Month: September 2024

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Asia News India News Politics

Rahul demands apology from PM for statue collapse, note-ban, anti-farm laws

Gandhi’s remarks came after he inaugurated a statue of the late Congress leader Patangrao Kadam…reports Asian Lite News

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an apology for various issues, including the recent collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg.

During a public meeting in Sangli, Maharashtra, Gandhi claimed that the statue’s construction was mishandled due to corruption, alleging that a contractor with ties to the RSS was given the project without merit. He further criticized the Prime Minister for demonetization, the GST, and the handling of anti-farmer laws, stating that Modi should apologize for these as well.

Gandhi’s remarks came after he inaugurated a statue of the late Congress leader Patangrao Kadam. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders Sushilkumar Shinde, Prithviraj Chavan, and NCP leader Sharad Pawar were also present at the event. However, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), was notably absent, leading to speculation about the unity within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

In his speech, Gandhi questioned the government’s preference for awarding contracts to business magnates like Adani and Ambani, accusing Modi of running the government in their favor. He emphasized that small and medium businesses were suffering, while large corporations could not generate sufficient employment. He also criticized the government’s failure to address the crisis in Manipur, which he described as a “civil war-like situation.”

Gandhi went on to praise Maharashtra’s progressive legacy, highlighting the contributions of historical figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. He stressed that the Congress ideology, rooted in social progress and inclusivity, aligned with the values of these icons, in contrast to the BJP’s approach, which he claimed favored a select few and sought to maintain the caste structure.

Additionally, Gandhi reiterated his demand for a caste census, asserting that it would offer valuable insights into the distribution of wealth and power among different social groups. He also took a jab at Modi for his earlier apology regarding the Shivaji statue collapse, contrasting it with Patangrao Kadam’s legacy of service without asking for forgiveness.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to each and every person in Maharashtra for the collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj recently in Sindhudurg.

Slamming the ruling MahaYuti alliance comprising Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rahul Gandhi wondered why the PM should say sorry only to the Chhatrapati and he should tender an apology to all Maharashtrians for the tragedy at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, arising out of a corruption-ridden project.

“Only a person who has committed a mistake will apologise. Why did the PM say sorry? There are several reasons. Firstly, the project was given to RSS-linked persons, secondly, there was corruption in its construction and the people who built it had robbed the state, and thirdly though a statue of Chhatrapati was built, they did not take care whether it would stand or not. That’s why the figurine of a great icon like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj crashed in such a short period,” said Rahul Gandhi in a no-holds-barred attack.

Rahul Gandhi pointed out that Maharashtra is a progressive state and soaked in the ideologies and teachings of legends like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, B.R. Ambedkar, and today, the country is witnessing “not politics but an ideological war”.

“The Congress ideology is also very similar to theirs… but the BJP’s ideals are opposite to these great legends. The BJP has been spreading hatred, fomenting violence and dividing the people all over India for decades. Earlier, the great icons fought that tendency, now the Congress is fighting against the BJP,” asserted Rahul Gandhi.

ALSO READ: Rahul hails SC’s observations, slams BJP’s ‘bulldozer policy’

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Economy India News Politics

Unemployment biggest issue in Haryana: Hooda 

The former Haryana Chief Minister said that a total of 39,990 graduate and 6,112 postgraduate youth applied for the posts of sweepers….reports Asian Lite News

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda on Thursday said unemployment is the biggest issue in Haryana and data from the BJP government itself shows due to unemployment, graduate and postgraduate youth are ready to do temporary jobs.

“A total of 39,990 graduate and 6,112 postgraduate youth applied for the posts of sweepers. In total, 3.95 lakh youth are standing in queue for the job of sweeper,” he said in a statement, quoting government figures.

“Earlier, the same situation was seen in the recruitment of six posts of peon in a Panipat Court where 10,000 youth applied for the job. This included BA, MA, MPhil, PhD, BTech and MTech passed youth. Eighteen lakh unemployed youth had applied for 18,000 Group-D vacancies released by Haryana Staff Selection Commission and 25 lakh youth had applied for 6,000 clerk posts,” he added.

