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Quad leaders rally for end to aid for Modi, Morrison discuss terrorism, unveil new areas of cooperation defence and bilateral ties IANS
New York, September 25 (IANS): The leaders of the Quad nations -- the US, Australia, Japan and
terrorism, while introducing new areas of cooperation, especially in technology.
India -- have denounced the use of terrorist proxies and demanded an end to support for
A joint statement adopted by Primes Ministers Narendra Modi of India, Scott Morrison of Australia and Yoshihide Suga of Japan and US President Joe Biden after their summit on September 24, said: "We denounce the use of terrorist proxies and emphasise the importance of denying any logistical, financial or military support to terrorist groups which could be used to launch or plan terror attacks, including crossborder attacks."
New York, September 24 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison met in Washington ahead of the Quad Summit to discuss their countries' bilateral relations, especially defence partnerships given their importance as bulwarks of democracy in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking to reporters after their meeting on September 23, Morrison described Modi "a dear friend and great friend of Australia" and said, "We had
a very good discussion about our defence partnerships. That was particularly progressed at the most recent 2+2 meeting of defence and foreign ministers."
This was the first in-person meeting of the two leaders in the post-pandemic period, although they had held a virtual meeting in June. They met again on September 24 with President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Yoshihide Sugo of Japan at the Quad summit. Continued on Page 3
India records 28,326 fresh After AUKUS, Australia might be developing cases, over 85 Cr vaccinated a US-backed Military Industrial Complex
New Delhi, September 24: After emerging as a frontline state for countering China in the newly formed Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) military alliance, Canberra is showing all signs of developing its own Military Industrial Complex. The first signal that Australia could become a formidable military hardware manufacturer came, when the AUKUS trio decided to manufacture eight nuclear submarines at Adelaide.
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IANS
Full details have not been revealed, but the Financial Review, an Australian publication, is reporting citing a former Defence Department official that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Continued on Page 3
is likely to build versions of the latest US or British submarines. These nuclear-powered subs will have better weapons and sensors than their Chinese counterparts, including torpedoes, mines and cruise missiles that can target rival ships and buildings. Specifically, the Australian version of an American Virginia class or British Astute class is on the radar, the official said. But the brand-new subs might not be ready within a decade.
Continued on Page 3
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New Delhi, September 26 (IANS): India reported a total of 28,336 fresh Covid cases and 260 deaths on September 26, even as over 85 crore people have been vaccinated, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on September 26.
2,034 cases in 24 hours, pushing India's total active caseload to 3,03,476, which accounts for less than one per cent of total Covid cases of India, as per the Union Health Ministry updates. The total active cases in India is 0.90 per cent of the total caseload.
The new cases reported were slightly lesser than what was recorded on September 25. However, 290 deaths were reported on September 25. The total death count in the country stands at 4,46,918.
India's recovery rate from the ongoing pandemic currently stands at 97.77 per cent. As per the health bulletin, a total of 26,032 people have recovered from Covid, pushing the total recovery data to 3,29,02,351.
The active cases saw a rise of total
Continued on Page 3
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
US, UK, Australia announce new security partnership
‘Regressive’: Without naming Pak, Modi slams Imran’s crude rhetoric
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 Ms Audrey Courty, Griffith University Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India INDIA NEWS TV Mr Karthik Pratap Singh, News Director Mr. Agastya Yeturi, Cinematographer Mr Nishit Chandan, Special Correspondent WRITERS Mr Devashish Chakraborty Ms Deepika Banerjee Mr Rabindra Mukherji
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The hocus pocus about Quad and AUKUS
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
Modi, Morrison discuss defence and bilateral ties IANS
Continued from Page 1
Morrison disclosed that he had spoken to Modi the night before the announcement of the tripartite defence pact between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS), which will have an impact on the Indo-Pacific region. He said that there was "keen interest" in AUKUS and the plan to deploy a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines "from our partners in India, and well-received. And looking forward to seeing how that continues to progress." The US announced recently that it was going to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. An Indian Ministry of External Affairs readout of the Washington meeting said that Modi and
Morrison reviewed the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of their countries since the June encounters "and resolved to continue close cooperation for mutual wellbeing and towards advancing their shared objective of an open, free, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific region."
cooperation in clean energy and low-emissions technology.
The readout said that they "expressed satisfaction" on the progress towards a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and noted their commitment to "achieve an early harvest announcement on an interim agreement" by the end of the year.
"We'll work together closely with our good friends in India, to work with the comparative advantages that Australia has, particularly in the area of hydrogen, and working together with their manufacturing capabilities so they can realise that in their own country," he added.
Morrison said that Australia's Trade and Investment Minister Dan Tehan and India's Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal will be meeting in New Delhi soon and added, "Prime Minister Modi and I tasked our teams to be ambitious when they sit down to look at our trade opportunities, particularly in the area of digital trade arrangements." With a view to fighting climate change, he emphasised
"At our meeting today we agreed to go forward with a low emissions technology partnership, a partnership that will focus on hydrogen development, ultra low-cost solar programs, to support their energy transition," he said.
Another area they dealt with was cooperating to ensure the reliable availability of critical minerals, which are especially important for the hi-tech sectors. Morrison said, "Prime Minister Modi and I share a passion around that project, because they are also involved in that supply chain at various different points, and it's important that we have the choice that exists in world markets around these issues. We want to play a stronger role here."
Quad leaders rally for end to aid for terrorism, unveil new areas of cooperation Continued from Page 1
That segment of the statement applies to Pakistan, even though it was not named, and another, without mentioning China, directed attention to its aggressive actions in the region, from the Himalayas to the Pacific Ocean. "Together, we recommit to promoting the free, open, rules-based order, rooted in international law and undaunted by coercion, to bolster security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. We stand for the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity of states," the leaders said. Their joint statement did not, however, put forward any specific joint defence or security measures. It instead said: "We also recognise that our shared futures will be written in the Indo-Pacific, and we will redouble our efforts to ensure that the Quad is a force for regional peace, stability, security, and prosperity." To bring a measure of permanence to what has been an informal group, the four agreed to hold annual summits and meetings of Foreign Ministers in addition to regular sessions of senior officials. The leaders said that they would coordinate diplomatic, economic, and human-rights policies towards Afghanistan and deepen counter-terrorism and humanitarian cooperation. Most of the defined actions
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proposed by the Quad leaders are about cooperation and helping themselves and others in the region. Taking on the current challenge of the pandemic foremost, the declaration said: "Our partnership on Covid-19 response and relief marks an historic new focus for the Quad." They welcomed New Delhi's resumption of vaccine exports and the Indian company Biological E producing at least one billion safe and effective Covid jabs by the end of 2022, financed in part through Quad investments. India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that the vaccine would be the Johnson & Johnson type, which requires only one shot. Japan will provide finance for the distribution of the vaccines and Australia will buy jabs for distribution in the Southeast Asia region and also pay for their delivery, according to the declaration. The leaders said that they "will also strengthen our Science and Technology cooperation" in clinical trials and genomic surveillance to bring a quick end to the pandemic and also "conduct a joint pandemic-preparedness tabletop or exercise" next year. They committed themselves to fight climate change by working towards zero net emissions by 2050 and increase their commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The leaders also agreed to pursue the deployment of clean-
hydrogen technology, which is one of Modi's initiatives. Several of the new initiatives are in technology, which had risks posed by China in the background. "We are mapping the supply chain of critical technologies and materials, including semiconductors, and affirm our positive commitment to resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains of critical technologies," the leader said in the joint statement. "We are monitoring trends in the critical and emerging technologies of the future, beginning with biotechnology, and identifying related opportunities for cooperation."
COVER STORIES
After AUKUS, Australia might be developing a US-backed Military Industrial Complex Continued from Page 1
Consequently, the RAN could lease less potent Los Angeles class submarines from the US as stopgap. An Astute class submarine costs an estimated $2.6 billion when constructed in Britain. It can carry 38 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can strike buildings and ships 1,700 km away. The Virginia class submarines, the latest from the US arsenal are costlier, with a price tag of $3.2 billion. But they also have a more lethal punch on account of the 65 missiles they can carry, besides torpedoes. The US decision to manufacture a new version of drones in Australia is also adding to Canberra's emerging Military Industrial Complex. As reported by India Narrative earlier, the US aerospace giant Boeing announced on Wednesday that it will assemble its unmanned Loyal Wingman planes in Toowoomba city, Queensland state. It has already completed the first test flights earlier this year. News agency AP quotes Scott Carpendale, MD of Boeing Defence Australia, as saying that the new aircraft uses artificial intelligence to operate in tandem with manned aircraft and was conceived, designed, and developed in Australia. Importantly, this will be the first military combat aircraft to be designed and manufactured in Australia in half a century. Boeing Australia is currently developing six of the aircraft in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force. Carpendale said the Australian
government seems happy about the Loyal Wingman's capabilities. "There's a significant interest from other countries," Carpendale added. The drone is being built in a facility at Wellcamp Airport, owned by Wagner Corp. Wagner chairman John Wagner said he hopes a defence and aerospace precinct at the airport will attract more companies in similar fields. This venture is believed to be the first of its kind by Boeing outside North America. Last year Australia had increased its defence budget owing to tensions with China. A Reuter's report said that the country will increase defence spending by 40 per cent over the next 10 years. The increased budget will go into buying anti-ship missiles as well as developing hypersonic missiles. Speaking at the launch of the 2020 Defence Strategic Update in Canberra, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: "We want an Indo-Pacific free from coercion and hegemony. We want a region where all countries, large and small, can engage freely with each other and be guided by international rules and norms". In yet another announcement, Australia had earlier this year announced that it would upgrade its ports in the Northern Territories with US help. Australia plans to spend $580 million to upgrade four northern military bases and hold war games with the United States as well as military exercises with countries in the region.
India records 28,326 fresh cases, over 85 Cr vaccinated Continued from Page 1
They said that they have established cooperation on critical and emerging technologies "to ensure the way in which technology is designed, developed, governed, and used is shaped by our shared values and respect for universal human rights". With the co-sponsorship of the major companies, they announced 100 Quad Fellowships in STEM subjects for graduate students, the declaration said. The Quad was also launching programmes in cybersecurity and in space. They also said that they were launching a new Quad infrastructure partnership that will map the region's infrastructure needs, and coordinate on regional needs and opportunities, the declaration added.
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The testing capacity across the country continues to be increasing. Recently, a total of 14,88,945 tests were found being conducted. India has so far conducted over 56,32,43,245 tests. The weekly positive rate in India is less than 3 per cent for 93 days and currently stands at 1.98 per cent. The daily positivity rate is also less than 3 per cent from the last 27 days and presently stands
at 1.90 per cent. Under the mass vaccination drive, a total of 68,42,786 vaccine doses were administered recently. India's Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 85 crore and stands at 85,60,81,537 as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on September 26. This has been achieved through 83,64,110 sessions.
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
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Doctor’s move to “big city” Springfield fruitfully
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reater Springfield doctor Sundhar Narayan’s move to a “big city” has allowed him to proudly serve his community and live a life of luxury. Dr Narayan, works at My Life Medical Brookwater General Practice, and moved to Springfield Lakes more than a decade ago. He most recently relocated to Brookwater. “We initially thought of buying a house close to Mount Gravatt as it was close to all the hospitals and Brisbane City. However, we heard the Greater Springfield area was going to be the next ‘big city’, and a lovely place to live,” Dr Narayan said.
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practising in the same suburb,” he said. The couple have two children, Nikhil, 12.5, and Riya Rani, 4.5, both who attend The Springfield Anglican College. A keen badminton player, Dr Narayan enjoys a game with friends every Saturday. “It’s great for my social life and keeping myself fit,” he said. “I go for a walk with my wife most days, enjoying the Brookwater greeneries and the hills”. He said the area had changed significantly in the last 10 years. “There was almost nothing except for Orion Shopping Centre and a few small shops, including
Springfield Fair,” he said. “Now this place has transformed into one the busiest places and looks like West End.” Compared to 2010, Greater Springfield has transformed into a large residential and business investment place. "I would like to invest more in this area – buying investment properties and business investments, and if we get the opportunity I will establish a GP surgery in this area," he said. "The population when we moved in 2010 was about 2000 now in 2020 it's nearly 47,000. I never imagined this place would grow this huge.
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
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AGENDA Official Launch of Mental Health Month - Queensland 6:30pm
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
PM Modi visits construction site of new Parliament house New Delhi, September 26 (IANS): Hours after returning from the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26 evening inspected the ongoing construction work of a new Parliament house.
Central Vista project. He stayed there for around an hour and took stock of ongoing work. He took information of ongoing construction activities of the new Parliament building," a source said.
According to sources, he reached the construction site of the new parliament building around 8.45 p.m. and stayed there for around an hour.
The Prime Minister returned on September 26 afternoon from the US where he had held bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden, participated in the Quad summit, and also addressed the UNGA.
This was his first visit to the construction site. "Without any information and security details, Prime Minister Modi reached the construction site of the new Parliament building which is part of the
Last year, he laid the foundation stone of the new Parliament building and it is likely to be completed by next year. Earlier in September, Union Housing and Urban Affairs
The Central Vista project also includes the construction of a common Secretariat for Central government offices, the Prime Minister's office and residence, the Special Protection Group building and the Vice President's Enclave.
"These countries must understand that terrorism is an equally big threat to them. Also, it is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan's territory is not used to spread terrorism or for terrorist attacks," Modi said in the tail end of his address, which kicked off the weekend programming at the UNGA.
United Nations, September 25 (IANS): Without once naming Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25 ripped his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan's harsh rhetoric targeting India by slamming "countries with regressive thinking that are using terrorism as a political tool". Modi was speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and his address came a day after Khan's litany. During a September 24 address, Khan had framed Pakistan as a victim 'wrongfully trapped between American and global double standards'.
"For the current situation in Afghanistan, for some reason, Pakistan has been blamed for the turn of events by politicians in the US and some politicians in
Europe," Khan said, adding: "From this platform, I want them all to know, the country that suffered the most, apart from Afghanistan, was Pakistan when we joined the US war on terror after 9/11." Khan's toughest words were reserved for India. India, in its right of reply on September 24, hit back. "This is the country which is an arsonist disguising itself as a firefighter," Sneha Dubey, a first secretary in India's UN Mission, said on September 24. "Pakistan nurtures terrorists in their backyard in the hope that they will only harm their neighbours. Our region, and in fact the entire world, has suffered because of their policies," she said. The morning after, Modi closed
"We also need to be alert and ensure that no country tries to take advantage of the delicate situation there, and use it as a tool for their own selfish interests. At this time, the women and children of Afghanistan, the minorities of Afghanistan, need help. And we must fulfil our duty by providing them with this help," Modi said. Earlier in a joint statement, Quad leaders Modi, Scott Morrison of Australia and Yoshihide Suga of Japan and US President Joe Biden slammed terrorist proxies and cross-border attacks, without naming Pakistan or China. This messaging comes soon after US withdrawal from Afghanistan and amid the deepening mistrust between the US and Pakistan, which remains important to US intelligence because of its proximity to Taliban leaders now in charge of the war-torn nation.
Sporting a saffron stole, Tikait offers bell at Shiva temple Lord Shiva just to see if this The Economic Times
Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh), September 24 (IANS): After raising heckles with his chants of 'Allah hu Akbar' at the Kisan Maha Panchayat earlier in September, Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesman, Rakesh Tikait, has now offered a bell weighing 51 kilograms at a Shiva temple. Tikait arrived at the temple on September 23, wearing a saffron stole. He blew the conch shells and offered the bell. "I am offering this bell to
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government will hear its sound. They have not been listening to farmers for 10 months," said Tikait.
When asked about the saffron stole, Tikait said, "Does the BJP have a copyright over this colour? If the BJP is so averse to Muslims, they should abandon their houses built by Muslims. They should also disclose how many Muslims are working for them. Who stitches clothes for them? They must tell us."
IANS
"The next Republic Day parade on January 26 will be held on the new Central Vista. Next year's winter session of Parliament on the 75th year of Independence of the country will be held in the new Parliament," he had said.
it out.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan
Priyanka visits Lucknow to take stock of poll preps
Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri had said next year, the Winter session of Parliament will be held at the new Parliament.
‘Regressive’: Without naming Pak, Modi slams Imran’s crude rhetoric
IANS
NEWS FROM INDIA
Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesman Rakesh Tikait, During his visit to the temple, Tikait did not visit his home. "I will not go home until the three contentious farm laws are abolished," he said.
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Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
New Delhi, September 26 (IANS): Congress General Secretary In charge of Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived in Lucknow on September 27 and will be there for a week from September 27 evening to take stock of poll preparations in the state. The Congress leaders say she will be meeting state leaders and also important party workers in Lucknow during her week-long tour. She will have scheduled meetings with the manifesto committee and with the election committee to assess the party's poll preparedness in the state, sources said. Priyanka Gandhi is likely to participate in one of the training programmes being organised by the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. The Congress in Uttar Pradesh will take out a 'Congress Pratigya Yatra' with the tagline -- 'Hum Vachan Nibhayenge', ahead of the Assembly elections, due early next year.
Priyanka has said that the yatra would cover a distance of 12,000 kilometres and will pass through all major villages and towns to connect with the masses. The date of the yatra is yet to be decided, though sources said it was likely to begin on the Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. The party is readying the first list of candidates in October, months ahead of the elections. For this, the Congress in Uttar Pradesh has extended the last date for applications for the Assembly polls. In a letter sent to all party units, UPCC president Ajay Kumar Lallu said that application forms from prospective candidates will now be received till October 10. Earlier, the last date for submitting applications was September 25. Each candidate was asked to deposit a sum of Rs 11,000 with the form. Party sources said that the reason for extending the date was that the number of applications received so far was 'unsatisfactory'.
Deoband seminary head supports Taliban's gender segregation in education New Delhi, September 25 (IANS): Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, principal of the Darul Uloom Deoband, said he supports the Taliban's apparent drive to completely segregate men and women in educational institutes.
IANS
Madani says he thinks the Taliban's seizure of power in Afghanistan was a positive development because the Islamist movement liberated the country from foreign occupation, RFE/RL reported. Madani says he supports the Taliban's attempts to segregate men and women, the report said. "They are requiring people to observe the Islamic requirement of hijab," he said, referring to the Arabic word for veil, which denotes the Islamic concept that members of the opposite sexes should not mix if they are not related. "Allah created women's bodies differently from men," he says. "They must dress in such a way that it does not create 'fitnah'," or temptation, the report said.
Maulana Syed Arshad Madani
Madani is adamant that his school has no current connection to the Taliban as none of its leaders was educated in his India-based seminary. But he says the Taliban has some historical ties to the Deoband Movement, whose leaders were staunchly anti-British and established an exiled Indian government in the second decade of the 20th century, the report said.
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
NEWS FROM INDIA
Punjab done, now all eyes on First international flight between Srinagar and Sharjah to commence soon Rahul's visit to Chhattisgarh IANS
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
Srinagar, September 25 (IANS): After detailed deliberations between J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, a slew of announcements have been made to strengthen the aviation infrastructure in the Union Territory, officials said on September 25. Sinha said that Scindia and the J&K government have agreed to start the first international flight between Srinagar and Sharjah soon, ending the long-pending demand of the UT to have direct
international connectivity. "Similarly, the runway at the Jammu airport has been enhanced and the 30 per cent load penalty at Jammu airport will be removed from October 1. It will provide huge relief to the airlines and passengers. We have also decided to build a new airport terminal adjacent to the existing airport in Jammu. The land measuring 122 acres has already been identified. It will soon be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to build a state-of-the-art 25,000 sq mt new terminal building," Sinha said. Scindia said during a press conference that construction of a new terminal building in Srinagar will start soon at a cost of around Rs 1,500 crore. The new terminal in Jammu airport will come up at a cost of Rs 600 crore. "The decision will provide economic stimulus as well as employment opportunities in both the divisions. The Centre is implementing schemes in the UT in a focused manner to ensure
sustainable economic growth and development of every sector," Scindia said. Scindia said that his ministry and the UT government are working on increasing maximum flight operations catering to the growing tourism, industry sectors of the UT. "Necessary steps will also be taken on priority to increase helicopter services, especially in the farflung districts of the UT on the lines of Uttarakhand," he added. Speaking on the cargo facility being built in the UT at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore, the Union minister said that it will be ready soon and will facilitate the traders and business community of the UT. Referring to the long-pending demand of a paid premium lounge at the Srinagar airport, the Union minister said that a tender would again be floated for inviting a party to build it and hopefully the premium lounge would come up soon.
Modi, Biden kickstart 'new chapter' in India-US ties to face tough challenges IANS
importance of these traditions will only increase further," Modi said. Biden said: "Our partnership is more than just what we do. It's about who we are. It's rooted in our shared responsibility to uphold democratic values, our joint commitment to diversity."
New York, September 24 (IANS): "We're launching a new chapter in the history of US-Indian ties and taking on some of the toughest challenges we face together," President Joe Biden said on September 24 as he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi began their summit in a fast-changing world throwing up problems and new issues at dizzying speeds.
Both leaders spoke of the Indian diaspora, another factor that is binding the two nations together. India-US relations are "about family ties, including four million Indian-Americans who make the United States stronger every single day", Biden said.
After their meeting, Modi tweeted: "Had an outstanding meeting with @POTUS @ JoeBiden. His leadership on critical global issues is commendable. We discussed how India and the USA will further scale-up cooperation in different spheres and work together to overcome key challenges like COVID-19 and climate change."
Modi said: "You mentioned, there are more than four million Indian Americans who are participating in the journey of progress of America. When I look at the importance of this decade, and the role that is going to be played by this talent of the Indian Americans, I find that the people-to-people talent will play a greater role and Indian talent will be a full partner in this relationship. And I see that your contribution is going to be very important in this."
Speaking before the formal start of their meeting, Modi told Biden: "I find that under your leadership, the seeds have been sown for the Indo-US relations to expand, and for all democratic countries in the world, this is going to be a transformative period. I can see that very clearly."
The two leaders mentioned Gandhi Jayanti that comes up on October 2. "As the world celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, we're all reminded that his message of nonviolence, respect, tolerance matters today, maybe more than it ever has," Biden said.
The shared democratic values of the two countries was a thread weaving them together.
"Mahatma Gandhi always used to talk about the principle of trusteeship, trusteeship of the planet," Modi said, turning to the environment, a subject dear to Biden.
"Democratic values, traditions to which both countries are committed, I find that the
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IANS
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, September 26 (IANS): Amid talks of rotational chief minister in Chhattisgarh, the visit of Rahul Gandhi will decide the future of the Congress politics in the state as of now there is suspense in both the camps -one led by Chief Minister Baghel and the other led by state Health Minister T.S. Singhdeo. Mohan Markam, the state Congress President said the party is busy in the preparation of Rahul Gandhi's visit to Sarguja and Bastar, both tribal belts and Sarguja is also the stronghold of T.S. Singhdeo. Markam said that he is head of the organisation in the state and does not belong to any camp.
