Month: July 2017
News U Wish to Read – 31 July 2017
Energy
Oil rises ahead of oil leaders’ meeting in Abu Dhabi
The National
Oil rose on Monday, putting July on track to become the strongest month this year, as news of a producers’ technical meeting next week added to bullish sentiment driven by the threat of US sanctions against the Opec member Venezuela.
Oil traders also eyed the bullish impact from a production outage following a fire at Europe’s largest refinery and further signs that the US market is tightening after heavy inventory falls and slower new oil rig additions last week.
Published: 31st July 2017
Follow: https://www.thenational.ae/business/oil-rises-ahead-of-oil-leaders-meeting-in-abu-dhabi-1.615697
#TheNational #OilandGas #AbuDhabi
Dubai Ruler and Sheikh Mohammed visit Adnoc headquarters – in pictures
The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Sunday visited the Abu Dhabi Natiinal Oil Company headquarters.
Their Highnesses expressed their pride in those in the UAE who adopted the values of leadership, excellence and innovation to promote the country’s international competitiveness.
They also stressed the importance of maintaining economic diversity based on the UAE’s strengths and experiences, especially in essential sectors such as energy.
Published: 30th July 2017
#ADNOC #THENATIONAL
Adnoc charts strategic path that will strengthen links with global economy
The National
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is charting a course unlike many of its peers as it prepares to face a radically different energy future, said experts including Daniel Yergin yesterday. The company’s leadership made it clear in comments to The National on Monday that it will not be following the path that many national oil companies (NOCs) have – and which close neighbour Saudi Arabia plans – in selling off a piece of the parent company.
Published: 14th July 2017
#ADNOC #ECONOMY #THENATIONAL
Adnoc on new expanded partnership approach
Gulf News
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) recently announced the expansion of its strategic partnership model, as well as the more active management of its portfolio of assets. Following the launch of a new initiative to expand its strategic partnership model, Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Group CEO of Adnoc, met last week with both potential and existing partners in China and Japan. These discussions focused on the new partnership and co-investment opportunities created through Adnoc’s new approach, as well as the deepening of UAE bilateral relations with both countries.
Published: 22nd July 2017
Follow: http://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/energy/adnoc-on-new-expanded-partnership-approach-1.2062662
#ADNOC #GULFNEWS
Sheikh Mohammed lauds Adnoc’s new approach
The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said Adnoc’s new strategic approach, which includes expanding the types of partnerships it forms and spinning off some of its services businesses, will help the economy meet its key fiscal and employment goals.
Published: 15th July 2017
Follow: http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/energy-majors-see-emphasis-on-gas
#ADNOC #THENATIONAL
Kuwait sees oil inventories falling faster as Opec keeps cutting
Gulf News
Crude oil inventories will decline at a faster pace worldwide in the second half of the year as demand increases and Opec members comply better with a global agreement to cut output, Kuwait’s Opec Governor Haitham Al Ghais said.
Published: 15th July 2017
#OPEC #KUWAIT #GULFNEWS
Politics & Economy
UAE GDP to recover in 2018 on higher investments, global trade flows, says report
The National
The UAE economy will accelerate at a rate of 3.3 per cent in 2018, thanks to an increase in government investments, a rebound in world trade flows and an uptick in global tourism, according to a new report.
The forecast by consultancy Oxford Economics, in collaboration with accountancy and finance body ICAEW, is broadly in line with projections made earlier this month by the IMF, which is predicting 3.4 per cent growth for next year.
Oxford Economics and ICAEW forecast that the UAE’s growth will slow this year to 1.7 per cent, a more bullish estimate than the IMF’s 1.3 per cent estimation. The country’s economy grew 3 per cent last year, according to the Central Bank.Published: 25th July 2017
#THENATIONAL #ECONOMY #UAE #GDP
Business environment and confidence in Dubai to pick up in Q3, a new survey shows
The National
Business confidence and conditions in Dubai are forecast to strengthen in the third quarter, with small and mediums-sized companies expressing more optimism than large corporations, according a survey from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The growing confidence comes “in line with an increase in the number of new companies” expected to join the chamber in the third quarter, which is an indicator of business activity in the emirate, said Hamad Buamim, President and chief executive of Dubai Chamber.
Published: 25th July 2017
#THENATIONAL #GDP
Etihad submits non-binding offer for Alitalia
The National
Etihad Airways has emerged as one of around 10 bidders interested in acquiring a partial or full stake in the Italian airline Alitalia, suggesting the Abu Dhabi-based carrier remains committed to its investment in the troubled airline. The non-binding bid, submitted ahead of a deadline on Friday, also suggests that Etihad may not be ready to reverse course on its international investment strategy, despite last week selling off its stake in Switzerland’s Darwin Airline following a strategic review launched last year.
Published: 22nd July 2017
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/etihad-submits-non-binding-offer-for-alitalia-1.613209
#THENATIONAL #ETIHAD #ALITALIA
France aims to be ‘facilitator’ in Gulf crisis talks
Gulf News
DOHA: French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in Doha on Saturday that Paris wants to assist Kuwait-led mediation talks on the crisis between Qatar and four other Arab states. “France should be a facilitator in the mediation” led by Kuwait, Le Drian told reporters following talks with his Qatari counterpart Shaikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani.
