Month: August 2023

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-Top News Politics UK News

Grant Shapps Takes Helm from Ben Wallace in UK Cabinet

After being appointed at the position, Grant Shapps said that he is looking forward to work with the armed forces who protect the nation….reports Asian Lite News

Conservative MP and former Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has been appointed as the new Defence Secretary of United Kingdom on Thursday.

This comes after Ben Wallace resigned from his position earlier on Thursday.

“The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP @GrantShapps has been appointed Secretary of State for Defence @DefenceHQ,” PM Rishi Sunak’s office said on X (formerly Twitter).

After being appointed at the position, Grant Shapps said that he is looking forward to work with the armed forces who protect the nation.

“I’m honoured to be appointed as Defence Secretary by @RishiSunak I’d like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution Ben Wallace has made to UK defence & global security over the last 4 years,” he said on X.

Shapps added, “As I get to work at @DefenceHQI am looking forward to working with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who defend our nation’s security. And continuing the UK’s support for Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s barbaric invasion”.

After Shapps’ appointment, MP Claire Coutinho was given the position of Energy Secretary and Net Zero.

“Claire Coutinho MP @ClaireCoutinho has been appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero @energygovuk,” Rishi Sunak’s office informed on X.

In his letter of resignation, on Wednesday, Wallace said that he stood with the army during thick and thin times. He recalled the incidents from the Wannacry ransomware attack, the 2017 terrorist attacks, the Salisbury Poisonings, Afghanistan, Sudan and Ukraine.

He further said that his support for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government will continue.

The resignation of Ben Wallace is the second resignation from Sunak cabinet in quick succession.

Earlier, Nadine Dorries announced her resignation from the UK House of Commons on Sunday “with immediate effect” while simultaneously attacking Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UK Defense Secretary Wallace Steps Down

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-Top News India News World News

Lavrov Takes Center Stage As Putin Skips G20 Summit

Template for Security Council could reflect G20: Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold several bilateral talks and contacts on the sidelines of the summit….reports Asian Lite News

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the G20 Summit in India next week after President Vladimir Putin announced his plan to skip the leaders’ Summit.

Under India’s presidency, the G20 (Group of Twenty) Summit is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10 and the theme– “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. 

According to the statement, released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov is expected to attend two plenary sessions: on September 9, there will be the One Planet session on sustainable development and promoting steady economic growth, and on September 10, the Foreign Minister will speak at the One Future session highlighting key matters of promoting democracy and strengthening the role of the countries belonging to the global majority within global economic governance institutions, as well as achieving digital transformation.

Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold several bilateral talks and contacts on the sidelines of the summit.

“We would like to note the unifying nature of India’s G20 Presidency, the country’s commitment to promoting the interests of the developing countries and creating a constructive atmosphere at the forum. The summit is expected to make a decision on accepting the African Union as a permanent G20 member. We welcome this step. Russia was among the first to support this initiative and contributed to carrying it out,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in the briefing, as per the statement.

“The policy of confrontation adopted by the collective West has been creating artificial roadblocks that prevent the G20 from unleashing its creative potential. Efforts by the United States and its allies to spread anti-Russia and anti-China information, primarily in the context of Ukraine, have been a special source of tension,” she added.

The Spokesperson further stated that Russia refers to this phenomenon as the Ukrainisation of the international agenda, meaning a refusal to recognise the actual challenges related to the Ukraine crisis, its causes and ways to settle it, while seeking to place this topic on top of the agenda everywhere even when it has no place in the discussion.

The West’s attempts to devalue a consensus rule within the G20 and to extend questionable G7 agreements to this forum as binding commitments have given rise to alarming trends. The Anglo-Saxons are cooking up all kinds of dirty tricks, she said.

“At the Summit, Russia intends to promote its principled vision of ways of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and addressing key challenges in this regard, including the West’s efforts to destabilise the global economy through sanctions, terrorist attacks inspired by the West, conflicts and supply chain disruptions,” the statement read.

“We (Russia) will share our assessment of the risks related to precipitating the transition to a green economy, especially for the most vulnerable countries of the world. The West has succeeded in making environmental protection an extremely partisan and polarising issue. This is not just an irresponsible attitude but a harmful one as well, since this position is not backed by research,” it added.

Russia is committed to making the Delhi summit a success and ensuring that the Indian G20 Presidency is effective. Russia hoped that all other G20 members, especially those representing the West, adopt the same responsible attitude.

