The move will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training or language ability…reports Asian Lite News
Canada has launched a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents in an attempt to meet its labour needs and strengthen its economy.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced on Wednesday the first-ever launch of category-based selection for Canada’s flagship economic immigration management system, Express Entry.
This year, category-based selection invitations will focus on candidates who have a strong French language proficiency, or work experience in fields like healthcare, agriculture and agri-food, STEM professions and trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors transport.
The move will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training or language ability.
According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this approach to the Express Entry system will address labour needs and strengthen French communities across the country.
“These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they (Canadian employers) have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed. We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities,” Fraser said.
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
In the 13th Express Entry draw of 2023, IRCC invited 4,800 candidates, according to CIC News.
In June 2022, the Canadian government made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
The first category-based invitations to apply are expected to be sent this summer. Immigration accounts for nearly 100 per cent of Canada’s labour force growth, helping to address labour shortages in key sectors.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada, the number of occupations facing shortages doubled between 2019 and 2021.
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec establishes its own immigration levels.
From 2018 to 2022, admissions under the Federal High-Skilled program accounted for between 34 and 40 per cent of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.
The awards recognised Etihad’s commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration…reports Asian Lite News
Etihad Airways has been named Environmental Airline of the Year 2023 for the second year running in the Airline Ratings awards.
The Airline Ratings awards acknowledge the best of the aviation industry and rank airlines on their innovation, route networks and safety score against strict assessment criteria.
The awards recognised Etihad’s commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration and its dedication to driving change and results from Abu Dhabi to the world.
As well as being crowned Environmental Airline of the Year, Etihad took third in Airline Ratings’ “Top 10 Airlines” award, which critiques airlines on comfort, innovation, value and safety across Economy, Business and First Class.
Etihad’s sustainability strategy is focused on achieving emissions reductions through in-sector measures, aligning with industry roadmaps and frameworks, collaborating with UAE industrial ecosystems, and remaining transparent and proactive regarding sustainability issues within the aviation industry.
Etihad Cargo expands pharma sector to Africa
In its most recent sustainability report released in May 2023, Etihad announced it had achieved a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions per Revenue Tonne Kilometre (RTK). This achievement is underpinned by Etihad’s flagship sustainability initiatives, including the Greenliner programme, which uses the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners as flying test-beds and the Sustainable50 A350-1000.
Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said, “We take great pride in reducing our CO2 RTK by 26 percent. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and efforts of our team to drive our sustainability agenda and we thank them for their contributions.
I am also very proud of our overall achievements, which go beyond delivering direct Co2 reductions but explore innovative solutions to the broader challenges facing aviation sustainability, as you can see in our annual report.”
Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas, said, “Etihad Airways has demonstrated its leadership in the push for sustainable flight with its Greenliner Boeing 787 program and last year with its Sustainability50, A350 aircraft.
In every aspect, Etihad Airways staff and management are committed to reducing the airline’s CO2 footprint, and it shows. The rallying phrase is a million things count in reducing emissions and thus the focus is all-consuming. The airline’s Sustainability Report 2021-2022 demonstrates the potential advancements to be made in sustainable aviation by a wide range of initiatives.”
People wait to cross into Egypt through the Argeen land port with Sudan on April 27, 2023. Egypt has received more than 16,000 foreigners fleeing the deadly conflict in neighboring Sudan, including more than 14,000 Sudanese, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. (Photo by Radwan Abu Elmagd/Xinhua)
The authority said that the closure could be extended again in the future…reports Asian Lite News
Khartoum, June 1 (IANS) Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority has extended the closure of the country’s airspace to June 15 amid continued armed conflict between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
In a notice to airmen, or NOTAM, on Wednesday, the authority decided to extend the closure of airspace for all civil flights, with the exception of those carrying humanitarian aid.
The authority said that the closure could be extended again in the future, Xinhua news agency reported.