Hooda said Haryana, which was providing the most employment across the country during the Congress government, has been made number one in unemployment by the BJP.

“The figures from CMIE (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy) to NSO themselves confirm this. The central government admitted in the Parliament that unemployment has increased three times after the formation of the BJP government in Haryana,” he said in a statement.

“The central government has said the unemployment rate in Haryana was only 2.9 per cent in 2013-14 during the Congress government, which has reached 9.0 per cent during the BJP government,” he added.

The former Haryana Chief Minister said more than 2 lakh posts are lying vacant in the government departments of the state, but the government did not even recruit them.

On top of this, private investment has also completely stopped coming to the state. “Whereas before 2014, Haryana was the number one state in the country in terms of per capita investment,” he pointed out.

Hooda said that the youth of Haryana are either leaving the state or leaving the country in search of livelihood.

Haryana will go to the polls for the 90-member Assembly on October 5.

Rebel BJP legislator joins Congress in Haryana

Peeved over denial of re-nomination by the BJP, Haryana’s Ratia (reserved) legislator Lakshman Dass Napa on Thursday joined the Congress along with supporters.

He took Congress membership under the leadership of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state party President Chaudhary Udaibhan.

Member of Parliament Deepender Hooda was also present on the occasion.

Along with Napa, 22 sarpanchs of the constituency, Block Samiti Chairman Gurtej Singh and Vice-Chairman Kuldeep Singh Manak also joined the Congress. Hooda and Udaybhan welcomed them to the party.

He said Napa and his colleagues have taken the right decision at the right time. “This decision will prove to be helpful in ousting the BJP from power and forming a Congress government with a big majority,” Hooda said.

Earlier in the day, Napa quit all positions in the party after being denied a ticket.

The BJP on Wednesday released its first list of 67 candidates, fielding Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Ladwa in Kurukshetra district. Saini, who replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as the Chief Minister in March this year, is currently the MLA from Karnal.

BJP’s key OBC leader Karan Dev Kamboj, who was denied a ticket from Indri, also resigned from all party posts.

“Me and my family have been part of the BJP since the time of Jan Sangh. I have worked with a lot of dedication, but now the party has adopted Congress’ culture,” Kamboj told the media.

Without mincing words, he said the Congress would form the next government while “BJP’s dream will just remain a dream”.

Upset over the denial of nomination from Sonipat, former minister Kavita Jain was in tears at a meeting with her supporters, giving the party high command an ultimatum to change its candidate Nikhil Madan within three days.

Haryana will go to the polls for the 90-member Assembly on October 5.

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-Top News Business India News

India, Singapore call for freedom of navigation in South China Sea

PM Modi and his Singaporean counterpart PM Lawrence Wong emphasised the legal framework set out by the UNCLOS within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out..reports Asian Lite News

India and Singapore have called for peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace, security, and ‘freedom of navigation’ in and overflight above the South China Sea in accordance with international law, UNCLOS.

The joint statement was issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore.

According to the India-Singapore Joint Statement, “Underlining the link between prosperity and security, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, while pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), without resorting to the threat or use of force.”

“Both sides also called on all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of actions that could escalate tensions in the region,” the statement added.

Further, PM Modi and his Singaporean counterpart PM Lawrence Wong emphasised the legal framework set out by the UNCLOS within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and that UNCLOS is the basis for determining maritime entitlements, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests over maritime zones.

Both leaders expressed hope for the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS, that does not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of all nations, including those not party to these negotiations.

During their meeting, they also condemned terrorism as the most pressing threat to global peace and stability, reaffirming their commitment to combat it in all its forms and manifestations. They also emphasised that there can be no justification for acts of terror.

Recognising that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability, the Prime Ministers of both countries reiterated their strong commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms

Notably, PM Modi paid an official visit to Singapore on September 4-5, 2024. The current visit is the fifth visit of PM Modi to Singapore. (ANI)

‘Terrorism has no justification’: India, Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart PM Lawrence Wong condemned terrorism as the most pressing threat to global peace and stability, reaffirming their commitment to combat it in all its forms and manifestations. They also emphasised that there can be no justification for acts of terror.