"It means that the planet that we have, we have to bequeath it to the following generations, and this sentiment of trusteeship is going to assume more and more importance globally, but also the relations between India and the United States, and it is these ideals that Mahatma Gandhi espoused," he said. "The responsibility of global citizens is only going to go up."
However, dates of the visit of the former Congress President have not been finalised yet, but he may go on the onset of the second week of October and get a sense of state politics.
Biden referred to the Quad summit where they will be joined by Prime Ministers Yoshihide Suga of Japan and Scott Morrison of Australia, and said: "The Prime Minister and I are going to be talking today about what more we can do to fight Covid-19, take on the climate challenges that the world face, and ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific, including with our own Quad partners."
Sources say Baghel has got some reprieve till the Uttar Pradesh elections on the interference of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as his team is involved in the election management of the party in UP.
Modi profusely thanked Biden for his efforts to continue building relations with India and recalled that their meeting in 2014 while Biden was Vice President and discussed the ties between the two countries. He said: "You had laid out a vision for India-US relationship in great detail. And really, that was a vision that was inspirational. And today, Mr. President, as President, you are making all efforts and taking initiatives to implement that vision." "I see that this is the third decade of the 21st century, this is the first year of the third decade. And I see that when I look at the entire decade, I find that under your leadership the seeds have been sown for the Indo-US relations to expand," Modi said.
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While Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is on overdrive on the issue of development. He has been taking some decisions and highlighting the people-friendly policies of the government.
The supporters of the Singhdeo camp have alleged harassment. In
this week only police registered a case against Pankaj Singh in Bilaspur, who is a former secretary of the party and close to Singh Deo, for allegedly assaulting an employee of a government hospital. Following the FIR, Congress MLA Shailesh Pandey, a known Singh Deo supporter went to the police station with his supporters and lodged a protest against the action, while the District Congress has recommended Pankaj Singh's expulsion, which could spark another round of faceoff. T.S. Singh Deo had said, "All the issues are in the purview of the Congress leadership." The supporters of Singhdeo have been pushing for a change of guard since incumbent Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel completed 2.5 years in office, suspense still looms on the issue of rotational chief minister as there is no clarity from the top leadership of the party. Singhdeo, who is pushing on the formula of rotational chief minister, is maintaining a line that everything is in the purview of the party leadership and whatever decision will be taken by them will be accepted. After the Punjab operation, all eyes are now on Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which have also been facing similar problems and issues. In Rajasthan, Congress leader Sachin Pilot wants his position to be restored and given the top post in the state. He has met Rahul Gandhi twice in the week and his supporters say that fingers are crossed in Chhattisgarh. T.S. Singhdeo wants the formula of rotational Chief Minister to be honoured. The supporters of T.S. Singh Deo, are hopeful and assured of change since the meeting of Pilot, who in his meeting has also said that he wants to lead the state as the Chief Minister, sources said.
Firing at Delhi Court, undertrial among 3 dead New Delhi, September 24 (IANS): Three people were killed, including an undertrial gangster in a firing incident inside the Rohini Court here on September 24 in a major security breach.
According to sources, the incident took place at the Rohini NDPS Court No. 207. Delhi Police Special Cell-nabbed gangster Jitender Singh Mann, alias Gogi, was being presented in the court. Gogi was shot dead by his rivals. Sources confirmed that the attackers were from Tilu Tajpuria gang. Gogi was arrested by the special cell in April. He was involved in the killing of Haryana-based singer 22-year-old Harshita Dahiya, who was gunned down by assailants in 2017 in Panipat. Gogi carried a cash reward of Rs
4 lakh in Delhi and Rs 2.5 lakh in Haryana.
Confirming the incident, a Delhi Police spokesperson said a police team took swift action and launched counter firing. Two of the assailants were in lawyers attire and attacked the undertrial Jitender Gogi. "Both assailants died along with Gogi," the spokesperson said. "They killed Gogi and the cops shot them dead," sources said, adding that the Judge was present in the court at the time of the incident. A woman lawyer was also injured during the firing. Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana also confirmed that the attackers have been neutralized.
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No reason for Aus to remain closed if 80% adults fully vaccinated: PM
IANS
Morrison told local media that there was no reason for state borders to remain closed once 80 per cent of adults are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, a milestone the country is expected to reach in the following months, reports Xinhua news agency. "It's important that we move forward. We can't stay in second gear. We've got to get to top gear in living with the virus," he said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Canberra, September 26 (IANS): Prime Minister Scott Morrison on September 26 told state and territory leaders that they owe it to the citizens to reopen domestic borders by Christmas.
"My message is more to Australians that what I'd like them to have for Christmas is their lives back." However, some state premiers push back against the government's four-phase roadmap out of the pandemic as the country continues to battle
the third wave of infections.
Under the plan, domestic borders will open when 80 percent of over-16s have had two vaccine doses. On September 26 morning, Australia reported 1,765 new locally acquired Covid-19 infections amid lockdowns in some major cities. With the new cases, the country's overall caseload has increased to 95,807, while the death toll stood at 1,220. According to the latest data released by the Department of Health, 75.4 per cent of Australians aged 16 and older have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose and 50.9 percent are fully vaccinated.
Following AUKUS, US-Aus partnership to launch rockets into space New Delhi, September 25: The 'mateship' between the United States and Australia is extending further after the AUKUS security pact and cooperation in the IndoPacific as the two countries have unveiled plans to jointly launch rockets into space. There are chances of India being part of the expanding horizons to meet the strategic challenges of the future.
The team will spend the next six weeks in Nhulunbuy working with Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) preparing for the mid-2022 launches. It will be the first time NASA will undertake a launch from a commercial facility outside of the United States. "We're going to give the NASA team a warm territory welcome, and we're very excited to see the world's most famous scientists meet the world's oldest continuous living culture," said Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. It will also be the first NASA launch in Australia since 1995, when six sounding rockets were launched from the Australian government-run Woomera Instrument Range in South Australia. The historic collaboration, says Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan, is a big win for Australia's expanding space sector. "The Morrison Government is committed to expanding the civil space sector as part of its plan to
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Australia's Covid vaccination nearing milestone Canberra, September 24 (IANS): Australia's Covid-19 vaccine rollout is about to hit a milestone with half of the adult population fully inoculated against the virus, according to official data released on September 24. According to the data released by the Department of Health, 74.1 per cent of Australians aged 16 and older have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose and 49.3 percent are fully vaccinated, reports Xinhua news agency. "We're now around 75 per cent first dose and 50 per cent second dose," Prime Minister Scott
Morrison said.
"It's going to make a big difference as we continue to surge towards those necessary targets of 70 and 80 per cent, that will open Australia up." On September 24 morning, Australia reported more than 1,700 new locally-acquired Covid cases as the country continues to battle the third wave of the pandemic. Since the onset of the pandemic early last year, Australia has registered 92,179 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 1,196 deaths.
Voter support for Morrison falls to 18-month low Canberra, September 20 (IANS): A new survey has revealed that voter support for Prime Minister Scott Morrison has fallen to an 18-month low, the lowest level since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the latest Newspoll survey released on September 19 night, the proportion of voters satisfied with Morrison's performance has fallen three points since late August to 46 per cent, Xinhua news agency reported on September 20. It coincides with a rise in the number of voters dissatisfied with Morrison to 50 percent, giving him a net satisfaction rating of negative four.
On September 24, a 27-member strong NASA team emerged from quarantine in Darwin "to begin work on a ground-breaking campaign" to launch three suborbital sounding rockets from the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory of Australia.
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It is Morrison's lowest net rating since March 2020 and marks a major fall from a positive-34 rating in September 2020.
In August, 50 per cent of Newspoll respondents chose the incumbent Morrison as their preferred Prime Minister compared to 34 per cent for opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese. The gap between the two shrunk to 12 points in the latest poll, with 47 per cent preferring Morrison and 35 per cent Albanese. Albanese's Labor leads Morrison's Coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis, marking five consecutive Newspolls where the opposition party has held the ascendancy. The poll was taken at a time when about half of the Australian population was in lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19. As of September 20, there has been a total of 85,629 confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia, while the death toll stood at 1,162.
Majority of Australians support Covid vax mandate: Poll grow the sector to $12 billion and create the jobs of the future," he said on September 25. During next year's campaign, NASA will launch three two-stage Black Bant IX sounding rockets carrying scientific instruments into space. The purpose of the missions is to conduct astrophysics research and provide scientists the opportunity to observe astronomical objects that cannot be observed from Northern Hemisphere rocket ranges used by NASA. "This is the first time NASA is undertaking a launch at a commercial facility outside of the USA and the fact they've picked Australia reflects the momentum we are currently seeing in our local space sector," said Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency. Having common goals to tackle global challenges, there's also a strong possibility of quadrilateral
cooperation between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States extending into civil space activities. Earlier this year, the Australian Space Agency and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase their cooperation in civil space research and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes. "ISRO's experience in spacecraft and systems engineering and ground stations to support space activities makes them a strategic partner for Australia as we grow our own national space capability and open doors for Australian business internationally," Palermo had said in February. The head of the Australian Space Agency and ISRO Chairman K. Sivan had also discussed establishment of a transportable terminal in Australia to support India's Gaganyaan programme.
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Canberra, September 14 (IANS): A new poll revealed on September 14 that a majority of Australians are in favour of Covid-19 vaccine mandates. According to the Guardian Essential poll of 1,100 voters, more than 80 per cent of Australians think vaccines should be mandatory for health and disability care workers, reports Xinhua news agency. Three-quarters of respondents supported compulsory inoculations for air travellers and teachers and teacher's aides. There was majority support for vaccination as a condition of entry for sporting events, entertainment venues, workplaces, schools and retail stores. However, the survey revealed a split about enforcing vaccine mandates Forty-five per cent of respondents said the federal government should implement uniform rules across the country, while 25 per cent said it should be left to states and territories and 31
per cent want businesses to make their own determinations. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly ruled out federal mandatory vaccine laws, instead of leaving states and territories to make judgments on industries where mandates are necessary to protect vulnerable people. The Guardian poll also found significant confusion about Morrison's four-stage reopening plan. Under the plan, which Morrison has described as a pathway out of the pandemic, Australia's strict coronavirus restrictions will start to ease when 70 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, with inoculated international arrivals allowed to quarantine at home. At 80 per cent lockdowns such as those currently in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne will end. More than half of participants in the Guardian poll said they either don't understand the plan or do understand it but lack confidence in it.
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Calling off Australian lockdowns at 70% vax rate not prudent: ACT CM
Canberra, September 18 (IANS): Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), said on September 18 that the region's coronavirus lockdown may not necessarily end when 70 per cent of adults are fully vaccinated as the country continues to battle the third wave of the pandemic.
Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, leaders agreed to ease coronavirus restrictions and gradually end lockdowns when 70 to 80 percent of over 16 years in their respective states and territories are inoculated against Covid-19.
Barr said that it "would not be prudent" to lift Canberra's lockdown when the ACT reaches the vaccine milestone if Covid-19 was still prominent in the community, reports Xinhua news agency.
However, according to new modelling from the Doherty Institute, which was presented to the National Cabinet on September 17, abandoning lockdowns at 70 per cent vaccination rate when there are still active cases in the community could be a public health risk.
The National Cabinet, which consists of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders, in July signed off on a government roadmap out of the pandemic.
"Concerns had been raised at previous National Cabinet meetings about the scenarios presented in the August Doherty modelling technical report," Barr told reporters on September 18.
Under the four-phase plan, which was based on modelling from the
He said the institute now advises that states and territories with
So far about 70.5 per cent of Australians aged 16 and older have received at least one vaccine dose and 45.4 percent were fully vaccinated, according to the Department of Health.
Stab in the back: Miffed France as Australia inks nuclear submarine deal with US IANS
New Delhi, September 17: The trilateral security group launched by the US, the UK and Australia to create a security umbrella for the Indo-Pacific has drawn sharp comments from NATO ally France. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the media: "It's really a stab in the back. We had established a relationship of trust with Australia, this trust has been betrayed. I am very angry today, and bitter. This is not something allies do to each other". France is furious as the formation of the trilateral grouping has led to the cancellation of French shipbuilder Naval's contract to build 12 submarines under a $36 billion contract. The deal had first been signed between France and Australia in 2016. Australia was reportedly unhappy over delays as well as the rise in costs. France is unhappy with both
-- Australia for cancelling the deal unilaterally and with the US for the "stab in the back". Le Drian recalled former US President Donald Trump for his unpredictable behaviour, saying: "This unilateral, sudden and unforeseeable decision very much recalls what Mr Trump would do".
under the inward-looking Trump administration.
Paris is mad with President Joe Biden for dangling an alternate deal before Australia.
Biden's policies are under global scrutiny, with many European allies feeling miffed over the Afghan pull-out debacle and the evacuation of their nations. The strong French reaction to the cancellation of the deal will add to that disenchantment against the US.
The foundation of the trilateral AUKUS rests on providing a security umbrella to the IndoPacific by giving nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. The US has provided such submarines only to a handful of chosen partners. Australia is elated over the deal, as it has been feeling intense heat from China. A hostile assertion by China had led to countermeasures by many nations led by the US. The European countries too had responded to Biden's call to take on Beijing and to keep the Indo-Pacific open and free. The Europeans also felt that the Biden administration was rekindling its traditional proximity with Europe which had frayed considerably
Christian Porter resigns after accepting anonymous donation IANS
Covid-19 outbreaks - given the observed sensitivity to highseeding infections at 70 per cent - ongoing application of medium public health social measures at the time of transition to phase B (between 70 and 80 per cent vaccination rates) is deemed prudent in such cases, at least until the 80 per cent coverage threshold is achieved.
On September 18 morning, Australia reported 1,882 new locally acquired Covid-19 infections, which increased the overall caseload to 82,202. The death toll currently stood at 1,138.
But as the three English-speaking allies forge a military alliance with clear objectives, it will force many countries in Europe to reevaluate where they stand on the global podium regarding relations with Washington.
Both the US and Australia tried to pacify France. Biden said on September 15 that France remained a "key partner in the Indo-Pacific zone." On the other side of the world, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: "France is a key friend and partner to Australia and the IndoPacific." French company Naval, which is partly owned by the State, is likely to seek compensation from Australia for unilaterally breaking the contract.
Morrison announced that the 1 million Moderna doses from the European Union member states will arrive shortly and go directly to local community pharmacies across the country, reports Xinhua news agency.
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"That means everyone from 12 to 59 can go along to the community pharmacy where Moderna is being administered," he said.
It comes as Australia reported 1,669 new locally acquired Covid-19 infections on September 12 morning, which increased the overall infection tally to 71,955.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter
Canberra, September 19 (IANS): Australian Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter on September 19 resigned after accepting an anonymous donation to fund personal legal fees. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on September 19 afternoon that Porter has stepped down from the Ministry effective immediately, reports Xinhua news agency. It comes five days after Porter revealed that he accepted a donation from a blind trust known as the "Legal Services Trust" to cover part of his legal fees in a discontinued defamation case against a journalist. Morrison had sought advice from his department over whether the anonymous donation breached
Meanwhile, the nationwide death toll stood at 1,084. Of the new cases, 1,262 were from New South Wales (NSW), Australia's most populous state and current epicentre of the
Washington, September 16 (IANS): The US, the UK, and Australia have announced the creation of a new trilateral security partnership. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement during a virtual event, reports Xinhua news agency. In a joint statement, the three governments said the partnership, called "AUKUS", will help "significantly deepen cooperation on a range of security and defence capabilities". The first initiative under AUKUS will be delivering a nuclear-
are hesitant about the jab, which mobilises all Australians to make the decision to get inoculated.
"There have been 177 Covid-19 related deaths in NSW since June 16," said the statement from NSW Health.
According to Health Minister Greg Hunt, 81 per cent of Australians said they are willing to get vaccinated based on the latest research.
The government on September 12 also launched a new vaccine campaign aimed at those who
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"All members, when they become ministers, understand that when they sign on and become a member of the cabinet and take on the role in the government's executive. All of my ministers seek to uphold the standards at all times," said Morrison. Earlier on September 19, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham described the donation to Porter as "an unusual one". Porter's resignation brought an end to his six-year career as a government minister. In a three-page resignation letter he said he "ultimately decided" to resign rather than try to break the confidentiality of the donors behind the trust. Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor has been appointed to temporarily take over Porter's ministerial portfolio.
US, UK, Australia announce new security partnership
pandemic, where the health department also recorded seven deaths.
Victoria, the second-most populous state, reported a further 392 new local cases, while the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) registered 15 fresh infections.
ministerial standards but said on September 19 that Porter, who previously served as the attorneygeneral, had made the decision to quit himself. "He has this afternoon taken the appropriate course of action to uphold those standards by tendering his resignation as a minister this afternoon, and I have accepted his resignation," he told reporters.
Australia secures 1mn additional Covid vaccines Canberra, September 12 (IANS): Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on September 12 that his government has secured an additional 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine as the country continues to battle the third wave of the pandemic.
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To date, about 67 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 and over has had at least one vaccine dose and 42 per cent are fully inoculated, according to the Department of Health.
IANS
powered submarine fleet for Australia and the three countries will spend as many as 18 months discussing how this capability will be delivered, according to the statement. Australia intends to build the submarines in Adelaide, a coastal city in the country's south, in cooperation with the UK and the US, Morrison said in his remarks. "Australia is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability," he said, vowing to meet all of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Biden and Johnson said the nuclear-powered submarines that Australia wants to acquire are conventionally armed, noting that their countries will also be fully in line with their non-proliferation obligations. A senior administration official told reporters that AUKUS "is not aimed at or about any one country," claiming that "it's about advancing our strategic interests, upholding the international rules-based order, and promoting peace and stability in the IndoPacific".
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PM Morrison addresses Indian Media can achieve this. This can be done. It's been done many, many times in world history. And we share a passion on the practical when it comes to transitioning our economies. And the low emissions technology partnership will particularly look at ultra low cost solar and hydrogen supply chains linking into India. And we see that as a big opportunity for both countries.
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ustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison interacted with the Indian media in Australia about his recent meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and recent upswing in Australia India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in various fields. He also talked about Quad and touched upon the coming together of AUKUS. The following are the excerpts of his address: Prime Minister: Well, can I thank all of you for joining me this morning, and Rosa, thank you for helping us bring this together, but also to Alex Hawke, Minister Hawke, who’s joining us as well this morning. It's good to be here with him joining with you today to talk about what is one of Australia's most important relationships, our relationship with India. It was my great pleasure to be able to meet with Prime Minister Modi last week when we were in Washington together for the Quad, and what was a very lengthy bilateral meeting. There's always plenty for Narendra and I to be discussing in what is a very warm friendship that we've been able to build up over several years now. And, that builds, of course, on the relationship that I think that Prime Minister Abbott first established. And I was very pleased that he was able to join Prime Minister Modi early this year in August as my Special Envoy in pursuing many of the issues. It's been difficult, as we've tried on many occasions, the Prime Minister and I were joking about this, that on many occasions we've both tried to get together in person, particularly in New Delhi, and there's been a standing invitation, one that I've been quite keen to take up. And we've been frustrated by COVID on too many occasions and other events. But we are looking forward to turning that around next year, when I'm very much looking forward to going to, to New Delhi in person. And to, that will be particularly important because it marks a, the significant milestone of India's 75th year of independence. And so, Australia would very much want to be there to mark such an important milestone for such a dear and close friend. While we were together in Washington, we agreed a number
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of initiatives and took forward other matters that we've been working on for some time. The most significant, I think was our agreement to go forward with a low emissions technology partnership. Australia's approach to the new energy economy, an economy that will be transitioning to net zero over the next 30 years. We want to work with our partners. We want to ensure that the technology that enables us to achieve this, but while enabling economies to continue to grow and develop and create jobs and make things, grow things, all of this, incredibly important. And that's the vision we have about how the new energy economy works, and we want that to be inclusive. This is not supposed to be just about something for advanced economies. This is supposed to be for the whole world. And the ability to take up technology at scale that is commercial is the key to successfully transitioning to the new energy economy. And India understands that. And India is going through a remarkable transformation of its own economy, and looking to actually transition its own energy economy into the future. But, to do that in a way that is patient, which is sensible, which is practical, and so, working together on technologies, I think, is one of the key partnerships that you can have to ensure that both of our countries are able to go through this transition period. But, more than that, demonstrate that this is how you do it, that this isn't just about setting targets and doing these things. It's the how that matters. As I stressed at the Quad meeting last week, there is a great deal of enthusiasm all around the world, I have no doubt, for trying to move our economies into this new energy economy, to move it into an economy that understands the impacts of carbon emissions. That's fine. But, if you don't work out how to do it, it all gets a bit academic. And, so, that's what the Prime Minister and I are very committed to achieving, a practical energy technology partnership that enables zero carbon energy technologies and even sub-zero carbon technologies and transition technologies, that actually enable us all to get there, and we actually
Australia has long been an energy exporter to India and that will continue, both with our traditional resource relationships, that will continue. But, in addition to that, a whole new line will open up now, we believe, in these new energy technologies and new fuel sources. Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is further becoming more ambitious, and our trade ministers will be meeting. And that will see us, we have both tasked our ministers to be ambitious about where we can get to. And I think we'll be able to get a lot further in a bilateral sense with India and Australia together. And the Prime Minister and I share that objective. And, but, this has always been a challenge. And we understand the challenges in India and the challenges in Australia in ensuring that we can get the right deal. We want the right deal for both countries. And, so we'll continue to be patient about it and take the gains where we can take them and see this as a road that we're on and we will just keep adding and adding and adding I think to the strength of that Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement that we're seeking. And this all builds off the India Economic, India Economic Strategy update that will also identify new opportunities. Our military cooperation continues to go ahead. We engaged in joint exercises off Guam in the Bay of Bengal as part of the Exercise Malabar back in, in August of this year. I think that is a very important cooperation and shows how countries in the region are working together. We're committed to an open, a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific, and advancing our cooperation right across the Indian Ocean. Another key matter which is very large on the global agenda is the matter of critical and emerging technologies. This will also continue to be a key part of our partnership, 5G, 6G, cybersecurity, critical minerals, space, which will deliver future security, prosperity and resilience. The reason we were all in Washington was for the Quad Leaders’ Summit. And the Quad has moved into a new and I think, much more ambitious chapter. The Quad is a positive initiative. The Quad is about like-minded democracies, together with Japan and the United States, coming
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together to demonstrate that such democracies and economies can deal with the world's biggest challenges and make a positive difference, whether that be on our response to COVID, whether that be on ensuring the development and accessibility of new and critical technologies, whether that be in addressing the global challenge of climate change or indeed dealing constructively with the regional security issues that present within our region and cooperating together as likeminded democracies. This is not an alliance. It's a practical partnership of likeminded, scaled democracies and economies that can actually bring stability and growth and prosperity to our region. All four of us live here. All four of us have our future here. All four of us understand the challenges and the changing strategic environment in which we're living in the Indo-Pacific. And, so, we've come together at a leaders’ level. And I commend President Biden for doing that as, as Prime Minister Modi has also and former Prime Minister Suga. And we look forward to Prime Minister Kishida taking up his chair within the Quad partnership. It is a dynamic and free flowing partnership. The dialogue and the discussion we had in Washington, very similar to the one we had earlier this year in our virtual, first virtual meeting. A lot of understanding and a lot of commitment that is backing up what we're doing. We want the Quad to be a very practical partnership, not just a gathering. And the fact that we're providing and delivering significantly, 1.2 billion safe and effective vaccines, I think, is testament to that. And I particularly want to acknowledge the role that India is playing in providing and producing and making those vaccines available. Critical in that is also ensuring that our medical teams and logistics experts are helping, particularly developing countries in the region, ensure that the vaccine can get in the arm. One thing to get the doses, but you've got to be able to ensure that you're helping with the distribution system, the cold storage, the training and support of the medical professionals and health workers that are administering the vaccines, the logistical support and planning. Australia is doing a great deal in this area, particularly in the Pacific, work we're doing up in Papua New Guinea especially, supporting in Indonesia, as well as over Fiji. In Fiji, they're well over 90 per cent vaccinated. And all four of the Quad partners, particularly Australia, have played a massive role in delivering that vaccine program, which has effectively saved their fortunes there in Fiji. And I know Prime Minister Bainimarama is
incredibly, incredibly thankful for the support that he's received, both from Australia and from India. The Quad is also going deeper into critical and emerging technologies, and particularly rare earths, and the supply chain for rare earths and critical minerals that runs right across to the end, to the end user. And the manufacturing capabilities that exist within India, combined with the resource strengths of Australia in this field, provide a natural partnership. And when you link that with the advanced economies in the United States and Japan, it is a natural, a very natural partnership that is seeking to create more secure, more reliable, and more competitive supply chains in the rare earths space, through to end user products. And so, we do see this as one of the core elements of the work that the Quad is doing. On climate, the work that needed to be done on a Quad Clean Energy Hydrogen Partnership. We're looking forward to hosting a Clean Energy Summit in Australia next year, out of what we discussed in Washington last week. And that's all about ensuring that we bring together, across the Quad countries, our scientists, our industrialists, our entrepreneurs, our professors, our manufacturers, our miners, our resources operators, our our energy economists, and putting them together and being able to map out that technology pathway over the, over the, over the decades ahead, and ensure that we are linking up our supply chains across the Quad partners, and linking in more from the Indo-Pacific region, particularly through ASEAN. We see ASEAN as as central to our Indo-Pacific vision within the Quad. And so, the Quad complements these many other partnerships, just as AUKUS indeed complements, rather than takes away, from what we're doing in those other partnerships, particularly the Quad. So, ASEAN is central to our view when it comes to the Indo-Pacific, and I was greatly encouraged by the very free flowing and very easy and warm discussion that exists between the Quad partners. We all get it, in terms of what the challenges are in the IndoPacific region. We totally get it. And we know that as like-minded democracies, those who believe in freedom, that it's very important to ensure that we have a free and open Indo-Pacific for all of us not just the Quad partners but for the independence and sovereignty of all countries, because that's what we believe is in the interests of all, right across the region that Australia and India calls home. And, with that I'm happy to move to questions.
