Bangladesh Under-19 team made a good start to the Youth Asia Cup beating United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 61 runs at ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai today (Dec 9). Being sent to bat first, Bangladesh put up 228 before being all out in 49.3 overs, thanks to 71 of opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli. Another opener Jishan Alam made 42 as the opening pair shared 74 run partnership. But later they lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out at a total, that not looked intimidating. UAE’s bowler Dhruv Parashar claimed 6-44 to rip through Bangladesh batting line up. However Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby (4-32) and Parvez Rahman Jibon (4-26) shared eight wickets between them to wrap up UAE for 167 in 47.4 overs. Bangladesh which was drawn in Group B will take on Japan U19 in their second match on December 11. Sri Lanka are the other team in Bangladesh’s group. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Nepal. Two teams from each group will move to the semifinal. Source: BSS

Higher discounts on crude oil offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to wean India away from Russian crude may soon see Indian refiners ramping up purchases from the Gulf nation, officials at multiple refiners said. They also pointed to the recent agreement on trade settlement in national currencies signed between India and the UAE as a reason for this. “While discussions are underway, the UAE has offered discounts on crude, which will be more than that of the current level of Russian discounts. "There have been periodic talks on the issue but the pace has intensified in recent months as discounts from Russia have reduced,” an official said. Crude imports into the country touched a record high of $16.8 billion in 2022-23 (FY23), up from $12.3 billion in the previous year. But this made the Emirates only the fourth-largest source of crude for India in FY23. It knocked down one spot from FY22 due to the emergence of Russian Urals grade crude in the Indian market. Last month, Business Standard had reported that the government anticipated that West Asian sellers such as Iraq and the UAE were keenly watching the situation and may raise their level of discounts. Last year, Baghdad had undercut Russia from June, by supplying a range of crudes that on average cost $9 a barrel less than Russian oil. The extremely price-sensitive market, therefore, had shifted heavily in favour of Iraq. Currently, the price of Russian Urals grade crude is trading close to the $60 limit, beyond which sanctions take hold. Since April, the majority of Russian oil sold to India has been on the Dubai benchmark, with an average discount level of $8-10 per barrel. Industry insiders said Moscow won't change terms by a wide margin at a time when it is pressed for cash. But the level of discounts has continuously shrunk in 2023 as China snapped up large volumes of Russian crude. “Discounts on Russian oil are still continuing but the levels have dropped. "Refiners would look at favourable terms wherever they exist. Right now, that is the West Asian countries,” a senior official with a major refiner said. Currency arrangement Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to settle trade in local currency. This enables the use of the rupee and UAE’s dirham for cross-border transactions. Crude oil forms the single-largest component of India’s $84-billion bilateral trade with the UAE. As a result, the government has nudged refiners to expedite more purchases from the country, sources said. The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner globally, after the United States and China. The country has also become India’s second-largest source of imports after the pandemic. Source: rediff.com

Interpol has issued red corner notices against two gangsters, Vikramjit Singh and Kapil Sangwan, based in the UAE and the UK, respectively. Interpol has updated its website regarding both gangsters. Vikramjit Singh alias Vikram Brar is suspected to be hiding in Dubai. He is a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi gang and runs operations of the gang overseas. Kapil Sangwan runs his own gang in Delhi NCR. He is also closely associated with the Bishnoi gang. Both fugitives have fled India and are running Bishnoi's network from abroad. In June 2021, Delhi Police requested the CBIInterpol branch to issue a red corner notice (RCN) against gangster Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu. According to the cops, Kapil has been making several extortion calls from the United Kingdom. Most of the cases against Bishnoi and his gang have now been handed over to NIA. NIA in its investigation, has learned that there was direct contact between the Bishnoi gang and Khalistan supporters. 

