Category: World

Categories
News World World News

2022 INFINITI Q50 powers up with new Sport Black edition

The sedan is available in four well-equipped grades: LUXE, SENSORY, SPORT Black Edition, and RED SPORT…reports Asian Lite News

The 2022 INFINITI Q50 sedan adds newfound smarts next year to its strong exterior style and tailored interior, including a SPORT Black Edition grade specific to the Middle East market. Every INFINITI Q50 now includes wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility for 2022.

The 2022 INFINITI Q50 sedan continues its award-winning formula by combining a lean, athletic stance with a crafted, connected, and comfortable interior. The sedan is available in four well-equipped grades: LUXE, SENSORY, SPORT Black Edition and RED SPORT.

2022_INFINITI_Q50 infotainment

Dual, high-definition displays feature smartphone compatibility software and INFINITI InTouchTM Services. Sound travels through an available Bose® Performance Series 16-speaker audio system with Bose® Centerpoint simulated surround that delivers a rich, balanced, and nuanced sound throughout the cabin. USB-based Android Auto™ compatibility is supported by two standard USB ports in the front (one Type-A, one Type-C), and wireless Apple CarPlay® is newly standard on all grades.

2022 Q50 sedan receive leather-appointed seating surfaces inside, with available Graphite, and Stone Grey colour treatments, as well as semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, brilliantly finished in Gallery White or Graphite, both with Red stitching for the RED SPORT grade. The interior features INFINITI’s hallmark zero-gravity spinal support seats that were carefully engineered to provide a consistent level of support and minimize pressure on lower and upper back muscles, in a spacious cabin with ample front and rear headroom, generous rear knee room enhanced by the thin front seatback design, and multi-adjustable front seats.

2022_INFINITI_Q50 interior

The 2022 INFINITI Q50 LUXE includes wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility, leather-appointed seats, 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels, and more. The SENSORY grade ladders up with integrated navigation, ambient lighting, adaptive front lighting system and Bose® Performance Series Audio system. Replacing the SPORT grade, the SPORT Black Edition features dark chrome and black accents including the front grill, door mirror caps, rear tailgate strip, 19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels and interior elements.

At the top of the performance ladder, the 2022 Q50 RED SPORT 400 includes unique black and dark exterior accents and (19”-inch wheels) , aluminium pedals, uprated V6 engine performance with 400 horsepower, semi-aniline leather-appointed surfaces, Dynamic Digital Suspension, which constantly adjusts the shock absorber valves within a wide range of damping force to control body motion when cornering.

ALSO READ: Jaguar trials world-first digital supply chain for leather using

Every 2022 INFINITI Q50 sedan is powered by a dynamic 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 paired to an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching, combing excellent drivability with efficiency and performance.

The sedan offers a wide range of safety features including predictive forward collision warning and direct adaptive steering, Backup collision Intervention and Around View® monitor, in addition to INFINITI’s trusted intelligent brake assist, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and intervention and more. 

The 2022 INFINITI Q50 is set to arrive in dealerships across the Middle East in late 2021.

Categories
-Top News Dubai World

Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX

Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed said that tapping the benefits of digital transformation is critical to accelerating sustainable development…reports Asian Lite News

Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday toured the 41st edition of GITEX GLOBAL x Ai Everything, the world’s most influential technology sourcing and networking event being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The event has brought together more than 3,500 exhibitors from over 140 countries.

Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX

He was accompanied by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA).

With global technological shifts exerting a significant impact on various sectors, development projects should explore how breakthrough innovations can be harnessed to improve people’s lives and create new growth opportunities, Sheikh Maktoum said. He also said that tapping the benefits of digital transformation is critical to accelerating sustainable development.

Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the growing importance of the event as a platform for the international technology community to connect with each other, forge partnerships and share knowledge that can help usher in a new phase of growth for the sector and create a brighter future for humanity.

Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX

He visited the pavilion of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), where he attended the launch of the new digital identity of the UAE digital government, in the presence of Talal Humaid Belhoul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TDRA, and Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA.

The new identity marks the beginning of a new era of government operations that advances collaboration between various government entities to leverage the advantages brought by big data, artificial intelligence (AI), fourth industrial revolution and 5G technologies.

Later, Sheikh Maktoum visited the Saudi pavilion, where he was briefed about the participation of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and its subsidiaries. Sheikh Maktoum also visited the pavilion of Abu Dhabi Government, which is showcasing 100 of its innovative digital initiatives and projects. Thirty-one government and academic entities have a presence at the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion, under the theme ‘Government of The Future’.

The pavilion of Professional Communication Corporation (Nedaa) was another stop on His Highness’s tour. He was briefed at the pavilion about the latest mission-critical technologies utilised by the organisation for public safety and Smart City development.

