Indian News Queensland - March 2021 by Australia India News

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

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Brisbane Holi - The Happiest Festival in Australia Brisbane Holi an annual event was celebrated at Rocks Riverside Park on 27th Feb 2021 with the wider community. Indian Cultural and Sports Club Inc. (ICSC) has been celebrating this event for the past 4 years and preparations were in full swing for the 5th year mega celebrations. The event is celebrated as a part of BrisAsia Festival of Brisbane City Council. Paviter Kumar Noori is the community producer for BrisAsia Festival and works with ICSC committee to colour everyone equal each year. The event was sold-out 5 weeks prior to the event and waiting list was long. Hon. Leanne Linard MP, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Leeanne Enoch MP (Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts), Mr, Milton Dick MP (MP Federal Member for Oxley ), Jess Pugh MP (MP for Mt. Ommeney), Charis Mullen MP (MP State Member

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for Jordan), Navdeep Singh (Green Party), Mrs. Pinky Singh (LNP), Cr Sarah Hutton, Cr. Angela Owen, Cr. Charles Strunk and Mrs. Archana Singh Honorary Indian Consulate, Mr. Ali Kadri (CEO Islamic College of Queensland) celebrated Holi with committee members, audience and invited guests and speakers. Patrons from all walks of life participated in the event. 5 DJ’s, 300 + performers, technical suppliers and volunteers worked hard again this year to produce a quality experience full of joy, fun, love, happiness and inclusivity. We believe Brisbane Holi is one of the most inclusive events of Australia which is celebrated by people from all walks of life. We are very proud to produce the event where cultural diversity is celebrated, harmonious relationships with other communities are developed and everyone is coloured equally - Paviter Kumar Noori the producer of the event said.

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INDIA NEWS QUEENSLAND

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

EDITORIAL TEAM Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-in-Chief Dr Priyabrata Behra, Bureau Chief, New South Wales Ms Priyadarshini Rana, Bureau Chief, Victoria Ms Apoorva Raghubanshi, Bureau Chief, ACT Ms. Garima Sangar, Associate Editor EDITORIAL BOARD Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, Queensland University of Technology Ms Audrey Courty, Griffith University Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India INDIA NEWS TV Mr Karthik Pratap Singh, News Director Mr. Agastya Yeturi, Cinematographer Mr Nishit Chandan, Special Correspondent Ms. Ananya Dhyani, Consulting News Editor

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News from Victoria Cultural diplomacy in Act East policy: India’s way forward within the ASEAN region

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World News

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Editorial ‘One Nation, One Standard’ to be priority: Piyush Goyal

Why Disengage? Decoding China’s Motivations at Galwan

WRITERS Mr Devashish Chakraborty Ms Deepika Banerjee Mr Rabindra Mukherji INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS Institute for Australia India Engagement Australia India Business Council

News from India

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Special Feature

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Make in India

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Culture

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Travel

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

LOCAL NEWS

‘Talk to people’: Premier’s message to Josh Frydenberg in JobKeeper row Queensland, March3: Queensland’s Premier has urged Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to “talk to people” as the spat about saving jobs in the ailing tourism industry escalates.

state border closures during the pandemic.NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said MsPalaszczuk is “the victim of a policy that she put in place herself”.“NSW has been so strong on keeping borders open in Australia … to prevent exactly what the Queensland Premier is now complaining about,” she said.“When you unnecessarily close state borders you lose jobs, you create hardship, you impact people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

“When JobKeeper ends there are going to be a lot of people in the tourism industry that are really going to be feeling the effects of it,” AnnastaciaPalaszczuk told The Australian on Tuesday. “I’d like to say one thing to Josh Frydenberg: Go up to Cairns and talk to people.“I’m repeating what people are saying to me. It’s about listening to people. Yes, people can have opinions and you can have facts, but when you listen to people first hand and you hear how they’re feeling and what they’re worried about, you only get to know that if you sit down and talk to them.” MsPalaszczuk has been campaigning for an extension of the wage subsidy past the March cut-off for industries hit by international border closures, including tourism. Her comments on Tuesday came after MrFrydenberg accused her government of grandstanding and not doing enough to help ease the economic pain from the pandemic. “AnnastaciaPalaszczuk is entitled to her own opinions but not her own facts,” MrFrydenberg wrote in the Courier-Mail newspaper on Tuesday.

MrFrydenberg said March was the right time to wind back JobKeeper with 40,000 jobs created in Queensland between September and January and employment levels now higher than pre-pandemic levels. He said any further Commonwealth support for industries such as tourism should be targeted, temporary and not get in the way of the broader economic recovery. “The reality is the Morrison government has already delivered to Queenslanders more than three times the amount of economic support than the Palaszczuk government has committed to.” He said the federal government had provided $28.5 billion in stimulus to Queensland through JobKeeper and allowing workers to dip into superannuation savings early.

MrFrydenberg said that compared to $8.8 billion over the next four years pledged by the state government. He said the Queensland government’s spending was the lowest as a proportion of gross state product of any state or territory at just 2 per cent. MrFrydenberg said the federal government would spend 13 per cent of gross domestic product, while

Victoria had committed to 9 per cent of GSP and NSW to 7 per cent. “Unfortunately for Queenslanders, when it comes to the level of state government support, this is one State of Origin contest their government doesn’t win,” he said. The NSW Coalition government has no sympathy for the Labor premier, blaming the Queensland tourism sector’s woes on MsPalaszczuk’s

“We stand ready to continue to support Queenslanders through this crisis, as we have done from the very start of this crisis,” MrFrydenberg added. “No amount of grandstanding and petty politicking by the Queensland Premier will detract from the indisputable fact that when it comes to the economic response in Queensland, the Morrison government has done the bulk of the heavy lifting.”

Travellers should be ‘confident’ to fly to Queensland for Easter says Premier Those 37,000 were expected to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine by the start of April, depending on supply from the federal government. MsPalaszczuk said she was “very happy with the rollout, we are reaching our targets”. “We did 980 yesterday, which was great. We have done 3010 so far, so we have exceeded our target [of 1000 vaccinations] within the first week and we remain on target for our second week.” Four people tested positive for COVID-19 in hotel quarantine in Queensland on Tuesday and no local cases were detected, MsPalaszczuk said. The state has 14 active cases. Meanwhile, Cairns residents are being urged to get tested for COVID-19 after the state’s sewage surveillance program found traces of the virus in a treatment plant, Dr Young said. Premier AnnastaciaPalaszczuk has assured interstate travellers they could feel “confident” about holidaying in Queensland over Easter, when most of the state’s hotel quarantine workers would have received their first vaccine jab. A flurry of southern visitors was expected to boost Queensland tourism during the Easter long weekend, which coincides with the start of school holidays. But many people remain apprehensive about crossing state borders after a series of snap closures during the summer holidays. Since the start of the year, Queensland has closed its

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borders for short periods after more contagious strains of the coronavirus seeped out of quarantine and into the community. The borders were closed after small outbreaks in Perth and Melbourne and a 42-day border closure with greater Sydney ended on February 1, following the northern beaches outbreak in the lead-up to Christmas. “I think people should be confident to be able to book their flights because at the moment we have zero community transmission,” MsPalaszczuk said. “From what I see, people are out there enjoying the Queensland

lifestyle and hopefully that will be the case for many months to come. “But of course we still have to be on our guard because we have this South African strain, the South American strain and UK strain, so that is why our hotel quarantine is really important.” Queensland removed all interstate border restrictions on February 27. The only time Queensland had no interstate restrictions since the borders were first closed in March 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic reached Australia, was for nine days in December.

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Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young last week said the rollout of the vaccine would “massively change” the way that state managed lockdowns and border closures. Dr Young said once all people categorised in phase 1a of the rollout had received vaccines, the need for border closures would be reduced dramatically. According to Queensland’s rollout strategy, the people most at risk of spreading the virus - health staff treating positive patients and quarantine workers - would be jabbed first.

“We are concerned by the new variants that are emerging overseas that are more contagious than previous variants we have seen in Queensland. “It’s also possible that this detection relates to previous COVID-19 cases that can shed viral fragments for a couple of months after they are no longer infectious.” Dr Young said anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, should come forward to get tested. “Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, and loss of taste or smell,” she said.

INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

NATIONAL

Australia declares a British neo-Nazi group as the first right-wing terror organisation A right-wing extremist group is set to be formally listed as a terrorist organization for the first time in Australia. Sonnenkrieg Division, a British neo-Nazi group, will be effectively banned in Australia once its listing as a terror group is confirmed. The group has been outlawed in Britain since early 2020, and members have been convicted of encouraging terrorism, disseminating terror material, and preparations for a terrorist act. Two Sonnenkrieg Division members were convicted in 2019 for plotting to attack the British royal family. Decisions to list terror groups are made on the advice of security agencies like ASIO. As a result of the listing, it will become an offence to be a member of the group, fund the group, or in some circumstances associate with members of the group. Penalties can range to up to 25 years in prison. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has written to Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, and all state and territory leaders, proposing the listing. There are 27 listed terror groups in Australia, including Islamic terror groups like Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Boko Haram and Jemaah Islamiyah. Increasing focus on right-wing terror. Australian security agencies have advised there are no Australians directly involved with Sonnenkrieg Division.

But a gathering of white supremacists in regional Victoria in January prompted calls for other right-wing groups to be listed. Stickers promoting the “National Socialist Network” were reported by some residents in the Grampians

during the group’s visit. Despite police investigations, no laws were found to be broken, which led to some experts to call for the National Socialist Network to be similarly listed. Mr Dutton has previously asked

Release of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System

federal parliament’s powerful joint committee on intelligence and security to look into groups that fall short of meeting the threshold for listing, but still pose a threat. The committee would consider what possible law changes could be made

to better address such groups. Groups on Australia’s terror watch list • Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) • Al Qaeda (AQ) • Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) • Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) • Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) • Al Shabaab • Boko Haram • Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades • Hizballah’s External Security Organisation (ESO) • Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan • Islamic State • Islamic State East Asia • Islamic State in Libya (IS-Libya) • Islamic State Khorasan Province • Islamic State Sinai Province (IS-Sinai) • Islamic State Somalia • Islamic State West Africa Province • Jabhat Fatah al-Sham • Jaish-e-Mohammad • Jama’atMujahideen Bangladesh • Jama’atNusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin • Jemaah AnshorutDaulah • Jemaah Islamiyah ( JI) • Lashkar-e-Tayyiba • Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Teenage boy dies from box jellyfish sting in Far North Queensland

disorders; • providing funding for the establishment of adult mental health hubs and residential eating disorders centres; • dramatically expanding youth mental health services, including increasing the number of headspace sites from 56 in 2013 to 153 services by 2022, and providing funding to reduce waiting times; and • establishing the $125 million Million Minds mental health research mission through the Medical Research Future Fund. The Australian Government welcomes the release of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The report is a comprehensive examination of the mental health system in Victoria and has identified a number of important issues that need to be addressed. Mental illness and suicide has a devastating impact on Australian individuals, families and communities. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 50, and almost half of all Australians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. Like the Victorian Government, the Australian Government is committed to the reform of the mental health

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and suicide prevention system. This is why the Australian Government has increased the health portfolio expenditure for mental health services and suicide prevention from $3.3 billion in 2012-13 to a record high estimated $5.9 billion in 2020-21. In particular, our Government has made significant key investments including: • doubling the number of Medicare-subsidised individual psychological therapy sessions nationally, providing up to 20 sessions per calendar year and making this system available to residents of aged care; • creating 64 new Medicare items to provide up to 40 Medicare subsidised sessions for people with eating

In addition, the Government has made available more than $500 million in direct supports to respond to the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including $43.9 million to establish 15 mental health clinics across Victoria and further enhance digital and phone services to assist people impacted by the restrictions imposed in that state. While significant improvements have been made to the system in recent years, it is clear that more needs to be done. We look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government to implement meaningful and lasting reform in this key national health priority area.

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A teenage boy has died in hospital a week after being stung by a box jellyfish.The 17-year-old was swimming at Patterson Point, near Bamaga, in Cape York in Far North Queensland on February 22 when he was stung. The Royal Flying Doctor Service transported the boy to Townsville Hospital's intensive care unit, where he died yesterday, Queensland Police confirmed. It is believed to be the first fatality from a box jellyfish sting in 15 years. Following the teenager's death, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health issued a warning about swimming in waters in the region. "We are seeing sightings of both box jellyfish and jellyfish that cause Irukandji syndrome in our waters,'' Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Northern Director of Medical Services Dr Marlow Coates said. "If you don't have a protective suit and you know there could be stingers or jellyfish in the water, just don't go in,'' he said. "It's also important that people are familiar with resuscitation methods –

early resuscitation after major stings from box jellies has saved lives in the past few years.'' What happens if you get stung? The Australian box jellyfish, Chironexfleckeri, is extremely dangerous and a constant threat through the warmer months on the Northern Queensland coast. It is a large but almost transparent jellyfish with a box-shaped bell (with four corners). A major Chironex sting is immediately and excruciatingly painful. It should be considered life-threatening. Large box jellies such as Chironex have caused more than 70 fatalities in Australia. Do not use salt or fresh water to treat Chironex – it will cause the stinging cells to discharge and worsen the sting. Use vinegar instead and do not rub the sting or try to remove tentacles. Source: Queensland Health

INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Queensland hotel quarantine extended after Russian COVID-19 variant detected Those required to stay in quarantine won’t be charged extra, and the state government will cover the payments. A Queensland Health spokesperson said 74 travellers who may have been exposed to the variant were being given additional testing.

LOCAL NEWS

Queensland pair makes history in record Run Fest

“As more variants emerge, we are taking a cautious approach. In some cases, this means we have further enhanced our quarantine requirements,” the spokesperson said. “This new variant has meant we’ve had to extend the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for another five days and organise additional testing for 74 travellers who may have been exposed to this new variant.” Passengers on an international flight who arrived in Queensland last month have been forced to extend their hotel quarantine period for another five days after the Russian variant of coronavirus was detected in several positive cases. Metro North Hospital and Health Service said several positive coronavirus cases were detected among passengers on Qatar Airways flight QR898 which arrived in Brisbane from Doha on February 17. In a letter to passengers it said the infection developed in some returned travellers from the flight late into the 14-day quarantine period. “Some cases have been found to have variant B.1.1.317 (Russian variant),” the

letter said. “Whilst this is not considered a variant of concern, little is known about the strain. “We acknowledge that this news will be disappointing and understand that you would have been looking forward to leaving quarantine.” It said Queensland Health now required all passengers and crew members on the flight, who were due to be released on Wednesday, to remain in hotel quarantine until March 8, and undertake additional testing. Passengers will be required to get a nose and throat swab on Wednesday and on Friday as well as a blood test to look for antibodies against the virus that cause COVID-19.

The spokesperson said the Russian variant had been confirmed in two overseas arrivals on flight QR898. “Genomic testing is underway for a third traveller who tested positive to COVID-19 and was linked to this flight and remains in quarantine,” the spokesperson said. All three cases were detected while in hotel quarantine. Flight QR898 continued onto New Zealand and a fourth person linked to this flight that has since tested positive. Queensland Health said genomic testing was also underway for this person and they were liaising with New Zealand authorities.

Economic struggle in Queensland worst since COVID, survey shows

Women, young adults, the self-employed and renters were among the groups experiencing the most financial pain from the COVID pandemic late last year, an analysis from Queensland's peak body for the social services says. Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) chief executive Aimee McVeigh said "it may feel like it's business as usual for many of us in the community, but there are many people who are continuing to suffer the impacts". "We know one in four Queenslanders lost employment or working hours during the period, and 35 per cent of Queenslanders say their impact has been reduced — these are pretty large numbers," she said. QCOSS analysed responses to a nationwide survey administered by Deloitte, on behalf of industry network The Energy Charter. It surveyed a representative sample of 3,019 people, with 671 responses in Queensland,

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between October 23 and November 2 last year — a time when only a few pandemic-related restrictions remained in place in the state. Six key groups responded most negatively — women, young adults, renters, casual and part-time employees, the self-employed and those looking for work. "I think it's clear the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people who are already vulnerable in the most profound ways," Ms McVeigh said. "This research really reflects the anecdotal information that we've received from our members during this period." The analysis revealed: • 29 per cent of the Queensland women who responded said they had lost jobs or working hours due to COVID-19, compared to 19 per cent of men • 43 per cent had a reduction in household income, compared to 30 per cent of men. That figure was even

higher for women aged 18-24 — just over half of whom said their household income had reduced • 41 per cent of adults aged between 18 and 24 said they had lost their job or had their hours reduced • 33 per cent said financial stress was keeping them up at night • 31 per cent of renters had lost or reduced employment, compared to 17 per cent of mortgage holders • 73 per cent of people who were self-employed or small business owners had experienced a reduction in household income, and 50 per cent said they needed support throughout the pandemic • 70 per cent said they did not believe their life would be better in a year 'Slap in the face for job-seekers' QCOSS is calling for other measures to ease financial hardship for vulnerable groups. It wants a major Queensland government investment in energy-efficient public and affordable housing, and for the federal government to further boost Job Seeker payments. "The changes to JobSeeker, which were announced last week, were a slap in the face for job-seekers," Ms McVeigh said. "We shouldn't be punishing people who can't find jobs at a time where there is only one job vacancy for every 12 job seekers."

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Beth Mooney's 163 and Georgia Redmayne's 121 guide Queensland to a record total in the domestic 50over competition. Beth Mooney and Georgia Redmayne have rewritten the record books, smashing twin tons as Queensland romped to a 160-run win over Western Australia at Brisbane's Allan Border Field. Mooney's spectacular 163, a record high for Queensland in the Women's National Cricket League, and Redmayne's 121 helped Queensland to 4-368, their highest-ever total in the domestic 50-over competition. Half-centuries from Chloe Piparo and Mathilda Carmichael were not enough in reply, as the Queensland attack bowled WA out for 208. Sent in by a Western Australia team understandably keen to avoid a repeat of Friday's top-order collapse at the same venue, Queensland made a bright start with teenage opener Georgia Voll batting alongside Mooney. Voll rode her luck, dropped on three occasions, and the fielding fumbles proved costly for Western Australia as the powerful right-hander clubbed three fours and one maximum. Her charge towards back-to-back half-centuries was halted in the 14th over when she was trapped lbw by the off-spin of Nicole Bolton, out for a 44-ball 46. Any relief for Western Australia was short-lived as Redmayne settled into her innings, with Mooney bringing up her third fifty in four innings this season. Mooney was gifted a life when Piparo put down a tough chance with the left-hander on 77, but the scare did nothing to stymie her attack as both she and Redmayne lashed the WA bowlers. Although visibly affected by the hot and humid conditions, Mooney's steely resolve remained as she brought up a century from 98 deliveries, before Redmayne reached the third ton of her WNCL career, and her first for Queensland, from 94 balls. Mooney's knock was a highlights reel of what the world's top-ranked

T20I batter is capable of, packed with trademark drives, pulls and sweeps as she cruised past 150 for the first time in her List A career. Her 139-ball blitz of 163 – which featured 16 fours but no sixes – finally ended in the 48th over, just after she ticked past teammate Grace Harris' previous record of 162 for the highest individual score for Queensland. It also brought to an end the 271-run partnership between Mooney and Redmayne, a record for any wicket for Queensland. Redmayne's own outstanding innings ended on 121, but the onslaught continued courtesy of Laura Kimmince as the powerful batter smacked 22 from 10 balls to take Queensland to 4-368, the Fire's highest ever in the WNCL and the fourth highest in the competition’s 25-year history. Faced with a mammoth chase, Western Australia openers Piparo and Ashley Day made a watchful start, putting on 26 runs from the first eight overs before Courtney Sippel found the first breakthrough, surprising Day (11) with a rising delivery, with MikaylaHinkley holding on to the simple chance. Rewriting the record books Queensland's 4-368 * Queensland's highest WNCL total * Fourth highest total in WNCL history Mooney and Redmayne 259-run partnership * Queensland's highest partnership for any wicket * Highest partnership for any team versus WA * Fourth highest partnership in WNCL history Mooney's 163 * Mooney's highest List A score * Highest score by a Queenslander in the WNCL * Sixth highest score in WNCL history

INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Tropical Cyclone Niran bringing wild winds and heavy rain to north Queensland A low off the north Queensland coast has intensified into Tropical Cyclone Niran, bringing powerful winds, heavy rainfall and potential flooding to coastal communities. The slow-moving system was hovering about 120 kilometres off the north Queensland coast on Tuesday morning. Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster Rosa Hoff said the system could strengthen to category three status later in the week, while remaining well offshore. “Even though a direct coastal crossing is unlikely, we are seeing severe weather impacts out of the system already and we’re going to continue seeing them over the next few days before the system starts to retract further into the Coral Sea,” she said. “We’ve already seen an increase in strong wind gusts, with gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and abnormally high tides affecting coastal and island communities. “It’s going to be a long few day s for the communities in the region,” Ms Hoff said. Rain has drenched parts of the coast with Alva Beach receiving 219 millimeters in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning, while Lucinda had 186mm and Groper Creek received 183mm. The weather bureau is warning the system has sustained winds near the center of 75kph with wind gusts of up to 120kph. Communities between Cape Flattery and Lucinda are in the warning zone, with a flood watch issued for catchments between Cook town and Rolling stone. Six state

Shah, Nadda meet WB leaders to shortlist candidates

New Delhi, March 4 (IANS): Initial discussion to shortlist names of the party candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls started at BJP chief J.P. Nadda' residence on Thursday. Senior leaders from the state, party in-charge and co-in-charge for West Bengal were attending the meeting. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached Nadda's residence. BJP national vice president Mukul Roy, national general secretary and state in-charge KailashVijayvargiya, co-in-charge ArvindMenon, state unit president DilipGhosh, and former close aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former minister SuvenduAdhikari were present in the meeting. BJP sources said that on wednesday

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core committee of the West Bengal party unit shortlisted the names of the probable candidates recommended by district units. "In the meeting going at Nadda's residence, list of probable names will further shorten before being submitted in the BJP's Central Election Committee (CEC) which will select the candidates for the West Bengal polls," he said. The BJP's CEC meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening in which Prime Minister NarendraModi is expected to attend. Sources said that in the party CEC meeting the first list of the BJP candidates for 60 Assembly constituencies will be finalised. Polling in these seats will be held in the first two phases on March 27 and April 1.

schools and 28 Catholic schools have been closed. Power cut, localized floodingMonday’s wild weather cut power to more than 40,000 properties from Cairns to the Cassowary Coast. Ergon spokeswoman Emma Oliveri urged residents to be patient while crews worked to reconnect homes. “We’ve got outages right across the board, which makes it all the more challenging for our crews,” Ms Oliveri said. “We’ve got a lot of damage from vegetation, damage to the network, including fallen power lines. “In these conditions everything is changeable, and crews may not be able to get into certain areas if roads are cut due to localized flooding.” Cairns-based State Emergency Service (SES) area controller, Peter Rinaudo, said they had received about 80 calls for help on Monday and crews were working to clear the backlog. “We’ve had a fair bit of rain in the region … so the catchments and the ground are pretty soaked,” Mr Rinaudo said. “Some of our gusts getting up around the 85 to 90 kilometer [per hour] mark – it’s knocking some of these trees over and pulling power lines down. “[We’re] not being able to do much in regards to leaking roofs – when you’ve got 85 kilometer per hour winds, it doesn’t lend itself very well to be holding a tarp down.”

Minimum temperatures improve in J&K, Ladakh

Srinagar, March 4 (IANS): The rising trend of minimum and maximum temperatures continued in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Thursday as the meteorological (MET) office forecast rain and snow on Sunday. "Minimum and maximum temperatures continued to improve in J&K and Ladakh during the last 24 hours. "A short spell of rain/snow is likely to occur on Sunday," an official of the MET department said. Srinagar recorded 3.9 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 2.1 and Gulmarg minus 1 as the minimum temperature of the day while the maximum at these places on Wednesday was 18.2, 15.4 and 8.4 degrees Celsius respectively. Leh town had minus 5.9, Kargil minus 6.6 and Drass minus 6.9 as minimum temperature. Jammu city had 12.6, Katra 11.8, Batote 6.8, Banihal 3.4 and Bhaderwah 4.2 as the night's lowest temperature.

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WHAT’S ON

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

International Society for Krishna Consciousness Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Join us for our delicious weekly brunch this Saturday! Every dollar we make goes towards the New Temple fund. When: Saturday 6th March 9:30am to 11:30am Venue: 32 Jennifer St, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Happy

Holi

Best wishes for a happy and colourful Holi

This weekend we have masala dosas, plain dosas, idlis, kulfi, cupcakes and refreshing drinks! Remember: This will be a casual setting, so please feel free to bring along your friends and co-workers! If you are feeling unwell please stay home and rest. Otherwise, see you on Saturday!

Paul Scarr Senator for Queensland

Scott Morrison Prime Minister

Alex Hawke Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Member for Mitchell

Amanda Stoker Senator for Queensland

Authorised by A.Hirst, Liberal Party of Australia, Cnr Blackall and Macquarie Sts, Barton ACT 2600.

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LEAD STORIES

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Human rights agenda India, China seek mutually acceptable faces challenges due resolution of other friction points to terror: Jai Shankar at UNHRC Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 1

“As a long-standing victim, India has been in the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realisation, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators be ever equated with its victims,” the minister argued.

India, he pointed out, had presented at the UNSC last month an eight-point action plan to deal with the scourge of terrorism. He said India will continue to work together with the members of the UN Security Council and other states to ensure the implementation of the Indian government’s action plan. The minister asserted that India has always played an active role in global promotion and protection of human rights. “Our strong commitment to the welfare of entire humanity, inspired by our civilisational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’ or ‘the World is one family’ has provided the very foundation on which our constitutional and legal framework of human rights has been built,” he said. Jaishankar argued that India’s approach is based on its own experience as an inclusive and pluralistic society and a vibrant democracy. India’s constitution has enshrined basic human rights as fundamental rights, guaranteeing civil and political rights, stipulating provisions for progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights. These continue to

evolve through legislations by the Parliament, progressive interpretation of laws by the judiciary and active participation of civil society and citizens.

He said India believes that equal emphasis should be placed on both promotion and protection of human rights. Both are best pursued through dialogue, consultation and cooperation among states as well as technical assistance and capacity building. India, he said, also believes that achievement of sustainable development goals will contribute to realisation and enjoyment of basic human rights. As a member of the UNHRC, India remains committed to work together with fellow members of the council to achieve consensus. “India believes that violation of and gaps in implementation of human rights should be addressed in a fair and just manner, with objectivity, nonselectivity, transparency and with due respect to the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and national sovereignty,” he said. As the UN Human Rights Council completes 15 years since its establishment, it is time to assess its achievements, reflect on its failures and deliberate on the ways to strengthen and reform it so as to enable it to achieve the objectives for which it has been set up, Jaishankar said. India, as always, is ready to contribute in this endeavour, he added.