Since the outbreak of the deadly armed clashes in the Sudanese capital Khartoum and other areas on April 15, the country’s airspace has been closed as air navigation systems at Khartoum International Airport have been affected.
More than 800 people have been killed, and nearly 1.4 million people have been forced to leave their homes since the conflict began, with more than one million people internally displaced and about 3,45,000 people crossing into neighbouring countries for safety, said the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in its latest report on Sunday.
Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum were briefed on the airline’s ambitious future plans by Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline….reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, visited the Emirates Group Headquarters. He was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance.
The leaders, who were received by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, toured key business areas and facilities at the Emirates Group Headquarters.
Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum were briefed on the airline’s ambitious future plans by Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline. They were also briefed about Emirates’ investments in developing its brand and products in the coming years, and travel innovations designed to enhance the customer journey.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said. “Right from its inception, Emirates has been a key contributor to achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into one of the world’s leading metropolises. Emirates’ rise as a major global airline under H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s leadership has played an instrumental role in Dubai’s emergence as a prominent international business, investment and tourism destination. As Dubai seeks to consolidate its position as a frontrunner on the global stage in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Emirates will continue to be a vital catalyst of its economic progress as well as an important player in shaping the future of the world’s aviation and travel industries.”
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed said, “By helping establish Dubai as one of the world’s most connected cities, the airline has enabled the emirate to become a unique bridge between diverse markets and cultures, and a major focal point for enterprise, innovation and talent. Emirates is not only one of the UAE’s biggest global brands but also an outstanding model for excellence in the international aviation industry. Supported by the leadership’s vision and its strategic investments, Emirates continues to make significant contributions to generating new opportunities for Dubai’s growth and evolution and reinforcing its development as a stable and resilient global commercial hub.”
Their Highnesses toured Emirates’ Network Control Centre, the “nerve centre” of the airline’s operations around the world. They were briefed on how the 365/24/7 Network Control Centre ensures all flights arrive and depart on time, without disruption, and how multiple departments across the airline work in unison to keep the operation running seamlessly. The team on duty at the Network Control Centre uses sophisticated systems to keep a close watch on Emirates traffic flows, breaking news, and weather patterns to ensure they are well-equipped to anticipate and respond to operational contingencies and situations.
Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum also briefly attended the graduation of 120 new Emirates Cabin Crew. Their Highnesses interacted with Emirates’ 3D hologram projection, which the airline will be using for virtual communication with its employees, graduations, ticketing offices, and meetings.
Their Highnesses also witnessed a live demonstration from Sara, the world’s first portable robot check-in system developed by Emirates. As part of the demonstration, a passenger had their face scanned to match their passport for check-in and an e-boarding pass was seamlessly sent to the person’s phone.
Last week, the Emirates Group reported its most profitable year ever, driven by Dubai’s readiness to cater to the strong rebound of international air travel demand. For the financial year ending 31 March 2023, the Emirates Group posted a record profit of AED10.9 billion. The Group’s revenue was AED119.8 billion, an increase of 81 percent over last year’s results. The outstanding results were also in line with Dubai’s 97 percent year-on-year growth in international visitors, which is on track again to increase in 2023.
The Emirates Group is the biggest player in the UAE’s aviation sector, supporting over 770,000 jobs and contributing over AED172.5 billion to the nation’s GDP. Its growth plans are in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and consolidate its status as one of the world’s top three destinations for business and tourism. Emirates will play a crucial role in achieving D33 goals by expanding its global network, providing greater access to foreign markets, encouraging exports, and supporting the government’s vision of making the emirate a global investment hub.
The aviation industry’s contribution to the UAE economy is set to significantly increase over the next decade through direct and indirect employment, infrastructure investment, supply chain spending, tourism spend, and trade and commerce benefits from the significant movement of cargo across new vertical industries. Strategic investments are now being channelled in the aviation sector to grow Dubai’s position as one of the world’s biggest aviation hubs.
