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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
Brookwater is only 10 minutes from major shops, multiple schools, the Mater hospital and University. Number of Aussies born overseas Indian PM Modi lays foundation stone of falls after two decades WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine The Print
New Delhi, April 19 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 19 laid the foundation stone of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Gujarat’s Jamnagar in the presence of Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and World Health Organisation (WHO)Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The GCTM will be the first and only global outpost centre for traditional medicine across the world. “While Australia’s population
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Australians celebrate Anzac Day for 1st time since pandemic remembrance for the nation’s fallen soldiers along with a celebration for those who have survived international conflicts. Traditionally, in large cities and numerous small townships around the country, the day begins with a solemn dawn service which includes prayers and the laying of wreaths
Canberra, April 25 (IANS): For the first time since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, thousands of Australians gathered in Sydney at dawn on April 25 for Anzac Day, one of the country’s most venerated events Anzac Day, held on every April 25,
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dates back to a pivotal World War I campaign in 1915 fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp on the shores of Turkey’s Gallipoli peninsula, reports Xinhua news agency Over the following century, the day has evolved into a time of
Marches are then staged with their ranks filled by war veterans walking alongside generations of descendants of Australian Defence Force (ADF) servicemen and women. In the state of New South Wales (NSW), Minister for Veterans David Elliott said this April 25 Continued on Page 3
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Canberra, April 26 (IANS): The number of people living in Australia who were born overseas has fallen for the first time in more than 20 years, according to government data published on April 26. The data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that in 2021 there were 7.5 million residents who were born overseas, down from 7.7 million in 2020, reports Xinhua
news agency. The portion of the total population who were born in another country was 29.1 per cent, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from 2020. It marks the first decrease in the proportion of the Australian population born overseas since 2000 when the figure was 23 per cent.
Modi, Johnson hold talks to further intensify ties New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting British counterpart Boris Johnson began talks on April 22 to further intensify the multifaceted ties between India and the UK. Before commencing the talks,
Modi welcomed and greeted Johnson at the forecourt of the Hyderabad House. Trade and easier visas are on the agenda, apart from defence cooperation and renewable energy. The two nations enjoy a long
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INDIA NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-in-Chief Ms Priyadarshini Rana, Bureau Chief, Victoria
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 INDIA NEWS TV Mr Karthik Pratap Singh, News Director Mr. Agastya Yeturi, Cinematographer Mr Nishit Chandan, Special Correspondent WRITERS Mr Devashish Chakraborty Ms Deepika Banerjee Mr Rabindra Mukherji
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News from India
News from Victoria
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IABCA Global Leaders Forum 2022 and the Awards
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Indo-UK ties on a new track?
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Editorial
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
Indian PM Modi lays foundation stone of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine Continued from Page 1
wellness will get a global identity with WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, the Prime Minister said, adding that more than five decades ago, the world’s first Ayurvedic University was established in Jamnagar. The city has a quality Ayurvedic institute in Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda.
and Video messages from the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the President of Maldives were played on the occasion. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandavia, Ayush Minister Sabananda Sonowal, MoS for Ayush Munjapara Mahendrabhai and Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel were among those present. Tedros Ghebreyesus termed the centre as a truly global project as 107 WHO member countries have their country specific governmental offices which means the world will come to India for its leadership in traditional medicine. He said traditional medicines products abound globally and the centre will go a long way in bringing the promise of the traditional medicine to fruition. For many regions of the world traditional medicine is the first line of treatment. “The New Centre will focus on data, innovation and sustainability and will optimize the use of traditional medicine,’’ he added. The centre’s five main areas will be research and leadership, evidence and learning, data and analytics, sustainability and equity and innovation and technology,” said Tedros
Ghebreyesus. He thanked PM Modi for his leadership in providing all the support for the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister thanked Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus for his kind words. The Prime Minister noted Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus’s connect with India and his personal involvement in the project of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) he said that his affection has manifested in the shape of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. The Prime Minister also highlighted the three-decade long association with the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and his family and thanked him for his words and presence. Prime Minister Modi also thanked the leaders whose video messages were played. “The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is a recognition of India’s contribution and potential in this field. India takes this partnership as a huge responsibility for serving the entire humanity,” said Modi. Jamnagar’s contributions towards
“India’s traditional medicine system is not limited to treatment. It is a holistic science of life. Ayurveda goes beyond just healing and treatment. Apart from healing and treatment; social health, mental health-happiness, environmental health, sympathy, compassion and productivity are included. Ayurveda is taken as the knowledge of life and it has been deemed as the fifth Veda,” Modi said. The Prime Minister laid down five goals for the new Center. First, to create a database of traditional knowledge systems using technology; second, GCTM can create international standards for testing and certification of traditional medicines so that confidence in these medicines improves. Third, GCTM should evolve as a platform where global experts of traditional medicines come together and share experiences. He also asked the centre to explore the possibility of an annual traditional medicine festival. Fourth, GCTM should mobilize funding for research in the field of traditional medicines. Finally, GCTM should develop protocols for holistic treatment of specific diseases so that patients could benefit from both traditional and modern medicine. PM Modi invoked the Indian concept of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’ and prayed for the whole world to always remain healthy. He said that with establishment of WHO-GCTM, this tradition will get further enriched.
Modi, Johnson hold talks to further intensify ties
In a statement, the British High Commission said that UK and Indian businesses were going to confirm more than 1 billion pounds in new investments and export deals on April 22 in areas from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK.
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Also on April 22, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Johnson during which they discussed the expansion and implementation of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
The two nations enjoy a long and historical relationship that was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK Virtual Summit last year.
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The multi-dimensional relationship ranges from trade and economy, health, science and technology, defence and security, climate change to close cooperation on multilateral issues.
Johnson arrived in India on April 21, marking his first visit to the country after becoming the British Prime Minister in 2019. On April 22 morning, he was given a ceremonial reception and a Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan where he was received by Modi. facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
COVER STORIES
Australians celebrate Anzac Day for 1st time since pandemic Continued from Page 1
would be “especially moving as many veterans for the first time in years will be able to reconnect with their mates and enjoy traditional annual reunions and commemorative events without restrictions”. Organisers of the Sydney ceremonies expected crowds of up to 10,000 to line the streets of the CBD to cheer on the marchers.
Meanwhile, the hospitality sector, which struggled throughout the past two years due to the pandemic, was anticipating brisk business throughout the day. “Pubs and clubs play an important role on Anzac Day, providing a place for war veterans to gather, reminisce and share the Anzac spirit with their mates and families,” said NSW Hospitality Minister Kevin Anderson.
How Musk exhibited interest in buying Twitter owned by Musk for $54.20 per share in cash in a transaction valued at nearly $44 billion.
Upon completion of the transaction, Twitter will become a privately-held company. The purchase price represents a 38 per cent premium to Twitter’s closing stock price on April 1, which was the last trading day before Musk disclosed his nearly nine per cent stake in the platform.
San Francisco, April 26 (IANS): After tech billionaire Elon Musk bought Twitter, an old tweet of the Tesla CEO where he had asked Before the official announcement, about the price of the microMusk said that he hopes that his blogging site five years ago, is worst critics should remain on being widely circulated on the Twitter. platform. “I hope that even my worst critics In 2017, Musk casually tweeted remain on Twitter because that “I love Twitter”. And then a user is what free speech means,” he asked him to buy the microtweeted. blogging platform, to which he “And be my love in the rain,” replied “How much is it?” he added, posting from famous The tweet went viral soon after American poet Robert Frost’s the news was announced and now poem, ‘A Line-storm Song’. has over 1.74 lakh likes and over 35,000 retweets. “He did it,” a user wrote. As the company’s board decided to give in to his takeover bid with his “best and final” offer, the Tesla CEO has finally caught the elusive Twitter bird for $44 billion. Twitter announced late on April 25 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an entity wholly
Number of Aussies born overseas falls after two decades Continued from Page 1
increased by 45,000 from June 2020 to June 2021, there was a decrease in the overseas-born population,” Jenny Dobak, head of Migration Statistics at the ABS, said. The decrease reflected reduced overseas migration in and out of Australia, given the Covid-19 travel restrictions.
changed due to the pandemic, including those migrating to work or study, said Dobak. “In the first year of the pandemic there were fewer people born overseas migrating to Australia, as well as fewer people born in Australia departing to live overseas.”
The travel and migration intentions of many people
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
Alwar temple demolition: Rajasthan govt suspends Rajgarh SDO, 2 others
NEWS FROM INDIA
Yogi asks ministers, officers to declare assets
his suspension order. In fact, his transfer and suspension orders were taken out almost simultaneously. On April 25 night, the state government also issued transfer orders of 239 RAS officers in a major administrative reshuffle. Keshav Kumar Meena’s name is at number 186 in the transfer list of 239 RAS officers. Alwar ADM Dr Sunita Pankaj has also been transferred. Meanwhile, BJP Sikar MP Sumedhanand Saraswati, who went to investigate this matter on behalf of BJP, said that the temple of Rajgarh was not under encroachment. Jaipur, April 26 (IANS): After facing flak, the Rajasthan government has suspended Rajgarh sub-divisional officer Keshav Meena, municipal EO Banwarilal Meena and Rajgarh municipal chairperson Satish Duharia in connection with the demolition of a 300-year-old temple in the name of removal of encroachment in Rajgarh, Alwar.
By suspending the Rajgarh Municipal chairperson, SubDivisional Officer and others, the state government is trying to send out a strict message, said officials. As per information, Keshav Kumar Meena, the SDM of Alwar’s Rajgarh, has been accused of demolishing the temple. The Personnel Department issued
He demanded that the government rebuild temples which have been demolished and tender an apology. Compensation should be given to those whose houses are razed by a judicial inquiry ordered against the guilty officers. The three-member BJP Inquiry Committee has submitted its report to the party’s state president Satish Poonia.
Bombay HC rejects Ranas’ plea to quash FIR, couple moves for bail
Mumbai, April 25 (IANS): The Bombay High Court on April 25 dismissed a plea filed by independent MP-MLA couple Navneet Rana and her husband Ravi Rana, respectively, seeking to quash the second of two FIRs registered against them for resisting arrest on April 23 after a huge row over their plans to recite Hanuman Chalisa outside the private home of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. A division bench of Justice P. B. Varale and Justice S. M. Modak also observed that there was considerable merit in the submissions made by Special Public Prosecutor Pradip Gharat. The judges upheld his contention on the FIR pertaining to chant religious verses near the personal home of the CM since such an act at the residence of another person or at a public place is a breach of personal liberty of the other person, and the Maharashtra government was justified in its apprehensions that it could lead to a law and order situation in Mumbai. “Persons in public life are www.indianews.com.au
expected to act responsibly. With great power comes great responsibility... that those who are active in public life are expected to act responsibly is not an extra but a basic expectation,” the court said in its strong observations while dismissing the Rana couple’s plea. The judges said that in case the state government wanted to initiate action against the Ranas under the second FIR, then they would give 72 hours notice to the petitioners (Ranas) before initiating any such measures. The Ranas’ lawyer Rizwan Merchant said that after they receive the 72-hour notice from the police, they would decide their further course of action, and moved sessions court for bail. After two days of high political drama, police in suburban Mumbai’s Khar booked and arrested the Rana couple on April 23 under Indian Penal Code Section 153 (A) (promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, etc), and the stringent IPC Section 124 (A), pertaining to sedition. The Mumbai Police also filed a second FIR around 2 a.m. on April 24, against the Ranas invoking IPC’s Section 353 for alleged assault of a public servant and obstructing public servant from discharging their official duties. Merchant argued that the second FIR was “an abuse” of the legal process and the subsequent addition of the offence of sedition was unsustainable.
Lucknow, April 26 (IANS): Carrying forward his policy of zero tolerance on corruption, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on April 25, asked all ministers and government officers (IAS and IPS) to furnish details of their and their spouses’ assets. The information would be put in the public domain on government portals and updated annually. Chief Minister Yogi also asked ministers to ensure that their families and relatives do not interfere in the working of their ministries. He had earlier asked ministers
not to appoint their relatives as their personal secretaries. According to sources, the chief minister had received complaints about a minister whose MP son is reportedly interfering in the ministry. BJP MP Brijlal said that this would be a historic step and would make the system completely transparent. Earlier, the chief minister had directed his ministers and officers to stay at government guest houses during their visits to districts, instead of staying at plush hotels.
Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner to probe charges against school for mandatory Bible study
relating to obstructing police from discharging their duties, for which the court has granted relief to the extent of serving the Ranas a 72-hour notice for any action. On April 23, the Ranas were served with a notice under Bombay Police Act’s Section 149, requesting them to refrain from carrying out their plans, but they did not heed, after which they were detained and arrested that evening. SPP Gharat said that despite the notice, the Ranas continued to give media and online interviews, creating apprehensions in society, and their statements posing a serious threat to the law and order situation after which the action was taken against them. Later, amid high drama at their Khar home, the Rana couple was arrested on April 23 evening and produced before a Bandra holiday Magistrate Court which remanded them to 14 days’ judicial custody while posting their bail plea for hearing on April 29. Through her lawyer, Navneet Rana has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about alleged harassment by the police, even as the couple moved a bail plea before the Sessions Court. Later, Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis alleged that in police custody, she was mistreated, abused, subjected to casteist slurs, and even denied water or permission to go to the washroom. However, Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil denied the allegations.
SPP Gharat countered this, saying that the second FIR was registered for a separate offence facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
Bengaluru, April 26 (IANS): J. Manjunath, the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban, will begin a probe on the charges of mandatory Bible study in a city school. The investigation was initiated on April 26 following the directions by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Hindu organisations have raised objections against the Clarence High School for the imposition and the NCPCR has asked the Deputy Commissioner to submit the report within seven days. The Commission stated that it has been brought to notice that the school has been imposing Christian religious views on children by making them study the Bible. The school is also making it mandatory for them to attend Christian religious prayers daily in the morning, it added. The Commission further stated that the students are involved in other Christian religious activities and the same has also been mentioned on the school’s website.
As per the complaint there is prima facie contravention of the Article 25 and Article 28 (3) of the Indian constitution, provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, statement by NCPCR said. The Hindu Jana Jagruthi Samithi had earlier alleged that the students are made to read the Bible everyday compulsorily. All students are given a Bible which is in the form of a booklet and they are told to carry it every day. If anyone objects, they are threatened with cancellation of admissions, they alleged. Pramod Muthalik, Founder of Sri Ram Sena reacting to the incident, had asked the school management to keep the Bible at their homes and churches. State Education Minister B.C. Nagesh clarified that there is no provision for making the Bible reading compulsory in schools; if it is found to be true, action will be initiated against the school.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
Prashant Kishor declines offer to join Congress New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): The Congress on April 26 officially announced that election strategist Prashant Kishor will not be working for the party as he declined to be part of the empowered action group for the 2024 general elections. The declaration came a day after Sonia Gandhi had announced the constitution of the group. Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet, “Following a presentation and discussion with Prashant Kishor, the Congress President has constituted an Empowered Action Group 2024 & invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts & suggestions given to the
party.” The group was formed after a report was submitted by an eight-member committee on April 21. “Congress President Sonia Gandhi received a report from the eight-member group on April 21. Today she discussed the report with the group. Based on the discussions, the Congress President has decided to constitute an Empowered Action Group for 2024 in order to address the political challenges ahead,” the party had said in an official statement on April 25.
Chennai, April 25 (IANS): The YouTube videos of a Tamil Nadu government school mathematics teacher, Tamil Selvan have become a major hit among students of Classes X, XI and XII.
Surjewala, who did not want to comment on the members of the group, said: “But as I have said, the Empowered Action Group will strategise for the 2024 general elections.”
Students who are stuck with problems in mathematics avail of the YouTube videos of Tamil Selvan and find solutions.
The top court noted that governments say they are taking preventive measures, but something different happens on the ground as incidents of hate speeches keep occurring, despite the apex court’s guidelines on preventive measures. It directed the chief secretary of Uttarakhand to bring on record corrective measures taken in view of religious meetings scheduled in the state. A bench headed by Justice Khanwilkar in its order, said: “Counsel for Uttarakhand submits that all preventive measures have been taken and the concerned authorities are more than confident that no untoward situation or unacceptable statement is made during such an event. “We direct the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to state the corrective measure taken by the authorities before the next
date of hearing”. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, submitted that they are holding another Dharam Sansad in Roorkee on April 27. The bench, also comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and C.T. Ravikumar, said that if an announcement is made, the state government will have to take action and follow the guidelines laid down in the Poonawalla case. Counsel for Uttarakhand submitted that FIRs have been registered against communities A and B, and in terms of preventive measures there is a difficulty -if they are holding the Dharam Sansad, it is difficult to have information on the text. The bench replied: “If the speaker is the same, you take preventive action. Don’t make us say what we don’t want to speak,” to which the counsel said: “We are taking measures... let them have faith in us. We are taking steps.” The bench said the issue is not trust, and told the counsel to talk to the IG and secretary regarding the preventive action. “What we see is something
different on the ground. Despite subsequent judgments on preventive measures, things are happening”. The Uttarakhand government counsel submitted that petitioners’ counsel is trying to colour a particular community and told Sibal that “the community you are supporting is also doing certain things”. Justice Khanwilkar said: “What kind of argument is this? This is not the way to argue in court.” After hearing the arguments, the bench said the government knows what are preventive measures, and if it happens, the court may ask the chief secretary to be present. The top court asked the hill state government to file an affidavit on steps taken to prevent it. The top court scheduled the matter for further hearing on May 9.
Central probe agencies scan PFI’s role in Jahangirpuri violence New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): Central probe agencies have been scanning the alleged role of the Popular Front of India (PFI) into the Jahangirpuri communal violence on April 16, according to sources. The sources in the intelligence network have said that the agencies have been scanning the presence of a few people connected to the PFI’s student wing in Jahangirpuri and trying to ascertain with whom they met while they were in the area. The sources also said that they have identified around 22 mobile numbers of PFI student wing members who were present in the www.indianews.com.au
area before the violence erupted. They said that the probe agencies have been trying to ascertain their activities and they may be questioned by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police. The probe agencies also want to ascertain whether these PFI members had any links with the violence in Jahangirpuri as the Delhi Police has suggested that Ansar, the main accused in the clashes, had ties with the radical organisation. The intelligence agencies have earlier expressed apprehension that some radical organisations such as PFI might have instigated the violence. Severe communal clashes erupted at the Jahangirpuri area on April
TN teacher’s YouTube maths videos a hit among students revision exam I got 92 percent in mathematics, thanks to him.”
SC expresses concern on hate speeches made at Dharam Sansads New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): The Supreme Court (SC) on April 26 expressed concern at state governments for not doing enough to prevent hate speeches, as it grilled the Uttarakhand government on a proposed Dharam Sansad in Roorkee.
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16 during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in which nine people, including eight policemen, were injured. The police has till now arrested 25 people and apprehended two juveniles, while one of the arrested person’s relatives was bound down for injuring a police Inspector by pelting him with stones. facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
The maths teacher told IANS, “I am a postgraduate in mathematics and have been teaching in government school, Kalapatti. After my school hours, I teach the concepts of maths interactively in the Tamil language in YouTube videos.” He said that earlier it was tough for him to explain the concepts during the lockdown period in the online mode, but when he commenced uploading videos on YouTube, things became easier. Sukanya, a class XI student of the Kalapatti school, told IANS, “The YouTube videos are awesome. They are in Tamil language and the concepts are explained in detail by Tamil Selvan Sir. Whenever I get doubts, I refer to YouTube and get answers. This
The teacher said that his YouTube videos have more than 13000 subscribers and students from all schools are viewing his videos. He clarified that he has not monetized the videos and he was clear that this was only a service to the student community and not for monetary purposes. Tamil Selvan said, “I have uploaded more than 300 videos and students have commented to me that this is very helpful to them. I am thankful that the students are getting hold of the concepts of mathematics through my YouTube videos.” He said that he would be uploading more than 1150 videos on the concepts and mathematical problems in the days to come and will try to reach out to more students across the state. K. R. Kannan, a senior officer with the education department, told IANS, “The initiative is excellent and Tamil Selvan explaining mathematics in the Tamil language will help students understand the concepts well. The 13000 subscriber base is indeed clear proof that his YouTube videos have become a hit among the students. The department is contemplating supporting him and other teachers who can provide support to students in other subjects also in a simple manner.”
Attack on procession in Jahangirpuri was pre-planned, claims investigating team New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): The attack on a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri on April 16 was pre-planned, and stones and bottles were arranged at rooftops in advance, a fact-finding team said in its report on April 25. The factfinding was undertaken by the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA). The GIA describes itself as “a group of empowered Indian women, intellectuals & academicians working together to elevate the position of women in our society, committed to work in the service of the nation”. The report titled ‘Jahangirpuri 2022: A Ticking Bomb of Illegal Immigrants, Encroachment, Demographic Stress, Radicalisation’ said there was heavy assembly of crowds armed with stones, petrol bombs and swords waiting to attack the procession. “The procession was enroute as planned and informed in advance that it will start at around 4.30 p.m. on April 16 from Jahangirpuri EE Prayas to Babu Jagjeevan Ram ED Block road to ITI road, BC road, G Block Kushal Chowk and will end at A-ONE auto market. The report further stated that the layout of the area
is such that there is a Masjid ( Jama Masjid), and adjoining it, there are a few houses of the local Muslim community next to a bylane. As soon as the procession neared the Masjid at C Block, Kushal Chowk, stones were thrown at the tableaux from the adjoining houses of the Masjid. Within minutes, a crowd of local Muslim residents (including alleged Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas) wielding swords, lathis, iron rods and some carrying pistols came out from the Kushal cinema bylane. “This is a crimeprone area due to thriving encroachment and illegal trade. The local police have turned a blind eye to such activities despite constant complaints from the local residents. This area is a no-go zone and extremely unsafe for women,” the report claimed. informed by local residents) of the area against the Hanuman Jayanti procession. Unlike the fake news and misinformation campaign, there is no evidence of any attack on the local mosque by those involved in the procession. No flag was planted on any mosque in the area,” the fact-finding team underlined in its report.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
$1 million pledged to help upgrade Sikh community centre in Canning Vale
The Morrison Government will help support the Sikh Association of WA (SAWA) with $1 million to help build a long-needed multipurpose community centre in Canning Vale, if re-elected. Federal Liberal Member for Tangney, Ben Morton, said the centre will be helpful to many local residents. “SAWA have been giving back to our community for many years,”
Minister Morton said. “The local Sikh community provide accommodation and meals to those in need, fundraise for charities and disaster relief, and host multicultural events. “I have remained close to this community, securing them $300,000 in funding for the annual 2020 Sikh Games, funding for educational and cultural resources and recognising Sikh Heritage Day at the Sikh Heritage
Climate change top issue for Australian voters: Poll
Trail in Riverton. “Last year, I met with 600 Sikh Temple members to see the great work they do and I’ve been fighting hard for funding to build this centre ever since. “The $1 million commitment from a re-elected Morrison Government will help enable SAWA to build better facilities, including a hall and activity rooms to accommodate seniors, children and traditional activities, as well as an accessible library and short stay emergency accommodation for those in need. “I’m incredibly proud of the contribution of the Sikh community in our community and have successfully fought hard for funding toward their 2020 Sikh Games and Saluting the Service grants.” The Morrison Government recognises the important work our local associations do for our communities and particularly the impact multicultural communities have on our society. Only the Morrison Government has a real plan to deliver for Tangney and continue to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
NSWunveils schoolCovidplan
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
Letter To Indian Diaspora In Australia
economic and strategic engagement, and long standing people-to-people ties. In this context, the agreement is of great importance not only in terms of the impetus that they will give to the bilateral trade between the two countries but also because of our 700,000 strong Indian diaspora comprising Australians of Indian descent and Indian citizens residing in Australia.
