India News - May 16-31, 2022; Vol 2 Issue 21

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Labor commits $3.5 million in funding for India House in Springfield Amid Indian community and business leaders’ gathering in Springfield on May 16, it was announced that, if elected, an Albanese Labor Government will provide $3.5 million towards the building of the India House cultural centre in Greater Springfield, South East Queensland’s fast-growing Western Corridor.

This initiative is part of Labor’s plan to deliver a better future for multicultural communities, and it will bring economic, cultural and community benefits to Queensland, and the Ipswich and

Continued on Page 26

At India-Nordic Summit, Modi discusses multilateral cooperation in post-Covid recovery

(Sweden), and Sanna Marin of (Finland) provided an opportunity to review the progress of the India-Nordic relations since the 1st India-Nordic Summit, which was held in 2018 in Stockholm.

Discussions were also held on cooperation in maritime sector with a focus on sustainable ocean management.

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday participated in the second India-Nordic Summit in Denmark, where discussions were held on multilateral cooperation in post-pandemic economic recovery, climate

change, sustainable development, innovation, digitalisation, and green and clean growth.

The summit, with his counterparts Mette Frederiksen (Denmark), Katrin Jakobsdottir (Iceland), Jonas Gahr Store (Norway), Magdalena Andersson

Modi invited Nordic companies for investing in the Blue Economy sector, especially in India’s Sagarmala project. He also invited the sovereign wealth funds of the Nordic countries to invest in India.

Bangkok (Thailand), May 13 (IANS): The Indian men’s badminton team scripted history after reaching their maiden Thomas Cup final with 3-2 win over Denmark in a thrilling semifinal, here on Friday.

Indian men had previously reached the Thomas Cup semis in 1952, 1955 and 1979. India will now

Mumbai, May 10 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have mourned the death of santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, who passed away aged 84 after a cardiac arrest here on May 10.

“Our cultural world is poorer with the demise of Pandit

Shivkumar Sharma Ji,” tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

“He popularised the santoor at a global level. His music will continue to enthral the coming generations. I fondly remember my interactions with him.

Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Continued on Page 3

Former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in car crash

India’s partnership with the Nordic region in the Arctic region Continued on Page 3

India clinch maiden Thomas Cup title with stunning 3-0 win over Indonesia play Indonesia in the historic

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Modi, Mamata join eminent musicians to mourn Shivkumar Sharma’s death

final on Sunday.

Playing their first Thomas Cup semis in 43 years, India kicked off their final four fixture at the Impact Arena with Lakshya Sen, ninth in the badminton world rankings, facing off against world No 1 and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.

Continued on Page 25

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Sydney, May 15 (IANS):Andrew Symonds, the two-time World Cup winner and one of the most recognisable faces in international cricket, was killed in what police said was a single-car crash on Saturday night outside Townsville, on the north-eastern coast of Queensland, Australia.

Police confirmed that the 46-year-old died at the scene of

the mishap.

“Early information indicates, shortly after 11 p.m. (Australian time) the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled,” the police statement said.

“Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver Continued on Page 21

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INDIA NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-in-Chief Ms Priyadarshini Rana, Bureau Chief, Victoria Ms Apoorva Raghubanshi, Bureau Chief, ACT Ms. Garima Sangar, Associate Editor

Launcher used in intelligence wing attack recovered: Punjab Police

EDITORIAL BOARD Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, Queensland University of Technology Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India INDIA NEWS TV Mr Karthik Pratap Singh, News Director Mr. Agastya Yeturi, Cinematographer Mr Nishit Chandan, Special Correspondent WRITERS Mr Devashish Chakraborty Ms Deepika Banerjee Mr Rabindra Mukherji

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

Indian PM Modi lays foundation stone of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine governments,” she said.

COVER STORIES

Modi, Mamata join eminent musicians to mourn Shivkumar Sharma’s death Continued from Page 1

On the trade pact with Australia, Sitharaman said it is for the well-being of the Indo-Pacific economy.

While there are many hurdles because of the Russia-Ukraine war, there are also opportunities since their exports are hit, she said.

Chennai, May 10 (IANS): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday the country’s trade pacts with the UAE and Australia will chart the way for economic growth.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ outreach programme on IndiaUAE CEPA and India-Australia ECTA here, Sitharaman said awareness events about these pacts are happening across the country.

She also said the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has been asked to translate the details of the trade pacts in Tamil and share them with the media and stakeholders.

Tamil Nadu has a long-time connection with the leather sector, and the industry has achieved modernisation, Sitharaman said, as she went on to add that Tamil Nadu has been a frontrunner in trade for a long time.

She urged entrepreneurs to know the features of these agreements and make best use of them.

“If you want any support in

connection with the agreements, feel free to convey it to us,” she added.

“The industry should equip itself to cater to the changing tastes and preferences of consumers post Covid. Access the available markets that are part of the agreements,” she said.

According to Sitharaman, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE some years back, the Royal family promised $75 billion worth investments in India.

Sitharaman added that a formal agreement has also been signed, and entrepreneurs should scale up their businesses to get share from the investments.

“We are now dependent on one country for APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients).

So enough investments need to be made after much thought. I request the state government to invite raw material makers to invest here. We should not depend on others for our raw materials.

Backward and forward industries should be supported by the

Speaking at the event, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Anupriya Patel, said all efforts are being made to reach out to the stakeholders all over the country to explain the details of the trade agreements.

“The India-UAE trade agreement was concluded in record time.

India is the second largest trading partner of the UAE. Several benefits will flow out of the comprehensive agreement between the two countries. There is huge scope and there are so many employment opportunities to be created. Bilateral trade will double in the next five years,” Patel said.

“The India-Australia agreement is a clear signal to the other developed economies to partner with India,” she added.

peace and security, including the conflict in Ukraine, multilateral cooperation, green transition and climate change, the blue economy, innovation and digitalisation.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of free trade as a driver for achieving inclusive growth and realising the Sustainable Development Goals.

was discussed and he noted that India’s Arctic Policy provides a good framework for expansion of India-Nordic cooperation in the region.

The leaders also held discussions on regional and global developments.

During the Summit, the Prime Ministers pledged to continue to deepen cooperation between the Nordic countries and India and focused their discussions on key issues related to international

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The Nordic Prime Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russia, and expressed their serious concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Unequivocally condemning civilian deaths in Ukraine, they reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

They emphasized that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for

She said: “Sad to know about the demise of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, eminent Santoor player and internationally celebrated Indian music composer. His departure impoverishes our cultural world. My deepest condolences.”

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas wrote: “We have lost a gem today. Padma Vibhushan Shri

Shiv Kumar Sharma ji Santoor virtuoso. A big loss to Indian classical music. May his soul rest in eternal peace Om Shanti.”

Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan said Pandit Shivkumar Sharma’s passing marked the end of an era.

“He was the pioneer of santoor and his contribution is unparalleled,” the ustad tweeted.

“For me, it’s a personal loss and I will miss him no end. May his soul rest in peace. His music lives on forever! Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

Aus oppn increases polling lead ahead of May 21 election Continued from Page 1

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, L.A Murugan, congratulated the Department of Commerce and Industry for organising the awareness event in Chennai.

Murugan said that Rs 7,500 crore was allocated for fisheries infrastructure development by Sitharaman.

Modi, Johnson hold talks to further intensify ties Continued from Page 1

Mamata Banerjee said the maestro’s death had impoverished our cultural world.

sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states.

They discussed the destabilizing effect of the conflict in Ukraine and its broader regional and global implications. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue.

The Prime Ministers affirmed their strong commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. The leaders agreed that pressing challenges such as tackling climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, biodiversity loss and increasing food and energy insecurity across the world required international cooperation, a collective response and global solidarity.

India and the Nordic countries were committed to doing so and to working together in multilateral fora to promote international cooperation and promote human rights as well as equal opportunities for all people without prejudice.

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Canberra, May 9 (IANS) Australia’s opposition Labor Party has increased its polling lead over the incumbent government less than two weeks before the May 21 general elections.

According to the latest Newspoll, 39 per cent of voters now intend to vote for the Labor Party as their first preference, up from 38 per cent at the start of May, and 35 per cent for the governing Coalition, down from 36 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.

It represents the biggest lead the Labor Party has held over the governing Coalition since the start of the election campaign and would mark a 12-point swing in the opposition’s favor after losing the primary vote 41-33 at the 2019 election.

As a result, the Labor Party now leads the governing Coalition 5446 on a two-party preferred basis compared to 53-47 on May 1.

While the election day is not officially until May 21, pre-polling stations across the country opened on Monday, offering Australians the opportunity to vote early.

The poll was conducted after the central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia, increased the target

cash rate for the first time in 11 years to 0.35 per cent in a major blow to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s campaign, which has largely been built on economic austerity.

Newspoll found that Morrison’s personal approval rating has fallen, with the portion of voters choosing the incumbent as their preferred Prime Minister falling from 45 to 44 per cent.

In comparison, Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese’s rating increased three points to 42 per cent, closing the gap to the narrowest it has been in a month.

Responding to the figures, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said polls can be “very wrong”.

“Australia should want a prime minister that knows what he is doing and not someone who stumbles and fumbles around policy questions,” he told local media on Monday.

“We have managed to come out in a strong position in trying times and that is a testament to Scott Morrison’s leadership.”

The Newspoll data was published during the second leaders’ debate between Morrison and Albanese.

The leaders clashed over who is better prepared to tackle rising energy costs, cost of

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Springfield nurse still sheds tears of happiness after 10 years She has been an oncology nurse for more than a decade but Divya Jose still gets teary when patients thank her for the hope and strength she inspires during what is often the most difficult time in their lives.

“Being a nurse is special, but being an oncology nurse is really special to me,” said Ms Jose, who has been working at Mater Cancer Care Centre at Mater Private Hospital Springfield for the past two years.

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

NEWS FROM INDIA

Give your future a spark with an Abbot Point Operations apprenticeship

Abbot Point Operations (APO) is looking for the next crop of talented and motivated Greater Whitsundays region locals to carry on a 30-year training tradition at the Port of Abbot Point.

The port operations business is looking for three apprentices – two to undertake a Certificate III in Engineering – Fitting and Turning and one a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – to join the local team of more than 385 employees and contractors in 2023.

APO General Manager Allan Brown said the annual

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apprenticeship program offered a world-class foundation for locals wanting to develop their skills and start a career path in a trade.

“The apprenticeship program is a strong part of both our commitment to maintaining a future workforce and our commitment to grow our local community,” Mr Brown said.

“What we look for in an APO apprentice is very much aligned with what we look for in all of our employees; a strong work ethic, a determination to learn, and a desire to be an active member of a team.

“In return we provide the

opportunity to work with sophisticated systems and smart technology alongside some of the best people in the industry – all of which will set the right person up for a fulfilling career in a well paid, highly-skilled job that lasts a lifetime.”

First year Mechanical Apprentice Brittany Kane applied for APO’s 2022 apprenticeship intake as a mature aged (over 21 years of age) recruit looking for more variety in her day-to-day job.

“One day we’re working on the stacker-reclaimers, the next we’re out on the berths with the shiploaders. Very few days are

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ever the same and that one of the things I love most about my apprenticeship here,” she said.

salary’s not bad either and there’s a pathway to go further in the job as well,” he said.

“The other is that the people who train me are not just helpful, they all come from different backgrounds and bring different experiences and I find that really valuable as I learn.”

“The best advice I could give the applicants for 2023 is to be confident, but humble, and if you don’t know something don’t be afraid to ask questions – that’s the most important thing.” 2

Second year Electrical Apprentice Tyler Warren described applying for an APO apprenticeship as “one of the best career choices I could have made.”

“I really enjoy figuring out the electrical side of things and it’s a lot of fun to work with big machines like we have here. The

For more information about APO’s 2023 apprenticeship program or to apply, visit www. abbotpointoperations.com.au/ the-people/. Applications close 5pm on Tuesday, 31 May 2022.

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INDIA NEWS

May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

President awards 13 Shaurya Chakras to army personnel

Former Andhra minister Narayana arrested in question paper leak case the case registered in Chittoor I Town police station.

He said the case was registered on a complaint by the District Educational Officer about the circulation of Telugu language question paper on April 27.

Amaravati, May 10 (IANS): Former Andhra Pradesh minister P. Narayana was arrested on May 10 in the Class 10 question paper leak case.

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind conferred 13 Shaurya Chakras, including six posthumous, to the personnel of the armed forces during a Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 10.

The gallantry awards were given to the personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty.

The President also conferred 14 Param Vishisht Seva Medals,

four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 24 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals for distinguished service of exceptional order.

Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. On April 30, Gen. Manoj Pande took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff from incumbent Gen. Manoj Naravane who retired from service. General Pande became the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to head the 1.3 millionstrong Army.

An Andhra Pradesh Police party arrested Narayana from his residence at Kondapur in Hyderabad and brought him to Chittoor, where a case was registered against him.

Narayana, a leader of opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is the founder chairman of Narayana Group of institutions.

Chittoor’s Superintendent of Police Y. Rishant Reddy told reporters that Narayana has been taken into custody, based on the investigation conducted so far in

Congress’ one family, one ticket proposal may face ‘internal hurdles’ New Delhi, May 11 (IANS): The Congress, during its upcoming ‘Chintan Shivir’ (brain-storming camp) to discuss ways to revive its political fortunes, is likely to discuss the issue of “one family, one ticket” which has been recommended by a subgroup so as to attract youth in the party.

But the party may face hurdles in this change as many senior leaders have their sons and daughters in politics and remain hopeful for a ticket in election or an organisational post in the party for them too.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s son is a politician in Karnataka.

Similarly former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is an MLA and his son Deepinder

Hooda is a Rajya Sabha MP, among others. Even in the Gandhi family, there are two - both party chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are Lok Sabha members.

Party leader and former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh had on May 9 asserted that the Chintan Shivir is not a destination of the Congress, but a milestone.

The Congress sub group has recommended giving only one ticket per family so that big leaders do not corner party tickets and deny a place to the genuine hard workers.

He said the Shivir is being held not to draft a manifesto, but to prepare an action plan to revive and strengthen the Congress so that it can deal with the presentday political and organisational challenges.

However, the party recently flouted this rule in Goa and Uttarakhand.

But sources say that the party may adopt this formula with a one election, one ticket tweak or that no other family member of a candidate will get a ticket in that Assembly polls. However the Chintan Shivir may come with more clarity on it.

The heads of various departments of Congress, office bearers, former Union ministers and MPs would all participate in the Chintan Shivir. A total of 422 members will be present in the Shivir, of which 30-35 per cent will be youth and 21 per cent women.

Telangana youth dials 100 for beer, police miffed Hyderabad, May 10 (IANS): A youth in Telangana dialed 100 late in the night to call police - and order two bottles of beer!

The bizarre incident occurred in Vikarabad district under the limits of Doulatabad police station.

A youth from Goka Faslabad village called the police on Dial 100 saying he was in danger.

When the policemen reached the village about seven km away, they were shocked when he ordered them to get him beer.

The 22-year-old was attending a wedding party and was in an inebriated condition. Identified as J. Madhu, he told policemen that he consumed the liquor which he had and some beer. He said since all the wine shops are closed, he

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had to seek police help. The youth even argued that police help people in need.

The police personnel left after collecting details of Madhu. The next day, a case was registered against him. A police officer said he was summoned to the police station with his father and was counselled.

This is the second such incident in Telangana in less than two months.

In March, a man in Nalgonda district had repeatedly dialled 100 to complain that his wife had not cooked mutton curry.

The bizarre incident took place on Holi when a man identified as Naveen dialled 100 not once but six times late in the night to lodge

The SP revealed that a total of seven persons have been taken into custody so far in this case.

He said Narayana was arrested, as per rules, and on the basis of technical evidence gathered and the details collected from other accused.

He said the malpractice was committed in a pre-planned manner to get more admissions into corporate schools. The police learnt that the details of the invigilators on duty at examination centres were gathered by the accused. Students who were good at studies and who were not so good were also identified to help them in malpractice.

The SP said the photograph of the question paper was taken through a headmaster at an examination centre and the accused tried

The police traced the caller and the next morning, a few police personnel reached his house and took him into custody.

Police have appealed to people not to misuse the dial 100 facility as this leads to loss of valuable time and may impact their response in attending to genuine emergency calls.

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to send back answers to the examination centre. The police also found during the investigation that the question paper leak also happened in a similar manner in the past.

The accused arrested in the case had worked in Narayana institutions in the past. Police were also probing the role of other educational institutions.

Meanwhile, the TDP has condemned Narayana’s arrest.

The opposition termed the arrest a political conspiracy by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government.

TDP’s national President and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu termed Narayana’s arrest a political vendetta by the state government.

He alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy government arrested Narayana to hide its failure in conducting the exams in a smooth manner.

Naidu wondered how Narayana can be blamed for the government’s failure in properly conducting the exams and preventing mass copying. He said arresting the former minister without serving an advance notice, proper investigation and without evidence is nothing but political vendetta.

Bagga gets reprieve from Punjab and Haryana High Court Chandigarh, May 10 (IANS): In a major reprieve to BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 10 ordered continuation of his interim protection.

But Justice Anoop Chitkara questioned Punjab on filing of a habeas corpus plea in the case.

The case will come up for final hearing on July 5 after the summer break.

Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain refuted the allegations of illegal detention and said not even a single officer was detained.

An affidavit in this regard has already been filed by the Delhi Police.

The High Court previously stayed the arrest of Bagga and directed the Punjab government to not take any coercive action against him until the next hearing which was scheduled for May 10.

The BJP leader moved the High Court while challenging a nonbailable arrest warrant issued against him by a Mohali Court on May 7.

a complaint against his wife.

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The Punjab government, in its habeas plea, had moved two applications: one for making the Centre a party to the case and the second for direction to Delhi and Haryana Police to preserve the CCTV cameras.

The state had filed the habeas corpus petition against the Haryana government, alleging that 12 Punjab Police officers involved in the arrest of Bagga have been detained by Haryana police in Kurukshetra.

Punjab also sought the custody of

Bagga, the national secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, who was held in connection with a case registered against him in Mohali last month.

In its plea, the Punjab government had alleged that when Punjab Police was taking Bagga to SAS Nagar (Mohali) to produce him before the area magistrate, the Haryana Police stopped them midway and brought them to the Kurukshetra where his custody was given to the Delhi Police.

Delhi Police, which reports to the Union Home Ministry, on May 6 took Bagga’s custody and later released him after a legal process.

It also lodged two cases against Punjab Police in connection with Bagga’s arrest.

Punjab Police, while taking Bagga to Mohali from Delhi, was stopped midway by the Haryana Police after Delhi Police registered a kidnapping case on the complaint of the father of the BJP leader.

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INDIA NEWS

May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

NEWS FROM INDIA

Tharoor slams Agnihotri for dragging his late wife into twitter warfare New Delhi, May 10 (IANS): Responding to a tweet by ‘The Kashmir Files’ director Vivek Agnihotri, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on May 10 that dragging his late wife Sunanda Pushkar into the matter was unwarranted and contemptible.

The row started after Tharoor shared a media report on Twitter stating that ‘The Kashmir Files’ has been banned in Singapore.

“Film promoted by India’s ruling party, ‘Kashmir Files’, banned in Singapore,” the Congress MP tweeted on May 10 morning.

Reacting to Tharoor’s tweet, Agnihotri said Singapore has the most regressive censor in the world and asked him to stop making “fun” of Kashmiri Pandits’

genocide.

said in another tweet.

“Dear fopdoodle, gnashnab @ ShashiTharoor, FYI, Singapore has the most regressive censor in the world. It even banned ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ (ask your madam). Even a romantic film called #TheLeelaHotelFiles will be banned. Pl stop making fun of Kashmiri Hindu Genocide,” the filmmaker tweeted.

As the verbal spat continued between the film director and the Congress leader, veteran actor Anupam Kher also joined in, asking Tharoor to show some sensitivity towards Kashmiri Pandits for his wife’s sake who was a Kashmiri herself.

In a subsequent tweet, Agnihotri asked him to delete the tweet if his wife Sunanda Pushkar was a Kashmiri Hindu.

“Hey @ShashiTharoor, Is this true that Late Sunanda Pushkar was a Kashmiri Hindu? Is the enclosed SS true? If yes, then in Hindu tradition, to respect the dead, you must delete your tweet and apologise to her soul,” Agnihotri

Launcher used in intelligence wing attack recovered: Punjab General of Police (DGP) to probe the entire incident thoroughly so as to get to the bottom of the case.

Chandigarh, May 10 (IANS): The Punjab Police said on May 10 evening that as part of the investigation into the rocket attack on the headquarters of its intelligence wing in Mohali, a number of suspects have been rounded up and questioned.

The launcher used in the attack has been recovered and all leads developed in the case are being pursued meticulously, an official statement said.

Taking cognisance of the attack in Mohali on May 9 night, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann earlier in the day directed the Director

Chairing a high-level meeting of senior police officers, Mann said that nobody would be allowed to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the state, adding that a few inimical forces are constantly trying to foment trouble across the state, who will never succeed in their nefarious designs.

Meanwhile, the DGP apprised the Chief Minister that a few suspects have been taken into custody for interrogation so as to enable the police strike at the roots of the unsavoury incident.

The Chief Minister said the culprits behind this incident would be soon brought to book and handed down an exemplary punishment as a deterrent for other such anti-social elements to not commit such heinous crimes in the future.

“Dear @ShashiTharoor!

Your callousness towards #KashmiriHindus genocide is tragic. If nothing else at least for #Sunanda’s sake, who was a Kashmiri herself, you should show some sensitivity towards #KashmiriPandits & not feel victorious about a country banning #TheKashmirFiles!” Kher tweeted.

After her late wife Sunanda was dragged into the controversy,

The twin satellites named DISHA (Disturbed and quiet time Ionosphere-thermosphere System at High Altitudes) will be launched in the low earth orbit - about 500 km above earth - to study the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere, said Shantanu Bhatawdekar, Scientific Secretary, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Bengaluru, May 10 (IANS): Following the loudspeaker row in the state, the BJP government in Karnataka has swung into action.

