India News - Feb 1-15, 2023

On Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his deft diplomacy following the Pokhran nuclear tests, which were conducted in 1998.

IANS January 24, 2023, 01:24 AM

(Updated 01:24 IST)

New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his deft diplomacy following the Pokhran nuclear tests, which were conducted in 1998.

Presiding over the third Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture, Jaishankar said that within two years of the nuclear tests, India had engaged with all the important nations of the world.

Former Singaporean diplomat Bilahari Kausikan in New Delhi delivered the lecture. Jaishankar also praised Vajpayee's tenure as External Affairs Minister, and his role in strengthening India's ties with the US and Russia. He said the fundamentals of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest that are talked about now in terms of the modus vivendi with China are credited to Vajpayee.

PM Modi thanks world leaders for their R-Day wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked world leaders for extending their greetings on India's 74th Republic Day.

New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked world leaders for extending their greetings on India's 74th Republic Day.

In response to a tweet by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi said: "Thank you Prime Minister @ AlboMP. Greetings to you and to the friendly people of Australia on Australia Day."

In response to a tweet by French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi said: "Grateful for

Australia India Day celebrated in Canberra

Wellington, Jan 22 (IANS) The New Zealand Labor Party has confirmed Chris Hipkins as the party's new leader and New Zealand's 41st Prime Minister, said Chris Hipkins in a press conference on Sunday.

The Labor Party caucus meeting voted the Caucus member, Minister for Education, Police and Public Service, and Leader of the House Chris Hipkins as the new party leader. Hipkins was the only nominee to replace Jacinda Ardern, who announced her resignation on Thursday, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Member of Parliament for Kelston and Cabinet minister Carmel Sepuloni was appointed deputy prime minister.

According to the New Zealand political system, the majority

The Australia India Day was celebrated in its pomp and galore at the Capital City of Canberra by the High Commission of India Office.

The office of the High Commission of India in Canberra celebrated the 74th Republic Day. On the occasion, Hon. High Commissioner, his excellency Shri. Manpreet Vohra read the address of Rashtrapati; President of India, Mrs. Draupadi Murmu. Highlights of her address were She acknowledged the fact that despite the diversity India has in its religions, culture, living ideologies, and languages, it has

not deterred the spirit of oneness and has kept India one whole country uniting the people rather than dividing them. She also highlighted the fact that in the Indian constitution which was developed and put into effect under the guidance of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the committee drafting team included 15 women who worked on getting the constitution to its fruition.

The Consulate General Office in Brisbane celebrated Australia Day and Indian Republic Day at their office. Community leaders and members of the Indin Diaspora attended it well.

Hon. Consul Mrs. Archana Singh highlighted India's progress in the past year, which has made all proud. Especially the G20

Both Indian and Australian Flags unfurled at the Indian Consulate Office in Brisbane on 26th January 2023 Australia Day & Indian Republic Day 2023 – Bilateral Celebrations

The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) hosted a joint celebration of India's 74th Republic Day and Australia Day on the 26th of January 2023 at SunPAC, Sunnybank, in Brisbane.

In line with the FICQ's tradition, representatives from Australia's First Nations people, three levels

Jaishankar praises Vajpayee’s

post-Pokhran nuclear tests

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This R-Day, commoners not VIPs figured in the special invitees list

Construction workers of the Central Vista, Kartavya Path, and New Parliament House besides milk and vegetable vendors, rickshaw pullers, and street vendors were the special official invitees during the 74th Republic Day parade here on Thursday.

New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS)

Construction workers of the Central Vista, Kartavya Path, New Parliament House besides milk and vegetable vendors, rickshaw pullers, and street vendors were the special official invitees during the 74th Republic Day parade here on Thursday.

The special or Shram Yogi guests were made to sit in the front row at Kartavya Path.

According to the Defence Ministry, invitations were sent to common people of all sections of society, such as Shram Yogis involved in the construction of Central Vista, Duty Path, New Parliament House, milk, vegetable vendors, street vendors, etc. . These special invitees who reached the Republic Day celebrations were made to sit prominently on the dusty path. Two hundred students who came to participate in the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' program with the Prime Minister were also made guests of the celebrations. These students will also visit Raj Ghat, PM Museum, and other monuments. Many unique activities were organized in the Republic Day celebrations this year. These activities include Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival. As part of the Republic Day celebrations, a Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance were organized at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on January 23 and 24 to mark the 126th birth

anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose The festival 'AdiShaurya - Parva Parakram Ka' was held. Thousands of people were mesmerized by 10 military tattoos and 20 tribal dance performances. The event also saw a performance by famous Bollywood playback singer Kailash Kher. More than 300 schools participated in the competition organized by the Ministry of Defence in coordination with the Ministry of Education. Eight school bands were selected, which performed at the National War Memorial from January 15 to 22, 2023. Prince Academy of Higher Education, Sikar, Rajasthan was declared the winner in both girls' and boys' brass band categories. In the pipe band category, Thurbo Higher Secondary School, Darjeeling, West Bengal topped the boys' section, while Government Girls Secondary School, Namchi, South Sikkim was declared the winner in the girls' section.

PM Modi thanks world leaders for their R-Day wishes

Continued from Page 1

your warm greetings my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron on India's Republic Day. I share your commitment to working together for the success of India's G20 Presidency and the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership. India and France together are a force for global good."

Modi also thanked Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda for his wishes.

"Thank You @cmprachanda ji for your warm wishes!" Modi tweeted in response to Prachanda's wishes.

Responding to Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering's

wishes, Modi said: "Thank you @ PMBhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering for your warm wishes! India is committed to its unique partnership with Bhutan for the progress and prosperity of both our nations."

In response to a tweet by the President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Prime Minister said: "Thank you for your warm greetings, President @ibusolih. Glad to see the sustained progress achieved by the India-Maldives partnership, underpinned by common democratic values."

In response to a tweet by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin

Chris Hipkins confirmed New Zealand’s new PM, to focus on domestic issues

Continued from Page 1

party of the Parliament forms the government and that party leader becomes the prime minister. At the press conference after the Caucus meeting, Hipkins said he will be officially sworn in as the Prime Minister on Wednesday. A cabinet reshuffle will be also arranged in the coming week. He vowed to focus on domestic issues, saying that high inflation, high housing prices, and law and order issue will be the primary policy focus for his government

while going to China would be high on the priority list but not locking in any international travel plans yet.

Ardern announced on Thursday that she will step down as the prime minister and the leader of the Labor Party in February and she will not be seeking reelection this year.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's 2023 general election will be held on October 14, Ardern said.

Netanyahu, Modi tweeted: "Thank you for your warm wishes for India's Republic Day, PM @netanyahu. Look forward to further strengthening our strategic partnership."

Responding to Mauritius

Prime Minister Pravind

Kumar Jugnauth's wishes, Modi said: "Thank you, PM @ KumarJugnauth. In our shared journey as modern Republics, our two countries have been partnering closely in peoplecentered development. Looking forward to taking our cherished partnership with Mauritius to even greater heights."

Australia Day & Indian Republic Day 2023 – Bilateral Celebrations

Continued from Page 1

of government, Indian Consular representative, and community and business leaders got together to celebrate this annual event. Held under the aegis of the National Australia Day Council, Brisbane City Council (BCC), Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner, Cr. Angela Owen and

Cr. Steven Huang, this remarkable day was sponsored by Bravus Mining & Resources, Springfield City Group, SBS and Sustainable Homes.

Mr Zain Chamadia and Mr Siddharth Nagpurkar, joint Masters of ceremonies for the evening, played their roles

with aplomb, engaging the stellar assembly of dignitaries, community, and business leaders in attendance. Celebrations commenced with a traditional lighting of lamps, followed by the 'Acknowledgement of the Country' by Aunty Peggy Tidymann.

Continued on next page

Continued from Page 1

Both Indian and Australian Flags unfurled at the Indian Consulate Office in Brisbane on 26th January 2023 presidency and the handling of COVID so well.

India celebrates its 74th Republic Day and we must acknowledge the Indian values of Ahimsa (nonviolence), Shakti (strength), and Satya (truth). Shanti, (peace) as we must do the Australian values Strong ties to land, mateship, respect, and giving each other a 'fair go’.

Also, it is important to respect and acknowledge the unique

status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by reflecting on our Australian history. We must respect the narratives of our people and celebrate our nation, its achievements, and its people. We’re all part of this story. Both speeches one by Archana Singh and the other by Professor Singh were inspirational and uplifted the spirits of those who attended the event.

Australia India Day celebrated in Canberra

Continued from Page 1

The speech also highlighted the economic growth of India fast growing despite the COVID pandemic impact. India is the country that has ranked 5th highest economic growth rate this year. The Atma Nirbhar program has been well supported by the general public and sector specific programs have been initiated under this program.

The Gaganyan project has commenced and India is dreaming of its first human space

flight to become a reality soon. The G-20 presidency has been promising so far in connecting and establishing bilateral trade agreements and relationships with many countries thereby making India the leader and influencer in fostering global economic growth.

Lastly but not least Madam President’s speech touched upon the women empowerment issue and she promised that women will be in the forefront

Students of Sargam Music Academy enthralled those present with their melodious renditions of both the Australian and Indian national anthems.

Various distinguished speakers spoke at length, celebrating a truly multicultural Australia

and how the Indian diaspora led the way in ensuring 'Unity in diversity' was the bedrock of community prosperity and harmony. The celebration also involved cultural performances; Jugalbandi - an instrumental medley by Subash and group, Contemporary

fusion dance by Ms Taleatha Wright-Morgan, instrumental music performance by Rudro Roy, Didgeridoo playing by Glenn Barry, a foot-tapping dance performance by Rhythm Dance group and an absorbing interactive activity about India and Australia by the MC.

Harmony Cup, a friendly game of cricket between the Australian Community XI and the Indian Community XI team, was organised on the day at Gibson Park (South Oval), Stafford. Thanks to the fabulous work behind the scenes by Queensland Sub District Cricket Association,

Mr Sathish Rajendran- Brisbane Super Kings, Mr Ashutosh Misra - Queensland Cricket and Mr Krishnan Menon - Secretary FICQ. An entertaining game played in the right spirit, with India Community XI lifting the trophy.

Bravus Mining and Rockhampton Basketball to play on to 2024

Bravus Mining and Resources Community Manager Ally Foley said the company was delighted to be able to continue its support of Rocky’s basketball family on, and off, the court.

profit and community-run events.

Bravus Mining and Resources and Rockhampton Basketball Inc will be shooting a perfect six from six following an extension of their Major Partnership agreement through to 2024.

Ms Foley said alongside encouraging grassroots engagement, the agreement will see the home of Rockhampton Basketball remain as Bravus Arena to provide a high-quality venue for all levels of competition as well as non-basketball not-for-

“Our local team members are big fans of Rocky basketball, whether that’s getting on the court themselves, watching their kids play, or cheering the Rockets and Cyclones on from the stands,” she said.