Dear Friends in Australia, It gives me immense pleasure to share with you that India and Australia have signed a historic India Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind Aus ECTA) on 2nd April 2022. With the signing of this agreement, two great nations have come together to redefine their economic relations with great opportunities and possibilities in terms of market access for goods and services, covering key areas of supply chain. Alignedwith Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Australian Prime Minister H.E. Scott Morrison’s India Economic Strategy 2035, the agreement apart from boosting bilateral trade covers many areas with potential to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. India and Australia share a special partnership characterized by shared values of pluralistic, parliamentary democracies, expanding
One of the key highlights of the agreement is that 100% of the Indian goods will get duty-free access in the Australian market. This must be great news for a lot of you living in Australia who have been waiting for Indian products at affordable prices. In the Services Sector, mutual gains will be in a large number of areas including IT, ITES, Business, Professional Services, Health, Education, Audio-visual etc, which will provide great opportunities for the businesses. Further, you can play a key role in boosting the Startup India initiative of the Indian government as many of you already have the knowledge of the Indian market. Your contribution in mobilizing confidence of investors in Indian Startups can play a vital role in their success story. I hope the agreement shall play a key role in further strengthening the relationship between the two countries by building links in the business and education sector, the arts and civil society.
$1 million promised towards Perth Hindu Temple in Canning Vale
Canberra, April 22 (IANS): Climate change, cost of living and the economy are the most important issues to Australians in the general election to be held on May 21, a new poll revealed on April 22. State broadcaster the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) published data from Vote Compass, which asks voters where they stand on a series of major issues before telling them which party they most closely align with, reports Xinhua news agency. It revealed that 29 percent of voters identified climate change as their most important issue for how they will vote in the election. However, only 8 percent of people who said they intend to vote for the governing conservative Coalition identified climate change as an important issue compared to 30 percent of supporters of the opposition centre-left Labor Party and 50 percent of people who vote for the left-wing Greens. The Coalition has promised to
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cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to a 2050 net zero target. Under Labor’s climate policy, emissions would be cut by 43 per cent by 2030. Cost of living and the economy rated as voters’ next biggest concern, with 13 percent of 97,159 Vote Compass participants choosing each, followed by government accountability, the environment, and healthcare. More than a third of Coalition voters chose the economy as their biggest issue followed by the cost of living and defence and public security. Among Labor voters, climate change was followed by government accountability and cost of living. Only 7 per cent of Labor supporters said the economy was their biggest concern.
Sydney, April 24 (IANS): Authorities of Australia’s most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) announced the Covid-19 plan for schools as the colder season is approaching. But those close contacts still have to notify their employer or educational facility about their status, and comply with guidelines including not visiting aged care and hospitals unless a special exemption applies, undertaking daily rapid antigen tests (RATs) before coming into close contact with people outside their household, avoiding contact with elderly and immunocompromised persons, and wearing a face mask in indoor settings outside the home. In line with the updated rules, teachers and students who are household contacts, but do not have the disease or any symptoms, can return to school, according to thE According to local media The Sydney Morning Herald, attendance among the state’s 823,000 public sector students dropped to about 86 per cent in mid-March. The fall equates to more than 45,000 students. On April 24, the state recorded 11,107 new cases, and 1,588 people are being treated in hospitals with 64 in intensive care. facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
migrants to Australia, providing them resources and skills to help adjust to their new life. “The $1 million commitment by a reelected Morrison Government will go towards improvements to the Temple’s facilities so the Hindu community can reach out and engage with more of our community.
Federal Liberal Member for Tangney, Ben Morton, said the centre is an important part of the Tangney community.
“This includes providing developmental and educational activities for local children and young people. “The new building will help bring families and groups together for cultural, social and community development activities. “Australia is the most successful multicultural country in the world. That’s why I’ve been working with the local Hindu community for years.
“The Perth Hindu Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple in Western Australia and is visited by around 300 devotees every week, and up to 2,000 devotees when major events are held,” Minister Morton said.
“This commitment builds on the $250,000 of Federal funding I secured to upgrade their multipurpose hall in 2019.” Only the Morrison Government has a real plan to deliver for Tangney and continue to build a strong
“The Temple hosts educational programs, particularly for new
economy and a stronger future.
Families and worshipers at the Perth Hindu Temple in Canning Vale will benefit from a $1 million towards an Education and Culture building to provide spiritual and cultural classes for young people, if the Morrison Government is re-elected.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
Chinese military base on Solomon Islands would be ‘a red line’: Australia
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
Opposition leader tests Covid positive on election campaign trail
nation reeling from violent protests last year, the deal according to a leaked draft of the agreement - promises Chinese assistance in “maintaining social order” and allows China’s warships to dock at its ports, RT reported.
Canberra, April 24 (IANS): Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared on April 24 that a Chinese military base on the Solomon Islands would be an unacceptable “red line”, without adding how Canberra would retaliate, media reports said. Morrison’s government and the US are scrambling to respond to a recently-signed security deal between the islands and Beijing, which they consider an “aggressive” move, RT reported.
“Working together with our partners in New Zealand and of course the United States, I share the same red line that the United States has when it comes to these issues,” Morrison said. “We won’t be having Chinese military naval bases in our region on our doorstep.” A tiny archipelago sitting around 2,000 km off the northeastern coast of Australia, the Solomon Islands made international news recently when it signed a security pact with China. With the island
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare insists that the deal was necessary to beef up security and was “guided by our national interests”. He stated previously that the agreement does not allow China to set up a military base on the islands, something that Beijing has also stressed. However, Australia and her allies fear otherwise. “The reality is that China has changed. China’s incredibly aggressive, the acts of foreign interference, the preparedness to pay bribes to get an outcome... that’s the reality of modern China,” Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton told Sky News on April 24. Beijing so far has not responded to these allegations of corruption.
Canberra, April 21 (IANS): Anthony Albanese, leader of Australia’s opposition Labor Party, on April 21 announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19 while campaigning for the upcoming general election.
and will continue to follow health guidelines and advice.
In a series of tweets, Albanese said: “Following a routine PCR test this afternoon ahead of interstate travel to Western Australia, I have returned a positive result for Covid this evening. I have been testing regularly as part of my election campaign duties.
The Labor Party currently leads Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Coalition in opinion polls for the election, which will be held on May 21.
“I will be isolating at home in Sydney for the next seven days
Microplastics found in human food supplies in South Australian waters industries and government to protect these fragile marine systems,” said Karen Burke da Silva, senior author from the university’s College of Science and Engineering. “Low to medium levels of microplastics measured in the common blue mussel, a filter feeder affected by ecosystem conditions, were measured to analyze the main kinds of pollution affecting the environment, and single-use plastic was the main offender.” Canberra, April 20 (IANS): Microplastics are making their way into human food supplies in oceans around Australia, researchers have found. In a study published recently in Science of the Total Environment, a team from Flinders University sampled microplastic levels on 10 beaches in South Australia (SA). They found variable
concentrations of microplastics in blue mussels and water, warning that it means microplastics have found their way into human food supplies, including wild-caught and farmed fish and seafood in the Southern Ocean, Xinhua news agency reported. “Our findings shed light on the urgent need to prevent microplastic pollution by working with the communities,
Microplastics are fragments of plastic smaller than five millimeters in length. Experts estimate that there are trillions of microplastics polluting the world’s oceans and waterways. The Flinders University team found that mussel samples collected from near cities and towns had microplastic levels four times higher than those from remote areas.
GREATER SPRINGFIELD MEDICAL & OFFICE SUITES
“While at home I will continue my responsibilities as alternative Prime Minister and will be fighting for a better future for all Australians.”
The positive test came fewer than 24 hours after the first leaders’ debate in Brisbane, of which Albanese was declared the winner.
Specialty clinic set up in Canberra to treat lingering Covid symptoms Canberra, April 19 (IANS): A specialty clinic has been established in Australia’s capital to help people suffering serious and lingering Covid-19 symptoms. The Post Covid Recovery Clinic at the University of Canberra Hospital has been opened to treat patients with coronavirus symptoms that are still affecting their daily lives for over 12 weeks after contracting the virus. It is funded under the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government’s Covid health response, which received a A$105 million (about $77 million) boost in March. Rachel Stephen-Smith, the ACT’s Health Minister, said the clinic would help patients make a recovery from Covid. “For many long Covid patients, the debilitating symptoms of the virus are compromising their quality of life,” she said in a statement on April 19. “The Post Covid Recovery Clinic is leading the nation in providing support to those affected by long Covid
and helping them return to their day-to-day activities.” According to the latest Department of Health data, there had been approximately 5.23 million confirmed cases and 6,786 deaths due to the virus in Australia as of April 18 afternoon. There were about 3,150 coronavirus cases being treated in hospitals including 131 in intensive care units. On April 19 morning, Australia reported more than 30,000 fresh cases and more than 10 deaths, including eight in New South Wales, the country’s most populous state.
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INDIA NEWS
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
United Airlines’ return brings more tourists and jobs
Kings of Leon ready to rock Mildura
Melbourne, April 30: The return of one of the world’s largest airlines to Melbourne will bring more visitors, boost trade with the United States and create more than 500 local jobs, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Industry Support and Recovery and Minister for Trade Martin Pakula today welcomed the decision by United Airlines to restart its direct services to Melbourne from San Francisco, beginning with three flights a week from June. The flights will increase to a daily service by December, providing almost 200,000 new seats to and from Melbourne each year. The extra flights are expected to boost the economy by $54 million and create around 570 jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors.
San Francisco is United Airlines’ primary hub for flights to Asia and Australia. The city is home to the country’s tech sector, the world-famous Silicon Valley and serves as a gateway between the US and the world. The U. S. is Victoria’s second largest trading partner with two-way goods trade valued at $13 billion in 2021 and its economy provides Victorian businesses with significant export opportunities. United Airlines joins a growing list of major airlines expanding their international offering from Melbourne including Emirates, Etihad, Bamboo Airways and Qantas – which recently announced a new direct route from Dallas Fort Worth and expanded services from Los Angeles.
Supporting Victoria’s future clean energy workforce Melbourne, April 26: The Andrews Labor Government has secured a fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles for SuniTAFE, to ensure automotive apprentices in Swan Hill and Mildura have the skills they need for Victoria’s clean energy future. Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced a $1. 18 million investment to buy a range of next generation vehicles including trucks and passenger cars for trade workshops at SuniTAFE’s Swan Hill and Mildura campuses. The new equipment will allow apprentices to learn their craft within their own community, rather than travelling to Melbourne for specialised training. The Labor Government’s investment also supports growing student demand for automotive retail, service and repair courses at SuniTAFE, which is helping meet skills demands in the Mallee region. The project will support Victoria’s transition to a Zero
Emission Fleet, including public transport, by developing reliable and affordable technology, strengthening the grid, exploring batteries and storage. Victoria’s transport sector accounts for 25 per cent of the state’s emissions, which is why the Labor Government has rolled out a Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap, including development of a zero-emission public bus fleet by 2025 and having half of all new car sales zero emission by 2030. The investment is part of the Labor Government’s $12 million TAFE Equipment and Facilities Fund, announced in the Victorian Budget 2020/21, and overseen by Apprenticeships Victoria. Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3. 2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding careers.
Honouring and supporting ourveterans Melbourne, April 22: Crisis accommodation for veterans at a retreat in northern Victoria and a new veteran school visit program are among dozens of projects funded to support our veteran community and honour their incredible sacrifice. The grants include $688,000 for 24 projects through the Veterans Capital Works Grant Program, which funds building improvements for not-for-profit and ex-service organisations delivering services to veterans and their families. Through this program, Goorambat Veterans Retreat in Victoria’s north is receiving $50,000 to refurbish an old school building to create crisis accommodation for veterans and their families dealing with challenges such as financial hardship. Eight projects
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will receive support through the Victoria Remembers Grant Program, which provides up to $30,000 to projects honouring veterans and educating Victorians about their contributions. Projects include an exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance that will explore children’s experiences of war through the lens of popular culture. The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour grant program offers up to $50,000 to projects which restore or update war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour. Amongst this year’s 18 recipients is the Oakleigh Carnegie RSL sub-branch, which will use funding to restore the Oakleigh Cenotaph, a focal point of local ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.
NEWS FROM VICTORIA
world’s biggest festivals, including Coachella and Lollapalooza, and broke their own attendance record at London’s massive Hyde Park during their last tour. Famous for smash hits including Sex on Fire and Use Somebody, Kings of Leon will be a huge drawcard for Mildura.
Melbourne, April 28: One of the world’s top rock acts, Kings of Leon, will play a one-off regional gig in Mildura on Saturday, 29 October, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced Mildura will be the
only regional stop on the band’s first Australian and New Zealand tour in 10 years. The concert is expected to attract up to 15,000 fans to Mildura Sporting Precinct and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. The four-time Grammy Award winners have headlined the
Local hotels, restaurants, retail shops and businesses are set to benefit from this major event for the region. The Labor Government is backing the return of a crowd-pleasing public events calendar in regional and rural areas in 2022 through the $20 million Regional Events Fund. Tickets to the Kings of Leon Mildura show go on sale at 12pm, Tuesday, 3 May. For more information and tickets visit tegdainty.com
Literacy and numeracy sample GAT questions released Melbourne, April 26: Sample questions are now available for teachers, students and their families to view ahead of the new-look General Achievement Test (GAT) to be held this year as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s reform of the VCE and VCAL system.
While the new standards will be reported on students’ VCE or VCAL certificates, they will not contribute to a student’s ATAR unless the GAT is required to calculate a score – for example, if a student requires a Derived Examination Score after missing an exam due to illness.
Minister for Education James Merlino today released example questions for the new Part A of the reformed GAT, which will explicitly report students’ literacy and numeracy scores against new standards to bring the Victorian GAT in line with similar tests in other states and territories.
The GAT, which this year will be held on Wednesday 7 September, will be split into two sections: Section A will assess literacy and numeracy skills; and Section B will look similar to the old GAT content: assessing skills in English, maths, science, technology, the arts and humanities – with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills.
Students will now also receive information about whether they have demonstrated literacy and numeracy skills expected of someone completing secondary school – giving another indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment.
Section A will include 15 minutes reading time and two hours writing time, with students asked to respond to one writing task with two parts, 50 numeracy multiple-choice questions,
and 50 reading multiplechoice questions. Section B will comprise 15 minutes reading time and 90 minutes writing time, and students will respond to another extended writing task; 25 maths, science, and technology multiplechoice questions; and 25 arts and humanities multiple-choice questions. All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence are required to sit Sections A and B of the GAT – and for the first time,Senior VCAL students will sit the GAT – required to complete Section A only. As in all previous years, no special study will be required for the GAT. Past study of subjects like English, maths, science and history prepares students for the test by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.
Grants, concessions help more Victorians buy first Melbourne, April 17: Victorian first-home buyers are being supported with millions of dollars in grants and concessions each week to help them realise their dreams – and the Andrews Labor Government is urging more people to get involved. In the first three months of the year, 10,000 stamp duty exemptions and concessions totalling $185 million have been approved across the state, and First Home Owner Grants of $10,000 paid to 3,500 homebuyers. The total of more than $220 million follows a record benefit of $1. 1 billion shared by Victorian first-home buyers last year – comprising more than 51,000 stamp duty concessions and exemptions and 21,000 First Home Owner Grants.
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Young couple Jasmine and Ethanaremovinginto their first home – a new apartment in Coburg – with the help of the First Home Owner Grant and a stamp duty concession. First home buyers are exempt from paying stamp duty if they buy a property for $600,000 or less, with the concession reducing for properties valued up to $750,000. Victorians buying or building a new home valued up to $750,000 are eligible for the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant. More Victorians are accessing the benefits to help them buy their home – the benefits approved in 2021 were up almost 20 per cent compared with the previous year. The Labor Government is also supporting people into home ownership through the Victorian
Homebuyer Fund, which has approved more than $140million in shared equity funding in just six months, enabling more than 850 Victorians to move into their properties. Hundreds more applications have been approved, enabling Victorians to make offers on properties across the state. The scheme will help up to 3,000 applicants achieve their home ownership dream. The Fund reduces the required deposit for participants to just 5 per cent and contributes up to 25 per cent towards the purchase price of the property in exchange for an equivalent share in the property. The joint-equity has the added benefit of relieving homebuyers from the costs of obtaining Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
Works commence on Australian first Satellite Hospitals program in the Redlands open.”
good forward bookings nudging 74 per $2 billion bonus for cent. “Ultiqa hotels and resorts have 15 Queensland tourism in April percent off two-night stays in Brisbane. Road to Rodeo (Longreach)
Satellite Hospitals will be built in the Redlands alongside Eight Mile Plains, Caboolture, Ripley, Pine Rivers, Tugun and Bribie Island.
Brisbane, April 26: An important milestone has been reached in the Palaszczuk Government’s Australian-first Satellite Hospitals program, with the first sod being turned in the Redlands on April 26 . Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said that the crucial projects across the south-east corner would deliver improved healthcare services in growing communities. “Today is a momentous occasion as we mark the start of construction of our seven Satellite Hospitals,” said Minister D’Ath. “We are building these Satellite Hospitals to support growing communities with the health infrastructure that they need. “Our Satellite Hospitals program is an Australian first initiative that will improve healthcare, supporting jobs in construction and health jobs when they’re
AFL Premiership game St. Kilda v Port Adelaide (Cairns) Scenic Rim Adventure Festival (Brisbane, Scenic Rim)
Minister for Public Works and Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the Satellite Hospitals program will create up Brisbane, April 26: Queensland’s to 773 jobs. hat-trick of long weekends in “This is great news for local April is on track to generate up to tradies,” Minister de Brenni said. $2 billion for the State’s tourism operators. “We’ve chosen to partner with Queensland construction icon Tourism Minister Stirling Hutchinson’s across all the Hinchliffe said great deals on Satellite Hospital projects. Queensland getaways for the third “This will be under a new model that delivers rapid construction, best practice conditions, project trust accounts coverage and a quality finish.” Member for Redlands Kim Richards welcomed the start of construction. “I am thrilled to mark this important milestone for our local community today,” said Ms Richards. “I have fought hard to ensure that the Redlands gets the health facilities it needs – especially as more people decide to call our community home.” The Redland Satellite Hospital will be located at 22-28 Meissner St, Redland Bay.
Gold Coast Film Festival (Gold Coast) Boyne Tannum Hookup (Gladstone) Australian Volleyball Beach Masters (Capricorn) Yungaburra Triathlon (Atherton Tablelands, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region)
Brisbane, April 23: A new super round of Queensland’s largest one-off funding grants has been announced to support community groups impacted by the recent natural disasters thanks to changes made to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF). Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said $30 million has been set aside for the next round of the GCBF to help local community groups recover from the recent flooding events. “We know recovery for our Queensland communities following a natural disaster will take a long time,” Minister Fentiman said. “That’s why we have combined the May and August 2022 rounds of the GCBF to create a supersized Disaster Recovery Round. “Any community group that has been impacted by a natural
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“The Disaster Recovery round will open on 16 May 2022 and close on 15 July, which we hope will give groups enough time to assess the damage to their facilities and equipment and work out what they need to get up and running again.” The GCBF’s first ever Super Round for grants of up to $100,000 which opened earlier this year, has now closed after receiving close to 3000 applications. Those groups that have applied in the Super Round and have been impacted by a natural disaster should consider their circumstances and determine whether moving their application into the new Disaster Recovery Round is more appropriate for them. Member for Toohey Peter Russo welcomed the announcement of the new super-sized grant
“Short break capacity for this coming long weekend is expected to fill, so now’s the perfect time to pack a bag, pick an event and find your best deal.” Mr Hinchliffe said during Easter, Brisbane, Cairns and Gold Coast airports all recorded their busiest days for air travel since the start of the Covid pandemic.
“Early indications suggest domestic tourism spending in Queensland during the hat-trick of long weekends in long weekend in-a-row - Labour “Whether it's sport, adventure, April is expected to peak at around $2 Day – were still available. fishing or film there’s a lot to love, billion,” Mr Hinchliffe said. “This afternoon marks the last see and do in regional Queensland “It’s a good result with Easter visitors to of Queensland’s hat-trick of this Labour Day long weekend,” Queensland up 21 percent on last year. April long weekends, starting Mr Hinchliffe said. with record travel for Easter,” Mr “Tourism operators also recorded “Events bring visitors who support Hinchliffe said. strong booking figures for the ANZAC local jobs and tourism economies Day long weekend, which coincided “Queensland’s Labour Day long across regional Queensland. with the end of school holidays in NSW weekend comes primed with a “There are always terrific and Victoria. solid calendar of events from the holiday deals to be found on the Gold Coast to Cairns and west to “Occupancy rates on the Gold Queensland.com website, and this Longreach. Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and weekend is no exception. the Whitsundays held at 83 percent “We’re encouraging Queenslanders to explore their own backyard this “We know there’s getaway capacity on average through the week with with accommodation occupancy interstate visitors extending Easter Labour Day long weekend.” around 70 per cent in many breaks into ANZAC Day. Long weekend events featured on destinations including the Gold QTIC CEO Daniel Gschwind said Easter the It’s Live! in Queensland events Coast, Sunshine Coast and the had been a game changer for tourism calendar include: Tropical North. operators. North Queensland Games “The Whitsundays is set to be a (Townsville) star performer this weekend with
funding to support the long-term recovery of local community groups.