Minister for Tourism Anand Singh stated on May 10 that action will be initiated against the temple, mosque and church authorities if they fail to follow the guidelines regarding the use of loudspeakers.

There are restrictions on the use of loudspeakers, if local people lodge a complaint action would be initiated. The law which is in place all over the country would be implemented here as well, Anand Singh said.

Anand Singh maintained that the guidelines would be implemented in 7 to 10 days. In case of violations, action will be initiated against the authorities of the religious places, he said.

The decibel limits are being fixed for industrial areas (75 decibels in the morning and 70 decibels

He was speaking at the online National Meet on Aeronomy Research on the theme “Science of near Earth Space and its Applications.”

Bhatawdekar said the upper atmosphere is the first region to experience the wrath of the Sun

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before it percolates further down.

He said the DISHA satellites will study space weather, solarterrestrial interactions and provide an advance warning on space based weather happenings and preventive actions can be taken.

The two satellites will carry identical payloads while one will be placed at higher inclination DISHA - H and the other DISHA - L at a lower inclination to the equator, Bhatawdekar said.

The data generated by the proposed ISRO’s solar mission Aditya 1 and by DISHA satellites would help to understand the Sun-Earth linkages.

Referring to the ISRO sending sounding rockets, S. Somanath, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman ISRO said the observation capacity of those

“I tweeted a factual news item this morning, with no comment on its content or on the film ‘The Kashmir Files’, which I have not seen. At no point did I mock or disparage the sufferings of Kashmiri Pandits, of whose plight I am intimately aware, and to which I have repeatedly drawn attention over the years,” the Congress MP said in a statement on Twitter.

“Dragging my late wife Sunanda into this matter was unwarranted and contemptible. No one is more aware of her views than I am.

I have accompanied her to the destroyed ruins of her ancestral home in Bomai, near Sopore, and joined her in conversations with her Kashmiri neighbours and friends, both Muslim and Hindu. One thing I know, unlike those attempting to exploit her when she is not around to speak for herself: She believed in reconciliation, not hate,” Tharoor said.

Loudspeaker row: Karnataka sets guidelines, Hindu bodies urge immediate implementation

India to send twin satellites DISHA to study upper atmosphere Chennai, May 10 (IANS): Indian space agency will build an identical pair of satellites for studying the earth’s upper atmosphere, said officials.

Tharoor said he has never seen the movie and has not made any comment on its content.

rockets were low as against the dedicated satellites sent up for the purpose.

Somanath also urged the space scientists to look at the ways in which the scientific studies benefit the population at large.

However, officials did not mention any time frame for sending up the two DISHA satellites.

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in the evening). In commercial areas, it is fixed at 55 decibels and 65 decibels in the morning and night. For residential areas, it is fixed at 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. In silent zones, it is 50 decibels in the morning and 40 decibels at night, Singh said.

Meanwhile, the note signed by Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar and released to the media stated that the guidelines in this connection must be implemented with immediate effect as per the instructions of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

The meeting on this issue was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary Home department, DG and IGP Praveen Sood, Commissioner of Police Bengaluru, Additional Advocate General, Principal Secretary Law Department, Secretary Pollution Control Board and Secretary Minority Welfare Department.

The provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 and the subsequent order by the Karnataka government dated August 13, 2022, were discussed for implementation.

The guidelines stipulate that all users of loudspeakers or public address systems should obtain written permission from the designated authority within 15 days. Those who don’t obtain the permission should voluntarily remove or should be removed by the designated authority.

Seniority is no guarantee for party ticket: Rahul Gandhi some symbols at the cost of Dahod (Gujarat), May 10 (IANS): Only those who work for and fight for people are guaranteed a Congress party ticket to contest elections, was the clear message from the party’s former president and leader Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi, while addressing the party’s tribal leaders in Dahod, spelt out the party strategy for the tribal leaders. “Tribals’ main issues are forest, land and water.

From party workers to senior leaders everyone will have to stand with them, fight for them, one has to reach out to them through door to door campaigns, covering each village.” He added that only sincere workers and fighters are guaranteed a party ticket, seniority does not guarantee a ticket, no work no ticket.

Without naming the Statue of Unity, Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed

adivasis, these symbols have ruined local tribal lives, it has not benefitted them. Congress workers need to fight for them, tribals are fighting against the river interlinking project, Congress workers and leaders will have to fight for their cause.

Under Modi’s leadership the BJP has ruined the country’s economy, small and medium scale industries have suffered a lot and many have closed down. SME is the spine of the Indian economy, generating lakhs and crores of jobs, without it Modi government cannot generate employment in Gujarat or the nation, claimed the Congress leader.

It is up to you to ensure it, if you enter the war field with a mindset that Congress can’t do it, you will fail, but if you start the fight with confidence and faith in yourself that you can win, the Congress will make it.

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

Australian household spending plunges as spending, but were spending inflation escalates more on travel entertainment

Canberra, May 10 (IANS): The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) on May 10 released data showing that residents are beginning to pull back on their spending amid rising inflation and interest rates.

The CommBank Household Spending Intentions (HSI) Index, which measures consumer

sentiment based on card spending data and publicly available loan application and search trends, showed a drop of 3.8 per cent in April after reaching a record high in March, reports Xinhua news agency.

Australians were shown to be spending less on homes, health and fitness, and transport

Qantas announces programme to bolster

Canberra, May 9 (IANS): Australian flag carrier Qantas announced on May 9 that it is set to launch hundreds of “points planes” offering super cheap domestic flights in a bid to bolster domestic travel during the upcoming winter months in the country.

The programme is the airline’s latest effort to balance their frequent flyer sheets as customers have accumulated massive stockpiles of points during the Covid-19 pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier this year, the airline introduced a “Green Tier” programme, which awards customers with frequent flyer points based on their sustainable choices.

From June, passengers who are travelling between Australia’s capital cities will enjoy discounts of 30 percent while booking economy seats.

Additionally, 1,700 “points planes” are set to launch, where every seat could be purchased using frequent flyers.

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Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said on May 9 that the programmes would help boost tourism across the nation in the coming months.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in demand for regional travel since the start of the pandemic and these Points Planes will help tens of thousands of frequent flyers discover regional Australia this winter.”

This means that jet-setters could pay as little as A$41 ($29) to fly between Sydney and Townsville, a small city in the state of Queensland, when used in conjunction with points.

The most recent data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics, showed that domestic aviation is still well below pre-pandemic levels.

In February 2022, 2.69 million passengers travelled domestically, up from 1.87 million in February of 2021, but well below 4.6 million passengers in February of 2020 before disruptions due to the pandemic.

and retail.

CBA senior economist, Belinda Allen, said despite the drop, the 2022 April index was still an improvement from April of 2021.

“With an interest rate hiking cycle now underway the Australian economy is in a strong position.”

“We are seeing a post Covid normalisation of consumer spending patterns, with lower spending on categories that increased during lockdowns,” said Allen.

In the last several weeks Australia’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), has been forced to lift interest rates for the first time in over a decade in response to headline inflation soaring past 5 per cent.

The CBA immediately lifted their interest rates for customers following the RBA’s 0.25 percentage points increase on the cash rate.

Allen said the bank expects the cash rate to continue to be lifted through to February 2023, bringing the cash rate to 1.60 per cent.

Heavy rain, flash floods expected in Queensland, NSW

Aus researchers develop app to protect endangered

threatened animals in their local area, information on their main threats, and links to contact local politicians to express concern.

With Australia’s federal election fast approaching, the researchers said they hope the initiative will engage people in environmental issues when they head out to vote.

Canberra, May 3 (IANS): Scientists from the University of Queensland (UQ) have developed an app that provides users with information on endangered species in their local areas and ways for everyday Australians to take action.

The app and website, called Threatened Australians, were released on May 3, which allows users to access information about the threatened and at-risk species in their area by simply inputting a postcode, reports Xinhua news agency.

UQ PhD candidate and creator, Gareth Kindler, said the firstof-its-kind application presents public data in an accessible and engaging way.

“Australia is lucky to have extensive national biodiversity data, but until now it hasn’t been very easy for all citizens to access this information,” he said.

Sydney, May 9 (IANS): Residents in eastern Australia, especially in the states of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW), are being warned to prepare for heavy rain and flash floods.

The Queensland Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said on May 9 that showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for the next few days, which may cause flooding and cause water level to rise, particularly in the Western River and upper Diamantina River catchments, reports Xinhua news agency.

The BoM said heavy rain would likely develop overnight in some regions, which may lead to flash and riverine flooding, and widespread impacts to transport systems.

The latest forecast summary from BoM suggested the capital city of Brisbane could receive up to 15 mm of rainfall on May 9, increasing to up to 60mm by May 11.

Heavy rainfall was expected to shift towards the east coast and adjacent to Queensland on May 11 and May 12, although there is still uncertainty about where the heaviest rainfall will be.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is urging residents to make preparations and plan ahead if they are travelling and to stay up to date with the latest weather and flood warnings.

The bureau has already issued a warning for minor flooding for the Bogan River in the central western region of NSW.

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NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

Users have the ability to enter their postcode into the software which will then create a list of

“It’s up to governments and elected representatives to implement the reform needed to safeguard the thousands of imperilled species in Australia,” said Kindler.

In the last 200 years, more than 90 native animals have gone extinct, a number that grows every year with an estimated 1,700 plants and animals listed as threatened.

Early this year, the once thriving Koala joined this list as their population has declined sharply in recent years.

Co-creator of the project Professor James Watson said this list means that without action, these species are all but guaranteed to go extinct in the next 30 to 50 years.

“What we see with this data is there are threatened species across every single electorate, and that’s why this app is so important. It actually puts data in the hands of the general public.

“These are species that are iconic around the world, and yet they’re disappearing. Once these species go, they can never be recovered,” he said.

Australia in midst of Covid reinfection wave: Report that something’s happening here, but there’s no reason why we wouldn’t be seeing a reasonably large number of reinfections in Australia as well,” he told The Canberra Times.

According to The Canberra Times, the subvariants have proved adept at avoiding immunity from vaccination or prior infection, and Australians are increasingly testing positive to Covid-19 for the second time.

Canberra, May 9 (IANS): A leading Australian expert on May 9 warned of a Covid-19 reinfection surge across the country.

Adrian Esterman, an infectious diseases expert from the University of South Australia, said reinfections were on the rise as natural immunity from the peak of Australia’s Omicron wave in December 2021 and this January had started to wane, reports Xinhua news agency.

Governments across Australia do not have systems in place to track reinfection rates, which Esterman said has left experts relying on data from overseas.

Australia’s rate of Covid-19 infection has remained stable at approximately 40,000 new cases per day since mid-April.

In the Australian Capital Territory, the number of cases being treated in hospitals hit an all-time high of 76 on May 9.

However, Esterman said the expected winter spike in cases would not have the same impact on the hospital system as previous waves.

The federal, state and territory governments have urged all Australians to receive their influenza vaccinations to avoid the risk of a double blow to the health system.

“We can’t say hand over heart

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

Violent storms bring heavy rains in Tasmania a.m. on May 6.

Heavy rain, dangerous thunderstorms and blustery winds are still affecting southern and eastern parts of Tasmania.

Heavy rain, flash floods expected in Queensland, NSW

Energy provider TasNetworks said severe weather conditions caused a number of outages, affecting 2,482 customers in the south of the state.

They are still investigating multiple reports of fallen trees and powerlines in affected areas.

Canberra, May 6 (IANS): Tasmania has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, which has seen torrential rain and thunderstorms inundate parts of the island state.

A record-breaking amount of rain was dumped on the state’s capital of Hobart during the 24 hours to 9 a.m. on May 6, reports Xinhua

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news agency.

The 85.2 mm rain was the city’s highest daily total since 2018.

The nearby Mount Wellington was hit by 124 mm of rain, a two-year high, according to Weatherzone.

Weatherzone’s Total Lightning Network also detected roughly 10,000 lightning strikes in Hobart during the 12 hours ending at 10

Tasmania’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued some current minor and moderate flood warnings for rivers around the state, such as Jordan River, Macquarie River, Huon River, South Esk River and Coal River.

BoM forecasted that the heavy rain at times may ease in the afternoon, while possible thunderstorms may occur in the southern half of the state.

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NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

Sydney, May 9 (IANS): Residents in eastern Australia, especially in the states of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW), are being warned to prepare for heavy rain and flash floods.

The Queensland Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said on May 9 that showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for the next few days, which may cause flooding and cause water level to rise, particularly in the Western River and upper Diamantina River catchments, reports Xinhua news agency.

The BoM said heavy rain would

likely develop overnight in some regions, which may lead to flash and riverine flooding, and widespread impacts to transport systems.

The latest forecast summary from BoM suggested the capital city of Brisbane could receive up to 15 mm of rainfall on May 9, increasing to up to 60mm by May 11.

Heavy rainfall was expected to shift towards the east coast and adjacent to Queensland on May 11 and May 12, although there is still uncertainty about where the heaviest rainfall will be.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is urging residents to make preparations and plan ahead if they are travelling and to stay up to date with the latest weather and flood warnings.

The bureau has already issued a warning for minor flooding for the Bogan River in the central western region of NSW.

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

More vouchers for kids to play the sports they love Melbourne, May 14: More vouchers for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships are being made available as the Andrews Labor Government reduces the cost of getting in the game for thousands of Victorian families.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced $12.3 million for the continuation of the popular Get Active Kids Voucher Program through to June 2023. The vital program reduces out-of-pocket expenses associated with participation in community sport by providing eligible parents and guardians with a $200 voucher to help defray the costs of membership, registration, uniforms and equipment.

Data from the first three rounds shows almost 30 per cent of children who received a voucher joined a local sporting club for the first time and about 45 per cent also indicated they would not have been able to take part without the financial support.

So far, the program has issued more than 55,000 vouchers, providing more opportunities for kids to get active, try new things and learn more skills.

Parents now only need to apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at a registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider – such as a local sporting club or organization.

Registered activity providers must be affiliated with a

recognized State Sporting Association or equivalent governing body and can lodge voucher codes with the Labor Government to be credited the costs.

The program is open to Victorian children aged up to 18 who are named on a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and named on a valid Medicare Card at the time of application.

A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students up to 18 years at the time of application.

More paramedics and ambulance stations across Victoria Ambulance Station features a six-bay garage for ambulances, training facilities and eight rest and recline areas for our hard-working paramedics to recuperate.

Melbourne, May 12: The Andrews Labor Government is boosting ambulance resources and staffing levels and across Victoria, ensuring paramedics have the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to emergencies and save lives.

Minister for Ambulance Services Martin Foley today joined local paramedics to officially open the new ambulance station in Templestowe – one of 23 new stations delivered by the Andrews Labor Government since 2015.

Operating 24 hours a day, the new purpose-built Templestowe

The new station was built to replace the nearby Doncaster ambulance station, which was shut in 2013 by the BallieuNapthine Government. It provides easy access to the Austin Hospital and Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, local schools, shopping precincts and community facilities like the Templestowe Leisure Centre Stadium and Westerfolds Sports Centre.

A further 15 ambulance stations are currently either under construction or about to commence, including in Melton South, Mornington, Taylors Lakes, Moe, Oak Park, Clyde North and Warragul – meaning even more paramedics will be able to work from safe and modern home bases, helping them deliver critical care to more Victorians.

Trust for Nature will transfer their owner ship of 30,000 hectares of regenerated farmland to the First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation.

This historic hand over is supported by $2 million from the Andrews Labor Government to continue conservation works and planning for a future, fenced haven on the site to protect at risk wildlife from a range of threats including foxes and feral cats.

Over the past twenty years Trust for Nature and their volunteers have helped transform Ned’s Corner from a grazing property into a flourishing ecosystem for

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Ambulance Victoria recruited 700 paramedics in 2021 – its single largest annual recruitment ever – to help respond to increasing demand. This recruitment drive continues with 174 paramedics already on board so far this year and a further 120 paramedics fast-tracked and starting this month.

Since coming to government in 2014, the Labor Government has expanded by paramedic workforce by more than 56 per cent – with an increase of almost 2,000 paramedics.

New pavilion on the way for the port fairy seagulls Melbourne, May 13: The Andrews Labor Government is kicking off an upgrade to the Port Fairy Seagulls Football Netball Club with a new pavilion at Gardens Oval.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced the Victorian Budget 2022/23 will invest $1.6 million towards the project, replacing the current building with new and updated club and change rooms. The project is expected to create up to 24 jobs during construction.

The new pavilion will have female friendly change rooms, umpire change rooms and spaces for community and club events. Once complete the project will allow for

the football and netball teams to further build their memberships, training, competitions and development programs at the ground.

In 2020 the Seagulls had more than 1,000 playing and social members. These investments create jobs, boost local economies, level the playing field and help community clubs grow participation – while also encouraging Victorians to get active and stay healthy.

The Budget takes the Government’s investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure to more than $1.2 billion since 2014.

Awards to recognize Victoria’s leading manufacturers Melbourne, May 11: Home grown manufacturers are being encouraged to nominate for the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.

Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula today announced nominations are now open with this year marking the return of the Awards for the first time since 2019 and also the 20th anniversary of the Awards.

The awards recognise the achievements of exceptional manufacturers across the state and acknowledge the key role manufacturing plays in Victoria.

Manufacturing in Victoria supports more than 260,000 jobs and contributes close to $30.6 billion to the local economy each year.

‘Making it in Victoria’ is the theme for this year’s awards, which highlights the importance of local manufacturing and the breadth of products, machinery and equipment produced in the state.

and excel in business innovation.

Nominees will be recognised across 14 categories including ‘Young Manufacturer of the Year’, ‘Woman Manufacturer of the Year’ and ‘Leader in Industry 4.0’.

Three new categories will be introduced this year, celebrating adaptability in the industry, ‘Leader in low carbon economy’, ‘Outstanding responsiveness to COVID-19’ and ‘Leader in diversity and inclusion’.

Since November 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $184 million in support to the manufacturing sector, creating more than 8,000 jobs and generating almost $2 billion in private investment. This includes the Government’s Manufacturing and Industry Development Fund that is helping to secure Victoria’s manufacturing capability by improving productivity, creating new jobs and strengthening local supply chains.

The new stations form part

Ambulance Victoria continues to experience record demand, with ambulances called to 93,234 Code 1 cases between January and March this year – the busiest quarter in history.

native plants and animals; many being rare and threatened in Victoria.

Q u e e n s l a n d e r s g i ve n c h a n c e t o b e h e a rd i n g ro u n d - b re a k i n g j u s t i c e rev i ew Kelly Clarkson, accompanied by

Historic land return to traditional owners

Melbourne, May 11: Neds Corner Station on Ngintait Country in northwest Victoria is making history, as the largest parcel of private land to be returned to Traditional Owners in the state.

of the Labor Government’s continued investment in Ambulance Victoria, bolstered by an additional $124 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to employ more paramedics, buy new vehicles and get more Victorians the care they need.

NEWS FROM VICTORIA

First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation can now undertake cultural assessments and mapping for the land as well as employ rangers for ecological and conservation works. Victorians can continue to enjoy Neds Corner with opportunities to learn from Traditional Owners and appreciate the important history of the landscape and its unique ecosystem.

The land transfer is expected to be completed within 2 years, this will allow time to work with Traditional Owners and stakeholders to agree on a funding and management model and for a Trust for Nature conservation covenant to be placed on the property.

Established in 2001, the Hall of Fame Awards recognise individuals and companies that embrace new technologies and techniques, are export focused

Nominations for the awards close on Tuesday 31May and winners will be announced at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on Tuesday 26 July at Crown Palladium.

electrifying choreography.& Juliet first premiered in London’s West End in November 2019 to critical acclaim and has experienced strong box office sales since reopening in September 2021.

Melbourne, May 10: The West End’s award-winning contemporary musical & Juliet will make its Australian premiere in Melbourne at the Regent Theatre in February next year thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced that Melbourne has secured the hit musical in only its

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third ever production worldwide.

Featuring the music of legendary pop songwriter Max Martin and with a book by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek, David West Read, & Juliet tells a version of Romeo and Juliet in which Juliet doesn’t die but chooses her own fate.

The musical features iconic hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and

Melbourne will be the third destination after London and Toronto to host this feel-good new musical, providing strong incentive for people to travel from interstate to see the show and explore everything else on offer in the city.

Securing the Australian premiere of & Juliet continues a run of theatrical triumphs for Melbourne. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child recently become the first stage play in Australian history to sell more than one million tickets.Moulin Rouge!

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

Commission of Inquiry to examine Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family violence

the investigation of domestic and family violence identified in the Report

“However, the issues raised by survivors with the Taskforce require further investigation to ensure all women feel confident they’re being listened to.”

Brisbane, May 11: Her Honour Judge Deborah Richards will be appointed to lead the Commission of Inquiry to examine Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family violence Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the landmark inquiry has been established in response to a key recommendation of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.

“I want to acknowledge the dedicated work of all officers in the Queensland Police Service who help women and children escape violence every day. We know this increasingly makes up a large portion of their workload,” the Premier said.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the Commission of Inquiry would find ways to improve how police respond to women who are trapped in an abusive and controlling relationship.

“Hundreds of survivors told their story to the Taskforce – we have heard their voices, and we will consider any improvements that can be made,” Minister Fentiman said.

- examine how any cultural issues identified within the QPS relating to the investigation of domestic and family violence have contributed to the overrepresentation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system - assess the capability, capacity and structure of the QPS to respond to domestic and family violence, having regard to initiatives undertaken by the QPS in responses to previous reports and events - examine the adequacy of the current conduct and complaints handling processes against officers to ensure community confidence in the QPS; and

“We know the system needs to identify these dangerous patterns of controlling behaviour earlier.”

Minister Fenitman said.

- any other matter the Commission considers relevant for consideration to deliver its Report.

The Terms of Reference task the Commission to consider the following matters:

The Commission of Inquiry will begin on May 30th 2022 and is expected to take four months.