The company registered $5.4 million profit in Q4 FY23, as compared to a loss of $4.1 million in Q4 FY22…reports Asian Lite News
Leading travel service provider MakeMyTrip on Tuesday said the gross bookings for fiscal year FY23 grew by 122 per cent (year-on-year) to reach $6.6 billion with adjusted operating profit at $70.3 million, a growth of 203 per cent (YoY) and highest-ever for the company.
The gross Bookings for Q4 grew by 80.7 per cent YoY in constant currency to $1.7 billion. Adjusted operating profit was $19 million in Q4, as compared to $12 million in Q4 FY22.
The company registered $5.4 million profit in Q4 FY23, as compared to a loss of $4.1 million in Q4 FY22.
MakeMyTrip said that the loss for FY23 was $11.2 million as compared to $45.6 million in FY22, being a reduction of $34.4 million.
“We witnessed robust recovery in travel demand with significant improvement in consumer sentiment during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. We capitalized on this trend to deliver strong results with over 120 per cent YoY constant currency growth in gross bookings,” said Rajesh Magow, Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.
He said that the strategy of investing in the right areas coupled with “our initiatives to optimise certain costs has helped us to preserve and strengthen our moat”.
“We remain well positioned for the next fiscal year with a strong pipeline of product innovation to further enhance customer experience,” Magow added.
The online travel company last week collaborated with Microsoft to make travel planning more inclusive and accessible by introducing voice assisted booking in Indian languages.
The new, in-platform tech stack powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive Services, will converse with the user to offer personalised travel recommendations based on their preferences and curate holiday packages.
Built right on the banks of river Ganga overlooking Rajaji National Park across gives you mesmerising panoramic view. The splashing sound of the river and fascinating sound from the national park makes you standstill…reports Asian Lite News
Planning a summer vacation might be difficult due to the limited options available due to the intense heat. It’s not a good time to just pack your bags and fly anywhere. A majority of us seek refuge in the mountains because of their calming vibes, although vertigo can also occur. What if there is which provides you with a respite from the life-sucking heat waves but wasn’t a mountain or a plain? Serene Rishikesh, has some best kept secrets: opulent boutique hotels on the banks of the Ganges.
As soon as you arrive in Rishikesh, you feel optimistic. a wonderful spot to unwind this summer. Location to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy exotic landscapes, private ghats, the world-famous Ganga Aarti, yoga, meditation, a glimpse into nature, marine drive, river rafting, off-the-beaten-path trekking locations, etc. Trust me, spending a few days in these places will help you reconnect with your true self and recharge your soul.
Ganga Kinare Riverside Boutique Resort
Built right on the banks of river Ganga overlooking Rajaji National Park across gives you mesmerising panoramic view. The splashing sound of the river and fascinating sound from the national park makes you standstill. This boutique resort in Rishikesh offers riverside seating restaurant, Jal and Jalebi, a Spa with qualified therapists, a luxurious dining experience at its riverside dining lounge.
Also offers idyllic settings for practicing yoga meditation at the resort’s Rooftop Meditation & Yoga Hall. The only hotel blessed with a private Ganga ghat where Ganga Kinare organises daily morning and evening Ganga Arti. Varrr-Temple Food of India serves the most popular prasadams from temples across the country, giving an experience of a culinary pilgrimage. One can relish mouth-watering thalis from award-winning chef Anuj Kapoor, inspired by North Indian Gurudwaras, Himalaya Char Dhams, Jagannath Temple Puri, Akshardham Temple of Vadtal, and a lot more. The hotel also arranges for sightseeing in Rishikesh, white river rafting, Jungle Safari, bird watching, biking, trekking and nature trails. Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendra Nagar
The award-winning hotel, surrounded by scenic Sal forests, Ananda in the Himalayas is known for its wellness offerings. This luxury wellness retreat is located on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, overlooking Rishikesh and Ganges River Valley. Visit this property to experience an integration of wellness therapies, Ayurveda, Yoga, and healthy cuisine. Take a tour of ancient Temples, Ashrams, and Monasteries in Rishikesh and Dehradun. Guests can have fun trying adventures like wildlife safari and river rafting organised on demand by the staff at Ananda.
