Latest news with #MoUs
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kavitha urges CM to cancel GHMC monsoon tenders
Hyderabad: BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi founder K Kavitha on Sunday wrote an open letter to chief minister A Revanth Reddy, urging the latter to cancel the tenders floated for monsoon emergency teams and instant repair teams in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). She claimed that some officials were trying to favour certain companies in awarding tenders related to emergency works for the monsoon season in Greater Hyderabad. She accused officials in the GHMC engineering department of acting in a manner that discriminates against BC contractors from Telangana. Kavitha said that regulations have been framed in such a way that only vehicles from a foreign company are utilised for these tasks. "The said foreign company has only two showrooms in Hyderabad, and the managers at these showrooms are refusing to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with contractors from Telangana. Even when Telangana-based contractors manage to obtain MoUs from dealers in Karnataka, officials pressure them to submit physical copies within a short deadline," she said. She pointed out that, in the past, separate tenders were issued for each of the 150 wards in the GHMC. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo However, tenders are now being consolidated into just nine zones, which, she said, is causing financial losses for local contractors. BRS MLC noted that the vehicles specified under the new regulations are incapable of transporting even one cubic meter of material, whereas previously used vehicles could carry two to three cubic meters. Kavitha stated that these changes, which benefit a single company and two contract agencies, are imposing an additional burden of Rs 5.85 crore annually. She urged the chief minister to cancel these tenders immediately and revert to ward-wise tender invitations, which she said would help 150 local contractors.
India Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Exclusive: China hasn't shared river data with India since 2022, RTI query reveals
China has stopped sharing crucial hydrological data with India since 2022, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has revealed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by India Today. The ministry said, 'No information on hydrological data or hydro structures has been shared by China with India since 2022.'This data is key for India's flood forecasting and water management, especially concerning the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, which originate in China and flow into India. The information helps Indian agencies prepare for floods and plan infrastructure like dams and to the ministry, the agreement between India and China on sharing hydrological data for the Brahmaputra river expired on June 5, 2023. A similar agreement for the Sutlej river lapsed earlier on November 6, 2020. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between India and China on the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers were designed to facilitate the sharing of hydrological data, especially during the flood season. The Brahmaputra MoU, first signed in 2002, enabled China to provide crucial data from May to October each year, which India uses for flood forecasting and water management in the northeastern states. This agreement was renewed in 2008, 2013, and 2018, but it expired again on June 5, 2023, and has not been renewed the MoU on the Sutlej river was first signed in 2005 to help India monitor water levels and manage flood risks in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It was renewed in 2010 and 2015 but expired on November 6, 2020. Since then, China has not shared any data under this agreement either. While these MoUs are non-binding, they have been instrumental in enhancing India's preparedness for natural disasters and in managing transboundary river systems asked why the MoUs haven't been renewed, the ministry declined to give any reasons, stating that the information is 'exempted from disclosure under Section 10(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.'The halt in data sharing is cause of concern as early warnings and coordinated data exchange are critical for disaster management in India's northeast and Himalayan regions.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Aramco announces 34 MoUs and agreements with US companies
MoUs and agreements aim to further advance Aramco's long-term strategy, maximize shareholder value, and build on longstanding relationship with US companies Collaborations intend to foster innovation and development across multiple fields DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia – Aramco, one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, yesterday announced the signing of 34 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, with a potential total value of approximately $90 billion, with major US companies, through its Aramco Group Companies. The MoUs and agreements cover collaborations and partnerships relating to a range of Aramco's activities, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), fuels, chemicals, emission-reduction technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital solutions, manufacturing, asset management, short-term cash investments, and procurement of materials, equipment, and services. The MoUs and agreements aim to build on the longstanding relationship between Aramco and US companies, enhance shareholder value, and foster further collaboration and innovation in the energy sector and beyond. Amin H. Nasser, Aramco President & CEO, said: 'Yesterday's announcements show the breadth and depth of Aramco's long history of partnerships with US companies since the first discovery of oil in the Kingdom more than 90 years ago. Our US-related activities have evolved over the decades, and now include multi-disciplinary R&D, the Motiva refinery in Port Arthur, start-up investments, potential collaborations in LNG, and ongoing procurement. As Aramco pursues an ambitious value-driven growth strategy, we believe that aligning with world-class partners supports further development of our operations, strategic diversification of our portfolio, industrial innovation, and ongoing capability development within the Kingdom.' The MoUs and agreements signed by Aramco, and its Aramco Group Companies, are as follows: Downstream Honeywell UOP: MoU related to technology licensing for an aromatics project. Motiva: MoU related to an aromatics project in Port Arthur, subject to a final investment decision. Afton Chemical: MoUs related to development and supply of chemical fuel additives in pipelines and retail fuel offerings. ExxonMobil: MoU related to evaluating a significant upgrade to the SAMREF refinery and expanding the facility into a world-class integrated petrochemical complex. Upstream Sempra Infrastructure: MoU related to previously announced HOA regarding liquified natural gas (LNG) equity and offtake stake in Port Arthur LNG 2. Woodside Energy: Collaboration Agreement to explore global opportunities, including an equity interest and LNG offtake from the Louisiana LNG project. Additionally, both companies are exploring opportunities for a potential collaboration in lower-carbon ammonia. NextDecade: Final Agreement to purchase 1.2 million tonnes per annum of LNG for a 20-year term from Train 4 of the Rio Grande LNG Facility, subject to certain conditions, including a positive final investment decision of Train 4. Technology & Innovation Amazon/AWS: non-binding Strategic Framework agreement related to collaboration on digital transformation and lower-carbon initiatives. NVIDIA: MoU related to developing advanced Industrial AI computing infrastructure, establishing an AI Hub and AI Enterprise platforms, an Engineering and Robotics Center of Excellence, training and upskilling, and collaborating with NVIDIA's startup ecosystem. Qualcomm: MoU with Aramco Digital that aims to explore entry into a strategic collaboration that will focus on key digital transformation use cases, leveraging Aramco Digital's 450 MHz 5G industrial network to connect intelligent edge devices with on-device AI capabilities, including smartphones, rugged industrial devices, robots, drones, cameras, sensors, and other IoT devices. Technical Services Procured Materials and Services: MoUs were signed to reflect the existing relationships with strategic US suppliers: SLB, Baker Hughes, McDermott, Halliburton, Nabors, Helmerich & Payne, Valaris, NESR, Weatherford, Air Products, KBR, Flowserve, NOV, Emerson, GE Vernova, and Honeywell. These suppliers provide high-standard materials and professional services that help support Aramco's projects and operations. Strategy & Corporate Development Guardian Glass: MoU to localize specialty glass manufacturing for architectural applications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Finance Wisayah asset management agreements with PIMCO, State Street Corporation, and Wellington. Agreements for short-term cash investments through a unified investment fund, the 'Fund of One,' with BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and PIMCO. About Aramco As one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, our global team is dedicated to creating impact in all that we do, from providing crucial oil supplies to developing new energy technologies. We focus on making our resources more dependable, more sustainable and more useful, helping to promote growth and productivity around the world.