Published: 15th July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/france-aims-to-be-facilitator-in-gulf-crisis-talks-1.2059346
#GULFNEWS #UAE
UAE wants resolution, not alleviation of Qatar problem
The National
The UAE said efforts to ease tensions rather than directly address the problem between Qatar and the Arab countries isolating it will only lead to worse crises in future. “We believe that there are two ways of dealing with things, whether to try and ease tension or try to address a problem,” Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said on Thursday. “We do not believe that an attempt to ease the tension will address the matter, but will lead to delaying the problem, which will lead to a doubling of the situation in the future.”
Published: 13th July 2017.
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/uae-wants-resolution-not-alleviation-of-qatar-problem-1.568763
#THENATIONAL
Community, Environment & Society
Get ready for 80% humidity in UAE
Gulf News
The weather across the UAE is expected to get stickier as humidity levels are expected to rise by Monday night and into Tuesday morning.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the weather will become “very hot and hazy” over the next two days, especially over coastal areas.
The highest temperature recorded on Sunday was 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mezaira, at 3pm.
Temperatures on Monday are expected to reach 44C in coastal areas and 47C in internal areas, with humidity levels to reach up to 80 per cent.
Published: 31st July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/weather/get-ready-for-80-humidity-in-uae-1.2066646
#GULFNEWS #ENVIRONMENT #TEMPERATURE
Oman announces E-visa for international tourists
Gulf News
Tourists planning to visit Oman can apply online for visas by submitting their applications at https://evisa.rop.gov.om/. The first stage comprises non-sponsored tourist visas for people from 67 countries as well as GCC residents employed in 116 professions
Published: 26th July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/oman-announces-e-visa-for-international-tourists-1.2064527
#GULFNEWS #OMAN #VISA
Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival puts call out for artist submissions
The National
The Annual Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival has announced submission dates for this year’s competition. Entries will be taken from August 20 and close on October 20, 2017 in four categories, film, photography, visual arts, and student work. New this year, there is a recycled art sub-category within Visual Arts, where participants are required to use recyclable materials from Ras Al Khaimah, or focus on the story of recycling in order to enter.
Published: 23rd July 2017.
#THENATIONAL #RASALKHAIMAH #ARTSFESTIVAL
Drivers welcome move to buckle up in the back seat
The National
UAE residents have welcomed the introduction of new traffic laws that fine anyone without a seatbelt on in the back of a car and are pleased to hear it’s being enforced. Any back-seat passenger seen by police without a seatbelt on could end up landing their driver with a Dh400 fine and four black points, and children under 4 must be in a child car seat. Before July 1 the law only dictated that people in the front seats must buckle up.
Published: 15th July 2017
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/drivers-welcome-move-to-buckle-up-in-the-back-seat-1.609055
#THENATIONAL #ROADSAFETY #BUCKLEUP
Dubai to host conference on sustainability, green technologies
WAM
The key challenges facing the environment will be the underlying theme at the 19th edition of the Water, Energy,Technology and Environment Exhibition to be organised in Dubai on October 23rd-25th.The event, organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA, for the 4th year running, will shed extensive light on the headwinds facing the water, energy and environment sectors in the region, with the participants to seek to come up with innovative eco-friendly solutions that support economic growth while preserving natural resources and protecting the environment.
Published: 04th July 2017
Read more: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302621501
#WAM #SUSTAINABILITY #ENVIRONMENT #WETEX
Sports
Sebastian Vettel overcomes steering problem to win Hungarian GP
Gulf News
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel overcame steering difficulties to win a tense Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday and extend his championship lead over rival Lewis Hamilton to 14 points heading into the summer break.The four-time Formula One champion made a decent start from pole position, crucially holding off teammate Kimi Raikkonen on the long straight into Turn 1.
Published: 30th July 2017
#GULFNEWS #F1 #SEBASTIANVETTEL
AaDhaar – NRIs new fear! To or not to apply for Aadhaar?
To news reports published in prominent newspapers Khaleej Times and Gulf News have created lot of confusion and fear among NRIs based in UAE.
On 24th July 2017, Khaleej Times came out with the news below:
NRIs urged to apply for Aadhaar Card
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/nris-urged-to-apply-for-aadhaar-card
Filed on July 24, 2017 | Last updated on July 24, 2017 at 08.29 am
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are advised to apply for the Aaadhar card to avail of state benefits and for hassle-free transactions in future.
According to a manager of the NRI section of State Bank of India (SBI), the government has not exempted Indian expats from the Aadhaar card.
Jose GL, NRI section manager at SBI’s Varkala branch, Kerala, told Khaleej Times:
“My advice to NRIs is to apply for Aadhar Card, as there is a chance for the government to make it mandatory for expats as well. Without an announcement, the government has now asked everyone to link their Permanent Account Number (Pan) with Aadhaar, for income tax returns. There is no doubt that Aadhaar will become compulsory and beneficial for several transactions in the coming years.”
