Both parties highlighted the rooted diplomatic relations between the UAE and the UK…reports Asian Lite News
Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, met with Gareth Johnson MP, UK Trade Envoy to the UAE, at the Ministry of Finance’s Dubai office, and discussed with him boosting collaboration in financial services.
Both parties highlighted the rooted diplomatic relations between the UAE and the UK, and the role of the recently held inaugural UK-UAE Strategic Dialogue in further cementing that relationship, as well as continuing the free trade agreement negotiations between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
During the meeting, they also discussed fintech and digital banking services, and the promising potential in these areas. They also explored mutual investments and bilateral partnerships, and their role in advancing the two countries.
Hamad Issa Al Zaabi, Director of the Office of the Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of International Financial Relations and Organisations Department; Robert Bain, Trade Envoy Support Officer; Alison Hall, Acting Consul-General in Dubai; Cassie McGoldrick, Regional Director of Financial Services for the Gulf; Robert Bricker, UAE Country Director at the Department for Business and Trade; and Graham Scopes, UKEF International Export Finance Executive and UAE Country Head, attended the meeting.
Al Hussaini and Johnson also examined cooperation in sustainable finance, and its growing prominence in the world, the role of joint efforts in developing environmentally friendly financial products and services, how both parties can exchange knowledge to enhance the skilled financial workforce, as well as potential educational partnerships.
They also discussed strengthening the financial services sectors and regulatory synchronicity through the open exchange of best practices, by exploring harmonisation of regulatory frameworks, and discussing how mutual regulatory alignment can create a seamless environment for financial services firms.
The UAE and the UK signed a Double Taxation Convention in 2016, and an agreement for the promotion and protection of investments in 1992.
Exchange, foreign currencies, and remittances are among the top sectors attracting Emirati investment in the UK, while financial activities and insurance activities are among the most important sectors of British investment in the UAE. Notably, the services sector, especially banking, insurance and business services, is one of the main drivers of GDP growth in the UK.
As part of the initiative 100 monuments, including some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were illuminated with people participating in selfie campaigns…reports Asian Lite News
The major element of India’s G20 presidency has been taking G20 closer to the public and making it truly a people’s G20.
He added that students’ interests serve us well in our efforts to engage youth in G20 activities. We are also involving students in special G20 sessions held in various schools.
“The interests of students bodes well for our efforts at engaging the youth in G20 activities. We are also involving school students through special G20 sessions in various schools,” the MEA had said.
As part of the initiative 100 monuments, including some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were illuminated with people participating in selfie campaigns.
Notably, G20 brings together all 20 major economies of the world representing 85 per cent of the global GDP, 75 per cent of international trade and 2/3rd of the world’s population. In addition, participants in the group include major international organizations like the UN, the WTO, WHO, World Bank, IMF, ILO, ASEAN, the African Union, the International Solar Alliance, CDRI, etc.
During the G20 Presidency, India held about 200 meetings in 32 different sectors in multiple locations across India. The G20 Summit to be held next month is one of the highest-profile international gatherings to be hosted by India.
As India took over G20 Presidency for the year 2023 from Indonesia, all eyes were set on India as New Delhi set the agenda that would create an environment of better cooperation between the global south and advanced nations as it stands non-partisan and enjoys the trust of both.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has made the G20 forum more inclusive under its presidency while citing the example of the 55-member African Union, which joined the group at New Delhi’s invitation.
India assumed the G20 presidency from Indonesia on December 1, 2022.
Speaking during the 104th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, the Prime Minister urged all the people to make the G20 summit in Delhi a success and “bring glory to the country”.
“The month of September is going to witness the potential of India. We are fully prepared for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Heads of 40 countries and many global organisations will be coming to Delhi to participate in this event. This will be the biggest participation in the history of the G20 summit,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister described India’s G20 presidency as a “people’s presidency”, wherein the spirit of public participation was critical and at the forefront. He cited the contributions of women, entrepreneurs, parliamentarians, youth, civil society groups and people associated with urban administration.