“Applications from community groups for other non-recovery related projects are still welcome in this new round, however the funding for projects not linked to a natural disaster will be limited to the standard grant amount of up to $35,000.
“Brisbane is always a great base for exploring shopping, dining, Moreton Bay Island tours, the South Bank Cultural precinct, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and there’s easy access to the iconic theme parks.
Gold Coast Open (surfing) (Burleigh, Gold Coast)
$30 million to help community groups hit by flooding disaster in the last two years can apply for a grant of up to $100,000.
NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND
Funding helps build a stronger multicultural Queensland
“It has been devastating to see the impact of the floods at the beginning of the year on our local community,” Mr Russo said. “Rocklea has been one of the most flood affected suburbs in Brisbane in both the 2011 and 2022 floods. “This funding will give a helping hand to so many of our hardworking community and not-for-profit groups to get back on their feet after suffering thousands of dollars of damage and loss due to recent natural disasters.” Brothers St Brendan’s Club President Aaron Bollinger welcomed the opportunity to be able to seek financial assistance through the Disaster Recovery round. “Our club was completely inundated by the flooding in Brisbane which caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage to our club house and it is going to take a lot of time and money for us to get back to where we were,” Mr Bollinger said. “While we are a small community club we are an important part of the local community. “Club members and the local community have been doing a fantastic job cleaning up and getting the club back up and running again as best as we can but there is still so much to be done.
Brisbane, April 26: Twenty-two Queensland based organisations will share in almost $1 million funding to deliver projects which celebrate Queensland’s multicultural diversity. The projects will focus on one of two streams - either creating economic and social opportunities or engaging young people to become independent, active members of their communities Multicultural Affairs Minister, Leanne Linard MP said the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland’s project funding will create community-led solutions to issues and barriers facing Queenslanders from diverse cultural backgrounds. “The response to this year’s funding round showed just how passionate local community groups and organisations are in building a more inclusive Queensland,” Ms Linard said. Twelve projects will receive almost $700,000 to engage young people from diverse backgrounds to become independent, active members of their community Successful youth-related projects
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include a Brisbane-based multicultural youth filmmaking and screen acting program which will connect young people with industry professionals and a project which helps young women in Townsville build their self-confidence in a safe and supportive space. Funding has also been provided to deliver a project which helps 100 young men from Pasifika and African backgrounds gain life and employability skills through a series of workshops and work placements. An additional ten projects will share in almost $300,000 to create more economic and social opportunities for Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Successful projects in the economic and social participation category include a multicultural mothers’ group for women in Moreton Bay, a project assisting refugees towards greater independence through obtaining their driver’s licence in Townsville, and a Logan-based project supporting around 1,000 culturally diverse members of the community to overcome barriers to re-entering the workforce. For more information visit https://www.cyjma.qld.gov. au/multicultural-affairs/ programs-initiatives/celebratingmulticultural-queenslandprogram.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
EDITORIAL
From the editor's desk Indo-UK ties on a new track?
Time to reject propaganda and get on with business In recent months, India has witnessed an acute shortage of coal as several states, including the most populous, Uttar Pradesh, struggled to keep up with the electricity demand. Ironically, contrary to some misleading reports in the national and international media, demand for coal is declining anytime soon, especially in India and China. From the Indian point of view the Carmichael mine by Adani now known as Bravus Mining and Resources in Central Queensland is very critical in helping India keep up with the ever-growing energy demands — commercial, industrial and domestic. It will produce more than 10 million tonnes of coal annually. The recently signed preliminary Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between Australia and India has waived tariff on coal, which will make the venture more cost effective and yield economic dividends for both sides. Unfortunately for over a decade, the Bravus mining has been targeted by many groups which have been peddling misleading facts and arguments about coal in general and Bravus’ operation, more specifically. Greens and environmentalist groups argued that coal fired power generation was decreasing globally. According to the International Energy Agency the “global coal-fired generation has been rebounding strongly in 2021, spurred by rising gas prices in the United States and Europe and increased economic activity in China [and India]”. Several environmental crusaders also claimed that mine was a ‘super/mega mine’ which will produce more coal than any mine in the world. Instead, it constitutes a mere 2.5% of the total world thermal coal trade. Green activists also alleged that the mine will rob people of water. The fact is that water will be used for washing approximately 30 percent of the coal to increase its energy efficiency, for human use in workshops, offices and accommodation village, and for dust suppression to minimise any adverse impact on the health of the employees and neighbours. It is acquired from multiple sources: ground, rain, recycled and Sutton/ Belyando river. The ground water comes from local aquifers connected to the coal seams beneath the mine site and not from the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), which is separated by a 250-300 metre thick layer of claystone called the Rewan Formation which prevents water from moving between the GAB and the mine. Safeguards are in
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place to check seepage from GAB to the mine and the potential seepage is predicted at 730 ML per year, if the mine was producing 60 MT per annum. Phase one will produce less than 27.5 MT per annum.The mine will not extract any water from GAB and to offset any seepage, it will cap free-flowing GAB bores meant for agricultural users, totalling 730ML per year for the first five years. In total, 3,650ML water will go back to the GAB.The Sutton river water will only be pumped during floods and after the farmers and other users have taken their shares, and when the flow rate is higher than 2.592 ML per day. The Carmichael project has been granted license to use a maximum of 12.5 GL of water at a fee applicable to other local industrial users as well. Doomsday activists also alleged the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef from mining activity. Perhaps, few know that the distance between the mine and the GBR is the same as between London and Paris i.e., 350 km and there are four other mines, Clermont, Goonyella, Blackwater and Mt Arthur, operating much closer to the GBR and Carmichael mine. While that Adani Group has been subjected to relentless attacks and bad press by the media over climate change, not many are aware that it is also developing a 300MW Rugby Run Solar Farm project in North Queensland to supply 65MW of RE power in phase 1 and gradually expand to 170MW. More than 247,000 panels have been installed which will generate 185,000MWh of power annually from phase 1. According the CEO of Bravus, David Boshoff,the Adani Group has secured its position as the world’s largest solar company, following the announcement that Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has acquired SB Energy Holdings Ltd, which will see AGEL achieve a total renewable energy capacity of 24.3GW. “The 24.3 GW would be enough energy to power more than 8.5 million homes, or nearly all the households in Australia (9.2 million) each year."
By Asad Mirza In Persian there is an old proverb: “Amad’an, nashist’am, ghuft’am, barkhas’tam’”, meaning “they came, they sat, they talked and then dispersed”. It actually means to say that nothing substantial was achieved by the visit or the talks. The same could be said about UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent visit to India, after his two previous trips scheduled last year were cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic. BoJo in India Diplomacy nowadays thrives on optics. On this count the BoJo visit ticked all the boxes, but was also marred by angry reactions on the social media on photos showing him in the driver’s seat at a JCB bulldozer. Perhaps his advisers were unable to connect the continuing controversy over bulldozers being used by the establishment against the minorities across India, or his close connections with the owner of the JCB, Anthony Bamford, an old Conservative Party donor and supporter, overweighed the local sensibilities. The Gujarat leg of his visit, a carbon copy of his Home Secretary Priti Patel’s 2015 trip to the state, was in essence aimed at garnering the support of the Gujarati electorate back home, keeping an eye on his uncertain political future. In Gujarat, he also met Gautam Adani at his company’s headquarters. BoJo described the feeling of being in Ahmedabad similar to those of Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan, two Indian icons used for boosting his own public image and trying to resonate or connect with the Indian audiences. In New Delhi, he referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “khaas dost” and continuously as Narendra during his speech at Hyderabad House. But no more “khaas” treatment to the Indian demands of a relaxed visa regime and post study work for the Indian students, an indication towards which was given in Ahmedabad, but not granted finally. Bilateral Cooperation His main focus remained the
Environmental and pressure groups have long alleged that mine will destroy ancestral lands, waters and cultures of the indigenous people. As global economies, and international trade and travel gain momentum post-Covid, it is time to lay propaganda to rest, and get on with the business. As ECTA becomes operational groups with vested interests should not be allowed to derail the growing Australia-India business and trade relationship.
FTA between the two countries, as he expected to take back home something substantial in economic terms, particularly after his failed Brexit strategy. He urged the negotiators on both sides to hasten the pace of negotiations so as to have a final document ready for signing by Diwali in October. Certainly an over ambitious demand for an agreement, which has been under negotiations for more than the last ten years. Though the Indian side stated that it would demonstrate the same speed and urgency that it did in concluding recent FTAs with the UAE and Australia in recent months, yet nothing can be said for sure about an Indo-UK FTA, as there are many thorny issues on both sides. British trade with India, the world’s second-most populous country with nearly 1.3 billion people, was worth 23 billion pounds ($29.93 billion) in 2019, much lower than the UK’s trade with some much smaller economies such as Ireland and India’s trade with smaller countries like Belgium which stands at 18 billion pounds. Russia-Ukraine War In addition, though not expressed overtly by the British side and neither by BoJo, the RussiaUkraine war had an ominous shadow over the visit. Though his foreign secretary was very firmly told by New Delhi just 22 days before his visit that India is not going to change its stand on its ties with Russia, BoJo thought he might be able to convince New Delhi to do so. However, predicting the Indian response he had set the tone for this when even before meeting Modi he had said that he understands India’s historic ties with Russia, but still chose to lecture New Delhi on its relationship with ‘autocratic’ states, though this time also New Delhi politely stood its ground. The manner in which the visit was seen by both sides, was remarkable by the manner in which the two prime ministers delivered their speeches at Hyderabad House. While BoJo
avoided mentioning Russia, Modi reaffirmed the ties with Russia. India-focussed issues Though the British side is referring to a host of agreements signed in different sectors, and BoJo’s statements on counterterrorism task force being constituted and against the Indian economic fugitives currently at home in the UK, everyone is certain that they are just mere words, nothing substantial. His announcement of One billion pounds trade deals and creating 11,000 jobs is just peanuts for India. Both sides also agreed to deepen bilateral defence and security cooperation. India welcomed Britain’s Indo-Pacific tilt and joining of the Indo-Pacific Economic Initiative; on its part Britain announced the decision to ease the transfer of defence equipment and technology for India and also for developing an advanced jet fighter. But overall, nothing concrete was inked down by both the sides and the technology transfer could be viewed as just a gimmick to wean India away from Russia. Overall, the two sides showed commitment to joint research, development and production of advanced weapons and related technologies. The two Prime Ministers also issued a statement on strengthening partnership in the cyber-security domain, and plans to boost cooperation on mitigating climate change and promoting clean energy. But these agreements should be seen as just part of a normal bureaucratic visit. The visit seems to be a hastily stitched plan, with no long-term goals and no narrative setting, and was unable to achieve anything bilaterally. In the end BoJo was unable to get anything substantial from India and his political troubles back home persist. The coming days will show how he’ll be able to deal with them and survive as even his closest Asian origin lieutenants like Rishi Sunak and Priti Patel, who were predicted to take over from him, are facing politically damaging controversies of their own.
Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. The views expressed are personal.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
SPECIAL COVERAGE
Look at Europe, not India when it comes to Russian oil European allies of the US that buy far more oil. Blinken pointed out, “When it comes to oil purchases, sanctions, et cetera, I’d just note that there are carve outs for energy purchases.”
New York, April 12 (IANS): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has given a resounding retort to an Al-Jazeera reporter asking her to look at Europe when she said India risked sanctions for currency arrangements for energy purchases. “If you are looking at energy purchases from Russia, I would suggest that your attention should be focused on Europe,” he said, and after pausing dramatically as if making a mental calculation, he added, “Probably our total purchases for the month would be
less than what Europe does in an afternoon. So you might want to think about that.” Many reporters were obsessed with India’s oil purchases from Russia, asking questions about it at the three briefings on April 11 after the 2+2 meeting of Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, as they have at earlier briefings. Yet, they haven’t raised the possibility of sanctions against
The exception for energy purchases was made to accommodate the interests of European countries. Earlier, answering a question on India’s oil purchases, President Joe Biden’s Spokesperson Jen Psaki noted that it was only 1 to 2 per cent, while India bought about 10 percent of its energy needs from the US. The Qatar government TV network’s reporter lobbed a question in a hectoring tone, “Why not condemn Russia’s invasion? Wouldn’t this best reflect India’s foreign policy goals and international standing?” Jaishankar replied sarcastically, “So first of all, thank you for the advice and suggestions in your question. I prefer to do it my way and articulate it my way.” “Now, as Secretary Blinken has pointed out, we have made a number of statements which outline our position in the UN,
in our Parliament, and in other forums. And briefly, what those positions state is that we’re against the conflict; we are for dialogue and diplomacy; we are for an urgent cessation of violence, and we are prepared to contribute in multiple ways to these objectives,” he said. While Qatar voted on one General Assembly resolution condemning Russia, it abstained alongside India on the resolution to suspend Moscow from the UN Human Rights Council. A reporter for the Japanese Nikkei news service asked Jaishankar that with concerns over Russia aligning closely with China, “do you think India has to reduce reliance on Russia economically and militarily as soon as possible?” Jaishankar gave an answer dripping with sarcasm: “This seems to be my day to get a lot of advice and suggestions from the press, so thank you for joining that.” Speaking up for diplomats and strategists, Jaishankar told the reporter, “The world will keep changing. What we have to do in our profession is to watch it and
see how your interests are best advanced in that.” He said, “We watch what’s happening in the world, like any country does, and we draw our conclusions and make our assessments. And believe me, we have a decent sense of what is in our interest and know how to protect it and advance it.” “What has changed is we have more options than we did before,” he said. “We are standing here for a 2+2 with a substantial defence collaboration which has happened in the last decade, which we have been discussing how to take forward. And this wasn’t an option which was there for 40 years before that,” he explained. Blinken also said, “Times have changed. Today we are able and willing to be a partner of choice with India across virtually every realm - commerce, technology, education, and security.”. “India’s relationship with Russia has developed over decades at a time when the United States was not able to be a partner to India,” he noted.
Are India and France destined to become soul-mates after Macron’s victory? The Hindustan Times is reporting that PM Modi is expected to meet Macron between May 2-6 when he visits Europe, including Germany, the other European heavyweight. Already special partners in the tech sphere, Modi’s visit is likely to impart urgency to transfer to India Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, which allows conventional submarines to stay underwater for a long duration, greatly enhancing their lethality. The transfers will be part of India’s refurbished 30-year plan for modernising its submarine fleet.
New Delhi, April 26: President Emmanuel Macron’s victory in France, carved out in exceptionally difficult circumstances, has triggered quiet celebrations in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly tweeted a message of congratulations to Macron, with whom he shares a treasured personal chemistry. “Congratulations to my friend @EmmanuelMacron on being re-elected as the President of France! I look forward to continuing working together to deepen the India-France Strategic Partnership,” tweeted the Prime Minister. Two points stand out in the tweet. PM Modi called President Macron his “friend” spotlighting the special personal bond between the two leaders. Second, the PM made it plain that India wanted to “deepen the IndiaFrance Strategic Partnership”,
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underscoring a vision of elevating India-France ties to an altogether new level, which will count on the global stage. There are real reasons why India-France ties can together touch the sky. Both countries have an extensive and growing partnership in the arena of cutting-edge technology, which will count in making advanced weapons. The two share a deep and abiding geopolitical interest in the Indian Ocean. Besides, the two countries are merely scratching the surface in their collaboration in Africa where they can leverage each other’s comparative strengths. Grasping the moment, PM Modi is heading to Paris to personally convey his good wishes to Macron - a special gesture that is meant to tunnel the India-France relationship to unchartered territory and, possibly, help it attain escape-velocity.
The key to updated deterrence are the changes that have been made to the 30-year submarine plan, which was first approved in July 1999 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The original plan approved in July 1999, had envisaged induction of 24 diesel attack submarines. But in view of China’s military rise and aggressive posturing, the Indian navy, instead, now wants to induct 18 conventional diesel attack submarines including those with AIP technology, of which, France is arguably a market leader. The transfer of AIP technology will be part of PM Modi’s signature Atmanirbhar Bharat project. France is also expected to build high thrust aircraft engines in India apart from working with New Delhi on mapping the Indian Ocean bed. On nuclear technology, French energy group EDF intends to build six, third-generation EPR reactors in Jaitapur, western
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India. Once complete they will generate 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, sufficient to light up 70 million households. In the geopolitical space, France is already helping India to extend its reach in the Indian Ocean. In 2018 the two countries signed an agreement to provide reciprocal access to each other’s military facilities. The document is similar to the LEMOA accord that New Delhi had signed with Washington. Following the Indo-French agreement, the Indian Navy could extend its reach in the western Indian Ocean. India can potentially take advantage of French military facilities at the island of La Reunion, Mayotte, and even the French Southern and Atlantic Lands. India and France can further cement their strategic ties after the formation of the Australia -UK-US (AUKUS) anti-China security alliance - essentially a white English-speaking club that leaves out a badly miffed France and any other Asian power including India and Japan. Unsurprisingly, Macron offered to elevate ties with India to an altogether new level, soon after AUKUS was signed. In a seminal telephonic conversation with Modi in September last year, the two leaders vowed to “act jointly in an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area”. That could imply anything from intelligence sharing, coordinated patrolling, to sharing of naval bases in the Indian Ocean Region, where, for historical reasons, France has a significant presence.
Second, the French President pointedly asserted that Paris respected India’s “strategic autonomy” - a phrase that implies that New Delhi, as a significant power following the 1998 nuclear tests, was free to bond with other players of the global multipolar system. In other words, France was not expecting any zero-sum strategic commitments from New Delhi. Third, France was ready to open the floodgates of its world class technology to India. A statement from Macron’s office said that Paris was ready to strengthen India’s “industry and technology base, as part of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect”. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the French were saying that they could become the vanguard of a special security relationship between India and Europe. The commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific region would be under “the framework of the Europe-India relationship and European initiatives in the IndoPacific”, said a statement released by the French embassy in New Delhi. Macron’s offers have been substantiated by the transfer of Rafale fighter jets, especially at time of India’s need - when New Delhi was engaged in a tight standoff with the Chinese in Eastern Ladakh. The French have also gone out of their way to back India in the UN Security Council - a position that has not gone unnoticed by India’s power elite.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
Report of Germany snubbing India as G7 guest over Russia
India’s position is clear on Russia-Ukraine crisis: Indian foreign minister least we are not giving you that advice.” He also stated that what happened in Afghanistan clearly stated what was the rules-based order.
New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): India has a clear position on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on April 26, stressing that New Delhi “urges a cessation of hostilities, return to dialogue and national sovereignty”. During an interaction at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said the conflict in Ukraine is one of the most dominating issues at present “not only because of interests or values concerned, but also because of the consequences worldwide”. “And there is a wide world out there where sustaining a rules based order is often an issue.” When asked about India’s stand on the war, he said: “When rulesbased order was under challenge in Asia, the advice we got from Europe was; do more trade. At
“We have to find a way to return to diplomacy and to do that, the fighting must stop.” When asked about what are the “three things that keep him up at night”, Jaishankar replied: “The shocks that the international order is experiencing, When asked about what are the “three things that keep him up at night”, Jaishankar replied: “The shocks that the international order is experiencing, particularly in the past two years -- the Covid 19 pandemic, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and the friction between the West and Russia, the US and China.” He also explained that Ukraine is not a precedent for China, such events have been underway in Asia for the past decade without Europe’s attention. “So, this is a wake-up call for Europe to start looking at Asia. This is a part of the world with unsettled boundaries, terrorism, and continuous challenges to the rules-based order. The rest of the world has to recognise that problems are not ‘going to happen’, but that they are
WORLD NEWS
happening.” On India’s role in the Western Indo-Pacific, the Minister said: “We need to reclaim our history. Our ties and trade were disrupted in colonial times, but in a more globalised world, we should focus on how we aim to rebuild and interact with each other, rather than through intermediaries.” He also said that the aim should be to recreate the Indian Ocean community, look for solutions amongst and partner with each other instead of looking to countries far away. “The Indian and Pacific Oceans have become much more seamless. It is increasingly untenable to see them in compartmentalised terms, which is part of a larger geopolitical shift.”
New Delhi, April 17 (IANS): German government circles have termed as “wrong” a report stating that it was considering not inviting India for the G7 meeting it would host because of its position concerning Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“We need both... When it comes to climate action, everyone needs to do their utmost. But we also need to ensure that the more vulnerable, less-resourced countries and societies are supported.
German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said Berlin would present its list of guest attendees as soon as it is finalised, while German Embassy sources told IANS that the report is “wrong”.
“Today, we do need to find ways to work together - on connectivity, climate change, and India is prepared to step forward in a much more substantive way on these global issues,” the Minister added.
Following BoJo’s visit, China hopes India will maintain distance with the West
The report stated that Germany is weighing “whether to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit it’s hosting in June given India’s reluctance to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine”.
India and 49 countries abstained from a United Nations vote to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council and have not imposed sanctions on Moscow. The G7 is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US and the European Union. The forum provides global leadership and plays a powerful catalyst role on issues that are later taken up by other fora with broader global and regional membership.
Nawaz Sharif issued passport to return to Pakistan According to media reports, the passport was issued on April 23 and it was processed in the “urgent” category.
New Delhi, April 23: Notwithstanding India’s clear message to the world that it will be guided by its strategic autonomy, China kept a close watch on the developments in India amid UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent visit. The British Prime Minister discussed issues related to bilateral trade and security with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India and the UK were also expected to begin negotiations for a free trade agreement. Johnson’s visit came a few weeks after UK’s foreign secretary Liz Truss’s trip to India. Interestingly Johnson’s visit was to be followed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s trip to New Delhi. Von der Leyen’s visit to India is the first since she took charge in 2019. “With such engagements, it is natural for not only China but the world at large to monitor the developments in India as pressure
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builds on New Delhi to condemn Russia for its Ukraine invasion,” an insider said. Even as it is almost certain that India will not give up its independent foreign policy, the visits and their outcomes are being scrutinised with a fine tooth comb. So far, on the issues related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India and China have been more or less on the same page. “These high-profile visits could have implications on the geopolitical contours of the Indo-Pacific region which would be of immense interest to China. Though India has made its stand clear -- that it will carve out its own independent foreign policy, China will be curious especially as it holds the chair for the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-IndiaChina-South Africa) block,” Anil Trigunayat, former ambassador and Distinguished Fellow at Vivekananda International
Foundation told India Narrative. The BRICS countries have taken a similar stand on the RussiaUkraine issue. “Besides, China is interested in the European market while India will seek clarity on the UK’s position on China and Pakistan,” Trigunayat added. The UK is also part of the trilateral security pact AUKUS. Besides the UK, Australia and the US are part of AUKUS. “There has been close cooperation between India and Western countries. But India is not the vassal of the latter. As a proud developing country, India seeks respect from its partners, rather than being pressed or ordered by others,” Beijing based Global Times said, adding that New Delhi “has won the space for independent diplomacy”. Earlier in April, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi made a surprise low key stop over in New Delhi just before the visit of Daleep
In a conversation with the media after being sworn into Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s new cabinet, he regretted that “it is unfortunate that a person who has been the Prime Minister three times is being deprived of national citizenship.” New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): The Pakistan government on April 25 issued a new passport to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to return back to Pakistan, Express Tribune reported. Nawaz Sharif was barred by the Supreme Court in 2017 from holding public office and subsequently went abroad for medical treatment after serving just a few months of a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges He has been living in London for the last two years since being let out of jail. As per the Interior Ministry, the former premier has been issued a passport with a 10-year validity.