The three countries agreed on a trilateral initiative to embark on energy projects. The initiative aims to take advantage of India's presidency of the G20 and the UAE's hosting of COP28. France, India and the United Arab Emirates on Saturday announced a trilateral initiative to launch energy projects, with a particular focus on solar and nuclear sources. In a phone call on Saturday, the foreign ministers of the three countries agreed to embark on cooperative projects in the fields of energy, climate change and biodiversity, they announced in a joint statement. The projects would particularly center around the Indian Ocean region. The initiative comes while India chairs the G20 group of 20 rich and developing nations, and while the UAE prepares to host the COP28 climate summit later this year. What do we know about the initiative? The three countries will work on implementing specific, achievable projects on clean energy, the environment and biodiversity, they said in the joint statement. The initiative also aims to expand cooperation in the field of sustainable projects. In addition, the three countries said they would strive to align their economic, technological and social policies more closely, as per the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Separately, France, India and the UAE also agreed to increase military cooperation, as well as cooperation in the field of combating diseases and pandemics and joining forces in the field of vaccination, they said. The three countries called the "roadmap" announced on Saturday the next step continuing from talks that first began in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.  Since Russia launched its war on Ukraine nearly a year ago, European countries began searching for alternative energy sources to replace Russian oil and gas. Reaching out to oil-rich Arab Gulf countries has been a common strategy.

On Wednesday the UK, France and UAE extended support for India's permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).   Dame Barbara Woodward, the UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations said, "The Security Council must as others have said become more representative of the world today and the UK has long called for its expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, as the UK Foreign Secretary publicly reiterated this week - we support new permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India and Japan." Incidentally, India is holding the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of December 2022.   Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, Permanent Representative of France to the UN said, "We support an expansion of the Security Council to take into account the emergence of new powers that have the world and the ability to shoulder the responsibility of a permanent presence on Security Council. France thus supports the candidacies of Germany, Brazil, India and Japan as permanent members." Both countries supported India's bid for permanent membership in the reformed Security Council.   Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates also reiterated its endorsement of India's bid for permanent membership of a reformed security council. UAE minister Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi at UNSC Open Debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace & Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism' said, "Congratulate you and Indian mission at very successful 8th term on the Security Council. Your voice at this chamber is necessary and UAE reiterates its endorsement of India's bid for permanent membership of the reformed UNSC. The UN Security Council is the premier global body for maintaining International peace and security. The Security Council, the United Nations' principal crisis-management body, is empowered to impose binding obligations on the 193 UN member states to maintain peace. The Security Council, the United Nations' principal crisis-management body, is empowered to impose binding obligations on the member states to maintain peace. The council's five permanent and ten elected members meet regularly to assess threats to international security, including civil wars, natural disasters, arms proliferation, and terrorism. Structurally, the council remains largely unchanged since its founding in 1946, stirring debate among members about the need for reforms. The UN Security Council is composed of 15 members, including five permanent member states - China, France, Russian Federation, the United States, and the United Kingdom - and 10 non-permanent member states, which are elected by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Ten non-permanent members are elected to the UNSC every year for a two-year term The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed among the regions of the world: five seats for African and Asian countries (three are for Africa and two for Asia), one for Eastern European countries, two for Latin American and Caribbean countries, and the remaining two for Western European and other countries. The Africa and Asia Pacific group takes turns every two years to put up an Arab candidate. There is a need reform in UNSC, due to the undemocratic nature of UNSC, barring two regions (North America and Europe), other regions are either underrepresented (like Asia) or not represented at all (Africa, Latin America and the Small Island developing states). Moreover, there is a misuse of veto power. The veto power is used by P-5 countries to serve the strategic interest of themselves and their allies. Meanwhile, India is a founding member of the UN. India, till now has been elected for eight terms for a two-year non-permanent member seat. Most significantly, India has almost twice the number of peacekeepers deployed on the ground than by P5 countries. India being the largest democracy and second-most populous country (soon to become most populous) in the world, are the primary reasons for it to be granted permanent membership in UNSC. Source: ANI

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in New Delhi on a two-day official visit as the country looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relationship with India. Sheikh Abdullah, who is accompanied by a senior-level delegation, will hold talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "The visit will be part of regular consultations between the two countries on bilateral as well as global issues of mutual interest," a statement by the External Affairs Minister said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE on June 28 and met President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Mr Jaishankar had visited the UAE in August-September to co-chair the 14th Joint Commission Meeting and the third Strategic Dialogue with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah.  Source: ND TV

Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday said that now is the time to dominate the world through commerce, and countries like India and the UAE can work together to substantially increase the footprint across the world. The United Arab Emirates minister made the remarks while virtually speaking at the event called CyFY2022, organized by Observer Research Foundation (ORF). "The way to dominate the world today is through commerce. If countries like India and the UAE can work together, we can substantially increase our footprint in the world," Olama, in his video interaction, told ORF president Samir Saran. The UAE minister said that there are ingrained roots between India and the UAE and in multiple possible areas for cooperation, particularly in collaboration between startups in both countries. Olama, the world's only AI minister, said that his job is to regulate the bad and promote the good while utilizing technology to create a better future for everyone. "My job is to ensure that AI deployment in the country allows for more proactive governments, allows for better economic returns and allows for a better future for everyone," the Arab minister added. Further, talking about the use of AI in crude oil production, the UAE minister said that the country wants to apply AI to increase efficiencies to reduce the cost of each barrel. "We really need to spend on our infrastructure. We'll use AI to manage traffic effectively to ensure that people do not get gridlock as you see over places even though we have increased traffic flows across the bay," Olama said. Talking about Web 3.0, the minister said Dubai is "bullish" towards Web3. "We can't compete with other countries in terms of size but with Web3, we can compete with other countries despite not having the physical scale as other countries," he said. The minister, while explaining the evolution of technology, said now it is possible to use lesser data to do more. Nowadays, we not only need volume but also better quality and velocity of data. Access to capital, talent, and a conducive environment are essential for growing the tech ecosystem," Olama elucidated. Responding to a question on women's participation, he said that the UAE has a greater share of women in the digital space. More women are now entering into STEM, even in rural areas, due to increased connectivity, he added. Later, speaking at the same event, a parliamentarian from Ambedkarnagar Ritesh Pandey said: "The role of government in promoting Web3 tech - policy must be shaped to protect the interests of the millions of people in rural areas." Pandey said that middlemen misappropriate key resources across the world but this issue he believes is especially detrimental in India. "Web3 and blockchain can democratize data and allied tech...Blockchains, data on asset ownership, smart contracts and digital assets make up the digital metaverse and can help solve many pressing issues," the parliamentarian said.   Source: ANI

Indian External Affairs Minister  S Jaishankar on Monday spoke with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to express his condolences on the passing away of former UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "Called UAE FM @ABZayed to express my personal condolences on the passing away of late President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We agreed that taking forward our strategic partnership would be the best tribute to him," Jaishankar informed in a tweet. Earlier, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited the UAE Embassy in New Delhi on May 14 to convey India's condolences. India also observed a day of national mourning on Saturday to pay respects to the departed President. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu visited the UAE on Sunday and offered condolences on behalf of the Government of India on the demise of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. UAE President, who had been in office since 2004, died at the age of 73 after a long illness on Friday. The Federal Supreme Council of the UAE convened on Saturday to elect Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the new President, who will hold office for a five-year term before being eligible for re-election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his regards to the ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon being elected as the President of the UAE while expressing confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries would continue to grow in future. Source: ANI  

