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-Top News UK News

Islamophobia Haunt Labour

An investigation carried out by Labour Muslim Network and reported by ITV News,revealed that more than a third of Muslims associated with the Labour Party have witnessed Islamophobia … A special report by HITESH TIKOO

British Muslim Labour Party members and supporters have witnessed Islamophobia within the the country’s biggest opposition party, a recent report has found.

An investigation carried out by Labour Muslim Network and reported by ITV News,revealed that more than a third of Muslims associated with the Labour Party have witnessed Islamophobia.

Forty-four per cent said they do not believe the party takes the issue of rising Islamophobia seriously, and 48 per cent said they have lost confidence in the party’s complaints structures.

Ali Reza Milani, who stood against Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Uxbridge and South Ruislip parliamentary constituency in the last year’s general election, claimed a fellow party member told him Muslims could not be in the parliament because of “their propensity to violence” and asked if he was a terrorist, ITV News reported.

Milani said: “It hurts to feel like I experienced that sort of abuse from a party member and it not only took a year for them to get back to me, but the complaint was lost. It’s just hurtful.”

Muslim MP from Manchester Gorton, Afzal Khan, who also heads the parliamentary chair of Labour Muslim Network, said Islamophobia within the party had gone “unnoticed” and “deserved immediate attention”.

“Whilst the Labour Party has enjoyed the overwhelming support of the Muslim community for decades, we cannot take their support for granted.

“The Labour Party must commit to a zero tolerance of Islamophobia and rebuild confidence with its Muslim members,” Khan said.

Labour MP Apsana Begum representing the Poplar and Limehouse constituency told ITV News: “It’s quite regular to be asked questions and to constantly be asked to reaffirm my commitment towards British society as if in some way my identity and politics are not compatible.”

The report also revealed that 59 per cent of Muslims surveyed said they did not feel well represented by the Labour Party.

Responding to the report, the Labour leader Keir Starmer, and deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said: “We thank Labour Muslim Network for this important report, as well as their work to ensure our Muslim members are represented, included and heard.

“Islamophobia has no place in our party or society and we are committed to rooting it out.

“We look forward to working with LMN to implement their recommendations and will be meeting with them to discuss the next steps in tackling the scourge of Islamophobia.”

Also Read: Labour Suspends Ex-Leader Jeremy Corbyn

Also Read: Daily Digital: Sir Keir Urges Labour to ‘Get Serious About Winning’

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-Top News Arab News

UAE expands Golden Residency Visa programme

The UAE Golden Residency, a ten-year residency visa, will be granted to residents with PhD degree, in addition to doctors and engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electrical engineering and biotechnology, as well as graduates from UAE accredited universities who scored Grade Point Average, GPA, of 3.8 and above… reports Asian Lite News 

The UAE Cabinet has announced major changes in the Golden Residency programme aimed at attracting and retaining experts and talented professionals from various fields and scientific disciplines. The changes will take place starting from 1st December, 2020.

The UAE Golden Residency, a ten-year residency visa, will be granted to residents with PhD degree, in addition to doctors and engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electrical engineering and biotechnology, as well as graduates from UAE accredited universities who scored Grade Point Average, GPA, of 3.8 and above.

The Golden Residency will also be offered to specialists in artificial intelligence, AI, big data, virology, epidemiology and UAE high school top graduates and their families.

In addition to the dynamic lifestyle and safety that are considered main characteristics of life in the UAE, Golden Residency holders and their families will be offered 10-year residency visa. The new Golden Residency categories expand the programme to further encourage innovation, creativity and applied research, adding to the appeal of a career in the Emirates for the world’s brightest minds.

DMCC’s Business Hub

DMCC – the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – has announced it rolled out a company setup offer for businesses worldwide.

According to DMCC, the offer provides international companies the opportunity to set up a representative office in one of the world’s leading business hubs in as little as 5 working days with a free 6-month trial period.

With no upfront fees, businesses can explore the Dubai market ecosystem without making any initial investments. Companies will immediately benefit from the emirate’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of the world and an extensive logistics network that provides a gateway to access the region and beyond.

The setup process is fully digital, providing smart solutions that allow companies to access DMCC’s wide range of business services from any device, anytime and anywhere.