- whether there is, and if so, the extent and nature of, any cultural issues within the Queensland Police Service (QPS) relating to

$3.4 million has been allocated to support it.

experiences will only add to the mosaic of skills they can use to serve and protect Queensland.

Deception Bay Station 2

“Every little thing our officers graduating today have learnt, dealt with, experienced, and survived is what will make them a great police officer for the QPS.

Redcliffe Station 4

Queensland Police Service inducts 68 recruits into service

Brisbane, May 5: Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services the Honourable Mark Ryan MP on May 5 joined Deputy Commissioner Stephan Gollschewski to induct 68 recruits into the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

The ceremony, held at the QPS Oxley Academy, was an opportunity to celebrate the recruits as they begin their careers as First Year Constables (FYCs).

The cohort has spent the past six months at the academy and will now undertake a further 12 months of station-based training as FYCs, which sees them assessed on their management of a range of real-world policing scenarios.

“I wish luck to all our new officers graduating today and am confident they will uphold the values expected of a police officer in Queensland.”

Minister Ryan thanked the graduates for making the choice to undertake a policing career.

“Our newest FYCs are commencing their service at a pivotal time for the QPS and the Queensland community as a whole,” Minister Ryan said.

This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations: BRISBANE REGION North Brisbane District Boondall Station 1 Brisbane City Station 2 Carseldine Station 1

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said he was pleased to welcome the 68 recruits who all had their own backgrounds and life experiences which would be their greatest assets while policing Queensland.

Ferny Grove Station 2

“With career backgrounds as diverse as child safety and disability support officers, park rangers, pilots, paramedics and even a QPS communications operator, the range of skills our newest officers have from previous careers and life

Cleveland Station 1

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Fortitude Valley Station 3 Hendra Station 1 Indooroopilly Station 1 Sandgate Station 1 South Brisbane District Inala Station 1 Morningside Station 1 Upper Mt Gravatt Station 1 NORTH COAST REGION Moreton District

Mango Hills North Lakes Station 1 Petrie Station 3 Wide Bay Burnett District Bundaberg Station 2 Hervey Bay Station 1 SOUTH EASTERN REGION Gold Coast District Broadbeach Station 1 Coolangatta Station 1 Coomera Station 1 Mudgeeraba Station 2 Palm Beach Station 2 Southport Station 2 Surfers Paradise Station 2 Logan District

NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND

New community-led alliance to boost engagement with LGBTIQ+ community Brisbane, May 9: The Palaszczuk Government will continue its strong record of supporting the state’s vibrant LGBTIQ+ community, with the LGBTIQ+ Roundtable to continue with a new community-led alliance to be established to boost engagement with Queenslanders of diverse sexualities and genders.

and South Sea Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, sistergirl and brotherboy identities will be central to the roundtable.

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland LGBTIQ+ Roundtable, which was reinstated by the Palaszczuk Government in 2018, after it was axed by the LNP in 2012, had been an important way of engaging with LGBTIQ+ Queenslanders.

“The Palaszczuk Government will also be providing $100,000 funding per year over the next two years for a community-led alliance to support engagement between government and the community, and we will soon begin a procurement process for a suitable supplier to oversee this alliance.”

“Since 2018 the roundtable has continued to grow and allow the government to consult with LGBTIQ+ Queenslanders on matters of importance to them,” Ms Enoch said.

“Members of the roundtable were made up of representatives from a broad spectrum of the LGBTIQ+ community including non-government organisations, university representatives, government agencies, and First Nations representatives.

“At the conclusion of that term of roundtable membership, a review was undertaken to consider how to best engage with LGBTIQ+ Queenslanders.

age of consent, abolishing the gay panic defence, legalising adoption for same-sex couples and expunging consensual “Recognition and empowerment of homosexual sex convictions,” she said.

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander

Queenslanders given chance to be heard in ground-breaking justice review

Browns Plains Station 2 Crestmead Station 2 Jimboomba Station 2

Southern REGION Ipswich District Goodna Station 2 Ipswich Station 2 Karana Downs Station 1 Lowood Station 1 Springfield Station 2 Yamanto Station 2 NORTHERN REGION Mt Isa District Mt Isa Station 1 Townsville District Townsville Station 1

Bribie Island Station 1

Brisbane, May 5: Queenslanders are being asked to have their say on shaping new criminal procedure laws for Magistrates Courts.

independently led by retired District Court judge, Mr Michael Shanahan AM, is tasked with making recommendations to create a new framework for contemporary and effective criminal procedure laws for Queensland’s busiest courts, the Magistrates Courts.”

“You do not need to be a lawyer or a technical expert to make a submission.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman said current criminal procedure laws in the Justices Act 1886 are being comprehensively reviewed for the first time since the Act started in 1887.

“I am asking all interested Queenslanders to contribute. Your feedback is critical to ensuring the development of modern criminal procedures that better match expectations and needs of Magistrates Court users.

“Our Justices Act is used every day in Queensland,” Minister Fentiman said.

“This is a real opportunity to share your views on ways criminal procedure can be improved.”

“The review of the Act is well overdue – it’s been more than a century since it was introduced in Queensland Parliament.

“It is important that everyone have a say about such changes given the operation and legacy of these Courts – which really are the people’s courts,” she said.

“This ground-breaking review,

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They made a number of suggestions including more regular interaction between the government and LGBTIQ+ community, greater diversity of gender and sexual identities in engagement and more consultation facilitated by the LGBTIQ+ community.

“New terms of reference for the roundtable have been drafted and applications are now open for the next Roundtable members.

Beenleigh Station 2

Springwood Station 1

Former members of the roundtable were asked to share their views, ideas and insights as part of the review into engagement with the LGBTIQ+ Queenslanders.

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government had a strong history of engaging with the LGBTIQ+ community and improving their “As a result of this review, a decision was made to further boost rights in the state. our engagement with the LGBTIQ+ “This includes restoring civil community. partnerships, equalising the

Beaudesert Station 2

Logan Central Station 4

“I will continue to work with the Roundtable to progress issues that matter to LGBTIQ+ Queenslanders, through meaningful and respectful engagement.

11

INDIA NEWS

EDITORIAL

May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

From the editor's desk France rejects far-right

Andrew “Roy” Symonds: Gone too soon In a day of mixed emotions, the sporting fraternity in India and Australia, celebrated the historic and maiden badminton win at the Thomas Cup, and mourned the loss of one of Australia’s most impactful cricketers — Andrew “Roy” Symonds — in a car crash in Townsville, North Queensland at the age of 46. He is survived by two kids and wife Laura.

For the world of cricket, especially Australia, it is like an unending bad dream. Last year, Australia witnessed the passing away of Dean Jones, and in 2022, Rodney Marsh and Shane Warne in a span of 24 hours. And now Andrew Symonds! Many astrologers and pundits in India would be recommending some puja or prayers to calm planets and smother their ill-effects on Australian cricket. But for now, the cricket tragics in India and the world over are in a very somber mood hearing of this shocking news early morning.

With India, Roy has had a love hate relationship, which culminated in the 2008 “Monkey Gate” controversy during the 2008 Sydney test, which turned out to be a turning point in his

career, largely mentally. After Harbhajan Singh’s exoneration— which Roy believed was due to Cricket Australia buckling under the BCCI pressure— he never could fully recover. Over time, many of his diehard mates, including Captain Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Bulls mate James Hopes among others, were seeing changes creeping in his personality, public conduct and lifestyle to his detriment. Roy played his last game in 2009, and retired from all forms in 2012. In 2005 and 2009 he was been dropped from the squad over alcohol related incidents, something which became a recurring theme.

His redemption, though, came in 2011 when during the IPL a tearful Harbhajan Singh hugged him and buried the hatchet, and both moved past the Monkeygate saga. By then it was a tad too late for him career wise. He was the second most expensive player to be auctioned after M. S. Dhoni in the history of IPL, for $1.5 million. Roy played 26 tests (1462 runs and 24 wickets), 198 one-day internationals (5088 runs and 133 wickets) and 14

By Asad Mirza

French President Emmanuel Macron clinched another fiveyear term in the Elysee Palace, becoming the third politician to achieve this feat. His victory also bought sighs of relief, from Brussels to Washington. Macron beat out far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen in the presidential elections, a contest that risked shattering the Western alliance against Russia, and jeopardising the very survival of the European Union (EU).

In 2017, 39-year-old Macron shot to power as an outsider, with a 32-point lead over Le Pen, by promising to modernise what he called an arthritic, over-regulated country. In the past five years, he streamlined French labour laws and scrapped the wealth tax. But he was forced to drop an increase in fuel tax, when the plan sparked the so-called “yellow vest” movement, with explosive protests rocking the country for months in 2018 and 2019. Further the Ukraine war thrust Macron into the role as the EU’s major conduit to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This time, Macron won 58.54 percent of the vote, with a shrunken margin of 16.4 percent of victory. This signals the fraught political divide in the French electorate, in addition about 28.2 percent of the electorate did not vote at all, the highest abstention rate since 1969, with many people saying in recent days that they rejected both choices on the ballot.

This echoes the sentiment across France, particularly amongst its young population. They consider Macron as the lesser of the two evils, due to his policies in the last five years. Furthermore Macron tried more to be seen as an international statesman and leading the EU, after the UK’s exit and focusing less on the country’s political issues.

T20s (337 runs and 8 wickets). He scored 6 centuries and 24 fifties in his ODI career, including the swashbuckling 143 off 125 balls against Pakistan, in the 2003 world cup, when the top order had collapsed. He played a sheet anchor roll in Australia’s two cricket world cup wins in 2003 and 2007. His county record of 16 sixes in an innings against Gloucestershire remained unbroken for 20 years, and he always was a live wire on the field with his sharp fielding and golden arm bowling. As a batsman he was regarded as a game-changer by his opponents.

Roy was a fighter, and his biography’s co-author Stephen Gray (Roy: Going for the Broke) shared that once he was on a fishing trip in 1999,

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with his teammate and fellow Queenslander Matthew Hayden off the Queensland North Stradbroke Island, when their boat sank. Unfazed, they swam from three hours in the sharkinfested waters to a nearby island, to be rescued later.

Perhaps, his inner demons got the better of him to prematurely end his cricketing career, but for the world of cricket his contribution as a game-changer will remain etched in the annals for posterity.

On behalf of 1.3 billion Indians, India News Australia, Institute for Australia India Engagement and Australia India Business Council, I express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. It was delight seeing him in action at the Gabba in person. Vale Roy!

In his victory speech the night of April 24, when the run-off election was held, Macron accepted that many in this country voted for him not because they support his ideas but to keep out those of the far-right.

Changing face of the French politics The main cause of concern after the French presidential elections is that they mainstreamed the underlying far-right sentiments in French society. This resulted in the emergence of Le Pen and another far-right party, the Reconquete!, run by Eric Zemmour, which advocates xenophobia, anti-immigration and anti-Islam.

its biggest share of the votes in the presidential elections, so far.

Hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, who came a close third behind Le Pen in the first round, immediately labelled the forthcoming parliamentary elections a “third round” of the presidential election.

France today seems to be under the peril of the far-right. Le Pen increasing her votes by 7.5 percent is clear proof of it. Besides, Macron, who has espoused a very provocative anti-Islam discourse and made controversial statements on Islam, was reelected. This official French discourse and these actions feed the discourse of French identity and the acceptance of Islamophobia and xenophobia in the public space.

In the end, the election came down to which candidate French voters dislike the least: a President who is largely seen as out of touch with France, or a contender best known for her anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hate that has been further normalised

by Macron, the media and the Parisian elite in the last five years.

Challenges before Macron If Macron wants to consolidate his victory then firstly he needs to ensure that in the forthcoming parliamentary elections on June 12-19, his party La Republique en Marche (LaREM) and its allies secure a majority of 289 MPs in the 577-seat lower house.

Secondly, Macron needs to control inflation and rising prices of gas and electricity. He would also have to introduce measures and greater support for the lowpaid and self-employed, besides implementing the pension reforms he failed to implement in his first mandate, raising the retirement age progressively to 65 by 2031.

At the international level he’ll have to secure the EU’s external borders and controlling clandestine migration, developing a European economic “growth model” based on hi-tech investment, in the remaining two months of France’s six-month presidency of the EU. Macron’s wish to be an outspoken defender of western values with a clear desire to shape world events may consolidate further during these two months.

Most importantly he’ll have to reconnect with the French voters, particularly the young and rural voters. About two-

thirds of the electorate did not vote for him. The Guardian in its editorial opines that Macron has acknowledged this and he must prioritise rebuilding ties with those who stayed away, or lent him their vote solely to block Le Pen. He has promised to listen and consult more. He will have to.

In fact during the last five years, the disenchantment of the younger population increased and was successfully exploited at both ends of the political discourse, by Melenchon on the Left and Le Pen and Zemmour on the Right.

To set things right for both France and himself, Macron will have to work hard to win back this disgruntled constituent and also the absentees. This coupled with demands to change the presidential role as fashioned by General Charles de Gaulle have long pointed to fundamental defects in France’s Fifth Republic, and there have been demands for a changed system of governance, Macron will have to tackle that too prudently.

Indo-French ties Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Macron on May 4 in Paris. Indo-French ties have strengthened during the recent years, but at the forthcoming meeting both leaders should aim for far-reaching and long-lasting agreements -- economic, military, nuclear, geographical, keeping bilateral interests in mind.

Now with the UK out of the EU, France could act as India’s gateway to the EU. Both countries enjoy a strong partnership in defence, which could be extended to other sectors too. Bilateral trade in 2021 increased for both countries. In addition France has emerged as a major source of FDI for India with more than 1,000 French businesses already functioning in India. The highest French FDI equity inflows are in the services sector. The MacronModi meeting could be utilised to further increase these thriving ties.

Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi.

The views expressed are personal

In his victory speech in May 2017, Macron had promised to stop the rise of the far-right party and fight political extremism. But five years later, the far-right party has become stronger, forcing Macron to take a more defensive position.

The results also gave the far right

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12

INDIA NEWS

May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

SPECIAL FEATURE

Foreign study tours, scholarship schemes become integral part of ‘Naya J&K’ under this category.

The steps taken by the government in the past 2-years have facilitated the access of students to quality education so as to equip them with knowledge, skills, experience, and training for higher academic level/profession.

Srinagar, May 11 (IANS): Just two years ago, students in Jammu and Kashmir had no idea about foreign study tours. However, in “Naya J&K” it has become a reality.

Recently J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off a batch of 12 undergraduate students from SKUAST-K on a study tour to Kansas State University, USA. These students are visiting the USA under the Student Overseas Fellowship Programme of National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & World Bank.

This tour was one among the many initiatives that have been taken by the government to provide J&K youth with the opportunities to get quality education so that they can face the challenges and grow-up as responsible citizens.

After August 5, 2019-when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K’s special status and divided it into two union territories-the government announced multiple scholarships and other schemes for the students.

5000 scholarships provided under PMSSS In 2021-22, under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), J&K a total of 5,000 scholarships were awarded for students pursuing courses in general degree, professional degree, and medical streams.

Students selected for the scholarship for general degree courses were eligible to receive upto Rs 30,000 per annum for the academic fee (payable to the institution) and maintenance charges of Rs 1 lakh per annum (payable to the student), a total of 2070 scholarships were offered under this category.

For professional degree students were eligible upto Rs 1.25 lakh per annum for the academic fee (payable to the institution), maintenance charges of Rs 1 lakh per annum (payable to the student). A total of 2830 scholarships were offered.

For MBBS/BDS or equivalent medical streams students are eligible upto Rs 3 lakh per annum for the academic fee (payable to the institution), maintenance charges of Rs 1 lakh per annum (payable to the student). A total of 100 scholarships were offered

The implementation of the National Education Policy-2020 has empowered young students to engage not only in advanced research but also in various other fields which facilitate development of new and innovative technologies and their commercial development. The international outreach initiatives are in line with the NEP-2020.

Separatists used education as tool Prior to the abrogation of socalled special status of J&K the separatists used to provide recommendation letters to students for pursuing studies in various colleges in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

More than education the aim was to indoctrinate the young minds.

Last month officials revealed that seventeen Kashmiri youth, who had travelled to Pakistan on valid travel documents and sneaked back into the Valley through illegal routes were killed in antiterror operations.

Since 2015, a large number of youngsters have procured travel documents to visit Pakistan to pursue higher studies.

Recently, the University Grants Commission and the All Indian Council for Technical Education, the higher and technical education regulators of the country, had issued a statement, advising students not to travel to Pakistan for pursuing higher education.

In December last year the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had filed a chargesheet against nine people, including Hurriyat leader Zaffar Bhat, in a case connected to selling Pakistani MBBS seats to Kashmiri students against huge payments.

The SIA in its chargesheet had stated that Bhat earned a great deal of money selling Pakistani MBBS seats to the top notch people of Kashmir.

Bhat used to operate through his brother, Altaf Ahmad Bhat, who moved to Rawalpindi, Pakistan, after crossing into PoK for arms training. Altaf Bhat is at present in Pakistan and is a known property broker in Rawalpindi.

Besides Zaffar Akbar Bhat and his brother Altaf Ahmed Bhat charges were also framed against Fatima Shah, Qazi Yasir, Mohammad Abdullah Shah, Sabzar Ahmad Sheikh, Manzoor Ahmad Shah and Mohammad Iqbal Mir. The investigating agencies took the lid of the scandal and brought to fore the nefarious designs of the separatists, who were turning Kashmiri youth into terrorists at the pretext of providing education.

In last 2-years no student went to Pak During the past two years no student from Kashmir has gone to Pakistan or Pakistan occupied Kashmir to acquire any sort of education. The government has ensured that no need arises for Kashmiri students to even look towards the neighbouring country. Education has been made accessible to all.

The implementation of New Education Policy, 2020 and various scholarship schemes for young minds have provided them with multiple opportunities

across the country.

The renewed thrust on providing quality education to the youth has been one of the integral elements of “Naya Jammu and Kashmir”.

The mainstream Kashmiri leaders, who ruled J&K till 2018, were aware about the conspiracies that were hatched by the separatists and Pakistani agents present in the Valley. Unfortunately these rulers just turned a blind eye towards how the adversary was using education as a tool to misguide a common man in the Himalayan region. Had they acted and made an attempt to implement the centrally sponsored schemes aimed at making education accessible to all, no Kashmiri student would have run after the separatists to seek recommendation letters for pursuing higher studies in Pakistan.

Now, the scenario has changed.

J&K students are going on study tours to foreign countries.

Colleges across the country have opened the doors for them. The government besides sponsoring the annual fee of the meritorious and deserving students is also providing them with the sustenance allowance yearly to help them complete their courses.

The new dawn has broken out in J&K and everyone from bottom to top is getting benefitted.

People of the Himalayan region had to wait for 70 long years for getting the benefits and privileges they deserved. The dispensation led by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has made it possible by changing J&K status-quo and by merging it into the Union of India completely.

Are India and France destined to become soul-mates after Macron’s victory?

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS): Quad Summit 2022 will take place in Tokyo on May 24 where the leaders of four nations -- India, Japan, the US and Australia will deliberate upon various regional and global issues including Ukraine war and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Interestingly, in the run up to the Quad Summit, the US President would visit the Republic of Korea and Japan from May 20 to 24 with the stated objective of further deepening the ties.

There are many skeptics who are raising doubts about the Quad members’ unity after India’s decision to abstain from the UN

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resolution against Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Quad Group has steered ahead since it was first conceived in 2007 with a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The group became more coalesced after a decade and graduated to a formal association from being just a tentative coalition. Malabar Naval Exercises in November 2020 in which navies of Australia, India, Japan and the US participated, projected the power of unity among Quad members.

It is likely that India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine war, unlike other Quad members, may come up during deliberations among the Quad members in the Summit. However, it is, almost a foregone conclusion, that despite US’s insistence on supporting Ukraine and decrying Russia for the war, India would stand firm in its stance that war should be stopped; negotiation and dialogue should be resorted to resolve disputes, humanitarian access

should be provided, and civilian casualties should be avoided.

It is short of US’s expectations, but India is a sovereign nation and it has long and reliable ties with Russia, therefore, while it would continue to urge ending hostilities and resolving the disputes through dialogue and negotiations, it would maintain its measured and principled stand in this regard.

All the Quad members are democratic and believe in complying with international conventions while pursuing their security and strategic interests together in the Indo-Pacific region. The description of the Quad as the “Asian Version of NATO” in some quarters springs from the frustration that the presence of Quad like alliance would not allow any country to jeopardize peace and stability in the region.

The Quad, being a group of democratic countries which

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respect the sovereignty of each other, would not make any fuss on each other’s foreign policy. Rather they would focus on strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. The intention of Quad is clear from the very beginning, i.e., maintaining peace and stability as well as smooth mercantile movement in the Indo-Pacific and not expansionism.

India is pivotal to the US IndoPacific strategy. Its importance in the Indo-Pacific region has increased due to a shift in geopolitics as highlighted by the Indian Foreign Minister - “the Indian and Pacific Oceans have become much more seamless.

It is increasingly untenable to see them in compartmentalized terms, which is part of a larger geopolitical shift”.

India is now recognised as a great link between the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean -- the major theatres of contemporary geopolitics. India’s geographic

should be resorted to resolve disputes, humanitarian access should be provided, and civilian casualties should be avoided.

It is short of US’s expectations, but India is a sovereign nation and it has long and reliable ties with Russia, therefore, while it would continue to urge ending hostilities and resolving the disputes through dialogue and negotiations, it would maintain its measured and principled stand in this regard.

All the Quad members are democratic and believe in complying with international conventions while pursuing their security and strategic interests together in the Indo-Pacific region. The description of the Quad as the “Asian Version of NATO” in some quarters springs from the frustration that the presence of Quad like alliance would not allow any country to jeopardize peace and stability in Continued on Page 33 the region.

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INDIA NEWS

WORLD NEWS

May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

Indian-Americans distance themselves Sri Lanka: Military from Indian govt on Ukraine war given shooting

Washington, May 10 (IANS): Indian-Americans plan to issue a forceful denouncement of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in an attempt to shield themselves from the fallout of the Indian government's continued refusal to condemn the war, which has drawn widespread scrutiny and criticism from within and out of US policy circles.

