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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
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Russian paratroopers have landed in Kharkiv Al Jazeera
just as air raid sirens were starting to sound in Kharkiv and the surrounding region. The statement adds that the Russian troops attacked a regional military hospital, and that fighting is ongoing, BBC reported. Kharkiv has been the epicentre of much of the violence seen in Ukraine in recent days. New Delhi, March 2 (IANS): The Ukraine military says Russian paratroopers have landed in its besieged second-largest city Kharkiv, BBC reported. Russian troops have parachuted into Kharkiv stepping up an attack on Ukraine's second-largest city which saw dozens of civilian killings in bombings Tuesday. According to the Ukrainian military, the aerial assault began
On Tuesday, a missile struck the local government headquarters of Ukraine's second-largest city around 08.00 local time, sending a massive fireball into the sky and burning cars and nearby buildings. Another strike occurred later on Tuesday in one of Kharkiv's residential neighborhoods. Ukrainian President Zelensky later called the attack a war crime.
At least 17 people were killed in Kharkiv on Tuesday, and dozens wounded, according to emergency officials. Some pundits have speculated that the artillery strikes on residential communities could be an effort by Russia to weaken the Ukrainian resolve to fight, BBC reported. The smaller southern city of Kherson has also fallen to Russian forces, local Ukrainian officials say. The frontline cities of Kharkiv, Sumy and Mariupol are still holding out against the Russian invasion. Meanwhile, the huge convoy of Russian armoured vehicles is now about 15 miles north-west of the capital Kyiv
J&K gives approval to transfer of land for various public purposes IANS
Jammu, February 23 (IANS): The J&K Administrative Council (AC) which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant
Governor, Manoj Sinha on February 23 approved the proposal of Revenue Department to transfer various parcels of land for public purposes. The Administrative Council approved the transfer of land measuring 63 Kanal four Marla in favour of the Higher Education Department for construction of a new Government Degree College in village Firsal, District Kulgam. The decision aims to provide quality higher education opportunities to students of the
region and boost employment of teaching and non-teaching staff through various recruiting agencies.
Moreover, approval was given to the transfer of land measuring two Kanal and five Marla in favour of the Health and Medical Education Department for construction of a health centre at Jawaharpora in District Pulwama. Once completed, the institution will provide modern medical facilities to the people of the area. Continued on Page 3
Indian MEA inaugurates Buddhist projects linked to ASEAN, east Asia countries IANS
New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on February 23 celebrated "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" by inaugurating projects reflecting Buddhist linkages with ASEAN and East Asian countries. According to the MEA officials,
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the event was graced by Minister of State for External Affairs RajKumar Ranjan Singh. The dignitaries present on the occasion unveiled books of Jataka Tales translated into Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese languages.
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World will hold Russia accountable for unprovoked attack on Ukraine: US President Washington, February 24 (IANS): US President Joe Biden on February 24 called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin's announcement of a military operation in Ukraine as "an unprovoked and unjustified attack" and that the "world will hold Russia accountable" for the subsequent developments.
In a statement issued by the White House, Biden said that "Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering". "Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the US
Australian delegation at IITGuwahati for discussions Guwahati, February 23 (IANS): An Australian delegation led by the country's High Commissioner in India Barry O' Farrell on February 23 discussed several projects of mutual cooperation in various domains with the Director and top officials of Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, officials said.
IIT sources said that the Australian delegation discussed several projects of mutual cooperation in various domains including academics, scholarships, strategic research, trade and commerce, governance, disaster management, cultural exchange, water conservation and clean energy. Continued on Page 3
Maitri initiatives and T20 World Cup to woo Indians Down Under
A
s Australia reopens its international borders to fully vaccinated tourists and business travellers from February 21, it is looking at India - its fastestgrowing source of international visitors - to revitalise its tourism industry, especially during the T20 Cricket World Cup later this year.
IANS
Over 800,000 fans are expected to attend the ICC T20 cricket extravaganza, which Australia will host for the first time in October. Such has been the buzz surrounding the event, in particular to see one of the world cricket's biggest rivalries, that the general ticket allocations for
India vs Pakistan encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
EDITORIAL BOARD Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, Queensland University of Technology Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
J&K gives approval to transfer of land for various public purposes Continued from Page 1
The Administrative Council further approved the transfer of land measuring five Kanal in favour of the Revenue Department for construction of a police post at Newa at village Malawari, District Pulwama. The new police post in the local area will keep a check on illegal activities, security-related incidents, and will allow the
police to respond to any law and order situation and natural disaster in a timely manner. Another parcel of land measuring 148 Kanal situated in village Dambra, Tehsil Mahanpur, District Kathua was transferred in favour of Prisons Department for construction of High Security Prison in the district along with the transfer of State land measuring 160 Kanal four Marla
COVER STORIES
Australian delegation at IITGuwahati for discussions Continued from Page 1
IANS
situated at village Dambra, Tehsil Mahanpur, District Kathua as Shamlat Deh (Mehfooz Kahcharai) in lieu of the land proposed for High Security Prison. The construction of High Security Prison for lodging treasonous and insurgent criminals aims at meeting the security requirements of the region and strengthening national security.
World will hold Russia accountable for unprovoked attack on Ukraine: US President
Continued from Page 1
and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way," he said. Biden said that he would be monitoring the situation in Ukraine and would meet his G7 counterparts on February 25 morning after which further actions will be taken. Just three days after declaring the rebel regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as
independent states, Putin on February 24 morning announced a military operation in the Donbas region, asking Ukrainian troops to lay down their weapons and return home. Unfazed by the numerous economic sanctions imposed by the international community against Moscow, Putin said Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine, but warned that Moscow's
response would be "instant" if anyone tries to take on Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba said in a tweet that "Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression". "Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now."
Indian MEA inaugurates Buddhist projects linked to ASEAN, east Asia countries Continued from Page 1
A comprehensive video of e-ITEC courses offered by the Ministry on Buddhist teachings was played during the event while the Minister inaugurated the interactive Coffee Table E-Book on Buddhist linkages with ASEAN and East Asian countries. The digital exhibition titled "Bodhicitta: Interweaving
Buddhist Art Traditions from India Across Asia" curated by National Museum was displayed during the celebration. The Ministry presented an "Interactive Template" for use by Missions for orientation visits by school, college students to Cultural centers, Missions for better understanding of India's
Buddhist linkages. "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements", the MEA said in a statement on February 23.
IIT, Guwahati Director Prof T.G. Sitharam made a presentation on the Australia India Water Centre, Global Centre for Transdisciplinary Research in Water (Tri-Water), and various initiatives which are taken under their auspices such as the development of Master of Sustainable Water Futures programme, Water Matters for India - Delivering an Innovative Young Water Professional Training. He added that such collaborations are crucial for meeting sustainable development goals, and also addressing the emerging challenges due to climate change. He also highlighted the major strides taken by IIT, Guwahati in global rankings and stressed the importance of the liberal arts programme. Australian Consul-General in Kolkata Rowan Ainsworth
said that there is an immense opportunity for collaboration in the areas of disaster management, trade and economics, the Indian Ocean, and development of the northeast region of India. Working together on the world's most important resource, water -- The Australia-India Water Centre -- is a great example of research collaboration between the two countries, she pointed out. The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of cooperation in multidisciplinary areas, especially through the 'MAITRI' scholarships and fellowships, strategic areas of collaboration, liberal arts, cultural exchange, research grants, skilled academic cooperation and governance with many more possibilities with other Australian Universities.
Maitri initiatives and T20 World Cup to woo Indians Down Under Continued from Page 1
October 22 were sold within five minutes of going on sale.. "Hosting the T20 cricket World Cup this year will be a fantastic opportunity to encourage more Indian tourists and business travellers to visit Australia," Dan Tehan, the country's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, said following extensive meetings with India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. The Australia-India Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism Cooperation was renewed recently as both ministers also launched the Australia India Infrastructure Forum. The renewed MoU will promote travel between the two markets and advance cooperation on tourism policy, data sharing, training and industry engagement. Pre-pandemic, India was Australia's fastest-growing source of international visitors. In 2019, almost 400,000 visitors from India visited Australia and spent a combined total of $1.8 billion.
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Tehan said that Australia will strengthen its tourism links with India to further increase visitor numbers and support local jobs and business by growing one of its largest and most valuable tourist markets. Both governments will also work with airlines and airports to boost aviation capacity between Australia and India.
objectives with a new $5.8 million Bay of Bengal Connectivity Partnership expanding the work to other countries in the region.
As Goyal and Tehan held negotiations on India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), Canberra said the Indian visitor market had huge potential for Australia.
Earlier, the Scott Morrison government detailed the new initiatives between the two countries, calling India "one of Australia's most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region".
"Our countries also share important people-to-people links, with around 750,000 people of Indian origin calling Australia home. Australia is working with India to strengthen our ties in many areas, and it's timely to include tourism as Australia reopens its international borders to the world," remarked Tehan. The Australia India Infrastructure Forum will serve as a hub to promote two-way investment in infrastructure. It will also support broader trade and investment
These initiatives, Australia said, reflect the two nations' shared commitment to cooperation and exchange, as set out in the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreed in June 2020.
The $11.2 million Maitri Scholarships Programme will attract and support high achieving Indian students to study at Australian universities. It will showcase Australia's globally renowned academic and research institutions, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health, the Australian Foreign Ministry detailed. The $3.5 million Maitri Grants and Fellowships Programme will build links between future leaders,
supporting mid-career Australian and Indian professionals to collaborate on strategic research and shared priorities. The $6.1 million Australia-India Maitri Cultural Partnership will boost the role of creative industries in economic and people-to-people ties. This partnership will also promote artistic talent and cultural exchanges in two countries' world class visual and performing arts, literature, film, television and music industries.
It revealed that, following meetings between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne in Melbourne, three Maitri (friendship) initiatives have been launched to foster AustraliaIndia cooperation, creativity, understanding and exchange. The series of new initiatives support education, community, tourism and investment links, adding to the growing bilateral relationship.
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
COMMUNITY NEWS
2022 IABCA Award finalists announced A
fter yet another highly contested year, IABCA unveiled finalists for the 9th annual IABCA Awards across a diverse range of sectors, including new categories such as Excellence in Partnerships and Trade & Investment. With over 200 capable entrants across the eleven award categories from India and Australia, the IABCA Jury shortlisted 93 finalists. The India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA), is the largest platform that strengthens the India-Australia
relationship while contributing to its development. "Year on year the Jury is increasingly impressed by the quality of applications for our award categories, with the Australia India Impact Award positioned as a highly contested category. "Congratulations to our carefully selected 2022 finalists that were deliberated by our independent IABCA Jury for their valuable contributions to the IndiaAustralia relationship through fields of science, research,
technology, business, innovation, trade, and community service," read a statement from the organisation. The 2022 IABCA Showcase will kick off on Friday, 29 April, 2022 at The Star Events Centre, Sydney. The IABCA Showcase will once again comprise of a sell-out IABCA Global Leaders Forum and the IABCA Awards Ceremony, where winners for the above categories will be honoured internationally.
IABCA Young Professional of the Year
IABCA Community Services Excellence Award (Individual) This award acknowledges the achievements of an individual that has enhanced community spirit through initiatives that empower communities including/ or through the promotion and integration of arts and culture in Australia and/or India.
This award recognises outstanding achievements of a young professional in middle or senior management who has built a successful career and is under 35 years of age.
IABCA Business Leader of the Year This award recognises outstanding achievements of a business leader, professional or researcher in middle or senior management who has built a successful career and is over 35 years of age.
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IABCA Excellence in Trade & Investment
This award recognises the accomplishments of organisations and projects who have generated new trade and investment opportunities between India and Australia.
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
COMMUNITY NEWS
IABCA Managing Director of the Year
This award recognises outstanding achievements of a CEO or managing director who has built a successful career and is over 35 years of age.
IABCA Australia India Science, Research & Development Award Central to the purpose of this award is the recognition and support of outstanding contributions to the advancement of science, technology and research made by an organisation or an individual.
IABCA Australia India Impact Award (Individual)
IABCA Australia India Impact award recognises the contributions of an individual, (living or working across our two nations) OR an organisation or project that adds value to the bilateral relationship. The category celebrates projects and organisations that have expanded from Australia to India or India to Australia.
IABCA SME of the Year Small-to-medium enterprises - defined as economic groups with turnover of $2 million and up to $250 million. This award recognises outstanding achievement and contribution made by an SME.
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
NEWS FROM INDIA
More than 9,500 militants surrender, Hijab ruling to have effect on constitutional morality, peace restored in NE: Amit Shah IANS
the Congress regime, he charged. Highlighting Modi's vision for the development of the northeastern region, the Home Minister said that the Prime Minister, unlike his predecessors, visited the region more than 40 times. Referring to the feats of Olympians -- Indian boxing legend M.C. Mary Kom and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, Shah said that India's first Sports University was being set up in Manipur and the state would be made a sports hub of the country.
Imphal, February 23 (IANS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 23 said that with the initiative of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government over 9,500 militants of various outfits in the northeastern region have surrendered to the government and peace has been prevailing in Manipur and other northeastern states.
government. Instead of arms and ammunition, the former militants now carry laptops, keys of industrial enterprises, bikes and vehicles," Shah asserted. "For the first time in 45 years after the BJP government came to power in Manipur peace has been restored in the state, he said."
"Over Rs 800 crore worth projects have been undertaken for the development of sports in Manipur and Khelo India centres would be set up in all the 16 districts. International standard sports complex would also be developed in the state," he added. Highlighting the benefits to lakhs of people in PM-Kisan, Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Home Minister said that an "Atmanirbhar Manipur" would be made and it would be developed into a model state by the BJP government.
"In Assam, the historic Bodo accord was signed. A large number of Bodo militants and extremists in Karbi Anglong district have surrendered to the
Slamming the 15 year-rule of the Congress in Manipur, Shah said that the culture of instability, inequality and insurgency was turned into infrastructure, innovation and integration in Manipur by the BJP government led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Shah added that the blockade and bandh culture changed into a growth mission. Besides bandhs and blockades, arms trafficking, insurgency, corruption, drugs trade in both the plains and mountainous areas were the order of the day during
Mumbai, February 23 (IANS): In a massive jolt to Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 23 arrested serving Minister Nawab Malik in connection with an alleged money-laundering case linked with a shady land deal case.
As he was escorted out of the ED office by police and ED sleuths, a grinning Malik sporting a white kurta-pyjama, was seen raising a fist in the air, and declaring: "Jhukenge nahin, ladenge aur jeetenge (Will not succumb, will fight and win)" to his supporters as he was made to sit in a vehicle.
His arrest triggered hectic political activity with NCP President Sharad Pawar going to meet Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil and other ministers for an urgent meeting this evening.
The development came as a shocker for the MVA as Malik became the first sitting Cabinet Minister to be arrested in such a manner, sending tremors in the political establishment.
The fast-paced developments started with an ED team, accompanied by Central Industrial Security Force personnel, knocking at Malik's home around 4.30 a.m and taking him away a couple of hours later for questioning in the 17-year-old Kurla land deal having a mafia taint, with an alleged moneylaundering angle emerging from it.
Leaders of MVA constituents like Sharad Pawar, Jayant Patil, Supriya Sule, Majeed Memon, Chhagan Bhubal, Vidya Chavan, Sanjay Raut, Kishore Tiwari, Nana Patole, Ashok Chavan and others slammed the ED for the action against Malik saying they would not be "cowed down" by the political vendetta and targeting of opponents and "silencing" them by letting loose central probe agencies on them.
The Home Minister while addressing election rallies in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, said that the government would hold discussions with the Kuki militant outfits in Manipur and expected to resolve their problems, if any, to bring them back into the mainstream.
Congress leaders including Jairam Ramesh have criticised both the Prime Minister and the Home minister for not talking about the state's fundamental issues including the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. Polling to the 60-member assembly took place in two phases on February 27 and March 5. Votes will be counted on March 10.
First serving Maha Minister apprehended in money laundering case
In the arrest order, ED Assistant Director Niraj Kumar said the agency had "reason to believe" that Nawab Malik "has been found to be guilty of an offence punishable under the provisions of PMLA Act", and accordingly placed him under arrest at around 2 p.m. Shortly after the formal arrest, Malik was whisked off by an ED team for a medical check-up at the Sir J.J. Hospital, and produced before the designated Special PMLA Court later this afternoon. Additional Solicitor General Anil Desai is representing the ED while eminent lawyer Amit Desai appeared on Malik's behalf, as the Minister's relatives, including sister and daughter Sana Khan reached the court.
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The ED had summoned teams of the CISF and Mumbai Police security for the arrest even as a large number of Nationalist Congress Party workers staged a noisy protest outside the agency's office since morning to protest the proceedings against Malik. Malik, 62, becomes the first sitting minister and second senior NCP leader to be arrested by the ED after former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on November 2, 2021 in alleged corruption and moneylaundering cases.
Simultaneously, opposition Bharatiya Janata Party sharpened its swords and intensified efforts to bring down the MVA government before its declared deadline of March 10. BJP state President Chandrakant Patil demanded that since he has been nabbed, Malik should quit as also all other ministers facing various allegations, should resign from the Cabinet immediately, failing which the BJP would launch an agitation on the streets.
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individual dignity, AG to HC Bengaluru, February 22 (IANS): Karnataka Advocate General Prabhuling Navadgi on February 22 told the High Court that the judicial decision on hijab would be binding on "constitutional morality" and "individual dignity". "When we impose, the element of choice of dress goes away. The woman will be obligated to wear that dress. It becomes compulsory," he said in his concluding remarks before a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, hearing the hijab row. "Women cannot be subjugated to any form of dress code and she can't be made to feel less equal and children of a lesser god. Judicial declaration of every woman of a particular religion to wear hijab, would it not violate the dignity? If it is a compulsion of an attire, it is impermissible on this day. "We propose no ban on hijab, it should be left to the choice of the woman. Right to privacy cannot be enshrined in public. Institutional discipline is paramount. Dignity of women must also be kept in mind in a plural society," Navadagi said. He also quoted a Bollywood song: "Na muh chupake jiyo, na sar jhuka ke jiyo, gamon ka daur bi aaye toh muskura ke jiyo". He argued that it is entirely on the petitioner to prove that the practice of hijab is obligatory in nature and compulsorily followed in Islam. However, they have placed 144 Surahs of Quran to the court's query and there is no record on table to show that the custom is obligatory and it is an element of compulsion which compels a member to be expelled from the community, he added. "Wearing of dress is freedom of speech, as argued by the petitioners as their fundamental right under Article 19 (1) (a). However, Article 19 (1) (a) is subject to public order, decency under Article 19 (2). In the present case, the uniform rule is subjected to institutional restriction and it is subjected to institutional discipline not only in schools but also in hospitals, military establishments and others," the AG submitted. "The rule imposes reasonable restrictions on wearing a headscarf," he said, adding that a uniform is being prescribed till Pre-University as they have "an impregnable mindset". "There is no restriction on campus to wear a hijab. Only during class hours, in the classrooms, it has been not allowed and anything beyond uniforms, irrespective of any religion, is not allowed," he said. As Navadgi mentioned the total ban on hijab by France and Turkey in public spaces, Justice Krishna S. Dixit, who is also on the bench,
intervened and stated that it depends on the constitutional policy of every country. He then said that he only wanted to bring out that there is no prohibition as such in our country.
Reiterating that hijab is not an essential practice of Islam and can't come under the Constitution's Article 25, (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion) he sought to bring to the notice of the court that how this has been upheld by various High Courts and Supreme Court judgments. Giving clear indications of an early verdict on hijab row, the bench had directed counsel to complete their arguments soon. Chief Justice Awasthi asked the Advocate General to complete his submissions at the earliest, and he said that he would complete his arguments on February 23 . CJ Awasthi informed all counsel that the bench wants to complete the hearing on the case by this weekend and directed them to keep the arguments brief. "Make positive endeavors to complete within this week only," he said. Senior advocate R. Venkataramani, appearing for teachers who have been made respondents in the case, maintained that there are no hierarchies of religions between teachers and students. "School environment is more important than a public place. There should be a free mind among students and all minds of children should be united for education," he said. "Whatever may be the assertion, if the state is in collision with public order, morality and health, it will stop. The state comes in through Article 25 (2) in the matters of religion and finance, when it comes to regulation. There is public space and qualified public space. School is a qualified public space," he added. Referring to the verdict of the South African court allowing the wearing of 'nose ring' to school there, he stated that the court did not make an emphatic statement of religion in the judgment. "Borrowing from foreign judgments could be problematic here, though we cannot close our eyes on them," he held. Senior advocate S.S. Nagananda, who also appeared for teachers, maintained that there is a fine line of distinction as far as culture and religion are concerned. "It is not possible for Muslims to do fivetime prayers; similarly, it is not possible for a Brahmin to perform Sandhyavandana three times. This practice of wearing hijab is not an essential religious practice. There are some practices, which are required to perform otherwise, they will have consequences," he said.
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NEWS FROM INDIA
Rs 18,000 cr recovered from Mallya, 1981 Behmai case Nirav & Choksi: Centre to SC hearing recommences IANS
New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on February 23 informed the Supreme Court that Rs 18,000 crore have been returned to the banks in the case of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi. Mehta, representing the Centre, submitted before a bench headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar that the total proceeds of crimes in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases pending before the top court amounts to Rs 67,000 crore. He further added that as on date 4,700 cases are being investigated by the Directorate of Enforcement and the number of the cases taken up for investigation each year in the last 5 years varies from 111 cases in 2015-16 to 981 in 202021. Mehta submitted before the bench that Rs 18,000 crore have been returned to the banks in the case of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi
Austria (1,036), Hongkong (1,823), Belgium (1,862) and Russia (2,764)".
and Mehul Choksi. The top court is hearing a clutch of petitions, challenging the wide scope of powers available to the directorate of enforcement (ED) for search, seizure, investigation, and attachment of proceeds of crime under the law. Mehta submitted before the bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and C.T. Ravikumar, that during the last five years (2016-17 to 2020-21), only 2,086 cases were taken up for investigation under the PMLA out of registration of FIR of approximately 33 lakh for predicate offences by the police and other enforcement agencies. He added, "very small number of cases are being taken up for investigation under the PMLA as compared to annual registration of the cases under the Money Laundering Act in the UK (7,900), the US (1,532), China (4,691),
Mehta emphasized that the measures against moneylaundering have clearly left embryo of drug or terrorism related offences and moved beyond the same. "Further, the efforts against money laundering have consistently advocated to include the widest range of predicate offences in the domestic laws," he added. Over the past few weeks, a battery of senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Mukul Rohatgi, Sidharth Luthra, Amit Desai, and others have made submissions before the top court on various aspects related to potential misuse of PMLA provisions introduced by way of amendments to the Act. The law has been criticised on various aspects: stringent bail conditions, non-communication of grounds of arrest, arrest of persons without supply of ECIR (akin to FIR), broad definitions of money laundering and proceeds of crime, and statements given by accused during investigation made admissible as evidence during trial.