“We’re also big fans of the work Rockhampton Basketball does to foster fun, wellbeing, teamwork, and sense of community that aligns so perfectly with our values.

“Rocky remains an integral part of who we are now that our Carmichael mine is in operations, and we’re delighted to sign on again with an organisation that delivers such broad benefit to our community.”

Rockhampton Basketball Inc

General Manager Wade Rebetzke said the partnership renewal was a significant momentum boost ahead of the city hosting the Basketball Queensland State Championships both this year

and in 2024.

“The facilities and opportunities we can offer our athletes thanks to partners like Bravus Mining and Resources are fundamental to why Rockhampton Basketball continues to grow locally and perform nationally,” he said.

“We’re proud to have the Bravus brand feature on the home of Rocky basketball for at least another two years and thank them for their enormous support of our organisation and region.”

Revolutionary mRNA manufacturing set for Greater Springfield

materials, set to begin later this month from a facility in Greater Springfield.

L-R Southern RNA’s Dr Romain Tropee joined the company’s Head of Operations, Garry Heaney, and Springfield City Group's Health GM Dustin Welch to mark the start of the MRNA raw material production at Springfield Advance manufacturing of mRNA raw materials and purified mRNA will begin in Greater Springfield this month in a breakthrough step towards sovereign end-to-end vaccine manufacturing.

Australian biotech company Southern RNA and Springfield City Group have announced a partnership in Greater Springfield’s BioPark Australia to develop a scalable mRNA therapeutics production facility. The first step will be Southern RNA’s production of mRNA raw

A larger planned facility, scheduled for opening in early 2024, would allow for mRNA drug substance production and the manufacture of other therapeutics, vaccines, and cancer treatment. The output would provide sovereign capabilities for Australia in times where supply chain are disrupted, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southern RNA’s design has been informed by the work of its Canadian partner Northern RNA which operates a manufacturing facility in Calgary. Northern RNA is manufacturing a COVID vaccine for local market in Canada and is also exporting its products oversea to clients in the USA, India and other parts of the world.

“Australia is set to become a global hub for mRNA therapeutics

product development, with announcements of Moderna, BioNTech and more recently Sanofi all converging downunder. Southern RNA will be integral in supporting the worldclass ecosystem that is emerging here, by offering services and raw materials to these leading pharmaceutical companies and Australian Researchers.” Southern RNA’s Head of Operations Garry Heaney said. “Currently, we are focusing on producing raw materials that enter into the manufacturing of mRNA vaccines (pDNA & Cap Analog). We also have the capabilities to produce purified mRNA to supply within Australia and in nearby regions. At the same time, we will begin constructing a larger Pilot facility that we aim to open in early 2024 with full accreditation from the Therapeutic Goods

Administration for GMP manufacturing.

“We look forward to working with Springfield City Group, who have been innovative and forwardthinking in their efforts to bring this advance manufacturing capability to southeast Queensland.”

Springfield City Group Chairman Maha Sinnathamby AM said Southern RNA’s goals aligned with the founding vision for the city. “We began Greater Springfield with the goals to enhance human and social capital and this is fundamental to Southern RNA’s approach,” Mr Sinnathamby said.

“BioPark Australia is a 22-hectare innovation space that will bring the best and brightest together to provide solutions for this city and beyond.

“The ability to create vaccines that will provide sovereign certainty

for Australia is a worthy goal as we’ve seen from the pandemic disruption of recent years.

“Springfield City Group will continue to collaborate with innovative companies that can make use of the opportunities in our expanding Knowledge Precinct.”

Southern RNA has global experience in medical innovations, utilising its North American partner to establish a breakthrough facility for Australia. “Australia needs to establish, onshore, domestic mRNA manufacturing capability to meet the current and future vaccination challenges that emerged during COVID-19,” Mr Heaney said.

“BioPark Australia presents an exciting opportunity to make this happen with world-class production that can benefit the nation.”

Sudha Murty on family ties: Mom, leave gadgets aside; kids, call mom once a day

confidence to kids. Also, there is no syllabus, and every day we have examinations in life so you should encourage your children to have confidence in life.

but they will have certain other difficulties. We can't stop waves in the sea. If you know the art of surfing, you can surf any sea, she said.

Globetrotting Dalai Lama watches India’s military might on television

His Holiness is often called the best ambassador for Indian values of non-violence, ahimsa and inter-religious harmony and the promotion of basic human values -- compassion and kindness.

Jaipur, Jan 22 (IANS) Calling on mothers to put their gadgets aside and spend time with their kids, renowned author, entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist Sudha Murty said that courage and confidence should be inculcated in children as these qualities are more important than academic excellence and can't be taught anywhere.

"There is no coaching class unfortunately anywhere in the world which teaches courage and

"The only way we can give children confidence is to allow them to try new things. Encourage children to learn new things, encourage them to fail, don't discourage children in making decisions and thinking differently," she said while speaking at a program in Jaipur. A good amount of success and a certain amount of failure is needed in life to make a person mature. A little failure is also a kind of lesson in life so allow your children to experiment, do new things and learn. Parents mostly feel that our difficulties should not happen to their children,

She advised moms that they should not use gadgets at home, if the mom uses them, the kids will get addicted to gadgets. She added, "I thank God I delivered two children in the 80s before gadgets came, if it would have been now, I don't know how I would have handled it."

Murty asked parents to spend time with their children. "Spend time with your children, at least till they are 14-15 years old. Be with them, try to understand them."

"You won't get this time back."

Air India urination case: Shankar Mishra moves Delhi court seeking bail

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Shankar Mishra, who is accused of urinating on an elderly female co-passenger in a drunken state on a New York-Delhi Air India flight in November last year, on Wednesday moved a Delhi court, seeking bail.

Currently in judicial custody, Mishra moved an appeal against Metropolitan Magistrate, Patiala House Court, Komal Garg's order, who rejected his plea, saying that the alleged act of accused of relieving himself upon the

complainant is "utterly disgusting and repulsive" and the act itself is sufficient to outrage the modesty of a woman.

The court listed the matter for the next hearing on January 27.

On January 21, the Patiala House Court extended Mishra's judicial custody by 14 days.

In a recent development, Air India said that the crew made a judgement call to record the matter as a non-reportable inflight incident for many reasons.

The airline said that the alleged perpetrator was calm, co-operative and professed ignorance of the allegation (of urinating on a co-passenger). He posed no risk to flight safety in the judgement of the crew, said the airline.

Earlier, in the wake of Air India's decision to ban Mishra from flying for four months on the basis of the internal committee's report, his legal counsel had opposed the findings of the committee and said that they are ready to file an appeal.

Dharamsala,

Jan 26

(IANS)

Donning a Himachali cap, globetrotting Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama -- an icon of 'ahimsa' and 'karuna' who has been in exile in India for over 60 years, on Thursday watched 74th Republic Day parade that showcased India's military might, cultural diversity and women's empowerment.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama, wearing a traditional hat from Himachal Pradesh, watching the Indian Republic Day celebration on TV at his residence in Dharamsala, HP. India, on January 26, 2023," a post on his official Facebook post said, posting his photograph too.

In his normal addresses, the spiritual leader is thanking the Indian government and people of India for the generous hospitality and kindness extended to the Tibetan people for the last over six decades.

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing China in 1959 after a failed uprising against Communist rule over Tibet. The government-in-exile named Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is based in Dharamsala.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama often calls India the "Guru" and Tibet its "Chela" and refers to himself the "Son of India" and a true follower of Mahatma Gandhi.

He advocates the revival of India's ancient wisdom based on the Nalanda tradition.

The Buddhist scholar, known for his simplicity and typical jovial style and for whom Mahatma Gandhi is the most influential leader of the 20th century for his idea of non-violence, prefers to participate in meetings with religious leaders, and lectures students and businessmen on ethics for the new millennium and the art of happiness.

He believes India is the only country with the potential to combine its ancient knowledge with modern education.

Congratulating Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on being sworn in as Chief Minister last month, His Holiness said, "India has been my home for more than 62 years now and I have been happy to reside most of that time here in Dharamsala.

"Consequently, I often refer to the Chief Minister as 'our Chief Minister'. I deeply appreciate the friendship and hospitality that the people from all walks of life in Himachal Pradesh have shown me and my fellow Tibetans all these years.

"Like other places in the state, Dharamsala has grown and developed tremendously since I first arrived in McLeodganj in May 1960."

In 1959, the occupying Chinese troops suppressed the Tibetan national uprising in Lhasa and forced the Dalai Lama and over 80,000 Tibetans into exile in India and neighbouring countries. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

Pharma

to visit Sydney on Feb 6, 7

Consulate General of India

Sydney in collaboration with Australia India Business Council (AIBC) will be hosting the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil)

Delegation visit to Sydney, Australia on 6th & 7th of Feb 2023 with a conference on 6th Feb at

the Consulate (limited Guests by invitation only) and a Buyer Seller Meet on 7th of Feb 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000. This Pharma delegation's objective is to facilitate bi-lateral Pharma Industry BusinessBusiness

Connect and enable Indian pharma industry realize its objective of resilient supply chain for

active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for Australian market and faster regulatory approvals in Australia especially accelerated by the recent bi-lateral Free Trade Agreement( ECTA) currently in force with several bi-lateral trade benefits.

Participants can attend the Buyer Seller Meet to connect with the delegation of Pharma companies and Industry sector representatives from Pharmexcil to engage in bi-lateral trade and business connect. Several Opportunities across APIs, Generic Medicines, OTC, Nutraceuticals and Ayurvedic formulations / products are being presented for Australian companies and industry partners to leverage at this Buyer Seller Meet on 7th of Feb 2023.

45 fighter jets including Sukhoi, Rafale perform during R-Day parade

Along with this, the concluding Vertical Charlie maneuver was performed by the Rafale fighter aircraft of the Air Force. The function ended with the national anthem and the release of tricolor balloons.

New Delhi, Jan 26: The grand finale of the 74th Republic Day parade presented the Fly Past, a stunning air show by 45 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), one from the Indian Navy and four helicopters of the Indian Army.

The 50 aircraft including old and modern jets and helicopters like Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, Sukhoi-30 MKI Jaguar, C-130, C-17, Dornier, Dakota, LCH Prachanda, Apache, Sarang and AEW&C participated in the Fly Past.

Apart from this, a daring motorcycle display by the Corps of Signals Dare Devils team at Kartavya Path on Republic Day was also the attraction.

The fighter jets Rafale, Sukhoi, MiG displayed various formations including Baj, Prachanda, Tiranga, Tangail, Vajrang, Garuda, Bhima, Amrit and Trishul over the Kartavya path which was witnessed around 65,000 attendees.