“We will work with a wide range of friendly partner countries within the G20 and rely on the BRICS countries to counter any detrimental processes in this regard,” Zakharova said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Russia vetoes UNSC resolution on sanctions against Mali

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-Top News India News World News

Jaishankar Questions UNSC’s Credibility Sans India

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaks at a news conference in New York on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo: Arul Louis/IANS)

Jaishankar compared the five permanent members, who are vested with the veto power, with passengers sitting on the first row of a bus and not leaving their places….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said keeping India out of the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council will only call the credibility of the international organisation into question.

Speaking at an event at Delhi University, Jaishankar said the UN was formed in 1940 during the Second World War and had only 50 member countries at the time. However, the number of members now has increased by 4 times with about 200 countries as members, he added.

“The present United Nations architecture was formed in the 1940s. There were 50 member countries of the UN back then, and now there are more than 200 countries. So there will be changes,” Jaishankar said.

He compared the five permanent members, who are vested with the veto power, with passengers sitting on the first row of a bus and not leaving their places.

“There is not an equal representation in UNSC as there is no African country, Latin America and the world’s largest country in terms of population and the fifth-largest economy cannot be kept out of this and if it is kept out, there will be questions raised on the credibility of the United Nations,” Jaishankar said at the event.

“BRICS first time said that UNSC memberships should undergo a change. History is on our side, and the UN will change. Forces who are blocking it will keep trying but eventually, it will happen,” he added.

At the DU event titled ‘G20 Presidency & its Global Impact’, Jaishankar also weighed in on India’s G20 presidency and what makes it different. “The first reason is actually the chair. The fact is, India assumed the G20 presidency at a time when we are starting to matter more to the world. This is partly because of our economic achievements as we are now the fifth-largest economy in the world,” he said.

He added that India, today, is recognised as essential to the global workplace and the global talent pool.

The EAM said India’s G20 presidency matters because it has “demonstrated a capability of helping other countries”.

“Therefore India’s presidency of the G20 has expectations and responsibilities, which are exceptional,” he said.

India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, and will hold the chair till November 30, this year. The theme for India’s G20 Presidency this year is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, loosely translated to ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. The phrase has been drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad.

The G20 Summit will be hosted in the national capital over two days — September 9 and 10.(ANI)

ALSO READ: Russia vetoes UNSC resolution on sanctions against Mali

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Goa Lite Blogs UK News

Goan Association North West Hosts World Goa Day Celebration in Manchester

The event was a testament to the vibrant Goan community’s spirit in the North West, as people from all walks of life came together to embrace their heritage and forge new connections.

The Goan Association North West marked a momentous celebration of culture, unity, and community as they commemorated World Goa Day on Sunday, August 20. The event took place at the picturesque Heaton Park in Manchester, where attendees of all ages gathered for a day of festivities, camaraderie, and shared nostalgia.

The event was a testament to the vibrant Goan community’s spirit in the North West, as people from all walks of life came together to embrace their heritage and forge new connections. From dawn until dusk, Heaton Park echoed with laughter, excitement, and a strong sense of togetherness.

The festivities included an array of engaging activities catering to both the young and the young at heart. Park games added an element of fun and competition, fostering team spirit among attendees. Even the youth of the community, with the youngest being just under three months old, were part of this memorable day.

Hilary Fernandes, a long-time resident of Manchester, shared his delight at the event, saying, “It’s been a great day out. When I moved to Manchester over 25 years ago, there were no Goans, so it is great to see a vibrant Goan community in the North West.” His sentiments echoed the sentiment of many who witnessed the blossoming of a close-knit community in the heart of the North West region of England.

Melanie Antao Fernandes, the President of the Goan Association North West, expressed her satisfaction with the event, stating, “This was a humble effort, and it was a small gathering compared to most parts of the world. Nevertheless, it was fun, and everyone got to meet and know each other. Slowly but surely, we are building a community that can come together and celebrate Goa.”

The day’s events culminated in a wave of nostalgia as attendees engaged in friendly competitions like the classic “dog and the bone” game. Laughter filled the air as memories of childhood resurfaced, creating a bond that transcended generations.

The Goan Association North West is committed to nurturing and strengthening the Goan identity in the North West of England. World Goa Day, a global celebration, provided a unique opportunity for the community to connect with their roots while embracing the multicultural fabric of Manchester.

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-Top News Asia News USA

Biden Approves First-Ever Taiwan Arms Transfer

The package totals USD 80 million and will be paid for by US taxpayers….reports Asian Lite News

The Biden administration has approved funding for the first-ever transfer of US military equipment to Taiwan, as per a notification sent to the Congress, CNN reported.