Must visit boutique resorts and hotels on the banks of Ganga.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Pilibhit House, Haridwar
All those looking for the most luxurious stay in Haridwar can try this century-old aristocratic noble house that provides unique experiences. If you are looking for a break from a hectic schedule and prefer to try rituals and a slower life, Pilibhit House can be a pick. Private dining setups in the Courtyard by the mango tree, terrace or river deck are popular.
It houses the largest private bathing ghat, where guests can take a dip and spend some quiet moments with the river Ganga. The hotel organises personalized experiences for its guests and arranges trips to Rajaji National Park, temples, Jhilmil wildlife sanctuary, and a forestry riverside picnic. Experience early morning nature walks, yoga, the hotel’s all-natural Jiva Spa and age-old Indian wellness, a petite infinity pool and the river room.
Raga On the Ganges
A quiet destination away from the crowd, closer to the peace and musical flow of the River Ganges, Raga On the Ganges is a luxurious property that is comfortable, safe and private. Guests can immerse and experience a unique ecosystem where they can soak in a breathtaking view of a shimmering star and the moon at the private decks of the property, spot the rare birds, and glistening white sand. Experience the adventures such as river rafting, trekking, cycling, camping, candlelight dinner, yoga and meditation besides the river, Spa and Ayurveda. Amatra By the Ganges, Haridwar
A luxury resort in Haridwar, where guests can experience the glory of native art, the culinary wizardry at Amatra’s all-day dining restaurant, hand-picked spa treatments and beautiful views of nature, Amantra By the Ganges is an award-winning property. Guests can pamper themselves with wellness treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation of their inner being. Take a visit to the neighbourhood places, Yoga Capital of the World- Rishikesh, Rajaji National Park, Har Ki Pauri, an auspicious landmark where thousands of devotees take a dip in the holy river.
Top adventure sports for kids during summer vacations.(photo:IANSLIFE)
River rafting is not only meant for adults, kids above the age of eight can also delve into the adrenaline rush with river rafting. An intense joy ride on rough rivers with the adrenaline pumped in can be an indulgent activity for kids too provided that all the safety measures are followed…reports Asian Lite News
As summer has already arrived and vacations are just around the corner, parents are wondering how to get their kids to make the best use of the holidays and get them involved in as many outdoor activities as possible.
Here are some adventure sports that kids aged above five can enjoy, be it bicycle boulevard, camping, water sports to skiing in the snow, India has a plethora of activities to offer. These activities will certainly keep the kids engaged and help burn off energy all through the summer. Assemble the whole family, and this can be a fun adventure to undertake this summer.
* Paragliding: For kids who are budding adrenaline junkies, paragliding is a sport they can opt for to enjoy aerial views, as they can spread their wings and fly, just like in their dreams. Kids above the age of 12 can paraglide in the presence of their parents and with their permission. Those looking for a scenic view for their first paragliding experience can opt for Kamshet in Maharashtra or Dhobi village in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. Families who want to explore everything can also enjoy their time by camping, rock climbing, kayaking, boating, and hiking along the beautiful trails of the Western Ghat or Himalayan ranges. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. To make paragliding a safe, fun, and high-quality experience, we at ParaBooking have experienced and certified pilots. ParaBooking was launched with the aim to take safe adventure tourism to the masses and at the same time, provide employment opportunities to local pilots and guides.
* Skiing: You’re never too old or too young to learn to ski. This summer, take your kids and hit those snowy slopes of what could easily seem like an unending supply of cotton candy. Not every kid simply wants to build a snowman, create snow angels, slide on the toboggan, and have a snow fight. For some daring souls, skiing is the best solution to pacify their need for speed. Pahalgam, Auli, Gulmarg, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass are some of the best spots for skiing.