Businesses will also benefit from a simplified setup requirements (such as no requirement for opening a bank account), an option to apply for a residence visa along with family members, access to DMCC business centre facilities, and the opportunity to connect with DMCC member companies through digital networking platforms. The offer is valid until 31st December 2020.

Ahmad Hamza, Executive Director – Free Zone, DMCC, commented, “DMCC has successfully established a dynamic and thriving business district that has redefined the ease of doing business. That is why 18,000 companies have chosen to set up in our Free Zone. With this new offer, we are once again making it easier and faster to set up a presence in Dubai and enabling access to some of the fastest growing markets. In turn, we are boosting the Emirate’s economic resilience to ensure it always remains the chosen place for doing business.”

Since its establishment in 2002, DMCC has attracted over 18,000 local and global businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and SMEs to Fortune 500 companies. On average, 7 new businesses join the award-winning business district every day.

Also Read: UAE, EU convene second session of Structural Dialogue

Also Read: UAE FM holds talks with British minister

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UAE News

Sheikh Hamdan Lauds Diversity

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum says UAE is a bridge for communication between different cultures, peoples of the world.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, has praised the UAE’s pioneering role in spreading tolerance, coexistence and peace among different peoples and cultures – noting that the UAE is a role model in encouraging multiculturalism and cohesion.

In a statement on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, which falls on 16th November each year, Sheikh Hamdan commended the wise leadership’s commitment to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s approach of having an open spirit, and spreading and encouraging a culture of tolerance with everyone, regardless of their beliefs or cultural backgrounds.

He said, “The UAE established itself as a bridge for communication and convergence between different peoples and cultures of the world, regardless of their gender, religion or race. The values of peace, tolerance, openness and coexistence adopted by the UAE, bolstered its global leading position in terms of humanitarian work, and turned the country into a symbol of goodness and giving.”

Also Read: Speaker of Egyptian parliament hails UAE’s humanitarian role

Also Read: UAE, Israel Ministers hold talks on defence

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-Top News Asia News

RCEP, world’s biggest trade bloc comes alive

1159385 Caption: Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the signing ceremony of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during the 37th ASEAN Summit and related summits via video conferences in Hanoi, Vietnam, Nov. 15, 2020

China and 14 other Asian countries have agreed to form the world’s largest free trade bloc with nearly a third of all economic activity.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, was signed virtually on Sunday on the sidelines of the annual summit of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“RCEP will soon be ratified by signatory countries and take effect, contributing to the post-COVID pandemic economic recovery,” said Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam, which hosted the ceremony as ASEAN chair, Al Jazeera reported.

The report said RCEP will take tariffs lower between member countries. It will account for 30 per cent of the global economy, 30 per cent of the global population and reach 2.2 billion consumers, according to Vietnam.

In addition to the 10 ASEAN nations, the accord includes China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, but not the US.

Officials said the accord leaves the door open for India, which dropped out due to fierce domestic opposition to its market-opening requirements, to rejoin the bloc, Al Jazeera said.

The accord is a coup for China, by far the biggest market in the region with more than 1.3 billion people, allowing Beijing to cast itself as a “champion of globalisation and multilateral cooperation” and giving it greater influence over rules governing regional trade, Gareth Leather, senior Asian economist for Capital Economics, said in a report.

Al Jazeera said the US is absent from RCEP and the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal that US President Donald Trump pulled out of shortly after taking office. This leaves the world’s biggest economy out of two trade groups that span the fastest-growing region on earth.

Also Read: Exports to China come to the rescue India’s aluminium sector

Also Read: Climate change: Trump puts blame on India, China, Russia

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Asia News

Indian Army Pays Tribute To Its Brave hearts Killed in Pak Firing

The Army on Sunday paid tributes to its bravehearts killed in the line of duty during Pakistani firing at the LoC in north Kashmir, officials said.

In a solemn ceremony held at BB Cantt, Lt General BS Raju, Chinar Corps Commander, and all ranks paid homage to Havildar Hardhan Chandra Roy, Naik Satai Bhushan Rameshrao, Gunner Subodh Ghosh, and Sepoy Jondhale Rushikesh Ramchandra on behalf of the proud and grateful nation.

The gallant soldiers had made the supreme sacrifice on November 13 when the Pakistan Army indulged in unprovoked ceasefire violations in multiple Sectors of Kashmir.