Notably, PM Modi paid an official visit to Singapore on September 4-5, 2024. The current visit is the fifth visit of PM Modi to Singapore.

Recognising that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability, the Prime Ministers of both countries reiterated their strong commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They stressed that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever and affirmed their resolve to fight against global terrorism and terror organisations, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

They called for reinvigorating multilateral action on terrorism, including through reiterating the importance of the conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations at the earliest. They also emphasised the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. Both countries reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF and other multilateral platforms.

Lauding the cooperation between both sides at regional and international forums, the Prime Ministers reaffirmed efforts to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Commonwealth, and related forums and as well as other regional cooperation mechanisms.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to work together to promote peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region and underlined the importance of an open, inclusive, rules-based, and resilient Indo-Pacific region. They acknowledged India and Singapore’s close cooperation on, and support for, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Wong for the warmth of his hospitality and all the excellent arrangements made for the visit. PM Modi conveyed that India is looking forward to the visit of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to India next year. He also invited PM Wong to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

PM Modi and PM Wong acknowledged India and Singapore’s shared history, long tradition of friendship based on trust and mutual respect, and extensive cooperation across a wide range of areas. They reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the progress in the bilateral relationship, in the areas of political, economic, security, technology, education, people-to-people and cultural links.

It is interesting to note that India and Singapore will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Against this backdrop, both Prime Ministers agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level of a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Survivors recount migrant boat capsizing in Channel

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Events India News UK News

Wales Celebrates Indian Independence Day

“The Indian diaspora in Wales has thrived, integrating seamlessly while contributing significantly to the prosperity of Wales,” said Raj Aggarwal, the Honorary Consul of India in Wales. “Their success is a testament to their hard work and commitment to both their heritage and their adopted home.

The 78th India Independence was marked with a grand flag-raising ceremony at Cardiff Castle, where distinguished guests and communities gathered to celebrate the strong ties between Wales and India. Cardiff Castle was lit up in Indian tri-color and flags.

Organised by Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal, the event featured colourful performances and was attended by Rt Hon Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Kanishka Narayan MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith and senior officers of the armed forces, Police and community leaders.  The ceremony reflected the unity and shared values of both communities.

“Wales continues to demonstrate its commitment to recognising and embracing the rich cultural contributions of the Indian community,” said Raj Aggarwal. “This event is another example of the vibrancy and warmth that defines the strong relationship between Wales and India.”

The event began with Ty Krishna welcoming guests with live traditional music, followed by powerful speeches and performances. The key moment was the flag hoisting, led by the Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal and dignitaries, accompanied by the stirring beats of dhols from Raj Singh & Co. The Rekha Natya Academy beautifully rendered the Indian National Anthem, followed by patriotic songs from Atreyee Saha, creating a truly immersive cultural experience.

Special congratulations were extended to Sujatha Thaladi, newly appointed as Honorary Air Commodore of RAF 614 Sqn, Emmanuel Ogbonna for receiving a CBE, and Usha Ladwa for her OBE.

The Indian Prime Minister’s message from the Red Fort in Delhi echoed throughout the celebration, emphasising pride in the Indian diaspora worldwide. This year’s theme, Viksit Bharat (Developed India), highlighted the nation’s focus on economic growth, social progress, and wellness.

Rekha Natya Academy sang the Indian National Anthem at Cardiff Castle for India Independence Day.

 “The Indian diaspora in Wales has thrived, integrating seamlessly while contributing significantly to the prosperity of Wales,” said Aggarwal. “Their success is a testament to their hard work and commitment to both their heritage and their adopted home.”

The event concluded with warm greetings from the President of India and the Indian High Commission in London, extending best wishes to the people of Wales.

Event Highlights:

●            Flag-Hoisting: Led by Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal.

●            Live Performances: Music by Ty Krishna, Rekha Natya Academy, Atreyee Saha, and Raj Singh.

●            Special Recognitions: Sujatha Thaladi (Honorary Air Commodore), Emmanuel (CBE), and Usha Ladwa (OBE).