A bipartisan group of wellconnected Indian-American political operatives are expecting to hold a seminar on Capital Hill on theme of "Indian Americans Against Genocide in Ukraine", one of the organisers said. June 22 is the tentative date being considered and the event is likely to be headlined by a leading yoga guru and attended by many US lawmakers.

Politically-active Indian Americans have been a key driver of the India-US relationship.

They helped soften American backlash against India after the 1998 Pokhran II nuclear tests and, most significantly, rallied US lawmakers to pass a legislation that ended India's nuclear isolation in 2008.

They have stood with the Indian

government of the day in a notable display of bipartisan solidarity with their country of origin. And Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been popular with both Republican and Democratic Indian Americans.

For the community to break so publicly with his government's position on Ukraine should cause concern at 7 Race Course Road.

Like most Americans, IndianAmericans have been horrified

by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February and have been appalled by images of death and destruction coming out of the battle-ravaged country.

They have also watched with growing disquiet the Modi government's refusal to condemn the invasion and bristle at having to "either defend it or face scorn for it". One Indian-American said he was asked by a Pennsylvania party official recently, "Why is India supporting the Russians?"

"What the Russian Army has been doing in Ukraine is downright genocide," said Shekhar Tiwari, a Republican operative who is also chairman of the American Hindu Coalition. He has been a close associate of several top BJP leaders. "Being a Hindu and a son of a Gandhian, it is hard for me to stomach," he added.

These Indian-Americans are careful not to criticize the Indian government and insist they only want to express their horror over situation in Ukraine, which they described as a "genocide", as has US President Joe Biden.

They have been concerned about the blowback they are getting for India's position on the war and believe a public denouncement of Russia will, one, make clear the community feels as revolted as the rest of the country. And, two, that the community is "not in the pocket of the embassy", as one these Indian-Americans put it.

Breaking with the Indian government over the Ukraine war will serve the twin purposes of signalling their own independence from the government of India and, two, convey their own feelings on the issue. Ramesh Kapur, a Democratic strategist who worked closely with the presidential campaign of Biden, says India's refusal to condemn the Russian invasion could be problematic should it need US assistance in a conflict with China. "If India gets into a situation with China, it can expect support from the US, but if the US thinks it cannot count on India they will have a problem," he said, taking a tactical view of India's position, as has been put forth by many US lawmakers.

Congressman Khanna told Fox News in March that he thinks India "ought to be condemning Putin" and "they need to realize, they have to pick sides". He had added: "We, the United States, were with them when China invaded India. Putin wasn't there.

And it's time for them to buy weapons from the United States, not Russia. We need India as an ally ultimately to contain China."

Ukrainian govt approves seizure of Russian assets Kiev, May 11 (IANS): The Ukrainian government has approved the seizure of Russian assets in Ukraine, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said.

"Today, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a document according to which Russian assets in Ukraine are transferred to the state, or rather to the state enterprise 'National Investment Fund'," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram.

The Russian assets will be placed under the management of the National Investment Fund of Ukraine and will be used for strengthening the Ukrainian

army, supporting the people and rebuilding infrastructure, Shmyhal was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

The Ukrainian government is working with other countries to seize Russian assets abroad and use the funds for Ukraine's postconflict recovery, he added.

orders to quell spread of violence

supporters of resigned Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked the peaceful protesters, who are on the streets for more than a month now, raising their voice against the severe economic crisis the country is going through.

The protesters have demanded resignation of the President and his Cabinet.

Colombo, May 10 (IANS): With escalating violence in Sri Lanka, including torching of houses belonging to ruling party politicians and family members of President Gotabaya Rajapksa, armed forces have been given orders to open fire at anyone causing personal harm, or damaging/looting the properties of others.

Eight people, including a politician from the ruling party, a police officer and civilians, have been killed since violence nroke out on Monday, while as many as 219 injured persons are undergoing treatments at government hospitals.

Secretary in the Defence Ministry, Kamal Gunaratne, said that 60 vehicles, including buses and jeeps, have been torched and over 40 vehicles have been damaged since Monday.

"While peaceful protest is being conducted, there are sections of the society who have resorted to violence and looting. We are going to strictly impose the law against anyone violating it," the Defence Secretary said.

Amid the spread of violence, President Rajapaksa has extended the curfew from Wednesday to Thursday.

In April, Shmyhal said Kiev sought to seize Russian assets to finance Ukraine's post-conflict recovery.

"The funds of the Russian government and oligarchs will be one of the main sources for filling the Fund for the Reconstruction of our country," Shmyhal said on Telegram.

Gunaratne said that acts of violence are continuing throughout the country, ignoring the state of Emergency and curfew imposed by the President.

Going through its worst economic crisis, Sri Lanka on Monday was engulfed with violence after

Condemning the attacks on peaceful protesters, trade unions have declared immediate strike while the public started attacking ruling party politicians and damaging their properties.

The angry mob attacked the houses of ex-PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and elder brother Chamal Rajapaksa on Tuesday, while properties of many ministers, MPs and local politicians of the ruling party were torched.

The mob also destroyed a museum built in the memory of the President's parents.

Sri Lanka, which is reeling under severe economic crisis, is now going through a political catastrophe as well.

Responding to the crisis, including the violent attacks, India said on Tuesday, "As a close neighbour of Sri Lanka with historical ties, India is fully supportive of its (Sri Lanka's) democracy, stability and economic recovery."

In response to media queries on developments in Sri Lanka, the official spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi, "India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes."

India also noted that it has assisted her southern neighbor with over $3.5 billion financial assistance for mitigating the shortages of essential items such as food, medicines etc

Pak PM to leave for London as Nawaz summons Islamabad, May 10 (IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was to leave for London on May 10 night along with senior PML-N leaders to meet party supremo Nawaz Sharif in the wake of heightened political uncertainty in the country, media reports said.

the economy and the prevailing political situation in Pakistan, Express Tribune reported.

According to insiders, Nawaz has summoned an "emergency meeting" of the party leaders to discuss matters related to

"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other PML-N members are going on a private visit to London to meet Nawaz Sharif," she said in

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The insiders further said the ruling party is expected to make some "big decisions" regarding the fate of the coalition government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

an apparent bid to downplay the matter, as she added that such consultations within the party are not unusual.

"Some people want the government to complete its tenure, but Nawaz Sharif is of the view that free and fair elections should be held as soon as possible," The sources said given the importance of the matter, Nawaz Sharif has refused to hold virtual meetings and asked the

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party leaders to visit London.

PML-N Vice-President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is already in the British capital and has reportedly confirmed the development.

14

INDIA NEWS

May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

ENERGY & RESOURCES

From green energy to EU FTA, Modi discussed it all during Germany visit New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to Berlin for the sixth Indo-German InterGovernmental Consultations (IGC) was extremely significant for the bilateral ties between the two nations. His meetings with Chancellor Olaf Scholz were crucial from the climate change perspective as well.

PMO India had tweeted: "Discussions continue between PM @narendramodi and Chancellor Scholz in Berlin. Both leaders are reviewing the full range of bilateral ties between India and Germany, including giving an impetus to trade as well as cultural linkages."

Germany pledged a monetary support of 10 billion euros to India to achieve its climate goals.

Following their bilateral meeting, Modi and Chancellor Scholz agreed regarding common goals to fight against climate change.

India and Germany also decided to create a Green Hydrogen Task Force.

"India has shown to the world that green and sustainable growth is an article of faith for us by raising its climate ambition in Glasgow.

Under this new partnership, Germany has decided to support India's green growth plans with an additional development assistance of 10 billion euros by 2030. For this I thank Germany and Chancellor Scholz," Modi had said. "Considering our complementary strengths, we

have also decided to create a Green Hydrogen Task Force. This will be very useful in enhancing the green hydrogen infrastructure in both the countries. Both India and Germany have long experience in development cooperation in other countries.

Today, we have decided to combine our experiences and work on joint projects in third countries through trilateral cooperation. Our cooperation will provide an alternative to transparent and sustainable development projects for the developing world," he added.

Both leaders highlighted their commitment to an economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that safeguards the planet. They underlined their firm commitment to the objective of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and bolstering a just transition towards renewable energies.

They stressed that the economic recovery should further build a more resilient, environmentally sustainable, climate-friendly and inclusive future for all in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the national commitments by both countries under the Paris Agreement.

India and Germany welcomed the deepening of the strategic

cooperation between India and the EU, particularly after the India-EU Leaders' Meeting in Porto in May 2021 and agreed to further strengthen it. They look forward to the implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership. The two sides expressed satisfaction on the launch of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, which will foster closer engagement in addressing challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology and security.

It is believed that Germany is trying to reduce its dependence on China, its strategic rival.

Scholz described India as a "central part" of Germany's plans for Asia.

"Look at the impact the current heat wave in India has had on its population, that is an indication of the impact climate change is having and that we have to do what we can to stop it," he said, speaking in German reported Hindustan Times.

The Green and Sustainable Development Partnership will intensify bilateral, triangular and multilateral cooperation and link it with the implementation of commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a joint statement.

Both sides stressed the significance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, recognizing the centrality of ASEAN.

New renewable energy capacity addition doubled during FY2022: CEEW-CEF report New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) New capacity addition of non-hydro renewable energy increased to 15.5 GW during FY22, compared to just 7.7 GW installed in the preceding fiscal year, according to the latest edition of the CEEW Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF) Market Handbook released on Thursday.

However, at the end of FY22, India's renewable energy generation capacity (including hydro) stood at 150 GW. "This is far off from its target to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and will require an annual deployment of approximately 40 GW/year to achieve the 2030 target," the handbook said.

Net coal-based capacity added during the year dropped by around 33 per cent compared to the year before. Also, during FY22, peak power demand soared to unprecedented levels, falling short of 1.4 GW in March 2022, compared to just 0.5 GW in the year-ago period, it pointed out.

Further increase in RE can provide a significant degree of protection from the kind of

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Both governments welcomed the finalisation of the negotiations on the bilateral agreement between Germany and India on a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership as documented by today's initialling of the draft agreement in the English language. They agreed to take action to swiftly sign the agreement and bring it into force.

They highlighted the importance of this agreement in facilitating two-way mobility of students, professional and researchers as well as addressing the challenges of illegal migration, the joint statement said.

India and Germany welcomed active people-to-people exchanges including among students, academia and professional work force. Both sides agreed to support each other's efforts to expand the internationalisation of their higher education systems, to interlink further the innovation and research landscapes of both countries, and to strengthen

The 'Plan of Action' was launched by some 30 leading organisations comprising UN-Energy.

Overall, in terms of net capacity additions, renewable energy formed a little more than 89 per cent of the total 17.3 GW capacities added in the power sector during FY22. The share of RE in net capacity additions stood at little

more than 63 per cent in FY21.

Further, solar energy comprised 90 per cent of the total RE capacity added during the year, driven partly by a 21 per cent rise in installations of rooftop solar to 2.3 GW. An increase in the cost of raw materials and supply chain constraints resulted in rising solar PV module costs. Higher module costs and the imminent imposition of basic customs duty led to a rise in the lowest solar tariff discovered to Rs 2.14 per kWh in FY22 from Rs 1.99 per kWh in FY21.

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Germany and India expressed their satisfaction at the growing exchanges between the two countries in the field of education and skill development and intend to engage in further cooperation. Both Governments expressed their appreciation for setting up Digital preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) to enable selected Indian students to pursue undergraduate courses in German Universities.

The Indian government will encourage exchange of students and facilitate admission of German students in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) under programmes like Study in India.

Both governments also welcomed efforts at university level to explore collaboration between Indian and German universities, like in the form of joint degrees and dual degrees.

UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025 launched New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Against the backdrop of a global energy crisis and worsening climate emergency, the United Nations on Wednesday took a major step to catalyse the large-scale action and support needed for the transition to clean, affordable energy for all and net-zero emissions with the launch of a UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025.

supply chain issues plaguing thermal power, but for that battery storage needs to be deployed at scale to address RE's one big drawback - intermittency.

Other innovative procurement formats such as hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) also offer a certain degree of protection against intermittency.

dual structures for Vocational Education and Training.

Coalitions were announced to support energy access and transition in Nigeria and the city of Santiago, Chile, showcasing the Network's potential, as well as to advance or expand coalitions supporting green hydrogen and a stronger role for women in leading and benefiting from the energy transition.

Liu Zhenmin, UN UnderSecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and SecretaryGeneral of the 2021 High-level Dialogue on Energy, said: "The Global Roadmap that emerged from the High-level Dialogue calls for strengthened. The 'UN-

Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025' sets out a framework for collective action by nearly 30 UN and international organisations -- in order to achieve the massive pledge they made at the time of the High-level Dialogue. In line with the milestones set out in the Global Roadmap, by 2025, UN-Energy committed to support, facilitate and catalyse, inter alia, 500 million more people to gain access to electricity, and 1 billion more people to gain access to clean cooking solutions, as well as a 100 per cent increase in renewables capacity globally, no new coal power plants in the pipeline after 2021, 30 million jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and doubling annual clean energy investment globally, the release added.

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INDIA NEWS

May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

WORLD THIS WEEK Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

Authored by Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, Padmashree Anandhan, Rishma Banerjee and Angkuran

India-Nordic Summit 2022: Focus on building mobility, blue economy and SDGsto the Indo-Pacific

What Happened?

On 4 May, the prime minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, organised the second IndiaNordic Summit in Copenhagen, hosting the Prime M inister of India, Narendra Modi, and other leaders of Nordic countries. A joint statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs read: “During the Summit, the Prime Ministers pledged to continue to deepen cooperation between the Nordic countries and India and focused their discussions on key issues related to international peace and security, including the conflict in Ukraine,

multilateral cooperation, green transition and climate change, the blue economy, innovation and digitalisation.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of free trade as a driver for achieving inclusive growth and realising the Sustainable Development Goals.”

What does it mean?

First, the summit outcomes.

The discussions were held on various fronts covering the SDGs, blue economy and more partnerships towards green transition, digital India

and cultural exchange. On the agreements signed, the focus remains on meeting the gaps in mobility, shipping, waterways, trade, environment, education and start-ups, which serve as a restart to the investments.

Other collaborations are likely to conclude on the following: engaging Norway in India’s Arctic Policy, refocusing on the Joint Action Plan with Sweden, renewable energies and fisheries with Iceland, and increasing the investments in India-Finland digital partnerships.

Second, new areas. The spotlight has shifted from improving trade relations to boosting connectivity, and transit. More focus is now on peace and security, vaccine development, blue economy and sustainable goals to strengthen the cooperation. The focus is not only in terms of economy and climate change but also towards human security and maritime. One could see a broadbasing of the relations between India and the Nordic.

EU: New sanctions on Russia What happened?

On 4 May, the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. While the EU has been contemplating a ban on oil from Russia for some time now, this meeting consolidated the arguments and was presented by Von der Leyen as a proposal. She proposed a new set of sanctions against Russia, which would enable the 27 member states to phase out their usage of Russian oil completely. She also suggested including Patriarch Kiril, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, in the draft blacklist for people who are to face a travel ban and an asset freeze.

On the same day, the Czech Republic’s Prime Minister said that they would seek an exemption from the EU’s proposed embargo.

On 03 May, Hungary and Slovakia said that they would not support the sanctions against Russian oil, as they are too dependent on it and have no other immediate alternatives to switch to.

What does it mean?

First, the new proposal. It remains to be accepted by the member states. Most EU countries have to stop buying

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Russian crude oil six months after adopting these measures, and halt imports of refined oil products from Russia by the end of the year. To ensure that none of the member states veto the proposal, some have been allowed an exemption period, during which they will figure out other sources of supply.

However, this oil ban will be more difficult for the EU than Russia, as the latter can still export oil to the Commonwealth of the Independent States.

Second, Russia’s response.

Though Moscow has not issued a statement, it has banned exports of 200 plus products until the end of 2022; this ban includes telecoms, medical, vehicle, agricultural, electrical equipment and timber. Besides, it is blocking interest payments to foreign investors who hold government bonds, and banning Russian firms from paying overseas shareholders.

But, sending oil to India and China, who are willing to buy it and have been negotiating a discounted price, might prove to be logistically costly and a mammoth task. It remains to be seen if the oil that would head to Europe finds a home. If it does not, then Russia’s biggest geopolitical lever may be facing a risk.

Third, options for the EU. If the proposal gets passed, the EU will have to find ways to address the deficit. The EU is looking at global LNG imports from the US, Qatar and Algeria. An LNG import terminal is to start operation near the port city of Alexandropoulos, to boost the new Trans Adriatic Pipeline running from Azerbaijan to Italy.

A new interconnector pipeline connecting the networks of Greece and Bulgaria is also set to launch next month. Poland and the Czech Republic are set to restart their talks on building the Stork II gas pipeline. Czech Republic has also been looking to increase the capacity of the TAL pipeline which runs from the Trans Adriatic Pipeline running from Azerbaijan to Italy. There are options for the EU, but they would be ready only in the long term.

ALSO IN NEWS

UK and Japan: Tokyo inks a new defence deal with London On 6 May, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the UK led to the signing of a new defence deal as announced by the UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. The deal will allow the two countries’ military to work closely in training, joint exercises, and disaster relief.

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This is the first defence deal in recent times that Japan has signed beyond its fellow Indo-Pacific states. Johnson, while speaking about the association, said: “There is direct read across from the actions of autocratic coercive powers in Europe to what may happen in East Asia. That is why we want to work more closely together.”

North Korea: Pyongyang conducts its 14th missile test in 2022 On 4 May, North Korea launched another missile which took off from its east coast, just days before South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk-yeol was scheduled to take office. The missile reached an altitude of 485 miles and flew a distance of 292 miles before falling into the Sea of Japan.

However, North Korea’s military is yet to disclose any information about the type of missile. The test comes as North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un vowed to expand the country’s nuclear arsenal at the fastest possible speed.

Indonesia: The EU shows resilience to Jakarta’s palm oil export ban On 4 May, the EU stated that Indonesia’s palm oil ban did not raise concerns for the bloc as it had stocked reserves for several weeks. EU’s vegetable oil group FEDIOL said: “...facilities and the temporary decision by the Indonesian government does not give rise to concern for the supply on the European market in the short term.” Additionally, the EU imported about 40 per cent of its total crude palm oil from Indonesia, totalling 335,000 tonnes, but it diversified its imports in Southeast Asia.

Pakistan: Islamabad and Abu Dhabi strengthen economic ties On 4 May, a team of economic experts from the UAE met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The delegation expressed their will to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries in trade, energy, infrastructure, and petroleum. The statement released by the Pakistan Prime Minister stated: “Pakistan attached the highest priority to its brotherly relations with the UAE and was desirous to strengthen the relations to the next level, especially on the economic front.”

Afghanistan: Kabul says it is improving its relations with foreign countries On 6 May, the Islamic emirates spokesperson, Mohammad Naeem, mentioned that the country has been working towards improving its ties with other countries. Naeem added: “Our diplomatic relations started with some big countries like Russia, China and Turkey and improved gradually, finally the political offices of Afghanistan surrendered to the Islamic Emirate.” He further stated that countries should not be allowed to operate their embassies in the country without recognising the new government of Afghanistan.

WORLD THIS WEEK Sri Lanka: Colombo’s usable reserves drop to USD 50 million On 4 May, Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Ali Sabry mentioned that the country’s foreign reserves, which stood at USD seven billion in 2019, had now fallen to USD 50 million. Sabry addressed the parliament, which had assembled after the opposition parties submitted a no-trust motion against the ruling government.

Sabry hailed India’s assistance to Sri Lanka and reminded the warring parties to contribute to reviving the island’s economy. He further stated that the country needed around USD 3-4 billion to bridge the financial gap until the IMF facilitates its support.

Russia: Putin renders a rare apology to Israel over Foreign Minister’s antisemitic comment On 5 May, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin apologised to Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennet over comments made

by Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov stirred controversy by dismissing the Jewish faith of Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy claiming that “Hitler also had Jewish blood”- which is a discredited antisemitic claim.

Bennet’s office released a statement, stating: “The Prime Minister accepted President Putin’s apology for Lavrov’s remarks and thanked him for clarifying the President’s attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust.”

The US: Washington condemns Israel’s West Bank expansion On 7 May, the US said it strongly opposed Israel’s plans to build new settlements in occupied Palestine’s territories of the West Bank. US state department spokesperson Jalina Porter said: “We strongly oppose the expansion of settlements which exacerbates tensions and undermines trust between the parties. Israel’s program of expanding settlements deeply damages the prospect for a twostate solution.” This comes as Israel had approved the setting up of 4,000 housing units in the West Bank region.

About the authors Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan and Padmashree Anandhan are Project Associates at the National Institute of Advanced Studies.

Rishma Banerjee is a Research Intern at the School of Conflict and Peace Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies.

Angkuran Dey is a Postgraduate Scholar at the Centre for South Asian Studies at Pondicherry University.

The report has been modified

by India News due to space considerations.

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

Record number of Australians cast ballots in early voting

attend pre-polling locations or cast a postal ballot.

People who are in isolation with Covid-19 can vote over the phone.

Canberra, May 10 (IANS): A record number of Australians have cast their ballots on the first day of pre-polling for the general elections, the country’s poll body announced on May 10.

According to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), more than 300,000 people cast their votes on the first day of early voting on May 9, reports Xinhua news agency.

It represents an almost three-fold increase from 120,000 on the first day in the 2019 election.

More than 500 pre-poll voting booths opened on May 9 in the lead-up to the election day on May 21.

Voting in elections is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 and over who are enrolled with the AEC. About 17 million people in the country, where the population is around 26 million, were enrolled to vote in the 2022 general elections.

While the AEC encourages Australians to vote on the election day, those who cannot can either

Can still win election despite trailing in polls: Morrison

Canberra, May 6 (IANS): Prime Minister Scott Morrison on May 6 declared he can still win the May 21 federal election despite trailing in the polls.