* River rafting: River rafting is not only meant for adults, kids above the age of eight can also delve into the adrenaline rush with river rafting. An intense joy ride on rough rivers with the adrenaline pumped in can be an indulgent activity for kids too provided that all the safety measures are followed. Why should just adults have all the fun? One of the most sought-after locations and the majority of people’s maiden experience of river rafting is on Ganga in Rishikesh. Children between the age of 5-14 years usually take on the kids’ stretch which is 9km of rafting from Brahmpuri to Rishikesh. For families looking for offbeat suggestions to enjoy this thrilling experience, a family visit to Ladakh for Indus River rafting amid the picture-perfect Himalayan backdrop or at Lohit river in Arunachal Pradesh known for its stunning landscapes can be the perfect destination.
* Hot air balloon rides: Hot air balloon rides have become a fad in India, and there are several festivals such as the Hot air balloon festival in Varanasi, that are witnessing increasing interest from the audience. Don’t let your kids feel FOMO, be the hip parent and take them along for the joy ride. You could make it interesting by shooting two birds with one stone as you divulge into a history lesson with hot air balloon rides over the land of Maharajas with Pushkar and Jaipur, the monumental Taj Mahal, and the majestic ruins of Hampi.
* Rock climbing or bouldering: During summer vacations, rock climbing sessions become a popular activity among kids and suddenly all the summer camps in and around provide an indoor substitute of the same. But if you want to let your kids (above the age of 10) have a taste of real-world rock climbing and bouldering, popular sites like Rackcham and Sethan in Himachal Pradesh would be a good start. Look for certified trainers with prior experience with kids and your child might develop a taste for this bold (yes, pun intended) adventure.
* Camping: For all those kids craving some time outdoors, in the wilderness wishing for close encounters with nature, camping is an ideal getaway activity. Summer camps in nature are especially intriguing as they don’t just keep them occupied, but help develop an aptitude, environmental skills, and firsthand education through nature. You can take them mountain camping at Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh; desert camping at Rann of Kutch, Gujarat; jungle camping at Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh; waterside camping at Deori Tal, Uttarakhand; and beachside camping at Anjuna, Goa. Who knows, maybe stargazing can help them get interested in astronomy, and you might have your next ISRO scientist.
So, it’s time to pack your bags and surprise your kids with their perfect summer adventure!
Discover why Auckland is a city for every type of traveller.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Take advantage of its amazing vantage point from which to see the city with AJ Hackett Bungy’s Auckland Bridge Climb, a two-hour guided expedition that is the only way you can cross the bridge on foot…reports Asian Lite News
For many travellers, Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand. The country’s biggest city boasts a thriving city centre, world-class cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant art and culture scene — making it a dazzling getaway destination.
Discover why Auckland is a city for every type of traveller.(photo:IANSLIFE)
In recent times, the stunning city has been applauded by enthusiasts across the globe for its cultural and sporting events, brand new hotels, and exciting visitor experiences — there’s no doubt that Auckland should be in the spotlight.
Make sure you add these exciting stops to your Auckland visit:
* Visit the Sky Tower: This Kiwi city is home to the second tallest freestanding building in the southern hemisphere — the Sky Tower. At 328m high, this iconic Auckland attraction offers 360 degree views up to 80km across the city and Waitemata Harbour. Not satisfied with views alone? Venture beyond the glass walls to embark on the Sky Walk, a spectacular walk around the edge of the tower 192 metres up. Or go even further, and leap off the edge with a Sky Jump!
Discover why Auckland is a city for every type of traveller.(photo:IANSLIFE)
* Walk across the Auckland Harbour Bridge: The Auckland Harbour Bridge has been a stalwart on the Auckland horizon since 1959, offering a connection between the North Shore and the city centre (and a gorgeous light display at night, thanks to 90,000 LED lights!).
