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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
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President hails India's Covid vaccination Four Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma drive, says virus made a comeback better placed today to meet the challenges of the future and hailed the country's vaccination drive against Covid-19.
New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind on January 25 said that India is
Addressing the nation on the eve of 73rd Republic Day, he said that the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has shown an unmatched resolve. He noted that the vaccination drive is progressing at a quick pace and during the pandemic, India has reached out to several other countries with vaccines and other medical help and its contribution has also been
appreciated by international organisations. Noting the unfortunate comeback of the virus with new mutations, the President cautioned that as the pandemic is still widespread, people must remain alert and not let their guard down. He emphasised that in the fight against Covid, it has now become a sacred national duty of every citizen to follow the precautions suggested by scientists and experts and "we have to discharge this duty till the crisis is behind Continued on Page 3 us".
India showcases military might, Budget gives cultural diversity on 73rd R-Day renewed thrust
to new-age businesses for $5 tn economy
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): With armoured personnel carriers, artillery guns and new age battle tanks along with the rich cultural diversity of the states, India on January 26 showcased its prowess on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day. The grandeurs of the majestic Rajpath in the heart of the national capital were a sight to watch. The celebrations
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commenced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid tribute at the national war memorial. President Ram Nath Kovind arrived, escorted by his bodyguards on their magnificent bay and dark bay coloured mounts. The President's bodyguard, raised in 1773, is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army. Continued on Page 3
New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): Sensing immense opportunities in new-age businesses, startups and local manufacturing amid the pandemic-induced digital transformation, the government on Tuesday outlined a tech-driven Union Budget to fast-track the goal of achieving a $5 trillion economy by 2025. From cracking down on private cryptocurrencies along with a soon-to-be-launched digital rupee by the RBI to announcing 5G spectrum auction this year and more allocations under the PLI scheme, the government went ballistic on its digital-driven ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ agenda. Continued on Page 3
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Shri awards announced New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): The government on January 25 announced 128 Padma awards, including four Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri awards, on the eve of the country's 73rd Republic Day.
Out of the 128 Padma awardees, 13 are posthumous, 34 are women, while 10 persons are from the
category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs and OCIs. The four Padma Vibhushan recipients are -- CDS General Bipin Rawat (Civil Service, Posthumous), Prabha Atre (Art), Kalyan Singh (Public Affairs, Posthumous) and Radhyashyam Khemka (Literature & Education, Posthumous). Continued on Page 3
PM Scott Morrison greets India on Republic Day Canberra, January 26: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison greeted India on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day. The following is his full message: Namaste to everyone celebrating India’s Republic Day. It is a wonderful co-incidence of history that Australia shares its national holiday with India— 26 January. There is an ease, a natural connection, between our two cultures, and a deep friendship. Australians call it mateship. Indians call it dosti. Our familiarity means that we can work easily together – and together we strive to build a better world. On this shared day – we honour the communities that share Australian and Indian heritage in our two countries. We know the pandemic has been testing for them with so many families separated.
In 2022, we share a hope of a COVID recovery – with families reuniting, and students and travellers returning to both of our shores, and our peoples living with health, safety and prosperity. In setting down its constitution in 1950, India secured the democratic freedoms that ensure justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for its people. I join them — and every Australian with a connection to India — in celebrating the constitution’s enactment on this day. As India also marks its 75th anniversary of independence in 2022, Australia and India continue to share great friendship. Happy Republic Day!
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EDITORIAL BOARD Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, Queensland University of Technology Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India
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COVER STORIES
President hails India's Covid vaccination India showcases military might, cultural diversity on 73rd R-Day drive, says virus made a comeback Kovind said that each one of us can remember Gandhiji's advice and help improve the world around us, exuding confidence that inspired by this spirit of universal brotherhood, India and the entire global community will move towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
Appreciating the role of leadership, policy-makers, administrators, and others at the Central and state levels for making timely interventions, he also said that the economy is on the move again. It is a testimony to India's spirit in the face of adversity that the economy is projected to grow at an impressive rate in this fiscal, after going through contraction last year, he said, adding that this shows the success of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan launched the previous year. Noting that small and medium enterprises have played an important role in providing employment to people and imparting impetus to the economy, the President said: "Our innovative young entrepreneurs have set new benchmarks of success by making effective use of the startup ecosystem." Referring to the National Education Policy, he said: "To reap
the demographic dividend, the government has created the right environment with the National Education Policy that makes a perfect blend of traditional values and modern skills."
He also said that it is gratifying to note that India has found a place among the top 50 innovative economies. About the country's sportspersons who brought cheers last year as they made their mark at the Olympics and their self-confidence, he said that they will inspire millions of youngsters. The President said that in recent months, he has witnessed remarkable examples of people strengthening the country and the society through their commitment and action in diverse areas. "The dedicated teams of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd have built indigenous state of the art aircraft carrier IAC Vikrant which is to be inducted into our Navy," he said, adding that due to such modern military capabilities, India is now counted among the world's leading naval powers. "This is an impressive example of moving towards self-reliance in the field of defence." The President said that today,
Continued from Page 1
it is our soldiers and security personnel who carry on the legacy of national pride. He said, when a brave soldier dies on duty, the entire country feels sad. In an unfortunate accident in December, the country lost one of the bravest commanders - General Bipin Rawat, his wife and many other brave soldiers and the entire country was deeply saddened by the tragic loss, he said.
Highlighting that India will cross a milestone when it completes 75 years of Independence, the President said that the country has been celebrating this as 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. "It is a great opportunity for not only the next generation but all of us to reconnect with our past. Our freedom struggle was an inspiring chapter in our splendid saga. In this 75th year of Independence, let us re-discover the values that animated our glorious national movement," he added. Kovind also said that all had, on January 23, observed the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who had adopted the energising salutation of 'Jai Hind' and his quest for independence and his ambition to make India proud "inspire all of us".
Four Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri awards announced Continued from Page 1
Continued from Page 1
As the dignitaries were seated, a 21 gun Salute was presented by the ceremonial battery of 871 field regiment. The 21 gun salute is usually presented during Republic Day, Independence Day and visits of foreign heads of states. The first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers 61 Cavalry was led by Major Mrityunjay Singh Chouhan. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on August 1, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces' cavalry units.
The Indian Army was represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, 14 Mechanised Columns, six marching contingents and a fly past by Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) of Army Aviation. One Tank PT-76 and Centurion (On Tank Transporters) and two MBT Arjun MK-I, one APC TOPAS and BMP-I (On Tank Transporter) and Two BMP-II, one 75/24 Towed Gun (On Vehicle) and two Dhanush Gun System, one PMS Bridge & Two Sarvatra Bridge System, one HT-16 (On Vehicle) and two Tarang Shakti Electronic Warfare System, one Tiger Cat Missile and two Akash Missile System were the main attraction in the mechanised columns. A total of six marching contingents of the Army were there including the Rajput Regiment, the Assam Regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Regiment, the Sikh Light Regiment, the Army Ordnance Corps and the Parachute Regiment. The combined Band of the Madras Regimental Centre, the Kumaon Regimental Centre, Maratha Light Regimental Centre, Jammu and Kashmir Light Regimental Centre, Army Medical Corps Centre and School, 14 Gorkha Training Centre, Army Supply Corps Centre and College, Bihar Regimental Centre and Army Ordnance Corps Centre marched past the saluting dais. The evolution of uniform and personnel weapons of the Indian Army over the last 75 years was the theme of the marching contingents. The contingent of the Rajput Regiment, wearing the uniform of the Indian Army of 1947, carried a .303 Rifle.
A total of 17 Padma Bhushan awards have been awarded. The names include Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad for Public Affairs, actor Victor Banerjee for Art, Gurmeet Bawa (Posthumous) for Art, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee for Public Affairs, Natarajan Chandrasekaran for Trade and Industry, Krishna Ella and Suchitra (Duo) for Trade and Industry, Madhur Jaffery for Culinary Skills, Devendra Jhajharia for Sports, vocalist Rashid Khan for Art, former CAG Rajiv Mehrishi for Civil Service, Satya Nadella and Sundar
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Pichai for Trade and Industry, Cyrus Poonawala for Trade and Industry, Sanjay Rajaram (Posthumous) for Science and Technology, and Pratibha Ray, Swami Sachidananda and Vashistha Tripathi for Literature and Education. Apart from these, a total of 107 Padma Shri awards have also been announced for eminent persons in the fields of Art, Trade and Industry, Literature and Education, Sports, Civil Services and others. The Padma awards, the highest civilian awards of the country,
are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The Assam Regiment paraded in uniform of 1962 period and they also carried .303 Rifles.
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, while the Padma Bhushan is for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
The Jammu and Kashmir Light Regiment was seen in uniform worn during 1971. They carried a 7.62 mm self loading Rifle.
The awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day every year. The awards are conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around MarchApril every year.
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The contingent of the Sikh Light Regiment and the Army Ordnance Corps were in the present day uniform with 5.56 mm INSAS Rifle. The contingent of the Parachute Regiment, donning the new Combat Uniform of Indian Army, unveiled on January 15, were carrying 5.56 mm x 45 mm TAVOR Rifle.
The Indian Air Force contingent comprised 96 airmen and four officers, led by Squadron Leader Prashant Swamyanathan. The Air Force tableau was titled 'Indian Air Force, Transforming for the Future'. The tableau showcased scaled down models of MiG-21, Gnat, Light Combat Helicopter and Rafale aircraft, as well as the Aslesha radar. The tableaux were titled 'Suite of Indigenously Developed Sensors, Weapons and Electronic Warfare Systems for LCA Tejas' and 'Air Independent Propulsion System' developed for the submarines of the Indian Navy. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed two tableaux, signifying the defence technological advancements of the country. It was followed by tableaux of 12 States and Union Territories and nine Ministries and Departments, which were prepared on various themes under 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The tableaux were followed by cultural performances by 480 dancers chosen through an allIndia dance competition 'Vande Bharatam'. It is for the first time that dance groups, performed during the parade, have been chosen based on all India level competition. As soon as all the tableaux finished their presentation, the women of the Border Security Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) stole the show with their daredevil stunts on the motorcycle. The brave and electrifying performances immediately fired up onlookers and visitors. Taken aback with the scintillating performance, the visitors only stared at themselves open-mouthed. And with women doing such extreme stunts, it certainly gave an inspiration to millions of women across the country. The grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade, the Flypast, for the first time, witnessed 75 aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force displaying a number of formations. Vintage as well as current modern aircraft/ helicopters like Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mi-17, Sarang, Apache and Dakota displayed different formations, including Rahat, Meghna, Eklavya, Trishul, Tiranga, Vijay and Amrit. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and the release of Tricolour balloons. For the first time IAF coordinated with Doordarshan to show cockpit videos during the flypast.
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ADVERTORIAL
Springfield student Prithvi wins aviation award A
passion for flying has seen Springfield Central State High School student Prithvi Yadav Harish named the winner of the 2021 Honourable Company of Air Pilots Award in partnership with Aviation Australia. Prithvi, a Year 10 student, said he found his passion for flying at the age of nine thanks to his father and grandfather. “My father and my grandfather both were a major influence on me,” Prithvi said. “My grandpa was in the army for a short time and he always used to tell me stories of about his experiences. That’s when I started to get intrigued about planes, started to watch videos and research about them. “My dad also had a chance to be in the air force but unfortunately his mother did not want him to join and ended up ripping up his joining application. “When my dad found out I had a keen interest for flying and defence, he supported me with all his might and pushed me to pursue my dream career. “My dad and I went on a flying session in Archerfield for 45 minutes on a light aircraft
(Eurofox), which I enjoyed, and the experience strengthened my passion.”
my submission of a four-minute video presentation and essay on aerospace.”
Prithvi’s parents Bhagyalakshmi Harish and Harish Venkatapathaiah, of Spring Mountain, said they were proud of their son who wanted to study aerospace at school.
He said as the winner, he was awarded a one-on-one mentoring session with a highly experienced airline captain, a 60-minute introduction to flying a modern jet airliner from the captain’s seat of a Boeing 737 flight, simulator at Aviation Australia in Brisbane, and the opportunity to complete a pilot aptitude assessment, designed to identify strengths and weaknesses in terms of potential for being a pilot.
“All the other things that he started doing related to the field of aviation, being part of Airforce cadets and doing a Certification 3 in Aviation which aligned and boosted his passion for flying,” Mrs Harish said. Keen to be a defence pilot or an aeronautical engineer when he grows up, Prithvi said his recent award from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (Australian Region), in partnership with Aviation Australia, was open to students who could demonstrate their enthusiasm for flying. More than 50 schools around Queensland entered the competition. “Only three students across those schools were chosen for the finals. I was one of the finalists and I was also the winner of the award,” Prithvi said.
Prithvi said he loved everything to do with flying. “Flying gives me a sense of freedom, it’s very exciting to have control of the plane and feel the plane respond to your input, it’s very exhilarating,” he said. The Greater Springfield careerdriven student said the award was an acknowledgement of his efforts towards becoming part of the aviation industry. “I am very grateful for the recognition and the opportunity provided to showcase my skills,” he said.
“The judges were impressed with
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
ADVERTORIAL
Mining business shines in renewables From engineering equipment to give solar panels a sparkling clean to designing class leading mining truck trays, regional Queensland has the mechanical know-how.
A
dani Renewables Australia is working with Rockhamptonbased SMW Group to produce custom-designed equipment to clean the 247,000 solar panels at Rugby Run Solar Farm, near Moranbah. Adani Renewables Australia’s Business Manager Derek Chapman said the new machine will help to maximise the panel’s energy production and improve operational efficiency. “There’s a large mining services knowledge base in our region, so it is great to see companies like SMW Group who have always been focused on traditional mining use their capability for renewable projects as well,” Mr Chapman said. “Adani Renewables Australia has a proud history of working with regional Queensland businesses and it has always been our intention to continue to work with local suppliers wherever possible.
“The cleaning equipment that SMW Group has developed is specifically designed for Rugby Run with the cleaning arm and rotating brushes tailored for our panels.
mining sector for a long time, so it made a lot of sense for our business to adapt some of the equipment that we use on a mine site for use in solar panel cleaning.
“We have been really impressed by SMW Group’s willingness to work with us to get the product right for our operations and look forward to seeing the results of this relationship over time.”
“Securing a contract to supply solar panel cleaning equipment for Adani Renewables Australia’s Rugby Run Solar Farm is a great outcome for SMW Group and is a vote of confidence for central Queensland’ resources industry.”
SMW Group Operations Manager Cameron Tragardh said that SMW Group was proud to continue its partnership with Adani’s businesses in Australia after previously working with Adani Australia’s mining business, Bravus Mining and Resources to make custom haul truck trays. “We are really proud to align ourselves with any business that values giving back to local communities,” Mr Tragardh said. “At SMW Group we have been providing equipment for the
Adani Renewables Australia is part of the Adani Group, which in 2020 was recognised as the world’s largest multinational solar company with 25GW of operating, installed and committed capacity. We remain on track to be the world’s largest renewables company by 2030 with a portfolio including solar and wind generation and a solar panel manufacturing business in India.
Sheep lend a hoof at Rugby Run A
nd in other news, in what is central Queensland’s first ‘Agri-solar’ arrangement Adani Renewables Australia is working with local farmers on a sheep grazing trial on Rugby Run solar farm's 600-hectares. Trying to keep the grass in check around the 247,000 solar panels was expensive and quite difficult using mowing and slashing equipment, so in August last year, Adani Renewables put out a call to local farmers for sheep, and shortly after started a trial with 70 sheep with self-shedding coats.
there’s good food, good water, good shelter and plenty of space at Rugby Run – it’s sheep heaven. During the day the sheep are able to use the panels as shade while they graze and several have now successfully lambed, which shows us that they are happy and healthy. The joint exercise between Adani Renewables Australia and local farmers has shown that combined land use can have positive outcomes for both the agricultural sector and solar operators.
It has been a real winner as
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
384 soldiers receive defence decorations; 12 Shaurya Chakras for counter-terror ops the cordon. He crawled to the flank and brought down effective fire, eliminating one terrorist. The other terrorists retaliated with a grenade launcher fire and hand grenades in which, Sreejith sustained multiple injuries and started bleeding profusely. Undeterred and regardless of his grievous injuries, he refused to get evacuated and continued to fire before succumbing to his injuries.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): A total 384 Indian armed forces soldiers received gallantry and other defence decorations, including 12 Shaurya Chakras, on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day celebrations on January 26. These gallantry awards include 12 Shaurya Chakras, 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 53 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 13 Yudh Seva Medals, three Bar to Vishisht Seva Medals, 122 Vishisht Seva Medals, three Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 81 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), 40 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), eight Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), and 14 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty). Out of the 12 Shaurya Chakra awardees, six Indian Army officers were honoured with Shaurya Chakra for counterterror operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states. Out of the six, five were posthumously awarded. Naib Subedar Sreejith M. of the 17th battalion of Madras Regiment has been honoured posthumously for counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. On July 8, 2021, Sreejith as Quick Reaction Team commander while carrying out search in densely forested and rugged terrain observed movement of two to three terrorists. He tactically deployed his team and engaged the terrorists with effective fire, denying them to break contact and escape. Amid the intense firefight, he observed two terrorists trying to break
Anil Kumar Tomar of the Rajput Regiment has been honoured Shaurya Chakra posthumously for counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. On December 25, 2020, Tomar was leading a combat action team for the operation. He was directed by the mission leader to readjust the cordon. While moving for the task, he came under heavy fire from the terrorists and sustained bullet injury in his thigh. Despite that, he responded with accurate fire and neutralised a terrorist. Then he pursued the second terrorist, injured him and cornered him inside a house. When the mission leader decided to address the house using an excavator, Tomar, despite being injured, volunteered. When the house was being addressed, the injured second terrorist emerged from the house firing indiscriminately. He engaged the second terrorist and neutralised him but succumbed to his injuries. Kashiray Bammanalli of Engineers Corps also received Shaurya Chakra posthumously. Bammanalli was a combat action team leader and laid a cordon towards the likely escape route along the orchards at a village in Pulwama district. At 11:15 pm, the terrorists tried to flee by lobbing grenades and firing indiscriminately in the direction of Bammanalli. He responded with fire and pushed the terrorists back inside the house. At 11:50 pm, in yet another desperate attempt to break the cordon, the terrorists lobbed grenades and brought heavy fire on Kashiray. Despite sustaining injury on his chest, he eliminated the terrorist. Sensing danger to his flank, he crawled forward to a vantage position and accurately engaged three other terrorists from close range, thereby saving the lives of other troopers. The terrorists were subsequently neutralised.
Pinku Kumar of Jat Regiment has been honoured with Shaurya Chakra posthumously. On March 27, 2021, Kumar was part of the inner cordon during an operation in Kashmir. Kumar along with Sepoy Sushil Rathi were covering the most likely escape route of the terrorists. At approximately 8:15 pm, in a bid to escape, two terrorists rushed out of the target house towards the street while firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades. Kumar tactically re-oriented his position, engaged them with accurate fire and instantly eliminated one terrorist. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the second terrorist took a detour and hid behind the wall of a house. Mindful of the risk to his own life, Kumar stealthily moved towards the house and engaged him in a close combat. In the exchange of fire, Kumar injured the terrorist, but sustained a grievous gun shot wound on his head and later succumbed to his injuries. Sepoy Maruprolu Jaswanth Kumar Reddy of 17th battalion of the Madras Regiment has been honoured with Shaurya Chakra posthumously. On July 8, 2021, Reddy as scout number two while carrying out search in densely-forested and rugged terrain observed the movement of terrorists and immediately engaged them. Reddy blocked the most likely route to escape. He displayed raw courage and eliminated a terrorist. While he crawled forward to engage the other terrorists, he saw his team commander severely injured in terrorist's fire. He immediately lobbed grenades to pin down the terrorists and swiftly pulled his commander to cover. In doing so, he came under heavy fire from the terrorists and sustained grievous injuries, but disregarding his personal safety, he continued to engage the terrorists before succumbing to his injuries. Rifleman Rakesh Sharma of 5 Assam Rifles has also been honoured with Shaurya Chakra for counter-terror operation in Asssam. Sharma was part of an ambush after receiving information about movement of insurgents for extortion and killing of civilians at a village in Assam on May 23, 2021.
Satta bazaar gives BJP 230 UP seats in early trends, might change in 3rd, 4th phase Hapur, January 19 (IANS): Ahead of the first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh the Hapur market has predicted the return of the BJP to power -- the first time since the last 21 years as no government could return to power. The satta bazaar which
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operates very secretively has betted on the BJP. The prediction is that after early losses the BJP will emerge as the winner with an absolute majority. The bookies who run the satta bazaar are giving 230 seats to the BJP in the UP Assembly elections
in their early trends. They are also taking the help of various professionals to run the satta bazaar and to keep themselves safe from the clutches of the police. They are buying paid service, betting only with trusted
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NEWS FROM INDIA
Internal rift in Congress surfaces on Azad’s Padma award New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The internal rift in the Congress party has surfaced again after party's senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was conferred Padma Bhushan award. While the G-23 leaders are in congratulatory note to the former Rajya Sabha leader of opposition, there has been no reaction from the party compelling Kapil Sibal to criticise over silence.
Deputy leader of Congress in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma tweeted, "Heartiest congratulations to Ghulam Nabi ji for well deserved recognition of his lifelong enriching contribution to public service and Parliamentary democracy." Manish Tewari, MP, too wished him. "I congratulate Ghulam Nabi Azad on being conferred the Padma Bhushan for his public Service. It is a well deserved recognition." Raj Babbar also congratulated him, "Congratulations @ ghulamnazad Sahab! You're like an elder brother and your impeccable public life & commitment to Gandhian ideals have always been an inspiration. The #PadmaBhushan is an ideal recognition of 5 decades of your meticulous service to the nation." Incidentally all the three leaders -- Sharma, Babbar, Tewari and Kapil Sibal are part of the group that wrote letters to Sonia Gandhi for effective leadership and demanded party reforms. However, the silence in the Congress setup indicates that the party is unhappy over the new development. Though there has been no official reaction from Azad except thank you messages to tweets, he did tweet when news circulated that he has changed his Twitter bio, "Some mischievous propaganda being circulated by some people to create confusion. Nothing has been removed or added to my twitter profile. The profile is as it customers and relying on professionals to run their racket. IANS spoke to different bookies to know about their changed methods and who they were making the king of UP elections. They told IANS that as of now they were looking at the BJP as the strong player in the elections, the Samajwadi Party was their second choice to which they were giving 130 seats. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party were not given any seats as of now in the first phase of the elections. They told IANS that after the first phase of election the trend might change but it would not be a major change. As per their trend the BJP is getting fewer seats than in the previous elections but also becoming a major party. "We are offering 1000 for 1000 as of now for BJP. After the first phase of elections, this might change into 1000 to 5000 or 10,000 depending on the current trends," said the bookie.
IANS
was earlier." The Congress seems divided on the Padma Bhushan award conferred to its leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. Party leader Kapil Sibal has come in open support of Azad after cryptic tweets by Jairam Ramesh. Sibal tweeted, "Ghulam Nabi Azad conferred Padam Bhushan, Congratulations bhaijan, Ironic that the Congress doesn't need his services when the nation recognises his contributions to public life". After the announcement of Padma awards, Jairam Ramesh taking a cue from the rejection by West Bengal former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, took a dig at his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan. Ramesh tweeted on Bhattacharya's refusal to accept the award: "Right thing to do. He wants to be Azad not Ghulam." The comment was indirectly aimed at his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan in the field of Public Affairs. Azad is also a former Union minister and till recently, he was the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Azad was one of the first in the Congress to stoke the leadership issue in the party. Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, on January 25 refused to accept the Padma Bhushan award conferred upon him by the government of India. He said in the second and third phase they will open the price for the Congress and the AAP. In the first phase they have not given any option for these two parties. "After each phase the situation will change. We will be able to comment on the Congress after the third phase. This phase will give us an idea about how many seats the Congress is going to bag. The seats of the BSP will also be decided in the third phase. The fourth phase will make it clear to us whether the AAP is going to affect the elections or not. The rest of the phases of the elections will only swing the betting price," said the bookie. The satta bazaar is saying that the BJP will suffer a loss of 60 to 70 seats but as of now the saffron party was a strong candidate. Whether the Samajwadi Party will be able to bag more than 130 seats or not will be clear in the fourth phase of the elections.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
NEWS FROM INDIA
Rival groups jockey for Congress CM's face in Punjab Shri Ram Sena chief's remarks of Punjab that they will vote for 'Punjab model' -- a roadmap for the state's future," said Sidhu the day the AAP announced Mann as its chief ministerial face.
on kicking out students wearing hijab stirs controversy afterwards they will demand namaz and mosque. Is this your religious centre or school? Muthalik questioned.
Responding to the 'bitter infighting', Channi, whose appointment by the high command just months before the polls, though a little late but nonetheless a clever and strategic move, said "Sidhu is my brother and there will be no problem of any kind if the party decides to do so."
He urged the government not to allow any public debate or discourse on the issue. The students who are insisting on wearing a hijab should be issued transfer certificates and be kicked out. This mindset is dangerous, he maintained.
Channi, who believes his strength lies in his connection with the masses, was responding to the 'self-styled' demand for the next CM face in Punjab. "I am not the Congress party's CM face. The party has to contest elections and I am only fulfilling my duty as the CM," he told IANS.
Chandigarh, January 23 (IANS): Everything is in a name when it comes to announcing the chief ministers face, it seems! Just about a week after the AAP declared comedian-turnedpolitician Bhagwant Mann as its chief ministerial candidate, whispers in the Congress party became louder over announcing a name for the coveted post. The demand by Congress leaders in Punjab comes at a time when both Charanjit Singh Channi, the state's first Dalit Chief Minister, and the party's state unit chief Navjot Singh Sidhu have made clear their desire to occupy the seat, while former party chief Sunil Jakhar is the silent runner in the race. Delhi is cautious about announcing the name as it has the potential to create trouble for the party with elections just round the corner. In the 2017 Punjab assembly polls, ending all speculation with just a week to go before the election, then party vice-president Rahul Gandhi had announced that Amarinder Singh would head the government if the Congress was voted to power. "Amarinder Singh has given his blood and sweat for Punjab. He has worked day and night for the development of Punjab. He has always worked for the Punjabi and Sardar (Sikh) community. He is going to be our chief minister," Gandhi had said at his first political rally in the Akali Dal assembly stronghold of Majitha. This time too the clamour within the party has been increasing to announce Channi as the Congress' face. Party insiders told IANS that the leadership is in favour of playing it safe for the moment by not naming any chief ministerial
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candidate. But the key opponents in the state -- the AAP, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) combine and the BJP in alliance with Amarinder Singh's new party Punjab Lok Congress and the Samyukt Samaj Morcha, the fledgling coalition of farm unions -- are making an issue out of it. The prominent faces for the parties are Channi, 58, Mann, 48, Sukhbir Singh Badal, 59, Amarinder Singh, 80, and Balbir Singh Rajewal, 78, respectively. The announcement of the Congress chief ministerial face is crucial with the pollsters predicting that the Congress could either retain the helm with a photo finish close to the halfway mark of 59 or no party will get a clear majority, despite the antiincumbency sentiment against previous incumbent Amarinder Singh, who was unceremoniously removed after a bitter power tussle with Sidhu last September. Cricketer-turned-politician and a well-known TV personality Sidhu, 58, who in the game once rebelled against the Indian cricket team captain and in politics left the BJP in 2016 to join the Congress a year later, is slamming the central leadership by asking: "What's a 'baraat' without a 'dulha' (bridegroom)? "People of Punjab will choose MLAs and they alone will decide who will be the Chief Minister. Who told you that the high command will make the CM?" Sidhu, who is eyeing to be the next captain by hitting out at his government for 'delaying' probes in sacrilege and drugs cases and announcing freebies, has been quoted as saying. "Our high command is intelligent and whatever decision it will take, it will be in the interest of the state. I have trust in the people
Ending a 'bitter battle' of oneupmanship, the Congress clarified that it will not declare anyone as the chief minister's face in Punjab and will contest the upcoming Assembly elections under collective leadership -Channi, the Dalit face; Sidhu, the Jat face; and Jakhar, the Hindu face. Justifying the party leadership's move not to name the CM face, Cabinet minister Raj Kumar Verka, a vocal Dalit face, told IANS, "The Congress is a cadre based party and has so many 'dulhas'; and of various age groups. We have a young 'dulha' and an experienced one. We have given our 80-year-old 'dulha' to the BJP." Verka was indirectly hitting out at former Congress veteran Amarinder Singh for quitting the party and joining hands with the BJP by launching a state-specific party. Another cabinet minister Sukhjinder Randhawa, who was part of the 'midnight coup' led by Sidhu in ousting Amarinder Singh from power, joined the chorus for Channi's candidature. "Channi is our Chief Minister and we are contesting the elections under his leadership. If the party is voted to power, he will be our leader in the next Congress government too." Joining the chorus, the Punjab Congress tweeted a video by actor Sonu Sood, whose sister is a Congress candidate from Moga, who says the "real chief minister is the one who does not have to tell he is the chief ministerial candidate". After the Enforcement Directorate raids on his nephew in an illegal mining case, the Punjab Congress started a campaign on social media in support of Channi. "AAP 'baraat' now has a 'dulha'. Now the Congress has to choose between Channi and Sidhu well ahead of the polling like it did in the 2017 assembly polls so that the people could make up their minds and vote accordingly," a senior Congress minister told IANS, requesting anonymity.