Main Battle Tank Arjun, Nag Missile System (NAMIS), BMP2 Infantry Combat Vehicle of SARATH, Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle, K-9 Vajra-Tracked SelfPropelled Howitzer Gun, BrahMos Missile, 10 Meter Short Mobile Network Center and Aakash (new generation equipment) in Span Bridge, Mobile Microwave Node and Mechanized Column were also the main attractions.

Earlier, six contingents of the army including the Mechanized Infantry Regiment, Punjab Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, Dogra Regiment, Bihar Regiment and Gurkha Brigade marched past on Kartavya Path.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) marching contingent was led by Deputy Commandant Rohit Singh. The ICG, with 157 ships and 78 aircraft, is capable of countering threats at sea.

The continuous surveillance of the ICG has led to the seizure of banned substances worth over Rs 14,546 crore since its inception,

including Rs 2,620 crore in 2022 alone. Its reach and capability was demonstrated during flag hoisting on 100 remote inhabited and uninhabited islands as part of the 'Amrit Mahotsav of Independence'. Also marching on the Kartavya Path were contingents of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led by Assistant Commandant Poonam Gupta, Railway Protection Force led by Assistant Commissioner of Security Saurav Kumar and Delhi Police led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Shweta S Sugathan.

The contingent of Border Security Force (BSF) marched past on camels under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Khichi. For the first time, women camel riders participated in the parade.

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) boys' marching contingent, comprising 148 Senior Division Cadets, was led by Pujari Shivanand, Senior Under Officer, Maharashtra Directorate. Sonali Sahoo, Senior Under Officer, Odisha Directorate led the NCC Girls Marching Contingent consisting of 148 Senior Division Cadets drawn from all the 17 Directorates.

Another case of love jihad? Youth lures girl in Kanpur

of a job in a beauty parlour.

When she tried to escape, Shahnawaz on January 3 beat her up with a belt and wire and even tried to kill her by pouring kerosene oil on her.

Kanpur, Jan 26 (IANS) A Muslim youth allegedly lured an 18-yearold girl from Kanpurs Gujaini area to Lucknow and held her hostage for 25 days.

The girl has alleged that she was forced to convert to Islam and when she refused, she was beaten up and threatened that she would be burnt alive.

According to the victim, the youth, identified as Shahnawaz, after befriending her through their common friend, had invited her to his place sometime in December last year, on the pretext

The girl somehow apprised her family members about her plight via mobile.

They reached Lucknow and brought her to Kanpur where she was admitted to a private nursing home in Juhi.

They also alerted the police. The girl was later shifted to Ursala hospital in the city.

Later, the girl's family members lodged a complaint with the Gujaini police.

Subsequently, the police reached the hospital and initiated an investigation by recording the statement of the girl.

ADCP, South, Ankita Sharma, said that "an FIR has been registered at the Gujaini police station following a complaint under sections 323, 326 of IPC and SC/ST Act in this regard".

Giving details, the official said: "The 18-year-old girl had gone to Lucknow in search of a job, where she became friends with one Shahnawaz. They stayed together for a few days. However, as per the girl, following a dispute Shahnawaz thrashed her and even tried to burn her by pouring kerosene oil on her. The girl was brought to Kanpur by her family members and admitted to a private nursing home of Juhi, from where she was shifted to Ursula hospital. Efforts are on to arrest the youth. The charge of conversion will be verified only after his arrest."

Jaishankar deplores Mike Pompeo’s comments on Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's comments in his book that Sushma Swaraj was not an important player in the Indian foreign policy team, and describing her as "goofball" and "heartland political hack" have drawn flak from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Reacting to Pompeo's comments made in his book 'Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love', Jaishankar said, "I have seen

a passage in Secretary Pompeo's book referring to Sushma Swaraj ji. I always held her in great esteem and had an exceptionally close and warm relationship with her. I deplore the disrespectful colloquialism used for her."

Pompeo said in his book that "on the Indian side, my original counterpart was not an important player on the Indian foreign policy team. Instead, I worked much more closely with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, a close

Guwahati, Jan 26 (IANS) Assam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday made a fresh appeal to the banned militant outfit ULFA-I to shun violence and return to the mainstream.

Addressing the Republic Day function here, he said that if the ULFA-I comes to the table of talks, Assam will be transformed into the "island of peace".

"It is our last mile on the path of peace to have ULFA-I on the table of talks," he said.

The Chief Minister further said that Assam has witnessed a lot of change in its path of development, and the situation is very different now compared to when the ULFA-I was formed.

"Today, Assam is rapidly moving on the path of development. People living in the state have a new mindset now, and ULFA-I should accept this," he added.

Sarma also expressed confidence to bring the organisation on the path of peace.

Earlier on Thursday, the Chief Minister paid homage to brave hearts at Shraddhanjali Kanan here.

He announced that elderly people in the state will now get Rs 1,250 per month, instead of the earlier Rs 300 per month under the old age pension scheme.

Sarma also mentioned the state government's Rs 2,000 crore initiative to convert 500 government schools into smart educational institutes.

"This is the first time since independence that the Assam government has been able to pay salaries to government employees with its own funds," he added.

New Delhi, Jan: (IANS) Russian

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday sent his wishes to his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 74th Republic Day, hailing India's achievements in various fields.

In a statement issued by the Russian President's office, he said that India was making a significant contribution in ensuring international peace and security on the global stage. Putin was quoted as saying

in the statement that India's achievements in the economic, social, scientific, technological and other spheres are widely known.

"Your country is making a substantial contribution to ensuring international stability and security and to addressing vital issues on the regional and global agenda," he said.

"We set a high value on the relations of privileged strategic partnership between our states," he said, expressing confidence that "by working together we can ensure the continued growth of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in all areas. This undoubtedly meets the fundamental interests of the friendly peoples of Russia and India".

and trusted confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi". Instead, Pompeo is all praise for Jaishankar in the book. "My second Indian counterpart was Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. In May 2019, we welcomed 'J' as India's new foreign minister. I could not have asked for a better counterpart. I love this guy. English is one of the seven languages he speaks, and his is somewhat better than mine," he wrote in the book.

New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for gracing this year's Republic Day parade function.

Sisi had been invited by Modi as chief guest for this year's parade. The Egyptian President had arrived in India on January 24 on a three-day official visit.

"I am grateful to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for gracing this year's Republic Day celebrations with his august presence.@

AlsisiOfficial"," Modi tweeted. During bilateral discussions between Modi and Sisi on Saturday, it was decided that both India and Egypt will elevate their bilateral partnership to the level of a "strategic partnership". It was further decided to take the India-Egypt bilateral trade to $12 billion in the next five years.

After WBBSE, question on ‘Azad Kashmir’ figures in ABTA test paper also

Kolkata, Jan 23 (IANS) Controversy over a question on "Azad Kashmir" in the test paper of West Bengal School Service Commission (WBBSE) is yet to be over and a fresh row has started in the state after similar question appeared in the exam paper published by All Bengal Teachers' Association (ABTA).

Besides WBBSE officially releasing the test paper compilation every year, which contains Class 10 final test examination (preboard) questions of some leading schools and acts as a guide for the candidates appearing for the Class 10 board examinations, ABTA also publishes a parallel exam paper on its part.

The ABTA is basically an association of Left leaning school teachers in the state.

Last week there was major political uproar over the issue after a question in WBBSE's test paper was detected where the students were asked to point out the location of "Azad Kashmir" on the map. Now, a fresh uproar has started with the ABTA. A question paper released by it asks the students to write a note of "Azad Kashmir".

ABTA's general secretary Sukumar Pain admitted the existence of such a question in the association's test paper. "But the syllabus of the board itself has reference to this matter. The state government- approved books too have reference to this matter. Since there is a controversy in the matter, it would have been better if the related question had not been there in our test paper," he said.

Meanwhile, controversies over the question in WBBSE's test paper has reached the Central level, with the Union education ministry having sent a communique to the state

education department seeking an explanatory note in the matter.

In the communique, it has been stated that the matter of "Azad Kashmir" is an extremely sensitive issue and the Union government does not recognise 'Pakistan occupied Kashmir' as "Azad Kashmir".

Sensing the gravity of the matter, the state education department has already initiated an internal probe into the matter. Sources said that a total of nine teachers have been identified and cautioned in the matter by the WBBSE.

Out of the nine teachers cautioned, six are members of the board's history syllabus committee.

A letter of caution has also been forwarded to the headmaster of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Vidyamandir, whose exam paper carrying the controversial question on "Azad Kashmir" featured in the test paper.

Modi govt’s report card on education earns an F for fail: Kharge

'Education' also earns an 'F' for Fail! Students in Std III who can read Std III textbooks declined to 20% in 2022 from 25% in 2014 Students in Std V who can read Std II textbooks declined to 42.8% in 2022 from 50% in 2014," Kharge said in his tweet on Sunday.

New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Congress

President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday alleged that the Central government has failed in the education front and students cannot read as per a report.

"Modi Govt's Report Card on

Kharge cited a report that says that reading ability of standard 3 children in the rural schools in the country has seen an alarming dip as only 20.5 per cent of children could read a Class 2 textbook.

The report says the ability to

read has shown a fall of nearly seven percentage points in 2022 as compared to 2018 in which 27.5 per cent Class 3 children could read a Class 2 textbook. The reading ability of children has fallen even below the 2012 level when 21.4 per cent of Class 3 students could read Class 2 textbooks.

The 2022 report also mentions a fall in children's ability to do basic mathematics and only 25.9 per cent Class 3 children could do basic arithmetics as compared to 28.2 per cent in 2018.

New Delhi, Jan 25: The University of Kashmir at Hazratbal in Srinagar has been listed among 15 premier institutions of the country that will be representing the nation and hosting Youth-20 (Y-20) events during India's Presidency of the Group-20 in the current year.

The University of Kashmir is joining the 'Initiating Workshop for Y-20 Events' being held at the Indian Institute of Management Raipur on January 28, 2023.

Ahead of India's taking over the chair last year, Pakistan had launched a diplomatic campaign in a failed attempt to block any G-20 event in Jammu and Kashmir which Islamabad treats as 'disputed territory' and New Delhi as an integral part of India. According to senior officials associated with the G-20 event management, at least two events, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, have been cleared for Jammu and Kashmir, even as the UT's institutions are scheduled to participate in several events

across the country.

The KU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan said it is an honour for the University of Kashmir to become a part of the Y-20 events being held under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She said academic institutions have been rightly chosen to realise the attainment of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the G-20 countries.

According to the VC, the University has already geared up to host the proposed seminar in Srinagar. A high-level committee has been constituted in the University for making necessary preparations and arrangements related to the Y-20 event. "We will be regularly holding discussions in this regard with all relevant stakeholders so that we are able to fulfil our mandate with all determination and success," she said, urging the varsity's faculty to contribute in advancing the G-20 agenda among the students and research scholars so that the same is disseminated through community engagement at grassroots.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative

Chinese hackers attack 12 S.Korean academic institutions

The group also warned that it will disclose 54 gigabytes of data it claimed to have stolen from South Korea's government and public institutions.