The two sides agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, continue their communication and dialogue, stabilise and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas, the statement said.

The Corps Commander level meet started at 10 a.m. on Saturday and ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday. During the 16-hour-long dialogue, the Indian military delegate led by Lt General P.G.K. Menon, Commander of 14 Corps based in Leh, discussed disengagement

at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains.

insisted during recent military commander meetings that all issues across the LAC be resolved.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part the current standoff that started in May last year as escalations here took place in 2013. India has, however,

“The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer,” said an official.

India 2nd fastest vaccinating nation, with over 1 Cr doses given Continued from Page 1

“A total of 1,01,88,007 vaccine doses have been administered through 2,11,462 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 a.m. today. These include 62,60,242 HCWs (1st dose), 6,10,899 HCWs (2nd dose) and 33,16,866 FLWs (1st dose),” it added. The nationwide immunisation drive against Covid-19 was started on January 16 with two vaccines -Covishield by the Serum institute of India and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech -- which were given emergency use authorisation by India’s drug regulator. The drive started with vaccination planned for around 1 crore healthcare workers first followed by 2 crore frontline workers (FLWs) who registered as vaccine beneficiaries. The 2nd dose of vaccination started on February 13 for those beneficiaries who have completed

28 days after receipt of the 1st dose. Vaccination of the FLWs started on February 2. “Till day 34 of the vaccination drive (February 18), total 6,58,674 vaccine doses were given. Of which, 4,16,942 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 10,812 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 2,41,732 HCWs received 2nd dose of vaccine,” the Health Ministry said. It also said that eight states have accounted for 57.47 per cent of the total vaccinations. Uttar Pradesh tops the chart, with 10.5 per cent (10,70,895) of the vaccination alone. Meanwhile, seven states account for 60.85 per cent of the second vaccine doses administered in India. Telangana leads all the states with a 12 per cent share of second doses (73,281 beneficiaries) administered in the country, it

said. Besides, 16 states/UTs have not reported any Covid deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Manipur, Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Daman and Diu, as per the information released by the Health Ministry. Fifteen states/UTs reported 1-5 deaths and 3 states/UTs reported deaths between 6 to 10 deaths in the same duration. A total of 13,193 new cases and 97 fatalities due to Covid-19 have been recorded in the country in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry had said on Friday morning.

Australia begins coronavirus vaccinations Continued from Page 1

“Tomorrow our vaccination program starts, so as a curtain raiser today we’re here making some very important points; that it’s safe, that it’s important, and we need to start with those who are most vulnerable and are on the front line,” Morrison said. Earlier on Sunday, Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the decision was made to vaccinate political leaders early in order to instill confidence in vaccines. Anthony Albanese, the leader of the Opposition Labor Party, will receive vaccines within days. “Many people are worried, has this been too quick? And we had to show that it’s been full, thorough assessment and that we believe in the safety ourselves,” he said. Hunt said that the first goal of Australia’s vaccine rollout, which will begin in full on Monday, was protecting the community.

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“Our first goal is protection. And what we see is with both the two initial vaccines, the Pfizer and the AstraZeneca vaccine,” he said. “The second goal is to have as high as possible a rate, and we will learn more as a world about the impact in terms of preventing transmission, although the evidence is increasingly strong, but also the longevity of the antibody protection, and that’s

not known yet, but it will be known over the course of the coming year.” As of Saturday afternoon, there had been 28,920 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Australia, and the numbers of locally and overseas acquired cases in the last 24 hours were zero and two respectively, according to the latest figures updated on Saturday evening from the Department of Health.

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

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‘Springfield Lakes Fast Growing and developing City’ – working mother Mandeep Kaur

or the past five years Mandeep Kaur and her husband Ramandip Singh have lived at Springfield Lakes, drawn to the area’s growing masterplanned community. Mrs Kaur, the director of My Choice Visa Advisers, said the “fast growing and developing city” had numerous facilities including major shopping centres, parks and a train station. She said everything was within walking distance from her home, including childcare centres and schools. “Some shops and health facilities are just a couple of minutes’ drive away,” Mrs Kaur said. “I love that we, as a family, have access to all these facilities here in Greater Springfield. We even have entertainment resources including a cinema, Timezone arcade, swimming lagoon, and Pink Park at Orion shopping centre.” The mother-of-three said: “When we bought a house here, we knew everything was here and the kids wouldn’t have to travel far to get to places”. “I work from home mostly, and my husband works at Brookwater. Greater Springfield is impressive. All the facilities are here and we don’t have to leave,” Mrs Kaur whose children are aged 10 (Ravneet Kaur), 5 ( Japneet Kaur) and 2 (Ajeet Singh). Mrs Kaur said her friends often asked why she rarely ventured out of Greater Springfield.

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“I tell them I don’t have to as I can get everything for myself and my family right here in Springfield,” she said. “I sometime use public transport to go to the city and the hospital for the kids’ appointments. It’s very easy to park and catch a train from Springfield Central Station.” Springfield City Group Education and Health Services director Meera Honan said there were plans to build 11 new schools by 2036 in Greater Springfield. They would include single sex (separate girls and boys from Prep to Year 12), an international school offering the International Baccalaureate, as well as additional state primary and secondary schools Mrs Honan said the proximity of schools to students’ homes allowed families to enjoy a 15 minute lifestyle. “Everything is 15 minutes from their home. They can live, learn work and play here. This in turn maximises the time residents can spend on the important things in life rather than commuting,” Mrs Honan said. Mrs Kaur’s family welcomed the news of more educational facilities in Greater Springfield and said it would enhance the region greatly. She added they would like to see even more health facilities developed, including specialist services for children including speech, and hearing.

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INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

NCB's 12K-page charge sheet 'damp squib': Rhea's lawyer

INDIA

Mumbai, March 6 (IANS) Terming the voluminous 12,000-page charge sheet filed against Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik and 31 others as "expected", their lawyer Satish Maneshinde launched a sharp attack on the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), virtually accusing it of a witch-hunt, here on Saturday. "All efforts of the NCB have been directed towards Rhea Chakraborty, to somehow rope her in. The entire NCB, from top to bottom was engaged in unearthing the drug angle in Bollywood," Maneshinde said.

"The charge sheet is a damp squib standing on the foundation of inadmissible evidence and statements recorded under NDPS Act Sec. 67 even after the Supreme Court judgement in the Toofan Singh case. Without Rhea Chakraborty being charged, this case has no substance," Maneshinde said. Referring to the NCB' contentions in the charge sheet that it has seized various narcotic drugs (Charas, Ganja, LSD, Ecstasy) and psychotropic substances (Alprazolam and Clonazepam), the lawyer rubbished the federal drug agency's claims. "The entire amount of 'Narcotic Substances' recovered against the 33 accused are nothing compared to

what even a Constable in Mumbai Police or Narcotics Cell or the Airport Customs or other agencies recover from one raid or trap," Maneshinde pointed out. Moreover, he said there's hardly any material against any known faces, who were paraded during the investigations, and wondered whether the allegations were false, or "only God knows the Truth". The lawyer added that even the Bom-

Delhi Cabinet gives nod to state education board the Delhi Board of School Education." The Chief Minister further stated that Delhi has around 1,000 government schools and 1,700 private schools and all the government-run schools are affiliated with the CBSE.

bay High Court did not find prima facie material at the stage of bail of the 'alleged' financing of drugs trade, as claimed by the NCB. Maneshinde's strong reactions came a day after the NCB lodged its charge sheet -- a 11,700-page plus more in electronic format -- with the Special NDPS Court in Mumbai, signalling an end to the probe. The NCB came into the picture in August 2020 after the Enforcement

Directorate (ED) stumbled on the drugs aspect of its probe into the financial angles surrounding the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14 at his rented duplex in Bandra, Mumbai. Besides Rhea and Showik, the NCB has named the late actor's ex-manager Samuel Miranda, his domestic help Dipesh Sawant, a drug peddler Anuj Keshwani from whom commercial quantity of drugs like LSD sheets and

The decision in this regard was taken in a Delhi Cabinet meeting at the Delhi Secretariat. After chairing the meeting, Kejriwal said, "Delhi Cabinet has given approval for constitution of

He further said that the selection of schools will be done after discussion with the principals, teachers and parents. "We hope that all schools will voluntarily get affiliated to this board within in next few years," Kejriwal added.

Also figuring in the charge sheet are two foreigners -- actor Arjun Rampal's South African girlfriend and model Gabriella Demetriades, her brother Agisilaos Demetriades, besides Kshitij Prasad, a former executive producer with Dharma Productions, and two collegians, said to be the last-mile peddlers. "We will have the last laugh Satyameva Jayate," an unfazed Maneshinde concluded.

SUV outside Ambani home: Hiren's autopsy kept 'reserved' Hiren's body is likely to be handed over to his family around noon at their residence in Vikas Palms building in Charai area of the city. The case has been handed over to the Anti Terrorist Squad, the Thane police as the SRPF deployed tight security outside the Hirens' residence since earlier in the day.

Kejriwal said, "In the academic session 2021-22, the Delhi government will include 25-25 schools in the proposed upcoming board. This SBCE affiliation will be scrapped and they will be affiliated to Delhi Board of School Education." New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that the capital will have its own school education board in the line of other state education board.

Marijuana) were first recovered.

Thane (Maharashtra), March 6 (IANS) The autopsy on the body of businessman Mansukh Hiren -- whose body was fished out of the Thane Creek marshes -- was completed here early on Saturday, police officials said. However, the autopsy report, findings and opinion of the four-member medical team, has been kept in reserve while his viscera has been

preserved for forensic analysis, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-I) Avinash Ambure.

The Opposition BJP in Maharashtra has demanded a probe by the CBI or NIA, while his family, including wife Vimala, has rejected the 'suicide by drowning' theory pointing out that Hiren was an excellent swimmer.

Hiren shot into limelight after his stolen SUV Scorpio with 20 gelatin sticks and a purported typewritten threat note was found outside Antilia -- the residence of industrialist and Reliance Industries Ltd. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, on Feb. 25.

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INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Modi takes first dose of vaccine in second phase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi got himself inoculated with Bharat Biotech’s indigenous coronavirus vaccine early on Monday, as India expanded its vaccination programme to include people with comorbidities and senior citizens. With the programme opening up to those above 60 years and people aged 45 or older with underlying conditions, the pace of vaccination picked up: more than 427,000 were immunized by 7pm on Monday. The pace is likely to accelerate further in the coming days as the government seeks to prevent a resurgence of covid-19 infections. The first phase of the programme, which aimed to cover health, security and other frontline workers, saw many of those eligible hesitate to take the shots, resulting in the government vaccinating less than half the 30 million it had targeted. In the second phase, the government expects to

vaccinate 27 million people. According to provisional data released by the Union health ministry, 2.5 million people registered on the Co-Win website on Monday. Of them, 2.45 million were ordinary citizens and the rest were health and other frontline workers. About 644,000 appointments were booked on Monday by beneficiaries who were not frontline workers. So far in the programme, a total of 14.73 million vaccine doses have been given, according to provisional data. Even before the registration opened on Monday at 9am, Modi became the first beneficiary of the second phase, getting his first dose of the vaccine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Sister P. Niveda from Puducherry administered the vaccine to Modi.

Jaishankar and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also took the covid-19 shots. Shah was administered the dose at the Medanta Hospital, a private facility in Gurugram. Health minister Harsh Vardhan said he will get the vaccine on Tuesday. “Some misinformation was spread against Covaxin (Bharat Biotech’s shot) even though it has been approved only after scientific considerations. The PM took Covaxin and gave a clear message to the country post which misinformation should be ignored, and hesitancy should not be there," the health minister said. Vardhan said there were negligible cases of hospitalization due to vaccinations and no deaths. “We have given some relaxation to states. In the next few days, the walkin system will be streamlined; a provision is in place. A certain number of people can go to the centre after taking an appointment," he said.India started the vaccination programme on 16 January, aiming to control the pandemic. In the past month, the country’s caseload has started increasing again. Several states have reported an increased number of daily new cases. Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have shown a surge in new cases in the past 24 hours, the data available with the health ministry shows. UtpalBhaskar contributed to the story.

Following the prime minister, several ministers, including home minister Amit Shah, foreign minister S.

Awaiting Centre's directions to ramp-up vax points: Kejriwal

Ayodhya Temple trust purchases more land

Ayodhya, March 4 (IANS): The Ram JanmabhoomiTeerth K’shetra Trust has purchased an additional 7,285 square feet land, adjacent to the proposed complex.

acquire more land adjacent to the Ram Janmabhoomi premises has been speeded up. The Trust is in talks with owners of temples, houses and open lands adjoining the premises.

This is a part of its ambitious plan to expand the premises of the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya from 70 acres to 107 acres.

"We have purchased this land as we need more space for our Ram temple project," said Anil Mishra, one of the trustees.

The new land is adjacent to the 70acre area given by the Supreme Court in its November 2019 verdict for the construction of the Ram Temple.

Deep Narain signed a registry deed of his 7,285 square feet land in favor of ChampatRai, the secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust.

The land, purchased by the Trust, belongs to a local resident Deep Narain who was paid Rs 1 crore by the Trust.

The main temple will be constructed over 5-acre land and rest of the land, about 100 acres, would be used to develop different facilities like museums, library, Yagyashala and picture gallery depicting different episodes of Lord Ram's life.

"The rate was approximately Rs 1,373 per square feet," said a Trust member. With this purchase, the process to

Huge jump in fake vaccine domains to steal money, data "CPR expects the vaccine related scams to continue in the near-term future. People everywhere should watch out for and learn how to protect themselves from phishing and domain spoofing attacks," the company said. New Delhi, March 4 (IANS): There has been a surge in vaccine-related scams in recent months and a new report said on Thursday that the number of web domains featuring the word "vaccine" in their title has now significantly increased, and the danger includes credential theft, credit card fraud, malware installation and more. The team at cyber security firm Check Point Research (CPR) said that since the beginning of November 2020, it has documented 7,056 such new domains, of which 294 were deemed potentially dangerous. From July till October, the team documented only 1,773 new domains, of which 228 were deemed potentially dangerous.

New Delhi, March 4 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister ArvindKejriwal said on Thursday that the UT government will increase vaccination sites after receiving directions from the Centre. "As and when we receive further directions from the Centre, we will increase the number of vaccination centres in Delhi," he stated. "We are constantly in touch with the Central government and we are working on their directions. As and when we receive further directions, we will increase the number of vaccination centres," the Chief Minister

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added. Notably, on March 2, Centre had directed all states and union territories to utilize full capacity of all private hospitals - empanelled under the government insurance schemes or not - to achieve optimum number of vaccination. The decision was taken in a meeting conducted between the Union Health Ministry officials and state family and welfare officials. Kejriwal was at the LokNayak Hospital along with his parents to receive the vaccine shots.

After getting the vaccine shot, he assured that he and his parents felt perfectly fine and experienced no post-jab complications so far, while he also appealed to people to come forward for it. "I, along with my parents, have received our first doses of Covid-19 vaccine today. As you all can see we are perfectly healthy and are facing no complications. There is nothing to fear," Kejriwal said. "We have enough stock of the vaccine. All the doubts in the minds of the people have dispersed," he added.

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INDIA

"In effect, domain registrations increased by 300 per cent throughout the two time periods, while websites deemed dangerous by CPR increased by 29 per cent," the company said in a statement. "The reason is that scammers are taking public interest around the vaccine as an opportunity for their own malicious purposes," it added. Online scams often start with a domain registration. Upticks in domain registrations signal that scammers are preparing content as a means to profit from criminal campaigns.

Last month, the leader of a multi-million-dollar scam that passed off saline solution and mineral water as Covid-19 vaccines was arrested in China. The man, identified as Kong, had researched the packaging designs of real vaccines before making more than 58,000 of his own concoctions. In December last year, the Interpol had warned the law enforcement agencies across the globe that organised criminal networks could try to advertise and sell fake Covid-19 vaccines on the internet. The Check Point team said that people must be beware of misspellings or sites using a different top-level domain. "For example, a .co instead of .com. Misspelling in domains are a string giveaway that deception is at play. Beware of 'buy vaccine' offers. As tempting as they may be, they are almost guaranteed to be scams," the team advised. Credential theft is a common goal of cyberattacks. Many people reuse the same usernames and passwords across many different accounts, so stealing the credentials for a single account is likely to give an attacker access to a number of the user's online accounts. "Never share your account credentials and don't re-use passwords," the team said.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Man who climbed the ramparts of Red fort arrested New Delhi, Feb 25 ( IANS ): The Delhi Police have arrested another accused wanted in the Red fort violence on 26 January identified as Jaspreet Singh, a resident of Swaroop Nagar in Delhi. The police said Jaspreet’s name came up during the interrogation of the arrested accused Maninder Singh who was seen brandishing swords at the Red fort. “Jaspreet Singh was also present at the Red Fort and later climbed up on one of the arcades located on the ramparts of the Red Fort. He is the person standing behind accused Maninder Singh and climbed one of the tombs located on both the sides of Rampart, Red Fort,” said Chinmoy Biswal, PRO Delhi police. The accused Jaspreet was arrested on February 20. “He is also seen in offensive gesture holding steel tensile installed at Red Fort,” the officer added.

The Delhi Police have arrested 149 people in connection with the Kisan Andolan till now. Punjabiactivist Deep Sidhu, arrested in Haryana on February 9, has been touted by Delhi Police as the ‘main instigator’ of the violence which took place on the Republic Day in which many protesters and policemen were injured. The Delhi Police have also announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading

Meanwhile a Delhi court on Monday sent climate activist Disha Ravi to one-day police custody in connection with the ‘Toolkit’ case, during which she will be confronted with co-accused Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk who appeared before the Cyber Cell of Delhi police to join probe on Monday.

both Pfizer and Moderna have either cut or delayed shipments to Canada which has got only 1.1 million doses so far.

Toronto, Feb 11 (IANS): The IndoCanada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) and many other IndoCanadian organisations have welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis promise to provide Covid-19 vaccine to Canada. Modi made this promise to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau who called him on

Wednesday to discuss various issues, including the pandemic, the economic recovery and climate change. In a tweet, Modi said that he “assured him (Trudeau) that India would do its best to facilitate supplies of COVID vaccines sought by Canada”. Trudeau is facing a public backlash because of the lack of the availability of vaccines as

Happy that she got bail, says Disha Ravi’s mother

to the arrest of another key accused Lakhbir Singh alias Lakha Sidhana.

Modi’s vaccine promise to Canada breaks irritants: Indo-Canada Chamber

By Gurmukh Singh

NEWS FROM INDIA

Bengaluru, Feb 25 (IANS): Expressing happiness over a Delhi court granting bail to her daughter on Tuesday, climate change activist Disha Ravi’s mother expressed her gratitude to all those who had supported her.

underwent questioning in police custody.

“I am happy that she got bail. I don’t know how to say thanks to all the people who supported her and came out for her,” Manjula told reporters here.

“Considering ‘scanty and sketchy’ evidence on record, I do not find any palpable reason to breach rule of bail for a 22-year-old girl who has absolutely no criminal antecedents,” the judge said.

Family friend and lawyer R. Prasanna told IANS that he was very happy that she got bail.

Indo-Canadian trade bodies welcomed the initiative by Trudeau to call Modi in the wake of the setback to bilateral relations after Trudeau issued a statement in December in support of the farmers’ stir in India.

Accused by Delhi Police of creating and spreading the “toolkit” linked to the farmers’ protest against the new central agriculture laws, Disha was arrested by police from Bengaluru in February 13 and charged with sedition and conspiracy. She

Calling it a big development in bilateral ties, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce President Vijay Thomas said: “India’s promise to deliver Covid vaccine to Canada is welcome news in the wake of some recent headwinds in our relationship. A big barrier has been broken.”

better trade too can lead to a better political relationship. This development will help remove all irritants between our two countries.”

Thomas said the phone discussion between the two Prime Minister could be the beginning of a new partnership. “Sometimes politics leads to a better trade relationship, but

Shiv Bhasker, President of the Ottawa-based Overseas Friends of India and Canada (OFIC) said: “This is an excellent development. Any irritants caused by recent Canadian statements about the farmers’ stir in India can now be smoothed out. India is a big market for Canadian goods, agriculture, urea, aerospace

Hearing her bail plea on Tuesday, Delhi Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana called the evidence against her “scanty and sketchy”.

Disha, who earlier this month told the court she had only edited two lines of the document and not created it, has said she only “wanted to support the farmers” in their campaign to get the controversial laws - which they say endangers their livelihoods scrapped. parts, water technology, and we should focus on trade rather than issue statements on India’s internal affairs.” Winnipeg businessman Hemant Shah, who has worked for four decades on India-Canada trade, said: “Trudeau has done the right thing by calling Modi. It has taken decades, efforts, and taxpayers’ money to build our bilateral trade relationship with India. We must not harm it with negative statements.”

We are lucky to be in India during pandemic, say expats in Jaipur By Archana Sharma Jaipur, Feb 21 (IANS): This is the story of young expats who left their countries years ago and stayed back in Jaipur, making the Pink City their new home. Happily settled in the capital of the desert state for over a decade now, Marie-Anne Oudejans and Barbara Miolini love India and consider themselves lucky to be in this country at a time when the world has turned upside down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both of them have not gone back to their families in Europe for over a year due to the Covid induced restrictions, though they are eager to meet them now.

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“It has been quite a long time,” said Swiss born Barbara.

owing to work reasons. Since then I have stayed here.”

“People in Europe and many other parts of the world have been affected mentally due to the strict restrictions imposed there. However, we are lucky to be here as we are moving ahead with day to day life. We have not been affected mentally as those people have,” she said, adding, “I came here on a sabbatical and had planned to travel six months in India and six months in Africa. I travelled to Gujarat, Varanasi and south India but I really loved Rajasthan. I also stayed in Jaisalmer for some time before I landed in Jaipur 14 years back

“It was not planned at all,” she added with a smile on her face. Shedding light on her background, Barbara said, “I did my hotel management from Switzerland, then had a factory doing production for Armani and other Italian brands. Then I started with a hotel here and now I am working on a new project.” Barbara, who is half Swiss and half Italian, grew up in Switzerland and has been in India for the past 15 years. Presently, she owns one of the city’s finest restaurants, Bar Pallidio, which is a blend of the beauty and history

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of Asolo, a town in Italy, and merges the grandeur and culture of Jaipur. “I love taking up new things. India is a land with a lot of

opportunities. It is a wonderful place if you want to do something. Everything is possible here, but one needs to be patient to make things possible,” she said.

INDIA NEWS Barbara, meanwhile, is planning to visit her family in Switzerland during Easter. The other expat, Marie-Anne, is an interior designer who came to the Pink City 10 years back. “I came to India to work on a project in Delhi and then decided to come to Jaipur as I had my dog and we felt more comfortable in

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4 Jaipur,” she said. “In Jaipur, Barbara asked me to design her bar and after that I have been here for a long time working on a lot of projects. I have floated my own company here, doing some prestigious projects,” she added. Speaking about the lockdown, she said, “Many of our friends

in Europe and other parts of the world are blocked, as most places are still under lockdown. While we can go out in Jaipur now, for most of our friends, the situation is still like a nightmare. We used to travel a lot, used to see our families six times a year as they used to fly here frequently; however, now no one is coming here and we cannot go there

Despite Covid pandemic, Kaziranga attracts 1.11L tourists

NEWS FROM INDIA

because we have business visas. We are worried that if we go, we might not come back as things are changing fast.

she said.

“Also, I have a Dutch passport but have not lived in the Netherlands since the last 17 years. It is a complicated case, so we decided to stay here; now we are waiting for the right time to come when we can go and meet our families,

“India is very much my home. I have made good friends here and have done some incredible work... So this remains my home,” MarieAnne said.

Marie-Anne grew up in France, then went to New York besides staying in Italy and Spain.

Be goodwill ambassadors of J&K, LG to tourists

visited KNP & TR and we have earned revenues worth over Rs 2.06 crore. We expect that over 1.25 lakh tourists would visit the park this fiscal,” Sivakumar told IANS over phone.

By Sujit Chakraborty Guwahati, Feb 16 (IANS): The Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown could not dampen the spirit of 1.11 lakh tourists, including 175 foreigners, from visiting the UNESCO world heritage site Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR), considered as one of the best conserved wildlife reserves in the country. The authorities of KNP & TR, extending across Assam’s five distrcts -- Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Karbi

Anglong -- along the Arunachal Pradesh border, expected 1.25 lakh tourists to visit the park in the current season. KNP & TR Director Karmashree P. Sivakumar said the park and the tiger reserve was closed for three months last year -- March to May -- and then the four-month-long ( June to September) annual flood havoc inundating around 95 per cent of the 1,302 sq km KNP & TR areas. “In the current financial year (2020-21) so far, 1.11 lakh tourists, including 175 foreigners, have

During 2019-20, 1.74 lakh tourists had visited the KNP & TR and the revenues earned stood at Rs 4.83 crore against 1.76 lakh tourists and revenues of Rs 4.83 crore in the previous year (2018-19). Over 19,040 foreign tourists had visited the park in the two financial years -- 2019-20 and 2018-19. The Indian Forest Service officer said that a French government delegation led by Barbara Pompili, Minister of France for Ecological Transition, had visited Kaziranga last month to take stock of the work being carried out under a forest and biodiversity conservation project funded by the French government.

Govt. approves purchase of Arjun tanks, arms worth Rs 13,700 Cr

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): The Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved capital acquisition proposals of various weapons and equipment including 118 Arjun tanks on Tuesday. “Three Acceptance of Necessities (AoNs) for an overall cost of Rs 13,700 crore were accorded,” the Ministry of Defence said. All these Acceptance of Necessities are in the highest priority category of Defence Acquisition -- Buy IndianIDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured).