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
PM Morrison addresses India News
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ndia News Chairman Dr Ram Mohan attended the briefing and was given the opportunity to ask PM Morrison a question on the scope of business and trade cooperation in science and technology. This is how the PM responded:
Dr Ram Mohan: Good morning, Prime Minister. India presents growing opportunities for Australia's critical minerals, especially the nation, looks to India, looks to build its manufacturing sector, defence and space capabilities. How do we see that unfolding in the next few years? And what is the immediate potential? Can we see our lithium or minerals into our Indian cars or our Indian autos and Indian scooters and stuff like that using the critical mineral resources from Australia? Prime Minister: Yes, is my wholehearted answer. Yes, yes and yes. And that is exactly what the partnership that we're forging is designed to do. But we're practical, we're realistic about
it. And you have to have a supply chain here that can enable that and links up. Narendra has a great phrase, which I quoted at the Quad. That supply chains today are not just about cost, they're about trust. This changes how liberal market economies, I think, need to think about supply chains, and we've learnt that during COVID, we've learnt that the least cost supply chain has fragilities. It has vulnerabilities that have previously not been priced in. And it's important that supply chains are not monopolised and Australia has an opportunity to work with, particularly India and the manufacturing capability and all of the technologies you're talking about, to actually provide that secure and trusted supply chain. And it's not going to happen overnight. This is a very complicated economic task that just doesn't involve the work between governments, it involves the work between businesses and industries. And Indian manufacturers aren't
going to just all of a sudden pay over the odds to do what they're going to do. They're not. We get that's not a criticism. That's just, that's a reality. And so we need to have a supply chain that is competitive. So it's a good, positive commercial choice for Indian manufacturers to be able to access what they need in this space on rare earths and critical minerals from Australia. And the same is true in the United States and in Japan.
Now, Japan is already well down this path in the work that is done with Lynas and that is an important part of their supply chain. Now, this can equally be true with India. The processing of rare earths and critical minerals also brings with it some very difficult environmental challenges. And so there's a whole range of technology that needs to be able to be commercially implemented at scale in India to that end as well. And so while the answer is yes, it's not easy yes, it's a yes that's going to require
a lot of work to realise that. And that's why I said at the Quad and others said, look, we've got three things we're focused on here. The COVID response. The climate response. And the rare earth and critical minerals, critical technology supply chains. And of course, we have a regional security discussion as well. And we discussed the situation in Afghanistan at length. And Prime Minister Modi, of course, raised the very serious concerns that he has about security, most directly on India's borders. So we want to keep that really simple. And I think if we do that, Ram, then I think we'll make a lot more progress. The great risk of these groupings is they just do too much and they just end up becoming talkfests and the practical initiatives tend to fall by the wayside. So all four of us are very keen for this to be successful and we're quite jealous of its agenda and keeping it focused on the things that matter most. So the answer is yes, but it's going
to take a lot of work, I think, to practically achieve it. So the manufacturer sitting in Mumbai says, yep, that works for me. I'm going with them for the next 10 years and I'm going to sign a takeoff agreement to that end because that's good for my business and makes me competitive. That's the goal. I want to finish on another point, because it's important we want India to be a powerhouse in the manufacture of the new energy economy consumables. We really do, making solar panels, making wind turbines, making the components that go into electric vehicles. We want India to be a powerhouse in that in that space. We want Australia to be playing our role in the supply chains of that and being very successful as well. But make no mistake, but we know that India has the potential to really lift its strength in that area in the global market. And we think strategically that is a very good outcome for Australia.
Minister Hawke responds to travel to and from India
M
r Pawan Luthra: Thank you, Prime Minister. Last quick question for Minister Hawke. Minister Hawke, tell us, when can we expect to see our family and friends again. We've spoken about students coming over, we've spoken about skilled migrants, but Indian Australians haven't seen the family for two years. Once we're at 90 per cent vaccination, would you allow international travel of family and friends from India to Australia? The Hon. Alex Hawke Mp, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs: Hi Pawan, hopefully you can hear me? Well, that's good, now you're going to get an answer. Thanks, Prime Minister, also for the invitation, I might address your question. I think that's your third question Pawan, but you've asked about students as well so it's pretty important that I answer that issue. I know that's an issue for a lot of the diaspora here in Australia. As the Prime Minister said, we're working closely with states about what that will look like. From a visa perspective, very conscious of the offerings that are being made by countries like Canada and the UK. But at the moment, students are studying online. That experience is is going well. We've enabled that idea, there in those tutorials, there in those lectures, the Education Minister and myself regularly assess these things. There's still great demand for the Australian education product, and we want to make sure that that is taken up again as soon as possible. Some of the products that have been offered offshore have been
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varying in experience. One of the things people like about Australia is the safety, the good employment circumstances, the opportunities for their children to come and study here. So the work that you would expect to be done is being done behind the scenes to be ready to enable international students to return. We miss them. And we're finding our businesses miss them, our education facilities are missing them, obviously. That exchange is vital as well for our country. So India, Australia. So that work is being done. I'm working very closely with the Education Minister. We have several proposals that will continue to roll out. I know it's frustrating sometimes these things take a little bit longer than people would like, but the community's been very patient. Some people offshore are very impatient. But if you look at what the Government's done throughout the pandemic, we've been flexible, we've been responsible from a visa perspective. We've made sure that we err on the side of not penalising people for things that have happened to them because of the pandemic. So we'll continue to do that from a visa perspective. But we are working closely with the sector, with the universities, with the private education sector to make sure that we've got the right mix of incentives and visa conditions to take up the opportunities post the pandemic. And we're very conscious of that. We want to be an attractive market. Demand is there though, and we've still got incredible demand for Australia. So we need you guys to communicate with
the community, and thank you for all you have been doing in that regard. In relation to travel, you know, this is the big question. As the Prime Minister said, we'll obviously be focussing on returning Australians. Once we get through that phase it is a huge priority for people to be travelling back to countries because, as you know, almost everyone here in Australia has lost sometimes two, three or four family members back in India because of the Delta variant. And we're very conscious of that. They haven't been able to have their last funeral rites, their faith traditions. It's a big psychological issue for the Australian diaspora. We're very conscious of it and we're working, as you'd expect. We've got big tenders out about how we do
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our digital processes so we can recognise, and that's why the Prime Minister's negotiating with Prime Minister Modi about all of these issues, how people will be able to travel safely with their passports to get in and out of countries. And we know there is huge demand and, you know, a great need for people to go and see their families in India when this has come to an end after the great tragedy that's happened in the last year. And while I'm here, I'll just say a big thank you to all of you for being very responsible during that very difficult phase that we had, you know, in terms of the Delta outbreak in India and the travel issues. I think Australia handled that really well. The media, you handled that really well as well. I
know we spoke a lot at that time, but I just thank you while I've got the opportunity and we're all here to say, the community, I think, here in Australia was helped by the fact that we were very responsible in the way we spoke about those issues because it was such a difficult time. And it still remains a difficult time for people that lost so many relatives back home. So look, we'll keep working together. We'll have a lot more announcements. They're coming. But the work that you'd expect government to do, the Prime Minister's got us all working very, very hard to be ready, so we're ready to open those borders and ready for these travel arrangements to be announced. I know you'll be hearing about it first, Pawan.
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
IND VS AUS WOMEN’S CRICKET SERIES 2021
India News joins hands with Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket and AIBC
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ndia vs Australia Women’s International Cricket Series 2021 kicked off in a grand style at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on 21stSeptember. India News has been accredited as the official media partner of Cricket Australia to cover the series comprising three one-dayers, one-off test match and T20s in Mackay and Gold Coast. To make the series a great success, India News, Australia India Business Council, Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket have joined hands. India News Editor-in-Chief Dr Ashutosh Misra who is also the National Chair for Sports – Australia India Business Council, Dr Ram Mohan Chairman - India News and Professor Shaun Star, member Executive CommitteeAIBC Queensland travelled to Mackay to watch the games and participate in a special event organised by the Mackay Cricket Association and the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Mr Terry SvensonCEO of Queensland Cricket, Mr Pete Lock- Commercial & Marketing Manager of Queensland Cricket, Mr Terry Doolan – President of the Mackay
Cricket Association, and Mr Adrian Young - General Manager at Harrup Park at the Great Barrier Reef Arena were present on the occasion among other prominent guests. At the function, Mr Terry Svenson and Mr Terry Doolan expressed their delight at the newly established partnership with the Australia India Business Council to promote bilateral sporting engagements and business and investments in the field. Dr Ashutosh Misra expressed his gratitude to the two sporting organisations and felicitated Mr Sevnson and Mr Lock, and Professor Star felicitated Mr Terry Doolan, on behalf of the AIBC with a Certificate of Appreciation for promoting sporting engagements between Australia and India. Dr Ram Mohan also felicitated Mr Adrian Young at the event.
Action from the match
The series has attracted widespread support from the Australian and Indian fans after the series was moved to Mackay and Gold Coast from Sydney and Melbourne following the Covid outbreak in New South Wales and Victoria, respectively.
Shaun Star, Peter Lock, Terry Doolan, Terry Svenson, Ashutosh Misra and Ram Mohan
Dr Misra feliciating Mr Terry Svenson
Indian Captain Mithali Raj
Prof Shaun Star felicitating Mr Terry Doolan
Dr Ram Mohan felicitating Mr Adrian Young
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Australian Captain Meg Lanning
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INDIA NEWS
Guests at the function
Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
Indian Fans at the match in Mackay
IND VS AUS WOMEN’S CRICKET SERIES 2021
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana
Dr Misra felicitating Mr Pete Lock
Indian fans at the match
Guests at the function
Hindi Divas celebrated in Brisbane
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nternational Hindi Diwas was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the Indian Consulate in Brisbane on 14 September. Honorary Consul Mrs Archana Singh was present as ladies from various Indian states spoke eloquently of the importance of Hindi in their state languages. Mrs Archana Singh said on the occasion, "Our language is the mirror of our culture and history. If we don't feel proud of our language, we will feel a sense of inferiority. Athiti devo bhava tells us to see God in our guests and our culture teaches us to respect our parents and teachers. These lofty cultural values have been given to us by our culture, and we must now pass on the same values to the young generation. We
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should encourage Hindi language, our culture and literature in our community." In emotionally charged stanzas, poetess Shipra Sharma thanked mothers who passed on the treasure of Hindi language to their offspring. Also, 8th grader Krashiv Sharma presented his worthy ideas through poetry and said that he wants to learn Hindi so he can understand India's history. Rajni Chaudhary from Himachal Pradesh eloquently spoke on how Hindi is so popular among the Indian diaspora in Australia and also told of the differences in pronunciation of Hindi in various Indian states. Poetess Ekta Sharma presented the history of Hindi language and
impressed audience with golden words, "Let's speak Hindi, learn Hindi and teach Hindi." Since 1949, International Hindi Divas is celebrated on January 10 and Hindi Divas on 14 September. Neetu Singh Malik Suhag said, "This was a proud moment for Indians when the constitution of India officially recognised Hindi as the national language." Filled with patriotism, Dr Mansi Kinariwala recited Vande Matram in her sweet voice and rejoiced Hindi Divas. Poetess Madhu Khanna near the end of the event brought all the gems in a unifying thread with her beautiful words.
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
Victoria to reduce Pfizer dosage interval in early October Melbourne, September 30: With Victoria having hit its 80 percent first dose target and the Commonwealth providing assurances on forwarding vaccine supply, the Victorian Government is now able to shorten the interval between Pfizer doses to reach double dose targets faster. Following advice from public health team, and firmer projections for supply for the final week in October, the Pfizer interval will be reduced to three weeks – commencing 4 October. This means that anyone who has received their first dose of Pfizer will be able to bring forward their second dose – if they choose to.
best defense against this virus. Unfortunately, there are limited appointments available in our state system due to supply – so we encourage anyone wanting to book an appointment to check with their GP and pharmacy too. The change also recognizes the amazing efforts of Victorians to come forward and get their first doses, with the 80 percent first dose milestone reached yesterday. While these are great milestones – and this latest change will help us reach our Roadmap thresholds sooner – 20 percent of Victorians 16 and over are yet to get their first dose, so we need to keep the momentum going.
Changes in the vaccine booking system will be made overnight on 3 October and on 4 October people will be able to make a second dose booking from three weeks after they had their first dose. Being fully vaccinated is the
The next threshold in the roadmap will be reached when Victoria hits its 70 percent double dose vaccination target, which was projected at or around 26 October without the reduction in dosage interval. If you haven’t
Melbourne, September 23: With Victoria moving towards its vaccination targets at a rapid pace, parts of the state’s domestic travel permit system will be modified to allow Victorians in Greater Sydney and the ACT to come back home. Under current rules, Victorians in Extreme Risk Zones can’t return home unless they obtain an exemption, have another valid permit (such as for specified workers) or are exempted for limited reasons.
tested again at the start and the end of their quarantine period. The current Extreme Risk Zone rules will remain for Victorians who aren’t fully vaccinated. Those who are not currently fully vaccinated can still apply for an exemption to enter Victoria under the existing limited criteria.
booked your appointment or are waiting for a particular vaccine, do not wait – the best vaccine is the one you can get today. There will continuously be first dose appointments released into the system to make sure that everyone who wants to get vaccinated and receives the associated freedoms and benefits – is able to do so. Over the next week there are 10,479 first dose Pfizer appointments available and 8,856 first dose Astra Zeneca appointments available through the state-run system.
Victorians can also book a vaccine appointment through their GP or pharmacist, and many more appointments are available. Victorian pharmacists are now also offering the Moderna vaccine, which is a safe and effective option for any Victorian under the age of 60. This vaccine is also on offer at select state sites.
Pathway cleared for vaccinated Victorians to come back home
As part of the changes advised by the Chief Health Officer, which will come into place from 30 September, Victorians in an Extreme Risk Zone will be eligible to return home to Victoria if they are fully vaccinated. They must test negative 72 hours before their departure, quarantine at home for 14 days upon arrival, and get
To ensure people from extreme risk zones are meeting their quarantine obligations, Authorized Officers will conduct at-home spot checks on Victorians quarantining. Vaccinated permit holders returning to Victoria will be required to attest their vaccination status on their application and may be asked to provide proof of vaccination when requested by an Authorized Officer. They will face fines if they provide false or misleading
information. They’ll also have to carry proof of their vaccination status so it can be checked at airports, seaports or borders. Service Victoria is developing a solution for Victorians to show their vaccine certificate and vaccination status in the Service Victoria app. They are also looking at how this can be linked to an individual’s Victorian travel permit application. Victorians can currently prove their vaccination status by downloading their vaccine certificate from MyGov.
Construction industry to shut down for two weeks Melbourne, September 20: Due to continued concern about case numbers, transmission risk, and reduced compliance, construction will shut down in metropolitan Melbourne and other Local Government Areas currently in lockdown for two weeks from 11.59 pm, Monday 20 September. Recently, Victoria has seen multiple outbreaks linked to construction. Construction workers are a mobile workforce who may work across multiple sites and travel longer distances to work than other permitted workers. Concerns have also been raised, and remain, about the sector’s compliance with public health measures and directions. Also concerning is the transmission risk and geographic spread of construction cases, which led to several important public health measures including preventing workers crossing the regional/
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metropolitan border – but more action is required to stop the spread.
The immediate shutdown action is being taken to reduce movement, minimize transmission and allow for the entire industry to appropriately adapt to the Chief Health Officer Directions, including increasing vaccination rates. All construction projects in metropolitan Melbourne, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, and Mitchell Shire will be closed, with a strictly limited exemption for workers to attend the sites to respond to an emergency or perform urgent and essential work to protect health and safety. An amnesty will be put in place so that a limited number of workers can attend construction sites in order to shut them down safely. ll government construction projects
in metropolitan Melbourne and relevant LGAs will be closed, with no new work to be completed – other than work required to make the site safe and secure. All sites will be required to demonstrate compliance with Chief Health Officer Directions prior to reopening – including the requirement for workers to show evidence to their employer of having had one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before they return to the site on 5 October. From 11.592pm 23 September, all construction workers require at least their first dose of the vaccine. This means that before workers return to the site, they must comply with this new requirement. Victorian Government will work with stakeholders over coming days to determine the best way for the industry to show full compliance with the Directions
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NEWS FROM VICTORIA
Victoria to hit 80 per cent first dose vaccination target Melbourne, September 26: After another big week of vaccinations, Victoria is set to hit its first vaccination target on the roadmap to deliver the National Plan and a modest easing of restrictions will be able to occur this week. Victoria’s Roadmap sets out a hopeful path to opening while also preserving health system and ensuring Victorians can still get the healthcare they need when they need it most. The roadmap was developed based on expert modelling from the Burnet Institute and is set against COVID-19 thresholds including hospitalization rates, and the vaccination targets already set out in the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response. On Tuesday, Victoria will pass its first threshold on the roadmap with 80 percent of Victorians having received their first vaccine dose. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has declared that at 11.59 pm on Tuesday 28 September there will be a modest easing to restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, in line with the roadmap. In regional Victoria, outdoor settings for restaurants and cafes will have their outdoor venue cap increase from 20 to 30 people. Masks may be removed if the service requires it in hair and beauty salons, so facials and beard trimmings can recommence. Residents of metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas in lockdown will be able to undertake ‘contactless’ recreation at outdoor facilities, such as boating, tennis or golf. The 10km radius will also expand to 15km – so exercise and shopping can
take place up to 15km from your home. Personal training will be able to take place with five fully vaccinated people outside plus a fully vaccinated trainer. The additional restrictions on playgrounds will be lifted – normal public gathering limits apply, and masks can be removed to eat and drink at the playground. Separately, the Chief Health Officer has advised that the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire can exit lockdown at 11:59 pm tonight, 26 September – with public health teams confident that caseloads, which are largely contained to existing contacts, can be well managed by the local public health unit. Mitchell Shire – with more than twice the number of active cases as Greater Geelong – will remain in lockdown due to its proximity to areas of highest concern in metropolitan Melbourne.
The next milestones in the roadmap will be when school begins to return to onsite learning on 5 October and when Victoria hits that 70 per cent double dose vaccination target – in late October. It’s important to remember the more Victorians who get vaccinated, the sooner we will hit these targets, and the sooner we can all get back to the things we love. If you haven’t booked your appointment or are waiting for a particular vaccine – do not wait. The best vaccine is the vaccine you can get today. Over the next week, there are 3,495 Pfizer appointments available and 6,984 Astra Zeneca appointments available at state hubs.