Havildar Hardhan Chandra Roy and Gunner Subodh Ghosh of the Artillery Regiment were deployed in the Uri Sector while Naik Satai Bhushan Rameshrao and Sepoy Jondhale Rushikesh Ramchandra of the Maratha Light Infantry were deployed in the Gurez Sector.

In the unprovoked artillery shelling by Pakistan army, these bravehearts received multiple splinter injuries. They were provided immediate medical aid and evacuated to nearest military medical facilities, but succumbed to their injuries.


Late Havildar Hardhan Chandra Roy, 38, belonged to Mhedhipara village in Futkibari Tehsil in Dhubri district, Assam. He had joined the Army in 2001 and is survived by his wife and son.

Late Naik Satai Bhushan Rameshrao hailed from Kotal village in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The 28-year-old had joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his parents.

Late Gunner Subodh Ghosh had joined the Army in 2017. The 22-year-old belonged to Raghunathpur vilalge in Tehatta Tehsil in Nadia district, West Bengal, and is survived by his wife and parents.

Late Sepoy Jondhale Rushikesh Ramchandra hailed from Bahirewadi village in of jara Tehsil in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. The 20-year-old had joined the Army in 2019 and is survived by his parents.

“The Chinar Corps also acknowledges the supreme sacrifice of Sub-Inspector Rakesh Doval of the Border Security Force during the ceasefire violation in Naugam Sector,” the Army said.

The mortal remains of the bravehearts were taken to their native places, where they would be cremated with full military honours.

“In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with these bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and well-being,” the Army said.

India had on Saturday summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission to lodge a strong protest over unprovoked ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir on the festive occasion of Diwali.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “The Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission of Pakistan was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs today and a strong protest was lodged over unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, on multiple sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on 13 November 2020, resulting in the death of four innocent civilians and serious injuries to 19 others”.

“India condemns, in the strongest terms, the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians by Pakistani forces,” MEA said.

“It is highly deplorable that Pakistan chose a festive occasion in India to disrupt peace and perpetrate violence in J&K through coordinated firing along the length of the LoC using heavy caliber weapons, including artillery and mortar on Indian civilians,” the statement by India said.

India also strongly protested Pakistan’s continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including through supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces. Pakistan was once again reminded of its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner.

Also Read: Pakistan ‘under pressure’ to recognise Israel

Categories
Business India News

Reliance Retail Takes Over Urban Ladder

Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has acquired equity shares of Urban Ladder Home Decor Solutions Private Limited (UrbanLadder) for a cash consideration of Rs 182.12 crore.

The investment represents 96 per cent holding in the equity share capital of UrbanLadder. RRVL has a further option of acquiring the balance stake, taking its shareholding to 100 per cent of the equity share capital of UrbanLadder.

RRVL proposes to make a further investment of up to Rs 75 crore. The further investment is expected to be completed by December 2023.

UrbanLadder was incorporated in India on February 17, 2012. UrbanLadder is in the business of operating a digital platform for home furniture and decor products.

It also has a chain of retail stores in several cities across India. UrbanLadder’s audited turnover was Rs 434 crore, Rs 151.22 crore and Rs 50.61 crore, and Net Profit/(Loss) of Rs 49.41 crore, Rs 118.66 crore and Rs 457.97 crore in FY 2019, FY 2018 and FY 2017 respectively.

The aforesaid investment will further enable the group’s digital and new commerce initiatives and widen the bouquet of consumer products provided by the group, while enhancing user engagement and experience across its retail offerings.

No governmental or regulatory approvals were required for the said investment. The investment does not fall within related party transactions and none of RIL’s promoter/promoter group/group companies have any interest in the transaction.

Also Read: Reliance Jio’s profits triple in Q2FY21

Categories
Business Economy

COVID19 disruption Casts Shadow on PLL-Tellurian Deal

In what may be a big casualty of Covid-19 related market disruptions, India’s Petronet LNG Ltd. may push back its $2.5 billion investment plan in US LNG developer Tellurian’s upcoming Driftwood LNG terminal in Louisiana or shelve the investment plan altogether.

Government sources said that with spot LNG prices now crashing to about $2-3 per million British thermal unit (mmBtu) and gas widely available in the market, it would make little sense to sign an agreement committing to pay on sea price of $3.5 to $4.5 per mmBtu for 40 years for the gas. The delivered price of gas would be even higher

The deal would have to be renegotiated given the current market prices or shelved, sources said.

