Market

Pentagon chief stresses stronger alliances to counter China, Russia
30Oct By Desk TeamNo Comments
China, Market, World

Pentagon chief stresses stronger alliances to counter China, Russia

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed a new initiative on Tuesday (Oct 20) to strengthen and expand US alliances with "like-minded democracies" to counter Russia and China. Esper said the Pentagon would systematically monitor and manage its relationships with partner countries, aiming to find ways to coordinate militaries and also to advance US arms sales. The initiative, called the Guidance for Development for Alliances and Partnerships(GDAP), came just two weeks before the presidential election that, if President Donald Trump loses, could see Esper replaced in January. It also came after nearly four years of Trump's efforts to restructure and even dismantle alliances, including threatening NATO. "America's network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric ad...
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The fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, explained
29Oct By Desk TeamNo Comments
Market, World

The fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, explained

At the call of the CCAF (Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France) several hundred people belonging to the Armenian community in France gathered near the Azerbaijan Embassy in Paris, France, on September 29, 2020, to protest against the war that broke out in recent days in Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the support of Turkey. Samuel Boivin | NurPhoto via Getty Images LONDON — The re-emergence of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region have ratcheted up fears of a wider regional conflict at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Dozens have been reported killed and hundreds wounded since fighting between the two former Soviet republics broke out on Sunday. The contested mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh is...
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South link needs clarity
26Oct mmBy Brian ThompsonNo Comments
China, Market, USA

South link needs clarity

As plans for the southern land bridge project make the headlines, doubts are growing on whether the multi-billion-dollar project will ever materialize, despite its economic benefits.Recently, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a new feasibility study for a land bridge in the South, which would connect Chumphorn province on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong province on the southeastern shores of the Andaman Sea.According to him, as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) alone won't be enough to boost the economy in the long run, the government had to look for another megaproject to invest in. Ultimately, it was decided that a land bridge would be a good choice.Two projects were considered -- in addition to the land bridge, the government also looked at buildin...
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India-Bangladesh relationship towards a healthy hike
22Oct mmBy Brian ThompsonNo Comments
Market

India-Bangladesh relationship towards a healthy hike

Despite being torn apart by geopolitical boundaries, Bangladesh shares a common socio-political heritage with its biggest neighbor India.The people of the two countries cherish more affinities than detachment, which is why India invested tremendous efforts for the cause of the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, and Bangladesh has always been very thankful to India for that.There have been minimal disturbances and discrepancies in India-Bangladesh relationship since then, and a strong fraternal unity has kept the two countries tied in harmony for decades.Especially, after the advent of the Awami League Government led by the daughter of Bangabandhu, the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the second time in 2008, the relationship between India and Bangladesh has become so strengthened that even ...
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J&K: Samoon reviews action plan of Srinagar’s Craft Development Institute
20Oct mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
Asia, Market

J&K: Samoon reviews action plan of Srinagar’s Craft Development Institute

Principal Secretary, School Education and Skill Development Department, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon, convened a meeting with senior officers of Skill Development Department to review and discuss action plan for Craft Development Institute (CDI) at Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar.The meeting was attended by Director Skill Development, Sajad Hussain Ganai, Director Finance, Skill Development, Joint Director Planning, Skill Development and other concerned officers.Director, Skill Development, gave detailed brief through power point presentation on roadmap and objectives of the Institute saying that the Craft Development Institute adopts a holistic approach to handicrafts development by maximizing the potential of skill-based activities.CDI draws inspiration from the rich heritage of arts and crafts i...
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J&K’s woolen sector to get major revamp under World Bank funded project
12Oct mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
Asia, Market

J&K’s woolen sector to get major revamp under World Bank funded project

The traditional wool-based industry in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is being given a major overhaul under the ongoing World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) —a move associated with wool production as well as the employees working at the heritage government Bemina Woolen Mill.Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Chief Executive Officer of the project said that the J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (JKERA) under the component of restoration and strengthening of livelihoods of the World Bank funded JTFRP is taking concrete steps for the restoration/strengthening of livelihoods under the traditional cottage-based industry. “This step a major revamp underway for the restoration of government Woollen Mills at Bemina,” he said.He further explained tha...
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## J&K Bank CMD inaugurates new corporate premises of JKB financial services ##
10Oct mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
Asia, Market

## J&K Bank CMD inaugurates new corporate premises of JKB financial services ##

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Bank Chairman and Managing Director RK Chhibber inaugurated the new Corporate Office of JKB Financial Services - a wholly owned subsidiary of J&K Bank at Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar.With its strategic location and spacious premises, the new office is equipped with state-of- the-art technology infrastructure.The Bank’s CMD also launched multiple business and IT initiatives rolled out by the company like Dynamic Pricing Model, Margin Trading Facility, Online Demat and Trading Account Opening and Online Mutual Fund Management, aimed at enriching the customers’ digital experience besides increasing the company’s digital footprint.The entire product portfolio of the company has been devised to meet the dynamic customer requirements and increase public awareness on in...
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## J&K: SKICC celebrates World Tourism Day with laser show, musical fountain ##
7Oct mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
Asia, Market

## J&K: SKICC celebrates World Tourism Day with laser show, musical fountain ##

On World Tourism Day 2020, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir organized a spectacular laser show and a musical fountain in its back lawns.While adhering to the coronavirus protocols strictly, Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez operated the show which witnessed participation from all strata, particularly the tourism trade and hospitality sector.SKICC Director Bakshi Javid Humayun termed it as a good omen to open up the tourism sector particularly MICE Tourism post coronavirus pandemic in Kashmir.He said that since 1980 this day is observed with a lot of festivities but the COVID-19 pandemic has proven a big hindrance limiting the scope of such activities this year.“Secretary Tourism has been pivotal to regain the fervour an...
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Locals in Bangkok resist environmental dictatorship
30Sep mmBy Brian ThompsonNo Comments
Market

Locals in Bangkok resist environmental dictatorship

Picketing in front of the Government House, Anong Kuson told herself that this was just another test of “our determination to protect our forests and our home community”.Ms Anong, 34, and the mother of three from Ban Muang Takua, Phatthalung province started picketing along with some 20 residents who represented the Muang Takua community in Bangkok after the Phatthalung governor told them he had no power to stop the Irrigation Department's controversial dam project."I told myself never to feel discouraged, never to give up on our mission to stop the Muang Takua dam project. It will destroy our forests, waterways, our abundant nature. It will rob our children of life security and future. I will never let it happen."It has been decades since the protests began. After being shelved by strong ...
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China’s ally Pakistan secretly developing trade ties with Taiwan
29Sep mmBy Michael SmithNo Comments
China, Market, USA

China’s ally Pakistan secretly developing trade ties with Taiwan

Pakistan, a close ally of China, is secretly developing trade ties with Taiwan, which showcases its duplicity.In a recent meeting, Sidrah Haque, trade and investment attache at the Embassy of Pakistan in Cairo met with Michael Yeh, the director of Taiwan Trade Centre in Cairo to discuss the trade ties.She tweeted about the meeting along with a picture with Michael Yeh, but later deleted it fearing condemnation by Beijing."Met Mr. Michael Yeh, a veteran commercial officer from Taiwan Trade Center. We spoke of Pakistan-Taiwan trade ties, our shared commercial experience in Cairo and major products of interest in the local market. Always feels good to connect with other trade wings and compare notes!” Sidrah Haque said in her tweet.China has no control over Taiwan but claims it as part of its...
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