ALSO READ: Dubai to Fuel Growth of Naya Kashmir

Sheikh Maktoum visited the pavilion of Dubai Digital Authority, which under the theme ‘Digitising Life in Dubai’ is hosting its public and private sector partners; the Dubai Police pavilion where he learned about the various digital services it offers; and the UAE Government Pavilion, where he was briefed by Major General Talal Hamid Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of the State Security Department in Dubai, about the initiatives and programmes provided by various ministries.

During his visit to the stand of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), His Highness reviewed DEWA’s innovative projects aimed at reshaping the concept of utilities and the future of services.

Pioneering services and initiatives displayed at DEWA’s pavilion include the Virtual Reality Training Simulator for Distribution Network Switches and Operations, GIS Advanced Analytics & Decision-Making Apps, and the Drone Flight Hub system (Flying Eagle).

Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX

Sheikh Maktoum visited the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation’s (PCFC) stand, where he was briefed by Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, CEO of PCFC and Director-General of Dubai Customs, on the organisation’s smart projects showcased at the exhibition.

Innovations from Dubai Customs presented at the event include I-box smart lockers for safekeeping transit passengers’ uncleared precious cargo and the Smart Inspection table, which helps passengers have more privacy and minimise inspection time.

He also visited the stand of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, where he was briefed by Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai about his organisation’s innovative projects and services.

Categories
-Top News UAE News World

UAE, UK Discuss Boosting Ties

Sheikh Abdullah meets with UK counterpart Liz Truss

Both the countries have discussed the situation in the Middle East region and a series of international issues of common interest…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday met with his UK counterpart Liz Truss, as part of his official visit to the UK.

Sheikh Abdullah and Sajid Javid

The friendship ties between the UAE and the United Kingdom and ways to enhance the prospects of cooperation in all fields, including economic, trade, investment and climate change, featured high during the meeting.

The two top diplomats affirmed the determination of their countries to strengthen their strategic partnership, especially following the recent visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to the UK, and his meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and the announcement of the ‘Partnership for the Future’ between the two nations.

ALSO READ: UAE, Israel Agree to Boost Tourism Ties

They also discussed the situation in the Middle East region and a series of international issues of common interest.

Sheikh Abdullah underlined the longstanding relations between the UAE and the United Kingdom, noting that the “Partnership for the Future” is conducive to creating promising opportunities for joint cooperation and contributes to achieving sustainable prosperity and strengthening international peace and security.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador of UAE to Abdullah Khalfan Juma Balhoul.

Sheikh Abdullah and COP26 President Alok Sharma

Abdullah meets COP26 Prez

The UAE is keen on working with the United Kingdom to develop proactive plans for climate change mitigation, said Abdullah bin Zayed.

Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks during a meeting he had today with Alok Sharma, British Minister of State and President for COP26 in London on Monday.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah and Sharma reviewed the historical ties of friendship between the two countries and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the environment, climate change and clean energy domains.

Sheikh Abdullah underlined UAE’s keenness to work with the UK to develop proactive and efficient mitigation plans for climate change, in a way that will ensure sustainable future for generations to come.

He also stressed the importance of cementing international cooperation to address climate change challenges He referred to the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference, which will be hosted by the UK in November, saying that the UAE had submitted its bid to host the 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCCC) in Abu Dhabi in 2023.

He also highlighted the country’s recent announcement of the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Sheikh Abdullah and Nadhim Zahawi

Meeting with health, education ministers

Sheikh Abdullah also met UK health secretary Sajid Javid, and education secretary Nadhim Zahawi as part his official visit to the UK.

During the meeting, which was held in the presence of Minister for Technology, Innovation and Life Sciences, Lord Kamall, they discussed the prospects of strengthening the friendship and cooperation between ties the two countries, especially in the health sector.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed the UAE’s keenness to accelerate knowledge transfer and exchange of expertise between the two nations in this field, pointing to the importance of investing in the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and turning them into opportunities that contribute to supporting international efforts to strengthen the global health system.

The UAE top diplomat also met with Nadhim Zahawi, Minister of Education, and discussed the longstanding relations between the two countries, especially in the field of education.

He affirmed the UAE’s determination to enhance aspects of joint cooperation with UK in all fields, including the education sector, highlighting the presence of a large number of Emirati students in British universities and British students learning in UAE-based colleges.

Categories
Arab News News World

IS terror group says it will target more Shia Muslims

IS terror group says it will target more Shia Muslims

The Islamic State (IS) terror group has said that they will attack Shia Muslims everywhere…reports Asian Lite News

The group’s Al-Naba weekly has published the warning on Saturday, which adds that Shia Muslims will be targeted in their homes and centre.