The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between Wales and India, uniting communities in celebration of shared history, values, and aspirations.

Categories
Business Economy India News

Unicorns Embrace a Feminine Flair in India

The number of women directors in active companies surged from 2.58 lakh in 2014 to 8.83 lakh by August 2024, marking a more than 3.4-fold increase…reports Asian Lite News

Indian women are rising the corporate ladder as they are leading about 18 per cent of 111 unicorns (valued at $1 billion) in the startup and financial technology space, said Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister.

Speaking at a conference organised by the FICCI-FLO Chennai Chapter in Chennai, Sitharaman said the number of women directors in active corporate companies has increased more than three times in the last decade.

From 2.58 lakh in 2014, women directors associated with active companies rose to 8.83 lakh — over 3.4 times higher — in the country by August 2024.

In Tamil Nadu, the number has risen by 4.3 times — from 15,550 in 2014 to 68,000 in August 2024, said the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, while lauding efforts undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to boost women’s participation across sectors.

Sitharaman noted the efforts are visible in the amount of funds being allocated to the schemes related to women empowerment in the recent Union Budget.

In FY2014, the Centre provisioned Rs 97,134 crore as the Budget Estimate on the schemes for the welfare and empowerment of women. The amount has tripled to Rs 3.10 lakh crore in the FY2025 budget, the FM said.

Further, Sitharaman cited a study by research firm Deloitte to show that the number of women directors on the Board of Nifty 50 companies has also increased to 22 per cent. In 2019, it was 18 per cent.

Besides corporate roles, the FM also stated that women are now also “allowed in combat services across the three forces”.

She informed that the entry of women in various cadres in the Navy commenced in June 2023.

“Recruitment of officers in the IAF is now gender-neutral. Women officers are inducted into all the branches and streams of the IAF,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Indian startup ecosystem witnessed a surge in large funding rounds (over $100 million) in 2024, as startups’ focus has shifted to profitability along with growth.

In 2024 so far, there have been 13 funding rounds valued at over $100 million. Startups like Zepto, Rapido, Lenskart, Flipkart, Meesho and PharmEasy have raised funding in these rounds.

Quick e-commerce company Zepto has raised two rounds of funding of one billion dollars ($340 million + $665 million) in 2024. The company had last raised $340 million in funding at a valuation of $5 billion.

Funding of $200 million has been raised by Rapido, a taxi service providing company. The latest valuation of the company is $1.1 billion.

An eyewear startup, Lenskart has also raised funding of $200 million so far in 2024. The valuation of the company is around $5 billion.

Funding of $350 million, $275 million and $216 million has been raised so far in 2024 by Flipkart, Meeso and PharmEasy respectively.

The government also abolished angel tax in Budget 2024-25 to help startups to raise funds from foreign investors.

Around 31 homegrown startups raised more than $466 million in 22 deals last week.

The number of fintechs in the country has grown fourfold in the last four years, with a three-time surge in unicorns and soonicorns in the same period.

The government has recognised 1,40,803 entities as startups (as of June 30). More than 55 regulatory reforms have been undertaken by the Central government since 2016 to enhance ease of doing business, ease of raising capital and reduce compliance burden for the startup ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the Centre approved four startups in the field of technical textiles with a grant of Rs 50 lakh each, along with new courses in various applications. The approved startup projects are focused on key strategic areas of composites, sustainable textiles and smart textiles

ALSO READ: Are IITs India’s Next Big Global Export

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-Top News India News UK News

UK yet to set up team to resume FTA talks with India

The FTA talks have yet to resume because the UK has not yet appointed its negotiating team…reports Asian Lite News

The UK-India free trade agreement (FTA) appears to be on hold for now. The newly elected United Kingdom (UK) government is yet to form a team to negotiate the 14th round of FTA talks with India. However, this process is likely to be finalised shortly.

The UK-India FTA, aimed at providing Britain with access to Indian markets while opening the British market to Indian businesses, was initiated in January 2024. There were hopes of completing the agreement before both countries faced general elections. So far, 13 rounds of talks have been completed by 2023, but the 14th round was halted, largely due to election schedules.