The package, which is part of the State Department’s foreign military financing (FMF) program, totals USD 80 million and will be paid for by US taxpayers.

The department, in its notification to the Congress, wrote: “FMF will be used to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities through joint and combined defence capability and enhanced maritime domain awareness and maritime security capability.”

The transfer was confirmed by a State Department spokesperson.

“Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and our longstanding one-China policy, which has not changed, the United States makes available to Taiwan defence articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defence capability,” the spokesperson informed CNN through a statement.

“The United States has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is critical to regional and global security and prosperity,” he said.

According to CNN, the newest development in continued US support for Taiwan is likely to anger China, which claims the self-governing island as its own.

The US has in the past sold weapons to Taiwan through a separate program called Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The FMF program will provide grant assistance, paid for by US taxpayers, to Taiwan in order to make those purchases.

According to the letter sent to the Congress, the sale could span a wide range of capabilities, including air and coastal defence systems, ballistic missile defence, cyber defence, drones, military training, individual soldier protective gear, and ammunition. It is likely to take months or years for the military support to actually get to Taiwan because the equipment will be folded into future equipment buys by the Pentagon, CNN reported.

Under the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act passed last year, the US is authorized to spend up to USD 2 billion annually in military grant assistance to the island from 2023 to 2027.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul welcomed the approval.

McCaul said in a statement, “I am glad the administration is further implementing our bipartisan Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act by finally providing FMF to Taiwan. These weapons will not only help Taiwan and protect other democracies in the region but also strengthen the US deterrence posture and ensure our national security from an increasingly aggressive CCP.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: 20,000 Ukrainian Troops Trained in UK

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Events India News London News

Indian Diaspora in Manchester Celebrates Independence Day

The spectacular cultural celebration showcased rich heritage and diversity of the Indian community in Manchester.

The Indian Association Manchester marked the 77th Independence Day of India on August 19th with a spectacular cultural celebration that showcased the rich heritage and diversity of the Indian community in Manchester. The event took place at Gandhi Hall, Withington, Manchester, and was attended by numerous community members, dignitaries, and esteemed guests.

The program commenced with a warm welcome by Vice President Vijay Kumar Ji, setting the tone for an evening filled with cultural splendor. The event was hosted by the renowned professional compere/host “Jazzy J” who expertly guided the audience through the evening’s festivities.

The highlight of the evening was the mesmerizing cultural performance presented by local community artists, who skillfully presented a variety of traditional and contemporary dance forms, music, and theatrical acts. The vibrant colors, intricate costumes, and energetic performances captivated the audience, creating an immersive experience that celebrated India’s cultural vibrancy.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Pramod Kumar Yadav, the Assistant Consulate Officer from the Consulate General of India in Birmingham. Mr. Yadav’s presence highlighted the importance of the occasion and emphasized the strong ties between the Indian diaspora in Manchester and the motherland.

Adding to the honor, Mr. Nripjit Singh Bedi, the Ex-Commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF), brought his profound insights and experience to the event. His presence resonated with the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve the nation, a sentiment that echoed through the celebrations.

Councillor Vimal Chowksy MBE, representing Tameside Council, attended as a guest of honor, acknowledging the significant contributions of the Indian community to the local society and its cultural fabric. Likewise, Councillor Dr. Kaushik Chakraborthy from Trafford Council graced the event, symbolizing the unity and collaboration between different communities within Manchester.

The event was a testament to the spirit of unity and harmony that defines the Indian diaspora in Manchester. It showcased not only the vibrant cultural expressions of India but also highlighted the sense of belonging and pride that the community members feel towards their roots. The celebration underscored the cultural diversity that enriches the fabric of Manchester.

Reflecting on the event, Mr. Sathish Kumar, General Secretary of the Indian Association Manchester, expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to making the celebration a resounding success. He emphasized that the event was a platform to promote cultural understanding and to strengthen the bonds between the Indian community and the wider Manchester community. The program concluded on a high note, leaving attendees with cherished memories of a night that celebrated the essence of India’s Independence Day and the unity of the Manchester community.

ALSO READ: India’s Soft Power And Modern Face To Echo At G20

Categories
-Top News Politics UK News

UK Defense Secretary Wallace Steps Down

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visits Tapa Barracks, Estonia. Picture by Pippa Fowles / No 10 Downing Street.