He said two world records were created in the course of strengthening public participation. One was the participation of 1.25 lakh students from 800 schools in the G20 quiz in Varanasi, which became a world record, PM Modi said.
“At the same time, 450 Lambani artisans showcased their skills and craftsmanship by creating an amazing collection of around 1,800 unique patches,” he added.
G20 leaders will visit Rajghat
Leaders attending the G20 Summit here next month will visit Rajghat and pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Muktesh K Pardeshi, Special Secretary, G20 Operations told ANI in an exclusive interview that there will be three sessions during the summit and there will be a symbolic tree plantation event at the Bharat Mandapam with tree saplings representing different countries.
G20 Summit, to be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10, is the highest-level meeting at the level of head of state or head of government of the forum.
“We are having almost 230 meetings and as I speak today, almost 200 meetings at the functional level, at the senior officials’ level have already taken place. We are proceeding towards the culmination of the G20 process which started on December 1 last year. We’ll have high-level delegations led by the leaders coming to Delhi,” he said.
The senior official said they are giving final shape to the arrangements. He said that they have formed a large number of teams who will look after the entire range of operations, including the arrival of leaders at the airport, their bilateral meetings, hospitality and food.
“We are gearing up, the planning is at the final stage. We are giving final shape to the programme and different arrangements including traffic management, the hospitality arrangement, who would be doing what. We have created a large number of teams, small but effective teams and these teams are looking after the entire range of operations, including from arrival at the airport to looking after delegations’ requirements, their bilateral meetings, what kind of hospitality, food, etc will be provided. So the G20 Secretariat is here to provide end-to-end organizational support to all visiting delegations,” he said.
The senior official said that India will hand over the G20 Presidency to Brazil in the concluding session on September 10.
“There’ll be three sessions and the sessions will be around the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which in English is like One earth, One family and One Future. The leaders are allocated a certain time to speak about their country position. On September 10, in the concluding session, there’ll be symbolic handing over of Presidency to the incoming Presidency which will be led by Brazil,” he said.
“In between leaders get some time and opportunity to interact with each other, what we call a bilateral meeting. That’s the responsibility of the host country to provide meeting space and logistical support so that leaders can meet. Some of them will also have bilateral meetings with our Prime Minister. There are some ceremonial aspects and one of them is to visit and pay respect to the Father of the Nation. So leaders will be visiting Rajghat and that’s a part of the ceremonial aspect. Usually any visiting head of state or government, they invariably go to Rajghat,” he added.
The senior official said saplings to be planted at Bharat Mandapam would be national trees or native trees or trees that reflect the nature and the other cultural aspects of the countries.
“There will be a symbolic tree plantation event done at the Bharat Mandapam. These tree saplings represent different countries so they are either national trees or native trees or trees which reflect the nature and the other cultural aspects of the countries or organization. So that will happen at Bharat Mandapam,” he said.
Pardeshi said there will be a gala dinner on September 9 which will also include a cultural programme. (ANI)
The summit will be held for two days and will be joined by representatives of member nations as well as guest nations who will engage in talks about diverse economic reforms…reports Asian Lite News
The G20 Summit in India is all set to commence on September 9 in the national capital. The summit will be held for two days and will be joined by representatives of member nations as well as guest nations who will engage in discussions about diverse economic reforms.
The summit will be concluded on September 10 with the adoption of a G20 Leaders’ Declaration. The declaration will consist of priorities and other points discussed and agreed upon during the meetings. As the national capital gears up to host the international summit next month, know all about the G20 Summit.
The G20 Summit will be held in New Delhi at ‘Bharat Mandappam’ at the ITPO Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan. The event will be held on September 9 and 10. In addition to the primary summit location, foreign delegates are also set to visit key venues of the national capital like Rajghat, IARI Pusa, and NGMA (Jaipur House).
