Indian Businessman Ravi Pillai Receives Bahrain's Topmost Award

Indian businessman Dr Ravi Pillai has been awarded Bahrain's prestigious national honour, the Medal of Efficiency, in recognition of his significant contributions to the progress and development of the kingdom, making him the only foreign national to receive the title.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Bahrain, awarded the prestigious national honour to Mr Pillai, chairman of RP Group, on December 16.

“This esteemed award reflects His Majesty's deep appreciation for Dr Pillai's outstanding contributions to the Kingdom, particularly in the fields of refinery operations, local community development, and the strengthening of Bahrain's global position,” the Royal Order said.

“We appreciate Dr Ravi Pillai for his exceptional service and contributions to the Kingdom, and we are honored to present him with this distinguished award as a sign of our deep gratitude,” the king said in the royal proclamation.

With a turnover of USD 12 billion, his business is the largest employer of Indians outside India, the release said, adding, with 1,26,000 employees, his group is one of the largest remitters of foreign currency to India.

Mr Pillai is also one of the largest investors in India, where he has six five star hotels, two hospitals and three shopping malls and plans to invest USD 2 billion in the next two years in India.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Mr Pillai said, “This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of my team, the support of the people of Bahrain, and the unwavering trust of the Kingdom. I dedicate this award to all the hardworking employees who supported me all these years.” He also added that he dedicates the honour to “all the Indians, especially the expats in the Gulf, whose contributions have been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of the region.” 

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/zR2GYA3

Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Review Of Bail Order To Senthil Balaji

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking review of an order granting bail to Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam.

A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih also dismissed a prayer for conducting open hearing on the review petition.

"Application seeking oral hearing of the review petition is rejected. The review petition seeks review of judgment and order dated September 26, 2024. Having gone through the review petition and the connected papers, we do not find any ground to review the order sought to be reviewed. There is no error apparent on the face of the record," the bench said in its order passed on December 17, and uploaded on the top court website on Saturday.

The bench noted that an application for recall of the same order is pending and is being heard by the court.

The review petition was filed by one of the complainants in the case.

On Friday, while hearing a petition for the recall of the September 26 order, the bench observed it was "terribly wrong" to appoint Balaji as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government days after he was granted bail in the case.

It had said a large number of witnesses were public officials and sought response of the state government on the pending cases against Mr Balaji.

"It can't be axiomatic that the moment a person is released he becomes a minister, there is something terribly wrong. Because there maybe cases and cases where somebody is being framed. In the facts of the case we will have to consider," the bench had remarked.

On September 26, the top court granted bail to DMK strongman Balaji, in the money laundering case after over 15 months, noting there was no possibility of the completion of trial in the near future.

Senthil Balaji, 48, was sworn-in as a minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on September 29 and was assigned the same key portfolios -- electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition and excise -- that he held previously in the Chief Minister M K Stalin cabinet.

The ED had arrested Mr Balaji, representing Karur assembly constituency, on June 14, 2023, in the case, when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime between 2011 and 2015.

On February 13, the TN Governor accepted Mr Balaji's resignation from the council of ministers. The top court reprieve on September 26, ended his 471-day incarceration.

On September 2, the top court refused to appoint a special public prosecutor for the trial of the case involving Balaji.

The top court had further underscored the prosecutors dealing with cases of MPs and MLAs were aware of the nature of their responsibilities as these cases were being monitored by the top court.

The Enforcement Directorate had filed a case of money laundering in July 2021 to probe the allegations after three FIRs were registered by the Tamil Nadu police in 2018 and on the basis of complaints by those aggrieved of the alleged scam.

The agency's chargesheet claimed the entire recruitment process in the Tamil Nadu transport department during the tenure of Balaji as minister was turned into a "corrupt chiefdom", and the scam was executed under his authority.

Being a public servant, Mr Balaji "misused" his official capacity as the then transport minister and obtained pecuniary benefits by corrupt and illegal means and directly acquired the proceeds of crime that were generated out of a criminal activity related to a scheduled offence, the agency alleged.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/ZWGIaid

How Bashar al-Assad's Inner Circle Fled Syria After His Fall

A lightning rebel offensive early this month caught Syria's ruling clan off guard.