Take advantage of its amazing vantage point from which to see the city with AJ Hackett Bungy’s Auckland Bridge Climb, a two-hour guided expedition that is the only way you can cross the bridge on foot. Or if you’re really brave, leap off the edge with Auckland’s only bungy — a 40m drop perfect for thrill seekers. You can even dip your head in the ocean!
* Take a wine tour on Waiheke Island: Just a short 40-minute journey from the Auckland ferry terminal awaits an island paradise packed with over 30 boutique vineyards, stunning white sand beaches, and scenic native bush and coastal walking tracks. Food and wine enthusiasts will be delighted with the array of wineries, cellar doors and award-winning restaurants on the island. Get a taste of many of them with a Waiheke Custom Wine Tour, which covers the iconic Cable Bay, Casita Miro, Ki Maha, Mudbrick and many more.
Discover why Auckland is a city for every type of traveller.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Adventure seekers are well catered for too — EcoZip Adventures will have you zooming across the vines and forest canopies while enjoying views back to the city and beyond. Want to stay for more than a day? Book a night at the luxurious Delamore Lodge, or find your inner zen with a retreat (or forest bathing experience) at Terra & Tide.
* Immerse yourself in rugby with the All-Blacks Experience: This is a must-do experience even if you’re not a rugby fan! A partnership between New Zealand Rugby and Ngai Tahu Tourism, the All Blacks Experience guided encounter will immerse you in the story of New Zealand’s rugby history and the mighty All Blacks.
You’ll get to experience the passion behind the celebrated All Blacks haka up close and personal, and even try your hand (or foot) at the game yourself in an interactive zone.
Discover why Auckland is a city for every type of traveller.(photo:IANSLIFE)
* Breathe in the salty air at West Coast beaches: If you have the time, a visit to one of Auckland’s formidable West Coast beaches is an absolute must-do. You’ll feel completely invigorated by the wild surf, fresh ocean air, and dramatic, remote landscapes.
Piha, Muriwai, and Te Henga (Bethells) beaches are three of the most popular west coast beaches to visit, all offering black sand and walking tracks. During August to April, 1,200 gannet pairs nest on the Muriwai clifftop, and there are plenty of activities — like surf lessons, a golf club, and mountain bike hire.
Open up to endless memorable experiences by visiting the city of dreams, Auckland.
River-Cities Alliance (RCA) Global Seminar 2023 – NMCG-NIUA take an excellent initiative on Prime Minister’s call for new thinking in river cities…reports Asian lite News
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) organized the ‘River-Cities Alliance (RCA) Global Seminar: Partnership for Building International River-Sensitive Cities’ in New Delhi. The purpose of the RCA Global Seminar was to provide a platform for officials of member cities and international stakeholders to discuss and learn good practices for managing urban rivers.
The RCA Global Seminar witnessed participation from Embassies/High Commissions of select countries and their respective river cities in order to highlight objectives, achievements, and potential collaborative outcomes of RCA. State Missions for Clean Ganga (SMCGs) and funding agencies like World Bank, ADB, JICA & KfW also were part of the discussions.
The RCA Global Seminar was presided over by Mr. G. Asok Kumar, Director General (NMCG). He emphasized that whole-of-world approach is needed in the water sector.
In his keynote address to the August audience, Mr. G. Asok Kumar expressed happiness on the increase in number of cities joining the RCA and the immense interest NMCG has been able to generate on this issue. He noted that the trickle started with the Urban River Management Plan and has been flowing ever since. He emphasized the importance of issues related to climate change and urban water management, and how urban planners have a serious challenge at hand. “Climate change is a reality. “ We can see it now in Delhi where in the month of May we are needing blankets,” he said.