Targeted support for international students' wellbeing planned Melbourne, September 22: New investments will enhance the experience of Victoria’s international students, with programs ranging from jobs guidance to mental health support and backing for the inaugural Melbourne International Student Week. Minister for Trade Martin Pakula today confirmed more than $1.1 million in funding for the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program, the Study Melbourne Edu tourism Program and sponsorship of the inaugural Melbourne International Student Week. The latest round of the International Student Welfare Program provides $625,000 for 17 projects addressing priority issues for international students including social isolation, sexual and mental health, and employability. Out Beyond has also been awarded $383,000 for the Study Melbourne Edu tourism Program, providing single and multi-day excursions for international students to visit Victoria’s world-renowned regional destinations including the Great Ocean Road,
Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and Gippsland – when it is safe to do so. the excursions will promote Victoria’s tourism appeal and incorporate activities to develop leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking while providing features such as Aboriginal cultural activities led by local community leaders. The Government has also committed $150,000 as the major sponsor of the 2022 Melbourne International Student Week, a festival of events at Federation Square to be delivered by the Committee for Melbourne. The festival will connect international students to the Victorian community and showcase the benefits of international education to the wider population. There are currently 85,000 international students in Victoria, from 100 countries. International education is an important export industry for Victoria, contributing $10.5 billion to the state’s economy last year and supporting around 79,000 Victorian jobs prepandemic.
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INDIA NEWS
Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
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INDIA NEWS
Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
WORLD NEWS
Jaishankar underscores 12 big policy No selfies, sightseeing, takeaways from Modi's UNGA speech fast cars for Taliban fighters IANS
values".
Seven, a message that "resilient and expanded global value chains and production centres are in our (the world's) collective interest".
Eight, "India's strong record on climate action and its ambitious vision, including renewable energy goals and green hydrogen".
the PM shared speak for the government's record".
Nine, India's advice that "ocean(s) and its (their) resources must be protected. This lifeline should be safeguarded from expansion and exclusion".
Three, the "impact of India's development on global progress is evident. When India grows, the world grows; when India reforms, the world transforms".
Ten, PM's note of caution "against regressive thinking and extremism". It follows that "using terrorism as a political tool will backfire on those practicing it".
Four, India's "strong message of a foreign policy for global good (notably) India's importance as a responder and a contributor (was) underlined".
Eleven, talking about Afghanistan, the world "must not allow use of its soil by terrorists. Nor should its (Afghanistan's) predicament be taken advantage of by other states. The world has an obligation to its women, children and minorities".
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
New York, September 25 (IANS): Minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his 22-minute address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted 12 'big policy takeaways' from the PM's speech. The very first takeaway was an answer to those attempting to lecture India on democracy. Jaishankar emphasised right upfront that India is "the Mother of Democracy" and "based on his own experiences, PM affirms that democracy can deliver, democracy has delivered". Two, Modi's governance vision "is one where no one is left behind. Therefore, the pursuit of integrated and equitable development. The numbers
Five, aligned with her status as a leading power, India's commitment "of vaccine supplies to the world is one clear indicator in that regard". Six, the PM's highlighting of "the transformational role of technology in our daily lives. But equally, the significance of technology with democratic
Finally, the PM telling the UNGA that "the United Nations must enhance its effectiveness and reliability". Noteworthy here, the PM's takeaway was that "there are questions on that count".
Germans start voting for new Parliament signalling end of Merkel era IANS
The election is of great importance as incumbent Chancellor Angela Merkel will no longer run for re-election after almost 16 years in office. As she will retire from her political career, Germany and, to some extent, the European Union will enter a new era with unclear prospects. The competition is so fierce that it is difficult to predict which party will garner the most seats in the Bundestag.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) with Armin Laschet leader of German Christian Democratic Union
Berlin, September 26 (IANS): German voters went to the polls on September 26 to elect a new Bundestag, or the federal Parliament, which will form a new government for the next four years and usher in the postAngela Merkel era.
According to the Federal Returning Officer, around 60.4 million citizens are eligible to vote on September 26, reports Xinhua news agency. Polling stations opened at 8 a.m.,
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and closed at 6 p.m., reports Xinhua news agency.
However, at least 40 percent of eligible voters have cast their ballots by post, compared to 28.6 per cent in the last election in 2017. Polling institutions would interview voters anonymously at the exit of selected polling stations, and the initial results will be published exactly after the election ends through public broadcasters.
New Delhi, September 26 (IANS): Rank-and-file Taliban fighters have been having too much fun in Kabul after seizing the Afghan capital without a fight in August, and the Taliban leadership has now issued a stern order to stop, The Wall Street Journal reported. Thousands of young Taliban men from all over the country, many of whom have never been to a big city before, were deployed in Kabul after the Afghan republic collapsed on August 15.
When not on duty, they sightsee, picnic and visit amusement parks, in a tangle of guns and turbans. Taliban fighters from elsewhere in Afghanistan have also come to gawk at Kabul on tourist trips, WSJ said. Top urban attractions for the relaxing Taliban are Qargha lake, with its swan-shaped pedal boats, the Kabul zoo, and the Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood, where visitors stroll on a grassy hill overlooking the city. The Taliban government's Defence Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob, a son of the Islamist group's one-eyed founder Mullah Omar, wasn't amused. In a recent speech, he castigated the fighters for going sightseeing, hanging out in big groups, making aimless trips to markets and to the Kabul airport, or exploring government buildings, the report added. One key instruction was to stop taking so many selfies. Mawlawi Yaqoob was particularly annoyed that the Taliban foot soldiers pulled out their phones to take pictures with leaders of the movement whenever they came across them. As these photos end up on social media, they compromise security by giving away locations and activities of
the Taliban's senior members, he warned, WSJ said. Mawlawi Yaqoob also ordered the Taliban fighters to improve their attitude and appearance, bringing their beards, hair and clothes into line with Islamic rules. Taliban men sporting shoulderlength hair, stylish clothing and mirror sunglasses and wearing Servis Cheetah white high-top sneakers are a frequent sight across Kabul. The Taliban fighters are also driving around too fast, Mawlawi Yaqoob complained, and not obeying traffic rules. The Taliban have appropriated fleets of Ford Rangers and Toyota Land Cruisers from senior officials of the former Afghan republic and from the army, government ministries and police, the report said. So far, Mawlawi Yaqoob's killjoy admonishments appear to have had only a limited impact on the Taliban foot soldiers, many of them still in their teens and bedazzled by novelties such as wheeled office chairs. Their encounters with the modern world have spawned an entire genre of mocking memes that have proliferated on Instagram, the report added. Ehsanullah and fellow Taliban fighters at the amusement park have been told to hand over their Kalashnikovs and American-made M16 rifles at a special booth. There, a notice from the Taliban leadership instructs them to do so, saying that the presence of guns on rides scares women and children. "Initially, the public was not familiar with us, our dress, our language," added Ehsanullah. "Gradually, people are starting to relax around us."
'5Ts' to guide India-US relations
According to the latest opinion poll results, the latecomer Social Democratic Party, with Finance Minister Olaf Scholz as its Chancellor candidate, tops the list by only 1 to 4 percentage points ahead of Merkel's Union Party, whose Chancellor candidate is Armin Laschet, Minister President of the North RhineWestphalia state.
New York, September 25 (IANS): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set forth a policy of "5Ts" -- Tradition, Technology, Trade, Trusteeship, Talent -- during his meeting with US President Joe Biden for a decade of transformational partnership between New Delhi and Washington, according to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Opinion poll results also showed that the Greens will probably become the third largest party, while the other three parties in the current Bundestag, the Free Democratic Party, the Left Party and the right-wing Alternative for Germany, are likely to cross the 5 per cent threshold for entering the Bundestag.
Briefing reporters after the ModiBiden meeting in Washington on September 24, Shringla said: "The '5Ts' in consensus summarise our relationship. In the Prime Minister's view, India and the US are natural partners and endeavours to consolidate and strengthen our partnership of trust."
traditions and values the two countries share, he explained.
Technology, the most important driving force in the world, has a particular role in the US-India relationship. Given the strong complementarities between Indian and US markets, increasing bilateral trade was a priority. Trusteeship is the concept to deal with emerging global challenges of climate change, and as the concept is understood in India, the planet is held in trust for future generations. Talent signifies the people to people link between the "two countries, which is manifested by the contributions made by the Indian American community".
Tradition stands for democratic
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INDIA NEWS
Balakot, Galwan clear signals of India's befitting response: Indian Defence Minister DefenceXP
also undermine the intellectual capital of our own industry. No country that aspires to develop as a knowledge-based economy can sustain such reliance on defence imports," he said.
Taliban spokesman calls Pakistan PM Imran Khan a puppet IANS
spokesman said in the interview, "You are talking about Imran Khan, that he wants an inclusive government in Afghanistan? Pakistan is itself in deep trouble and facing many difficulties. Imran Khan himself has not been elected, he has not become prime minister with the consent of the Pakistani nation," Friday Times reported.
Talking about self-reliance, he said that one aspect where both knowledge and wisdom coincide is the ability to seek and gain selfreliance. India has for far too long remained dependent on import driven technologies.He also pointed out changing character of conflicts. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
New Delhi, September 25 (IANS): India's actions in Balakot and Galwan are clear signals to all aggressors, that any attempt to threaten sovereignty will be given a swift and befitting response, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on September 25.
Force fighter jets crossed the Line of Control and destroyed terror launch pads in Balakot in Pakistan. India's warplanes hit a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot to avenge the killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack.
Speaking at National Defence College Convocation ceremony, Singh said, "We are faced with belligerence on our land borders challenging the status-quo, cross border support to terrorism, and increasing efforts to counter our goodwill and outreach in our neighbourhood."
Singh asserted that India is totally committed to peace and goodwill amongst all nations but "threats to its internal and external security will no longer be tolerated".
At Galwan Valley, Chinese People's Liberation Army had "unilaterally changed the status quo" due to which clashes took place on June 15, 2020. India lost 20 soldiers and Chinese four. India and China have been engaged in border disputes for the last 16 months. Both the countries after clashes at Galwan Valley resorted to deescalate the tension at the border through military and diplomatic talks. On February 26, 2019, Indian Air
"From a security perspective, the nation and our military are acutely aware that the future military strategies and responses will need proactive synergy amongst all elements of our armed forces to safeguard our national security interests," he said. Singh pointed out that while the conventional threat remains, the grey-zone threats necessitate the adoption of an "all of government" approach with all elements of state power coming together to anticipate and mitigate future challenges. "These not only come at a long term financial cost, but
"Cyber, space, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics are some of the areas that are fast emerging as enablers in this context. The world has witnessed rapid transformation in all these areas of scientific knowledge," said the minister, adding that this technological progression must be accompanied by its military interpretation within the strategic community. "This is where the role of institutions like NDC again comes to the fore. Look beyond the obvious," he said. He also talked about the idea of 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam' (the world is one family). "This thought of 'the world as a family' is not only relevant socially and economically in a globalised world, it can only reinforce the urgent need to create a unified approach to conflicts both within the country and globally. Be it against terrorism or cyber challenges, success can only come by unifying our national diversities," he said.
India slams China for accusation over Galwan Valley clashes
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan
New Delhi, September 24 (IANS): A Taliban spokesperson has lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, describing him as a 'puppet' who was 'not elected by the people of Pakistan'. The spokesperson in an interview urged Pakistan not to interfere in Afghanistan's affairs, the Friday Times reported. "Imran Khan is also called 'selected' and a 'puppet'. We don't want anyone to interfere in our affairs, just like we don't in other countries' affairs," the Taliban spokesperson said, Naya Daur Media tweeted. Earlier, in an interview on September 22, Imran Khan had said that Afghanistan cannot sustain with a 'puppet' government. Responding to Khan, the Taliban
New Delhi, September 24 (IANS): India on September 24 lashed out at China for blaming Delhi for the clashes in Galwan Valley last year in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed, stating that unilateral attempts were made by the Chinese side to alter the status quo in Eastern Ladakh. In response to a statement made by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said that the Indian position with regard to the developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh last year has been clear and consistent.
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"It was the provocative behaviour and unilateral attempts of the Chinese side to alter the status quo in contravention of all our bilateral agreements that resulted in serious disturbance of peace and tranquility," he asserted. He further said that the unilateral attempts of the Chinese side to alter the status quo has also impacted bilateral relations. "As emphasised by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier in September, it is our expectation that the Chinese side will work towards an early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, while
Zhao Lijian had said earlier that the "Galwan Valley incident took place because India violated all the treaties and agreements and encroached upon China's territory illegally and crossed the line". Lijian was replying to a query in Beijing on the reorganisation of the Indian military into theatre commands. Strongly reacting to the statement, Bagchi said: "We reject such statements." On June 15, 2020, India had lost 20 soldiers in clashes with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Galwan Valley. India and China have been engaged in border disputes for the last 16 months. After the clashes in Galwan Valley, both the countries resorted to de-escalate the border tension through military and diplomatic talks.
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The spokesman said, "In Pakistan, the people are saying that the current government is the puppet of the Pakistan Army. The overall fundamental rights of major and minor ethnicities of Pakistan are not being given. All ethnicities of Pakistan are not happy with the current government. That's why they call it a puppet government of the army." The spokesman said, "No one should say anything about our system of government, that it is the mullah's government or an extremist government or a government of people wearing turbans." The spokesman also made a veiled threat in the interview. "Those who respect us and don't want the Afghan soil to be used against them, it will not be used against them. For those who want to interfere with our soil, we also have the right to interfere in theirs," he said, as per the report.
IFS Sneha Dubey wins Twitter twice, second time with silence IANS
India Tv News
fully abiding by the bilateral agreements and protocols," he pointed out.
WORLD NEWS
IFS officer Sneha Dubey
New York, September 26 (IANS): The first time 2011-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Sneha Dubey won the internet was due to the calmness with which she delivered on September 24 India's right to rebuttal on the falsehoods attempted by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Dubey's family roots, her education in Goa and Pune's Fergusson College, culminating in a masters from New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University, and even her dream of joining the foreign service since she was 12, were shared fast and furious over multiple news reports and social posts. Some padded this up invoking another young daughter of Indian diplomacy, Enam Gambhir, who delivered the lines, "Pakistan, the Ivy League of terrorism". Gambhir had put in just 12 years of service at that time and there she was, rebutting a head of
government. A more recent comparison was last year. Here, Vidisha Maitra, a 2009 batch deputy-secretary rank diplomat, yorked Khan's veiled threat of nuclear devastation as an example of 'brinkmanship' and not 'statesmanship'. But on September 25, in Dubey's case, it wasn't just her stinging quote, "Pakistan is an 'arsonist' disguising itself as a 'fire-fighter'." More glory came thanks to an extra enthusiastic anchorperson, live feed backing her, gatecrashing into an ante room where Dubey was calmly reviewing some papers. The anchor did the standard number of thrusting the gun mike demanding a quip. But what did Dubey do? She smiled charmingly and didn't utter a word. Not even "no comments". When the anchorperson, who incidentally has a PM interview among her achievements, persisted, Dubey struck a courteous bow and pointed her right arm akin to adman Bobby Kooka's Air-India Maharajah we've grown up seeing. Result? Both ladies trended. But only Dubey won Twitter. Without saying a word.
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WORLD THIS WEEK Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
Compiled by Sukanya Bali, Avishka Ashok, Juan Mary Joseph, Lokendra Sharma, Keerthana Nambiar, Harini Madhusudan and Joeana Cera Matthews
AUKUS: The USled new security alliance brings UK and Australia onboard but upsets France TOI
What happened? On 15 September, the US President Joe Biden, the UK PM Boris Johnson and Australian PM Scott Morrison, in a joint virtual press conference, launched a new security partnership in the IndoPacific. AUKUS is an acronym for Australia, the UK and the US. According to the joint statement, the AUKUS "will focus on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities". However, the main highlight is the pledge by the US and UK to "support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy". The US President Biden said in a statement: "Today, we're taking another historic step to deepen and formalize cooperation among all three of our nations because we all recognize the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term". Australia PM Morrison called it a "next-generation partnership" while the UK PM Johnson called it "a new chapter in our friendship". The Chinese Foreign Ministry called the move "extremely irresponsible" and said that the alliance "seriously undermines regional peace and stability and intensifies the arms race and undermines international non-proliferation efforts". On 16 September, New Zealand's PM reaffirmed her country's decades-old policy of being a nuclear-free zone. She said: "New Zealand's position in relation to the prohibition of nuclearpowered vessels in our waters remains unchanged". On 17 September, France recalled its ambassadors to the US and Australia over the cancellation of the multi-billion-dollar deal for conventional submarines by Australia in lieu of the new deal for nuclear-powered submarines. The French Foreign Minister called it "unacceptable behaviour between allies and partners".
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What does it mean? First, the significance of nuclearpowered submarines. While the AUKUS alliance partners have clarified that the submarines would not be armed by nuclear weapons but would only be powered by nuclear energy, it would still give Australia the capability to project power in the maritime region. These submarines are capable of staying underwater for long durations and also are comparatively more silent and harder to detect. This will be disadvantageous for China, which, despite decades of investment in its navy, still lags in underwater warfare capabilities. Second, the US move to build a security alliance with the UK and US while sidelining Quad for this purpose implies a realization in the US that India and Japan would be reluctant to give the Quad an explicit security and military character. It appears that the US is moving forward on a twopronged strategy to contain China in the Indo-Pacific region: a security alliance on the one hand and a larger political alliance on the other. This will also pave the way for further expansion of Quad to include other countries threatened by China. How China reacts to this two-pronged strategy beyond the usual rhetoric has to be closely watched. Third, while the cancellation of the deal by Australia after years of negotiations has instilled a sense of betrayal in France, it would take considerable diplomatic effort to heal the strained ties between the AUKUS members and France. The divide, however, would be a temporary one.
US: 20 years after 9/11
TOI
the names and remembered them. President Obama said: “9/11 reminded us how so many Americans give of themselves in extraordinary ways - not just in moments of great crisis, but every single day. Let’s never forget that, and let’s never take them for granted.” Similar events were held in Shanksville in Pennsylvania, where the United Airlines flight 93 crashed, after the plans of the hijackers’ failed. Former President George Bush took part in the remembrance meeting; President Biden also was there, after being at ground zero in New York. George Bush in his remarks, warned of the “violence that gathers from within” and said: “There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home…But in their disdain for pluralism, in their disregard for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols - they are children of the same foul spirit, and it is our continuing duty to confront them.” Elsewhere in the US, at the Pentagon ceremony, where 184 were killed on the same day in 2001, Gen Mark Milley said: “The people we lost that day are not just names and numbers…We remember them today for not only who they were, but who they could have become.” 0n 10 September, President Biden, in a video message, remarked: “To me, the central lesson of Sept. 11th, is that at our most vulnerable - the push and pull of all that makes us human, and the battle for the soul of America - unity is our greatest strength. We find light in the darkness. We find purpose to repair, renew and rebuild. And as my friend told me that September, 20 years ago: “We must not be afraid.” He tweeted: “20 years after September 11, 2001, we commemorate the 2,977 lives we lost and honour those who risked and gave their lives. As we saw in the days that followed, unity is our greatest strength. It’s what makes us who we are - and we can’t forget that.” What does it mean?
What happened? On 11 September 2021, the US remembered the terrorist attacks that took place twenty years ago on the same day. President Biden and two former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama took part in the ceremony at ground zero in New York, where more than 2700 people lost their lives when those two planes had plunged into the twin towers. As had been the case since 2001, the family members of those who had lost their lives in those attacks, came to the venue, read
The challenge for Biden is substantial, as he leads the US into the third decade after 9/11. There are serious fault lines within, besides the above social ones. Post-pandemic economic recovery, industrial resurgence, and infrastructural investments are a few areas, where the US would have to look inwards if it has to play a larger global role. An internally divided and economically weak US would pull Washington down to act as a global player. Externally, the rise of China would pose a challenge;
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however, it is not insurmountable. The challenge would be to build a coalition with its trans-Atlantic partners and build new ones across the Indo-Pacific. Biden could either remake the US and ensure that it plays its global role, or break it further, and lead to its further decline. The 2020s should be the most crucial decade for the US, since the end of the Second World War.
ALSO IN NEWS India: UN representative terms Afghanistan situation "fragile" at the UN
On 10 September, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, TS Tirumurti said at the UN Security Council Debate on Afghanistan, the situation in Afghanistan is "very fragile", India also said that it is important that the Taliban adhere to its commitment to not allow the use of the Afghan soil for terrorism, from terror groups designated under the Security Council resolution 1267 such as Pakistan-based outfits, Lashkare-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. India: Foreign and Defence Ministers in dialogue with Australia
WORLD THIS WEEK Taliban’s religious leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, issued a statement saying that the new cabinet, committed to protecting human rights, will start its work immediately and that Sharia law will be upheld in the country. On 9 September, China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan – the six neighbouring countries of Afghanistan – issued a joint statement, urging the Taliban to form an inclusive government and to not allow Daesh and Al Qaeda to gain a "foothold" in Afghanistan. The statement was issued a day after the six countries held a Pakistaninitiated virtual ministerial meeting on Afghanistan--the first since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. The SecretaryGeneral’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons described the situation in Afghanistan as "grim" and called for UN engagement to "shape the new reality” to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India: PM Modi calls for investigation into the origin of COVID-19 On 9 September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the BRICS summit, called for a "transparent investigation" into the origin of COVID-19. Modi said, "Today global governance needs credibility. There must be a transparent investigation into the origins of the virus under the World Health Organisation's framework, and this must receive full cooperation from all countries." According to The Hindu, President Xi urged, "BRICS countries to oppose politicization in origin tracing." The US: Pentagon acknowledges the drone strike was a mistake that killed ten civilians in Afghanistan
On 11 September, India and Australia began the highlevel 2+2 foreign and defence ministerial dialogue in New Delhi with External affairs minister S Jaishankar and defence minister Rajnath Singh holding closeddoor talks with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton. The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place to renew efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue is aimed at further ramping up the overall defence and strategic cooperation between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. Afghanistan: Taliban Announces caretaker cabinet, UN envoy calls situation “grim” On 7 September, the Taliban announced a caretaker cabinet after over two weeks of a power vacuum in the country. Mullah Hassan Akhund has been appointed as the head of state (prime minister), with Mullah Baradar and Mawlawi Hannafi as his deputies. The
On 16 September, the Pentagon acknowledged that the last US drone strike before American troops withdrew from Afghanistan was a tragic mistake that killed ten civilians, including seven children, after initially saying it had been necessary to prevent an attack on troops. The acknowledgement will place President Biden and the Pentagon at the centre of a growing number of investigations on how the administration and the military carried out the order to withdraw from Afghanistan. About the Authors Lokendra Sharma and Harini Madhusudan are PhD Scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Joeana Cera Matthews and Keerthana Nambiar are postgraduate scholars in the Department of International Relations in the University of Mysore. Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at NIAS. Juan Mary Joseph is a research intern at NIAS. The report has been modified by India News due to space considerations.