President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, leaving behind many of his collaborators, some of whom sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

According to two sources, the ousted president, who fled to Moscow via the Russian military airfield in Hmeimim on Syria's coast, was accompanied by only a handful of confidants.

Among them were his closet ally, the secretary-general of presidential affairs Mansour Azzam, as well as his economic adviser Yassar Ibrahim, who oversees the financial empire of Assad and his wife, Asma.

"He left with his secretary and his treasurer," an insider who requested anonymity said, mockingly.

Bashar's brother, Maher al-Assad, commander of the elite Fourth Division tasked with defending Damascus, did not know about his sibling's plans.

Leaving his men stranded, Maher took a separate route, fleeing by helicopter to Iraq before travelling to Russia, according to a Syrian military source.

An Iraqi security source told AFP that Maher arrived in Iraq by plane on December 7 and stayed there for five days.

Maher's wife, Manal al-Jadaan and his son briefly entered Lebanon before departing through Beirut airport, said Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, without disclosing their final destination.

Another Assad government heavyweight, Ali Mamlouk, the former chief of Syria's security apparatus, fled to Russia via Iraq, said a Syrian military source.

His son passed through Lebanon before leaving for another destination, according to a Lebanese security source.

'Wanted'

The Iraqi Interior Ministry denied on Monday the presence of either Maher al-Assad or Mamlouk in Iraq.

Both are wanted men.

Maher - and Bashar al-Assad - are wanted by France for alleged complicity in war crimes over chemical attacks in Syria in August 2013.

The French courts have already sentenced Mamlouk and Jamil Hassan, former head of Syria's Air Force Intelligence, in absentia to life imprisonment for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes.

On Friday, the Lebanese authorities received an Interpol alert relaying a US request to arrest Hassan and hand him over to the US authorities, should he enter the country.

The United States accuses Hassan of "war crimes", including overseeing barrel bomb attacks on Syrian people that killed thousands of civilians.

A Lebanese judicial source told AFP that they had no confirmation of Hassan's presence in Lebanon, but assured that he would be detained if found.

Last-minute escapes

Other prominent figures also made hasty escapes.

Bouthaina Shaaban, former translator for Hafez al-Assad - Bashar's father who founded the brutal system of government his son inherited - fled to Lebanon on the night of December 7-8.

Shaaban, Bashar al-Assad's long-time political adviser, then travelled to Abu Dhabi, according to a friend in Beirut.

Kifah Mujahid, head of the Baath Brigades - the military wing of Syria's former ruling party - escaped to Lebanon by boat, a party source told AFP.

Other officials took refuge in their hometowns in Alawite regions, some of them told AFP. Assad hailed from Syria's Alawite minority.

Not all escape attempts were successful.

Ihab Makhlouf, Bashar al-Assad's cousin and a prominent businessman, was killed on December 7 while trying to flee Damascus.

His twin brother, Iyad, was injured in the same incident, said a military official from the former government.

Their elder sibling, Rami Makhlouf, once considered Syria's richest man and a symbol of the regime's corruption, managed to survive. Rami, who fell out of favour with the Assad regime years ago, is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates.

Several other figures close to Assad's government crossed into Lebanon, according to a security source and a source in the business world. These included Ghassan Belal, head of Maher's office, and businessmen Mohammed Hamsho, Khalid Qaddur, Samer Debs and Samir Hassan.

A former Lebanese minister with close ties to Syria said that several senior Syrian military officers were granted safe passage by the Russians to the Hmeimim airbase.

They were rewarded for instructing their troops not to resist the rebel offensive in order to avoid further bloodshed, he said.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/NP2kM0Z

Philippines Eases Medical Practice Rules: What It Means For Indian Students

In a significant move, the Philippines government has amended its Medical Act, allowing foreign nationals, including Indian students, to practice medicine in the country. The reform addresses the aspirations of Indian students seeking affordable and globally recognized medical education.

The new law replaces the outdated Medical Act of 1959 and was passed with overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, securing a vote of 184-3. Key amendments include the establishment of the Medical Education Council and the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine, aimed at enhancing academic standards, fostering ethical medical practices, and solidifying the Philippines' position as a global hub for medical education.

Indian students graduating from CHED-accredited colleges can now register and practice medicine in the Philippines after completing their internships. Additionally, the qualifications meet Indian Medical Commission standards, enabling seamless opportunities to practice in India or globally.

Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy, called the reform a "milestone" for the Philippines.

"This reform is not just a milestone for the Philippines but also an indication of the country's commitment to strengthening its educational ties with India. It positions the Philippines as Asia's leading hub for medical education, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to become globally competent doctors," he said.

Why the Philippines?

The Philippines has long been a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing medical education, offering English-based instruction, a US-aligned curriculum, and affordable tuition fees. With 64 accredited medical schools and globally recognized residency programs, the country delivers quality education alongside low living expenses.

Each year, approximately 2,000 Indian students choose the Philippines for their medical studies. Its culturally inclusive environment and cost-effective education have cemented its reputation as a top choice for aspiring doctors.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/kjCAoHU

"Medical Seats Should Not Go To Waste When Country Faces Shortage Of Doctors": Supreme Court

Precious medical seats should not go to waste when the country was facing acute shortage of doctors, the Supreme Court on Friday said and directed the authorities to hold fresh counselling for filling up the vacant seats.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan asked the admission authorities to hold a special counselling and complete the admission process for medical courses by December 30.

"Taking into consideration the peculiar facts and circumstances and further that the precious medical seats should not go in waste, when the country is facing acute shortage of doctors, we are inclined to extend the period by way of a last chance," the bench ordered.

The apex court passed the order while dealing with pleas seeking directions to the admission authorities to conduct a stray/special counselling round for the remaining vacant seats even after five rounds of counselling.

The bench noted the counsel appearing for the National Medical Council had fairly said that given the number of vacant seats, the court may extend the period as a one-time measure without it being treated as a precedent.

"The admission authorities are, therefore, directed to hold a fresh stray/special counselling for the seats remaining vacant and complete the admission process prior to December 30, 2024 in any eventuality," it said.

The bench directed no college would be permitted to admit students directly and the admission should be conducted only through the state admission authorities.

"We, however, clarify that the stray/special admission process should not disturb the admission which are already finalised and the admissions would be made only from the waitlisted candidates," it said and disposed of the pleas.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/54cdRQw

Delhi Bans Firecrackers In City Throughout The Year

The Delhi government on Thursday imposed a "perpetual ban" on the manufacture, use and sale of firecrackers, including through online platforms, in the national capital, according to an official order.

Principal Secretary (environment) of the Delhi government A K Singh invoked the "perpetual ban" on firecrackers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The ban covers the manufacturing, storage, and selling, including delivery through online marketing platforms, of all kinds of firecrackers and their bursting in Delhi, said the order.

The move comes amid Delhi facing hazardous air pollution levels leading to a range of restrictions including a ban on construction activities and entry of trucks in the city.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/IYvzeuN

India, China Arrive At 6 Consensus Points As Ajit Doval, Wang Yi Meet

India and China agreed on six points to resolve the border issue as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace and a commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue. The consensus points also include cross-border tourism including in areas like Tibet and cross-border river cooperation and Nathu La border trade and resumption of Mansarovar Yatra.

This was the first Special-Representative level meet since the flare-up of incidents at the border. 

The meeting follows the bilateral between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Kazan last month. It was the first significant breakthough amid the chill that had set in following the clashes in Ladakh's Galwan -- the worst in decades.

Today's meet was meant to oversee the management of peace at the border and explore a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question".

At the meet, the two sides agreed to continue to take measures to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. 

During discussions both SRs also underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship.

They reaffirmed their "commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue in accordance with the political guidelines agreed upon by the special representatives of the two countries".

Among other things the two sides also agreed to further refine the management and control rules in the border area, strengthen the building of confidence-building measures, and achieve sustainable peace and tranquility. 

The cross-border exchanges and cooperation will be strengthened and Indian pilgrims' pilgrimage to Tibet, China, cross-border river cooperation and Nathu La border trade will be resumed, the two sides agreed. 

India and China have also agreed to hold a new round of special representatives' meetings in India next year.

The disengagement, finalised in October, saw both India and China pull back troops from the two remaining friction points in Demchok and Depsang, after nearly four years of military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Following the disengagement, both India and China are keen to build on this momentum and re-establish trust. The special representatives' talks, which are part of a long-established mechanism to address the border dispute, have been convened after a hiatus, with the last meeting held in 2019.

from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/WPabKwA