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Hubballi, (Karnataka) Feb 2 (IANS): Shri Ram Sena Chief Pramod Muthalik's statement that students insisting on wearing a hijab to the classroom showed their terrorist mindset and they should be kicked out of the schools, has triggered a controversy in the state. Muthalik had stated on Tuesday that this stubborn mindset on wearing a hijab to the classroom will take students to terrorism. Now, they start with the hijab, later they ask for burqa and
"You have freedom to wear clothes of your choice at home. But, once students enter the school premises, one has to abide by regulations. "Are you making India, a Pakistan or Afghanistan? If you demand a burqa or a hijab you can go to Pakistan," he said. The statements have stirred a controversy in the state which is already coping with the hijab row. The students agitating over wearing a hijab to class in Udupi Pre University College have approached the High Court seeking relief. The government has set up a committee to decide the issue. Until then the government has asked students not to wear a hijab. However, the students have defied the order and say that wearing a hijab is their constitutional right.
Ex-Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya refuses Padma Bhushan award Kolkata, January 25 (IANS): Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, on January 25 refused to accept the Padma Bhushan award conferred upon him by the government of India on the eve of the country's 73rd Republic Day. Bhattacharya was given the award for his contribution in the field of Public Affairs. A statement issued by the veteran CPI-M leader read: "I don't know anything about the Padma Bhushan award, nobody told me about it. If I were awarded the Padma Bhushan, I would reject it."
six months.
Minutes later, CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechuri confirmed the statement.
A senior CPI-M leader said, "Earlier, the name of another former Chief Minister of West Bengal and CPI-M stalwart, Jyoti Basu, was proposed for the Bharat Ratna by the then UPA government, but Basu also refused the award as Communists do not believe in these types of awards. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya also did the same. It was expected of him."
Bhattacharya, 77, who is suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), hardly gets out of his house for the past few years now. Even during last year's Assembly polls in Bengal, the veteran leader did not campaign for his party. He was hospitalised twice in the last
According to sources in the CPI-M, the party "does not believe in such awards" and hence the CPI-M as well as Bhattacharya has decided to refuse it.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
INDIA NEWS
Tricolour unfurled atop 150 feet flagpole in Shopian Jammu and Kashmir. The second highest flagpole is also located at Shopian," the Army said. The foundation stone was laid on October 18, 2021 at the Army Goodwill School, Balapur. During the inauguration ceremony, the Tricolour was unfurled by Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, GOC, Chinar Corps, in the presence of the students of the Army Goodwill School. Dedicating the flagpole to the people of Shopian, Pandey congratulated the gathering on the auspicious occasion of 73rd Republic Day. Srinagar, January 26 (IANS): On the occasion of the country's 73rd Republic Day, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps in collaboration with Punit Balan Group unfurled the Tricolour after installing a
150 feet tall flagpole at Shopian in South Kashmir. "The event ushered in a new milestone in the history of South Kashmir with the installation of the highest flagpole in the entire
The GOC said that the national flag is the greatest symbol of national conscience, as it represents the supreme collective expression of the commitment and loyalty to one's motherland.
REPUBLIC DAY 2022
President's Bodyguard horse 'Virat' retires from service New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): 'Virat', an elite member of President Ram Nath Kovind's Bodyguard, and a veteran who has been a part of over 13 Republic Day parades, retired from the service on January 26.
the majestic Rajpath, President Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi bid farewell to the elite horse.
Virat, a hanoverian breed horse, was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation for his exceptional service and abilities.
The PBG, raised in 1773, is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army.
Notably, Virat was the first charger horse of the President's Bodyguard (PBG) to receive such a commendation card. According to officials, Virat is a veteran of over 13 Republic Day parades as a charger escorting the President of India. "Today was his last Republic Day parade as he gracefully retires after being the most trusted steed over the years," the official said. On January 26, during the Republic Day celebrations at
PM Modi was seen on camera patting and showing his love for the esteemed member of the PBG.
The unit maintains stringent physical standards by ensuring the fittest men only above 6 feet are enrolled. To match the build of these fine troopers of the President, the horses too are of a minimum height of 15.5 hands height, the tallest held by any mounted unit, in the country. These magnificent horses of the elite PBG are bred by Remount Veterinary corps and presently looked after by 44 Military Veterinary Hospital.
4 women among 10 eminent R-Day parade: Jal Shakti Ministry's personalities from NE tableau showcases JJM work in Ladakh conferred Padma Shri awards In such areas where people were forced to dig ice and drink it after melting, are now getting clean tap water in the comfort of their homes, schools and anganwadis. "Not only that, through sensor based IoT systems they know live data about quantity, quality and monitoring of the water supplied. Women in villages have been trained to test the quality of water using Field Test Kits (FTKs)," he added.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): A sky blue, smiling, huge drop of water stands resting one a flowing tap right in front, with a traditional Ladakhi mud house behind it. On the one hand are happy Ladakhi people and on the other, the support teams, some women are testing water sources, some men are putting in pipelines in place and yet some, checking connections. For the Jal Shakti Ministry to showcase its flagship project running in Mission Mode - Jal Jeevan Mission ( JJM), its tableau, 'Jal Jeevan Mission: Changing Lives' at the Republic Day parade this year could not have been a better opportunity. And the location chosen was Ladakh. The harshest of terrain and subzero temperatures, sometimes even minus 20 at night. Not only are the water sources frozen, but even the supply lines are inoperative because of extreme winter as sometimes the pipes are frozen or burst regularly. It is in such inclement weather conditions and more than 11,000 feet average altitude that the JJM has sought to bring about a change. The JJM, as it is popular, aims at providing functional tap
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water connection to every rural household across India. Ladakh has the lowest population density in the country (2.8 person / sq km), villages are scattered, and rainfall is scarce. It remains cut off from the rest of the country for a few months in a year due to closure of passes during winters. This affects the supply of materials badly. Further, most of the water sources are in inaccessible areas, in many areas of Ladakh the water bodies freeze in winters, a lot of labour is required for construction and help of animals & helicopters is taken to lift and transport the material. "Due to freezing temperatures, in place of regular GI pipe, HDPE pipes are used, and main supply lines are laid below frost line. Wherever pipes come above the frost line, these are encased in 4" dm of glass wool, wood, aluminium jacketing for insulation. Solar power plays an integral part in the water supply chain and ensures continuous flow of water in the pipeline," said an official. There are technical challenges as well to draw water from frozen water sources.
Ladakh was just a showcase. Across India, the JJM has trained more than 8.6 lakh women so far in ensuring clean tap water to homes with the help of FTKs. Water testing laboratories in the country are now open for the public to get their drinking water tested. A digital board displaying live temperature and real time data about water supply, chlorination etc., and progress of the Mission is also presented. Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "In a very short span of 29 months since its announcement in August 2019, Jal Jeevan Mission has provided tap water supply to more than 5.63 crore rural households, 8.4 lakh schools and 8.6 lakh anganwadi centres in India. At the time of announcement of the Mission, only 3.23 crore homes had tap water supply and today more than 8.87 crore homes have tap water connections. Akin to Ladakh, the JJM Jal Jeevan Mission has been working in the most difficult terrain of the country to provide tap water to communities in high altitudes of Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand or in deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
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Guwahati/Imphal, January 25 (IANS): Ten distinguished personalities, including four women, from seven of the eight northeastern states were conferred Padma Shri awards in different fields. The four women are Shakuntala Choudhary of Assam for social work while Lourembam Bino Devi and Muktamani Devi, both from Manipur, were recognised for their contributions in art and trade and industry, respectively, and Badaplin War of Meghalaya in the field of Literature and Education. Choudhury, the 102-year-old Gandhian social worker from Kamrup, is popularly known as 'Shankuntala Baideo'. Veteran applique textile artist Lourembam Bino Devi, 77, famous for preserving the Leeba textile art of Manipur for over five decades while Muktamani Devi, 49, is an inspirational woman entrepreneur exporting and popularising handcrafted woollen shoes. War, 60, a scholar and author, has been always promoting Meghalaya's Khasi language globally.
Manipur's 58-years-old dollmaking artist Konsam Ibomcha Singh, a resident of Imphal East district, who is preserving over a 100 years old art form and Sikkim's Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia, 62, an eminent Tangkha painter specialising in traditional Buddhist paintings on cotton and silk, are also featured in the field of art. Nagaland's T. Senka Ao, Assam's Dhaneswar Engti, and Mizoram's V.L. Nghaka, all authoring many books, have been conferred the Padma Shri awards in the field of literature and education. Senka Ao, 76, has been doing works in preserving Nagaland's Ao language through his writings over decades while nonagenarian Nghaka is a Hindi author and translator from Aizawl who is well-known for developing a Hindi-Mizo dictionary. Karbi author and poet from Karbi Anglong district Engti, 66, has been working towards preservation and advancement of indigenous languages. Buddhist Spiritual Leader from Arunachal Pradesh and former Abbot of the Tawang monastery Guru Tulku Rinpoche, 53 also got the Padma Shri award.
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INDIA NEWS
R-Day parade displayed evolution of uniform, arms over decades the Indian Armed Forces in the Republic Day Parade, which included 6 contingents of the Army, one each from the Air Force and the Navy. Four were from Central Armed Police Forces, one from Delhi Police, two from National Cadet Corps and one from NSS," Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area said.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The six marching contingents of the Indian Army donned different uniforms, including the new one, on Rajpath in Republic Day parade on January 26. In total there were 16 marching contingents. "There were 8 contingents of
The officer further stated that the Indian Army showcased how uniforms and arms have evolved over the decades in the parade. Indian Army contingents wore uniforms from three decades, the present-day olive green and the new combat uniform unveiled at Army Day parade this year. The first contingent of Rajput Regiment wore the uniform from 1950 and marched with .303 rifles.
The second Assam regiment wore the uniform from 1960 and carried .303 rifles.
Troops from Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry donned the uniform from 1970 along with the 7.62 mm rifle. Sikh Light Infantry and Army Ordnance Corps wore the present day olive green along with the INSAS rifles. The sixth contingent of the Parachute regiment soldiers wore the new combat uniform. Further, each marching contingent comprised 96 soldiers instead of the usual 144 so that proper attention could be accorded to Covid-19 protocol. Similarly, the force also showcased mechanized weapons from vintage to present day era.
Swami Sachidanand honoured with Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri for six other Gujaratis Gandhinagar, January 26 (IANS): As per the list from the Home Ministry's Padma Awards for this year, a total of seven Gujarati persons have been selected by the Ministry, including Swami Sachidanand who will receive the Padma Bhushan award.
Swami Sachidanand is a social reformer, humanitarian, philosopher and a welfare activist belonging to no "panth". His religious work has been with an aim to uplift the human values and the whole society. Apart from him, six noted Gujarati personalities have been
selected for the Padma Shri award.
Savjibhai Dholakia, a noted diamond businessman from Surat, owns an empire with a turnover worth Rs 6,000 crore annually. He has been known for his corporate social responsibility activities. The other Gujarati is Ramilaben Gamit, a member of the Taparwada gram panchayat in Gujarat's Tapi district, who has also received the Swachh Shakti Puraskar from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making her village open defecation free.
The noted Gujarati litterateur, Khalil Dhantejvi will be receiving the Padma Shri award posthumously. Born in 1935 in his village Dhantejvi, on which Khalil took his pen-name, Khalil Dhantejvi, died on April 4, 2021, at Vadodara.
REPUBLIC DAY 2022
Amid Covid-19 restrictions, Punjab, Haryana celebrate R-Day Chandigarh, January 26 (IANS): Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on January 26 celebrated the 73rd Republic Day amid tight security arrangements, foggy climatic conditions and Covid-19 restrictions. It had been foggy and the sky had been cloudy since early morning at most places in Punjab and Haryana, including Chandigarh. Contingents of police, home guards, NCC and others took part in the parade held at district headquarters in both the states and Chandigarh. Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurled the national flag at a state-level function at Mohali near here. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya unfurled the national flag at Panchkula, while Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar hoisted the national flag at Ambala. Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi unfurled the national flag in Jalandhar. Both Chief Ministers conveyed greetings to people on the
occasion. "It is important to remember the core values of sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, justice, equality, human dignity & the unity, which are the bases of our constitution. Let us pledge to uphold and safeguard these values," Channi said in a tweet. Haryana Governor Dattatreya tweeted, "On 73rd #RepublicDay, I convey my heartiest greetings to the people of Haryana and the country. Let's resolve and make our best efforts to preserve and promote the spirit of equality, justice, fraternity and liberty, the four key pillars of #Constitution,". Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala unfurled the national flag at Jind in Haryana. Various events were held in district headquarters in Punjab and Haryana, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Moga, Bathinda, Panchkula, Karnal and Panipat. Ministers of Punjab and Haryana presided over the celebrations in district headquarters.
R-Day: PM wears cap from Uttarakhand, Manipur stole
Another noted Gujarati to receive the Padma Shri is Maljibhai Desai, who is known for his decades of service in water conservation. Lata Desai from Society for Education Welfare and ActionRural will be receiving the Padma Shri for services in rural community health.
ITBP jawans unfurl Tricolour at icy height in Himalayas on R-Day
Mahotsav' on the 75th Anniversary of India's independence. A total of 146 personnel and 33 Bullet Motorcycles of ITBP participated in the Mission 'Daredevils'.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The troopers of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on January 26 celebrated the 73rd Republic Day, 2022 at the icy heights of Himalayas with zeal and vigour, from the heights ranging from 12,000 to 17,500 feet. The ITBP jawans also known as Himveers, unfurled the national flag in the border areas of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh where at places, the minimum temperature is minus (-) 45 degrees celsius. The jawans unfurled the national
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flag at the last Indian village Mana at Uttarakhand, border areas of Ladakh, and Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. The 'Daredevil' bikers of the ITBP also showcased 10 different types of formation at the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade. This is the first time that the ITBP showcased so many formations such as Lotus Formation, Border Man's Salute, Fly Riding, Pawan Chakki, Horizontal Bar Exercise, Six-Man Balance, Arrow Position, Jaguar Position, Sentinels of the Himalayas and the theme-based Pyramid on 'Azadi Ka Amrit
Raised in 1962, the ITBP is deployed to guard the 3,488 km of India-China borders. The terrain and weather conditions in the mountainous borders are full of challenges where the brave jawans of the ITBP remain deployed 24x7 to keep vigil at the Himalayan frontiers of the country. The ITBP is a mountain trained force and all its personnel are professionally acknowledged mountaineers. The Force is known as 'Sentinels of the Himalayas' for its greater role in the security of the highest borders of the Nation. The Himalayan border guarding force has recently completed 59 years of dedicated service to the Nation. It has conducted hundreds of rescue operations as 'First responders' in disasters in the Himalayan region over the years.
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New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26 wore a cap from Uttarakhand and a stole from Manipur on the Republic Day function. The Prime Minister wore a cap from Uttarakhand with Brahma kamal flower embossed on it. Brahma kamal is the state flower of Uttarakhand and Prime Minister Modi uses this flower whenever he does pooja at Kedarnath. Apart from white kurta with a jacket, PM Modi was seen wearing a Manipuri stole also. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked PM Modi for representing the state's culture and tradition in front of the world. "Today, on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the culture and tradition
of our state proud by wearing the cap of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, adorned with Brahma Kamal. On behalf of the 1.25 crore people of Uttarakhand, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister," Dhami tweeted. Both Manipur and Uttarakhand are going to the polls in a few weeks. Prime Minister Modi makes a statement by wearing a dress or accessories from different states on important occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and other occasions. While taking Covid vaccination shot last year, he wore a gamcha. Last year on Republic Day, Modi wore a red Gujarati headgear. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi greeted people on the occasion of Republic Day. "Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!," the Prime Minister tweeted.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
Telangana CM skips low-key Republic Day function she said.
REPUBLIC DAY 2022
Rejected for National R-Day, TN tableau finds pride of place in Chennai
She claimed that the youngest state of Telangana is making rapid strides in different areas. Tamilisai Soundararajan said that Hyderabad is fast emerging as the pharma hub, IT hub, and medical hub and is witnessing the establishment of offices by many global corporate organizations.
Hyderabad, January 26 (IANS): Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao skipped the low-key Republic Day celebrations held at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled the national flag. Unlike the last two years when the main ceremony was held at Public Gardens, this time the venue was shifted to Raj Bhavan in view of restrictions on mass gathering due to the surge in Covid-19 cases. Since Tamilisai Soundararajan had to proceed to Puducherry where she is holding the additional charge of Lieutenant Governor, the 73rd Republic Day celebration began at 7 a.m. and was completed within half-anhour. The event was held with Covid-19 protocol. Like last year, there was no march past, no parade review by the chief guest, no tableaux or cultural programmes by school children. Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, Director General of Police M.
Mahender Reddy and few top defence, civil and police officials attended the brief ceremony. The Republic Day function in 2020 and 2021 was held in the historic Public Gardens, adjacent to the State Assembly in the heart of the city after the venue was shifted from Parade Grounds, the sprawling ground in Secunderabad which has been the venue for decades. Not only the venue but the format of the main ceremony was also changed. This year, the Governor also did not host the customary 'At Home' in the evening in view of the Covid situation. Chief minister, his cabinet colleagues, top officials and eminent people from various walks of life used to attend 'at Home' every year. The Governor in her Republic Day speech noted that Telangana has emerged as the rice bowl of India in the recent past. "I salute the farmers for their toil, despite the pandemic conditions; they have produced a bumper harvest thus ensuring food security to millions of people,"
"I wish the Telangana State to emerge as the leader in quality higher education, and consolidate its position as the innovation hub through constant efforts by promoting innovation eco-system and take the lead in contributing for the realization of self-reliant India." She said India is proudly reclaiming its real history and heritage by respecting the unsung heroes in a truly befitting manner. The Governor termed development, production, and free distribution of indigenous Covid vaccine a true testimony to the spirit of self-reliance. The country has administered a record number of 160 crore vaccine doses and is marching forward to achieve the 200 crore vaccine doses mark in the months to come. India has also supplied its indigenously produced vaccines to more than 150 countries in the world. It is time to salute our scientists, doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, and other frontline warriors for helping India implement the world's largest vaccination drive in a seamless manner, she said.
R-Day: Proud moment for French Ambassador as Rafale soars high Day flypast! Truly breathtaking maneuvers by@IAF_MCC's talented pilots." The French-made Rafale fighter jets were the part of Indian Air Force contingent this year for the fly past on the Republic day celebrations. Baaz formation comprising a Rafale, and two Jaguars, MiG-29s, Su-30 MKIs each in a seven aircraft 'Arrowhead' formation stunned the spectators.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): It was a proud moment for French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain when the Rafale fighter jets formed a part of the largest aerial display at the 73rd Republic Day celebrations. Seated in the diplomatic lounge, www.indianews.com.au
it seemed tough for the French envoy to shoot the video while the French-made Rafale flew past Rajpath, but he did and shared it on social media. Later Lenain tweeted: "Always a proud moment to witness IAF Rafale fighter jets in the Republic
In recent years, the defence cooperation between India and France have scaled new heights. France hosted the sixth edition of the joint Army exercise "EX SHAKTI" from November 15 to 26. The joint drills took place in south-eastern France. Meeting of the 17th France-India High Committee on Defence Cooperation between DGRIS Alice Guitton and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar took place in Paris on November 25, 2021.
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Chennai, January 26 (IANS): The Tableaux proposed by Tamil Nadu and rejected in the third round by the Central government for the National Republic Day parade was used by the state government at Chennai parade during the 73rd Republic Day celebrations. The tableaux titled 'Tamil Nadu in Freedom Struggle' depicting V.O. Chidambaranar, 'Mahakavi' Subramania Bharathi, Rani Velu Nachiyar, and the Maruthu Pandiyar brothers who were executed by the East India Company were used in the Republic day parade in Chennai. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier said that these tableaux will be displayed during the Tamil Nadu Republic Day parade and after this will be taken across the
state to showcase to the people about the freedom fighters of the state. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on January 26 unfurled the national flag near the Gandhi square on Kamarajar salai in Chennai in the presence of Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin on the occasion of the 73rd Republic day celebrations in the state. About 6,800 police personnel are on duty as part of the security and are deployed in various parts of Chennai city on the occasion. Due to a surge in Covid cases, the general public was not given entry to the Republic day functions at the Gandhi square. Parades by school and college students also did not take place due to Covid.
On R-Day, Kamal Haasan makes a global pitch for khadi
Mumbai, January 26 (IANS): Megastar and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan says khadi, the banner of India's freedom struggle, not only represents Indianness, but also is a fabric for all seasons. He maintains that it has the potential to re-connect with people and all it would take for it to happen is a good idea to cultivate this affinity. The actor was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of his clothing line named 'KH House of Khaddar', which went live on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day. Breaking the stereotype around the fabric, he says, "Our first collection is not pompous. It answers questions like 'What can khadi do for style and fashion?' It can do all that linen can, and much more." Recalling the launch of the label in Chicago in Fall 2021, he said: "It is the Windy City and the temperature there can turn icy, but I could walk down the streets in a three-piece khadi outfit, and its warmth held me up. I do
believe khadi is a textile for all seasons." Commenting on the launch, Amritha Ram, designer and creative head of KH House of Khaddar, said: "I want to make sure that alongside presenting the designed element that would put KH House of Khaddar on the global map, we as a brand send out the message that we comprehensively take care of the three dimensions of sustainability: Economic Development, Social Development and Environmental Protection. That is my dream for Khadi." Talking about what separates khadi from others, Ram said; "The fluidity of the fabric! One can groom the fabric the way one wants to. It is raw, beautiful and all natural." The idea behind KH House of Khaddar is both to create a clothing line that flaunts khadi as a textile and to contribute to the upliftment of the country's handloom weavers.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
REPUBLIC DAY 2022
Navy tableau on 1946 naval uprising nation and Navy's contribution to our freedom struggle. It also showcased the multidimensional capabilities of the Indian Navy. The naval contingent comprised 96 Men, three Platoon Commanders and one Contingent commander.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The Indian Navy highlighted the naval uprising of 1946 -- an event which contributed to India's struggle for Independence -- in its tableau this Republic Day.
indigenous missile Corvette Kora, the Destroyer Visakhapatnam, Frigate Shivalik on left and P-75 submarine Kalvari, frigate Godavari and destroyer Delhi on the right side.
Lieutenant Mayank Bhagour, an Aviation Officer currently posted at INS Rajali, giving details of the Naval Tableau said, "The forward part of the tableau depicts the Naval uprising of 1946, an event which contributed to India's struggle for Independence."
"Frames on the lower section of the trailer depict construction of Indian Naval platforms in India," the officer said.
The officer further stated that the rear section of the tableau illustrates the 'Make in India' initiatives of the Navy particularly for the period 1983 to 2021. The model of indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant with Light Combat Aircraft in air took the centerstage flanked by models of
Explaining about the Tableau Lieutenant Preeti, an Education Officer, posted at INS India, says: "The tableau of Republic Day Parade 2022 of Indian Navy is in pursuance of the Navy week theme of Indian Navy 'Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive'." The tableau endeavoured to highlight Indian Navy's sustained focus on 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' initiatives maintaining combat readiness in service of the
Lieutenant Commander Aanchal Sharma said, "The hard work and tough schedule in the last two months has paid off and if you see the contingent today, it is full of passion and pride and each individual has a sense of honour to be marching in front of our Supreme Commander, The President of India. The enthusiasm and energy of the contingent is unparalleled. It is indeed an honour to be leading the Indian Naval Contingent." The naval band was led by Vincent Johnson, Master Chief Petty Officer Musician. He led a 72-men naval band as its drum major in front of the President of India, with millions watching India's most loved ceremonial event. From Sydney to Mauritius and St Petersburg to Edinburgh, Vincent Johnson has led the Indian Navy band at various military events across the world, but if there's a celebration that's closest to his heart, it's the Republic Day parade.
Spectacular flypast by 75 aircraft at Rajpath leaves people stunned and two Su-30 MKI in echelon flew in the Arrowhead formation, after Traan formation. Vinaash formation comprising five Rafale flew in Arrowhead formation after Netra formation. Thereafter, Baaz formation consisted of one Rafale, two Jaguar, two MiG-29 UPG and Su-30 MI in seven 'Arrowhead' formations.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The flypast witnessing 75 aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force and displaying a number of formations left people stunned at Rajpath during the Republic Day parade on January 26. Vintage as well as current modern aircraft and helicopters like Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mi-17, Sarang, Apache and Dakota displayed different formations, including Rahat, Meghna, Eklavya, Trishul, Tiranga, Vijay and Amrit. Precision at tremendous speeds was on display and thundering aerobatics were done with professional skills at Rajpath in the national capital. The Rahat formation comprising five LHA flew in five 'Arrowhead'
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formations. The formation flypast over the water channel North of Rajpath. The Meghna formation comprising CH-47 Chinook in lead and four Mi-17 1V in echelon, flew in the five 'Arrowhead' formation. The Eklavya formation consisting of Mi-35 in lead with four Apache heptrs in echelon flew in five 'Arrowhead" formation. The Tangail formation comprising a Dakota in lead with two Dornier in echelon flew in Vic' formation. The Traan formation comprising 1C17 with two C 130A in echelon flew in Vic formation. Netra formation comprising one x AEW & C with two MiG 29 UPG
Trishul formation comprising three Su-30 MKI flew in Vic formation, one minute after Baaz formation approached the dias. The formation pulled up and outward for the Trishul maneuver. Varuna formation comprised one P8-i with two MiG-29K in echelon and flew in Vic formation behind Trishul formation. Five Sarang (ALH) flew in ladder formation streaming Tricolour after Varuna formation. One Rafale flew in at 900 kmph behind Tiranga formation. Approaching the dias, the aircraft pulled up for Vertical Charlie and carried out 21/2 turns. In the end, the Amrit formation comprising 17 Jaguar made a figure of 75 aircraft and helicopters. The parade culminated with the national anthem and the release of Tricolour balloons.
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THE HON ALEX HAWKE MP
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS MESSAGE FOR INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY 2022 Best wishes to the Indian Australian community as you celebrate Indian Republic Day. This day – 26 January – is a day of national celebration for both Australia and India. Our connection extends beyond this shared date though, with our enduring friendship and partnership – founded on our shared ideals of democracy, freedom and inclusion – strengthening year after year. On our shared day, we recognise what is one of the oldest and fastest growing communities in our nation, the Indian Australian community, who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of this nation across all facets of society since the early 1800s. Australia and India have faced unimaginable challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people separated from their loved ones. At this time, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Indian Australian community for the spirit of community, compassion and charity you have embodied. I am so thankful for the resilience and determination you have shown in supporting Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The solidarity of our communities and the shared spirit of mateship is one of our nation’s greatest assets. In 2022, there is so much to look forward to – with families continuing to be reunited, and students, skilled workers and travellers being welcomed back to our shores. On this Indian Republic Day and Australia Day, I hope that you are able to connect with friends and family and share in the celebrations of democracy and national pride. Happy Republic Day!