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“DAC has approved capital acquisition proposals of various weapons/platforms/ equipment/ systems required by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force,” the MoD said. The government cleared proposal of 118 Made-in-India Mark 1A Arjun tanks and 820 armoured vehicles. All these acquisition proposals will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. These will include inter-alia platforms and systems designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Srinagar, Feb 23 (IANS): J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid a visit to Dal Lake on Tuesday, where he met several tourists who came from different parts of the country. During his interaction with the tourists, the LG enquired about the experiences of their visit to Jammu and Kashmir. “Be the goodwill ambassadors of Jammu & Kashmir and carry the message to your respective areas that J&K is an ideal and safe tourist destination,” Sinha urged the tourists. While assuring the tourists a safe and pleasant stay in the Union Territory, the LG observed that the tourism department, local community and other

stakeholders are collectively providing a tourist-friendly environment to facilitate the visit of the tourists coming to J&K. From eco-tourism to winter sports, from pilgrimage to adventure tourism, J&K offers a host of attractions to tourists to experience the scenic beauty, warm hospitality, rich culture and heritage of J&K and make their visit to the UT a memorable one, Sinha added. He also advised the tourists to also explore the unexplored tourist places in J&K. The tourists, while sharing their experiences, said that they felt very much delighted to visit Kashmir.

Bharat’ goals of the government on time-bound defence procurement process and faster decision making and to systematically work towards reducing the time taken for capital acquisition, the DAC also approved that all capital acquisition contracts (delegated and non-delegated) other than design and development cases shall be concluded in two years. The MoD, in consultation with the services and all stakeholders, will come up with a detailed plan of action for achieving the same.

To meet the ‘Aatmanirbhar

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NEWS FROM INDIA

Ambitious initiative towards a drug-free India By Rattan Lal Kataria Every year, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is observed as National Anti-Drug Addiction Day to honour his commitment towards eradicating the menace of drug and substance abuse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also time and again highlighted the perils of substance abuse and stated that it is a dangerous disease which traps a person into a never-ending vicious cycle. Unfortunately, this menace is on the rise as is evident from the findings of National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use. Even after 73 years of independence, we frequently come across news reports of young college students getting addicted to drugs or police nabbing drug peddlers near schools. It is seen that addiction typically starts with alcohol, moves towards nicotine and ‘ganja’ and then graduates to hard substances like cocaine, MDME etc. The situation is grave and demands immediate attention. I consider myself fortunate for having the opportunity to serve in a cause which is close to my heart. It is in this spirit that a concerted three-pronged attack in the form of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister

Modi has been launched on this multi-headed monster of drug abuse. NMBA, which was launched on August 15, 2020, targets 272 districts which have been identified as most vulnerable based on rigorous inputs collected by the government. Considering the heightened adverse impact of drug abuse on youth, the focus of the Abhiyan is more on schools, higher education, institutions and university campuses. Also, youth groups such as NSS, NYKS, NCC have been roped in to reach out to target population. The message of the Prime Minister that ‘Drugs are not cool’ is being effectively delivered through these channels. I feel proud to announce that we have been able to provide community-based services for the identification, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts through voluntary organisations. The government is providing financial assistance to NGOs for running de-addiction centres. A 24x7 National Toll Free Helpline has been instrumental, especially during the lockdown period, in providing help to victims of drug abuse, their families and society at large. Outreach and drop-in centres (ODIC) with provision of counselling, assessment, screening to provide safe and

secure drop-in space for drug users are being developed. Apart from these facilities, referral and linkage to rehabilitation and treatment services to work for various dependents will also be offered. Taking cognisance of the fact that addressing the problem of drug abuse requires concerted action at different levels of the government, the ministry has asked the state governments to plan and take specific initiatives, taking into account their local considerations and devise specific and suitable strategies for drug demand reduction in their

identified areas. Accordingly, a decentralised monitoring mechanism in the form of district-level committees have been formed to maintain the pace and momentum of NMBA. The commitment of the government towards eradicating this social evil is evident from the increased outlay of Rs 260 crore from a meagre Rs 49 crore in 2017-18. The ministry is implementing a comprehensive National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction for 20182025 to reduce drug abuse through multi-faceted approach of education, de-addiction

and rehabilitation. With the programme picking up pace, the mission is gradually turning into a social movement involving youth and society at large. I sincerely believe that with the hard work, commitment and concerted efforts of the government, society and voluntary organisations, we will be able to celebrate ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on approaching June 26 in the right earnest and realise the vision of Mahatma Gandhi of a drug-free society in the coming years.

Extortion to cover up economic mismanagement: Sonia to PM on fuel hike New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS): Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to blame previous governments for rising prices but find a “solution” as she termed the fuel price hike a “brazen act of profiteering” and “extortion” to cover up economic mismanagement. “This is nothing short of extortion to cover up economic mismanagement. As the principal party in opposition, I urge upon you to follow ‘Raj Dharma’ and reduce fuel prices by partially rolling back excise duty,” she wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister. “What is equally distressing is that despite being in power for almost seven years now, your government continues to blame previous regimes for its own economic mismanagement. To set the record straight, domestic crude oil production has fallen to an 18-year low in the year 2020. “I hope you will agree that it is time for your Government to focus on solutions instead of looking for excuses. India deserves better,” she said. Stressing that the crude oil price is nearly half of what it was

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during the UPA government’s tenure, she said: “Therefore, your Government’s act of raising prices (continuously for 12 days till February 20) is little less than a brazen act of profiteering.” Gandhi said that she is writing this letter to convey every citizen’s anguish and deep distress regarding the spiralling fuel and gas prices as India is witnessing systematic erosion of jobs, wages and household income. “The middle class and those at the margins of our society are struggling. These challenges have been compounded by runaway inflation and an unprecedented rise in price of almost all household items and essential commodities,” she said. Gandhi accused the government of choosing to “profiteer off people’s misery and suffering”. “Fuel prices are at an historic and unsustainable high. In fact, petrol has breached the Rs 100/ litre mark in many parts of the country. The surging price of diesel has added to the escalating woes of millions of farmers. What baffles most citizens, is that these prices have been increased despite moderate prices of International crude oil.”

The Congress chief said the government has increased excise duty on diesel by 820 per cent and on petrol by 258 per cent and collected upwards of Rs 21 lakh crore in the last six and a half years. “This unaccounted for windfall is yet to be passed to the people for whose benefit it was ostensibly collected,” she noted.

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“Instead, ironically, your Government has been unreasonably over-zealous in levying excessive excise duty on petrol and diesel, Rs 33 on every litre of petrol and Rs 32 on every litre of diesel, which is higher than the base price of these fuels. “The astronomical rise in domestic non-subsidised LPG

Gas cylinder to Rs 769 in Delhi (and over Rs 800 in many states like Uttar Pradesh) is even more cruel and has impacted every household. Can there be any justification for the Government increasing the price of a cylinder by Rs 175 in two and a half months since December 2020?” she asked.

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‘Extremely unlikely’ Covid-19 escaped from Wuhan lab: WHO mission member Sydney, Feb 23 (IANS): It is “extremely unlikely” that SARSCoV-2, which causes Covid-19, escaped from a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan, a member of a World Health Organization (WHO) expert team sent to China on a Covid-19 origin-tracing mission said. “The most politically sensitive option we looked at was the virus escaping from a laboratory,” said Professor Dominic Dwyer from University of Sydney in an article on The Conversation, a publisher of research-based news and analysis. “We concluded this was extremely unlikely”, he said, Xinhua news agency reported. The Wuhan Institute of Virology “is an impressive research facility, and looks to be run well, with due regard to staff health,” said Dwyer. The professor said he has learned that blood samples of the scientists are routinely taken and stored, and “no evidence of antibodies to the coronavirus was found”. A clinical epidemiology group inside the team, according to Dwyer, looked at a large number of relative data and information, and “found no clear evidence of substantial circulation of Covid-19 in Wuhan during the latter part of

2019 before the first case”. “We talked to our Chinese counterparts -- scientists, epidemiologists, doctors -over the four weeks the WHO mission was in China. We were in meetings with them for up to 15 hours a day, so we became colleagues, even friends,” Dwyer said. “This allowed us to build respect and trust in a way you couldn’t necessarily do via Zoom or email,” he noted. The Australian expert said the virus was most likely of animal origin but not necessarily at a wet market in Wuhan. “It probably crossed over to humans from bats, via an as-yet-unknown intermediary animal at an

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

FB, Google, Microsoft adopt Australian misinformation code

unknown location,” he said, adding that the experts “are still working to confirm the exact chain of events that led to the current pandemic.” Dwyer said the WHO mission was only phase one of the investigation. “Investigators will also look further afield for data, to investigate evidence the virus was circulating in Europe, for instance, earlier in 2019,” he noted. “Investigators will continue to test wildlife and other animals in the region for signs of the virus,” he said. “And we’ll continue to learn from our experiences to improve how we investigate the next pandemic.”

Australia expresses concern over attack-class submarine programme

Sydney, Feb 22 (IANS): Top tech giants like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, TikTok and Twitter have agreed on adopting the Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation that aims to address the spread of fake news and disinformation on online platforms. The code, prepared by the Digital Industry Group Inc (DiGi), a nonprofit industry association, will be reviewed in 12 months, reports ZDNet. The code will apply to certain products and services that are delivered to end users in Australia, such as user-generated sponsored and shared content. Private messaging services, email services, and enterprise services are excluded from the code. The code was developed in response to government policy where it asked the major digital platforms to develop a voluntary code of conduct outlining what the platforms will do to address concerns regarding disinformation and credibility signalling for news content. The code provides seven guiding principles, with the first aimed at protecting freedom of expression.

Canberra, Feb 24 (IANS): Australia’s Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has expressed her “frustration” with the French company chosen to build the nation’s new fleet of submarines. Naval Group, then known as DCNS, was in 2016 awarded a contract to build a fleet of 12 new attack-class submarines at a cost of about 50 billion Australian dollars ($39.5 billion), which has since blown out to about 90 billion Australian dollars ($70.4 billion), Xinhua reported. Naval Group promised that 60 per cent of the contract value would

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be spent on Australian suppliers. However, the company has not yet committed to that figure in a formal deal with the government, prompting concerns, according to The Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s report on Wednesday. Reynolds was set to meet with the global chief executive of Naval Group, Pierre Eric Pommellet, on Wednesday after he completed two weeks of quarantine but on Wednesday morning announced she was taking medical leave on the advice of her cardiologist. Prior to taking leave she

told Parliament that she was frustrated with the slow progress of negotiations with the French company. “I am frustrated and I’m very disappointed that Naval Group have not yet been able to finalize this contract with Defence, but it will not be done at the expense of Australian jobs, and Australian industry,” Reynolds said on Tuesday. Despite tense talks, both the Department of Defence and Naval Group have insisted that the project remains on track.

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“Signatories should not be compelled by governments or other parties to remove content solely on the basis of its alleged falsity if the content would not otherwise be unlawful,” according to the code. The digital platforms who have signed this code recognise their

role as important actors within the Australian information ecosystem and have already implemented a range of measures to tackle the propagation of disinformation and misinformation amongst users of their services and products. “Any actions taken by digital platforms to address the propagation of Disinformation and Misinformation should not contravene commitments they have made to respect the privacy of Australian users, including in terms and conditions, published policies and voluntary codes of conduct as well as by applicable laws,” the code read. This includes respect for users’ expectations of privacy when using digital platforms and in private digital communications. Additionally, any access to data for research purposes must protect user privacy. Meanwhile, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s ABC News app shot to the top of Apple’s App Store charts in Australia over the course of the last few days, just after Facebook banned Australian news sources on its platform. ABC capitalised on Facebook’s news ban with an ad sending users to its app. Facebook’s ban was in response to an Australian regulatory measure that will force tech platforms to pay Australian media companies for the content users share (and that platforms earn ad revenue from).

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NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

India-Australia partnership to play important role in post-Covid world: Modi New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that a strong IndiaAustralia partnership will play an important role in shaping the post-Covid world. The statement came a day after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowed to move ahead with his government’s proposed laws that will ensure the US media tech giants like Facebook pay for publishing news media content. Incidentally, the Modi government is also pushing back against the misuse of the US social media platforms for mobilising violence over domestic reforms in India. On Thursday, Modi had spoken to Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the phone. Both the leaders, while reiterating their commitment to consolidate their comprehensive strategic partnership, discussed regional issues of common interest. The two looked forward to working together for peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific. In a virtual address on Friday at the award ceremony of the India Australia Circular Economy Hackathon, Prime Minister Modi said that Indian and

Australian youth, innovators and entrepreneurs will be at the forefront of strengthening partnership over the circular economy. In June last year, Prime Minister Modi and Morrison had discussed the possibility of organising a hackathon on circular economy. Modi said he was glad the idea was realised so soon. Circular Economy, he said, can be a key step in solving many of the challenges. “Recycling

and reusing things, eliminating waste, and improving resource efficiency must become part of our lifestyles,” he stressed. The hackathon has seen innovative solutions from Indian and Australian students, startups and entrepreneurs. “I have no doubt that your innovations will inspire our two countries to take the lead in circular economy solutions. And, for that, we must now also explore ways to scale-up and incubate these ideas,” he said.

Not to be intimidated by facebook after news ban: Australian PM Canberra, Feb 19 (IANS): Australian-Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for curbing Facebook’s influence, after the technology giant banned Australians from accessing some

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news content on the social media platform in response to the government’s proposed media bargaining code. The pages of health departments, governments, fire services and

the Bureau of Meteorology were also wiped, the Xinhua news agency reported. In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Morrison vowed that his government would not be

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“intimidated” by the move.

time in two days.

“Facebook’s actions to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing,” he said.

Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday slammed the decision by Facebook.

“These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behaviour of Big-Tech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them,” added Morrison. “We will not be intimidated by Big-Tech seeking to pressure our Parliament as it votes on our important News Media Bargaining Code.” Under the media bargaining code, technology giants including Facebook and Google would be forced to pay Australian news outlets for their content. The lower house of the Australian parliament, the House of Representatives, passed the legislation on Wednesday night, paving the way for the Senate to pass it into law. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Friday morning that he had spoken to Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, about the news ban for the second

Greg Hunt, minister for health, said that he was concerned that it could lead to the spread of irresponsible misinformation as Australia prepares to begin administering Covid-19 vaccines next week. His concerns were echoed by Omar Khorshid, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), who said in a statement that Facebook was “putting the health of Australians at risk.” William Easton, managing director of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement on Thursday that the law proposed in Australia “fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content.” According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Simon Milner, Facebook’s head of public policy for the Asia-Pacific, said the blocking of access to nonnews pages reflected what they argued was a broad definition of “news” as defined in the law.

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Record-Breaking Magic of Theatre Returns to Melbourne

325,000 people which made it the most successful play in the country’s history. The record had previously been held by the Melbourne Theatre Company’s The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is supported by the Andrews Labor Government’s $100 million Major Events Fund, which ensures that Victoria continues to secure the best major cultural and sporting events. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened in the restored Princess Theatre in February 2019 as only the third city in the world to welcome the critically acclaimed play following its premiere in London in 2016 and its debut in New York in 2018. Harry Potter fans travelled from near and far to enjoy the production with 50 per cent

of ticket holders coming from regional Victoria, interstate and 42 countries around the world. For many, the production was their first theatre experience (51 per cent) and for others it was their first time visiting the Princess Theatre (77 per cent). The appeal of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to younger audiences has also been strong with 44 per cent of attendees under the age of 35, introducing theatre to a new generation. The much-anticipated reopening of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child follows the return of global smash hit Come from Away for an encore season at the Comedy Theatre while pre-sales for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, scheduled to open in August 2021, have broken records at the Regent Theatre.

24 Feb 2021: The Victorian Government has today announced the establishment of a Royal Commission into Crown Melbourne Ltd’s (Crown Melbourne) suitability to hold its Victorian casino licence, as well as the suitability of its associates, including Crown Resorts Ltd. This Royal Commission responds to the serious findings of the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) inquiry. Since receiving the ILGA report, the Government has taken advice about the most appropriate way to proceed in Victoria. Establishing a Royal Commission will ensure the most appropriate access to information regarding Crown Melbourne’s suitability to hold the casino licence given the Commission’s powers to compel witnesses and documentation. Raymond Finkelstein QC will serve as Commissioner and Chairperson of the Royal Commission and will hand down his recommendations by 1 August 2021. Mr Finkelstein QC has served more than 40

years at the Victorian Bar and has been a Queen’s Counsel since 1986. He was appointed a judge of the Federal Court in 1997 and held other notable appointments as Deputy President of the Copyright Tribunal of Australia and President of the Australian Competition Tribunal. He retired as a judge of the Federal Court and President of the Competition Tribunal in 2011 and has returned to private practice at the Victorian Bar. Later this year, the Government will legislate to enable the Victorian Gaming and Liquor Regulation Commission (VCGLR) to give effect to any findings of the Royal Commission. The Government has also commenced work to establish an independent casino regulator and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne has commissioned a review to advise on the necessary structural and governance arrangements. The independent review will occur parallel with the Royal Commission and will

also assess, among other things, requirements for regulation of money laundering and junket operations.

NEWS FROM VICTORIA

Police operation to improve pedestrian safety in Southbank 24 Feb 2021: Pedestrian safety along the Southbank Promenade is the focus of a new Victoria Police operation, targeting speeding cyclists, electric bike and scooter drivers. Southbank Promenade is a busy CBD thoroughfare, designed to be used by both bike and scooter riders, and pedestrians at a speed limit of 10km per hour. Operation River Run will see the Melbourne Bike Patrol and local police patrol the area at peak travel times to detect and deter speeding offences, as well as those putting other path users in danger. Speed warning signs are in place to notify riders of their speed, and police will also be using handheld speed measuring devices. The first phase of the operation will incorporate an educational approach, with police handing out flyers and making sure those using the space understand the rules. If a cyclist fails to abide by a sign posted limit along a shared path, they can be charged on summons and prosecuted under Road Rule 20 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017. This holds a maximum penalty of $1,652.20. Police will also be checking those using electric bikes and scooters to ensure their devices are in line with current regulations. This includes: • Scooters – the maximum power must not exceed 200 watts • Electric bike – the maximum

power must not exceed 250 watts, and the power assistance must only be available to travel up to 25km an hour (and the power assistance is not available unless the rider is pedalling). If these parameters are not met, then the device can only be used on a private property otherwise that person could be penalised for driving an unregistered motor vehicle. Operation River Run commences today and will run for three weeks. Quotes attributable to Southbank Acting Senior Sergeant Brett Sidebottom “Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users – if involved in a collision there is very little that protects them from impact.” “It is incredibly dangerous for all path users to have riders zooming past pedestrians at a great speed, particularly when we have more people coming back into the city visiting the wonderful food and entertainment precincts along Southbank Promenade.” “We know more people are choosing options such as electric bikes and scooters to get around the city, and we want to make sure their devices are up to standard and in line with current regulations.” “We encourage all users of roads and shared footpaths to have patience and make sure you look out for each other to ensure everyone is using the space safely.”

Free Coronavirus Vaccines Royal Commission into Crown Melbourne Underway in Victoria Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews:- “This is about making sure that those who hold a casino licence in Victoria uphold the highest standards of probity and integrity – and that they’re accountable for their actions.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne “The reports from New South Wales’ ILGA Inquiry were incredibly concerning, which is why we’re establishing a Royal Commission to get the answers we need about Crown Melbourne.” “The Royal Commission will establish the facts and the Government and the VCGLR will take any necessary action at the conclusion of the investigation. We will not tolerate illegal behaviour in our gaming industry.”

India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Melbourne) 22 Feb 2021: Mr Narendra Modi and PM Scott Morrison (ScoMo) addressed the awards ceremony of India Australia Circular Economy Hackathon.

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Over 200 participants in 72 teams of students and startups provided waste reduction and waste-to-wealth solutions #IACEhackathon. India-

Australia’s partnership in science and technology, innovation and education leading the way to sustainable production and consumption.

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25 Feb. 2021: Melbourne’s ground-breaking production of hit play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child resumes tonight after an 11-month hiatus, underlining Victoria’s continued recovery and reinvigoration of its cultural and community life. From Thursday, 25 February, the Princess Theatre will again be home to the two-part play, injecting renewed energy into Melbourne’s CBD and helping to draw people into the city’s restaurants, bars, and hotels. The production’s COVIDSafe Plan is in place to protect cast and crew, audience members and the wider public, and includes crowd limits and a requirement for audience members to wear masks. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child broke Australian theatre records in its first year, attracting more than 325,000 people which made it the most successful play in the country’s history. The record had previously been held by the Melbourne Theatre Company’s The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is supported by the Andrews Labor Government’s $100 million Major Events Fund, which ensures that Victoria continues to secure the

best major cultural and sporting events. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened in the restored Princess Theatre in February 2019 as only the third city in the world to welcome the critically acclaimed play following its premiere in London in 2016 and its debut in New York in 2018. Harry Potter fans travelled from near and far to enjoy the production with 50 per cent of ticket holders coming from regional Victoria, interstate and 42 countries around the world. For many, the production was their first theatre experience (51 per cent) and for others it was their first time visiting the Princess Theatre (77 per cent). The appeal of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to younger audiences has also been strong with 44 per cent of attendees under the age of 35, introducing theatre to a new generation. The much-anticipated reopening of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child follows the return of global smash hit Come from Away for an encore season at the Comedy Theatre while pre-sales for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, scheduled to open in August 2021, have broken records at the Regent Theatre.

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

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NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND

Roads, transport to steer From lockdown to launch, Brisbane welcomes first vaccine Economic recovery, jobs Brisbane, 24 Feb: The very first COVID-19 vaccine was delivered in Brisbane today, with Princess Alexandra Hospital coming online as the second of Queensland’s six Pfizer hubs.

The milestone follows the successful launch on Monday at the Gold Coast University Hospital and precedes the launch at Cairns Hospital on Friday. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said: “Brisbane had come a long way since its three-day lockdown in January. “I’m really excited to bring our second Pfizer hub online this week. We have worked so hard for so long to get here. I am also really excited about the launch of the Cairns hub this Friday.

“We’ll continue to keep Queenslanders informed as we roll out this vaccine across Queensland.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said all six Pfizer locations would be online by early March. “Pfizer was the first vaccine to be approved by the TGA and was the first we received from the Australian Government,” Dr Young said. “We have had to move quickly to ensure that those who are in the highest priority groups have access to a vaccine as soon as possible – these Pfizer hubs allow us to do just that. “But I must be clear, the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has now also been approved by the

TGA, is also safe and effective.

Director of Infection Management Services at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Dr Geoffrey Playford said today’s launch was massive step forward for Brisbane on the pandemic journey. All Hospital and Health Services will be vaccinating those belonging to Priority Group 1a. The AstraZeneca vaccine will soon be distributed to Queensland by the Australian Government. This will allow for a much broader distribution of vaccine, and more locations will come online, including more hospitals, GPs and pharmacies. More information on the vaccine is available online: www.qld.gov.au/ covid19vaccine

Brisbane, 24 Feb: Major road and transport projects across Queensland are set to drive the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for economic recovery and jobs with billions of dollars’ worth of upgrades set to start or finish in 2021.

Projects like the $1.5 billion second M1, $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade between Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast and $230 million Townsville Ring Road Stage 5 will see shovels in the ground over the next 12 months, sparking a four-year pipeline of 23,600 jobs. They’ll be joined by 87 recently announced road safety projects all expected to start within the next six months plus $5 billion in jointly-funded stimulus between the Palaszczuk and Australian governments.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Queenslanders would also witness a number of projects completed in 2021 while works ramp up on other projects like the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail, $1 billion M1 upgrade on the Gold Coast and $480 million Bruce upgrade south of Cairns.

Mr Bailey said regional Queensland was the biggest focus of the government’s four-year road and transport budget with 2021 kicking off $17.8 billion in investment focussed on communities outside the southeast corner to support 16,180 jobs. Minister Bailey said investing in roads and transport was not just busting congestion, but also supporting jobs and businesses in the community through COVID-19.

More Queensland export businesses First shot in Queensland’s Go Global through additional funding COVID fight Brisbane, 24 Feb: Regional Queensland businesses that are export-ready are being encouraged to get involved in the Go Global Export Program which has so far helped 36 businesses break into new markets. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the latest round of Go Global was now open with $500,000 in funding grants available to help businesses overcome exporting barriers as part of Queensland’s economic recovery. “There is no denying that the global pandemic has led to much weaker international trade and investment activity which has been devastating to economies and jobs,” the Premier said. “But despite these challenging times, I’m so proud that our export-ready Queensland businesses are still out there innovating and giving it a go. “I’m also proud we’re able to be right there beside them helping along the way. “Last year between July and December 2020, Queensland exporters, including many from regional centres, have been able to achieve global trade and investment outcomes of almost $600 million. “And as the pandemic continues, our dedicated global business agency – Trade and Investment Queensland - continues to assist Queensland companies to respond to the ongoing challenges through programs like this.” The Premier said the Go Global Export Program, first launched by TIQ in February last year, has already provided more than $700,000 in matched-funding

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grants to 36 business that have gone on to achieve global success. “We’ve committed a further $1 million towards this important program that gives Queensland businesses the chance to take their products to the world with $500,000 available in this latest round,” the Premier said.

Sunshine Coast-based business Process Plants International (PPI), which provides integrated services to global resources and commodities companies, was among those to have secured new overseas deals as a direct result of receiving Go Global funding. Director Adam Hamer said the company was transformed as a result of the funding, signing a $6 million deal with an international gold mining company to manufacture a new type of valve – the company’s first venture into valve manufacturing. “We were able to manufacture it ourselves rather than modify someone else’s and it’s given us some great lessons around what we can do locally,” Mr Hamer said.

those arrangements.”

Gold Coast business Virtual Psychologist is another company which secured new overseas deals as a direct result of receiving Go Global funding. The text-based counselling service signed a contract with the Philippines’ largest mobile network provider after using the funding to customise their platform for delivery in the Tagalog language and to resolve legal and data-security requirements. Virtual Psychologist founder Dervla Loughnane said the company would initially provide counselling services to Globe Telecom’s staff, with potential to reach more than 100 million people in the future and creating new jobs in Queensland. “We have six Queensland-based psychologists who are part of the pilot program with Globe Telecom, plus a team of five IT specialists on the Gold Coast who are supporting our platform for the Philippines’ work.

“The Go Global funding gave us valuable support to design, manufacture and supply a new type of valve to a new client which has opened up a new market.

“If we continue and expand the project as Globe Telecom is suggesting, we envisage employing 20 to 30 mental health professionals and a dedicated IT team based in Queensland.”

“Initially we had thought the project was cost negative for us and that could not sustain a venture into this area. By securing funding we could move forward confidently and invest in the product development, particularly during such an unsure time as 2020.

Virtual Psychologist has been recognised as a leading e-therapy provider in Australia during recent crises, providing accessible, high-quality counselling to people in rural and remote areas, such as bushfire survivors and farmers experiencing drought.