I&B Ministry orders blocking of apps, website, social media accounts linked to SFJ IANS
New Delhi, February 22 (IANS): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on February 22 ordered the blocking of apps, website and social media accounts linked to the banned organisation, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). In a statement, the Ministry said it has ordered the blocking of apps, website, and social media accounts of foreign-based 'Punjab Politics TV' having close links with the SFJ, deemed unlawful under the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act, 1967. "Relying on intelligence inputs that the channel was attempting to use online media to disturb public order during the ongoing State Assembly Elections, the Ministry used emergency powers under the IT Rules on February 18 to block the digital media resources of Punjab Politics TV," it said. The Ministry claimed that the contents of the blocked apps, website, and social media accounts had the potential to incite communal disharmony and separatism; and were found to be detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, and public order. "It was also observed that the launch of new apps and social
media accounts was timed to gain traction during the ongoing elections. The government of India remains vigilant and committed to securing the overall information environment in India and thwarting any actions having the potential to undermine India's sovereignty and integrity," it added. In January, the Ministry had ordered the blocking of 35 YouTube-based news channels and two websites which were involved in spreading fake news against India in a coordinated manner over digital media. In December last year, the Centre blocked 20 YouTube channels and two websites when the emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021 were first utilised.
Essential amenities in Kashmir being restored on war-footing: Official Srinagar, February 23 (IANS): All essential services in the Kashmir Valley are being restored on a war-footing for the convenience of the general public in wake of the snowfall, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole said on February 23. He said that plain areas of south Kashmir received 2 to 3 feet snow while central Kashmir received 1 to 1.5 feet, and north Kashmir 0.5 to 1 feet besides hilly areas received 2 to 4 feet snow which
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affected normal life and services.
been put on work.
Pole said that the Mechanical Engineering Department completed 70 percent snow clearance under Priority Phase-I while the PWD cleared snow from all the roads falling under its jurisdiction.
Regarding the power scenario, the Commissioner said that 20 to 25 per cent power lines have been affected due to snowfall, and the administration is working to restore electricity to the affected areas.
Besides, he said that apart from 5 to 6 percent water supply lines which have been affected, all other water supply schemes are functional. He said that the affected lines will be restored soon as men and machinery have
He also said that no casualty has been reported till now due to the snow and said that all the hospitals are functional while entire medical and paramedic staff is available in hospitals to render their duties and services.
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IANS
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), February 24 (IANS): The hearing into the Behmai massacre, in which 20 people were allegedly shot dead by bandit queen turned politician, Phoolan Devi, on February 14, 1981, has re-started in a special court in Kanpur Dehat. It may be recalled that just before the verdict in the case was to be pronounced in January 2020, the hearing was postponed as the original case diary was found to be missing. Many accused, including Phoolan have died along with all the witnesses, including the plaintiff Rajaram Singh and eye-witness Jantar Singh. The trial has been going on for 41 years. Even after issuing warrants against Vishwanath, Mansingh and Ram Ratan, who have been absconding for nearly 30 years, the police could not arrest them. As the arguments in the case began on February 23 in the court of special judge (Dacoity) Sudhakar Rai, the district government counsel Raju Porwal
told the court that the police had recovered 27 cartridges from the spot and several threatening letters left by the dacoits on the terrace of Marjad Singh's house. Porwal also said that the dacoits assaulted 27 people and fired bullets while making them stand in a queue, in which 20 died on the spot. Seven of the injured had saved their lives by hiding among the corpses. During the hearing, an accused Vishwanath was present in the court, while Posa, another accused, could not come from jail. The application for apology to the accused Shyam Babu was given in the court. The next date for hearing was fixed for February 28.
Lalu to serve 5-yr jail term, Rs 60L fine in 5th fodder scam case Ranchi, February 21 (IANS): A special CBI court in Ranchi on February 21 sentenced Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad to five years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 60 lakh on him in the Rs 139.35 crore Doranda treasury scam, the fifth fodder scam case. The former Bihar chief minister along with other accused was pronounced guilty by the court on February 15. Lalu, 75, appeared in the court virtually. He is in judicial custody and is admitted to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) due to his poor health conditions. Besides Lalu Prasad, the court had convicted 74 others, including former MP Jagadish Sharma and Public Accounts Committee president Dhruv Bhagat in the case while 24 were acquitted for want of evidence. Earlier, the former Bihar chief minister was found guilty in four cases related to the Rs 950 crore fodder scam, and is serving a sentence of 27.5 years of imprisonment. In the fifth case related to the scam, an FIR was lodged in the Doranda police station in 1996 and later the CBI took over the case for investigation. Initially, in case number RC 47 A/96, a total of 170 were accused of corruption, of which 55 have died, seven became witnesses, two confessed to the crime while six are still absconding. During the hearing of the case in
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the CBI special court, 575 people testified on behalf of prosecution, while 35 from the defendants. The probe agency produced 15 documents in the case. Crores of rupees were illegally withdrawn in the name of transporting animals and arranging fodder for them in Bihar's animal husbandry department. The animals included bull, buffalo, cow, goat and sheep. The documents submitted by the department regarding the transportation were found to be fake. The vehicle numbers shown in the documents were of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles. The cases occurred during the period of 1990-1996. The Bihar CAG had sent the information about the graft to the government time and again, but the government did not pay heed to it. The CBI produced the documents in the court, which showed that then Chief Minister Lalu Prasad, despite knowing everything, did not take any action. Lalu also held the portfolio of the Finance Ministry. Earlier, the former Chief Minister has been to prison six times, but was granted bail by the High Court each time.
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Australia Post records colossal revenue as parcel demands soar amid pandemic IANS
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
Aus reopens international borders after almost 2 years
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windfall for Australia Post because the extended lockdowns of millions of people in the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria generated unprecedented demand for parcel deliveries with many housebound customers relying on online shopping. Australia Post subsequently earned A$3.87 billion as it handled a 13.6 percent surge in its parcels and services division, the largest volume of parcels since the company was founded.
Canberra, February 23 (IANS): Australia Post, the nation's postal service, has recorded hefty earnings in at least one division of its multifaceted empire, as demand for parcel deliveries soared during the Covid-19 pandemic. The government-owned business' turnover for the final six months of 2021 was A$4.8 billion ($3 billion), a jump of 10.4 per cent on year-on-year figures, reports Xinhua news agency. Announcing the results on February 23, Australia Post Chief Executive Paul Graham said it was a "significant achievement given the ongoing disruptions to
the business during the Covid-19 pandemic". Graham said one of the biggest challenges had been serving Australians who had had to isolate themselves while also managing a workforce that had to continue operating under the same restrictive regulations. "Just like many businesses around the country, we have dealt with unprecedented challenges over the past year, but the ability of our people to adapt during ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic has been nothing short of remarkable." In one regard, however, the pandemic proved a financial
In contrast, revenue for its traditional letter division continued its downward trajectory in recent years. Revenue for letters dipped by 1.2 percent to A$935 million for the half, ending up with a loss of A$69.9 million. That poor result came even after Australia Post handled a massive mail-out for the 2021 national Census. A statement from Australia Post said its full-year results would be released in September when it expected to "post a modest profit while being cognisant of the ongoing uncertainty of Covid-19 and pressures facing customers".
Australia commits to paving crucial outback highway network
Canberra, February 21 (IANS): Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on February 21 that his government will invest A$678 million ($486 million) to upgrade the crucial outback road network if re-elected in this year's general elections.
The Outback Way is a 2,700-km network of desert roads that connects Laverton in south central Western Australia (WA) to Winton in central Queensland via the Northern Territory (NT), passing by iconic landmarks such as Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, reports Xinhua news agency. Despite being the main route connecting WA to central Australia and Queensland, large parts of the Outback Way are unsealed gravel and dirt roads, making trucking freight logistically difficult.
"Our investment locks in a pipeline of works that will drive investment in regional Australia and boost economies from Winton in Queensland to Laverton in Western Australia, helping regional and remote communities and those who call them home to grow and prosper," Morrison said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, said the project would employ hundreds of people for its duration and deliver major economic benefits for the Outback. "These upgrades will spark new opportunities for industries along the route, including the critical earth precincts north of Alice Springs, the gold precincts around Laverton and the massive
beef industry, while ensuring communities and people on the corridor have better access to supplies," Joyce said.
The announcement was made a day after Anthony Albanese, the leader of the Opposition Labor Party, promised to spend A$200 million upgrading remote territory roads if elected Prime Minister. "You are 11 times more likely to have a fatality on a remote community road as you do in a capital city. That's why this announcement of a A$200 million Northern Territory strategic roads package is so important," Albanese said. The NT is shaping as a major battleground in the general election, which is due to be held by May.
Covid restrictions eased in Australian capital Canberra, February 18 (IANS): Authorities in Australia's capital Canberra on February 18 announced a further easing of restrictions in the city.
From February 21, elective surgery was set to resume at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, with a gradual return to full capacity in the following days.
is a surge in cases, this step is designed to minimize the disruption of Covid-19 on our local businesses when it is safe to do so."
Andrew Barr, the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), announced that from 6 p.m. on February 18 all density limits that currently apply to restricted businesses and activities in the ACT would be lifted, as would a ban on dancing and requirements for patrons to be seated while eating and drinking in licensed venues, reports Xinhua news agency.
Barr said while there would likely be an uptick in Covid-19 cases in winter, he was optimistic about the months ahead.
Australia on February 18 reported more than 20,000 new Covid-19 cases, including 561 in the ACT, and over 30 deaths.
"Our case numbers have steadied, and we are cautiously optimistic about the autumn period," he said in a statement.
According to Department of Health data, there were 2,677 cases being treated in Australian hospitals, including 224 in intensive care, 90 of which were on ventilators.
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"While we recognise the situation could change if a new variant of concern emerges or there
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Canberra, February 21 (IANS): Australia on February 21 welcomed its first international tourists in almost two years after reopening its border which was shut in early 2020 in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Australia's international border reopened to travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, marking an end to restrictions that were introduced to prevent the spread of the virus in March 2020, reports Xinhua news agency. Fifty-six flights were due to land in Australia in the 24 hours after reopening. Dan Tehan, the Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, was at the Sydney international airport on February 21 morning to welcome the first arrivals and said it was a milestone for Australia. "The first passengers had a huge smile on their face even though they have been on a plane for what, 20-odd hours," he told Nine Network television. "The warmth of the welcome that the Australian people give
our overseas visitors hasn't gone away." The return of double vaccinated international visitors will reinvigorate Australia's tourism sector, which supports 660,000 jobs and contributed A$60.4 billion ($43 billion) to the economy in 2018-19, according to Tehan. David Marshall, chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum, said it would take up to 18 months for the tourism industry to recover from the pandemic. "We're really playing catch-up," he told The Canberra Times. The country on February 21 reported more than 15,000 new coronavirus infections and 17 deaths -- seven in New South Wales, six in Queensland, three in Victoria and one in the Australian Capital Territory. February 21 marked one year since Australia administered its first coronavirus vaccines. Health Minister Greg Hunt said that more than 53.2 million vaccines have now been administered in Australia.
Australia commemorates 80th anniversary of Darwin bombing Canberra, February 19 (IANS): Thousands of Australians on February 19 gathered in the Northern Territory (NT) to mark the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin carried out by 242 Japanese aircraft during World War II. The official anniversary ceremony at Darwin's Bicentennial Park saw throngs of attendees including veterans, survivors and politicians as the NT Government has called for the day to be made a national public holiday, reports Xinhua news agency. Sirens blared at 9.58 a.m. to mark the exact time air raid sirens began on February 19, 1942. The Bombing of Darwin started 64 air raids on the Top End of the NT, which continued until November 1943. In the bombing of Darwin, 252 lives were tragically lost in two separate raids, including
members of all three Australian armed services, allied personnel, merchant seamen and Australian civilians, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison. "Throughout the city, little was spared -- the post office, the cable office, the government house, police barracks, air force station and the local hospitals were attacked," Morrison said at the ceremony. Brian Winspear, 101, one of the last surviving veterans of the attack, told News Corp Australia that the bombing caught the defending forces by surprise. "It was pretty scary and ever since then I've had hearing problems," he said. "Nobody took any notice of the people dying around you." "Death was very normal, there were no funerals and no mourning. It was scary, it was a scary time," he said.
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NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
NSW to scrap mask mandate in schools One-third unlikely to vote for Sydney, February 23 (IANS): The state of New South Wales (NSW) on February 23 announced its decision to scrap mask mandate in schools despite a continued increase in new Covid-19 cases. From February 28, masks are no longer required in high schools for students or staff in NSW, reports Xinhua news agency. Schools will be able to welcome more visitors onto campuses, including parents, and will resume activities such as assemblies and school camps. The mandatory mask-wearing requirement will also be lifted for teachers and staff at primary schools and childcare centres from March 7. NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said schools would return to "pretty much normal" shortly, as transmission in schools is "extremely low".
However, some experts are still concerned it would be too early to ease the restrictions. Lidia Morawska, director of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health at the Queensland University of Technology, told Xinhua that even if there are very good ventilation, there's still a lot of infections within the community, and if people sit in close proximity like public transport or hospitality venues, the probability of infection in such situation with a very highly infectious virus like Omicron is very high. "Removing completely restrictions without thinking about the consequences of this will make life easier for yourself, but others will be dying because of this," she said. NSW recorded 8,931 new cases on February 23, with 1,246 people in hospitals. The daily increase
of community cases made a big jump from 4,916 to 8,752 in a day.
Though 94.3 per cent of NSW residents aged 16 and over have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, less than half of the children aged 5 to 11 got their first jab. And 79 percent of juniors aged 12 to 15 have had two doses. "The Omicron outbreak is not over. The removal of restrictions, such as indoor masks, will lead to a spike in infection and increase the pressure on healthcare," said Gaetan Burgio, an expert in infectious diseases from the Australian National University College of Health and Medicine. "Given the (national) number of cases still oscillates around 10,000 or 20,000 per day, the observed outbreaks are in majority in schools, where the vaccine coverage is relatively low," Burgio told Xinhua.
NSW imposes ban on offshore mining, exploration
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here's our fantastic result," read an announcement from Australian coastal conservation group Save Our Coast. "This flawed plan (PEP 11) risks devastating our coastal ecosystem, the whale migration route and the rich biodiversity off the coast, our climate, our livelihoods and our way of life," said the group in a petition that garnered some 80,000 signatures in the lead up to the eventual ban.
Canberra, February 23 (IANS): The New South Wales (NSW) government announced on February 23 that it would no longer accept applications for offshore mining and exploration, instituting a ban on the practice. The ruling seeks to protect beaches along the coast of NSW as well as marine and coastal ecosystems, reports Xinhua news agency. "NSW has some of the world's most spectacular coastlines which support local industries and make them a great place to live and
visit, and we want that to continue for future generations," said Paul Toole, Deputy Premier of NSW and the Minister responsible for natural resources. It would also mean that the controversial Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP 11) proposal is now dead in the water. The project, which would drill for gas off the coast of Sydney's most famous beaches, has long been a point of contention for local residents, advocacy groups and local governments. "After four years of hard work,
The NSW government said that while going forward all commercial projects would be banned from operation, sand mining for the purposes of beach restoration would still be able to go ahead. Toole said they would also be looking towards onshore coal and gas mining exploration to compensate for the lost access to resources and job creation. "We've unveiled a strategy to grow the local critical minerals and advanced manufacturing sectors. This is another way we are shaping a stronger and more sustainable sector," he said.
Australian unemployment rate steady at 4.2 percent Canberra, February 17 (IANS): The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on February 17 published labour force data for January and revealed that the unemployment rate was stable at 4.2 per cent, equalling December as the lowest rate since August 2008. However, the total number of hours worked by Australians fell by 8.8 per cent, or 159 million hours, from December as a result of surging Covid-19 infections, reports Xinhua news agency. Bjorn Jarvis, head of labour statistics at the ABS, said in a
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media release that the large fall in hours worked in January 2022 reflected more people than usual taking annual leave and sick leave in the first two weeks of January, which was a period with high numbers of Covid-19 cases associated with the Omicron variant, and considerable disruption across the labour market. "While we again saw higher than usual numbers of people taking annual leave, even more so than last year, the 8.8 per cent fall in hours worked in January 2022 also reflected much higher than usual numbers of people on sick leave,"
Jarvis said. "Nationally, and in New South Wales and Victoria, the number of people who worked reduced hours because they were sick was around three times the prepandemic average for January. In other states and territories, it was twice as many people." The number of Australians employed on a full-time basis fell by 17,000 between December and January but was offset by a 30,000 increase in part-time employment.
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Aus govt in upcoming polls
Canberra, February 22 (IANS): One-third of Australians are less likely to vote for the incumbent Australian government over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and health funding, a poll revealed on February 22. According to the new Essential poll, which was commissioned by peak health body the Australian Medical Association (AMA), 34 per cent of voters said they were less likely to vote for the governing Coalition at the upcoming general election because of its record on health issues, reports Xinhua news agency. Omar Khorshid, the president of the AMA, said the poll "put the political parties on notice that public hospital funding is resonating as a vote-changer with the Australian electorate". "The distressing picture we are getting of our hospital funding crisis should be a warning shot to all politicians that they need to pledge they'll fix public hospital funding if elected," he told the Guardian Australia. The government in October last year rejected a unified call from the health ministers of all eight states and territories to boost
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hospital funding to help the system cope with the "unrelenting strain" of the pandemic. The Essential poll found the opposition Labor party leads the Coalition 49-45 on a two-party preferred basis, with 6 percent of respondents undecided. Labor leader Anthony Albanese has not committed to the AMA's proposed 50-50 funding hospital model between federal and state governments but has promised the party will "always be better" on health than the Coalition. Australia on February 22 reported more than 20,000 new Covid cases and 37 deaths -- 14 each in New South Wales and Victoria, five in Queensland, three in South Australia and one in the Northern Territory.
Aus urged to come up with billions over extreme weather Canberra, February 22 (IANS): Australian homes, businesses and communities need billions of dollars more in government funding to cope with worsening extreme weather conditions, according to the nation's insurance industry. A report released on February 22 by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) said the federal government's natural disaster funding should be doubled to A$200 million per year and that the figure should be matched by the nation's six state and two territory governments for the next five years, reports Xinhua news agency. "Insurers are at the frontline when it comes to climate change and extreme weather. That's why as an industry we're so focused on improving community resilience," said Andrew Hall, who heads the Sydney-based ICA. Hall said that investing now in stronger homes and community infrastructures would ultimately lead to estimated government and household savings of at least A$19 billion by 2050. The Building a More Resilient Australia report outlined a range of measures to make vulnerable communities and homes better able to withstand the nation's most common natural disasters of floods, cyclones and bushfires. The ICA's proposed program includes improving the national flood early warning system, flood levees for regional towns, raising vital community service
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facilities above expected flood lines, cyclone-proofing more than 44,000 homes in northern Australia and creating a national coastal hazard information database. The call for greater investment in making homes and communities more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather is one of 12 policy areas the ICA has identified as requiring reform, modernisation or investment. The insurance body is also calling for a review of land use planning arrangements to ensure no more homes were built in areas with a high risk of extreme weather impacts, and for national building codes to be strengthened. Additionally, the ICA believed states and territories must finally abolish duties, levies and taxes on insurance products, which increase the cost of premiums and discourage people from being fully insured. To coincide with the report's release, the ICA has begun a nationwide advertising campaign calling on Australia's governments to lessen the impact of extreme weather by committing to the urgent increase in investment.
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NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND
Finalists named for Queensland’s Rural Women’s Award who is developing an innovative range of ‘quick cook’ retail-ready family meals with a beef focus; Innisfail AgTech entrepreneur Jennifer McKee who has developed Grower Support, an all-in-one compliance management software platform for the horticultural industry; and Townsville photographer and AgTech champion Fiona Lake who is developing a project to inspire women to adopt AgTech.
Brisbane, February 24: The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has returned in 2022 with four Queensland women having a common passion for rural and regional communities vying for the prestigious award. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award acknowledged and supported the essential role women play in
rural industries, businesses and communities. “The Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities,” Mr Furner said. “Our four finalists join a 300-strong alumni that collaboratively works to shape the perception of women in regional and rural Australia and provides a network to support their future
endeavours. “This year’s winner will receive a $15,000 bursary and represent Queensland at the national awards in October where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 bursary.” The finalists are: Chinchilla child health nurse Rebecca Bradshaw who is delivering online and in person child health support for rural communities; Dalby businesswoman Jilly Tyler
New board members appointed to Screen Queensland Shutterstock
General Manager of Cutting Edge, Kylee Ratz; Director of Planning Bond University, Patricia Alner; Co-Founder and Executive Director of Of One Mind, Cathy Hunt; and Aboriginal filmmaker, Dean Gibson.
Brisbane, February 24: The Queensland Government has appointed four new directors to the Screen Queensland Board — The Honourable Roslyn Atkinson AO, Professor Herman van Eyken, Aaron Fa’Aoso and Dylan Miklashek. The four new directors contribute a diversity of high-level skills with regional representation and experience to the Board, across film and series production, game development, arts, education, law and diversity action. The Honourable Roslyn Atkinson AO was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland for 20 years, Chair of the Queensland Indigenous Justice committee and Chair of the Queensland Law Reform Commission, before which she lectured in Literature, Drama, Film and Australian Studies at the Queensland University of Technology. Professor Herman Van Eyken is an accomplished and internationally awarded film
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director, screenwriter, producer (Ties and Ropes, Achterland) and is currently Professor and Head of Griffith Film School and a member of the Creative Arts Research Institute, Griffith University. A proud Torres Strait Islander producer, screenwriter, actor and director based in Cairns, Aaron Fa’Aoso is Managing Director of Lonestar Productions (Strait to the Plate, Blue Water Empire). With over 25 years’ experience delivering AAA games for popular franchises such as Batman, FIFA and WWE, Dylan Miklashek is the Studio Manager and Managing Director of Gameloft Australia (The Oregon Trail, Ballistic Baseball) and board member of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA). Continuing on the Screen Queensland board will be: Former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Linda Lavarch (Chair); President of Village Roadshow Studios, Lynne Benzie; Brisbane
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new board is primed to steer the Queensland screen industry through growth, change and challenges ahead. “The Queensland screen industry will vastly benefit from a board made up of impressive individuals, who between them, share a diverse range of skills, backgrounds and perspectives,” the Premier said. “Together they will inform Screen Queensland’s strategic direction, policies and funding decisions as it continues to forge a successful and profitable path. “I welcome Roslyn, Herman, Aaron and Dylan and thank outgoing directors Patricia Heaton, Morgan Jaffit, Sally Robb and Paul Syvret for their dedicated contributions and expertise, particularly through the hugely successful 2020-21 financial year, which saw the state screen industry generate around $478 m into the economy and create approximately 5,500 jobs.” The board appointments took effect on 24 January 2022, with new board members to serve a three-year term.