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Fans and Queensland embrace cricket opportunity to spread cheer Inside Sports
Australia and India: Architects of the Indo-Pacific security Dr Ashutosh Misra
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he inaugural Australia India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton, Foreign Minister Marise Payne and their Indian counterparts Rajnath Singh and S. Jaishankar was held when the constellation of bilateral and strategic determinants could not have been more favorably placed. Bilateral ties, elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020 have reached a historical high, emerged as an important cog in the rapidly evolving world hierarchy, as S. Jaishankar once argued in an interview.
T
he 2021 tour of the Indian women’s cricket team to Australia is a timely and a great opportunity to build sports engagements further and create a more conducive atmosphere for the larger Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Sport has a key role to play is shaping perceptions on both sides, and together, both sides can leverage this sector to create a better future for bilateral ties. The India versus Australia Women’s International Cricket Series 2021 kickstarted in an impressive manner in Mackay on the 21st of September. Queensland has embraced the opportunity of hosting the series with both hands, after Victoria and New South Wales were ruled out as the venues for the series, due to the Covid-outbreak and extended lockdowns in the states. The three one-day internationals in Mackay were all sold out events which demonstrates how eager the fans are in going out to have some fun, especially in regional Queensland, amidst continued Covid-19 battering in other states. However, Queensland too,has currently recorded new cases of covid which may result in a lockdown, and make the remainder of the matches crowd less events, which will be a shame. But such is the uncertain nature of the affairs we all live in in the present times. The first game in Mackay saw Australia beat India with a huge margin on the 21st, but India came back strong and gave a tough fight to the hosts on the 24thin the day and night game. The drama of the last ball being declared a no ball generated a lot of controversy and debate over its merit, but in the end Australia managed cross the line. Nevertheless, the fight up put up by both sides in the second match is a potent reminder of the quality of the contest that both the top sides in international cricket deliver for the fans to cherish.
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Then, on the 26th, seething from a narrow defeat in the second game, saw India firing all cylinders and beating Australia in another nail-biter in the last over, with the veteran Jhulan Goswami hitting the winning runs much to the joy of her teammates and Indian fans on the ground. For making the matches in Mackay such a grand spectacle, the Mackay Cricket Association, the Great Barrier Reef Arena and Queensland Cricket deserve a special appreciation for making the ground ready for matches and in such a short notice. The facilities and ground conditions would make any top cricketing venues in the world proud, for which the ground staff, Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia deserve our commendations. Also, institutions like the Australia India Business Council, Institute for Australia India Engagement and media partner India News also deserve praise for creating a buzz around the matches and publicizing it for the local, national and 1.3 billion fans in India. The series is being very keenly followed by cricket tragics and has generated immense positivity in bilateral relations at a time when Australia India Comprehensive Partnership is witnessing a major upswing. As the two teams prepare for the one-off test match and three T20s at the Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast, the fans on both sides can be assured of an entertaining summer of cricket. Thanks to our women in Blue, and in Green and Gold, for enduring the pains of the covid bubble and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted entertainment for all. As our women take so much trouble in spreading cheer, supported by the State government, we all as fans must play our part in extending all the necessary support and gratitude to our champion women cricketers.
EDITORIAL
New Delhi and Canberra have hitched on to the tide that propels their bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral engagements. The very fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Scott Morrison have met five times in less than 18 months is itself a testimony to the transformation this partnership is undergoing currently. During the Modi and Morrison virtual summit in June 2020, nearly a dozen MoUs were signed in education, agriculture, energy, resource, tourism, healthcare, financial services and infrastructure. To further boost bilateral business and trade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has initiated a timely and well-advised review of the 2018 Peter Varghese’s report An India Economic Strategy to 2035 in the context of altered international diplomatic and economic settings. While much of the recommendations of the Peter Varghese report still hold ground, there was certainly a need to recalibrate bilateral business and trade strategies and diplomatic engagements. On the other hand, India’s Australia Economic Strategy authored by Anil Wadhwa has been launched at the right time, covering the post covid economic scenario. The two reports together are critical for recalibrating and realigning business and trade strategies amidst rising bilateral tensions with China. Peter Varghese believes that it is in Australia’s interests to diversify business and trade ties, which also resonated during Australian Senator Simon Birmingham’s New Delhi visit in early 2021 when he said, “Australia must look into alternative markets in the European Union and India.” DFAT believes that India’s youthful population and diversified growth trajectory beholds significant opportunities for Australia, and bilateral trade must be doubled and India elevated into Australia’s top five trading partnerships by 2035 (currently 8th). There is no denying that bilateral
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bonhomie to a great extent has been driven by Covid’s impact and Australia’s growing tensions with China over the treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, Hong Kong crackdown, alleged foreign interference in Australia’s internal political functioning, tariff wars and impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the one hand, and India’s troubled ties with China, especially military conflict in Doklam and Ladakh, on the other hand. Marise Payne has been a vociferous critic of China over Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and Peter Dutton unsparing in accusing China for cyberattacks on Australia. Although S. Jaishankar has reiterated that ties are independent of their respective relationships with China, and both sides have dismissed Quad as a future “Asian NATO”, their differences with China have certainly been the catalyst for growing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific. The agenda for the inaugural Quad virtual summit hosted by US President Joe Biden was consciously kept wide to include Covid-19 strategy, vaccine production, climate change, supply chain disruptions, critical and emerging technologies and maritime security, to avoid making it a purely military alliance and also downplaying any "anti-China" signaling. Both US-India and IndiaAustralia ties are seen as “natural” partnerships, for upholding democracy, peace for all peoples, freedom of navigation, rulesbased, free and open global order, respect for territorial sovereignty and unrestrained access to the global common goods. In the G-7 Summit in May 2021, PM Narendra Modi had emphasized that preventing future pandemics would rest on ‘democratic and transparent societies’— a recurring phrase in bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral proclamations. What is encouraging for New Delhi and Canberra is the realization, for the first time, that bilateral ties cannot be seen in isolation with their larger strategic interests. Quad’s evolution as a rising ''concert of democracies", which Australia has described as an "anchor of peace and stability in the region" has bolstered bilateral understanding. The 2+2 joint press statement reaffirms this realization, while anchoring the defence ties on three Cs — comfort (of the bilateral relationship in strategic and security spheres), convergence (over security matters) and commitment (to free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific). The reentry of Australia in the Malabar exercise and the Mutual Logistical
Support Agreement are two key developments denoting fresh thinking emerging in not only New Delhi and Canberra, but also in Washington and Tokyo on the Indo-Pacific. At the trilateral front, their threeway relationships melds mutually complementary visions, inter alia India’s ‘Act East’ policy, Australia’s ‘Pacific Step-up’ and Indonesia’s ‘Global Maritime Fulcrum’ (GMF). India employs to elevate its Act East policy based on commerce, culture and connectivity, in sync with the seven-point Indo-Pacific Vision that PM Modi articulated at the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2018, and vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region). Act East policy complements Australia’s 2018 Pacific-Step Up too in addressing challenges related to states’ sovereignty and regional stability, security and prosperity. Similarly, Indonesia’s 2014 GMF affirms Indonesia’s vital interests as an archipelagic state at the crossroads of contending major power interests. The GMF prioritized the strengthening of the regional architecture to prevent the hegemony of major powers and promote comprehensive maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Similarly, the Australia-JapanIndia (AJI) trilateral that germinated in 2015 and the inaugural India-France-Australia trilateral launched in May 2021 at the G-7 Summit sidelines also adhere to the Quad based commitments to free, open, inclusive and rules-based IndoPacific, rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and uphold ASEAN's centrality and Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and India's IndoPacific Oceans Initiative. In sum, while Australia and India turned a new leaf in the early 2000s in bilateral engagements, but what has changed in 20 years is a growing convergence of bilateral and strategic interests and a realization that in the evolving post-covid order, US alone may not be able to guarantee international peace and security, for which they will have to step-up their desired role. The Author is the CEO, Institute for Australia India Engagement; National Chair for Sport, Australia India Business Council; and Editor-in-Chief, India News Australia.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
The hocus pocus about Quad and AUKUS By Saeed Naqvi
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obert Blackwill, US ambassador at the time of anti-terror fireworks over Afghanistan, had established a tradition of seating guests at lunch around a circular table, where he grandly held forth, initiating a discussion. "Imagine I am Henry Kissinger" would be one of his opening gambits. An idea was tossed up. A discussion followed. The one who spoke the most, ate the least, because all plates were removed in one swoop.
"Musharraf has joined us in our global war on terror. What you are talking about is your old regional quarrel." Juxtapose this with the Quad-AUKUS equation. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as Prime Minister, had hosted President Bill Clinton for five full days in January 2000, just the previous year. Clinton spent just five hours in Islamabad, mostly chastising Musharraf for disrupting regional peace since Kargil. New Delhi was in seventh heaven. Terms of endearment with Washington had radically altered.
On one such occasion, before soup was served, the ambassador announced with considerable satisfaction that Pakistan's President Musharraf had decided to join the global war on terror as the frontline state.
In a little over a year, had George W Bush reversed that equation? Pakistan was incorporated into the global war on terror even as New Delhi cried foul. Pakistan was in the 'A' team against terror; we were not.
Seated to my right the late Pranab Mukherjee, was agitated. He whispered his anger to me. It was uncanny. What he whispered was exactly the question shaping up in my mind. I raised my hand: "You are aware that New Delhi had complained consistently about cross-border terrorism from Pakistan particularly since 1989." Pranab Da (as Mukherjee was affectionately addressed) completed my question in his typical arrangement of words: "It is most worrying no doubt -- you now have Pakistan as the frontline state in your war against terror?" pause. "They perpetrate terror against this country."
Likewise, there is this idea of Quad in which New Delhi is such an enthusiastic participant. Australians and the Japanese did, frequently, vent their scepticism, invested as they were in the Chinese economy. After the American debacle in Kabul, however, Tokyo's misgivings on Quad were all over the Japanese media. The haemorrhage had to be forestalled.
Blackwill spoke volumes in two brief sentences:
With the suddenness of revelation came the announcement of AUKUS (Australia, UK, US), the powerful military alliance in the Indo-Pacific of which India alas, is not a partner. So, New Delhi is trying to pack content into an abruptly devalued Quad. Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi's
photograph with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the margins of the UNGA, flatter New Delhi? Pardon my complexes, does not a leader wearing AUKUS plus Quad badges dwarf the one with a frayed Quad pinned to the lapel? I would not go as far as the wag who takes the uncharitable view that the US takes India for granted exactly as secular political parties regard the Muslim vote: where else can they go? AUKUS must have been in the works for some time but it was sprung upon the world when the US felt the earth move from beneath its feet in Kabul. The furious response from France only disguises anger in the EU which is talking of security outside NATO. That AUKUS is a purely Anglophone grouping should not be a surprise. Games have been played before to keep some clubs racially segregated. For instance, when the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 placed a question mark on the need for NATO, Margaret Thatcher, then on a trip to Helsinki, was asked by a reporter: Now that the Soviet threat has gone, what was the justification for Britain's nuclear deterrent?
Thatcher shot back, "We still have a problem in the Middle East." Thereafter, along with George Bush the senior, she began to put together "a coalition of the willing" ostensibly to oust Saddam Hussain from Kuwait. Saddamin-Kuwait was the ignition point,
not the larger perspective against which Operation Desert Storm of 1991 was designed.
Anglophone dominance of the world order since World War II, faced a challenge. Soviet collapse had brought about a reunification of Germany. This at a time when the Japanese economy was booming. It was easy to raise the spectre of AXIS, without actually mentioning the 'A' word. France, always ready with its own compass to navigate world affairs, initially dragged its feet on the coalition led by US and UK. President Francoise Mitterrand was among the last to join the "coalition of the willing". It was the biggest military coalition since 1945 -- a grouping of 39 countries. Given their obsession, Pundits may be interested to know that Pakistan was part of that coalition. As one who covered the story from Baghdad, I am possibly the only Indian witness who can confirm that the show was run exclusively by the US and Britain. There were two separate press briefings, for the US and British media by their respective spokesmen. French journalists, like the lonesome me, were on the outside. It may be added in parenthesis, that the British media on this occasion were the poor cousins. From the terrace of the Al Rashied hotel, Peter Arnett of CNN inaugurated what came to be known as the global media. The war was brought live into the world's drawing rooms.
John Simpson of the BBC, by comparison, cut a sorry figure, walking around with a satellite telephone. It was only after being beaten by CNN during Operation Desert Storm that the BBC World Service TV was launched. To revert to AUKUS, yes, the French fury is understandable. Not only was a $90 billion submarine order being stolen, but an Anglophone dominated world order was being perpetuated. This is what infuriated President Emmanuel Macron. It just so happens that the turn of events has also provided Macron with an occasion to fall back on a de Gaulle style nationalism just when his ratings are plummeting and all manner of candidates are tossing their hats in the ring for the next elections. (Saeed Naqvi is a senior commentator on political and diplomatic issues. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached on saeednaqvi@hotmail. com)
The Indian Feminist Staple: Remembering Kamla Bhasin By Priyam Sinha She candidly remarked: “My honor is not in my vagina.” An outburst of laughter filled the sets of Satyameva Jayate with Kamlaji’s explanation of patriarchy, which was catchy, witty, and insightful at the same time. In life seldom do we meet people who mark their place in our conscience. Kamla ji was one such brave soul who battled patriarchy with a smile. Her demise on 24th September 2021 induced in me a sense of void and I reminisced my journey of theorising feminism where her contribution had been immense. In 2012 she recited Kyunki main ladki hoon, mujhe padhna hai in an auditorium packed with women. I was sitting in awe, cheering in astonishment, and absolute disbelief in how confidently she spoke about being gazed at and discussed sexual performance pressure. The gathering lauded the ease with which she broke down how feminists were not “anti-men” and “man haters.” Instead, she explained that feminism merely challenges gendered ideological constructs. I was 18, just a few days into college, conflicted and disturbed by the increasing
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cases of violence against women, questioning why women are accused and shamed for being harassed. Her speech coincided with the troubled period when the Delhi Gang Rape Case led to public uproar on how Delhi was unsafe for young women. The brutality and relatability of the case in middle class households essentialised the need for every parent to warn their daughters to suppress anger and not retort to eve teasing. I remember how my parents could relate with the agony of her mourning parents and I remained infuriated and helpless thinking about men’s entitlement to target women. I acknowledge Kamla ji’s words which reiterated how victim shaming formed the most explicit form of targeted violence of the abused. One may wonder if men were to be blamed, she clarified by advocating that it was not the case as feminism is not ingrained in “biology” but strongly rooted in “ideology”. I remember asking her what held women back from lodging a complaint. She smiled and said, “To battle with one’s own family which is the hardest.” A few years after, while pursuing my Master’s in Women’s Studies, I learnt the value of each word
she said. And now I articulate that an anomaly from the Indian womanhood construct instantly labels you as threatening as it challenges the social fabric of a family. Kamla ji spoke about how masculinity is constructed to legitimise men’s power, authority and control over women, her body and eventually strips off her agency. She drew pages from her life of being subjected to domestic violence in a public gathering while cautioning young women to never remain silent. I was unable to fathom her courage to redefine Indian womanhood by arguing that feminism is not about men versus women as it oppresses men and women differently. She always asserted how smashing patriarchy would not deny men their rights but delegitimise the normalised expression of power by men on women to make it a levelling ground. Her contribution stands out in establishing Sangat: A Feminist Network and Jagori to support women in distress and eventually publicised a global movement through One Billion Rising with the message of ending violence against women. She was one of the first arguing against linguistic hierarchies, historical and socio-cultural connotations
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of ‘pati’ and how it puts husbands on a pedestal of being the owner. Her ability to simplistically articulate about misogyny in everyday lives within abusive relationships, subtle and explicit forms of gendered violence was remarkable. Similarly, her books stood out as texts to empower women across rural, urban, and diasporic India. Borders & Boundaries: Women in India’s Partition provided a historical lens of viewing women who were vehemently targeted, harassed and abused under the purview of nation-state politics. Quite contrastingly Understanding Masculinity advocated how regional, communal, linguistic, and elitist politics hierarchised men differently who are also troubled by gendered hypocrisies. Being a breadwinner of the family, the male patriarch limits his own desires and ambitions which dehumanises them the most, often leaving them crippled. Lastly, she put forth a different cultural connotation of “azaadi” by asserting women’s vigilance to reflect on how patriarchy curtails freedom to live with dignity. The essence of which holds contemporary relevance
Kamla Bhasin
on investigating the cultural discourse of feminism in South Asia and Kamla ji played a pivotal role in doing so. Her way of seeing the world needing a revolutionary change of mindset reflected in her literary works will keep her alive in our hearts forever. She remains an invincible force in my life who made me foray into theorising contemporary feminism and media in the cosmopolitan world. Author is PhD candidate, National University Singapore
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INDIA NEWS
MAKE IN INDIA
Great Place for Manufacturing in India: World Class destination for Multi Nationals Chapter 3: Mumbai-Aurangabad
The Report
and Digital Infrastructure
his handbook (a joint collaboration of Invest India and JLL) is intended for the benefit of India’s existing and potential investors, and the entire support ecosystem for grounding investments in India. Read it to know more if you are looking to understand-
Historic Tax Reforms
The business, economic and demographic overview of India
Proactive and progressive leadership has been successfully guiding the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country is prepared to emerge as the most viable location for Business Continuity Plans.
T
The manufacturing ecosystem of India, including key stakeholders, investor facilitation mechanisms and pan-India location analyses for sample sectors Profiles of established industrial powerhouses of India, with glimpses into the hotspots’ infrastructure, State support, occupiers, focus sectors, unique strengths and industrial parks
Business-friendly Government and Ease of Doing Business Abundant Natural Resources Youngest Workforce High Technology Adoption Rates Focus on Sustainability and Environment Conservation
Chapter 2: Pan-India Location Analysis
The dual-tiered incentive structure and mechanism of India
Maharashtra's New Industrial Belt Mumbai, the world's 12th wealthiest city, is India's financial, commercial and entertainment capital, accounting for 5% of India's GDP and 70% of capital transactions in the country. Jawaharlal Nehru Port, popularly called JNPT, is India's largest container port, facilitating 40% of Indian container volumes. Mumbai Aurangabad corridor houses many IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles and consumer durable units. Aurangabad is also emerging as an automobile manufacturing and engineering hub. Chapter 4: Pune
This report is the first of the series, and more locations shall be covered in subsequent editions. Chapter 1: Advantage India
Top established and emerging destinations for manufacturing sectors
Exploring the economic opportunities in the land of the Great Banyan Tree India has witnessed a 257% growth in GDP between 2004-05 and 2018-19. As the 6th largest consumer market globally and with 49% workforce participation, India is likely to be a growth engine for global economic growth for the foreseeable future. The most attractive factors that make India a destination of choice for multi-nationals are: Large Developing Economy Logistics & Maritime Potential Large Consumption Base Massive Investment in Physical
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Last five years accounted for over half of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) received by India since the liberalization era of the early 90s, propelling India to Top 3 greenfield FDI destinations. Interestingly, these investments came in diverse sectors ranging from highly sophisticated areas such as R&D centres and development centres for engineering, consumer internet, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical multinationals to resource-intensive industries such as food processing, chemicals and petrochemicals. India also attracted large scale investments in labour-intensive manufacturing processes of electronics assembly, textiles, and footwear industries. This chapter offers a sneak peek into the most evolved ecosystems and preferred locations for manufacturing in Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Automobile & Automobile Components, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, and Electronics & Consumer Appliances sectors.
A Unique Culmination of IT and Manufacturing Accounting for almost one-fifth of the industrial investment in India, the city and its industrial areas are well established hubs for automobile, consumer durables and IT and engineering. It is the most developed automobile ecosystem of India and has a noteworthy concentration of German, American, Korean and Chinese companies. This city is also among the prime markets in India for the development of light industrial parks and warehouses. Pharmaceuticals and food processing are other important sectors. The city was ranked first in Mercer’s Quality of Living Index, 2018 for Indian cities. Chapter 5: NH48, GurugramBhiwadi-Neemrana Corridor India’s Oldest Automobile Cluster NH48, connecting Delhi with
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Mumbai, houses several industrial clusters such as Gurugram, Manesar, Bhiwadi, Bawal, Neemrana and Ghilot, especially in the vicinity of NCR. Along with Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, it has emerged as the conceptual spine of the DelhiMumbai Industrial Corridor. Gurugram-Manesar-Bawal belt is the largest automobile ecosystem in India, accounting for half of 4-wheeler manufacturing. Gurugram is an IT and startup hub, and home to more than half of the Fortune 500 companies. Neemrana hosts 55+ Japanese companies in its successful Japanese Industrial Township. FMCG, ESDM, and ceramic and glass are other notable sectors along the highway.
biggest cluster of Chinese factories in India, along with notable Korean and Japanese presence. Automobile OEMs and ancillaries, IT and food processing also have a noteworthy presence in this zone. The Jewar international airport, planned to be the biggest aerotropolis in India and Delhi's second international airport, is expected to be operational by 2023. Chapter 7: Bengaluru
Chapter 6: Noida - Greater Noida - Yamuna Expressway
India’s Silicon Valley
India’s Electronics Manufacturing Corridor India's largest electronics manufacturing zone, it accounts for 40% of India's mobile manufacturing and more than half of mobile component manufacturing. It hosts the
A startup, IT and R&D capital of the world, Bengaluru is home to 70% of India's chip designers, 60% of India's machine tools production, 400+ global R&D centers and 2/5ths of India's IT exports. It is also a hub for aerospace, textiles, and biotechnology sectors. The capital city of India's pioneer state for niche segment policies such as India's first Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage policy, Startup policy, AVGC (Animation, VFX and Gaming) policy, among many others, it is also headquarters to some of India's largest Public Sector Undertakings like
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INDIA NEWS Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). Chapter 8: Chennai
production, the city is also an established pharmaceuticals and biotechnology hub. Other notable sectors include aerospace and defence, and ESDM.
reduction of Corporate Income Tax for existing businesses to 25.17%, the abolition of taxes such as Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) and Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT). State Governments have been at the forefront of introducing new reforms and extending attractive incentive packages for businesses. Some of the commonly offered incentives are Capital Subsidy, Interest Subsidy, Stamp Duty Concessions, State GST refunds, employment subsidy, etc.
Chapter 10: Ahmedabad
Structure and Types
Detroit of India and nearby Tirupati-Nellore Cluster Tamil Nadu is the state with the largest number of factories in India, and its capital city Chennai is the largest industrial and commercial center of South India. The city hosts 3 of India's 12 major ports, which makes it India's closest point of call for major manufacturing ecosystems such as China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan & ASEAN. 1/3rd of India's automobile manufacturing industry is concentrated here, with notable presence across engineering, textiles and garments, leather products, software and IT-enabled services as well. Chennai, together with Tirupati (an emerging Electronics cluster) and Nellore-Chittoor (home to Sricity: India's largest industrial park in South India), is known as the tri-city industrial growth corridor.