Seoul, Jan 25 (IANS) South Korea's internet safety watchdog said on Wednesday a Chinese hacking group has launched a cyberattack against 12 South Korean academic institutions.

The Ministry of Science and ICT asked government agencies and individuals to stay vigilant against rising hacking threats.

and MLA Atishi were also present. The teachers shared experiences of training they received in top foreign colleges and universities and listed the merits of such programmes.

they look at the underprivileged in a bad light. "They do not want government schools to be improved because the underprivileged go there. They don't want government school teachers to get trained abroad."

New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Amid the ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and Lt Governor V.K. Saxena over sending teachers to Finland for training, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday interacted with foreigntrained teachers and underlined their role in Delhi's education system.

The interaction was held at the Thyagraj Stadium and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds charge of Education,

"Teachers have played the most-crucial role in Delhi's education revolution. Every Delhi government school is a symbol of change as 'tent-wale school' have become 'talent-wale school'.

Teachers' training and worldclass infrastructure changed the atmosphere and gave splendid results. Even our strongest critics agree that Delhi's education system has been revolutionised; this was made possible because of the teachers, students and 2 crore citizens of Delhi," said Kejriwal on the occasion.

He said that a "feudal mindset" has prevailed since long over the larger section of the society where

"You'd forget all the training once you left the stadium. But when you go on training and experience the labs of Trinity, the apple tree of Newton and the institute of Stephen Hawking, you're learning for life. Seminars may bring you powerpoint presentations and speeches, they don't impart lifelong learning. Our teachers who went to Finland, Cambridge, and Singapore now have a lifetime's worth of learning with them to impart to their students. We have shattered this feudal mindset step by step by sending our educators on such training.

The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) said the attackers hacked into the websites of 12 institutions Sunday, which included some departments of Jeju University and the Korea National University of Education. Most of the 12 websites, including that of the Korea Research Institute for Construction Policy, were still unavailable for access, reports Yonhap news agency. KISA said the Chinese hacking group had warned of a cyberattack against multiple S. Korean agencies, including KISA. But the internet watchdog's site was not affected, it said.

The Chinese hacking group, identifying itself as the Cyber Security Team, claimed it had successfully compromised the computer networks of 70 South Korean educational institutions around the Lunar New Year holiday that ran from Saturday to Tuesday.

Science Minister Lee Jongho visited the Korea Internet Security Center on Tuesday to check on the security posture against possible cyberattacks.

Kejriwal meets foreign-trained teachers, highlights ‘crucial role in education revolution’

Once a ‘madrasa for azaadi’, University of Kashmir will now host G-20 events

MAKE IN INDIA

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

Metals and Mining in Kerala

Kerala economy is transforming into a service economy with high inward remittance and skilled technical human resources. Development of more enterprises by fortifying the skilled human capital and promoting investments including domestic as well as foreign in all the sectors to entail in the total economic development of the State through employment generation and export oriented business is the major objective of the Government.

Fixed Capital Rebate

• Investment in Land, Building, Plant & machinery, Electrification, Essential Office Equipment, Pollution Control Devices and other fixed assets are eligible

• For General Category Assistance is 15% limited to INR 20 lakhs

• For Young (18 to 45 years), Women and SC/ST entrepreneurs, the assistance is 20% limited to INR 30 lakhs

• Enterprises in priority sector are eligible for additional assistance of 10% limited to INR 10 lakhs

• MSMEs started in the districts of Idukki, Wayanad, Kasargode and Pathanamthitta are eligible for additional support of 10% limited to INR 10 lakhs

• Industries set up after acquiring new technology from approved research institutions are eligible for additional support of 10% limited to INR 10 lakhs

• The total eligible assistance for an enterprise is limited to INR 30 lakhs

Automobile in Odisha

Odisha is uniquely positioned to attract Automobile manufacturing investments. The state has enjoyed 2 decades of stable and transparent governance which has enabled a higher the national average GSDP growth. Odisha is the only resource-rich coastal state in India with the largest mineral production in India along with the largest deposits of Iron Ore, Bauxite, Chromite and Nickel. The state is also home to the Paradeep port, the largest port in Eastern India, which provides a gateway to the ASEAN region.

Over the past few years, Odisha has also emerged as the skill capital of India with presence of globally recognised institutes of Higher Learning & Research including CIPET, IIT, IIM, IIIT, NIT, AIIMS, KIIT, XIMB. The state is one of the first to have a dedicated Skill Development Authority, which develops customised training programs for workers based on Industry's requirement. Finally, the State provides one of the most competitive cost of doing business with amongst the lowest land and utility charges in the country backed by an enabling doing business framework.

Land Cost Rebate

Land at subsidised rates as per the Industrial Policy 2015:

• Applicable for all industries

25% subsidy on cost of land:

• Applicable for Anchor Industrial Units, i.e. for investments by lead investors in a park or cluster which would promote and further facilitate investment in the park or cluster

Exemption from payment of premium, leviable under OLR Act.1960 (Change of land-use charges):

• 100% up to 100 acres and 50% for balance area

Fixed Capital Rebate

Capital Subsidy for Plant and Machinery - 10% of investment in plant and machinery:

• Minimum investment of INR 100 crores in a forward district with employment for 100 workers and INR 50 crores in backward district with employment of 75 workers with maximum cap of INR 50 crores depending on investment and employment range

Capital grant to support Quality

Infrastructure in Industrial parks/clusters:

• 50% of the infrastructure cost with a ceiling of INR 10 crores per green field industrial park/cluster

• 50% of total cost with a ceiling of INR 5 crores for up gradation of brown field clusters

For MSMEs:

@ 25% subsidy:

• For Micro & Small up to INR 1 crore @ 30% subsidy:

• For Micro & Small up to INR 1.25 crores owned by SC, ST, Differently abled, women or technical entrepreneur

Additional 5%:

• For MSMEs unit in industrially backward districts including KBK or Up to INR 10 lakhs for units engaged in recycling of E-waste, Hospital waste, Construction & demolition waste

Stamp Duty Exemption

100% Exemption:

• With respect to land allotted by the Government to IDCO or Govt/IDCO to Private Industrial Estate Developers or when transfer of land/shed by Govt, IDCO and Private Industrial Estate developer to industrial units.

• On Loan agreements, credit deeds, mortgages and hypothecation deeds executed by the Industrial Units in favour of Banks or Financial Institutions

Other Incentives

• One-time reimbursement of Energy audit cost for MSMEs with maximum cap of INR 3 lakh

• Environmental Protection Infrastructure Subsidy of 20 Lakhs or 20% of capital cost of setting ETP for MSMEs

• 100% of the registration for Patent Registration cost up to maximum of INR 10 Lakhs

• Quality Certification: Renewal for consecutive two years i.e. for a period of 3 years @ 100% to a total maximum limit of INR 3 Lakhs

• Assistance for technical know-how: 100% of cost of purchase of technical knowhow up to INR1 Lakh in case of indigenous technology and up to INR5 Lakhs in case of imported technology

• Entrepreneurship

Development Subsidy: Reimbursement of 75% of course fee limited to INR 50,000 per course

For Workers' Hostel:

• Land rate at 50% of the prevailing market rates of IDCO for 1-3 acres of land, based on employment and

investment with minimum investment of INR 100 crores in a forward district with employment for 100

workers and INR 50 crores in backward district with employment of 75 workers.

Make in India: Centre enhances approval free limits for FDI in defence

New Delhi, Sep 18: The Centre has enhanced the FDI limit for defence sector by allowing up to 74 per cent capital via automatic route.

Government approval will be required for in-take of foreign capital beyond 74 per cent with a stipulation that the foreign capital "is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded".

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the decision will take effect from the date of FEMA (Foreign Exchange Mana gement Act) notification.

"FDI up to 74 per cent under automatic route shall be

permitted for companies seeking new industrial licenses," DPIIT said in a press note.

"Infusion of fresh foreign investment up to 49 per cent, in a company not seeking industrial license or which already has government approval for FDI in Defence, shall require mandatory submission of a declaration with the Ministry of Defence in case change in equity or shareholding pattern or transfer of stake by existing investor to new foreign investor for FDI up to 49 per cent within 30 days of such change."

"Proposals for raising FDI beyond 49 per cent from such companies will require government approval."

Pandals in GIS-2023 to be named after sages

Lucknow, Jan 29: Uttar Pradesh

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to name various pandals being put up at the Global Investors Summit-2023 (GIS-2023) after prominent sages of India.

The GIS-2023 is scheduled to be organised at the Vrindavan Yojana in Lucknow from February 10 to 12.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the programme on the first day, which will be followed by discussions to be held by different departments at four pandals(enclosures).

According to the official spokesman, all the exhibition halls have been already named after major rivers.

Yogi Adityanath has named the main pandal of GIS-23 as Maharishi Valmiki.

The second, third, fourth and fifth pandals have been named after Maharishi Vyas, Dadhichi, Bhardwaj and Maharishi Vashishtha.

A discussion on how Uttar Pradesh is spreading wings in the world in the field of designing and manufacturing would be organised at Maharishi Vyas pandal on February 10. A discussion on 'Power House of White Goods Manufacturing' will take place at Maharishi Dadhichi pandal.

‘Think-20’, a preparatory meet under ‘G-20’ summit begins today in Bhopal

Bhopal, Jan 16 (IANS) After two international events - 'Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas' and 'Global Investment Summit' in Indore, Madhya Pradesh government will be hosting 'Think-20'preparatory meetings under 'G-20' summit, in Bhopal from Monday.

According to the state government's information, at least 94 representatives from several overseas countries, besides intellectuals, economists and officials will assembled in two-day meeting (Jan 16-17) at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre in Bhopal.

"Chief Minister Shivraj Singh

Chauhan will attend the inaugural session of the meeting during witch, experts and foreign guests will discuss various topics including 'Global Governance with LiFE, Values, and Wellbeing'," the government said in an official statement on Monday. Other speakers during the inaugural session will be Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, Law, Defence and Security Slamet Soedarsono, Chief Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency Harsh Vardhan Shringla and NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery.

Melbourne, Jan 26 (IANS) Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who is playing the last Grand Slam of her career, admitted that her mixed doubles final run in Australian Open is "so emotional" adding that there's a lot of nerves playing her last major.

The 36-year-old Sania and partner Rohan Bopanna cruised past third seeds and the reigning Wimbledon mixed doubles champions Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski 7-6(5) 6-7(5) (10-6) to reach the Australian Open final. "We were playing one of the best mixed doubles teams on tour and we knew we had to come up with the best I'm glad we were able to do that. It was an amazing match, obviously there's a lot of nerves playing my last Slam and it's so

special to play with Rohan," Sania said.