The FTA talks have yet to resume because the UK has not yet appointed its negotiating team. Negotiations were initially set to continue in July, following elections in both nations, but delays have persisted.

In the UK, the Labour Party won, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. During his first visit to India in July, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised the importance of securing the FTA with India.

The trade agreement was featured in the manifestos of both major UK political parties. While many aspects of the deal have been settled, some key issues remain unresolved. The Indian delegation last visited the UK in April to address some of these matters.

A major point of contention has been localisation rules for British car manufacturers seeking benefits. Another area still under discussion is the import of whiskey from the UK. India-UK trade has declined over the years

The UK’s share of India’s trade has seen a decline over the last decade. In the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), the two countries traded goods worth $21.3 billion, representing 1.9 per cent of India’s overall trade, down from 2.1 per cent in FY14.

While India’s total trade grew at an annualised rate of 3.8 per cent between FY14 and FY24, trade with the UK lagged, growing at only 3 per cent annually.

In addition to the FTA, the two countries are collaborating on research. During his visit to India, Lammy announced the Technology and Security Initiative, which aims to promote cooperation on critical minerals, advanced materials, health tech, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. This initiative is a part of the UK-India 2030 roadmap, signed by both nations in 2021.

UK and India launch major Infrastructure Financing Bridge

The United Kingdom and India have officially launched the United Kingdom-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), a new initiative designed to strengthen their financial and professional services collaboration, an official press release by the City of London stated.

This agreement, signed between the City of London Corporation and NITI Aayog, aims to channel sustainable infrastructure investments into India, leveraging the UK’s expertise in managing and structuring large-scale projects.

A key component of the UKIIFB is the newly announced steering committee, which includes representatives from various prestigious organizations such as HM Treasury, Aon, Arup, Mott MacDonald, Clifford Chance, and Sequoia Investment Management Company.

This committee will oversee the implementation of the initiative, focusing on projects such as national highways, regional rapid transport systems, and renewable energy ventures.

The steering committee will work on several objectives, including accelerating the mobilization of international private-sector investment into Indian infrastructure, providing policy recommendations to address investment barriers, and developing best practices for sustainable infrastructure projects.

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “I am delighted to sign the UK India Infrastructure Financing Bridge welcoming a new chapter in the extensive business relationship between our two nations. The UK’s expertise in professional services, finance, and scaling major projects makes it a natural partner to meet India’s growing infrastructure needs, showcasing the City of London’s position as a global city.”

BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, highlighted the significance of the UKIIFB, saying, “The UK India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), jointly announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India and the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the UK, represents a significant collaborative effort spearheaded jointly by NITI Aayog and the City of London.”

“This initiative underscores the commitment of both nations to work together in unlocking major infrastructure investment opportunities in India. This is a game-changer that not only accelerates India’s economic ascent but also strengthens its position on the global stage. It is not limited to connecting the two nations; it connects India to its aspirations of becoming a global powerhouse,” he continued.

Vikram Doraiswamy, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, remarked, “The team at the High Commission are delighted by the establishment of this financing bridge today. Announced as an objective at the last India – UK Economic and Financial Dialogue in September 2023, this structure is the culmination of over a year of shared effort. The UKIIFB is a striking testament to the complementarity of our bilateral economic relationship.”

Industry experts also weighed in on the partnership. Simon Harris, Managing Director for International Development Services at Mott MacDonald, noted, “Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure will play a key role in supporting India’s rapid economic and social development. The United Kingdom-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) is an excellent opportunity for investors to collaborate with India’s project shapers to accelerate investable and sustainable infrastructure development.”

Similarly, Sowmya Parthasarathy of Arup added, “Infrastructure is the foundation for India’s economic growth. Today’s announcement of the United Kingdom-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) comes at a pivotal moment.”

Mark Courtneidge of Aon UK and Anurag Gupta of Sequoia Investment Management Company also expressed their support, emphasizing the potential for the UKIIFB to facilitate significant infrastructure advancements in India.