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Westpac Regional General Manager Queensland Peta Ward said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award was an outstanding platform that encouraged others to continue to pave the way for diversity across industries and for women to further develop their personal business journey.
“My vision for the Rural Women’s Award is that rural women identify themselves as a movement of leaders who are proud of the role they play in developing and supporting Australia’s rural industries,” Ms Ross said. “I am committed to supporting more innovation around the development of highly nutritional food sources and my aspiration for the rural industry is conservation of the food chain.” Mr Furner said the winner would be announced on 10 March 2022, during Queensland Women’s Week. “Queensland’s 2022 Rural Women’s Award winner will follow in the footsteps of 2020 winner Elisha Parker,” Mr Furner said.
“Women are driving innovation in our regions and Westpac is proud to continue to support the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, to further raise awareness and publicly recognise the achievements and leadership of women in our communities,” Ms Ward said.
“Elisha used her bursary for website development for her co-founded Cattlesales.com. au marketing and advertising platform to offer new online services to the Australian stud stock industry to benefit and boost the Australian cattle industry nationwide.
Chair of the Queensland Rural Women’s Award Alumni Committee Ann Ross said every woman had a personal journey, with no two the same.
“Being nominated as a finalist is a great achievement and I congratulate all of this year’s finalists and wish them well for the future.”
Brisbane, February 24: The Senior Judge Administrator of the Queensland Supreme Court has been appointed as the new Chief Justice to the Queensland Supreme Court following the retirement of Queensland’s first woman Chief Justice, the Honourable Chief Justice Catherine Holmes AC.
and has diligently approached the administrative role of the court since that time.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated the Honourable Justice Helen Bowskill on her appointment and thanked Chief Justice Holmes for her years of dedication and commitment to justice in Queensland.
“Since her appointment as Senior Judge Administrator in 2021, Justice Bowskill has shown great leadership and will contribute greatly to the Queensland justice system in her new role, the Attorney said.”
New Chief Justice appointed in Queensland Supreme Court
“Justice Bowskill is well qualified for the top position of Chief Justice and brings a wealth of experience and skills to the role,” the Premier said. “Her Honour, a university medalist in law from QUT, was admitted as a barrister to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1998. She practised widely in public, administrative and commercial law, with a particular focus on native title law.” Justice Bowskill was later appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013, appointed to District Court on 10 November 2014 and then appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland’s Trial Division in 2017 after more than two and a half years as a Judge of the District Court. Most recently, Justice Bowskill was appointed as the Senior Judge Administrator in August 2021,
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said Justice Bowskill is widelyrespected within the legal profession, and is renowned for her measured and compassionate approach to the Court.
“Justice Bowskill has recently demonstrated her interest in mental health issues facing the legal profession, presenting papers at the ODPP Crown Prosecutors’ Conference and to Queensland Magistrates in 2021. These presentations have been well received and benefit the broader administration of justice.” The Attorney-General said that Chief Justice Holmes has proved a steadfast leader of the Queensland justice system during her tenure as Chief Justice. “Her Honour has been a trailblazer in the profession for so many women, and her leadership of the court during COVID-19 was commendable, ensuring Queenslanders have continued access to justice during the global pandemic,” the Attorney said.
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NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND
Cheaper kindergartens for Cairns families Brisbane, February 23: More than 1280 Cairns children a year are set to benefit from reduced price or free kindergartens, thanks to a more than $1 billion investment announced by the Palaszczuk Government on February 23.
our annual investment in kindy from $130 million to $211 million per year, which means more than a billion dollars will go into our kindy services over the next 5 years, with ongoing funding after that.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the kindergarten program funding overhaul was the most significant reform for the sector in more than a decade.
“Here in Cairns, that means 1285 of kids will get a reduced price kindy, with 531 of those getting it completely free.”
Over five years, the package includes: Free kindy access for 14,000 children a year Reduced fees for a further 26,000 children a year $33 million to expand Kindy Uplift from 400 to 930 services $38.5 million to help remote and regional services attract and retain early childhood teachers $95 million in support for families with children who have a disability “We know that the first few years of a child's life here in Cairns are incredibly important and play a major role in their future,” Mr Healy said. “The Palaszczuk Government knows that kindy counts. “That’s why we are increasing
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said kindy participation had grown rapidly in the state. “I’m proud that Queensland has seen kindergarten participation grow from 29% in 2008 to 96% today,” Mr Crawford said. “The Palaszczuk Government wants kindy in Queensland to not only be world class, but accessible and affordable too. “This is a significant change for the sector, and we’ll be working closely with providers in the coming months on things like software upgrades, contracts, and consultation with families to ensure they’re ready for the new program in 2023.” Speaker for Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the package also includes an expansion of the Kindy Uplift
program, and extra funding for children with disabilities.
“We’re thrilled that this increased funding means we can more than double the number of services covered by the successful Kindy Uplift program to 930,” Mr Pitt said. In the Cassowary Coast region, 286 of kids will get reduced price kindy, with 104 of those getting it completely free; at Mareeba, 218 kids reduced price and 111 free; in Douglas Shire 115 reduced price and 28 free, and in the Cook Shire 46 reduced price and 40 free. Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said Kindy Uplift funding means services can invest in personalised programs so children can reach their full potential. “For example, funding could be used to provide a dedicated support worker or professional development for staff,’’ Ms Lui said. “We will also invest more than $19 million per year to enhance support for families with children who have a disability or are developmentally vulnerable, so they can participate in either community or long day care kindies.
“In addition, eligible remote and regional community kindergartens and kindergartens in long day care will receive a funding boost to use on things like accommodation assistance and relocation costs to ensure they can attract and retain a qualified early childhood teacher.” Education Minister Grace Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to be investing in Queenslanders’ early years. “I am proud that this Palaszczuk Labor Government is delivering not only an increase in funding, but funding that is clearly targeted to assist those who need it the most,” Ms Grace said. “We’re investing in our youngest Queenslanders, we’re investing in
our families, and we’re investing in the Far North’s future.” The new kindy funding reform package is in response to the 2019 ‘Optimising outcomes for children: A review of early childhood education funding and arrangements in Queensland’. Total annual investment in kindy from 2023-2024 will be $307 million. This includes the investment from the Australian Government. There are 29 services in the electorates of Cairns, Cook, Barron River and Mulgrave that are currently part of the Kindy Uplift program. An additional 29 services will be invited to join the program, as part of this announcement.
Disaster assistance extended to even more Hayden calls for pay cut of players missing matches for flooded Queensland communities Australia
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Brisbane, March 2: Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
experienced certain loss or damage to electricity, gas, water, sewerage or septic systems as a result of this disaster.
The Honourable Mark Ryan
“Hundreds of families across both these regions are beginning to see the enormous clean-up task ahead of them as the floodwaters go down.
In response to the wide ranging South-East Queensland current flood emergency extends, personal hardship assistance has been extended to include flood affected residents in Gladstone and the Gold Coast. Personal Hardship Grants are available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Federal Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said DRFA funding had also been extended to assist with the repair of damaged roads and other public infrastructure to the local government areas of Bundaberg and Western Downs. “Grants of up to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more and up to $180 per person are available to eligible people in the flood-affected areas of Gladstone and the Gold Coast to eligible people experiencing financial hardship as a result of the floods,” Minister McKenzie said. “Grants for essential services safety reconnection (ESSR) have also been activated, and these are available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have
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“I want to assure these communities the Australian and Queensland governments stand in solidarity with them on their recovery journey to provide support wherever it is needed.” Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said this latest activation would also go towards counter disaster operations aimed at public safety and the repair of essential public assets in the Bundaberg and Western Downs local government areas. “The extent of these floods is incredibly wide ranging. From Bundaberg and Gladstone in the north out to Dalby in the Western Downs and down south to the Gold Coast, these floods are eclipsing even those of five years ago during Cyclone Debbie,” Minister Ryan. “It is essential we extend DRFA support to every community that needs it and today’s announcement demonstrates we are listening to communities in the Gold Coast and Gladstone as well as Bundaberg and the Western Downs.
“Flood-affected residents of the Gold Coast and Gladstone are able to access important financial help under the personal hardship assistance scheme, which is already available in Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Somerset and the Sunshine Coast.
“In total personal hardship assistance is available in 13 local government areas now and DRFA assistance has been activated for a total of 21 local government areas to date and we will not hesitate to extend as necessary,” he said. DRFA assistance is now available in the local government areas of Brisbane, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Western Downs. For information on Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www. qld.gov.au/community/disastersemergencies. Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra. qld.gov.au
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Brisbane, Feb 25 (IANS): Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden on Friday called for a pay cut of players who will be missing from the country's matches. Hayden's comments come after Test captain Pat Cummins, opener David Warner, pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, will be rested for white-ball matches against Pakistan in March. "When players are choosing not to play for their country it is a massive flag of concern for your high-performance set-up. I just don't reckon it passes the pub test. The single biggest thing which ties everything together at that level is that you are all really keen to play for your country and if you haven't got that, I actually question whether you have a high performance culture at all," Hayden was quoted as saying by 'The Australian'. "It just makes it so hard to build all the things you are trying to have like team values, principles, giving a s*** about your mates. I just feel Cricket Australia is being led around by the players lately and that has created a unique set of problems," added Hayden. Out of the rested players, Cummins, Warner and Hazlewood are scheduled to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season for Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore,
respectively. But the trio will not take part in the tournament till April 6. Hayden, who worked as Pakistan's batting consultant during the Men's T20 World Cup last year in the UAE, feels 'cherry-picking' the white-ball matches is not good. "You shouldn't be able to cherrypick when you want to play for Australia. It doesn't make any sense to me. We all know how important the IPL is and it has its window and I know it can be difficult for players and administrators to operate within the confines of modern schedules, but I still think you can't have your cake and eat it. "If you are unavailable to play for Australia, there has to be some accountability. You shouldn't be paid for work you don't do and should have to salary sacrifice. People will say that I played IPL which is true, but it never had an any effect on my availability playing for Australia. I couldn't wait to play for Australia because I spent seven years where I couldn't get in the bloody team," concluded Hayden.
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Jobs row as regional unemployment hits record low Melbourne, February 24: Unemployment in regional Victoria has fallen to record lows, underscoring the breadth and depth of the recovery being experienced across the state. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today reported that Victoria’s regional unemployment rate had dropped to 3.1 per cent in January – the lowest of all the states. The national regional unemployment rate was 4 per cent. The number of people in jobs in regional areas has risen by more than 88,000, or 13.4 per cent, since the Andrews Labor Government was elected in November 2014, and the regional unemployment rate has more than halved. The dramatic fall in regional
unemployment in that period is the greatest in the nation. Some 5,000 more people found work in regional Victoria in the three months to January – contributing to more than 530,000 jobs created across Victoria since November 2014 – the highest increase of all the states. Victoria’s state-wide unemployment is also at a record low, at 4.1 per cent. ABS figures show that since the Labor Government came to office, unemployment has fallen in every region in Victoria. In Shepparton, the rate has fallen from 7.8 per cent to 2.8 per cent, in Geelong from 8.1 per cent to 2.3 per cent, in Bendigo from 6.9 per cent to 3 per cent and in Ballarat, from 6.9 per cent to 2.7 per cent. The ANZ Stateometer report released today noted that during
the last quarter of 2021, Victorian businesses had the most positive outlook for future conditions, as well as the strongest employment and profitability expectations. ANZ further noted that during the December quarter retail sales increased by 10.5 per cent in Victoria. In better economic news, the ABS reported that private investment in Victoria increased by 13 per cent in 2021. The Labor Government is backing continued recovery in regional Victoria through initiatives such as a new $30 million round of the Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme announced last week as part of a $200 million stimulus package to help businesses accelerate out of the Omicron period and provide confidence to consumers.
Recognising the achievements of Victorian refugees
19 June to Saturday 25 June 2022. Nominations are open until Tuesday 12 April. For more information about the categories, eligibility and how to submit a nomination, visit multiculturalcommission.vic.gov. au/victorian-refugee-awards.
Melbourne, February 24: The Andrews Labor Government is calling for community members to nominate refugees who have made significant contributions to our state for the 2022 Victorian Refugee Awards. The awards are open to people who arrived in Australia as refugees or asylum seekers, and recognise the achievements and resilience shown by the winners in rebuilding their lives in Victoria. The annual awards honour people, businesses and organisations who have excelled
through their study, work, entrepreneurship or volunteering in Victoria. Multiple awards will be presented across four categories: achievement, leadership, youth leadership and business. Nominees may have received an excellent result in their education, volunteered in their community, run a successful business, or perhaps supported other refugees to thrive. Individuals are also encouraged to self-nominate. Winners will be announced as part of Refugee Week, which runs from Sunday
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence said: “From business to the community sector to the arts, refugees and asylum seekers have helped build our state – and these awards recognise those incredible contributions. If you know a refugee who is doing great things in our community, I urge you to nominate them.”
Stage one of the program will replace 75 cars with ZEVs by 30 June 2022, with the second stage to see 325 replacements by 30 June 2023. The ZEV program is well progressed, with more than 100 ZEVs already being ordered this financial year – the first of which have been delivered and are now in use by Victorian Government departments and agencies. The transport sector accounts
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for 25 per cent of Victoria’s total carbon emissions - electric vehicles will reduce emissions, while also reducing the amount of air and noise pollution, making our cities and towns more liveable. The Labor Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap, supported by a $100 million dollar package of policies and programs, will ensure Victoria is a leader in the adoption of ZEVs in Australia and will enable the State to take full advantage of the emerging global shift towards this exciting technology. In public transport, from 2025 all new buses will be zero emissions and the metropolitan train network will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, similar to the Solar Trams Initiative already in place. As part of the program of adding ZEVs across the government fleet, the initial focus is to purchase small
Tabcorp and Lottoland awarded Victoria’s Keno Licences Melbourne, February 23: Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne today announced Victoria’s Keno licences have been granted to Tabcorp and Lottoland after a competitive tender process. The two licensees will be able to provide Keno online for the first time, as well as through traditional retail outlets, backed by harm minimisation and consumer protection measures. The two-licence model provides consumers with a greater choice and is better for business. It allows distributor venues to benefit from competition and innovation as it removes a one licensee monopoly on the market. Tabcorp and Lottoland will both be authorised to conduct and distribute the game of Keno in eligible hotels, clubs, wagering outlets and electronically throughout Victoria. Stronger harm minimisation and consumer protection measures will also be introduced to help promote responsible gambling for those who choose to play Keno in Victoria. These measures come after the Government conducted a robust review into the future of Keno in Victoria, consulting with industry, community and government stakeholders. Under the changes, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation can issue
harm minimisation directions to both Victorian and interstate Keno game providers when providing Keno to people in Victoria. The directions will focus on key areas such as incentives, direct marketing, account closure, deposit limits, activity statements, responsible gambling messaging and maximum draw frequency. Harm minimisation directions will be based on the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) for online wagering, with additional elements to support online Keno specifically. Applications for the new licences were assessed against a number of criteria, including corporate and individual probity, as well as the economic benefits to the state. The 20-year licence will commence on 15 April 2022 after the current licence, awarded to Tabcorp in 2012, expires. Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne said: “The industry has changed significantly since 2012, with new technologies and new online market entrants, so we have updated the Keno licence to allow for a more modern approach. These changes will benefit businesses, while also ensuring stronger harm minimisation and consumer protection measures are in place so those who play Keno in Victoria can gamble responsibly.”
Foo Fighters to rock regional Victoria for ALWAYS LIVE
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen said: “These awards will raise community awareness of the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, the stories they share and their ongoing achievements and contributions in Victoria.”
Govt fleet to get zero emissions vehicles
Melbourne, February 23: The Andrews Labor Government is on track to deliver 400 zero emission vehicles (ZEV) to the Government fleet by 2023 as it drives towards its target of net zero emissions by 2050. The 2021-22 Victorian Budget allocated $15 million to add 400 ZEVs to the government fleet over two years to upgrade and install electric vehicle supply equipment across governmentowned and leased buildings.
NEWS FROM VICTORIA
to medium Sports Utility ZEVs, which are suitable replacements for existing small passenger vehicles.
Vehicle manufacturers have been engaged and are encouraged to make a submission to the Motor Vehicle State Purchase Contract in order to participate in the procurement of vehicles. For more information go to buyingfor. vic.gov.au/motor-vehiclescontract. Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson said: “Electric and zeroemissions vehicles are the future of transport and we’re paving the way with the first ZEVs entering the Victorian government fleet. These vehicles are part of our transition away from combustion powered vehicles to zeroemission vehicles and a clean energy future that’s better for health and our environment.”
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Melbourne, February 23: International rock supergroup, the Foo Fighters, will take to the stage in Geelong next month as part of a major statewide live music program being delivered by the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today confirmed the iconic band will perform at GMHBA Stadium on Friday 4 March as part of the Labor Government’s ALWAYS LIVE program. Supporting acts at the concert will feature local talent including Amyl and the Sniffers and The Meanies. ALWAYS LIVE is a new statewide music celebration which will be held across regional Victoria, the CBD and surrounding suburbs in 2022 – showcasing everything Victoria has to offer and attracting music fans from across the country. The March concert will be followed by a program of dozens of events held at venues
across Victoria later in the year. Showcasing a diverse mix of local and international talent, the events are expected to drive music fans into the regions, suburbs and CBD – helping to support local jobs and tourism businesses. The program delivers on the Government’s election commitment to deliver a new music festival held at venues across the state. ALWAYS LIVE will also bring to life a long-held dream of late Australian music icon Michael Gudinski AM – one of the country’s most unwavering and influential live music champions. The initiative adds to the range of Government support provided to the live music sector, including the Live Music Restart package, the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund, the Sustaining Creative Workers fund and the Live Performance Support Programs.
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Brookwater is the premier address in the Western Corridor.
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Located in the heart of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, Brookwater is Brisbane’s best kept secret for luxury living. Crafted around the Greg Norman designed golf course, Brookwater provides a rare combination of prestige golfside living and natural bushland beauty. With the first stage of Brookwater completely sold, we are pleased to introduce the next stage of this exclusive community — your own architecturally designed piece of paradise — Dress Circle, only 15 minutes from Mount Ommaney. Life on Brookwater’s Dress Circle is close to everything you need — public transport, schools, childcare centres, a university, a private hospital, shopping centres and a thriving commercial precinct. We welcome you to experience Brisbane’s best kept secret when it comes to luxury living, and choose from our leading architectural collaborators to design your dream home — complimentary with your Dress Circle land purchase.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
TACA celebrates Pongal at NSW Parliament
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n February 15, the Tamil Arts and Culture Association Inc (TACA) held its 7th annual Pongal in NSW Parliament, which was a huge success, as evidenced by the large number of community members and high-profile guests who attended. Among the dignitaries, community leaders and representatives of various organisations who joined in the celebration were Dr Geoff Lee MP, Member for Parramatta, Minister for Corrections; Hon. Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley, Minister for Multiculturalism; Hon. Jonathan O’Dea MP, Member for Davidson, Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly; Hon. Chris Minns MP, NSW Opposition Leader; Mr Steve Kamper MP, Member for Rockdale, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism; Ms Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville; Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect; Mr Guy Zangari MP Member for Fairfield; Mr Edmond Atalla MP, Member for Mt Druitt; Ms Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Maitland; Mr
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Kevin Conolly MP, Member for Riverstone; Ms Anna Watson MP, Member for Shell Harbour; Mr Jason Yat-sen Li, Member elect for Strathfield; Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC, Member of the Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group); Mr Anthony D'Adam MLC; Mr David Shoebridge MLC, Member of the Legislative Council Member of The Greens; Clr Lisa Lake, Mayor of Cumberland Council; Clr Sameer Pandey, Deputy Mayor - Parramatta Council; Clr Suman Saha, Councillor - Cumberland Council; Clr Karen Pensabene, Deputy Mayor – Strathfiled Council; Clr Sharangan Maheswaran, Councillor - Strathfield Council; Clr Livingston Chettipally, Councillor - Blacktown Council; Clr Usha Domairaju, Councillor - Camden Council; Clr Sreeni Pillmari, Councillor - Hornsby Council; Mr Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney; Mr Peter Doukas OAM, Chair, Ethnic Communities Council of NSW.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Bicycle rally held by High Commission of India
T
he High Commission of India in Canberra held a bicycle rally last month as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Indian independence and as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
activities. The rally was a success for the participants thanks to pleasant weather and good company from fellow Canberrans.
Musical event organised in Canberra
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rakash and Lalita Deo organised the musical event Ek Rangeen Sham Labasa Ke Naam with their family and friends in Canberra last month.
Saraswati puja held in Melbourne
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he Shree Shakti Association Victoria held a Saraswati puja in Melbourne's Melton Community Hall in the last week
The occasion drew proud Labasans from all over the state as well as Fiji. Jitend Reddy, who travelled from Fiji, was the chief guest, and the MC was Pt Rohit MP from Fiji.
of February, and it was a huge success. The following are a few images from the event.
$1000 was donated to bush fire assistance and $1000 to the Labasa Golden Age Home during the event.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Indian Dental firm bags award at EBA 2021
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n February 14, Healthy Smiles Dental Group won the Small Business category award at the 32nd edition of the Ethnic Business Awards (EBA). The awards honour migrant and indigenous entrepreneurs who have excelled in their fields. Dr. Ved Berani generously donated the entire $10,000 award to the charity Sikh Volunteers Australia, which gives free meals to the less fortunate. Dr. Berani also spoke about his journey from student to multi-award winning
entrepreneur in a video message. "Dr Ved Berani and Priyanka Sethi Berani have always strived to deliver the best for their customers and winning this award means a lot to all of us at Healthy Smiles," said a statement by the dental firm. "Healthy Smiles has been actively present to provide dental services during the pandemic and will continue to support the Melbourne community with its outstanding customer service in the near future too."