Today, 26th July 2017 Gulf News have come out with a totally contradictory version of it:
‘NRIs not eligible for Aadhaar ID card’
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/nris-not-eligible-for-aadhaar-id-card-1.2064508
Published: 14:32 July 26, 2017
Binsal Abdul Kader, Senior Reporter
If banks, or any Indian institutions, demand that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) produce Aadhaar for official transactions, simply inform them that NRIs are not eligible for the identity card issued to residents of India, a top Indian official told Gulf News on Tuesday.
“Just tell them that we [NRIs] are not eligible for Aadhaar, therefore, don’t force us to produce it,” Dr Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), said in a telephone interview from New Delhi.
Whether to apply for an Aadhaar, the thought has now become aa dar (upcoming fear) for expatriates here.
Who to follow and what to do is very important and appreciate responsible newspapers should do necessary homework before publishing such important formation of high importance.
Appreciate to have a clarification from the Indian Embassy authorities on which of these reports are to be followed by all.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
26th July 2017
ശാരദേച്ചിക്കു ഹൃദയത്തിൽ നിന്നുള്ള ഭാഷ്പാഞ്ജലി !
ശാരദേച്ചിക്കു ഹൃദയത്തിൽ നിന്നുള്ള ഭാഷ്പാഞ്ജലി !
(wife of late M N Vijayan)
ചിന്തകള്ക്കും ചിന്തകര്ക്കും മരണമില്ല. ആശയങ്ങള് ഫലപ്രദമായി ധൈര്യത്തോടെ എഴുതാനും തുറന്നു പറയാനും അത് മനസ്സിലാക്കിക്കാനും ഉള്ള കഴിവ് വളരെ ചുരുക്കം പേര്ക്കെ ഉള്ളു. ഒരു വലിയ പുസ്തകശേകരത്തിനുടമ. ഇപ്പോള് അത് കൃത്യമായി സൂക്ഷിച്ചു പരിപാലിച്ചു പോരുന്ന അദ്ധേഹത്തിന്റെ സഹധര്മിണി ശാരദ ചേച്ചിയോട് മലയാള നാടിനു വലിയ ഒരു കടപ്പാട് ഉണ്ട്. ഓര്മ്മകള് മരിക്കുമോ ഒരിക്കലും ഇല്ല.
വേദനയോടെ അവരുടെ നിര്യാണവാർത്ത പങ്കുവക്കുന്നു. സാസംകാര ചടങ്ങുകൾ ഉച്ചക്ക് 3 മണിക്ക് കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂർ വച്ച് നടക്കും എന്നറിയുന്നു.
https://clicksandwrites.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/a-journey-with-memories-of-late-m-n-vijayan-on-the-occasion-of-his-4th-death-anniversary-3rd-october-2011/
ആ സന്ദർഭത്തിൽ ഞങ്ങൾക്ക് സ്നേഹപൂർവ്വം തന്ന ഒരു അപൂർവ വിഭവം.
https://clicksandwrites.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/taste-it-sweet-and-soft-coconut-vada-2/
Be part of a drinking water project
Summer activity for children (and adults)
It is summer time and here is an interesting project for all.
- Take your used water bottles (preferably 5L bottles).
- Modify it for attaching to the date palm trees within the city as shown in the photo.
- Identify a suitable palm tree near your place.
- Half fill it once daily (either early morning or evening) with normal tap water.
- Continue to do it. Encourage others to follow too.
Done and you will be thanked by 100s of birds during this summer!
It was during one of my cycling trips that I noticed this innovative approach by someone. Thought, it should be promoted. Congratulations to all those who take part in this social cause.
#ClicksandWrites
#rameshmenonabudhabi
#PassionatePhotographers
#drinkingwater
#birds
Rotti makers of Abu Dhabi
Rotti makers of Abu Dhabi#inabudhabi
#rameshmenonabudhabi
#ClicksandWrites
#PassionatePhotographers
#travelphotography
#talentshare
#traditional
—
A date with Dates!
#inabudhabi on Friday morning is the most interesting thing you should try out, if not done already. The quietness, neatness and peace surrounding is something you enjoy along with the breeze. A bonus now is the beauty of the date palm trees that are filled with dates ready to harvest. Summer holidays and thinking of some quality time with children. This will be good option.
Ensure to follow safety guidelines using the biking tracks.
#safetyfirst
#cycling
#inabudhabi
#instaabudhabi
#dates
#datepalms
#datepalm
#naturephotography
#travelphotography
#abudhabi
#ClicksandWrites
#PassionatePhotographers
#RameshMenonAbuDhabi
News U Wish to Read – 19 July 2017
Wednesday, 19th July 2017
Energy/Business
World’s first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farm on its way to Scotland
Wam
The first of five turbines for the Hywind Scotland commercial-scale floating offshore wind farm has now sailed away from Stord in Norway to its final destination, Buchan Deep, 25 km east of Peterhead in Scotland. Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, announced that it had acquired a 25% stake in the Hywind Scotland project during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January. All five turbines were successfully assembled outside Stord, Norway this summer. Now they are being individually towed to Scottish waters. Each turbine journey takes 4 days of sailing across the North Sea. On arrival, work immediately starts to install anchor lines and to perform hook-up operations, taking 2-3 days per turbine. Turbine installation is scheduled to be finished by the end of August.