ALEX HAWKE
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INDIA NEWS
Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
UNION BUDGET
NIRMALA SITHARAMAN PRESENTS BUDGET 2022 Union Budget 2022-23 highlights
F
ollowing are the highlights of the Union Budget 2022-23 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Tuesday: FISCAL POSITION India's growth estimated at 9.2 pc, to be highest among large economies Fiscal deficit in 2022-23 estimated at 6.4 pc of GDP Total expenditure in 2022-23 pegged at Rs 39.45 lakh cr Total receipts other than borrowings estimated at Rs 22.84 lakh cr in FY23 ‘Effective Capital Expenditure' of central government estimated at Rs 10.68 lakh cr in 2022-23, which is about 4.1pc of GDP Fiscal deficit in current year at 6.9 pc of GDP (against 6.8pc in Budget Estimates) 60 lakh new jobs to be created under productivity linked incentive scheme in 14 sectors TAX PROPOSALS No change in personal income tax rates Provision to file an updated return on payment of additional tax; can be filed within two years from the end of the relevant assessment year Updated return provision to enable assessee to declare income missed out earlier Tax deduction limit increased from 10% to 14% on employer's contribution to the NPS account of state government employees Incentives for start-ups: Period of incorporation extended by 1 year, up to March 31, 2023 for eligible
start-ups to avail tax benefit Any income from transfer of any virtual digital asset to be taxed at the rate of 30 pc; gift of virtual digital asset also to be taxed in the hands of recipient Health and education cess: any surcharge or cess on income, profits not allowable as business expenditure No setoff of any loss to be allowed against undisclosed income detected during search, survey operations Alternate minimum tax paid by cooperatives brought down from 18.5 per cent to 15 per cent
structure; to facilitate domestic manufacturing of wearable devices, hearable devices and electronic smart meters Duty concessions to parts of transformer of mobile phone chargers, camera lens of mobile camera module and some other items to promote domestic manufacturing of high growth electronic items Customs duty on cut, polished diamonds, gemstones cut to 5%; no duty on simply sawn diamond Customs duty of at least Rs 400 per kg to be paid on imitation jewellery import
Payment of annuity and lump sum amount from insurance scheme to be allowed to differently-abled dependent during the lifetime of parents/guardians, that is on parents/ guardian attaining the age of 60 years
Customs duty on umbrellas raised to 20%; exemption to parts of umbrellas withdrawn
Surcharge on long term capital gains arising on transfer of any type of assets capped at 15 pc
Unblended fuel to attract an additional differential excise duty of Rs 2/ litre from Oct 1, 2022, to encourage blending of fuel
Gradual phasing out of concessional rates in capital goods and project imports; applying a tariff of 7.5 pc, conducive to the growth of domestic sector Over 350 exemption entries proposed to be gradually phased out, like exemption on certain agri produce, chemicals, fabrics, medical devices, and drugs and medicines for which sufficient domestic capacity exists Customs rate, tariff structure simplified particularly for sectors like chemicals, textiles and metals Customs duty rates to be calibrated for graded rate
Customs duty exemption given to steel scrap last year extended for another year to offer relief to MSME secondary steel producers
ALLOCATION AND REFORMS Rs 2.37 lakh cr direct payment to 1.63 crore farmers for procurement of wheat, paddy Rs 2 lakh cr additional credit for micro and small enterprises to be facilitated under the Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises For MSMEs, guarantee cover under ECLGS to be expanded by Rs 50,000 Crore to total cover of Rs 5 lakh cr Raising and Accelerating MSME performance (RAMP) programme with outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to be rolled out for MSMEs
Rs 60,000 crore allocated to cover 3.8 crore households in 2022-23 under ‘Har Ghar, Nal se Jal'
Scheduled Commercial Banks to set up 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in 75 districts
Rs 48,000 crore allocated for completion of 80 lakh houses in 2022-23 under PM Awas Yojana
100 per cent of 1.5 lakh post offices to come on core banking system
Additional allocation of Rs 19,500 crore for Production Linked Incentive for manufacture of high efficiency solar modules to meet the goal of 280 GW of installed solar power by 2030
e-Passports with embedded chip, futuristic technology to be rolled out
Initial allocation of Rs 1,500 crore made to enable livelihood activities for youth and women under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for NorthEast Region (PM-DevINE) SEZ Act to be replaced with new legislation to enable States to become partners in ‘Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs' Defence: 68% of capital procurement budget earmarked for domestic industry in 2022-23, up from 58% in 2021-22 Defence R&D to be opened up for industry, startups and academia with 25% of defence R&D budget earmarked
Battery swapping policy to be brought out for setting up charging stations at scale in urban areas for promotion of electric mobility Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) to be established for speedy windingup of companies Scheme for design-led manufacturing to be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the PLI scheme Data centres and energy storage systems to be given infrastructure status RBI to introduce digital rupee in FY23 to boost digital economy, better currency management Source: Rediff.com
All key demands of Telangana ignored Kejriwal 'disappointed' as Hyderabad, Feb 2 (IANS): The Union Budget 2022-23 came as a big shock for Telangana as all its demands for additional funds and new projects were ignored.
central taxes. This is Rs 3,175.85 crore higher than the 2021-22 budget estimates and Rs 1,240.14 crore higher than the revised estimates.
The budget speech of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also had no mention of the commitments made to the state under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014.
However, there was no allocation to the state in addition to the state's share in central taxes, funds for local bodies as per the recommendation of Finance Commission and allocation for centrally sponsored schemes.
The state had high hopes from the budget and it had demanded allocation of Rs 60,000 crore for various projects. It was for this reason the budget evoked angry reaction from Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who termed it as 'golmal' and 'useless' budget. Telangana's long pending demand for national status to either Kaleshwaram or PalamuruRangareddy lift irrigation projects was again ignored by the Centre. As per the budget estimates, Telangana will get Rs 17,165 crore during 2022-23 as its share in the
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With the Centre imposing a huge cut of Rs 25,000 crore on allocation of MGNREGS across the country, the flow of funds to the state under the rural employment guarantee scheme is likely to be badly hit. Telangana has 1.19 crore workers registered under the scheme and they are provided work for 100 days in a year with minimum daily wages of Rs 237. With the cut in allocation the state may be forced to cut the number of workers or work days under the scheme. For
the current financial year, the state has received Rs 3,053 crore under the central scheme.
Budget fails to address inflation
The Centre also did not take the recommendation of 15th Finance Commission to allocate Rs 2,362 crore for state-specific grants for four years from 2022-23 into consideration. As per this recommendation, the state was expecting Rs 471 crore every year. The state has also not received arrears towards the special assistance for development of backward areas under AP Reorganisation Act. For the last three years, the state government had been demanding release of Rs 24,205 crore as per the recommendation of NITI Aayog. Similarly, the demand to allocate funds for Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya as per the recommendation of NITI Aayog was once again ignored. Ahead of the budget, state finance minister T.
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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): Terming the Union Budget 2022-23 "disappointing", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that it has nothing to ease the burden of common masses hit by the rising inflation amid Covid-19. "People had high hopes from the Union Budget in Covid times. It has disappointed masses. The budget has nothing for the common people. It has nothing to ease the inflation," Kejriwal
posted in Hindi on Twitter. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the budget, saying it would benefit all via "more investment, more infrastructure, more growth", but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted it for its lack of provisions for the "salaried and middle class, the poor and deprived, youth, farmers and MSMEs".
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
UNION BUDGET
Budget gives renewed thrust to new- Income support, lower tax burden missing in Budget age businesses for $5 tn economy Continued from Page 1
In a significant move to bring cryptocurrencies and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) under a tax net, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a 30 per cent tax on any income from the transfer of virtual digital assets, specifying that no deductions and exemptions will be allowed. There will also be a 1 per cent tax deducted at source (TDS) on the payments made for the transfer of digital assets. The government also announced to bring India's own digital currency by the RBI next year that will be based on Blockchain technology, while the muchexpected Cryptocurrency Bill is yet to see the light of the day. "Digital rupee to be issued using Blockchain and other technologies by the RBI starting 2022-23. This will give a big boost to the economy," said Sitharaman in her Union Budget 2022-23 speech in Parliament. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already been deliberating upon various aspects relating to the central bank digital currency and private crypto currencies. Already late on riding the global 5G bandwagon, the government
said it will soon launch a scheme for design-led manufacturing to build a strong ecosystem for 5G in the country. Part of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, it will enable growth and offer job opportunities, said Sitharaman. "A scheme for design-led manufacturing will be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme," she said during her Union Budget 2022-23 speech in Parliament. "Required spectrum auction will be conducted in 2022 to facilitate rollout of 5G mobile services within 2022-23 by private telecom providers," she added. The Finance Minister said that all villages and their residents should have the same access to e-services, communication facilities, and digital resources as urban areas and their residents. "The contracts for laying optical fibre in all villages, including remote areas, will be awarded under the Bharatnet project through PPP in 2022-23. Completion is expected in 2025. Measures will be taken to enable better and more efficient use of the optical fibre," Sitharaman added. To facilitate domestic manufacturing for the ambitious goal of 280 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, an additional allocation of Rs 19,500 crore for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for manufacture of high
efficiency modules, with priority to fully integrated manufacturing units from polysilicon to solar PV modules, will be made. The Finance Minister said that the PLI scheme across 14 sectors, including IT hardware manufacturing, has the potential to generate at least 60 lakh new job opportunities. "The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat has received an excellent response, with potential to create 60 lakh new jobs," she said. The PLI schemes may invite additional production of Rs 30 lakh crore during the next five years, the finance minister added. In order to ensure seamless movement of goods and people, the data exchange among all mode operators will be brought on Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), designed for Application Programming Interface (API). This will provide for efficient movement of goods through different modes, reducing logistics cost and time, assisting just-in-time inventory management, and in eliminating tedious documentation. "Most importantly, this will provide real time information to all stakeholders, and improve international competitiveness. Open-source mobility stack, for organizing seamless travel of passengers will also be facilitated," said Sitharaman.
Budget will make India self-reliant: Amit Shah Shah said.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Union Budget will make India self-reliant and lay the foundation for a new India of the 100th year of Independence.
from 6.9 per cent to 6.4 per cent is a huge achievement, and through it, India will be able to bring down the fiscal deficit below 4 per cent under the leadership of Narendra Modi," he said.
Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a series of tweets, Shah said, "This Budget will make India selfreliant and lay the foundation for a new India of the 100th year of independence. I congratulate @ narendramodi and @nsitharaman for this."
He claimed that the union budget will help in making India the world's leading economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "The prime minister has reduced the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rate in the cooperative sector from 18.5 per cent to 15 per cent and the surcharge from 12 per cent to seven per cent, ending the injustice done to the cooperative sector for decades and bringing it at par with other sectors. This will help in achieving Prime Minister Modi's resolve of prosperity with cooperation,"
Shah said that the budget size of Rs 39.45 lakh crore, shows that the Indian economy is rapidly growing even in the Covid period. "Reducing the fiscal deficit target
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He also hailed several announcements in the budget like zero budget farming, natural farming, river linking, one station-one product and farmer drones are important in realising Prime Minister Modi's resolve to make the agriculture sector modern and self-reliant along with giving benefits to our farmer brothers. "I congratulate Narendra Modi for increasing the capital investment by 35 per cent to Rs 7.5 lakh crore. At the same time, increasing the amount given to the states from Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore testifies to the efforts made by Modi ji to continuously strengthen the federal structure," he said. The Home Minister appreciated the proposal to connect all 1.5 lakh post offices with core banking to promote financial inclusion and said it will greatly benefit the rural people and senior citizens. "The development of the Northeastern region has always been the top priority of the Modi government. The announcement of the 'PM Development Initiative' for the Northeast will go a long way in realising PM Modi's vision of a prosperous northeast," he said.
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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): The major disappointment in Union Budget 2022-23 continues to remain on the government's focus on boosting supply side over demand, experts said.
"We would have loved to see some balance between boosting industry and supporting individuals. Think of the sacrifices the Indian consumers made over the last two years... lost livelihoods, lower incomes, health costs, higher oil and food prices, higher taxes on income and GST. The government's response in terms of some income support or a lower tax burden has been missing," said Arvind Chari, CIO, Quantum Advisors. "The economy faces short term risks from higher global and domestic inflation. In this respect, the government's continued increase in import duties to boost domestic manufacturing on the back of improving growth will lead to higher cost pressures in the economy. We would have liked to see the government take some measures to manage future cost pressures with duty cuts," he
added.
The announcement also had no mention of rural employment, the impact on the informal enterprises and the continued divide between the formal and informal economy. "We do recognise that higher growth will trickle down over time, however, there should have been some immediate relief to the economic segments which have been impacted by the pandemic," he said. The government has stuck to its priority to boost growth over fiscal consolidation. The budget for capital expenditure spending from Rs 5.5 trillion budgeted for FY22 to Rs 7.5 trillion for FY23 is a massive increase. If the Central and the state governments are able to implement and spend these amounts in a timely and efficient manner, it could lead to a multiplier effect in the economy. This should enable the continued economic recovery and extend the growth over the next 2-3 years.
Govt extends tax holiday for eligible startups by 1 more year New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): In further respite for startups amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the government on Tuesday announced to extend the period to avail tax incentives by one more year.
To incentivise startups, the government had last year extended the eligibility for claiming tax holidays for startups by a year to March 31, 2022. It had also extended the capital gains exemption for investment in startups by a year to March 31, 2022 to boost funding. In her Union Budget 202223 speech delivered in the Parliament on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that startups have emerged as drivers of growth in the economy. "Eligible startups established before 31.3.2022 had been provided a tax incentive for three consecutive years out of 10 years from incorporation. In view of the Covid pandemic, I propose to extend the period of incorporation of the eligible startup by one more year, i.e., up to 31.03.2023 for providing such tax incentive," she informed. India now has more than 61,400 startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). At least 14,000 recognised startups have been added in 2021-22 fiscal, according to the Economic Survey 2021-22. India presently has 83 unicorns, most of which are in the services sector, with 44 startups achieving the unicorn status (values more
than $1 billion) last year.
"This Budget is a welcome move for startups and manufacturing companies which have been given additional time periods to fulfil their dreams and avail tax holiday and concessional tax benefits," said Ashu Kansal, CFO of robotic automation startup, Addverb Technologies. "Capping of long-term capital gains (LTCG) surcharge to 15 per cent is again a windfall gain to the private sector employees and cofounders who had to earlier shell out extra surcharge to the extent of 37 per cent," he told IANS. According to startup founders, meeting working capital requirements during the initial years of operation is often tough for startups. "Hence, tax exemption for startups being extended by one more year is a welcome move, and it is likely to further encourage innovations and growth that the startup ecosystem is delivering," said Ravish Naresh, CEO and Cofounder, Khatabook. Anubhav Jain, CEO and Cofounder of Rupifi, said that the Budget has put a conscious focus on neutralising pandemic effects by proposing a slew of measures for startups. "The move to extend the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) to MSMEs to cope up with pandemic losses is a welcome step and will have a positive impact in assisting the industry in overcoming its struggles," said Jain.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
Australia Day protesters to face fines, arrest
been held in past years, state authorities said that this year COVID-19 made large public gatherings an unacceptable risk to public health. "Do not come in and be part of that public gathering, find another way to express your views and opinions," NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Willing said.
Sydney, January 25 (IANS): Protesters planning rallies against Australia Day risk breaching Covid-19 regulations and could result in fines and arrests, New South Wales (NSW) state officials warned on January 24.
Aboriginal elder, Rhonda Grovenor Dixon was among those calling for change and encouraging others to gather in Sydney's Domain, known in the local indigenous language as Djarrbarrgalli.
Held on the anniversary of European settlers' arrival in Sydney Harbour, January 26, 1788, Australia Day has become increasingly divisive in past years with some saying it overlooks the continent's long history of indigenous occupation, reports Xinhua news agency.
"2020 has been full of crisis and pain, first with fires, then with the pandemic. Join us at Djarrbarrgalli for healing, for resistance, this will be our year," Dixon said.
Rallies of several thousands of people were planned for January 25, to advocate changing the date of the national holiday, despite Covid-19 regulations limiting gatherings to under 500 people.
"There can be no celebrations while the system continues to kill our people and destroy our lands. Our sovereignty has never been ceded. On this platform we can come together to unite and make 2021 a year when we start to see real change." While similar events have
"We are all aware that these are sensitive issues and they are very important issues to a lot of people but we are still in the middle of a global pandemic and we're asking people to abide by those health orders." Protest organisers have claimed that the gathering would be a "Covid-safe event," requesting people not to attend if they have symptoms, and for those that do to wear a mask and practice social distancing. With minimal cases of Covid-19 being recorded in Australia over the past several weeks, members of the public were allowed to gather in smaller groups to commemorate the occasion, however police officials said that if demonstrations were in breach of the law then action would be taken. The penalty for breaching public health orders is up to six months' jail or fines of up to A$11,000 ($8,500).
Cost of living, healthcare top poll concerns among Australians: Survey Canberra, January 24 (IANS): A new survey published on January 24 has revealed that Australian voters have rated cost of living and healthcare as their biggest issues ahead of this year's general elections.
According to the YouGov survey published by News Corp Australia, 50 percent of respondents said the cost of food, petrol and household bills will determine how they vote in the elections, reports Xinhua news agency. The cost of living was followed by healthcare, the economy, and climate change as the next biggest issues, with 37, 34 and 32 per cent
of participants identifying them as key issues, respectively.
Almost half of the respondents, 43 per cent, said they do not consider themselves supporters of any particular party. The general election for the 47th Parliament of Australia is due to be held in the first half of 2022, with experts predicting a May poll. Recent surveys have found the opposition Labor Party holds a significant lead over the governing Coalition, which has been in power since 2013. The YouGov survey also found that young Australians and those
who earn more than A$100,000 per year were more likely to be concerned about climate change. Older Australians rated the economy and healthcare as their biggest issues. A separate poll published by Nine Entertainment newspapers corroborated YouGov's findings, with 86 percent of respondents rating cost of living as important to their decision on how to vote.
The Resolve Political Monitor found 29 per cent of voters believe the Coalition is better-equipped to keep the cost of living costs down compared to 28 per cent for Labor.
Australians unimpressed with govt's handling of Omicron amid surging cases Canberra, January 25 (IANS): A new survey on January 25 revealed that 51 percent of Australians disapproved the federal government's handling of the Omicron spread amid surging cases of the highly-transmissible Covid-19 variant.
According to the survey published by the Australian Financial Review (AFR), the people said the handling of the Omicron outbreak and a shortage of rapid antigen tests (RATs) for coronavirus has diminished their view of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's federal government, reports Xinhua news agency. Almost 50 per cent of respondents rated Morrison's pandemic response as either poor or very poor compared to 27 per cent who approved him. While 49 per cent said governments have not found the right balance between opening up the economy and the surge in Covid-19 infections.
Sydney, January 23 (IANS): New South Wales (NSW) on January 23 announced a Covid-19 smart plan which aims to minimise the risk of infection after returning to school amid an uphill battle against the current wave of the pandemic.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that now there have been 74 Covid-19 deaths in South Australia, 70 of which have occurred since the state reopened its borders on November 23, 2021. According to the federal Department of Health, there were 5,173 cases being treated in Australian hospitals, including 404 in intensive care units, 146 of which were on ventilators. Currently, 2,285,286 cases are confirmed in the country with 3,225 deaths.
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As part of the new measures, every student and teacher in NSW government and non-government schools will be able to receive rapid antigen test (RAT) kits before in-person classes begin on February 1, reports Xinhua news agency. Surveillance testing will be conducted twice a week for primary and high school students, school staff, and early childhood staff. Surveillance testing will be undertaken for the first four weeks of term, with two weeks of supply distributed before term starts. Face masks are mandatory for all staff and high school students and are encouraged for children in primary schools. There will be limited interaction between different year groups, and schools have to limit visitors.
There are heated debates as to the most suitable time to reopen classrooms as NSW remains the epicentre of Australia's current wave of Covid-19 pandemic. The state recorded 20,324 new Covid-19 cases on January 23. Despite the relatively flat
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Australia on January 25 reported more than 40,000 new locallyacquired coronavirus infections and 76 deaths - 29 in New South Wales, 29 in Victoria, 11 in Queensland, five in South Australia, and one each in Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, according to health department figures from states and territories.
NSW announces Covid smart plan for schools
A number of staffing contingencies are also in place including utilising retired and studying teachers in case there are disruptions to the workforce.
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NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
epidemic growth curve, the number of hospitalisations and deaths remain high, with 2,712 hospitalisations and 34 deaths recorded on the same day. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said supporting students to return safely to the classroom is vital after two years of disruption to their education. "Students learn best at school, some students have spent a quarter of their schooling at home. We're committed to bringing students back safely," he said. The government is distributing more than 12 million RATs to over 3,150 government, nongovernment schools, and early childhood centers to assist with surveillance testing of staff and students, Perrottet said. The state has started vaccination for five to 11 years old children. The latest figure shows that 26.5 percent of eligible children in NSW have received their first doses.
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Australia accuses China of hijacking PM Morrison's WeChat account The New Indian Express
In China, Tencent-run WeChat has faced growing regulation for collecting more user data than deemed necessary when offering services. Coalition MP and chair of the parliamentary intelligence and security committee, James Paterson, said he believed the move was an act of foreign interference by the Chinese government.
Sydney, January 24 (IANS): Senior coalition MPs in Australia on January 24 accused China of foreign interference after Prime Minister Scott Morrison's account on Chinese instant messaging platform WeChat was hijacked. First reported by NewsCorp Australia, the WeChat account was reportedly renamed and Morrison faced accessibility problems. The Prime Minister is now unable to access the account at all. The account has been renamed
as "Australian-Chinese New Life", and the description is: "Providing living in Australia information for the Chinese community", reports ABC News. "It is a matter of record that the platform has stopped the Prime Minister's access, while (Opposition Leader) Anthony Albanese's account is still active featuring posts criticising the government," Liberal representative Gladys Liu was quoted as saying in the reports.
"WeChat is owned by Tencent, which is one of the most closely controlled, theoretically private companies in China," he told Sky News. Federal Labour MP Mark Butler said the opposition was deeply concerned at the blocking on the Prime Minister's account. WeChat official accounts allow public figures, media companies and businesses to connect to more than 1.2 billion active users in mainland China.
New South Wales extends restrictions The Guardian
hospitality venues will need to continue to operate at the one person per two-square-metre rule. Masks must be worn in all indoor settings; QR code checkins remain and singing and dancing will not be permitted in hospitality venues or at major events.
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
Aus govt buys Aboriginal Flag copyright for over $14 mn Canberra, January 25 (IANS): The Australian government has acquired the rights to the Aboriginal Flag for a whopping A$20 million ($14.2 million U.S. dollars), making it freely available for public use. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt on January 25 announced that the government had acquired the copyright for the iconic flag from its designer Harold Thomas, reports Xinhua news agency. It means Australians can now use the flag design, which is divided horizontally into halves of black (top) and red (bottom) with a yellow circle in the centre, freely on clothing, for art, and at sporting events without seeking permission or paying a fee. Thomas created the flag in 1971 as a protest image but it is now the dominant Aboriginal emblem and an official national flag. Wyatt said the flag now belonged to Australians. "The Aboriginal Flag is an
enduring symbol close to the heart of Aboriginal people," he said in a joint statement with Morrison. "In reaching this agreement to resolve the copyright issues, all Australians can freely display and use the flag to celebrate Indigenous culture." The flag designer Thomas has indicated that he intends to use A$2 million to establish an Australian Aboriginal Flag Legacy not-for-profit to make periodic disbursements aligned with the interests of Aboriginal Australians and the flag. "I am grateful that my art is appreciated by so many, and that it has come to represent something so powerful to so many," Thomas said. "The flag represents the timeless history of our land and our people's time on it." Morrison said the flag would be managed in a similar manner to the national flag whereby it "must be presented in a respectful and dignified way"
Australia to offer rebate on visa fees for international students, backpackers
Perrottet said the decision was made out of caution as the state's third vaccine dose numbers increase slowly. Sydney, January 25 (IANS): New South Wales (NSW) will extend its Covid-19 restrictions for at least another month as the state is still battling against increasing cases. NSW Health recorded 18,512 new Covid-19 cases and 29 deaths in 24 hours. Currently, 2,943 patients with infections are in NSW
hospitals, with 183 in intensive care, reports Xinhua news agency. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on January 24 that some restrictions that were due to end on January 27 would be extended until February 28. Under the extended restrictions,
"We want to maintain that cautious approach as we continue to get our booster programme moving," he said. There are now 33.8 percent eligible residents in NSW who have had their booster shot, while 93.9 per cent have been double vaccinated.
Covid-19 lockdowns needed to protect Indigenous Australians IANS
coronavirus. The Central Land Council (CLC) on January 26 urged the Northern Territory (NT) and federal government to collaborate on a "circuit breaker" lockdown of remote Indigenous communities. "We need a circuit breaker to slow down the out-of-control spread of the virus in our communities," CLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Les Turner was quoted as saying in the Canberra Times, Xinhua news agency reported.
Canberra, January 26 (IANS): A peak body representing Indigenous Australians has called for stricter health measures to protect the vulnerable remote communities from the
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"Our people and their organisations are doing their bit. They now need both governments to stop burying their heads in the sand, face facts and back them." It came one day after the Central
Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC) called for a Central Australia-wide lockdown. "We need to see sharp and serious action to respond to what are growing case numbers in Alice Springs and surrounding Central Australian communities," said Congress acting CEO Josie Douglas in a statement. "We are calling for a complete lockdown of Central Australia to be implemented urgently. A Tsunami of Covid cases is coming and we need a circuit breaker." Australia on January 26 reported more than 50,000 Covid infections and 87 deaths, according to health department figures from states and territories.
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Canberra, January 19 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on January 19 said the government would offer rebate on visa fees for international students and backpackers to support the workforce challenge amid surging Covid-19 cases nationwide. Those include international students who arrive in Australia over the next eight weeks and backpackers who arrive within 12 weeks, Xinhua news agency reported. "And there are around 150,000 students who have visas who we are encouraging to come back to be there for the start of their university or college year," he told reporters in Canberra. "But we also want them to come here and be able to fill some of these critical workforce shortages, particularly those who are working and being trained in health care, aged care, those types of sectors," he said. Australia on January 19 reported more than 70,000 locallyacquired coronavirus infections and more than 60 deaths,
according to health department figures from states and territories. The latest data make it the second deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic in Australia after more than 70 deaths were reported on January 18. A poll published by Nine Entertainment newspapers on January 19 found that an overwhelming majority of Australians want the federal government to subsidize rapid antigen tests (RATs) for Covid-19. The Resolve Political Monitor found that 86 per cent of voters believe RATs should be free or subsidised in some way. Morrison said despite the increasing number of cases and staff shortfalls in critical supply chains, Australia was "doing better than almost any other country in the world" in the fight against Omicron. "When it comes to even the large number of more than 350 deaths in the course of the past week, our death rate that relates to Omicron is one of the lowest in the world," he said.
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COVID-safe back to school plan • Masks available and strongly encouraged for students in Years 3 to 6
schools across the state have air conditioning which helps with ventilation.
• A range of ventilation measures including air purifiers as required
“However, we are introducing these additional measures to help minimise the impact of Omicron in our schools.”
Temporary measures for the first four weeks of term include: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
Brisbane, January 29: New measures will be implemented across Queensland to help students, teachers and staff return to schools on February 7.
• RATs available in school for students and staff who develop symptoms while on site • Priority access to RATs for students and staff at Queensland Health clinics
Masks will be required for all staff and high school students – and highly encouraged for most primary school students – when classes resume.
• RATs provided to staff entering remote communities
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will also be available to students and staff who develop symptoms while at school, while those who develop symptoms at home will have priority access to RATs at Queensland Health clinics.