Perth event honours Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
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aharashtra Mandal Perth, in collaboration with the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) and the Consulate General of India in Perth, held a Shiv-Jayanti celebration to honour renowned warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shri Naresh Sharma, Acting Consul General in Perth, presided over the occasion and took part in it.
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Guterres reprimands Russia for violating UN Charter, says world faces 'peril' United Nations, February 24 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the world was facing a peril unprecedented in recent times and issued a stern rebuke to Russia that it was violating UN principles by recognising Ukraine's breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent countries. "The latest developments regarding Ukraine are a cause of grave concern," he said on February 23 at a meeting of the General Assembly on Ukraine. "Our world is facing a moment of peril. I truly hoped it would not come," he added. Reprimanding Moscow, Guterres said, "The decision of the Russian Federation to recognise the socalled 'independence' of Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- and the follow-up -- are violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations." Russia was also violating the General Assembly's "Friendly Relations Declaration" that affirms "the territorial integrity and political independence of the State are inviolable," the Secretary-General added. Citing "reports of increased ceasefire violations across the contact line and the real risk of further escalation on the ground," Guterres called for a ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. However, one high-level global
diplomacy has been shut down now as the US has called off a meeting between between its Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and withdrew an offer for US President Joe Biden to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia recognised the two breakaway regions, signed a security pact with them and announced Russian "peacekeepers" would be sent there. On Moscow's claims of "peacekeeping", the UN Chief said, "We must also be concerned about preserving the integrity of peacekeeping. The UN has a long and recognised experience deploying peacekeeping operations -- which only take place with the consent of the host country." Russia's Permanent Representative, Vassily Nebenza swiftly criticised Guterres. "It is to our great regret that the UN Secretary General, today and a few days ago, has made some statements regarding what is going on in the east of Ukraine that are not in line with his status and his mandate," he said. Nebenza defended his country's action, blaming Ukraine for not respecting the rights of the Russian minority in their country and not dealing with Donetsk and Luhansk as required under international agreements. None of the 24 other countries that spoke in the morning session of the UN General Assembly
supported Russia and most criticised it. (India, which had taken a neutral stand in the UN Security Council on February 21 evening, was scheduled to be the 75th speaker and its turn may not come up on February 23.) Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba said, "I warn every nation in this distinguished chamber, no one will be able to settle down this crisis if President Putin decides that he can move forward with his aggression against your governments. Your people will face painful consequences together with our government and our people." Asking for decisive international action, he said, "We need your help." US Permanent Representative, Linda Thomas-Greenfield appealed to all the countries to join the US and its European allies to impose economic sanctions on Russia. She said, "What we can do together today is make clear that Russia will pay an even steeper price if it continues its aggression. That responsible countries do not bully their neighbours into submission. That former empires cannot lay claim to sovereign and independent nations." Tariq Ahmad, Britain's Minister of State for the UN, warned that a Russian invasion "would take a terrible toll on Ukrainians and Russians alike -- both victims of an unnecessary war of the Kremlin's choosing."
No one will be forced to return from Ukraine: Minister 18,000 students and 2,000 people from India in Ukraine. "All of them have been asked to register at the Indian Embassy there, so if needed, the embassy officials can contact them," added Muraleedharan.
Thiruvananthapuram, February 23 (IANS): Minister of the Indian State of Kerala for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on February 23 said that Indians in Ukraine will not be forced to return in the light of the developments there.
"One thing that the Modi government assures is the safety, concern of our people there is uppermost, things will be assessed and action will be taken accordingly," said Muraleedharan. He said that there are around
He said that while many anxious parents want their children to return, the general impression from Ukraine is the students are not that keen to return. "We assure all that the Government of India will be at the forefront and if a situation warrants, then there will be timely intervention," said the MoS.
Russia closes airspace on borders with Ukraine, Belarus
Moscow, February 24 (IANS): In view of the latest situation, Russia has closed its airspace to civilian aircraft starting from February 24 on its western borders with Ukraine and Belarus, the Russian aviation authorities announced. The announcement came shortly after President Vladimir Putin authorised a "special military operation" in the conflict-hit
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Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, reports Xinhua news agency.
due to potential hazard for civil aviation". the notice says.
Meanwhile, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) posted on the website of the US Federal Aviation Administration Civil said that aviation flights in the Ukrainian airspace are limited in view of potential threats.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian Armed Forces are destroying "military infrastructure, air defense facilities, military airfields, aviation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces" with high-precision weapons, not targeting Ukrainian cities.
Flights to Kiev, Dnepr, Lvov and Odessa airports "are restricted
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WORLD NEWS
242 Indian students evacuated safely to Delhi amid UkraineRussia tensions New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): Amid the escalating RussiaUkraine tensions, 242 Indian students returned safely to India at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport late February 22 evening and reunited with their parents after India started evacuation operations of Indian citizens living in Ukraine and its adjoining areas. India has deployed Dreamliner B-787 aircraft for carrying out this special operation under which flights were made operational from Kharkiv in Ukraine to New Delhi. Nirav Patil, a first-year MBBS student studying in Ukraine, said, "The situation is normal around the area where I live. While the university has started studies online so there is not much to worry about as before." Another student Krishna said, "I live 900 km away from the Ukraine-Russia border. There are around five to six students, who are residents of Gujarat. Our parents were getting quite worried. This is why we had to return to India." Several government officials were also sent by the Rajasthan government to the Delhi airport as well as students of Rajasthan who have returned from Ukraine, the state government is busy preparing to send them safely to their home bearing their travel expenses. At present, eight students along with their parents have been asked to stay at the Rajasthan Bhawan. However, there are several Indian students who have not returned to India by an Air India flight. Monika, a resident of Chhattisgarh and a fifth-year MBBS student, first took a flight from Kyiv to Doha and then returned to Delhi. According to her, air tickets were quite expensive due to which she came to India taking other flights. She did not express her opinion on the tense situation in Ukraine as many of her Indian friends are still stuck in Ukraine. She said, "In some places, studies have been made online but in several other places offline studies are still being followed as the norm. My parents were getting quite worried due to which I had to return to India, but the situation in Ukraine is still normal. Now only if our parents ask us to return to Ukraine only then will we return." Air India on February 19 had announced that it would operate flights between India and Ukraine on February 22, 24 and 26. Booking of air tickets is open through Air India booking offices, website, call centres and authorised travel agents. According to the Indian embassy in Ukraine, additional flights
from Kyiv to Delhi will operate on February 25, 27 (two flights) and March 6. At the same time, many students who have returned to India are worried about their studies while some said they had also recently seen a tank used in a war in the city where they lived. Swati, who is a second-year MBBS student, on returning to Delhi, said, "The situation is normal in Ukraine and I was living a completely normal life there. The people residing there are not worried at all about the RussiaUkraine tensions." "The reason for many students like me returning to India is because of my parents. They were quite mentally disturbed and were worried about my wellbeing. Now since I have returned back home, our studies will suffer too. But the university where I was studying will start holding online classes. I have exams scheduled for next year." Another student Tanvi, who is an MBBS student, arrived in Delhi and spoke about the tense situation in Ukraine, saying, "The situation is pretty worse in Ukraine, I am quite distressed. Children studying here are living in fear, every day different kinds of news is coming to fore as one is not able to come to judge which ones to believe. At the same time, air tickets have also become quite expensive." The parents of the students also arrived at the airport to pick up their children, but were angry due to the expensive air tickets. A parent Ratan Singh says, "The situation in Ukraine is absolutely normal, offline studies were being conducted on Tuesday. My son is not worried at all about the overall situation there but most people in India are fast spreading rumours and fear." "I have booked flight tickets worth Rs 60,000, but what will those parents do who can't afford such a huge amount of money? The Government of India has sent several flights but how will we be able to book such an expensive air ticket? Till February 21, flight tickets costing Rs one lakh were being sold but after borrowing some extra money from my relatives, I booked the air ticket and called my child back to India," he added.
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WORLD THIS WEEK
WORLD THIS WEEK
Reuters
Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
Compiled by Anu Maria Joseph, Apoorva Sudhakar, Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, Angkuran Dey and Meghna Manoj
The EU- Africa summit 2022: Issues and Challenges of a “special relationship”
Teller Report
to be under European interest rather than shared interests of EU and AU.
Mali: France’s troop withdrawal amid friction with military government What happened?
What happened? On 17 and 18 February, the leaders of the EU and African Union met for the sixth European Union - African Union summit in Brussels. The summit aimed to lay the foundations for a renewed and deeper AU-EU partnership of greater political involvement with mutual trust and understanding. The summit defined a new financial and economic deal, supporting Africa in its post-pandemic recovery policies. The EU reaffirmed its allegiance to providing 450 million vaccine doses to Africa by mid-2022. About 425 million euros will be allocated to ramp up the pace of vaccination. The focus was also given to investment in infrastructure, including transport, energy transition and digital transformation. Besides, the summit also discussed education, culture, mobility, and migration. European Council chief Charles Michel proclaimed, "We are not here to carry on business as usual”. At the opening address, AU's chairman and Senegal's President Macky Sall said: "Our common ambition, Africans and Europeans, for this summit, is to achieve a renewed, modernized and more action-oriented partnership." What does it mean? First, The sixth EU-Africa Summit is significant as Africa is at the centre of geopolitics. China has made a significant influence on the continent through diplomacy and major infrastructure investments. Russia, India, Japan and Turkey also have an increasing interest in the region. Second, the postcolonial view of Africa as a continent in need of European charity has now become outdated. Europe needs Africa as much as Africa needs Europe. However, the summit outcomes are questionable to match the EU’s rhetoric on “partnership of equals”. The EU's initiatives of “prosperous and sustainable partnership” appears
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On 17 February, France and its European and African allies released a joint statement announcing the withdrawal of their troops from Mali. The statement mentioned that the conditions in Mali, including “obstructions” created by the military government, were not suitable to continue their operations. French President Emmanuel Macron said: “Victory against terror is not possible if it’s not supported by the state itself.” Macron maintained that the withdrawal did not signify the failure of France in its mission against the insurgency in Mali and clarified that the military operations will now be headquartered in Niger. Further, Macron claimed that Russia had deployed its private military company Wagner in Mali. France24 quoted Macron: “This is the hiring by the Malian junta, using financing which they themselves will have to explain to the Malian people, of mercenaries who are essentially there to secure their own business interests and protect the junta itself.” On 18 February, Nigerien President Mohamad Bazoum accepted the French proposal to redeploy troops from Mali in Niger. Bazoum tweeted: “Our goal is for our border with Mali to be secure” and reasoned that terrorist groups are likely to expand their influence in light of the latest developments. What does it mean? First, the withdrawal and redeployment of troops are visible signs of increasing challenges that France has to address if it wants to maintain its presence in the Sahel. It also signifies the gravity of the anti-French movement in Mali, which is gradually spreading to neighbouring countries including Niger. Second, if the Russian mercenaries are indeed present in Mali, it would be a positive development for Russia which is building inroads into Africa through military relations. It would also be a testimony to the increasing involvement of private military companies in Africa, as was previously witnessed in Libya, the Central African Republic and Mozambique.
ALSO IN NEWS China: PM Scott Morrison urges Beijing to denounce relations with Moscow On 15 February, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged China to denounce Russia amid the growing tensions in Ukraine. Morrison's comments came from increasing ties between Moscow and Beijing. He said: "I do note that the Chinese government, together with the Russian government, have been banding together on this issue and that the Chinese government has not denounced what is occurring in Ukraine." Morrison also called on global federal lawmakers to join the Australian government to push China to respond appropriately through the UN rather than support Russia. Taiwan: Taipei backs WTO case levelled against China On 15 February, Taiwan joined the US and Australia as a third party under the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism for backing the EU trade case levelled against China over the alleged trade curbs placed on Lithuania. This comes after the EU had launched a challenge in the WTO, accusing Beijing of discriminatory market practices that it says would threaten the integrity of the EU's single market. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Joanne Ou stated: "Our country will cooperate with like-minded partners such as Lithuania and the European Union to maintain a rules-based international trading system." Japan: IAEA team reviews plan of discharging treated radioactive wastewater On 18 February, a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited the Fukushima nuclear plant site to safely release a million tons of treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. The release plan has come under sharp criticism from neighbouring countries, leading to Japan seeking assistance from the IAEA for ensuring that the discharge meets international standards. IAEA's Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, Lydie Evrard, said: "The IAEA taskforce made significant progress in its work this week to get a better understanding of Japan's operational and regulatory plans for the discharge of treated water." Indonesia: Dutch PM apologizes for state's excesses in the Indonesian War of the 1940s On 17 February, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued a formal apology after an inquiry
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revealed widespread ill-treatment and extrajudicial killings during the 1945-1949 Indonesian War of Independence. After the publication of the inquiry, Rutte stated: "I make a deep apology to the people of Indonesia today for the systematic and widespread extreme violence by the Dutch side in those years and the consistent looking away by previous cabinets." The government-funded inquiry was undertaken over four and a half years and presented a challenging perspective on the Dutch East Indies. Australia: The UK to commit USD 46 million to the Indo-Pacific On 17 February, the government in the UK announced that it would be committing USD 46 million towards strengthening its security pact with Australia in the Indo-Pacific. On a video call, UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison discussed the peace and stability of the region. Further, they also talked about the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine. The funds pledged by the UK would strengthen resilience in cyberspace, state threats, and maritime security. While discussing the importance of maritime freedom in the South China Sea, the two leaders said they were opposed to: "any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order, including militarisation, coercion, and intimidation." India: New Delhi signs a trade pact with Abu Dhabi On 18 February, New Delhi signed a comprehensive bilateral treaty with Abu Dhabi in a virtual summit. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) targets more investments from the UAE into Jammu and Kashmir. The treaty is also aimed at creating more trade opportunities and connectivity to push the collective interests of India, Israel, and the US. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented: "This agreement will herald a new age in our financial relations. Our trade in the next five years will increase from $60 billion to $100 billion". The trilateral relations aim to improve the sectors of technology, innovation, and finance in the upcoming years. India: Singapore's High Commissioner to New Delhi summoned by the MEA On 17 February, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned
Singapore's High Commissioner to India for Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's criticism. Loong had mentioned: "While Nehru's India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MP's in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder. Though it is also said that many of these allegations are politically motivated." India: Concerns about Afghanistan raised in the UNSC On 17 February, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, TS Tirumurti, drew the UNSC's attention to the threat of increased international terrorism and drug trafficking. His comments highlighted the crisis in Afghanistan and its wider ramifications in Central Asia. Tirumurti commented in the UNSC debate that was held for "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization." He also called on the international community and sub-regional organizations to take cognisance of Central Asia's concerns on Afghanistan. Sri Lanka: India delivers 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel On 15 February, India delivered 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel amid the ongoing energy crisis in Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagay handed over the Indian Oil Company Limited (IOCL) consignment to the Sri Lankan Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila at the Colombo port. The fuel consignment came after Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa's visit to India, where he discussed the economic relief package for the island nation. The Indian High Commission assured Sri Lanka that it would continue this partnership to ensure energy security for its island neighbour. About the Authors Anu Maria Joseph is a Postgraduate scholar in the Department of Political Science at Madras Christian College. Apoorva Sudhakar is a Research Associate at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Angkuran Dey and Meghna Manoj are Postgraduate scholars at the Center for South Asian Studies at Pondicherry University. The report has been modified by India News due to space considerations.
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INDIA NEWS
Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
Putin’s deceptive war plans By Asad Mirza
T
he Russian strategy in the ongoing Ukrainian crisis is aimed at not allowing NATO to accept Ukraine as its member. In reality, the war clouds have thickened due to the American and British stance and verbosity. The ongoing war of nerves and escalating tensions between the US and Russia over Ukraine has entered its fourth month after the Russian forces started their buildup in areas near the Ukrainian border in November 2021, but the genesis of the conflict goes back to 2013 or even to 2008, when Ukraine applied for NATO membership. Historically, Ukraine was a part of the Soviet Union until 1991 and is currently a country lodged between Russia and Europe. After 1991 even its polity seemed to be under Moscow's influence and its foreign policy over the years has wavered being either pro-Russia or pro-European Union. But the current crisis owes its genesis to a rather vital source of energy, i.e. natural gas, which both the Russians and the Americans have not clearly mentioned in their talks or given out as a reason for the conflict. Genesis of the crisis If we try to decode the crisis, we find that it is basically about energy and how it will shape-up regional and global geopolitics. It is a fact that in spite of various global initiatives and campaigns to replace fossil fuels, we still do not have any viable source of sustainable technology, which could provide low-cost and dependable power on a massive global scale. In this scenario, natural gas, the least polluting fossil fuel, has become more and more critical as a viable energy source. Russia, which is the world's largest exporter of natural gas, currently supplies about 35 percent of Europe's demand. In reality at the heart of the current conflict lies the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline which will link Russian gas fields directly with Germany - the largest European economy, resulting in Western Europe becoming more dependent on Russian gas.
Nord Stream is a labyrinth of offshore natural gas pipelines in Europe, running under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany and then further on to Western Europe. The Nord Stream projects have been fiercely opposed by the United States and Ukraine, as well as by other Central and Eastern European countries, because of concerns that the pipelines would increase Russia's influence and bargaining power in Europe. In the past, older Russian pipelines carrying gas to Europe passed through Ukraine. These gas pipelines generated revenue for Ukraine, as they passed through its land. But Russia in 2010 launched the Nord Stream 1 bypassing Ukraine through under sea pipelines in the Baltic Sea, Nord Stream 2, targeted to go onstream by the middle of this year, follows the same route and will double the gas supply through the network to 110 billion cubic metres per year. Further, the US advisors think that Vladimir Putin will be able to use Nord Stream 2 for strategic leverage as he'll be controlling a vital energy source to many European countries. And this may impact the American influence in the region. Russia-Ukraine Ties Historically, Ukraine has always acted as a natural buffer zone between Russia and Europe. It has always given enough lead-time to the Russian army to prepare and strategies while the enemy forces pass through the vast steppes of Ukraine.
Why India needs to pursue neutrality over Ukraine
A
s pictures of wounded women, bombed buildings, rolling tanks, fighter jet strikes and desperate civilians in Ukraine flood the TV screens and social media, India was expected to condemn the perpetrator. After all, India continues to suffer because of the expansionist policies of China and Pakistan.
case of Ukraine becoming a NATO member, NATO boots would be much nearer to Russia. In the latest episode, the American and British reactions, after Russia started to build up its military presence at the Ukrainian border in November 2021, were very hysterical and during the last two months the American leadership has predicted a Russian attack is imminent, but so far nothing has happened on that front. Biden's first statement on the conflict avowed that the US would not allow Nord Stream 2 to go on-stream if Russia invaded Ukraine. He also warned Russia of strict international sanctions. Meanwhile, to complicate matters further, Russian-backed rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine have announced plans for military mobilisation amidst increasing tensions. Denis Pushilin, leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, said he had issued a decree for "general mobilisation"recently, while another separatist leader, Leonid Pasechnik, signed a similar decree for the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.
After losing Crimea, Ukraine applied for NATO membership with more vigour. Putin cautioned NATO that it would face consequences if Ukraine were accepted as a member.
But Putin knows quite well that a full-scale invasion of Ukraine will be enormously costly for the US and West European countries. No one could predict Putin's next action but the real intention behind all this brinkmanship is that he is insistent on keeping Ukraine as a buffer zone and could go to any extent to thwart the US plus UK and western European countries' effort to allow Ukraine in their and NATO's camp and influence. So far, he has been able to achieve this through intimidating tactics and not war, as he also knows how costly that scenario would be for Russia. And if Germany were forced to cancel its Nord Stream 2 contract then the economic cost of a war would be a financial catastrophe for Russia, which it is ready to avoid.
The danger, upper most in the Russian generals’ view, is that in
(Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi)
However, even after the breakup of the former Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has tried to control Ukraine, through installing puppet governments. But since the early 2010s, most of the regimes in power in Ukraine have shown pro-US tendencies. To warn such regimes, Putin annexed the Crimean region from Ukraine in 2014.
In 2021 Germany whose 13.3 per cent energy needs were met by nuclear energy needs Nord Stream 2 gas supply really quickly, as it is committed to shut down its nuclear plants by the end of this year. Though Germany has invested massively in wind and solar power generation, yet it can't be sure about their final gestation. One of Germany's largest trade partners Russia hopes to meet Germany's energy demands through Nord stream 2.
Diplomacy, though, is not ruled by emotion or moral pressure; it is more about strategy and longterm prospects. India abstained from voting on the US-sponsored UN Security Council resolution that deplored in "strongest terms" Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move did not come as a surprise. Maintaining a balance between the US-led front and Russia has always been the foremost part of India's diplomacy. And it rightly followed this tradition. India articulated the reason for the abstention in the Explanation of Vote by T.S. Trimurti, India's Permanent Representative to the UN. The note expressed "deep concerns at the turn of events in Ukraine", and said that dialogue was the only solution. Laying emphasis on dialogue rather than military action, India has reinforced its diplomacy that made it clear that pressure won't work on its age-old policies. Even on January 31, India abstained on a procedural vote on whether to discuss the issue of Ukraine, and had then put forth its "legitimate security interests". India has its own concerns and knows well who the time-tested friends are and understands the politics of the fair-weather ones. This is all the more relevant in these times of continuing standoff with China in eastern Ladakh or Arunachal Pradesh. Although the US has supported New Delhi over the Ladakh impasse, India can never run the risk of annoying a dependable ally such as Russia, which is the main supplier of its defence weapon systems. But the changing geo-politics after the imposition of sanctions against Russia may present a grim situation for the Modi government. The embargos may affect much-needed defence supplies to India from Russia, whether these are missile systems, or Kalashnikov AK203 assault rifles, spares and components, or stealth frigates and submarines. Although India has been buying weapons from the US as well, a balance has always been maintained between purchases from Moscow and Washington. The balance will be put to test now. With India abstaining from voting against Russia in the UNSC, the risk of projecting a neutral stance may be challenging. The emerging situation in Ukraine may have put India's diplomacy to test, but so far New
Nord Stream
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EDITORIAL
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Delhi has not shown its ambiguity on choosing fronts. After the invasion, Ukraine has been seeking a much more proactive role from India in de-escalating the tension. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, knowing fully well the good chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, made an appeal to Modi to help his country. Zelensky had a telephone conversation with Modi, wherein he sought all support. Zelensky tweeted on Saturday around 6.20 p.m. (IST): "Spoke with Prime Minister @ narendramodi. Informed of the course of (Ukraine) repulsing (Russian) aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged (India) to give us political support in Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!" Before Zelensky's tweet, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi appreciated India's stance in the UNSC. The embassy's Twitter account 'Russia in India' noted: "Highly appreciate India's independent and balanced position at the voting in the UNSC on February 25, 2022. In the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership Russia is committed to maintain close dialogue with India on the situation around Ukraine." Today, Ukraine is seeking help from India, but its relationship with India was not all that rosy in the past. Ukraine was one of the countries that opposed India's nuclear tests in 1998. It also pushed for UN intervention on Kashmir after the Modi government abrogated Article 370 in 2019. Ukraine has also been a regular arms supplier to Pakistan, despite India telling the world that Pakistan supports terror activities against India. In the present scenario, India has chosen to maintain a strategic diplomatic silence. With Zelensky openly seeking India's help, however, India can play a major diplomatic role between Ukraine and Russia. As the US and its allies are attempting to pound Russia with sanctions and providing arms and ammunition to Ukraine, it is India that can play the peacemaker in the given situation. India has much experience after dealing with aggression from Pakistan and China. Both the neighbouring countries have been threatening and trying to intrude into India's territory from time to time. India very well understands the tragedy of forcibly thrust wars. India has never been the aggressor or the intruder. Its policy has been to help democracies thrive and live peacefully.