Morrison said that opinion polls that show his Coalition set for defeat in the election are not necessarily conclusive, with many voters yet to make up their mind, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the polls, the opposition Labor Party is likely to win up to 80 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives -- and form the government for the first time since 2013.

“People have not made up their mind and they’re looking to determine what is going to drive their choice,” Morrison was quoted by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) on May 6.

“And at the end of the day, that is going to come down to who they think has got the credibility to be

able to deal with these pressures.”

May 6 marked day 26 out of 41 of the election campaign and the end of a week dominated by cost of living issues.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently increased the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 0.35 per cent.

It was the first rate rise in about 11 years and has been regarded as a blow to Morrison’s campaign, which has been largely focused on the Coalition’s economic record.

A survey published by the Australian National University (ANU) on May 6 found that reducing cost of living tops voters’ list of concerns leading up to the election.

Of more than 3,500 participants, 64.7 percent identified the high cost of living as an issue that needs to be “urgently addressed”.

It found that cost of living transcended the political divide, with more than 60 per cent of supporters of both major parties choosing it as a major issue.

It also found the second highest priority was fixing the aged care system, with 60.1 percent of voters highlighting this as a key issue.

The economy, reducing the cost of healthcare and addressing climate change also rated highly as concerns.

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said he was not surprised by the large turnout on day one of pre-polling.

“We were expecting an increase in pre-poll and that’s exactly what we’re seeing at the moment,” he told local media on May 10.

“But the more in envelopes through pre-poll and postal, the harder it will be to determine a result on the night.”

Approximately 40 per cent of Australians voted either early or by post at the 2019 election.

Rogers told the media on May 9 that the AEC expects the figure to be even higher for the upcoming election.

Almost 2 million Australians have already applied to vote by post compared to 1.5 million in 2019.

AUSTRALIA VOTES

Australia alleges China indulged in election meddling

Canberra, April 28 (IANS): Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has accused China of attempting to interfere in an election set for May, saying a recent security deal with a nearby Pacific nation suggested nefarious motives.

In comments to a Brisbane radio station on April 27, Andrews warned that Australians ought to be “taking notice of and paying some attention to” China’s pact with the Solomon Islands, announced previously, RT reported.

“Beijing is clearly very aware that we’re in a federal election campaign here at the moment.

Why now? Why, right in the middle of a federal election campaign is all this coming to light?” she asked, adding “We talk about political interference and that has many forms.”

While it’s unclear exactly what impact the China-Solomons deal would have on the May 21 federal election, the ruling Liberal Party has argued that Beijing is hoping to see victory for the opposition Labor Party, as the centre-left faction takes up an increasingly hawkish line toward Beijing, RT reported.

Labor spokesperson Penny Wong blasted Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his supposed weakness on China, arguing that the Solomons deal occurred “on Morrison’s watch” while warning of “the prospect of a Chinese base less than 2,000 km from Australia’s coastline”.

Senior Labor lawmaker Jim Chalmers was dismissive of Andrews’ remarks, saying that, even by the “incredibly low standards of this government”, her criticism “was remarkably desperate and remarkably unhinged”, adding that instead of the Chinese Communist Party, “the Australian people will determine who wins” May’s election.

Opposition maintains lead ahead of May election

preference votes in the 2019 election, in which it won 77 House of Representatives seats, and Labor 33.3 per cent.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese also narrowed the gap on Prime Minister Scott Morrison as voters’ preferred leader, with 39 per cent choosing him compared to 45 per cent for the incumbent premier.

In February 2021 Morrison led the measure by 61-26.

Canberra, May 2 (IANS): Australia’s opposition Labor Party remains in a leading position in the federal election to be held this month at the campaign’s halfway point, new opinion polls revealed on May 2.

According to the latest Newspoll, which was published by The Australian newspaper on May 2, Labor leads the governing Coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis, reports Xinhua news agency.

It marks the 18th consecutive poll where Labor leads the government and the fourth in a row with a 6-point margin.

If that swing is applied on a uniform basis across the country, it could result in Labor winning 79 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament, the House of Representatives, and forming government for the first time since 2013.

Thirty-eight per cent of Newspoll respondents said they intend to vote Labor as their first preference at the election on May 21, up from 37 per cent in late April, while support for the Coalition remained steady at 36 per cent.

By comparison, the Coalition received 41.4 percent of first

A separate poll published by Nine Entertainment newspapers showed Labor is leading 54-46 on a two-party preferred basis.

Morrison started the second half of the campaign on Monday by announcing a re-elected Coalition would spend A$70 million ($49 million) over four years to ease cost of living pressures for seniors.

Under the scheme, an additional 50,000 older Australians would be given access to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), entitling them to cheaper health care and medication.

M a j o r i t y o f Au s vo t e r s wa n t g re a t e r a c t i o n o n c l i m a t e carbon emissions, a new poll revealed on May 5.

Canberra, May 5 (IANS): A majority of Australian voters want the government to do significantly more to reduce

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According to data published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), 59 per cent of voters believe Australia should be doing “much more” to cut emissions and 20 per cent “somewhat more”, reports Xinhua news agency Only 7 per cent of respondents said Australia should be cutting fewer emissions.

The data was collected by the ABC’s Vote Compass, which asks users a series of questions and tells them where they belong on the political spectrum in the lead-up to the general election on May 21.

Previously-released data from the tool found that voters considered climate change the biggest issue in the election.

The governing Coalition has promised to reduce emissions by

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26-28 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to a 2050 net zero target.

If victorious on May 21, the opposition Labor party has promised a 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.

However, the left-wing Greens and independent election candidates, who could hold the balance of power, have criticised both major parties’ climate policies, calling for Australia to

reach net zero emissions by 2035 or earlier.

The Vote Compass data found strong support for greater action on emissions reduction among voters regardless of their voting intention.

Ninety-nine per cent of Greens supporters, 96 percent of Labor voters and 58 percent of Coalition supporters said Australia should do much or somewhat more to reduce emissions.

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

MAKE IN INDIA

Make in India: Investment opportunities As world economies restart their engines in a bid to regain lost ground due to the Covid-19 pandemic, India too shows signs of economic buoyancy and promise. India’s Make in India initiative holds a key to the global economic revival, something that should interest Australian government ministries, corporate sector, entrepreneurs, institutions seeking R&D collaborations and Australia Inc in general, among others. India assumes greater importance as several major world economies including American, Japanese, German, British and South Korean look to move out and diversify their businesses from China. India has jumped to 63rd rank in the World Bank’s Ease of Development 2020 report, and has also been ranked as the 9th largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment destination in 2019 by the World Investment Report 2020 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

My New India Story: Countering Rogue Drones

By Ankita Sharma & Anagh Singh Technology is neither moral nor immoral. It is said to be amoral and revelatory. Technology per se is a value-neutral resource and proposition. The future battlespace will be shaped by technology and technological superiority will determine the outcome of future battles.

It is therefore essential that technological self-reliance remains the mantra for the future and a collective national effort be initiated to achieve this in the quickest possible time ensuring that technological developments are commensurate with our desired military capability. This underlying philosophy stands true in the realm of drones and their usage. Harnessing the usage of drones on a malignant tangent has called for the development of counter-drone systems.

Counter-drone technology, also known as counter-UAS, C-UAS, or counter-UAV technology, refers to systems that are used to detect and/or disable unmanned aircraft. As concerns mount around the potential security threats that drones may pose to both civilian and military entities, a new market for counter-drone

technology is rapidly emerging.

Drones are also increasingly becoming a weapon of choice for non-state groups that employ this technology for surveillance, battlespace management, propaganda, and aerial strike attacks, often too considerable. As a result of the proliferation of this technology, which is set to expand in the years ahead, counter-drone systems will become a ubiquitous.

Drones today are being used by anti-state elements and nefarious players in the neighborhood to attack important installations, smuggle narcotics, weapons, etc. into the country.

In March 2021, the Ministry

of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India, notified Liberalized Drone Rules, 2021. In view of its traditional strengths in innovation, information technology, frugal engineering, and huge domestic demand, India has the potential to be a global drone hub by 2030.

The rise of C-UAS technology is largely tied to the novel threats posed by the expanding use of drones— particularly small, inexpensive systems—in civilian and wartime environments. In the military domain, small drones have been proliferating at a rate that has alarmed battlefield commanders and planners alike.

Economic dimensions of an emergent Ayush sector in India In a bid to popularize traditional Indian medicinal products and therapies in the domestic and global market and develop the country as a hub for such commodities and services, the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit was conducted to highlight the possibilities for innovation, investment, and the scope for the sector’s growth via a knowledgesharing platform and further initiate efforts to establish solution-oriented and robust technologies to utilize traditional Indian medicine. At the outset, the summit witnessed significant investor interest, policy discourse around key industrial challenges, and stakeholder meetings to lay emphasis on the promotion of alternate medicine in the country, making traditional medicines and medical practices more accessible and popular.

The summit resulted in an investment commitment of about INR 9,000 crore across major

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categories like FMCG, medical value travel (MVT) and services, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, technology, and diagnostics.

During the summit, more than 70 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between countries, prestigious research institutes, farmers' groups, and industry. The commitment is expected to generate over 5.56 lakh employment opportunities in the country. A significant highlight that took the forefront at the summit revolved around the need to utilize modern technology to validate the sector, while holding the foundational spirit of these practices in place.

The Summit further aimed at initiating a dialogue around the opportunities for Ayush in boosting the Medical Value Travel to India.

The Ayush industry is booming with a strong global demand size of $ 657.5 Bn in 2020 and global exports of $ 31.0 Bn in 2019. The sector has shown

immense growth over the past couple of years with a projected turnover of $ 20.6 Bn in 2022. The country’s MSMEs of this sector are catching up in terms of profits and research and development expenditures and the leading Ayush manufacturing states have successfully completed the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) reforms, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. These efforts have been materialised in an exponential rise in the recognition of Ayush as a system of medicine and wellness in India and the world, surging global demand for Ayush products and services, particularly since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to the growing domestic and global consumer preference for herbal products and herbs based medical treatments,

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The Rise and Rise of Indian Pharmaceuticals Industry

By Ishita Sirsikar and Srijata Deb, Strategic Investment Research Unit (SIRU) The persistent COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the significance of a strong domestic pharmaceutical sector in any economy. It is imperative to have strong manufacturing for pharma products, accompanied with robust infrastructure and USA, UK, South Africa, Russia marketing linkages, to provide and Nigeria. It is further pivotal accessible and affordable to highlight that around 55 per pharmaceuticals to the domestic cent of our pharma exports cater and global customers. India, to highly regulated markets. in this regard, has done Moreover, Indian pharma exceptionally well. Despite several companies have a substantial lockdowns and public health share in the prescription market challenges, the sector has shown in the US and EU. India has the immense growth in domestic and largest number of Food and Drug global production.

Administration (FDA) approved plants, after US and EU. The The sector witnessed a growth investments in this sector have of 103 per cent in its exports also remained unhindered. since 2013-14, from INR 90, 415 During the first wave of the crores in 2013-14 to INR 1,83,422 pandemic, the country saw FDI crores in 2021-22. The exports inflow of $ 397 million in the attained in 2021-22 have been pharmaceutical sector. flagged as the sector’s best export performance ever. This shows a The stellar performance of remarkable growth with exports the Indian pharma industry, growing by almost $ 10 billion despite the ongoing pandemic, in 8 years. The pharma exports has been owed to the domestic in 2021-22 sustained a positive manufacturing excellence, growth despite the global trade strong infrastructure, cost disruptions and drop in demand competitiveness, continued for COVID related medicines, investment, entrepreneurship owing to the dip in infections and efforts and rapid innovations positivity rates. The extraordinary that the sector has witnessed. exports growth has been The current market size of the achieved combating the frequent Indian pharmaceutical industry is lockdowns and global supply around $ 50 billion. chain disruptions. The domestic Indian pharma companies industry additionally played a enabled by their price pivotal role in fighting against competitiveness and good quality, the Covid-19 pandemic and have made a global mark, with 60 positioning itself as a reliable and per cent of the world’s vaccines undeviating partner in dealing and 20 per cent of generic with a global health crisis. The medicines coming from India.

Indian vaccine industry developed In furtherance to this, the sector Covid vaccine with indigenous is making strides in enhancing technology in collaboration with its global access. For instance, India’s research institution like as a part of the country’s trade ICMR and NIV within record time, agreements, India has signed on par with highly developed cooperation agreements with UAE countries like America and EU. and Australia. This will not only Additionally, the country ranks widen the global audience for 3rd for production by volume and domestic pharma products, but 14th by value in the global market. will also provide greater insight The share of pharmaceutical into product enhancement and and drugs in our global exports enable a knowledge sharing base is 5.92 per cent. Formulations for innovation and investments, and biologicals continue to and global stakeholders, while account for a major share of 73.31 focusing on the strengths of the per cent in our total exports, sector for better innovations in followed by bulk drugs and drug product development. intermediates with exports of Source: Invest India, Government $ 4437.64 million. India’s top 5 of India pharma export destinations are

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May 16-31, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 21

India looks to capture international wheat food grain production was market amid roadblocks estimated at 1,050 lakh metric wheat will lessen the demand from June.

India has been the highest exporter of rice but wheat in terms of value and volumes were nowhere near to the top. India is now bullish. And mind you, it is not just the traders who want to increase wheat exports.

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS): When the uptick in wheat export started soon after the rabi arrivals this year - in April, Indian traders had already exported 11 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat - the primary reason was the increased demand to fulfill the gap created due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the two largest wheat suppliers to the globe.

However, by May first week, along with the war, it was the drastically changing climatic conditions that added to the problem.

Extremely heavy rainfall in 2021 had delayed almost one-third acreage sowing of wheat in China and the wheat production this year could be “worst in history”, its minister had said.

From almost across the world, in the USA, the wheat production is at the lower spectrum owing to the exceptionally dry weather, including drought, in major wheat producing areas, thus impacting US’ summer and spring wheat production.

“In 2021, drought pushed production of the main variety, hard red spring wheat, down 44 per cent year over year to its lowest level in more than 30 years,” stated the Wheat Yield Forecast by Gro Intelligence, a leader forecaster describing the convergence of global economy and earth’s ecology.

Will India fulfill this need?

The whole world is staring at a shortage and there are just so few options. India, Australia and Argentina. India has already started en-cashing the demand fully aware that Argentinean

Guess who else? None other than the Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

On March 25, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal while replying to a supplementary question related to wheat export during the question hour in Rajya Sabha had declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the flavour of India’s wheat should capture the entire world’s taste buds and help increase the country’s wheat exports.

The Minister then went on to describe how in February, soon after the Ukraine-Russia war broke out, the Prime Minister had asked him about the steps taken for wheat export when the latter said: “Take this opportunity so that we give such good quality to the whole world that woh swad haamre gehun kaa sabko itna (achcha) lag jaaye, ki usake baad (sirf) hamare desh ka hi gehu niryat ho (so that the whole world remembers the taste of only India’s wheat and help increase our export of wheat.”

This season, about 40 LMT wheat has been contracted for export and about 11 LMT has already been exported in April 2022, Secretary, Food, Sudhanshu Pandey had told media persons on May 4.

The global demand has such an upsurge in wheat export that farmers are selling their produce to private traders and getting good remuneration. But this has resulted in a shortfall in government procurement at minimum support price (MSP).

tonnes (LMT) against the earlier estimate of 1,113 LMT while on the other, the procurement of wheat for this year, i.e., 2022-23, was only 195 (LMT) compared to 433 LMT in 2021-22.

Government tried to assure that it has ample stocks to survive this whole year. Compared to 273 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in 2021-22, the opening balance this year is 190 LMT, which makes the total availability 385 LMT this year, compared to 706 LMT last year. And, even after 305 LMT required for allocation / distribution to the beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Other Welfare Scheme (OWS), Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), the Food Corporation of India (FCI) would still have closing stocks of 80 LMT next year, as against the minimum stocking norms of 75 LMT as on April 1.

Supporting the wheat export, executive director of Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), G V Ramanjaneyulu, said there are two dimensions to the RussiaUkraine war. “If this (war) has increased the demand for wheat, it has also hampered the fertilizers supply. This supply shortage can result in yield reduction,” he said, adding, “In this, even if you factor in less production due to vagaries of nature, it is not going to affect significantly.”

As of May 4, on the one hand,

Qantas to acquire aviation service company in $444mn deal Canberra, May 5 (IANS): Australian flag carrier Qantas on May 5 announced it has struck a A$614 million ($444 million) deal to buy airline service company Alliance Aviation Services in a bid to grow its servicing of the resource sector.

The deal would see Qantas purchase a remaining 80 percent stake in the company after buying 20 per cent at the beginning of 2019, reports Xinhua news agency.

The deal would see Qantas acquire Alliance’s fleet of around 70 Fokker jet aircraft, each with a seating capacity of 100. The Fokker is well suited to smallscale charters, such as flying

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workers out to Australia’s remote mining sites.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said acquiring the remaining shares in Alliance would allow the airline to better compete in Australia’s aircraft charter industry.

“Alliance’s fleet of Fokker aircraft is perfect for efficiently serving resources customers in Western Australia and Queensland. They also have a big inventory of spare parts that would significantly extend the practical life of a combined fleet of around almost 70 Fokkers,” said Joyce.

Pre-empting anti-competition pushback, Qantas advised Australia’s peak competition

Aus central bank lifts interest rate for 1st time in over decade “The economy has proven to be resilient and inflation has picked up more quickly, and to a higher level, than was expected,” said Lowe.

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed inflation had reached a twodecade high of 5.1 per cent in the last 12 months.

So what is it - global need or traders’ greed?

Questions were raised if such high exports were really a need or greed of the traders, more than the farmers? What if the Russia-Ukraine war extends for a much longer time? Will India continue wheat exports that long? What if the monsoon fails or affects production this year?

What if there is a shortfall in India?

watchdog, the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC), detailing the anticipated benefit to customers the deal would have.

“The resources sector continues to grow and any new tender for airline services will be very competitive.”

“It makes a lot of sense for us to combine with Alliance to improve the services we can offer, which is positive for both airlines as well as the travelling public.”

The deal has received full approval from the Alliance board of shareholders and is expected to go ahead following approval from the ACCC.

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BUSINESS & TRADE

Canberra, May 3 (IANS): After dropping interest rates down to historic low levels during the pandemic, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lifted interest rates by 0.25 to 0.35 per cent, the first rise since 2010, in an effort to calm growing inflation.

RBA Governor Philip Lowe said that it was now “the right time” to withdraw accommodative monetary support designed to help the Australian economy through the Covis-19 pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.

This has prompted widespread calls for the central bank to step in to deal with inflation that has begun to stretch the budgets of Australians.

Lowe said that while the Reserve Bank expects further rises in inflation in the short-term as supply-side demand is resolved, inflation is expected to return to the RBA’s target of 2 to 3 per cent.

“The central forecast for 2022 is for headline inflation of around 6 per cent and underlying inflation of around 4.75 per cent, by mid2024,” he said.

Aus keen to ink pact with Punjab in agriculture , skill development

Chandigarh, May 4 (IANS): In a bid to give fillip to bilateral trade, Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell on May 4 evinced keen interest to forge collaboration especially in the field of agriculture and skill development with Punjab on the pattern of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Responding to O’Farrell’s proposal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured him of all cooperation and support in this regard so as to propel Punjab in the high growth trajectory by concretizing these plans of mutual interest.

A three-member Australian delegation led by O’Farrell, including Member of Parliament Gurmesh Singh and Second Secretary Political Jack Taylor, called on the Chief Minister here.

Apprising Mann about the IndiaAustralia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IndAus ECTA), O’Farrell said it is India’s first bilateral trade agreement with a large, developed economy in 10 years, which aims to double twoway trade.

He mentioned that Australia’s goal is to lift India into their top three export markets by 2035 and make it the third largest outward investment destination in Asia.

Pointing out further, O’Farrell said Punjab could be immensely benefitted by forging collaboration

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with Australia especially in the field of agriculture and agroindustry as its progressive farmers have a proven track record of vast experience and expertise in food production.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mann said that Punjabis due to their enterprising and resilient nature have fairly contributed to the overall socio-economic development of all the major countries across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, the US, Italy, etc.

Mann said: “Punjab has several franchises in different parts of the world viz. there is a big Punjab in Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, Auckland, besides a mini-Punjab in the UK”.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, O’Farrell emphasised on the much needed synergy to boost bilateral ties for promotion of trade and business with Punjab.

He assured Mann that their team would also pro-actively engage with Punjab to further strengthen their economic cooperation.

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HEALTH

Australia facing medical workforce shortage India sees significant drop in Covid cases; 2,288 cases Canberra, May 6 (IANS): Top trained medical practitioners,” Australian universities have Vicki Thomson, chief executive of logged in 24 hrs warned that the country is facing the Go8, said in a statement. a shortage of medical workers, adding that extra medical students are needed to avert the looming crisis.

The Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of elite research universities, published a policy paper, calling for the federal government to fund at least an additional 1,000 extra places for domestic medical students every year, reports Xinhua news agency.

It warned that relying on recruiting internationally-trained doctors was unsustainable in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic due to increased burnout, putting Australia on a path to a medical workforce crisis.

The policy paper has been backed by leading doctors’ groups, medical experts and government health departments.

“They agree that delivering Australia’s future medical workforce will require a step change and bold reform. The Go8’s starting point is an immediate increase in the national supply of domestically

“The Australian community needs certainty around health services and a secure supply of domestically trained medical practitioners will assist this greatly. To increase our sovereign capacity, even without increasing the total number of doctors in Australia, requires at least an additional 1,000 domestic graduates per year.”

Go8 universities, which include the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney, educate 62 per cent of Australia’s medical graduates, according to the Brisbane Times.

The policy paper noted that of Australia’s 105,000 medical practitioners, 30 percent completed their initial qualification outside of Australia and New Zealand.

“The Go8 is definitive in stating that securing the future of our medical workforce requires a serious long-term commitment,” Thomson said.

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS): India on May 10 registered 2,288 fresh Covid cases, a considerable decline against previous day’s 3,207, as per the Union Health Ministry data.

