Latest news with #Hamid
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Indian, Canadian govt representatives hold discussions on trade and investment
Toronto: Catalysed by business associations, Indian and Canadian government representatives have held multiple discussions in recent days focused on trade and investment. Indian and Canadian officials along with other stakeholders in the India-Canada trade corridor at the roundtable in Ottawa last week. (Credit: High Commission of India, Ottawa) On Wednesday, the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) organised a business roundtable in Toronto, a closed-door dialogue on the 'evolving' India-Canada economic relationship. The special guests featured Sara Wilshaw, Canada's Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, and India's Acting Consul General in Toronto Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh. A week earlier, a similar roundtable in Ottawa was attended by Global Affairs Canada (GAC's) Director General for South Asia Marie-Louise Hannan and India's Acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik. Also present at both meetings was India's former High Commissioner to Ottawa Ajay Bisaria. Bisaria said, 'There is cautious optimism, a sense what was a headwind for businesses for the last two years has become a tailwind.' ICBC's CEO Nadira Hamid later told the Hindustan Times while this appeared to be a 'positive time' for trade ties, with the governments 'poised' to enter a 'new phase' in the relationship, they wanted to 'to ensure this momentum carries on'. She described these roundtables as 'round one' of the business advocacy events, with more such interfaces planned for later in 2025 and for spring next year. Following the roundtable in Ottawa, India's High Commission in Ottawa had posted that Naik 'emphasised deepening India-Canada commercial & investment relations.' After the Toronto event, India's consulate posted that Wilshaw and Singh 'provided key insights on strengthening this vital economic corridor — building on the momentum of the recent meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Canada.' That reference was to the bilateral meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney on the margins of the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis last month. Indian and Canadian officials along with other stakeholders in the India-Canada trade corridor at the roundtable in Toronto on Thursday. (Consulate General of India, Toronto) Hamid said, 'We need to continue taking steps to go in the right direction. Our suggestion is to concentrate on niche sectors which are important for both governments.' These include agri-tech, artificial intelligence, LNG, critical minerals and auto parts, among others. She also said another focus area was education partnerships, particularly innovation and technology ties between universities. Indian companies seeking to expand their footprint in Canada are also seeking e-visas for businesses, like those that India issues, Hamid pointed out. These meetings follow the visit by GAC's Assistant Deputy Minister (Indo-Pacific) Weldon Epp to India earlier this month during which he travelled to New Delhi and Mumbai. He met Canadian institutional investors, including pension funds, while in the commercial capital.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petros launches Bintulu's first residential piped gas supply
Hamid (second left) presents a memento to Abang Johari after the launch ceremony. BINTULU (July 23): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) marked a major milestone today with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan – the first direct residential connection since gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. The initiative is part of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), a strategic state government plan implemented by Petros to boost domestic gas utilisation, improve energy access, and support sustainable development throughout Sarawak. The launch was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo. The launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and comes ahead of Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the state's steady progress toward a more inclusive, secure, and resilient energy future. In a statement, Petros said the Sungai Plan project is its first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu, marking a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to the people. 'The pilot phase involves the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over three kilometres of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. 'Petros aims to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area, by the end of 2027,' it said. The infrastructure enables homes to use natural gas for cooking and other domestic needs, offering a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 'By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions,' said Petros Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Janin Girie. Beyond households, the piped gas initiative is designed to support the long-term industrialisation of Bintulu and nearby regions. Under the SGR, Bintulu is designated one of four key gas hubs in Sarawak, alongside Miri, Samalaju and Kuching. These hubs form the backbone of a statewide 'hub-and-spoke' model to ensure reliable gas supply across both urban and rural areas. 'Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65-kilometre Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development,' Petros said. The company said it is also advancing the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, which will extend transmission infrastructure from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and the Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), improving intra-zone distribution capacity. To serve areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is deploying a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) that uses modular transport to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) by road and sea. The first VPS customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply by end-2025, with broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. 'These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak Government's energy transition agenda,' it said. Today's launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and precedes Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the State's steady progress towards a more inclusive and resilient energy future. Abang Johari Bintulu lead Petros piped gas supply Sungai Plan