He informed that RCA started with 30 cities on the banks of the river and eventually it was decided to expand it to all cities not restricting to the Ganga Basin. “During the DHARA 2023 event in Pune, we were enthused to see the response from the city planners, who viewed water as something not important,” he said, adding, “People and administrators are now waking up to the reality as they have realized that issues related to water such as floods, droughts, inadequate waste management etc. can shut down cities.” DG, NMCG hoped that urban planners incorporate water management at the planning stage and start giving the priority it deserves.
Mr. Kumar said that under the leadership of the Hon’ble PM, Swacch Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission are progressing well and creating positive impact on ground setting world class examples in the water and sanitation sectors. The stopping of Open Defecation ensured that the drinking water sources don’t get contaminated whereas household water supply under JJM is easing the pain of women in rural areas who had to walk several kilometres to fetch water. “With urbanization, if we don’t take care about the disposal of sewage then it is a major threat. The urban planners solely focussed on the infrastructure must take this into account to keep the rivers and other drinking water sources clean,” he said.
He noted that the theme of RCA resonated in the UN Water Conference 2023 held in New York in March 2023. “The timely success in water sector in India is primarily because of people’s participation (Jan Bhagidari) and whole-of-government approach,” he said, adding, “The time has now come, as envisaged by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Jal Shakti, is to move towards whole-of-world approach to break the silos in which water has been divided.”
He called for the world players to co-operate, work together, pick from each other’s best practices, share knowledge (Gyan Bhagidari), come up with transformational solutions and share in the success.
On RCA Global, he said that cleaning of rivers like Rhine and Thames in foreign lands is a lesson and inspiration for us and we should partner with international cities to create beautiful cities in India which can take pride in their rivers and people enjoy and have pleasant experience at the river fronts. “The experience of international cities in making their rivers clean, improving river properties, managing river flooding and increased aesthetic value can be seen as fruitful lessons for us. RCA Global platform should leverage the experience of foreign countries,” he added. He also said that it is not about aping anyone but taking the adaptable best practices as per requirements and using them to make our cities more beautiful.
DG, NMCG informed that Namami Ganga was recognized as the ‘Top 10 World Restoration Flagships to Revive the Natural World’ in Montreal, Canada and Clean Ganga, which seemed impossible, is now happening. He said that NMCG has committed to the SDG goals of equity in water distribution, access to safe drinking water, democratization of water etc.
Session 1 of the event saw a presentation from the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) on ‘Decentralized Urban Wastewater Management System in Japan’, and an Embassy Round Table discussion.
Session 2 began with the context setting of RCA that incorporated an introduction to NMCG’s Urban Agenda, Urban River Management Plan (URMP) Framework with comments on RCA and future goals/actions pertaining to river management. Furthermore, there was a presentation from representatives of the India-Denmark Partnership, with a focus on the case study of Udaipur-Aarhus. Another presentation was made on RCA Cities – Ayodhya and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in this session.
NMCG c-Ganga facilitated presentations from International Cities – Greater Manchester by Mr. Mark Turner (National Course GM Team Leader, Greater Manchester Combined Authority), City of Hamburg by Mr. Christian Ebel (Desk Officer for Implementation of EU Water Framework Directive in Hamburg for the Elbe River Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg), City of Copenhagen by Mr. Jan Burgdorf Nesilsen, Municipality of Copenhagen and City of Aarhus, Mr. Gitte Nordmand Andersen (Aarhus Municipality). The session 2 also witnessed an open house discussion and ended with a vote of thanks from Mr. Dheeraj Joshi, Deputy Secretary, NMCG.
Mr. D.P Mathuria, Executive Director (Technical), NMCG delivered the special address and spoke about how India is hugely investing in the water sector, but staring at twin challenges of water security and climate change. Both of these factors are interlinked in making water equitable. He noted the facets of water security being water management and water quality. NMCG has developed a large number of STPs that are able to address the issues of faecal contamination. He noted that nature-based solutions and decentralised systems shall be very important assets in terms of solution to organic waste falling into rivers.