In the same period, 10 Covid fatalities were recorded taking the nationwide death toll to 5,24,103.

Currently, the active caseload stands at 19,637 cases, accounting for 0.05 per cent of the total positive cases.

A report published by Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers in September 2021 revealed that medical practitioners were facing burnout and mental distress as a result of the pandemic.

Forty-two per cent of respondents said they were less willing to work than they had been prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Recovery of 3,044 patients in 24 hours took the cumulative tally to 4,25,63,949. Consequently, the recovery rate stands at 98.74 per cent.

Meanwhile, India’s Daily Positivity rate has also reported a major decline of 0.47 per cent, while the Weekly Positivity Rate stands at 0.79 per cent.

Also, a total of 4,84,843 tests were conducted, increasing the overall to 84.15 crore.

coverage exceeded 190.50 crore, achieved via 2,36,58,273 sessions.

Over 3.06 crore adolescents have been administered with a first dose of Covid-19 jab since the beginning of vaccination drive for this age bracket.

As of May 10 morning, the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination

Cummins reminds front-line workers in India of heir responsibility amid Covid rise Mumbai, May 7 (IANS): Australian Test skipper and Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) strike bowler Pat Cummins has asked the Indians to redouble their efforts to fight Covid-19 as numbers continue to grow at an alarming rate in the country.

Cummins, who is Unicef’s Australia ambassador, has been at the forefront of spreading the message about the pandemic and has often called upon Covid-19 front-line warriors to do everything possible to stop the spread of the disease in the country.

In fact, he was among the first cricketers in the IPL to recognise the gravity of the situation in India when the country was in the grip of the second wave of the pandemic last year.

He reminded the Indians of their duty once again on May 6 when he tweeted an image from last

who’ve discussed with me an update on the situation, and how the donations made by many people had a profound impact on many people’s lives across India -- actually saving people’s lives.

year of packed respirators waiting to be distributed, and wrote, “Like everyone, 12 months ago I was taken (a)back by the dire circumstances being faced by many in my second home, India, due to the impacts from Covid 19 -- especially the critical shortages of oxygen available to patients suffering.

“Today, I’ve just had a fantastic meeting with UNICEF India

“The funds raised helped with the supply and delivery of oxygen generation plants, portable oxygen generators, PCR machines, tonnes of safety equipment and emergency medical supplies -- all distributed to hospitals and local clinics, all across the country.

“A special shout out to the countless front-line hero’s (heroes) who put themselves in danger every day...we all owe you an immeasurable debt of gratitude for your selflessness and commitment in the face of the pandemic,” wrote Cummins in a series of tweets.

A year ago, India was in the grip of the virus, becoming the first

country to register over four lakh new cases on April 30, 2021.

In fact, no country continued to register as many cases as India did on a daily average basis for several months. As a result, hospitals were short on medical supplies, not least oxygen cylinders which resulted in a record 4.08 million deaths, the highest around the world between January 2020 and December 2021, said KKR on its website.

“When the devastating impact of Covid-19 was at its peak in April, during the Indian leg of the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders’ allrounder Pat Cummins pledged to make a contribution worth USD 50,000 to India’s ‘PM Cares Fund’ and UNICEF Australia’s India Covid-19 crisis appeal and set an example for his ‘fellow IPL players’, who were touched by India’s passion and generosity, by making a public appeal to support

Global Covid caseload tops 517.8 mn Washington, May 10 (IANS): The global coronavirus caseload has topped 517.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.25 million and vaccinations to over 11.36 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on May 10 morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 517,888,062 and 6,253,145, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to 11,367,626,812.

The US continues to be the worsthit country with the world’s

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highest number of cases and deaths at 81,973,621 and 997,740, respectively, according to the CSSE. India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,105,401.

The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,574,245), France (29,155,895), Germany (25,406,868), the UK (22,318,371), Russia (17,966,773), South Korea (17,614,895), Italy (16,816,419), Turkey (15,044,921), Spain (12,009,059) and Vietnam (10,678,359).

The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are, Brazil (664,426), India (524,093), Russia (369,451), Mexico (324,465), Peru (212,946),

Sydney, May 3 (IANS): Researchers in Australia have discovered the blood clotting and immune protein pathways that are activated in severe cases of Covid-19 in children, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments.

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The funds were used by the Indian government to arrange for oxygen cylinders, PCR machines, and emergency medical supplies for hospitals across the country.

A year on, India has managed to minimize Covid-19’s impact with several cities registering zero cases while the recovery rate is 98.7 per cent of total cases, thanks in large part to the countless frontline workers who dedicated themselves to the cause, added the KKR statement.

Cummins has been UNICEF’s ambassador and has worked closely with them as well as UNICEF India to ensure the families and children alike have not only fully recovered but are also well-protected before, during and after emergencies, the franchise added. from 33 SARS-CoV-2 infected children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome or acute respiratory distress syndrome were collected.

the UK (177,072), Italy (164,573), Indonesia (156,396), France (147,893), Iran (141,189), Colombia (139,809), Germany (136,756), Argentina (128,729), Poland (116,138), Spain (104,869) and South Africa (100,533).

Australian researchers discover clues to severe Covid-19 in kids

the country engulfed by the pandemic.”

“Children are in general less susceptible to Covid-19 and present milder symptoms, but it remained unclear what caused some to develop very severe disease,” said Conor McCafferty, a researcher and doctoral student at the MCRI. For the study, blood samples from 20 healthy children and samples

The team found 85 and 52 proteins were specific to multisystem inflammatory syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively. Both syndromes are major potential outcomes of severe Covid.

Children with Covid who present with multisystem inflammatory syndrome also show similar clinical features to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, skin rash and conjunctivitis, making it difficult to quickly diagnose patients.

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IPL 2022: It has been very enjoyable being back at the top, says Jonny Bairstow boundaries and seven sixes, to set up a crucial 54-run win for Punjab.

Before Friday’s match, Bairstow had an indifferent time, amassing just 136 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 117.24. But everything changed on Friday evening as Bangalore ran out of ideas to stop Bairstow’s onslaught. At the end of powerplay, Bairstow had made 59 runs at a strike rate of 268.18, the most runs made by a batter in this phase during the tournament.

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS): Friday’s match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Brabourne Stadium will be remembered for how Jonny Bairstow smashed everything coming in his way during the powerplay.

Bairstow’s takedown of Bangalore’s bowlers in powerplay, especially in taking 22 runs off Australia speedster Josh Hazlewood’s first over, was a sight to behold as the wicketkeeperbatter cruised his way to making 66 off just 29 balls, laced with four

“It depends on what you class as a tough tournament really.

Because obviously I have been caught at fine leg twice, third man once, and run out on 19.5 overs so there is a difference in being unselfish and it being a difficult competition. Now I am happy with the way I have transitioned to opening the batting. It has been very enjoyable being back at the top,” said Bairstow in the postmatch virtual press conference.

Bairstow was pleased with him being able to make the most out of powerplay and finding his A-game as an opener in the

shortest format of the game. “Just think that sometimes there is balls in your area, and you have to try to take advantage of that.

Sometimes it is fine lines where you might get caught on the boundary, just inside the rope, or you might get a thin edge on another one. Today was a good day. Was happy to take advantage of the powerplay.”

Friday’s match was also a reminder of what Punjab’s ultraaggressive batting approach can do when Bairstow and Liam Livingstone unleashed carnage on Bangalore’s bowlers. “That has generally been the ethos of how we have tried to go about all of the tournament. That has been the way in which the guys want to go about the process of the game.

Now, with 12 points in as many matches, Punjab have given themselves a good chance to get into the playoffs with their remaining matches coming against Delhi Capitals on Monday, followed by meeting Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22.

SPORTS

UEFA confirms new format for Champions League from 2024 season weeks foreseen by the decision made in April 2021. The UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League will all enjoy one week of calendar exclusivity,” UEFA said in a statement.

Nyon (Switzerland), May 10 (IANS): Following consultations with stakeholders in the game, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) executive committee on Tuesday confirmed a new format for the Champions League from the start of the 2024-25 season.

The reformatted group stage would still grow from 32 to 36 teams starting in 2024 but the number of rounds will only jump from six to eight per team rather than 10.

The Europa League will also follow the format of the new Champions League with eight matches in the league stage.

There had previously been a plan that each team would play 10 games at that point of the competition as part of the new “Swiss model”.

“The eight matches of the UEFA Champions League will be played over the ten European

“The four additional places created by the increase from 32 to 36 teams in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League will be allocated,” it added.

Commenting on the decisions, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said, “UEFA has clearly shown today that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model.

“Today’s decisions conclude an extensive consultation process during which we listened to the ideas of fans, players, coaches, national associations, clubs, and leagues to name but a few, with the aim to find the best solution for the development and success of European football, both domestically and on the international club stage,” he added.

Former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in car crash and sole occupant. However, he died of his injuries. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.”

Symonds averaged 40.61 with the bat from 26 Tests for his country, but was perhaps best known for his exploits in white-ball cricket.

He featured in 198 ODIs -scoring six centuries and 30 half-centuries -- while also contributing 133 wickets with his handy off-spin and gentle medium pace.

It was at the 2003 World Cup where Symonds burst on to the stage with perhaps his greatest innings, as he smashed Pakistan with an unbeaten 143 in Johannesburg early in the event and helped Australia remain unbeaten and defeat India in a one-sided final.

The stocky right-hander was also part of the victorious World Cup side at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies as Australia claimed their fourth 50-over World Cup title.

Symonds also played 14 T20I for Australia, managing 337 runs and eight wickets.

His death is the second famous Australia cricketer to tragically pass away in 2022, after champion leg-spinner Shane Warne died from a heart-attack in Thailand in March.

Former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh also passed away from a heart attack earlier this year.

Cricket Australia chair, Lachlan

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Henderson, was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au that, “Australian cricket has lost another of its very best. Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia’s success at World Cups and as part of Queensland’s rich cricket history. He was a cult figure to many who was treasured by his fans and friends.

“It is a shattering loss to those nearest to him, and his wide circle of friends which extend to all corners of the cricketing world.

“His untimely passing will also resonate deeply with the many fans who thrilled to his efforts with bat, ball and in the field. He stood out for his skill, courage and determination, and the fans who saw him at his best will never forget his impact on a game.

“On behalf of Australian cricket our deepest sympathies are with Andrew’s family, team-mates, and friends.”

In the 26 Tests he played for Australia, Symonds scored 1,462 runs at 40.61 and picked up 24 wickets.

He scored a superb unbeaten 162 against India in the 2008 Sydney Test, which helped the hosts to a 122-run victory. However, the match ended in controversy over the ‘Monkeygate scandal’.

The all-rounder accused India spinner Harbhajan Singh of calling him a “monkey”, which triggering a verbal confrontation between the two teams and India threatened to cancel the tour after Harbhajan was initially suspended for three matches.

But, it was white-ball cricket that was Symond’s forte. Affectionately called ‘Roy’, the hard-hitter played 198 ODIs, scoring 5,088 runs and taking 133 wickets.

Symonds was born in Birmingham but shifted base to Australia with his adoptive parents, according to cricket.com

au. He became an integral part of Australia’s Word Cup-winning campaigns in 2003 and 2007, with both bat and ball.

His 143 against the Wasim Akram-led Pakistan in Australia’s opening match of the 2003 edition in Johannesburg was where Symonds announced his arrival on the international scene.

The right-handed batter’s matchwinning knock came off just 125 deliveries and was embellished with 18 fours and two maximums.

In the last-four clash against Sri Lanka, Symonds came at a time when Australia were struggling on 3/53. The champion all-rounder went on to score an unbeaten 91 to help the defending champions finally manage 212/7, which turned out to be the winning total in a rain-affected match.

During the 2007 World Cup, Australia cruised through the

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pool games, easily defeating Sri Lanka in the decider in Barbados.

He finished his twin World Cup campaigns averaging 103, and a strike rate of 93.29.

“I think it’s the fear factor he puts into the opposition because he can clear the boundary on a regular basis,” former Australian captain Ian Chappell had said of Symonds.

“He is going to create some run outs for you. He’ll take a blinding catch and he has been very, very tidy with the ball now for a long time,” Chappell had said.

Queensland Cricket Chair Chris Simpson said the cricket community was devastated by Symonds’ death.

“On behalf of Queensland Cricket, we express our deepest sympathies to his family and will do whatever we can to assist them,” he said to the website.

“We are all hurting and will miss him greatly. His former teammates will remember his loyalty to the playing group and recall the fun times with great fondness, and sorrow that he is gone.

“He loved Queensland and its outdoor lifestyle and valued and respected the opportunities he had as a youngster growing up in North Queensland that enabled him to go onto represent his state and country.”

In recent years, Symonds did commentary in the Big Bash League.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

GSWA organises volleyball tournament The Gujarati Samaj of Western Australia (GSWA) held a two-day long volleyball tournament from 22nd April to 23rd April. Brabham Bulls emerged as the winner while Dabangg Hariyana ended up as the runners up.

Gujarat and Maharashtra Foundation celebrated Gujarat and Maharashtra Foundation Day celebrations were held at St. Lucia Queensland on May 1st, 2022. It was a wonderful, fun-filled outdoor event, attended by the Gujarati and Maharashtrian community in Brisbane.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

TAG marks Ugadi and Rama Navami 2022 Telugu Association of Gold Coast (TAG) celebrated Ugadi and Ram Navami 2022 on May 1, 2022 at Robina Community Centre. Scrumptious food and entertaining performances especially the Kolatam dance by the talented Gold Coast ladies choreographed by Vahini Kamineni drew the community members to the event. The credit for the event’s massive success goes to Dr Sa Beth and the entire TAG team.

Ugadi is the New Year’s Day according to the Hindu calendar and it is observed in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka while Rama Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

GOPIO Queensland's Women Council hosts high tea event GOPIO Queensland’s Women Council organized a High Tea Networking Event on April 30 at Brisbane City Hall. The main theme of this event was ‘Domestic Violence’.

Family, domestic, and sexual violence is a major national health and welfare issue that can have lifelong impacts on victims and people. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Personal Safety Survey, 2.2 million Australians have experienced physical and/ or sexual violence from a partner and 3.6 million Australians have experienced emotional abuse from a partner. About 2.2 million Australians have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

Kothari, Ms Pravinita Singh-Pillay, and Ms Carolyn Robinson, also discussed different critical aspects of domestic violence. Dr Kothari showed eye-opening statistics and shared live examples of domestic violence. As a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Ms Pillay also shared her client's experiences and case studies to demonstrate the clarity of domestic violence.

Ms Robinson revealed how Beyond DV Ltd was founded because of the lived experience of supporting a loved one through a domestic violence situation.

The organization has a desire to use existing skills, expertise, and contacts to support women and children impacted by domestic Ms Usha Chandra, Chair of the Women Council, and Prof. Prasad violence as they rebuild their lives.

She talked about free awareness Yarlagadda, President of GOPIO programs/workshops around Queensland, welcomed all the guests, speakers, and participants the issue of domestic and family and highlighted the importance of violence and providing the most effective support for children and this topic. women.

Mrs Nina Schrinner, Lady Mayoress of Brisbane, Chair of the Ms Robinson also acknowledged that Beyond DV has created the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, and Patron of the GOPIO Women’s “Love & Learn” Teen Relationship App, which helps young people Council, delivered her keynote address and emphasized the need understand what healthy/ unhealthy relationships look like for charity for the betterment and how they can access other of society. As Chair of the Lord information and support if they Mayor’s Charitable Trust, Nina is are in an unhealthy relationship. committed to ensuring the trust The App is highly interactive continues to increase its support for the charities that are making a and gender-neutral and freely available in the Apple and Google difference in our community.

Play stores now.A panel discussion Other eminent speakers, Dr Alka

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was also organised to take the questions of the audience and was moderated by Mr Umesh Chandra.

Approximate more than 60 participants attended the function and it was supported

by Councillor Vicky Howard, Brisbane City Council, Globenet Realty, and Cornerstone Law offices.

Councillor Kim Marx, Councillor Fiona Hammond, and Councillor David McLaughlan's offices also provided beautiful gift hampers for raffle prize winners. The raffle prize money was donated

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Queensland celebrates Greater Springfield Community festival The Queensland Government in collaboration with the Ipswich City Council and Varnam Cultural Society organised the Greater Springfield festival 2022 on 30th April, 2022. The dazzling performances and the devoted work and contributions of all participants as well as all the volunteers played a key role in making the much-awaited event a grand success. Varnam Cultural Society took to their social media page to extende their heartfelt gratitude to Multicultural Ambassador Charis Mullen MP, all the performers, and organisers, stall holders, kids amusement operators, fireworks provider, lighting, sound, video technicians, event decorations, hospitality staff, security staff and their team members.

Seva Dharma Mission distributes free food Seva Dharma Mission distributed free food on 30th April, 2022 at 4 pm at Adra Community Centre in Woodridge (near train station), Logan Brisbane. Fresh fruits, vegetables, varieties of bread and normal essentials were distributed . The supplies included apples, sweet potatoes, Zukini and bread spread.

A greater number of needy people were served this time as compared to the community group’s previous initiatives.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Liberal minister promises $3.5 million funding towards Australia India House in Brisbane

"Australia India House Project", which has been a dream project for the Indian diaspora for over a decade, got a boost recently.

Mr Jason Wood MP, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, announced $3.5 million funding for 'Australia India House' in Brisbane, if Liberal Morrison government re-elected.

Senator Paul Scarr has made a significant contribution to the project by taking the project to the federal level. Thanks to the hard work of AIHCF President Prasad Kdv Yarlagadda, Secretary Mr Robin Jaggessar, Treasurer Dr Ramana Panda, and the team, the project is close to seeing the light of day.

Special appreciation must also go to India oranisations like FICQ, AIBC, and GOPIO, and their past and current leaders who are behind the project.

"I commend Dr Maha Sinnathamby, Chairman of Springfield Land Corporation, and Jim Varghese AM Chair AIBC for their support of the vision for Australia India House, a community center where cultural events, social occasions, language schools, health expos, sporting

events, business, professional seminars, workshops, and meetings happen," said Dr Ram Mohan, erstwhile FICQ President and the publisher of Australia India News.

The Australia India House Charitable Foundation Limited (AIHCF) is seeking a taxdeductible donation of $10,000 or more from those seeking to become life members.

Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ), Australia India Business Council Ltd (AIBC), Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin GOPIO Gold Coast Inc. For more information, visit their Facebook at facebook.com/ AIHCF/and the website - www. aihcf.org.

India clinch maiden Thomas Cup title with stunning 3-0 win over Indonesia

This was the two shuttlers’ third clash of the year. While the Indian youngster shocked the Danish ace in the German Open semis in March, Axelsen registered the win in the All England Open final later that month.

Sen started the match well but Axelsen soon took charge and cruised to a comfortable win in the first game. The Indian shuttler managed to produce some breathtaking moments in the second game but was not

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consistent enough to worry the Dane, who wrapped up the first rubber 21-13, 21-13 in 49 minutes.

However, India’s top doubles players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy brought India back into the tie, beating Kim Astrup and Mathias Christiansen 21-18, 21-23, 22-20 in an hour and 17-minute-long marathon clash. After winning a hard-fought opening game, the Indian duo squandered two match points in the second as the

Danes forced a decider.

Kim Astrup and Mathias Christiansen looked favourites to complete a come-from-behind victory after taking an 8-5 lead early into the third game but the Indian duo, spurred by an exceptional patch of play by Chirag, turned it around and brought India level at 1-1.

India then took the lead in the tie for the first time with Kidambi Srikanth beating fellow world championships silver medallist

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Anders Antonsen 21-18, 12-21, 21-14. It was an intriguing contest with the Indian recovering from a slow start to take the first game.

The Dane hit back, attacking Srikanth at the back court to come roaring back in the second.

Srikanth took the lead in the decider but Antonsen almost caught up before the former world No 1 broke away and secured the win. Denmark levelled the score to 2-2 after Anders Skaarup Rasmussen

and Frederik Sogaard downed Indian pair of Vishnu Panjala and Krishna Garaga 21-14, 21-13 in the fourth match.

With the final singles tie set up as the decider, HS Prannoy, who had produced a clutch win against Malaysia in the quarters, stepped up against Rasmus Gemke.

Though suffering an ankle injury early in the contest, Prannoy produced a remarkable 13-21, 21-9, 21-12 come-from-behind victory to see India past the finish line.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

L a b o r c o m m i t s $ 3 .5 m i l l i o n i n f u n d i n g fo r I n d i a Ho u s e i n S p r i n g f i e ld Continued from Page 1

Springfield region. India House will provide a dedicated hub for community activities, programs and services, and serve as a meeting place for various local Indian community and business associations and clubs.

Among the distinguished guests at the gathering, besides Milton Dick MP and Shayne Neumann MP, were Australia India House (AIHCF) President Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda OAM; Australia India Business Council Ltd. National Chair Dr Jim Varghese AM; AIBC Qld Chapter President Nik Senapati; and Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) Australia Advisor Dr Ram Mohan.

Springfield City Group Chairman Dr Maha Sinnathamby is generously donating the land for the India House building, among the other donors.

Labor promises to invest $12.5 million in Springfield BioPark

Labor Party announced on May 16 that an Albanese Labor Government will invest $12.5 million in the Springfield BioPark site to facilitate the advanced manufacturing of high-value medicines in Ipswich and Greater Springfield and boost local jobs.

This could be a real game-changer for this region and will also support up to 500 direct jobs and up to 1,000 indirect ongoing jobs, once complete.

Thanks to Springfield City Group and their General

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Manager - Health Dustin Welch for championing this initiative and other innovative hightech projects,” Labor’s Shayne Neumann MP shared on his Twitter and Facebook timelines.

“This announcement is part of Labor’s commitment to bring skilled manufacturing jobs back home and build a future made in Australia, including here in the Ipswich region,” he further wrote.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Delhi Jal Board officers attend study tour in Australia A delegation of nine senior officers of Delhi Jal Board visited the Brisbane Institute of Strength-based Practice. The visiting delegation consisting of senior engineers were exposed to a five-day study tour in the first week of May 2022.

and Dr Venkat Rao Pulla of the Brisbane Institute.