“The program is useful for any exporter looking at new markets and looking for support to finalise

Brisbane, 22 Feb: The very first Queenslander in the State received a COVID-19 vaccination today at Gold Coast University Hospital, marking a crucial milestone in Queensland’s pandemic response. Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said COVID-19 nurse Zoe Park from Gold Coast University Hospital would be one of thousands of highest priority people to receive the vaccine in the coming weeks. “What an amazing turn around it is, when we look to where we are today compared to twelve months ago,” Ms D’Ath said. “It is thanks to each and every Queenslander that we are in the position that we are in today. “We are grateful, but our journey is far from over. “Today is the first of five million steps on the road to recovery for our state, as we start the incredible mission to vaccinate every eligible Queenslander we can.” Minister D’Ath said Queensland’s strong health response to the pandemic had proven remarkably effective. “Now, the vaccines approved by the national regulator give us an additional weapon our fight against COVID,” she said. “In coming weeks and months, every Queenslander who wants to get vaccinated against COVID will get be able to access one of the vaccines at no cost. “We’re working closely with the Commonwealth on the staged national rollout, prioritising the most vulnerable for early vaccination.” Gold Coast Hospital and Health

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Service Infectious Diseases Director Dr John Gerrard said it was an honour to kick off the largest coordinated vaccination effort the state had ever seen. “What a momentous moment in history to be a part of,” Dr Gerrard said. “Our health service has seen 230 COVID-19 positive patients since the start of the pandemic, surrounded by our incredible doctors and nurses. “How fitting that the first vaccination in Queensland goes to one of those nurses, who has spent the last year caring for those on our COVID-19 wards. “What an incredible turnaround it is today, to welcome the vaccine.” Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said it was a day she had been waiting for all year. “I am very excited, but we still have much work to do,” Dr Young said. “The most important thing everyone can do from here is get vaccinated. I know I will be ready and 100 per cent confident when it is my turn in the queue.” Princess Alexandra and Cairns Hospitals are expected to come online as Pfizer vaccination locations on Wednesday and Friday this week. In the coming months, the AstraZeneca vaccine will be distributed to Queensland by the Australian Government. This will allow for a much broader distribution of vaccine, and more locations will come online, including more hospitals, GPs and pharmacies.

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND

TAQ Badminton tournament held

amil Association of Queensland (TAQ) has been serving the community from the 1980’s and is constantly adapting to the evolving needs of the community. Physical activities of any kind not only ensure the well being of the body but also of the mind. Besides, these activities help us come together and interact in a positive way, building relationships for individual selves and families. Bearing this in mind, TAQ had organised a badminton competition in December 2020 primarily driven by the then treasurer late Mr Anand Kutty, who was passionate about building a cohesive community through many channels including sports. He commenced the tournament with 12 teams playing in doubles. The final match took place last week with the top two teams led by Raj and Bhuvan and Balu and Satheesh/Ajish. At the end of an impressive nailbiting competition, the team with Raj and Bhuvan won the TAQ Badminton Tournament. Remembering our beloved Mr Anand Kutty, who was well known to the wider community as a pleasant individual with an everpositive disposition who served

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the community, the top prize for the tournament was dedicated in his honour. A Rolling Cup was awarded in his name as “Anand Kutty Memorial Rolling Cup” sponsored by his family (Mrs Sangeetha Kutty). Winners of the TAQ Badminton Tournament won the Rolling Cup and Rebel Sports gift card while the runner-ups were awarded Rebel Sports gift card. TAQ intends to carry on this competition every year, encouraging more participants from within the community. TAQ AGM and member benefits “As the financial year is coming to a close, the TAQ AGM is approaching soon. Before the current TAQ Executive Committee signs off, TAQ wanted to announce some tangible benefits that come along with being an official member of TAQ. We have gone to greater lengths to secure and provide extensive benefits to our members,” read the statement by TAQ committee.

phones & accessories • Badminton games at a minimal cost • Discounted ticket prices for TAQ events • Exclusive seating arrangements for Deepavali and other programs organised by TAQ. • Providing membership cards “We enthusiastically encourage you and your family and friends to become official members of TAQ and enjoy these exclusive offers. Let us come together and work to build a strong and thriving community,” TAQ committee further said.

Below is the list of perks that you can avail if you are a member with TAQ. • Discounts in groceries • Discounts in dining • Discounts with certain mobile

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

INDIA NEWS

NEWS FROM NEW SOUTH WALES

Morrison Government is enhancing The first F-35A aircraft has been inducted into BAE our Social Security Safety Net Canberra, Feb 24: The Morrison Government is enhancing Social Security Safety Net by increasing support for unemployed Australians while strengthening their obligations to search for work. From March the Coalition Government will progressively introduce a series of permanent measures to ensure that job seekers have the best opportunity to secure employment as our nation continues to recover from the economic challenges of COVID-19. These include: • permanently increasing the rate of working-age payments by $50 a fortnight from 1 April 2021, benefiting 1.95 million Australians; • permanently increasing the income-free earnings to $150 per fortnight for Job Seeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other) from 1 April 2021; • temporarily extending the waiver of the Ordinary Waiting Period for certain payments for a further three months to 30 June 2021; • temporarily extending the expanded eligibility criteria for Job Seeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other) for those required to self-isolate or care for others as a result of COVID-19 to 30 June 2021. There will also be changes to the Mutual Obligation Scheme: • job seekers will be required to search for a minimum of 15 jobs a month from early April, increasing to 20 jobs per month from 1 July; • an employer reporting line will be established to refer Jobseekers who are not genuine about their

job search or decline the offer of a job; • some job seekers will be required to participate in work for the dole after six months; • job seekers can choose to participate in an approved intensive short course instead of participating in work for the dole; • job seekers return to compulsory face-to-face services with active job providers; • increased auditing of job applications to ensure job seekers are making genuine applications. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the plan for working age payments is fair and sustainable – for both unemployed people and taxpayers who fund the support. “Welfare is a safety net, not a wage supplement. We want to get the balance right between providing support for people and incentives to work,” the Prime Minister said. “The actions we have taken this year successfully cushioned us against the impact of the pandemic and mean that we no longer need to rely on the emergency supports which have sustained us over the past 12 months.” “Now is the time to set our nation up for the future and build on our successes which will see Australians once again emerge stronger, safer and together.”. The $9 billion commitment is the largest ever Budget measure for working age payments and is the single biggest year on year increase to the rate of unemployment benefits since 1986. Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said the changes

to mutual obligations would provide better support for job seekers in their search for work. “We know that most job seekers are doing the right thing and trying to find employment, however, a small minority are actively trying to game the system The new employer reporting line will be set up from April to help ensure those doing the wrong thing are identified,” Minister Cash said. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government has stood side-byside all Australians during the pandemic and would continue to do so through permanent changes to strengthen our income support system. “Since April 2020 our comprehensive payment system will help to deliver more than $33 billion in emergency income support payments including the Coronavirus Supplement and four economic support payments, the last of which will start flowing to our pensioners from next week,” Minister Ruston said. “Our Government has always made sure that the rate of income support payments has kept pace with the cost living through twice yearly indexation but this announcement marks the first real increase in the rate of unemployment benefits in more than 25 years. “What we’re announcing is significant but also sustainable because we must make sure our social security safety net is available into the future should our children fall in tough times” For more information about the changes, visit http://www.dese. gov.au/covid-19/job-seekers

Proposed ICT procurement targets a big win for SMEs Sydney, Feb 10: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will receive a greater slice of ICT procurement spend, thanks to the NSW Government accepting a suite of recommendations from its ICT and Digital Sovereign Procurement Taskforce. Among the recommendations supported by the NSW Government are measures to benefit start-ups, Aboriginal owned, disability and regional enterprises. These measures will be announced later in 2021. Following consultation with industry, the NSW Government has proposed the use of spend targets from 1 April 2021 that will direct NSW Government investment to SMEs. It also includes the implementation of measures for ICT procurements to build

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a resilient and secure NSW ICT supply chain. The spend targets include: • 30 Percent of ICT procurement Addressable Spend (excluding contingent labour) must be spent directly with SMEs. • 25 Percent of indirect ICT procurement Addressable Spend in all procurements valued above $3 million must be spent with SMEs. Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the recommendations recognise the pivotal role SMEs can play in the State’s recovery from the bushfires and pandemic. “NSW is the most digitally advanced jurisdiction in Australia, thanks in large part to the experience and expertise of our local ICT industry,” Mr Dominello said.

Systems Australia’s (BAESA)

“Demand for technology solutions is only going to increase and the tech workforce is only going to get bigger, and we want SMEs to remain at the forefront. “This a double win for the State – it will cement our position as the digital capital of the southern hemisphere, and help drive economic growth and job creation.” Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said this would open up more opportunities for small and medium businesses. “This is all about making it easier for SMEs in the ICT sector to do business with government, as well as supporting the economic conditions to ensure NSW remains at the cutting edge of innovation and technology,” Mr Tudehope said.

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Canberra, Feb 10: The first F-35A aircraft has been inducted into BAE Systems Australia’s (BAESA) maintenance depot as part of the next major milestone in the Joint Strike Fighter Program. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the F-35A fleet was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations. “This is about protecting and securing Australia’s interests but it’s also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too,” the Prime Minister said. “This induction demonstrates the world leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia. “We want to give as many opportunities to Australian companies as possible which is why there’s already more than 50 local companies sharing in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 Program. “As we recover from the COVID recession a key plank of our Economic Recovery Plan is our $270 billion investment in Defence capability over the next decade and our $65 billion commitment in air capabilities which includes the Joint Strike Fighter Program. This investment is keeping Australians safe and secure while creating more jobs and more opportunities for businesses.” After being selected as the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade depot for the Southeast Asia region, the BAESA facility will host Australian F-35A aircraft and in future other nations’ F-35 aircraft. The Program is progressing on budget and on schedule and the aircraft is undergoing routine structural modifications to improve the airframe, ensuring it reaches full life, and align it with newer aircraft. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds CSC said up to four Australian F-35A aircraft were expected to undergo routine

maintenance at BAESA’s facility this year, demonstrating the significant boost the Program was having on the local Hunter economy. “The Morrison Government is unashamedly committed to building a robust sovereign defence industry,” Minister Reynolds said. “We are building our sovereign defence capabilities. We now have 41 fully trained RAAF pilots, nine of whom trained on home soil at RAAF Base Williamtown. We also have more than 225 trained technicians as the RAAF’s F-35A maintenance capability continues to develop.” This progress is being supported through the sovereign Training Support Services contract awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia, worth approximately $70 million. It will see more than 70 personnel employed at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal. “This demonstrates the extraordinary opportunities this program is providing for Australians and the economy, especially as it continues to bounce back from COVID-19,” Minister Reynolds said. Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the program had helped the people of the Hunter region weather the impact of the economic impact of the pandemic. “In 2020, job losses in the aeronautics industry due to COVID-19 resulted in the closure of Jetstar’s aircraft maintenance facility here in Newcastle, and many other regional facilities,” Minister Price said. “Not only have these technical workers been retained in the local Hunter aviation industry, but they will also help Defence build its sovereign sustainment capability as the fleet continues to grow.” More information about the F-35A Lightning II is available at: F-35A Lightning II and Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group

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Improvements to commence in Canberra in 2021 Canberra, Feb 17: Roads and path maintenance, more trees and improvements to a number of community facilities will commence across Canberra in 2021. Funded by an Australian Government program, the infrastructure projects will help keep our city moving as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will provide: • More urban trees, and facility improvements, including at the National Arboretum, Venues Canberra locations, libraries, waste facilities and more additional maintenance to roads and paths.

A breakdown of what is happening in each Canberra region:

Bonner Neighbourhood Oval.

Belconnen

• Public toilets to be replaced at Lyneham local shopping precinct.

• Improvements to the Lake Ginninderra swimming area • New shade sails for playgrounds located on Fullston Way in Holt, and James Harrison Street in Dunlop. • A new competition standard halfpipe at the Belconnen skate park. Gungahlin • New shade sails for playgrounds on Burnum Burnum Street in Bonner, and fencing at the playground on Bettong Avenue in Throsby • Sportsground upgrades, including new LED lighting at the

Central

Tuggeranong • New fencing at the Adventure Playground in Kambah, and a new shade sail at the playground on Alston Street in Chisholm. Woden, Weston Creek & Molonglo • Public toilets to be replaced at Colbee Court, Phillip • New shade sails for the playgrounds on Tank Street in Phillip, and Glenmaggie Street in Duffy • Sportsground upgrades, including new irrigation at the Curtin District Playing Fields.

Work to begin on road safety projects Canberra, Feb 17: Permanent CCTV cameras and raised pedestrian crossings will be among several road safety projects set to get underway across Canberra this year. Funded jointly by the ACT and Australian Governments, the projects will help ensure the safety of Canberrans and their families. A breakdown of what is happening in each Canberra region: Belconnen In Belconnen, permanent CCTV cameras will be installed at eight intersections: • Coulter Drive/Southern Cross Drive, Belconnen • William Hovell Drive/Coulter Drive, Belconnen • Belconnen Way/Caswell Drive, Bruce • Belconnen Way/Haydon Drive, Bruce • Ginninderra Drive/Gungahlin Drive, Kaleen • Belconnen Way/Coulter Drive, Page • Haydon Drive/Battye Street, Bruce • Haydon Drive/College Street, Bruce. Traffic calming devices, including speed cushions, line marking and raised pedestrian crossings will be placed at: • Krefft Street, between Kingsford Smith Drive and Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey • between the intersections of Powell Street at Hardwick Crescent and Starke Street, Holt • East of Heydon Crescent between Kissane Crescent and Kevin Street, Evatt • Ginninderra Drive between Kerrigan Street and Florey Drive, Charnwood. Copland Drive intersection upgrades: • A new roundabout at Verbrugghen Street, Melba

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• A new right-turn lane from Copland Drive into Moynihan Street, Evatt. Gungahlin In Gungahlin, permanent CCTV cameras will be installed at four intersections: • Horse Park Drive and Mapleton Avenue/Dugong Way, Throsby

Ainslie. There will also be upgraded road safety barriers along the Kings Highway within the ACT. Tuggeranong In Tuggeranong, permanent CCTV cameras will be installed at four intersections:

• Flemington Road, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Mitchell

• Canberra Avenue/Hindmarsh Drive and Newcastle Street, Symonston

• Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Gozzard Street, Gungahlin

• Drakeford Drive and Athllon Drive (north), Oxley

• Barton Highway and Clarrie Hermes Drive, Nicholls.

• Monaro Highway and Sheppard Street, Hume

Traffic calming devices, including speed cushions, line marking and raised pedestrian crossings will be placed on Kelleway Avenue, between Clarrie Hermes Drive and McClelland Avenue, Nicholls

• Athllon Drive and Soward Way, Greenway.

Central

• Ellerston Avenue between Johnson Drive and Ashley Drive (includes sections of Drumston Street and Noorooma Street), Isabella Plains

In the city, Inner North and Inner South, permanent CCTV cameras will be installed at five intersections: • Ainslie Avenue and Cooyong Street, Braddon • Canberra Avenue, Captain Cook Crescent and Manuka Circle, Griffith • Federal Highway and Stirling Avenue, Watson • Morshead Drive and the Majura Parkway off-ramp, Campbell • Ginninderra Drive, Ellenborough Street and Mouat Street, Lyneham.

Traffic calming devices, including speed cushions, line marking and raised pedestrian crossings will be placed at:

• Heagney Crescent between Louisa Lawson Crescent and Henry Melville Crescent, Gilmore. Woden, Weston Creek & Molonglo In Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo, permanent CCTV cameras will be installed at four intersections: • Cotter Road and Tuggeranong Parkway southbound ramp, Curtin

Traffic calming devices, including speed cushions, line marking and raised pedestrian crossings will be placed at:

• Hindmarsh Drive and Streeton Drive, Stirling

• Phillip Avenue between Antill Street and Majura Avenue, Dickson

• Cotter Road, Dargie Street and Kirkpatrick Street, Weston

• Majura Avenue between Phillip Avenue and Dutton Street, Dickson • Hawdon Street and Majura Avenue, North Ainslie

• Yamba Drive and Launceston Street, Hughes

Upgraded road safety barriers will also be placed along the Tuggeranong Parkway, between the Glenloch Interchange and south of Hindmarsh Drive.

• Officer Crescent at Davenport Street/Rutherford Crescent,

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NEWS FROM ACT

A safe night out with CBR Night Crew Canberra, Feb 18: When Lachlan Finlayson joined CBR Night Crew as a student nurse looking to gain more “hands-on experience”, he had no concept of how committed to the organisation he would become. Four years on – now a registered nurse and CBR Night Crew’s duty coordinator – Lachlan manages the team that provide a safe place for people out and about in the city. CBR Night Crew is a collaborative initiative between ACT Government and St John Ambulance, and uses a harm minimisation approach to help vulnerable people in Canberra City on a night out. The program is staffed by volunteers and paid personnel who patrol the city between 10pm to 2am on Thursdays, 10pm to 4am on Friday (summer only) and Saturday nights. You can also find their safe tent located near Platform 8 of the City Bus Station on Mort Street. “We wander around the Civic area just looking for people who may need some help. They might have gotten themselves in a position where they can’t look after themselves, or are struggling,” Lachlan said. “The more I did it, the more I realised how valuable the service is for the people out there.”

Often people approach the tent because they are receiving unwanted attention from another person, and don’t feel safe. “Sometimes it’s enough for them to sit with us for a while, and the other person loses interest,” Lachlan said. On other occasions, Lachlan can contact a trusted person to make sure the person in need gets home safely. Lachlan said many passers-by have said it’s comforting knowing that if they’re too intoxicated, they won’t be left on the streets. “You’re not left in the gutter where anything can happen to you overnight. There’s someone there to pick you up, take you to somewhere safe and find some way of keeping you safe for the night,” Lachlan said. Whether it’s getting someone to take you home, whether its organising for you to be taken to somewhere where you can be kept safe and monitored until you’re in a position to look after yourself.” CBR NightCrew is always on the look for more volunteers – ideal candidates would have First Aid experience and a Working with Vulnerable People card. “But anyone’s welcome to come along, give it a go,” Lachlan said.

Bulky waste is treasure for Canberrans in need Canberra, Feb 23: The saying ‘one person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ is particularly true when it comes to the ACT Government’s bulky waste collection service. The service provides households with one free collection each year of up to two cubic metres of bulky waste items such as old furniture and household appliances. Once the items are collected, they are sorted by waste management service SUEZ, who then redistribute salvageable items, such as furniture, to local charities. The charities, including GIVIT and Ted Noffs Foundation, rehome the items to Canberrans in need. According to GIVIT Regional Manager for NSW and ACT, Caroline Odgers, what may seem like basic items could be very valuable to other people. “There’s been a rice cooker, a couple of tennis rackets and a wheelbarrow, which were reserved by a local organisation who supports refugees and asylum seekers,” Caroline said. “For one particular family it helped them get set up and make Canberra feel like home, and to feel welcomed by fellow

Canberrans.” Ted Noffs Foundation ACT regional manager Lachlan Dean said the items were donated alongside 40 bikes, which were provided to young people who had trouble getting transport. The foundation, which provides drug and alcohol support for young people aged 13 to 25 years old, has found that the donations offer a “leg up” for their beneficiaries. “It’s been really useful for us, for young people who are transitioning out of our programs into independent living, to be able to get them furniture and goods to start off,” Lachlan said. “We’ve had everything from bed bases and bikes to bookshelves. We’ve got some electrical goods and we’ve also been able to get things like washing machines.” Bulky waste collections are now available in Gungahlin and Tuggeranong for all households. Collections for Belconnen will commence in April 2021, and all other Canberra suburbs from July 2021.

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Indian Navy, Coast Guard feeding stranded Rohingyas, but no rescue yet association with the Rohingyas through her humanitarian project providing relief to the hapless refugees often stranded in hostile host countries or at sea. She welcomed the Indian supplies and medical treatment but appeared worried by unconfirmed reports that Indian technicians were trying to repair the boat’s engine.

By Subir Bhaumik

Andamans islands.

Kolkata, Feb 23 (IANS): The Indian Navy and Coast Guard personnel have been feeding and providing medical attention to a group of 90 Rohingya refugees and three Bangladesh crewmen on a boat that was stranded on high seas after it drifted into India’s territorial waters on Monday.

“The navy doctors are on the Rohingya boat to treat the sick.

Humanitarian groups monitoring the plight of the sea-stranded Rohingyas say the Indian sailors have given them some food and water and doctors have attended to the sick on the boat off India’s

“Eight of them have died since Saturday and many are suffering acute dehydration and diarohhea. But we learn that the Indians are not rescuing the Rohingyas,” said Chris Lewa of the Bangkok-based ‘Arakan Project’. “The last we heard from the Rohingyas was on Monday night when the one sat-phone on the boat was still working. Now that contact is lost. Nobody is taking our call on that sat-phone,” said Chris Lewa, who has a long

The ‘Arakan Project’ has confirmed the presence of 65 Rohingya women and girls, five children below the age of 2 and 20 men on the boat. Since the boat’s engines stopped functioning six days ago, it has been drifting towards India’s Andaman islands from its course. But Indian navy sources said they were ‘trying to ascertain the identity of a boat that seems to have drifted into Indian waters off the Andaman coast’.

By Aarti Tikoo Singh

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Mahajan (Rajasthan), Feb 25 (IANS): Two Apache helicopters hover over a recreated combat area in Thar desert as troops slither from four Mi-17 transport choppers in batches of two during the India and US armies joint drill at Mahajan Field Firing Range on Saturday.

During the drill, mock terror situations like in Afghanistan and Iraq were created at Mahajan Field Firing Range and counter terror operations were carried out by a joint team of Indian and US Armies.

On Saturday, several users on social media who claimed to be the citizens of Myanmar posted shocking pictures and videos of military repression against the protesters at Yadanarpon Dock in Mandalay.

For CCP, Myanmar is of strategic importance due to its access to the Indian Ocean, the main route for China’s oil imports from the Middle East. Beijing is keen on the development of overland routes for oil and gas pipelines via the Kyaukphyu special economic zone (SEZ) and deep-sea port, which will allow it to bypass the South China Sea where the US and Japan are challenging its sovereignty.

By Sumit Kumar Singh

Minutes later a Chinook, a multi-mission helicopter, comes carrying an armoured transport vehicle, drops it at the designated location and leaves. The hovering Apaches also stop. The troops are on the ground and now they are ready for action.

New Delhi/Naypyitaw, Feb 20 (IANS): Myanmar’s military regime, which recently overthrew the democratically elected government in a coup, has intensified its crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the country.

The military junta, which ruled the country through the 90s and 2000s, has had the backing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). After a long struggle against the military regime for nearly two decades, Suu Kyi had led Myanmar’s transition to a partial democracy in the last five years.

Tanks, choppers deployed in Ladakh part of counter terror drills with US

If that was true, she said, it would mean the Indians would not mount a full-fledged rescue mission, rather leave the boat inmates pursue their perilous journey to South-east Asia.

Myanmar military regime backed by China, cracks down on protesters

Earlier this month, the Myanmar military imposed a one-year state of emergency after detaining democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others.

A Reuters photographer Soe Zeya Tun on Saturday posted a video of a wounded woman seen after the police crackdown on the protesters.

regime with the technology to control information and quell protests. The CCP has expertise in using technology to locate, identify and penalize dissidents.

Protesters posted pictures of injured victims and sharp irons, reportedly thrown at them by police.

As per the new censorship rules, internet service providers in Myanmar are required to share critical information to authorities in cases that threaten the country’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Civilians tweeted saying that the police had arrested some of the protesters too. The information regarding the military and police brutality trickled out from Myanmar on social media as the regime is preparing to bring in a tough cyber bill to censor free speech online. According to sources, the CCP is helping the Myanmar military

WORLD NEWS

A violator can go to jail for up to three years and will have to pay a fine up to $7,500 or both. Incidentally, following the military coup in Myanmar, Chinese and Indian troops disengaged along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh after a 10-month long face-off.

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Tanks and air power deployed at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh -- after the border dispute with China -- are now part of the drill. Rajasthan’s Suratgarh based Brigade represented by 11th Battalion of Sapt Shakti Command of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles carried out counter terrorism drills with the Seattle based soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, also known as “Ghost Brigade”. The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team earned its name as Ghost Brigade for carrying out counter terror operations stealthily in Iraq. Major Spencer Garrison of the Ist Stryker Brigade told IANS, “We gained the reputation as Ghost Brigade in early 2003 during first deployment in Iraq. We gained the reputation for quickly and quietly entering enemy town homes in

certain areas and we were able to strike and defeat the enemy before they knew what hit them. From then on our motto became ‘Arrive in Silence’.” He said that it is a Brigade of over 4000 soldiers from various military specialities. During the drill the joint team move towards a built up area, a village, were militants are hiding. Troops with long range and short range guns along with Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP and T-90 Bhishma Tank, Stryker Armoured Vehicle and troops use their firepower in a coordinated manner. Thereafter searches were carried out to trace the militants. During the mock counter terror operation, fire support was given by Army Aviation. Four Indigenously Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra hit the targets with missiles. The drill culminated with destroying the militants hideouts. It is the 16th edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, a bilateral exercise. It started on February 8 and will end on February 21. The drill is named Zorawar after Dogra military commander General Zorawar Singh who is known as ‘Conqueror of Ladakh’. The focus of the drill is on counter terror operations. Apart from that both the countries’ militaries are carrying out familiarisation and handling of weapons, battlefield trauma management, casualty evacuation, tactical level questioning, intelligence collection, tracking and interrogation techniques and counter IED drills. A total of 240 soldiers of the US army are part of the exercise.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

WORLD NEWS

Biden’s Indian-American cabinet nominee runs into Senate opposition New York, Feb 20 (IANS): President Joe Biden’s IndianAmerican nominee for a cabinet post is at risk of not getting the Senate’s approval after a Democratic Senator announced he would not vote for her. Joe Manchin said on Friday that he will oppose Neera Tanden’s nomination to be the director of the powerful Office of Management and Budget citing her history of attacking leaders of both Democratic and Republican parties. A loyalist of former Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she had alienated both Republicans and Democrats with her caustic tweets which have now come back to haunt her. Appointments of members of the cabinet and senior officials have to be confirmed by the Senate. Despite the red flags, Biden had nominated her in expecting that she would sail through the chamber with the vote of all the 50 Democrats and the tiebreaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Senate president. But that calculation has been upended by fellowDemocrat Manchin.