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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had also declared a petition challenging the issuance of a diplomatic passport to the former premier as inadmissible, and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the petitioner. The ruling was announced after being reserved by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah. The petitioner had contended that Nawaz should not be issued a passport on the grounds that he was an “absconding convict”. Earlier in April, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Mian Javed Latif had claimed that Nawaz Sharif is expected to head back to the country after Eid, Express Tribune reported.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
Risk of nuke war is real: Russian minister
WORLD NEWS
Re-elected Macron pledges to ‘heal divisions’ in France
Union and America, that “a nuclear war was inadmissible”. “Regretfully, we failed to convince our colleagues of the necessity of this move, but we agreed very quickly with the administration of (US President Joe) Biden, and our Presidents made this statement during the Geneva summit last June,” TASS quoted the Minister as saying. In the interview, Lavrov also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of “pretending” to negotiate, calling him “a good actor”, the BBC reported. “If you watch attentively and read attentively what he says, you’ll find a thousand contradictions.”
Moscow, April 26 (IANS): Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the risk of a nuclear war is real and should not be underestimated. He made the remarks in an interview on April 25 with Russia’s Channel One TV. Lavrov reiterated that in January, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council made a statement on the inadmissibility of a nuclear war, reports TASS News Agency. “This is our principled position, we are guided by this, and of
course I would not want to see these risks artificially inflated now, when the risks are rather significant,” the Foreign Minister said, stressing that there are many who want to do this. “The danger is serious, it is real, it should not be underestimated,” Lavrov said. He noted that during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, Russia had sought the confirmation of the 1987 statement from Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan, the then leaders of the Soviet
He also alleged that since Western has delivered weapons to Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s war, the NATO alliance was “in essence engaged in war with Russia”. “These weapons will be a legitimate target for Russia’s military acting within the context of the special operation. NATO, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy and is arming that proxy. War means war.”
US body recommends designating India over them -- through harassment, religious freedom violations investigation, detention, and
Washington, April 25 (IANS): A US watchdog has for the second year running recommended that the State Department should designate India as a “country of particular concern”, a category it uses for countries whose governments engage in “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations” of religious freedoms. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended this designation for 15 countries in its annual report for 2022 released on April 25. Ten of them were declared countries of particular concern by the State Department in 2021 -- Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The rest were Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, Syria and Vietnam. The USCIRF report also recommended in the case of www.indianews.com.au
India that the US should impose “targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ or entities’ assets and/or barring their entry into the United States”. In 2021, the report said in its key findings, “The Indian government escalated its promotion and enforcement of policies -including those promoting a Hindu-nationalist agenda -- that negatively affected Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and other religious minorities. The government continued to systemise its ideological vision of a Hindu state at both the national and state levels through the use of both existing and new laws and structural changes hostile to the country’s religious minorities” The report added: “In 2021, the Indian government repressed critical voices -- especially religious minorities and those reporting on and advocating for
prosecution under laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Sedition Law.” The USCIRF describes itself as an independent, bipartisan US federal government agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. It monitors the state of religious freedom around the world and makes policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state and congress. The USCIRF had made the same recommendation for India -- to be declared a country of particular concern -- in 2021 as well, but it was not accepted. The commission’s recommendations are not binding on the US government or the Congress. The State Department compiles its own international religious freedom report every year. “We are disheartened by the deterioration of freedom of religion or belief in some countries, especially Afghanistan under the Taliban’s de facto government since August. Religious minorities have faced harassment, detention, and even death due to their faith or beliefs, and years of progress toward more equitable access to education and representation of women and girls have disappeared,” USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza said in a statement announcing the release of the 2022 report.
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Paris, April 25 (IANS): In a victory speech, a mere 90 minutes after he was projected re-elected as French President for a second term on April 24 evening, Emmanuel Macron, 44, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, assured those who did not vote for him: “I am no longer the candidate of one camp, but the President of all.” But on a more emotional note, on a brightly lit stage in the Place de la Republique in central Paris, his wife Brigitte with him, thousands of people as his audience and the iconic Eiffel Tower glowing in the
background, Macron vowed “to heal the divisions that have been expressed in these elections, by ensuring respect for everyone, every day.” He said: “The years to come will certainly be difficult, but they will be historic and we will have to write them, together, for the new generations.” According to Ipsos-Sopra Steria, computing the result, Macron won with 58.8 percent votes in his favour compared to 41.2 percent for his far Right challenger, the 53-year-old Marine Le Pen.
Jaishankar calls on visiting EC President Ursula Von Der Leyen
New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on April 25 called on visiting President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula Von Der Leyen during which they discussed ties between India and the European Union (EU). Taking to Twitter after their meeting here, Jaishankar said: “Pleased to call on President of @ EU_Commission @vonderleyen. Discussed taking forward the #IndiaEU partnership. “Also exchanged views on the economic and political implications of the Ukraine conflict.” The EC President embarked on her visit to India on April 23. Earlier on April 25, she visited the Raj Ghat where she paid tribute “to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi”.
the borders of his native India. He has gifted us a precious set of values which, more than ever, should guide us in making our world a more peaceful place,” Von Der Leyen said in a tweet. In another tweet, she said: “Strengthening the India-EU partnership is a key priority for this decade. We will step up cooperation in trade, technology and security. “This is why I’m pleased that (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and I will establish an EU-India Trade and Technology Council.” On April 24, she also addressed a meeting on Solar Energy Development at the International Solar Alliance Headquarters and also visited The Energy and Resources Institute.
“His aura has long transcended
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
INDIA NEWS
Felt like Sachin, Big B on seeing hoardings everywhere: Boris Johnson Prime Minister Modi while addressing the press, said, “He ( Johnson) has played a role in strengthening India-UK relations. His coming to India during ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is historic.”
New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on April 22 said that he felt like Sachin Tendulkar upon his arrival (in Ahmedabad) and also like Amitabh Bachchan when he saw (his) hoardings everywhere during his visit to Gujarat. Addressing a joint press conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House here, he said he had a fantastic two-day tour of India and became the first Conservative Prime Minister who visited Gujarat on the invitation of his ‘Khas Dost’ (personal friend) which is the home of half of all British Indians. “I had an amazing reception, absolutely amazing,” Johnson added.
Modi said that this was his ( Johnson) first visit as PM but he was instrumental in strengthening India-UK friendship for many years. It was significant to note that he started his India visit by paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram. Modi stated that India and the UK have been working on closing the negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of this year. Recently we have concluded FTA with the UAE and Australia and with the same spirit, we wish to go for FTA with the UK with the same commitment, he said. “Last year, we established the strategic partnership and we have added the important Roadmap-2030 and during our talks, we reviewed the progress made in this direction and also set some goals,” Modi said. He added that both the countries have decided to enhance the cooperation in the defence sector. “We welcome the UK’s support in manufacturing, technology, design and development and
Referring to the recent reforms initiated by India in infrastructure modernisation and the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Modi said that India welcomes the increasing investments here by UK companies. Prime Minister Modi said they also discussed the many developments taking place at the regional and global level. “We emphasized on maintaining the Indo-Pacific region based on a free, open, inclusive and rulesbased order. India welcomes the UK’s decision to join the IndoPacific Oceans Initiative.” Modi said during our talks we stressed on dialogue and diplomacy in Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the problem. We also reiterated the importance of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries, he added. We reiterated our support for a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and for an inclusive and representative government, Prime Minister Modi said, adding that it was necessary that Afghan land should not be used to spread terrorism in other countries.
New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 22 congratulated British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for successfully organising the COP 26 held in Glasgow in 2021. During the bilateral talks held here at Hyderabad House, both leaders reiterated the commitment to ambitious climate action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and in implementing the Glasgow Climate Pact.
Through the Global Innovation Partnership, India and the UK have agreed to co-finance up to 75 million (British) pounds to support the transfer and scale up of climate smart sustainable innovations to third countries. The novel GIP Fund created
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Johnson offers India help to build its own fighter jets
other sectors for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Modi said.
Modi congratulates Johnson for successfully organizing COP 26 in 2021
“They agreed to enhance cooperation on rapid deployment of clean energy including offshore wind energy and green hydrogen and work closely for early operationalisation of the Global Green Grids-One Sun One World One Grid Initiative (OSOWOG) under ISA and the IRIS platform under CDRI which were jointly launched by India and UK at COP26,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said here.
INDIA-UK TIES SPECIAL COVERAGE
New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): With an eye on Russia, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on April 22 offered help to India giving 'know-how' for making its own fighter jets and a licence for faster deliveries of defence equipment, especially when the West is trying to wean India away from Russia. During bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Johnson discussed the ways to boost trade and security ties with India, which buys more than half of its military hardware from Russia. Johnson has offered support for new Indian-designed and built fighter jets, offering the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft. Both leaders agreed to transform defence and security cooperation as a key element of India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed opportunities for defence collaboration including co-development and coproduction for meeting the needs of armed forces of both the countries. The two leaders had also detailed discussion on co-production and defence technology, particularly
in electric propulsion and modern defence aircraft's jet engines and other complex defence equipment, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Both sides issued a joint statement for further intensifying co-operation on Cyber Security particularly in the areas of cyber governance, cyber deterrence and safeguarding critical national infrastructure. They also agreed to closely cooperate on countering the persistent threat of terrorism and radical extremism. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Prime Minister Modi also expressed deep concern at the mounting humanitarian crisis and reiterated his call for immediate cessation of violence and return to direct dialogue and diplomacy as the only way forward. "The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off free and fair trade and trample on sovereignty," Johnson said in a statement on April 21after visiting Gujarat.
UK PM hops onto bulldozer at JCB plant in Gujarat
under this Partnership will also aim to raise additional British pound 100 million from the market to support Indian innovations. During the talks, Modi also said that India has shown its commitment to fulfil the commitments made in COP-26 in Glasgow and decided to further enhance the partnership for climate and energy. “I invite the UK to join India’s National Hydrogen Mission and express my gratitude for setting up Strategic Tech Dialogue
between the two countries,” Modi said. The two Prime Ministers also exchanged views on the two MoUs on implementation of India-UK Global Innovation Partnership and on the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP). He also invited Johnson to India in 2023 for the G20 Summit under India’s presidency while Johnson reiterated his invitation to Modi to visit the UK, and he accepted the British Prime Minister’s invitation.
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Ahmedabad, April 21 (IANS): At a time when bulldozers have become a major talking point in the country, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on April 21 took the social media by storm by jumping onto a bulldozer during his visit to British heavy equipment maker JCB's plant at Halol industrial area near Gujarat's Vadodara. The trip of Johnson, who's on a two-day visit to India, to the bulldozer factory came at a time when the country is abuzz with news of bulldozers razing houses and shops in different pockets of the nation, the latest being Jahangirpuri
in the national capital, which was stopped following Supreme Court orders. Johnson visited the JCB factory accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, drawing myriad reactions. "What a bulldozer of irony! British PM @BorisJohnson will inaugurate the JCB plant in Halol that will manufacture bulldozers on a day when the Supreme Court is taking cognisance of the constitutional limits of the administration's use of the machine. #jahagirpuri," posted one netizen. Earlier in the day, Johnson visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad where he tried his hands on the Charkha. Boris Johnson is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on April 22.
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Jaishankar,Johnson discuss implementation of India-UK Roadmap 2030 and a Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan where he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
INDIA-UK TIES SPECIAL COVERAGE
Current ties between India, UK strong and good like never before: Johnson to Modi
Talking to the media later, Johnson called it a very auspicious moment in the relationship and friendship between India and UK. He said the bilateral ties have never been as good or as strong as they are today. Johnson also visited Rajghat and laid a wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. This is his maiden visit to India as Prime Minister of the UK.
New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on April 22 called on visiting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and discussed the expansion and implementation of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
“Delighted to call on UK PM Boris Johnson during his India visit. Discussed our expanding partnership and implementation of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.”
Taking to Twitter following their meeting, Jaishankar said:
On April 22 morning, he was given a ceremonial reception
Johnson arrived in India on a two-day visit on April 21.
The two nations enjoy a long and historical relationship that was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK Virtual Summit last year. The multi-dimensional relationship ranges from trade and economy, health, science and technology, defence and security, climate change to close cooperation on multilateral issues.
An auspicious moment in friendship with India: UK PM New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on April 22 said this was an auspicious moment in friendship with India and between the two largest democracies. The UK Prime Minister was given a ceremonial reception and a Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan where he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking to the media after the ceremonial welcome, Johnson said that relations with India were never so strong. He also thanked the Gujarat government and the people for putting up a grand reception on his arrival to Ahmedabad on April 21. After his reception, the UK Prime Minister visited Rajghat to lay a wreath on the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. The British Prime Minister, who was on a two-day visit to India, met Prime Minister
Narendra Modi during the day for talks on the UK and India's strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership aimed at bolstering close ties and stepping up security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. He also held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House and later held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. Johnson reached Delhi late on April 21 night and was received by Union Minister Rajeev
Chandrasekhar at the Airport. The British Prime Minister arrived in Ahmedabad on April 21, where he was given a grand welcome. The UK and Indian businesses are going to confirm more than one billion pounds in new investments and export deals on April 22 in areas ranging from software engineering to health and creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK, the British High Commission said in a statement.
I have Indian jab, it benefitted me: Boris Johnson New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on April 22 hailed India's Covid-19 vaccine and said that he took the vaccines produced by India that benefited him. "I have the Indian jab (Covid-19 vaccine) in my arm, and it did me good. Many thanks to India," Johnson said during a joint media address with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In May 2021, India and Britain agreed to expand and enhance their existing partnership on vaccines, besides making a commitment www.indianews.com.au
to work together to reform and strengthen the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global health. The British Prime Minister who is in India on a two-day tour, held talks with his Indian counterpart on April 22 on various bilateral issues, and the current global security situation. "We also discussed the developments taking place at the regional and global level. We emphasized on maintaining the Indo-Pacific region based on a free, open, inclusive and rulesbased order. India welcomes
the UK's decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative," Modi said. The Prime Minister further said: "During our talks, we stressed on dialogue and diplomacy in Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the problem. "We reiterate our support for a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and for an inclusive and representative government," Prime Minister Modi added. He also said that the Afghan land should not be used to spread terrorism in other countries. facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson termed his India visit as “auspicious” and told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the ties between the two countries are strong and good. “Don’t think things have ever been so strong or good between us as they are now,” Johnson told Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. He also thanked Prime Minister Modi for a “fantastic” welcome and said his India visit was an auspicious moment in the friendship with India. He also thanked the people of Gujarat for putting up a grand welcome at Ahmedabad. “I have never seen such a joyful reception. I wouldn’t get that necessarily anywhere in the world,” Johnson further said. The UK Prime Minister was given a ceremonial reception and a Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan where he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After his reception, Johnson visited Rajghat to lay a wreath on the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.
The British Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to India, will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the day for talks on the UK and India’s strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership, aimed at bolstering close partnership and stepping up security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. First, he will be holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House and later will have bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. Johnson reached Delhi late on April 21 night and was received by Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the Airport. The British Prime Minister arrived in Ahmedabad on April 21, where he was accorded a grand welcome there. The UK and Indian businesses are going to confirm more than one billion pounds in new investments and export deals in areas from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK, the British High Commission said in a statement.
Boris Johnson visits Sabarmati Ashram, tries his hand at spinning on ‘Charkha’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Gandhinagar, April 21 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on April 21 morning, commencing his two-day visit to India. He started by first visiting Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and tried his hand at spinning the 'Charkha'. The British PM was received by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Education Minister Jitu Vaghani, Protocol Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma and top officials of the Gujarat government at Ahmedabad airport. Johnson was accorded a regal welcome with dancers and musicians playing along the four-km route from the airport to a hotel in the city. Johnson started his visit to the home state
by visiting Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram where he spent nearly 30 minutes. He also tried his hand at spinning the 'Charkha'. Johnson was accorded a traditional welcome. Many important issues including energy transition, climate action, aerospace and defence technology and development in the field of human capital were discussed between Boris Johnson and Gautam Adani. "Honoured to host @BorisJohnson, the first UK PM to visit Gujarat, at Adani HQ. Delighted to support the climate & sustainability agenda with a focus on renewables, green H2 & new energy. Boris Johnson thereafter inaugurated a new factory set up by a leading U.K.-based group to manufacture JCB machines at the Halol plant. Gujarat chief minister and the science and technology minister. Before winding up his Gujarat visit, the British PM visited the famous Akshardham temple of the Swaminarayan sect in Gandhinagar.
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WORLD THIS WEEK Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
WORLD THIS WEEK
The Solomon Islands: China's security agreement and a US visit
Compiled by Harini Madhusudan, Rashmi B R., Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, Angkuran Dey and Meghna Manoj
China: Boao Forum for Asia brings the world's attention to the Indo-Pacific academia, and media worldwide. The forum also invited religious leaders and others.
What Happened? On 20 April, China hosted the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan titled "The World in COVID-19 and Beyond: Working Together for Global Development and Shared Future." President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote address and stressed promoting multilateralism to develop the post-pandemic global economy and proposed a Global Security Initiative to promote the security of all countries in the world. Xi said: "It is important that we stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, and work together on regional disputes and global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity." He also highlighted other challenges that the Global
Security Initiative would work towards these challenges include respecting and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of all countries, rejecting the cold war mentality in international affairs, avoiding sanctions, and resolving issues through diplomatic means. On protecting regional peace and stability, Xi said: "we should resolutely safeguard peace in Asia. Peace and stability in our region does not fall into our lap automatically or come as charity from any country. Rather, it is the result of the joint efforts of countries in the region. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, first advocated by Asia, are all the more relevant today." The forum was attended by over 3000 delegates representing the governments, businesses,
On 23 April, a CGTN opinion said: "It is believed that BFA 2022 can be an opportunity for representatives from various countries to come together to find creative solutions for the problems facing Asia and the world at large. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragile nature of the international order, both politically and economically."
What does it mean? The Boao Forum for Asia in April 2022 registered the primordial fight for the IndoPacific region. China has made sure to emphasize its influence in the region. It also recognizes its stakes and investments in Asia and knows that it cannot afford to lose ground to any other country. The main challenges to the Chinese hegemony in Asia is caused by the US and the growing investments of the West. Although it's hard to restrict the actions of other sovereign countries, the forum aimed to reinforce its supremacy in the Indo-Pacific. The Asian countries will play a vital role by becoming the deciding factor that can impact the future of the world order.
Russia: New nuclear-capable ICBM test What happened? On 20 April, Russia successfully test-fired its RS-28 Sarmat super-heavy, thermonucleararmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Dubbed 'SatanII' by the West, the ICBM was launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region. The liquid-fuelled, multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) is an exo-atmospheric ballistic missile capable of deploying multiple nuclear warheads. On 20 April, Russia's president Vladimir Putin, on the eve of the launch, stated: "This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats, and make those, who in the heat of frantic aggressive rhetoric try to threaten our country, think twice." Russia's defence ministry released a statement saying: "Sarmat is the most powerful missile with the longest range
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of destruction of targets in the world, which will significantly increase the combat power of our country's strategic nuclear forces." On 19 April, Moscow had 'properly notified' Washington of the upcoming launch fulfilling its obligations under the 2011 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START treaty). The treaty limits Russia's and US's intercontinental missiles and bombers. The US department of defence spokesperson, John Kirby, said: "Testing is routine and it was not a surprise. Of course, the department remains focused on Russia's unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine." What does it mean? First, Russia's focus on posturing and symbolism. With the annual Victory Day on 9 May just weeks away, the timing of the test reflects that Russia wants to showcase its technological prowess to the
world. The date will also mark 75 days of fighting since the invasion began on 24 February. Second, the fear of isolation. The launch will feed into the growing concern about how increasingly isolating Russia might see Putin launching more provocative actions. Third, the question of the game-changing capabilities of the ICBM. The Pentagon has called it 'routine' and dismissed threats surrounding the launch. Eulogized by Putin as a unique weapon, but more tests would be needed before. Finally, the reappearance of nuclear disarmament discussions. The war opens up the possibility of having a more inclusive conversation on disarmament to recognize the idea of a nuclear-free world and try to mitigate the eventuality of existing nuclear weapons. This also serves as an opportunity to get rid of nuclear posturing and prevent countries from playing the nuclear card during conflicts.