The study tour for the officers offered them wide-ranging case studies from the field of public health, epidemiological issues, making smart cities and making people stronger and how to get better value out of a whole systems approach.

The delegation attended seminars

with the Australian faculty for the visiting delegation, including Dr Shawn Somerset, Professor of Public Health and also Professor of Nutrition, University of

Canberra; Mr Jeff Steel, a top water and sewerage planner and project leader with innovative and creative experience, Sunshine Coast, Noosa Regional Council;

The impending water-utility issues in India and the plans and prospects of several water-related projects in India were discussed

by Dr Rudra Deo Mishra, Director of the Noida Productivity Council, who led the delegation.

The institute’s programme for making smart cities addresses the twin objectives of regenerative development and offering ideas to senior

executives in urban ministries, metro city managements, urban development authorities and city corporations to instigate creative and innovative thinking.

Management of cities’ resources, such as water, from source to tap is seen by the Brisbane institute of Strengths as a sociologically living process.

Explaining the regenerative development “as a whole systems approach that genuinely partners people and their place of dwelling and their flows”, Dr Venkat Pulla, the chief trainer from the institute said, ‘The city managers look forward to making people stronger, cities vibrant and are keen to make viable adaptations to make the city work for its people.”

Brisbane Earth Buddies spread the word at the New Farm Park to Save Soil

“The Only Magic Material that Turns Death into Life.” – Sadhguru

An update on Sadhguru’s journey The Save Soil movement initiated

by Sadhguru has crossed the halfway mark and after 50 days, most of which involved hard riding, has set an unprecedented trend around the world to unite for one common cause, to Save Soil.

After a tremendously successful trip through Europe, Sadhguru started his journey in the Middle East. He took a detour to attend the COP15 at Abidjan in Ivory Coast, where he addressed representatives of 195 nations.

After that, Sadhguru is back in the Middle East. He has been welcomed by leaders in Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

The Muslim World League has also extended impassioned support for the movement,

Spreading awareness at New Farm Park

Earth buddies in Brisbane gathered once again on 8 May, this time at the New Farm Park to raise awareness about soil health.

Joined by their family and friends at the Botanical Garden, they walked, danced and sang the Save Soil: Our Very Body Anthem “La la le la le”. Dressed in Save Soil green t-shirts, they held signs, flags and balloons with messages to save soil.

More events are planned in the coming weeks. Everyone is welcome to join. For more information call the hotline 1300 284 742.

Some facts about soil Soil formation is a slow and complex process, but degradation can happen swiftly. Soil is essentially a non-renewable resource. It is also the most complex biological material on

https://www.consciousplanet. org, go to the ACTION NOW button and then click on ‘Earth Buddy’. Only your name and email address will be required. It’s that simple. Will you join today?

soil biota.

Soil extinction

The United Nations FAO has declared soil nutrition as the basis for human nutrition. Soil nutrients provide the food needed for plants and animals to survive, and these nutrients are transferred to humans once consumed. Soil is also the source of many vaccines, anti-cancer agents and drugs upon which humans rely, such as antibiotics.

Low-level exposure to the natural microbial diversity of healthy soil is also increasingly seen as necessary for the priming and education of the immune system in infants and for maintaining immune fitness into adulthood (Roslund et al. 2020; Ottman et al.

2019; Matthews & Jenks 2013).

Soil extinction is a real threat and could lead to catastrophic crisis worldwide, including food and water shortages, droughts and famines, adverse climate changes, mass migrations and unprecedented rates of species extinction. Furthermore, soil degradation increases the chance of flooding, as soils that have lost organic matter cannot absorb and retain substantial amounts of water. Therefore, improving soil quality is imperative.

Australia’s soil

which is a testament to growing popularity of Conscious planets Save Soil movement.

For details on the road trip and to watch the events, visit www. consciousplanet.org/events. The response for the movement is growing by the day, and this is apparent by the prevalence of the #SaveSoil on social media. It’s hard to miss.

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the planet (Young & Crawford 2004) and one of the most biologically rich and diverse habitats on earth. One teaspoon of soil contains more living organisms than there are people in the world (FAO 2020). Soil is the physical, chemical and biological matrix that supports plant growth and provides habitat for a vast number and variety of

While it is rich in biodiversity, Australian soil is among the oldest and most nutrient rich in the world. This is due mainly to the country’s geological stability — among other things, Australia is characterised by a lack of significant seismic activity and other natural processes, such as glaciation, that weather and erode rock and create new soil. Australia and its external territories (for example, Norfolk Island, Australian Antarctic Territory and Christmas Island) have a wide variety of different landscapes, climates, soil types and land use histories.

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Call to action Many of you might wonder, “How do I support this critically essential movement?” It is very easy and takes few clicks on your smart phone or computer. Visit

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ART & CULTURE

Film rights of Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller ‘One Shivji’s mantra: If you’re honest, your music will reflect it Indian Girl’ acquired by Sony Pictures rights to 'One Indian Girl' is particularly promising because this is the studio behind some of the biggest films of our times and I cannot wait to begin this exciting journey with this energetic team.

This story has both a national and international appeal and I cannot wait to see it on the big screen."

Previous film adaptations on his book's include the blockbuster '3 Idiots', '2 States' and the awardwinning hit 'Kai Po Che'.

"As the film market continues to boom in India, we're continuously looking for exciting content that stands out from both a creative and cultural perspective, and we're thrilled to adapt and produce Chetan Bhagat's book for the big screen," said Shebnem Askin, Co-Head of Sony Pictures International Productions.

Mumbai, May 3 (IANS) Sony Pictures International Productions has acquired film adaptation rights to author Chetan Bhagat's 2016 acclaimed novel 'One Indian Girl'.

Bhagat's book revolves around an Indian girl who is intelligent and

successful and finds it difficult to find love.

Bhagat said: "It is always exciting when a story you have written is interpreted cinematically."

"The fact that Sony Pictures International Productions has acquired the film adaptation

Sony Pictures International Productions, co-headed by Shebnem Askin and Michael Rifkin, is the local-language production arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment's Motion Picture Group that releases over 30 films annually across 12 territories around the world.

Bengal’s noted elocutionist Partha Ghosh dies Kolkata, May 7 (IANS) Partha Ghosh, the noted elocutionist and recitation artist from West Bengal, died on Saturday at a private hospital in Howrah district. He was 83.

at the private hospital in Howrah, where he had undergone a surgery recently.

His wife, Gouri Ghosh, also a noted elocutionist and recitation artist, passed away on August 28 last year.

His body will be first taken to his residence at Dum Dum and after that he will be cremated in North Kolkata.

The late couple is survived by their son Ayan Ghosh.

Family sources said that Partha Ghosh was suffering from agerelated ailments for quite some time and hence he was admitted

He had a massive cardiac arrest early Saturday morning and died at 7.30 a.m.

Both Partha and Gouri Ghoshstarted their careers as selection-grade announcers with the All India Radio, with which they were associated for a prolonged period.

(The following is an interview that Pandit Shivkumar Sharma gave to Ina Puri, editor of the book "Shiv Kumar Sharma: The Man and his Music", published by Niyogi Books.)

IP: So who do you play for?

SKS: I share that bliss with my audience. They can only share it when they connect with me.

It is like sitting in meditation.

What connects with me is not the knowledge of a classical raga or 'taal' (tempo). These are technicalities.

Recently I've been doing this experiment with students, particularly in colleges. When I play the 'alap' (cadence), I tell them, "Forget about me, Shivkumar Sharma, forget about the santoor, forget about the raga.

Just close your eyes." The moment you close your eyes, you start getting different ideas that are not connected with one another. The only effort you have to make is to bring back your thoughts towards that sound.

I don't call it a raga, santoor, 'taal' or anything else. And I find extraordinary reactions from people. I'm surprised. So this is my way of thinking and presenting my music.

IP: But you don't really present your music. You're merely sharing your music.

SKS: That's what I'm saying. I'm sharing it with my audience. What I'm sharing is the bliss that music is giving to me. However, they will have to walk that extra mile to experience it.

IP: When you say presentation, I have a problem with the word because you don't present your music. You don't even have a sequence in your mind. I have seen and I have heard from you that when you're sitting on the stage, the creativity, the process of creation, happens on the spot.

And you have often referred to

yourself as a medium. So in that sense, there is no presentation.

SKS: Exactly.

IP: It's a spontaneous flow.

SKS: Spirituality is not only in the context of music, it is in your life, in your behaviour, in your activities, you live it. There are three words: 'man' (thought), 'vachan' (speech), 'karam' (action).

I'll elaborate on this. Now, this is besides music, because your music is what you are. Your personality is what your thinking is and your philosophy is what your emotions are. All these things come out in your music.

This is what I'm trying to practise.

It is very hard, but I have been trying to practise it for many years. What I think, whatever my philosophy or my thoughts are, I should have the courage to speak that out. You know, sometimes we are thinking something else and not saying it because we are being politically correct. Our philosophy is something else, but we are presenting something else. So then 'man' and 'vachan' are not on the same wavelength.

Spirituality means that your thoughts, speech and actions match. I'm experiencing it more and more and trying to follow it.

So when your thinking is like that, the perspective of your music is bound to change; your behaviour will also change.

Excerpted with the permission of the publisher from "Shiv Kumar Sharma: The Man and his Music".

Edited by Ina Puri. Published by Niyogi Books.

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Portugal Welcomes Back Indian Visitors Portugal welcomes all visitors, regardless of their country of origin or reason for visiting.

With its mild climate, 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and magnificent contrasting landscapes within its seven regions, as well as superb cuisine, fine wines, and hospitable people, Portugal is the ideal year-round vacation destination.

Portugal is known for its mild, sunny climate and diverse landscapes, which range from the magnificent coastal beaches to the golden plains of the Alentejo, the verdant mountains of the interior, and the peaceful, lush nature of the Azores and Madeira islands.

It is also known for its long history and imposing heritage, for its dynamic culture, for its unique, comforting cuisine full of flavours and aromas, and for its relaxed, simple, and unrivalled setting, with open arms for those

welcome back Indian visitors to Portugal,” says Claudia Matias, Director, Visit Portugal India. Portugal is a modern, cosmopolitan country with a plethora of leisure activities and places to visit and explore with your family, partner, or on your own. who visit and return. Portugal is home to the world’s oldest demarcated wine region – the Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Port Wine is produced – as well as one of Europe’s oldest universities, the magnificent University of Coimbra, which was founded in the 13th century and is also classified by UNESCO. The land of the Discoveries, Fado, and age-old traditions bound together by a vast sea.

Visitors arriving on the mainland Portugal from India, will be required to present the following documents as mandate & no quarantine will be obligatory upon arrival. The document includes -

‘‘India has always been a strong source market for us, and in the pre-covid period, we saw a significant increase in tourists from India. We can’t wait to

Exception, children under 12 do not need to present certificate or test.

A negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) - 72h before boarding, or a negative Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test24h before boarding (according to the European Commission list)

A novel luxury boutique resort brand launches this year

Trip planning has never been easier

Travellers in India can now browse and book flights from a global inventory of airlines to anywhere in the world for their upcoming summer holidays, on Booking.com' new and improved flight-booking service. And frictionless travel experience, the digital travel platform's in-house branded flight service will create a whole new way to book and experience air travel that’s convenient, intuitive and ultimately more travellerfriendly and enjoyable. Through this travellers can search, book and pay for their flight without leaving the app or platform. The enhanced flight product offers an end-to-end booking experience, from search to booking and post-booking support. Travellers will be provided with the broad choice and easy experience of comparing flights from hundreds of unique product features that are typically only available when booking directly with the airline such as increased flexibility, customisation and control.

What you see is what you pay: The platform is committed to complete price transparency and clarity, which means no hidden charges and no credit card fees.

Full visibility and access: The service also shows upfront which bags are included in the ticket, so it’s easier for customers to compare and make a decision that’s right for them and the trip they are taking.

With a consistent increase in demand for luxury hotels and experiential getaways in recent years, Espire Hospitality Group will add a luxury boutique resort brand, 'ZANA,' to India's hospitality landscape. The brand will bring a bounty of freshness and exclusivity to the holiday experiences.

Zana suggests a rare 'purple lily,' and the brand's first outpost will be a 30-room lakeside resort on the undiscovered UdaiSagar Lake in the romantic city of Udaipur.

‘ZANA Udaipur’ will be a one-ofa-kind resort with awe-inspiring experiences and nourishing cuisine to complement its breathtaking natural setting. With only 30 lakefront guestrooms,

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the resort will be a true fusion of old world charm and highly personalised and distinctive Victorian service concepts. It will be a short distance from the airport and close to the city’s main attractions.

“Our domestic travel market is buoyant, so we are meaningfully expanding in India,” said Akhil Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Espire Hospitality Group, in making this important announcement. We are all set for the significant launch of our novel brand ‘ZANA,’ which will be one of only a few players in the Indian market offering intimate experiential luxury. Every detail at ZANA will be so unique that it will elevate an otherwise ordinary leisure stay into a lifestyle

experience. We are creating unique destinations where every visual is serene and every experience is classic.”

Adding, “We hope that by launching ZANA, we will be able to create destinations where couples, families, and friends can connect and strengthen their bonds. Because our brand name refers to a rare ‘purple lily,’ our resorts will be appealing to those seeking to escape the mundane and discover the ‘new.’ Our guests will have many stories to tell and reasons to return after every ZANA experience.” Espire Hospitality Group’s Head of Marketing & Communications, Ankita Dawar, added.

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TRAVEL

Make your own selection: Customers arranging their flights with Booking.com can choose their seats, add their luggage requirements, select their meals, buy insurance and view the details of their flight reservation without ever leaving the Booking. com app.

Book with confidence: It offers travellers flexi-ticket options for ultimate peace of mind.

Multi-city itineraries: Along with single and return flight tickets, travellers can also arrange more complex and hyper-customised multi-city flight itineraries directly with Booking.com.

Budget-savvy travellers: Budgetsavvy travellers can make use of split tickets, where they can combine one-way tickets from different airlines into unique

itineraries to offer more choice, better prices and a simpler way to book the whole trip in one go.

Complete peace of mind: Customers who are happy to ‘self-connect’ to reach their destination can choose the ‘virtual-interlining’ tickets.

Virtual-interlining tickets offer more choice and often better prices for customers. Behind the scenes, Booking.com pieces together the best flight choices for a specified route, looking into all available airlines and their schedules. The virtual-interlining tickets come with a Self-Transfer guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Compare flights with ease: For travellers who are undecided or open-minded about their destination, it allows customers to search for flights to and from multiple airports simultaneously to help inspire, save time and find great deals.

Here to help you: Indian customers can call the customer services team 24/7 for help and assistance with any reservation related queries More for your trip: From the palm of their hand, travellers can arrange every element of their trip. From finding the right flight, arranging a car rental pick up or airport transfer, discovering new and exciting attractions, complemented with the perfect stay - all searched and booked from the same app.

Ritu Mehrotra, Commercial Director, APAC, China & Oceania at Booking.com said, “With more and more travel restrictions being lifted and the world slowly opening up again, summer 2022 seems to mark the return of travel for Indian travellers who are ready to get back out there and make the most of their summer holidays. To make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we are now offering a new and improved flight experience to customers in India, allowing them to seamlessly browse and book flights to anywhere in the world. This new flights booking service will ease the complexities of travel planning by empowering our customers to book their flights and stay easily and directly on Booking.com.”

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Goa, Maldives most preferred travel destinations

TRAVEL

It’s time for South Africa

Vaccinations, booster doses, easing restrictions and wanderlust got us making travel plans and actually travelling.

From domestic or international, offbeat or popular destinations, staycations or workations - CRED members explored all travel options curated for them on its travel section.

Based on the bookings data, here are some insights from the bookings made in Q1 2022: 70 percent of members made bookings for the weekend.

Despite having the option of staycations, individuals chose to unwind during the weekends to get away from the daily routine.

Goa, the eternal favourite, remained the most sought after destination with 2000+ travellers choosing to travel to the Western coast. Hard Rock Hotel, Radisson Resort Candolim, and Holiday Inn were the most picked properties in Goa. Members also get exclusive member perks such as all meals, room upgrades, free cancellation, access to attractions and more.

Coorg was the second most popular vacation destination for domestic travel. Cred has 10+ stays listed in the hill station, which is famous for its coffee plantations. WelcomHeritage Ayatana situated in the lush greenery of Coorg with a private waterfall adding to the serenity

was the most booked property by members.

The Maldives was the most preferred international holiday destination during this time period. The average price of booking a stay was ₹140,000 for a 3 night and 4-day stay. Members got additional perks such as seaplane transfers, unlimited alcohol, access to water sports, floating breakfast and more Europe and Dubai were second and third most-picked holiday destinations abroad respectively.

Curated European holiday packages covering Switzerland, Turkey, France and other parts of Europe were much in demand.

Sharmistha Chakraborty, cofounder of Voyaah, one of CRED's leading travel partners said "We are glad to be associated with CRED and offer our unique range of experiential stays and packages to its distinct

community of members from across the country. Through this partnership, we have seamlessly been able to integrate our premium offerings on the platform and continue to see a significant uptake in bookings through specially curated deals for CRED members. As the travel opens up again across domestic and international destinations, we are confident we will continue to witness high engagement on CRED Travel."

CRED travel enables members to take luxurious holidays with VIP inclusions in international and Indian destinations with curated experiences that range from complimentary meals to adventure sports. An extended travel period gives members the flexibility to book now to avail of the deals but travel at their convenience.

Where to Tinder Passport to next? Let the stars decide!

Has the travel #FOMO bug gotten you, and you've been itching to get away but haven't been able to? Tinder Passport allows you to change your geographic location to any place on the globe. Just think of the next place you want to vibe at and jet set on a virtual adventure to find people who you can match with even if they’re miles away!

Serving you some more tea - Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune and Goa are the most popular destinations in India that Tinder members passport to. Globally, the top countries Indian members passports to are The USA, Singapore, Korea, Australia and Japan. Time for you to begin swiping and matching with people across the globe.

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) Spontaneous, ambitious, and traveller of the zodiac, these signs are always on the lookout for something new.

Passporting to Shillong will keep these flamboyant souls enchanted while Manali will challenge their fiery side and passporting to New York City will fulfil their enthusiasm.

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Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) Always in the urge of trying something new, these homebodies are the epitome of work hard play harder! Calm, solid and intriguing is their number one game and they can fill their passport book, get their R&R in places like the zen magic of Italy, the beauty and serenity of Kerala or fill their metaphorical plates in the most popular place in India where Tinder members can passport to - Delhi!

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) An Old school, hardcore romantic, Bollywood geek!

A destination near water is a bonus, but these Bollywood buffs would do anything to make

every moment rich in history and hardcore romantic. Passporting to romantic destinations like Udaipur would definitely feed their imaginative spirits and Paris will suffice their dream.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) Passport destinations that catch an air sign’s attention have to be dank! They are particularly looking for an ideal combination of culture, quirk, and lovely things to do. They will be appeased by destinations such as the bustling Mumbai, Goa that is fab with its nightlife glamour, or even the steeped in historical Greece.

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After a two-year closure, Nairobi's iconic hotel, Fairmont The Norfolk, has reopened its doors to the public.

“The hotel, Accor regional team and the owners have worked closely together to ensure they provide the guests with exceptional services and facilities in line with the luxe positioning of the Fairmont brand including a new Food & Beverage concept in order to meet with customers evolving needs,” said Mehdi Morad, Country General Manager at Accor Kenya.

Dr Binod Chaudhary, Chairman & Founder of CG Corp Global, commented on the acquisition of Fairmont The Norfolk, “I believe each country is different, keep an open mind, and you will be able to find where the niche entry lies. With the re-opening of this iconic, 100-year-old asset, we are thrilled to welcome every keen traveler who wishes to experience the marvel of this secluded gem in Kenya, East Africa. To explore the magnificent hotel and the beauty of Kenya, the doors have opened to all guests across the globe. I am sure; everyone will be pleased by the historic beauty and the warm hospitality of the hotel staff under leadership of the Accor regional team. This is yet another momentous event for the historic Norfolk Hotel which has been operational for 116 years and was hit by the pandemic shut down during the first wave of 2020. This is a place that feels frozen in time, where signs of a more decadent era can be seen at every turn, Fairmont The Norfolk continues to play a role in Kenya’s history.” This news comes as CG Hospitality Holdings,

CG Corp Global’s hospitality arm, prepares to enter the rapidly growing East African market in 2020 with the acquisition of two iconic Fairmont properties in Kenya, Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmont The Norfolk.

Nepal-based CG Corp Global is a landlocked South Asian country’s first multinational billion-dollar conglomerate group, known for its global expansion across the most exquisite destinations.

CG Corp Global currently operates 120 hotel properties in 10 countries, totaling 6,633 rooms. The company intends to add 29 properties with a total of 2,233 keys. There are 26 hotel properties in India, with all of them expected to be operational by 2023. The hotel has been described as a hidden gem with an elegant contemporary design and alluring charm that provides guests with a sense of relaxation, belonging, and ownership and is ideal for partying, meetings, chilling, and an exceptional culinary experience. This is also the hotel where Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, spent an evening in 1952. They were on a Commonwealth tour that she had embarked on with her husband in place of her father. It is commonly stated that Queen Elizabeth fell asleep as a princess and awoke as The Queen of the United Kingdom as a result of her ailing father’s sudden death.

The hotel anticipates a slew of visitors from around the world, particularly from India. According to the South African Tourism Board, arrivals from India are expected to increase by 64% year on year in the current fiscal year.

According to a statement released by the board, India is one of the major markets for which they have also outlined a strategic road map. According to reports, the top source markets for South African tourism will be Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai. The Tourism Board has also eased entry requirements into the country.