"Rohan was my first-ever mixed doubles partner when I was 14 years old ... we're so excited to come back here and give ourselves another chance, added the Indian ace, who plans to retire later this year.

Interestingly, Sania claimed her first major in 2009 at Melbourne Park, when she teamed up with Mahesh Bhupathi. And she will end her illustrious Grand Slam career here on Saturday.

"I'm so emotional I'm not a crier in front of people, but I'm almost there right now. I feel the love here, for the 18 years that I've been coming here it feels like home for me because honestly, I've got family here, I eat at home, I get so much home food and I have all these Indians coming out and supporting me. It's been quite a journey, and I'm really going to miss coming back here," she said.

Melbourne Park has been a happy hunting ground for the Indian star. After his maiden triumph in 2009. Seven years later, in 2016, she paired up with Swiss star Martina Hingis and claimed the women's doubles title as the

Aus kids failing to meet literacy, numeracy standards: Report

top seeds. Outside Australia, she earned four other Grand Slam titles: 2015 Wimbledon and 2015 US Open women's doubles with Hingis, 2012 Roland Garros mixed doubles with Bhupathi and 2014 US Open mixed doubles with Bruno Soares.

With Sania gunning for her third Australian Open and seventh Major, the Indian pair will cross swords with Brazilian duo Luisa Stefani & Rafael Matos in the final on Saturday.

The 42-year-old Bopanna said "It'd be an absolute dream" to clinch the winner's trophy with the six-time Grand Slam champion.

"You can't get anything better than that to finish her last slam with a title, I think it'd be really special. We need it in India, we need to keep inspiring everyone back there," he said.

Saturday's final will be the perfect Grand Slam farewell for Sania as earlier this month she announced her retirement from professional tennis after the Dubai Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 event, which begins on February 19.

Worst of Australian inflation crisis over: Treasurer

Xinhua News Agency reported.

Wednesday's data is expected to reveal another rise in the CPI but both the Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have predicted a peak in the December quarter.

Canberra, Jan 22 (IANS) Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Sunday that the worst part of the country's inflation crisis was over. Ahead of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releasing consumer price index (CPI) data for the final quarter of 2022 on Wednesday, Chalmers said he was optimistic that price increases would start to moderate in 2023,

Chalmers said the cost of living pressures would continue to affect millions of Australians but stressed that relief would be a key part of May's federal budget.

"The Australian economy will begin to soften a bit this year and that is the inevitable likely consequence of higher interest rates and a slowing global economy," he told reporters.

"That's why our economic plan is cost-of-living relief in a responsible way and growing the economy without adding to these

inflationary pressures."

According to the ABS, inflation rose by 7.3 per cent in the 12 months to September, with a 10.9-percent rise in gas and household fuel prices a major contributing factor.

A Treasury analysis released on Saturday found the gas price cap, which was put into place by the government in December 2022, is expected to drive down wholesale prices by between 29 and 44 per cent in the financial year 2023-24.

"Energy is a bigger part of our inflation challenge in our economy," Chalmers said.

"There have been other price pressures which have started to ease whether it's shipping costs or housing costs or some of the others, and that's obviously welcome.

On its 74th Republic Day, India slams vandalisation of temples in Australia

New Delhi, Jan 26: Strongly condemning the recent vandalisation of Hindu Temples in Australia, India, on its 74th Republic Day, asked Canberra to ensure safety and security of its community there, and take swift action to prevent further such incidents.

"The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which include glorification of anti-Indian terrorists," the Indian High Commission in Australia said in a stronglyworded statement on Thursday.

"These incidents are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community."

Between January 12 to 23, three Hindu temples in Melbourne were defaced with anti-India graffiti in Melbourne by Khalistan supporters. The vandalisation of Hare Krishna Temple in Melbourne's Albert Park came days after the walls of Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs and BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne's northern suburb of Mill Park were defaced with

anti-India slogans. "Signals that pro-Khalistan elements are stepping up their activities in Australia, actively aided and abetted by members of proscribed terrorist organisations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other inimical agencies from outside Australia, have been evident for some time," the statement read. In addition, the Indian High Commission in Canberra also conveyed its concerns to the government about the referendums in Melbourne and Sydney, announced by the proscribed Khalistan group, Sikhs for Justice.

regional and remote areas and those with parents who have low educational attainment are three times more likely to fall behind than their peers.

Canberra, Jan 20 (IANS) Tens of thousands of Australian school children are failing to meet the minimum literacy and numeracy standards every year, a new report issued on Friday has found.

The Productivity Commission released its scathing assessment of the five-year, A$319 billion ($220 billion) National School Reform Agreement (NSRA), finding it has done little to improve student outcomes since being agreed upon by federal, state, and territory governments in 2018, reports Xinhua news agency.

The commission found the agreement lacks clear and measurable targets, reforms to improve outcomes for students from poor backgrounds, and meaningful reporting on the reform activity of governments. In the annual National Assessment Program --Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests, which are administered to students across the country in grades three, five, seven, and nine, about 90,000 students fail to meet minimum standards each year.

Indigenous students, those from

The report calls for the next fiveyear national strategy to focus on better-supporting teachers and help schools implement evidence-based teaching techniques.

The current agreement is set to expire in 2024 after federal, state, and territory education ministers decided in December to extend it for another year.

Responding to the Productivity Commission report, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare described the findings as damning.

"This report makes it clear that we need serious reform in education," he said on Friday. "I don't want us to be a country where your chances in life depend on who your parents are, where you live or the color of your skin. But we are now. This report tells us that."

He said it highlights three big areas where investment and reform are really needed, which is to help kids from disadvantaged backgrounds who are falling behind to get up to basic literacy and numeracy standard, to make sure the teacher workforce is more effective, and the third is the health and wellbeing of students.

Australia to sign global education treaty

confidence that their Australian qualification, whether undertaken onshore, offshore or online, will be recognised in other countries, helping them to access higher education abroad, as well as pursue greater employment opportunities."

Canberra, Jan 24 (IANS) The Australian government said on Tuesday that it will sign up to a global education agreement to benefit international students.

Education Minister Jason Clare and Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor confirmed that Australia will endorse the Unesco Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education, reports Xinhua news agency.

Developed in 2019, the treaty will make it easier for students to have their school qualifications recognized in another country, allowing them to pursue further study there.

It will also allow tertiary students to transfer their study credits to an institution in another country.

"Australia's ratification of the global convention is a significant education milestone," Clare said in a statement.

"The 1.4 million students who study at our universities each year can now have even greater

Australia is one of the biggest international education markets in the world, hosting about 750,000 student visa holders in 2019 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic restricting international travel.

"Australia has a comprehensive education and training system with established pathways across school, vocational education and training, higher education and employment," O'Connor said. "Being part of the Global Convention will boost international recognition of Australia's world-class, vocational education and training graduates who are equipped with skills ready for the jobs of the 21st century," the Minister added.

There’s a lot of nerves playing my last Slam, says Sania Mirza after emotional mixed doubles final run

Michael Clarke fumes over Australia’s no tour game approach for India series

understand. The no tour game before the first Test in India. I hope I'm proven wrong but I think that is going to be significant," Fox Sports quoted Clarke as saying on the Big Sports Breakfast.

Sydney, Jan 24 (IANS) Former captain Michael Clarke on Tuesday lashed out at the Australian team's 'no tour game policy' for the upcoming Test series against India, saying that he doesn't understand why they have opted against playing a practice match to prepare for the tricky Indian conditions.

Australia's Test team will fly to India next week, giving them just a few days to prepare before the Border-Gavaskar series, which gets underway on February 9 in Nagpur.

"That's the part I don't

"Batting in those conditions in one-day cricket and T20 cricket is one thing, batting in Indian conditions in Test cricket it is a completely different game.

"You need a completely different plan to what you have playing in Australia, the way you start your innings against spin bowling, the way you play reverse swing, through the Australian summer we didn't see any reverse swing, the games were over in two, three days.

"So reverse swing is going to play a big part (in India), all these batters that walk out and play bowlers bowling 130-140ksthere's every chance India is going to play at least two spinners, so

Over 17,000 weapons surrendered under Australian gun amnesty

it's a completely different game." Clarke added that it would be difficult for Australia's batters to start the innings if they didn't spend enough time in Indian conditions.

"You need to bat in the best possible conditions (in India) because after that, if you haven't grown up playing in those conditions, man it's extremely difficult to start your innings,"

Clarke said on Tuesday.

"And if you get in you need to go on and make a big score because your first 20 runs in India in second innings, whoa, a ball that you go forward to and block in Australia easily against spin, over there can roll along the ground, can bounce and take your glove.

"You can go to block it outside off and it bowls you leg stump, natural variation over there is massive," he added.

Australian cyberbullying hits concerning level: Official

additional powers to prevent online harm.

Canberra, Jan 23: Online bullying among Australian children has reached a concerning level, the nation's eSafety commissioner warned on Monday.

The office of the commissioner said it has probed over 1,680 cyberbullying complaints in total and has asked social media companies to remove offensive content more than 500 times in the past 12 months, reports Xinhua news agency.

Monday marked a year since the Online Safety Act came into effect, giving the eSafety commission

Under the legislation, Commissioner Julie Inman Grant can issue a cyberbully with a notice requiring them to remove abusive content, stop their actions or apologize to their victims.

Those who do not comply can be hit with court injunctions or fines.

At the time, then Communications Minister Paul Fletcher declared that the new laws would make the internet safer for all Australians by holding perpetrators accountable.

Despite the new powers, Grant said bullying complaints increased 69 per cent in 2022 in a "post-pandemic surge".

"We are seeing the tenor and tone

of this youth-driven cyberbullying content escalating to concerning levels," she said in a statement. In addition to investigating complaints, the commissioner's office is also preparing for emerging technologies and helping new companies develop safety features.

"We have an opportunity to positively shape the technology landscape to reduce the potential for harms related to the metaverse, generative AI and quantum environments, all of which are looming in our near future," Grant said.

"This will help eSafety be a nimble, anticipatory regulator when these technologies reach full maturity and saturation."

Doctors renew calls for Australian sugar tax

annually in revenue.

Canberra, Jan 20 (IANS)

Australia's top doctors' body on Friday renewed calls for a tax on sugary drinks, warning the country risks being left behind on the issue.

According to the Australian Medical Association (AMA), a tax of 40 cents for every 100 grams of sugar added to beverages would help lower the obesity rate and raise funds for public health campaigns, reports Xinhua news agency.

It said if Australia joined 85 countries and regions around the world in implementing such a tax, the government could collect an extra A$814 million ($563 million)

"Australians drink enough sugary drinks to fill 960 Olympic swimming pools each year. We need something to help people choose water instead," Danielle McMullen, the AMA's vice president, said in a statement on Friday.