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What happened? On 22 April, a senior US delegation, led by the national security council's Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink arrived in the Solomon Islands to express their concern over China's increased activity in the region. On 21 April, New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, drew attention to Beijing's "growing assertiveness" in the Pacific region and questioned the motives behind the security treaty that China and Solomon Islands signed. She said: "One of the reasons we've expressed this disappointment [is] Australia and New Zealand both have heeded the call of the Solomons for support during recent disruption. And we've again highlighted that should any extended need exist, we are there to help and support. What gap remains that requires such an agreement with China?" On 20 April, Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA) advised the Solomon Islands that it should not let itself be used as a puppet after signing the agreement with China. On 19 April, China's foreign minister Wang Wenbin announced the signing of an inter-governmental framework agreement with the Solomon Islands on security cooperation between the two countries. The pact was signed by state councillor Wang Yi and Solomon Islands foreign minister Jeremiah Manele. Wenbin said the agreement seeks to enhance "social stability and long-term tranquility" in the islands and stressed that it is not directed against any third country, but rather serves the interests of the South Pacific area as a whole. On the same day, the Australian government claimed that the agreement was negotiated behind closed doors and stated that it could "undermine regional stability." The government stated it was "deeply disappointed" by the agreement's signing. The foreign minister of Australia, Marise Payne, and the minister for the Pacific, Zed Seselja, said Australia would "continue to
strongly encourage the Solomon Islands to engage in regional dialogue and to work with the Pacific family first, including prior to seeking security assistance from China under this arrangement". What does it mean? First, a new frontier in big power relations in the Pacific. Since the signing, the Solomon Islands have become a theatre of a new cold war for the western powers and China. The fact that the US embassy in the Solomon Islands has been closed for 29 years and the most recent visit to Fiji by a US Secretary of State was 37 years ago says enough about the Pacific Island Countries becoming someone's backyard or a pawn in a geopolitical conflict. Second, the China agreement is taken for granted. Several senior US officials are now interested in visiting the various PICs after all these years. This clearly exposes the US cold war mentality to use the South Pacific region against China. Third, a bitter pill. To offset China's growing influence, it is expected that the US and Australia would enhance military cooperation and civilian investment in the Solomon Islands and other South Pacific countries. Through the AUKUS agreement, the US has frequently outsourced its monitoring operations in the region to Australia. Both countries believe that by deploying military forces to the islands, they can maintain their regional influence. The emergence of the agreement is, without a doubt, a bitter pill for all nations that have been engaging in recent months to challenge China's influence in the Pacific through various measures. Fourth, the implications for the Solomon Islands. With an increase in China's presence in the island nation, it could lead to a similar fate as Djibouti, where a commercial port eventually became a military port. Every time China signs a deal or invests through its Belt and Road Initiative, or any agreement is inked, it quickly draws attention due to China's well known "deathtrap" or as the world calls it, "debt-trap" policy.
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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).
India & FTA: Series of bilateral deals to pump up supply chains manufacturing and industrial investment ties with Namibia,
New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): India has entered into a series of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) this year with world’s leading economies and are negotiating another one with the UK, Israel and Canada that would open a plethora of economic opportunities and create jobs not just in India but also globally. The FTAs will further push India’s integration into the global economy as a benevolent player creating a win-win model. The India-UK FTA, when concluded, will be a major milestone between the world’s two leading economies. During his recent visit to India, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson pushed for closing the negotiations for an FTA by this October. India has emerged as one of the most important players in the global economic landscape. The country’s trade policies, various reforms by the government and the inherent economic strength of the Indian economy have led to its standing as one of the most coveted destinations for foreign investments in the world. Between January-October 2021, India exported goods worth $325 billion representing a 44 per cent year-on-year growth. FTAs have allowed Indian exporters to compete on a more level playing field with local businesses from other countries due to reduced trade barriers, tariffs and duties. Through these FTAs, India plans to tap into the global demand, particularly in developed countries. Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has stated that “India will enter into an FTA only if it is beneficial to the country. FTAs are supposed to be about two-way traffic, so India will look for reciprocal benefits and favourable market conditions from other countries. India will attempt to enter into FTAs with democratic nations that share the same values as them and are conducive to the mutual growth of both countries”. India’s FTA with Australia
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concluded in April and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE in February demonstrate this strategic aspect of economic partnerships. India’s goods exports to Australia were worth $6.9 billion and imports about $15.1 billion in 2021. The India-Australia FTA will provide zero-duty access to the bulk of India’s exports to Australia (96 per cent), including engineering goods, gems and jewellery, textiles and apparel, and leather. After five years, this will be expanded to 100 per cent of Indian goods. In March, New Delhi and Ontario agreed to formally re-launch negotiations for the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The two nations committed to strengthen their trade and commercial ties through enhanced partnerships and cooperation in certain identified areas, such as agro-products, chemicals, footwear, textiles, automobiles, energy, electronics, minerals and metals, urban development, information technology and tourism. The two sides also noted the importance of the movement of professionals and skilled workers, students and business travellers in strengthening the bilateral economic partnership. Meanwhile, India and Israel are engaged in FTA talks and want to sign a deal by mid-2022 as the year marks 30 years of formal diplomatic ties. Total merchandise trade between India and Israel amounted to $4.67 billion in FY 2020-21. India and the EU also restarted their FTA negotiations in goods and services in early 2021 after a gap of eight years. The two regions aim to work out pacts in investments and geographic indications parallel to FTA engagement. In July 2020, India revived talks with the SACU bloc for a preferential trade agreement. India is seeking closer
and its sectors of interest cover agriculture, irrigation, renewables, ICT, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. IndiaNamibia trade in 2018-19 amounted to $135.92 million with Indian exports worth $82.37 million and imports valued at $53.55 million. Namibia holds rich deposits of uranium, diamonds, copper, phosphates, and other minerals while India’s advantage lies in its capabilities in IT, engineering, pharma, railways, as well as its large SME (small and medium enterprise) sector. India-South Africa bilateral trade was worth $10.584 billion in 2018-19. Indian exports to South Africa include auto and auto components, transport equipment, drugs and pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, footwear, dyes and intermediates, chemicals, textiles, rice and gems and jewellery. South African exports to India include gold, steam coal, copper ores and concentrates, phosphoric acid, manganese ore, aluminium ingots, and other minerals. In the Gulf, India had stated that it was looking to sign an FTA with Oman, New Delhi’s oldest strategic partner in the region. There are reportedly over 4,000 India-Oman joint ventures in Oman with an estimated investment of over $7.5 billion. As the geoeconomics is rapidly becoming the defining feature of the World order, the economic cooperation and trade have emerged as force multipliers to strengthen the bilateral ties. Being the fastest among the big economies, India is channelising more and more of her rapid economic activities towards international trade in the spirit of globalisation. In recent times, particularly as the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the supply chain uncertainties and vulnerabilities, not only the trade, but also the livelihoods and economies faced its consequences. This pushed the countries in the Indo-Pacific region to launch the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). SCRI will go a long way to establish sustainable and smooth supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region.
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We will effectively introduce FTA between India & UK: Modi New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21 said that India and the UK are working on closing the negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of the year, Addressing the joint media address after the bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held at Hyderabad House, Modi said, “Recently we have concluded FTA talks with UAE and Australia. We wish to go for FTA with the UK with the same spirit and commitment. “Last year, we established the strategic partnership and we have added the important Roadmap-2030 and during our talks, we reviewed the progress made in this direction and also set some goals,” Modi said. He further said both countries have decided to enhance cooperation in the defence sector. “We welcome the UK as support in manufacturing, technology, design and development and other sectors for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Modi said. Referring to the recent reforms initiated by India in infrastructure modernisation plan and National Infrastructure Pipeline, Modi said that India welcomes the increasing investments here by
the UK companies and “we have seen such an example in Halol in Gujarat on April 21. “Around 1.6 million UK nationals of Indian origin have been making a positive contribution in the Indian economy and society as well. We are proud of those people of Indian origin, we want to further strengthen this bridge and in this direction, Prime Minister Johnson has personally helped a lot, I greet him for this,” the Indian Prime Minister said He also said that India has shown its commitment to fulfil the commitments made in COP26 in Glasgow and decided to further enhance the partnership for climate and energy. “I invite the UK to join India’s National Hydrogen Mission and express my gratitude for setting up Strategic Tech Dialogue between the two countries,” Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan were also discussed during the meeting. Earlier, while addressing the media, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “I felt like Sachin Tendulkar upon my arrival and also felt like Amitabh Bachchan when I saw hoardings everywhere.”
1 mn 'Make in India' iPhones shipped in Q1 2022, Apple grows New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): Giving its India growth story another fillip, Apple shipped nearly 1 million ‘make-in-India’ iPhones in the country in the first quarter of 2022, a massive jump of 50 per cent (year-on-year) in iPhone shipments from within the country, data showed on April 26. According to data shared by market intelligence firm CyberMedia Research (CMR), iPhones in India registered an overall growth of 22 per cent in the Q1 2022, led by iPhone 12 and 13 sales. “Our insights point to the contribution of ‘Make in India’ iPhones in Q1 2022, increasing 50 per cent YoY. The contribution of newer generation iPhones, such as iPhone 13, is almost equal to iPhone 12,” Prabhu Ram, HeadIndustry Intelligence Group at CMR, told IANS. Apple’s enhanced and diversified iPhone production capabilities in India, along with aggressive retail initiatives, continue to contribute to its strong growth momentum in India.
“As Apple further diversifies its manufacturing base, the newer generation iPhone models will fuel Apple’s India growth story,” said Ram. In Q1 2022, iPhone 12 maintained a lead with 52 per cent share, followed by iPhone 13 at 20 per cent and iPhone 11 at 18 per cent in India. When it comes to iPads, Apple registered a 31 per cent growth in India, led by iPad 9th generation (WiFi) that garnered 45 per cent market share. Apple is expected to register a 5.2 per cent market share in India this year. “With its enduring brand appeal, Apple continues to attract premium buyers. This is a break from the past when older-generation iPhone models gained consumer favour through aggressive and attractive price offers,” said Ram.
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Twitter shares soar after commentariat perceives imminent Musk takeover includes Musk’s plan to take it off the stock market. So far, Twitter had adopted a so-called poison pill to fend off a potential hostile takeover. However, the company betrayed greater receptivity after Musk revealed he secured $46.5 billion in financing. The company’s board met on April 24 to discuss Musk’s financing plan for his proposed bid, a source told CNBC. New York, April 25 (IANS): Shares of Twitter, arguably the world’s most influential social media platform, jumped after the Wall Street Journal reported that the company is nearing a deal with Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, and that the announcement could come as soon as April 25 night. Earlier in April, Musk offered to buy Twitter for $54.20 a share, or about $43 billion. Twitter’s board of directors met on April 24 to discuss Musk’s financing plan. The board negotiated with Musk into the early hours of April 25, The New York Times said. Twitter shares fired up nearly 6 per cent in the afternoon, chiefly because of media speculation that the deal was expected after market close, if not sooner. So far, the social media giant was expected to decline a deal, which
Bloomberg and Reuters reported that the two sides could reach an agreement as soon as April 25. It’s unclear what a final deal could look like. As if to hedge its bets somewhat, Reuters also said that an agreement could still fall apart. Twitter has not been able to secure a “go-shop” agreement yet, which would allow it to look for other bids once it signs an accord. The company could still accept another bid if Musk pays a break-up fee, Reuters said. “I think they almost have to take the deal,” CNBC’s Jim Cramer said. “Locking a deal up today or tomorrow may sound pretty appealing for someone who knows they are in possession of bad news,” a note by Gordon Haskett said. Musk, who owns Tesla and SpaceX, built up more than 9 per cent in Twitter stock and turned down an offer to join the
board before putting in a bid. An avid Twitter user, Musk claims it needs to be “transformed” into a private company so it can become a forum for free speech.
Gautam Adani promises Rs 10,000 cr investment in West Bengal
Consequent disarray is palpable. While welcoming Musk till the foray was limited to a single digit control of Twitter stock, CEO Parag Agarwal has gone off his own platform since the last 18 days. On his part, co-founder (and former CEO) Jack Dorsey, whose Twitter bio states that he is a “romantic moron and 1/8 hippie”, is no longer the CEO of Block (his not-so-famous venture once called Square) either. “Titles like ‘CEO’ get in the way of doing the right thing. Respect to the people who ignore titles, and fight like hell for what is right,” Dorsey had once tweeted. Block updated its bylaws to reflect Dorsey’s new role, removing the requirement to have an officer holding the titles of CEO and President. Dorsey and Musk have sparred in multiple theatres. In its filing some months back, Tesla had said Musk would henceforth be known as “Technoking” and Tesla CFO Zach Kirkhorn would be referred to as “Master of Coin”.
Musk has to manufacture here to sell Tesla cars in India: Gadkari
Kolkata, April 20 (IANS): Adani Group will invest an amount of around Rs 10,000 crore in West Bengal in the next few years, according to the group chairman and founder, Gautam Adani. He made this announcement while addressing the inaugural session of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)-2022, the annual event organised by the West Bengal government to showcase the state as an ideal investment destination. “We plan to make an investment to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore in West Bengal in the next few years. This investment will be mainly in sectors like undersea cables, data centre and warehouses. This will provide direct and indirect employment to around 25,000 people. As we make these investments, we will bring in the state world class
New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): Elon Musk, who has just bought Twitter for $44 billion, will have to manufacture his Tesla cars in India, and not China, if he wants to come and sell the vehicles in the country, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said here on April 26. Reiterating that Musk will not get any special treatment when it comes to customs duties, Gadkari said during the ‘Raisina Dialogue 2022’ that if Musk wants to manufacture in China and sell Tesla cars here, “it cannot be a
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good proposition for India”. “Our request to him is to come to India and manufacture here. We have no problems. The vendors are available, we offer all kinds of technology and because of that, Musk can reduce the cost. “India is a huge market and offers good export opportunities too. Musk can export Tesla cars from India,” he added. In February also, Gadkari had said that Musk has to manufacture in India first in order to roll out Tesla cars on the roads. “Now his (Musk’s) interest is to manufacture the Tesla car
“India is a huge market. We have all the world’s automobile giants -- BMW, Volvo, MercedesBenz, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai -- present here. If we give one benefit to one company, we have to give that benefit to other companies also. That is the practical problem,” he elaborated. Musk had tweeted that he faced challenges from the government for releasing its products in India. “Tesla isn’t in India yet due to “Challenges with the government”, he posted. The government has questioned Tesla’s business practices of seeking tax breaks to use the Indian market to sell its products, but not wanting to set up manufacturing facilities in the country which can generate thousands of jobs.
technology,” Adani said. Speaking on the occasion, the Adani Group chairman and founder was all praises for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, “I wholeheartedly thank the chief minister for inviting me to this summit. I am sure that Bengal will move ahead under her dynamic leadership,” he said. “I want to tell the honourable Governor that we are all ready to cooperate with the Union governor to ensure the economic development of the state and country. But I would also like to request the honourable government to take the matter with the Union government so that we receive central assistance. At the same time on behalf of the industrialists, they should not be disturbed,” the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, Mamata Banerjee also tried to address the concern of the industrialists regarding the land-related issues. “We have evolved a system where a potential investor applying for land will get to know about the land status within seven days from the day of application, she said. “We might have some differences with other political parties. But we do not divide people on the basis of caste, religion and language,” she said.
Sitharaman engages investors in Silicon Valley infrastructure, and measures to boost FDI.
in China and make it sell in India. So, if you start here, you are welcome, no problem. But manufacturing in China and selling in India is not a digestible concept to all of us,” he noted. Asked about Tesla’s demand to cut customs duties on electric cars, Gadkari said that the country cannot appease one automobile company.
BUSINESS AND TRADE
“With a growth forecast of almost 8 percent in FY 2023, India is likely to remain the world’s fastest growing major economy over the next few years, driven by the continued expansion of its technology and start-up ecosystems,” Sitharaman said.
Palo Alto, April 26 (IANS): The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the US Chamber of Commerce’s US-India Business Council (USIBC), co-hosted an exclusive roundtable for business leaders and investors with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Palo Alto. Moderated by Atul Keshap, President, USIBC, this executive gathering was also joined by V. Ananth Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Ambassador of India to the US, among others. The roundtable highlighted India’s emergence from the pandemic as one of the world’s fastest growing major economies and outlined the Centre’s efforts to support growth by a process of sustained reforms across sectors, increased capital expenditure especially in
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“In this context, US-India collaboration in financial services and emerging technologies will support increased investment and innovation, and fintech represents a unique opportunity for sustainable and inclusive growth.” She invited leading investors present in the room to become part of the India growth story. Sandhu remarked: “There is a fintech revolution happening in India. As a country that runs the largest financial inclusion programme in the world, to the country that has the highest fintech adoption rate globally to the highest number of real time online transactions globally, India has a lot to offer to the world. “We hope that the US venture capitalists, endowment funds and asset management companies look at India to start their new journey or scale up existing operations and partner and grow.”
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INDIA NEWS
India logs 2,483 fresh Covid cases, active caseload drops to 15,636
Risk of severe illness with Omicron same as Delta: Study which variant each patient had been infected with. Next, they measured viral load, the amount of the virus found in each patient’s body.
toll has mounted to 5,23,622. The recovery of 1,970 patients in 24 hours took the cumulative tally to 4,25,23,311. Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.75 per cent.
The results, published in the eBioMedicine journal, showed that patients with Omicron were less likely than patients with Delta to require hospitalisation, regardless of vaccination status.
Also in the same period, a total of 4,49,197 tests were conducted across the country, increasing the overall to 83.54 crore. While the weekly positivity rate stood at 0.58 per cent, the daily positivity rate reported a considerable decline at 0.55 per cent.
New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): India reported 2,483 fresh Covid cases in 24 hours, a marginal decline against previous day’s 2,541 infections, the Union Health Ministry said on April 26. Meanwhile, the active caseload of the country has reported a
decline at 15,636 cases, accounting for 0.04 per cent of the country’s total positive cases. In the same period, 1,399 Covid deaths were reported. Of the total deaths, 1,347 took place in Assam, said the ministry. With fresh fatalities, the nationwide death
As of April 26 morning, India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 187.95 crore, achieved via 2,30,89,167 sessions. Over 2.70 crore adolescents have been administered with a first dose of Covid-19 jab since the beginning of vaccination drive for this age bracket.
Beijing begins mass testing of millions of residents after Covid spike When I got there, all the eggs and prawns were gone and all the meat was snatched up,” the BBC quoted a Weibo user in Shanghai as saying, adding they managed to get some vegetables. Another Weibo user in Shanghai said: “Seeing people in Beijing rush to buy food is both funny and distressing... it’s like looking at what my own life was like just last month.”
HEALTH
New York, April 26 (IANS): Patients hospitalised with the Omicron or Delta variants of Covid-19 required similar levels of respiratory support and intensive care, according to a new study. Even though Omicron has generally been touted as mild, the findings led by Johns Hopkins University researchers indicate that infections with the highly contagious variant should not be underestimated. “It is a common belief that the Omicron variant is less severe than previous variants,” said lead author Heba Mostafa, Assistant Professor of pathology at the University’s School of Medicine. “For many people, Omicron is not a mild infection at all,” Mostafa added. For the study, the team collected clinical specimens from over 2,000 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, then determined
Only 3 percent of patients with Omicron were admitted to the hospital, compared with 13.8 percent of patients with Delta. However, patients with Omicron who required hospitalisation showed a similar need for supplemental oxygen and intensive care as hospitalised patients with Delta. For patients with Omicron admitted to the hospital, 67.6 percent required supplemental oxygen and 17.6 percent were taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). Similarly, 73 per cent of patients hospitalised with delta needed supplemental oxygen, and 25.4 percent required ICU-level care. The study found no significant differences in viral loads between patients with Omicron and those with Delta, regardless of vaccination status. Mostafa said the research shows it is imperative for people to take Omicron and potential future variants seriously.
DCGI grants EUA to 3 Covid vaccines for different age group of children
They also quoted health experts as saying that the results of the mass testing would indicate whether there is a need to escalate measures further, such as locking down several areas, the BBC reported. Beijing, April 25 (IANS): Beijing has kicked off mass testing for millions of residents in the Chinese capital after a spike in Covid cases,a media report said on April 25.
to rush to stock up essential supplies, with images circulating on local media showing supermarket shelves emptied of goods and snaking queues at check-out counters.
The Chaoyang district reported 26 cases over the weekend, the highest number so far in Beijing’s latest surge, said the BBC report.
Beijing’s major supermarkets also extended their opening hours to accommodate the spike in demand.
All 3.5 million residents in Chaoyang, Beijing’s most populous district, will undergo three rounds of mass testing, according to a notice by the city’s disease prevention team.
It comes amid fears that Beijing could face a similar situation as Shanghai, which has seen some 25 million people shut in their homes for weeks.
The news prompted residents
“Never thought I would go to the market early in the morning...
The latest outbreak in Shanghai, first detected in late March, has seen more than 400,000 cases recorded so far and 138 deaths. Some of the measures Chinese authorities have enforced include placing electronic door alarms to prevent those infected from leaving and forcibly evacuating people from their homes to carry out disinfection procedures. Some in locked-down areas of Shanghai say they have been struggling to access food supplies, and forced to wait for government drop-offs of vegetables, meat and eggs.
Covid caseload at IIT Madras reaches 111 Chennai, April 26 (IANS): The overall Covid-19 caseload at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has increased to 111 after 32 people tested positive for the virus, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan said on April 26.
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Tests are being conducted in student hostels and other places in the IITM complex, the Minister said, adding that large scale tests were planned for April 26. The total number of active Covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu stood at 362.
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New Delhi, April 26 (IANS): The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on April 26 approved three Covid vaccines for the restricted emergency use authorisation (EUA) for children of different age groups. The DCGI gave the restricted emergency use authorisation to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for children between the age of 6-12 years. In another development, the drug regulator approved restricted use in emergency situations for Biological E’s Covid-19 vaccine Corbevax for children of 5 to 12 years age group. Besides Corbevax and Covaxin, the DCGI also approved restricted use in emergency situations to ZycovD (Zydus Cadila vaccine) for children above the age of 12 years for a two-dose regimen.
“India’s fight against Covid is stronger! @CDSCO_INDIA_INF has approved Covaxin for 6 to 12 years of age group, Corbevax for 5 to 12 years age group of children and two doses ZyCoV-D for above 12 years of age group for Restricted Use in Emergency Situations,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted in Hindi. This development comes after the Subject Expert Committee discussed recommendations for the restricted emergency use of Covaxin in children aged between 2-12 years. However, the SEC, after a meeting on April 21, has recommended restricted emergency use of Biological E’s Covid-19 vaccine, Corbevax, in children aged 5-12 years.
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INDIA NEWS
Global Covid caseload tops 510.1 mn 11,246,449,964. The US continues to be the worsthit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 81,042,367 and 991,572, respectively, according to the CSSE. India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,060,086. The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,355,919) France (28,508,116), Germany (24,200,596), the UK (22,151,461), Russia (17,880,154), South Korea (17,009,865), Italy (16,161,339), Turkey (15,021,151), Spain (11,783,973) and Vietnam (10,563,502).
Washington, April 26 (IANS): The global coronavirus caseload has topped 510.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.22 million and vaccinations to over 11.24 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on April
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26 morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 510,191,435 and 6,220,536, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to
The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are, Brazil (662,964), India (522,223), Russia (367,521), Mexico (324,129), Peru (212,742), the UK (174,326), Italy (162,781), Indonesia (156,133), France (146,294), Iran (140,996), Colombia (139,780), Germany (134,185), Argentina (128,542), Poland (115,948), Spain (103,919) and South Africa (100,303).