ALSO READ: Over 300 bodies found in Oldham mass grave

ALSO READ: Survivors recount migrant boat capsizing in Channel

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-Top News Europe UK News

Survivors recount migrant boat capsizing in Channel

The 34-year-old Eritrean recounted the “horrific” moment he lost his 18-year-old sister, whom he said had a “whole future ahead of her.”…reports Asian Lite News

Biniam Semay was on a boat carrying dozens of migrants across the Channel from France to England when the fragile vessel ripped apart, leaving his younger sister and 11 others dead.

About one hundred people gathered on Wednesday evening at a candlelight vigil in the northern French city of Calais to pay tribute to the 12 migrants who died on Tuesday in the deadliest such disaster this year.

The 34-year-old Eritrean recounted the “horrific” moment he lost his 18-year-old sister, whom he said had a “whole future ahead of her.”

“In four or five minutes, it was completely destroyed and sank,” he said, describing the moment the boat capsized plunging dozens into the English Channel’s treacherous waters.

He grabbed his sister’s hand and tried to find something to hang on to but a wave pushed them apart.

“Then the rescue ship came, and when they rescued me, I saw my sister… and she was already dead.”

“Only God knows how I survived,” he said.

Tuesday’s death toll is the highest since November 2021 when 27 migrants lost their lives in the Channel, an incident that sparked tensions between France and Britain over who needed to do more to prevent such disasters.

The two countries have for years sought to stop the flow of migrants, who pay smugglers thousands of euros per head for the passage to England from France aboard small boats.

On Monday alone, 351 migrants crossed in small boats, with 21,615 making the journey this year, according to UK government statistics.

Earlier this summer British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron pledged to strengthen “cooperation” in handling the surge in undocumented migrant numbers.

But for some activists at the vigil, like Feyrouz Lajili, those efforts are falling short with this year’s death toll at 25, up from 12 last year.

“We’re angry and upset, not least because we feel these deaths could have been prevented,” said Lajili, project coordinator for international NGO Doctors Without Borders.

Steve Smith, head of the Care4Calais charity agreed, saying investment in security measures was “not reducing crossings.”

“It is simply pushing people to take ever increasing risks to do so,” he said.

Another survivor of Tuesday’s disaster said the first rescue boats to arrive on scene were too small to accommodate the 60 or so migrants in the water.

“There were a lot of girls and young boys, and I saw them die,” Amanuel from Eritrea, who did not provide his full name, said.

He described struggling to hold on to what remained of the boat while others clung to him.

French authorities seek to stop migrants taking to the water but do not intervene once they are afloat except for rescue purposes, citing safety concerns.

All resources that could be mobilized on Tuesday were, said the French government’s junior minister for maritime affairs, Herve Berville.

But he added people need to know that “while this rescue operation is underway… it isn’t the only emergency at sea.”

One of the last to be rescued, Amanuel said he would not attempt the crossing again.

Others, like Muhammadullah, say they are not dissuaded by the risks.

Having fled Afghanistan to escape the Taliban, Muhammadullah, who also only gave one name, said that he would have liked to stay in France but could not get the papers he needed to remain in the country.

So the only choice that remains is to attempt the crossing again, and soon.

“I don’t know else what to do,” he said, “there’s only England left.”

ALSO READ: Over 300 bodies found in Oldham mass grave

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-Top News Crime UK News

Britain halts criminal proceedings against Weinstein

Weinstein remains in custody in New York while awaiting retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in Manhattan…reports Asian Lite News

British prosecutors have decided not to pursue criminal charges of indecent assault against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

The Crown Prosecution Service said on Thursday that it decided to discontinue proceedings against Weinstein because there is “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.”

“We have explained our decision to all parties,” the CPS said in statement. “We would always encourage any potential victims of sexual assault to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”

The CPS had previously authorized police to file the charges against Weinstein in relation to an alleged indecent assault that occurred in London in 1996.

Weinstein remains in custody in New York while awaiting retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in Manhattan, prosecutors said in August after the former movie mogul made a brief court appearance related to California’s request to extradite him there.

After the retrial, he is due to start serving a 16-year sentence in California for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles, authorities said. Weinstein, who has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 while already serving a 23-year sentence in New York.