To avert any hostages during the G20 summit in Delhi, a total of 69 explosive detection dogs from the police K9 squad will be strategically placed at critical locations across the New Delhi district. The team includes 13 trained dogs that were acquired from the Indian Army’s RVC (Remount and Veterinary Corps) unit.
With about one week to the Summit, the beautification work is being fast-tracked in Delhi with cleaning, sanitation, green makeover, and other work in full swing.
Some of the leaders who will attend the event in New Delhi include US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be able to attend it.
The theme of the international summit is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future.” It is derived from a famous ancient Sanskrit text, Maha Upanishad. The theme, which gives the message of global unity, is a perfect slogan for the international grouping.
It also highlights the concept of LiFE and signifies environmentally sustainable and responsible choices. These choices are pertinent not only at the individual level but also at the national level.
Over 25 world leaders to attend
More than 25 world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will convene at the G20 Summit on September 9-10 in the Indian capital New Delhi.
This marks India’s inaugural hosting of the summit since the grouping initiated summit-level meetings in response to the 2008 financial crisis. A formidable gathering of 18 countries, who are members of the grouping, will be represented at the leaders’ level.
This marks India’s inaugural hosting of the summit since the grouping initiated summit-level meetings in response to the 2008 financial crisis. A formidable gathering of 18 countries, who are members of the grouping, will be represented at the leaders’ level.
Notably, Mexico’s presence has been consistent at this level, with its foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard representing the nation at the Bali G20 summit in 2022, the Italy G20 summit in 2021, and the Osaka G20 summit in 2019.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s G20 presence aligns with a September 11 state visit. Notably, Indonesian President Widodo arrives just after ASEAN summit talks in which PM Modi will be participating in person from 6-7 September, underlining India’s diplomatic engagement.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Delhi visit comes post-BRICS summit, spotlighting BRICS’ expanded role.
Notably, Japanese, Australian, Italian, and German leaders had earlier visited the Indian capital this year, marking their unique rendezvous with Delhi.
For UK’s Rishi Sunak, the first Indian-origin prime minister, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, this marks their inaugural Delhi visit since assuming office last year.
Additionally, India’s outreach extends to include leaders from nine nations who have been invited.
These are Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and Mauritius’ PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth are among the invited guests, joined by Netherlands’ PM Mark Rutte, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong, Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez, UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, and Oman’s Deputy PM Sayyid Asad Bin Tariq Al Said who is also the personal representative for the Sultan. The Indonesian President represents ASEAN as its chair, while Egypt’s President shoulders representation for the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD.
With India’s advocacy for the African Union’s integration into the G20 consortium, Azali Assoumani, Chairperson of the African Union who is also the President of Comoros, will take part in the summit.
Leaders of pivotal multilateral organisations will also grace the occasion, including WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, World Bank President Ajay Banga, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Hubert Paul Cormann, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, ILO Director-General Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo, ISA Director General Ajay Mathur, CDRI Director General Amit Prothi, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, and Chair of the Financial Stability Board, Klaas Knot.
October is significant as it is the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi and is often when major Hindu holidays such as Navratri and Diwali are celebrated…reports Asian Lite News
Acknowledging the contributions of the Hindu-American community in the US state of Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has declared that October will be celebrated as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ in the state.
With this move, Georgia joins a list of states from across the country, including Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, Virginia, etc, to commemorate Hindu heritage, culture, values, and traditions.
October is significant as it is the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi and is often when major Hindu holidays such as Navratri and Diwali are celebrated.
“The Hindu heritage, culture, traditions, and values provide their followers invaluable solutions to many of life’s problems and often serve as a source of inspiration, reflection, and contemplation for the millions of individuals who look to the teachings of Hinduism for guidance,” the Proclamation read.
“During the month of October 2023, the Hindu community across the State of Georgia and across our great nation will collectively celebrate its heritage by focusing on its culture and the diverse spiritual traditions rooted in India.”