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HEALTH
Committed to ‘Heal in India’ and ‘Heal by India’: Mandaviya New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): Indian Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on April 25 said “we are committed to two important aspects of the healthcare ecosystem -- Heal in India and Heal by India”. Addressing the 7th edition of International conference on Pharma and Medical Devices sector 2022 -- scheduled from April 25 to 27, Mandaviya said: “We are witnessing the rise of a ‘New India’ and all stakeholders have to ensure that the Pharma sector also becomes a part of this growth.” “The healthcare sector in India is becoming affordable and accessible for everyone due to the relentless efforts and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government has been working relentlessly to increase the number of doctors, medical institutions, health infrastructure including hospital, tertiary care centres, health and wellness centres in the country,” he noted,
adding that the conferences like India Pharma and India Medical Device 2022 provide a platform for industry, academia and policy makers to brainstorm and draft a plan for the next 25 years for the sector. Congratulating the Pharma industry of the country in ensuring India’s successful fight against Covid-19, the Union Minister said the way India has managed Covid pandemic is a global case study. Today, the entire world community is praising India’s efforts in carrying out the world’s largest vaccination drive.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
Getting out on 99 is painful but it feels good if I contribute in a winning cause: Gaikwad Gaikwad's 99 off 57 balls and an equally belligerent unbeaten 85 off 55 by Devon Conway helped the defending champions notch 202/2 and then restricted SRH to 189/6 for a 13-run victory. Gaikwad was out in the 18th over as he tried to cut a slower length ball angled away from him. But he failed to keep it down, giving an easy catch to Bhuvneshwar Kumar at backward point. He and Conway stitched together a recordbreaking 182-run partnership in the game.
Pune, May 2 (IANS) Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has said that getting out on 99 is always painful, but the fact that he contributed to the win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MCA Stadium on Sunday made him forget the disappointment.
"Getting out on 99 made me a little sad, but I am happy that I was able to contribute to a win. Whether it's 99 or 100, winning the game is important," Gaikwad, who was the orange cap winner in CSK's title campaign last year, said. "It's always special to score big at your home ground, but more importantly, I'm happy because I contributed towards the team's win," Gaikwad said in an interview
"There was no pressure of performing in front of family and friends, but I wanted to make them proud. Doing well in front of them is a big achievement. I was waiting for the moment and, thankfully, it happened," he added. The right-hand batter further heaped praise on Conway, saying he enjoyed batting with the Kiwi. "I enjoyed batting with Devon. I am delighted for him as it was only his second match and he scored his maiden IPL fifty. We haven't played together much, but we spend a lot of time in my room. Hence, we got to know about each other's game, how we communicate and how we react to certain situations on the field," he said. "We already had off-field conversations and, thankfully, we shared a very good partnership," said Gaikwad.
to explore this development in the heart of Orange County," said Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan, Co-Founders, Major League Cricket.
Major League Cricket (MLC) in partnership with the Knight Riders Group and the City of Irvine, announced Saturday, the approval of an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) to move forward with lease negotiations and design approvals to build a world class cricket venue on a 15-acre parcel at Great Park. The development would see a multi-million dollar investment and the internationally renowned architects HKS will design an iconic home for the sport in the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Knight Riders Group (KRG), is a founding investor in MLC and is working closely with MLC on various aspects related to the launch of the league.
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KRG, owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), bring significant experience from one of the most successful brands in global T20 cricket to MLC. Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan said, "Our investment in MLC in America, is based on our belief in the exciting future of cricket in the USA and is well aligned to our strategy of establishing Knight Riders as a global brand in T20 cricket. Plans to build a world class cricket stadium in the greater Los Angeles area is exciting for us and MLC. This will no doubt have a transformational impact on one of the world's most iconic metropolitan areas." "MLC is committed to building outstanding infrastructure for cricket in key markets accessible to legions of cricket-loving fans. We're grateful to the City of Irvine for agreeing
UAE based businessman to give Rs 1 cr to Kerala team if it wins Santosh Trophy
on iplt20.com. "It felt good to play well in front of family and friends.
Knight Riders and MLC, US to build world class cricket stadium in LA
Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) In a development that could be a game changer for the game of cricket in the United States, a world class cricket stadium is to be built in the city of Los Angeles.
SPORTS
"Great Park's position as a hub for community recreation and its array of first-class sports facilities makes it an ideal location for the potential addition of a venue serving the local cricket-loving community and the broader Greater Los Angeles region with major international cricket events set to take place there." The stadium plans include stateof-the-art training facilities, locker rooms, luxury suites, dedicated parking, concessions, field lighting and an international-grade pitch to meet International Cricket Council (ICC) accreditation and allow the venue to host the highest level of international cricket competition. USA Cricket is expected to bid for future men's and women's World Cup tournaments, with the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup already set to be co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies. The ICC is bidding for the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles - if successful, the stadium at Great Park is expected to be a centerpiece venue for the event in southern California, a KKR statement noted.
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Thiruvananthapuram, May 2 (IANS) Ahead of the Santosh Trophy finals, UAE-based Malayali entrepreneur Shamsheer Vayalil has promised to give Rs one crore to the Kerala football team, if it wins the national football tournament in Malappurram on Monday. Shamsheer is the chairman and MD of VPS Healthcare and is also the son-in-law of billionaire businessman M.A.Yusuf Ali. Kerala is aiming to win their seventh title and are all set to meet traditional rivals West Bengal. "It's heartening to watch Kerala playing the final of the Santosh Trophy. The team displayed fantastic performances throughout the tournament. I hope they are able to lift one of the most coveted
trophies in Indian football," said Shamsheer, a sports enthusiast. Shamsheer had earlier given a cash prize of Rs one crore to the Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R.Sreejesh after the team scripted a historic win at the Tokyo Olympics. Kerala had already defeated West Bengal 2-0 in the group stages. The tournament, hosted by Kerala after a break, has pumped up the fans. The team treated the fans to some brilliant performances, especially in the semi-finals when they secured a 7-3 victory against Karnataka. The team with 32 titles in the history of the tournament, West Bengal, is all set AAup for their 2017 final loss to Kerala at the Salt Lake Stadium, when they were defeated in the tiebreakers.
Sports minister Anurag Thakur reviews preparation for 2022 Chess Olympiad for the Olympiad which have been going in full swing. The meeting was also attended by Sandip Pradhan, Director General Sports Authority of India, Siddharth Singh Longjam, Joint Secretary, Sports and Pradeep A, Secretary Sports. Chauhan, who has been overseeing the arrangements for the Olympiad in Chennai, also attended a meeting of the International Chess Federation in Abu Dhabi this week. Racing with the clock to host the Olympiad, Chauhan said: "Things are under control and we are moving at a fast and efficient pace. In all probability we will be ready for India's biggest spectacle much New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) All before the scheduled time. We are India Chess Federation (AICF), immensely grateful to the central Indian Government and Tamil Nadu government as they have offered all Government are ensuring that possible assistance." the forthcoming Chess Olympiad, India as the host of the Olympiad, scheduled in Chennai from July 28 for the first time ever in history, to August 10, would be memorable for the country, the participants as has a bonus in the form of an extra team in both the Open and well as the spectators. Women's section. On Sunday, after AICF secretary Bharat Singh the release of official FIDE Rating, Chauhan met the Sports minister the Indian teams for the Olympiad Anurag Thakur and apprised him will also be announced. of the undergoing preparations
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
COMMUNITY NEWS
IABCA Global Leaders Forum 2022 discusses growth prospects for Australia and India The IABCA Global Leaders Forum 2022 and the Awards Ceremony were held on 29th April at the Star Event Centre in Sydney. The Forum highlighted roadmaps for continued growth across the people-to-people, economic and institutional engagements that bind Australia and India. Across three engaging panel discussions on Technology & Innovation supported by Investment NSW, Soft Power & Business Diaspora led by Deakin University, and the AIBX India Market Update supported by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the IABCA forum not only deep dived into the state of existing bilateral ties between Australia and India but also helped examine roadmaps for continued growth into the future.
Manish Gupta, Consulate General of India, Sydney; Innovation Director - iOmniscient, Founder & CEO - Rux Energy Jehan Kanga; CEO and Co-Founder, Space Machines Company, Rajat Kulshrestha; Group Chairman, Cargo Service Centre (CSC) Group and SCA Group of Companies, Tushar Jani; Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla; Country Head Tata Consultancy ServicesVikram Singh; Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner ( India & Middle East), Investment NSW Vish Padmanabhan; Founder & CEO, MultiConnexions Sheba Nandkeolyar;President Study Abroad, upgrad.com, Ankur Dhawan; Vice Chancellor, Deakin University, Professor The panel experts who participated Iain Martin;Deputy Chair, DFAT, Australia India Council, in the discussions comprise A/ CEO, Australia India Institute, Managing Director, Investment Former Senator Lisa Singh; 24NSW, Kylie Bell; Consul General
Hour Economy Commissioner, Investment NSW, Michael Rodrigues; CEO, Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley; Chancellor, University of Queensland, Chair, Asialink Advisory Council, Former Secretary of the DFAT, Peter Varghese AO; State Director NSW, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Trudy Witbreuk; Trade and Investment Commissioner South Asia and Lead for AIBX, Austrade, Tim White; India Market Update: Catherine Gallagher, General Manager, South Asia, Austrade; Chief Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Frances Lisson; and Managing Director, Agripower, Peter Prentice. Supported by Investment NSW and Austrade, IABCA 2022 now in its 9th Year, will continue to navigate Australia’s relationship with India through people-to-people links between both the countries.
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INDIA NEWS
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
COMMUNITY NEWS
A gala event marks announcement of 2022 IABCA award winners
The India Australia Business & Community Alliance Awards, more popularly known as the IABC Awards, were finally announced on April 29 this year at a gala event held at the Star Event Centre in Sydney. The India Australia Business & Community Alliance is the largest platform that exists to strengthen the IndiaAustralia relationship that strives to contribute to its development simultaneously. It was established in 2014, and now stands as the leading alliance that builds awareness and understanding between the peoples and institutions of Australia and India.
Before the announcement of the winners, the IABCA 2022 Award finalists had been announced earlier who were from across a diverse range of sectors, including new categories such as Excellence in Partnerships and Trade & Investment. From over 200 entrants across 11 award categories from Australia and India, the IABCA Jury shortlisted 93 finalists. Among the winners Rishi Kher, Co-Founder and CEO, Holy Sanity became the IABCA Young Professional of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding achievements of a young professional in middle or senior management who has built a successful career and is under 35 years of age. Shailendra Kumar, Global AI Thought Leader & Practitioner, Author of Amazon Bestseller “Making Money Out of Data” was adjudged the IABCA Business Leader of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding achievements of a business leader, professional or researcher in middle or senior management who has built a successful career and is over 35 years of age. Mayank Manish, Founder and Executive Director, OpEzee became the IABCA Managing Director of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding achievements of a CEO or managing director who has built a successful career and
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is over 35 years of age. The IABCA Community Services Excellence Award (Individual) was conferred on Professor Manjula O’Connor, Psychiatrist, Clinical Hon Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne. The Highly Commended Certificate was given to Dilpreet Kaur Taggar, Founder, South Asian Today. This award acknowledges the achievements of an individual who has enhanced community spirit through initiatives that empower communities including/ or through the promotion and integration of arts and culture in Australia and/or India. The IABCA Community Services Excellence Award (Organisation) was given to REACH for Training (REACH), while the Highly Commended Certificate went to The Association of Haryanvis in Australia (AHA). This award acknowledges the achievements of an organisation that has enhanced community spirit through initiatives that empower communities including/ or through the promotion and integration of arts and culture in Australia and/or India. The IABCA Businesswoman of the Year was bestowed on Elaine Starkey, CEO, Global Study Partners. This award recognizes outstanding achievements of a female leader who has built a successful business or career over time. Dr Meenakshi Arora, Associate Professor in Environmental Engineering, The University of Melbourne received the IABCA Australia India Impact Award (Individual). IABCA Australia India Impact award recognizes the contributions of an individual, (living or working across our two nations) or an organisation or a project that adds value to the bilateral relationship. The category celebrates projects and organisations that have expanded from Australia to India or India to Australia. The IABCA Australia India Impact Award (Organisation) went to Sannam S4 Group. The Highly Commended Certificate was awarded to Australia India
Travel & Tourism Council (AITTC). The IABCA Australia India Impact award (organization) recognises the contributions of an organisational, (living or working across our two nations) or an organisation or a project that adds value to the bilateral relationship. The category celebrates projects and organisations that have expanded from Australia to India or India to Australia. The IABCA Australia India Science, Research & Development Award (Individual) was clinched by Dr Pamela Humphreys, Director, Macquarie University College. The main purpose of this award is the recognition and support of outstanding contributions to the advancement of science, technology and research made by an organisation or an individual. The IABCA Micro Business of the Year went to Connect2MyDoctor. Micro Business of the year is defined as a business with less than five employees. This award recognises outstanding achievement and contribution made by a micro business.
The IABCA Excellence in Trade & Investment was conferred on Dr Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan, NITI Aayog. This award recognises the accomplishments of organisations and projects that have generated new trade and investment opportunities between India and Australia. The IABCA Excellence in Partnerships was given to Link Group. This new award acknowledges the organisational achievements/outcomes of partnering for prosperity between the two nations. The IABCA SME of the Year was AirPhysio. Small-tomedium enterprises - defined as economic groups with turnover of $2 million and up to $250 million. This award recognises outstanding achievement and contribution made by an SME. The Highly Commended Certificate went to RD Facilities Management.
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INDIA NEWS
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
COMMUNITY NEWS
GNFKS celebrates Easter Nominations open for 2022 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business
On 19th of April, 2022, the volunteers of Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchenette Sydney(GNFKS) celebrated Easter with the Homeless of Sydney by serving free jaffles from Pocket Rocketz Food Truck at Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta.
of a multicultural young business leader under the age of 35, celebrating both their contribution to their community and that of Brisbane’s continued economic prosperity.
The three awards categories are:
• Multicultural Business Person of the Year - This award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader who successfully exports their products and services from Brisbane, throughout Australia, and/or across Asia Pacific or internationally. The award celebrates the recipient’s contribution to the Brisbane economy and recognises them as a local champion of enterprise with a global outlook for their business.
• Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year - This award recognises the success, creativity and energy
• Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year - This award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader whose business
The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business celebrate and recognise the contribution multicultural businesses make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience. Nominations are open until 11.59PM, Sunday 12 June 2022.
success demonstrates their entrepreneurial flair and stems from an embedded culture of innovation. The recipient will personify the best in entrepreneurialism, possessing qualities from clear leadership and sound management to determination and ambition. Finalists will be invited to attend the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Dinner and Awards on Friday 9 September 2022 and the winners will be announced during the event.
Labor campaign 2022 launched for Division of Rankin MP Jim Chalmers along with Senator Katy Gallagher launched the Labor party campaign for Division of Rankin on April 23 at Diggers Services Club. Enlightening speeches were delivered by Wayne Swan, National President of the Labor Party; erstwhile Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and Deputy Leader of the Labor Party, and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition since May 2019 Richard Marles, Senator for the Australian Capital Territory, representing the Australian Labor Party and Shadow Minister for Finance and Public Service Senator Katy Gallagher.
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
COMMUNITY NEWS
BAPS observes centenary birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha(BAPS) Swaminarayan Temple marked the centenary birth anniversary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the iconic Sydney Opera House on 25th April 2022.
Tamborine mountain social group supports ‘Save Soil’ movement led by Sadhguru regenerated. 12 million hectares of topsoil are lost every year across the world. That’s almost the size of the entire nation of Greece. This is not to paint a ‘dark’ picture; it is intended to awaken us to fulfil a generational responsibility to the ‘unborn children’. Soil is a living entity. We received the legacy of a living soil from our ancestors - we need to pass it on to future generations in its living condition. As a By Patricia Arora generation we could turn around Tamborine Mountain an imminent food shortage crisis, Community Care Association if we act now! This movement (Volunteers & Programs) will consequently lead to climate According to the UN Food & change being reversed and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), waterways being revitalised – it’s our soil is facing extinction. 90% a ‘carbon cycle’ connection. of earth’s soil could be degraded by 2050 unless, we act now. The Friday Friendship group met on United States has lost 50% of its 25th March 2022 at Tamborine Mountain Community Care, to topsoil. In fact, 62% of India’s enhance their awareness and soil has less than 0.5% organic content. In European agricultural support the ‘Save Soil Movement’ by becoming an Earth Buddy. nations, 75-85% of soil has less An Earth Buddy passes a twothan 2% organic matter. Loss word message “SAVE SOIL”, on of organic content in soil turns to family and friends, with a it into sand. The solution is to purpose to raise awareness and increase this organic content reach ‘influencers’ to advocate in soil to a minimum of 3% by bringing agricultural land under for Global Policy Change towards agricultural soil restoration. vegetation and shade and by enriching the soil through plant Earth Buddies may use word-oflitter and animal waste. We have mouth or social media platforms (FaceBook, Instagram, WhatsApp, only 60 years of harvests from etc.) to communicate in their soil left as 52% of the world’s individual capacity in order to agricultural soil is already degraded. The World Economic garner the support of 3.5 billion people in 100 days (21 March – 27 Forum estimates that food June 2022). Creative messages, production could fall by 40% hashtag posts, song/dance/ in 20 years if soil extinction is speaking videos are all welcome not prevented and soil is not
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to spread this message. An Earth Buddy may even repost messages from the #savesoil.org portal. SAVE SOIL is a unique global movement, launched by Sadhguru (Indian Mystic, Yogi and Visionary) to save soil from extinction, and enshrine the necessary policies across 192 countries, to address the catastrophic issue facing humanity. Towards this, on March 21st Sadhguru started an arduous 30,000 km journey as a lone motorcyclist, traversing 25 destinations, from London to Southern India, meeting with global leaders, influencers, citizens and their elected representatives to raise awareness of the issue of Soil Health and activate people’s support for the Save Soil movement. This movement is supported by global personalities including Marc Benioff (CEO Salesforce), Dame Jane Goodall, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Will.i.am, Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, Jesse Williams, Tom Brady, Machel Montano and institutions such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UN Food and Agricultural Organisation and the World Economic Forum. Sadhguru, known over the last 4 decades for his colossal initiatives to foster human wellbeing and global harmony has
implemented large-scale projects for environmental restoration through mass tree planting and river revitalization. According to the UN, this (Project GreenHands) is the largest environmental movement in the world where until now 162 million people (farmers and volunteers) are engaged in planting millions of trees in Southern India and revitalising 13 rivers (Rally for Rivers)– a living and ongoing sample guideline for any country to follow. Sadhguru established ISHA Foundation in India (1992), an international, not-for-profit organization that teaches and practices the Art of Inner Engineering (transformational yoga and meditation programs that have touched the lives of millions). His YouTube channel received over 2.5 billion views in 2021. He is a New York Times bestselling author and a speaker at institutions such as the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Google, London Business School, Harvard Medical School, and more. Be an Earth Buddy…a Muddy Buddy Visit www.consciousplanet.org, click ‘Action Now’, and register as an Earth Buddy free of cost. Speak
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about # Save Soil and # Conscious Planet to at least one person (family/friend/work mate) for a few minutes a day, from 21 March 2022 till 27 June 2022 to unite as one voice, to reach 3.5 billion people globally and create awareness of soil extinction to advocate for Policy Change!
Jennifer Lynch, Tamborine Mountain resident shared some of her experience with Australian Certified Organic (ACO) soil and seeds and explained how the health of our soil determines our personal health and well-being. Jennifer distributed organic seeds to clients for planting in their yards and highlighted the importance of using ACO soil and seeds for the benefit of our health and the health of Mother Earth Gail Molson, Tamborine Mountain resident, shared her story on how she learned that the salt deficiency in her body matched with the same salt deficiency in her backyard soil (produce). Gail consumes her home grown produce and draws a logical conclusion – we are what we eat Janice Lowe and her daughter Jade assisted some seniors’ plant basil and tomatoes in the TMCCA vegepod, as a somewhat symbolic gesture in support of the save soil movement. Last but not the least, Wayne, our very own Tamborine Mountain scarecrow (who lives at Joseph Greengrocer), virtually joined in on his motorbike, to extend his support riding with Sadhguru on the rest of his journey to SAVE SOIL! Go Wayne!
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LNP candidate for Lilley stresses on importance of inclusivity Even as the nation gears up for the upcoming elections, one of the most marginal seats in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, Lilley recently experienced a reshuffle in its Liberal National Party (LNP) candidate with Mr Vivian Lobo emerging as the new face of the party’s electoral campaign following the withdrawal of the previous candidate, Ryan Shaw.
Erstwhile treasurer Wayne Swan had in the past held the seat which is presently represented by Ms Anika Wells of the Labor Party. “I think people want competence, they want competence, they want people looking after them, they want confidence that there’s a plan, things will get better,” Ms Wells commented to A Current Affair. Despite having entered the race for the Lilley seat relatively later than other candidates, Vivian Lobo, the new LNP candidate for Lilley, has his own strategy. It came down to little over 1200 votes in the last election, and the electorate's mood this time might determine who becomes Australia's next Prime Minister
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MESSAGE FOR EID AL-FITR
My warmest wishes to the Australian Muslim community joining with people around the world in celebrating Eid Al-Fitr, and the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Emerging from a month of prayer, fasting and contemplation, Eid al-Fitr is a welcome celebration to gather with family and community, give thanks, share in your faith and to show compassion and kindness to those around you and to those most in need.
The LNP won the primary vote in Lilley in 2019 but could not make it on preferences, and this time, Mr Vivian Lobo, a parent and education administration worker, believes he, too, has momentum despite his late entry into the contest. "I believe we need to bring in inclusion, and that is what I bring to this table," Mr Lobo added. Mr Lobo is a PHD student of Torrens University Australia and has been the Director of Brisbane-based Leaders Institute Private Ltd since 2016.
Desi Mela held in Sydney
A
Throughout this holy month, I have been privileged to have the opportunity to gather with so many of you in breaking the fast, and to witness how you embody the values at the heart of Islam – gratitude, compassion and generosity – which extends beyond the month of Ramadan. At this time of celebration and community spirit, In doing so, you are providing opportunities for greater understanding and strengthened relationships across communities, The Hon Alex Hawke MP Minister For Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services And Multicultural Affairs
‘Desi Mela’ event was organised in Sydney on 18th April by Desi Rocks and E3 Events in association with Expert Education and Visa Services. The event was an immense success as the event organisers took to their social media accounts to thank those on the organising committee and the attendees.
