Lord Ahmad discussed the close cooperation and ties between the UK and Bahrain which reflects a historical and prosperous friendship between the two Kingdoms dating back 200 years…reports Asian Lite News
Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth reaffirmed the close ties between the United Kingdom and Bahrain during his first visit to the state as part of his Human Rights portfolio.
During a two-day visit to Manama, Lord Ahmad met Bahraini officials, Heads of the Human Rights Oversight bodies and faith leaders to discuss key areas across a wide range of issues.
At a meeting with HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Lord Ahmad discussed the close cooperation and ties between the UK and Bahrain which reflects an historical and prosperous friendship between the two Kingdoms dating back 200 years, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement.
“Bahrain is a close ally and friend to the UK and we look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of all,” Lord Ahmad said.
“This was my first visit to Bahrain and it’s been fantastic to build on the historic UK-Bahrain relationship, discussing the human rights landscape and challenges, and reflecting on how the UK can best support Bahrain in its work and initiatives going forward.”
Lord Ahmad later met Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, where they further reflected on the strong bilateral relationship. Lord Ahmad congratulated the Minister for Bahrain’s efforts to ensure that all residents had been able to enjoy equal access to healthcare and social support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Completing the visit, Lord Ahmad engaged with Bahrain’s human rights oversight bodies to learn directly how their important work contributes to the continued development of rights for ordinary residents. Speaking with officials, Lord Ahmad reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to support Bahrain’s work in this area.
Israeli PM arrives in Bahrain
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrived in the capital of Bahrain, Manama, on the first official visit by the head of the Israeli government, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
At the airport, Bennett was met by a guard of honour, Bahrain’s foreign and industry ministers, the Israeli ambassador to Bahrain and other high-ranking officials.
On Tuesday, the Israeli prime minister is scheduled to meet with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and King.
The announcement comes amid a series of economic reforms and initiatives the Bahraini government has implemented, such as the Economic Recovery Plan, to enhance the kingdom’s long-term competitiveness, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Bahrain has announced a 10-year Golden Residency Visa to boost investments and attract global talents.
The announcement comes on Monday amid a series of economic reforms and initiatives the Bahraini government has implemented, such as the Economic Recovery Plan, to enhance the kingdom’s long-term competitiveness.
The move is a part of the Kingdom’s strategy that will serve as a catalyst for attracting foreign investments.
“The new Golden Residency Visa will help foreign investors and long-term residents, and further contribute to the national economy,” said Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Undersecretary, Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.
Qualified applicants must have resided in Bahrain continuously for at least five years with a basic average salary of no fewer than 2,000 Bahraini Dinars ($5,306) per month throughout the five-year period.
Golden Residency Visa holders will see their visas renewed indefinitely, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. They will enjoy benefits, including multiple entry and exit from the Kingdom of Bahrain without restriction, residency for close family members, and the right to work in Bahrain.
Other criteria include: owning one or more properties in Bahrain valued no less than 200,000 Bahraini Dinars, or an income of 4,000 Bahraini Dinars per month as a retiree, or being certified as “highly-talented”.
The applicants must be present in Bahrain for 90 days per year to ensure the validity of their visas.
“By retaining and attracting those with talent, experience, and internationally renowned knowledge, the Government of Bahrain has adopted a dynamic approach as we emerge from the pandemic with reasons to be highly optimistic about the strength and growth of our economy,” Shaikh Hisham added.
“This Golden Residency Visa will enhance and promote the continued development of the business and investment-friendly environment that the Kingdom of Bahrain is already known for.”
He added that the Golden Residency Visa is a turning point in enhancing the quality and competency of provided services and enhancing Bahrain’s international rankings.
India-Bahrain
Last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Kingdom of Bahrain and reviewed bilateral ties between the two countries.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi
Both the leaders expressed satisfaction that the relationship between India and Bahrain has seen continued progress in diverse sectors including political, trade and investment, energy, health, security and people-to-people contacts, the MEA release stated.
India and Bahrain are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries in 2021-22.
Prime Minister thanked the Bahraini Leadership for taking excellent care of the Indian community in Bahrain during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also for looking after their social and cultural needs.
The release further stated that PM Modi conveyed his greetings to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and reiterated his invitation to HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for a visit to India at an early date.
Israel-Bahrain
Israel and Bahrain have recently signed a security agreement, the first of its kind since the normalisation of ties between the two nations, during a two-day visit by Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz to the Arab country.
During the meeting, Gantz and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Noaimi signed a security memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.
The MoU, signed about a year after Israel and Bahrain normalized their relations, “will support any future cooperation in the areas of intelligence, mil-to-mil, industrial collaboration and more”, the Israeli Defence Ministry said.