Published: 19th July 2017
Follow: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302623951
Leading Dubai banks post strong set of first-half results
Gulf News
Cost control and lower provisions support operating performances. Leading Dubai banks such as Emirates NBD (ENBD), Emirates Islamic (EI) and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) posted their first-half results on Wednesday, reporting strong operating performances supported by declines in costs, lower provisions and improved margins.
Published: 19th July 2017
Politics & Economy
Why alternative assets may become the ‘new normal’
The National
When it comes to investment strategies, we are all aware that past performance is no guide to future returns. But it’s easy to forget that the same applies to asset classes. Most of us have rules of thumb as to the typical returns that particular markets provide. But we need to acknowledge that future returns from those assets may be very different. In the years ahead, equities and bonds will still be vital to many investors’ portfolios. But traditional 60:40 equity/bond allocations are unlikely to fare well. That model worked well when government bonds produced a 6 per cent return, but it won’t work when returns are just 1 per cent. Instead, combining equities with a diversified mix of higher-return alternative assets should offer investors better outcomes in the ‘new normal’ of low rates and slowing growth.
Published: 19th July 2017
Follow: https://www.thenational.ae/business/money/why-alternative-assets-may-become-the-new-normal-1.610337
Community, Environment & Society
Lubna Al Qasimi tops Forbes list of 10 most successful women in government sector
Wam
The UAE topped the list of countries with most powerful Arab women in 2017 with 18 of its citizens making it to the list, according to Forbes Middle East in its July edition.The UAE was followed by Egypt with 16 women, Lebanon with 12 women, and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia with 10 and nine women, respectively. The list included two sub-lists, ‘The 100 most powerful Arab businesswomen’, which was headed by Lubna Al Olayan, CEO of Olayan Finance Group, who is managing multi-billion dollar investments in the Middle East, followed by Lobna Hilal, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, and Rajaa Al Garg, administrative director of Issa Saleh group, in the third place. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, led the second sub-list of most powerful 10 women in the government sector, followed by Sahar Nasr, Minister of Investment and International Cooperation in Egypt, who signed three agreements worth US$227.9 million in a range of fields with German Minister of Development, and Ghada Wali, Minister of Social Solidarity in Egypt, in the third place.
Published: 18th July 2017.
Read more: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302623768
Abu Dhabi Art announces line-up of galleries participating in 2017
WAM
Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Art 2017 will return this November with 48 established and emerging galleries from 18 different countries, offering works by a diverse range of globally celebrated and up and coming artists. Running from November 8th – 11th, the fair will feature galleries from Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, and will see the introduction of a new curated section by Dr. Omar Kholeif entitled, ‘Focus: Beyond Territory’, exploring the concepts of formal, social and economic landscapes. Curated by Dr. Kholeif, the Manilow Senior Curator and Director of Global Initiatives at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the ninth edition of Abu Dhabi Art will introduce a group of inter-generational artists and major projects from both emerging and leading galleries to a Middle Eastern audience for the first time. Established and emerging galleries will offer visitors a selection of exceptional artworks from the modern era, as well as contemporary works by leading artists. Abu Dhabi Art has also introduced a new category for 2017 entitled ‘Solo Projects’, encouraging participating galleries to focus on a curated presentation of a single artist.
Published: 19th July 2017
Read more: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302623864
Telangana puts cap on school bag weight
The Hindu
A GO has has banned homework for children in primary classes.
Acting on proposals submitted by the Commissioner and Director of School Education, the Telangana School Education Department on Tuesday issued strict guidelines to reduce the weight of school bags for children in the State. Schools including aided and un-aided private schools have to follow guidelines, according to the GO. Terming the weight of the school bags as a serious threat to the health and well being of the students in primary, upper primary and high schools, the guidelines limit the number of books and notebooks students bring to the classroom. It shifts the onus on school officials to supervise the implementation of the steps.
Published: 19th July 2017
Readers are our mirrors
The Hindu
Last week, a score and five senior journalists and editors from across South Asia were in Kathmandu for two different events. One was on borders and the other was on labour migration. The journalists were from different platforms: print, radio, television and online. But they were curious about the efficacy of news ombudsmen in this region. They wanted to know about The Hindu’s decade-long experience in having an independent news ombudsman. The idea of an Open House between readers and the senior editorial team of this newspaper flows from this unfailing faith in oral tradition. The physical presence of readers amidst the editorial staff becomes a silo-breaker. The fifth Open House is scheduled in Delhi this weekend. The warmth in this dialogue can never be captured by any innovation of Silicon Valley. Readers are our mirrors and we invite them so that we can look at ourselves in them.