India’s Emerging Automobile Hub India's first heritage city, Ahmedabad is an established industrial base for chemicals, textiles, pharmaceuticals and food processing. Led by Suzuki Motors and Honda, MandalBecharaji industrial belt, along with neighbouring Sanand, is expected to become India's largest automobile hub post completion of expansion plans. It is the largest city of the State with the longest coastline and highest number of ports. GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-city), is India's only International Financial Services Center (IFSC) trying to compete with financial centres like Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.
India follows a federal structure, wherein both governments, at centre and state, frame laws, policies and incentives to regulate and support industries in their areas of jurisdiction. Incentives schemes designed by the centre and states have objectives such as: Attract new / support expansion of manufacturing units, Attract new / support expansion of services companies and startups, Encourage exports from India, Drive higher value addition in India, etc. India has undertaken a slew of historic tax reforms in the last 12 months, such as the reduction of Corporate Income Tax to 17.16% for new manufacturing units, the
MAKE IN INDIA areas of allocation. Invest India is the national investment
Chapter 13: Grounding Investments in India Key Stakeholders and Investor Checklist India has been rolling out the red carpet to welcome investors to its shores. At the heart of India's investment promotion and facilitation program has been personalized hand-holding and issues resolution for investors, which is carried out through the existing or newly created administrative channels by the government. At the centre, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has been managing important national missions such as Make in India and Start-up India. Other line ministries formulate and implement policies pertaining to their respective sectors or
promotion and facilitation agency of Government of India and is headquartered at New Delhi. At State level, Department of Industries & Commerce, Industrial Development Corporations and Investment Promotion Agencies play the most significant role in the dissemination of information, formulation of investor-friendly policies and benefits packages, management of single window portals, and grounding of investments. The reports cover a detailed directory of all such important agencies Source: Invest India, Government of India
Chapter 11: Vadodara, BharuchAnkleshwar Cluster
Chapter 9: Hyderabad
Country’s Power Engineering and Chemicals Cluster
Fostering New Innovations in Manufacturing Sector Hyderabad, popularly nicknamed Cyberabad, has emerged as the second Silicon Valley of India, after Bengaluru. It boasts of being home to the largest campuses (outside the US) of technology giants such as Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Uber, Google and Qualcomm. The State also has niche policies such as Drone Policy, Data Center Policy, IoT policy, IMAGE (Innovation in Multimedia, Animation, Gaming and Entertainment) policy, Innovation policy among others, to boost its status as an innovation and IT powerhouse. Accounting for 1/3rd of global vaccine production and two-fifths of domestic pharmaceuticals
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Accounting for more than one-third of India’s power transmission & distribution equipment manufacturers, the region also has a vibrant manufacturing landscape spanning sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering and automobile. The Dahej Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) zone is India’s most active and successful, and is one of the best locations for red category industries. OPaL’s (ONGC Petro Additions Limited) unit at Dahej is the largest petrochemical plant in India. Indian Oil Corporation's second largest refinery is also located here, which is expected to become India's largest refinery, post completion of expansion plans by 2023. Chapter 12: Incentives Snapshot
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Semiconductor shortage to further affect PV sales Besides, they are an integral part of all kinds of sensors and controls in any vehicle.
New Delhi, September 25 (IANS): Semiconductor supply shortage was expected to further impact passenger vehicles (PVs) sale volumes in September. Lately, a global supply chain shortage of semiconductors has badly impacted automobile production. The electronic component is used in a variety of functions which play a critical part in the production of internal combustion engines.
At present, these shortages have forced several OEMs to slow down production, thus, further extending the waiting periods of popular, feature-rich and highend models. According to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) report, the semiconductor shortage will further impact PV volumes in September. Furthermore, it said that '2W' volumes may remain tepid in September, although sequential recovery is expected to continue in 2HFY22, aided by demand coming from the reopening of educational institutes and offices. In August, improvement in
consumer sentiments on the back of Onam-led festive demand and a continued decline in daily covid cases led to a sequential rise in domestic auto sales volumes in August. Accordingly, the report cited that the growth was constrained by supply chain issues, especially shortage of semiconductor chips. "Sales volumes were 11 percent lower YoY, mainly driven by a decline in the '2W' segment. Domestic '3W' witnessed 60 per cent YoY sales growth due to the lower base, although volumes were 40 per cent lower than August 2019's," the report said. "The growth trend in exports volumes moderated in August 2021 due to the higher base in August 2020."
India needs 4-5 more SBI sized banks: Sitharaman September 26.
Speaking at the 74th Annual General Meeting of Indian Banks' Association at Mumbai, Sitharaman said there was an urgent need to scale up banking to meet the growing needs of the industry and also to ensure that all economic centres of the country are covered with at least one physical or digital banking presence.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Mumbai, September 26 (IANS): India needs a lot more banks and a lot more large sized ones to meet the growing needs of the country in the path of making a smart recovery post pandemic disruptions, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on
"We need to scale up banking. The need is for at least four-five more SBI sized banks," she said, while reminding that the amalgamation exercise among public sector banks have helped in moving ahead with creation of large banks. Having done two rounds of bank consolidation earlier, the Central government in 2019 decided to merge six disparate and weak PSBs into four in one stroke. Accordingly, Punjab National Bank (PNB) took over Oriental
Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India; Allahabad Bank became part of Indian Bank; Canara Bank subsumed Syndicate Bank; and Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank merged with Union Bank of India. Earlier, State Bank of India (SBI) with five of its associate banks while Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda. Sitharaman lauded the efforts of the PSBs to ensure that the amalgamation of banks during the pandemic period was completed without any inconvenience to customers. She said that in the post pandemic world, hanks would need to change their mindset and the way they conduct their businesses. Digitisation, the Finance Minister said, has changed a lot of how businesses are done and banks will now need to think futuristically and keep pace with evolving technology.
Import duty rule relaxed in India to improve containers availability New Delhi, September 25 (IANS): The Indian government has relaxed import duty norm on empty export cargo containers to improve their availability. At present, keeping containers beyond a period of six months attracts an import duty. The policy was designed to discourage long dwell time of containers and to promote faster turnaround. However, an official communique, cited that the policy has been reported to "sometimes create perverse incentive among
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shipping lines to export empty containers to evade duty payment on containers which are lying empty". As per the communique, the problem was brought out in stakeholder consultations held by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. "Working on one of the action tracks identified by the government to ease the problem, the CBIC has issued a guidance to field offices to extend this period by three months where the container is being taken out
of the country in laden condition provided the 6 month period falls before the end of FY22." "Extension is to be sought by the concerned importer." Accordingly, the move is expected to reduce the export of empty containers from the country on ground of imposition of import duty, thus, "increasing the availability of containers for the trade". Lately, disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in high shipping freight rates and container shortages globally.
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BUSINESS & TRADE
Imparting skills to the youth of northeast India for employment
New Delhi, September 26 (IANS): The Indian Union Ministry of Skill Development has been imparting various kinds of training to the youth of the northeast region of the country. This training has been designed as per the requirement of the region.
In a similar effort, the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, has been imparting training, research and consultancy activities to small and micro enterprises (SMEs). Nearly 2.5 lakh people have been trained till now through more than 6,700 programmes conducted by the IIE. According to Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister of Skill Development, the Central government is giving priority to vocational and skill-based education to create employable and competitive human resources. At present, more than 13 lakh students are receiving vocational training in more than 10,859 vocational schools across the country. According to the Union Ministry of Skill Development, hundreds of new courses related to skill development have been approved in more than 1,200 higher educational institutions.
As many as 22 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been upgraded in north-eastern states by introducing three new trades per ITI with 100 per cent funding by the central government. Under this initiative, the basic infrastructure shortage in 28 ITIs is being taken care of by constructing new hostels and supplementing old and obsolete equipment. These courses are related to mainly solar technology, bamboo industries, smart agriculture, smart cities, antique toys, agrobased commercial products, tourism-related training, training in relation to ancient architecture, temples, and many other courses. Simultaneously, 34 new ITIs are being set up in all eight northeastern states with the help of 90 per cent and 10 per cent funding by the Central and state government respectively. The total cost of this scheme is Rs 420.24 crore.
The government has already released as much as Rs 385.97 crore for the eight north-eastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim.
Amazon's denial of high legal expense in India raises more questions New Delhi, September 24 (IANS): Amazon has been of late and also for sometime now making some contradictory statements about its legal expenses in India. The company has claimed that it incurred a meagre expense of Rs 52 crore towards legal fees in FY20.
Advertising promotional expenses in FY20, up 13.28% from Rs 2,330.7 crore in FY19. The total expenses related to "legal professional charges" for FY19, and FY20 is a stupendous Rs 3,407.6 crore, that is possibly larger than the combined revenues of leading law firms in the country.
This is out of the total expense of Rs 1,967.5 crore shown as "legal professional charges" in financial statements of Amazon Seller Services Private Limited as sourced from the website of Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Amazon Seller Services Private Limited is among the myriad subsidiaries the company operates in India.
The statement made by Amazon with regards to its legal expense in India does not hold water for anyone who is informed. It is incumbent on the company to explain to what effort it has spent Rs 3,407.6 crore from one subsidiary alone towards what it has accounted for as ‘legal professional charges'.
The online retailer has stated that "legal professional charges" incurred by it in FY20 include professional services such as customer research, merchant onboarding services, customer service cost, outsourcing, tax consultants, logistic support services, etc. This is misleading given that Advertising promotional expenses is a separate line item in the company's financial statements, and it typically includes expenses associated with customer acquisition and marketing. Payment to consultants for taxation matters and audit services are also included in the separate line items in its financial statement. It is worth noting that Amazon Seller Services Private Limited has spent Rs 2,640.3 crore under
Amazon has been at the centre of controversy after reports of bribery charges against its legal representatives and associated legal firms in India. The company is facing an inquiry by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over alleged anticompetitive practices and a parallel inquiry by Enforcement Directorate for violation of domestic laws. The Directorate General of Goods and Service Tax Intelligence (DGGI) has also issued a show cause notice to one of its subsidiaries, Cloudtail, for evasion of GST and indirect taxes. Amazon has also legally challenged Future Group's deal with Reliance Retail to sell its retail, wholesale, logistics, and warehouse businesses to Reliance Retail Ventures.
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ENERGY & RESOURCES
Many nations join call India on track to achieve Paris Agreement's NDC limit: Minister for no new coal plants IANS
IANS
New Delhi, September 25 (IANS): India is on track to achieve Paris Agreement's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) limit of 40 per cent installed power capacity from non-fossil sources, and will be able to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 per cent over 2005 levels by 2030, said Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Bhagwanth Khuba. The minister was addressing an event on 'Ambition to Impact: Opportunities for Global Collaboration in India's Clean Energy Economy' at the United Nations High-Level Dialogue on
Energy (HLDE). The event was co-organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) on September 24. Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of India to the UN, T.S. Tirumurti said in a video message, "India is aiming to deliver universally accessible and sustainable energy at rational prices through several citizen-centric measures. India is constantly engaging with international communities through global initiatives to achieve its targets." According to an official communique, "The webinar showcased India's efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda through a
citizen-centric energy transition and focused on enhancing the speed of India's clean energy deployment through global collaboration. It discussed the multilateral efforts required for this transition through conducive international policies, co-development of technologies, pooled finances for demonstrations, and investments to create markets and scale up deployment." Expressing strong support for India's clean energy and climate action initiatives, the Ambassador of Brazil, André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, and the Ambassador of Denmark, Freddy Svane, talked about ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation with India with targeted focus on the field of renewable energy. Both Brazil and Denmark are UN Global Champions for Energy Transition.
Seaweed farming will help boost economy, reduce climate impact Kochi, September 25 (IANS): The Central government is looking forward to developing a sustainable economy through highly prospective seaweed cultivation, said a top Central government official, on September 25.
Fisheries Union Secretary Jatindra Nath Swain said that at a time when climate change is increasingly posing a major threat to human life across the globe, cultivating seaweed, which is one of the natural methods to mitigate the global crisis, would help boost the economy and reduce the impact of the climate crisis.
He said this while speaking at an interactive meeting with scientists of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), here.
"The CMFRI should set up a seed bank of seaweeds to popularise the practice among the coastal region as it would be an additional livelihood option as seaweed farming will play a major role in the socio-economic upliftment of traditional fishermen during this difficult time", said Swain. He further pointed out that the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has a special thrust for promotion of the
seaweed farming.
And on the ambitious plan in the marine fisheries sector, he said that India is eyeing doubling the seafood export in the next five years. "We are hopeful of achieving this target by exploring innovative ways to increase the production that will certainly upscale the country's per capita income. Technological development is crucial in this regard especially for areas such as seed production and other hatchery infrastructure for diversified mariculture activities," said Swain.
SJVN gets 1,000 MW solar power project Sify.com
The company got the full quoted capacity of 1,000 MW at a viability gap funding (VGF) support of Rs 44.72 lakh per MW by the Centre. The power generated from the projects will be solely for selfuse or use by the government or government entities, either directly or through discoms. Sharma said the tentative cost of the project is Rs 5,500 crore. The project is expected to generate 2,365 million units in the first year and the project cumulative energy generation over 25 years would be about 55,062 million units.
Shimla, September 24 (IANS): Public sector hydropower major SJVN has got 1,000 MW grid connected solar PV power project allotted by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA), its Chairman and Managing Director Nand Lal
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Sharma said on September 24. He said the company got the project through an open competitive bidding process for the capacity of 1,000 MW at the maximum tariff of Rs 2.45 per unit.
At present, the SJVN has a total installed capacity of 2,016.5 MW, which includes two hydropower plants of 1,912 MW and four renewable power plants of 104.5 MW. Earlier, SJVN has procured three solar projects totalling 345 MW in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
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New Delhi, September 25 (IANS): Following China's announcement to stop overseas coal power finance, a group of countries like Sri Lanka, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Montenegro and the UK have announced a 'No New Coal Power Compact', aiming to encourage all other countries to commit to halt construction of new coal-fired power plants to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius goal within reach. For the first time, a diverse group of developed and developing countries have come together to give impetus to global efforts to end new coal-fired power generation. Their new initiative requires signatories to immediately cease permitting and end new construction of unabated coalfired power generation projects by the end of the year. These countries are calling upon all other governments to take these steps and join the Compact ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP26 to help deliver on the summit's ambitious goal to "consign coal power to history". The No New Coal Power Compact responds to the UN SecretaryGeneral's call for countries to end construction of new coal-fired power this year, as the first step to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius goal within reach and avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change, as well as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 7 to provide affordable and clean energy. The announcement made on September 24 at the UN High Level Dialogue on Energy in the form of an Energy Compact signals commitment of the signatories to take decisive action to end new coal construction and lead other countries by example -- recognising its adverse impacts on climate change and air pollution. Energy Compacts are living documents and other countries are encouraged to join. The group aims to gather the largest number of new signatories as soon as possible. The UN High-Level Dialogue on Energy is a Secretary Generalled summit discussing energy for the first time in 40 years. It recognises the critical role of energy in advancing climate goals, as well as development priorities, including COVID recovery processes. The countries launching the
compact can advocate for other countries to commit to "no new coal power", speaking from the strong foundation of their own experience. Sri Lanka and Chile have recently shown leadership in cancelling new coal projects and making political statements that they will no longer pursue new coal power. Denmark, France, Germany, Montenegro and the UK have already cancelled their last coal projects and are now focused on accelerating the retirement of their remaining coal power generation. The signing countries recognize that countries, workers, and communities in the developing world require support in moving away from coal power generation in a sustainable and economically inclusive way. Among the needed forms of support, UN Energy, the Energy Transition Council and Powering Past Coal Alliance are there to assist countries that are willing to begin this process. Alok Sharma, COP26 PresidentDesignate, said: "Consigning coal to history is crucial to avoiding catastrophic climate change. I am delighted that the UK is partnering with a diverse group of countries that are showing bold leadership to cancel coal through the No New Coal Power Compact, demonstrating the positive impact that countries working closely together can have in generating climate action. "The cost of clean renewable technologies continues to fall, making coal expensive and uncompetitive. I call on more countries to come forward and sign up to this compact ahead of COP26, and play their part to limit global warming and keep 1.5 degrees alive." Michael R. Bloomberg, United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions, said: "Ending coal-fired power is a global imperative -- for the climate and public health -- that will create good-paying jobs around the world. "At Bloomberg Philanthropies, we've already helped retire over 65 percent of US coal plants and over half of Europe's too. As we continue to expand that work, it's encouraging to see more countries and regions raise their ambitions and lead the way forward."
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HEALTH
Global Covid-19 caseload tops 231.4 mn More than 50 % in 18-44 Washington, September 26 (IANS): The global coronavirus caseload has topped 231.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 4.74 million and vaccinations soared to over 6.07 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on September 26 morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload, death toll and vaccination tally stood at 231,477,987, 4,742,762 and
6,072,672,218, respectively.
The US continues to be the worsthit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 42,901,854 and 687,746, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in second place with 33,624,419 cases. The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (21,343,304), the UK (7,667,290), Russia (7,291,097), France
(7,080,675), Turkey (7,013,609), Iran (5,519,728), Argentina (5,249,840), Colombia (4,950,253), Spain (4,946,601), Italy (4,657,215), Indonesia (4,206,253), Germany (4,199,029) and Mexico (3,619,115), the CSSE figures showed.
Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (594,200), India (446,658), Mexico (274,703), Peru (199,182), Russia (199,450), Indonesia (141,381), the UK (136,465), Italy (130,653), Colombia (126,102), Iran (119,082), France (117,157) and Argentina (114,849).
Abu Dhabi-based businessman offers help to ailing Assamese IANS
Guwahati, September 26 (IANS): With patients of eastern Assam lacking facilities for instant and proper treatment due to the lack of Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, an Abu Dhabi-based Assamese businessman Vedanta Baruah came forward as a saviour by donating two such ambulances.
Health officials said that patients of upper Assam would be greatly benefited by these two ALS ambulances which would be run by Assam Medical College for the state and most parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after flagging off the two ALS ambulances, said that these ambulances would help people of Assam tremendously and commended Baruah for coming forward for this noble cause in these trying times. Bhaskar Gogoi, physician and
a social activist, who was in the news for arranging plasma for Covid-19 patients during the complete lockdown last year, said: "Many critically ill people lose their lives before they reach hospital during transportation for advanced treatment. "The ALS ambulances would bring relief to those patients who need it the most." Baruah is the first Assamese to be awarded a 'Golden Visa' in the investors category by the Abu Dhabi government's Department of Economic Development.
Apple Watch Series 6 oximeter 'reliable' for lung disease patients: Study Rio De Janeiro, September 26 (IANS): A new study has revealed that Apple Watch Series 6 "is a reliable way to obtain heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in patients with lung diseases under controlled conditions". The study, published in the journal Scientific Report, observed "strong positive correlations between the Apple Watch device and commercial oximeter", reports 9To5Mac. It notes that "there was no statistical difference in the evaluation of skin colour, wrist circumference, presence of wrist hair, and enamel nail for SpO2 and heart rate measurements in Apple Watch or commercial oximeter devices". The study, from the University
of Sao Paulo, was conducted with 100 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease from an outpatient pneumology clinic.
The Apple Watch has a tendency of higher SpO2 values than commercial oximeters, however, heart rate measurements were similar in both devices.
It collected SpO2 and heart rate data with Apple Watch Series 6 and compared them to two commercial pulse oximeters.
In the different groups, ILD, COPD and healthy individuals, the study didn't observe significant differences between the Apple Watch and commercial oximeter devices for both parameters, SpO2 and heart rate.
The tests were conducted with healthy individuals, people with Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They observed strong positive correlations between the Apple Watch Series 6 device and commercial oximeters when evaluating heart rate measurements and oximetry measurements.
Overall, the study said that "despite a tendency to present higher values when compared to conventional oximetry devices, the Apple Watch device was accurate and similar" although it's important to note that results were made "under controlled conditions".
age group vaccinated against Covid in India New Delhi, September 26 (IANS): The Indian Ministry of Health and Family welfare on September 26 said 53.5 percent of people in the 18-44 age group have been inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccine.
doses.
According to the Ministry, 34,66,84,035 people in this age bracket have received at least one dose of the vaccine while 7,34,36,483 have received both the doses.
India has so far vaccinated 85,60,81,527 people with 68,42,786 being inoculated most recently, the health ministry said.
In the age group of 45-59 years, 28.3 percent of people have been vaccinated which includes 15,59,65,608 people with one dose and 7,35,71,780 people with both
Similarly, in the senior citizen age group i.e. above 60 years, 9,94,61,207 people have received one dose of the vaccine while 5,46,03,690 have been jabbed twice.
Meanwhile, the country recorded 28,336 fresh cases of Covid-19 and 260 deaths on September 26. The new cases reported were slightly lesser than what was recorded on September 25. The death toll has now mounted to 4,46,918.
Mental health counselling for MBBS aspirants: TN Health Minister
IANS
Chennai, September 26 (IANS): Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian on September 26 said that all students from the state who have taken the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) will be provided mental health counselling. The move comes in wake of deaths, by suicide, of three aspirants of NEET-2021. He said that 1,10,971 students in Tamil Nadu appeared for the exam, and of them, 80 per cent have already spoken to a team of 333 professionals at least once.
The minister said that of these 20 percent of the students are highly stressed and mental health professionals are regularly monitoring them. Talking to media persons after inaugurating the third mega vaccination camp in the state at Trichy, he said that the students and parents have to be bolder in their outlook regarding such competitive examinations and should not think that this was the end of the road. Subramanian also said that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had allocated
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian
an amount of Rs 21 crore for a Radiology Department and said that the Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation will begin the purchase of the necessary equipment and the department would commence functioning in 30 days time. He also awarded a token of appreciation to 11 heads of village panchayats in Trichy district for 100 per cent vaccination. "We have awarded a token of appreciation to 11 village heads in Trichy for successfully vaccinating the whole population in these villages with at least one dose," he told IANS.