"Over a 25-year period, we estimate this would result in 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, 4,400 fewer cases of heart disease and 1,100 fewer cases of stroke."

A report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in August found that, as of 2018, two-thirds of Australian adults -- or 12.5 million people -were overweight or obese.

Separate studies have revealed Australians consume twice as much sugar on average as is recommended.

The AMA pointed out that the average 375-milliliter can of soda contains up to 50 grams of sugar -- double the daily recommended amount.

On average, Australians consume 2.4 billion liters of sugary drinks every year.

Under the organisation's proposal, the tax would be worth approximately 16 cents per can, which it said would be enough to "break the addiction".

"Australia is falling further behind the rest of the world in implementing a sugar tax," McMullen was quoted as saying.

Canberra, Jan 21 (IANS) More than 17,000 weapons were surrendered in the first year of Australia's permanent national firearms amnesty, the government revealed on Saturday. The government released the first annual report on the amnesty program, which allows Australians to hand in unregistered, illegal or unwanted weapons without facing punishment, revealing 17,543 weapons were surrendered in the first 12 months, reports Xinhua

news agency.

The permanent amnesty was set up in mid-2021 following temporary programs in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre in 1996 and again in 2017.

According to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, there are approximately 260,000 illicit firearms in circulation in Australia.

Among the weapons handed in between July 2021 and June 2022 were 8,140 rifles, 2,896 shotguns and 789 pistols.

"It is an important measure to reduce the number of firearms circulating in our community, and keep Australians safe," the country's Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said on Saturday.

Australia prepares to celebrate national day on Jan 26

harbour will include an Air Force aerial display, a race featuring 19th-century sailing ships, a boat regatta, a concert and fireworks in the evening.

Canberra, Jan 25 (IANS)

Australians will commemorate one of the highlights of their national calendar on Wednesday with an array of events big and small.

Australia Day, on January 26, is traditionally a summer holiday celebrated with family gettogethers, picnics and barbecues, sunbathing at the beach and flocking to outdoor concerts with many patriotic revellers bedecked with removable tattoos bearing the national flag, reports Xinhua news agency.

The biggest city, Sydney, has a packed schedule of crowdpleasing events around the harbour beginning with a Morning Ceremony complete with Aboriginal artwork projected onto the "sails" of the Sydney Opera House. Other highlights around the

Meanwhile, one of the nation's biggest Australia Day events, Skyworks, will be staged on the foreshores of the Swan River in Perth, the capital of Western Australia (WA).

WA has had the nation's toughest border control measures throughout the pandemic and its tight restrictions led to last year's Skyworks being shelved, and there were concerns the same would happen in 2022.

The WA government, however, confirmed earlier this week that the huge fireworks display, which usually attracts tens of thousands of onlookers, would go ahead.

"We have to be safe and we have to be smart," Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas told local newspaper The West Australian.

"Everyone must wear a mask, but we can't live in fear. Australia Day is a day worth celebrating, so the City of Perth's position right now, is it's on with the show," he said.

New life, jobs beckon for old Far North Queensland mine

Brisbane, 29 January: An abandoned Far North Queensland mining area is one step closer to coming back to life – creating more good jobs for regional Queenslanders in the burgeoning critical minerals industry.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said tenders have been called for resource exploration activities across a 480 square kilometre area, which includes the former Wolfram Camp mine “Queensland’s long history of resources activity has left a legacy of abandoned mines across the state but, thanks to advancing technology and changing market demands, some of these mines have the potential to once again become commercial operations,” Mr Stewart said.

“After consulting with industry groups, miners, explorers and local representatives last year, it

was clear there was great interest in restarting resource activities at the abandoned Wolfram Camp mine.

“This project is a pilot that could potentially see more of our abandoned mine sites around the state transformed from a liability to an asset – once more generating good jobs and royalties for all Queenslanders.

“Those royalties can also help offset the cost of managing existing, abandoned mines, while the government has also acted to prevent future issues with tighter requirements for progressive mine rehabilitation.”

Situated 90km west of Cairns, Wolfram Camp is named for wolframite – an important primary ore of tungsten which miners have been extracting from the site since the 19th century. The critical mineral has

Premier announces new Police Academy for North Queensland

numerous uses including in solar technology, wind turbine blades, drill bits and filaments for lighting.

The mine was abandoned in late 2018 and has since been a part of the Queensland Government’s Abandoned Mine Lands Program.

Mr Stewart said the recommercialisation of Wolfram Camp was one of 43 actions in theQueensland Resources Industry Development Plan.

“Our 30-year plan for the resources industry contains a suite of measures to find, mine, process and manufacture critical minerals,” Mr Stewart said.

“Together, the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will help create good jobs in our regional communities.”

135 Queenslanders celebrated in 2023 Australia Day Honours

Brisbane, 27 January 135

Queenslanders have been acknowledged in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.

First Nations NRL superstar Preston Campbell, inclusive education champion Dr Rhonda Faragher, and visionary festival producer Cathy Hunt are among the list – recognised for their contributions to Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated all recipients, who have excelled in fields as diverse as scientific research, sport, politics and visual arts.

“This year, 135 Queenslanders have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to our great Queensland – and Australian – lifestyle,” the Premier said.

“These awards show the level of innovation, expertise, talent and generosity that can be found right here in Queensland.

“To be recognised on this esteemed list means each of these incredible Queenslanders have made an indelible mark on the social and cultural fabric of this country.

“At a national level, I’m also pleased to see more women being recognised for their contributions, with this year’s list

including the highest percentage of female Order of Australia recipients in an honours list since the introduction of the Australian honours system in 1975.

“On behalf of my Government, I congratulate all our 2023 Australia Day Honours recipients, and thank them for serving, achieving and believing in Queensland.”

This year, four Queenslanders were appointed Officers (AO) in the General Division – the second highest level of Award, recognising distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large.

They are:

Inclusive education champion and Director of the University of Queensland’s Down Syndrome Research Program, Associate Professor Rhonda Faragher Biological scientist and Professorial Research Fellow at the Mater Research Institute-UQ, Professor David Hume

Queensland-born former Papua New Guinean politician and social justice advocate, Dame Carol Kidu DBE, and Business leader, philanthropist and former University of the Sunshine Coast Deputy Chancellor, Mr Scott Williams AM.

21 Queenslanders, including WOW (Women of the World) Australia Festival Executive Producer Ms Cathy Hunt and influential business leader and author Dr Kirstin Ferguson – were recognised as Members (AM) in the General Division.

Former Gold Coast Titans player and champion for Indigenous youth Mr Preston Campbell was among 67 Queenslanders honoured with a Medal (OAM) in the General Division.

Queenslanders are encouraged to nominate members of their community for an Order of Australia throughout the year – to ensure high achievement, professional contributions and charitable pursuits are justly recognised and celebrated. The Council for the Order of Australia, an independent body with representatives from each state and territory of Australia, meets twice a year to consider nominations.

The nomination form for the Order of Australia can be found at www.gg.gov.au

The complete Australia Day 2023 Honours List is available on the Governor-General’s website.

Brisbane, 27 January The Premier today announced a new Police Academy for Townsville, as she revealed artist impressions of the new state-of-the-art Queensland police precinct.

The Academy will join the previously announced $30 million police facility - due to replace the Kirwan Police Station- with preliminary works on the facility already underway at the site of the former 1300 Smiles football stadium.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland was in the midst of the biggest investment in policing in Queensland in more than three decades.

“The Townsville Police Academy will continue to play a significant role in the development of the next generation of police officers,” the Premier said. “Recently we saw one of the biggest ever in-take of recruits to the Townsville Academy to undergo their comprehensive sixmonth training course.

“61 new recruits from all walks of life, aged 18 to 53 signed up to the academy, where they’ll undergo rigorous training with an acute emphasis on domestic and family violence.

“They will engage in cultural training, co-facilitated by external practitioners and people with lived experience. The course will focus on trauma-informed and victim-centric policing responses.

“We are going to be training even more recruits like this into the future, and a new state-of-theart training facility at the new Kirwan police precinct would be a significant drawcard for recruits to North Queensland.

“While it will also provide the Queensland Police Service with greatly enhanced operational training capability.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the significant investment cemented the QPS’ commitment to delivering world-class policing services into the future.

“A brand new police academy will help us usher in a new chapter of modernisation of training for our recruits and officers in North Queensland,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“We are embarking on the largest ever police recruit campaign and we know having state-ofthe-art training facilities right here in Townsville will be a great incentive for would-be recruits.

“The multi-purpose police complex at Kirwan will not only provide services for the local community but will become a policing hub, boosting our capability across the region.”

Acting Police Minister Mark Furner said the design work will ensure the new facilities at the old football stadium site will be first class.

“I’m very much looking forward

to seeing the outcome of this exciting venture for the QPS and the community,” Minister Furner said.

“The existing Police Academy in Townsville has done a great job of preparing new recruits for more than 25 years.

“We have excellent, modern training facilities for police in Brisbane, and now is the time for north Queensland to be equipped with similar cutting-edge training capabilities.

“We are making the biggest investment in police personnel in more than three decades and it is only fitting we provide police with the best possible training facilities.”

Member for Thuringowa

Aaron Harper said today’s announcement is a win for North Queensland, and will ensure community safety remains at the forefront for years to come.

“Today is a great day for Townsville, as we welcome the announcement of this new police academy.

“Not only will this see more of our best and brightest progress thorough a state-of the art training facility right here in Townsville, but I expect the construction process will lead to more good jobs for North Queenslanders.

“I have always said that this facility will be something special, and the release of these comprehensive plans prove that.

“I thank the QPS, and the Palaszczuk Government, for paying homage to North Queensland’s footy legacy, by ensuring the new complex’s design honours the former stadium.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Palaszczuk Government was continuing to back the Queensland Police Service.

“We know the important job our police do each and every day serving our community and that’s why we always back them with good facilities and equipment,” Mr Stewart said.

“It’s exciting to see the plans for this state-of-the-art facility, which will be great for our police graduates.”

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers welcomed the announcemt.

“The QPU welcomes today’s announcement as a new Police Academy in Townsville is sorely needed and is a tangible example of this Government’s commitment to police in regional Queensland," Mr Leavers said.

"I also thank and acknowledge the Premier and Police Minister’s commitment to work with the me to focus on increasing police numbers and address police recruiting in Queensland through a whole suite of innovative and nation leading measures that we are working on.”

WORLD THIS WEEK

In collaboration with National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru Authored by Rashmi Ramesh, Akriti Sharma, Ankit Singh, Avishka Ashok, Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Apoorva Sudhakar, Sethuraman Nadarajan, Bhoomika Sesharaj, Madhura Mahesh and Sayani Rana

New Zealand: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigns

steady interest rate.