Published: 17th July 2017
Technology
Google back in the news feed game
The National
Years ago, Google built a social network separate from its prized asset, Web search.
The effort failed. Now the company is trying again – only this time it is turning its search engine into something that looks a lot like the news feed of a social network. The Alphabet unit is introducing a tailored feed of news, entertainment and myriad web content based on users’ searches, YouTube video views and other personal information. It is an expansion of an older mobile service called Google Now. Yet some new bells and whistles – information from local trends and an ability to “follow” public figures, for instance – give Google’s search feed a similar feel to the algorithmic stream of Facebook’s News Feed. That feature has helped Facebook to capture online attention like few other companies.
Published: 19th July 2017
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/business/technology/google-back-in-the-news-feed-game-1.610416
Sports
A gold and three bronze medals for Indian judokas at Commonwealth Youth Games
Times of India
Indian junior judokas won a gold and three bronze medals in the ongoing Commonwealth Youth Games being held in Nassau, Bahamas.
Soni of Haryana won the gold medal in the below 73Kg Weight Category, after beating Nikolic Uros of Australia in the final bout, while Ashish won a bronze in the below 60Kg weight category, defeating Zain Prosser Harry of England in bronze medal bout.Published: 19th July 2017. Antim Yadav of Madhya Pradesh won a bronze in the below 48Kg weight category, surpassing Russell Jasmine of Bahamas in the repechage bout.
Manipur’s Rebina Devi Chanam also won a bronze medal in the below 57Kg Weight category after getting the better of Saskia of Australia.
Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility – Time for MP’s to act
The latest article in the website thelogicalindian.com is of contemporary importance.
This Monsoon Session, MPs Have An Opportunity To Seriously Ensure Road Safety In India
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988’s amendment needs to be passed by the Rajya Sabha immediately.
One of the main reasons for escalating bloodshed on Indian roads is the existing legislation governing road safety in India: the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This legislation has largely failed to ensure safety in transit for Indians, more specifically for the vulnerable road users. As the current law lacks a comprehensive and administrative framework for road safety, all efforts to contain soaring road crash fatalities have remained unsustainable so far.
On August 9, 2016, the Government of India introduced the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (MVAB) to fill the legislative gaps that keep Indians from being safe on the roads. This Bill was unanimously passed by Lok Sabha on April 10, 2016 and now awaits passage in the Rajya Sabha.
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 can be read here.
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (MVAB) can be read here.
Features of MVAB
On 31 March 2017, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The amendments are stringent on several fronts, to ensure further safety for the citizens. Some of the new provisions prescribed in the bill are 100% e-governance, checking for fake driving licenses and vehicle thefts, and heavy fines for traffic violators.
The penalty for drunk driving has been increased five times to Rs 10,000. Further, the driver can be booked for a non-bailable offence with imprisonment of up to 10 years, if such a (drunk) driving leads to the death of another person.
These changes in the Act demonstrate that the Ministry of Road Transport has sought “appropriate action” from the Ministry of Home Affairs to hold such drivers liable for culpable homicide under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code, which states: “Whoever causes death by doing an act with the intention of causing death, or with the intention of causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, or with the knowledge that he is likely by such act to cause death, commits the offence of culpable homicide.”
Moreover, in the case of accidents, drivers will not be booked under the provisions of negligence but their action will be considered as a premeditated commitment of the crime, which will be punishable under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, depending on the consequences of the accident.
As reported by Hindustan Times, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the amendments are an effort to eliminate corruption in the sector. “No bogus driving licenses would be made and there would be no theft of the vehicles once there is e-governance,” the minister said.
Various other highlights in the amended Act include the following:
- A fine has been set for driving by a minor. The registration of the vehicle will be canceled for car owners who are found guilty of handing over vehicles to juveniles. Further, in the case of an accident caused by the juvenile, his/her family will be fined up to Rs 25,000, with or without imprisonment of up to three years.
- The amendments also include the provision of protective headgear for children above the age of 4 years, while riding a two-wheeler with a check on the quality and standard of the headgear.
- A fine of Rs. 1,000 will be imposed on drivers for not wearing a helmet while driving, in addition to the cancellation of licence for three months. The same penalty applies for jumping a red light or not securing the seat belt while driving.
- The penalty for talking on the mobile phone while driving has been increased to Rs 5,000, which was previously Rs 1,000.
- The compensation to victims of road accidents under No-Fault Liability has been increased to Rs 10 lakh (previously Rs 50,000) in the case of death, and Rs 5 lakh (previously Rs 25,000) in the case of grievous hurt. This removes the authority of the Central Government to determine the compensation.
- For hit-and-run accident cases, the compensation to the victims will be Rs 2 lakh in case of death, and Rs 50,000 for injury. Additionally, a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund will be set to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India for certain types of accidents.
- The Ministry has further agreed to remove the cap on third party liability of insurance firms, as per the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. The initial proposal included a cap on the insurers’ liability to a maximum compensation payment of Rs 10 lakh for death and Rs 5 lakh for injury.