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INDIA NEWS
Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
SPECIAL FEATURE
Ten ways Ukraine crisis has impelled India’s intervention
By Swaran Singh
I
ndia has finally decided to become proactive in Ukraine crisis by first allowing Ukrainian Ambassador Dr Igor Plikha over 15 minutes of air time on national television this Thursday to make his appeal to both India’ leaders as also Indian people. This was followed same evening by prime minister Narendra Modi having a phone conversation with President Vladimir Putin and India’s foreign minister talking to his counterparts in all the neighbouring nations of Ukraine. What is it that has triggered this proactive engagement of India? While some of the issues will continue to unfold by the hour, one can begin by outlining the major ten drivers of this proactive engagement of Modi government. First and foremost Ukraine had lately come to be home for over 20,000 people of Indian original, mostly Indian citizens, and mostly students doing medicine. About 4,000 of them have existed since the crisis began and India has to keep being engaged with both Ukraine and Russia to ensure their safety and, in case conflict continues to escalate, ensure their safe return home. Second, and what has become most visible impact is how stock exchanges around the world including in India have tumbled leading to downwards evaluations of several major firms thereby majorly hitting investors and investor confidence. This has also raised deeper questions about globalisation and free market template that makes developing countries vulnerable to great power contestations. Third, and more specifically commodities like gold and oil — both major import commodities of India —have seen uptick in prices. Especially import price
of oil, which is least optional, has crossed $100 per gallon and is expected to reach as far as $130 a gallon. This will not only result in sharp rise in petrol prices in India but, with rise in cost of transportation, will have spill effect on all consumer items including essential consumables.
Fourth, will be ever increasing pressure on India’s foreign policy and its engagement with the conflict as such. Starting with the United States, then Russia and now Ukraine, every country has been increasingly pushing India to clarify its policy stance beyond just urging restraint on use of force, ensuring security of all and starting dialogue to resolve this crisis with enduring solutions. Each of these stakeholders wish India to endorse their position which seems impossible for India as it has historically desisted from being part of military blocs, which carries the cost of harming India’s strong bilateral relation with each of these powers. Fifth, continued escalation by Russia clearly implies that world will stay focused in Europe. This is already being described as Europe’s biggest crisis since World War II and at time of writing no prospects of its early termination or even de-escalation are in sight as yet. This continued military confrontation would clearly mean India’s defence procurements from Russia, including its S-400 missiles and AK203 rifles as also overall pace of joint Indo-Russian research, development and production in defence sector, will come under stress. Six, this continued focus on European theatre would also mean major powers getting distracted away from their recent preoccupation with the Indo-Pacific region and China, thereby making China freer in
pushing on with its wolf warrior diplomacy with its neighbours. With November China-ASEAN summit speech of President Xi Jinping finally endorsing concept of Indo-Pacific by endorsing ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, it could further thicken ASEAN partnership with Beijing, something that had triggered thoughts on creating a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue of major regional powers that aim to restrain China’s uncontested expansion in this region.
Seven, this could also enhance other interesting templates of regional alignments. Just like China, Russia has been the other resident power of IndoPacific region that has stayed as an outlier in most Indo-Pacific narratives and initiatives. Ukraine crisis have clearly been pushing Russia further into China’s fold. The 4th February joint statement from Beijing between Presidents Xi and Putin had talked of no limits to their partnership and also endorsed each other’s position on Ukraine and Taiwan. Russia being India’s most time tested defence partner this clearly has implication for India. Eight, as an offshoot of growing bonhomie between China and Russia, Pakistan has emerged as major beneficiary as seen in prime minister Imran Khan choosing to visit Moscow in the midst of Ukraine crisis. Clearly he was cautioned both by his well wishers at home and his largest economic partner nations like the United States and other members of the European Union, and his team insisted on cancelling this visit at last minute. Since their defence cooperation agreement of 2016 and regular joint military exercises, especially now in the backdrop of American exit from Afghanistan, President Putin’s increasing indulgence with
Pakistan is again likely to keep India’s foreign policy pandits awake at night.
Nine, Ukraine crisis have also meant that China is no longer the main and constant target of American trade and technology wars. This provides China with breathing space to recalibrate its strategies of constantly expanding its influence. Especially postpandemic China — that claimed 2.6 per cent positive growth compared to US economy shrinking by almost 5 per cent and its GDP crossing 100 trillion yuan figure ($16trillion) — feels especially emboldened and empowered to unfold its ‘new era’ with direct implications for India’s core interests. By now 14 rounds of Core Commanders talks and half a dozen other interministerial communications have not been able to resolve ChinaIndia border tensions of last two years. Finally, India also carries the burden of exceptions for being seen as world’s largest democracy, sixth largest economy, and major emerging nation and currently, for eighth time, non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, which has recently held two back to back sessions
to discuss Ukraine crisis. Here again, following its tradition India continues to avoid taking clear sides but has clearly come to stand with those victims of this military confrontation. Just like India is supplying humanitarian aid to Afghanistan without waiting for Taliban to come true on its well publicised benchmarks, India is trying for major powers to be awake to the sufferings being inflicted on people. This unique approach from a major power India could perhaps produce some positive outcome and also set an example for others to join India now and in similar future crisis situations. Prof Swaran Singh teaches at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) and is president of Association of Asia Scholars (asiascholars.in)
Hijab is not about the freedom of choice
T
he row over hijab has been raging for over a month now. The fact that young women are protesting to assert their right to wear the hijab is interesting.
This is the 21st century and India's 75th year of Independence, so if young women who have grown up in a society that allows free flow of information and an active social media are seeking to go back in time, it is something that should disturb all. The controversy flared up when six students of a state government-run pre-university college in Udupi, who were wearing the hijab, were asked to leave the campus on January 1. The students addressed a press conference and the matter snowballed into a major issue. More Muslim students joined the protest, and to counter this, Hindu students started donning saffron scarves. Muslim students petitioned the Karnataka High
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Court on January 31, seeking the right to the wear hijab in classrooms under Articles 14, 19 and 25 of the Constitution.
The court heard the case for the first time on February 8 and in its interim order restrained all students from wearing the hijab, saffron shawls, scarves and religious flags inside the classrooms. It is pertinent to mention here that the principal of the Udipi college, Rudre Gowda has said: "The institution did not have any rule on wearing the hijab because no one wore it to the classroom in the last 35 years. The students who came with the demand had the backing of some outsiders." The hijab row may have political and religious connections. It may be a part of a strategy for those trying to create a wedge in the society or a sinister activity to corner the country on the international stage as was
evident after Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Countries latched on to it. The timing of the controversy is also being questioned as Assembly elections in five states are on, with the Uttar Pradesh polls being regarded as the most critical of the five. The timeline of the controversy does point to some planned activity behind the scenes. And the fallout is that the controversy is gradually becoming a 'my religion-your religion' issue. The bracketing of the issue as being sought by the protesting Muslim students can be detrimental to the cause of women and their security. It is this that the courts, the government and the civil society need to understand. Making girls wear the hijab and burqa in schools and colleges is an attempt to further deepen the narrative that 'women / girls have to be wrapped up' and that
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'covering' them up is for their own 'safety'. Does wrapping up prevent crimes against women? They don't. Crime statistics have repeatedly proven this.
patriarchy.
What is needed is the sensitisation of society so that the right and respectful treatment of women is ingrained in every young man. And to achieve this end, schools and colleges are the best places to make a start.
For millions of women across the country, the 'right to hijab' row is not about religious beliefs but is reflective of a deeper tussle within. It is about a conflict over whether to integrate or to stand out, whether to cover up or be attired as one wishes to be, and whether to wrap up every inch of the skin or just be decently dressed.
The uniform is a concept that brings a sense of equality, surpassing class, religious and social divisions. Any deviation in this is bound to create a sense of division in budding minds. Isn't it important to teach young people to respect the other gender? Now, if girls are wrapped up in the hijab, burqa or purdah, gender inequalities will only get deeper and reinforce the age-old belief that women are meek and need to be protected. For many, the hijab or burqa are symbols of
The fears are far too deeply embedded and the hijab controversy has in some way touched the raw nerve of women.
The conflict is between the freedom to express and the overwhelming sense of fear of being objectified by the other gender. It is about a tussle which has its roots in the thought that a woman's physiology is not about expressing it freely, but about 'sharam' (shame) and 'lehaaz' (manners).
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
INDIA NEWS
MAKE IN INDIA
MAKE IN INDIA
As world economies restart their engines in a bid to regain lost ground due to the Covid-19 pandemic, India too shows signs of economic buoyancy and promise. India’s Make in India initiative holds a key to the global economic revival, something that should interest Australian government ministries, corporate sector, entrepreneurs, institutions seeking R&D collaborations and Australia Inc in general, among others. India assumes greater importance as several major world economies including American, Japanese, German, British and South Korean look to move out and diversify their businesses from China. India has jumped to 63rd rank in the World Bank’s Ease of Development 2020 report, and has also been ranked as the 9th largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment destinations in 2019 by the World Investment Report 2020 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
PM Modi urges people to visit border villages for rural development
IANS
Gadkari to launch infra projects on Delhi-Jaipur highway in March
IANS
Gurugram, February 23 (IANS): Indian Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation
stone of several infrastructure projects on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway on March 8, Gurugram district administration said on February 23.
Officials said a tender worth Rs 459 crore for the repair of the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway and service lane is also among the projects.
The projects worth about Rs 1,000 crore, includes Rs 23 crore for construction of Bilaspur Chowk flyover, Rs 81 crore for Manesar elevated flyover and Rs 23 crore for Bawal Chowk flyover.
After the completion of these projects, the traffic pressure on Delhi-Jaipur National Highway will be reduced and the traffic management will be improved, officials asserted.
Apart from this, foundation stone for the flyover at Kapriwas Chowk in Rewari will also be laid by the minister.
After the laying of the foundation event, Gadkari would also address the public meeting.
J&K approves policy for promotion of foreign investment in industrial sector IANS
chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on February 23 approved the policy for promotion of Foreign Investment in the industrial sector in Jammu and Kashmir, 2022. The new policy is based on the guiding framework on FDI issued by the Government of India through the RBI and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and will be valid for the next 10 years. It aims to facilitate large foreign investments greater than Rs 100 crore with a minimum of 51 per cent foreign stakes.
Jammu, February 23 (IANS): The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (AC) which met under the
The policy also provides for identifying parcels of land in various industrial estates to be given exclusively to industries with foreign investments including vertical rise premises in the form of multi-purpose buildings/complexes, with plug
and play facilities. The land allotment process will be regulated by the J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy, 2021-30, whilst such units will also be eligible for benefits, incentives, and support under the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30 and New Central Sector Scheme for the industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir. For optimal utilization of land resources and to provide integrated services to multiple players, the policy also envisages the establishment of multipurpose complexes for foreign investment by developing IT tower projects through private players in Sempora, Pampore and Exhibition Ground, Jammu. These towers will house different business activities and will form a part of the 'Industrial Complex for Foreign Investment'.
Invest India State Connect series with Telangana
T
he state’s team launched the ‘Invest India State Connect Series’ and organized an interaction with the Government of Telangana. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) (PSI), all sector directors, D. Krishna Bhaskar, Director
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Industries, and other senior officials from Telangana joined the interaction. Various Invest India teams - East Asia, Startup, One District One Product (ODOP), Waste to Wealth (W2W), Accelerating Growth of New India’s Innovations (AGNIi), India Industrial Land Bank (IILB), Project Monitoring Group (PMG),
National Single Window System (NSWS), India Investment Grid (IIG) and Telangana – briefed on the work and collaboration between Invest India and the state. Further action has been undertaken for each initiative.
Source: Invest India, Government of India
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New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 23 appealed to the people to visit border villages as part of the "Vibrant Village programme" announced in the budget 20-23. The programme is vital for the development of border villages, he added. "How wonderful it would be if people from tehsils go to the border villages and experience for themselves, the ambience there, how people live there. It will not only be an educational activity but will also help support our Vibrant Villages scheme," Modi said while addressing a webinar on Budget 2022-23 on the theme "#LeavingNoCitizenBehind" focussing on water and rural development. The series of webinars is a part of the new initiative of discussion and dialogue with various stakeholders associated under the programme. Striking an emotional chord with the villages, the PM suggested holding birthday celebrations of the villages. "Women are the backbone of rural economy and over time, financial inclusion has ensured that they participate in the economic decisions of a family," Modi said and added, the scope needs to be broadened through Self Help Groups (SHGs). As part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the PM said, his government aims at providing 4 crore connections and suggested that more needs to be done. "I insist that each and every state ensures good water quality through the pipeline that is being laid, the water that is being made available through taps." "Now is the time that 100 percent saturation is achieved
in providing basic facilities like water, electricity and all. We will need to push with all our energy. The budget has a clear roadmap for implementing these schemes," the Prime Minister said and enumerated the schemes -- PM Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, connectivity with the NE India, broadband connectivity for rural India-- saying provisions for which has been made in the budget. PM Modi also mentioned the PM Development Initiative for NE region (PMDevINE) and the SVAMITVA scheme under which 40 lakh property cards have been distributed. "Optimum utilisation of each and every penny is needed," he asserted. As part of achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat by providing 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) clean tap water through tap in every rural household, the webinar was organised on implementation of Budget 2022 focusing on water and sanitation. As many as 100 districts, 1,144 blocks, 66,647 gram panchayats and 1,37,642 villages have become aHar Ghar Jal'. Three States - Goa, Telangana, and Haryana and three UTs A&N Islands, D&N Haveli & Daman & Diu and Puducherry have provided 100 per cent tap water coverage to its people. The SVAMITVA scheme was launched on April 20, 2020 on the National Panchayati Raj day. It aims to demarcate inhabited (Abadi) land and provide Record of Rights/Property Cards in rural areas. The pilot phase of the scheme was launched in 2020 with nine states. Currently, the scheme is ongoing in 29 states and UTs and aims to cover all the villages by 2025.
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INDIA NEWS
Haryana launches programme to attract investment of Rs 25,000 cr IANS
a tremendous focus has been on development of its MSME ecosystem. "With this in mind the Haryana government has set up a separate directorate for the MSMEs."
MAKE IN INDIA
PM Narendra Modi interacts with startups at the Startup India Innovation Week
"The MSMEs play a significant role in the economic landscape of Haryana, contributing over 22 percent to the Gross State Value Added (GSVA)," said the Chief Minister.
Chandigarh, February 23 (IANS): Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on February 23 launched a five-year programme named Programme to Accelerate Development for MSME Advancement (PADMA) that is expected to bring in investment of over Rs 25,000 crore. PADMA is a multi-departmental and multi-agency programme which would not only promote the local products but would also give ample employment opportunities to the local youth, especially to the targeted Antyodaya families. "Based on the principles of local yet global, PADMA aims to create a dynamic, self-sustainable and thriving industrial infrastructure at the cluster level for each block of Haryana," said the Chief Minister while formally launching PADMA at a function here. Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant
Chautala and Minister of State for Labour and Employment Anoop Dhanak were present, among others. "PADMA, a five-year programme, will not only revolutionise the industrial landscape in Haryana through the development of PADMA industrial parks across all the blocks but is also expected to bring in investment of over Rs 25,000 crore in the form of infrastructure, common facility centres, business development service centres and set-up new industrial units in each blocks," said Khattar. He said around 10,000-15,000 new units are expected to be opened by next year in these clusters. The Chief Minister said in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat and to support state Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),
He said under PADMA, one product in each block of 22 districts, has been identified based on the locally available resources, existing micro enterprise ecosystem, demographic profile, key opportunities, sunrise sectors and growth potential. "If required, necessary training and skill would also be given so as to promote this sector," he added. Deputy Chief Minister Chautala said with the launch of PADMA a new benchmark has been set for taking the industries forward. "One year ago, the blueprint of this One Block One Product was prepared and a survey and study was conducted before the implementation of this programme. The findings highlighted that there are various local products at block levels which have a huge market potential. In a bid to give boost to each block and their special product on a larger level, PADMA programme has been launched," Chautala, who also holds the portfolio of Industries and Commerce Departments, said.
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he Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) organized the first ever Startup India innovation week, which celebrated the 75th year of India’s independence “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, bolstered the startup momentum, showcased the self-reliance to the economic vision, and development in the country through entrepreneurship. Over 150000 participants attended 60+ sessions, with 700+ entrepreneurs showcasing their inventions. During the event, 75 problem statements from 11 corporations were launched for startups to solve. 250 startups were given the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of over 90 investors. During his interaction with the startups, the Prime Minister declared January 16th as "National Startup Day"
to recognise and support the invaluable contribution of Indian entrepreneurs to the country's economic growth, as well as to recognise India's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and celebrate startup success. The Amrit Grand Challenge – Jan Care, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) National Rollout Strategy, Fisheries Grand Challenge, Startup Champions 2.0, and Digilocker, a blockchain enabled certificate verification platform, were among the initiatives announced at Startup India Innovation Week with the goal of driving further innovation. A global video conferencing session, headed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was also held with the goal of mobilising domestic and international finance for Indian companies.
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
Earthday, ClimateScience join hands for ClimateScience Olympiad 2022 New Delhi/Washington, February 22 (IANS): Earthday.org, the world's largest environmental movement, on February 22 announced its partnership with ClimateScience for the ClimateScience Olympiad 2022. This Olympiad is one of ClimateScience's initiatives for youth aged 25 years and below. It provides an opportunity for youth to ask questions and stand in the shoes of world leaders. "Education is not just about providing information. It can start by asking questions," said Eric Steinberger, Earthday.org's Youth Ambassador in Austria, who is also the brainchild of this initiative. In its inaugural year, the 2021 Olympiad engaged more than 12,000 youth from 149 countries. The award ceremony was held at COP26 in Glasgow. Both Earthday.org and ClimateScience lay emphasis on helping youth develop from a
young age into stewards for the environment. The partnership for the ClimateScience Olympiad makes for a meeting of minds toward a common aim that underlies the need to ensure climate education is an integral component of all school curriculums worldwide. Listening to Greta Thunberg speak about the planet's environmental problems got Steinberger thinking about what youth could do to harness their power and work to combat climate change. Following some online research, the latter was disappointed about the little amount of accessible, accurate and understandable climate information. The inadequacy led him, along with one of his friends, to start publishing science-based information in digestible and attractive formats on Instagram and in a couple of months, the account gained more than 40,000 followers. It also received
During the plenary session on 'Women Leadership and Our Common Future', Rachel Kyte, who held senior climate positions at the World Bank and United Nations, now dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University, urged women to pave the way for other young women. "We've come a long way. We stand on the shoulders of so many women who have forged a pathway for us. Now it is our responsibility to provide strong, broad shoulders for those women who are in need and open a door for them," she said.
Kyte was speaking at a plenary session on 'Women Leadership and Our Common Future' during the second day of WSDS 2022. During her address, she recalled her time at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. She shared how much Kyte and her fellow female activists, including Bella Abzug and Wangari Maathai, struggled to negotiate their terms on sustainable development for women and children. "Since then, we've seen extraordinary activism by women across the globe pushing back at the boundaries of how we understand sustainable development," Kyte said. Climate change affects every person on the planet but studies have proven that it affects women more. According to UN data, around 80 percent of people displaced by climate change are women. Given their role as the
The Eraring Power Station, located on the central coast of the state of New South Wales (NSW) and operated by Origin Energy, will close in 2025 and be replaced by a large-scale battery, reports Xinhua news agency. "Australia's energy market today is very different to the one when Eraring was brought online in the early 1980s," Origin CEO Frank Calabria said in a statement on February 18.
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Calabria said the pressure generated by cleaner and lowercost energy generation, including solar, wind and batteries in the coal-reliant country, is accelerating the exit from coalfired generation, forcing them to update the services. To support the transition to renewables, NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the state would install the massive new "Waratah super battery", a 700MW/1400MWh grid battery together with other minor transmission upgrades, will allow Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong consumers to access more energy from existing electricity generation. The new grid battery is also
IANS
The organisation provides free science-based and expertreviewed resources on climate change and its solutions in engaging and easy-to-understand formats such as short courses, children books, videos and eduInstagram posts. It also offers a mentorship program for youth who aspire to pursue climate careers. Today, communities and volunteers in more than 40 countries are part of ClimateScience. Meanwhile, Earthday.org's mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day (1970), it is the world's largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 1,50,000 partners in nearly 192 countries to build environmental democracy.
primary caregivers and as the leading providers of food and fuel, women are more vulnerable when flood or drought occur. This reality was recognised in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which demanded more representation of different actors, primarily women, in the climate decisionmaking. Today, from boardrooms to policymakers, from science to activism, women are using their voices to take charge and call for actions on climate change. Laurence Tubiana, the French diplomat who formulated the 2015 Paris agreement, now chief executive of the European Climate Foundation, said, "women are leading climate leadership at the rebellious front as well where they are putting pressures on governments, global leaders, policymakers to take concrete steps towards climate change."
Australia's largest coal-fired power plant to shut down 7 yrs earlier Sydney, February 18 (IANS): Australia's largest coal-fired power station is proposed to close seven years earlier than planned, as its operator said it is increasingly unable to compete with the "influx of renewables".
