella Braverman, an Indian-origin barrister, was appointed as the UK’s new Home Secretary, replacing fellow colleague Priti Patel who is also of Indian descent.

    The new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss had appointed Suella Braverman as her Home Secretary.

    “Great to be at @ukhomeoffice this evening to meet the team as we begin our work: making our streets safer, supporting our security services and controlling immigration,” she said in a tweet.

    “Thank you to everyone at @attorneygeneral for enjoyable 2-and-a-bit years. You are an excellent and dedicated team and achieved a huge amount of which you can be proud,” she said in another tweet.

    Suella Braverman was previously Attorney General between 2020-2022.

    Prior to that, she was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for exiting the European Union from January to November 2018. Suella was elected as the Conservative MP for Fareham in May 2015.

    Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday appointed the Conservative Party leader Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    “The Queen received Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle today. Her Majesty asked her to form a new Administration. Truss accepted Her Majesty’s offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury,” The Royal Family tweeted.

    Truss was elected the head of the UK’s Conservative Party on Monday after defeating former chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak.

    Truss became the first prime minister to be appointed by the Queen in Scotland, and not at Buckingham Palace, as tradition requires.

    After meeting the Queen, the new prime minister will return to London and speak outside the Downing Street office.

    Forty-seven-year-old Liz Truss became the third female prime minister of the UK.

    Truss defeated Rishi Sunak through a postal ballot of all Conservative members. She secured 81,326 votes while Sunak got 60,399 votes.

    “I am honoured to be elected Leader of the Conservative Party. Thank you for putting your trust in me to lead and deliver for our great country. I will take bold action to get all of us through these tough times, grow our economy, and unleash the United Kingdom’s potential,” Truss wrote on Twitter. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Boris Johnson bows out as UK PM

  • DEWA receives 4 contract bids for MBR Solar Park 6th phase

    DEWA receives 4 contract bids for MBR Solar Park 6th phase

    The production capacity of the sixth phase of the Solar Park will be 900 MW….reports Asian Lite News

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has received four bids from international companies for consultancy contract for the sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, with a production capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030.

    The production capacity of the sixth phase of the Solar Park will be 900 MW.

    Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said, “Since its launch, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’s projects have received considerable interest from global developers, which reflects the confidence of investors from around the world in DEWA’s major projects in collaboration with the private sector using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. DEWA’s total production capacity of energy is 14,117 MW. The current production capacity of the Solar Park is 1,627 MW using photovoltaic solar panels.

    DEWA is implementing other projects at the Solar Park with a total capacity of 1,233 MW using photovoltaic solar panels and concentrated solar power technologies, which raises the share of clean energy production within Dubai’s energy mix to 11.5%. This is expected to reach 14% by the end of this year.”

    “We seek to put Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of producing renewable and clean energy. DEWA has achieved world records for the lowest solar energy prices (Levelised Cost of Electricity), for five consecutive times, making Dubai a global benchmark for solar power prices,” added Al Tayer.

    ALSO READ: UAE FM, German counterpart discuss strategic ties

  • UAE President receives Chairman of Saudi Consultative Assembly

    UAE President receives Chairman of Saudi Consultative Assembly

    The two sides exchanged cordial conversations on the long-standing relations binding the UAE and Saudi Arabia and their peoples…reports Asian Lite News

    UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received at Qasr Al Bahr Majlis, Dr Abdullah Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, the Chairman of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who was accompanied by Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council.

    During the meeting, Dr Abdullah conveyed to Sheikh Mohamed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, and their wishes of progress and prosperity to the UAE and its people. Sheikh Mohamed reciprocated the greetings.

    The two sides exchanged cordial conversations on the long-standing relations binding the UAE and Saudi Arabia and their peoples.

    The meeting was attended by Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, and other officials.

    ALSO READ: UAE FM, German counterpart discuss strategic ties

  • UAE FM, German counterpart discuss strategic ties

    UAE FM, German counterpart discuss strategic ties

    The UAE foreign minister also affirmed the UAE’s keenness, with the support of its wise leadership, to develop prospects for joint cooperation in various sectors…reports Asian Lite News

    UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock have discussed the strategic relations between the two countries and joint cooperation in all fields.

    The two sides also reviewed several issues of common interest, including economic integration and cooperation in the energy and renewable energy fields.

    Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the well-established strategic relations between the UAE and Germany and the continuous coordination between the two countries.

    The UAE foreign minister also affirmed the UAE’s keenness, with the support of its wise leadership, to develop prospects for joint cooperation in various sectors to achieve the mutual interests of the two friendly countries and their peoples.