Other participants included Mr. Mukul Verma (Senior Adviser – Infrastructure & Financial Services, Embassy of UK), Mr. Shayan Yousefi (Embassy of Austria), Mr. Beate Langset (Counsellor for Climate & Environment, Royal Norwegian Embassy), Ms. Anitha Sharma (Counsellor in Urban Development with focus on Water, Embassy of Denmark), Mr. R.K. Srinivasan (USAID’s Senior Water and Sanitation Advisor, US Embassy), Mr. Dirk Steffes-enn (Deputy Head of Economic Cooperation and Development, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany), Ms. Martina Burkard (Head of Programme, GIZ), Ms. Nishi Pant (Senior Policy Advisor, Netherlands Embassy), Mr. Jun Tsumori (Counsellor, Economic Cooperation, Embassy of Japan), Mr. Kazushi Hashimoto (Consultant, ADBI), Prof Manabendra Saharia (Assistant Professor, IIT Delhi), and Prof. Ashish Pandey (HOD, Department of Water Resources Development & Management, IIT Roorkee).
NMCG-NIUA Collaboration
The NMCG-NIUA collaboration has witnessed the historic establishment of the ‘River Cities Alliance (RCA)’ of 110 river cities across India with one international member city – the city of Aarhus from Denmark. RCA was a significant initiative at NMCG’s Side Event during the ‘UN 2023 Water Conference – Water Action Agenda’ on March 23, 2023, which highlighted the importance of Germany as a key partner for the commitment related to ‘River Cities Alliance: Partnership for Building International River Sensitive Cities’.
NMCG has been tirelessly working on a joint initiative to propagate river-sensitive development in our cities with NIUA. This is in response to the Prime Minister’s call for new thinking in river cities at the 1st Meeting of the National Ganga Council (NGC) in December 2019. Hence, NMCG seeks to deepen the commitment through the inclusion of international cities as members of the RCA during the RCA Global Seminar. The intent is to facilitate knowledge exchange (online) for Indian cities to learn new practices and approaches for urban river management. Likewise, it will also be an opportunity for international cities to learn about experiences in Indian cities, which may be relevant to their contexts.
River Cities Alliance
The River Cities Alliance (RCA) is a joint initiative of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) & the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), with a vision to connect river cities and focus on sustainable river centric development. Beginning with 30 member cities in November 2021, the Alliance has expanded to 109 river cities across India and one international member city from Denmark.
DHARA 2023
The first annual meeting of the RCA – DHARA 2023 (Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers) was held on February 13–14, 2023, in Pune. DHARA 2023 featured key sessions on international best practices and examples for urban river management. DHARA 2023 was aimed to inspire members of the RCA to engage in progressive actions for urban river management in their cities. The event shone a light on the unaddressed issues and challenges for river management in cities, which helped NIUA and its partners formulate an effective work plan. The event also helped in developing a compendium of technological solutions that cities may adopt for enhancing the management of their local rivers.
The US consulates processed nearly 1.25 lakh visa applications of students in India last year….reports Asian Lite News
The US will begin processing student visa applications for the Fall Session with the first batch of appointments available from mid-May.
“Attention students! In mid-May, the US Mission to India will open the first batch of appointments for the upcoming student visa season,” the US Consulate General in Hyderabad announced via a tweet.
“Additional appointments will be released later in the season. Prepare for your appointments and stay tuned for more student visa related announcements,” it said.
The US consulates processed nearly 1.25 lakh visa applications of students in India last year.
The country intends to increase visa interview appointments for Indian students by 30 per cent this summer.
In a much needed breather for students, the State Department announced in February that the ‘F’ and ‘M’ categories of student visas can now be issued up to a year in advance.
Previously, international students could apply only 120 days before the start of their study program.
Now they can submit their application 365 days in advance.
The development comes with the State Department announcing a hike in the fees of student visas.
Beginning May 30, the fees for non-petition based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas, will increase from $160 to $185 (Rs 15,140 for Indians).