- Furthermore, a penalty of ₹10,000 has been introduced for ‘not providing way for emergency vehicles’.
- In order to smoothen the process of registration and licensing, the bill proposes to create a National Register for Driving Licence and a National Register for Vehicle registration through “Vahan” and “Sarathi” platforms.
- A maximum time limit of six months has been specified for an application of compensation to the Claims Tribunal with regard to road accidents.
- The bill provides for a National Road Safety Board to be developed by the Central Government through a notification. The board would offer advice to the Central and State Governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic management.
- It grants the State Governments power to specify a multiplier, not less than one and not greater than ten, to be applied to each fine under this Act and such modified fine.
- For faulty design, construction or poor maintenance of roads leading to accidents, the contractors, consultants and civic agencies will be held accountable.
- Alterations in vehicles have also been provided to enable them more suitable for differently-abled people.
The amended Act has provisioned the facilitation of services for delivery to citizens and transporters. The issue of driving licenses, including learner’s licence and vehicle registration, has been linked to Aadhaar. The vehicle registration has further been linked to authorised automobile dealers.
The Centre will also set up a National Register for vehicles and driving licenses that will issue a unique registration number to prevent duplication with added security measures to avoid malpractices. The Act also empowers the Centre to recall vehicles whose components or engines do not meet required standards, with the manufacturer receiving a penalty of up to Rs. 500-crore.
The Logical Indian take:
The Logical Indian encourages all citizens to abide by the various traffic rules laid down by the government in an effort to improve safety and security in the country.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), comprehensive legislation which incorporates strict, appropriate penalties, backed by consistent, sustained enforcement and public education, has been proven to be a strong catalyst for changing behavior, norms and public perception about road safety.
MVAB does exactly that by providing for stricter rationalized penalties, accountability of road concessionaires and engineers for faulty road design, child safety, safeguards for vulnerable road users, uniform licensing and much more reformative provisions which shall strengthen road safety in India.
Road safety activists representing scores of affected families from across the country have launched the “Road Safety at Risk” campaign. The campaign website, www.roadsafetyatrisk.in, allows citizens to send a letter to the MPs requesting them to ensure smooth passage of the Bill.
Hopefully, the voices of Indian masses will reach the Rajya Sabha MPs and they will act for millions whose lives are imperiled every day on Indian roads.
Click here to join the campaign by SaveLIFE Foundation in association with The Logical Indian and send a letter to our Rajya Sabha MPs for a stronger road safety law.
Thank you to thelogicalindian.com to coming out with this article. It is very important. Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Not only MP’s. But, now is the time for them to act and make a change happen. Road Safety awareness and education is not a small task and cannot be instilled within a day or two or week or month or even a year. It needs constant reminders.
Always keep in mind #StartEarlyDriveCarefullyReachSafely.
Source and inspiration for this blog post: http://www.logicalindian.com
News U Wish to Read – 18 July 2017
Tuesday, 18th July 2017
Energy/Business
Cheap solar may soon be supplying Middle East power at night
The National
Solar plants that supply electricity at competitive prices after the sun goes down are about to become a reality in the Middle East, according to one of the region’s biggest developers of power plants. The Acwa Power International chief executive Paddy Padmanathan confirmed his company is the low bidder on a US$1 billion project that will feed electricity to the grid for the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority between 4pm and 10am. More such plants are likely to follow because Chinese companies will start driving down the cost of equipment, he said. The 200-megawatt Dubai contract, which runs for 25 years, will harness a two-decade old technology called concentrated-solar power (CSP), or solar thermal. Unlike photovoltaics, which generate a charge directly from the sun’s power, thermal plants use mirrors to concentrate heat on water, turning it to steam to drive a turbine. The heat can be stored in molten salt to be used later. The technology to date has slipped behind PV on cost but is quickly becoming more competitive, the executive said.
Published: 17th July 2017
Electricity authority urges customers to follow home safety tips before travelling
WAM
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA, has announced its tips on what to do before leaving home for the summer holidays, including unplugging electrical appliances, making sure there is no seepage from taps and internal pipes, and shutting off the water supply to avoid any water leakage. The authority’s annual campaign, ‘Let’s Make this Summer Green’, is part of DEWA’s efforts to raise awareness of the judicious use of electricity and water, reducing waste, and the importance of following safety guidelines.Tips also include advice to switch off lights and unplug electrical appliances and electronics to save energy.
Published: 9th July 2017
Read more: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302622032
Politics & Economy
Highest voter turnout ever for presidential election
The Hindu
The presidential election on Monday recorded probably the highest ever turnout of over 99%, with all eligible voters casting their ballots in at least 10 States and one Union Territory. The election was conducted at 32 polling stations, including in Parliament and the State Assemblies. Presidential Election Returning Officer and Lok Sabha Secretary General Anoop Mishra said reports on voting percentages from Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Tripura were yet to be added.