It seems unlikely that any Republican would support her nomination in the evenly divided 100-member Senate. However, Biden stood firmly by Tanden saying a firm “No”, when reporters asked him if he would withdraw her nomination. His Spokesperson Jen Psaki said, “Tanden is an accomplished policy expert who would be an excellent Budget Director and we look forward to the committee votes next week and to continuing to work toward her confirmation through engagement with both parties.” Defeat of Tanden’s nomination would mark the first defeat for Biden in the Senate, which has so far approved seven appointees with the support of many Republicans. They include the secretaries of state, defence, treasury and homeland security. It would also point to the rough road ahead for Biden in keeping all the 50 Democrats in his fold to get the budget and some other legislation through. Tanden has apologised for her tweets telling the Senate Homeland Security Committee last week, “I deeply regret and

Biden urges Senate to quickly pass $1.9trn relief package Washington, Feb 28 (IANS) US President Joe Biden has urged the Senate to quickly pass the $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package, which was approved by the House on Saturday. “Now the bill moves to the United States Senate where I hope it will receive quick action... we have no time to waste,” Biden said at the White House on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported. “If we act now -- decisively, quickly, and boldly -- we can finally get ahead of this virus. We can finally get our economy moving again,” he said. “And the people of this country have suffered far too much for too long. We need to relieve that suffering,” said the president. “And it’s time to act.” US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also said on Saturday on the Twitter that as an economist and an American, she applauds “the House’s favourable vote on the American Rescue Plan.” “There’s a broad consensus among economists: People need more help putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their head until the virus is under control. This plan does that,” she said. The rescue plan contains direct payments of $1400 per person for working families, which is on top of the $600 check in the $900 billion relief package approved in

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December. It would also boost federal unemployment benefits to $400 dollars per week and extend the measure through the end of September. The House-approved bill also includes a provision to raise the federal minimum wage to $15, which would face tough tests in the 50-50 split Senate, where parliamentarians have ruled that the wage increase violates the budget reconciliation process and cannot be included. The Senate is set to tackle the bill next week. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Saturday blasted Democrats over the House passage of the relief package, calling it a “deliberately partisan process”. “House Democrats snapped that bipartisan streak. They jammed through a bill that even liberal economists and editorial boards say is not well targeted to this stage of the fight,” McConnell said.

apologise for my language and some of my past language.” At that committee’s hearing Republican Senator Rob Portman brought up some of her tweets. She faced an embarrassing situation when she appeared before the Senate Budget Committee, which is chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent aligned with the Democrats who had run for that party’s presidential nomination against Hillary Clinton in 2016. As an adviser to the Clinton campaign, Tanden had made personal attacks on Sanders. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham brought up a tweet by her accusing Bernie of being helped by Russia a” a charge that that had also been made against former President Donald Trump. She admitted, “I must have meant them, but I really regret them.” Sanders has not indicated how he would vote, but during the hearing the leftist leader grilled her about the donations of 33 million the Centre for American Progress that she headed had received from big business. She has admitted to deleting more

than 1,000 tweets in November 2020 around the time Biden had named her to be OMB director. If her nomination were to be approved by the Senate, she would be the second IndianAmerican to serve on the US

cabinet. The first was Nikki Haley, who was given a cabinet rank by Trump when she was the US permanent representative to the United Nations.

Thailand starts Covid-19 vaccination Bangkok, Feb 28 (IANS) Thailand on Sunday started its Covid-19 vaccination roll-out, with the first shot, using China’s Sinovac vaccine, going to Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

additional 1.8 million doses are scheduled to arrive in March and

April.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the event at the country’s infectious disease institute, where other officials, including deputy public health minister, agriculture minister, culture minister and deputy education minister, were also vaccinated with the Sinovac vaccine, Xinhua news agency reported. “It’s a historic day and a day to help the country rebuild confidence against the pandemic,” Prayut told reporters after all the recipients of the vaccine ended their 30-minute observation period and had shown no adverse reaction. Also on Sunday, 159 people in Samut Sakhon province, the epicentre of the country’s new wave of an outbreak that erupted in mid-December, are scheduled to receive their first shot of the vaccine. These included local officials as well as representatives of at-risk groups such as medical workers and migrant workers. On Wednesday, Thailand received its first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, 200,000 doses from China’s Sinovac, which were then distributed to 13 provinces, including the capital Bangkok. An

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March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

INDIA NEWS

WORLD THIS WEEK

Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

Compiled by Sourina Bej, Avishka Ashok, Rashmi Ramesh and Approva Sudhakar

Iran: The new US offer to restart a dialogue

What happened? On 17 February, the NATO defence ministers met to address NATO’s missions in Afghanistan and

ALSO IN NEWS China: Foreign Ministry justifies the ban on BBC On 18 February, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that revoking BBC World News’ license was reasonable and lawful considering UK’s ban on CGTN. The Ministry spokesperson addressed the ban on CGTN and called it outrageous and unreasonable. She also accused BBC of producing fake reports and spreading false information against China. Hong Kong: Two pro-democracy legislators plead guilty at trial

What happened? On 18 February, the United States offered to restart talks with Iran on the JCPOA. The Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with the officials of the European countries that are party to the agreement and stated that the US would return to it formally if Iran treads the path of compliance. The US State Department signalled that Washington was ready to hold “informal talks” with Iran, on the invitation of one of the European countries. On 19 February, in response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson tweeted that the country stood firm and would agree to compliance only when the US lifts the sanctions imposed on it by the Trump administration. What does it mean? First, an emerging space for diplomacy with Iran. There have been indications of talks and negotiations from the US, E3 and Iran. Both Iran and the US, despite stringent stances, have expressed their willingness to restart talks that are mediated by one of the European countries. The US’s formal call for talks will induce a new lease of life to the nuclear deal and the larger question of US-Iran relations. Second, Biden’s policy choices. While there is a significantly large section demanding a more nuanced approach, there are stronger voices within the US that do not want to soften its stance on Iran. He risks being tagged as a pro-Iran president and angering the US’s strong allies in the region- Israel and the Arab countries. Iran, therefore, is a difficult nut to crack for Joe Biden.

Munich Security Conference: Biden’s commitment, Discussion on withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Russia threat and NATO in 2030 www.indianews.com.au

Iraq, review progress for a fairer burden-sharing, and discuss the NATO 2030 initiative in their two-day virtual conference. The ministers also met with their NATO partners Finland, Sweden, and the European Union to address the shared security challenges. The important outcome from the conference has been US President Joe Biden’s reaffirmation to NATO. On 19 February, Biden told at the online session of the Munich Security Conference: “The United States is fully committed to our NATO alliance, and I welcome your growing investment in the military capabilities that enable our shared defenses.” “An attack on one is an attack on all. That is our unshakeable vow.” This was Biden’s first speech on the international platform after winning the election.

On 16 February, nine activists who were charged with organizing and participating in the biggest prodemocracy protests were brought to stand trial in the Hong Kong High Court. The two individuals who pleaded guilty were former Hong Kong Legislators who were charged for their association with the illegal assembly against the State. The remaining seven, including Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee, a pro-democracy legislator, have pleaded not guilty. A few others who have been accused rallied against the court with banners that read “Peaceful Assembly is Not a Crime; Shame on Political Prosecution.” Myanmar: Protests against the military turn violent

their articles and illegally brought changes to the colonial-era Penal Code Australia: Quad members meet virtually to discuss Myanmar On 18 February, the members of the Quad group, Japan, India, Australia and The US met virtually and discussed issues of maritime security, terrorism, countering disinformation and restoring democracy in Myanmar. The Ministry of External Affairs revealed said, “In the discussion pertaining to recent developments in Myanmar, the upholding of rule of law and the democratic transition was reiterated by India.” The ministers also pledged to meet annually at the ministerial level along with regular meetings at the official levels and promised to work towards and free and open Indo-Pacific. India: Government takes foreign diplomats on Kashmir tour On 17 February, over 20 foreign diplomats visited the disputed Kashmir region for the third time

The meeting charts the course for a probable future relationship between the European leaders and the US within the alliance. Though Biden made a passing reference to NATO budgetary contributions, the issue of sharing burdens and defence spending is not likely to outrightly smoothen a wrinkled relationship. Biden has made it clear for the NATO members that China along with Russia should be on any future agenda for NATO. Thus, one could anticipate a strategic blueprint for NATO in maintaining its relation with China. The alliance may not simply return to an old-world order while the transition for NATO will be an important marker to watch for in 2021.

Sri Lanka: Imran Khan’s Parliament address cancelled a week before the visit On 16 February, the Sri Lankan government cancelled Imran Khan’s Parliament address in a last-minute move citing COVID-19 constraints. Imran Khan will be visiting the country on 23 February and this will be his first visit to the country after assuming office in 2018. The two countries are looking forward to signing multiple agreements aimed at strengthening economic partnership and improving connectivity between each other. France: Legislature passes antiradicalism bill On 16 February, the lower house of the French Parliament passed the ‘Supporting respect for the principles of the Republic’ bill to strengthen surveillance over mosques, schools and sports clubs. The bill aims to safeguard France from Radical Islamists and promote respect for French values. The passage of the bill has been contested by many who fear that the state is pointing fingers at Islam. United States: NASA Mars Rover lands successfully

On 17 February, the NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: “This is our first meeting with the new Biden administration and an opportunity to prepare the NATO summit in Brussels later this year.” What does it mean?

collectively study the effectiveness of vaccines on populations.

On 14 February, the military amended law on privacy and security rights, allowing the police to detain its citizens without a warrant and also tap into their communications. On 16 February, a secret closed-door trial against Aung San Suu Kyi began without prior notice to her defence attorney. Suu Kyi has been accused of violating import restrictions and COVID-19 restrictions which may land her in prison for a total of six years. Thousands of people continued to protest creatively against the military by blocking roads with cars, walking slowly, hacking government websites and emptying military-controlled banks. On 20 February, at least two people were killed as the police used live ammunition to disperse the crowd. The Junta has also banned the national and local news channels from using the term “Junta” and “regime in

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since being stripped of its ‘semiautonomous’ status in 2019. The diplomats were taken around the region amid tight security and held meetings with the recently elected village councillors. The people shut their businesses and shops to portray their discontent against the government. India: Prime Minister Modi introduces health diplomacy at a regional workshop On 18 February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a workshop on ‘COVID-10 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward’ with nine neighbouring nations. At the workshop, he suggested the creation of a special visa scheme that would enable the healthcare workers and professionals to travel quickly within the region during emergencies. He also suggested creating a regional air ambulance for medical emergencies and a platform to

On 18 February, NASA successfully landed its fifth robotic rover on the red planet. The most technologically advanced rover will spend two years on the planet and will explore the surface thoroughly. The rover also consists of a small helicopter which will make history as the first flight on another planet if there are no technical difficulties. The rover is as big as a small car, weighs around one ton, has a robotic arm with a camera, a chemical analyzer and a rock drill. About the authors Rashmi Ramesh is a PhD Scholar, Apoorva Sudhakar is a Research Associate, Avishka Ashok is Research Assistant, in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at NIAS. Sourina Bej is an Independent research scholar. The report has been modified by India News due to space considerations.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL Women - Silent, Powerless and “Lost in the Kitchen!” By Ms Priyam Sinha If there is one thing I love, it is an untold story. History is told through the eyes of those who hold power and authority. And while we are acutely aware that women have power, they rarely possessed it to narrate their story. They were compelled to take a backseat and hear their story being narrated. On International Women’s Day, one inevitably celebrates the journeys of public icons who dared to navigate a road not taken. Amidst those journeys one usually forgets to take a sneak peep intothe diaries of those women who were silenced, shunned, and denied from manning the front. The domestic chores performed by women, disproportionate amount of time spent by women in performing care work in comparison with men and gendered social norms have denied women an equal footing in the social realm. Moreover, even when they do pursue their dreams and professions in a collaborative venture within family businesses, they are given an instant backseat. Hawker centres in Singapore are one such trend since the 1980s which has established its distinctive global identity. Hawking was initially viewed as a nuisance in Singapore but with “I can hear the roar of women’s silence”, Thomas Sankara once said. Women in every part and corner of the world are now making their mark and setting the bar high. In a patriarchal world they are fighting their

hruti Kotwal: The Queen of Speed

It takes courage to walk in an uncharted territory, to dream of the beyond and more. It takes courage to absorb criticism and emerge as a winner while the world expects you to falter. But for some, Life is a challenge worth taking head on. Being courageous is second nature to her and there is no sign of her slowing down anytime soon. Our Naari for today is an exceptional example of dedication, hard work, patience and of course, speed. Our nation might have failed to recognise her talent but not the world. A self-taught athlete and an aspiring Olympian, she is none other than the Queen of Speed, India’s first female ice speedskater, Shruti Kotwal. A seven-year old’s dream.

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the sudden increase in foreign migrant workers in the island nation it emerged as the most cost effective and viable source of employment and entrepreneurial ventures. It very well fits within the multicultural model of Singapore with each stall putting up food representative of the country. Most of these stalls are run within family networks with each member being designated tasks for providing efficient services especially during its rush hours. Even within families owning stalls it is common to spot couples running the stall together with one doing the talking and the other in the background, often performing chores. But who decides that and what does it convey? The following poem is inspired from the interaction with one such couple owning a stall serving Indian food in Singapore. Her husband spoke on her behalf and she smiled helplessly agreeing to all he said and following his instructions. He confidently asserted “Look at my wife there. She is an entrepreneur now as I helped her set this stall up in Singapore.” Can you spot her voice? A voice that I could not hear, and a voice that was silenced under patriarchal construes of supremacy that remains unaccounted for. Is she independent to take her

own decisions? Are they equal partners in the new journey they decided to undertake together? Lost in the Kitchen! (Inspired from the interview of a couple at the Hawker Centre, Singapore She smiled at me, Not like she didn’t seem interested to narrate her story. I was all ears to hear her out, Her story of agony, despair, humiliation, and invisibility. But he spoke on behalf of her, Her eyes were gloomy looking at me. Her strength lies deep within, but she was silenced. She worked harder than the man at the cash counter, She woke up early to make the batter for hot idlis, And stayed up late to do the dishes. Yet she was the woman who did the chores, Unaccounted, unacknowledged and disregarded. She was asked to go in, ‘Do the dishes, heat the rice and I will attend to the customers’ he said. She stood, feeling embarrassed and walked in, Teary eyed, pretending to do the

way to rightful and muchdeserved place on the high table challenging stereotypes. They are changing the world for the better and accomplishing herculean undertakings, where others would not dare to tread. INDIA NEWS Shruti started roller skating at the age of seven. As she grew, she started showing her natural athletic traits and evolved her hobby into her passion. Having won numerous gold medals in the national roller-skating competitions in India, Shruti was already shaping her future to represent India at the Olympics. Her dream, came to an abrupt halt after she realised that roller skating as a sport was still not recognised as an Olympic event. Not willing to give up on her aspirations, Shruti made a crucial decision that would change her future. Shimla, 2008 Not many in India know about the National Winter Games hosted in Shimla. It is the only place in India with a natural ice-skating rink and also the only place in India for aspiring ice speedskaters to practice once a year. In 2008, Shruti participated in her first-ever National Winter Games and made up her mind that if she were to represent India at the Olympics the only way would be through ice speed skating. The young woman was aware of how similar and yet how technically different roller skating and ice speed skating were, but she was willing to put in the effort,

dishes. She glanced into my eyes, Wanting to be heard, feeling dejected and wondering why she was not allowed to speak. Was she born to make idlis and do dishes? Was she nothing but someone’s daughter, wife and mother? Would her son too grow up one day and treat his wife this way? Is it the story of every woman? A saga that will remain confined within the four walls of a kitchen. She battled conflicting emotions, She wanted to walk out of the kitchen and shout out saying she has had enough. But then she was pulled back, back to the kitchen that reminded her, It’s her place and there will be no one to come back to once she leaves. Yet again, she remained silent, Did the dishes, placed them by the stand and left for home. Once again to prepare dinner for her family, Since she was the mother and the wife. Nothing more and nothing less, And such is her life. She served the hot rice on everyone’s plate, with lentils and

brings to you inspirational stories of some of the extraordinary women among us displaying grit, kindness and leadership of the highest variant. NAARI is a column envisaged by INDIA NEWS Consulting News knowing how underdeveloped facilities were for such a sport in India. With this goal in mind and driven by her unwavering will power Shruti embarked on her journey of making history. One gold at a time A natural athlete is adaptive in nature and a great athlete uses the same to bring out the best in their performances. Shruti chose to learn with whatever resources were available and performed with every ounce of her sweat and grit. With very little practice on ice, Shruti was shadow training with roller skates back in her hometown Pune to prepare for the championship. The result of it? She bagged her first-ever gold in 2009 in Ice Speed Skating at the National Winter Games, Shimla. This was just the beginning for the Queen of Speed and she consecutively went on to win four more gold medals and was soon an acclaimed National Champion. Never backing down Shruti Kotwal has always been very focused and diligent with her craft. She knew being a National Champion wasn’t her final destination and there was still a long way to go. With very little guidance and mentoring available,

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Shruti was her own coach, but fully aware that at some stage she will need to unlearn her methods and be coached professionally. 2011, was another turning point in her life. She claimed three gold medals at the South Asian Championship held in Dehradun in the 500m, 1000m and 1500m races. This was her first international achievement and also an endorsement that would take her a step closer to her goal. Shruti was already breaking her national records when she gained attention of the International Skating Union and was offered a scholarship to go to Germany. Making History Germany was a reality check for Shruti which made her realise that she needed a lot more time and training to be able to qualify for the Olympics. There she met her then-coach Jeremy Wotherspoon, the Canadian ice speed skater, who agreed to continue coaching her in Calgary, Canada. With no sponsorship, it was a gamble for the athlete to move overseas and continue her training. She shares that it was with the support of her family that she could take such a leap of faith and pursue her dreams.

pickle, Gleefully watched them eat and barely took anything on her plate. No one noticed what she ate, if she ate, Another day passed by, Nothing had changed, Nothing will change, Her silence in the kitchen and tears went unnoticed. She was yet again the last one to go to bed and first one to wake up, Yet she was the one silenced and kitchen is her place. Ms Priyam Sinha is a PhD candidate the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the National University of Singapore

Editor Ananya Dhyani paying tribute to women leaders among us who are changing our world without much salutation that they deserve. It is our humble initiative to say ‘thank you’ to them. qualifiers of the Skating World Cup which will bring her a step closer to representing her nation, India at the Winter Olympics 2022. The life of an athlete is laden with enormous challenges, and it requires a lot of discipline, strength, will power and faith to come out as a winner. But more so, life as a female athlete whose trying to achieve that no Indian has ever accomplished before, is even tougher. Shruti Kotwal is not just aspiring to bring the title home but she is also giving rise to hope for those young girls back in India that need inspiration and a role model to help chase their dreams. India News salutes and honours the courage of the Queen of Speed, Shruti Kotwal and is proud that she is the first-ever female Ice Speed Skater of India.

Winning the Gold Shruti is now training for the

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

BOOKS & LITERATURE

Balochistan: In the Crosshairs of History (Book Review) By Aditi Bhaduri The year began on a subdued note with the assassination of journalist and activist Karima Baloch, one of Balochistan’s few, fiery and brilliant women freedom fighters. Her dead body was found in a lake in Toronto, Canada. The death is strongly alleged to be that of the Pakistani deep state. It, however, did not ignite international passions as the farmers’ protests in democratic India did, for example. Yet, this was not a one-off assassination. It was part of a broader pattern of continuous death, destruction and dispossession of an entire community by the very state that is meant to protect and ensure their rights. Just in September another Baloch female journalist was killed, her perpetrators went scot-free. According to the Human Rights Council of Balochistan 18 murders and 28 people were forcibly disappeared in Pakistan’s Balochistan province in September alone. The Voice of Baloch Missing Persons states that between 2002 and September 2018, at least 6,428 persons were forcibly abducted by security agencies. Prominent Baloch tribal leaders have been assassinated, forcing yet others to seek asylum abroad. Yet, Balochistan rarely makes it to the headlines in the international media. This is what makes Balochistan: In the Cross-Hairs of History by veteran journalist Sandhya Jain a timely intervention. Jain, in great details, traces the history of Balochistan’s merger and inclusion in the state of Pakistan. Those who believe Jammu and Kashmir’s merger with India is disputed, will find Balochistan’s association with Pakistan even more tenuous. The province is strategically located: at the crossroads of Afghanistan,

Iran and the Gulf, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz. In a cloak and dagger game, machinations of the British (for whom securing the province was essential to controlling the Gulf), the Muslim League, and its leader Mohammad Ali Jinnah, together with Baloch tribes jostling for power, the Khan of Kalat finds himself outwitted, and the territories which comprise Balochistan province today ceded to Pakistan. Thus, for instance, when Ahmed Yar Khan, the last Khan of Kalat, under tremendous pressure from Jinnah to sign the instrument of accession, when he only wanted to sign “an agreement on defence, foreign affairs and communications” summoned the Dar-ul-Awam to deliberate on the matter, it “voted unanimously for independence”. GhausBakshBizenjo made this impassioned speech: “We have a distinct civilization and a separate culture like that of Iran and Afghanistan. We are Muslims but it is not necessary that by virtue of being Muslims we should lose our freedom and merge with others. If the mere fact that we are Muslims requires us to join Pakistan, then Afghanistan and Iran, both Muslim countries, should also amalgamate with Pakistan. We were never a part of India before the British rule. Pakistan’s unpleasant and loathsome desire that our national homeland, Balochistan, should merge with it is impossible to consider...” From there follows a familiar pattern, seen in the earlier history of East Pakistan (and which ultimately decided it’s destiny as Bangladesh), in that of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Northwest Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) -- the steady depletion of the natural resources of these provinces, the dispossession of it’s populace,

the erosion of local autonomy, the negligence of development, suppression of ethnic identity and culture, demographic changes and the brutal crushing of any dissent or opposition. According to the UNDP, 71 per cent of the population in Balochistan live below the poverty line, second only to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the country’s poverty index. This should never have been the case. After all, Balochistan is a resource rich province, with natural gas, and mineral deposits including coal, chromites, barytes, sulphur, marble, iron ore, quartzite, uranium, limestone and 95 per cent of the world’s asbestos. Jain points out that 40 of the 50 minerals being mined in Pakistan currently are from Balochistan. Nevertheless, the province continued to languish in neglect and development, even as Baloch people alleged “internal colonization by Pakistan’s demographically, politically and economically dominant province of Punjab”. Thus, while gas from Balochistan’s Sui gas fields reached Punjab in 1964, Quetta cantonment received gas only in 1982. Never having acquiesced to its merger with Pakistan, the Baloch have rebelled periodically, with the latest ongoing round of insurgency breaking out in 2004. The Pakistani state and army have used high handed measures to quell it, which includes among other things, death squads. Unsurprisingly, the people of Balochistan have opposed Chinese and other foreign investments into the province to develop the strategic Gwadar port, part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor -- the flagship project of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as no local stakeholder is involved.

Jain points out that at the agreement signing ceremony over which then President Musharraf and Chinese premier Wu Bangguo presided in 2002, no Baloch representative was present. Consequently, the insurgency has also begun targetting Chinese interests and representatives in the province. The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and the ensuing jihad and civil war in that country has further exacerbated the agony of the province with an influx of refugees and arms adding to the economic duress, violence and chaos, while the drug trade of landlocked Afghanistan has introduced “drug economy” to the province. Pakistan’s support for the US war on terror encouraged its war against the Baloch as it received both funds, arms, and silence from the US in return. In fact, to Pakistan’s credit it has got silence from major quarters: Balochistan rarely figures on the radar of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation or the Arab world, or even the EU or the UN. Turkey and Malaysia so vocal about rights of Muslims elsewhere have not uttered a squeak for the Baloch, Iran’s suppression of its own Baloch dissidents makes it a partner for Pakistan. India alone espouses the Baloch cause but with many limitations; Baloch

insurgency is blamed on Indian collusion by Pakistan. Today South Asia stands at a cusp of major geo-political changes. There is the ascendancy of the Taliban in Afghanistan, US and NATO troops will soon be withdrawing from the region, the CPEC runs through Balochistan and other disputed territories, China, Pakistan, and Turkey have entered into a close alliance, each with its own view of exceptionalism, political Islam is gaining in currency, the problem of Balochistan acquires greater salience. Rich in data culled from numerous sources with an extensive bibliography Jain has done a yeoman’s service. A detailed work, the volume also delves into Baloch ethnicity, language, and culture. This is probably the author’s greatest achievement -- she has not dealt with the subject through the prism of India-Pakistan rivalry. Given the paucity of literature on Balochistan and research on it being few and far in-between this volume becomes a go-to book for a range of stakeholders and hopefully will further evoke interest in and awareness of such a critical a subject. (Aditi Bhaduri is a columnist. The views expressed are personal)

Good Girls: A tale of what it means to be a woman in modern India Katra Sadatganj in Uttar Pradesh, author Sonia Faleiro felt that this case, coming barely two years after the 2012 Delhi bus rape, could serve as the focus of her next book -- the recently released ‘The Good Girls: An Ordinary Killing’ (Hamish Hamilton/ Penguin Random House India).

By Sukant Deepak She was in London when she saw the image of the hanging children, aged 16 and 14, circulating on Twitter. Though she had planned to write a book about the wave of sexual violence, seeing that visual of two teenage girls -Padma and Lalli who disappeared from their home in the village of

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Faleiro flew down from London to Delhi and then drove six hours to the girls’ village, Katra Sadatganj, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, expecting to stay only a few days. But by the end of that trip it was clear that nothing was as it seemed. “I was then faced with a choice between choosing another case or digging deeper into this one. I decided to stay with the Katra case, and over the next few months it became clear that the story of the girls and of how their lives were impacted by gender, caste, politics, notions of honour, and the threat of violence, was

really the story of what it meant to be a woman in modern India,” she recalls. An experienced journalist, the writer reported the case over four years and interviewed more than a hundred people, many of them repeatedly. Supplementing this material with more than 3,272 pages of official records, she says it was a gruelling process, complicated by the fact that many individuals who were central to the events of the night the children went missing and kept changing their stories. “The main challenge was to pin down a clear and accurate narrative, the writing came much later,” says Faleiro, who will be speaking during the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival ( JLF). Ask Faleiro, who also has to her credit non-fiction titles including ‘Beautiful Thing: Inside the Secret World of Bombay’s Dance Bars’, ‘13

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Men’ and the fiction ‘The Girl’ if it was easy to keep herself ‘absent in the text’, and she says, “It was a conscious decision in order to allow the story to unfold naturally and to allow facts to speak for themselves.” Stressing that it is important that she is moved and intrigued enough to want to stay with the subject matter for at least five years, as that is how long it takes her to write a book, Faleiro adds, “In the case of ‘Good Girls’, I had been thinking about writing about sexual violence in India for a while. And with ‘Beautiful Thing’, I had already been writing about bar dancers, when the ban came around. I knew that I needed to chronicle its impact on the thousands of women whose livelihoods were destroyed.” Agreeing that it is not easy to move away from the many complex characters in her

works once the writing is over, the London-based author says, “But it’s important in order to maintain my objectivity and also to allow myself to become immersed in my next reporting project.”