His 2020 conviction in Manhattan was thrown out this spring by the state’s top court, which ruled that the judge in the original trial unfairly allowed testimony against Weinstein based on allegations that weren’t part of the case.

ALSO READ: Over 300 bodies found in Oldham mass grave

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-Top News Education UK News

Universities say visa curbs hitting them in the pocket   

The total income of the British higher education sector in 2022-23 was just over £50 billion ($66 billion), most of it from tuition fees and grants…reports Asian Lite News

Restrictions on visas for international students is causing financial hardship for UK universities, they said on Thursday, calling for a hike in domestic tuition fees to offset yawning deficits.

The president of Universities UK (UUK), which represents 141 British higher education institutions, said all its universities were “feeling the crunch” since the curbs came in last year.

“There is now a clear choice: we can allow our distinguished, globally competitive higher education system to slide into decline or we can act together,” said Sally Mapstone.

The total income of the British higher education sector in 2022-23 was just over £50 billion ($66 billion), most of it from tuition fees and grants, according to a House of Commons research paper.

Typically, international students pay more in tuition fees than their domestic counterparts and have become a lucrative source of income for many institutions.

But the previous government under Conservative ex-prime minister Rishi Sunak slapped restrictions on overseas student visas, banning many from bringing their families, as part of a crackdown on record levels of immigration.

In the first four months of 2024, there were 30,000 fewer applications from overseas than in the same period in 2023, according to official statistics.

Universities have been warning for months about the effect on their finances, with fears shortfalls could see them slash courses and force some to the wall.

Mapstone told a UUK conference in Reading, west of London, that the current deficit in the sector was £1.7 billion for teaching and £5 billion for research.

She urged “investment and support” from the government to maintain world-class teaching and research.

Tuition fees paid by domestic students rose from £9,000 to £9,250 a year in 2017 but have been frozen since then, despite inflation.

The head of King’s College London, Shitij Kapur, said fees should now be between £12,000 and £13,000.

In a video broadcast at the UUK conference, the new Labour government’s Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged that universities were facing “complex problems.”

“I can’t promise painless or immediate resolutions, but I do promise that these issues will get the attention and the commitment they deserve,” she said.

ALSO READ: Over 300 bodies found in Oldham mass grave

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-Top News Europe UK News

Germany could adopt Rwanda plan paid for by UK

The threat of deportation to Kigali was intended to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats….reports Asian Lite News

Germany is considering sending migrants to Rwanda – weeks after the UK ditched a similar plan. Migrants deported from Germany could be sent to the same accommodation originally intended for the UK’s now-abandoned scheme, migration minister Joachim Stamp suggested.

German politicians are under pressure to tackle illegal migration after three people were killed by a Syrian national at a festival in Solingen – an attack for which Islamic State has claimed responsibility. In addition, a far-right party has won a regional election in Germany for the first time since the Second World War.

The threat of deportation to Kigali was intended to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Should Germany decide to pursue the idea it has only one option at present, Stamp said.

“We currently have no third country that has come forward, with the exception of Rwanda,” he told a podcast by Table Media. Those most likely to be processed in the African country are people crossing the EU’s eastern borders.

“My suggestion would be that we concentrate on this group – it’s about 10,000 people a year,” Stamp said. Rwanda has said it is willing to continue pursuing the idea, he added.

Rishi Sunak’s government faced a series of legal challenges to its Rwanda scheme and not a single flight took off. Keir Starmer, the prime minister, scrapped the plan as soon as Labour came to power in early July. The scheme cost £700m of taxpayers’ money, the home secretary has said.

Regarding the German proposal, a Downing Street spokesperson said they would not comment on discussions between other nations. “Policies pursued by other countries are a matter for them. Our position with regard to Rwanda is well known,” they added.

Stamp said asylum procedures in Rwanda would be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations. He has also suggested removing the so-called “connecting element” in the new Common European Asylum System, which currently requires external asylum procedures to be conducted in countries where the asylum seeker has a social connection.

In December, the European Union agreed new rules to handle the irregular arrivals of asylum seekers and migrants. But it could be the end of 2025 before it takes effect in full.

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