Ben Wallace said that his support for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government will continue….reports Asian Lite News

After Nadine Dorries, another United Kingdom’s Ben Wallace resigned from his post as Secretary of State for Defence and said that his support for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government will continue.

In his letter of resignation, on Wednesday, Wallace said that he stood with the army during thick and thin times. He recalled the incidents from the Wannacry ransomware attack, the 2017 terrorist attacks, the Salisbury Poisonings, Afghanistan, Sudan and Ukraine.

Earlier, Nadine Dorries announced her resignation from the UK House of Commons on Sunday “with immediate effect” while simultaneously attacking Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Wallace, in his resignation letter, also said that in his last 4 years of leadership, he had seen the Armed Forces and their leadership shine through whether it was the evacuation of Kabul, or Covid response, or the Ukraine or Sudan, the professionalism of the British army people has been first class.

“The investment you made in Defence as Chancellor and the continued support you have shown as Prime Minister has been key to enabling the Ministry of Defence to deliver for Britain. I am personally very grateful for your leadership,” the former Defence Minister said in the statement.

He further stated, “As I finish my tenure, I can reflect that the Ministry of Defence that I leave is now more modern, better funded and more confident than the organisation I took over in 2019. As well as being active around the world we have also invested in prosperity at home. I am proud that I have secured GCAP, AUKUS, NCF, National shipbuilding and the Defence and Security industrial strategies that will secure thousands of British jobs for our young people many years into the future.”

He also said that the Defence Ministry is back on the path to being once again world-class with world-class people. The United Kingdom is respected around the world for the Armed Forces and that respect has only grown more since the war in Ukraine.

“I know you agree with me that we must not return to the days where Defence was viewed as a discretionary spend by the Government and savings were achieved by hollowing out. I genuinely believe that over the next decade, the world will get more insecure and more unstable. We both share the belief that now is the time to invest,” Wallace said.

“Ever since I joined the Army I have dedicated myself to serving my country. That dedication however comes at a personal toll to me and my family. After much reflection, I have taken the decision to ask that I be allowed to step down. I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities,” he added. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UAE Minister Explores Financial Ties With UK Trade Envoy

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-Top News India News USA

Indo-US Task Force Targets $100B Electronics Trade

India’s electronics manufacturing industry is targeting $300 billion of electronics production by 2025-26….reports Asian Lite News

The Indo-US Task Force for Electronics, launched here on Thursday, aims to boost the electronics trade between the two countries to $100 billion within a decade.

The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) organised the launch meeting here, attended by senior officials from Department of Telecommunications (DoT), US Embassy, leading US and Indian companies, investment banking fraternity, and Washington D.C.-headquartered Information Technology Industry Council (ITI).

“The Indo-US Task Force for Electronics represents the fusion of two technological powerhouses. This inaugural meeting is the first step towards a promising future where both nations led by the industry collaborate to achieve mutual growth in electronics trade and innovation,” said Ram Sewak Sharma, former TRAI chairman and Chair of the task force.

India’s electronics manufacturing industry is targeting $300 billion of electronics production by 2025-26.

The task force’s key objectives include boosting trade, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and achieving seamless integration with the global tech ecosystem. 

It aims to further the strategic partnership between India and US on semiconductor advancements, advanced telecommunications, initiatives like iCET and electronics supply chain.

“Our collective vision and goals are ambitious, and we have the right minds, the right partnerships, and the right spirit to make this a reality. The next decade will be transformational for the electronics industry of both India and the US,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA.

The Indo-US Task Force for Electronics represents an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the electronics trade landscape. 

“The government will not shy away from providing support to the Indo-US Task Force for Electronics, and will also be there to assist. Built on the foundations of mutual friendship and partnership, this task force is bound to enhance trade collaboration between the countries”, said Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary, MeitY.

ALSO READ: US Economy’s Second Quarter Growth Reflects Broad-Based Expansion

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-Top News Asia News Politics

Pakistan Poll Body Assures Feb 2024 Elections

ECP’s position on the matter comes after the Shehbaz Sharif-led government empowered it with additional powers to independently decide on the election date…reports Hamza Ameer

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has given its assurance to political parties and the President that it would hold general elections in the country by February 2024.

The ECP assurance negates the mandated time of 90-days after dissolution of Parliament as per the country’s Constitution. 

After the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) dissolved Parliament and its government on August 9, an interim-government under the premiership of Anwaarul Haq Kakar has taken over with a constitutional mandate of holding polls in the country within 90-days.

However, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), responsible for seeing through the electoral process has stated that elections in the country cannot be possible before February 2024, adding that the new polls would be held after completion of the delimitation process under the new digital census. 

The ECP has issued a schedule for the delimitation process, which would complete by December 14. ECP maintains that it would require at least two to three months more to prepare for the general elections and hold polls. 

The Election Commission of Pakistan.

ECP’s position on the matter comes after the Shehbaz Sharif-led government empowered it with additional powers to independently decide on the election date without the consultation of consent from the President office. It is this empowered standing that ECP chief refused to meet with the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi and stated that it did not require exercising the practice of meeting because it was not bound to consult the president on election date. 

The caretaker government also seems to be on the same page as ECP since it also brushed aside advice from the President to direct ECP for timely elections, stating that it was ECP’s decision to decide and announce on the poll’s date. 

Political parties like Pakistan People Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) have been demanding the ECP to hold elections on time as mentioned in the constitution.  

“We demand that the elections be held on time. When we were in the government and were part of the consultation meeting at Council of Common Interest (CCI), we were assured that election would be held within the stipulated time of 90-days. Now ECP states that it would take more time, which is unconstitutional, and we do not agree with it,” said Sherry Rehman, senior leader of Pakistan People Party (PPP). 

“Election Commission has assured us of their readiness for mid-February elections and expressed their commitment to expedite the constituency delimitation process to potentially allow for earlier elections. I conveyed my party’s viewpoint to ECP and emphasized that, according to the constitution, holding elections within 90 days is obligatory,” said Mian Iftikhar, leader of Awami National Party (ANP) after meeting with the Election Commissioner of Pakistan. 

Experts say that while holding elections within 90 days is a mandate for the caretaker government and the ECP, delay in elections would not only require ordinance-based extension in tenure of the caretaker government but also would be viewed critically by the IMF and the western powers. 

“Pakistan’s hands and feet are chained by the IMF programme, which has stated that timely transition of democratic power is pivotal to political certainty and financial stability of the country. And if polls are delayed, which seems likely under the current scenario; it may have consequences for Pakistan on the economic front in a way that the country may not be able to bear them,” said Javed Siddique, senior political analyst. 

ALSO READ: Kathmandu Mayor axes China trip over map row

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-Top News Asia News Nepal

Kathmandu Mayor axes China trip over map row

This decision comes as a response to his concerns regarding China’s omission of Nepal’s updated map, unveiled in May 2020….reports Asian Lite News

Balen Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), has cancelled his planned visit to China over the map row.

Shah, who is known as “hawkish nationalist” and earning fame over taking a tough stand in favour of Nepal’s territory and integrity, has decided to cancel his five-day China visit beginning from Thursday. 

This decision comes as a response to his concerns regarding China’s omission of Nepal’s updated map, unveiled in May 2020.

Taking to Facebook on Thursday, Mayor Shah has stated that he has cancelled his China visit on moral grounds pointing that the Chinese map published Monday on the Ministry of Natural Resources website used the old map of Nepal.

Nepal’s new political map unveiled by the K.P. Oli government on May 20, 2020 and unanimously endorsed by Parliament on June 13 the same year, has now been dismissed by both India and China, the two neighbors.

After India unilaterally released a new political map in November 2019 by incorporating Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura areas, which are claimed by Nepal, and refused to entertain Nepal’s concerns over the map, the Oli government, in a tit-for-tat move, unveiled the new map of Nepal in May 2020 by incorporating the three areas. This added a pointed spur on the northwest corner of the Nepal map.

And on Monday night, China released its own political map by including India’s Arunachal Pradesh and the disputed Aksai Chin area in its territory. The map also shows the territories bordering China, but the pointed spur of the Nepal map is notably absent.

The disregard shown by both the neighbours to Nepal’s new map has cast doubts on the map’s validity.

Mayor Balen was all set to embark on a journey to Beijing today, with the purpose of promoting tourism and facilitating cultural exchange.

This visit was extended as an invitation from the Chinese government itself.

However, due to the absence of Nepal’s new map in the version released by the Chinese government, Mayor Balen opted to call off his trip to China.

Balen cancelled his visit to China, expressing grave concerns that the recent map released by the Chinese government does not align with Nepal’s new political map. Instead, it depicts Nepali territory as part of India.

China’s decision to include Nepali territory as a part of India, without consulting Nepal, therefore, he says, he has decided to cancel his five-day visit to China on ethical grounds.

ALSO READ: Pakistan in Turmoil as Protests Escalate Amid IMF Dependency