Welcoming the move, CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America), a Hindu advocacy group in the US, said that “it is gratifying to see Georgia recognise the contribution of Hindu-Americans”.
“Our thanks to Governor @BrianKempGA for this recognition. This was made possible by the untiring dedication of our friends at the Hindus of Georgia PAC. Hinduism has contributed greatly to the cultural milieu of America,” CoHNA wrote on X on late Wednesday.
“It is gratifying to see Georgia recognise the contribution of Hindu-Americans and Hinduism at the same time that California is targeting us with #SB403,” the Hindu group said, mentioning the recent passage of the anti-caste discrimination bill recently moved in the California Assembly.
CoHNA has slammed the passing of SB403, calling it a “black day for California history”.
On March 23, the Georgia Assembly passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, making it the first American State to make the move.
The resolution said Hinduism is one of the world’s largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect and peace.
Babar and Iftikhar shared a sensational 214-run partnership off 131 balls for the fifth wicket, the highest-ever for Pakistan at this position in the ODIs…reports Asian Lite News
Captain Babar Azam stood tall to slam a mammoth 151 off 131 balls and was well supported by middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed hitting 109 not out off 71 balls as Pakistan thrashed Nepal by 238 runs in the Asia Cup opener, here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Electing to bat first on a dry pitch, Pakistan lost their openers early and had suffered a middle-overs slump. But Babar and Iftikhar shared a sensational 214-run partnership off 131 balls for the fifth wicket, the highest-ever for Pakistan at this position in the ODIs.
The duo’s efforts meant Pakistan ended up at 342-6, setting up a very daunting chase of 343 for Nepal. Playing in their first-ever Asia Cup match, Nepal were rolled over for 104 in 23.4 overs, to be thoroughly outclassed by Pakistan.
With the bat, once Babar went past his 19th ODI hundred coming in 107 balls, after getting his fifty in 73 balls, Iftikhar began to change gears for playing a counter-attacking innings and reaching his century in just 67 balls, also his first international hundred, thus changing the complexion of the match.
The duo then accelerated in stunning fashion, as Babar went from 100 to 150 in just 22 balls, by taking on Nepal’s bowlers to amass a whopping 129 runs in the last ten overs of Pakistan’s innings.
In the start, Pakistan lost both their openers, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq in the first ten overs. While Zaman nicked behind off Karan KC, Imam went off for a non-existent single and was run-out by a precise direct hit from captain Rohit Paudel.
From 25 for two, Babar stitched an 86-run partnership with wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan and helped Pakistan reach 100-run mark by the 22nd over, before the latter ran for a simple single in the 24th over, but fielder Dipendra Singh Airee hit the stumps from cover with a direct throw.
While running towards the non-strikers end, Rizwan did not ground his bat and it seemed like he was trying to evade the throw. As a result, he was well short of the crease, not dragging his bat in time and was run out for 44 off 50 balls.
Four overs later, Agha Salman miscued his reverse sweep to backward point, leaving Pakistan in trouble at 124 for four. But Babar held up one end even when wickets were falling and reached his fifty in 72 balls. Nepal were also guilty of giving Babar lives at 5 and 55, on which the right-handed batter capitalised on.
From there, he oozed determination, timing and elegance to hit the first century of the ongoing competition in 109 balls. Eventually, Babar hit 14 fours and four sixes in his knock of 151 under the sapping Multan heat. He also became the fastest batsman to hit 19 centuries in 102 innings, breaking the record of South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who got to the landmark in 104 innings.
Iftikhar was no less, bringing out the big hits right from the word go to smash 11 fours and 4 sixes during his stay at the crease as Pakistan crossed 300-mark. His fifty came in 43 balls and then got his hundred in 67 balls to make merry against a listless Nepal bowling line-up.