IIT researchers use orange-peel for making biofuel precursors
requests from teachers for permission to utilise the material while teaching and therefore, ClimateScience was born.
Women activists call for engaging, empowering women in global climate action summit New Delhi, February 22 (IANS): Senior women climate activists, including the key architect of Paris Climate Agreement, called for engaging women and youth and empowering them to participate in global climate action as they remotely addressed the 21st edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS).
ENERGY & RESOURCES
expected to be the largest network standby battery in the Southern Hemisphere. "Our giant grid battery will act as a shock absorber, so that transmission capacity currently kept in reserve to handle shocks, such as lightning strikes, can be freed up to transfer energy to consumers," Kean said. NSW government will also accelerate its Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap to keep energy prices affordable. Under the roadmap, the government will invest A$84 million ($60 million) in the key bodies needed to accelerate its implementation and establish a transmission acceleration facility.
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New Delhi/Mandi, February 23 (IANS): Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have used hydrochar derived from orange peels as a catalyst to convert biomass derived chemicals into biofuel precursors. The research will help to develop biomass-based fuel to overcome the socio-political instabilities associated with dwindling petroleum reserves. This method will help in producing clean green power from biomass and hasten India's journey towards sustainable fuel development, free from the shackles of fossil fuel dependence. The findings of the research team have been recently published in the journal 'Green Chemistry'. The research was led by Dr Venkata Krishnan, Associate Professor of School of Basic Sciences at IIT Mandi, and co-authored by his students Tripti Chhabra and Prachi Dwivedi, a release from IIT Mandi said on February 23. Biomass derived products from naturally occurring materials, is currently the fourth most significant energy source that can meet the energy demand after coal, oil, and natural gas, in the country. Lignocellulosic biomass obtained from forestry and agricultural waste, for example, can potentially be converted to a variety of useful chemicals by various methods. Of these methods, the use of catalysts for the conversion is particularly useful because such processes can be carried out with minimal energy input and the type of product obtained from the biomass can be controlled through the right choice of catalysts and reaction conditions. Talking about the research, Dr Venkata Krishnan said: "One of the driving interests among the renewable energy community is the development of relatively clean and energy efficient processes to convert biomass into useful chemicals, including fuel." The simplest and most lowcost catalyst that has been
studied by the researchers for biomass conversion reactions is hydrochar. It is typically obtained by heating the biomass waste (orange peels in this case) in the presence of water through the hydrothermal carbonisation process. The use of hydrochar as a catalyst for biomass conversion is attractive because it is renewable and its chemical and physical structure can be altered for better catalytic efficiencies, the release said. The researchers have used hydrochar derived from orange peels to catalyse the conversion of biomass-derived chemicals into biofuel precursors. They heated dried orange peel powder with citric acid under pressure in a hydrothermal reactor (a lab-level 'pressure cooker') for many hours. The hydrochar that was produced was then treated with other chemicals to introduce acidic sulfonic, phosphate and nitrate functional groups to it. "We used these three types of catalyst to bring about hydroxyalkylation alkylation reactions between 2-methylfuran and furfural, compounds that are derived from lignocellulose, to produce fuel precursors," explained Chhabra. The scientists found that the sulfonic functionalised hydrochar catalyst was able to catalyse this reaction effectively, to produce biofuel precursors in good yield. Further, Krishnan added: "We were able to synthesise the biofuel precursors under solventless and low temperature conditions, which decreases the overall cost of the process and also makes it environmentfriendly, attractive from an industry point of view." This is the first comparative study in which the three types of acid functionalisation have been assessed. They also performed green metric calculations and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) studies to gain deeper insights into the catalytic activity of sulfonic, nitrate and phosphate functionalised hydrochar derived from orange peels, the release added.
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INDIA NEWS
Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
Equities fall sharply in early trade; Sensex, Nifty decline over 3% each
IANS
Motors, Indusind Bank, IndusInd Bank, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, and Mahindra & Mahindra declining the most during the early trade. These stocks declined 5.5 per cent, 4.4 per cent, 4.2 per cent, 4.1 per cent, and 4.0 per cent, respectively. "Investors should wait and watch the unfolding situation before making any major commitments. Buying should be confined to stocks/ segments which are fairly valued or have good earnings visibility," said V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.
New Delhi, February 24 (IANS): India's key indices -- S&P, BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 -- tanked sharply on February 24 morning as investors remained cautious after Russia announced a military operation in Ukraine.
operation in Ukraine's Donbas region.
Reportedly, President Vladimir Putin authorised a special military
On the stocks front, all Nifty 50 stocks traded in the red with Tata
At 10.16 a.m., Sensex traded at 55,428 points, down 3.2 per cent or 1,803 points, whereas Nifty traded at 16,545 points, down 3.0 per cent or 518 points.
"IT, though highly valued, is a sector whose prospects are steadily improving. There are instances of promoters buying stocks of IT companies. This is an indication of better-thanexpected results from the sector. Investors can use sharp market corrections to slowly accumulate high quality stocks in IT."
India among most vulnerable Asian economies to oil price shocks IANS
New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): If oil prices rise by another $20 in a sharp and sustained manner, it will raise macro stability risks in Asia and the economies which are most exposed are India, South Korea, and Thailand, Morgan Stanley said in a report. India is exposed on both inflation and current account fronts, Thailand is exposed via its current account but relatively less so on inflation, and in contrast, South Korea is exposed on inflation but not current account deficit. "A US$10/bbl rise in oil prices would have a drag of 20bps on Asia"s current account balances, we estimate, with Thailand, Korea and India most exposed, given their high dependence on oil imports," Morgan Stanley said. The Indian government could consider a reduction in fuel excise duty cut (Rs 5-10/lt) but any additional explicit stimulus would be less likely in order to balance concerns on fiscal slippage, the report said. The RBI may have to act sooner than expected ie. possibly in the April policy review to preserve macro stability and increase the risk of it taking up front loaded rate increases, Morgan Stanley said. It said that a US$10/bbl increase in oil prices is unlikely to trigger any major divergence from the
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current gradual normalisation path. "The exception would likely be India, where inflation is already tracking above RBI's comfort zone and the resultant currency volatility could bring forward our expectations of a June rate hike to April instead," it added. "The risks towards a more hawkish monetary policy outlook arise in EM Asia if we were to see significant depreciation in currencies,as central banks would then have to hike policy rates to stabilise the financial markets and manage macro stability. "Geopolitical tensions, in a nutshell, will impart a stagflationary impulse in Asia. To be sure, the current volatility in financial markets and rise in oil prices appear to be manageable for Asia. Asia's oil burden is rising from low levels and macro stability indicators (inflation and current account) are benign and staying in policy makers' comfort zones. This has allowed Asia to be able to absorb the impact so far. "However, risks would arise if oil prices rise further due to geopolitical tensions in a sharp and sustained manner. In that context, we think that policy makers will be more focused on the growth downside risk (and aim to look through the inflation upside risks) and would employ fiscal policy first to address these concerns," it added. The most direct impact will be via higher oil and commodity prices. This is especially so for Asia as it is highly dependent on oil imports to meet its energy needs as compared to the US and
Europe. "We have been of the view that much of the oil price increase since the low of US$19/bbl in Apr-20 is driven by endogenous factors, i.e. stronger global demand and hence the impact has been manageable." If oil prices rise further in a sharp and sustained manner, it would be a clear negative for Asia. One mitigating factor would be that Asia's oil burden (oil consumption as percentage of GDP) is rising from levels that are way below trend, providing a buffer for the region to absorb higher oil prices, it said. Volatility in global financial markets will have spillover effects and tighten financial conditions in Asia,especially via currency depreciation for EM Asian economies. While Asian economies in general are less dependent on capital markets for funding needs compared with DM economies such as the US, this will nonetheless still be a drag. A period of sustained geopolitical tensions and volatility in financial markets could adversely affect corporate confidence, leading corporates to hold back on capex and hiring decisions, weighing on growth, Morgan Stanley said. Asia is the world's largest exporter. Hence, if geopolitical tensions weigh on global consumption and investment, this would in turn lead to weaker external demand conditions for Asia. In particular,as capital goods exports account for over 40 per cent of the region's total exports, Asia would be especially exposed to any headwinds to the global capex cycle.
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BUSINESS & TRADE
Russia-Ukraine tensions keep crude oil prices elevated New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continued to keep crude oil prices on the boil.
On February 23, brent-indexed crude oil prices traded at $94-$95 per barrel, which is at its multiyear high. Russia is one of the world's top producers of crude oil and any western sanctions against it will stiffen the global supply. The ongoing crisis also assumes significance for India as it is import-dependent to fulfil its crude oil needs. The rise in crude oil prices can escalate domestic prices, thereby triggering inflation. Crude oil prices rallied as tensions between Russia and West increased after the former ordered troops into two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, leading to supply
concerns, brokerage house ICICI Securities said.
"Furthermore, oil prices rallied after the US and EU discussed potential sanctions on Russia. The EU proposed a ban on buying Russian bonds and sanctions on three Russian banks." That said, however, further upside in prices was capped on optimism that reviving Iran's nuclear agreement may bring more oil into the market, the brokerage firm said. "The global price of oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) is likely to rise sharply in the event of a conflict, which will be positive for the relatively few exporters in the Asia Pacific region and negative for the substantially greater number of net energy importers," said Michael Taylor, Managing Director, Moody's Investors Service in a note.
Adani Wilmar freezes at 10% upper circuit, gathers steam following recent decline New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): Adani Wilmar shares froze at the 10 percent upper circuit to close the session at Rs 345.70 on February 23. The counter had declined over 20 per cent from its all-time of Rs 419.90 it touched earlier in February. The company listed on February 8, whose initial public offerings were subscribed more than 17 times, had made a muted debut in the exchanges with a discount of little over 1 per cent from its issue price of Rs 230, but later managed
to rally.
Adani Wilmar, a joint venture between Adani Enterprises and Wilmar International, is among the largest FMCG companies in India, and is known for its wide range of offerings in edible oils comprising soya bean, sunflower, mustard, and rice bran, as well as wheat flour, rice, pulses, sugar among others. The company has 22 plants in India, which are strategically located across 10 states, comprising 10 crushing units and 19 refineries.
Officials call for reduction in GST as beedis exported to Europe, Gulf and US Chennai, February 23 (IANS): Indian beedis are being exported to various countries, said officials at a panel discussion and therefore on the need to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) tax rate on the product from 28 per cent. Industry officials said beedis are exported from India to the Gulf Countries, Singapore, West Indies, the Netherlands, France and even to the US. However, the panelists from different walks of lives pressed for reduction in the GST rate. According to them, the 28 per cent tax rate has resulted in beedi production moving from organised to unorganised segment affecting the women workers and other marginalised sections as they are deprived of benefits like contribution to Provident Fund, paid leave, bonus, gratuity, insurance and others. Speaking at a panel discussion Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Convener, Swadeshi Jagran Manch said: "High GST on beedis is detrimental to both the industry and the workforce. The production of beedis in India provides employment
to nearly 90 lakh to one crore people. A majority of the workers are women who live in Maoist dominated areas where no alternative job opportunities exist." He said it is critical to reduce the tax on beedi or else the industry will face the risk of cheap cigarette imports from China.
According to Arjun Khanna, Joint Secretary, All India Beedi Industry Federation, the industry has been playing a big role in generating revenue and employment in some of the remotest regions of India and a high tax rate will result in unemployment and socioeconomic ramifications. Panelists said the high tax rate will result in tax evasion and capture of branded beedi market by cheap unorganised players. "Beedi is an indigenous manmade product which has become the primary source of income for well over 20 lakh families in Bengal. The shutting down of the beedi industry will result in a severe impact on the livelihood of these families as no other alternatives have been provided to these families by the Central Government," Khallilur Rahaman, Member of Parliament, TMC said.
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
INDIA NEWS
$774 bn revenue opportunity for India from healthcare by 2030: Report New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): India has the potential to generate a staggering $774 billion revenue in the healthcare sector by 2030, suggests a new report on February 23. The report by Aspire Circle, a social impact leadership champion and advocate, showed that with an investment of $217 billion, the country can create 12 million jobs in healthcare and allied sectors, which can impact 1.5 billion lives by 2030. "Indian healthcare will become the second most attractive investment sector this decade, behind food, agri and agriTech but ahead of BFSI, financial inclusion & fintech," said Amit Bhatia, Founder of Aspire Circle
& Creator - Impact Future Project, in a statement. "Covid-19 has thrown open India's health infrastructure faultlines and both entrepreneurs and investors are on an epic mission to convert the crisis into an investment opportunity," he added. The report also spells out India's top ten outstanding investment ideas, being shaped by newage technologies, innovative business models, delivery platforms and regulatory environment: preventive and primary healthcare; pharma, drug, and vaccine manufacturing; screening, diagnostics, and testing; affordable healthcare and operational efficiency;
medical tourism; e-healthcare and telecare; health insurance and innovative impact financing; e-pharmacies; medical workforce education and skilling; and gene therapy. According to Bhatia, the top 10 ideas in the research can lead annual investment growth from $52 to $179bn between 2020 and 2030 and grow related revenues from $183 to $610bn. "These top 10 ideas will serve and impact 1.5 bn Indians, create 12 million cumulative jobs and grow the overall sector to a colossal USD 774 billion by 2030 - an incredible promise worth nurturing," he said.
Act of intimidation: Australian PM condemns Chinese navy
IANS
from a People's Liberation Army Navy vessel illuminated a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft last Thursday when the Chinese ship was sailing east through the Arafura sea, the report said. On Sunday, Morrison characterised the episode as "a reckless and irresponsible act that should not have occurred".
New Delhi, February 20 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared a laser incident involving a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft last week is an "act of intimidation" by China, the Guardian reported. Australia's defence department reported a laser emanating
The February 17 incident in waters to the north of Australia followed days of domestic political contention about national security. Morrison said Australia would be "making our views very clear" to the Chinese government through defence and diplomatic channels. Morrison said China needed to
provide an explanation "as to why a military vessel in Australia's exclusive economic zone would undertake such an act – such a dangerous act", the report added. "I can see it no other way than an act of intimidation, one that was unprovoked, unwarranted," Morrison told reporters on February 20. "Australia will never accept such acts of intimidation." With a federal election looming, Morrison is attempting to paint his political opponents as being weak on national security, and has declared the authoritarian regime in Beijing wants opposition Labor to replace the Coalition in the coming contest.
HEALTH
Global Covid caseload tops 429.4 mn Washington, February 24 (IANS): The global coronavirus caseload has topped 429.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.91 million and vaccinations to over 10.42 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University.
In its latest update on February 24 morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 429,415,033 and 5,916,373, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 10,424,448,190. The US continues to be the worsthit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 78,730,899 and 941,890, according to the CSSE. The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India ( 42,867,031 infections and 512,622 deaths),
followed by Brazil (28,493,336 infections and 646,714 deaths).
The other countries with over 5 million cases are France (22,638,153), the UK (18,867,578), Russia (15,566,425), Germany (14,093,398), Turkey (13,762,181), Italy (12,603,758), Spain (10,914,105), Argentina (8,868,188), Iran (6,998,975), the Netherlands (6,242,767), Colombia (6,054,307), Poland (5,602,680), Mexico (5,436,566) and Indonesia (5,350,902), the CSSE figures showed. The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Russia (340,872), Mexico (316,492), Peru (209,808), the UK (209,808), Italy (153,764), Indonesia (147,025), Colombia (138,364), France (138,502), Iran (138,502), Argentina (125,775), Germany (121,963), Ukraine (112,173) and Poland (112,173).
India logs 14,148 fresh Covid-19 cases, 302 deaths
New Delhi, February 24 (IANS): India reported 14,148 fresh Covid-19 infections in 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said on February 24 morning. A total of 302 new Covid-related fatalities were also recorded in the same time span taking the death toll to 5,12,622.
Meanwhile, the active Covid cases have reduced to 1,48,359 which constitute 0.35 per cent of the country's total positive cases. The recovery of 30,009 patients in 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 4,22,19,896. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.46 per cent, said the Ministry. Also in the same period, a total
of 11,55,147 tests were carried out across the country. India has so far conducted over 76.35 crore cumulative tests. Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate currently stands at 1.60 percent while daily positivity rate has risen to 1.22 percent. With the administration of over 30.49 lakh vaccine doses in 24 hours, India's Covid inoculation coverage reached 176.52 crore as of February 24 morning. This has been achieved through 2,01,49,530 sessions. More than 10.79 crore balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs, according to the ministry.
NSW and Victoria scrap most curbs Australia's Covid cases continue to rise ahead of border reopening IANS
hospitals soon.
Premiers from both states have also flagged that the recommendation to work from home will be lifted, with masks mandates to be removed shortly.
In NSW, 9,243 new Covid-19 cases were recorded on February 18, with 1,381 hospitalisations and 92 people in intensive care. Victoria recorded 6,935 new Covid-19 cases on February 18, a significant drop from 8,501 new cases on February 17.
Sydney/Melbourne, February 18 (IANS): New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, two of the hardest hit states in Australia by the Covid-19 pandemic, have eased most of the restrictions on February 18 as new cases continued to drop. In Victoria, from 6 p.m. on February 18, density limits at hospitality and entertainment venues were removed, dance floors can reopen and QR code check-ins will no longer be
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required in retail settings, schools and many workplaces, reports Xinhua news agency. In NSW, from 12.01 a.m. on February 18, singing and dancing were back across most venues; the density limits were scrapped, and QR check-ins are now only required for nightclubs and music festivals with more than 1,000 attendees. Non-urgent elective surgery will also return across all NSW public
The hospitalisation has grown by 50 to 451, but compared to the previous numbers, hospitalisations remained below 500. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said the state's Omicron wave had passed its peak, allowing residents to begin moving "back to normal". "We have to wait and see if the numbers continue to fall, in terms of the number of people in hospital, we want the trend to be maintained," he said.
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Canberra, February 20 (IANS): Australia reported more than 15,000 new Covid-19 cases and 33 deaths on February 20, one day before the country's borders reopen to fully vaccinated tourists almost after two years since the onset of the pandemic.
IANS
Australia's strict border restrictions were set to ease from February 22 at this point, allowing international tourists to enter the country for the first time since March 2020, reports Xinhua news agency.
were expected to land in Australia within 24 hours of the border reopening.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, tourism was worth about A$60 billion ($43 billion) a year to the Australian economy, employing more than 650,000 people.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on February 20 the number of arrivals would increase as a result of a A$40 million Tourism Australia advertising campaign.
The industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with international visitor numbers falling by about 99 percent. More than 50 international flights
International arrivals will have to prove that they are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical exemption.
"I know the tourism industry has been getting ready. I know the airlines have been getting ready. So all the readiness puts us in a strong position to go forward from tomorrow," he said.
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Russia's No 1 tennis player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova urges end to war with Ukraine IANS
cannot justify violence, this takes away the future not only from us but also from our children - I am confused and do not know how to help in this situation," she said. "I'm just an athlete who plays tennis, I am not a politician, not a public figure, I have no experience in this, I can only publicly disagree with these decisions taken and openly talk about it - stop the violence, stop the war."
London, Feb 28 (IANS): Russia's highest-ranked women's singles tennis player, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has called for an end to her country's war amid the continued invasion of Ukraine. The 30-year-old, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics last year, wrote a long post, clarifying her stand on the ongoing dispute between the two countries. "I've been playing tennis since I was a kid, I have represented Russia all my life, this is my home
and my country - but now I am in complete fear, as are my friends and family," the world No 14 wrote in a post on her Twitter page. The winner of 12 singles titles on the WTA Tour and five singles titles on the ITF Circuit, has categorically said that personal ambitions or political motives cannot justify violence. "But I am not afraid to clearly state my position, I am against war and violence, personal ambitions or political motives
The sports world has vehemently condemned the military action in Ukraine and governing bodies have been addressing their own position, with even individual players making their own stand against the war including Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and now Pavlyuchenkova. The 30-year-old won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics last year, as did Rublev as they competed in the mixed doubles together, but they couldn't do it under their official flag as Russia was banned from the tournament, instead, they represented the Russian Olympic Committee.
Sophie Devine slams century as New Zealand Women thrash Australia by nine wickets in warm-up
IANS
Alana King (1/48) claimed the only wicket for the Aussies, removing Suzie Bates (63), who had already set the chase up for the White Ferns with her captain. Devine was joined by Amelia Kerr (92 not out from 75 balls), as the tournament hosts smashed an astonishing 48 boundaries. Earlier, Hannah Rowe's 4/49 ruined Australia's middle-order charge in the death overs. Rowe removed Tahlia McGrath for a duck, and curtailed Ash Gardner's charge, albeit after making 60 from 32 balls. Australia fell three balls short of batting their allotted overs, posting 321.
Lincoln (New Zealand), March 1 (IANS): Sophie Devine smashed a 117-ball unbeaten 161 as New Zealand Women made a huge statement, defeating six-time ICC Women's World Cup champions Australia by nine wickets with 41 balls to spare in a warm-up game at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval here on Tuesday. The White Ferns top-order had the Meg Lanning-led Australia
rattled at Lincoln Green, with skipper Devine leading the way in a chase of a mammoth 322. Devine sent an ominous warning to the rest of the field, finishing with an unbeaten 161 from just 117 balls, chasing down the massive target inside 44 overs. While Lanning tried nine of her bowlers, no one was able to stem the flow of runs.
Six of Australia's bowlers went for over a run a ball, as New Zealand coasted to victory. Brief scores: Australia Women 321 in 49.3 overs (Alyssa Healy 64, Meg Lanning 87, Beth Mooney 55, Ashleigh Gardner 60; Hannah Rowe 4/49, Sophie Devine 2/44) lost to New Zealand Women 325/1 in in 43.1 overs (Suzie Bates 63, Sophie Devine 161, Amelia Kerr 92) by nine wickets.
Russia-Ukraine war: FIDE moves Chess Olympiad out of Russia
Chennai, Feb 26 (IANS): Owing to the deteriorating geopolitical situation, the International Chess Federation or FIDE has decided to move the 44th Chess Olympiad and all other official competitions planned from Russia. The other events that are moved away from Russia are the first chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities and the 93rd FIDE
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Congress, FIDE said.
This year, the Congress should also include an electoral procedure, since the first term of the current FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich is coming to an end. Dvorkovich was elected in Batumi (Georgia), in September 2018. The decision was taken at FIDE's
extraordinary meeting held on February 25. The Chess Olympiad, in which teams from approximately 190 countries compete for two weeks, was supposed to take place in Moscow from July 26 to August 8. FIDE is already working on finding alternative dates and locations for these events.