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
A month after ceasefire with Israel, Iranians fear another war
THE ceasefire that ended Iran's 12-day war with Israel has held for nearly a month without incident, but many Iranians remain uneasy, struggling with uncertainty as fears of another confrontation linger. "I don't think this ceasefire will last," said Peyman, a 57-year-old resident of Shiraz in Iran's south, one of numerous cities hit last month as Israel unleashed an unprecedented bombing campaign against its staunch rival. The Israeli offensive targeted key nuclear facilities and military sites, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists and hundreds of other people, while also wreaking havoc in some residential areas. The attacks triggered the fiercest fighting in history between the longtime foes, ending with a ceasefire announced on June 24. But Israel has signalled it could return to fighting if Iran attempts to rebuild nuclear facilities or carry out any actions deemed a threat, such as moving to develop an atomic bomb – an ambition Tehran has consistently denied it was pursuing. Iran, in turn, has vowed to deliver a harsh response if attacked again. Nuclear diplomacy with the United States – which briefly joined the war with strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites – has stalled, deepening a sense of uncertainty about what lies ahead. "I am scared the war would start again," said Hamid, a 54-year-old government employee who gave only his first name. "It will lead to the death of more innocent people and the destruction of the country's infrastructure." During the war, Israel struck major Iranian cities including the capital Tehran, hitting military sites, government buildings and the state television headquarters. More than 1,000 people were killed in Iran, according to authorities. Retaliatory missile and drone attacks killed 29 people in Israel. Many residents fled Teheran, seeking refuge in other parts of the country, even though few regions were untouched by the blasts and smoke-covered skies. Nearly a month later, a series of fires that broke out across Iran in recent days – including one at a major oil facility – have triggered speculations which officials were quick to dismiss, denying any acts of sabotage. "This war really frightened me," said 78-year-old housewife Golandam Babaei, from the western Kermanshah province. She lived through the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, a painful memory for many of her generation. "I kept telling myself, please God, do not let the past repeat itself," Babaei told AFP. The war with Israel, although much shorter and fought mostly with air strikes and missiles rather than by ground forces, revived grim memories of the conflict with Iraq. That war, triggered by an Iraqi invasion in 1980, killed an estimated 500,000 people on both sides. It featured chemical warfare and prolonged front-line bombardments, scarring Iranians in the then-nascent Islamic republic born out of the 1979 revolution. Since then, for decades, Iran had managed to keep conflicts away from its territory. But now after the 12-day war with Israel, some Iranians feel a profound sense of vulnerability. "I kept thinking I don't want to flee again, we have nowhere to go. I cannot run to the mountains like the past," said Babaei. For Ali Khanzadi, a 62-year-old war veteran, the conflict with Israel highlighted a change compared to the 1980s when "we didn't have any advanced military equipment" to fight the Iraqis. Khanzadi, who was wounded in battle in 1983, said that the war with Israel, while much shorter, had a more sinister dimension. Unlike in the past, modern military technology means "they can kill a child in his sleep remotely using a drone," he said. In the face of the Israeli threats and attacks, Iranian authorities have repeatedly invoked national unity. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the offensive was aimed at toppling the Islamic republic's clerical system, and urged Iranian diplomats and military officials to proceed with "care and precision" as the country cautiously moves on. Teheran has said it remained open to nuclear diplomacy with the United States which the war had derailed, but officials have expressed concerns over renewed attacks and demanded unspecified US guarantees to resume negotiations. Ordinary Iranians appear to share fears that the conflict could erupt again. "I hope that this will not happen," said Hamid. Babaei said she was praying "for peace, for us to remain safe in our homes."
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
MANS launches intercaste, interfaith matchmaking service
Slain rationalist and anti superstition crusader Dr Narendra Dabholkar used to say, 'caste is one of the biggest superstitions'. And on Tuesday when Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), founded by Dr Dabholkar, launched its interfaith and intercaste matchmaking service in Maharashtra, it took a step towards giving his vision a new dimension, said his son Dr Hamid. The unique, free matchmaking service is an expansion of an existing initiative of MANS of running a safe house for intercaste and interfaith marriage couples at Satara. 'The idea of launching an intercaste and interfaith matchmaking service started taking shape around six months ago. Since it is a service of a sensitive nature, we took time to do the groundwork and we are finally launching it today,' said Dr Hamid speaking to The Indian Express. 