In defence of the big total, Pakistan struck immediately as Shaheen Shah Afridi had Kushal Bhurtel strangled down leg and trapped Rohit Paudel lbw on consecutive deliveries of the opening over. Naseem Shah had success as Aasif Sheikh sent a simple catch to first slip.
Aarif Sheikh and Sompal Kami shared a 59-run stand for the fourth wicket before the former was castled by Haris Rauf in the 15th over, followed by Kami nicking behind off him two overs later. From there onwards, the Nepal batting challenge slumped to give Pakistan a big win, with leg-spinner Shadab Khan taking four wickets in a clinical bowling effort.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 342-6 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 151, Iftikhar Ahmed 109 not out; Sompal Kami 2-85, Karan KC 1-54) beat Nepal 104 in 23.4 overs (Sompal Kami 28, Aarif Sheikh 26; Shadab Khan 4-27, Haris Rauf 2-16) by 238 runs
Despite efforts by some of its members to convert the group into an instrument of bloc politics, BRICS has remained neutral. Despite similar efforts directed at causing disharmony within the 2023 G20, the proceedings have gone on smoothly, writes Prof. Madhav Das Nalapat
The XV meeting of the BRICS Big Five (one of them attending virtually) that took place during the week in Johannesburg drew international attention on a scale not seen before. The reason was the perception in international media that the association would change from its present neutrality to a stance that opposes the Atlanticist powers, specifically the United States. This did not happen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thereby ensured that the autonomy of India where foreign (and domestic) policy is concerned remains intact.
Despite the fault line created within the UNSC and the G20 (to name just two international bodies) by the intensification since February 2022 of the conflict in Ukraine, India has remained on the best of terms with both the Russian Federation as well as the United States. Within BRICS, India was clear that the bloc politics of Cold War 2.0 needed to be avoided, and that the platform should continue to remain neutral. As a corollary, it was made clear that any new member should be carefully and unanimously chosen, so that bloc politics did not creep into the selections.
All six of the new members are on good terms with India, and among them only Iran, partly as a consequence of the scrapping of the nuclear deal under President Trump and partly because of its clerical regime, can be considered hostile to the Atlanticist powers. Efforts made by some in the group aimed at bringing in additional members, at least two of which were closely aligned to Cold War 2.0 bloc politics, was put aside in deference to the view of the Indian side that BRICS needed to remain a neutral platform even after it was expanded by six new members to BRICS Plus.
Both Brazil and South Africa, the other two members of the Global South within the current BRICS framework, were on board with the Indian stand that the platform ought not to become an instrument of bloc politics and recrimination.
PUTIN ACTS AS A FRIEND
India’s success at maintaining a balance within BRICS between the two competing blocs in the new Cold War has been unwelcome news to the PRC, which under its present leadership seeks to dilute the friendly relationships that India has with the powers (the US and Russia) that are the principal protagonists in a conflict in which Ukraine has become a proxy for NATO. It had been informally sought by an important country in Asia that President V.V. Putin come in person to the G20 Summit that is to take place in less than two weeks at Delhi.
His physical presence at the conference venue would have resulted in the 2023 Delhi Summit being at risk of setting at naught the immense work done by several delegations in the preparation of policy briefs intended to better promote growth across the board, and across the globe, and not just in the nineteen countries that are part of the G20 together with the European Union. Brazil and South Africa joined hands with India to champion the cause of several other countries as well, most of them being in the Global South. Instead, the 2023 Summit would have witnessed a cacophony of accusations and counter accusations by the two sides at each other, given the passions that the Ukraine war has ignited within both the G7 as well as the Russian Federation.
A malicious trope had been assiduously spread that President Putin had avoided going to the BRICS Summit in South Africa “in order to prevent his arrest under the international warrant issued in his name” thanks to the efforts of the G7 countries.
The fact is that there is no way that the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, would have detained the President of Russia, a country that together with India had always stood by the African National Congress during the dismal years when South Africa was in the grip of apartheid. However, the very presence of Putin in Johannesburg would have shifted international media focus away from the work being done by BRICS to the visit of the President of the Russian Federation. In order to avoid such a diversion, he disappointed troublemakers, and made sure that his presence would only be virtual.