• Limiting of visitors on school sites, with exceptions for parents and carers of students experiencing vulnerability, and all students attending Early Childhood Development Programs, Kindergarten, Prep or Year 1
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the resumption of school will be safer thanks to the delayed start of term, which has also allowed time for more students to get vaccinated. “As always, we have acted on the health advice and had a cautious and measured approach through the pandemic,” the Premier said. “As always, that advice has kept Queenslanders safe.” Key features of the Back to School plan include: • Mask wearing for all high school students and staff in line with the existing mandate
• Suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies, and large gatherings
• Staggered drop off times and special drop off zones Education Minister Grace Grace said as well as delaying the start of term by two weeks, there are a number of measures already in place to keep students and staff safe. “These include mandatory vaccination for staff and volunteers, and the expert advice from our ventilation working group. “Our $477 million Cleaner Cooler Schools Program is almost complete, meaning nearly all
Minister Grace said, consistent with health advice, regular surveillance rapid antigen testing will not be required in schools. “There is no health advice to indicate this is needed in Queensland. Instead, all students and staff will have priority access to RATs from local testing clinics if they develop symptoms. “Of course, anyone who has symptoms should absolutely not come into school. But if staff or students develop symptoms while at school, they will be provided with a RAT to take home. “If there are outbreaks of COVID-19 in our schools, Queensland Health will deploy additional RATs to clinics near those locations to meet the need. “I want to thank all the staff and students across Queensland for the incredible resilience they have shown throughout these challenging times.” More than 870,000 Queensland students will return to school on February 7. Children of essential workers and vulnerable children were able to return to school on January 24. Further information and FAQs are available here: https://qed.qld.gov. au/covid19/back-to-school
NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND
Time is running out to have your say on the next SUP ban Brisbane, January 27: Time is about to run out if you want to have your say on what single-use plastic items should be banned next.
There is only one more day (28 January) to jump online and fill out the survey about the proposal to extend the ban to cover more single-use plastics. Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said so far nearly 2500 Queenslanders have provided their thoughts on expanding the ban. “The proposal to extend the ban comes off the back of the successful introduction of the ban of a variety of single-use plastic items which began in September 2021,” Minister Scanlon said. “This is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up as landfill and stop plastic pollution from ending up in our waterways, on our beaches and causing harm to our wildlife.”
The decision to call in the project confirms that there are number of state interests, including economic, environmental and regional planning interests. It will also allow proper consideration of the land requirements for the Australian Government’s inland rail project which should be known around
“The call in enables state agencies to do a thorough evaluation of the project,” Mr Miles said. “The call in requires Wanless to demonstrate its facility will support the state’s goal of reducing waste to landfill and increasing reuse and recycling
The development assessment process will restart at the start of the confirmation period and the application will be publicly notified.
Snakes alive! Banned invasive reptile seized in Ipswich Brisbane, January 27: Biosecurity officers have seized a prohibited exotic snake found at large in an Ipswich home.
The find–late last year–brought the number of American corn snakes detected in Queensland in 2021 to seven. Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the non-native reptile poses a serious biosecurity risk to the state. “If released into the wild in Australia, corn snakes could prey on and out-compete native species for resources and spread exotic reptile diseases,” she said. “In addition to the biosecurity risk, these animals suffer horrific
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deprivations and often die during the illegal smuggling process.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said restrictions on the import, possession and sale of American corn snakes were in place to stop them establishing as a pest in Queensland. “The American corn snake is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014,” Mr Furner said. “You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment and penalties of up to $137,850 may apply for dealing with prohibited matter.” Mr Furner said the latest detection
was the 31st American corn snake detected in Queensland since 2014. “Biosecurity Queensland believes all these detections are associated with unlawful keeping and are part of the illegal international wildlife trade,” he said. “A snake catcher alerted Biosecurity officers to the 126 centimetre American corn snake in the bedroom of an Ipswich home on Christmas Eve. “The seized snake has been euthanized and investigations are continuing.” Anyone who suspects an exotic animal is being kept should call Biosecurity Queensland on 13, 25, 23.
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There’s only one day left so jump online so you don’t miss out.
Brisbane, January 29: New penalties will be in place in the coming weeks for non-electric vehicle owners who illegally park in an electric vehicle (EV) charging bay.
Emission Vehicle Strategy: The Future is Electric,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting a zeroemission transport future, and it’s encouraging to see more and more Queenslanders than ever transition to electric vehicles,” Mr Bailey said.
“The call-in will allow the project to be considered in light of the Council of Mayors SEQ Waste Management Plan 2021, finalisation of the review of the waste levy, and the temporary local planning instrument.”
Queenslanders interested in having their say are encouraged to fill out an online survey at https://www.qld.gov.au/supi
New fines introduced at electric charging stations
Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said the call in would allow the state to do an assessment of the project including its ability to support Queensland’s waste reduction and recycling objectives.
and that the project can only be economically viable if all elements of the facility are approved.
“The current ban on single-use plastic items and other initiatives such as the Containers for Change scheme and the ban on single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags have already prevented millions of individual pieces of waste from entering the environment, but we want to hear from the community before we take the next step.”
Your views will help to inform the next phase of the single-use plastic items ban.
Ministerial call in for Recycling Park in Ipswich mid 2022.
“Items we are considering to be part of the ban next include coffee cups and lids, plastic drinking cups, dome lids like those used on milkshakes, plastic wrapping on magazines or newspapers, fruit and vegetable produce bags, expanded polystyrene meat trays, balloon sticks and closures, and bread bag tags,” Minister Scanlon said.
Minister Scanlon said she wanted to hear from the community about what single-use plastic
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the issue had been a pain point for the rapidly increasing number of Queensland EV drivers.
Brisbane, January 27: Today the Planning Minister, after receiving detailed advice from the Planning Department, confirmed the call in of a recycling park proposed by Wanless at Ebenezer.
items should be targeted next.
“There are now 7110 registered electric cars on our roads, which is up by over 1605 per cent since 2017. (As at 31 December 2021) “I’ve travelled across Queensland and have heard first hand from EV owners that they often can’t get into charging spots due to other cars using them for parking, which is why we’ll be firmly cracking down on this behaviour. “A penalty of $55 will apply for those who park a non-electric vehicle in an EV charging bays from Friday, 4 February – joining a number of new penalties rolled out on Queensland roads. “You can’t leave your car parked at a petrol pump, so why should EV charging bays be any different.” Mr Bailey said the new infringement supported the Palaszczuk Government’s expansion of the Queensland Electric Super Highway (QESH). “We have already invested $5.3 million to construct 31 QESH EV charging sites across Queensland, as part of our existing Zero
“Last year, we also announced an additional $2.75 million to nearly double the length of the existing QESH network – taking the number of fast charging locations in Queensland to 49. “This means you can travel from Brisbane to Mount Isa, Goondiwindi to Emerald, and Longreach to Cairns knowing there are charging stations along the way. “The use of the QESH network is at an all-time high, which is why we will continue to invest in these important initiatives and crack down on illegal parking at EV charging bays across the state.” Looking towards the future, Mr Bailey said a new Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy would be announced shortly. “Queensland was the first start in Australia to develop an EV strategy and we recognise the importance in continuing to encourage Queenslanders to transition to zero-emission transport,” he said. “The new strategy aims to break down barriers to purchasing an EV and lay out a plan for Queensland’s clean transport future. “I look forward to announcing the strategy in the coming months, to the benefit of current and future EV owners alike.” For more information on Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy: The Future is Electric visit our website. For information on road rules and penalties visit http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/
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NEWS FROM VICTORIA
Victoria lures global companies with investment strategy Keeping education open and safe Melbourne, January 31: One of Indonesia’s largest e-commerce companies will become the latest global company to call the state home – with Bukalapak choosing Melbourne as its first international base to establish a research and development centre. Bukalapak will position a Technology Hub in Melbourne to access Victoria’s rich tech and innovation capabilities, tap into the state’s high-quality pool of tech talent and explore partnerships with Victorian universities. The Technology Hub will create 65 full time jobs over five years and will employ a team of senior level engineers to focus on Analytics, AI and R&D activities. Bukalapak brings expertise in digitising small, medium and family owned businesses, enabling them to trade online and expand their service offering to Victoria.
recorded the largest initial public offering ever on the Indonesian Stock Exchange in August 2021 with a valuation of $6 billion. One of the largest tech companies in South East Asia, Bukalapak services more than 10 million offline micro, small and medium enterprises, nearly 7 million online merchants and more than 100 million users. Victoria’s thriving tech sector contributes more than $38 billion to the State’s economy and supports more than 139,000 workers across 20,000 businesses. Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas said: “Victoria is the tech capital of Australia and we are proud to welcome the establishment of Bukalapak’s first international R&D hub to Melbourne, creating jobs and enhancing our state’s culture of innovation.”
Founded in 2010, Bukalapak
Minister for Innovation Medical
Melbourne, January 28: The Andrews Labor Government is supporting sports shooting clubs to nurture local talents and attract big events. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications are now open for the latest $4 million round of the Shooting Sports Facilities Program.
at ranges, developing secure storage, purchasing equipment, environmental protection works and upgrades to boost participation.
in 2022
Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas
Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said: “The opening of Bukalapak will create new high value digital jobs over the next five years. This demonstrates the quality of our tech talent and R&D capabilities to respond to the growing need for tech skills across various sectors.” President of Bukalapak Teddy Oetomo said: “Melbourne’s tech ecosystem is an ideal base for Bukalapak to establish this tech hub, which enables Indonesia’s tech talent to work together with tech professionals from Australia and around the world.”
More range for shooting clubs to take aim at grants
Eligible sports shooting clubs and associations can apply for grants of up to $300,000 for various works including improving safety
Previous recipients include Oakleigh Pistol Club which received $300,000 to increase safety at their ranges, SSAA Big Game Rifle Club which received $165,000 to install a safety wall and Yackandandah Pistol Club secured more than $43,000 to install bullet traps to reduce the
environmental impact at the site. Since 2014, more than 260 projects have received funding from the Shooting Sports Facilities Program, with this latest round of funding bringing the total to $21.48 million. From Olympic gold medalists Russell Mark and Catherine Skinner to Commonwealth Gold trap shooter Laetisha Scanlan, sports shooting clubs in Victoria have a strong history of supporting local talents to make it on the world stage.
Helping Victorians manage COVID-19 at home Melbourne, January 25: Victorians who have mild COVID-19 symptoms are being encouraged to recover safely at home, with a new campaign being launched today to highlight the support available for those who are slightly unwell. The Get the Right Help for Your Recovery campaign aims to support Victorians experiencing mild symptoms using measures such as rest, hydration and pain relief, so they can feel confident managing their recovery at home. More than 550,000 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed across Victoria since 1 January. With only 0.71 per cent requiring
hospital care, for many Victorians recovery has meant rest in the comfort of their own home. For those that experience more severe symptoms, the campaign explains what signs to look out for and what to do if you need additional help – such as speaking to your GP, pharmacist or the National Coronavirus Hotline. The campaign – which will run across TV, radio, digital, social, print and outdoor media – also serves as another reminder to keep Triple Zero calls for emergencies so hospitals can help Victoria’s sickest patients. To reach as many Victorians as possible, the campaign will be
translated into 41 languages, have versions targeting Aboriginal Victorians and reach people with a disability through Auslan translation and ads on Vision Australia radio. Victorians are also being supported through the COVID Positive Pathways program – which has helped 545,000 people safely isolate and recover at home since its launch last October. People who test positive are assessed via a survey, which helps determine the level of support they require based on their circumstances – with most people being managed through the selfcare and low pathways.
Jobs for Victorians to put more food on supermarket shelves Melbourne, January 24: The Victorian Government is helping to keep supermarket shelves stocked by linking thousands of jobseekers with food suppliers to reduce critical workforce shortages. Jobs Victoria is working with major supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi as well as wholesaler Metcash, to fill staff shortages with people looking to find work. The program started earlier this month and has already had an overwhelming response, with more than 2,000 people expressing interest in the jobs. The roles available include
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pick-packers to assemble online orders, night-fillers to re-stock shelves, cashiers, delivery drivers and forklift operators. Roles are available for anyone looking for work, especially those whose employment has been heavily affected by the pandemic. Employers will provide any training needed including induction and OH&S. Jobs Victoria is streamlining the hiring process by undertaking initial screening support to get people on the job as soon as possible. The Government will also begin distributing 25,000 rapid antigen tests, on a cost recovery basis, to
critical utilities and food supply chain services including meat and poultry suppliers. The $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund is supporting businesses with wage subsidies and largescale employment programs. Other Jobs Victoria services include a 600-person-strong force of advocates, mentors and career counsellors to help people in their job hunt.Jobseekers across Victoria are encouraged to sign up to the Jobs Victoria Online Hub to express interest in these vital roles by visiting jobs.vic.gov. au.
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Melbourne, January 23: As students, staff and families across Victoria prepare for the beginning of the school year, the Victorian Government is making sure school and early childhood education is as safe as possible in 2022 – with a full suite of COVIDSafe measures to protect communities and minimise disruption to learning. Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education James Merlino today announced a plan to keep education settings open while taking every measure to protect students and staff – with surveillance testing, ventilation, vaccinations and comprehensive workforce planning to ensure a successful 2022 school year. Under the plan to safely welcome students back to the classroom – which was devised as a result of working closely with the NSW Government – rapid antigen testing will be in place for at least the first four weeks of Term 1. The Government will deliver more than 14 million rapid antigen tests to schools and early childhood education and care services, including 6.6 million tests to be delivered in the first week of term. This surveillance testing will be strongly recommended for all primary and secondary school students and staff, and early childhood education and care staff, twice-weekly at home before school or childcare. Students and staff at specialist schools will be recommended to test five days each week due to the higher risk of severe illness for medically vulnerable children. At the end of Term 4, 2021, more than 99.7 per cent of school staff were double-vaccinated – the school workforce knows how important vaccination is in protecting school communities and vulnerable children.
School and early childhood staff will be added to the list of workers in key sectors who must receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 25 February if they are already eligible, or within 3 months and 2 weeks of receiving a second dose to continue working in education settings. The Chief Health Officer (CHO) has advised a third dose will help ensure continued protection for this workforce, most notably individuals with significant underlying health conditions. He also noted that a mandate may help to mitigate against the risk of outbreaks in these settings. The CHO has further advised that Victoria is experiencing unprecedented and elevated rates of community transmission, and education settings are likely to be linked to a significant number of cases once the academic year commences after the holiday period. Improving ventilation is a key measure to slow the spread of the virus around schools, particularly in high-risk areas like staff rooms, music rooms, indoor canteens and other high traffic areas. All 51,000 air purification devices that were ordered will be delivered to government and low-fee non-government schools for the first day of Term 1. More than 1,800 schools have applied for a Shade Sail Grant, with grants progressively being rolled out and shade sail construction already underway at more than 300 of these schools to allow more classes to learn safely outdoors. Mask wearing will continue, with students in Grade 3 and above required to wear masks – although they will not be required outdoors. Teachers will be required to wear masks at all times when not actively teaching or communicating with students.
Victoria reduces third dose interval ahead of vax blitz Melbourne, January 19: Victorians over the age of 18 will now be eligible to get their vital third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after three months, just in time for a walk-up vaccination blitz starting this Friday.
The reduced timeframe of three months, recommended by Victoria’s public health team, means 1.2 million more Victorians can now increase their immunity before school and work returns in full. To support an anticipated increase in demand this weekend, more workers, more cubicles, more walk-up capacity and 60,000 more appointments will be available at key accination centres. Hours at major hubs including Sandown, Bendigo and La Trobe University have all been extended specifically for the blitz, which will run from this Friday to next Monday, with key clinics also offering free ice creams in
collaboration with Unilever.
Walk-up vaccinations will be available and are encouraged at a number of state-run centres, including: • Royal Exhibition Building (walkup access available 8:00am to 8:00pm daily during the blitz) • Latrobe University Bundoora (walk-up 8:00am to 8:00pm) • Sandown Racecourse (walk-up 9:00am to 6:30pm Saturday and Sunday) • Dandenong Plaza (walk-up 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday) • Frankston’s Bayside Centre (walk-up 9:30am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday) • Sunshine Hospital (walk-up 8:00am to 8:00pm) • Bendigo Vaccination Hub (walkup 9:00am to 8:00pm) • Ballarat Mercure (walk-up 8:30am to 3:00pm Sunday)
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COMMUNITY NEWS
ICAQ organises Citizenship Ceremony in Brisbane
I
ndian Council of Australia, Queensland (ICAQ) organised a Citizenship Ceremony last month for those immigrants who made Australia their home. 30 candidates coming from 14 different countries walked proudly as Australian citizens that day. Among them were 4 candidates of Indian origin. The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from three levels of government. Hon. Luke Howarth Federal MP, member for Petrie, represented the Immigration Minister, Hon. Mr. Alex Hawk. Also present were Ms Anika Wells Federal MP member of Lilley, Hon. Mr. Stirling Hinchliffe MP, member for Sandgate, Cr. Mr. Jarred Cassidy, who accepted the invitation to be the Presiding Officer for the Ceremony. Ms Jeanie Murray, Acting Inspector, represented the Commissioner of Police. "We at ICAQ would like to help the diaspora to integrate smoothly and also bridge the gap between government and our community by organising special programs and activities for Youth, Women, and Aged Care," said Amrita Deshpande PRO, ICAQ. In doing so, ICAQ organised a panel discussion with Hon. Mr. Luke Howarth Federal MP, Hon. Mr. Stirling Hinchliffe MP,
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Dr Abraham Francis, Professor in Social Work at James Cook University, and Ms. Sudha Manian, a sitar player. The panel was moderated by Amrita Deshpande, communication consultant, a New Media, performing arts, and fine arts Artist and the Public Relations Officer of ICAQ. It was quite an educational, engaging discussion on shared values and multicultural connections in Australia. An India Day could not have concluded without the cultural program. Noopur Dance Studio performed the Jogwa, a traditional dance based in bhakti ras and Sher E Punjab group performed the bhangra. The program ended with the sumptuous Indian meal provided by CAFE Hyderabad. Indian Council of Australia, Queensland, Inc. was incorporated on 12th October, 2021. With the vision to bring the Indian diaspora together and provide valuable knowledge, help, and connection to various services ICAQ organised its maiden event on 26th January 2022 to celebrate Australia-India Day. ICAQ is an amalgam of many small and big associations and groups as well as individuals of Indian origin who live and have made Queensland their home. The Indian diaspora in
Queensland represents the twenty nine states and seven union territories of India, and in its composition has several sub-groups representing the home states and geographies across India from where they have travelled to make Queensland their home. ICAQ mirrors that diversity and, as a platform, celebrates the diversity and identity of the Indian diaspora. ICAQ recognises the growing need to partake in productive diversity, lead successful endeavours and to live a life with heritage, as comrades in multicultural Queensland. As migrants living in Queensland, they continue to contribute to agriculture, public services to the schools, higher education, medical profession, allied health, services sector, security, banking, and IT industry, to name a few. Please visit www.ICAQ.org.au for more information as well as to become a member of the organisation. You can also join their facebook group: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ icaqueensland, or follow their Facebook Page at https://www. facebook.com/Indian-Council-ofAustralia-Queensland To watch the entire Facebook live video of the event, visit https:// fb.watch/aPDr7w-Bgd
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Singhs Open Cup volleyball tournament held
S
inghs Open Cup volleyball tournament was organised at Cornubia Park Sports Centre, Shailer Park, on January 15 by Singh Spikers Queensland. The event went on the whole day from 8am till 9pm.
Best setter-Tylor Nix (Beta) Best hitter-Alfredo Walton (Singh Spikers Queensland) Player of the tournament-Connor Rudder (Beta) Bronze -Tune Squad
The event was divided in two divisions, and both the divisions had maximum ten teams competing. In Division 1, Beta Squad won the Gold, and in Divison 2 the Gold went to D.V.A.S..
Silver-Singh Spikers Queensland
Following are the results:
Silver- ICSC
Division 1
Gold- Beta Squad Division 2 Best setter- Nathan (D.V.A.S) Best hitter- Rahul (ICSC) Bronze -Slavic Jaguar Gold-D.V.A.S
Republic Day celebrated in Brisbane
H
on Consul of India in Brisbane Mrs Archana Singh hoisted the Indian flag on the occasion of India’s Republic Day and Australia Day on January 26 at the office of Honorary Consul Of India in Brisbane. Republic Day is a public holiday in India, when the country marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950, replacing the Government of
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India Act 1935 as the governing document of India and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed republic.
The day also marks the transition of India from an autonomous Commonwealth realm with British Monarch as nominal head of the Indian Dominion, to a fully sovereign republic in the Commonwealth of Nations with the President of India as the nominal head of the Indian Union.
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REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL
FICQ hosts India Australia Day event online
D
ue to Covid-induced precautions, FICQ held their India Australia Day celebrations this year online on 26 January. Among the distinguished people who attended the online event were Mr Graham Perrett, Mr Milton Dick MP, Jim Chalmers MP, Mark Bailey MP, James Martin MP. Mr Dick wrote on his Facebook timeline: "January 26th is a significant day for Australia but also for the people of India. Today I joined the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) | Australia via zoom, to celebrate the anniversary of India’s national independence, and the deep cultural connections between Australia and India. Happy Indian Independence Day to everyone celebrating in Oxley."
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Mr Martin wrote on his Facebook timeline: "Did you know 26 January is India Day as well as Australia Day. Well done to the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) | on your India - Australia Day Zoom virtual celebrations. Queenslanders of Indian heritage have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to all aspects of life in QLD - in business, education, the arts and culture, sport and socially. (Also with delicious food!)." Mr Perrett wrote: "Celebrating India’s national day with the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ)... We are celebrating virtually but the pride in the Indian diaspora is palpable."
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REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL
Planting the seeds for growth- Indy’s disability support story Moving from India and becoming a disability support worker wasn’t where Indy expected he’d end up. But after jobs in horticulture and then in the police force, he realised it was exactly where he was supposed to be. While it might seem an unexpected career path, Indy says his previous work experience has led him to where he is now. “In horticulture, I was working in disability residential accommodation and recovery places, which is when I realised how important it is for people to have greenery around them. I regularly met people with disability there,” he says. “Then, the police force. It was a big change but something I always wanted to try. I worked there for five years, and again had many interactions with people with disability. I wanted to try and understand and help them as much as I could, but it was hard to provide support in that role.” It was then that Indy decided disability support was what he wanted to do. He started studying community services through TAFE. “I was studying full time while working part time in the police force. I really enjoyed the course and started working in the care and support sector so I could get a feel for what it involved,” says Indy. While he was studying, Indy found work supporting a person with disability who lived nearby. He jumped at the opportunity to gain experience while studying. “This person had had a stroke and needed support to look after their health. It was a really eye-opening time for me – that you could be supporting anyone, from any walk of life,” says Indy. That work took Indy somewhere he didn’t imagine a role in support would – overseas. “My client told me he was going on a trip with his family and he wanted to bring me along. We went to the Pacific Islands in Tonga – I would never have gone there on my own, it was amazing,” he says.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
PM Narendra Modi sends High Commission, Canberra, felicitation celebrates Republic Day of India personalised to Matthew Hayden AM
T
he High Commission of India in Australia celebrated the 73rd Republic Day of India on January 26, and at the event the High Commissioner Shri Manpreet Vohra, after unfurling the Indian flag, read the President’s message to the Indian community present there.
Shri Manpreet Vohra on his Twitter thanked PM Scott Morrison and said: "Thank you Prime Minister Scott Morrison, January 26 is really very special for both Indians and Australians.” Also, Prime Minister Scott
Morrison shared on Twitter a letter he had written celebrating the twin events. He wrote how 26 January is a wonderful coincidence in global history, with the Australia Day and India's Republic Day falling on the same day.
T
he Institute for Australia India Engagement's Goodwill Ambassador to India and Board member Matthew Hayden AM was felicitated by India's Honorary Consul Archana Singh in Brisbane, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on January 28 in Brisbane.
In Brisbane, Matthew Hayden and Professor Dr Ian Hall, Academic Fellow of the Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne, were given personalised felicitation letters from Honorable Prime Minister of India.
Matthew Hayden received a personal letter of appreciation from PM Modi for his role in building bilateral ties, friendship with India and the Indian people
and Indian diaspora in Australia, and standing with India in tough times. Matthew Hayden remains connected with Sadguru and Isha Foundation and calls Tamil Nadu his spiritual home. He has played for the Chennai Super Kings IPL Franchise, and nowadays commentates in the tournament. India News extends its greetings to Matthew Hayden for this rare honor.
GOPIO Gold Coast celebrates Indian Republic Day and Australia Day
G
lobal Organisation of People of Indian Origin GOPIO Gold Coast Inc. hosted the combined celebrations for the 73rd Indian Republic Day and Australia Day on January 30. This event aimed to unite all members of Indian and Australian
community to honor this special day. Considering the current COVID-19 situation on the Gold Coast and Queensland, this year the event was hosted virtually. Ms Karen Andrews, Minister for Home Affairs and Member for Moncrieff, spoke at the web event,
and other prominent people who attended the event included Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane, Mrs Archana Singh, Dr Ram Mohan, Mrs Seema Chauhan, Prerna Pahwa, Preetham Krishna, among others.
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250 Calamvale Ward residents get citizenship
N
early 250 Calamvale Ward residents became Australian Citizens on Jan 22 at the online ceremony in Brisbane, with Cr Angela Owen, Councillor for Calamvale Ward, as the Presiding Officer.
Also, it was extra special for Sri Lankan born couple Shyam (a multimedia designer) and Madhavi (a nurse) whose newborn son was born in the front seat of their car in the hospital carpark on Thursday morning, as Shyam had to assist delivering him.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
PM Scott Morrison's message AIBC hosts virtual celebration of India's Republic Day and Australia Day on Australia Day 2022
The AIBC NSW and Qld State Chapters jointly hosted a special Virtual Event on 26 January 2022, to celebrate Australia Day and commemorate India’s Republic Day and 75 years of Indian Independence. The well-attended event, brought together government and business representatives from Australia and India, as well as Indigenous business leaders, AIBC members and sponsors. & Security, Education & Skills Development, Infrastructure, Financial services, Healthcare, ICT & Digital, Make in India and Women in Business. Going forward AIBC will continue to work towards building stronger platforms in facilitating and nurturing growth opportunities for business and investment between Australia and India.”
I
rfan Malik, AIBC NSW State Chapter President and Co-Host of the evening with Indu Balachandran, AIBC NSW Management Committee member, in his Welcome Address said this was an important day when Australia and India had come together to connect, reflect and be part of their shared vision to shape their future. “The core theme of the event is celebrating and fostering Australia India bilateral People to People Connect to Enable Business to Business Outcomes and Impact, and never before have Australia and India been so close in multicultural and bilateral opportunities. I want to also introduce the smiles framework. Whenever there are bilateral opportunities, there’s a focus on the SMILES framework which recognises small, medium and large enterprises, but also indigenous businesses and startups as well. AIBC has a strong focus on indigenous business collaboration and support, and I'm pleased to welcome some of our indigenous business leaders today.” Indu Balachandran said the AIBC promoted business engagement across nations very much through relationships between people and hoped this was the start of connecting Indian, Australian and First Nations people who have a vision of collaboration that will lead to strong cultural, economic and social outcomes. “Having worked for many years in indigenous businesses, social enterprises and within indigenous communities. I believe that Indian and indigenous businesses must and will trade. We will trade and share stories and cultural knowledge. And within all those, I think will be the strongest shared future for this
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nation.” In his Welcome to Country Address Steven Coghill, Indigenous Affairs Advisor at Santos, Brisbane, thanked the AIBC for incorporating the indigenous perspective on this Australia survival day and mentioned his connection to his place of birth was the same as that of his father, and those of his ancestors, who all had a traditional, custodial attachment and responsibility to southeast Queensland. He said, “First Nations people, and Torres Strait Islander people, have been involved in the economic development of this nation and continue to explore opportunities to improve our economic outcomes. Indigenous people are always exploring prospects of political, economic and cultural integrity.” In his Keynote Address Jim Varghese AM, AIBC National Chair, acknowledged the importance of indigenous representation at the event and also acknowledge Florence Drummond as the first elected AIBC indigenous executive committee member from Western Australia. “AIBC had over 35 years of promoting trade and Investment with a focussed and visionary approach of building partnerships and collaborations. We have further strengthened our bilateral business commitment by establishing the Australia India Business Enterprise (AIBE) the commercial arm of AIBC. AIBC maintains a close relationship with the state and federal governments of Australia and India and industry. With chapters in every state and the ACT, national industry chapters representing a range of industry including Agribusiness, Defence
Congratulating the AIBC on this prestigious event Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney, said bilateral ties between India and Australia had grown from strength to strength. “The comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries and regular high level interactions between our Prime Ministers are indicative of this relationship. The determination of both governments is to conclude a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement by the end of the year. This offers valuable opportunities to both Indian and Australian businesses.” In her video message, Archana Singh Consul General of India, Brisbane, said over time the shared values and the shared commitment to liberal democratic ideals. “We are natural partners, on the cricket field or in the field of trade and commerce. I acknowledge the great work that has been done by all on both sides and look forward to the future, as the possibilities are limitless. Members of the Indian diaspora and Indian businesses, who now call Queensland home, must be congratulated for their contribution to our robust society.” Through a video message from Chennai, Sarah Kirlew Australian Consul General, South India, said the shared national day was just one of the many wonderful connections Australia had with India. “The elevation of the Australia India bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership reflects the strategic connection we find about in our values and interests in a rapidly changing world. On the trade and economic front, New South Wales and its businesses are strongly represented here in South India, as well as Indian companies with a large investment presence in NSW. The NSW Government will also be appointing a local trade commissioner in Bengaluru, joining our growing presence there, with the trade office soon to be upgraded to a full Consulate General.”