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SPORTS
It is India's moment to host Chess Olympiad: GM Nigel Short, FIDE VP Chennai, Feb 27 (IANS): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting Indian chess players on their achievements and young Grandmasters (GM) emerging at regular intervals, it is high time India hosts the Chess Olympiad, said a senior official of International Chess Federation (FIDE). He was referring to India's interest to host the 44th Chess Olympiad that has been moved out of Russia owing to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Several other countries too have shown interest in hosting the Olympiad. It is too early to say anything on the possible successful bidder," British GM and FIDE Vice President Nigel Short told IANS. According to him, it is the right moment for India to make a successful bid and host the biennial team chess event. "India hosting the Olympiad will be good for several reasons. It is a major chess power with about 75 GMs. Prime Minister Modi congratulates young Indian GM Praggnanandhaa on his win against world chess champion Magnus Carlsen and the Indian team on their achievements," Short added. "The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is bidding to host the 44th Chess Olympiad that has been moved out of Russia. The event's budget will be about Rs 75 crore," Bharat Singh Chauhan, secretary, told IANS. India at some point of time will be hosting the Olympiad and why not now, Short added. "One of the areas that India lacks is quality GM tournaments. The Open tournaments that are held in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Bhubaneswar,Ahmedabad and others get GMs having a rating in the range of 2500 ELO points. What we need is tournaments like the Tata Steel Open that is held annually in Kolkata," International Master and Secretary of Chess Players Forum V.Saravanan told IANS. He said many top Indian players have expressed their desire to participate in round-robin tournaments among themselves. "We had not had a single tournament in this country with regular time control where former world champion V. Anand played with Harikrishna, Vidit Gujrathi, Praggnanandhaa, Adhiban, Sasikiran, Nihal Sarin and others. That is what we need to popularise the sport and give quality tournaments to our own GMs," Saravanan said. Terming AICF lacking vision he said, the Indian federation has a policy of harming the game by not holding round-robin tournaments in India.
IANS
According to Saravanan, the sport can be popularised only by giving publicity and making our elite players as showpieces. "If you do things like the Olympiad hopefully, the quality participation which is a must from all countries will make the game very popular. The CPF (Chess Players Forum) will be very happy if that happens," Saravanan said. While Short is silent on the other countries that are showing interest in hosting the Olympiad, it is learnt some Arab nations have expressed interest. The Chess Olympiad is a biennial team event, in which teams from approximately 190 countries compete for two weeks. "Around 2,500 persons -- chess players, coaches, team managers, chess officials from different countries, journalists and others -- will arrive at the city where the Chess Olympiad is held," Short added. With star hotels starved of guests due to Covid-19 ban, the Olympiad will be a God sent for the Indian hoteliers to beef up their room occupancy, food and beverage revenue. If India wins the bid, then the Chess Olympiad will be the second major global chess competition that will be held in the country after 2013. In 2013, the World Chess Championship was held between the then defending champion India's V. Anand and the then Challenger Magnus Carlsen from Norway. While FIDE has been holding online Chess Olympiads after Covid-19 kicked in, the physical chess Olympiad was supposed to take place in Moscow from July 26 to August 8. However, on Friday, the International Chess Federation or FIDE decided to move the Chess Olympiad and all other official competitions planned from Russia owing to the deteriorating geopolitical situation. The other events that have been moved away from Russia are the first chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities and the 93rd FIDE Congress, FIDE said. This year, the Congress should also include an electoral procedure, since the first term of the current FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich is coming to an end. Dvorkovich was elected in Batumi (Georgia), in September 2018.
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3rd T20I: India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets, complete 3-0 sweep
IANS
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, a fighting fifty from skipper Dasun Shanaka (74 not out off 38) helped Sri Lanka post 146/5 in 20 overs. The likes of Avesh Khan (2/23), Mohammed Siraj (1/22), Harshal Patel (1/29), Ravi Bishnoi (1/32) picked wickets at regular intervals to keep Sri Lanka on the backfoot before Shanaka played a solid knock to help his post a fighting total. In reply, Shreyas Iyer continued his sizzling form and smashed third consecutive fifty (73 not out off 45) of the series while the likes of Ravindra Jadeja (22 not out off 15), Deepak Hooda (21 off 16), Sanju Samson (18 off 12) also contributed well with the bat as India chased down the target in 16.5 overs. Lahiru Kumara (2/28) was the most successful bowler for Sri lanka. Dharamsala, Feb 27 (IANS): India produced a clinical all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the third T20I to complete the 3-0 clean sweep, at
the picturesque HPCA Stadium, here on Sunday. With this win, India extended their winning streak to 12 matches in T20Is.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 146/5 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 74 not out, Dinesh Chandimal 25; Avesh Khan 2/23) lost to India (Shreyas Iyer 73 not out off 45, Ravindra Jadeja 22 not out; Lahiru Kumara 2/28) by 6 wickets
Nikhat, Nitu clinch gold medals at 73rd Strandja Memorial Boxing IANS
start and looked in a complete control in the remaining part of the bout as she landed some sharp scoring punches before completing a convincing win. Earlier, Nitu, who hails from Haryana, made a cautious start and took time to settle down. She maintained distance and tested the strength of Italy's young boxer Prisciandro. There was hardly any power-hitting but the contest was more engaging in the close second round with both the boxers exchanging the punches.
New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS): Indian boxers Nikhat Zareen and Nitu clinched gold medals at the 73rd Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Sunday. According to information received here, Nikhat bagged her second gold medal at the Europe's oldest international boxing tournament with a 4-1 win in the women's 52kg final. She had previously won the Strandja Memorial title in 2019. Nitu outpunched the reigning Youth World Championships bronze medallist Italy's Erika Prisciandro 5-0 without breaking a sweat in the women's 48kg final. With Nandini also finishing on the podium in the +81kg category and signing off with a bronze medal, the Indian contingent concluded
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their campaign with three medals at the tournament, which was part of India's first exposure trip this year. Up against Ukraine's Tetiana Kob, Nikhat did not have the best of starts to the match as her experienced opponent went aggressive from the word go. The 34-year-old former World Championships bronze medallist Kob used all her experience to push Nikhat on the back foot. But as the bout progressed, the Indian grew in confidence and fought back well to secure a 4-1 lead in the opening round. The 25-year-old Telangana boxer Nikhat, who has been in a red-hot form in the tournament and beat Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Turkey's Buse Naz Cakiroglu in the semi-finals, made a strong
High on confidence, the twotime youth world champion Nitu, who sent the former world championships silver medallist Hanna Okhota of Ukraine packing in the last encounter, was more aggressive between the two and surprised her Italian opponent with a combination of punches and her speed. Having titled the first two rounds in her favour, Nitu made Prisciandro work hard for a point in the last three minutes and secured the gold medal comfortably, winning a lop-sided bout by unanimous margin. The prestigious tournament, the first from the Golden Belt Series and a testing event for International Boxing Association's World Boxing Tour format, witnessed thrilling action taking place in the presence of top boxers from 36 countries around the world, including strong boxing nations such as Kazakhstan, Italy, Russia and France.
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SPORTS
Mandhana's 66 powers India Women to 81-run win over West Indies in warm-up Rangiora (New Zealand), March 1 (IANS): India batting stalwart Smriti Mandhana compiled a 67-ball 66 in the second warm-up game ahead of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup as the last edition's runners-up defeated West Indies Women by 81 runs here on Tuesday. After a narrow two-run win against South Africa on February 27, India thrashed the West Indies on Tuesday, with Deepti Sharma (51), skipper Mithali Raj (30) and Yastika Bhatia (42) coming good to compile 258 in the allotted 50 overs.
Tried at No.5 after opening in the first fixture, Yastika Bhatia made another start of 42, with captain Mithali Raj compiling 30. After her century in the first fixture, Harmanpreet Kaur was rested from batting.
Stafanie Taylor tried a number of options, also finishing with figures of 0/27 from five overs. Cherry-Ann Fraser, Karishma Ramharack and Hayley Matthews finished with a pair of wickets each.
Pooja Vastrakar then scalped three wickets while Meghna Singh got two as the Stafanie Taylor-led West Indies were restricted to 177/9 in the warm-up game.
After playing their last match at Lincoln Green, the West Indies found going tough with the new ball on a tricky surface. Jhulan Goswami caused headaches (0/14 from eight overs), though tied up the West Indies top order as wickets fell at the other end.
Mandhana seemed to have recovered from the blow she suffered on the head in the first warm-up game as she sizzled with a polished half-century which came with the help of seven boundaries and at a strike rate of nearly 100.
Pooja Vastrakar (3/21) led the way with the ball, as the likes of Meghna Singh, Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad collected a pair of wickets each. Hayley Matthews (44) looked in good touch as Shemaine Campbelle passed fifty.
Showing no inhibitions of the head-knock just two days earlier at the same ground, the left-hander played a composed innings as she set the platform for the middle order, with Deepti Sharma also reaching fifty. Seemingly set to keep the No.3 spot, Sharma ticked things over in spite of hitting just the solitary boundary.
Brief scores: India Women 258 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 66, Deepti Sharma 51, Mithali Raj 30, Yastika Bhatia 42; Hayley Matthews 2/47, Cherry-Ann Fraser 2/24) beat West Indies Women 177/9 in 50 overs (Hayley Matthews 44, Shemaine Campbelle 63; Pooja Vastrakar 3/21, Meghna Singh 2/30, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 2/39, Deepti Sharma 2/31) by 81 runs.
Chennai, Feb 26 (IANS): The Indian chess federation is bidding to host the 44th Chess Olympiad that has been moved out of Russia, said a senior official of All India Chess Federation (AICF).
IANS
India bidding to host Chess Olympiad 2022 "We are bidding to host the Chess Olympiad this time. The event budget will be about Rs 75 crore," Bharat Singh Chauhan, Secretary, AICF told IANS. If India wins the bid then the Chess Olympiad will be the second major global chess competition that would be held in the country after 2013. In 2013 the World Chess Championship was held between the then Defending Champion India's V. Anand and the then Challenger Magnus Carlsen from Norway. The Chess Olympiad is a biennial team event, in which teams from approximately 190 countries compete for two weeks. The physical chess Olympiad was supposed to take place in Moscow from July 26 July to August 8. However, on Friday, the International Chess Federation or FIDE decided to move the Chess Olympiad and all other official
competitions planned from Russia. The other events that are moved away from Russia are the first chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities and the 93rd FIDE Congress, FIDE said. This year, the Congress should also include an electoral procedure, since the first term of the current FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich is coming to an end. Dvorkovich was elected in Batumi (Georgia), in September 2018. FIDE is already working on finding alternative dates and locations for these events.
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CULTURE
from across 'Devotee' Christians in Dancers India to take part in Kerala begin Easter lent 41st Natyanjali festival IANS
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 28 (IANS): Traditional Christians - the ones who belong to the yesteryears culture and tradition have begun to observe the Easter lent, starting from Sunday. According to Census report, of the 33.4 million Kerala population, Christians number 61.41 lakh (29.94 lakh males and 31.47 lakh females). Of this the Catholics constitute around 50 per cent, followed by almost a dozen Churches practising various rights and for all the observing of the Easter lent is more or less the same. The most Orthodox among the Christians observe the generally accepted 50 day lent when they turn vegan and the lent ends on April 17, with the Easter celebrations. "Gone are the days when the lent was strictly observed when people used to even forego milk in their morning bed coffee/
tea and even the humble curd was also not taken. In my younger days, meat, fish and egg never used to be there on the dining tables," said 85-year-old Annamma Mathew. Consequent to the arrival of the Covid pandemic since March 2020, the previous two years, Easter prayers were a low key affair.
"We all wish with the Covid numbers coming down and the Kerala government lifting the Covid protocols, all are waiting to return to the Churches as at some Churches there are prayers sessions -- everyday as part of observing the Easter lent," said retired teacher Susan Thomas. But middle aged homemaker and mother of 2 teenagers, Gloriamma is not that pleased the way the new generations approach towards Easter. "The world has changed rapidly in all spheres and divinity has become a casualty. I seriously doubt if the new generation is really serious in observing rituals. I feel, my generation will perhaps be the last where rituals are observed the way my parents and their generation observed rituals," said Gloriamma.
A 25 year old Christian youth made no bones of his outlook towards rituals.
IANS
"Personally, I feel and what I have been observing are those in my age group have a lot of questions to ask when it comes to observing the traditional rituals. It increased, especially in the past two years, when the pandemic ruled the roost, when even places of worship remained locked for months, reducing religion to be nothing but a myth. The world is changing, so I don't think anyone needs to be blamed as it's not an easy task to be chained to age old customs," said the youth. However, what Kerala Christians have witnessed is while there may not be much enthusiasm to undertake the entire 50 day lent, the recent phenomenon is most of them makes sure that they observe the rituals during the Holy Week (which is believed to be Jesus Christ's last week and ends with his resurrection which is celebrated as Easter) which this year starts from April 10. The important days during the week includes Monday Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when the non-vegetarian dishes return to the dining tables.
Chennai, Feb 27 (IANS): The 41st edition of the annual Natyanjali festival where dancers from across the country will participate will be held in Tamil Nadu's Chidambaram from March 1, a statement said. The festival will be held on the premises of Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Trust in Chidambaram, the Secretary of Natyanjali trust said in a statement, adding that dancers from across the country would participate and
present classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, and Kathak. The event will commence with devotional music, followed by a dance performance by Anusha Raj of Mysuru. On Maha Shivratri day, the programme will begin at 6.15 p.m. and go on till 11 p.m. About 500 artistes including solo dancers and dance troupes will participate in the festival, the statement said.
Hunar Haat provided employment opportunities to 8 lakh artisans Hyderabad, Feb 27 (IANS): Hunar Haat has provided employment opportunities to about 8 lakh artisans and craftsmen in different parts of the country during the last seven years, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here on Sunday. He along with minister for culture, tourism and development of north eastern region, G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated the 37th Hunar Haat here. More than 700 artisans and craftsmen from more than 30 states and union territories are participating in the Hunar Haat being organised at NTR Stadium, Indira Park. The fair will continue till March 6. Naqvi claimed that Hunrat Haat has proved to be a reliable brand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of self-reliant India, swadeshi to self-dependence and vocal for local. He said Hunar Haat has become a valuable partner in preservation and promotion of the heritage of artisans and craftsmen. He claimed that for the first time since independence the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working in a mission mode to promote swadeshi heritage. As a result, traditional arts and crafts were revived, lakhs of families dependent on them got an opportunity to display and sell
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their products and thus they were linked to the market. As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Hunar Haats will also be organised in New Delhi, Mysuru, Guwahati, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Patna, Mumbai, Jammu, Chennai, Chandigarh, Agra, Prayagraj, Goa, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Kota, Sikkim, Srinagar, Leh, Shillong, Ranchi, Agartala and other places in the coming days. Kishan Reddy said Hunar Haat reflects unity in diversity as artisans and craftsmen from various parts of the country come together to showcase their products. Stating that small artisans were worst hit by Covid-19 pandemic during the last two years, he said Hunar Haat will be a great help to them.
Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Manipur, Goa, Puducherry, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Chandigarh and Haryana are participating in the Hunar Haat in Hyderabad. These artisans and craftsmen have brought with them rare handmade indigenous products made of clay, wood, iron, brass, marble, glass etc.
Mahalakshmi Iyer, Jr. Mahmood, Mohit Khanna, Bhupinder Singh Bhuppi, Rekha Raj, Upsana Singh, Nooran Sisters, Priya Mallick, Gunjan Saxena, Rani Indrani, Ankita Pathak, Ritesh Mishra will
perform in the Hunar Haat. Telangana's home minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, MP Suresh Reddy, MLA Raghunandan Rao and others attended the inaugural ceremony. IANS
Traditional dishes from different regions of the country, circus and different cultural and musical programmes of renowned artists of the country are major attractions of Hunar Haat. It is also showcasing the history and the role played by great freedom fighters of the country. Renowned artists of the country such as Pankaj Udhas, Altaf Raja, Sudesh Bhosle, Suresh Wadekar,
He said he was glad to learn that Hunar Haat will be organised in 75 major cities across the country as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Claiming that Covid vaccination drive is continuing at a rapid pace across the country, he said this has improved economic activity and people are able to carry on with their business and routine activity. Artisans and craftsmen from Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Ladakh, JammuKashmir, Punjab, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Delhi, Maharashtra,
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
BOOKS & LITERATURE
From hero to anti-hero: The fictional transformation of Vladimir Putin I n his initial stint in power, he was lauded for stabilising his country and restoring its great power status after the chaos and drift of the 1990s. Later, Russian President Vladimir Putin ended up facing criticism for the same reason. People may adulate him or despise him following his recent actions in Ukraine, but they cannot ignore him.
Initially perceived (in the Western world at least) as a reliable partner shoring up Russia -- an acknowledged power across two continents and still influential across the world -- he began to be seen, from one side of the political spectrum, as a defiant maverick, an autocrat, then a tyrant, and now, following the Ukraine invasion, as a warmonger. Others may see him as a prominent figure resisting the hegemony of the sole superpower, and its allies, who are seeking to impose their own values in a disparate world. Putin's depiction in fiction, mostly of the English-speaking world, has seen him move from a valuable support/mentor figure to a spy-turned-political mastermind, who, if not evil, is cold-blooded and definitely not nice as the Cold War seems certain to make a comeback with Russia striding back on to the world stage. In some Russian literature, subsequently translated into English, the references are wide-ranging, ranging from prophetic to the fantastic. Dissident, exiled writer Vladimir Voinovich's "Moscow 2042" (1986; English translation, 1987), which came out in the days when the Soviet Union showed no signs of its collapse a few years ahead, was uncannily prophetic in depicting a future "shrunken, post-Soviet Russia run by a former KGB spy who had been stationed in Germany". Putin, however, first appeared in accomplished US spy novelist Robert Littell's "The Company: A Novel of the CIA" (2002). The novel, which chronicles the
Cold War from its beginning down to its winding down (a brief hiatus only, as we would learn subsequently) in the aftermath of the Soviet collapse, through some of the key episodes -- the spy games in Berlin, the Bay of Pigs episode, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the 1991 coup against Mikhail Gorbachev, among others -- all from the American viewpoint, and featuring a legion of real-life characters, brings him on stage in the end. As some of the American operatives gather in Moscow to forestall the coup, and make sure it cannot recur, he is referred to as an up-and-coming politician. He appears in one scene -- silent and unsmiling -- and is tipped for support in his rise. Putin reappears in Henry Porter's "Brandenburg" (2005), a gritty espionage tale set in East Germany in the months before the fall of the Berlin Wall. East German art historian (and former spy) Rudi Rosenharte is hauled back into service by the Stasi to contact his former lover (now working for NATO) for some information. Our hero, who is a double agent, knows it is a ploy by his other masters -- MI6 and CIA -- to contact him for their needs, and as he juggles between his alliances, the Soviets get into the game too. A seemingly non-descript KGB lieutenant colonel, heading his service's Dresden base, makes an appearance, helping Rosenharte in various ways -- protecting him, giving him key information, and even intervening to free him from jail. If the description and designation were not enough, he is even identified as the future Russian leader. This Putin is also present at a seminal event -- the evening press conference where an East German minister jumped the gun on easing travel restrictions, triggering the massive crowds on both sides of the Berlin Wall that, in a few hours, brought down the nearly three-decade-old barrier. Subsequent appearances are not very complimentary.
IANS
Set in Russia of 2005, Martin Cruz Smith's "Stalin's Ghost" (2007) repeatedly refers to Putin, who was then beginning his second term, though he does not make an appearance himself. The book, part of the investigator Arkady Renko series, focuses on the country's faultlines -- war crimes in Chechnya, criminal elements in security agencies, and the rise of undesirable sentiments -- "under the former spy in the Kremlin". Charles Cumming's "The Trinity Six" (2011) swings the other way. Based on the premise that there was a sixth man in the infamous Cambridge spy ring -- five highly-placed MI6 officials spying for the Soviet Union -- it sees the hero, a Cold War historian, trying to expose the last traitor. Ranged against him are the Russian regime, headed by President "Sergey Platov", and British intelligence. Why does Platov want to keep this sixth man hidden? Because something -- which would not look too good on his record -happened between the two in East Germany, where he once served as a mid-ranking KGB officer! David R. Stokes' "Camelot's Cousin" (2013, 2nd edition) is based on a quite similar premise, except that here the hidden spy is from an Oxford version of the Cambridge ring -- and was a close adviser to President John F. Kennedy at various key moments, including the Cuban missile crisis.
to stop the name from coming out. Mayhem ensues. "Red Sparrow" (2013), by ex-CIA operative Jason Mathews, is a riveting account of the no-holdsbarred clandestine struggle between the CIA and SVR (the KGB's successor) -- reminiscent of the Cold War at its height -- as the Russians strive to unearth an American mole and the CIA tries to save him. Appearing a handful of times -- including bare-chested in the middle of a strenuous exercise (in line with his projected macho image) -- the omniscient Putin is not only fully aware of the activities of his spies, who, as ruthless as they may be, are on tenterhooks in his presence -quite like in Stalin's time. Putin is shown actively directing the covert operations and, in the end, arranging the brutal but effective contingency plan to ensure the traitor does not escape. He reappears in the sequels -"Palace of Treason" (2015), where the heroine comes under his gaze, and "The Kremlin's Candidate", where he orchestrates a plan to eliminate a high-ranking US official so that a Russian mole can fill the ensuing vacancy. Two books -- in 2006 and 2013 -- seemed to foretell the coming Ukraine crisis.
Naturally, but a little implausibly, the Russians, under Putin -- who, as an ex-spy, wants a secret to remain one -- will go to any end
In fact, "Third Empire: Russia Which Should Be" (2006), by Russian politician Mikhail Yuriev (who subsequently emigrated to the US), is set in 2054, when following World War III, early in the 21st century, there are five political entities left, including the Third Russian Empire,
convince many authors, especially from abroad to come down to Jaipur, in face of the Pandemic, Dalrymple, adds, "But I am quite surprised as there a lot of them willing to travel. We have a fantastic lineup of writers from India and abroad."
tour when everyone was forced to stay indoors. An author's worst enemy is the temptation to go to the different literary festivals, but they did not take place. I was therefore forced to work hard and now it is time to sit down and write this book."