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

BOOKS & LITERATURE

Awakening your ‘soulprint’ to Suicide preventer comes to terms with suicide find happiness and success suicide loss.

single human being on this planet has a unique soulprint. Nature never repeats itself in anything it does, thus two soulprints are never ever alike and nor are their material or spiritual journeys. In life’s journey, you can be sleeping while you are awake and be awakened even while you are asleep.

By Vishnu Makhijani It was a chance discovery of a book written 100 years ago by his great great grandfather that blended spiritual wisdom to aid decision-making that inspired writer and life coach Aditya Nath to delve deeper into the subject and pen his debut novel, “Awaken Your Soulprint - Discovering Your Own Special Path To Happiness And Success” that he believes can also provide the path ahead in today’s pandemic times. “As destiny would have it, one day on Amazon.com I stumbled upon the book of my great great grandfather written over 100 years ago. The essence of the book was spiritual wisdom based on the Vedas, which could be used in our everyday decision-making. This inspired me to start seeking a soulful path to my material world problems. “With the passage of time and having experienced a blissful state of balance between my inner and outer worlds, I thought of sharing this knowledge and learning with my friends and family and started penning them down. So, I can say I got the ‘writing bug’ through my family tree,” Nath, an alumnus of the Shri Ram College of Commerce and the National Institute of Fashion Technology who worked for a few years in a Fortune 100 company in US and then chose to come back to his roots in India, told IANS in an interview. Just like a thumbprint, every

as much internal as outer as one can’t exist without the other. To find yourself, you need to first lose yourself. This process of finding, losing and re-searching yourself showed me the path that has become the index of the book

She distils her experience, personal and professional, and her research to write “Left Behind” (Westland), a profoundly moving book that is an important contribution towards addressing the shame, secrecy, silence and stigma of suicide loss, and a step towards bringing it out of the

Thus, “Awaken Your Soulprint” (Rupa) provides you the tools to answer life’s existential questions and helps you discover your soulprint in order to create your own customized spiritual path. It postulates the concept of soulful living, a spiritually evolved way of modern-day thinking, based on the realizations of thousands of years of human evolution. Nath elucidates on how to increase one’s spiritual metabolism and propagates four simple tools - spiritual wisdom, spiritual practices, faith, and devotion - for one’s awakening. These tools activate and guide your energies to take your awareness towards the possibilities of higher existence for yourself. How does one relate this book to the present pandemic times? “The book works on balancing the inner and outer worlds, which becomes more relevant in times of unbalance. Pandemic has partially lockdown our material world globally and has given the opportunity for us to focus to foster our spiritual world. We could already see few people chose to reinvent themselves even during these horrible times by focusing on their inner energies. The book provides tools and framework for each soulprint to be awakened to seek its own solutions in any of life’s situations,” Nath explained. Speaking about the research that went into the book, he said this “had been in the form of searching again. My research was

itself”. “I found wisdom everywhere I went, available only to those who are awakened to see it. On my reading ancient texts from all over the world (holy or non- religious), I soaked the essence of them, albeit in an unbiased way. I was fortunate to connect the universal dots of spirituality, which guided me to write about these gems in the book,” Nath added. What of the road ahead? What is his next project? “The book has been an important step for me towards achieving my life’s calling. I now aspire to reach out and contribute meaningfully to the soulprints trying to walk on their own path by spreading the knowledge from the book. My purpose is to share the path of attaining peace, happiness and success to whoever is seeking it. My inner journey connects with my outer for which I have miles to go before I sleep,” Nath concluded.

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): In April 2017, Nandini Murali lost her urologist husband Dr T.R. Murali to suicide. In the wake of that devastation, her life changed forever. As she struggled to find her feet and begin to live again, Murali, a certified life coach and a suicide prevention and mental health activist, discovered that survivors of suicide loss are unheard and unseen, their needs and concerns not recognised. She writes of the angst of the survivor, and of the overwhelming feelings of confusion, anger, shame, loneliness and guilt that survivors of suicide loss face. Her lived experience has inspired Murali to institute intervention strategies, through her initiative SPEAK to create safe, supportive spaces to prevent suicide and promote mental health and SPEAK2us, a mental health helpline for those grappling with suicide and for survivors of

closet. A chronicle of love and loss, “Left Behind” is an inspirational story of transmuting pain into purpose, healing and transforming through loss, building resilience and discovering newer meanings in life symbolised by a very evocative cover featuring an open oyster shell with the pearl intact. Nandini Murali has a doctorate in Gender Studies, is a gender and diversity researcher and practitioner as well as a communications professional. She also writes on Hindu dharma issues in a contemporary context and is a student of Vedanta. This is her fourth book. Her collection of poetry on love, loss and longing can be found at www. wildflowerpoetry.com

The race to create a world-class ventilator to combat Covid-19 A raging pandemic, a dearth of life-saving equipment, and 90 days to manufacture a worldclass ventilator. On March 24, 2020, a nationwide lockdown was imposed in India in the wake of a formidable adversary, the Covid-19 pandemic. With the number of cases increasing exponentially, hospitals were faced with a dangerous shortage of life-saving equipment and personnel. In response to the imminent crisis, Amitabha Bandyopadhyay and Srikant Sastri formed the IIT Kanpur Ventilator Consortium as a task force to assist a young startup, Nocca Robotics, in building affordable high-quality ventilators for India’s cash-

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strapped hospitals. Under the mentorship of reputed industry leaders, the task force and the Nocca team worked tirelessly against unprecedented odds - trammelled by a ban on imports and telecommuting through Zoom and Whatsapp in the face of stringent lockdown restrictions - to manufacture the Noccarc V310 in record time. This is the incredible story of its conception, creation and success, in the words of the task force coleaders themselves. Inspiring and riveting, “The Ventilator Project” (Pan Macmillan India) also offers an unmatched blueprint for business in the post-Covid era through

first-hand lessons gleaned during the task force’s phenomenal 90day run. It proves that India, with its deep recesses of talent and ingenuity, has the potential to be a world leader in both business and social impact. Amitabha Bandyopadhyay is a scientist trained at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York and Harvard Medical School, Boston. He established his independent research group in 2006 at the Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Department of IIT Kanpur. In 2012, Bandyopadhyay got involved with the institute’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre. In 2018, he became the first occupant of the

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Kent Chair for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Professor-in-charge of Innovation and Incubation at IIT Kanpur. Srikant Sastri is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and IIM Calcutta, and wears many professional hats. He is Chairman, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, and a board member at several other incubators. As an entrepreneurship evangelizer, he created the Chalo Startup web series and is on several government advisory bodies. As Chairman, I3G Advisory Network, he trains and advises corporations on accelerated business transformation.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

EDITORIAL

Build India literacy for Cultural diplomacy in a lasting relationship Act East policy: India’s way forward within the ASEAN region By Ishani Naskar

n 2012, Ken Henry was delegated by then Prime Minister Julia Gillard to develop the ‘Australia in the Asian Century White Paper 2012’ which recommended Australia expanded its strategic net in Asia, engaged with Indonesia and rising power India, and shaped the future of the region. The Varghese report too said that engaging India was no more an option, but a necessity. But importantly, both reports recognised that policy-making is not a purely government task but a joint exercise involving academics, scholars, artists, analysts and institutions that possess the knowledge and expertise on the region and regional matters. Varghese went a step ahead to posit that the ‘Australian government neither has the capacity not the inclination’ to implement the strategy on its own. Therefore, for the long-term future of bilateral relations, creating Constituencies of Country Champions is paramount, so as to shape strategic thinking, influence policymaking policies and facilitate people-to-people interactions on a sustainable basis. This requires a three-pronged approach. In the immediate term, focussing on people and institutions possessing the requisite country expertise, lived experiences and professional linkages. In the intermediate term, drawing upon the recommendations of research works and government reports, notably, the Melbourne Declaration on educational Goals for Young Australians, 2008, which noted, “India, China and other Asian nations are growing and their influence on the world is increasing. Australians need to become ‘Asia literate’, engaging and building strong relationships with Asia”. And in the longterm, encouraging schools and universities for introducing courses and programs on India; not only support the existing institutions specialising on India-Australia studies, but also creating new ones. The United

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States and Singapore are two examples where people and institutions possessing country expertise have played a vital role in shaping strategic thinking, lobbied as peace advocates during testing times, and bolstered a vibrant and well-informed Constituency of Country Champions. Now, Australia must solve its Asian literacy (term “Asian literate” was coined by Stephen FitzGerald in his essay ‘National Education Policy and Asian Studies’, 1988) conundrum, which has fuelled debate among academics and policymakers for decades. FitzGerald considered Asian literacy central to Australia’s performance’, something that Lee Kuan Yew also endorsed saying that knowing Asian values did not mean becoming Asian, but developing the ability to engage better. Asian literacy is not just language proficiency. It is about understanding values, customs, traditions, socio-political and cultural nuances to decode how a nation thinks and acts in one way or the other. It requires familiarising oneself with Asian history, values and culture early in school, alongside developing language skills and undertaking country visits as a part of immersion programs or other study visits. Unfortunately, a steady decline across Australian primary and secondary schools in Asian language and history teaching has made Australia knowledge-deficient on Asia, especially India and Indonesia. During school dropoff/pickup hours it is common to see Asian kids conversing with their Asian parents in English, rather than in a native language. While English learning is equally vital, developing Asian multilingual proficiency and country knowledge would trigger intellectual curiosity in young minds, which can be tapped and satiated by universities later. Of all the higher degree institutions, Hindi course was being offered only at the Monash University and that has also now been reportedly shut. That is the state of Asia/ India literacy in Australia.

Incorporating culture as one of the pillars of the Act East policy indicated its recognition as an integral part of India’s foreign policy. It is a testimony to the fact that India is ready to consider and employ culture as capital in its diplomatic endeavours and signals the ‘coming of age’ of Indian diplomacy. For as long as one can delve into documented history, India’s relationship with the present Southeast Asia and the extended East comprising of lands as far as Japan and China were based on commerce and rich cultural contacts dating before the age of Christ. These ancient cultural contacts are now being traced with renewed vigour through archaeological sources, literary works and narratives from both indigenous and foreign sources. The integral part of Act East approach towards the countries of the ASEAN region and the East requires revisiting of the history of cultural connect. Therefore befittingly, the Government of India has conceived Project Mausam to connect the dots back into time. Project Mausam has a strong cultural dimension and is expected to yield strategic dividends by helping India gain better access to Southeast Asia region. Southeast Asian history is replete with evidences of close cultural contacts and adoption and adaptation of Indian cultural elements, and they are reflected in the rich cultural mosaic of contemporary times. Intangible evidences range from language, performances, palaeography to philosophy, religious and cultural practices that have been imbibed in everyday contemporary social lives of the region. Tangible evidences include architecture, paintings, numismatics and scriptures. A very exhaustive research of the deep cultural relations by Hari Bhushan Sarkar is a must read for those who are interested. A read of Pollock’s Sanskrit Cosmopolis will explain the roots of words like Ayuthya, Khambuja, Garuda, Seramban (Sri Ram Ban). The list is long and exhaustive. The Indian epics of Ramayan and Mahabharat have left an indelible imprint in most of the countries of Southeast Asia and they have been adapted into their belief systems and majority religion of the country as has been the case in Myanmar where Ram has been assimilated with Buddhism. The Wayang culture has drawn largely from the two Indian epics accentuating its artistic and literary dimensions particularly in countries like Indonesia. Architectural remnants

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and contemporary evidences speak volumes of the cultural communications that have flown from ancient times into modernity. Temples, shrines and religious monuments were dedicated to mostly two major Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, while Buddhist architectures incorporated from the Jatakas. Popular religious shrines like Angkor Wat, and Borobodur are popular, and there are Saivite towns of My-Son and Po Nagar in ancient Champa, now South Vietnam. Similarly a glimpse of the magnificent Samudramanthan architecture standing in all its glory in the Bangkok International Airport reminds of the deep seated influence of the Indian culture.

With the world locked in an unending arms race as regional tensions and graeat power rivalry gather steam in the IndoPacific theatre, there is a need to galvanise domestic constituencies of peace to pressurize governments to move towards disarmament Contemporary Act East has prioritised areas like religion, education, and cultural interactions and joint archaeological collaborations. The ICCR has been promoting active cultural engagements for long; in addition it has established chairs of India Studies in various universities of Southeast Asia. Cultural Scholarship Scheme, Cultural Exchange Programme Scheme (as a part of ICCR scholarships based on bilateral agreements) and Technical Cooperation Scheme of the Colombo Plan, the ICCR Scholarship programmes, the Mekong Ganga Scholarships are offered to many of the students of Southeast Asia to provide technical support and to promote awareness about India’s art and culture. Alongside, the Ministry of AYUSH provides scholarship to ASEAN countries to learn about traditional Indian medicines, therapies and Yoga. The ASI has been renovating historical religious monuments in Bagan, Myanmar. Cultural diplomatic engagements have focused on people-to-people contacts through establishing contacts with the Indian diaspora living in several Southeast Asian countries.

In 2015, PM Modi had mentioned that India is not confined to her territory, but India exists in every Indian in every part of the world. The diaspora has facilitated the acceptance of contemporary Indian entertainment mediums like the Bollywood among the local population. In 2008 popular Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan was awarded the ‘Datuk’ title in Malaysia. Buddhism is a channel of people-to-people contact allowing thousands of Buddhists from the East to visit Buddhist sites in India; the Ministry of Tourism in India has promoted the Buddhist Circuit allowing thousands of pilgrims to visit. The Buddhist Conclaves organised by India has emerged as a strong element of cultural diplomacy, and the Prime Minister and the President of India have actively participated in these Conclaves. The emphasis on cultural connections is an attempt to look beyond territorial delimitations into regions. Trying to establish connects, threading in cultural intangibles and intangibles, is also a way of developing a parallel discourse of foreign policy to the Western stereotypes based on hard power dynamics. It takes recourse to the path of soft power that ancient civilisations of Asia like India and China both are. In fact for quite some time now, China has incorporated culture as a part of its soft power drive all over the world with considerable success; in contrast, India has made a late start. The question is how to convert the soft power endeavours into real foreign policy dividends; it is evidently difficult to gauge the success of soft power and how they can help India attain its strategic goals. Not to forget Project Mausam clearly has a strong strategic dimension as it focuses on the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Moreover, cultural diplomacy alone cannot establish strategic gains; it can only compliment engagements through hard power abilities. It is there that India faces considerable competition from China. In response, India requires calibrated approach in deploying her hard power resources such that her cultural engagements project her as a well-meaning neighbour to ASEAN. Ishani Naskar, Ph.d, is working as professor at the Department of International Relations in Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India. She can be contacted at akiksha@gmail.com.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

SPECIAL FEATURE

Why Disengage? Decoding China’s Motivations at Galwan

2020 marked an extremely tumultuous phase in IndiaChina relations. In addition to a pandemic which originated in China and led to an economic collapse and public health crisis in India and elsewhere, China, also unleashed aggression at borders with India. Nine months later and after nine round of talks between senior military leaders of two sides, India and China decided to disengage at Pangong Tso- one of the theatres of the conflict. The decision, which was first announced by China met with a mixture of jubilation and skepticism. The jubilant parties expressed hopes that complete disengagement will take place in the other segments as well, while skeptics have chosen to adopt a wait and watch approach given that China through its actions has undone years of trust gained from the Indian side. Weighing the unfolding events at the border and within China on an objective scale leads to a better understanding of why China chose to disengage, after nine long months. In addition to this disengagement what China has also did is that it finally gave out the names of four of its fallen soldiers. While India chose to disclose and honour India’s martyrs in June last year itself, it took China about a year to do so. Nevertheless, this is a rare occasion when China has given out some of the names of its fallen soldiers. What China also

did is that it arrested six people for “insulting” Chinese martyrs of the Galwan clash and was reportedly targeting a teenager living overseas. Contrary to the charge of the insult, what Qiu Ziming- one of those arrested had done was to question the Chinese official, “account of the clash.” The announcement of the honours for the fallen soldiers was widely covered by Chinese state media and led to an outpouring of sentiment, with the topic being among the most widely discussed one on social media during the week in which the announcement was made. What also happened subsequently because of the frenzy that the announcement had stirred up

was that anti-India sentiments surged in China along with racism against Indians. Chinese state media shared an image from a recent Galwan clip along with annotations. The only issue was that the image was not of the Line of Actual Control. Very carefully China’s official media is rewriting the narrative on the border crisis. In addition to the announced disengagement from Pangong Tso, announcement of four fallen Chinese soldiers, arresting of people questioning the Chinese state’s version of the clash, creating jingoistic frenzies among its public, releasing doctored images and videos, rewriting the narrative, what China has done is

that it has consolidated the Rutog base near Pangong Tso to house disengaged People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops. The garrison at Rutog was being developed since 2019 and is expected to act as a feeder station for future PLA activity in the Pangong Tso area. Also, after the announcement of the disengagement at Pangong Tso, it was hoped that the tenth round of talks between senior military commanders will be able to make a breakthrough on addressing other friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang Plains. However, the meeting held on February 20 did not lead to any further disengagement. This takes one to the question, Then why did China disengage at Pangong Tso at all? If it does not want a de-escalation in the overall military conflict with India, since issues at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang still remain, and Chinese state media is actively creating an anti-India sentiment in China, then why disengage at Pangong Tso at all?

Courtesy India TV News

One of the answers to this lies in ancient Chinese wisdom that advises against opening too many fronts at the same time. Given Joe Biden’s strong remarks on China, Beijing might be wanting to close one front before another one gets opened with the U.S. Secondly, the winters have been harsh for both the armies, and the Lunar year celebrations only bring back longing amongst Chinese people far away from their homes. This is true for the PLA as well. Therefore from at least one segment, a few soldiers could be

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given temporary relief, so that the morale stays high. The garrison at the Rutog base clearly suggests that the disengagement is only temporary. Once reinvigorated the released soldiers can become feeders for the next round of PLA activity near Pangong Tso. Thirdly, in order to portray itself as a responsible player of the international system, China announced the names of the four fallen soldiers- something it has never done so soon in any of its previous military conflicts since 1949. This serves a dual purpose as well- keeps Nationalism high among the Chinese population, showcasing how under the able leadership of the Communist Party, China is teaching aggressors like India a lesson while doing the humane thing of honouring the fallen. But of course, any questioning of this narrative will be punishable because it has the possibility of derailing the Chinese official narrative of always portraying itself as a hapless victim which nevertheless stands its ground and fights for the right. In any case, these events only signal that the disengagement is part of a larger play and that India should be prepared at all fronts for more military aggression from China. Dr. Sriparna Pathak is an Associate Professor and Assistant Academic Dean at the School of International Affairs of O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana. She can be reached at sriparnapathak@ gmail.com

Courtesy Business Insider

Dr. Sriparna Pathak

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

MAKE IN INDIA

Make in India: Investment opportunities 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 destination in 2019 by the World Investment Report 2020 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

India’s growth engine to be powered by Assam NE: PM Dhemaji district, the Prime Minister said that the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ vision would be further strengthened with the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Assam’ and northeast. “To achieve the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision continuous endeavours are going on. Whenever I visit Assam, I get the fresh impetus and inspirations to do more for the north-eastern region,” Modi said after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of five mega projects worth Rs 3,000 crore in gas, oil and education sectors. Guwahati, Feb 22 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India’s growth engine would be further boosted with the development of Assam and the northeastern region. Addressing a massive public gathering at Silapathar in eastern Assam’s

“We are correcting the faults of the previous governments. If the policy is accurate, destiny would be perfect. Connectivity, health, education and infrastructure developments were ignored by the previous governments.” The Prime Minister said that

the government is trying to give engineering and medical education in local languages so that its benefit could be obtained by the poor students and learners residing in the far-flung areas. Referring to the song of great singer and composer Bhupen Hazarika and rich Assamese cinema, Modi said that Assam’s allround development would make the development of India easier. “The entire world is now respectful of India’s engineering and technological milestones,” he pointed out. The Prime Minister said that as the government is working with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwas’, LPG and electricity connections are being given to 100 per cent households in Assam and other parts of India as these were earlier available to less than 40 to 50 per cent families.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that Rs 95,000 crore would be invested in Assam’s gas and oil sector for the projects initiated by the Prime Minister on Monday. He said that the earlier Congress-led UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh despite him representing Assam in the Parliament did nothing to utilise the gas and oil resources for the benefit of Assam and the country. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his speech said that Prime Minister Modi with his great vision

for the all-round development of the region has won the hearts of every person of the eight north-eastern states. Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and state Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also spoke in the gatherings. Monday’s visit and public address is the third in poll-bound Assam by the Prime Minister within 30 days since his visit to Sivasagar on January 23 and at Dhekiajuli in Assam’s Sonitpur district on February 7.

‘One Nation, One Standard’ to be priority: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS): Time has come when we should focus on ‘One Nation, One Standard’ to make India a global leaders in setting standards as per global benchmarks as strength and character of a nation is often exemplified by the standards it sets for the quality of its products and services, said Union Minister for Railways and Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Piyush Goyal on Saturday while reviewing the work of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). He said, “While all areas of production and services should be included in this national mission, bringing a national uniformity and standardization in all kinds of public procurement and tendering can be an immediate deliverable.” Goyal further stated that BIS should also explore international partnerships and associations to achieve synergy in the field. “Lab testing in India should be as per the world standards. Modern equipments and latest technologies should be used. Gap analysis of BIS and government labs be taken up on priority basis as well,” said Goyal. Referring to the non-uniform standards in different institutions and PSUs, the Union Minister said that efforts should be made to

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merge different standards under one standard. He also reiterated on dialogue, participation and collaboration of industry in setting up ‘One Nation, One Standard’, simplification of the process of granting certificates and avoiding duplication. Goyal further went on to say that the aim should be to become the world leader in having maximum industrial products under ‘Indian Standards’ and nobody should feel the need to go abroad to get quality certification. STATE PROFILES Haryana Largest producer of passenger vehicles and motorcycles in India Haryana is one of India’s largest automobile hubs and has also emerged as a base for the knowledge industry, including IT and biotechnology. Haryana ranks #3 in Export Preparedness Index 2020 under Landlocked states category. Haryana’s electronics and IT exports stood at $7.2 bn during 2016-17, which is 6.2% of the total electronics and IT exports from India. Haryana’s business capital Gurugram is home to over 250 of the Fortune 500 companies. Located in northern India, Haryana has four key geographical features: the Shivalik Hills to the North-East, semi-desert sandy plain to the South-West, the Aravalli Range in the South and Yamuna-Ghaggar plain forming the largest part. Haryana is extremely well-connected with access to 2 international airports, 5 civil airports, 1,630 km of rail network, 26,131 km of road network including 24 national highways (NH). The state has a total installed power capacity of 11,268 MW. The entire state falls in the

influence zone of two industrial corridors, namely, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC). Thirteen districts of Haryana are in the National Capital Region (NCR), which is a prominent trade and consumption center. Himachal Pradesh 100% electricity generated from green energy sources With five perennial rivers flowing through the state, Himachal Pradesh has the potential to contribute 26% to India’s hydropower potential. The State has an estimated hydropower potential of over 27,000 MW. The Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh industrial belt has emerged as a key manufacturing hub for various sectors and the region is known to be Asia’s largest bulk drug manufacturing area. Moreover, Himachal Pradesh ranks #3 in Export Preparedness Index 2020 under Himalayan states category. Located in the western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is known for its scenic beauty. The state attracted around 19.6 mn tourists in 2017, which is about 3 times the size of its population. The State Government has also developed appropriate infrastructure for tourism development which includes a provision of public utility services, roads, communication network, airports, transport facilities, water supply and civic amenities, among others. Jammu and Kashmir Largest producer of apples, walnuts and cherry in India Renowned for its strong horticulture and vibrant floriculture sectors, Jammu and Kashmir is also one of

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the promin`ent locations for handloom and handicrafts products. J&K is home to world’s finest Biovoltine silk and Pashmina wool with the Handloom sector employing about 43,000 weavers across the UT. Major handicraft items include Carpets, Paper Mache and Shawls. Handlooms sector has contributed towards J&K’s GDP with exports of $ 28.57 Mn in 2018-19 and the exports of handicraft goods stood at $ 131.09 Mn Jammu and Kashmir shares its international border with Pakistan. The UT lies in the Greater-Himalayan ranges and is enclosed with mountains and valleys. Chenab, Jhelum and Ravi are the major rivers that flow through it. It is well-connected with an international airport in Srinagar and a domestic airport in Jammu. The UT is home to about 57 industrial estates. Jharkhand Home to 40% of India’s mineral wealth Jharkhand is home to one of India’s largest commercial manufacturing units by Tata Motors. The country’s oldest and one of the largest steel plants, operated by the world’s 10th largest steel manufacturer - Tata steel, is located in Jamshedpur. Due to the high availability of metals and minerals such as steel and coal, the state is an ideal destination for setting up autocomponent industries, power projects, cement plants, among others. Jharkhand has an installed production capacity of nearly 1800 MW. Jharkhand has a high yield in the production of food crops such as paddy and pulses and

offers opportunities to exploit the market for agro-forestry products, cashew processing, medicinal plants processing, honey production and production of milk and meat products. The state ranked fifth in top FDI destinations amongst all Indian states in 2016 and currently ranks fourth in Ease of Doing Business ranking by the World Bank. Karnataka Knowledge, research and innovation hub of Asia, with over 400 high-end R&D centres Karnataka is a leader in India’s technology sector, both in terms of investments and exports. It is also a popular investment destination for auto, electronics, food processing, heavy machinery and textiles industries. Karnataka is well connected to all major markets with 2 international airports, 307,030 km of the road network and 5,543 km of the rail network. The state has a coastline of 300 km with 12 minor ports and one major port in Mangaluru. The Bengaluru Mumbai Economic Corridor and Chennai - Bengaluru Industrial Corridor pass through the state. Karnataka stands fourth in merchandise exports in the national export basket. Exports from the state stood at around $17.4 bn in 2018-19, which is 5.3% of India’s total exports. The state stands third among Indian states in terms of FDI inflows, attracting FDI worth $40.7 bn between 2000 and 2019. It is home to the Pavagada Solar Park which has an installed capacity of 2000 MW, the largest in the country of which 1400 MW is operational. The total installed power capacity in the state stands at 28,400 MW.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

India’s economic recovery in consolidation phase: ICRA

BUSINESS & TRADE

RIL to focus on green energy

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): India’s economic recovery has entered into a consolidation phase in January 2021, ratings agency ICRA said on Tuesday. The agency said after the broadbased improvement seen in December 2020, the year-on-year (YoY) performance of a majority of the early available economic indicators recorded a loss of momentum in January 2021, relative to the previous month. As per the agency, this was led by a combination of factors such as the fading of the favourable base effect, supply-side issues and price hikes. “A majority of these lost steam in January 2021, relative to December 2020, partly because of an unfavourable base effect, supply-side issues and price hikes, marking a contrast to the improvement in sentiment brought on by the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines,” ICRA’s Principal Economist Aditi Nayar said. “We do not construe the dip in volume performance of a majority of the lead indicators in January 2021 as a sign of alarm regarding the sustainability of the growth recovery. However, we do caution that the pace of underlying growth in the Indian economy remains subdued, and

do not foresee a sharp ramp up in the pace of GDP expansion in Q4 FY2021.” According to ICRA, as many as nine of the 15 high frequency indicators recorded a weakening of their YoY performance in January 2021, relative to December 2020. “This sub-set includes the output of the passenger vehicles (PVs), motorcycles and Coal India Ltd (CIL), vehicle registrations, petrol consumption, ports cargo traffic, generation of GST e-way bills, bank credit and deposits.” “In contrast, six indicators witnessed an improved YoY performance in January 2021, relative to December 2020, namely non-oil exports, electricity generation, rail freight traffic, scooter production, diesel consumption and domestic airline traffic.” Accordingly, the number of indicators displaying a YoY contraction rose to five in January

2021 from three in December 2020, with PV production, vehicle registrations and CIL’s output getting added to this sub set. “The former two reflect supplyside issues related to availability of semi-conductors and price hikes, while the dip in CIL’s performance reflects a fading of the base effect. In contrast, the output of scooters recorded a turnaround to an expansion of 11.9 per cent in January 2021 from the contraction of 10 per cent in December 2020, benefiting from a favourable base effect.” “Based on available data, ICRA projects the growth in the Index of Industrial Production to remain muted at 0.5-2 per cent in January 2021. While it expects the technical recession to have ended already, the ratings agency anticipates that the pace of GDP growth, in real terms, will strengthen only modestly to 2.6 per cent in Q4 FY2021 from 0.7 per cent in Q3 FY2021.”