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AIBC's Business Conclave and Networking Dinner held The Australia India Business Council Ltd (AIBC) hosted the Australia - India Business Conclave & Networking Dinner along with Investment NSW, on the back of the ECTA agreement and IES updates on April 28 in Sydney. The event, which was sponsored by NIB Group and Active Super, saw some engaging conversations and active dialogues on business to business outcomes, converting potential into delivery, and establishing strong people-to-people connect for businessto-business outcomes. "We look forward to very impactful outcomes and takeaways to enable and unlock the next level of growth between Australia and India," said a statement by AIBC. Among those who attended the event were government leaders, industry partners, startup founders and indigenous business leaders, with the
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key attendees being Jodi McKay, Vish Padmanabhan, Malini Dutt, John Madew, Susan Moylan-Coombs, Kartik Mohandas, Malik Irfan (MAICD), Sheba Nandkeolyar, Harsh Shah, Jim Varghese, AM Sanushka Seomangal, Amit Dev Mehta, Ravneet Pawha, Michael Carter, Narasimhan Viswanathan, Natasha Bopaiah, Radhika Reddy, Nik Senapati, Deepa Mathew (MBA), Vinod Mirchandani, Satyarth Mishra, Manu Hingorani, Tamanna Monem GAICD, Sangeeta Venkatesan, Tim Regan, Sam Dutt, Abizer Merchant, Indu Balachandran, Javed Khan, Dr Partha M. Thushara Liyanarachchi. High Commission of India, Canberra, Australia; CGI Sydney; and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) supported the event.
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BAPS in Sydney hosts Swaminarayan Jayanti celebrations As part of Shri Swami Narayan Jayanti celebrations, Andrew Charlton, Labor for Parramatta was invited to address the gathering of devotees at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Sydney on April 10. "The community was so vibrant and welcoming it was hard not to be moved by what they had built at the temple and the open arms with which we were greeted. Thank you once again for your hospitality, Jai Swaminarayan," Mr Charlton wrote on his Facebook timeline. Julia Finn MP also was invited to the religious event.
Conscious Planet supporters in Brisbane celebrate the European leg of Sadhguru’s 30,000 km bike ride An update from Europe The Save Soil movement initiated by Sadhguru has reached the end of its European leg after over 35 days of relentless riding including some days of going through extremely rough weather. Always on time for each event, Sadhguru has soldiered on day after day with only one goal: to increase awareness and Save Soil from extinction. During the European leg of this trip, he has met several celebrities, influencers, government ministers and scientist who have shown overwhelming support. He spoke at the United Nations in Geneva and was also hosted by the Vatican. People from all walks of life have come to listen to Sadhguru in 16 events held across Europe. For details on the road trip and to watch the events, visit https:// www.consciousplanet.org/events. The response for the movement is growing by the day and this is apparent by the prevalence of the #SaveSoil on social media.
shortages, which would also lead to civil wars.
Call to action Many of you might wonder, “How do I support this critically essential movement?” It is very easy and takes few clicks on your smart phone or computer. Visit https://www. consciousplanet.org/, go to the ACTION NOW button and then click on ‘Earth Buddy’. Only your name and email address will be required. It’s that simple. Will you join today?
In just 20 years’ time, food production could fall by 30%, that means 800 million people can suffer from hunger. Many would remember how just a toilet paper shortage led to fights in supermarkets. Nobody would want to imagine what food shortages will look like. It is a very dire situation, but how do we fix it? There are many ways to do it. The important thing is that the organic content should go up and soil should be alive. This can only be achieved if the government policies and legislations support conservation of soil in all parts of the world.
Thousands of Earth Buddies are supporting the Save Soil Movement all over the world and also in Australia. Conscious planet movement supporters are also participating in on-ground activities to bring awareness to the public about Soil Extinction and the urgency for action. Many new supporters have joined the walks and many more have registered as an Earth Buddy. As a part of this, on April 24th, Brisbane witnessed over 45 volunteers walking in the streets around King George Square. There were able to interact with hundreds of passersby and spread the word. From time to time, they stopped to perform a dance jig with catchy music created particularly for this movement. It’s a great opportunity for like-minded supporters of the movement to get together, share information and educate the public. Like the previous times, this walk was also well received.
This movement aims to create mass awareness so that the democratic population of this world can help change the narrative on soil and the urgency in implementing measures to remedy the situation.
The movement Did you know about Soil extinction before this? Over 90% of the earth`s soil could become degraded by 2050 (UNCCD). In just 60 years’ time the world will run out of cultivable soil. Soil scientists around the world are indicating, we have just about 80 crops remaining on the planet. Our world could face acute food
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The time to unite for soil now. #SaveSoil, Let’s make it happen.
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Save Soil – Conscious Planet, is a global movement launched by Sadhguru to save soil from extinction and bring necessary policy changes to address the catastrophic issue facing humanity. Conscious planet supporters were also seen at an event at the Telugu association where they gave information on the movement to several attendees and also signed up several Earth Buddies.
A #SaveSoil movement supporter hosted an event at Spring Mountain
ANZAC day veterans from the Indian forces show their support for #SaveSoil movement
QAGOMA organises APT10 festival The APT10 Festival was organised at the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) recently. The two-day event which lasted from 23rd April to 24th April 2022 celebrated the creativity, diversity and vibrancy of the Asia Pacific region.
ANZAC day marked at Cherrybrook Rich tributes were paid to commemorate ANZAC Day Service at Cherrybrook Cenotaph on April 25, 2022. Approximately 16,000 soldiers of Indian descent fought in World War 1 alongside the ANZACs in Gallipoli and around 1600 gallants made supreme sacrifice. It is arguably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first key military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
For this landmark tenth edition, QAGOMA’s Asia Pacific Triennial looked to the future of art. It was rich with stories of how to navigate through time and space, reimagine histories and explore connections to culture and place. The event included 69 projects with new and recent work by emerging and established artists and collectives, together comprising more than 150 individuals from 30 countries. It includes works of art that are by turn highly personal, deeply political, and full of joy. Eminent Indian-origin sitar player Sudha Manian was also among the nine artists who performed a sitar ensemble as part of the event.
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Ravishing Fashionistas' 2022 Launch Party organised Ravishing Fashionistas has returned in 2022 after an amazing sell-out fashion event last year, to help women embrace themselves by breaking stereotypes in the fashion industry. After two exciting casting calls in Brisbane and at the Gold Coast, the RF team held their Launch Party on Sunday, April 9 at Customs House. Just a taste of what to expect at our huge fashion event in August, the guests enjoyed canapes and cocktails in the River Room and Terrace, taking in the spectacular views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge while they mingled and danced the night away. The evening was hosted by influencer and love coach Belinda Rygier, who has become an integral member of the Ravishing Fashionistas team this year, joining the fashion group for both their casting calls. Guests were treated to a mini runway featuring designs from Nathalie Le Riche art, Kablooie Store, Anannasa and Moreno Marcos presented by a selection of RF's recently cast models. Liz Murihy and Manish Juneja were among the speakers of the event, sharing their gratitude for RF's existing sponsors and introducing those new to the Ravishing Fashionistas event this year. The RF Team also shared a presentation about the success of their journey so far - including highlights from their sold-out fashion events over the past three years. "We were also humbled to have
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endorsement in video form from the Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner who provided us with inspiring and encouraging words of support for the values of the Ravishing Fashionistas team," said a statement from the fashion group. Guests were treated to a wonderful visual presentation to celebrate the successes the RF team has seen over the past three years. "It is amazing to look back and see how far the RF brand has come. As always we would like to express our gratitude towards our exclusive partners and sponsors, Brisbane City Council, Nationwide Migration and Education, Business2Sell, Chona Massingham Artist/Model & Kava Korp. Their collaborative support and dedication enables us to pursue our passion for providing more diverse opportunities for women. "We continue to look forward to RF4 and the rest of the year, where we will be able to showcase new designers, discover new talented women, and advocate for positive body image in the fashion industry," read the statement. On August 6, visitors can witness another unbeatable Brisbane Ravishing Fashionistas Fashion Show 2022 at Old Government House Brisbane. the show promises to be bigger than ever, so get your tickets now to ensure you are a part of RF's Spring Themed event.
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14 university scholars quit Aussie centre amid institute’s alleged reluctance to discuss key issues criticising Indian govt Fourteen academics from universities throughout Australia have dropped out of the Melbourne-based Australia India Institute (AII) due to what they claim is the institute's unwillingness to debate matters that are critical of India's ruling elite. They point to its decision to "reject" an essay on the ramifications of the "growth of Hindu nationalism" and to cancel a podcast on caste's impact in academia and commercial sector in India, among other things. In the wake of a series of hate crimes against Indians, the AII was founded in 2008 at the University of Melbourne with a US$ 8 million funding from the Australian government to "engage and gain a broader knowledge of the two countries through various
streams of academic study." On March 29, 2013, 13 AIIaffiliated academics signed a letter of resignation submitted to University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Prof Duncan Maskell. The AII was accused of pushing "Indian government propaganda," "overlooking" a crackdown on dissent, and "marginalising Indian minorities," according to the letter. Another academic colleague later quit. "Following considerable criticism of an AII fellow's talk on invisible disparities (which included class and caste), the AII declined to endorse the publication of an article written by two AII fellows about Gandhi's assassination attempts (in light of the attempted beheading of his monument in Melbourne)". The AII informed them that it had opted to "stay
"We also noted that an Ear to Asia podcast entitled Caste and the Corporation, in India and elsewhere, by these two fellows has not been placed on the AII website, despite those by others," the letter continued. "India's secularism and equal rights for all religious groups are associated with Gandhi's life and vision for the future." “The right to religious freedom is established in the Indian Constitution. However, as Hindu nationalism gathers traction, these ideals are losing favour, and the possibility of amending the constitution is being discussed" according to the essay, which was later published by Pursuit, a platform of the University of Melbourne.
needs, and I want to see the community thrive in the future." Jason Wood, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety, and Multicultural Affairs, said the Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple, Victoria's oldest traditional Hindu temple and Melbourne's only Ganesha temple, has been of significant value to our communities, particularly during the pandemic.
The initiative, according to Alan Tudge, Federal Member of Parliament for Aston, will give a location for the 75,000 devotees who visit the temple each year to assemble, learn, and receive support. "The Basin Temple is a fantastic addition to the community. Mr Tudge described it as "the largest granite temple in the southern hemisphere and Victoria's oldest traditional Hindu temple." "Over the previous thirty years, the Hindu community in Australia has risen dramatically, accounting
for 2% of the overall population. Hinduism is the fastest growing religion in Victoria, with over 134,000 Hindus living there." "At any one moment, some of the temple's major festivals attract over 1,000 worshippers, and on certain significant days, over 3,000 devotees will visit the temple." Michael Sukkar, the Federal Member of Parliament for Deakin, said the assistance will help the Hindu community thrive and grow in the area. "We are delighted to be able to contribute $1.5 million to the establishment of a Hindu Community Hub in Melbourne," Sukkar added. "This Hub will suit the Hindu community's cultural and social
Morrison government to grant funds to SAWA
away from the matter for a little longer," according to the letter.
$ 1.5 million granted for establishing Hindu community centre at Basin temple
If Morrison is re-elected, he will contribute $1.5 million to a $3 million project to build a Hindu Community Hub at the Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple in the Basin, Melbourne.
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The Morrison government has pledged to contribute $1 million to the Sikh Association of Western Australia (SAWA) to help develop a long-needed multipurpose community complex in Canning Vale if it comes back for a second term.
recognition at the Sikh Heritage Trail in Riverton."
Ben Morton, the federal Liberal Member of Parliament for Tangney, said the centre will be beneficial to many local residents. Minister Morton stated, "SAWA has been giving back to our community for many years."
"A re-elected Morrison government's $1 million pledge will help SAWA create better facilities, such as a hall and activity rooms for elderly, children, and traditional activities, as well as an accessible library and short-term emergency lodging for those in need."
"The local Sikh community helps individuals in need by providing lodging and meals, raising funds for charities and disaster relief, and hosting multicultural events." I've stayed close to this community, gaining $300,000 in financing for the yearly 2020 Sikh Games, educational and cultural resources, and Sikh Heritage Day
Morton said he visited with 600 members of the Sikh Temple last year to witness the amazing work they do and has been battling hard for money to create this centre since then.
Morton said he was extremely proud of the Sikh community's contributions and that they had successfully lobbied for money for the 2020 Sikh Games and Saluting the Service grants.
"I am ecstatic that the Morrison government is announcing this grant for the Temple's community centre," Wood said. "I am confident that it will benefit our Victorian community for many years to come." Hindu populations from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Fiji, Brunei, South Africa, and Kenya will be served by the proposed Hub. The temple intends to use the Hub to give legal, mental health, domestic violence, and elder abuse support to the community, among other things. During development and in the future, the community hub will bring visitors from all over the state to the area, providing economic benefits to local businesses.
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India, Australia, Japan recognize software supply chain, cyber security skill shortages as major issues companies with 500 or more employees, with 200 respondents from India, Australia, and Japan.
Although businesses continue to invest in cybersecurity to combat cyberattacks, respondents to Trellix's Cyber Readiness Report believe that initiatives spearheaded by the state can help improve cybersecurity protection. In areas like cyber defence coordination, threat information sharing, and software supply chain integrity, 89 percent of respondents from India, Australia, and Japan perceive potential for improvement in their government collaborations. Based on Vanson Bourne's global research, the study polled 900 cybersecurity specialists from
International turmoil and cyberwarfare occurrences in Ukraine, according to Bryan Palma, CEO of Trellix, have heightened our focus on government and critical infrastructure cyber preparation. The report, he continued, examines the development of new technology installation, such as XDR. It also outlines areas where better public-private partnerships could help companies stay ahead of their competitors by increasing cooperation. Respondents emphasised three important issues as a consequence of the survey. The first is the adoption of cybersecurity technology. Meanwhile, 32% of Indian respondents claim to have embraced cloud cybersecurity modernization in its entirety. Zero trust architectures and EDR-XDR appear to be the cyber protection technologies that are lagging the most behind in this group, with only 25% and 22% completely
Ridhima Dilawari emerges as top Indian in T-25 in Australia
deployed, respectively. In Australia, 31% of respondents said they have completely implemented EDR-XDR solutions. Cloud cybersecurity modernization (24 percent), MFA (24 percent), and zero trust are among the technologies that are falling behind (16 percent ). Despite this, only 26% of Japanese respondents claim to have fully implemented such methods, whereas 40% of Australians and 35% of Indians claim to have done so. The suggestions were deemed difficult to implement by the majority of respondents from all three countries. As a result, more than half of respondents in each country, support government mandates requiring software to meet cybersecurity criteria. However, respondents from all three countries are concerned that such mandates may have negative consequences. Complexity and significant implementation costs are two of the disadvantages.
resumed her winning streak in Australia with a final round of 3-fewer than 69 to claim the title. It was her third LET title and her third in Australia.
Ridhima Dilawari came on top among the Indian participants in the Australian Women's Classic - Bonville on April 24, 2022 finishing first in T-25. She shot a final round of 2-over 74 after shooting 70-73 in the first two rounds, as all four Indians in the field made the cut in the weatherdelayed tournament. Ridhima made four birdies to go along with four bogeys and a double bogey on the course. Amandeep Drall, who had a great opening round of 4-under 68, finished T-45 after shooting 81-73 in the next two rounds. Neha Tripathi was T-45 after shooting a 1-under 71 on the final day, while Vani Kapoor (70-75-78) was T-52. Meghan MacLaren of England
With the event cut to 54 holes, the 27-year-old carded rounds of 67, 70, and 69, and cemented her victory with a birdie on 18 to finish on 10-under par. Maja Stark of Sweden was one step ahead of her (67). Maja Stark, 22, of Sweden, had a final round of 67 (-5) for a nineunder-par total. After making four birdies on the front nine, Stark took the lead for a short time in the afternoon. Her progress was slowed significantly by a double bogey on 13, but she recovered with three birdies in her final five holes to finish second. Hannah Burke of England carded the day's joint-best round of 65 (-7) to move into a tie for third place with Argentina's Magdalena Simmermacher and Spain's Carmen Alonso on seven-underpar.
Talks between Australian, Indian navy conclude successfully
T
he Australian Navy and the Indian Navy have successfully completed their 14th Navy to Navy talks. During the discussions, held in New Delhi, both navies agreed on 39 new action items, designed to increase the scale and complexity of joint maritime engagements in the Indo-Pacific region.
“
Australia and India are natural partners. We are both dependent on open sea lanes in the IndoPacific region for the majority of our trade and economic well being,” Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Chris Smith said.
“
That’s why these talks are so vital, and I can’t wait to work with my Indian Navy colleagues to implement these improvements.”
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Eid Al-Fitr at Yas Island Enjoy the spirit of Ramadan with a special Iftar experiences
By IANSlife April 19, 2022 (IANSlife) As one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations, Yas Island, will be offering exciting staycations for concertgoers to watch Arabic superstars, Amr Diab, Sherine Abdel Wahab and Kadim Al Sahir perform at Etihad Arena over two nights in its upcoming “Layali Yas” concerts series during Eid al-Fitr. In addition, the Island will be illuminated during the first three days of Eid at 9pm with its iconic and festive fireworks displays at Yas Bay As part of the Eid festivities. The concert series will feature Egyptian phenomenon, Amr Diab, who will take the stage on Tuesday, May 3. The following day will see dual performances by popular Egyptian singer and actress, Sherine Abdel Wahab as well as one of the most successful artists in the Arab world, Iraqi singer, composer and songwriter, Kadim Al Sahir, as they take the stage on Wednesday, May 4. With booking available as of April 14 for stays between May 2 and 5, guests can choose between three packages that include a stay at excellent rates and enjoy access to one or both Layali Yas concerts. In addition, guests will receive a marvellous 25 percent off for Gold concert tickets when booking a stay package. The destination is also delightful Iftar experiences to suit all tastes this Ramadan. From unique al fresco experiences, and more traditional Arabian Iftars to athome deliveries, Yas Island has everything families and friends need for a memorable breaking of fast during the Holy Month. Family Vacations Family vacationers who book a Stay and Play package at one of Yas Island’s leading participating hotels for a minimum stay of two nights will receive complimentary Iftar for two adults at a participating restaurant throughout their stay in the hotel of their choice, in www.indianews.com.au
addition to access to all three record-breaking theme parks – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Holidaymakers can choose from six participating hotels as part of the Stay and Play Spring Offer, including W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, Crowne Plaza Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Rotana, Centro Yas Island by Rotana, Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Experience family-friendly fun at Yas Theme Parks Yas Theme Parks is offering UAE residents a special rate on admission tickets to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan. Guests can enjoy 25 percent off on their general admission tickets at each of the award-winning Yas Theme Parks for a fun-tastic time during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Additionally, Yas Theme Parks is offering UAE residents a collective 25 percent off on their Gold Annual Passes upon purchasing four or more. With a wide variety of fun rides and attractions, in addition to a unique selection of dining experiences to satisfy all tastes family-friendly entertainment at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi this Ramadan. Celebrate Ramadan in Sidekicks
Enjoy a vibrant Iftar spread and amplify your cravings as you dine with your friends and family at Garage. Offers a wide selection of unique delectable options including Crumbled Cheese & Zatar Manoushe, Garlic Labneh & Prawn Tart, New York Style Kunafa Cheesecake, and more. Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, Sunset to 9 PM Price: AED 198 per person Location: Garage, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Try a traditional Iftar At Assymetri, Iftars are laden with local and international delicacies and Iftar juices at their Traditional Iftar Buffet, with comfortable settings in a cool indoor atmosphere or the welcome warmth of the spring outdoors. Location: Assymetri Radisson Blu Hotel Date: 2 April – 2 May, from sunset Price: Dhs149, Dhs69 for children 6 to 12 years. Iftar Takeaways: Meal boxes starting AED 35 per person (minimum 30 boxes per order) 48 hours advance order required Ouzi Takeaways: Traditional lamb ouzi with condiments (for up to 6 guests) AED 499 net - 72 hours advance order required Savour an Iftar with an Asian twist
Experience Iftar buffet with modern flair bringing together varying palates, a culinary trip to the colourful and aromatic flavours of Levantine cuisine in the restaurant’s playful vibrant themed restaurant, Sidekicks. The experience is complete with meet-and-greets with renowned WB™ characters including Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Robin.
Break your fast with your family and friends and enjoy the best of Asian flavours in a lavish and authentic Far Eastern set-up with the Iftar Get Together at Jing Asia.
Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, 7 pm to 10 pm
Enjoy a Lebanese inspired Suhoor
Price: AED 165 per person
Discover delicious Suhoors with authentic flavours of Lebanon at Barouk’s Suhoor Get Together, offering delectable Lebanese favourites to help power you
Location: The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton Break your fast in style
Location: Jing Asia, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE Price: Iftar Get Together at AED 149 per person Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm
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through your fast, or satisfy your love for Lebanese fare until late, playing a traditional board game and enjoying a live oud performance.
break your fast in style in the comfort of your abode.
