Central News Hub

Tag: British High Commission

  • British High Commission at the forefront of floods response in Chitral

    British High Commission at the forefront of floods response in Chitral

    The British High Commission has been amongst the earliest organisations to provide relief interventions, following devastating floods in Chitral…reports Asian Lite News

    From July 29 to August 3, Chitral faced severe destruction caused by torrential rains, flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods. The catastrophic events led to the obliteration of 14 drinking water supply schemes, 15 jeep-accessible bridges, 55 irrigation channels, 9 link roads, 3 school buildings, 4,000 feet of protection walls, and 20 local shops.

    In response, the British High Commission utilized its presence in the region, collaborating with Concern Worldwide and the Aga Khan Foundation to deliver emergency relief and support the restoration of essential infrastructure and livelihoods.

    So far, the UK has funded essential items like kitchen sets, hygiene kits, water storage containers and more for around 300 families. Partners continue to work on immediate restoration of damaged drinking water systems, the restoration of essential irrigation channels, and debris removal to re-enable access and livelihoods, UK support is expected to benefit over 20,000 people in Chitral. The UK are also considering on longer-term recovery plans for affected areas, in close coordination with government counterparts and humanitarian partners.

    Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission, Andrew Dalgleish said that, ‘The recent floods in Chitral are devastating. Lives and livelihoods have been destroyed. The UK is here to support Pakistan. These floods are a stark reminder that there is much more to be done to improve Pakistan’s climate resilience.’

    Floods have already led to 141 deaths, 266 injuries and damage to over 1,000 houses in Pakistan this year. Climate change is a priority for the UK Government. During the devastating floods of 2022, the UK helped over 2.3 million people, dedicating a total of £39 million in UK aid. The British public mobilised, and raised £41.5m as part of the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. Support included emergency cash assistance, shelter kits, nutritional support, learning kits and infrastructure repair.

    The UK’s focus is on improving Pakistan’s climate resilience long-term, rather than purely responding to disasters. The UK has already helped 1.5 million people improve their resilience to extreme climate events, and aims to support a further 3 million people in the next 4-5 years.

    ALSO READ-China activates emergency response to floods, typhoon

  • British High Commission Hosts Wimbledon Finals Screening

    British High Commission Hosts Wimbledon Finals Screening

    The Wimbledon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. The first Wimbledon championship took place in 1877 and the longest match was played in 2010 by John Isner (US) and Nicolas Mahut (France) lasting over 3 days…reports Asian Lite News

    The British High Commission hosted a screening of the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles finals on 13 July in Delhi to celebrate the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament and the power of sport to bring people together.

    The evening’s gathering included tennis fans from all walks of life, sports personalities, business as well as representatives from the All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the organising body of the Wimbledon. India’s top seeded tennis player Ankita Raina also joined the screening.

    Becks Buckingham, Minister Counsellor Political and Press, British High Commission, said: “Watching, playing, and celebrating sport is at the heart of British life, bringing together different genders, cultures, age groups and backgrounds around a shared passion. The UK is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and our sporting traditions reflects this. I’m particularly proud that we all came together to recognise and celebrate the achievements of amazing women athletes everywhere.”

    The Wimbledon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. The first Wimbledon championship took place in 1877 and the longest match was played in 2010 by John Isner (US) and Nicolas Mahut (France) lasting over 3 days.

    Each year 500,000 attendees flood through its gates over the two-week period, whilst the tournament is broadcast to more than 20 million tennis fans around the world in over 200 countries. In 2022, Wimbledon Smash App recorded 194,000 downloads, with 84% of these coming from India.

    Sport contributes £39 billion yearly to the UK economy and the UK sport industry employs more than half-a-million people.

    ALSO READ-Sonam Kapoor Stuns at Wimbledon Women’s Final in London

  • Chevening scholars honoured

    Chevening scholars honoured

    The current cohort of Chevening scholars is diverse and dynamic, reflecting various fields of study and collaboration…reports Asian Lite News

    The British High Commission hosted a special farewell event in New Delhi to honor the recipients of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the year 2023-24. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the 44 scholars, comprising 22 women and 22 men, with a notable representation from non-metro cities.

    Chevening, the UK Government’s flagship international award scheme, continues to be a coveted opportunity for scholars worldwide. India, in particular, boasts the largest number of awardees globally, with over 3,700 scholars and fellows benefiting from the program since its inception in 1983. The scholarship provides full financial support for a one-year master’s program at any esteemed UK university.

    The current cohort of Chevening scholars is diverse and dynamic, reflecting various fields of study and collaboration. Notably, the group includes individuals co-sponsored by influential entities such as the Adani group, TVS Motor group, HSBC India, HUL India, and Duolingo. The scholarship’s outreach extends beyond academic realms, fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange across industries.

    Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, lauded the scholars for embarking on their educational journey in the UK, emphasizing the incredible opportunity to study at renowned global institutions. Ellis, who personally experienced the transformative power of international education, shared his own story and encouraged India’s brightest minds to embrace this chance for academic and personal growth.

    As the event concluded, it was announced that the next application window for the Chevening Scholarship will open in mid-September, inviting more exceptional Indian talents to seize the opportunity to further their education and contribute to the global community.

    For more information and updates, visit the Chevening Scholarship website and the British High Commission’s official channels.

    ALSO READ-UK, India health care alliance launched to promote excellence, education, partnerships