“We are building on the groundbreaking Abraham Accords and deepening ties between our nations. Only one year following the signing of the Accords, we have achieved an important defence agreement, which will contribute to the security of both countries and the stability of the region,” Gantz said, hailing the “historic” MoU “new heights” in Israel-Bahrain relations.
The MoU, signed about a year after Israel and Bahrain normalized their relations…reports Asian Lite News
Israel and Bahrain signed a security agreement, the first of its kind since the normalisation of ties between the two nations, during a two-day visit by Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz to the Arab country.
Gantz, who landed in Manama on Wednesday for the first visit of an Israeli Defence Minister, met Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in the royal palace, Gantz’s office said in a statement.
During the meeting on Thursday, Gantz and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Noaimi signed a security memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.
The MoU, signed about a year after Israel and Bahrain normalized their relations, “will support any future cooperation in the areas of intelligence, mil-to-mil, industrial collaboration and more”, the Israeli Defence Ministry said.
“We are building on the groundbreaking Abraham Accords and deepening ties between our nations. Only one year following the signing of the Accords, we have achieved an important defence agreement, which will contribute to the security of both countries and the stability of the region,” Gantz said, hailing the “historic” MoU “new heights” in Israel-Bahrain relations.
Israel and Bahrain, along with the United Arab Emirates, decided to normalize their ties in a US-brokered agreement in 2020.
In September of 2021, Bahrain’s first ambassador to Israel presented his credentials to the Israeli President, days before Foreign Minister Yair Lapid flew to Manama to open the first Israeli embassy in the Gulf country.
UAE, Egypt, Bahrain seek firm action against terrorism
The four leaders called on the international community to take a unified and firm position towards Houthi militias and other terrorist forces along with their supporters, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
A summit was held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday that brought together His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The four leaders discussed the prospects of further consolidating cooperation and coordination over issues of common concern in addition to the latest regional and international developments and the common challenges facing the Arab region.
During their summit, held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, they reviewed the terrorist attacks carried out by the terrorist Houthi militia on civil sites and facilities in the UAE and the Houthi launch of two ballistic missiles towards the UAE. They stressed that the continuation of the terrorist militias’ attacks poses a serious threat to regional and international security and stability and violate all international laws and norms.
They called on the international community to take a unified and firm position towards these militias and other terrorist forces along with their supporters.
King of Bahrain and Egyptian President affirmed their countries’ solidarity with the UAE and their support for all the steps the Emirates is taking to ensure the preservation of its security and territorial integrity.
The summit underlined the importance of continuing coordination and consultations on various issues of common concern, and affirmed the need to ensure a common approach towards these issues.
UAE-Egypt ties
Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi discussed the long-standing relations between the UAE and Egypt, and the prospects of further advancing cooperation on issues of mutual concern.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Sisi and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both sides also discussed their cooperation ties, most notably in crucial developmental, economic and investment areas.
Sheikh Mohamed and Sisi addressed regional and international developments of mutual concern, in addition to the challenges and crises facing some countries in the Arab region. They stressed the importance of promoting joint Arab action to ensure strengthening regional security, stability and development.
“Relations between the UAE and Egypt are historical and deeply rooted,” Sheikh Mohamed said, stressing the two nations’ joint will to reinforce cooperation in vital economic and investment areas.
He expressed his delight at Egypt’s significant efforts to implement leading development projects to create a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
Sheikh Mohamed lauded Egypt’s firm position condemning the Houthi attacks on civil facilities in the UAE, noting the ongoing developments and various challenges faced by the Arab region requires constant cooperation and consultations to maintain regional security and stability.
President el-Sisi’s current visit aims to further reinforce the privileged and close ties between the two nations, he added, reiterating the solidarity of Egypt’s government and people with the UAE following the attack that led to deaths and injuries among civilians. He accentuated Egypt’s condemnation of the Houthi attacks against the UAE, and its support for any measures the UAE deems necessary to deter terrorist attacks and protect its people’s security and safety.
President el-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s principles related to resolving regional crises, which are based on resisting foreign intervention, combatting violence and terrorism, and protecting national institutions, to restore security and stability in countries experiencing crises.
At the end of the meeting, both sides said they would continue their efforts to address the region’s interventions and challenges, most notably terrorism and the countries that support it.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohamed and King Hamad exchanged cordial talks that embody the depth of the deep-rooted brotherly relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and ways to enhance them to drive sustainable development in their countries and achieve the aspirations of their peoples and serve their mutual interests.