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He re’s h ow yo u c a n re u s e yo u r old t r a d i t i o n a l we a r

FASHION

Me n’s j ewe l le r y h a s a fashion moment

May 5, 2022 (IANSlife) Sarees and fabrics are generally passed on as heirlooms in our culture. Heavy, pure fabrics, heavy suits, sarees, and wedding lehengas – mostly women tend to preserve these and pass them on to the next generation. These are special and hold a lot of memories which are often difficult to part with.

But, how often are we able to use those old clothes due to changing fashion? With new styles and trends coming in almost every season, it gets very difficult to wear the same outfit again and again.

How about we find a way to preserve them and also reuse them in a way that they don’t get wasted and are also used efficiently? Interesting, right?

Recycling old clothes into table runners, new clothes, cushion covers – is not a new phenomenon. People have been doing it for ages. It is sustainable, economical, and extremely cool to reuse, repurpose and recycle.

Change the utility of the garment as per your need and make the most out of it. Keep reading to know some innovative ideas for repurposing salwar suits instead of discarding them.

The scope of recycling expands significantly when it comes to something as encompassing as a salwar suit. Repurposing vintage salwar suits can become a very fascinating and versatile DIY project.

Namrata Agarwal, Founder and

CEO of Chinaya Banaras shares some cool tips to reuse old outfits.

Mix and match and reuse the entire outfit: While salwar suits are mostly sold as a set – shirt, dupatta, and a bottom; the current trend of wearing mismatched or contrasting outfits gives a scope of using each element of a salwar suit in a different outfit and create 3 more outfits!

Match your kurta with a different bottom and change the whole look. Add a different coloured dupatta to your existing suit and you have a new outfit. These small steps can give you a new look without burning a hole in your pocket and also reusing an existing garment. Did someone say sustainable fashion?

Reuse old salwar or Kurti to make a dress: Here’s another good one. Use your Kurti or salwar to stitch in a different pattern. You can get a blouse made from your Kurti or even a gown by putting together two elements. You can even make children’s clothes from old salwar suits. It’s a lot of fun to make new

outfits out of old ones.

Repurpose to make furnishing items: Apart from using old clothes for making new outfits, you can even use them to make keepsake accessories for your home. Many times clothes cannot be fashioned into another dress.

But instead of throwing it away, you can make different furnishing out of it. Kurtis with embroidered patterns makes for lovely wall hangings or photo borders. You can turn your old dupattas into curtains or beautiful backdrops.

Tie-up techniques can also be used to turn your dupattas or Kurti patches into super-cool pillowcases or cushion covers.

Throwing a garment is the easy option but think of where it’s going to end up? Most likely in a pile of a dump. We need to be smart and use our old clothes in a fun way and that will also be our bit for our planet. Do not pass up the opportunity to have a little fun while reusing, restyling, and repurposing old salwar suits into new garments or artistic items.

5 reasons to buy diamonds

May 11, 2022 (IANSlife) Diamonds are the symbol of ultimate sophistication and commitment for generations. This precious gem has stood the test of time and endurance for billions of years.

It represents strength, resilience and the power to overcome obstacles. Nothing else signifies the natural wonder, uniqueness and beauty of mother nature, as does a diamond.

Here are five reasons to buy diamonds shared by Toranj Mehta, Director, Marketing, De Beers India: The epitome of purity When you contemplate the rarity and clarity of diamonds, it is no surprise that the gems have been more than just sparkling accessories over the course of history. Thus, with its everlasting brilliance, the diamond symbolises purity and strength making it a popular choice.

Diamonds are forever Owning diamond jewellery is definitely a superior style statement. Diamonds are, without doubt, the world’s most precious, beautiful and rare gems that are inherently valuable. These forever cherished pieces of carbon have

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evolved to become symbols of status, power, and eternal love and reflect a sense of gratitude and acknowledgement. After all, nothing is “forever” more than eye-catching diamond jewellery.

Therefore, in more ways than one, a diamond is forever.

Enduring value Because of their enduring value, diamonds are often seen as a special gift which can be passed down through generations.

Diamonds reflect a sense of gratitude and acknowledgement.

When you purchase a diamond you are holding a piece of history that’s forever captured - an irreplaceable emotion or a

It’s the 21st century and Men now relish expressing themselves while breaking one stereotype at a time. The truth is that whether you are a man or a woman if you can feel that you are looking good, your confidence significantly boosts.

Here’s a list of the latest trends and designs in Men’s jewellery to amp up your style game contributed by Kohinoor Jewellers Agra & Kohgem, PP Jewellers, RK Jewellers South Ex-2 and Narayan Jewellers: Tie pins: Be it a work event or any occasion, wearing just a tie gets boring. Men realize this and are now adorning a tie pin. Today, the choice for a tie pin ranges from diamond-studded tie pins in gold or silver.

The ultimate symbol of a meaningful gift Diamonds have always symbolized love, commitment, intimacy, achievement and selfexpression. That is why they top the gift lists across the world, surpassing other luxury goods.

Consumers have come to attach a deep sentimental connection to diamond jewellery they own or gift to their loved ones. Thus, diamond jewellery becomes a timeless gift and a strong icon of power and eternity.

May 6, 2022 (IANSlife) In all cultures, men have worn jewellery for centuries. In fact, in the past, jewellery for kings was more ornate than that for queens. With the passage of time and generation, there was a time when jewellery was almost entirely reserved for women and men had a limited selection. Since then, we’ve come a long way. To begin with, we no longer desire or accept stereotyped classifications in the same way that we once did.

Gender focus in jewellery, like many other aspects of the fashion industry and beyond, is less important than it once was.

priceless memory. And in a world of short-term fixes where so much is disposable, symbols of enduring value and strength are more important than ever.

Diamonds are a piece of eternity Diamonds hold memories of your achievements and accomplishments, reminding you to continue to aspire, achieve and celebrate each milestone in your life. They hold stories of romance and commitment passed on to the next generation and serve as a reminder of your sparkling life. Be it of any size or shape, diamonds will never go out of style. Therefore, when you buy a diamond, you are also purchasing a piece of eternity, making life brilliant for generations.

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Lapel Pins: The lapel pin is a superb example of a detail which will give your outfit an unforgettable elegant appearance & they are back in fashion. For decades they were only worn at life’s most formal events, but now times are changing and men are looking for some trending options that can go with their daily business.

Oval Bracelets: Bracelets are no longer a woman’s best friend only.

Men of all ages love to experiment with this piece of jewellery in different metals like gold, white gold, and leather belts with diamond or coloured stone. You can go for more funky options of diamond in titanium or leather with casual wear, while the gold one looks perfect for formal occasions.

Cufflinks: Perfect for formal parties and weddings, Cufflinks are a men’s go-to piece of

jewellery. A piece of jewellery which comes in various colours and options adds flair to the entire attire. Many young people choose to wear cufflinks.

Personalization in cufflinks is also in vogue. They’re a great choice for important events like weddings, but they’ll hold sentimental worth for years to come.

Ring: Rings have traditionally been connected with marriage or family. Keeping things basic and timeless is the best advice.

A diamond ring will never go out of style, and it may even be worn with a wedding band in the same material (on a different finger, of course) if the time comes.

Broaches: Broaches look classy!!

It can be paired with both Traditional wear & indo-western silhouettes. Designs of animals in diamond, gold and multicoloured stone look really elegant.

Necklaces: Jewellery should be viewed as a form of selfexpression and a method to personalize your appearance.

Necklaces are preferred by men nowadays for casual wear.

The chain look is perfect for an evening to party. Men can also try a mid-weight chain with a modest pendant to add intrigue to the ensemble. They can go all out when it comes to weddings.

Many grooms are experimenting with their looks by combining a little loose choker with long hair.

Precious coloured stone multilayered haar in emerald and rubies looks really chic.

Cufflinks: Cufflinks can add a great deal of style to a man’s look. This can be paired with a matching tiepin, and stunning buttons to complete the look.

Cufflinks are a minimal part of the look and tend to go unnoticed by many. However, when it comes to design, men can opt for quirkier options that can add personality to the entire look.

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WHAT’S ON

Continued from Page 13

The Quad, being a group of democratic countries which respect the sovereignty of each other, would not make any fuss on each other’s foreign policy. Rather they would focus on strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. The intention of Quad is clear from the very beginning, i.e., maintaining peace and stability as well as smooth mercantile movement in the Indo-Pacific and not expansionism.

India is pivotal to the US IndoPacific strategy. Its importance in the Indo-Pacific region has increased due to a shift in geopolitics as highlighted by the Indian Foreign Minister - “the Indian and Pacific Oceans have become much more seamless.

It is increasingly untenable to see them in compartmentalized terms, which is part of a larger geopolitical shift”.

India is now recognised as a great link between the Western Pacific

and the Indian Ocean -- the major theatres of contemporary geopolitics. India’s geographic location, size, and military capabilities as the world’s second largest army, ranking fifth overall (ahead of France, Israel and South Korea), and a formidable presence in the Indian Ocean, make India an ideal strategic partner for the Quad.

The US State Department has always highlighted that a strong US-India partnership is vital to the Indo-Pacific vision, particularly for safe and free mercantile movement and compliance of the international conventions in and around the South China Sea in particular and the Indo-Pacific region in general.

During his recent India visit, the Prime Minister of the UK also highlighted India’s importance in maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and his willingness to cooperate with

India in this regard.

India’s importance for Quad cannot be underestimated. It has been an influential power in South Asia and South-East Asia.

It enjoys deep economic and strategic ties with the countries of the region. Since India shares democratic values with other Quad partners and security concerns due to increased Chinese unlawful activities in the Indo-Pacific region, often based on military expansionism and violation of international laws, India remains strategically the most pivotal partner of Quad and other Western countries.

Anticipation about critical discussion in the upcoming Quad summit over India’s position on the Russia - Ukraine conflict is farfetched and unrealistic. The US has already indicated that it understands and appreciates India’s position on the Ukraine war.

Brookwater….

A unique and elegant lifestyle.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Jacqueline Fernandez moves Delhi UAE’s first woman court seeking nod to fly abroad filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja, AR Rahman team up for ‘Baab’ Chandrashekhar came to light.

In the Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving Chandrashekhar, the ED had last month attached gifts and properties worth Rs 7 crore given to Jacqueline. The ED termed these gifts and properties as proceeds of crime received by the Sri Lankan actress.

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) Actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who is under the radar of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with her alleged links with conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, approached a court here seeking permission to travel abroad.

Jacqueline, who wants to attend the International Indian Film

Academy Awards in Abu Dhabi, has approached the Patiala House Court seeking its nod for her visit to the UAE, France and Nepal.

The court will hear the matter on May 18.

The ED has interrogated Jacqueline multiple times and recorded her statement after her alleged friendship with multimillionaire conman Sukesh

In February this year, the agency had filed a supplementary charge-sheet against Pinky Irani, an alleged aide of Chandrashekhar who had introduced him to Fernandez.

It has been alleged that Irani used to choose costly gifts for Jacqueline and later drop them at her house after the payments were made by Chandrashekhar.

Chandrashekhar spent around Rs 20 crore on different models and Bollywood celebrities.

Kiara Advani reveals her superstition on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ in the sports biopic 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story'. She also got appreciation for the anthology film 'Lust Stories'. The actress also rose to fame with her roles in Telugu political thriller 'Bharat Ane Nenu' and the Hindi films such as 'Kabir Singh' and 'Shershaah'.

Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kiara Advani, who is appearing on 'The Kapil Sharma Show' to promote her new film, reveals how she is just superstitious about one

thing in life. She is coming with co-actors Kartik Aaryan and Rajpal Yadav along with director Anees Bazmee. After making her debut in the comedy film 'Fugly', Kiara played a supporting role

In conversation with host Kapil Sharma, Kiara said: "I am not at all superstitious, except for one thing. I believe that till the time I don't actually sign a film, I won't tell anyone."

To this Archana Puran Singh complimented Kiara on being wise. 'The Kapil Sharma Show' airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

Pooja Hegde set to represent India at Cannes Film Festival Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) Actress Pooja Hegde will be making her debut at the annual Cannes Film Festival while also representing the country.

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Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which will provide the film's backdrop of dramatic vistas of the Jais mountains and will cast indigenous people from the region for authenticity.

Rahman added: "I'm delighted to be working with Nayla on her feature film 'Baab,' she's a passionate and promising filmmaker and an important creative voice within the Gulf region. The script is enigmatic, thought-provoking and promises to be both visually and emotionally engaging for universal audiences. I'm looking forward to the journey."

Al Khaja said: "My grandmother came from the mountains, they have never been captured in a feature before, the sheer access to the indigenous people of Ras Al Khaimah and the soulful script is an untold story that I am eager to tell. With A.R. Rahman on board, we will live a very immersive journey that is authentic, haunting and real."

Written by Al Khaja and Masoud Amralla Al Ali, the film follows Wahida, who is unable to make sense of her twin sister's mysterious death and is plagued by a haunting rhythm in her ears.

She discovers hidden cassette tapes and her relentless pursuit of the truth begins to untangle unresolved grief taking her deep into the mountains to delve into the complexities of the human soul, reports 'Variety'.

The film will begin shooting in March 2023 in the northern

Al Khaja is known for her shorts including 'Malal' and 'The Road to Fulfilment'.

She is making her feature debut with 'Three', which is scheduled to go into production during later this year. She is also attached to executive produce and potentially direct episodes of 'The Alexandria Killings'.

Rahman recently set up the Firdaus Studio as part of Expo 2020 Dubai and mentored the Firdaus Orchestra, an all-woman ensemble of 50 musicians from 23 Arab countries, reports 'Variety'.

Mohammed Iqbal Khan happy with opportunity to work in films, TV, OTT Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) Actor Mohammed Iqbal Khan, who is currently seen playing the role of Virat Sethi in TV show 'Nima Denzongpa', feels it has given him recognition.

The 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' actor will be flying to France on May 16. She will be attending the festival on the May 17-18 and she will be present at the afterparty that hosts some of the most celebrated actors worldwide.

Pooja says, "First and foremost I am so proud that India will be the country of honour, this year, at the Marche' Du Film at the Cannes Film Festival. Our country has a rich history at the festival, which stems back to Chetan Anand's 'Neecha Nagar' winning the top prize at the festival in 1946. I strongly believe in the power of cinema and stories to

Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) The first woman filmmaker in the United Arab Emirates, Nayla Al Khaja is teaming with Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman for her upcoming feature film 'Baab'.

overcome language, geographic and culture barriers."

and hope to continue to do so for the rest of my life."

"Cannes represents a unique celebration of those barriers being removed - through the coming together of Film, Culture and Fashion. The opportunity to be attending and representing India is one I will always cherish,

On the work front, Pooja is gearing up to shoot for 'Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali' with Salman Khan and dive into the promotional spree for Rohit Shetty's 'Cirkus'.

She also has 'SSMB28' opposite Mahesh Babu on her slate.

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He says: "I have acted for all the mediums, be it Bollywood movies, TV shows and digital series. All these mediums have given me a different kind of experience.

And I'm thankful to have got this opportunity to act and explore all the mediums. " "Though I feel it was TV shows, which gave me a successful career and recognition as an actor. Iqbal is known for Bollywood films like 'Fun2shh... Dudes in the 10th Century' and his recent release was 'Jalsa'.

He reveals acting in films changed

him as an individual. "I don't regret any of my work. Though my initial films didn't work comparatively, acting in films has changed me as a person. So it was a great experience," he added.

Khan is also known for featuring in television shows like 'Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai', 'Sanjog Se Bani Sangini', among others.

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Mahesh Babu’s ‘Bollywood cannot afford me’ statement sparks debate Hyderabad, May 11 Mahesh Babu recently made a statement at Adivi Sesh's 'Major' trailer launch, which has sparked a debate. When asked about his plans to star in Bollywood films, the actor stated that "Bollywood cannot afford" him.

Mumbai, May 11 Sara Ali Khan is turning out to be a wanderer at heart. The actress, who is constantly on the road for her work, somehow manages to make time for her passion of travelling.

In the pictures that Sara has uploaded, she is seen outfitted stylishly in maroon sportswear.

Taking to her social media, the actress jotted down “Kashmir Ki Kali ?? Is back to your Gali ????

Mahesh Babu’s fans defend his statement, claiming that he has always given the same response, which is now being exaggerated.

“I’ve always imagined making films here and seeing them grow in popularity, and that dream is now becoming a reality. I couldn’t

Sara Ali Khan aims for work-life balance with Kashmir trek

Recently, Sara Ali Khan travelled to Pahalgam in Kashmir and immersed herself in the joys of trekking. The actress climbed up a hill to catch sight of the sunrise.

Despite the fact that the statement has been taken out of context, social media is buzzing with conversations about the same subject.

“I may come across as arrogant, but I have received numerous offers in Hindi. However, I believe they cannot afford me. I don’t want to squander any of my time or others. I never considered leaving Telugu cinema or going to other places, because of the fame and love I have here.”

Now trekking par Main Chali ??”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sara Ali Khan’s last outing ‘Atrangi Re’ was much appreciated by audiences and reviewers around the country. be more pleased,” is what the ‘Okkadu’ actor stated at the event.

Mahesh Babu is also not comfortable with acting in remakes, which he has always been open about. “If a person doesn’t want to work in a certain

space, why do we have to assume that the person doesn’t respect them?”, one of his fans wrote.

“Why do we have to draw controversy from every other statement by the actors”, another one wrote.

Ektaa thanks Kangana Ranaut, Ridhi Dogra, Karan Kundrra for success of ‘Lock Upp’

Currently, the actress was spotted shooting for ‘Gaslight’ with Vikrant Massey and has recently

Karisma Kapoor and Surya Sharma.

A media reported quoted Helen as saying that when she was first approached, what put her to ease was the "clarity and assurance the team gave me about my role."

The octogenarian added that she "was nervous looking at how things have changed since I was last on screens, but having witnessed the change, it is all good and is in fact, fascinating to say the least, for this is a space I have never experienced before." to Learn from!,” she wrote.

She further added conveying her thanks to her friend Ridhi, for the concept of jail. “Thanks @iridhidogra for the idea of a jail when I wanted to b different ind reality space! N @mansii. shrivastav @karanbedi07 for always listening n strategising,” she added. Ektaa mentioned Ridhi for giving her the idea of

‘Lock Upp’ as it came after an FIR was filed against her and her production house for copying the concept. Hyderabad-based Sanober Baig, managing director of Prime Media had been fighting a legal battle with the makers of the show as he alleged plagiarism for copying his concept of ‘Jail’.

Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) Riding high on back-to-back releases, Jacqueline Fernandez has a busy year ahead.

While Jacqueline celebrates Christmas every year with a lot of fun and joy, this year it's going to be much more special for her as it coincides with release of Rohit Shetty's 'Cirkus' in which she stars with Ranveer Singh. Finalising the release on this Christmas makes

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Sara Ali Khan is one young actress who knows how to enjoy work-life balance.

"I identify with this character and I plan to simply enjoy myself as I return to the set."

This Christmas to be merrier with the release of ‘Cirkus’: Jacqueline

The Christmas cheer seems to have already hit her with the poster of her upcoming 'Cirkus' announcing the release date on this Christmas.

finished shooting for an untitled project with Vicky Kaushal.

Veteran star Helen to make a comeback with series ‘Brown’

Mumbai, May 11 Ektaa R. Kapoor’s fearless reality show ‘Lock Upp’ wrapped up on Saturday. After a grand finale in which Munawar Faruqui was announced as the winner with a success party, Ektaa took to Instagram to express gratitude to Bollywood star and host Kangana Ranaut and her friend Ridhi Dogra.

“Gratitude! N Thanku @ kanganaranaut for Supporting an indian concept n n homegrown apps for ur launch n doing a fantastic job! @mxplayer for supporting d vision n backing it n @endemolshineind doing such a fab job !” “Team @altbalaji for making this concept SAGAR N @rehan_sayyed3 ! @zulfizak @ simplyd_com for making this happen ! Varun n @spicepr for d fab Marketting n pr ! @kkundrra for the understanding of d jailor wothout an international format

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it even more special for her and her fans.

Sharing her excitement, she said "For me Santa has arrived early this year and Christmas celebrations will be merrier with the release of 'Cirkus'. I had the most amazing time shooting for the film and the energy on the sets with Rohit sir and Ranveer so infectious along with the

very talented team. Hoping that audience would enjoy watching the film as much we enjoyed filming it".

Apart from 'Cirkus', the actress is looking forward to the release of the film 'Ram Setu' in which she will be seen with Akshay Kumar and Nushrratt Bharuccha, and in 'Vikrant Rona' while she also has 'Kick 2' in the pipeline.

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Mumbai, May 11 Veteran star Helen is all set to make a comeback with a neo-noir crime drama series titled 'Brown'. It also marks her debut in the digital platform.

The series, directed by Abhinay Deo, is set in city of Kolkata, as per a media report. Based on the book by Abheek Barua's 'City of Death', 'Brown' also features

Often cited as one of the most popular nautch dancers of her time, Helen made her debut in 'Howrah Bridge' when she was just 19. She was then seen in films such as 'Sholay', 'Gunga Jumna','Caravan', 'C.I.D.' and 'Jewel Thief', among many others.

She was last seen on the silver screen in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Heroine', which released in 2012.

Vidya Balan-starrer ‘Neeyat’ shoot commences in UK Mumbai, May 10 (IANS) Bollywood actress Vidya Balan's next movie, suspense thriller titled 'Neeyat', went on floors in the U.K. on Tuesday. The film, an Amazon Prime Video coproduction with Abundantia Entertainment, will see Vidya reuniting with her 'Shakuntala Devi' director Anu Menon. Billed as a nail-biter, the official logline of 'Neeyat' reads: "When guests start dropping dead at exiled billionaire Ashish Kapoor's birthday getaway, detective Mira Rao must unravel devious motives as the suspects are Kapoor's

friends and family." ‘Neeyat' is directed by Anu Menon, who has also co-written the story with Advaita Kala and Girvani Dhyani.

The screenplay is by Menon, Priya Venkataraman, Kala and Dhyani, and the dialogues by Kausar Munir. The cast comprises Ram Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Mita Vasishth, Neeraj Kabi, Amrita Puri, Dipannita Sharma, Shashank

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