The warning came a day after the terror group’s Khorasan branch (IS-K) carried out the twin bombings inside the Shia mosque in Kandahar, that claimed the lives of 63 people while injuring 83 others.

IS terror group says it will target more Shia Muslims

Friday’s attack took place exactly after a week when another Shia mosque in Kunduz city was hit by a suicide bombing which claimed the lives of at least 50 people.

The IS-K had claimed responsibility for the attack, which was the deadliest since the US forces left Afghanistan at the end of August.

Saturday’s warning has especially threatened Shia Muslims living in Afghanistan, and the IS added that that they cooperate and support Iran and other countries against the IS-K.

The IS-K is now the biggest threat that threatens the Taliban government after they took over Afghanistan.

ALSO READ: Changing Dynamics In Afghanistan: India Needs To Up The Ante

In the meantime, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has purportedly said that their fighters will be deployed to man the security of mosques, especially of the Shia Muslim ones.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned of IS fighters entering Afghanistan from Iraq and Syria and added that there were presently up to 2,000 affiliates in the north of the war-torn nation.

Categories
Arab News News World

An Al-Shabab commander surrenders to SNA

An Al-Shabab commander surrendered to the Somali National Army (SNA) on Sunday in Wajid town in Bakool region, Southwest Somalia…reports Asian Lite News

Mohamed Nur, SNA officer told reporters that Mohamed Kulow Ali who was in charge of the terror group’s operations in the southern region based in Wajid town and armed with AK47 rifle and ammunition surrendered to the Somali army.

An Al-Shabab commander surrenders to SNA

MOHAMED NUR, SNA OFFICER: “We are now displaying to the media al-Shabab commander who was popular in areas under southwest State here in Wajid town, he was armed with AK47 rifle and ammunition after he made successful contact with the army about his surrender to the army.”

He added that the army will welcome any terrorist who is willing to surrender in line with the government’s amnesty offer.

There was no immediate comment from the terror group which has been fighting to overthrow the internationally recognized government.

Categories
Arab News Syria World

The latest round of Syrian constitutional talks held at Geneva

The latest round of Syrian constitutional talks held at Geneva

The latest round of Syrian constitutional talks, participated by members of the Syrian Constitutional Committee’s Small Body, will kick off in Geneva on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen told a press conference here Sunday that the parties have agreed to prepare and start drafting for constitutional reform, and “the new thing this week is that we will actually be starting a drafting process for constitutional reform in Syria.”

The UN envoy said that on Sunday morning, he had met with the Co-Chair nominated by the Syrian government and the Co-Chair nominated by the opposition, Xinhua news agency reported.

The latest round of Syrian constitutional talks held at Geneva

GEIR O. PEDERSEN, UN SPECIAL ENVOY, SYRIA: “For the first time, the two Co-Chairs, the one nominated by the government and the other nominated by the opposition, were sitting down together with me for a substantial and frank discussion on how we are to proceed with the constitutional reform and indeed in detail how we are planning for the week ahead of us.”

The UN envoy told reporters that the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria is extremely difficult, noting there are more than 13 million Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance.

ALSO READ: Will Moscow Format upstage Doha talks to resolve Af crisis?

The Syrian Constitutional Committee — which comprises representatives of the Syrian government, the opposition, and civil society — was officially launched in Geneva on October 30, 2019 to draft a new constitution for the war-torn country.

The Committee’s Small Body, including 45 delegates and 15 each from the three groups, has met in Geneva for five times, without making any major progress.

Categories
Arab News News World

International ‘Blue Flag’ air combat exercise started in Israel

Air forces of eight countries began the international “Blue Flag” air combat exercise in Israel…reports Asian Lite News

The annual exercise is taking place at the Ovda Air Force Base in southern Israel, with the participation of air forces from the United States, Germany, Italy, Britain, France, India and Greece, Xinhua news agency quoted an Israeli military spokesperson as saying.

The exercise kicked started on Sunday with an honorary flyover, led by the Commander of the Israeli Air Force Amikam Norkin in an F-15, alongside an Israeli “Adir”, the Israeli version of F-35 stealth jet.

International ‘Blue Flag’ air combat exercise started in Israel

The Chief of the German Air Force Ingo Gerhartz flew with them in an “Eagle Star” Eurofighter, which has been specially painted with Israeli and German flags.

The 12-days drill will simulate air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, advanced surface-to-air missiles threats, and various operational scenarios in enemy territory, the Israeli military said.

ALSO READ: Israel detects a rise in cyberattack attempts against hospitals

The goal is “to strengthen strategic international cooperation through shared learning about the integration of fourth and fifth-generation aircraft in complex operational scenarios, with a focus on broadening and enhancing the operational capabilities,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The exercise provides an opportunity to carry out “joint tactical flights against a variety of threats using advanced technology,” the statement added.