A PLL official also said that with prices at record low levels and easily available, the company is more concerned about signing LNG supply contracts rather than investing in greenfield project that will meet needs after five to seven years.

In September last year a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between PLL and Tellurian that gave the Indian entity PLL the option to buy 5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) LNG from Tellurian’s Driftwood project on the banks of the Calcasieu river in Louisiana. In return, Petronet was to spend $2.5 billion for an 18 per cent equity stake in the $28 billion Driftwood LNG terminal.

The term of the MoU was to expire on March 31, 2020, which was extended to May 31 in February. It has now been extended till December end. But with deadline latest extension also nearing, PLL seems in be on no mood to commit investment. The change of government in the US has also made decision to move out from the project easier.

As a test to determine gas prices available on long-term contract basis now, PLL earlier this year invited bids for one million tonne per annum of LNG for 10 years. It asked bidders to quote a price below Japan/Korea Marker (JKM) that takes the price on long term as well as closer to spot prices. Though Tellurian placed its bid for the supply contract, it did not qualify from a list of 13 other suppliers.

The Tellurian deal, if concluded, will be the first long-term LNG deal under the Modi government since 2014. The previous long-term gas supply deals were signed before 2014. The deal for 7.5 mtpa of LNG from Qatar, 1.44 mtpa from Australia, 2.2 mtpa from Russia and 5.8 mtpa from the US were concluded by the previous UPA government.

Also Read: India’s Merchandise Exports Decline Over 5% in October

Also Read: India-US bonhomie will continue under Biden-Harris

Categories
Economy India News

India’s Merchandise Exports Decline Over 5% in October

India’s merchandise exports in October declined by over 5 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

As per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s data released on Friday, merchandise worth $24.89 billion were shipped-out during the month under review as against $26.23 billion exported in the same period of the previous year.

In terms of sequential movement, the country’s merchandise exports in September had risen by 5.99 per cent to $27.58 billion from $26.02 billion exported in the same period of the previous year.

Accordingly, major commodities which have recorded negative growth during October 2020 vis-a-vis October 2019 were ‘petroleum products, cashew, gems and jewellery, leather and leather products’ amongst others.

“Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in October 2020 were USD 20.31 Billion, as compared to USD 19.07 billion in October 2019, registering a positive growth of 6.51 per cent,” the ministry said.

Similarly, India’s imports declined, it fell by (-) 11.53 per cent to $33.61 billion in October from $37.99 billion reported for the corresponding month of 2019.

In September, imports declined by (-) 19.60 per cent to $30.31 billion from $37.69 billion reported for the corresponding month of 2019.

“Oil imports in October 2020 were USD 5.98 Billion, which was 38.52 per cent lower in Dollar terms, compared to USD 9.73 billion in October 2019,” the statement said.

“Non-oil imports in October 2020 were estimated at USD 27.62 billion which was 2.24 per cent lower in Dollar terms compared to USD 28.26 billion in October 2019.”

“Non-oil and non-gold imports were USD 25.12 billion in October 2020, recording a negative growth of (-) 4.90 per cent, as compared to non-oil and non-gold imports of USD 26.42 billion in October 2019.”

Consequently, India’s trade deficit narrowed to $8.71 billion on a year-on-year basis in October from $11.75 billion reported for the corresponding month of last year.

The trade deficit had narrowed to $2.72 billion in September from $11.67 billion reported for the corresponding month of the previous year.

“The merchandise trade deficit for October 2020 is in line with our estimates, printing at the highest level for this fiscal year,” said ICRA’s Principal Economist Aditi Nayar.

“As the economic recovery strengthens, we expect the current account surplus to decline substantially in Q3 FY2021, from the $20 billion recorded in Q1 FY2021 and the $12-14 billion expected for Q2 FY2021.”

According to EEPC India Chairman Mahesh Desai: “With the second wave of Covid 19 hitting

Europe, and the US reeling under the pandemic, Indian exports face a tough winter of global trade.”

In addition, Suman Chowdhury, Chief Analytical Officer Acuite Ratings & Research said: “The healthy pickup in exports seen in September could not be sustained in October, leading to a YoY drop of 5.1 per cent.”

“The primary factor behind the slip in exports has been the substantial drop in petroleum product shipments on a sequential basis by 54 per cent in October. Excluding POL, exports have seen a marginal YoY growth of 2 per cent given the steady growth in agricultural, minerals and pharmaceutical exports.”