Interestingly, the very country that had informally lobbied to ensure that President Putin avoided going to the BRICS Summit in South Africa had been hyperactive in seeking to ensure his physical presence at the New Delhi G20 Summit in September. Once again, immediately after Moscow’s clarification regarding the physical absence of President Putin from the Delhi Summit, the same malicious trope has been spread that this decision was because of the possibility of arrest once President Putin arrived in New Delhi. In actuality, there was no way that the Russian President would be at risk of arrest in a country that is not even a signatory to the international convention that calls on international arrest warrants of the kind issued against the Russian President, unlike South Africa, which has.
As a consequence of his longstanding friendship with Prime Minister Modi, the Russian President resisted powerful voices, especially from an influential nearby country that sought to ensure that he go to Delhi for the G20 Summit. Instead of obliging such voices, the Kremlin publicly communicated to the Indian side that Putin would, instead, of coming to the Summit, remain in Russia. Being a man whose words need to be taken seriously, it is likely that there will be a spurt of activity on the Ukrainian front during the period when the 2023 G20 Summit is taking place.
The ostensible reason given by Moscow for Putin’s absence is after all his “preoccupation with the Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. By his statesmanlike decision to skip the meeting, perhaps even virtually, President Putin has shown that despite efforts by the G7 to terminally weaken him and in the process his country, he maintains to the extent present circumstances permit Russia’s independence in foreign policy, especially where friends such as India are concerned. It needs to be said to the credit of another friend of Prime Minister Modi, US President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr, that he had confirmed his physical participation at the G20 Summit much before it was officially stated by the Kremlin that President Putin would not be making the visit to India, at least not at this time.
OUTCOME DOCUMENT NOT CRITICAL
There has been speculation about whether there will be an outcome document signed by all the members at the Summit. The fact is that the 2023 G20 mechanism created by India has ensured the completion of several policy papers that would serve as guideposts for the future. An outcome document would be icing on the cake, but would not be critical in judging the success of the 2023 Indian Presidency of the G20. At the New Delhi Summit, India is likely to present the case made by Prime Minister Modi earlier, that the African Union (AU) be included as the 21st member of the group, following the precedent created by the admission of the European Union to the G20, which in reality comprises only nineteen countries, the EU being the twentieth member.
There has been intense diplomatic activity by the Indian side led by the Prime Minister and assisted by the External Affairs Minister to try for the admission of the AU into the G20, perhaps in the 2023 Summit itself. The expectation is that the Modi Initiative will be supported by President Biden. The G20 would thereafter become the G21. Africa is a continent with enormous future potential, and the admission of the AU at the request of India would strengthen the G20, just as the admission of South Africa strengthened what till that time was simply BRIC but then became BRICS and will be BRICS Plus by January 2024.
In a year when high explosives are literally going off with abandon in significant parts of the globe, the fact that India was able to navigate its way through such a minefield in both the BRICS as well as in the G20 without an implosion is a feat that may not be welcome to hostile powers, but is evidence of the success of the Modi government in weaving through the obstacle race that international relations has become since the onset of Covid-19 and the Ukraine war.
Despite efforts by some of its members to convert the group into an instrument of bloc politics, BRICS has remained neutral. Despite similar efforts directed at causing disharmony within the 2023 G20, the proceedings have gone on smoothly. India has in 2023 shown that it is the UNSC that is the loser when the country with the largest population on the globe continues to be kept outside the list of Permanent Members of that now fractured body.
Reverse decrees limiting women's rights, UN urges Taliban.(Photo : Twitter.com/unwomenafghan)
Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces….reports Asian Lite News
Despite the regressive policies of the Taliban regime, Afghanistan’s Astronomical Society has urged Afghan girls not to remain silent and has encouraged them to pursue education from home, Khaama Press reported on Tuesday.
