India and China agree to resume air travel after nearly five years

FILE PHOTO: Travellers push trolleys with their luggage at the departure area of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, December 14, 2022. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File PhotoBEIJING/NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India and China have agreed to resume direct air services after nearly five years, India’s foreign ministry said on Monday, signalling a thaw in relations between the neighbours after a deadly 2020 military clash on their disputed Himalayan border.Both sides will negotiate a framework on the flights in a meeting that will be held at “early date”, the ministry said after a meeting between India’s top diplomat and his Chinese counterpart.Tensions soured between the two nations after the 2020 clash, following which India made it difficult for Chinese companies to invest in the country, banned hundreds of popular apps and severed passenger routes, although direct cargo flights continued to operate between the countries.Relations have improved over the past four months with several high-level meetings, including talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian...
Read More........ → Categories: , , , ,
→

China says ready to usher new era of development in Sri Lanka

Chinese President Xi Jinping expresses willingness to collaborate during historic meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in BeijingTwo countries sign several Memoranda of Understanding covering economic, social, and industrial sectorsChina yesterday expressed readiness to collaborate with Sri Lanka towards a new era of development.This was conveyed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his meeting with the visiting Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing.Dissanayake, on a four-day State visit to China, received a warm welcome on arrival on Tuesday and held an official meeting with President Xi yesterday at the Great Hall of the People.Upon President Dissanayake’s arrival at the Great Hall, he was warmly received by President Xi. The welcoming ceremony was conducted with great honour, including a ceremonial gun salute. Dissanayake, for the first time since assuming office as President, was sporting a jacket and tie.Following initial cordial discussions between the two leaders, bilateral talks commenced.During the discussions, President Xi emphasised China’s...
Read More........ → Categories: , ,
→

Formula 1 extends Chinese Grand Prix contract until 2030

Shanghai, (IANS): Formula 1 has announced a five-year extension of the Chinese Grand Prix, ensuring the iconic Shanghai International Circuit will remain on the calendar through the 2030 season.The announcement follows Formula 1’s successful return to Shanghai in 2024 after a five-year hiatus. The event attracted a staggering 200,000 fans and witnessed Max Verstappen dominate the Sprint and the main Grand Prix, cementing the race as one of the season’s highlights.Since its inaugural race in 2004, won by Rubens Barrichello, the 5.45km Shanghai International Circuit has been celebrated for its unique layout and technical challenges, its distinct corners, such as the tightening sequence of Turns 1 and 2 and the high-speed, high-g Turns 7 and 8, are loved by drivers and deliver thrilling on-track action.The circuit has produced 10 different winners over the years, with Lewis Hamilton’s six victories and Fernando Alonso’s two being standout performances among current drivers.The contract extension comes as Formula 1 enjoys unprecedented growth in China. The fanbase has soared to over 150...
Read More........ → Categories: ,
→