King Hamad underscored the support shown by many countries for the UAE in light of the terrorist attack, which evidences the UAE’s stature in the international community. He commended the UAE’s successful efforts, which contributed to the issuance of the United Nations Security Council’s unanimous decision condemning the Houthi militia’s terrorist attack and affirming the UAE’s legal right to defend its sovereignty, security, stability and interests.
The joint UAE-Bahraini nanosatellite Light-1 will be launched to the International Space Station on 21st December 2021…reports Asian Lite News
It represents a major milestone of cooperation in space science, technology and engineering between the UAE and Bahrain.
Light-1 will take off onboard a SpaceX CRS-24 flight on board of a Falcon 9 rocket after undergoing rigorous safety and environmental tests for thermal and vibration, communication systems and more. Light-1 then will get deployed from the Japanese Experiment Module (KIBO) in the ISS into orbit, under supervision from the Japanese Aerospace Space Agency (JAXA).
Joint UAE-Bahraini nanosatellite set to launch tomorrow
The nanosatellite was built and designed in collaboration between the UAE Space Agency and Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA). It is a testament to the bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE, underscoring the social, economic and scientific cooperation between both countries in priority industries, including space.
Light-1 is a nanosatellite, but it is no different from other larger satellites in terms of the technology or technical expertise required to build or launch it. It is also a cube satellite that consists of three units and is often referred to as a 3U CubeSat.
Light-1’s name was inspired by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain’s book, The First Light. It recounts key points in Bahrain’s history and the name symbolises the country’s growth and scientific progress.
The research spacecraft was developed by leading Bahraini and Emirati engineers and scientists working from labs in the UAE. The team is made up of 23 students, including nine Bahrainis and 14 Emiratis from Khalifa University and New York University Abu Dhabi.
After reaching its orbit around Earth, Light-1 will monitor and study terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGRs) from thunderstorms and cumulus clouds. TRG analysis is an emerging field of geoscientific research which the mission will contribute to at an international level. It will be the first study of its kind in the region. New York University will be leading the science data analysis aspect for this mission.
In addition to the joint Light-1 satellite, the Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi supports the capacity building of NSSA staff by including them in key projects. This has helped train and upskill talent in space field.
The strong and mutually-beneficial partnership between the UAE Space Agency and NSSA will also see the UAE Space Agency participate in the Bahrain International Airshow 2022; in which an agreement was signed by Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, and Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the NSSA at the Dubai Airshow 2021.
Bahrain is also a member of the Arab Space Cooperation Group, an initiative adopted to promote cooperation on space among Arab countries. It has 14 member states and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi.
MBR, MBZ, Bahrain CP attend finale of Abu Dhabi GP attended the final round of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, attended the final round of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Sunday.
Max Verstappen secured his maiden World Championship with victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second as the race ended in a nail-biting one-lap sprint after a late Safety Car.
The result, which saw Valtteri Bottas finish sixth and Sergio Perez retire, means Mercedes have clinched a record eighth consecutive constructors’ championship.
The event was also attended by a number of sheikhs and heads of delegations from friendly countries.
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa visits Expo 2020 for Bahrain National Day
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain visited Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday to mark Bahrain’s National Day…reports Asian Lite News
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, accompanied by Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, was welcomed by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa visits Expo 2020 for Bahrain National Day
Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan said: “I would like to congratulate the Kingdom on its distinguished participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, which we deem a timely opportunity to introduce the whole world to what Bahrain has achieved in terms of development and evolution on all levels, and to showcase the pioneering ideas, and future programmes that Bahrain is seeking to achieve, with the aim of attracting investors from across the globe.”
Sheikh Nahayan continued: “Bahrain’s Expo 2020 pavilion showcases many facets of beauty, creativity and distinctiveness. Under the theme ‘Density Weaves Opportunities,’ the pavilion has become a window for the visitors into the deeply-rooted culture and authentic heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and its design clearly exhibits the values of diversity and multiculturalism of the Kingdom.”
SHAIKHA MAI BINT MOHAMMED AL-KHALIFA, PRESIDENT, BAHRAIN AUTHORITY FOR CULTURE AND ANTIQUITIES: “It is nice to share joy with a sisterly and beloved country that is close to us, and that is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. Today, while we celebrate the National Day, we celebrate as well the civilisations of our nations. Hosting this event for the first time in MEASA and embracing the world in this world gathering, the UAE proves that a city that is as big as its dreams and projects dedicated to making achievements, to giving, and to connecting the peoples and civilisations”.