The author, who wrote the evergreen 'City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi' is now heading towards the end of research for his forthcoming book 'The Golden Road'. He says, "Initially, it was not able to get to Cambodia and other places owing to the Pandemic, but ultimately it happened. During the lockdowns, many writers managed to do more than they had done in 10 years. I was back from 'The Anarchy'
Talking about narrative history, a space much unexplored here before he came in, Dalrymple remembers, "When I started 30 years ago, there was a weird absence. In other places like Britain and the US, non-fiction sells just as good as fiction unlike here. While people were winning major prizes in fiction not much was being done on the historical non-fiction side. That has changed now and we have
covering all of what was the Soviet Union, as well as all of Europe and Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan too. This is due to the reign of "Vladimir II the Restorer", under whom Russia has emerged victorious over the US and NATO after a tumult in Ukraine, which, as a result of a "rebellion against the pro-Western government", has to separate its south and eastern part, which asks to become a part of Russia. The remaining part is also taken over, leading to a new Cold War, which sees Russia leave all international organisations and agreements, including the ones for nuclear non-proliferation. US thriller writer Tom Clancy, known for his Jack Ryan series, seemed to have anticipated the coming crisis too. In the posthumously-published "Command Authority" (2013), Russia, which had even joined NATO (!) to forestall Chinese aggression in "The Bear and the Dragon" (2000), returns to its Cold War villain status under ex-KGB president Valeri Volodin, who to regain control over ex-Soviet states provokes a crisis in first Estonia, and then a bigger one in Ukraine. There are more like Michael Honig's "The Senility of Vladimir P" (2016), set two decades in the future, where the eponymous leader is pensioned off to a dacha on the outskirts of Moscow and sporadically recalls his stint in power. Given the present happenings, the Russian leader is likely to appear in more works of fiction -- and not in a positive light.
Democracies must stand together on Ukraine: William Dalrymple A
uthor William Dalrymple has stressed on the need for all the democracies to stand together on war-torn Ukraine. "And we all thought colonialism was over... I am not an Indian nor can I tell anyone what to do, but it seems short-sighted when there is not a single word of condemnation from here on the invasion of Ukraine. It is extremely important for democracies to stand up. Who knows what is next? Russia may not afford a prolonged war but China can definitely," Dalrymple tells IANS. Author of 'The Anarchy', 'Return of a King', 'The Last Mughal' and the 'White Mughals' among others, Darlymple, who is the co-founder
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and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival ( JLF) which returns to its physical avatar in March feels digital can never substitute any festival on the ground.
"Half the fun of any such festival is in meeting people, enjoying the weather, those parties in the evening and interacting with the speakers first-hand... something we all have missed immensely. Of course, one can still get an awful lot out of the digital as a speaker and as an attendee. It's obviously something that has blossomed over the last few years. This time, JLF will be seen in a hybrid avatar, offering the best of both the worlds." Admitting that it was not easy to
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some wonderful new writers -there is a thirst for non-fiction. From leftists, right wingers to centralists, everyone is writing."
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TRAVEL
Odisha paving the way for eco retreats in India
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limate change in recent years has been extreme with harsh winters being extended to extremely hot summer weather. It's also inspiring to see people taking the initiative to make the world a better place to live by making a conscious decisions.
Odisha’s bountiful historical and architectural heritage.
Creating an opportunity to live in an environmentally friendly manner, Odisha paves the way for eco-retreats in India, for an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
“Odisha’s eco-retreat is about more than just ancient monuments and landmarks; it’s also about outdoor living on the beach, water sports, and making conscious decisions. Internal discussions have been taking place to replicate the eco-retreat in the market in India,” said Samit Garg, Founder, E Factor Experiences Ltd.
The state has set up an eco resort on the idyllic Ramchandi Beach for some great glamping (glamorous camping). Fall asleep to the sounds of waves and wake up to a panoramic view of the ocean. The glam camp promises more enthralling experiences of
While camping is already quite environmentally friendly, there are ways to make it even more so. The eco-retreat in Konark made certain that their camping equipment designs were eco friendly. From cleaning supplies to personal care bamboo
toothbrushes, and dry grass dustbin the sustainable options were all around.
including adrenaline-inducing water sports, ATV rides, beach volleyball and archery.
Offering an unparalleled experience, visitors are treated to cultural performances, guided tours to nearby destinations of nature, culture, historic and architectural importance, and other recreational activities
“Travelers must visit the Sun Temple, Konark Museum, Baulkham Sanctuary, and the Golden Beach in Puri which has been recently re-certified as a Blue Flag Beach. Guests interested in art and crafts can
Reigniting travel recovery efforts in India and South Africa
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The campaign celebrates a community of achievers and reinforces the brand's commitment to guests' holistic sense of well-being around the clock by using the unifying line "We are All Risers."
he emotion and spirit of adventure, is a sentiment unique to every individual. For some, adventure may mean jumping off the highest commercial bungee in the world at Bloukrans Bridge or going shark-cage diving in KwaZuluNatal, whereas for another it could be the thrill of a scenic road trip across the stunning Garden Route or a night of stargazing in beautiful Knysna. To still some, it could be about discovering the origin of humans by exploring the Cradle of Mankind, interacting with indigenous tribes like the Zulus and learning about their culture or retracing Nelson Mandela's life journey. Well-timed with the easing of international travel restrictions in India, the "More & More"
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campaign is expected to increase summer outbound traffic to South Africa and contribute to the recovery of tourism sectors in both countries. Localized for Indian audiences, the campaign aims to highlight the variety and diversity of experiences that South Africa has to offer, ranging from 3000+ adventure activities to exciting culinary experiences and more, across its 9 provinces. The campaign is crafted to speak to every type of traveller including millennials, families, solo explorers, active lifestyle seekers and couples. South African Tourism, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South-East Asia, Neliswa Nkani said, “Having a constant finger
on the pulse of Indian travellers has made us sure of one thing – when on vacation, they want to experience it all! They could be wine connoisseurs one day, and history buffs the next. South Africa is a perfect match since we offer the best of the world in one place. From shark-cage diving and glamping to serene wellness retreats, we want Indian thrillseekers to keep coming back for More & More.” Prior to the pandemic, India was the 8th largest international market for South African Tourism. India remains a core market for South African Tourism globally and holds much promise in the coming years, especially given that Indian travellers are the international largest consumers of adventure in South Africa.
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IANS
Travel with a focus on wellness estin Hotels & Resorts, a member of Marriott Bonvoy's international portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, launched a wellnessfocused campaign, Let's Rise, to encourage both locals and travelers to regain control and improve their well-being while travelling.
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visit Saharanpur, a heritage crafts village where every household is an art gallery in itself. This luxurious retreat by the beachside is surely an indulgent holiday space, away from the hustlebustle of the city life to rediscover yourself,” says Sachin R Jadhav, Director Tourism, Govt. of Odisha.
The video focuses on three of the brand’s six wellness pillars, Move Well, Eat Well, and Sleep Well, with the goal of lifting the pandemic-weary spirits, bodies, and minds through the power of dynamic movement, restful sleep, and balanced nutritious meals. Kareena embraces a holistic well-being lifestyle with Westin’s signature brand programmes in the video, with the stunning backdrop of The Westin Mumbai Garden City, by staying active at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness studio, revitalising the body and mind with restorative sleep Heavenly® Bed and Heavenly® Bath, and enjoying the nourishing offerings from the Eat Well menu. Kareena Kapoor Khan said of her collaboration with Westin, “In this crazy world we live in, I’ve tried to create a balance for myself and my family.” I strive to live an active lifestyle, eat a healthy
IANS
diet, and give my mind and body adequate rest and respect so that I can always put my best foot forward in everything I do. That’s why I’m honoured to be the face and voice of Westin’s ‘Let’s Rise’ campaign, a concept that resonates with me. “I’m looking forward to the collaboration.” The signature Heavenly Bed, which is uniquely designed to revitalise the body and mind, awaits guests at The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa. The resort also offers signature brand amenities like the Sleep Well Lavendar Balm and a thoughtfully chef curated Sleep Well Menu with dishes that help enhance the quality of sleep. There is an on-site yoga practitioner who can help with relaxation and meditation techniques to reduce insomnia and promote uninterrupted sleep. The Westin “Let’s Rise” Campaign video is now available online, and it will be distributed across nine Westin properties in India, as well as the brand’s website and social media.
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Destinations Indians can travel to without an RT-PCR test A
ccording to Agoda’s recent ‘India-genous Travel’ survey, 39 percent of Indians anticipate travelling internationally in 2022, while its Return to Travel survey found that their biggest concern to travel internationally was understanding restrictions and vaccination or quarantine requirements. Countries are now taking tentative steps to reopen borders, easing their entry restrictions and opening their doors to international tourists, including Indians. Fully vaccinated passengers flying to these select countries are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival at the airport. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags and set out for that much-needed vacation. Here’s a list of exciting off-beat destinations that will come in handy when planning your itineraries. Egypt – The Gift of the Nile Travellers vaccinated with Covishield or AstraZeneca can now fly to Egypt without an RTPCR test. All you need to do is fill out a health declaration form and you’re all set. While visiting the land of the Great Pyramid of Giza, don’t forget to also check out the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and the famous Khan el-Khalili market. Sailing down the Nile River on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, and the hot air balloon ride at Luxor are also must-dos. Travellers can also visit the Sahara el Beyda, the white desert national park, or travel to Hurghada to experience Egypt’s expansive underwater marine life – you can take a submarine ride or even opt to go scuba diving. If you want to soak in some of the intricate cultures of the country, you should definitely visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. While in Egypt, travellers can choose from a host of Agoda accommodation to stay at: Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo Kempinski Nile Hotel Al Masa Hotel Bahrain - The Middle East’s Best
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Kept Secret This island country situated on the Persian Gulf is now allowing tourists to enter without a predeparture PCR test irrespective of their vaccination status. There are so many exciting things for travellers to see and do in Bahrain. Visit the famous and ancient Al Jasra House and Al Bahrain site museum to indulge in the rich history and civilization of this place, wander through Manama Souq for some amazing spices, souvenirs and delicious sweets, and try out traditional Bahraini cuisines such as Machboos, meat or fish served with fragrant rice cooked in a spicy broth or Muhammar sweet rice with dates, across the island. Do spare some time to dive into the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, and for kayaking and other water sports at Nurana islands. While in Bahrain, travellers can choose from a host of Agoda accommodation to stay at: Panorama Hotel Atiram Jewel Hotel Bahrain Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa Lebanon - Small in size, big in adventure Fully vaccinated travellers do not require a pre-departure PCR test to fly to Lebanon if they received their second jab at least six months before travelling. All you need to do is upload your vaccination certificate on the Ministry of Health’s website. Lebanon has so much to offer with its geographically diverse country that offers you mesmerizing panoramas, rich history and architecture, and delectable cuisine that will make your trip a truly memorable one. Explore one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman temples, Baalbek – the temple of Bacchus, the famous cedars of Lebanon in the Chouf, on Mount Barouk, and the Beiteddine Palace that dates back to the eighteenth century. Go on a boat tour at Byblos to enjoy the sunset in the birthplace of the Phoenician civilization,
hike the beautiful QADISHA valley to explore old churches and monasteries and separate yourself from the outside world. Don’t miss the Batara Gorge waterfall that drops 255 metres down into the Balaa Pothole, a cave of Jurassic limestone. While in Lebanon, travellers can choose from a host of Agoda accommodations to stay at: BURJ ON BAY Hotel Lancaster Raouche Hotel Le Commodore Hotel France – The land of wine and love From 12th February, France decided to scrap the requirement of the RT-PCR test for fully vaccinated travellers. While visiting one of the most romantic destinations in the world, you will without a doubt visit the Eiffel Tower, go cruising down the Seine River, pilgrim to Mont-Saint-Michel, or wander around the Old Quarters of Paris. However, there is so much to experience in France beyond this. Run across the Lavender fields in Provence, take a helicopter ride over French Alps, take a stroll in Dijon – a walking city where cars are not allowed, explore vineyards in Burgundy, taste exquisite Champagne in Champagne, and explore Lyon city, recognised for its delightful cuisine.
pools of Pamukkale lake, the pure white travertine terraces cascade down the slope looking like an out-of-place snowfield amid the green landscape; explore one of the oldest cities of the world, Konya, which has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, and Kaymakli – an underground city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey; take a hot air balloon ride to experience the surreal, swooping rock valleys of Cappadocia; and unwind with a traditional Hamam (Turkish bath) experience. Travellers can choose from a host of Agoda accommodation to stay at in Turkey: The Marmara Taksim Hotel Bricks Hotel Istanbul Hotel DeCamondo Galata Norway – The land of the midnight sun Travellers vaccinated within nine months of their arrival do not need an RT-PCR test to enter Norway. In case the final dose has exceeded the period, you will
need a booster shot. If you’re planning a trip to Norway, chasing the Northern Lights and seeing the Arctic circle will definitely be at the top of your itinerary. Apart from this spectacular sight in the skies, this Scandinavian country houses majestic mountains, glaciers, museums, and a whole bunch of activities to do on your travel. Travellers can hike to Mount Floyen, a 399-meter summit which will get you the best view of the city, explore the Geirangerfjord region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its icy Norwegian scenery, marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Arctic Cathedral, and even visit the world’s most powerful whirlpool, Saltstraumen Maelstrom. Travellers can choose from a host of Agoda accommodation to stay at in Norway: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Oslo Hotel Continental Clarion Hotel Oslo IANS
While in France, here are some Agoda accommodations you can stay at: Villa Opera Drouot Hotel Victoria Palace Hotel The Hoxton - Paris Turkey – The land of four seasons People vaccinated across the globe are welcomed in Turkey without an RT-PCR test. Travellers only need to fill out a health form 72 hours prior to their arrival. Turkey is the perfect destination to resume your travel post-pandemic. It has the right blend of cultural influences from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East paired with unforgettable natural wonders throughout the Turkish landscapes. Relax at the Thermal
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WHAT’S ON
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Mar 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 16
INDIA NEWS
Pic from 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' premiere goes viral, fans call it dream cast Instagram
#Gangubai Kathiawadi. In the picture, the director is wearing a black kurta while the three actresses are draped in white sarees.
ENTERTAINMENT
Top actresses release wedding song 'Siragai' from Brinda's 'Hey Sinamika'
Fans have been calling the pairing of the three actresses in the picture as the dream cast for the future Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. Bhansali's next would be 'Heera Mandi', a project that he will design for the streaming giant Netflix. The film is said to be based on Lahore's red-light area.
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n unseen picture from the premiere of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' recently made its way to the Internet and has gone viral since then. The picture in question has the director posing
with actresses Alia Bhatt, Rekha and Deepika Padukone. Sudeep Chatterjee, the cinematographer of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' shared the image on Twitter with the caption, "Happiness" followed by the
'Gangubai Kathiawadi', which released last Friday received positive response with critics singularly praising Alia's performance along with the film's scale and direction. The film, which is based on Hussain Zaidi's book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai', tells the story of Alia's titular character inspired by the real-life sex worker Gangubai, who rose to be a mafia queen in Mumbai.
Yami Gautam ties up with NGOs to support victims of sexual assault A
ctress Yami Gautam has joined hands with two NGOs -- Majlis and Pari (People Against Rape in India) -- to support victims of sexual assault and to work for their rehabilitation. "Today with great pride I would like to share that I have joined hands with two NGOs who are constantly supporting and working towards the rehabilitation of victims of sexual assault," Yami said. She elaborated that women's safety still has a long way to go and her association with the NGOs for the cause emanates from this very subject. "The need to work on these issues stems from the women's safety issues which still exist. While some progress has been made, there's a long way to go still," she said. "My association with the NGOs is just the beginning and in the near future, I would like to contribute further in helping to procure better resources to protect and support women from all walks of life," she added.
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op actresses Trisha, Sai Pallavi, Tamannaah, Rakul Preet Singh, Manju Warrier and Keerthy Suresh on Tuesday released 'Siragai', a wedding song from director Brinda's upcoming film 'Hey Sinamika', featuring actors Dulquer Salmaan, Kajal Aggarwal and Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead. The north Indian classical music based wedding song, featuring both Kajal and Aditi, has been penned by Madhan Karky and is set to music by Govind Vasantha. It has been rendered by Keerthana Vaidyanathan and Sai Prabha. Sources close to the unit say that Brinda Master was looking for a set to shoot a grand song which needed the lavish feel and decor of a north Indian wedding sangeet celebration. The song location needed a north Indian flavour, but a big crew could not travel because of Covid restrictions. Sources say that the team scouted several locations in Mumbai and Hyderabad. However, nothing was to the director's satisfaction. Finally, it was art directors Murthy and Senthil who came to the rescue. They suggested a set in Chennai itself and finally settled down on a rundown set, famously known as 'Aranmanai'. At first look, the location could pass for a haunted house but
Murthy and Senthil magically transformed it into a stunning palace set for the weddingthemed song in just five days, sources said and added that the ethereal lighting by cinematographer Preetha Jayaraman took the entire look of the set up several notches. Talking about the number, director Brinda says, "This song 'Siragai Siragai' comes at a crucial juncture in the film when the two leading ladies set eyes on each other for the first time and what follows is an elaborately choreographed dance number performed beautifully by Kajal and Aditi. I wanted to have the perfect backdrop for this key moment in the film. Having searched for locations all across, art directors Murthy and Senthil helped us find an apt place in Chennai itself. The set looks very striking, further complimented by my cinematographer Preetha's lighting." Brinda further adds, "If this set spoke aloud of the skill of the art director, the rest of the sets in the film blended into the story and never looked out of the place extravagant, which is a true hallmark of the art director." 'Hey Sinamika', which marks the directorial debut of acechoreographer Brinda master, is all set to hit screens on March 3.
Tamil actress Akila Narayanan joins US Army as lawyer
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ndian-origin Tamil film actress Akila Narayanan has made history by enrolling herself as a lawyer with the United States armed forces.
months. After having successfully completed the training, the actress has now joined the US Army as a lawyer.
Akila Narayanan, who made her debut with director Arul's horror thriller 'Kadampari' last year, has now enrolled herself with the US Army.
The actress of Indian origin who resides in the US made her debut in acting last year with 'Kadampari', which had music by Prithivy and cinematography by V.T.K. Uthayan.
Sources say that Akila had to undergo the US Army Combat Training to enter the armed forces that ran into several
Interestingly, Akila had also been running an online school of music called the Nightingale School of Music.
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Shannon K: Beyond being Kumar Sanu's daughter Instagram
Debuting as a playback singer with Himesh Reshammiya's song 'Duggi' for the movie 'Happy Hardy And Heer', besides lending her voice for the scores of the movie 'Khalibali' and the web series 'The Casino', the actorsinger who has been collaborating across musical genres feels that it is a great way to merge various styles and create something novel.
ENTERTAINMENT
Rashmika Mandanna: 'I don't want to be categorised as an actor' Instagram
"It is always beneficial for everybody involved to reach out to a newer audience who may have never heard of their music before. You get to learn and share a lot. Of course, when it comes to expressing one's own personal thoughts, it makes sense that the song is solely yours," she adds. Talk to her about how being Kumar Sanu's daughter can be an enormous pressure and she smiles that she always has to think of the consequences of her actions -- professionally and in personal life.
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he studied music from the Royal Music Of London and acting at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in the US. Los Angeles based singer and actor Shannon K has also finished filming a movie 'The Big Feed' in the US and 'Chaal Zindagi' here. The fact that she is playback singer Kumar Sanu's daughter can wait, for she insists -- "I started my career by singing at cafes and restaurants. I remember getting rejected many times in auditions and coming back home crying from meetings by highly demeaning behaviour people in the industry. "So, it hasn't been easy for me. I didn't get up one day and was offered projects. Time and again, I have had to prove myself," she says.
Of course, being surrounded by music forever did warm her up to the art form as she remembers asking her father to take her along to the studio even as a child. "When I decided to make it my career, it was made clear that considering it was my decision, I would have to deal with all the hurdles and fetch work just like any other newcomer," Shannon tells IANS. Believing that training may be instrumental for understanding the theory of music in-depth and grasping the technical side of it, she feels that it is not really imperative. "Now, dad is not classically trained, his passion for the art form has been the driving force. It depends on the kind of effort you put into your work, it is about that thirst for learning."
"It certainly is a huge pressure of carrying forward your parent's legacy ahead. Sometimes it's to a disadvantage as people don't value you or see you as an individual. You are somehow stuck under your parent's shadow and to come out of that and make a name for yourself is a big deal. There surely was some discrimination which I had to face every time I went looking for work." Remembering her time at Lee Strasberg, one of the finest acting schools in the world where she learnt not just method acting but also other technical aspects of the craft, Shannon says: "Also, I have learnt a lot while filming in India." In her final year of studying business management and looking forward to graduating early next year, the artist is looking at finishing some fashion projects. "I have sung multiple songs for different projects, they should be releasing next year," she concludes.
'Meri Jaan Meri Jaan' from 'Bachchhan Paandey' tugs at the heartstrings Instagram
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eri Jaan Meri Jaan', the romantic song from the Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Bachchhan Paandey' was launched recently. The song, composed by Jaani, has been sung by B Praak with Jaani doubling up as the lyricist, tugs at the heartstrings of the music lovers. 'Meri Jaan Meri Jaan' presents the sparkling chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon amidst the picturesque locations in Rajasthan with choreographer Ganesh Acharyaa designing the steps for the melodious track.
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ctress Rashmika Mandanna, who will next appear in the movie 'Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu', stated that she doesn't want to get categorised as a North or South actress, but only wants to do content-rich movies. The 'Sarileru Neekevvaru' actress, who spoke to the media said, "I don't want to be categorised in any industry like North or the South. I want to be an actor with a pan-India appeal." The actress who has two bigticket Hindi flicks, 'Mission Majnu' and 'Good Bye', starring Amitabh Bachchan, said that she is open to acting in any good movies, without considering the language barriers. Rashmika, though, subscribes to the fact that her appearance in South Indian movies like 'Pushpa' and 'Geetha Govindam' has given her great visibility in Hindi.
"People call me Srivalli (from Pushpa) or Geetha (from Geetha Govindam), etc. So the audiences remember my characters, which means they are watching all our content," she says. As Rashmika gears up for her next release titled 'Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu', she said she learned to conduct herself by seeing senior actresses working on the sets of the Sharwanand-starrer. "To see women like Radikaa, Khushbu, and Urvashi on the sets, knowing that they are such great actors, taught me how to conduct myself on the sets and how to treat others on the team," Rashmika said. Rashmika Mandanna and Sharwanand will be seen together in Kishore Tirumala's upcoming family entertainer. 'Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu' will hit the screens on March 4.
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Brookwater is the premier address in the Western Corridor.
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