Published: 17th July 2017
UAE economy to ride on non-oil sector and infrastructure spending
The National
Despite bearish sentiments, the IMF and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, concur that medium term non-oil growth will reach 3 per cent or higher, thanks to investments in the lead-up to Expo 2020. The UAE’s economy will expand on the back of non-oil sector growth over the next 18 months, as Abu Dhabi loosens its purse strings and Expo 2020-related spending in Dubai start to kick in, according to economists. That estimation comes after the IMF on Friday cut its outlook for the country’s economy due to the continued pressure on oil prices, which is down 14 per cent year-to-date, despite a global oil output cut, in which the UAE is participating, that has so far failed to reduce inventories and prop up prices. Besides the anticipated spike in Expo 2020 spending, Abu Dhabi is expected to reduce its austerity drive, increase spending and revisit projects that have been postponed.
Published: 17th July 2017
Community, Environment & Society
Free yoga sessions for cancer patients
Gulf News
Life ‘n One, a community centre, located in Jumeirah 1, is conducting free yoga sessions for cancer patients. Held every Tuesday morning at 8.30, the hour-long class aims to help patients fight the side-effects and discomfort arising out of chemotherapy and other treatments.
Eda Gungor, founder of Life ‘n One, says, “We are unable to change what life throws at us, but we can choose how we respond. A daily meditation practice helps reduce anxiety and stress and builds immunity. That’s what we are trying to help our friends with.”
Published: 12th July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/xpress/news/free-yoga-sessions-for-cancer-patients-1.2057570
Mohammed bin Rashid issues law on establishing International Institute for Tolerance
Wam
Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No. 9 of 2017 on the establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance. His Highness also issued Decree No. 23 of 2017, establishing a Board of Trustees for the International Institute for Tolerance and Decree No. 28 of 2017, appointing a Managing Director for the International Institute for Tolerance. The Law on the Establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance includes launching the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tolerance Award, administered in accordance with the provision of the law, and establishing its statutes in correlation with the Institute. The International Institute for Tolerance aims to instil a spirit of tolerance in society, building a cohesive society and promoting the UAE as a role model for tolerance, anti-extremism, and anti all forms of discrimination among people, including but not limited to, discrimination based on religion, gender, race, colour or language. The law will promote tolerance, encourage open dialogue and highlight the honest and peaceful essence of Islam.
Published: 21st June 2017.
Read more: http://www.wam.org.ae/en/details/1395302620195
Knowledge Forum recommends draft national strategy on comprehensive national volunteering programme
WAM
The participants of the 11th edition of the Knowledge Forum, organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, ADDED, have recommended the creation of a draft national strategy to define the general framework of a comprehensive national volunteering programme. The programme will include all segments of the UAE community, with the aim of making volunteering a way of life and placing into consideration the importance of unifying volunteering efforts through a federal government authority, which will supervise, organise and implement legislations on volunteer work. The forum, titled, “Your Year of Giving”, which coincides with the #Year of Giving in the UAE, underscored the importance of achieving sustainability in the implementation of charitable and humanitarian projects, to serve the nation’s vulnerable categories while activating the role of private sector institutions in implementing these projects, as well as promoting their social responsibilities and creating a promotional plan, to raise the levels of awareness among all segments of society about volunteer work in the country.
Published: 12th July 2017
Read more: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302622548
Zayed Giving Initiative launches first field voluntary hospital for labourers
Wam
The Zayed Giving Initiative has launched the first mobile voluntary hospital for labourers to provide on-site medical care. Started under the “Responding to Favour” slogan, the initiative is aimed at providing the best diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive services to the labourers in work locations nationwide. Emirati voluntary doctors oversee the mobile hospital which goes in the framework of the UAE Voluntary Health Care Programme and in line with directives of the #Year_of_Giving initiative launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Published: 8th July 2017
Read more: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302621942
Caring for the diaspora, away from home
Khaleej Times
Serving a 2.6 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE is no easy task. It is, thus, no surprise that Community Affairs is one of the busiest departments at the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi. Addressing labour grievances, dealing with runaway maids, making jail visits, repatriating bed-ridden patients, attesting educational certificates, issuing emergency exit passes and even brokering peace between hostile couples – these are all in a day’s work for the Community Affairs wing. A typical day starts at 9 am when the doors of the embassy are open for the public. The ‘Open House’ hours from 9 am to 12.30 pm every day gives public the chance to meet embassy officials and raise their concerns and seek help. Through the token system, an average of 40 grievance cases, queries or requests are heard by the embassy on a daily basis.
Published: 17th July 2017
Read more: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/abu-dhabi/caring-for-the-diaspora-away-from-home
Sports
Asian Athletics Championship — Indian medal winners on Day 4
The Hindu
India collected four more golds on the final day to take its total to 12. India collected four more golds on the final day to take its total to 12 and finished the table topper, ahead of super power China, with its best-ever finish in these championships.