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T
oday there will be thousands of gatherings where Australians will celebrate our country.
the world. Combined with one of the world’s highest vaccination rates, Australia is well set up to secure our recovery.
We’ll gather together at breakfasts, BBQs, picnics, surf carnivals, and flag raisings and reflect on the country that we are and the people we have become.
We have faced the most difficult challenges in three quarters of a century and worked together delivering what has been an extraordinary national achievement.
Though there will be a lightheartedness in so many places, our celebration is one that understands the textures of our Australian story. A story of strength and resilience that spans 65,000
Through this time, there has also been a realisation of what is truly important - our health, our family, our friends, our jobs, our communities and our sovereignty as a free people.
years, of a continent that we love and contend with, and of a free and fair people who live in relative harmony.
There’s been a clarity as well with a renewed understanding about what we can accomplish as a people.
Today as part of our celebrations, over 16,000 people, in over 400 locations, from more than 130 nations, will become Australian citizens, adding their own talents, strengths and hopes to
Australians have a quiet confidence. It’s a confidence to do what is right and a confidence in each other.
our shared national fabric. It is a reminder that Australia is the most successful multi-cultural and multi-faith nation on Earth. On this Australia Day, we also reflect on what it means to be Australian during the extraordinary times that we live in. While our journey has not been perfect, Australia is emerging from a once in a century pandemic with one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID and with one of the strongest advanced economies in
Today, on this Australia Day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for a history that spans 65,000 years; a continent of unmatched beauty and wonder; a democratic tradition that is the foundation of our freedom; and the multicultural and multi-faith communities that add so much to our national life. Above all, I’m grateful for the Australian people, whose character, determination and heart inspire me every day. We have much to be thankful for. Happy Australia Day! The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia
Gandhi Ji's 74th Martyr Day celebrated
O
n 74th Martyr's Day of Mahatma Gandhi, High Commission of India and ICCR organised the celebrations with the talk on ‘Satyagraha -The Pathway to Global Peace’ by Dr Shobhana Radhakrishna on January 30.
India and the Indian diaspora across the world observe Mahatma Gandhi’s 74th death anniversary on this day. The day is also observed as Martyrs’s Day to commemorate freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to get us freedom and harmony.
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WORLD NEWS
Pak's secret delegation to Afghanistan holds Russia carries out large-scale drills in Black Sea amid Ukraine tensions talks with TTP chief, Haqqani network The Newsman
which has close ideological and organisational ties with the TTP. The Afghan militant group is also a long-time ally of Islamabad, its main foreign sponsor. The Pakistani delegation also visited Kabul, where it met senior members of the Haqqani network, a key Afghan Taliban faction, said a source with knowledge of the delegation's visit. The network is a US-designated terrorist organisation, the report said.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Pakistan sent a secret delegation to neighbouring Afghanistan to hold talks with the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as part of the efforts to revive peace efforts with the militant group, RFE/RL reported. The TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has intensified its attacks in Pakistan since a month-long ceasefire expired and peace talks collapsed in December last. The Pakistani delegation held several days of talks with TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud and members of the extremist group's leadership council in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, said sources with knowledge of the discussions, the report said. The delegation -- which arrived in Paktika's Bermal district on January 9 -- consisted of influential Pashtun tribal elders
from Pakistan, the sources said. Many members of the TTP are Pashtuns from the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which straddles the border with Afghanistan. "The elders stayed there for two nights and held three or four rounds of discussions," said a source close to the delegation, adding, "The TTP leadership welcomed the delegation with traditional Pashtun hospitality and slaughtered two sheep." The source added that the talks centred on reviving the expired truce and resuming talks over a negotiated end to the TTP's 14-year insurgency in Pakistan, where thousands of people have been killed in militant attacks and clashes between the TTP and the military, the report said. The talks between the Pakistani delegation and the TTP were mediated by the Afghan Taliban,
The Taliban's Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the head of the Haqqani network, has been the key facilitator for the talks between Islamabad and the TTP. But the delegation did not meet with Haqqani, the source said, adding that the reason was unclear, RFE/RL reported. "The delegation proposed an offer [on behalf of the government] to release half of the 100 TTP prisoners," said a member of the delegation who did not wish to be named. "But the TTP leadership did not agree," he said. A source close to the delegation said TTP leaders complained that Islamabad had repeatedly backtracked on a "promise" to release all the prisoners. The delegation returned to Pakistan on January 11. They were expected to brief Pakistan military officials upon their return, the sources said, the report added.
UK PM welcomes police probe into Downing Street lockdown parties VOX
at Downing Street, though the date for its release has yet to be announced, Xinhua news agency reported. During the debate about the police investigation, politicians from the main opposition Labour Party, the minority Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party called on Johnson to step down as Prime Minister. Liberal Democrats leader, Ed Davey told lawmakers that the government was in meltdown, adding: "We can't go on with this chaotic government."
London, January 26 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons that he welcomed a police investigation into alleged parties at Downing Street during the national lockdown.
the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19."
He called on Johnson to "do the right thing and resign." Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan also welcomed the investigation into the Downing Street parties by the Metropolitan Police.
Johnson faced calls to resign from opposition politicians during an urgent debate on January 25 following the announcement by the Commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, that a police investigation has been launched into "a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in
"I welcome the Met's decision to conduct its own investigation. I believe it will give the public the clarity it needs and draw a line under matters," Johnson told the lawmakers. The Prime Minister said he had commissioned an independent inquiry into a series of events at Downing Street, which "involved sharing information with the police continuously."
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Senior civil servant Sue Gray is conducting the said inquiry into these alleged lockdown parties
"The public rightly expect the police to uphold the law without fear or favour, no matter who that involves. The public must be able to expect the highest standards from everyone, including the Prime Minister and those around him. No one is above the law. There cannot be one rule for the government and another for everyone else," Khan said.
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Moscow, January 27 (IANS): More than 20 Russian warships and supporting vessels had left their bases for exercises in the Black Sea, Russia's Defence Ministry said on January 26. The naval group, which consists of frigates, patrol ships, missile ships, landing ships, anti-submarine ships and minesweepers, was sailing towards the designated areas, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement released by the ministry. On the way to the drills, the Russian vessels will practice
communications, safe maneuvers in areas with intensive navigation, and air defence, it added. On January 24, another 20 Russian warships and supporting vessels started large-scale drills in the Baltic Sea to carry out anti-submarine, air defence and mine-sweeping tasks, according to another statement. These drills came as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to Eastern Europe as tensions in and around Ukraine had escalated.
Saudi-led airstrikes hit military camp in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, January 26 (IANS): The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has launched multiple airstrikes on a military camp controlled by the Houthi militia in the Yemeni capital, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. On January 25 midnight, it was the second consecutive day of airstrikes by the coalition that hit the al-Siyanah maintenance camp in central Sanaa, Xinhua news agency reported citing al-Masirah TV. The explosions smashed windows
of nearby houses and sent a fire which could be seen from downtown.
The airstrikes came after the militia claimed responsibility for explosive-laden drones and ballistic missile attacks on sites in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on January 24 morning. This was the second of such cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE claimed by the Houthi militia in nearly a week.
Global education loss due to pandemic irrevocable: Unicef New York, January 25 (IANS): More than 616 million students remain affected by full or partial school closures, a Unicef report on January 25 said marking the International Day of Education.
Even as the Covid-19 pandemic nears its two-year mark, in the report Unicef shares the latest available data on the impact of the pandemic on children's learning. "In March, we will mark two years of Covid-19-related disruptions to global education. Quite simply, we are looking at a nearly insurmountable scale of loss to children's schooling," said Robert Jenkins, Unicef Chief of Education, in a statement. Children have lost basic numeracy and literacy skills. In low- and middle-income countries, learning losses to school closures have left up to 70 percent of 10-year-olds unable to read or understand a simple text, up from 53 per cent prepandemic, the report said. In Ethiopia, primary school children are estimated to have learned between 30 to 40 per cent of the math they would have learned if it had been a normal school year. In several Brazilian states, around three in four children in grade 2 are off-track in reading, up from 1 in 2 children pre-pandemic. In South Africa, schoolchildren are between 75 per cent and a full school year behind where they
should be.
In India, 80 percent of adolescents between 14-18 years, reported learning less due to extended closure of schools. Learning losses have been observed even in developed countries like the UK, US and Australia. In addition, school closures have also impacted children's mental health, reduced their access to a regular source of nutrition, and increased their risk of abuse. A growing body of evidence shows that Covid-19 has caused high rates of anxiety and depression among children and young people, with some studies finding that girls, adolescents and those living in rural areas are most likely to experience these problems. Further, more than 370 million children globally missed out on school meals during school closures, losing what is for some children the only reliable source of food and daily nutrition, the report said. While the disruptions to learning must end, just reopening schools may not be enough, Jenkins said. "Students need intensive support to recover lost education. Schools must also go beyond places of learning to rebuild children's mental and physical health, social development and nutrition," he added.
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India, France sign MoU for extended health research New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Widening the scope for cooperation in health research, India and France have signed an MoU aimed at joint research and focus on emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and inherited disorders, an official statement said on January 26.
General Dr Shekhar C. Mande and Institut Pasteur President, Professor Stewart Cole signed the MoU. French Ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain commended this effort and underscored its importance and impact in the overall India-France S&T relations.
The MoU, signed on January 25 between India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and France's Institut Pasteur, would enable delivery of effective and affordable healthcare solutions not only for the people of India and France but for the global good, a Science and Technology Ministry statement said.
Extending full support to this collaboration, Ambassador of India to France and the Embassy of India, represented by Deputy Chief of Mission, Dr Praphulla Chandra Sharma termed it as a need of the hour, particularly in the age of the pandemic.
The MoU provides for developing potential scientific and technological cooperation and networking in advanced and emerging areas of human health between scientists and institutes/ laboratories of CSIR and Institut Pasteur and its international network. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Director
The path ahead for execution of collaboration activities under the MoU was presented by Director CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Dr Vinay K Nandicoori in discussion with Senior Executive Scientific Vice-President, Scientific Affairs Department, Institut Pasteur, Professor Christophe d'Enfert. Emphasising the commonalities of interest and expertise of the two institutions, Director General
for Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, France, Dr Claire Giry appreciated the initiative.
The senior leadership in the healthcare domain from CSIR and Pasteur, a 14-member delegation from CSIR and DST and 15-member delegation from Institut Pasteur and over 10 representatives from the Indian and French Missions and Indian External Affairs ministry attended the meeting, which was a hybrid event on the Indian side. The gathering of the scientific fraternity appreciated the intellectual young enthusiastic workforce on both sides and indicated enormous opportunities for working together for identifying and developing new mechanisms and models, in cell biology, virology, vaccine development, infectious diseases, and working on computational biology and human evolutionary genetics studies, the release said.
BSF, Pak Rangers exchange sweets at Attari-Wagah border
IANS
WORLD NEWS
Modi most approved leader in the world with 71% rating New Delhi, January 21 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the most popular leader in the world among adults with 71 percent rating, leaving behind prominent global leaders like US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Olaf Scholz and others, revealed a survey. In the survey conducted by Morning Consult Political Intelligence, Modi secured a 71 percent approval rating, whereas Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador came second with 66 per cent, followed by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi with 60 per cent approval. With 43 percent approval rating, US President Joe Biden came sixth in the list of 13 world leaders. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is at the bottom with 26 per cent, the survey revealed. Other leaders in the list are Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil President), Fumio Kishida ( Japan Prime Minister), Emmanuel Macron (France President); Moon Jae-in (South Korean President), Scott Morrison(Australian Prime
Minister); Pedro Sanchez (Spain PM); Olaf Scholz (German Chancellor) and Justin Trudeau (Canada PM). The Morning Consult Political Intelligence is currently tracking the approval ratings of government leaders and country trajectories in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, the UK and the US. With the latest data for all 13 countries, offering real-time insight into the shifting political dynamics across the globe, the latest approval ratings are based on data collected from January 13-19, 2022. Approval ratings are based on a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country.
Biden warns Putin of 'personal sanctions' if Ukraine is invaded
in October 2016, the BSF did not offer sweets to Pakistan Rangers. Because of the Covid pandemic, the flag lowering ceremony or Beating Retreat border ceremony have been suspended at AttariWagah border. The 'Beating Retreat' on the border has been observed since 1959.
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The Border Security Force (BSF) and its Pakistani counterpart Pak Rangers on January 26 exchanged sweets on the occasion of the 73rd Republic day of India. The officials of the BSF and Pak Rangers exchanged sweets and pleasantries. The exchange of sweets was suspended in the last two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic whereas earlier in 2018, the BSF skipped the tradition on January
26 over growing incidents of ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. Even in 2019, both border guarding forces of India and Pakistan did not exchange sweets and greetings on the occasion of Eid along the Attari-Wagah border as Pakistan chose to skip the friendlier gesture at the border after the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir was revoked. Similarly, after the surgical strike
At the International Border between India and Pakistan, the pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard occur within the handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces. Wagah, an army outpost on the India-Pakistan border between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. Soldiers from both the countries march in a drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. Similar parades are organised at Mahavir/Sadqi border near Fazilka and Hussainiwala/Ganda Singh Wala border near Firozpur.
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Washington/London, January 26 (IANS): Upping the ante amid prevailing tensions over Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be sanctioned personally if he sends troops into Ukraine even as representatives of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany were due to meet on January 26 for talks. In a brief interaction with media persons on January 25, Biden said "Yes" when asked if sanctions could be imposed on the Russian President personally if his country invades Ukraine, adding that such a move would mean "enormous consequences worldwide". He also said that the US could commit more military strength in eastern Europe in case of any Russian invasion, but ruled out sending them to Ukraine itself, though military supplies, including anti-tank missiles, have been sent. The US has also put around 8,500 troops on alert. The UK has also been hawklike on the situation and on January 26,
its Foreign Minister Liz Truss told the BBC that the Boris Johnson government has "ruled nothing out" -- including sanctions against the Russian leader -adding that the UK is looking to "toughen up" its sanctions on people, banks and businesses. Reacting to Biden's threats, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said such sanctions would not be "painful" for the President but would be "politically destructive", the BBC reported. At the heart of the dispute is Russian troop concentrations on Ukraine's borders, with the West claiming Russia is poised to invade, but Russia has denied any such intent. On the other hand, Russia demands that Ukraine not be inducted into NATO, like many other ex-Soviet states and formerly Communist countries of Central and East Europe, and the alliance should not station advanced weapons near its borders, but NATO says it cannot accept a Russian veto over its functioning.
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WORLD THIS WEEK
WORLD THIS WEEK Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
Compiled by D. Suba Chandran, Ashwin Dhanabalan, Angkuran Dey and Meghna Manoj
The US-Russia talks on Ukraine: “Useful, honest, direct and business-like”
The New York Times
What happened? On 21 January, Antony Blinken (the US Secretary of State) and Sergey Lavrov (the Russian Foreign Minister) met in Geneva. The discussions focussed on the following: tensions over Ukraine relating to the threat of war, Russian troops along the Ukraine border, the West's military presence in Eastern Europe, and a written response to Russia's demands. Blinken and Lavrov were quoted to have stated that the talks were "direct, business-like" and "useful, honest discussion", respectively. Blinken, in an interview, immediately after the talks, stated: "We didn't expect any breakthroughs to happen today. But I believe we are now on a clearer path in terms of understanding each other's concerns." On the same day, in the introductory remarks to the meeting, Lavrov said: "What we expect is concrete answers to our concrete proposals in the vein and in compliance with the obligations that were adopted at the highest level within the OSCE. I'm referring particularly to the principle of indivisibility of security, as well as the obligation of countries not to strengthen their own security at the expense of the security of others. We would be very much interested to listen to how the US interprets these obligations and these principles." Blinken said: "I come from consulting with allies and partners, as well as from Ukraine itself. That too is part of an ongoing effort to work closely, coordinate with, consult with all of our allies and partners who share our deep concerns about the moment we're in. We are – all of us – equally committed to the path of diplomacy and dialogue to try to resolve our differences." On the same day, immediately after the meeting, in an interview, Blinken shared the following with the media on what he conveyed to Russia: The discussion today with Minister Lavrov was frank and substantive. I conveyed the position of the United States and our European allies and partners that we stand firmly with Ukraine
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in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We've been clear that if any Russian military forces move across Ukraine's border, that's a renewed invasion. It will be met with swift, severe, and a united response from the United States and our partners and allies." In his interview, Blinken also made a point on how the West looks at the Russian strategy: "We also know from experience that Russia has an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks, paramilitary tactics, and other means of advancing their interests aggressively without overtly using military action. Those types of Russian aggression will also be met with a decisive, calibrated, and again, united response." About the talks, Lavrov said: "I can't say whether we are on the right path or not. We will see when we get the American responses." On 22 January, the Russian news agency TASS referred to a foreign ministry note, quoted: "It was made clear to Antony Blinken that further ignoring Russia's legal concerns, first of all, those linked with the United States' and its NATO allies' advance in Ukraine amid the large-scale deployment of the alliance's forces and weapons near our border, will have the most serious consequences. It can be avoided if Washington positively responds to our draft agreements on security guarantees. We expect to receive the American side's written article-by-article response next week." What does it mean? First, the crisis over Ukraine has been postponed but not resolved. Both Blinken and Lavrov have agreed to continue the diplomatic approach towards Ukraine; if there is a success, they have also agreed to explore another summit-level meeting at the highest level between Biden and Putin. Second, the meeting points between the US and Russia. Outside Ukraine, there are a few other issues, including arms control and Nord Stream, where Washington and Moscow have differences. Ukraine is not the only issue in Europe between the US and Russia. Third, while the White House would want to maintain the status quo in Europe, the Kremlin sees an opportunity to reassert its sphere of influence, especially in Eastern Europe, and prevent any further expansion of the EU and NATO. Fourth, Putin is willing to take risks, whereas Biden wants to avoid them. Putin is engaged in salami slicing. Biden wants to create a larger template. Ukraine explains the asymmetry between the two.
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USD 30 billion. Afghanistan: The EU reopens its embassy in Kabul Japan and the US: Tokyo and Washington discuss China's growing military assertiveness On 21 January, US President Joe Biden met with the Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Fumio Kishida virtually to discuss China's growing assertiveness in the Pacific. They also discussed the crackdowns on democracy in Hong Kong and the forced labor practices in Xinjiang. Furthermore, Kishida expressed his concerns about China's intentions in the South China Sea as it had stepped up its military presence in the region. In addition, the Senkaku islands or the Diaoyu islands have continued to remain a bone of contention between the two countries. Kishida said: "President Biden and I were able to exchange views frankl which I believe will lead to further strengthening of the Japan-US alliance." Tonga: Supply planes land a week after the volcanic eruption On 20 January, the first foreign aid supply planes landed in Tonga, carrying essential supplies. The military planes from New Zealand could arrive only after the ash was cleared from the runway. Australian supply planes also landed after a few hours. Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton tweeted about it, saying: "Tonga is a very important member of our Pacific family and we have committed to supporting them however we can." Indonesia: New capital approved by the House
On 18 January, Indonesia's House of Representatives approved the legal framework for relocating the Indonesian capital to Nusantara, a Javanese word for 'archipelago'. Jakarta has been reeling with overpopulation pollution and is one of the world's fastest-sinking cities. Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa, on the approval of the bill, stated: "The new capital has a central function and is a symbol of the identity of the nation, as well as a new centre of economic gravity." The relocation is scheduled between 2022 and 2024, with an approximate cost of
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On 21 January, the EU resumed its embassy and limited services in Kabul to emphasize a "minimal presence" for smoother movement of humanitarian aid. The EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson made a statement: "Our minimal presence in Kabul must not in any way be seen as recognition of the Taliban government there." The primary objective is to make it easier for the international European delegation staff to monitor the deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
the attacks under "Threats to International Peace and Security". They also stressed the need to hold "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable". France: Macron suggests Normandy format talks to deal with the Ukraine crisis Foreign Policy
The Maldives: Indian teachers face the heat of the "India Out" campaigns On 19 January, reports highlighted the harassment faced by Indian origin teachers in the Maldives due to the intensified "India Out" protests. The Education Ministry of Maldives confirmed two cases of teachers facing harassment on the streets by anti-India groups. However, the Maldivian government reassured India, saying: "India has always been the Maldives' closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts." The government also said it would take decisive action against spreading false information regarding India out protests on social media. UAE: UNSC council condemns terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi On 21 January, the UAE envoy to the UNSC appreciated the Council's condemnation of the terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi. In addition, the Council held the Houthi militia in Yemen accountable for its crimes and called for measures to prevent future attacks by the militia. The 15 council members released a joint statement saying: "The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Monday, 17 January, as well as in other sites in Saudi Arabia." The Council discussed
On 19 January, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that the EU open its talks with Russia rather than relying on the US. Macron currently holds the Presidency of the EU and hopes to revitalize the four-way talks through the Normandy format between Russia, Germany, France, and Ukraine. Macron said: "I think our credibility vis-a-vis Russia lies primarily in entering into demanding dialogue." The UK: Lawmakers challenge Boris Johnson to resign over lockdown parties On 19 January, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson received challenges to resign from lawmakers over allegations regarding the lockdown parties. He won the office with a massive majority in 2019, but his recent scandals and accusations led to questioning his authority. Johnson tried to defend his case by citing various reasons, but the opponents have called for him to resign. The 54 Members of the Parliament will have to submit a no-confidence vote to the Chairman of the party's committee to bring about a challenge to leadership. It is speculated that about 20 conservative lawmakers have planned to submit a noconfidence vote, among others.
UAE: UNSC council condemns terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
EDITORIAL
From the editor's desk Reflecting on India’s
A Republic Day with a difference
Bloomsberg
Republic, 73 Years On By Michelle Rowland MP
A
s we approach India’s 73rd Republic Day, I am reminded of my dual trips to the nation a few years ago. During my time in Chennai, Amritsar and Delhi, to Agra, Jaipur and Mumbai, the character of India and its people quickly became clear — India is a nation defined by its ability to care for its neighbours, on a micro and macro level. Through India’s innovative rigour, economic success, value for diversity, ability to collaborate, and technological leadership, it has become imperative in developing solutions that benefit nations across the globe.
participated and shared their inspirational stories through essays, poems, drawings and multimedia presentations. 25 were selected and received cash prize of Rs 10,000 and witness the R-Day parade. Before the parade the contingents of Central Armed Police Forces undertook static band performances.
I
ndia has been celebrating Republic Day since 1951, and parade has been taking place at the Rajpath since 1955. But this year the Republic Day was a unique event in many ways. 'Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman' programme by National Cadet Corps was lunched this year. To commemorate India’s 75th year of independence 75 aircrafts and helicopters of the Indian Air Force saluted the Supreme Commander. The cultural performances by 480 dancers were a culmination of a nationwide Vande Bharatam dance competition. A drone show was done involving 1,000 indigenously developed drones as a product of Make in India campaign. The parade timing was changed to 10:30am., from 10am. for better visibility of the parade and flypast. People got to vote for best marching contingent and tableau in popular choice category. Special arrangements were made for the auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers, safai karamcharis and frontline health workers to watch the Republic Day Parade as well as the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the country's bravehearts at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. As a part of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education initiative over eight lakh students from around 4,800 schools across the country
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Projection mapping commemorated 75 years of Independence for 3-4 minutes on the walls of North and South Block before the end of the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony. In total there were 16 marching contingents and the Indian Army showcased the evolution of the uniforms and arms over the decades in the parade. Indian Army contingents wore uniform from three decades including the present-day olive green and the new combat uniform. The first contingent of Rajput Regiment wore the uniform from 1950 and march with .303 rifles. The second of Assam regiment wore the uniform from 1960 and will carry .303 rifles. Troops from Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry donned the uniform from 1970 along with the 7.62 mm rifle. Sikh Light Infantry and Army Ordnance Corps wore the present day olive green along with the INSAS rifles.
India has become a hub for research and development, with over 70 per cent of the world's most innovative firms having centres there. During the pandemic, India’s COVID vaccine producers shared their supply with at least six of their neighbours: Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and The Seychelles. And, in response to the pandemic, India continues to be on the frontline of solutions-based research, stating it will financially support 75 start-up organisations in their pursuit to further developments on telemedicine and digital health. Most recently, India’s launch of the Indian Space Association (ISpA) in October 2021 has accelerated technological advancements in the world’s collective space sector. India’s innovative potential has fed in to its production capacity. I spent a week in Gujarat, attending the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit for Trade and Investment — the world’s 2nd largest investment forum. There, India’s innovative potential was illuminated, setting a high standard for the rest of the world. The automotive industry in India, for instance, is one of the largest and is projected to create 14.9 million jobs by the end of 2022. India’s acumen for construction
has resulted in jobs generation, as it constructs over 40km of highways per day across the nation. Not to mention, the Bhadla Solar Park in the Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, is the largest in the world. The diaspora continues to benefit from India’s innovative capabilities, as IT centers like Tata Infosys Mahindra assist with technology here in North Sydney, employing thousands of residents. Beyond their academic successes, Indian Australians are also making their mark in the sports arena. From Jason Sangha and Gurinder Sandhu from Western Sydney, playing for our Sydney Thunder team, to Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s T20 captain and player of the tournament in the Women’s Big Bash League. India’s diplomatic attitude of solutions-based action and generosity has become inherent within the nation's people, including its diaspora here in Australia. Throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2021, people of Indian heritage in my electorate of Greenway kept our community going, without any expectation of thanks or reward. Turbans 4 Australia were responsible for delivering 271,000 free meals across the nation, lending a total of 585 days for COVID-19 Crisis Support. The Hindu Council of Australia has embodied the essence of Raksha Bandhan – showing selfless-service and dedication throughout the last two years especially, initiating food drives across the state and country to anyone who needed it, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. The HCA created the Hindu Benevolent Fund, which provides financial help to people in distress as a result of the lockdowns, as well as the Karma Kitchen dedicated to feeding homeless people. The Harman Foundation initiated a food drive named Langar for
Hunger, distributing 7000 meals throughout Blacktown during the pandemic. Amidst the lockdowns in NSW, where places of worship were closed to the public, the Gurdwara Sahib Temple in Glenwood did not leave their spaces empty. Instead, they created a pop-up vaccine clinic, supplying any individual with ample access to vaccinations. The contributions of the Indian diaspora to Australia are seemingly endless, and their place in our community is invaluable. Only a week ago, as the Omicron virus grips Australia causing many to lock down, said organisations consistently contacted my team, making them aware of any initiatives they were providing to ensure anybody who required their services, had access to them. This Indian Republic Day, Indians and their diaspora should take immense pride in India. They should do so not only for their contributions on a global stage through technological and medical innovation, but also for their benefaction each day, in communities across the world. 73 years since the official declaration of India as a republic, India has become a prominent world leader ever dedicated to furthering innovation, fostering diversity and prioritizing harmony, domestically and internationally. Happy India Republic Day 2022! Michelle Rowland MP is member of the Australian Labor Party and has represented the Division of Greenway in the House of Representatives since 2010
The sixth contingent of the Parachute regiment soldiers wore the new combat uniform. Due to Covid restrictions each marching contingent consisted of 96 soldiers instead of the usual 144. Similarly, the force also showcased mechanized weapons from vintage to present day era. The Republic Day celebrations this year have immortalized India’s 75th year of Independence as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav which will culminate with the 75th Independence Day celebrations on 15th August 2022.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Harnessing foreign policy for a new India By Manish Chand
A
s India celebrates 75 years of independence and the Modi government completes eight years at the helm, the world is looking at the country of 1.4 billion anew as an emblem of hope, resilience and resurgence. Transformational diplomacy – pragmatic and visionary at the same time – has played a pivotal role in India’s ongoing global ascent, opening new avenues for prosperity and well-being of its citizens. With the overarching strategic objective of making India a great power and its people prosperous, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led India’s diplomatic outreach from the front. Shedding years of riskaversion, under his watch, Indian diplomacy has become innovative, courageous, and nimble-footed, enabling India to navigate its own emergence on its own terms. This out-of-the-box approach was evident from Day 1 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, armed with the largest mandate in a quarter century, took charge of the country on May 26, 2014. Showcasing its Neighbourhood First diplomacy, the leaders of all neighbouring countries and Mauritius were invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister. The primacy on neighbourhood was also exemplified by the choice of Bhutan as the first overseas destination of PM Modi. Over the next few years, PM Modi has visited all SAARC countries sans Pakistan which has stubbornly rejected India’s overtures for peace by refusing to end crossborder terror. Diplomatic outreach The last eight years saw an unprecedented diplomatic outreach with a record number of high-level incoming and outgoing visits. Reaching out to countries big and small – on the side-lines of the UNGA, PM Modi met the leaders of big countries as well as island nations such as St Vincent and Grenadines. Several countries saw the first-ever high-level visits from India at the level of Heads of State/Heads of Government.