Location: Barouk Lebanese Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Price: AED125
Price: AED 120 per person Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, 9:00 pm – 02:00 am Experience the taste of Ramadan Experience the Taste of Ramadan with poolside Iftar feasts featuring Ramadan specialities, succulent grilled meats, spicy Indian fare and refreshing Ramadan juices with your loved ones at Choices or Rangoli. Location: Choices Restaurant, Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE Price: AED 159 per person Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, sunset – 10:00 pm Relish an A La Carte Iftar Chef’s Special meaty Iftars are brought out from searing grills and onto your plates at the Blue Grill Iftar Set Menu with an assortment of delicious condiments. Price: AED 175 per person Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, Iftar call – 12:00 am Location: Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE Indulge in an alfresco Suhoor Savour Suhoor under the stars while enjoying Moroccan tunes from Maro & the band. Enjoy a curated selection of decadent plates before the sun rises with family and friends in eclectic W style. Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, 10 PM – 2 AM Price: A la carte Location: Skylight, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Indulge in an Iftar2Go In the mood of staying in? Order your Iftar2Go and it will have everything readily available to
Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, delivery between 5 PM – 8 PM Location: W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Iftar with a view Enjoy the spirit of Ramadan with a special Iftar set menu, which features a unique blend of Arabic dishes and beverages. Date & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May, Sunset until 10:30 pm Price: AED 129 | Three-course set menu paired with Ramadan Beverages AED 45 | Ramadan sweets paired with Arabic coffee Location: Troon Abu Dhabi, Yas Links – Yas Island Break your fast with traditional Arabic delights Features favourite dishes from across the region, a selection of cold mezzah and freshly baked bread, a wide selection of main courses and live cooking stations, sweet treats and refreshing Ramadan beverages, tea, coffee and Gahwa. Price: AED 175 per person Date & Time: sunset to 9:00pm Location: Courtyard: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island A specially-curated traditional menu with your friends and family Break your fast with traditional Arabic delights in an alfresco dining venue, featuring favourite dishes from across the region, a selection of cold mezzeh and freshly baked bread, a wide selection of main courses and live cooking stations, sweet treats and refreshing Ramadan beverages, tea, coffee and Gahwa. Dates & Time: 2nd April – 2nd May Sunset-9:00 pm Price: AED 174 per person Location: Courtyard: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
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INDIA NEWS
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
NCPA’s Summer Fiesta 2022 Begins The participants will receive an official certificate of participation from the NCPA By IANSlife
HAPPY FEET Genre: Dance Conducted by: Mahafreenn Irani Dates: Monday, 30th May to Friday, 3rd June Time: 10.30 am to 11.15 am Duration: 5 days – 45 mins per day Workshop Fees: 4,000/- + GST The objectives of this workshop are to help children enjoy music and rhythm, shed inhibitions and be comfortable with their bodies. It also aims to develop balance and coordination, move with confidence and imagination and control, and develop an awareness of space. They learn dance steps like the V step, knee lifts, jazz square, Michael Jackson Style, retro moves, etc. For Age Group: 5.1 to 8 years June CLASSICAL BALLET & MODERN DANCE Genre: Dance Conducted by: Khushcheher Dallas Dates: Wednesday, 1st June to Sunday, 5th June Time: 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm Duration: 5 days - 1 hour per day Workshop Fees: 4,500/- + GST Classical ballet is a beautiful art form that originated in the 15th and 16th-century courts, during the Italian Renaissance. It touches the soul of both the viewer and the performer. While it radiates an ethereal feeling, it also exhibits tremendous strength and bravado. May HOUSE OF WONDERS Genre: Storytelling Conducted by: The Pomegranate Workshop - Nargish Allana, Lakshmi V, Komal Suryawanshi Dates: Wednesday, 11th May to Friday, 14th May Time: 11.30 am to 12.30 pm Duration: 3 days - 1 hour per day Workshop Fees: 1,200/- + GST An immersive story-led experience completes with www.indianews.com.au
Habitat International Film Festival from May 6 to 15 Short films and documentaries, Q&A and interactive sessions, and a Festival Café serving a selection of International Street Food provide the quintessential buzz
April 21, 2022 (IANSlife) NCPA Summer Fiesta has been a staple tradition providing arts and culture experiences for the young minds of Mumbai during the holidays. It aims to promote the benefits and values of the performing arts not just by providing children entertainment but also by getting them involved in high-quality workshops that are fantastic value for money. As children go back to school and The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) returns to live performances in a safe environment, the premier institute brings back Summer Fiesta 2022 in a comprehensive avatar. Consisting of in-person workshops as well as online sessions, Summer Fiesta 2022 is set to bring an array of performances for the very first time consisting of magic to classical music, dance, creative writing, and physical theatre.
CULTURE
actual videos and footage of the locations, live online storytelling by facilitators, and exciting art and dance activities. Explore the city of Mumbai, from the Koli community to gothic-style architecture. Wander through the land of Tinga Tinga exploring Tanzanian indigenous art through a story and try your hand at it too. Explore mythology via the Sun Temple in Odisha, where stories are performed through dance and dabble with yet another folk-art form. In each segment, the participants will have specific creative triggers ranging from storytelling, art, theatre, music, and dance so they can respond to whatever they enjoy the most. YOUNG READERS’ CLUB Genre: Reading Conducted by: Himali Kothari Dates: Monday, 30th May to Sunday, 5th June Time: 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm Duration: 7 days - 1 hour per day Workshop Fees: 4,500/- + GST Stories are all around us… we just need to open our eyes to spot them. This seven-day workshop aims to nurture the art of uncovering stories from events that occur around us and present them in an engaging and creative manner. Through this workshop, children will learn to read analytically and examine different writing techniques and tools. They will then learn to apply these techniques to their own writing and create an original story. All stories created in the workshop will be compiled into a booklet and given to the children as keepsakes. For Age Group: 9 to 15 years CHARACTER CREATION Genre: Art Age Group: 9 to 15 years (Break out rooms) Conducted by: Young Rembrandts Drawing Dates: Wednesday, 1st June to Sunday, 5th June Time: 11.00 am to 12 noon Duration: 5 days - 1 hour per day Workshop Fees: 3,000/- + GST Do your kids love listening to, reading, or writing stories? How about being able to visually create one on paper? Sign them up for this fun, engaging, and creative workshop to spark their imagination and see them: • learn how to illustrate characters and moments • learn about
techniques like expression, sequencing, and scenic development • strengthen their drawing and colouring skills • enact what they draw LET’S PODCAST! Genre: Podcasting Conducted by: Rima Medhi – Creatiwitty.inc Dates: Monday, 6th June to Friday, 10th June Time: 10.00 am to 11.30 am Duration: 5 days - 1½ hours per day Workshop Fees: 4,500/- + GST Highlights: Launch your first podcast Ideate and create your first talk show Theme-based content Content creation, content curation Scripting Hosting Presentation YOUTUBE STARS!! Genre: Blogging Conducted by: Rima Medhi – Creatiwitty. inc Dates: Monday, 6th June to Friday, 10th June Time: 12 noon to 1.30 pm Duration: 5 days - 1½ hours per day Workshop Fees: 4,500/- + GST Highlights: Become a content creator Launch your very own YouTube channel Learn how to curate content Confidence to face the camera Public speaking
By Sukant Deepak April 19, 2022 (IANSlife) Returning after a two-year Pandemic hiatus, the Habitat International Film Festival is scheduled to be held from May 6 to 15 at India Habitat Centre in the Capital. The festival showcases an impressive line-up of awardwinning and festival favorite films which include Nathalie Alvarez Mesen’s ’Clara Sola’, entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94 Academy Awards, Stefan Ruzowitsky’s ‘Hinterland’ which won the Prix du Public UBS award at the 74 Locarno Film Festival; ‘The Last Austrians’, winner at the Zurich Film Festival; ‘The Blind Man Who Did Not Want To See The Titanic’, winner of numerous film awards, including at the Venice Film Festival, Italy and ‘The Metamorphosis of Birds’, a Portuguese entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. With diversity at the forefront, this edition also brings together a pan-Indian selection of films from a plethora of Indian languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Malayalam, Tamil, Bhojpuri, Assamese, Bengali, etc. Director G. Prabha’s ‘Taya’, Achal Mishra’s ‘Dhuin’, Ritesh Sharma’s ‘Jhini Bini Chadariya’, Ainu Baruah’s ‘Dimasa’, Madhuja Mukherjee’s ‘Deep 6’ are some of the rich offerings at the festival. A special selection of Korean films including ‘In The Name of
The Son’, ‘Chorokbam’, ‘Siere’ and ‘The Cave’ will be screened at the festival in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre, New Delhi. Speaking about the Habitat Film Festival, Director of India Habitat Centre, Sunit Tandon said “The India Habitat Centre has become synonymous with the best in the arts and culture over the years. It is a great relief and pleasure for the entire team to be able to present another edition of the Habitat International Film Festival after a two-year gap necessitated by the pandemic.” Vidyun Singh, Creative Head, Programmes, India Habitat Centre said, “HIFF, though smaller compared to other film festivals, has carved out a special space and a loyal audience. It is a cherry-picked curation of critically acclaimed and awardwinning cinema, made possible by the generous cooperation and collaboration of the Embassies and Cultural Centres for which we are deeply grateful.” Film critic and journalist Anna M. M. Vetticad will be introducing the section of Malayalam films that paved the way for a New Wave of Malayalam cinema. Short films and documentaries, Q&A and interactive sessions, and a Festival Café serving a selection of International Street Food provide the quintessential buzz and ‘Festival Flavour’.
Build your mini-brand kit SCREEN-PLAY Genre: Film-making Conducted by: The Pomegranate Workshop - Priya Srinivasan Dates: Monday, 9th May to Friday, 13th May Time: 10.30 am to 11.30 am Duration: 5 days – 1 hour per day Workshop Fees: 4,000/- + GST Discover the power of the film by shooting one on a smartphone. At Screenplay, watch films from all over the world, observe the world around them & learn the technical aspects like ideation, scripting, shot & editing for effective storytelling. What is making a film about? It is about finding your voice & expressing it through the medium of film. facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
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INDIA NEWS
BEAUTY
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
The importance of cleaning clogged pores Hair perfume is the next big thing in beauty If you have oily skin, enlarged pores may prove to be an uphill battle for you
Additionally, it also helps remove excessive oil from the hair thereby moisturizing the hair, too
By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
April 21, 2022 (IANSlife) Pores are a way for your skin to breathe, varying in sizes, large or small they are natural. As a lot of the products claim, it’s not possible to reduce or get rid of “large pores” completely.
that helps to give our skin intense hydration. Its properties help in enhancing skin cell rejuvenation. It cleans out the dead skin cells and accelerates the production of new skin cells.
Your skin accumulates bacteria and dead skin cells which clogs these pores. Sebum in the pores could then give way to acne into blackheads and whiteheads. While you cannot get rid of the pores, it is important to cleanse the pores which in turn helps minimise their appearance.
Refinyl is a multi-tasking active ingredient that solely works in minimizing the enlarged pores. It limits pores deformation by boosting the collagen production in our skin, making our skin look healthier, brighter, and firm.
Pore cleansing and minimising ingredients to note: Niacinamide: Niacinamide has properties that help with the redness of the skin and balances oil production. It is the main ingredient that minimizes the pores. PHA: PHAs are a type of exfoliating acid
p-Refinyl:
Niacinamide, PHA and p-Refinyl, daily application of this serum will help to unclog and minimize the pores. Combined with gentle exfoliating components, the serum increases skin cell regeneration and stimulates collagen synthesis.
April 18, 2022 (IANSlife) A hair perfume or hair mist isn’t the same as just spritzing your mane with your favourite fragrance; instead, it’s a product that’s specially formulated for your hair. While your usual perfume might still smell nice in your hair, it could also actually be damaging and drying, and result in breakage. But, what is the difference between perfume and hair perfume? The key difference is the percentage of ethyl alcohol contained in the products. As a general rule, hair perfumes will only contain traces of alcohol so as to not dry out hair and scalp on application. “Hair perfumes not only help in keeping the hair fragrant but also helps in protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun. Apart from this, it helps in giving your hair the shine it deserves. In totality, hair perfumes are not only used to keep the hair aromatic but also helps in making the hair look healthy. Additionally, it also helps remove excessive oil from the hair thereby moisturizing the hair, too,” says Parul Gulati, Founder of Nish Hair.
If you have oily skin, or if enlarged pores are proving to be an uphill battle for you, then you need to ensure that you include a pore minimizing product in your daily skincare routine to help your skin not only look but also actually be healthy and radiant. The Derma Co Pore-Minimizing Face Serum is carefully composed and constructed with the high powering qualities of
Crack the red lipstick conundrum this bridal season Rgardless of your skin tone, if you are someone who has thin lips or is conscious of yellow teeth, choose a neutral tone of red
The question comes down to how do you use it? Step 1: Wash your hair It is important to use hair
perfumes on clean hair. Greasy scalps will not be able to retain the fragrance. To give your hair a pleasant scent, it’s important to ensure that it’s clean. Use shampoo to wash your hair thoroughly before you apply any scented or perfumed products. Step 2: Moisturize your locks. It’s extremely important to moisturize your hair beforehand in case it loses any moisture after you scent it. Use your conditioner to hydrate your hair after you wash it. Step 3: Dry your hair thoroughly. For the longest lasting fragrance in your hair, you should make sure that your locks are completely dry before applying any perfumed products. If your hair is wet, the water can form a barrier that keeps the fragrance from penetrating your tresses so the scent doesn’t last as long. After washing and conditioning your hair, make sure it is dry before you apply the fragrance. Step 4: Gently Spray perfume When your hair is dry, hold a bottle of your perfume at least 8-inches (20-cm) from your head and lightly mist your locks to scent your hair. And you’re good to go! As we are dawning on to the summer heat, with sweat and little breeze, we have to care for our hair this summer.
red that has a blue undertone or a pink undertone should be their go-to. Think of raspberry tones that perfectly compliment this skin tone and will enhance the bride’s smile. Crimson works well for this complexion.
April 15, 2022 (IANSlife) Red Lipstick, the crown jewel of the lipsticks is a woman’s favourite. When it comes to bridal looks, brides prefer red over other colours. No, they don’t all look the same, and red lipstick isn’t appropriate for every lehenga colour! To be honest, the trick is to match your skin’s undertone to the www.indianews.com.au
undertone of the lipstick. Every red shade is unique, just like every skin tone! Chandni Goyal, Training Manager, Anastasia Beverly Hills India shares a guide to help you crack the red lipstick skin tone conundrum this bridal season Fair complexions – Brides with fair complexions usually have cool undertones, hence choosing a
Light to Wheatish Complexions – This is the most common Indian skin tone with warm/yellow undertone. Using an orangebased red will be the best bet for wheatish skin tone and brighten up the complexion. Tangerine reds work well. Medium Complexions – Brick reds with an orange/rust undertone work well for this skin tone during the summer season when this skin tone is prone to tanning more often, whereas cool-tone reds work very well for medium complexions as well during the winter season. Coral and blood-red work well. facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
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INDIA NEWS
FASHION
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
Hailey Bieber and Vogue Eyewear brings new chapter in style Let’s Vogue!
90s fashion is back If you’re a 90s kid then open those trunks and pull out all your fashion favourites’ from the decade
By Olivia Sarkar
Denim Shorts
They say fashion repeats itself every ten years and the 90s were an unforgettable fashion decade! Here’s a look at some comeback trends this season. By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe Vogue Eyewear celebrates the beginning of a new season with fashion muse and model Hailey Bieber as its radiant new ambassador and creative partner. Launching the exclusive collaboration and campaign, the first drop of Hailey’s co-designed collection for Vogue Eyewear frames authentic beauty with celebrity style.
"This collaboration is special to me because I was able to work with the team to co-design frames that felt natural, but still fashion-forward and fun. The Vogue Eyewear team was so much fun to work with and we had a great time shooting the campaign for the collection," Hailey added.
Each Hailey Bieber and Vogue Eyewear frame comes with a dedicated signature logo on the temple, as well as a trendy custom-made carry pouch, so you can take them anywhere you want, in style.
Dungarees
Are you ready for a new chapter in style? Let's Vogue!
Hailey Bieber said, “Vogue Eyewear is known for having unique styles for everyone and I believe eyewear is an accessory that can elevate your look. With this collaboration, we focused on designing options that could fit any style”.
Wear the long or short, or even the mom short style which is a loose-fitting high-waisted shorts which was a big in the 1990s. Kangana teams her pair with a t-shirt and ankle length boots. Pinafore You remember wearing them as a child, and now that you’re an adult, you won’t mind wearing them again! Parineeti Chopra rocks a pair with a typical 90s stripe -shirt. Mesh Tops
Armaan Malik launches menswear linen campaign for top fashion brand musical conversations throughout the previous year, the multilingual singer has collaborated with the brand to capture the essence of the liberating feeling of authenticity.
H&M India introduces its linen collection, which features fresh classics and embodies comfort and effortless ease. The campaign, which stars musician and artist Armaan Malik, embodies the message of being free to be yourself. After dominating www.indianews.com.au
Spring encourages us to be free-spirited, soulful, and to maintain the uniqueness of our identities by elevating playfulness, assisting us to bloom, and encouraging us to be free-spirited, soulful, and to maintain the uniqueness of our identities. It motivates us to become the flow rather than simply going with the flow, which is precisely what the campaign aims to achieve.
are free-flowing and breezy, the world of Linen,. features long sleeve shirts, linen tees, relaxed fit resort shirts, and pull-on trousers and shorts in both relaxed fits. Through neutral shades and playful prints, the silhouettes and colours give the collection a fresh and light feel. Armaan Malik is seen lounging on the beach on a beautiful breezy afternoon in the campaign video. The linen edit, which consists of various pieces from the collection in soothing neutral and pastel tones, is the ideal addition to his summer wardrobe.
The key pieces for this season facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
Mesh tops are not new in fashion nor are they gym wear, in fact, it was popular in the 1990s as well thrown over a pair of boddy hugging leggings. Deepika Padukone slays in this glam style.
Remember the cute little pinafore Anjali wore in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’? It’s taken a stylish new turn, with patchwork and a shorter length. Kriti Sanon steals the look in her green pinafore. The Layering Kimono jacket
Denim Shirts
A perennial favourite amongst the hip and stylish, a denim shirt goes a long dressed up or down to your taste. Bhatt wears hers in the modern half tuck-in style.
A go to for everyone the long over shirt or kimono style jacket is a hit. Sonakshi Sinha carries one as her daily go-to but it was Preity Zinta who wore it often in the 1990s.
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INDIA NEWS
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May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
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INDIA NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
Big B’s ‘Jhund’ to debut on OTT on May 6
Ranveer Singh: ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’ is a film with the biggest heart in my body of work
Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) The biographical sports drama ‘Jhund’, which stars Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, is set to debut on OTT on May 6.
Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Superstar Ranveer Singh says that his upcoming movie ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’ is a film with the ‘biggest heart’ in his stellar body of work in which he has collaborated with the biggest directors of the country.
Ranveer Singh
The film directed by ‘Sairat’ fame Nagraj Manjule, is based on the life of Vijay Barse; a real-life hero and founder of Slum Soccer, an organisation which works for the wellbeing and development of children from underprivileged backgrounds with an acumen to play football. The film stars Ankush Gedam, Akash Thosar, Rinku Rajguru and several other artistes, and brings to the fore the life of a slum dweller and his struggle to achieve his dream.
Big B essays the role of Vijay Barse along with other actors in the film like Tanaji Galgunde, Sayli Patil, Vicky Kadian, Kishor Kadam, and Bharat Ganesh Pure in pivotal roles. The protagonist uses his life experience to make a way for himself and his community to break the social barriers. The film will be released on ZEE5. Commenting about his film’s OTT premiere, director Nagraj Manjule shares, “’Jhund’ has a strong narrative that is set to move the audiences! Amit ji along with the kids literally put life in the characters - After receiving much love from the audiences, I am glad that now people will get to watch it over and over again with its digital release on ZEE5.”
The film’s producer Bhushan Kumar opines that “The tale of Jhund transcends boundaries.” He says, “A film that garnered a lot of applause and appreciation across the nation is all set to make its digital premiere on ZEE5. It’s such a great feeling to take Jhund a notch higher as a wider set of audience will witness this Nagraj Manjule’s gem not just in India but worldwide through this release.” Directed by Nagraj Manjule, and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Raaj Hiremath, Gargee Kulkarni, Meenu Aroraa, and Manjule, ‘Jhund’ will exclusively stream on ZEE5 from May 6.
Vin Diesel unveils new title for ‘Fast & Furious 10’ star. Justin Lin is on board as director and will also produce alongside Diesel, with the film set to bow in theaters via Universal on May 19, 2023. Lin has been one of the lead directors for the action franchise, having previously helmed 2021’s ‘F9’, as well as ‘Fast & Furious 6’, ‘Fast Five’, ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’. Los Angeles, April 21 (IANS) Hollywood action star Vin Diesel took to Instagram to share that ‘Fast & Furious 10’ will officially be titled ‘Fast X’, also announcing the launch of production. “Day one” the action star wrote,
reports ‘Deadline’. While details with regard to the plot of ‘Fast X’ have thus far been kept under wraps, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Michelle Rodriguez, Sung Kang, Jason Momoa, Daniela Melchior and Brie Larson will also
The franchise is Universal’s biggest of all time - its films having collectively grossed over $6.6 billion worldwide.
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Ranveer says, “I have been blessed and fortunate to have found remarkable scripts that have stood out and touched people. I’m grateful for them and I’m also proud of the work that I have done to bring those roles to life on screen. “It has taken everything out of me but I have always believed that if I have to be the best actorentertainer of the country, then I have to do things that no one would attempt doing.” He adds, ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’ is a film that I have relished being a part of because it has again pushed me to shape-shift into becoming a character with absolutely no reference point in Hindi cinema. Ranveer stressed that a character like Jayeshbhai has not been seen. “He is not your typical hero. He discovers heroism when he is pushed to the brink and he is, according to me, one of the most lovable heroes in the history of Hindi cinema.” Ranveer further says, “Hopefully, Jayeshbhai will change the definition of heroism on screen and hopefully leave an important
message to people in the most entertaining and hilarious fashion. Jayeshbhai Jordaar is undoubtedly a film with the biggest heart in my body of work.” “It will make people laugh, cry, ponder and feel really, really warm when they see a feel-good film whose hero is the most innocent and honest person that you have met in a long, long time.” About what he loves about the character of Jayeshbhai and his expectations from the film, Ranveer says, “He is quick witted and he has his heart in the right place. The script is just remarkable. You don’t find these films every day. Jayeshbhai is a rare product. It has certainly turned out to be really special. I hope we manage to entertain everyone with this film because it is really meant for everyone to enjoy. “It is a community experience with your friends and families. You will know when you see this trailer. It is a celebration of human spirit which will fill you up from within when you experience it on the big screen.” The Yash Raj Films’ ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’, also starring ‘Arjun Reddy’ fame Shalini Pandey, has been directed by debutant Divyang Thakkar and produced by Maneesh Sharma. The film is releasing on May 13, 2022 worldwide.
Raveena Tandon rides high on ‘KGF Chapter 2’ success has received for her character in the Yash-starrer.
Mumbai Actress Raveena Tandon, who played Prime Minister Ramika Sen in the latest release ‘KGF: Chapter 2,’ is currently riding high on the success of the film. She says she is humbled and grateful for the appreciation she
Superstar Raveena Tandon said: “It is heart-warming to receive so much love from everyone! I am humbled and grateful for the appreciation I have received as Ramika Sen.” She added: “She is strong woman and exudes a lot of discipline and power, enjoyed playing her on screen. Really thankful to everyone involved in this journey!”
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INDIA NEWS
Luxury, lifestyle, location — welcome to Dress Circle
May 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 20
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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