Notably, ever since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan has faced severe setbacks in various directions, particularly regarding human rights, education system and women’s rights.
The head of the Astronomical Society of Kayhana (Anjuman-e-Najumi Kayhana in Persian) addressed the Afghan girls, and encouraged them not to remain silent and to pursue education from home, Khaama Press reported.
Meanwhile, the Cosmic Society recently achieved the top position in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad.
Amina Karimian, the society’s founder, told Khaama Press News Agency that the crucial matter is continuing the learning process, whether done from home or through formal educational channels.
“Ignorance makes humans fearful and brings poverty. I urge Afghan girls not to stay silent and to seek knowledge and awareness from the resources they have,” Khaama Press quoted Karimian as saying.
The Cosmic Society’s project was selected as the ‘Best Project’ at the 16th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) among 52 countries worldwide.
Amina Karimian, the founder of this society, stated that despite Poland’s refusal to issue visas for their team, Afghanistan participated in the 16th edition of this competition held in Krakow, Poland.
She further added that she established the Cosmic Astronomy Society in 2018 and engaged in relatively modest activities solely through social media channels.
“This society has 150 members and operates in various committees. 75 per cent of the society’s members are young ladies, as they have shown more interest than boys,” Khaama Press quoted her as saying.
Notably, the International Astronomy Olympiad takes place annually, involving elite students from different countries in theoretical, observational, and astronomical data analysis sections. The competition lasts for ten days, from August 10-20.
However, this year, despite the scattered presence of the Afghan team members in different countries and their lack of visas, only Amina Karimian could participate in this competition by winning the first prize in the project category, representing Afghanistan.
Karimian emphasized that in the ‘Afghan Project’, they depicted the story of girls in Afghanistan over the past two years who have been deprived of the right to education, living with an uncertain fate and fear. This contrasts with other countries, where girls are provided facilities and engaged in learning and research, Khaama Press reported.
The head of the organization said that the major problem is the lack of financial support. They did not get help from any organization despite being active. They had problems like paying for travel and working together, and some team members’ families were against them.
“We are a scientific entity and have no relationship with politics or the government, nor do we want to,” she added.
According to the official, they plan to be better prepared for competitions next year and attract new members to introduce astronomy to the people of Afghanistan more effectively.
Notably, with the resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the country’s educational system has suffered a significant setback. As a result, girls have been deprived of access to education, and seminaries or religious schools have gradually filled the void left by schools and universities.
Afghanistan’s women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces.
It has imposed draconian restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, and movement for women and girls.
Taliban leaders have also disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs.
Taliban have also barred girls from attending secondary school, restricted women and girls’ freedom of movement, excluded women from most areas of the workforce and banned women from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. (ANI)
Hassanzai earning global recognition has showcased the potential of individuals to drive positive change even in the face of adversity…reports Asian Lite News
Amid the curbs imposed by the oppressive Taliban regime, Nargis Mommand Hassanzai, an Afghan woman has clinched the 2023 World Peace Prize in Sweden for her resolute commitment to human rights, Khaama Press reported.
Hassanzai earning global recognition has showcased the potential of individuals to drive positive change even in the face of adversity.
She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude for the honour and thanked those who have supported her in her journey towards promoting peace.
“I wish to extend my deepest gratitude for the honour of being awarded the World Peace Award 2023. It is with great humility that I accept this prestigious recognition, and I am sincerely thankful to all those who have supported and contributed to my journey towards promoting peace,” she stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Her journey encompasses a resilient fight against oppression, inequality, freedom of speech, and gender injustice, Khaama Press reported.
This award is a significant accomplishment for Afghan women, who have been representing two years of solid commitment to overcoming challenges in education and society.
Hassanzai was a former Kabul University lecturer and a human rights advocate. This award acknowledges her dedicated work in Afghanistan.