In sync with its rising global profile, India hosted the first-ever summit of the International Solar Alliance, the first summit with the leaders of Pacific Island states and the largest ever gathering of African leaders on Indian soil. The focused and systematic upgrade and transformation of India’s relations with the Gulf countries is widely seen as among major foreign policy achievements of the Modi government. PM Modi has deftly steered diplomatic outreach to the energy-rich region, forging robust security and counterterror cooperation with key players in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Another major achievement of the NDA government was the upgrade of Look East to Act East policy, which signified accelerated result-driven engagement with the strategically located region. The India-ASEAN commemorative summit in 2018 was a milestone that brought the leaders of all ASEAN countries to India for the first time as chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations. Diplomacy for development Undistracted by power games, India fused diplomacy with national development and resurgence, leading to foreign collaborations and financial support for flagship schemes of national renaissance, including Make in India, Skill India, Smart Cities, Digital India, Namami Gange and Start-up India. Enhanced engagement with India’s external partners has brought visible benefits to people through foreign investment and technology tie-ups, leading to the setting up of factories and creation of jobs. Forging of green energy partnerships with countries like the US, France and Denmark has set the stage for clean low-carbon life for citizens of India. Moulding the global agenda The recalibration of India’s foreign policy in tune with the emerging world order has led to an increasing recognition of India’s indispensability to
addressing diverse crosscutting challenges, ranging from combating terrorism, global warming, piracy and pandemics to reshaping of global governance architecture. Instead of being reactive, India proactively set the global agenda and played a constructive role in key multilateral platforms such as the UN, the G20 and the COP 26. The country’s rising global stature is clearly reflected in its ongoing tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on January 1, 2021. India’s presidency of UNSC for the month of August 2021 was marked by pioneering initiatives and its focus on effective multilateralism.
Under New Delhi’s presidency, a strong resolution was adopted on the situation in Afghanistan, which demanded that the Afghan territory not be used to threaten any country or shelter terrorists. The highlight of the month-long presidency was a high-level signature event on maritime security presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first time the Prime Minister of India chaired the Security Council. The finesse with which India has steered global issues during its UNSC tenure has buttressed its credentials for acquiring a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. On terrorism, India pursued the policy of zero tolerance and forged counter-terror coalitions. National security issues moved centre-stage to India’s diplomatic outreach, with India showing decisiveness and boldness in addressing Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism hands-on through offensive surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in the Pakistani territory. Free and open Indo-Pacific In view of emerging geopolitical equations, India has minted its unique brand of multi-alignment to grapple with an increasingly multipolar world which underlines the country’s growing confidence in harnessing ties with mutually antagonistic power centres without getting sucked into zero sum games. This approach was crystallized
in PM Modi’s vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific at the Shangri La Dialogue in June 2018. In his speech, PM Modi underlined the centrality of ASEAN to the new Indo-Pacific and rejected any attempt to portray the Indo-Pacific Region as a club of limited members. In sync with this vision, New Delhi played a constructive role in bolstering the Quad grouping comprising India, US, Japan and Australia and in shaping outcomes of the two Quad summits held so far. In yet another sign of nimble-footed diplomacy, New Delhi has joined a new Quad comprising India, Israel, UAE and US, which is focused on enhancing economic cooperation in West Asia. There are many other achievements in the realm of foreign policy the NDA government can take justifiable pride in. India has been admitted as a member of top global atomic export regimes, including Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Agreement and the Australia Group. Signalling India’s rising regional profile, India was admitted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the SCO summit in Astana in June 2017. Now, in a unique move, PM Modi will be holding a digital summit with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries on January 27, which could prove to have a force multiplier effect on India’s relations with the resource-rich
region. A bouquet of hope Looking ahead, many more milestones await India in an emerging world order. As the world grapples with the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and its new variants, India has exhibited unique strength and resilience as it has not only vaccinated nearly a billion Indians, but has also provided vaccines and other medical support to over 100 countries around the world under the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative. In his recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, PM Modi underlined India’s unique strengths as an emerging country of great potential and provider of global public goods. “A strong democracy like India has gifted the whole world a beautiful gift, a bouquet of hope. In this bouquet, we Indians have an unwavering trust in democracy; this bouquet has the technology that will empower the 21st century; and it also has temperament and the talent of us Indians. The multi-lingual, multi-cultural environment in which we Indians live is a great power not only of India but of the whole world.” The world will be watching closely how this bouquet of hope provides new energy to a conflicted world. Manish Chand is FounderPresident of India Writes Network and Centre for Global India Insights, a think tank focused on global affairs.
As US, Russia clash at UNSC, India calls for diplomacy that upholds 'legitimate security' United Nations, Jan 31 (IANS): India has called for de-escalating the tensions around Ukraine through a diplomatic solution that addresses "legitimate security interests of all" as the US and Russia clashed in the Security Council on Monday. "India's interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond," India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti
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said. "It is our considered view that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue," he said, adding: "Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour." The US and Britain, in particular, have warned of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security," Tirumurti said. Earlier, India abstained on a procedural vote on the Council meeting discussing the threats to
peace arising from the situation around Ukraine. Moscow opposed the proposal made by the US to take up the "international threats to peace" due to what the US said was the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine's border. China joined Russia in voting against the agenda item. Monday was seen as the last day to have a discussion of the Ukraine issue before Russia takes over the presidency of the Council on Tuesday under the system of monthly rotation of leadership. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that he does not
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expect Russia to invade Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelentsky last week has said that he did not expect an imminent invasion from Russia and criticised talk of the threat. "We have also been in touch with all concerned parties," Tirumurti told the Council. "More than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indian nationals is of priority to us." Tirumurti said that India urges "all parties to continue to engage through all diplomatic channels
and to keep working towards the full implementation of the 'Minsk Package'". The Minsk Package is a set of agreements reached in 2014 ad 2015 among representatives of Russia, Ukraine, Ukrainian separatists, and the multinational Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe for the de-escalating the situation in Ukraine. Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France have been engaged in a process of diplomacy to deal with the situation that is known as the Normandy Format.
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INDIA NEWS
India's 'Buy Now, Pay Later' segment slated to reach $56 bn by FY26 IANS
New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): India's 'Buy Now, Pay Later' sector is poised to grow to $56 billion by FY26, said HDFC Securities. The segment provides short-term financing to make immediate purchases and the credit can be paid back at a later date. "India's BNPL is at an inflexion point with rising ecommerce and digital P2M payments fuelling deferred payments. BNPL GMV
is poised to exhibit 74 per cent CAGR and account for 5 percent of digital P2M payments by FY26E," HDFC Securities said. "The proliferation of BNPL as a mode of credit-based payment is gaining significant traction, particularly amongst the millennials and Gen-Z population within a short span of time." According to the brokerage house, the growth of the BNPL segment is expected to be triggered on the back of rising ecommerce and digital payments penetration. "BNPL players are exploring multiple business models and are yet to establish economic viability with limited revenue drivers and high delinquencies."
Both Poonwalla and Ella duo will be conferred with Padma Bhushan -- the third highest civilian award in the country. The two pharma companies played a big role in developing and manufacturing low-cost Covid vaccines -- Covaxin and Covishield -- for India as well as the world. Poonawalla's (80) Serum Institute of India was founded in 1966 with
the aim of manufacturing lifesaving immuno-biologicals, which were in shortage in the country and were imported at high prices.
Krishna Ella is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, while his wife Suchitra Ella is the Joint Managing Director of the company. They together founded the company in 1996. Bharat Biotech was responsible for developing India's indigenous Covid-19 vaccine -- Covaxin. The other awardees of the Padma Bhushan in the trade and industry category included Chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, and CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai. Besides, Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, will be conferred upon the Executive
"We expect regulatory convergence on the back of the RBI's recent narrative for digital lenders although 'FinTech BNPLs' are likely to sustain their superior user experience." "Within a bouquet of BNPL options, credit cards remain the most exhaustive and profitable and, in fact, offer an up-sell opportunity for credit-tested top-of-the-BNPL-pyramid customers."
Chairman of knitwear company Rupa, Prahlad Rai Agarwala, Chairman of Chardikala Time TV Group, Jagjit Singh Dardi, and entrepreneur from Manipur, Muktamani Devi.
Muktamani Devi started making shoes for her children when she couldn't afford to buy new ones, and today she's the owner of a large company by her name which produces unique woollen shoes. She has been continuously designing and producing woollen shoes for everyone since 1993. Also, Ryuko Hira, Chairman of HMI Hotel, will be conferred with Padma Shri. These awards are conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function which will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan around March-April.
Nearly 30K Bitcoin millionaires wiped in last 3 months US News Money
New Delhi, January 27 (IANS): Almost 30,000 Bitcoin millionaires have been wiped out in the last three months as the volatile cryptocurrency is witnessing a free fall -- from $69,000 in November to nearly $36,000 (as of Thursday) -owing to regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical unrest. According to data acquired by financial news portal Finbold, between October and January, the number of Bitcoin addresses holding over $1 million has reduced by 28,186 or 24.26 per cent. In general, the Bitcoin-rich list has plunged over the last three months. "Wallets holding over $100,000 have dropped 30.04 per cent from 505,711 to 353,763. The number of addresses with $1 million and above dropped 23.5 per cent from 105,820 to 80,945. Wallets holding
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over $10 million and above also registered a drop of 32.08 percent from 10,319 to 7,008," the report mentioned. The drop in the Bitcoin rich list correlates with the asset's volatility that has been heightened in recent times. "A combination of factors such as regulatory scrutiny, turbulent markets, geopolitical unrest, and Covid combined with having an adverse effect on the asset's performance. However, despite the volatile start to the year, a number of analysts continue to laud the asset as a hedge against rising inflation," the report elaborated. Due to the rapid decline in the value of Bitcoin since the start of the year, the number of liquidations has also increased in recent weeks, with $372 million in long positions in the perpetual market across all exchanges
Air India union objects to cabin crews' pre-flight weight, BMI checking rules IANS
Besides, the brokerage house's report cited that although 'FinTech BNPLs' enjoy favourable regulatory arbitrage, incumbents have an opportunity to expand their customer funnels either through in-house offerings or partnerships.
Nine Padma awards for industry doyens, including vaccine pioneers New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): Of the total 128 Padma awardees announced on the eve of Republic Day on January 25, nine are from the field of 'trade and industry', including the Founder of Serum Institute of India, Cryus Poonwalla, and Krishna Ella and his wife Suchitra Ella of Bharat Biotech, the pioneers of Covid vaccines in India.
BUSINESS & TRADE
being liquidated in only one day, January 22. "Given the anonymous nature of the world's most valuable digital asset, it is difficult to identify the individuals who possess the addresses in question," the report said. Bitcoin, along with other digital cryptocurrencies, has crashed to its lowest levels and the continuing meltdown has wiped out over $1 trillion from the global crypto market value. The crypto crash came as the US Federal Reserve raised the possibility of boosting interest rates as soon as March and withdrawing stimulus from the market.
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New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): Air India's cabin crew union has objected to the company's new rules mandating pre-flight -- Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight -- checks by "grooming associates". The All India Cabin Crew Association conveyed its objections to the airline's 'Inflight Services Department'. On January 20, 2022, the Executive Director of ISD, through an internal communication, informed cabin crew members about the new rules of checks on a quarterly basis. The guidelines were introduced so that the crews are in line with laid-out norms in the uniform regulations. According to the communication, the cabin supervisor of the flight will be responsible to ensure the required guidelines are followed.
"It will be the responsibility of the cabin supervisor of the flight to ensure that her/his set of crew are well turned out and follow complete uniform regulations," the communication sent out by the airline said. The bone of contention between the union and the airline was that the latter wants these checks to be conducted by doctors in the privacy of medical clinics instead of "grooming assistants". The new rules could be in violation of the 'Share Purchase Agreement' between the government and Air India and Tata Group -- the new owner of the national carrier awaiting formal handover, the union said in the letter to the ISD. The union may seek legal remedies if the new rules are not withdrawn, it said. "Respectfully, we thus would call upon you to amend the impugned circular and reissue it without the offending clause of 'BMI Check/ BMI Management' failing which AICCA may be compelled to seek legal redressal which may also extend to the issuance of a directive and/or contempt, none of which we desire at this stage," it added.
Anand Mahindra responds after Karnataka farmer's humiliation at SUV showroom Bengaluru, January 25 (IANS): Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra on January 25 reacted to the incident of humiliation of a farmer at a Mahindra showroom in Tumakuru district in Karnataka, underlining that upholding the dignity of an individual is the core value of the company.
lakh in 30 minutes and demanded delivery on the same day.
Anand Mahindra took to Twitter to make his stand clear with regard to the incident of the staff of the Mahindra showroom insulting a farmer who came to buy a Bolero pick-up vehicle.
"I came to make a purchase of a Bolero pick-up vehicle. I went to the showroom along with my seven friends and uncle. But the company field officer mocked and chided me that I don't even have Rs 10 with me and how could I have the capacity to purchase the vehicle. The officer also said that no one comes to purchase a car in such a group," Gowda said.
The field officer had reportedly told the farmer, Kempe Gowda, that he didn't have even Rs 10. Gowda then arranged Rs 10 lakh in just 30 minutes and slammed the showroom staffers for the differential treatment meted out to him for his appearance. Anand Mahindra tweeted on January 25, "The Core Purpose of @MahindraRise is to enable our communities & all stakeholders to Rise. And a key Core Value is to uphold the Dignity of the Individual. Any aberration from this philosophy will be addressed with great urgency," quoting a tweet by Mahindra and Mahindra CEO Veejay Nakra. Gowda, a farmer from Ramanapalya near Hebbur town, taught the employees of the Mahindra showroom a lesson that they should not judge a person by his clothes. Gowda was insulted by staff when he went to the showroom to purchase a pick-up vehicle. After being insulted, he arranged Rs 10
The showroom staff have apologised for their conduct at a local police station. Gowda's quick action and zeal has been appreciated by people from all over the state and his photos and videos of the incident have gone viral on social media.
"My uncle then asked him that if we bring the money, will he be able to deliver the vehicle. The field officer challenged that if we managed the money, he would deliver the vehicle immediately and told us to bring the money within half-an-hour," he said. "I arranged Rs 10 lakh in 30 minutes and placed it in front of the field officer. I had approached the police about the insult caused by the showroom employees. I am an educated man. I have studied till Class 10. What will these people do to farmers from villages," he questioned. The matter was resolved after the intervention of police. After Gowda arranged the money and demanded immediate delivery of the vehicle, the showroom staff sought three days' time for the same.
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INDIA NEWS
MAKE IN INDIA
MAKE IN INDIA
As world economies restart their engines in a bid to regain lost ground due to the Covid-19 pandemic, India too shows signs of economic buoyancy and promise. India’s Make in India initiative holds a key to the global economic revival, something that should interest Australian government ministries, corporate sector, entrepreneurs, institutions seeking R&D collaborations and Australia Inc in general, among others. India assumes greater importance as several major world economies including American, Japanese, German, British and South Korean look to move out and diversify their businesses from China. India has jumped to 63rd rank in the World Bank’s Ease of Development 2020 report, and has also been ranked as the 9th largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment destinations in 2019 by the World Investment Report 2020 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
State of the World address: Modi showcases India as future tech & economic powerhouse
New Delhi, January 18 (IANS): Virtually delivering the 'State of the World' special address to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Davos Agenda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17 underlined the role played by India in handling the Covidtriggered crisis and managing the vaccination drive, while touching upon the need to reshape and restructure international organisations. Armed with data, figures and facts on the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi presented India as not only a future technology and economic powerhouse of the world, but also showcased the country as an indispensable member of the world community. Without naming the UN, he also demanded restructuring and reforms in international organisations. "We have not just set a record of
administering 1.6 billion Covid vaccine shots, but also stood with the countries which were in need during the pandemic. India always follows the vision of 'One Earth, One Health', and supplied Covid vaccines to more than 150 nations along with life-saving drugs," the Prime Minister said.
up with a suggestion for the world in dealing with challenges like climate change, saying that time has come for the world to start thinking about its life-style, which is damaging the global environment, whereas Indian culture still banks on its age-old traditions of preserving nature.
"India's health professionals, who are always regarded for their sensitivity, went on to win the hearts of the people. Our 5-million software professionals did not let the world stop digitally by working day and night tirelessly," Modi said in his speech.
The Prime Minister underlined that India always advocates growth, which should be green, clean, sustainable and reliable.
Presenting India as one of the world's future tech and economic powerhouse, Modi elaborated the economic and tech reforms taking place in the country, saying that gone are the days when India's business space was badly disrupted by government control, as the present government has removed more than 25,000 such hurdles to start a business in India. "Today, India is the land of more than 60,000 registered startups, 80 unicorns, country of more than 4 billion UPI transactions, and a nation with 6 lakh villages connected digitally and spending about $1.3 trillion on connectivity," Modi said. The Prime Minister also came
"Through the International Solar Alliance and COP21, the world witnessed India's commitments towards saving the Earth," he said. Without naming the UN, he said when such organisations were formed, the world was different, but now over the years, things have changed and "it is the call of the day that all the democratic countries should come together and make the changes for a better tomorrow". Besides PM Modi, the Davos summit was also attended by Japan PM Kishida Fumio, Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Israel PM Naftali Bennett, China's President Xi Jin Ping and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, along with top industry leaders, international organisations and civil society groups.
71% jump in India's gems and jewellery exports IANS
in 2020. Compared to the same period before the Covid pandemic struck, the gems and jewellery sector registered a growth of 3 per cent over $28 billion achieved in April-December 2019. In December 2021 alone, India exported gems and jewellery worth $2.99 billion, registering a growth of 16.38 per cent over $2.57 bn in December 2020.
New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): India's exports of gems and jewellery shot up by a whopping 71 per cent during the first three quarters (April-December) of the current financial year, over the same period of the previous year. The sector clocked $28.9 billion exports as compared to $16.9 billion during the same period
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With record exports already achieved during the first three quarters of the current financial year, the sector has already surpassed $26.02 bn exports registered during the last FY (2020-21) and is likely to better the previous high of $35.89 bn scaled during the FY (2019-20). The gems and jewellery sector made up 9.6 per cent share of India's entire exports basket
during the period (AprilDecember 2021), accounting for the third largest commodity share, after engineering goods and petroleum products. The top 5 export destinations in April-November 2021 were the US (38.7 per cent), Hong Kong (24.6 per cent), the UAE (11.9 percent), Belgium (6.6 per cent), and Israel (3.9 per cent). Gems and jewellery industry contributes about 7 per cent of India's total GDP and employs the largest skilled and semi-skilled workforce of more than 50 lakh workers. More than 450 organised jewellery manufacturers, importers, and exporters are based in Surat, making the Gujarat city the jewellery manufacturing hub of the world.
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IMF projects India's growth rate at 9%, highest among major economies
United Nations, January 25 (IANS): India's economy is projected to grow by 9 per cent in the next financial year (FY23), retaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported on January 25 citing its expectations of higher investments and consumption due to credit growth and better financial sector performance. IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update released in Washington said that India's gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to again increase next fiscal by another 9 per cent, before moderating to 7.1 per cent in 2023-24.
The Update raised the growth projection for the current fiscal by 0.5 per cent from the 8.5 per cent projected in its WEO released in October last year.
expected to decline relatively quickly, and the Omicron effect will fade starting in the second quarter," she wrote.
Globally, the Update expected growth to moderate from 5.9 last year to 4.4 per cent this year, 0.5 per cent lower than the 4.9 per cent in the October WEO, and go down to 3.8 per cent next year. "The global economy enters 2022 in a weaker position than previously expected," the Update said. While it said that a factor was the reimposed mobility restrictions in many countries as a result of Omicron, it blamed the higher broad-based inflation due to rising energy prices and supply disruptions and developments in the US and China, the world's two largest economies, whose growth projections were cut.
The upward revision is unrelated to the Covid-19 developments, it said.
"In the case of the United States, this reflects lower prospects of legislating the Build Back Better fiscal package, an earlier withdrawal of extraordinary monetary accommodation, and continued supply disruptions. China's downgrade reflects continued retrenchment of the real estate sector and a weakerthan-expected recovery in private consumption," the IMF said.
India and Japan are the only major economies to have their growth projections raised from that made in October last.
The IMF cut US growth projection for this year by 1.2 per cent from the 5.2 per cent in the October WEO to 4 per cent.
Japan's growth projection was increased by only 0.1 per cent from 3.2 per cent in October to 3.3 per cent.
China's growth projection for this year was cut by 0.8 per cent from 5.6 per cent in October - to 4.8 per cent.
Even though the report lowered India's growth estimate for the current fiscal to 8.5 per cent from October's 9 per cent, the country will still be the global growth leader.
While India's projected growth at 9 per cent sounds impressive, in reality it will have to make up for the shrinkage of 7.3 per cent - a negative growth - it recorded in 2020-21.
This WEO Update is the last directly overseen by Gita Gopinath as the IMF's economic counsellor and director of its research department.
The IMF prognostications for India's growth are better than those made by the United Nations earlier in January.
"India's prospects for 2023 are marked up on expected improvements to credit growth -- and, subsequently, investment and consumption -- building on better-than-anticipated performance of the financial sector," the report said.
She was promoted to the No. 2 spot at the IMF as its First Deputy Managing Director recently. In a blog accompanying the Update, Gopinath sounded optimistic about the future with Covid variant Omicron's effects likely receding in the second quarter of this year. "The new variant appears to be associated with less severe illness than the Delta variant, and the record surge in infections is
The UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report said that on a fiscal year basis, India's economy shrank by 10.6 per cent in 2020-21. It was projected to grow 8.4 per cent in the current fiscal, and moderate to 6.5 per cent in the next fiscal and to 5.9 per cent in 2023-24. But in the UN's projections also, India will be the fastest-growing major economy this year.
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ENERGY & RESOURCES
BHU develops onboard IOC to pump fuel directly to Sri Lanka's electricity supplier chargers for e-vehicles IANS
Newsfirst.lk
the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). "We have prepared a loan to directly obtain fuel from the IOC," said Lokuge. Accordingly, the CEB is to receive 30,000 metric tonnes of fuel on credit basis from LIOC. Colombo, January 25 (IANS): Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will provide fuel directly to staterun electricity provider Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to ensure continuous power supply in the island nation. Sri Lanka Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge announced on January 25 that arrangements have been made to obtain fuel directly from the Lanka IOC (LIOC), Indian Oil's subsidiary in Sri Lanka, instead of getting them through
The decision was reached following a discussion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Minister of Petroleum, Udaya Gammanpila, who had earlier refused to provide fuel to the CEB from CPC, an entity under his (Gammanpila) ministry. Recently, the two ministers were at loggerheads after the Petroleum Minister refused to supply fuel to the CEB. This led the Energy Minister to seek the assistance of LIOC to purchase
fuel, but the LIOC too had turned down the request stating that it did not have additional fuel stocks to supply to the CEB. Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst-ever power crises with no dollars to buy fuel. On January 18, India had extended a $500 million line of credit for urgent import of fuel as all oil stocks had dried up with no dollars to import new fuel. This was following New Delhi's $900 million relief given to the island nation which is facing a dire financial crisis. India is to assist Sri Lanka with a total of $2.4 billion to help the island nation recover from the dollar crunch and inflation.
Lucknow to US to Satara, a rural innovator's journey to Padma Shree New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Always ahead of his times, Dr Anil Rajvanshi has been credited with infusing science and technology for rural development, e-rickshaw and ethanol as cooking fuel being just the two from way back in the 1990s. On January 25, Padma Award finally caught up with the 60-plus spiritual engineer -currently the Director of Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) at Phaltan (district Satara), Maharashtra -- who believes that spirituality with high technology should be "the mantra of India's development and practices what he preaches." Born and raised in Lucknow, higher studies in the US beckoned Rajvanshi following his
bachelor and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur. He received PhD at the University of Florida in 1979; he taught there for two and half years.
He could have chosen a cozy life for himself, instead he came back to India in 1981 with a dream to apply his training for developing rural India. Rajvanshi established the energy and sustainable development work at NARI. Rajvanshi's pioneering rural development work over last three decades has spanned a whole spectrum of areas affecting the lives of rural population: renewable energy-based cooking and lighting; power generation from agricultural residues; renewable fuel production
from agriculture; electric cycle rickshaws; water purification and effluent treatment through the use of renewable energy. His efforts have shown how a small rural S&T Institute working on a shoestring budget can pioneer technologies for rural India. He calls himself a spiritual engineer and believes that spirituality with high technology should be the mantra of India's development and practices what he preaches. Apart from a dozen-odd national and international awards, he is the recipient of the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 2001 for the use of science and technology in rural India.
Gujarat likely to get medical isotopes reactor facility to be set up in PPP mode Wikipedia
detailed design is in progress," he added. The proposed facility complex will be one of the largest single facilities for production/ processing of isotopes in the world in terms of volume. This will be the first of its kind PPP in the world. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is designing the reactor with a capacity ranging between 40-60MW depending on the demand for medical isotopes.