Sri Lanka: CARAT–2023 bilateral Naval exercise commences in Trincomalee and Colombo

Sharif in Lahore, where “views were exchanged on supplying oil and gas from Russia to Pakistan on a long-term basis.”

Afghanistan: Russian envoy reiterates commitment to establishing peace for Afghans

USD 2,500 and a breach of the credit fairness rules by financial institutions could attract prison sentences of at least three years.

Europe: Ursula von der Leyen introduces the ‘Green Deal Industrial Plan’ at Davos 2023

On 19 January, New Zealand

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation, citing burnout as the reason. Ardern took office in 2017 at age 37, making her the youngest female to become any government leader. Her five-and-a-halfyear term was characterized by a global pandemic, increasing inflation, natural disasters, and mass shootings. Polls conducted in December last year, showed Ardern’s rating falling to 29 per cent while her Labour party witnessed their approval slipping down to 33 per cent, the lowest since 2017. Increasing social inequality, violent crime rates, and cost of living led to increasing discontent among New Zealanders. Ardern would continue to hold her office till 7 February, after which the current Education Minister, Chris Hipkins would serve as Primer until the October general elections.

Japan: Steady interest rate despite inflation

On 19 January, US-Sri Lanka Bilateral Exercise, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2023, an annual bilateral exercise hosted by the US Pacific Fleet, kicked off at the Naval Shipyard in Trincomalee and Colombo harbour. CARAT, an annual bilateral exercise, is conducted to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance maritime interoperability, and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Japan Self Defence Force and the Maldives National defence Force will join the exercise with Sri Lankan armed forces. The exercises will take place on land and at sea in Colombo, Trincomalee and Mullikullam from 21 to 26 January.

India: External Affairs Minister visits Maldives and Sri Lanka

Jaishankar said: “India decided not to wait on others but to do what we believe is right. We extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the way for Sri Lanka to move forward.” Then he departed from Sri Lanka in the evening to India.

India: Controversial BBC documentary on Prime Minister

On 18 January, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) disappointed the market by sustaining its ultra-low interest rates despite increasing inflation within the Japanese economy. The short-term interest rate in Japan is minus 0.1 per cent while no interest rate is applied on its 10-year loans. BOJ governor, Haruhiko Kuroda stated this decision would help hike salaries, even though small businesses would suffer. The exchange rate reached Yen 131.2 per USD. The Consumer Price Index has been on constant raise for the past nine months. On 19 January, inflation hit 4 per cent for the first since 1982, therefore doubting Kuroda’s decision on maintaining the

On 18 January, India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar started an official three days trip to Maldives and Sri Lanka. He first visited the Maldives, where he was received by Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The Maldives Foreign Ministry said Jaishankar and Shahid were holding official talks and witnessed the exchange of several memorandums of understanding between the two countries. Later, Jaishankar attended the ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion project and met with Maldives’ President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.

On 19 January, Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka, where he met with his counterpart Ali Sabry and discussed infrastructure, connectivity, energy, industry and health. He also discussed increasing investments from India to help Sri Lanka. On 20 January, Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries, mainly about the debt-restructuring of Sri Lanka. Jaishankar also witnessed the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) signed between both countries.

On 19 January, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs called the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “piece of propaganda.” The documentary, “India: The Modi Question” has claimed that the UK conducted an investigation into the Gujarat 2002 riots. Official Spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry said: “Let me just make it very clear that we think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative.” He added: “The bias, the lack of objectivity, and frankly a continuing colonial mindset, is blatantly visible. If anything, this film or documentary is a reflection on the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again,” On 19 January, the UK Prime Minister defended the Indian Prime Minister and said: “The UK government’s position on this has been clear and long standing and hasn’t changed. Of course, we don’t tolerate persecution anywhere, but I am not sure I agree at all with the characterization the honorable gentleman has put forward.”

Pakistan: Islamabad and Moscow agree to sign oil and gas agreement in March

On 20 January, Pakistan and Russia decided to sign an agreement by March 2023 for the supply of Russian oil and other petroleum products at discounted rates. This decision was reached during the eighth meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission on Trade and Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation of Pakistan and Russia. During the meeting, they also decided to address all technical issues related to insurance, transportation and payment mechanism. Additionally, they also signed three agreements for cooperation in the customs and aviation sectors. Earlier, the Russian delegation led by Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov met with Prime Minister Shehbaz

On 15 January, Russian special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov met with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Russian embassy in Kabul. According to a statement from the embassy, the two sides discussed matters related to issues of regional security and problems of stabilization in Afghanistan. Additionally, the statement said that Kabulov reiterated Moscow’s commitment to the support for the Afghan people “in the interests of the soonest establishment of peace and the achievement of national reconciliation.”

Israel-Palestine: Jordan envoy stopped from entering the AlAqsa Mosque

On 17 January, Jordan summoned the Israeli ambassador and handed over a strongly-worded letter protesting the obstruction of Jordanian ambassador’s entry into Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry in the letter, ‘reminded’ the Israeli government that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Waqf Department is the exclusive authority supervising the Al-Aqsa holy sites located in Jerusalem. Ministry’s spokesperson Sinan Majali said that “Israel, as an occupying power, must adhere to its obligations under international law and the international humanitarian law towards the occupied city of Jerusalem and its sanctities, especially the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

Sierra Leone: President signs Gender Equality Act into law

On 17 January, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan’ at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos 2023. According to Von der Leyen, the Plan aims at making “Europe the home of cleantech and industrial innovation on the road to net zero.” The plan has four pillars, first is the regulatory environment ensuring efficient speed and access to reach net zero. The second pillar is increasing investments and financing of clean-technology production to keep the European market attractive and competitive. Third, the development of skills ensures a smooth transition and the fourth pillar is to support fair and open trade of clean technology for the benefit of all. Von der Leyen added that the EU would take up various policies and initiatives under the four pillars and existing initiatives to ensure an efficient implementation of the Plan.

The US: Week of layoffs by big tech companies

On 18 January, Microsoft laid of 10,000 of its professionals, equivalent to 5 per cent of it work force. On 20 January, Google also fired 12,000 of its employees. The companies have cited low interest rate regime and re-calibrating thier supply chain networks. According to Reuters, the objective was to create high density offices and tackle inflation. Sundar Pichai CEO of Alphabet and Google said: “These are important moments to sharpen our focus, reengineer our cost base, and direct our talent and capital to our highest priorities.

About the Authors

On 19 January, Sierra Leone passed the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act that ensures 30 per cent of the workforce in public and private jobs are women. President Julius Maada Bio signed the bill into a law and said: "For so long we haven't been fair to you." Under this law, women will be entitled to at least 14 weeks of maternity leave instead of the previous 12 weeks, and equal pay, training and treatment. Any employer found violating the law could attract a fine amounting to

Rashmi Ramesh, Akriti Sharma, and Ankit Singh are PhD scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Avishka Ashok, Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Apoorva Sudhakar, and Sethuraman Nadarajan are Research Associates at NIAS. Bhoomika Sesharaj, Madhura Mahesh and Sayani Rana are Research Interns at NIAS. This report has been modified by India News for space considerations.

UNGA

president visiting India with ‘main focus’ on science

projects with senior officials and experts at the NITI Aayog and visit Bengaluru, the nation's centre of science, for meetings with scientists at the Indian Institute of Science and visit a water project, she said.

United Nations, Jan 26 (IANS) UN General Assembly President

Csaba Korosi will begin a threeday visit to India on Sunday that will uniquely focus on the connection between science and the work of the Assembly besides the usual meetings with officials, according to his spokesperson Paulina Kubiak.

"A main focus of the visit is on making connections between the General Assembly and science, particularly on the issue of water, ahead of the UN Water Conference in March," Kubiak said on Wednesday.

In New Delhi, he will discuss India's water conservation

Korosi is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to continue discussions on topics raised during their last meeting in December including the Assembly's priorities and India's engagement with it, Kubiak said. These priorities are also expected to be on the agenda during his visit to the G20 Secretariat for a meeting with a delegation led by Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa, she said.

India currently holds the presidency of the G20, the group of major industrialised and emerging economies.

Korosi's visit coincides with the anniversary of the assassination

Iran imposes sanctions on EU, UK individuals, entities

of Mahatma Gandhi on January 31 and he will lay a wreath at the Raj Ghat, Kubiak said.

The UN Water Conference is to assess the progress on water-related goals of the UN's sustainable development goals and chart their future.

Korosi has a special interest in development, a key element of his agenda as Head of the General Assembly, and particularly in the water conservation element of it. Before his election as UN General Assembly President, he was the Environmental Sustainability Director in the Hungarian President's Office and the President's point person at the High-Level Panel on Water coconvened by the UN SecretaryGeneral and the President of the World Bank Group in 2016.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @ arulouis)

Taliban to set new rules on Afghan women’s aid work: UN official

humanitarian aid programme in the world ever," Griffiths said.

Tehran, Jan 26: The Iranian Foreign Ministry has imposed new sanctions on a number of individuals and entities of the European Union (EU) and the UK for "supporting terrorism and inciting violence and unrest" in Iran.

The move came as a "tit-fortat" action, the ministry said in a statement published on its website, citing their "interference in Iran's internal affairs, dissemination of false information about Iran and participation in cruel sanctions against Iranians as further reasons for imposing the sanctions".

The sanctions, covering three EU entities and 22 individuals, one British entity, and eight incumbent and former officials, will prohibit the targeted

individuals from obtaining visas and entering Iran and will freeze their assets and bank accounts inside Iran, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.

French Minister Delegate for Cities and Housing Olivier Klein, Member of the European Parliament Dietmar Koster, Attorney General for England Victoria Mary Prentis and the former head of the British Secret Intelligence Service Richard Billing Dearlove are among the sanctioned individuals.

On Monday, the EU imposed sanctions on more than 30 Iranian officials and organisations, including units of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, for their response to the recent protests in the country. The UK and the US also announced new sanctions on Iran on the same day.

Protests erupted in Iran after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in a Tehran hospital on September 16, 2022, a few days after her collapse at a police station. Iran has accused the US and some other Western countries of "inciting riots and supporting terrorists" in the country.

Kabul, Jan 26 (IANS) A top UN official said that the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan are planning to set up new rules to allow women to work in some humanitarian operations.

Speaking to the BBC, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths said he had received "encouraging responses" from a wide range of Taliban Ministers during talks in Kabul, even if last month's edict banning Afghan women working for NGOs was not reversed.

"It's worth remembering that, this year, Afghanistan is the biggest

This year, agencies will try to reach 28 million Afghans, more than half the population, including six million who are "knocking on famine's door", the top UN official told the BBC.

This week, Griffiths has held back-to-back meetings in Kabul with senior Taliban government leaders about the edict banning Afghan women from working with aid organisations.