This award signifies the relentless struggle of Afghan women against injustice and suppression policies against women, as well as the resolute endeavour to reshape their country, promoting justice and equality, Khaama Press reported.
Nargis Hassanzai’s profound impact lifts the veil of darkness shrouding Afghan women’s lives, revealing the shadow over their rights, humanity, and their country’s portrayal.
She is making a difference by securing scholarships and contributing to Afghan women’s football, acknowledged by FIFA. Her efforts led to official recognition of Afghan women’s football and participation in European competitions.
In 2023, the Nobel Prize from Sweden celebrated Afghanistan’s unwavering resilience, sharing the extraordinary essence of the Afghan people with nations worldwide, according to Khaama Press.
Notably, with the resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021 in Afghanistan, the country’s educational system has suffered a significant setback. As a result, girls have been deprived of access to education, and seminaries or religious schools have gradually filled the void left by schools and universities.
Afghanistan’s women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces.
It has imposed draconian restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, and movement for women and girls.
Taliban leaders have also disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs.
Taliban have also barred girls from attending secondary school, restricted women and girls’ freedom of movement, excluded women from most areas of the workforce and banned women from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. (ANI)
PM Dahal informed the parliament that the “new border points and follow-up on earlier accords” will be on the agenda during his visit to Beijing….reports Asian Lite News
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will embark on a visit to China at the end of next month, following his visit to the United States to address the United Nations General Assembly session.
PM Dahal informed the parliament that the “new border points and follow-up on earlier accords” will be on the agenda during his visit to Beijing.
“During my scheduled visit to China, talks about opening new border points between Nepal and China have been finalized. The Nara Lagna border point in Mugu, I am aware about the issue as being informed from the local authorities as well as the locals from the district, I will attempt to make a decision over it,” Prime Minister Dahal said while replying to a question raised by lawmaker Aain Bahadur Shahi.
In response to another question raised by lawmaker Uday Shumsher JB Rana, PM Dahal said, “During the visit, enforcements of accords and understandings signed earlier will be given priority. The economic relation between the countries would be further enhanced through the operationalization of the border points between the two nations and opening of new border points are agendas of the visit”.
Meanwhile, the Nepal PM is scheduled to visit the United States in the second week of September to address the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) on September 22. After addressing the 78th session of the UNGA, he is expected to fly to China but the cabinet is yet to approve it.
During his visit to New York, the Nepal premier will also participate in various meetings including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit on September 18-19 in the capacity of being the current chair of the least developed countries. (ANI)
The meteorological centre has also issued an advisory suspending both indoor and outdoor gatherings…reports Asian Lite News
China’s National Meteorological Centre (NMC) on Thursday renewed a red alert for typhoon Saola, the “most severe” warning in its four-tier typhoon warning system, as the ninth typhoon of this year is expected to bring gales and heavy rain to the southern and eastern parts of the country.
The typhoon, observed over the ocean about 330 km southeast of Huilai County in Guangdong Province at 5 a.m. on Thursday, is expected to move northwest at a speed of 10 km per hour with slowly decreased intensity, Xinhua news agency quoted the NMC as saying.
It will make landfall somewhere in the coastal areas stretching from Huilai to Hong Kong on Friday afternoon or Friday night, or move west by south and pass through the waters of eastern Guangdong without making landfall, the Centre said.
Some areas around the Bashi Channel, the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, as well as the coastal areas of Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan, among others, will experience gales with a maximum wind force of more than grade-17 near the typhoon center from 8 a.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday, according to the NMC.
During this period, parts of Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan will experience heavy rain and some areas will see heavy downpours of 100 to 220 mm, it added.
The meteorological centre has also issued an advisory suspending both indoor and outdoor gatherings, as well as dangerous outdoor operations, and recommended the timely transfer of people living in vulnerable housing.
It further called for emergency typhoon preparations and precautions against possible geological disasters.
China has a four-tier, colour-coded weather warning system for typhoons, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