Also Read: India-US bonhomie will continue under Biden-Harris

Also Read: After 6 months, India’s industrial production sees growth in Sep

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Cricket Sport

On this day, the master blaster made his debut

It was on November 15, 1989, when legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar made his debut in international cricket and went on to “inspire billions” across the globe with his batting skills.

Tendulkar, 16, made his international debut in a Test match between India and Pakistan that was played at the National Stadium in Karachi. Along with Tendulkar, Salil Ankola also made his Test debut for India.

The right-handed batsman managed just 15 runs in his debut innings before he was castled by Waqar Younis, who was also making his international debut. Tendulkar, however, did not get to bat again in the Test match which ended in a draw.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. (File Photo: IANS)

Coincidently, on November 15, 2013, Tendulkar went out to bat for the last time in international cricket during a Test match against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In his last international innings, Tendulkar managed 74 runs before he became the priced scalp of Narsingh Deonarine. India, under MS Dhoni’s leadership, went on to win the match by an innings and 126 runs.

“On This Day 1989 – Sachin Tendulkar made his debut in international cricket. 2013 – The legend walked out to bat for Team India one final time. Thank you for inspiring billions across the globe,” BCCI said in a tweet.

The ‘Master Blaster’ went on to play 200 Tests for India, scoring 100 centuries across Tests and ODIs. In 463 ODIs, Tendulkar scored 18,426 runs including 49 tons and in Tests, he has 15,921 runs to his name, including 51 centuries. He also played one T20I match against South Africa in 2006 in which he scored 10 runs.

Also Read: Tendulkar and Lara are the greatest, Warne has no doubts

Also Read: Sachin says, the iconic upper cut was his instinct

Categories
Business Tech Lite

Chromebooks, tablets lead global PC market: Report

Google Chrome OS-based Chromebooks were the best performing PC product in the third quarter of 2020, as shipments grew 122 per cent to a total of a record high of 9.4 million.

HP led the Chromebook market, more than doubling volumes from a year ago to hit 3.2 million units, with the majority of shipments coming in its home market of the US.

The worldwide tablet market also posted stellar growth in Q3 2020, with shipments of 44.3 million units, up 43 per cent year-on-year.

Apple maintained pole position with shipments of 15.2 million iPad units and growth of 47 per cent. Samsung placed second with stunning growth of 80 per cent to break the 9 million unit shipment mark for the first time since Q4 2015.

Both Chromebook and tablet categories came to the fore in the context of affordable computing, as the pandemic continued to positively influence PC ownership and usage for various purposes, according to market research firm Canalys.

“Vendors and channel partners shifted resource allocation towards production and distribution of tablets and Chromebooks to meet this surging demand, which is expected to continue in the short-term,” the report mentioned.

Meanwhile, the global PC market (including tablets) enjoyed a second successive quarter of stellar growth in Q3, with total shipments of 124.5 million units which was up 23 per cent year-on-year.

Lenovo led the global market with 23.5 million tablets, notebooks and desktops shipped followed closely by Apple with 22.1 million macs and iPads. HP, Dell and Samsung rounded out the top five.

After Chromebooks, detachables (tablets and notebooks) grew 88 per cent and were the second best performing category in personal computing.

Within desktops, all-in-ones grew 7 per cent despite an overall desktop market decline of 32 per cent.

“Tablets have come back from the dead as they deliver the perfect balance of mobility and computing power at a wide range of price points during such a crucial time,” said Victoria Li, Canalys Analyst.

The tablet market has been in free-fall since 2015, with the last two quarters being the only quarters of growth in the last five years.

Tablets are a natural choice for first-time PC users who want something uncomplicated and affordable to work with.

“The natural extension of Android and iOS on tablets makes it easy for parents, students and educators who dabbled with extended remote learning for the first time in their lives and prefer the ease of installing apps that these platforms offer,” Li said in a statement.

Another contributing factor is the role these tablets play in the accelerated pace of digital transformation that big and small companies are undertaking.

“Chromebooks emerged as the centrepiece of the education segment’s digital response to the COVID-19 pandemic”, said Ishan Dutt, Canalys Analyst.

Also Read: India to witness laptop price war

Also Read: Big B’s ‘laptop went into a lockdown’!