Pandemic, investment curbs help India reduce trade deficit with China New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): The disruptions caused by Covid pandemic and additional checks on investment helped India to reduce its widening trade deficit with China in 2020.

Among the top 15 Indian exports, a steep rise was witnessed in 2020

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The new energy business of RIL will work closely with subsidiary O2C. O2C will invest in carbon capture (to convert CO2 into useful products and chemicals) and hydrogen production to meet H2 demand as the Indian economy moves from carbonbased fuels to a hydrogen economy. RIL standalone entity apart from holding controlling and majority stake in O2C (100 per cent post de-merger), Reliance Retail (85.1 per cent) and Jio Platforms (67.3 per cent), will now foray into new businesses based on clean and green development. RIL plans to have a mix of renewable energy using a mix of solar, wind and batteries to transition acceleration into a hydrogen economy. This new business will work closely with O2C and target to achieve net carbon zero by 2035.

“We note that in the past, Reliance has considered a potential 20 per cent stake sale in O2C to Saudi Aramco at a valuation of $75 billion. This transaction would have resulted in potential receipt of $15 billion. A higher loan of $25 billion indicates that Reliance could consider even more than 20 per cent stake sale to strategic

The decline had largely been supported by all-time high levels of exports of goods and services by India.

But the souring of bilateral relations due to prolonged border tensions ensured that IndiaChina bilateral trade shrank. In 2020 bilateral trade decreased by 5.64 per cent Y-o-Y and stood at $87.65 billion compared to $92.89 billion in 2019.

It said Reliance has indicated that it plans to build an optimal mix of reliable, lean and affordable energy using solar, wind and batteries.

According to RIL management, a loan to O2C would make it more efficient to upstream cash from any potential stake sale in O2C.

As per official data, India’s trade deficit with China declined by 19.39 per cent from $56.95 billion in 2019 to $45.91 billion in 2020.

While Indian imports from China dropped by 10.87 per cent and stood at $66.78 billion compared to $74.92 billion in 2019, Indian exports to China increased by 16.15 per cent from $17.896 billion to reach $20.87 billion in 2020. This is the highest level ever for Indian exports to China and the first time they have crossed $20 billion.

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): Standalone RIL’s plan to foray into green energy will be also be liked by investors, brokerage Nomura said in a note.

in ores (75.35 per cent), iron and steel (336 per cent), aluminium (2,023 per cent) and copper. Iron ore exports stood at $4 billion making India the fourth largest exporter of ores to China. Exports of iron and steel amounted to $2.53 billion, marking a Y-o-Y increase of 336.44 per cent and making India the fourth largest exporter of iron and steel to China. Exports of aluminium and its articles registered a massive increase of 2,023.12 per cent to reach $640 million and make India the fifth largest exporter in this category

investors and dedicated PE investors. In our view, any stake sales to raise cash would be taken positively by investors, similar to the large cash raise in 2020 when it sold stakes in Jio and Retail,” Nomura said. Morgan Stanley said in a research that RIL’s de-merger plan for Oil to Chemicals (O2C) business is a step towards monetisation and acceleration of its new energy and material plans into batteries, hydrogen, renewables and carbon capture - all of which point to the next leg of multiple expansion and clarity on the next investment cycle. With this reorganisation, RIL will have four growth engines - digital, retail, new materials and new energy. While the market appreciates the value for the first two businesses we see significant upside risk to earnings and multiples for O2C as RIL invests in new energy/technology, Morgan Stanley said. CLSA said this O2C subsidiary will hold debt in the form of a $25 billion loan from the parent priced at a floating interest rate linked to one-year SBI MCLR and another $5 billion of non-current liabilities. “We believe this demerger should pave the way for a stake sale in O2C to strategic (talks with Aramco continue) and financial investors,” it said. “Using the $75 billion EV announced for the non-binding 20 per cent stake sale to Aramco in August 2019), will translate into an equity value of $45 billion after knocking off the $30 billion liabilities at the subsidiary level. So a 20 per cent stake sale at $75 billion EV, may bring in $9 billion cash into Reliance,” CLSA said.

to China (against the 21st in 2019). Among the key agricultural commodities, including sugar, rice, oil, etc., in 2019, total exports saw an increase of 58.99 per cent from $125.3 million in 2019 to $199.14 million in 2020. The major contributors to this increase were cane sugar (387.5 per cent), soyabean oil (3,050 per cent), rice (184 per cent) and vegetables fats and oils (415 per cent). However, the exports of mangos and fish oil declined dramatically to nil. Tea declined by 6.94 per cent and fresh grapes declined by 24.1 per cent.

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INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Amar Chitra Katha comics to be published for young readers

ublishing house HarperCollins India and Amar Chitra Katha have announced a new collaboration to publish “a firsttime adaptation of popular ACK comics into a narrative format for young children”. The said collaboration will “bring the beautiful folktales of India from our iconic comic books into an exciting new format for younger readers,” said Preeti Vyas, President and CEO of Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd, adding, “Since our comic books are typically read by children in the 8-14 age group, we believe that these early chapter books will help us take these engaging stories to a younger age group, and open up our treasure trove of stories to a new audience.” This series, put together meticulously by the writers at Amar Chitra Katha, brings

together some of the greatest folktales in the ACK catalogue. Each book in the series is adapted from the original Amar Chitra Katha comics and aims to bring the reader closer to the thoughts and traditions that make up our country’s identity, said a joint statement. Tina Narang, Publisher, HarperCollins Children’s

Books, remarked, “Amar Chitra Katha has such a strong history of publishing for children, generations have grown up reading ACK comics. So, we are delighted to present a first-time adaptation of these popular comics into a narrative format for young children. We are launching this new initiative with the Amar Chitra Katha Folktales Collection.”

Pandemic delivered a more severe blow to smaller, individual artisans: AIACA

recent survey report brought out by All India Artisans and Craft workers Welfare Association (AIACA) has detailed cash flow crunches, wage losses, cancellation/withholding of orders, supply disruptions in the raw material value chain and uncertainties regarding shipment (both domestic and export) to be some of the key challenges highlighted by craft enterprises after the COVID-19 lockdown. Broad recommendations emerging from the survey include expectations of a stimulus from the government for craft based enterprises, including measures like reduction/deferral in GST across categories, soft loans and interest free working capital loans to aid production and the easing of access to raw material supplies. IANSlife speaks to Sreya Mozumdar, ED, AIACA to get insights into India’s $583-billlion handicrafts market, how the

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pandemic has impacted this largely-unorganised sector and what the survey recommends to aid the crafts sector of India. Excerpts: Please tell us about AIACA and what it aims to achieve. Mozumdar: AIACA is an apex body that has been working on a range of issues, since 2004, to promote market-led growth for the crafts sector; and increased incomes and improved living standards of crafts producers. Over the past decade, AIACA has conducted policy research and advocacy on a range of issues including access to credit for crafts producers and environmental and health and safety standards for the sector; developed a crafts-certification system called the Craftmark; assisted sales and outreach of member producer groups and enterprises through commercial trade catalogues, trade fairs and order fulfillment; and assisted

in developing and strengthening back-end production systems through a range of product design and business development services. We have worked with more than 150,000 artisans across 23 states in India. How, in your personal experience, did the craft sector fare during the lockdown? Mozumdar: Even in the face of a health emergency, livelihood and financial issues were the most pressing ones. Rising costs of vegetables, groceries and other essentials were found to be a major concern during the initial phase of lockdown. AIACA itself, with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, had raised a resource amount of Rs 30 lakhs for rations for 3000 artisan families across the country. Widespread cancellation of orders, pending payments, a mounting product inventory, shipments on hold or stuck in transit and a

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generalized sense of confusion about area-specific government relief activities and measures, were some of the difficulties faced by both artisans and craft enterprises during phases 1 and 2 of the countrywide lockdown. Production for business came to a complete standstill. As regards big craft enterprises, a specific observation was that many were anticipating the shutdown of a few centers. In many cases, the staff salaries had been unpaid. Others were found revisiting production planning, conducting exploratory work, preparing back-up plans, new designs and a strategy for online presence. The recent survey undertaken by AIACA particularly highlights the financial aftermath faced by the craft sector during these times. What are your thoughts on the findings? Mozumdar: Data in the survey revealed that while there has been a unanimous demand for financial support, it is the individual artisans who are in greater distress due to almost complete absence of working capital. 25 per cent enterprises, on the other hand, still had working capital. It was also discovered that individual artisans required more short-term support, while enterprises stressed on the need for support in the long-run (beyond 6 months). Similarly, a big gap was visible in terms of raw material availability to artisans (40 per cent) and enterprises (64 per cent). Here too, a lack of working capital can be blamed. In fact, it seemed that the artisans had exhausted their financial resources in production, as the percentage of dead stock for enterprises and artisans was relatively similar. As artisanal work is comparatively more informal and unstructured, it is possible that there was limited or no financial planning for contingency. It was clear that the pandemic delivered a more severe blow to the business of smaller, individual artisans, who are struggling to cope with drastic changes in the economic environment. As per an initial estimate by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the handicrafts sector could suffer a loss of Rs 80‐100 billion post pandemic. Can you sum up the recommendations the report makes for this sector? Mozumdar: Infusion of capital, particularly to cater to the financial needs of individual artisans, through tax relief, subsidized raw materials and easy access to soft loans at minimal interest rates. AIACA has released a White Paper on fiscal recommendations particularly for craft enterprises, in this tenuous environment, keeping in mind the MSME outlays already announced. Provision for capacity building training, need-based handholding and equipment to empower

CULTURE individual artisans, collectives and enterprises, for smooth transition to e-commerce. AIACA, with extensive experience in outreach, community mobilisation and skill development training, could play an important role as an implementing partner. Strengthening mechanisms to encourage greater institutional procurement of handmade products, to deal with the problem of a mounting inventory. This would naturally increase cash flow in the sector, helping it kick-start production activity, to bounce back. Strategize to repurpose products for the changed environment. While tapping into the ready national and international markets for products specific to the pandemic is critical at this point, individuals and enterprises must also re-think their long-term planning. Since the market for luxury goods has collapsed and continues to remain an uncertain investment option, there is a pressing need to develop products on lowered price-points. For smaller artisans and groups, the pivoting to produce essential items during the pandemic (example, face masks, PPEs) has been a challenge, also keeping in mind questions of scale and quality. Greater exposure for artisans and enterprises to venture into government procurement. For this, they need orientation and handholding to walk through the complex and tiresome processes for tender applications. Such support must also take into account the need for reskilling artisans for quality control and up scaling to meet strict procurement standards. As the new definition for micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) stands reviewed, it must be noted that the raising of the upper limit of investments has almost completely thrown the handloom and handicrafts community out of this categorisation. If at all, they merely qualify as micro units. Besides, this has allowed the entry of bigger players, increasing competition. Therefore, the government must think of creating a special outlay category exclusive for the crafts sector, to address their needs in a focused manner. How can the common person contribute towards the postCovid recovery of crafts? Mozumdar: Participate in awareness generation campaigns on the value of Handmade. Support smaller artisans and craft enterprises through purchasing of handmade products. Contribute skills and experience in building an active volunteer base to support artisans’ training on e-commerce, photography, catalogue-making, social media management, among others.

INDIA NEWS

March2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

CULTURE

On Women’s Day, read stories 2nd phase of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav to be inaugurated in Darjeeling of real, unapologetic women By Siddhi Jain Ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8, two collections of short stories of flawed, rebellious and most importantly real women, are set to be published by Penguin. The new titles -- “Women Who Misbehave” and “Impetuous Women” -- are stories of women who step across the Laxman Rekha, who are unapologetic, strong and unconventional but always flawed.

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) : Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge) Prahlad Singh Patel will inaugurate the second phase of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav on February 22 at Raj Bhawan in Darjeeling. The closing ceremony of the three-day even will be attended by West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar. A choreographic presentation by Odissi Vision and Movement Centre followed by recitals by

Dona Ganguly (Odissi), Michael (Saxophone) and Shayne Hyrapiet (Band) will mark the beginning of the event on first day while on second day, Sounak Chattopadhyay will recite Rabindra Sangeet followed by a creative dance recital by Saphire Dance troupe and the North eastern band of Daniel Engti and Kamran and the Boyz Band. The last day would witness Bail songs by Anuttam Baul after which Kathak Ballet by Sanskriti Sreyaskar would be held.

Local artistes will also perform on all the days and 20 crafts stalls from across the country showcasing genuine hand-crafted products will also be setup. The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is being organised by the Culture Ministry since 2015. Till now 10 editions of RSM have been held in Delhi, Varanasi, Bengaluru, Tawang, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tehri and Madhya Pradesh. It will also cover a profusion of folk-art forms.

“Women Who Misbehave” is written by Sayantani Dasgupta, an assistant professor of Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and much like the women within its pages, contains multitudes and contradictions. At a party to celebrate her friend’s wedding anniversary, a young woman spills a dangerous secret. A group of girls mourns the loss of their strange, mysterious neighbour. A dutiful daughter seeks to impress her father even as she escapes his reach. A wife weighs the odds of staying in her marriage when both her reality and the alternative are equally frightening. An aunt comes to terms with an impulsive mistake committed decades ago.

Jehangir Art Gallery opens with celebrated artist Bibhuti Adhikary’s show

he Jehangir Art Gallery, opened today post lockdown with celebrated artist Bibhuti Adhikary’s show. ‘Positive for nature, mankind or for my country’, is what Artist Bibhuti Adhikary believes in. Artist Bibhuti showcases his award- winning installation, The Rolling Painting, which is a one of its kind artwork in the world. The show exhibited 35 paintings which have been created using different art mediums and was on till 22nd February 2021. The distinct 5ft x 4ft art Installation is made using 594 PVC pipes which shows different compositions on wild life conservation while rolling the pipes making the

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In this wildly original and hauntingly subversive collection of short stories, Sayantani Dasgupta brings to life unforgettable women and their quest for agency. They are highlight of the show. Artist Bibhuti is honorary doctorate from World Records University and a Gold medalist from India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records for this one of its kind artwork. One of the works created in the lockdown is aptly named “Lockdown Baba”, a visual representation of the time faced by the country. Some of the other prominent works on display are, ‘Wild Fire’, an abstract painting created without the use of any brushes, depicts the combination of reality and imagery in art. ‘Winning Horse’ a painting which depicts beauty, strength and grace. ‘The Performer’, is a painting of a

clown performing irrespective of what he feels deep inside his heart. ‘Cheer haran- Kal bhi Aaj Bhi’ is a symbolic depiction of women exploitation in the past which is prevalent today as well and is growing in the present. ‘Act of Kindness’, showcases a blind Hindu priest helping an old Muslim man who is handicapped. In each work he uses different methods and medium to create the forms, particularly taking care to create meaning rather than just deriving pleasure in using certain material for the sake of it and making an art piece with some ‘difference’.

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“Impetuous Women” by Shikhandin (the nom de plume of an Indian writer who writes for adults and children) is about women who step across the Lakshman Rekha, whose transgressions fly in the face of the establishment, the patriarchy, often their own families and loved ones.

Impetuous Women

Women Who Misbehave

violent and nurturing, sacred and profane. They are friends, lovers, wives, sisters and mothers. Unapologetic and real, they embrace the entire range of the human experience, from the sweetest of loves and sacrifices to the most horrific of crimes.

From two housewives who play a potentially lethal game of keeping up to an expert baker who serves revenge with chocolate sprinkles on top; from a stern hostel warden who examines her relationship with the teenagers she must surveil to a grouchy widow shuts out the world; From a couple madly in love and desperate for a bit of privacy to a tender bond between a husband and wife, these stories create an unforgettable portrait of modernday India and the experiential realities of being impetuous, of being women. This darkly comic, thrillingly tragic collection of stories is sensuous, bittersweet and whimsical by turns, and always wildly, subversively original.

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INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

SPORTS

Australia, Qatar withdraw from Copa America Tiger Woods seriously injured in

violent car crash on steep LA road

Buenos Aires, Feb 24 (IANS): Australia and Qatar have withdrawn from this year’s Copa America due to a clash with 2022 Asian World Cup qualifiers, an official of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said. Both the teams had been invited to participate as the guests in the tournament, scheduled be held in Colombia and Argentina from June 11 to July 10. “Qatar and Australia will not be able to come because there will be qualifying rounds in their continents on those dates,” CONMEBOL Secretary General Gonzalo Belloso on Tuesday told Argentine radio station La Red, Xinhua reported. Australia had been drawn in Group A alongside Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay while Qatar were placed in Group B with reigning champions Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru.

Belloso said the competition would not be modified, apart from the reduced number of fixtures. Originally scheduled for 2020, the 47th edition of the Copa America was postponed by a year because of Covid-19. It will mark the first time the world’s oldest international football tournament will be

hosted in the two countries. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Belloso said there was no chance the competition would be cancelled and expressed hope that fans could attend matches. “The Copa America is 100 percent confirmed. The idea is that it will be played with stadiums at 30 per cent capacity,” he added.

Motera stadium gears up for T20 double-headers By Khurram Habib Ahmedabad, Feb 23 (IANS): Double-headers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are generally held at separate venues. If a 4 pm match is in one city, an 8 pm match the same day will be at a different venue.

“The T20 leagues like IPL or Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 or any other such tournament often see two matches in a day. We are ensuring that the teams coming for the later match can walk into their dressing rooms, put their kits and start warming up in the practice area. The teams playing the first game can go on uninterrupted,” Patel explained: Although not a novelty since Lucknow’s Ekana International Stadium too has two sets of

dressing rooms, Ahmedabad becomes significant because it is expected to be home to a new franchise that would join the IPL next year.

Gujarat Cricket Association did not share the details about the number of tickets sold but it said that it has been able to sell most of them.

The new Motera stadium also has a ramp for handicapped fans -500 handicapped fans have been given free entry for the third Test, Indian cricket board secretary Jay Shah confirmed.

If the association is able to sell the targeted 50 per cent of the tickets, then it will mean 55,000 fans, and that will easily be the most number of fans to see a cricket match - or a sporting event - in India since the Covid-enforced lockdown began in March last year.

The stadium also has LED lights and not towers. As until Tuesday night, the

Excited about joining DC this year: Smith New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): Australia’s Steve Smith said that he is “excited” to join the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. Smith was bought by DC for Rs 2.2 crore at the auction last week after he was released by the Rajasthan Royals (RR). “I am really excited about joining the team this year. I think the squad has a great set of players and has a great coach and I look forward to getting over there and

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New York, Feb 24 (IANS): Golf superstar Tiger Woods narrowly survived a violent solo car crash on a steep, downhill suburban road in Los Angeles and was undergoing surgery until late Tuesday for multiple leg injuries at a University of California trauma centre. “I will say that it’s very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive,” said LA Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who was the first to arrive at the wreck. Seatbelts and airbags which deployed successfully saved Woods from what would otherwise have been a “fatal” crash, he said. It’s still not clear if Woods was speeding -- or even texting -- in the 45 mph zone.

However, Ahmedabad’s Sardar Patel (Gujarat) Stadium in Motera, which has been reconstructed from scratch to accommodate a record 1,10,000 spectators and will host the third Test between India and England from Wednesday, is looking to hold the double-headers in one day all on its own. “We have four dressing rooms at the venue,” Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel told IANS.

By Nikhila Natarajan

creating some amazing memories and hopefully help the team go one better than last year. Can’t wait guys,” Smith, 31, said in a video that was shared by DC on their social media pages. Earlier, Smith’s former Australia captain Michael Clarke speculated that the former might just give the IPL a miss this year. “I know his T20 performances haven’t been as good as he would have liked. Last year’s IPL wasn’t great. I’m very surprised he has

gone for the amount of money he has, just under $ 400,000 -which is still good money,” said Clarke on the Big Sports Breakfast Podcast after calling Smith among the top three batsmen in the world. “But when you look at what he was getting (last season) and his role as captain of Rajasthan, don’t be surprised if there’s a little hamstring strain the day the plane is meant to fly to India,” Clarke added.

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LA County officials said the 45-year old was conscious and able to communicate when first responders reached the scene by 7.18 a.m. The inside of the midsize SUV was mostly intact and that “gave him a cushion to survive the crash,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said. Both of Woods’ legs are seriously injured. “Tiger was able to speak to me lucidly,” Gonzalez said. Woods appeared “incredibly calm,” he said, likely because he was in shock. Woods was on his way for a photo shoot with Discovery-owned GOLFTV, and was alone in his silver coloured SUV when he crashed a few minutes after 7 a.m. He crossed two oncoming lanes and rolled over several times before coming to a stop. No other cars were involved in the Woods crash. A resident who heard the crash called the police at 7.12 a.m., and first responders from the Sheriff’s team arrived at the crash site by 7.18 a.m. They called the fire department at 7.22 a.m. who finally got Woods out of the car using an axe to cut through the windshield. Overhead visuals of the crash showed Woods’ SUV on its side, with its front end flattened,

several trees damaged in a wooded area and Woods’ signature gear lying scattered in the underbrush. A huge signboard was lying on the middle of the road, the first signs that Woods may have swerved into oncoming traffic. This is the third car crash that Woods has been involved in. The first one was in Fall 2009, when his SUV ended up slammed against a tree. It was the beginning of his first big personal and professional crisis when revelations surfaced of his infidelity. In May 2017, he was arrested by Florida police who found him asleep at the wheel of a parked car. Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend for the Genesis Invitational tournament at Riviera, where he presented the trophy. The SUV which he was driving seemed to be a car loaned to Woods by the organisers, going by the logo on the exposed side of the car. Woods exploded onto the world golfing scene when he won The Masters in 1997 at age 21 and then went on a record-breaking PGA winning streak. His Augusta Masters triumph in Spring 2019 was a comeback for the ages. Winner of 15 majors, Woods last played December 2020 in the PNC Championship with his 11-year-old son, Charlie. After five back surgeries and the latest one last December, Woods was not sure when he would return to competitive sport. Asked on a Sunday show on CBS whether he would be at The Masters this April, Woods replied, “God, I hope so.” As the sun set on Tuesday, Woods’ fans fearing the worst after seeing the mangled remains of his SUV were just grateful that their hero was still alive. “I’m sick to my stomach. It hurts to see one of my closest friends get in an accident, and man, I just hope he’s all right. I just worry for his kids. I’m sure they’re struggling,” said Woods’ friend and fellow golfer Justin Thomas.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

Being old friends, we trust each other: Kohli on Ishant Sharma Ahmedabad, Feb 23 (IANS): India pace bowler Ishant Sharma, who is due to play his 100th Test at the Motera Stadium on Wednesday has produced his best as a Test bowler under the captaincy of his Delhi teammate Virat Kohli.

CAP Director and former India international Yusuf Pathan, who opened the centre, said that the CAP initiative is aimed at giving back something to the game that gave him and his brother Irfan Pathan everything. He said the academy will provide to the budding cricketers a platform and infrastructure, which they lacked during their cricketing days. Yusuf Pathan, who interacted with the students, shared the experiences he gained while playing cricket in Hyderabad and also his past association with the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the Indian Premier League. Pathan noted that Hyderabad has a lot of talent and it requires the best infrastructure.

“Hard to see [such longevity to play 100 Tests], especially for fast bowlers in today’s age and time. People lose motivation. If he would have wanted, he would have bowled 4 overs, 10 overs etc, would have improved and played regular cricket in ODIs and T20Is as a first choice player. But he kept his focus only on Test cricket. In today’s day and age, playing 100 Tests is a big thing,” added the India skipper. Kohli said that the two trust each

at the Sports Authority of India Centre for national coaching camp. The first match against the world No.3 German team is scheduled for February 27 followed by the second match on 28th February. After a day’s break, the team will play again on March 2, followed by the last match on March 4. The squad: Goalkeepers: Savita (v-c) Rajani Etimarpu Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Udita Nisha

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their national squad as part of their preparations for the Tokyo Olympic Games. The team consisting of 18 players and seven support staff will leave on Tuesday from Bengaluru, where they are currently housed

Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Monika, Neha, Lilima Minz, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Salima Tete, Navjot Kaur Forwards: Rani (captain) , Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Sharmila Devi

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Pune, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Srinagar, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Agra, Mathura, Bijnor, Gulbarga and Berhampur by the end of 2021,” he said. Vasdev said that former Australia captain Greg Chappell will be their chief mentor, academy based on Cricket Australia’s

recent past and seen its cricketing talents

methods. CAP has partnered with PitchVision, a UK

“Seeing the massive pool of talent and

based cricket technology company, to track

cricketing culture in Hyderabad, I am sure

the students’ performance in real-time

that the students will be benefitted by

as it automatically generates videos and

our best-in-class coaching infrastructure

statistical analysis.

from emerging cricketers and produce

“I was very excited to work with him and bring the best out of him as an attacking fast bowler. Something clicked, because he knew I knew him inside out, there is big trust factor. I know he will respond to advice. I know he knows that I will listen to his plans as well. I think it is working really well for not just both of us but also for me as a captain to have him as a fast bowler -- his experience, consistency with attacking lines and lengths he bowls.”