Categories
Arab News News World

UNHCR provides food assistance for refugees in Tripoli

UNHCR provides food assistance for refugees in Tripoli

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that it has provided food assistance for thousands of refugees in Libya’s capital Tripoli…reports Asian Lite News

“In Libya, UNHCR joined forces with WFP (World Food Programme) to provide emergency food aid for thousands of vulnerable food-insecure refugees and asylum-seekers who have been impacted by conflict as well as the socio-economic impacts of the coronavirus lockdown,” Xinhua news agency quoted the Agency as saying in a tweet.

UNHCR provides food assistance for refugees in Tripoli

“These food boxes have been a vital lifeline for some of the most food-insecure refugees and asylum-seekers, including those released from detention,” it added.

So far this year, the UNHCR has distributed more than 60,000 food parcels for vulnerable people in Libya.

The Libyan authorities recently carried out raids and arrests against illegal migrants in different parts of the capital city.

ALSO READ: UNRWA starts rebuilding destroyed Palestinian refugee’s homes by Israel

Around 751 women and 255 children were among the thousands of migrants and asylum seekers caught up in recent mass arrests, according to the Unicef.

Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for illegal migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores.

Categories
Arab News Social Media World

Israel detects a rise in cyberattack attempts against hospitals

Israel detects a rise in cyberattack attempts against hospitals

The Israeli Ministry of Health has detected an abnormal increase in the number of cyberattack attempts against hospitals…reports Asian Lite News

The Israeli Ministry of Health has detected an abnormal increase in the number of cyberattack attempts against hospitals and medical organisations in the last two days, the Ministry and the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) said in a joint statement.

The Israeli cybersecurity company Check Point Software Technologies later said that an average of 627 cyberattack attempts per hospital or organization was recorded in Israel on Friday and Saturday, 72 per cent higher than previous weekends, reports Xinhua news agency.

Early preparing and rapid response by the ministry’s cyber centre and computer teams in the attacked organisations stopped the attempts and no damage was caused, the joint statement said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry and the directorate continued to work to restore the data systems of the state-owned Hillel Yaffe Medical Centre in the coastal city of Hadera, following a severe cyberattack carried out against the hospital on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: India, UK hold talks on Cyber Capacity Building

Following the cyberattack, the Ministry instructed hospitals to ensure that there is backup data that is separate from hospital networks, including printing of critical medical information.

The Ministry and the INCD stated that they have recently carried out many actions along with healthcare bodies to further strengthen protection levels, while detecting new vulnerabilities that may be used for attacks.

Categories
COVID-19 Travel & Tourism World

Israel started enforcing ‘Green Pass’ restrictions

Israel has started enforcing its ‘Green Pass’ restrictions, limiting entry to various public venues only to people who have received a third Covid-19 booster shot…reports Asian Lite News

The enforcement of the Green Pass, part of the Israeli government’s plan to fight the coronavirus, started on Sunday after more than two weeks of delay, reports Xinhua news agency.

Under the new guidelines, a person will have to receive a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine in order to be considered fully vaccinated and be eligible to receive the Green Pass.

Israel started enforcing ‘Green Pass’ restrictions

People who have recently recuperated are also eligible.

The Green Pass is a barcode valid for six months that enables entry to various venues, including restaurants, cafes, bars, cultural and sporting events, cinemas, weddings, gyms, conferences and hotels.

In order to comply with the new rules, these venues are now obliged to scan QR codes before allowing entry.

The enforcement of the Green Pass was supposed to begin on October 3 but was postponed over “technical difficulties”, according to the Health Ministry.

ASLO READ: UAE, Israel Agree to Boost Tourism Ties

The move comes amid a sharp drop in new infections and severe illness in Israel, with a decrease of about 80 per cent in the number of daily cases since early September.

After a peak of 766 severe cases in late August, the number dropped to 388 on Sunday.

“It is possible to say with caution that we are defeating the fourth wave,” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told his weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday.

However, he warned that the current outbreak, driven by the quick spread of the Delta variant, is not over yet.

“We are not taking the foot off the gas and are not taking off the masks… We are continuing to see to full stocks of vaccines and tests,” Bennett said.

He also noted that the Israeli government is preparing for a possible another coronavirus wave.

“We are preparing the infrastructure for the Omega scenario, the code name for a new variant, and of course, we are preparing for the winter, for a combination of flu and the coronavirus,” he said.

The Green Pass is widely seen in Israel as a tool to encourage people to receive the third dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

The government has based its strategy to tackle the current fourth wave on large-scale vaccination rollout.

So far, some 41 per cent of the country’s 9.3 million people have received the third dose, according to official figures.