Arab News
08-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Meena Health launches Riyadh's first occupational health center
Meena Health has officially opened the Meena Occupational Health Center in Riyadh — the first dedicated facility in the capital to provide specialized healthcare services focused exclusively on occupational health and safety. The launch marks a major milestone in advancing preventive care for the Kingdom's workforce and aligns with broader national efforts to foster healthier, safer work environments. Coinciding with the center's inauguration, Meena Health also signed a series of strategic agreements and MoUs, reinforcing its leadership position in the field and its growing role within Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare landscape. The Meena Occupational Health Center offers an integrated suite of services that includes pre-employment medical evaluations, periodic employee health checkups, and specialized assessments for high-risk industries such as aviation and maritime. The facility also provides rehabilitation services and disability assessments, all designed to foster a culture of prevention, support regulatory compliance, and elevate occupational health standards nationwide. To bring healthcare closer to the workplace, Meena Health signed a cooperation agreement to establish on-site clinics at company locations, allowing employees to access care conveniently within their work environments. Additionally, a new MoU will facilitate the delivery of medical fitness examinations for both new and existing employees, enhancing workforce readiness and reducing occupational health risks. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has designated Meena Occupational Health Center as a center of excellence. This acknowledgment highlights the center's role in preventive occupational healthcare and its contribution to building safe, sustainable workplaces in line with global best practices. Moreover, Meena Academy signed an academic partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The collaboration will focus on developing national talent through specialized training and education programs tailored to the occupational health sector. Dr. Suleiman Al-Towayan, CEO of Meena Health, emphasized the significance of this launch as a transformative step toward improving employee well-being across Saudi Arabia. 'Opening Riyadh's first specialized occupational health center sets a new benchmark for workplace health and safety in the Kingdom.' he said. 'It reflects our commitment to advancing the goals of Vision 2030 by promoting a proactive approach to healthcare through early screening, home care, telemedicine, and now, specialized occupational services.' He added: 'At Meena Health, we believe that prevention is better than cure. This belief drives everything we do.' With the launch of its first specialized occupational health center in Riyadh, Meena Health is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of workplace wellness in Saudi Arabia. The company remains committed to advancing preventive healthcare, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the Kingdom's journey toward a more resilient and healthier workforce.
Barnama
26-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Visa-free Extension Heralds New Era Of Malaysia-China Relations
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (right) shaking hands with President of China Xi Jinping at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony in conjunction with the State Visit of the President of China to Malaysia at the Seri Perdana Complex on April 16, 2025. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (right) with Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) witnessing the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of China, represented by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (second, right) and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (second, left) at Seri Perdana Complex on April 16, 2025. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Linda Khoo Hui Li KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- The extension of visa-free travel between Malaysia and China is a strategic move that not only reflects deepening bilateral ties but also promises to boost cross-sectoral cooperation in tourism, education, and business, experts said. The arrangement is expected to significantly enhance people-to-people connections, enabling deeper cultural exchange, understanding, and academic ties between the two nations. bootstrap slideshow Universiti Malaya's Asia-Europe Institute (AEI) Deputy Executive Director, Associate Prof Dr Roy Anthony Rogers, said the mutual visa exemption will not only benefit both governments and businesses, but also pave the way for greater opportunities to strengthen people-to-people connections. 'The visa exemption will increase the flow of people, which is something we should encourage, because for the past 50 years, bilateral relations have been too focused on government-to-government engagement. 'It is time to promote second and third track diplomacy through this visa exemption,' he told Bernama. Echoing similar views, Chairman of the Centre for Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS), Lee Chean Chung, said the decision underscored the robust bilateral ties between the two nations, shaped by mutual trust and confidence. He said the initiative is poised to effectively promote economic growth across sectors such as tourism, academic collaboration, and healthcare tourism. 'This will allow a wider array of Chinese visitors to Malaysia, encompassing not only tourists but also parents accompanying students, and individuals seeking medical treatment.