    For her part, the German Foreign Minister praised the Emirati-German strategic ties and both countries’ eagerness to foster them in all domains.

    Meanwhile, Abdulla Mohamed Alblooki, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for Protocol Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received a copy of the credentials of Alexander Schonfelder, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE.

    Alblooki wished the new Ambassador success in the performance of his duties and in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the UAE and his country.

    The newly appointed Ambassador expressed his pleasure at representing his country in the United Arab Emirates, which enjoys a prestigious regional and international position under the visionary policy of President  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    Xxx

    Ammonia shipment to Germany

    Last week, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced that its first shipment of low-carbon ammonia has left the UAE bound for Hamburg, Germany. This was the first ever cargo of low-carbon ammonia to be shipped to Germany.

    The demonstration cargo was to be delivered to Aurubis, a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide, that has its headquarters in Hamburg. On arrival in Germany, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), one of Europe’s leading logistics companies will handle the cargo.

    Produced by Fertiglobe, a partnership between ADNOC and OCI, at its Fertil plant in Abu Dhabi’s Ruwais industrial complex, the demonstration cargo is the first of several test cargoes sold to customers in Germany as ADNOC expands its strategic energy partnership across the hydrogen value chain.

    The cargo follows a number of similar low-carbon ammonia sales that have been made to customers in Asia. Aurubis plans to utilise the low-carbon ammonia as a feedstock in its wire rod plant, testing its application as an additional, lower-carbon energy source for industrial utilisation. The hydrogen it contains has the potential to be a low-carbon energy alternative for the energy-intensive processes in multi-metal production.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi hosts UAE-Bulgarian biz forum

  • UAE meets 42% of Japan’s crude oil needs in July

    UAE meets 42% of Japan’s crude oil needs in July

    Saudi Arabia came second, meeting 35.1 percent of the Japanese crude needs, or 28.47 million barrels…reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE secured 42 percent of Japan’s crude oil needs in July, which is equal to 33.99 million barrels, according to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy in Tokyo.

    The agency, part of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, stated that the amount of crude that Japan imported during that month amounted to 81.05 million barrels, of which 79.17 million barrels, or 97.17 percent, originated from Arab countries.

    Saudi Arabia came second, meeting 35.1 percent of the Japanese crude needs, or 28.47 million barrels.

    Youth Ambassadors Programme

    The first Youth Ambassadors Programme Japan (YAPJP) has been launched with the aim of deepening cultural ties and harnessing young talent.

    The launch of the programme comes in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Japan.

    YAP Japan targets Emirati students from five universities across the UAE who aspire to study and obtain a master’s degree in Japan. This year’s inaugural programme selected 21 ambitious students out of a competitive pool of 250 applicants.

    Building on the success of previous and existing Youth Ambassadors Programmes, between the UAE and other countries, including China, South Korea and Germany, the first iteration between the UAE and Japan is being organised in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE).

    The programme will provide participants with a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, history, language, and aesthetics. The graduates of YAP Japan are expected to become leaders in fields of government, industries, and academia and play critical roles in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.

    Initially launched in 2012, the programme aims to develop and equip young Emiratis to take on prominent roles in strategic sectors, increasing their understanding of the economy, government, history, culture, and language through strengthened engagement with selected strategic partners of the UAE. To date, more than 200 alumni have graduated from the programme.

    YAP Japan kicked off with an orientation at the Emirates Palace on 25th August, as a means to celebrate the new cohort and with the presence of key figures, including Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, and Alanood Al Kaabi, Programme Manager of the Youth Ambassadors Programme. Masashi Watanabe, Director of Petroleum Policy at the Agency of Natural Resources and Energy of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, joined the event virtually.

    The orientation allowed participants to learn more about the programme and its support, as well as experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony workshop with the Urasenke Abu Dhabi Study Group.

    YAPJAPAN aim each of the participants will enroll in a master’s degree in the autumn of 2023, and in advance of their studies will have a chance to experience a wide range of courses, including Japanese cultural workshop, individual study counseling with professional and Japanese Language course specially made for YAP student.

    Each student will also be able to participate in the upcoming Japan Visit Programme this December, allowing them to experience Japanese culture and technology up close and have an opportunity to visit some of their top universities in Japan.

    The 21 students selected for this year’s programme have a deep interest in Japan; for many, pop culture was the spark that fired their passion.

    ALSO READ: UAE’s new visa system starts from October