India and the UAE on Tuesday committed to accelerating skills development between the youth of the two countries, as well as further deepening relations on the sidelines of the launch of a Skill India International Centre in Varanasi. Under an MoU, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will develop a Skill India International Centre in Varanasi to enable Indian youth in pursuing overseas employment opportunities in logistics, port operations and allied areas. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underscored that India is a valuable partner to the UAE and other countries across the world. He also mentioned that the government is working to fulfil the aspirations of India's youth and prepare them for the future. The Government is creating a reliable, qualified and able workforce that will drive economic success, not only for India but for other economies of the world too, Pradhan said. Pradhan further highlighted that with the existing strong ties between India and the UAE, this will be yet another successful partnership that will deepen the relationship between the two countries. Skill India Mission aims to bring economic prosperity and provide novel opportunities to the country's youth. UAE's Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi was also present on the occasion and emphasized the importance of skilled professionals in UAE. Falasi said that this association will help accelerate skills development amongst both countries' youth and will be beneficial in addressing and meeting the emerging skills needed by both economies' labor markets.   He congratulated both National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI) and DP World for this intent of cooperation to build a future-ready skilled workforce. This MoU will further strengthen the relationship between UAE and India and help enhance workforce productivity, he added. The MoU signing was preceded by bilateral discussions chaired by Union Minister Pradhan and Dr Falasi, UAE's Minister of State. They explored ways to further invigorate bilateral engagements in skill development and entrepreneurship and to take the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to unprecedented heights. The two sides agreed to develop and strengthen a comprehensive institutional framework for engaging all relevant stakeholders to scale up skills-based cooperation, including in up-skilling of the workforce, training of trainers, facilitating exchange programmes and apprenticeship engagement, and recognition of certificates issued by Indian Skilling Centers in UAE. Renewal of Government to Government mechanism between India's Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and National Qualifications Authority, UAE were also discussed for liberalizing the process of assessment and certification of the Indian workforce and to ensure greater mobility for them. The MoU on Skill India International Centre was exchanged between Ved Mani Tiwari, Director, NSDCI and Mohammed Al Muallem, Executive Vice President, DP World and Director, HPPL in the presence of Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Skill India International Centre at Varanasi will impart skilling as per international standards, preparing the candidates for global markets. Centers are aimed at providing high-quality training to Indian youth. The centers will host training facilities, providing skills as per the demand of international employers in countries like UAE, Canada, Australia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions. The Centers will also have a wide network of partner organizations and overseas recruiters to facilitate the supply of skilled and certified workforce in other countries. These partnering organizations will work with NSDCI for aggregating demand from overseas markets. The centers will have services such as mobilization, counseling, skill training, pre-departure orientation, foreign language training, placement and immigration and post-placement support.   Source: ANI

The UAE's long-time de facto ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as president on Saturday, official media said, a day after the death of former leader Sheikh Khalifa. The 61-year-old was unanimously elected by the Federal Supreme Council, WAM news agency said, becoming the ruler of the oil-rich country founded by his father in 1971. Sheikh Mohamed, often known as 'MBZ', met members of the Federal Supreme Council, made up of rulers of the UAE's seven emirates, as the country enters a period of mourning for his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa. Sheikh Mohamed's ascension, which was widely expected, formalises his position as leader of the desert state of 10 million after years of calling the shots while Sheikh Khalifa was sidelined by poor health. Under his low-key direction, the United Arab Emirates has put a man in space, sent a probe to Mars and opened its first nuclear reactor, while using its oil-funded clout to develop a more assertive foreign policy. Closely allied with Saudi Arabia, it has emerged as a leader of a reshaped Middle East since the retreat of traditional Arab powers and the reduced involvement of the United States, forging ties with Israel and joining a war against Iran-backed militants in Yemen. Official media had already named Sheikh Mohamed as the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the UAE's richest emirate, on Friday, inheriting one of the main titles held by Sheikh Khalifa who died at 73. Sheikh Mohamed, wearing a light grey kandura or robe, was a pall-bearer at the funeral prayers for his elder brother who was laid to rest in Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen Cemetery just hours after his death was announced, in accordance with Muslim tradition. - 'Running the show' - Flags are at half-mast around the UAE and businesses and government offices are closed for three days as the country enters a 40-day period of mourning for Sheikh Khalifa, who had ruled since 2004. Sheikh Khalifa's death drew condolences from senior figures including US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Iran, demonstrating the UAE's diverse allegiances. France's President Emmanuel Macron is to travel to Abu Dhabi on Sunday to pay tribute to the late Emirati leader, his office announced. Neighbouring Saudi Arabia has put sports and entertainments on hold and several countries have announced periods of mourning. Sheikh Mohamed, who was named crown prince of Abu Dhabi in November 2004, is the third son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan -- the revered founder of the UAE. He has been serving as deputy commander of the armed forces and chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, which controls the substantial finances of the emirate which sits on 90 percent of the country's oil production. The UAE, a former British protectorate, has gone from desert outpost to booming state in its short history, fuelled by its oil wealth and Dubai's rise as a trading and financial centre. Sheikh Mohamed took a prominent role after Sheikh Khalifa retreated from public view in 2014, when he had surgery after a stroke. The cause of his death was not announced. The new president is likely to face greater competition to UAE's status as the regional financial hub, particularly from Saudi Arabia, and may toughen its stance on Iran, analysts say. But "functionally it changes little; MBZ has been running the show almost from the get go", tweeted Ryan Bohl, a Middle East analyst at Stratfor Worldview. Source: AFP/BSS AH