'As Dr Narendra Dabholkar believed that caste was a major form of superstition, MANS has actively worked on this issue. Our fight and efforts for a legislative framework against caste panchayats, facilitating intercaste and interfaith wedding ceremonies and the initiative of a safe house for interfaith and intercaste marriage couples, are in keeping with his vision,' said Dr Hamid. A press statement from MANS issued in this regard on Tuesday read, 'On the back of the atmosphere of rifts in castes and religions, finding a life partner beyond these boundaries has become extremely difficult for those who genuinely wish to do so. MANS has launched a state-level interfaith and intercaste matchmaking service as a constructive initiative to bring down these social walls.' 'The service will facilitate intercaste, interfaith marriage including those of widow-widower and those who have divorced. Those seeking to get married are requested to send their detailed information to the centre's coordinators: Shankar Kanse, Pimpri, Taluka Koregaon, District Satara – contact: 99223 55435 and Dr Dnyandev Sarvade, Baramati – contact: 95277 21475 to avail the service.' the release stated. 'At this matchmaking centre, once prospective brides, grooms, or their parents register, appropriate matches will be suggested. After a profile is submitted, a verification will be done to ensure that the individual has made their decision thoughtfully and voluntarily. The centre advises couples to register their marriages under the Special Marriage Act and in line with Satyashodhak principles. This registration service is provided free of cost. Alternatively, they may also reach out to local activists of MANS in their village or town,' the statement read. (The Marathi poster of matchmaking service)
Nahar Net
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
A month after ceasefire with Israel, Iranians fear another war
by Naharnet Newsdesk 22 July 2025, 12:06 The ceasefire that ended Iran's 12-day war with Israel has held for nearly a month without incident, but many Iranians remain uneasy, struggling with uncertainty as fears of another confrontation linger. "I don't think this ceasefire will last," said Peyman, a 57-year-old resident of Shiraz in Iran's south, one of numerous cities hit last month as Israel unleashed an unprecedented bombing campaign against its staunch rival. The Israeli offensive targeted key nuclear facilities and military sites, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists and hundreds of other people, while also wreaking havoc in some residential areas. The attacks triggered the fiercest fighting in history between the longtime foes, ending with a ceasefire announced on June 24. But Israel has signaled it could return to fighting if Iran attempts to rebuild nuclear facilities or carry out any actions deemed a threat, such as moving to develop an atomic bomb -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied it was pursuing. Iran, in turn, has vowed to deliver a harsh response if attacked again. Nuclear diplomacy with the United States -- which briefly joined the war with strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites -- has stalled, deepening a sense of uncertainty about what lies ahead. "I am scared the war would start again," said Hamid, a 54-year-old government employee who gave only his first name. "It will lead to the death of more innocent people and the destruction of the country's infrastructure." During the war, Israel struck major Iranian cities including the capital Tehran, hitting military sites, government buildings and the state television headquarters. More than 1,000 people were killed in Iran, according to authorities. Retaliatory missile and drone attacks killed 29 people in Israel. - 'Don't want to flee again' - Many residents fled Tehran, seeking refuge in other parts of the country, even though few regions were untouched by the blasts and smoke-covered skies. Nearly a month later, a series of fires that broke out across Iran in recent days -- including one at a major oil facility -- have triggered speculations which officials were quick to dismiss, denying any acts of sabotage. "This war really frightened me," said 78-year-old housewife Golandam Babaei, from the western Kermanshah province. She lived through the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, a painful memory for many of her generation. "I kept telling myself, please God, do not let the past repeat itself," Babaei told AFP. The war with Israel, although much shorter and fought mostly with air strikes and missiles rather than by ground forces, revived grim memories of the conflict with Iraq. That war, triggered by an Iraqi invasion in 1980, killed an estimated 500,000 people on both sides. It featured chemical warfare and prolonged front-line bombardments, scarring Iranians in the then-nascent Islamic republic born out of the 1979 revolution. Since then, for decades, Iran had managed to keep conflicts away from its territory. But now after the 12-day war with Israel, some Iranians feel a profound sense of vulnerability. "I kept thinking I don't want to flee again, we have nowhere to go. I cannot run to the mountains like the past," said Babaei. - Uncertain future - For Ali Khanzadi, a 62-year-old war veteran, the conflict with Israel highlighted a change compared to the 1980s when "we didn't have any advanced military equipment" to fight the Iraqis. Khanzadi, who was wounded in battle in 1983, said that the war with Israel, while much shorter, had a more sinister dimension. Unlike in the past, modern military technology means "they can kill a child in his sleep remotely using a drone," he said. In the face of the Israeli threats and attacks, Iranian authorities have repeatedly invoked national unity. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the offensive was aimed at toppling the Islamic republic's clerical system, and urged Iranian diplomats and military officials to proceed with "care and precision" as the country cautiously moves on. Tehran has said it remained open to nuclear diplomacy with the United States which the war had derailed, but officials have expressed concerns over renewed attacks and demanded unspecified U.S. guarantees to resume negotiations. Ordinary Iranians appear to share fears that the conflict could erupt again. "I hope that this will not happen," said Hamid. Babaei said she was praying "for peace, for us to remain safe in our homes."