Chennai, January 25 (IANS): The Indian government is mulling over the location of the country's first dedicated nuclear research reactor for making medical isotopes or radio pharmaceuticals in Gujarat, said a top official of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in May 2020
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announced the setting up of such a reactor in public-privatepartnership (PPP) mode. "Kakrapar in Gujarat is being evaluated as a potential site for this reactor," K.N. Vyas, Secretary, DAE and Chairman, AEC, told IANS. "Around 20 potential investors from India and abroad have shown interest in the PPP reactor for making medical isotopes. A
India has built 40-100 MW research reactors. But the last research reactor was built in 1984. Thus, new costs would have to be worked out, Vyas had told IANS. At an informal pre-request for proposal (RFP) consultation session held in April 2021, there were participants representing businesses across the nuclear medicine value chain such as nuclear medicine, pharmaceuticals, healthcare,
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Varanasi (UP), January 27 (IANS): Researchers at the department of electrical engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) have developed a new technology for onboard chargers for vehicles. They have claimed that this technology costs about half of the current onboard charger technology and can reduce the cost of two and four-wheeler electric vehicles. Dr Rajeev Kumar Singh, associate professor and chief project investigator, said: "Amid the rising cost of petroleum products and rising pollution levels, electric vehicles (EVs) are the best alternative to conventional IC engines, but lack of high-power offboard charging infrastructure forces automakers to incorporate on-board chargers into the vehicle itself. The vehicle owner can charge the vehicles through the outlet. In such a situation, electric vehicles become very expensive." He said that with the new technology developed in the institute, the cost of on-board charger can be reduced by about 50 per cent. "This will also significantly reduce the cost of electric vehicles. The technology will be completely indigenous and will have a significant impact on driving electric vehicles on Indian roads in a big way," he said. "Lab scale development has already been done at IIT (BHU) and upgradation and commercialization are in progress. A country's leading electric vehicle manufacturer has also shown interest in this medical devices and nuclear reactor equipment suppliers from the US, Canada, Argentina, Russia, France, the UK and others and couple of Indian suppliers. According to the government, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) will be taking the responsibility of constructing the reactor, including the upfront capital expenditure for construction. It is expected that the private partner should be able to get high return on the capital invested. According to Vyas, the proposed reactor is designed to maximise irradiation capacity, and thus a large quantity of a variety of radioisotopes shall be produced in the reactor. "Majority of the isotopes are for medical use. In addition, some
new technology and is ready to develop a full-fledged commercial product that can be applied to existing electric vehicles. Experts from IIT Guwahati and IIT Bhubaneswar have also collaborated for this technology development," he added. Dr Singh said that this research is financially supported by the ministry of electronics and information technology. This innovative technology of the institute will also contribute to the e-mobility mission of the government. With the help of this new technology, the charging infrastructure of vehicles in the country will be improved and the access of the general public to electric vehicles will be possible easily. He explained that the electric vehicle contributes to sustainable development as it improves community health by eliminating tailpipe emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and, with the integration of renewable energy into existing electricity networks. IIT (BHU) director Prof Pramod Kumar Jain said: "The technology will help in production of cheap electric vehicles, which will be beneficial for the common man. The technology will support the government's mission to bring electric vehicles on Indian roads in a big way." Prof Jain added that a few projects on developing autonomous vehicle, connected vehicles are already underway at IIT (BHU). One such project is Averera, which has already won first prize globally in the Shell Eco Marathon last year. He further said that the IIT (BHU) is planning to set up an interdisciplinary centre on EV technologies to carry out design, fabrication, and testing of battery management systems, commercialise research, provide solutions to R&D problems and develop human resources in the area.
of the isotopes would also have industrial use. As per internal assessment, it is expected that with this research reactor, it will be possible to meet the complete requirement of medical isotopes in the country," Vyas had told IANS. "In addition, there will be considerable scope to export radioisotopes. It is planned to have a processing facility complex along with the reactor. It would be the world's largest (production volume wise) radio-isotopes production and processing facility," he added. Currently, NPCIL has two 220 MW and one 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) at Kakrapar. One more 700 MW reactor (KAPP4) is under construction.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
Pandemic causing 'generationdefining disruption' among children The Newsman
and mental health distress such as difficulty sleeping, having nightmares and withdrawing from friends, the report said. The review also refers to Kids Helpline data, and paediatric emergency department data, that shows a rapid rise in mental health and self-harm presentations. A survey of 5,000 teachers cited in the review found only 35 percent of them reported their students were learning effectively during lockdowns.
Sydney, January 24 (IANS): More than the impact of being infected with Covid-19, children are facing many indirect effects of the pandemic in terms of health and wellbeing. In a research review from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, paediatrician Prof Sharon Goldfeld said children are facing a "generation-defining disruption" with public health restrictions and interventions, the Guardian reported. These include online learning, social distancing, increased screen time, reduced access to healthcare, less community sport and less outside play all having repercussions. "The public health measures have resulted in positive benefits for some, while others have been adversely and inequitably impacted," Goldfeld was quoted as
saying. "Children and adolescents experiencing adversity before the pandemic have been disproportionately affected, potentially leading to a widening of disparities in child health, wellbeing, and developmental outcomes," he added. The review, published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), includes findings from a Royal Children's hospital poll that found one-third (36 per cent) of Australian parents felt that the pandemic had negatively affected the mental health of their child, and that 31 per cent of parents had delayed or avoided medical care for a sick or injured child due to concerns about catching the virus. A separate study found some children and adolescents infected with the virus experienced stigma
Goldfeld said some families also lacked the resources and time needed to support their children during remote education. Further, Goldfeld said even areas such as child nutrition and child safety had been impacted due to reduced family income and job losses during lockdowns, and parental mental health issues and stresses. "Job loss and reduced income is a known risk factor for harsh parenting and maltreatment," she said. A study released by the UN cultural agency UNESCO, last year, revealed-that more than 100 million-children than expected, are falling behind the minimum proficiency level in reading, due to Covid-related school closures. Goldfeld suggested developing urgent intervention programmes to address growing disparities.
NZ announces 3-phase public health response to Omicron Yahoo India
Wellington, January 26 (IANS): The New Zealand government on January 26 announced a threephase plan that aims to slow down and curb the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country. "Through the course of managing Omicron, we will be taking a phased approach. As case numbers grow, both testing and isolation approaches will change in response," Xinhua news agency reported citing the New Zealand Associate Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall. "We are setting out the changes ahead of large case numbers to give people a clearer idea of what to expect and what they need to do at each phase," Verrall said,
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Pak study blames polluted air from India for toxic smog in Lahore New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): An investigation report in Pakistan has blamed India, which it said is responsible for the terrible air pollution levels in Lahore. A joint investigation report of Bahauddin Zakariya University and NUST University has said that the polluted air coming from India formed the toxic smog in Lahore, Samaa TV reported. The report said the city's air was not clean for a single day in 2020, therefore the number of asthma and heart patients has increased. Pakistan has taken up the matter with India but did not get a response and without some intervention from across the border, the problem cannot be tackled, the report said. The report suggested that the SAARC conference could work on air pollution in Asia. Washington, January 26 (IANS): Amid an ongoing resurgence across the world, the global coronavirus caseload has topped 357.9 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.61 million and vaccinations to over 9.85 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on January 26 morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 357,963,895 and 5,614,043, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 9,850,294,423. The US continues to be the worsthit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 72,171,208 and 871,937, according to the CSSE.
also require us to shift from identifying all infected individuals to being more targeted to those most at risk and those needed to keep the country going," she said.
"So far, we've been focused on keeping Omicron out of the community for as long as possible while we roll out vaccinations to children and boosters for our adult population," she said.
At phase three, when cases are in the thousands, through contact tracing household and household-like contacts will be identified only. This will mean the highest risk contacts will need to be isolated, Verrall said.
Berlin, January 26 (IANS): German biotechnology company BioNTech and US company Pfizer have started clinical trials of an Omicron-based Covid-19 vaccine candidate in healthy adults aged from 18 to 55 years, the companies have said.
"Supported self-service, rapid antigen testing for diagnosing Covid and a self-service tool to enable identification of high-risk contacts will be significant to respond to the high volumes of Omicron cases," she added.
The trials would evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate, according to a joint statement by the companies on January 25. The study would involve up to 1,420 participants.
The majority of people will be supported and be able to selfmanage and isolate at home, and clinical care will focus on anyone with high needs, the plan said, adding that through the course of phase two and three, a test to return regime will apply to the critical workforces, to keep them going through the outbreak.
"This study is part of our science-based approach to develop a variant-based vaccine that achieves a similar level of protection against Omicron as it did with earlier variants but with longer duration of protection," said Ugur Sahin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioNTech.
"Our plan is simple, get boosted, wear a mask, follow basic hygiene rules we've become so familiar with and reduce contact as much as is practical," Verrall said.
The first group of participants, around 600 volunteers, have already received two doses of the BioNTech or Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine between 90 and 180 days
The phase two response is to slow the spread and protect the vulnerable communities. The system will be adjusted to focus much more on identifying those who are at greater risk of severe illness from Omicron, which will be a smaller percentage of cases. At phase two, the isolation period for cases is reduced to 10 days and contacts to seven days in line with the best practice overseas, Verrall said. "A rapid escalation in case numbers and the resulting pressure on our resources will
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Lahore has been battling the worst air pollution for four years in the winter. In 2021, the city ranked No. 1 globally as the most polluted city, with its AQI crossing 700 which is 'most hazardous'. The last time smog levels in Lahore sky-rocketed was in the winter of 2016-2017. A New York Times report said that dangerous particles in the air, called PM2.5, reached 1,077 microgram per cubic metre, which is 30 times more than what is considered a safe limit. Experts said the pollution has reached a "crisis point", the report said. Smog is formed by a mixture of pollutants and water vapour in the atmosphere. It can cause health problems such as asthma, flu, cough, allergies, bronchial infection, and heart problems.
Global Covid caseload tops 357.9 mn
adding that vaccination remains the most effective weapon against the virus, and the Omicron variant is markedly less severe than prior variants.
According to the plan, the phase One response to Omicron involves taking a stamp it out approach. Cases will need to be isolated for 14 days and contacts for 10 days.
HEALTH
The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (39,799,202 infections and 490,462 deaths), followed by Brazil (24,342,322 infections and 624,129 deaths). The other countries with over 5 million cases are France (17,420,531), the UK (16,158,212), Turkey (11,090,493), Russia (11,055,246), Italy (10,212,621), Spain (9,395,767), Germany (8,956,528), Argentina (8,041,520), Iran (6,267,559) and Colombia (5,780,910), the CSSE figures showed. The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Russia (320,844), Mexico (303,301), Peru (204,404), the UK (154,873), Indonesia (144,247), Italy (144,343), Colombia (132,737), Iran (132,274), France (130,483), Argentina (119,703), Germany (117,006), Ukraine (106,047) and Poland (104,097).
Pfizer, BioNTech start clinical trial of Omicron-specific Covid-19 vaccine
before the start of the study. They would receive one or two doses of the new Omicron-based vaccine, according to the statement. The second group, almost as large, would include individuals who have already received three vaccine doses and who would then receive one dose of the BioNTech or Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine or the Omicron-based vaccine, Xinhua news agency reported. The third group would include around 200 unvaccinated people, who have not previously had Covid-19. People in this group would receive three doses of the new Omicron-based vaccine, according to the statement. "Staying vigilant against the virus requires us to identify new approaches for people to maintain a high level of protection, and we believe developing and investigating variant-based vaccines, like this one, are essential in our efforts towards this goal," said Kathrin Jansen, Pfizer's senior Vice-President.
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INDIA NEWS
SPORTS
Nadal beats Medvedev to win Australian Krejcikova-Siniakova pair Open and 21st Grand Slam title clinches Australian Open women's doubles title Al Jazeera
Under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, the legendary Spaniard demonstrated his trademark bigmatch mentality, overcoming the Russian Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in an epic five hours and 24 minutes final to win the trophy. With his dramatic victory, Nadal has claimed sole ownership of the record for the most Grand Slam men's titles, moving past Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic who are both on 20 major crowns. The 35-year-old, who clinched the trophy in Melbourne in 2009, has also become just the second player in the Open Era alongside Djokovic to win each of the four majors at least twice.
Melbourne, Jan 30 (IANS): Rafael Nadal roared back from twosets-to-love down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the classic final
and win Australian Open 2022 men singles trophy, claiming his record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title, here on Sunday.
Nadal now leads Medvedev 4-1 in their ATP Head2Head series, with this their second meeting in a Grand Slam final. At the US Open in 2019, Medvedev rallied from two-sets-to-love down before Nadal prevailed in the decider in a Flushing Meadows epic.
Australian Open: Barty outplays Collins, becomes first home champion since 1978
IANS
Melbourne, Jan 29 (IANS): Adding another feather to her cap, world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty outplayed Danielle Collins in the final to win the 2022 Australian Open women's singles title, ending her country's 44-year wait for a home Grand Slam champion, here on Saturday. Top seed Barty overturned a 5-1 deficit in the second set to defeat No. 27 seed Collins 6-3, 7-6(2) in the final, becoming the first home champion at the tournament since Chris O'Neil in 1978. The title is Barty's third Grand Slam crown, and second out of the last three, following Roland Garros 2019 and Wimbledon 2021. The 25-year-old becomes the second active player to claim major titles on all three surfaces, alongside 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. Barty is also the eighth WTA player in the Open Era to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Appropriately, the only other woman to capture her first three majors at each of those was fellow Indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who presented
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people. This crowd is one of the most fun I've ever played in front of. You brought so much joy, you relaxed me and forced me to play my best tennis. This is just a dream come true for me and I am so proud to be an Aussie," she added.
Barty with the trophy afterward. It is World No 1 Barty's 15th title overall, fourth on home soil and second in a row following her Adelaide triumph in the first week of 2022. She has won 12 of her past 14 finals dating back to Miami 2019, with her only losses coming to Naomi Osaka at Beijing 2019 and Aryna Sabalenka at Madrid 2020. Barty, who is now on an 11-match winning streak, is the first player to win the Australian Open without dropping a set since Serena Williams in 2017. "First and foremost, I have to say congratulations to Danielle and your team. I know you'll be fighting for many more of these in the future," said Barty. "To my team, wow. I said numerous times I'm so lucky to have so many people here that love and support me. We started right together from the start in the second part of my career. I love you guys to death, you're the absolute best in the business. "As an Aussie, the most important part of the tournament is being able to share it with so many
In the first set, Barty won 15 out of 16 first-serve points and faced only one breakpoint at 2-2, which she saved with a clinical one-two punch. Collins' return had been lethal against Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, but the American was only able to put 11 out of 30 back in play against Barty in the first set.
IANS
Melbourne, Jan 30 (IANS): The Czech Republic's pair of Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova clinched their fourth Grand Slam women's doubles title as a team, defeating Kazakhstan's Anna Danilina and Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in the Australian Open final here on Sunday. This was the No.1 seeds' maiden Australia Open title and came after the Czech duo overcame a spirited challenge from the unseeded pair of Danilina and Haddad Maia 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-4. Siniakova, ranked world No.1, and Krejcikova, No.2 in the doubles, had lost in the final of the 2021 Australian Open, falling to Belgian-Belarusian pair of Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka. But the Czechs prevailed this time around in an engrossing two-hour and 42-minute contest. Krejcikova and Siniakova added to their two French Open titles (2018 and 2021) and their 2018 Wimbledon title, which means they only need to win the US Open title for a career Grand Slam. Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallists Krejcikova and Siniakova have improved one step further in each of the last five editions of the Australian Open. They lost in the round of 16 in their 2018 debut, reached the 2019 quarterfinals, the 2020 semifinals, and the 2021 final before their title this year.
For Danilina and Haddad Maia, the defeat ended their exceptional run. They had paired up for the first time two weeks ago and won the Sydney title before making their first Grand Slam final in Melbourne. The duo won the first nine matches of their partnership. Haddad Maia was the third Brazilian woman to reach a Grand Slam final, according to wtatennis.com. Maria Bueno won a total of 19 Grand Slam titles between 1959 and 1968 (seven singles, 11 women's doubles and one mixed doubles), and Claudia Monteiro reached the mixed doubles final at 1982 Roland Garros. Danilina was ranked No.100 in doubles coming into Sydney, but hit a career-high of No.53 after that title, and will leave the Australian Open with a projected top-25 doubles ranking. Haddad Maia will also reach a new careerhigh doubles ranking, projected to crack the top-45.
Mladenovic wins second Australian Open mixed doubles crown WTA Tennis
Having saved that break-point, Barty pounced immediately in the next game, bringing up her first of the match by powering away from a forehand winner, and converting it as Collins double-faulted for the first time, a wtatennis.com report said. An undaunted Collins mounted a strong response in the second set. Barty opened the door with a series of forehand errors, and Collins landed an emphatic overhead -- accompanied by a trademark fiery exhortation -- to break for 2-1. Barty's edgy play continued as she threw in a pair of double faults two games later, and a ferocious Collins return sealed the 5-1 double break lead. With a third set seemingly inevitable, Barty loosened up again. Her tight forehand errors were replaced by a series of precise winners off that wing to gain one of the breaks back, and from that point, the comeback was on. Collins, serving for the set for the second time at 5-3, reached 30-0, only to be denied by another trio of Barty forehands.
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Melbourne, Jan 28 (IANS): France's Kristina Mladenovic and Croatia's Ivan Dodig were on Friday crowned the Australian Open 2022 mixed doubles champions, defeating Australian wild cards Jaimee Fourlis and Jason Kubler 6-3, 6-4 at the Melbourne Park here. This is the second time in her career that the 28-year-old Mladenovic has emerged the Australian Open mixed doubles champion, with the previous title coming in 2014. The win for the former top-10 player is her first mixed major crown in eight years, her third overall and second in Australia. She and Canada's Daniel Nestor reached consecutive finals
in Australia in 2014 and 2015, winning the former, and the duo also won Wimbledon in 2013. Mladenovic now boasts eight total Grand Slam titles across women's and mixed doubles. Mladenovic and Dodig cruised in the 78-minute final, which was a far cry from their previous games, which were keenly fought. The duo was stretched to a match tiebreak in three of the four matches in the earlier rounds, and rallied from a set down to defeat No.2 seeds Zhang Shuai of China and John Peers of Australia in the semifinals, 1-6, 7-5, 10-2. Fourlis and Kubler were the third wildcard team to reach the mixed doubles championship in Melbourne in the past four years.
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INDIA NEWS
Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
Women's Asia Cup: India down China 2-0 to win bronze medal
IANS
China tried to look for an opportunity to reduce the deficit, and their efforts did get rewarded with a PC, but India captain Savita pulled off a remarkable save to deny the Chinese.
SPORTS
BBL 2021-22: Perth Scorchers thrash Sydney Sixers to clinch record fourth title
IANS
IANS
Minutes later, Navneet got an opportunity to add the third goal in the scoreline, but narrowly missed the target from the right side of the goalpost.
Muscat (Oman), Jan 28 (IANS): Drag flicker Gurjit Kaur and forward Sharmila Devi scored a goal apiece off penalty corners as India defeated China 2-0 to win the bronze medal in the Women's Asia Cup hockey tournament here on Friday. In a rematch of the 2017 final that India won in a shootout, Sharmila capitalised on a rebound off a penalty corner by Gurjit that was blocked by the Chinese defence, diverted the ball into the cage to make it 1-0 for India in the 13th minute.
event. On Friday, it was a neck-and-neck battle at the start to the match with both teams trying to make inroads into each other's striking circle, showcasing good attacking and defending skills. Both India and China created potential goalscoring opportunities and even earned themselves penalty corners, but both teams missed out on converting the chances.
Six minutes later, India were 2-0 up as Gurjit blasted a powerful flick into the Chinese goal off another penalty corner.
However, in the 13th minute, India's effort paid off as Sharmila found herself in the right spot to push the ball in the goal after Gurjit's powerful drag-flick was stopped by the defence line, just before the hooter sounded to signal the end of the first quarter.
India survived some strong attacks by China in the second half to secure their third bronze medal in the event. India have won the title twice and also lost the final as many times in the
Charged-up, the Indian eves started the second quarter on an attacking note, and four minutes later they earned a penalty corner, which was duly converted by Gurjit.
After the ten-minute half-time break, China, who were trailing 0-2, started the third quarter on the front foot and piled pressure on India. India's defence stood tall and denied China's every attempt at the goal. The latter stage of the third quarter saw both teams fight for possession. China displayed a better attack and made inroads in India's circle. However, the Indian defence soaked the pressure and successfully defended the Chinese threat to keep the scoreline 2-0 at the end of the third quarter.
Sydney, Jan 30 (IANS): Former Australia cricketer Ian Chappell feels Virat Kohli lifted India to success in overseas conditions which hadn't been achieved by any other captain before. He added that Kohli's big focus was administering a craving for Test cricket. In January, Kohli stepped down as Test captain just a day after India lost the threematch series 2-1 to South Africa. The 33-year-old finished as India's most successful Test captain, leading the side in 68 Tests, winning 40, losing 17 and drawing 11 matches. Under him, India clinched a historic Test series win over Australia in 2018/19 and led 2-1 in England last year apart from
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becoming a top-ranked Test side and reaching the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). "When Kohli took over after the successful reign of MS Dhoni, there was one major concern: would his boundless enthusiasm cloud his judgement as leader? There's no doubt Kohli was an exception as captain; he didn't curb his enthusiasm but he was still able to lead the Indian team to a higher level. "With the capable assistance of vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, he lifted India to overseas success like no other captain had done," wrote Chappell in his column for ESPNCricinfo on Sunday. Talking about the biggest achievement of Kohli as the Test captain, Chappell remarked, "One of Kohli's great achievements was instilling in his team a craving for Test cricket. Despite his allencompassing success, Kohli's major aim was to achieve victory in the Test arena and this is where his passion really shone. There is no doubt that Kohli drove his men hard but it's also apparent they enjoyed competing and wanted
With this win, Perth Scorchers became the first team to lift the BBL Trophy for the fourth time in the competition's 11-season history. They earlier had won titles in seasons 3, 4 and 6 of BBL.
At the start of the fourth quarter, China won yet another Penalty Corner but failed to convert it. During the counterattack, Salima Tete did get the opportunity, but her reverse flick was blocked by the Chinese defence.
At 4-25, Scorchers were in deep trouble and Evans (76 not out off 41) and Turner (54 off 35) helped them recover from the collapse as they put on 104 runs for the fifth wicket to help their side to 171 for 6. In reply, Daniel Hughes topscored for the Sixers with 42 but it was not enough.
China, who came out all guns blazing, enjoyed the possession throughout the final quarter. They even earned three consecutive PC in the dying minutes, but a solid display by Indian defence helped the Indian eves secure third place in the Women's Asia Cup.
Chasing a challenging target, Hayden Kerr (2), who scored an unbeaten 98 against Adelaide Strikers to help the Sixers into the final, could not replicate his heroics as he fell in the second over to Jason Behrendorff slicing a catch to short third-man.
Kohli lifted India to overseas success like no other captain had done: Chappell
IANS
Melbourne, Jan 28 (IANS): A stunning fightback from Laurie Evans and skipper Ashton Turner with the bat followed by a clinical show with the ball helped Perth Scorchers thrash Sydney Sixers by 79 runs in the final and won the 2021-22 Big Bash League title, here on Friday.
success." The 78-year-old felt that Kohli backing up wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to develop well in Test cricket was a big plus too. "Kohli has a number of individual achievements in his resume, none bigger than the development of Rishabh Pant as a wicketkeeper and batter. Kohli tended to get his way when it came to selection and some of his decisions in this area were a little questionable but there's no doubting his support of Pant was a master stroke." Chappell signed off by saying that Kohli should be appreciated from stepping down as Test captain on his own terms. "Kohli took the legacy of Sourav Ganguly and Dhoni and substantially built on it in seven years at the helm. Performance is another factor in ranking a captain and in his Tests as captain, Kohli averaged a masterly 54. He also has to be commended for resigning at a time of his choosing. Kohli got it right, though he didn't go out having achieved his final ambition."
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Daniel Hughes and Nick Bertus (15) tried to build a partnership but their association ended on 27 runs as Turner dismissed the other opener. With skipper Moises Henriques also falling cheaply, leg-before to Ashton Agar, the Sixers slipped to 46 for 3 after seven overs. From there on, the game began to rest largely on the bat of Hughes, who despite passing a pre-match fitness test, appeared to be significantly hampered running between the wickets. He tried to hold the innings together but didn't receive support from the other end as Dan Christian and Peter Hatzoglou fell in quick succession. Hughes (42) was the next to fall, run out after a poor call from Sean Abbott in the 13th over as the Sixers slumped to 6-77. Only 25 more runs were added for the last
four wickets as the Sixers were bowled out for 92 in 16.2 overs, losing the final by a huge margin of 79 runs. Andrew Tye picked up a threewicket haul (3/15) while Jhye Richardson bagged a couple (2/20). Earlier, the Scorchers innings was in disarray after they were asked to bat, with only 25 runs coming in the first six overs at the cost of four top-order wickets. Kurtis Patterson (1) was the first to depart, top-edging a pulloff Jackson Bird. Inglis (13) then joined the in-form Patterson back in the shed and he was quickly followed by Mitchell Marsh and Colin Munro. Marsh (5) and Munro (1) got out to Nathan Lyon in the sixth over, failing in their attempts to play the loft and reverse sweep respectively as the Scorchers slumped to 4-25 in the sixth. That was when Turner was joined by Evans and they shifted the momentum with a brilliant match-winning partnership across the next 10 overs. Both Turner and Evans brought up their half-centuries with powerful sixes over mid-wicket before veteran tweaker Steve O'Keefe (2-43) broke through to send the Scorchers skipper on his way in the 16th over. Evans, meanwhile, collected two more sixes and remained unbeaten on 76 from 41 balls, his highest score of the tournament, with a tally of four boundaries and as many maximums. Ashton Agar also struck three fours as Scorchers finished with a remarkable total of 171-6 that had earlier looked impossible. Brief scores: Perth Scorchers 171/6 in 20 overs (Laurie Evans 76 not out, Ashton Turner 54; Nathan Lyon 2-24, Steve O'Keefe 2-43) beat Sydney Sixers 92 in 16.2 overs (Daniel Hughes 42; Andrew Tye 3-15, Jhye Richardson 2-20) by 79 runs.
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INDIA NEWS
Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
CULTURE
Intimate cafes, cloud kitchens: Picasso’s 'La Fenêtre to be auctioned Exhaling with grub in Srinagar Ouverte' for the first time being fascinated with cooking since she was a child.While other cloud kitchens have emerged in recent years, hers remains the only one that provides customised cuisines. “I was the first to make people fall in love with fish cooked with sun-dried vegetables.”While the Tabak Maaz salad was a big hit, I’ve always believed in improvisation, such as the apricot mutton.” Someone who constantly encourages her clients to try new things,”So many young people are opening up to experimentation,” Ayub adds. I was recently asked for Hibachi chicken, a Japanese dish.”
T
he stark contrasts in Srinagar are what make the spaces inbetween breathtaking, terrifying, and seductively blank. Under the cloud-capped sun and the melancholy that comes with the permanent grey weather of January here; amidst graffiti in a script that goes from right to left. And in those places, at all times – both tense and 'normal,' food is rarely lost in conversation. That's what my new friends here say. However, if you believe that a city can only be found on long walks — alone and abandoned — in places where multiple currents meet, downtown may seem like the perfect choice —- roadside barbecues, shops as old as time... but this is a place for solitary meals, piping hot meat from establishments whose half-erased signboards make a nostalgic's dreams come true. In order to capture the vibe of the ‘urban and mobile’ young, the intimate cafes that have sprung up in recent years provide interesting insights. The air of informality, a promise to sit around, where nothingness is encouraged, it is always beyond the grub they offer that they are usually full. Several are led by people who have worked across the country for major corporations or aid organisations. Before the conversation begins, some owners may inquire, ‘Is there going to be a political undertone to the piece?’ You smile as you say ‘no,’ thinking, ‘but what isn’t political?’ Anam Khan, a communications specialist who worked with John Hopkins in their Delhi office and later US Aid, was born in Delhi, lived and studied outside the valley (though her mother lives here), and then became a partner in the well-known ‘Books & Bricks’ cafe on Iqbal Road here,
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which is essentially an American diner that serves burgers, pizzas, and pasta, with the Lamb Half Pounder being their best-selling dish. With a capacity of 40 customers at a time, its popularity among young people aged 18 to 40 ensures that Khan is always hands-on. “During my time with US AID, I would come here to cover childhood and work in this cafe.” I proposed that there be book readings and other cultural events held in this space. In fact, I was the one who organised the first one, and we also saw a sarangi player. The evening was enchanting. I began assisting them with social media.” She joined the team in 2019. The place had been completely renovated, and Khan would be here every day, serving, hosting, and conversing with customers.”I never went back to Delhi,” she says with a smile. She believes that the rustic and intimate setting of Books & Bricks is one of the reasons for the city’s strong cafe culture’s evolution. “Yes, a lot of people have recently invested. “Because there are no theatres or art galleries for recreation, eating out becomes a recreational activity.” For someone who makes it a point to visit each table and speak with customers to ensure that everything is in order, this Delhi University graduate believes that opening up more spaces will benefit the industry. “When a new cafe opens, I am not threatened.” More spaces like this indicate that the industry is evolving. Previously, our vendors were located in Delhi or Chandigarh. “Most of them have arrived now.” Mir Toyyibah Ayub, then 19, founded Kashmir’s first cloud kitchen, ‘Dish You Wish.’ This young woman, now 22, recalls
Aghya Ayhan Rathore and his brother, who worked in the corporate sector in major cities, had long planned to open a cafe in their hometown of Srinagar last year, but it was the Pandemic that brought their plans to fruition, and thus ‘The Backyard Grill’ at Rajbagh was born. “Well, we’re foodies, so that definitely helped.” They didn’t want to buy or rent a place, so they converted a portion of their home into a cafe, hence the name. With the option of sitting indoors or outdoors, the duo has focused on warm lights, a lot of wood and greens, and neon lights to give the outdoor space a nighttime facelift. Rathore, like Khan, believes that it is the personalised experience that is working for them. “We are always on-site and in contact with our customers.” Because the atmosphere is so welcoming, we frequently have the joining of two random tables. People who come in as our guests leave as our friends.” Several other cafes, including Chai Jhai, Cafe Liberty, and Creme Bakery Cafe, are also popular with young people and tourists. Cafe Morels, another popular spot known for its Stuffed Chicken Steak and ‘Bubble Tea,’ also arose during the Pandemic. Iqra Rafiqi, the owner, has always been passionate about food and wanted to open a cafe with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Starting operations in 2021, the architecture of the cafe, which can seat 27 people inside, may be reminiscent of a European establishment, given that he lived in London before returning, but it contains enough Kashmiri elements to make everyone feel at home. “When I moved back here, there were no options for authentic English breakfast or a cup of coffee that satisfied my taste.” And I was confident that many Kashmiris would appreciate the opportunity to sample international cuisines. For the first time, I introduced bubble tea to Kashmir, and the response has been overwhelming.”