Is donkey milk good for your skin? New Delhi, September 26 (IANSlife): Cleopatra, was regarded as a great beauty. To preserve her skin, she took her daily bath in donkey milk. Besides, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed donkey milk for various diseases including fever, wounds, etc. To add to these benefits, donkey milk has four times the amount of Vitamin C than cow's milk has. So, it's no secret that donkey milk is a powerhouse of nutrients for both the skin and body. Used for Anti-Ageing and
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Healing
The milk contains essential fatty acids that work as powerful antiageing and healing properties. These fatty acids blur the wrinkles on the skin and help to regenerate damaged skin. Plus, donkey milk also contains anti-bacterial properties which are effective in healing skin irritation and redness. Antioxidant and Nutrient-Rich Known as a "natural elixir of youth", donkey milk is packed with antioxidants and nutrients. It contains vitamin E, amino
acids, vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, Omega 3, and 6. These properties together make it a rich ingredient when it comes to skin treatment. Moreover, vitamin D is another important ingredient for human skin, and the primary source to get it is through UV exposure. At the same time, too much of that leaves an adverse effect on the skin. Here is when donkey milk acts as a great substitute as it naturally contains vitamin D. All in all, if this milk is applied frequently, it brings a glowing effect while making the skin look
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brighter.
Moisturizer and Softener By now it's a well-known fact that this milk works as a powerful moisturizer for the skin. Besides, if donkey milk is used consistently, it acts as a great cleanser as well as helps in keeping the skin healthy, hydrated, and soft. Therefore, donkey milk with its healing, nutritional and rejuvenating properties for the skin is rapidly emerging as a key ingredient for skincare. These are also driving several leading
players to roll out personal care products such as soap, cream, etc. manufactured using donkey milk. Moreover, the global donkey milk market is expanding rapidly with the market value projected to reach $68,139.0 thousand by 2027, registering a CAGR of 9.4 per cent from 2021 to 2027. And the growing use of donkey milk as an ingredient in cosmetic and personal care products will significantly contribute toward the growth of this market in the years to come.
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TRAVEL
Indians love long weekends In India, Goa, followed by Jaipur and Manali are set to become India’s top leisure destinations for the upcoming holiday season
A
s the population across the world continues to get jabbed, travellers have begun boarding flights and checking into hotels among a lot more movement. Commemorating World Tourism Day 2021, OYO released interesting insights on global consumer travel and booking trends in its Unlocking Travel Report 2021. As several countries open up their borders to welcome travellers once again, the company’s analysis captures top global travel trends and the most sought-after leisure destinations around the world. OYO Townhouse. Strong signs of wanderlust around the world: Long weekends, short breaks, local experiences According to its data on travel preferences across different geographies, in the UK, there’s a high preference for travel over short weekend breaks, followed by school holidays and business trips. Americans, on the other hand, choose to explore local destinations and new experiences, followed by solo travel. It is also observed that in the USA, hygiene and cleanliness are a top priority for travellers. When it comes to Southeast Asia, with lockdowns partly relaxing in Indonesia, there’s a jump in SME and essential travel across business cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, among others. In Malaysia, the company has observed a surge in searches for local tourist destinations such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. As the lockdown continues in Malaysia, the rise in searches indicates people’s aspiration to travel once the country opens up for tourists. In India, Goa, followed by Jaipur and Manali are set to become India’s top leisure destinations for the upcoming holiday season. The booking data shows a clear inclination towards hill stations, followed by heritage cities and beach destinations. Indians love their long weekends! In India, Goa, Jaipur, followed by the hill stations of Manali, Ooty and Mysore are top-ranked leisure destinations among travellers. According to OYO’s consumer survey, 37 percent of travellers have a preference for mountains, 33 percent for beaches in India. The remaining 14 percent prefer visiting motorable places (or road trips), followed by heritage cities and pilgrimages. In India, vaccinated staff and sanitisation protocols at properties are the top two factors that consumers keep in mind before deciding their next travel destination and accommodation.
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During the Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi long weekends, it saw a spike in bookings for leisure destinations. Ganesh Chaturthi’s travel demand was mainly driven by Jaipur, Pondicherry, Ooty and Mysore. For the upcoming long weekend of Dussehra and Guru Nanak Jayanti, the data reveals that travellers are opting for holidays across India’s leisure destinations - with Jaipur topping the list, followed by the beautiful beaches of Goa.
Reetu Khodiya
It is also observed that approx. 57 percent of travellers prefer making bookings closer to the travel day. This is a striking shift from the pre-COVID era when travel was extensively planned and bookings were made weeks or even months in advance. As per its zone-wise booking data, Goa is the most popular travel hotspot in the west, whereas, the Himalayan hill station of Manali is a favourite in North India. Across South India, the royal city of Mysore tops the charts as the most popular holiday destination. Nestled among the mountains, Darjeeling emerged as North East India’s favourite destination for leisure travellers. India’s Top Leisure Destinations Goa Jaipur Manali Agra Mysore Shimla Ooty Udaipur Lonavala Pondicherry Seaside destinations and unique experiences, the British love their holidays In the UK, the company’s booking trends for September reveal that the British are heading to the capital city of London, followed by Bath, a well-being destination, mainly known for its beautiful ancient Roman Baths. The British are also travelling to tourist hotspots such as Blackpool, Scotland and Great Yarmouth. Blackpool and Great Yarmouth are essentially seaside resort towns, whereas Scotland is famous for its scenic highlands and mountains. As per advance booking trends in the UK, Christmas, New Year, Black Friday, and Boxing Day are the most sought-after long weekends for travel for the British. UK’s Top Leisure Destinations London Bath Blackpool Scotland
Reetu Khodiya
Great Yarmouth City skylines and sandy beaches, a perfect American holiday In the USA, big cities and coastlines dominate travel preferences. As travel opens up across the country, Americans are heading to New York, Hawaii (3 islands), Las Vegas, Orlando and Key West. This list indicates that American travellers have a strong preference for lively nightlife, amusement parks, entertainment hotspots and beaches. Based on its advance booking data between October and December 2021, Americans are looking forward to travelling on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve long weekends.
IANS
America’s Top Leisure Destinations New York Hawaii Las Vegas Orlando Key West Spontaneous travel plans, summer and more - here’s how Europeans travel As per its booking data between August - September 2021, Europe saw strong signs of travel bounce back led by Summer travel demand. Across Europe, the Baltic Sea Region in Germany, a popular vacation spot (also referred to as the German Riviera) was the most booked destination over the summer season. This was followed by the sandy beach town of Blavand in Denmark, North Holland in the Netherlands, Luxembourg in Belgium and Salzburg, Austria. Basis on its advanced booking
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data between October December 2021, Europeans are planning their travel around the upcoming autumn break in October and the Christmas week. The data highlights that in the Christmas week of 25th December, Salzburg and Tyrol in Austria are the most booked destinations. With the autumn break just around the corner, Europeans are heading to Blavand and North-Holland. While some users have planned their travel with advance bookings, over the past month, OYO has observed
that a majority of bookings are last-minute (bookings within 15 days of arrival) across Europe, indicating the shift in consumer mindset, wherein consumers plan their travel closer to the date, largely depending on the factors surrounding the pandemic. Europe’s Top Leisure Destinations Baltic Sea Region, Germany Blavand, Denmark North-Holland, Netherland Luxembourg, Belgium Salzburg, Austria
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CA's proposal on Ashes tour conditions boosts ECB's morale London, September 26 (IANS): There is renewed confidence in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that they will be able to field a strong team for the Ashes series, scheduled to begin in Australia in December this year, with Cricket Australia (CA) sharing details pertaining to tour conditions, which sources say is "better" than what the players were fearing.
With England set to tour Australia for the traditional Ashes series, there are concerns in England over the impact of the lengthy bio-bubble on the health of the players as the team will be going Down Under soon after the T20 World Cup. To lessen the mental stress, England players have sought to travel with their families for the Ashes, a move opposed by the Australian
government which has imposed strict travel restrictions on visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also stepped in on behalf of his country's cricketers and has pleaded for the families to be allowed to travel to Australia with the players to lessen the stress caused by staying away from the families during Christmas. However, with CA sharing details of the tour conditions with ECB, confidence is growing that mass withdrawals by England players could be avoided. In a report published by Daily Mail on September 26, they quoted a source saying that the CA's "guidelines were better than expected".
The ECB has demanded that the players and their families be allowed to visit restaurants, play golf and leave their hotel to venture to green zones, said the report, but "there's a lingering concern in the camp at what might happen in the light of a positive Covid case being recorded within their party. They fear it will lead to an immediate return to room-only living."
With quarantine rules differing in different states of Australia, the players are wary as to how much freedom they and their families will get upon arrival Down Under. While Queensland and South Australia have Covid under control and enjoy more relaxed quarantine norms, it's a different story altogether in Victoria and New South Wales, where the Covid situation is still serious.
Western Australia CEO asks for Ashes Test reshuffle due to Covid-19 restrictions IANS
Christina Matthews, the CEO of Western Australia Cricket
Perth, September 26 (IANS): Christina Matthews, the CEO of Western Australia Cricket (WAC) has asked Cricket Australia (CA) for a reshuffle of Test matches for the upcoming Ashes series due to border restrictions caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ashes series is scheduled to begin at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 8, followed by Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney before the series is finished at the Optus Stadium in Perth. But there have been questions around whether the Ashes will go ahead or not due to uncertainty over England's first-choice players making themselves available for the trip. "We're scheduled for the fifth Test at the moment, which is the 14th of January, following Melbourne and Sydney. And when that was announced, we were happy with that. But as things have played out over the years, with Covid, it's looking like a really dangerous situation for us," Matthews was quoted as saying by ABC News on September 26. "And it's important to be starting to talk about it now because the schedule for England's got to be set. All the planning has to be put in place soon. We've requested that the CA look at moving (Perth) to being one of the first three Tests and allowing Sydney and
Melbourne to run naturally at the end of the series," added Matthews. If the order of venues for the Ashes gets changed, it would mean the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may lose out on hosting its traditional Boxing Day Test, with either of Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth playing hosts. Matthews, who represented Australia in 20 Tests and 47 ODIs between 1984 and 1995, mentioned that the absence of any international cricket would cost WA Cricket around 6 million dollars, adding to a loss of the same last year when WA missed out on hosting India men's side last summer. "Even though the (AFL) grand final has been moved two years in a row, moving a Boxing Day Test is another thing again. But if we're going to be truly about getting content in all states, and having the Ashes play as it should be played, we've got to think of what's logical and what we know now."
IPL 2021: Maxwell's all-round show, Harshal's hat-trick power RCB to 54-run win Dubai, September 27 (IANS): An all-round show by Glenn Maxwell and a brilliant hat-trick by Harshal Patel helped Royal Challengers Bangalore register an emphatic 54-run win over Mumbai Indians in the 39th match of the IPL 2021 here on September 27.
magic to torture the Mumbai batting line-up. He bagged three.
sixth hat-trick, and the first time I got it - really happy!" Maxwell's masterclass ended on 56 with a low full-toss from Bumrah. The Mumbai pacer struck again and got AB de Villiers out.
Maxwell finished his spell with impressive figures of 2/23 after hitting an entertaining 56 off 27 at Dubai International Stadium. He was equally supported by seamer Patel who scalped four crucial wickets for his team. Yuzvendra Chahal, too, displayed some spin
With the huge win, RCB has now jumped to the third position on the tally with 12 points in 10 matches. Whereas, Mumbai dropped to seventh with eight points following their meek surrender. Patel was the star of the night as he claimed first hat-trick of the IPL 2021. He removed Hardik Pandya (3), Kieron Pollard (7) and Rahul Chahar (0) in the 17th over to script history. After the match, a delighted Patel said, "This is my
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Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 165/6 in 20 overs (Glenn Maxwell 56, Virat Kohli 51, Jasprit Bumrah 3/36, Trent Boult 1/17) beat Mumbai Indians 111 all out in 18.1 overs (Rohit Sharma 43, Quinton de Kock 24, Harshal Patel 4/17, Yuzvendra Chahal 3/11) by 54 runs.
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SPORTS
IPL 2021: Jadeja turns it around as CSK beat KKR in last over thriller Abu Dhabi, September 26 (IANS): Ravindra Jadeja blasted 22 runs off eight deliveries as Chennai Super Kings survived some nervous moments in the final over to crawl over the line for a dramatic two-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders in a nailbiting IPL 2021 encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium here on September 26. It was the second of the weekend's afternoon matches in the UAE leg but instead of a Twenty 20 game, it turned out to be a 3-3 contest as all the drama happened in the final three overs of both the innings. In the end, CSK survived twists and turns and some heartstopping moments to emerge victorious in the match, reaching 172/8 in response to KKR's 171/6. KKR won the toss and elected to bat and crossed 170 in their 20 overs, propped up by some lusty late-order hitting by Nitish Rana (37 not out) and Dinesh Karthik (26 runs off 11 balls) who blasted 44 runs off the last three overs as Kolkata recovered from 127/5 to reach what looked like a defendable total. Electing to bat, KKR lost opener Shubman Gill with only 10 runs on the board. The former under-19 star went for a nonexistent single and was caught short by a direct throw from Ambati Rayudu. Though KKR recovered from that blow and kept a good run rate as
they reached 50 in five overs, they lost a few wickets at inopportune moments after that and landed in a situation where it looked that they may not be able to cross the 150-mark. Iyer, who was going nicely on the slow wicket, scoring through smart jabs and prods and scoops behind, had a rush of blood and slashed at a wide one from Shardul Thakur, the faint edge pouched smartly by Dhoni. Faf du Plessis pulled off a brilliant catch at the boundary rope to end Morgan's brief stay at the crease and when Rahul Tripathi, who held one end up and also kept the scoring rate going by hitting four boundaries and one six, was bowled three short of his halfcentury attempting to reverse sweep Jadeja, KKR were down to 89/4 in the 13th over. Rana took charge after that and found a good partner in Karthik, both hitting some lusty blows as KKR managed to reach what looked like a defendable total. But in the end Jadeja proved that it is not over till it is over. Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 171/6 in 20 overs (Rahul Tripathi 45, Nitish Rana 37 not out, Dinesh Karthik 26; Shardul Thakur 2/20, Josh Hazlewood 2/20) lost to Chennai Super Kings 172/8 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 40, Faf du Plessis 43, Moeen Ali 32, Ravindra Jadeja 22; Sunil Narine 3/41).
Beaumont century leads England to emphatic victory over New Zealand IANS
of four sixes.
New Zealand's bowling attack was taken to the cleaners, conceding 17 wides, eight leg-byes and two no balls on a day where nothing seemed to go right for them.
England opener Tammy Beaumont
Canterbury, September 26 (IANS): England opener Tammy Beaumont's eighth ODI hundred led England to an emphatic 203run victory over New Zealand at Canterbury on September 26. The win also meant that England won the five-match series 4-1. It is also New Zealand's heaviest loss in ODIs ever. Batting first, Tammy made 102 off 114 balls, including 11 fours at her home ground to help England score a gigantic 347/5 in 50 overs, their sixth highest total in the format. She also shared an opening stand of 95 with Lauren-Winfield Hill making 43. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones made 60 off 46 balls while Danni Wyatt applied the finishing touches with 43 not out from 20 balls, inclusive
In reply, New Zealand never seemed to be in the hunt for chasing the total. They slumped to 66/5 before being eventually bowled out for 144 in 35.2 overs. Lauren Down and Brooke Halliday top-scored with 27 each. For England, Kate Cross took 3/44 while skipper Heather Knight scalped 3/24, making up for a duck with the bat. England signed off from their home summer in style, taking the ODI series after winning the T20I series against the same opposition 2-1. Their next international outing will be in the women's Ashes series in Australia next year after their first-ever trip to Pakistan in October was cancelled. Brief scores: England 347/5 in 50 overs (Tammy Beaumont 102, Amy Jones 60, Danni Wyatt 43 not out, Hannah Rowe 2/65) beat New Zealand 144 all out in 35.2 overs (Lauren Down 27, Brooke Halliday 27, Heather Knight 3/24, Kate Cross 3/44) by 203 runs.
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SPORTS
India finish ODI series on a high, Sania wins Ostrava Open clinch 2-wicket win vs Australia for first WTA doubles title IANS
Rana got a lifeline when she was dropped by Nicola Carey on 11 on the last ball of the 44th over. The equation came down to India requiring 33 runs from the last five overs, with four wickets in hand.
since Jan 2020 IANS
The luck was on Rana's side as she got another life in the next over. Once again it was Carey, who completed a caught and bowled dismissal, but the delivery was called a no-ball as Carey had overstepped. Mackay, September 26 (IANS): India finished the ODI leg of the multi-format series on a high with a brilliant two-wicket win -- fashioned by a collective team effort -- which ended Australia's unbeaten ODI streak of 26 matches on September 26. However, Australia won the ODI series 2-1, with the multi-format series' scoreline reading 4-2. The third and final ODI in Mackay went down to the wire but this time India held their nerves as they sealed a thrilling two-wicket win with just three balls to spare. Tall Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami hit the winning runs, lofting it straight for a four. Chasing a target of 265, India showed poise and power in their response, with the opening pair of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana putting on 59 for the first wicket. Negotiating the new-ball partnership of Perry and McGrath, Mandhana fell to the off-spin of Gardner for 22 (25), with Annabel Sutherland taking a catch running back from mid-off. Young Yastika Bhatia continued
her fine start to international cricket, ticking things along with Verma, bringing up a 100-run stand in just 19 overs. At 160/1 after 29 overs and needing just 105, India looked in prime position, before a double blow swung the pendulum back once again. Verma fell to the left-arm orthodox spin of Sophie Molineux for 56, while wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh was dismissed an over later, with Sutherland taking her first wicket. Bhatia continued her press with captain Mithali Raj, with only a piece of inspired fielder ending her stay at the crease. Top-edging a short ball, Bhatia became Stella Campbell's first victim in international cricket, only after a diving catch from substitute fielder Molly Strano. Sutherland doubled her tally by rattling Vastrakar's (3) stumps, leaving Mithali and No.7 Deepti Sharma needing a run a ball from the last 10 overs. Sutherland struck once again, in her next over, snaring the India skipper, who was bowled for 16.
McGrath broke the 33-run seventh-wicket stand by snaring Deepti's wicket for 31. Riding on a lucky run, the onus was on Rana to take her side across the line but she eventually became Carey's victim in the penultimate over. Goswami and Meghna Singh made sure there weren't any more hiccups, as they guided India to a memorable win that will help boost their confidence for next year's ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. Earlier, Meg Lanning won the third consecutive toss for the Australians in the series and elected to bat. Australia's opening pair of Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy looked to keep the heat on in the middle, racing to 40 inside the first eight overs, only for the pressure to be released through the work of veteran quick Jhulan Goswami. Brief scores: Australia Women 264/9 in 50 overs (A Healy 35, B Mooney 52, A Gardner 67; T McGrath 47; J Goswami 3/37, P Vastrakar 3/46) lost to India Women 266/8 in 49.3 overs (S Verma 56, Y Bhatia 64; A Sutherland 3/30) by 2 wickets.
India's Sania Mirza (left) and her Chinese partner Zhang Shuai
Ostrava (Czech Republic), September 26 (IANS): India's Sania Mirza and her Chinese partner Zhang Shuai won the women's doubles title at the Ostrava Open WTA Tennis Tournament, beating Kaitlyn Christian and Erin Routliffe in straight sets on September 26. Indian ace Sania bagged her first WTA title in 20 months as she and Zhang beat Kaitlyn Christian of the United States and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and four minutes. Sania had won her last WTA title at the Hobart International in January 2020, partnering Nadia Kichenok. No.2 seeds Sania and Zhang had never teamed up before in Luxembourg, where they fell in the quarter-finals to eventual champions Greet Minnen and Alison van Uytvanck. But recently, in their second event together, Sania and Zhang were commanding in the final, winning 76 percent of points behind both their first and second serves and staving off both breakpoints they
faced in the match. This is former World No.1 Sania's 43rd WTA doubles title and her second title since she returned from maternity leave in 2020. Meanwhile, Zhang is on a hot run in doubles, having won three of her last five doubles tournaments, including her second Grand Slam title at the 2021 US Open alongside Samantha Stosur. Zhang is now up to 11 WTA doubles titles in her career. In the final on September 26, Sania and Zhang started well and kept their opponents on the back foot throughout the first set. A breakpoint in the sixth game saw the Indo-Chinese pair take a 4-2 lead and ride the advantage to win the first set. Hoping for a comeback, Kaitlyn and Erin, the third seeds, threw caution to the wind early in the second set but the ploy backfired against the experience of Sania and Zhang as the Indo-Chinese pair broke the opponents' serve in the third and seventh games to clinch the match and title with a straight-sets victory.
Pakistan being subjected Look at India in Australia last winter: Vaughan to Joe Root & Co. to excessively harsh IANS
London, September 26 (IANS): Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged Joe Root and Co. to take a leaf out of what India did in Australia last year ahead of their impending Ashes trip Down Under later in the year. He added that Australia is a good team in their backyard but India's 2-1 win for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in January this year proved that the hosts can be defeated. Vaughan was also firm about England avoiding rotation policy like they did on their Test tour of
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they are beatable," wrote Vaughan in his column for The Telegraph on September 26.
India. England's rotation policy had come under scanner after they lost 3-1 to India in February and March this year. "We cannot have rotation like we did in India. That will not work in Australia, they will be hammered if that happens. Look at India in Australia last winter. They had a lot of injuries and lost players at crucial times but because they were a strong, committed group of players they defeated Australia. Australia are a good side in their own conditions but India proved
Vaughan believed that England players can have the restrictions eased once they are done with the mandatory quarantine. "Once they decide to go to Australia, the players will be within their rights to ask for easier restrictions when they have completed their quarantine. The last thing they should agree to is to have strict restrictions imposed on them once they are through the quarantine period, especially when they are fully vaccinated. It would not be fair. But if they are given guarantees that they can live a normal life once out of quarantine then what they decide will tell me a lot about the state of the game." The 49-year-old concluded by saying the winter season of 2021/22 is going to be a crunch one in terms of players opting for white-ball or red-ball cricket.
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treatment: Chappell Sydney, September 26 (IANS): Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has said that the treatment given to Pakistan has been excessively harsh, especially after them touring overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chappell's comments come after New Zealand abandoned their men's white-ball tour minutes before the start of first ODI at Rawalpindi. Three days later, England pulled out of their men's and women's white-ball tours to Pakistan in October. Chappell believes that Pakistan have learned a lesson about cricket, citing an incident featuring former England captain Tony Lewis. "Pakistan have now learned a lesson about the game that the former England captain and accomplished broadcaster Tony Lewis once eloquently expounded about on air. After a particularly strenuous overseas
IANS
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell
winter bonding session, the England team had quickly found itself in trouble after the loss of early wickets in the first Test of the summer. "Ah, that's better," chanted Lewis, "now the England players will understand the reality of the situation: it's every man for himself." Or, as it might be more correct to say in modern cricket parlance: "It's every man and woman for themselves."