Published: 10th July 2017
News U Wish to Read – 17 July 2017
Monday, 17th July 2017
Energy/Business
Power systems based on 100% renewables is nor feasible or realistic
The National
The Sweihan solar power project in Abu Dhabi will be the world’s largest on a single site, with a capacity of almost 1.2 gigawatts. Costing about US$1.2 billion, it will cover an area four times the size of Downtown Dubai. Now imagine building almost three hundred such plants in the UAE alone. This huge effort is one part of the sketches by the Stanford professor Mark Jacobson and his colleagues on how by 2050, the United States and the entire world could power itself solely with renewable energy – wind, sun and water (hydropower from rivers and tidal power from the sea). His team argues this is not just feasible and environmentally sustainable but, in fact, cheaper than our current system. And it has raised a strange controversy in the US – a controversy in which politics and public relations battle with engineering and logic.
Published: 17th July 2017
Adnoc, Borealis to expand joint petrochemical activities
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) announced on Sunday it has signed a framework agreement with Borealis to advance two key projects that will expand their joint petrochemical activities in Ruwais. In a statement, Adnoc said the agreement was part of the company’s aim to expand petrochemical from the current 4.5 tonnes per annum to 11.4 million tonnes a year by 2025. It did not, however, dislose the value of the deal.
Published: 16th July 2017
Emirates, flydubai to fly in tandem, but it’s not a merger
Khaleej Times
Emirates Airline and flydubai have announced a extensive partnership which will see the two Dubai-based carriers come together to align their systems and provide passengers access with easy connectivity to each other’s networks and ensure a smooth travel experience. Apart from code-sharing, the partnership includes integrated network collaboration with coordinated scheduling, allowing flydubai customers to take advantage of Emirates worldwide destinations across six continents. Emirates’ customers, for their part, will now have access to flydubai’s regional network.
Published: 17th July 2017
Politics & Economy
Sheikh Mohammed meets French foreign minister amid Qatar dispute
The National
Jean-Yves Le Drian earlier held talks with officials in both Doha and Jeddah in an effort to heal the rift between Qatar and its neighbours. Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Le Drian discussed regional and international issues along with enhancing cooperation when they met at Al Shati Palace.
Published: 17th July 2017
UAE economy to ride on non-oil sector and infrastructure spending
The National
Despite bearish sentiments, the IMF and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, concur that medium term non-oil growth will reach 3 per cent or higher, thanks to investments in the lead-up to Expo 2020. The UAE’s economy will expand on the back of non-oil sector growth over the next 18 months, as Abu Dhabi loosens its purse strings and Expo 2020-related spending in Dubai start to kick in, according to economists. That estimation comes after the IMF on Friday cut its outlook for the country’s economy due to the continued pressure on oil prices, which is down 14 per cent year-to-date, despite a global oil output cut, in which the UAE is participating, that has so far failed to reduce inventories and prop up prices. Besides the anticipated spike in Expo 2020 spending, Abu Dhabi is expected to reduce its austerity drive, increase spending and revisit projects that have been postponed.
Published: 17th July 2017
Community, Environment & Society
Abu Dhabi named second best city to live and work in
The National
Abu Dhabi has been named the second-best city to live, work and do business in, overtaking both London and Paris. The capital moved up two places since the last Ipsos City Index. New York retained the top spot. More than 18,000 people, aged between 16 and 64, in 26 countries worldwide were interviewed for the Index. Rome, Amsterdam and Zurich were also in the top ten. Abu Dhabi was fourth in 2013, when the last survey was carried out.
Published: 16th July 2017
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/abu-dhabi-named-second-best-city-to-live-and-work-in-1.609267
Umbrellas, anyone? DM asks pedestrians in Dubai
Gulf News
In a new initiative announced on Sunday, Dubai Municipality started giving out umbrellas to the public to protect them from the summer heat. Khalid Mohammed Badri, Director of Corporate Marketing and Relations Department said in a press release that the municipality distributed more than 1,000 umbrellas on the first day of the campaign.
Published: 16th July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/umbrellas-anyone-dm-asks-pedestrians-in-dubai-1.2059938
Emirati couples to get free fertility treatment in Dubai
Khaleej Times
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. 49 of 2017 on the Amal Initiative that provides fertility treatment free of cost to Emirati couples at Dubai Health Authority’s, DHA, Dubai Gynaecology and Fertility Centre. According to the Resolution, in order to benefit from the Amal Initiative, couples should have been married for at least a year; should not have any medical insurance that covers fertility treatment; must sign an undertaking that confirms the accuracy of the information submitted to the Amal Initiative; the wife must be included in the husband’s Family Book; and Citizenship Decrees must be valid on the date of application.
Published: 16th July 2017
Read more: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-health/emirati-couples-to-get-free-fertility-treatment-in-dubai
Sports
Federer wins 8th Wimbledon title, beating Cilic in final
Khaleej Times
Roger Federer’s wait for No. 8 at Wimbledon is over. He is once again the champion of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, now more often than any other man in the history of an event first held in 1877. Federer won his eighth title at the All England Club and 19th major trophy overall, capping a marvelous fortnight in which he never dropped a set by overwhelming Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday in a lopsided final that was more coronation than contest.
Published: 16th July 2017
Read more: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/tennis/roger-federer-wins-record-eighth-wimbledon-title
ClicksandWrites 
You must be logged in to post a comment.