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L
a fenêtre ouverte (1929, estimate: £14,000,00024,000,000), presented at auction for the first time, is a seminal work from Pablo Picasso's Surrealist period. The painting will be featured in Christie's 21st edition of The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale, which will be held on March 1, 2022, as part of the 20/21 Shanghai to London auction series. La fenêtre ouverte is a work of striking visual power, impressively scaled and rendered with a bold colour palette and direct handling. This complex and compelling studio scene, painted on November 22, 1929, is one of a series of Atelier works that Picasso began around 1926, richly symbolic and radically constructed paintings that reveal the artist's multi-faceted interests at the time. Other works from this series can be found in museums such as New York's Museum of Modern Art and Paris's Musée National d'Art Moderne, Le Centre Pompidou. La fenêtre ouverte is a rich source of personal and artistic symbolism. It is a still life, a veiled Atelier scene, and a Surrealist distortion of reality. Two highly abstracted figures tower in the foreground of this painting. A plaster bust on the right appears to be a disguised image of the artist’s great lover and muse at the time, MarieThérèse Walter. The figurative object on the left, a jumble of feet intersected by an arrow, is thought to be an abstracted, symbolic representation of Picasso himself. In the background, two spires of the Sainte-Clotilde church can be seen. According to John Richardson, this work depicts the secret Left Bank apartment that Picasso and Marie-Thérèse shared as a hideaway during their relationship. A configuration of abstracted objects is depicted in the foreground in an arrangement reminiscent of the artist’s earlier cubist still lifes. Olivier Camu, Deputy Chairman, Impressionist and Modern Art, Christie’s: “Held in the same European collection for half a century, this powerful and
explosively coloured painting from the highpoint of Picasso’s Surrealist period and two years into his clandestine love affair with Marie-Thérèse, represents a brilliant fusion of the different passions and inspirations that defined the artist’s life at the end of the 1920s. Relishing the secret nature of their romance, Picasso could not help but include his lover’s presence in the form of the plaster bust in this painting. Marie-Thérèse’s presence in Picasso’s life reinvigorated every area of his work, her statuesque form and radiant beauty, as well as her youthful, carefree sensibility inspiring the artist to create works that stand as the finest of his career. This metamorphosised, cryptically coded work stands as a fascinating self-portrait of Picasso and his golden haired muse, which we are thrilled to present to the market for the first time as a major highlight of the 21st edition of The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale.” Although Marie-Thérèse did not appear in full form in the artist’s work until the spring of 1931, when he created the sentinellike plaster busts, her profile and sweep of hair are instantly identifiable in La fenêtre ouverte. Her presence in the artist’s life and art was unknown at the time, but the iconic visual idiom that Picasso developed in his portrayals of her, in profile and with the luminous white visage, was already present. La fenêtre ouverte was included in Picasso’s landmark 1932 retrospective, which was first shown at the Galerie Georges Petit in Paris from June to July, before moving to the Kunsthaus Zurich from September to October. The painting was also included in the seminal survey exhibition ‘Dada, Surrealism, and Their Heritage’ at The Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1968. Picasso’s La fenêtre ouverte will be on display in New York from February 4 to 8, 2022, and in Hong Kong from February 15 to 17, 2022, before travelling to London from February 23 to March 1, 2022.
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INDIA NEWS
Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
BOOKS & LITERATURE
The Nationalism Book Auction Exploring the heart and prison, were among the auction's highlights. (Lot 15; Jawaharlal Nehru's India and the World, 1926) The catalogue had 85 lots, bringing to life a diverse range of political leaders, authors, and philosophers’ experiences and narratives. The value of these literary assets was estimated to be between INR 30,000 and INR 1,00,000.
P
rinseps held the third edition of 'The Nationalism Book Auction' on January 25. The auction featured a unique collection of first-edition books, the majority of which have never been offered for sale before. These novels were printed in India between the pre-independence and post-independence periods and are difficult to find, as just a few copies have remained. The sale provided a rare view
into pre-independence India, a time when freedom fighters, philosophies, revolutionaries, and well-known figures flourished. The comprehensive collection of Gandhi's speeches and writings (Lot 5; Speeches and Writings of M.K Gandhi by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, 1922); and a collection of Jawaharlal Nehru's political writings, which includes his presidential addresses and some shorter essays written in
“The third edition of The Nationalism Book Auction provides a rare collection of first-editions or limited editions that might be deemed irreplaceable in today’s times,” says Vice-President and Curator Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil. The books are in excellent shape, having been carefully conserved.” In addition to the auction, Prinseps will hold a special auction of NFTs based on Bhanu Athaiya’s drawings and sketches in the following months.
1,500 saplings planted to offset carbon footprint of upcoming novel
I
n a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Hoshiarpur Literary Society has collaborated with the Punjab Forest Department to plant saplings in their endeavour to eliminate the carbon footprint of Khushwant Singhs upcoming novel, 'The Opium Toffee'. Every publishing activity leads to the release of greenhouse gases, and the major contributors are carbon dioxide and methane. The Forest Department carried out the plantation drive at its nursery in Muallanpur, near here. The department planted 1,500 saplings, including species like Shishma, Kanakchampa, Rajhain, Sukh Chain, Australian Kikar, and Kaindu. According to author Singh,
this noble idea came from a conversation with a friend from the organisation, Sustain to Survive.
love, drugs, betrayal, politics and fanaticism and opens a window to that disturbing phase in India's history.
"Once he made me aware and calculated the kind of CO2e (carbon dioxide and other gases) a book produces, I wanted to mitigate the carbon footprint of the novel and approached the Hoshiarpur Literary Society and the Forest Department to help me in taking this initiative.
Keroscene Films has already optioned 'The Opium Toffee' for a cinematic experience. This is Singh's third book to be optioned for a movie.
"The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests was very receptive to this idea, and I am sure that the step that we have taken will find roots, and many such initiatives will follow. Steps like using recycled paper, energy-efficient printing methods and usage of less toxic printing ink are some of the immediate remedies that the publishing industry can adopt," Singh told IANS. "Even though it's challenging to arrive at an exact figure, rough estimates suggest that 15 trees over their lifecycle can offset one tonne of CO2e. Keeping in mind the various steps involved in writing and publishing, the mortality of plants in forest conditions etc., I figured that 1,500 trees would be a safe figure to plant," he added. 'The Opium Toffee' will be formally released in February. It is a love story set in Punjab and London of the 1980s. It is a story that traverses through
Omung Kumar is adopting his biographical work on veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh into a biopic. At the same time, his previous novel 'Maharaja in Denims' is being adapted into a film by Guneet Monga, the producer of 'Lunch Box' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur 2'. Singh has also authored 'The People's Maharaja', the authorised biography of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. "We are very proud of this initiative. The Hoshiarpur Literary Society has always taken the lead in bringing important narratives to the society," said Sanna K. Gupta, President of the Hoshiarpur Literary Society. "Through this tree plantation drive, we plan to sensitise the writers and the publishing community about GHG emissions that the publishing industry creates. We will soon hold a seminar as well as write to all the stakeholders in the writing industry to consider the options to help build a carbon-neutral world," Gupta added.
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soul of hi-performance companies A
distinguished Harvard Business School professor offers a compelling reassessment and defence of purpose as a management ethos, documenting the vast performance gains and social benefits that become possible when firms manage to get their purpose right. Few business topics have aroused more skepticism in recent years than the notion of corporate purpose, and for good reason. Too many companies deploy purpose, or a reason for being, as a promotional vehicle to make themselves feel virtuous and to look good to the outside world. Some have only foggy ideas about what purpose is and conflate it with strategy and other concepts like 'mission', 'vision', and 'values'. Even well-intentioned leaders don't understand the full potential of purpose and engage halfheartedly and superficially with it. Outsiders spot this and become cynical about companies and the broader capitalist endeavour. Having conducted extensive field research, Ranjay Gulati reveals the fatal mistakes leaders unwittingly make when attempting to implement a reason for being. Moreover, he shows how companies can embed purpose much more deeply than they currently do, delivering impressive performance benefits that reward customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and communities alike. To get purpose right, leaders must fundamentally change not only how they execute it but also how they conceive of and relate to it. They must practice what Gulati calls deep purpose, furthering each organization's reason for being more intensely, thoughtfully, and comprehensively than ever before. In his authoritative work "Deep Purpose" (Penguin), Gulati takes readers inside some of the world's most purposeful companies to understand the secrets to their successes. He explores how leaders can pursue purpose more deeply by navigating the inevitable trade-offs more deliberately and effectively to balance between short- and longterm value: * Building purpose more systematically into every key organizational function to mobilize stakeholders and enhance performance * Updating organizations to foster more autonomy and collaboration, which in turn allow individual employees to work more purposefully * Using powerful storytelling to communicate a reason for being, arousing emotions and building
a community of inspired and committed stakeholders; and * Building cultures that don't merely support purpose, but also allow employees to link the corporate purpose to their own personal reasons for being. As Gulati argues, a deeper engagement with purpose holds the key not merely to the wellbeing of individual companies but also to humanity's future. With capitalism under siege and relatively low levels of trust in business, purpose can serve as a radically new operating system for the enterprise, enhancing performance while also delivering meaningful benefits to society. It's the kind of inspired thinking that businesses -- and the rest of us -- urgently need. Ranjay Gulati is the Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor and the former Unit Head of the Organizational Behavior Unit at Harvard Business School. Until recently, he chaired the Advanced Management Program, the flagship senior leader executive program, at the school. Gulati studies how "resilient" organisations -- those that prosper both in good times and bad -- drive growth and profitability. His work bridges strategy (establishing clear strategic pillars for growth), organizational design (reimagining purposeful and collaborative organizational systems), and leadership (fostering inspired, courageous and caring execution). He is the author of a number of books, and has been a frequent guest on CNBC and other media outlets. He has also served on the advisory boards of several entrepreneurial ventures. Gulati holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University, a Master's Degree in Management from MIT's Sloan School of Management, and two Bachelor's Degrees, in Computer Science and Economics, from Washington State University and St. Stephen's College, New Delhi, respectively.
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INDIA NEWS
Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
TRAVEL
Ananda in The Himalayas & The Nautilus Maldives announce partnership T
he Nautilus Maldives, a highly tailored bohemian hideaway and private island resort, has collaborated with Ananda in The Himalayas, one of India's top ranked destination spa and wellness retreat, to create a firstof-its-kind wellbeing experience that is customised, opulent, and genuinely one-of-a-kind. This collaboration, will offer the finest of both worlds: the confluence of the beautiful Himalayas and the broad Indian Ocean, where the luxury of space and time becomes boundless. Two locations where you may re-energize, revitalise, and experience nature at its finest. Set against the stunning background of the Baa Atoll in the Maldives, the Nautilus is known as the most personalised private island experience, and its “anytime, anywhere, as you please” style of hospitality invites guests to come as they are. • As part of the daily schedule at the Solasta Spa overwater yoga pavilion, guests at The Nautilus will be able to experience signature Ananda Meditation and Breathwork practises as part of the hotel’s extensive spa offerings. The Ananda Dhyana meditation and breathwork series is specifically designed for guests at The Nautilus to recharge themselves by improving clarity of thought and achieving a heightened sense of balance. • From January to March 2022, guests at The Nautilus will be able to sample a selection of signature Ananda gourmet wellness cuisine as part of The Nautilus’ culinary offerings. Ananda’s signature
wellness cuisine incorporates key Ayurvedic principles, such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and the avoidance of added or artificial salts, colours, flavours, or preservatives. • At the same time, Ananda guests can enjoy signature dishes from The Nautilus’ three gourmet restaurants: Zeytoun, which focuses on intriguing infusions of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine; Ocaso, which celebrates simplicity with Japanese and Latin-American creations; and Thyme, which specialises in island-inspired tropical cuisine. • In addition, a one-of-a-kind multi-day Ananda Wellness Retreat at The Nautilus is already planned for April 2022. From April 7 to 11, 2022, Ananda experts will be in residence at The Nautilus, conducting daily classes, workshops, and guided sessions in yoga, meditation, and presenting Ananda’s gourmet wellness cuisine.
“With recent events and changed life circumstances, our guests’ health awareness and sustainable lifestyle are becoming increasingly important.” As a result, we are delighted to have found such a strong partner in the field of holistic wellbeing and to further enhance our guests’ wellness journey with Ananda’s
strong expertise,” says Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives.
The first floor includes a living room, kitchen, working space, bathroom and mezzanine bedroom with a king-size bed.
com/1eurohouse and complete the application form. Before applying, carefully read the selection terms available on the website.
“The Ananda concept is a journey to discover one’s inner self, aided by ancient wellness practises and retreats to places of solace where tranquil nature and nurturing care create longlasting transformations.” The
combination of Ananda’s wellness expertise and bespoke luxury from The Nautilus across two magical destinations presents a one-of-a-kind and immersive opportunity for our global patrons,” says Mahesh Natarajan, Chief Operating Officer, Ananda in the Himalayas.
Live for a year in a restored ‘1 Euro’ Sicilian home
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irbnb is looking for the right person to host a decayedturned-designer Italian heritage home and live rent-free for a year. With the ability to live and work remotely, one person will be chosen to relocate to Sicily with their family, spouse, or friend, and live in this beautifully renovated home.
“The beauty of this campaign is that it gives a second chance not just to an abandoned heritage home in the heart of our village - it’s also a second chance to the person who moves into it. We see it as a designer makeover for the house and the Host. We’re looking for someone who wants to live with the local population and participate in all the important moments of the community, from the grape harvest to olive picking and we can't wait to welcome whoever gets selected!” said Leonardo Ciaccio, Mayor of Sambuca di Sicilia. Candidates should be enthusiastic about hosting and participating
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in village life. Their stay in Sambuca will last a year, starting on June 30th, and the successful candidate will keep all proceeds from hosting on Airbnb. The House
What makes this ‘1 Euro House’ truly unique is that it has been completely remodelled by a designer. Airbnb collaborated with Studio Didea, an Italian architectural firm, to renovate the home using materials and colours that complemented the surrounding environment. The structure is representative of Sicily’s attractive architecture, combining contemporary design with hand-made and local handicraft features. The spacious building spans three floors, with plenty of room to work remotely and Host on Airbnb. The ground floor comprises a small living room, master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom.
The upper floor includes an additional living space with a queen-size sofa bed. The successful applicant gets first dibs on the bedroom that best suits their needs with the second bedroom to be listed on Airbnb. The Location Sambuca is a tiny rural village in Sicily with a unique blend of Italian and North African cultures and architectural styles. It has a population of about 6000 people. The chosen candidate will join a burgeoning international community, with many millennials coming from larger local cities to the rural town in search of a calmer pace of life, thanks to its ‘1 Euro House’ marketing. How it works To apply, visit airbnb.
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Candidates must be over 18, available to move to Sambuca for at least 3 consecutive months, starting from June 30th, 2022 and be able to speak conversational English (Italian a plus!). The selected participant will be given the opportunity to take part in a mentorship program: learning Italian and attending Italian cooking classes. Candidates will need to demonstrate a commitment to hosting one room in the house for a minimum of 9 months. The successful participant may bring their partner, friend, or family (maximum of two adults and two children in total). The successful participant will live rent-free and will retain all Airbnb Host earnings over the course of their residence.
This opportunity in Sambuca, Sicily highlights the potential economic benefits for rural communities as a result of changing travel trends on Airbnb driven by the pandemic. In Q3 2019, just four Italian cities accounted for over 26% of all travel: Rome, Venice, Milan, and Florence. In Q3 2021, however, those same four cities accounted for under 17% of travel, and one of the top visited areas in Italy was Sicily. Airbnb aims to support this demand by working with villages like Sambuca to help restore them to their former glory.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
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WHAT’S ON
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
INDIA NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT
Shruti Haasan to play female lead in Jubin Nautiyal's new Prashant Neel's action flick 'Salaar' single brims over with @shrutzhaasan, a very Happy Birthday! #Salaar," wrote Prabhas, as he shares the poster.
love and friendship
Shruti Haasan plays a role named Aadya in Prashanth Neel's upcoming directorial 'Salaar'. Though the makers didn't reveal much in the poster, Shruti Haasan is seen in a simple long-sleeved dress, as she gazes at the sky. It is rumoured that Shruti will play a political journalist's role, while it is yet to be confirmed by the makers of 'Salaar'. Billed to be a high octane action entertainer, 'Salaar' is one of the high-budget upcoming movies to feature Prabhas. Like the movie 'KGF' bagged him so much fame, Prashanth Neel is pinning hopes on 'Salaar' so as to keep up his good work.
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he makers of Prabhas-starrer 'Salaar' released a special birthday poster to wish the movie's heroine Shruti Haasan, on the occasion of her birthday. As the 'Gabbar Singh' actress
celebrates her birthday on Friday, her upcoming movie- 'Salaar' hero Prabhas took to his social media platforms, to release a picture. "Wishing my entertaining heroine, the energy ball on set
While it is reported that a few schedules of the shooting have been wrapped up, the upcoming schedules will be crucial for the makers. Sandalwood's production banner Hombale Films of 'KGF' fame is bankrolling 'Salaar.'
Fatima Sana Shaikh says she believes acting is all about reacting D
angal" actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, feels that a lot of acting isdefined by how an actor reacts to their co-actor. She maintains that actors feed off each other's energy to sketch a good performance. Elaborating on her stance, she said: "I believe, acting is a lot of reacting. It's always good to have good performers opposite you so that you can feed off their energies." The actress recently worked in a TVC with Sidharth Malhotra. They instantly clicked and their camaraderie seems to have translated into their work as well, going by her statement on her experience of working with the actor. "It has been a blast working with Sidharth for the ad. We gelled so well on the sets, it didn't feel like it was the first time we were working together." About their upcoming projects, Fatima Sana Shaikh will be next seen in "SamBahadur" while Sidharth Malhotra will be next seen in "Mission Majnu".
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ubin Nautiyal's new romantic single 'Dil Pe Zakhm' featuring actors Gurmeet Choudhary, Arjun Bijlani and Kashika Kapoor was released on Friday. The song features a compelling story at its core told musically in Jubin's soulful voice. 'Dil Pe Zakhm', presented by Bhushan Kumar's T-Series, has been composed by Rochak Kohli with lyrics penned by 'Teri Mitti' fame Manoj Muntashir. Ashish Panda has taken the onus of direction by capturing it beautifully in picturesque locations of Shimla. It features the signature guitars and tabla beats of the record label. Jubin Nautiyal describes the song as a roller coaster ride. "'Dil Pe Zakhm' is the perfect song to celebrate love and the roller-coaster ride that comes with it. Bhushanji has been great by giving me such splendid and once in a lifetime opportunities, especially with #JubinsJan! The storyline depicted in the song is perfectly complimented with soulful music and It's been splendid to sing for this particular track. Watch out, music lovers!" Bhushan Kumar, MD of T-Series says that track exudes the emotions of love and friendship. "'Dil Pe Zakhm' describes the true emotions of love and friendship. Jubin's soulful voice rendition and the powerful performances by Gurmeet, Arjun and Kashika make for a complete package. I am sure the audience will enjoy this track just like the previous ones we have delivered this month!" Commenting on his long due collaboration with his friend Arjun Bijlani, Gurmeet said, "When you have a team lead by Bhushan Ji and a song by Jubin
Nautiyal in addition to co-stars like Arjun and Kashika, you know it's going to be the best. "Shooting for this song was an amazing experience. Arjun and I are working together after a long time and this will be our 1st collaboration so I'm super excited to see how everyone reacts to it." Arjun had a gala time working on the track as he was in the best company that he could ask for, "I am reuniting with Gurmeet, who is also a dear friend, for the first time. Not to forget it was a dream to work with Bhushanji who is a fabulous producer! Jubin is a personal favorite of mine so it's a pleasure to be in this video, for sure." Sharing her excitement for the newly-released track, Kashika said: "Jubin Nautiyal and Bhushan Kumar have always been at the pinnacle of great music and more. 'Dil Pe Zakhm' is one more smashing product from the house that will be an amazing treat for audiences. I look forward to seeing what the reaction will be like to my performance and the song!" For director Ashish Panda, the song merged flawlessly with his storylines. "It's always great to work with Bhushanji and T-Series. Their songs perfectly complement my story lines, so it's great fun directing the videos! Gurmeet, Kashika & Arjun were really easy going and directing them was a cakewalk," Panda said. "I loved seeing my vision being translated into reality and the audience will surely feel the vibe of love, emotions and friendship through 'Dil Pe Zakhm'," he concluded. 'Dil Pe Zakhm' is available for streaming on T-Series' YouTube Channel.
'Rangbaaz': Aakanksha Singh to play don-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin's wife
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ctress Aakansha Singh will be seen portraying the character of Hena Shahab, the wife of convicted gangsterturned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin in the upcoming web series 'Rangbaaz'. According to a source close to the development, the actress is currently shooting in Lucknow for the same and the role is something very different from
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anything that Aakanksha has ever had before. "The story and her character is inspired by Hena Shahab, the wife of gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, and the actress is leaving no stone unturned to nail her part," the source informs. "She is doing extensive research at her end by reading everything there is about Hena and is also
watching her interviews and seeing videos available on her. Aakanksha still has a few days of shoot left in Lucknow but she is really thrilled about this revolutionary part," the source further added. Aakansha will next be seen in Ajay Devgn-starrer 'Runway 34', which also features Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh.
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Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
Shilpa excited about Rannvijay to host uncovering hidden new talent across India wildlife A show 'Safari India'
ENTERTAINMENT
Lara Dutta, Pratiek Babbarstarrer 'Hiccups and Hookups' ready for Season 2
ctress Shilpa Shetty, who is currently seen judging 'India's Got Talent', is happy about uncovering hidden talent across the country with the help of the reality show.
Speaking about the premiere weekend, Shilpa said: "I am excited about uncovering the plethora of hidden talent that India's nooks and crannies have in store for us."
She added: "It's heartening to also see that the audience is enjoying this season of 'India's Got Talent'. Kirronji, Badshah, Manoj and I are having a great time shooting for the show." This is the fourth time that Shilpa is seen judging a reality show. Previously, she has judged shows like 'Zara Nachke Dikha', 'Nach Baliye' and 'Super Dancer'.
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he makers of 'Hiccups and Hookups' have announced the second season for the web-show featuring Lara Dutta and Pratiek Babbar.
'India's Got Talent' Season 9 airs on Sony TV. On the film front, Shilpa, who is currently seen as a judge on 'India's Got Talent', will be seen in the film 'Nikamma'. Directed by Sabbir Khan, the film also stars Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia.
Saiyami Kher says she feels safe in the hands W of Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
ith the stated aim to explore and experience the biodiversity of India, interact with people managing the national parks, and underline the urgency of preserving the magnificent wildlife of the country, actor-TV host Rannvijay Singha is gearing up for a wildlife show titled 'Safari India'. Talking about the show, Rannvijay said, "It was the most thrilling experience I have had this year. It was a series of astonishing and larger-than-life experiences. I interacted with forest rangers and learnt about their efforts towards preserving our wildlife. I have had some exceptional learning experiences and it was only because of the show that I realised what a rich wildlife ecosystem our country has."
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ctress Saiyami Kher, who has collaborated with director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari for the upcoming web series 'Faadu', has praised the director for sketching strong female characters in her projects. The actress feels secure because of Ashwiny's ability to handle and work around strong female characters on screen. Talking about her experience with Ashwiny, Saiyami said, "They say what's meant to be, will always find a way. That's how I feel about 'Faadu'. Collaborating with Ashwiny was on my to-do list. She has done
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spectacular work with 'Nil Battey Sannata', 'Bareilly ki Barfii', and 'Panga'. I feel assured that I am in safe hands." Shedding light on the setting of the series, the actress said, "The world of this series is poetic and rooted. Ashwiny ma'am always has such strong female characters in her projects. I'm grateful she has given me the responsibility to play Manjiri." Saiyami also applauded the director's sense of music: "She gives a lot of importance to small details and aesthetics. She plays with music a lot on sets, which is interesting."
The show explores a number of national parks, including Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Pakke Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh), Ranthambhore, Gir, Netravali (Goa) and Dubare Elephant Camp (Karnataka). The show is coming on Zee Zest. Amit Nair, Business Head, Zee Zest, said: "Most wildlife shows are voiceover-driven, but here we have tried to place the audience in the thick of the action, giving them the vicarious pleasure of exploring the wilds through the show and possibly inspire them to undertake their own journeys of adventure." The show will be aired from January 31 on ZEE Zest.
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On the announcement of Season 2, Lara who plays Vasudha, said: "I would like to thank our viewers for all the love they have shown me, and the entire cast. We are all set to return with another entertaining season of Hiccups and Hookups, one with a lot of twists and turns, and frankly, I can't wait to see how Vasudha's life shapes up from here'. Within a year of Lionsgate Play's premiere of its first Hindi original that witnessed a good response globally, the streaming platform is set to launch season 2 of Hiccups & Hookups. Prateik Babbar, who plays Akhil said: "This time expect a lot of drama, action and adventure (pun-intended). The first installment was loved and appreciated, and I'm sure the new season will add to the love."
of season 1 centered around Vasudha, Akhil, and Kay portrayed by Shinnova. Together, the three make a sensational trio navigating through the highs and lows of life while they find their groove, together and as individuals. Rohit Jain MD Lionsgate South Asia and Networks -Emerging Markets Asia said: "After a successful season of Hiccups & Hookups, we are all set to bring viewers season 2 of the series in 2022. Our endeavor is to continue to create local original content that connects with audiences. Hiccups & Hookups brought a mass appeal that translated into fans." Mrinalini Khanna, VP, Originals, Lionsgate India said: "With the incredible cast, the goal for Season 2 is to showcase the deep and funny heart of the show while delivering on the entertainment quotient, and that is the reason we are going to bring Season 2 with a new director, vision and energy."
The series will be a continuation
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to release on Feb 25
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ilmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' starring Alia Bhatt is all set to release theatrically on February 25.
'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is inspired by the life of Gangubai Kothewali, 'madam' of a brothel in Mumbai's Kamathipura, and is based on a chapter of Hussain Zaidi's book 'Mafia Queens Of Mumbai'. The film is all set to have its much-awaited world premiere at the prestigious 72nd Berlin International Film Festival. The film also stars Ajay Devgn and is produced by Bhansali and Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios).
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INDIA NEWS
Luxury, lifestyle, location — welcome to Dress Circle
Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
Located in the heart of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, Brookwater is Brisbane’s best kept secret for luxury living. Crafted around the Greg Norman designed golf course, Brookwater provides a rare combination of prestige golf-side living and natural bushland beauty. With over 800 families already calling Brookwater home, we are pleased to introduce the next stage of this exclusive community — your own architecturally designed piece of paradise — Dress Circle.
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We welcome you to experience Brisbane’s best kept secret when it comes to luxury living, and choose from our leading architectural collaborators to design your dream home — with all architectural fees complimentary with your Dress Circle land purchase.
READY TO BUILD ON LARGE PREMIUM HOMESITES FROM $566,000
Life on Brookwater’s Dress Circle is within 10 minutes of everything you need — commuter rail to the city, private and public schools, childcare centres, a university, a private hospital, shopping centres and a thriving commercial precinct.
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