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ART & CULTURE
Exploring food histories Tagore's Visva Bharati likely to be through moments of famine part of UNESCO World Heritage Site IANS
IANS
complex, Kala Bhavana, Sangeet Bhavan and all other structures built by Tagore as part of his dream university. The team also scanned thousands of documents and video-graphed paintings, sculptures and artwork by Tagore and Bengal School stalwarts like Nandalal Bose, Ramkinker Baij and Benode Bihari.
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30-member delegation team from UNESCO is likely to visit Santiniketan between September 28 and October 3 brightening up the prospect of Rabindranath Tagore-envisioned prestigious university Visva Bharati being included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. This comes 11 years after the Union Culture Ministry appealed for the second time to secure the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site for Santiniketan to get recognition for Tagore's cultural ark in the run-up to his 150th birth anniversary in 2010. The original application in 2010 had been pushed to the "tentative" list after a technical evaluation of the site by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. It was then pointed out that development pressure on the campus had tampered with the site's heritage value. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with the help of Viswa
Bharati University has prepare a fresh dossier and has already submitted it to UNESCO. An ASI team, led by its Director General Vidya Vidyanathan camped at the university in January to prepare the report, finding answers to the questions that were raised the last time. External heritage conservation experts were roped in to assist them. "The visit of the team is significant because previously they had sent the application to the tentative list. We are making all sorts of arrangements so that this time the university gets the honour of the World Heritage Site," a senior official of Visva Bharati University said. The ASI team surveyed the "original" parts of the university, including the Kanch Mandir Upsana Griha, Santiniketan Bari (the first building that housed Debendranath Tagore and his family after Bhubandanga was bought by him), Uttarayan
Accordingly, renovation of various traditional buildings and invaluable sculptures scattered all over Visva Bharati is underway and the central government sanctioned about Rs 3 crore for this purpose. A total of 24 buildings and architectural renovations that have the potential to be collectively listed as World Heritage are going through entire renovation. The Visva Bharati authorities have also formed their own committee for this purpose. Sources in the university said that the 30-member UNESCO delegation that is likely to visit Visva Bharati in SeptemberOctober will look into all the aspects of Visva Bharati and decide whether it can be inscribed into the World Heritage List. "We are very excited. The place is historically important and it deserves the honour. We hope that this time the UNESCO World Heritage Committee makes their decision in favour of the university," the official added.
Fusion dissolves all barriers: Classical singer Nadeem Khan
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elieving that musicians should expose themselves to all forms of music, irrespective of language, techniques and borders, he feels that doing so ascertains a broader approach towards the art form and of course, wider knowledge. Hindustani Classical vocalist Nadeem Khan, hailing from the reputed Rampur-Sehaswan Gharana, who collaborated with London-based flautist Katrina Fountain for the album 'Aghaaz' remembers, "It was a milestone in my musical journey. I will always be grateful to her for the project as it gave me exposure to western music and its techniques. I learnt a lot from this collaboration, it was an unforgettable experience," he tells IANS.
Born in a family of Indian classical vocalists, this exponent of Khayal gayaki, who was introduced to music by his maternal grandfather, Ustad Sarfaraz Husain Khan and received guidance from his older cousin Ustad Rashid Khan, says he was lucky to be in an environment surrounded by music. "Though this helped develop a
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deep interest and fascination for music, I must stress that one needs to have natural talent too. I always believe that any legacy is not someone's paternal property without having the ability and determination to inherit it deservingly."
Khan says that there are multiple reasons for his fascination with Khayal gayaki -- the emotions with which one elaborates a handful of notes into a rendition along with expressions and certain embellishments that justify the literal sense of a composition. "This is just like painting a beautiful portrait on canvas. Besides this, it has a very strong technical element that can help enhance and hone their tonal quality and voice production." Among the forms like Tarana, Thumri, Bhajan, Ghazal and Sufi -- which he commands, Khan refuses to point out his favourite. "I am someone who believes in being versatile and all these forms boast of beauty, attraction and grace in their respective styles. It will not be fair to compare them too. I feel it is a blessing to be able to present every form with equal
ease and command," he smiles.
Interestingly, the classical singer also has a band 'Aayat', which he started with his younger brother Rizwan Khan. Back in 2012, after working on the 'Aghaaz' album, he started jamming with several western musicians and even gave vocals for a record label Misbah Records for a fusion number 'Mast Qalandar', from the album Sufi Jhoom that featured A. Hariharan and Ustad Raees Khan. "This is where I started liking the whole concept of fusing Indian Classical vocals with western music progression, and the idea got transformed into practicality in the form of the band." Ask him about the reaction from purists when it comes to fusion, and the classical vocalist asserts that since fusion music has been influencing people for quite a few years now including major artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain, the Indian classical music scenario has accepted it to much extent. "Purists and critics now expect fusion to be more musical and sensible, and not confusing."
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I
t was while writing an article on the Bengal Famine of 1943 that she asked herself -- why does Indian food only focus on tastecentric gastronomy? Who writes about cuisine, and who grows food? Also, why is it that the Indian food history does not consider periods of hunger as legitimate, is there a reason that these get buried, and do they have to do with shame and trauma? Sharanya Deepak, one of the two residents of the Serendipity Arts Residency in Culinary Arts, will research on exploring food histories through moments of famine in the South Asian subcontinent. Focussing on the Rajputana famine of 1869, which affected the British territory of Rajputana, that stretches from present-day Ajmer to Punjab, she tells IANS, "For the same, I will juxtapose this moment in history with techniques of ingenuity that present day hunger is battled with in the region, and see how moments of hunger trickle into urban kitchens. I also want to be able to work within the same without resurging the trauma and shame of the time. It will be seen if that can be done successfully." Talk to her about the current state of writings on food in India, which is slowly coming off the crutches of the few elitist authorities, and she says, "Previously, food was associated with catchphrases like tradition, and authenticity, with a few folks deciding what is good and bad food. In a nation of a billion, all revived by social hierarchies, this is not only inaccurate but also banal. But nowadays we have publications like the very resolute Goya Journal, and London-based Vittles, a newsletter, which publish a lot of great writing on South Asian food." Even as food writing is limited to 'restaurant reviews' in the mainstream media, she finds it tragic that we cannot look past this culture of hero-worship and lifestyle writing when it comes to food.
because food and media are both based on rigorous structures of ownership that are run by the dominant caste, urban, upper-class individuals and organisations. So the narratives also remain gate-kept and sterile. But I do hope that we will see more writing that branches out nowadays. "I think the international media, even though it has its own set of challenges, has set alight a bunch of great food writing from India. Take this piece on who guards the Alphonso mango on Blood Fry, or this excellent piece about the Kebab roll in Pakistan in Vittles. These are all great bits of writing that are about food, but also about much else. This is the kind of writing I enjoy... I cannot think of food in isolation," she says. For someone who started as a freelance journalist with mainly international publications, and did not intend to make foodwriting her genre, her reason for branching out was because the Indian media is saturated with feature writers. "I thought it best to have a niche if I was going to freelance, as the food writing world was sort of up and coming then. It was a good ruse to be able to enter and write about the things I enjoy, but can also be critical of. I am not exclusively a food-writer though. Although I have been assumed to be. So the next year is going to be a direct effort to branch out and write about other things as well," she says. Currently working on some firstperson essays, and wanting to write more about music, she is hoping that the essay-work will help her put together a bookproposal on the same. "I also have the idea to work on a book that considers urban dishes that come up in cities, ones that cannot be categorised -- say the Tandoori momo, or Frankie roll. These are dishes that heritage food critics are always dismissive of. I think these hold great histories and good scenes, and maybe I will look at working on a book about them," she concludes.
"Why I don't think it is odd is
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BOOKS & LITERATURE
'Do you think you are Mother Teresa?' Netflix acquires rights IANS
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or a dozen years as one of the worlds most admired CEOs, Indra Nooyi, redefined what it means to be an exceptional leader. To the extent that when she once pitched a revolutionary strategy to introduce healthy products, she was asked if she was Mother Teresa! Her prescient strategic thinking, insight into consumer behaviour, and wisdom on managing a vast, global workforce make her one of the world's most soughtafter advisors to entrepreneurs, executives, and governments. The first woman of color and immigrant to run a Fortune 50 company -- and one of the foremost strategic thinkers of our time - she transformed PepsiCo with a unique vision, a vigorous pursuit of excellence, and a deep sense of purpose. Her memoir, "My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future" (Hachette India), offers a firsthand view of Nooyi's legendary career - a story of exemplary resilience, courage, and leadership. Generous, authoritative, and grounded in lived experience, the book delivers a blueprint for 21st century prosperity, peppered with masterful insights. For instance: "I believe that a company's impact on society needs to be written through all business planning, and that this cannot be an afterthought. What's good for commerce and what's good for society have to go together." The rewards were fulsome. "One foggy Tuesday in November 2009," Nooyi writes in the book,
"after hours of meetings in Washington, DC, with two dozen top US and Indian business executives, I found myself standing between the president of the United States and the prime Minister of India.
twice named on TIME magazine's list of the '100 Most Influential People in the World'. She has held a unique role among the world's top executives, often as the only senior woman in the halls of global corporate power.
"Barack Obama and Manmohan Singh had entered the room for an update on our group's progress, and President Obama began introducing the American team to his Indian counterpart. When he got to me, Prime Minister Singh exclaimed, 'Oh! But she is one of us!'
In this no-holds-barred narrative, Nooyi recounts the events that shaped her, from her childhood and early education in 1960s India, to the Yale School of Management, to her rise as a corporate leader. The book lays bare her distinctive leadership style, learnings from her farreaching career, that inspire generational diversity and inclusivity.
"And the President, with a big smile and without missing a beat, responded, 'Ah, but she is one of us too!' "It's a moment I never forget -spontaneous kindness from the leaders of the two great countries that have given me so much. I am still the girl who grew up in a close family in Madras, in the South of India, and I am deeply connected to the lessons and culture of my youth. I am also the woman who arrived in the US at age twenty-three to study and work and, somehow rose to lead an iconic company, a journey that I believe is possible only in America. I belong to both worlds," Nooyi writes. When Nooyi took over as CEO of PepsiCo, one of her pivotal and controversial -- ideas was to steer the company toward healthier products, reinvent its environmental profile and lead the company into a future where they championed 'Performance with Purpose'. The strategy met with immense backlash from some shareholders who wouldn't stand for anything that affected the company's short-term profitability targets. In the book, Nooyi narrates a particular conversation in the face of tremendous resistance: "The most memorable comment came from a portfolio manager in Boston -- 'Who do you think you are?' he asked me. 'Mother Teresa?' " Nooyi went on to lead PepsiCo for more than two decades. She has been consistently ranked in Forbes's 'The World's 100 Most Powerful Women', Fortune's 'Most Powerful Women' and was
With a stunning cover shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, the Hachette India edition of the book comes with an epilogue written especially for the Indian audience. "As India emerges from the devastating impact of Covid-19, the country must rethink some of its economic priorities under the umbrella of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I hope whole new ecosystems around next-generation industries emerge, and new investments in core infrastructure, including roads, the railways, water and sanitation, and healthcare. I also hope to see more predictable framework in support of foreign direct investment, and a massive commitment to improving education for all -- from kindergarten to grade 12 and beyond -- so that the country has all the talent in place to realise its terrific ambitions. "While this goes on, I also believe it's time to unleash the superb capabilities and ingenuity of women across the country, in every strata of society. Corporations, governments and NGOs working in the country must come together on this, And, most importantly, men and women must join forces to create a more inclusive, more productive, more caring nation. Only then will India be truly on the road to sustainable prosperity," Nooyi concludes. This truly is a blueprint from a woman who has been there, seen it and done it all!
to Roald Dahl's books IANS
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treaming giant Netflix has got the golden ticket as it has acquired the rights to the books of the iconic writer of children's fiction, Roald Dahl The deal means the streaming giant will own creations like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'The BFG', reports bbc.com. Netflix will control what happens to them in publishing as well as TV and film - and receive the royalties. It will also create numerous spinoff games, stage shows and other live experiences. The takeover means The Roald Dahl Story Company, which is run by the late author's grandson Luke Kelly and was previously owned by the family and other employees, will now become a division of Netflix. In a joint statement, Kelly and Netflix boss Ted Sarandos said they were "joining forces to bring some of the world's most loved stories to current and future fans in creative new ways". The move builds on a deal between the streaming giant and the estate in 2018, allowing it to make animated series based on his books. Under that agreement, Oscar winner Taika Waititi is currently working on a series based on the world of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', while Sony and Working Title are making an adaptation of 'Matilda The Musical'.
JLF Soneva Fushi to debut in Maldives in May 2022 W
ith the gradual easing of global travel restrictions and lockdowns, the JLF Soneva Fushi, the latest international venture of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival ( JLF), is set to debut in the Maldives in a 10-day event spread over two weekends -- May 13-22, 2022 -- at a luxury resort located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with themes as varied as travel, fiction, food, art, wellness, climate change and the environment. In keeping with JLF's international programming vision, the Festival will reinforce South Asia's unique
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literary heritage with a caravan of globally celebrated authors and thinkers taking part in a range of stimulating panels, workshops, music, poetry readings and film screenings. The JLF Soneva Fushi will be a study in Slow Life, with morning yoga sessions, stimulating workshops, delectable international food and sunsets against a languorous blue sea. "The JLF Soneva Fushi will be an inspirational journey where we will explore new horizons, celebrating the elements and sharing the power of words and
ideas, of poetry and music," Namita Gokhale, author and Festival Co-director, said.
Director of Teamwork Arts, producer of the Jaipur Literature Festival.
"This is JLF's most exotic and pleasurable adventure yet. I can't wait," said William Dalrymple, writer, historian and Festival Codirector.
With the annual Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur and yearly iterations of JLF in London, Belfast, New York, Colorado, Houston, Adelaide, Toronto and Doha, Teamwork Arts believes in the spirit of community and the hope, strength and vitality that literature and knowledge give to the people.
"We are delighted to partner with Soneva Fushi, which represents excellence in the world of experiential hospitality, in bringing JLF to the Maldives � with the best writers, thinkers, filmmakers and thought leaders from across the world and India," said Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing
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JLF's international series, held across the world, has showcased the multilingual literary heritage of South Asia with the distinct
Nineteen TV shows, films, stage shows and live experiences are already in the works. "These projects opened our eyes to a much more ambitious venture - the creation of a unique universe across animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theatre, consumer products and more," Kelly and Sarandos said. Netflix made the announcement by revealing its name on a golden ticket hidden inside a Willy Wonka chocolate bar wrapper. The back of the ticket had the words "There is no knowing what we shall see" - a line from 'James and the Giant Peach'. "As we bring these timeless tales to more audiences in new formats, we're committed to maintaining their unique spirit and their universal themes of surprise and kindness, while also sprinkling some fresh magic into the mix," Kelly and Sarandos added. Dahl throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s became known for bestselling children's books - many of which were later turned into films. He died at the age of 74 in 1990, and has sold 300 million books around the world, printed in 65 languages. The Dahl catalogue also includes the likes of 'Fantastic Mr Fox', 'James and the Giant Peach', 'The Witches and The Twits'.
flavour of its host regions, bringing together a diverse and engaged community of booklovers, thought leaders and influencers, Roy added. "We believe JLF will provide an exceptional platform for a global audience to engage with India, its cultural and literary heritage as well as strengthen cultural and bilateral ties between India and the Maldives. Maldives will be the first country in India's neighbourhood to find a place in JLF's global footprint," said Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir.
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WHAT’S ON
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INDIA NEWS
Bhumi Pednekar: Always want films that portray women correctly Instagram
ENTERTAINMENT
Aakanksha Singh to play a cop in web series 'Escaype Live' Instagram
Chiriya', 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan', 'Bala', and 'Sandh Ki Aankh' among others. The actress is now looking forward to her upcoming line up, which includes 'Mr. Lele', 'Badhaai Do' and 'Raksha Bandhan'. The actress said: "I have always been super confident of my film choices. I have always wanted them to be different and unique, preferably with a message and most importantly, portray women correctly." Bhumi added: "As a woman, I feel it is my duty to choose scripts that portray women with a lot of dignity. I'm happy that I have got the chance to play such characters due to the fantastic scripts that have come my way." The actress feels "hugely fortunate" that she have got directors who had an amazing vision of portraying women in a certain way that impacts society positively.
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ctress Bhumi Pednekar says she wants to do films that portray women correctly and she is thankful to the directors she has collaborated with because they shared the same vision for
societal change.
She said: "I'm fortunate for all the opportunities that allowed me to play such characters who stood up for themselves and society. I connected with my characters at a deeper level and maybe that's why people loved them too."
Bhumi started her journey in Hindi cinema with the hit film 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' in 2015. She was then seen in films such as 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha', 'Son
"For that, I'm indebted to my directors and producers who saw me as fit to represent such modern Indian women on screen."
Twin Peaks: Urvashi Rautela delighted to win two awards
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ollywood actress Urvashi Rautela was honoured with awards for Most Influential Bollywood Actress 2021 and Best Humanitarian Award presented by Amruta Fadnavis for her charity work.
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ctress Aakanksha Singh is all set to play the role of a cop in the upcoming tech-thriller web series "Escaype Live". The actress has reportedly trained for three-four hours every day to get the right posture and body language for the role of a cop. Sharing her experience, Aakanksha said: "I had to really take care of my fitness, as I had to shoot the action sequence just when I was on recovery post my fracture (during the shoot of 'Mayday'). There was a lot of
Urvashi will be soon seen in the web series 'Inspector Avinash' opposite Randeep Hooda in a lead role. The actress is also going to play the lead in a bilingual thriller 'Black Rose' along with the Hindi remake of 'Thiruttu Payale 2'.
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"My action was designed by veteran action director Sham Kaushal sir. I used real guns to add authenticity to the portrayal. I had a great time and I'm grateful to have worked with him," she further said. Apart from the web series, the actress will also be seen in the upcoming Ajay Devgn directorial film "Mayday" where she will feature alongside Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakul Preet Singh.
Kanika Dhillon says given a choice, she can work 24x7 Instagram
Dillruba' have earned her much acclaim. "Doing good work is not only an adrenaline booster for me, but it also keeps me in a state of flow. Also, being a workaholic explains the large number of films in a short span of time. Given a choice, I can work 24 hours a day," says Kanika.
Urvashi her happiness saying: "I am genuinely and deeply grateful for this honour and it is a privilege to receive these two awards for Most Influential Bollywood Actress 2021 and Best Humanitarian Award for Urvashi Rautela foundation for my charity work. I was presented the award by Amruta Fadnavis ma'am. I would even like to thank Mid-Day, for awarding me with such a rare title." She adds: "I would like to thank my father (Manvar Singh Rautela), my mother (Meera Rautela), and my little brother (Yashraj Singh Rautela) for bringing me up well and teaching me good Indian values. I promise to contribute to the welfare of my country and keep making India proud."
running and action, and indeed difficult one."
Giving an update about her upcoming projects, Kanika says: "I am very excited about my upcoming projects. While 'Rashmi Rocket' is gearing up for release, the shooting of 'Raksha Bandhan' began in June. Also, Raju sir (Rajkumar Hirani), Abhijaat and me have locked the script for our project together. The film will go on floors sometime soon."
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riter Kanika Dhillon has an interesting line-up of upcoming films. But even with a packed schedule, Kanika says can very well work round the clock if she has to. The writer's works 'Manmarziyaan', 'Judgementall Hai Kya', 'Kedarnath' and 'Haseen
While Taapsee Pannu starrer 'Rashmi Rocket' is slated for release on October 15, the Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar starrer 'Raksha Bandhan' directed by Anand L. Rai and co-written by Himanshu Sharma is scheduled to release on August 11, 2022. Rajkumar Hirani's next, along with Abhijaat Joshi, will star Shah Rukh Khan.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Shahid Kapoor all praise for Samantha Singer Akasa Singh Akkineni, wants to work with her to enter 'Bigg Boss 15' Instagram
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ctor Shahid Kapoor made an interesting revelation on Monday, where he praised actress Samantha Akkineni and said that he would like to work with her soon. In a Twitter question and answer session with fans, a fan asked Shahid of his opinion on Samantha's acting in web series 'The Family Man 2'. Shahid replied to that question and said: "Totally loved her on the show. Would love to work with her some time." Shahid has recently wraped up the shoot with directors Raj and DK, who were also the brains behind the popular crime thriller series 'The Family Man 2'. He also announced the release date of his film 'Jersey' on Sunday. The film will release on December 31, 2021. Samantha, who played a negative role in the web series, is gearing up for the release of her next film 'Shaakuntalam'.
Rasika Dugal, Akshay Oberoi honoured at Iconic Achievers Awards IANS
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inger Akasa Singh, who is known for numbers such as 'Naagin' and 'Kheech Meri Photo', is all set to enter 'Bigg Boss 15' as a contestant. A source from Akasa's team confirmed the news to IANS and added that they are looking forward to seeing her real self in the show. The 15th season of the
controversial reality show is hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. 'Bigg Boss' for the first time in 15 years went digital with 'Bigg Boss OTT'. It was hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar. Contestant Divya Agarwal was declared the winner of 'Bigg Boss OTT'.
Wamiqa Gabbi: Female-led stories are going to rule OTT platforms IANS
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ctors Rasika Dugal and Akshay Oberoi have been honoured at the Iconic Achievers Awards this year. While Rasika has bagged the award of the 'Most Versatile Actor Of The Year', Akshay won the honour of 'The Most Enterprising Actor Of The Year'. Talking about the same Rasika said: "I'm honoured to be
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recognised as the Most Versatile Actor at Iconic Achievers Award. Every new role is an experience and an experiment. It is very heartening when that is acknowledged and applauded. I'm grateful to the jury and the audience who have appreciated me in the different roles I have had an opportunity to take on." "I feel honoured and happy to receive this award. I thank
viewers for showing me love and appreciating my performance in every project. There is nothing more satisfying than to see the audience enjoying my work and connecting to the characters I've played," shared Akshay. On the work front, Rasika will next be seen in projects like 'Lord Curzon Ki Haveli' and 'Dehli Crime Season 2'.
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ctress Wamiqa Gabbi, who plays a pivotal role in the Anushka Sharma-produced web series "Mai", says female-led stories are here to stay. Reflecting on the series, which will be streamed on Netflix, Wamiqa said, "What matters most today is the representation of women in stories that make a difference. I am honoured to be a part of this amazing project and work with such super-talented artistes. I don't think my Netflix debut could be anything bigger
than this." "Mai" also features well-known actress Sakshi Tanwar. "I believe that contentdriven stories with women as protagonists are going to rule the roost. It is a great feeling to be a part of this strong female-led community and I cannot wait to see how audience reacts to the film," Wamiqa added. She was last seen in the web series "Grahan", another female-led story centred around the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
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INDIA NEWS
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Oct 1-15, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 7
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