Speaking about the unique design of the Bahrain Pavilion, Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa told Expo News Service: “I always say that architecture is the language of civilisation[such as at] Expo 2020 Dubai, which tries to make use of this exceptional opportunity to show the best of what the Kingdom of Bahrain has.” She invited the pavilion’s visitors to tour Bahrain and experience its beaches, its pearls, its economy, as well as its ancient civilisation that dates back 5,000 years.
She also underlined the importance of cooperation with the UAE across various cultural projects: “The Kingdom of Bahrain is a regional and international hub that serves that world cultural heritage sites in the Arab countries, especially in the UAE, [with] which we have fraternity, official and family ties in addition to joint cooperation.”
A flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza heralded the start of the day’s celebrations, followed by a performance by the Bahrain Police Band.
The Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020 explores the theme of density as an enabler of opportunities through an immersive visitor experience, beginning with the sensory spatial environment created by its ground-breaking architecture. The pavilion emphasises the diversity of Bahraini traditional handmade crafts and contemporary woven materials production, as well as the innovation and skills that are essential in their process.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa visits Expo 2020 for Bahrain National Day
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa visits Expo 2020 for Bahrain National Day
Mohamed bin Zayed visits Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today visited the Pavilion of the Kingdom of Bahrain at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, toured the pavilion’s various sections, displaying Bahraini traditional artisanal elements, including live weaving stations and pearling implements.
Mohamed bin Zayed visits Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020
The Bahrain Pavilion is characterised by its groundbreaking architectural design to reflect the Kingdom’s evolvement through trade, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Sheikh Mohamed was briefed on the display under the name ‘What do you see’, which focuses on the novelty of textile craft in Bahrain.
Sheikh Mohamed was also accompanied during his tour by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court.
Mohamed bin Zayed visits Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020
Mohamed bin Zayed visits Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020
Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini visits pavilion of Bahrain
Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, recently visited the pavilion of Bahrain at the Opportunity District, themed Density Weaves Opportunities…reports Asian Lite News
Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, recently visited the pavilion of Bahrain at the Opportunity District, themed ‘Density Weaves Opportunities’, and was briefed on the urban design of the pavilion, which focuses on density and its role in creating opportunities.
Al Hussaini was also introduced to key cultural, historical and economic elements of Bahrain from a destiny perspective; as well as the cultural programmes and exhibitions at the pavilion, which help enrich Bahrain’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.
Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini visits pavilion of Bahrain
Last week Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, exchanged memoranda of understanding for furthering the development in both countries.
An MoU on higher education and another one on the executive programme for joint cooperation in education for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 were exchanged between Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology, and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Bahraini Minister of Labour and Social Development, exchanged an MoU on labour and human resources development, while Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed bin Nasser Al Owais, UAE Minister of Health and Prevention, and Faeqa bint Saeed AlSaleh, Bahraini Minister of Health, exchanged an MoU on health cooperation.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, exchanged an MoU on trade and investment cooperation with Zayed bin Rashid AlZayani, Bahraini Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.
An MoU on industry and advanced technology was exchanged by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Zayed bin Rashid AlZayani, Bahraini Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.
A declaration on recognising the UAE as a partner in Bahrain Global Sea-Air Logistics Hub was exchanged by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Zayed bin Rashid AlZayani, Bahraini Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahraini Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, exchanged an MoU on transportation and communications.
An MoU on climate change and environmental cooperation was exchanged by Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Dr. Mohammed Mubarak bin Dainah, Chief Executive Office of the Supreme Council for Environment of Bahrain.
Two strong earthquakes have struck near Iranian coastal city of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, that killed one person and destroyed a number of homes…reports Asian Lite News
The tremors were felt as far away as Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, media reported.
The 6.4-magnitude earthquake happened at 15:37 p.m. local time (1207 GMT) at a latitude of 26.8 degrees north and a longitude of 55.9 degrees east, and at a depth of 18 km, according to the Iranian Seismological Center.
Dubai
Less than two minutes later, an almost as intense 6.3-magnitude aftershock occurred at a latitude of 27.6 degrees north and a longitude of 56.1 degrees, at a depth of 15 km.
A person was killed by an electric post that fell due to the earthquake in the Bandar Abbas.
Many residents in the city of Bandar Abbas, the capital of Hormozgan province, rushed out of their houses into the streets to escape from possible collapse of buildings, Iran’s state TV reported.
The seisms were felt across the Hormozgan province, and also in some neighboring counties of Kerman province, east of Hormozgan, said an official spokesman.
Apart from the victim in Bandar Abbas, so far no other fatality has been announced, but electricity, telephone and internet services are off in some quake-affected rural areas.
Rescue teams are evaluating the damages. (with inputs from ANI/Xinhua)