25 cities which includes Jodhpur, Kolkata,

who has designed the curriculum for the

the CAP will receive tremendous interest

other.

“We are planning to launch CAP in another

Hyderabad as I have played here in the

and latest technology. I am confident that

to be lauded for preferring Test cricket over ODI and T20I cricket.

across India.

“I am excited to launch our academy in

from close quarters,” the cricketer said.

Indian women’s hockey team leaves for Germany on Tuesday

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): After their tour of Argentina where the Indian women’s hockey team played a total of seven matches, the Rani-led squad is all set to travel to Germany to play four matches against

Academy of Pathans (CAP) on Tuesday

budding cricketers.

Kohli has led Sharma in 38 Test matches and MS Dhoni was India captain in 47 Tests featuring Sharma. But over the past few years, since Kohli took over the reins of the Indian team, Sharma has turned into a lethal bowler. He has taken 112 wickets at an average of 25.32 under Kohli whereas his 152 wickets under Dhoni have come at an average of 36.65.

Kohli said that Sharma needs

Hyderabad, Feb 23 (IANS): The Cricket

world-class infrastructure and coaching to

The two had made their firstclass debut together, against Tamil Nadu in November 2006 at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

“Playing 100 Tests as a fast bowler is no mean feat and playing especially in our conditions, things can get is so difficult. But he kept working hard. He is very hard working and is very honest about his abilities, about what he can do and what he can bring to the table,” the India skipper added.

Cricket Academy of Pathans opens centre in Hyderabad launched its centre in Hyderabad to provide

India captain Kohli, 32, believes it is the trust factor that has worked for the two who have been playing cricket together since mid-2000s.

“I have known Ishant for many years now. He started playing state cricket with me, from first season onwards. We have been roommates for many years in state cricket, Ranji Trophy cricket. When he got selected for India, he was fast asleep in the afternoon and I had to kick him off the bed to say that he has been selected and he wouldn’t believe me. That is how far we go back,” Kohli told the media on Tuesday.

SPORTS

professional cricketers from Hyderabad,” he added. He also promised to allot 10 per cent of seats in the academy to underprivileged kids. “We will provide infrastructure for free to kids who can’t afford it,” he said. The Hyderabad centre is the 23rd centre of CAP, which plans to launch centres in another 25 cities. CAP Managing Director Harmeet Vasdev said the academy has pledged to invest Rs 3 crore along with its

The academy also plans to launch a mobile application soon which will bridge the gap between the students, coaches and the management. Vasdev pointed out that recently two players from CAP in Patna represented the Bihar state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while overall, 55 students across India have represented various district and state level teams. Few players are also representing their respective state teams in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

partners for further aggressive expansion

Women’s superb show good warm-up for world youth boxing: Coach New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS): An outstanding performance by the Indian boxing team at the 30th Adriatic Pearl Tournament in Budva, Montenegro, is the first step towards our preparation for next month’s World Youth Championships in Poland, said the Indian team coach Bhaskar Bhatt on Monday. The 19-member Indian boxing team, including 10 women, gave a good account of their prowess, winning as many as 12 medals, 10 of them being clinched by women. The women also won all five gold medals while the two medals the men won were bronze medals. The rest of the silver and bronze were won by women. The women’s squad, featuring boxers below the age of 18, was also declared the ‘Best Team of the Tournament’. With global competition resuming after more than a year due to the Covid-enforced lockdown, the Indian officials accompanying the team ensured the youngsters got maximum benefit of the six-day long international tour by having

extra training sessions apart from the main competition. “We made efforts to arrange sparring sessions with teams like Finland, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. The Indians who had finished their events had an hour sparring session with them daily. This was aimed at gaining as much experience as possible. It was very productive as our boxers got the opportunity to train with players from other countries,” Indian team coach Bhaskar Bhatt told IANS. In a massive exercise, the local Budva boxing club had to shift the competition venue outside the coastal town of Budva that was locked down due to a surge in coronavirus cases a week before the competition. “There was only one makeshift boxing ring at the team hotel. Thus, we utilised whatever space was available. The morning sessions were conducted in the weighing hall that wasn’t used in the early hours of the day,” the Indian team coach said of the challenging time.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

TRAVEL

Queer spaces to check out in Philadelphia Triyuginarayan temple: A hidden gem in Uttarkhand February 21, 2021 (IANSlife) In 1965, four years before the Stonewall Riots in New York ignited the worldwide modern gay rights movement, a group of protesters began an annual July 4th pride march in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

These “annual reminders” were demonstrations designed to remind the American people that many American citizens were denied the rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” promised in the Declaration of Independence. What started at Independence Hall evolved into a civil rights movement and since then, Philadelphia has been a seat of progress and activism for the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ community in Philadelphia is a highly visible and important part of the city. There are many clubs, bars,

lounges, bookstores, boutiques, restaurants and shops in the Gayborhood, a section of Center City’s Washington Square District. One can see rainbow flags adorning the street signs as well as incredible architecture and a charming community feel. Eat at

an LGBTQ-owned restaurant in the Gayborhood and snap a photo by one of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ murals, including Mural Arts Philadelphia’s A Tribute to Gloria Casarez by Michelle Angela Ortiz and Pride and Progress by Ann Northrup.

Maldives the holiday destination for Indians in 2020

February 15, 2021 (IANSlife) What sets Uttarakhand apart is the religious inheritance that comes with the famous religious temples located in the state. While most of the people are aware about Chaardham, Uttarakhand is a hidden treasure for various religious shrines. One such venerated temple is the Triyuginarayan or Trijugi Narayan temple dedicated to the preserver, Lord Vishnu located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This place is perched at an elevation of 1,980 m above sea level and offers panoramic views of snow covered mountains of the beauteous Garhwal region. The architecture of the temple resembles to that of Kedarnath shrine. The temple is the source of spirituality for both Shaiv and Vaishnav community. State Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj says the temple is one of the valuable religious heritage of Uttarakhand. “It is emerging as one of the main wedding destinations in Uttarakhand due to its historical importance and sanctity,” he informs. The temple is famous as the site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. An eternal flame burning in front of the temple is said to have been a witness to this notable wedding.

February 21, 2021 (IANSlife) India has always been a key market for Maldives. Since the reopening of the borders, the arrival statistics has shown gradual and constant growth. As per the statistics of Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Maldives, by the end of 2020 India became the number one source market with 62,905 Indian tourists holidaying in the island country, thus accounting for 11.3 per cent of the total market share. In 2019, India was at second place, following China. This growth accelerated due to various travel restrictions amid COVID-19 and air travel bubble that was initiated between India and Maldives. This created a positive pathway for additional flights from India giving much required opportunities for travellers to visit Maldives. After India, Russia secured the

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second place with 61,388 tourists, followed by the UK with 52,716 tourists accounting 11.1 per cent and 9.5 per cent of the total market share respectively. Maldives opened its borders on July 15, 2020 with strict safety measures for the travellers. Resorts, liveaboards and guesthouses have opened their doors for tourists in line with HPA guidelines. Maldives has become an ideal location for travelling, as it is geographically blessed by its isolated nature, making it one of the safest destinations to travel to right now. Incoming travellers from India to the Maldives were largely influenced by Bollywood celebrities opting for stays at high-end resorts and organically promoting the destination. According to Thoyyib Mohamed,

MD, MMPRC, “Despite the pandemic, Maldives tourism has done well. We expected a good last quarter for tourism, but the results were beyond expectations in December. India has always been our focus market. Over the last few years, Maldives has very rapidly ascended the list of the most preferred holiday destination for Indians. Duringthis unprecedented time, we had to re-strategize our marketing activities in order to accommodate the current trends and in order to gain the maximum out of our market efforts. We have constantly attempted to study the consumers’ behaviour accordingly and plan for our efforts for 2021.” Maldives recorded 555,399 arrivals in 2020 and achieved their target of 500,000 arrivals for the year. For 2021, the authorities are targeting 1.5 million arrivals.

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Its sanctum houses a silver idol of Lord Vishnu, accompanied by idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Badrinarayan, Goddess Sita, Lord Ramachandra and Lord Kubera. The Brahma shila in front of the temple marks the exact place of the wedding. Four sacred ponds called the Rudra Kund for bathing, Vishnu Kund for cleansing, Brahma Kund for sipping water and Saraswati Kund for offering libations are also located in the temple premises. It is believed that couples who solemnize their weddings at the temple have the divine bond of seven births. Pratishtha and Deepak, a couple from Mumbai who visited the temple, say: “Although we’re not from Uttarakhand, but we have always been mesmerized by the beauty of the state. We are planning to get married in the Triyuginarayan temple of Uttarakhand next year and will look into the planning part soon”. The temple is situated 12 km from Sonprayag via a motorable road. Alternatively, tourists can take a short trek of 5 km through Sonprayag on the Guttur - Kedarnath bridle path that crosses through a thick forest. The trekking distance from Kedarnath Temple to Triyuginarayan is about 25 km.

What 2021 looks like for wellness travel February 18, 2021 (IANSlife) Holistic well-being, focused on nutrition and rejuvenation is being talked about more than ever. The global hospitality industry has seen a renewed interest in wellness tourism. Travelers are seeking out health and wellness retreats to build their immunity. According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is slated to grow at an average annual rate of 7.5 per cent by 2022. This is higher than the projected 6.4 per cent rate for the annual growth of overall global tourism. As things gradually get back to normalcy, it is predicted that wellness is going to be a priority

for everyone and people will plan their vacations around it. In the months to come, we may well see wellness tourism taking centerstage. People will travel to places that offer health and wellness enhancing opportunities and tourism will shift from simple spa and leisure travel to health and wellness-focused travel. The anxiety and stress due to COVID-19 can be resolved with holidays in wellness-focused places which offer the essence of these holistic therapies and spirituality and well-being. Preventive healthcare is a good way to combat diseases.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

TRAVEL

The state is a heavenly destination when it comes Katara Hospitality expands to offering various adventure activities to tourists partnership with Accor February 21, 2021 (IANSlife) Discovery Channel in collaboration with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is all set to present a new original two-part film titled ‘Explore Uttarakhand’. Providing audiences the chance to engage through stunning visuals of Uttarakhand, the film will premiere on 20th February and 21st February on the channel, and explores spiritual yoga destinations and adrenaline packed adventure sports in the snow filled mountains of the state. Through this two-part film, viewers will get to witness the scenic Uttarakhand and familiarise themselves with its adventure sports and treasure of yoga and wellness. The film documents adventure activities that are some of the most challenging in the entire Indian subcontinent, attracting adrenaline seeking sport professionals and enthusiasts from all around the globe. Along with that, the ancient science of Yoga which was found by Indian sages thousands of years ago actually traces its beginning to Uttarakhand. Speaking about the film Satpal Maharaaz, Minister of Tourism, Uttarakhand said, “Uttarakhand is a beautiful state which holds the privilege of being in the path of the mighty Himalayan Ranges that consist of some of nature’s most extreme and unpredictable patterns. There are many famous shrines and places here like our Chardham, Hemkund Sahib, Haridwar and Rishikesh and others that have attracted tourists from all over the world. Uttarakhand which has also become preferred film

February 20, 2021 (IANSlife) Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, today announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar.

destination in past years is also attracting tourists from all around the globe. Through Explore Uttarakhand on Discovery Channel, we humbly welcome you to this divinely blissful and fabulous state of ours.” he added. Secretary Tourism Mr. Dilip Jawalkar said, “Uttarakhand is a heavenly destination when it comes to offering various adventure activities to tourists. From last few years we are constantly working to develop infrastructure to promote adventure and wellness tourism in Uttarakhand. The documentary film “Explore Uttarakhand’’ made by the Discovery Channel will play an important role to reach national and international audience.”

“We, at Discovery, believe in bringing factual stories to our audiences that not only entertain them but leave them with an enriching experience and a better understanding of the world. The two-part documentary is a visually stunning film that captures the tremendous beauty of the state of Uttarakhand and the Himalayan Ranges. We are delighted to join hands with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to bring to the fore hidden gems from the destination, aiming to inspire people to experience the mesmerizing beauty and versatility the state has to offer.” said Megha Tata, Managing Director- South Asia, Discovery Communications India.

Resplendent Ceylon launches bespoke, private jet experiential journeys in association with Jetpooling February 14, 2021 (IANSlife) Celebrating the spirit of resilience and renewed hope for the revival of travel in 2021, Sri Lanka has reopened its borders for international travellers around the world. To mark this momentous occasion, Resplendent Ceylon welcomes discerning Indian guests back and has partnered with Jetpooling to launch bespoke, private jet experiential journeys. Patrons can now experience the benchmark hospitality and unparalleled service once again at the three resorts by Resplendent Ceylon, part of the family owned Dilmah Tea Company, and the sole member of Relais & Chateaux in Sri Lanka. As the pioneer in luxury experiential travel in Sri Lanka, the property has been curating a range of authentic experiences with distinctive hospitality over the years, while consistently contributing towards

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local communities and the environment. Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge, offer an enchanting circuit in the destination - from tea fields to clifftop beach and safari lodge. The brand’s SafeStay initiative implemented across the three resorts ensures the health and safety of all guests, teams, their families, and local communities. “We welcome this promising step taken by Sri Lanka Tourism

authorities to reopen doors for international travellers in 2021. At Resplendent Ceylon, we recognise the constantly evolving travel expectations and continue on the path to inspire confidence in our guests. We are delighted to exclusively partner with Jetpooling to introduce seamless experiential luxury journeys across our collection for Indian guests.” said Malik Fernando, Managing Director, Resplendent Ceylon.

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The management agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality and Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor. The agreement signing was held at Katara Hospitality headquarters in Doha in the presence of Katara Hospitality Management represented by Mr. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Mr. Irfan Sharief, Chief Asset Management Officer, Mr. Juan Aguilar, Acting Chief Technical Officer. As well as Accor Management represented by Mr. Mark Willis, CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey and Mr. Gaurav Bhushan, CEO of Accor’s Lifestyle Brands. The agreement consolidates the long-standing partnership between Accor and Katara Hospitality, whom already own several landmark hotels managed by Accor, with the property set to open in 2022. Once completed, the Fairmont Hotel and Raffles Hotel & Residences will join the brand’s worldwide portfolio, known to be the world’s largest collection of historic and iconic hotels. As with any Fairmont property around the world, guests will find themselves immersed in a local authentic environment. Similarly when visiting the Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. At the essence of every Raffles is to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, Katara Hospitality said: “Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors that understood the significance of the project, committing to developing the hospitality icon of Doha for the 21st Century in the State of

Qatar. We are confident the ethos of Accor brand is a strategic fit for this iconic project as it is important that we have an operator who understands our vision and strategy, while ensuring it occupies its rightful position in the local and global marketplaces when it opens next year.” “The world’s most loved cities are often identified through imagery and landmark buildings. We strongly believe the property we are developing will provide Qatar with an architectural symbol that is known and understood right across the globe. Our aim is to create the hospitality icon of the 21st Century that is within one of the world’s most exciting urban developments. Our vision is to set new standards that go beyond the borders of the hospitality industry and provide a landmark location that is instantly recognised internationally,” HE added. “While we regard 2022 as a milestone in the country’s development, this new property in Lusail will also occupy a focal point for residents and travellers during the FIFA World Cup. We believe that this is our opportunity to showcase a country that has grown into an international destination and Katara Hospitality will create the landmark to underpin lifetime memories.” Sheikh Nawaf concluded: “As Qatar National Vision 2030 creates the perfect framework for us, we will continue to develop peerless hospitality at home and abroad that are not only jewels in our portfolio but are emblematic for Qatar as well.” Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor commented, “We are extremely excited to announce this iconic property and to showcase it on the world stage in the years to come. The arrival of the Raffles and Fairmont brands in Qatar marks an important milestone for Accor, as we endeavour to bring their distinctive levels of quality and luxurious service to residents and travellers alike. We thank Katara, one of our most valued partners, for once again entrusting us with such a unique project, which is set to become a landmark, not only in Qatar, but in the region.”

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INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

ENTERTAINMENT

Salil Ankola: Have been Abhishek Bachchan begins shooting in Agra jail for ‘Dasvin’ doing regular work as actor for past 20 years

Agra, Feb 23 (IANS) Shooting for ‘Dasvin’, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Yami Gautam, Nirmat Kaur, began at the Agra Central jail where a huge set has been created in circle number four. Abhishek plays the character of

Gangaram Choudhary, while Yami acts as a uniformed police official Jyoti Deshwal.

The shooting is expected to continue for a month at different locations in Agra.

A huge crowd of fans has been following the actors, forcing the local police and the PAC to provide security cover.

Abhishek has already released his first-look photos on the social media.

Kunal Kemmu deadlifts 150 kilos of weights and add weights Never ego train. It’s not about how much you can lift but how well you can lift it and not injure yourself in the process,” he wrote as caption. Kunal said it took him two months of training to build up to this weight. It is his sixth and last set.

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) Bollywood actor Kunal Kemmu shared a video where he can be seen lifting 150 kilos of weight. He says it is not about how much you lift but how well you can lift it and not injure yourself in the process. Kunal posted the video on

instagram, doing a repetition of deadlift with 150 kilos. “150kgs! That is currently my one rep max on deadlifts. It’s an exercise that i really like and one that needs to be done right. Proper form is paramount specially as you build strength

“You should never just go and lift heavy weights directly. Just like a warm up is important before any workout you need to get your muscle and body used to the weights that you are going to lift. For some this might be not very heavy but for me it’s my one rep max Train hard train right #stepbysteprepbyrep,” he wrote.

Ankit Tiwari’s song ‘Taarifein’ in top 10 of Billboard Triller Global Charts

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) It was great to spot cricketer-turnedactor Salil Ankola on the screen once again, in the recent Vidyut Jammwal-starrer, The Power. The former Indian fast bowler may be 52, but he looks not a day older than mid-thirties, essaying a hunky bodyguard to one of the key characters in the Mahesh Manjrekar film. The role may have been a short one, but it somehow defines Ankola’s career -- in showbiz as well as cricket. He is always been around and you can never quite ignore his towering persona. Right now, Ankola is Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee of Mumbai Cricket Association. It is a job he was appointed to in December and he is happy to have “returned to the game after a long time”. “I have been appointed about two and a half months back now. I was appointed on 16th of December. It feels good (that I) returned to the game after a long time. My team is doing well,” Ankola told IANS. Ankola has reasons to feel ebullient about his new post. Life as a cricketer, as well as an actor subsequently, hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride all along. He started out on a high representing the country in 1989, incidentally in the same tour of Pakistan as Sachin Tendulkar. Ankola was 21 then. Most pundits felt he had the capability to do a lot for India, but Ankola had to call it a day at the age of 28, due to a sudden development of bone tumour in his left shin bone, owing to which he could not run for two years. Opportunities, however, were waiting in a very different area. It was at this stage, after all, that Ankola moved into the world of the screen for work.

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) Singer Ankit Tiwari’s new non-film song Taarifein has retained its position in the top 10 list of Billboard Triller Global Charts for the second two consecutive weeks. “I am over the moon. This is

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extremely exciting. To see a song you loved get so much love and appreciation globally, is a wonderful feeling. I am elated!” said a naturally excited Ankit. Taarifein is composed by Sanjeev Chaturvedi and Ajay Keswani

(Sanjeev-Ajay), and has lyrics by Sanjeev Chaturvedi. The music video of the song features Kunwar Arora and Tanuja Chauhan. The video was released on December 10.

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He started gaining visibility especially on the small screen. Since the late nineties, he has found brisk work on television. Over the decades, he has been seen on shows such as Saturday Suspense (1997), Lekin... Woh Sach Tha (1998-2000), Rishtey (1999), Noorjahan (2000-2001), Ssshhhh... Koi Hai (2003-2004), Vikraal Aur Gabraal (2003-2004), Zindagi Teri Meri Kahani (2005), CID:

Special Bureau (2005-2006), Ak... tion Unlimited Josh (2006), Pyaar Ka Bandhan (2009-2010), Savitri: EK Prem Kahani (2013), Savdhaan India (2013), and Karmaphal Daata Shani (2016-2018). His roles as Vishal in Chahat Aur Nafrat (1998-1999), Ravi in Kora Kagaz (1998-1999), his multiple avatars of Ranveer Rathore/ Sandeep Jain/Shakti Singh in Kehta Hai Dil (2002-2005), and Mahen in Karam Apnaa Apnaa (2006-2009) were highlights that let him reinvent his stardom, from cricket to acting. He had entered Bigg Boss season, too, but had to be evicted by the makers following a Mumbai High Court order. Ankola had apparently violated a contract he had signed with Balaji Telefilms, which barred him from participating in any show made by a rival production hous. Ankola also had a Bollywood sojourn, but he is yet to score a big role. He has been seen films like in Kurukshetra (2000), Pitaah (2002), Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (2003), Silence Please... The Dressing Room (2004), Riwayat (2012), Tera Intezaar (2018) and the recent Manjrekar OTT release, The Power. Understanding his roster as an actor is important to understand that he has mostly stayed busy through the years, through thick and thin. He underplays his small role in The Power. “I’m not trying to make a comeback in the movies. I have acted for 20 years now. I have been doing regular work for the past 20 years,” Ankola pointed out. Yet, there was an undeniable dark phase in his life, even though he had no dearth of work. Around 2008, the press was abuzz with reports of Ankola being admitted to rehab care. According to a Mumbai Mirror report of November 2008, Ankola was admitted to a rehabilitation centre in Pune. He had become an alcoholic, which in turn led to depression, demanding treatment, the report further stated. He was back to a rehabilitation centre in Pune in 2010.

INDIA NEWS

March 2021 - Vol 5, Issue 4

‘Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety’ turns 3: Nushrratt Bharucha recalls her ‘first film to enter 100-cr club’

ENTERTAINMENT

Sooraj Pancholi, Isabelle Kaif starrer ‘Time To Dance’ releases on March 12

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) The romantic comedy Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety was released three years ago on this day. Actress Nushrratt Bharucha reecalls the film changed a lot of things for her professionally and helped her grow. “This film got a tremendous response from the audience, which is super fresh in my mind till now. It was my first film to enter the 100-crore club and I am just too grateful to have been part of it all. It was like a turning point of my career where I feel, I got the recognition that I had worked so hard for,” she says. The film was helmed by Luv Ranjan and also starred Kartik Aaryan and Sunny Singh Nijjar. “I was very comfortable with Luv sir’s style of shooting and working with Kartik and Sunny. We were all just enjoying every bit of the shoot. I really miss that experience and am glad that I had it,” Nushrat adds. The actress will be seen next in the horror film Chorrii. She also has Hurdang and Janhit Mein Jaari in the pipeline.

Gurmeet Choudhary on horror film ‘The Wife’: We’re all scared of our wives!

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) Time To Dance, starring Sooraj Pancholi and Isabelle Kaif, is all set for a digital release on March 12.

@lizelleremodsouza @ remodsouza@tseries.official @ tseriesfilms@ttd_movie,” Sooraj wrote as caption.

Sooraj made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a poster of the film featuring him with Isabelle.

Isabelle, sister of Bollywood star Katrina Kaif, shared the first look on Instagram, too, and wrote a similar caption.

“12th of March #TimeToDance @netflix_in @netflix@ isakaif @stanley_dcosta

The dance-based film drops on Netflix.

John Abraham, Emraan Hashmi-starrer ‘Mumbai Saga’ releasing on March 19

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) Actor Gurmeet Choudhary has a double dose lined up right now. His first solo hero project titled The Wife is set to release on March 19. He appears in the music video of B. Praak’s new song Mazaa, too. The Wife is a horror film costarring Sayani Datta. “We’re all scared of our wives and this film’s name is ‘The Wife’! So, I think that the audience will get scared twice over while watching the film,” he laughed. “We shot for ‘The Wife’ a year ago and it is releasing now, so I am excited. Till now, I have worked in four films and I have always got a chance to work with good producers but those films had two to three male actors. so after working in multistarrer films, I thought that I should do a solo hero film,” Gurmeet added. “It would sound cliched to say that my film is different from other films but I still feel it is a unique and interesting film in terms of story and characters. It’s a psychological thriller and I am a huge fan of this genre. I think big stars have done two to three film horror films in their career and this genre has its own audience. Directed by Sarmad Khan, the story revolves around a married couple who, soon after moving into their new apartment, suspect the presence of a malevolent spirit. As their relationship

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crumbles, they realise they must stick together to not only save their marriage but also their lives. Gurmeet’s other point of focus right now is the upcoming music video, Mazaa. “It is sung and composed by B. Praak and its lyrics are written by Jaani. I have been a huge fan of both. It is a hit

pair and we have shot the song on a big scale. It is one of my favourite songs. My music videos have always been appreciated by the audience but this song holds a special place in my heart. I feel the younger generation will connect with the song,” he said about the video.

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Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) The John Abraham and Emraan Hashmi starrer Mumbai Saga was on Tuesday confirmed for theatrical release on March 19.

19 March 2021... The gangster drama is set in 1980s and 1990s... Directed by Sanjay Gupta,” trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted the news.

The Sanjay Gupta directorial film boasts of an ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty, Mahesh Manjrekar, Kajal Aggarwal, Rohit Roy, Gulshan Grover, and Prateik Babbar.

“#MumbaiSaga costars #KajalAggarwal, #SunielShetty, #MaheshManjrekar, #PrateikBabbar, #GulshanGrover, #RohitRoy and #AmoleGupte... Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Anuradha Gupta and Sangeeta Ahir,” he added.

“JOHN ABRAHAM - EMRAAN HASHMI: #MUMBAISAGA RELEASE DATE + TEASER TOMORROW... #MumbaiSaga which teams #JohnAbraham and #EmraanHashmi for the first time - to release in cinemas on

From the very beginning, director Gupta had maintained that his film would have a theatrical release.

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