"If women do not work in humanitarian operations, we do not reach, we do not count, the women and girls we need to listen to. In all humanitarian operations around the world, women and girls are the most vulnerable," he said.

"I think they're listening...

and they told me they will be issuing new guidelines in due course which I hope will help us reinforce the role of women."

Griffiths's trip to Kabul comes in the wake of last week's visit by the UN's second-in-command Amina Mohammed.

But Afghanistan is witnessing the coldest winter in a decade, the window is closing for an urgent relief effort.

Several aid agencies, who rely enormously on their Afghan female staff have already suspended their operations.

"I cannot think of an international priority as high as this one to keep this extraordinarily important massive programme alive," Griffiths told the BBC.

China announces censorship crackdown to

silence Covid ‘rumours’

Taipei, Jan 19 (IANS) Chinese cyber authorities have announced an internet censorship crackdown to ensure there are no "gloomy sentiments" caused by pandemic "rumours" during the lunar new year festival, according to a media report. It comes as health forecasting firm Airfinity estimated that more than 600,000 people have likely died since zeroCovid restrictions were lifted in December 2022 -- 10 times more than Chinese authorities have officiallydeclared, The Guardian reported.

The month-long 'Spring Festival online improvement' programme will target those spreading

what authorities deem to be "rumours" about the spread of Covid and patient experiences, the report said. The national cyber administration specified "in-depth rectification of false information and other issues to prevent gloomy sentiments".

It specifically cited the investigation and punishment of "online rumours related to the epidemic" and "fabricating patient experiences", as well as producing or sharing fake virus treatments.

The announcement said the work would "prevent misleading the public and causing social panic".

Social media has been awash with personal stories of people contracting Covid, struggling to

Meta to restore Trump’s Facebook, Instagram accounts

"Like any other Facebook or Instagram user, Mr Trump is subject to our Community Standards. In light of his violations, he now also faces heightened penalties for repeat offences - penalties which will apply to other public figures whose accounts are reinstated from suspensions related to civil unrest under our updated protocol," he added.

source medication or healthcare, and losing elderly relatives to the disease. The personal experiences of many jarred with the official narrative that the outbreak was under control and the response "science led", prompting unusual levels of online criticism against the government, The Guardian reported.

The ruling Communist party government is hypersensitive to foreign criticism of its Covid response and accusations that it is not being transparent with data. Early warnings about the outbreak by Chinese doctor Li Wenliang were initially dismissed and punished as rumour.

San Francisco, Jan 26 (IANS) Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced that it will be reinstating former US President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts in the coming weeks.

The announcement was made by Meta's President of Global Affairs Meta Nick Clegg in a blog post on Wednesday.

Meta, on January 7, 2021, suspended Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts for two years following his praise for people engaged in violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

"The suspension was an extraordinary decision taken in extraordinary circumstances. The normal state of affairs is that the public should be able to hear from a former President of the US, and a declared candidate for that office again, on our platforms," Clegg elaborated in the blog post.

Clegg also said that Meta is reinstating Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts, however, with new guardrails in place to "deter repeat offences".

"We know that any decision we make on this issue will be fiercely criticised. Reasonable people will disagree over whether it is the right decision. But a decision had to be made, so we have tried to make it as best we can in a way that is consistent with our values and the process we established...," he asserted.

US sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine: Biden

of Ukraine".

"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin expected Europe and the US to weaken our resolve... He was wrong from the beginning and he continues to be wrong," he said.

UN chief calls for data-driven fight against terrorism

Scholz for providing German Leopard 2 tanks and will lead an effort to organise the European contribution of two tank battalions for Ukraine.

sustainable development and the peace and security that every country and region of the world deserves.

Washington, Jan 26: US President Joe Biden announced that Washington is sending 31 heavy M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of Washington's continued support for the war-torn nation. The US-made military vehicle is one of the most modern battle tanks in the world and requires extensive training to operate. Addressing reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Biden said the decision to send the tanks came after his conversation earlier in the day "with our NATO Allies -- German Chancellor (Olaf) Scholz, French President (Emmanuel) Macron, UK Prime Minister (Rishi) Sunak, and the Italian Prime Minister (Giorgia) Meloni -- to continue our close coordination in our full support

According to the President, a Ukrainian tank battalion typically consists of 31 tanks, which is why that number has been agreed upon.

"The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. They're also extremely complex to operate and maintain, so we're also giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively sustain these tanks on the battlefield," he said.

Biden's announcement came just hours after Germany said it would send 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks to the battlefield.

Berlin also cleared the way for other European countries to send German-made tanks from their own stocks.

In his address, Biden said he was grateful to Chancellor

"I want to thank the Chancellor for his leadership and his steadfast commitment to our collective efforts to support Ukraine. Germany has really stepped up, and the Chancellor has been a strong, strong voice for unity, a close friend, and for the level of effort we're going to continue."

Besides the US and Germany, the UK had recently announced that it was donating Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, while rance is contributing AMX-10s, armoured fighting vehicles.

In addition to the Leopard tanks, Germany is also sending a Patriot missile battery and the Netherlands is donating a Patriot missile and launchers.

France, Canada, the UK, Slovakia and Norway have all donated critical air defence systems.

Fresh evidence of destruction of religious heritage sites, mistreatment of Tibetans by China

United Nations, Jan 26 (IANS)

Data-driven tools and strategies must lead counter-terrorism efforts and be at the heart of building peace and security, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said.

"Data drives every aspect of economic, business and social life," he said in remarks to a meeting of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Combined with a lawless cyberspace, data also fuels the increasingly intertwined world of terror and crime," Guterres added.

"Our counter-terror responses need to stay one step ahead," the UN chief said. "But when it comes to the collection, analysis and strategic use of data, we are several steps behind."

"We need to place data-driven tools and strategies at the heart of our approach to building peace and security, including counterterrorism efforts," he said.

Guterres said those fighting terrorism need to use data and evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of terrorism prevention activities and policies and ensure that human rights are upheld.

"Combatting terror must never be used as an excuse for trampling on people's human rights," the secretary-general said, adding that when human rights are protected, "we are in fact tackling many of the root causes of terrorism."

And he said terrorism finds its home in vacuums of security, effective political and civic institutions, opportunity and hope and a vacuum of respect for human rights, equality and dignity, especially for minorities and women and girls.

Washington, Jan 25 (IANS) A new report by a rights group details fresh evidence of destruction of religious heritage sites and the mistreatment of Tibetans by China in eastern Tibet since October 2021 in what locals say is a second Cultural Revolution, RFA reported.

Among the religious sites and objects destroyed in Drago county were three colossal Buddha statues, a Buddhist school, a building housing with 45 giant prayer wheels, the home of a revered spiritual leader and Drago Monastery's prayer flags, which were removed and burned, the report by London-based Free Tibet says.

The report details previously unreported detentions and torture of locals as well as the destruction of Tibetan heritage sites in Drago. The county is called Luhuo in Chinese and lies in the Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province.

The report by Free Tibet and its affiliated research arm Tibet Watch shows that Chinese authorities have ramped up measures to repress Tibetans by razing significant religious structures while committing serious human rights violations in Drago county in the historical Tibetan province of Kham, RFA reported.

"What we're seeing in the report is a huge assault on every facet of Tibetan life, from their religion to their day-to-day lives, and we know that this has been replicated all across occupied Tibet," said John Jones, campaigns and advocacy manager at Free Tibet, RFA reported.

Since 2008, Drago county residents have participated in acts of resistance against the Chinese government, prompting interventions by authorities, including significant crackdowns in 2009 and 2012. Beijing views any sign of Tibetan disobedience as an act of separatism, threatening China's national security.

Authorities subjected 10 local Tibetans detained during the period covered in the report to interrogations and beatings for minor infractions, such as expressing distress over the demolitions, with some falling unconscious due to the severity of

the torture, the report says. They drenched one female detainee with cold water during the winter. The report also documents a new extrajudicial facility used for political "re-education", and information about a military base and prison. Detainees arrested since late October 2021 were taken to the "re-education" center in the northeastern suburbs and subjected to interrogations and beatings, says the report, RFA reported.

Satellite imagery shows the presence of an abandoned building that has been repurposed as a military base on the northwestern outskirts of Drago, so that the country is now surrounded by three security facilities, the report says.

"As with other areas in Tibet, the main reason for increasing Chinese repression in Kham (County) Drago is first to eradicate Tibetan identity and Tibetan culture," the report quotes a county monk now living in exile as saying in January 2021, RFA reported.

"Secondly, to eliminate those influential Tibetans who are conscious of freedom and rights of Tibetan people and thirdly, to abolish Tibetan language and education centres," he says.

Guterres said the rapidly evolving terrorism threat requires an agile and adaptive response grounded in data and evidence because terrorism takes a sledgehammer to shared values, institutions, norms and standards: human rights, the rule of law, equal and

"Every step of the way, we need this Compact and its working groups to continue building close ties to UN member states and other partners to gather, analyze and deploy data for insight, impact and integrity," Guterres said.

Number of babies born in S.Korea hit record low in Nov 2022

Seoul, Jan 26: The number of babies born in South Korea reached yet another record low in November 2022, reflecting the country's dire population crisis, data revealed on Thursday. A total of 18,982 babies were born in November, plunging 4.3 per cent from the previous year, according to the data from Statistics Korea. It marked the lowest number for any November since the statistics agency started compiling related data in 1981, reports Yonhap News Agency. South Korea remains dogged by a chronic decline in childbirths as many young people delay or give up on having babies in the face of an economic slowdown and high home prices. Over the JanuaryNovember period, a total number of 231,863 babies were born, down 4.7 per cent from a year earlier. Its total fertility rate -- the average number of children a

woman bears in her lifetime came to just 0.79 in the third quarter, the data showed. In 2021, it stood at 0.81, marking the fourth straight year to hover below one. It was much lower than the replacement level of 2.1 that would keep South Korea's population stable at 51.5 million. South Korea, which first reported more deaths than births in 2020, is also widely expected to maintain the trend for the third consecutive year in 2022. Over the January-November period, South Korea had 107,004 more deaths.

The number of deaths came to 30,107 in November, up 6.1 per cent from a year earlier. Meanwhile, the data showed the number of marriages rose 2.2 percent on-year to 17,458 in November as more people tied the knot following eased Covid-19 regulations. Divorces fell 3.1 per cent on-year to 8,498 in the month.

N.Korea urges antivirus efforts amid apparent preparations for military parade

Seoul, Jan 26 (IANS) North Korea is making all-out antivirus efforts, its official media said on Thursday, amid a news report that it has imposed a lockdown on the capital city of Pyongyang apparently ahead of a military parade to mark the army founding

anniversary next month.

The Rodong Sinmun, the regime's main newspaper, stressed the need to place the top policy priority on strengthening quarantine efforts, calling on its people to continue fighting

against the Covid-19 pandemic with the "greatest sense of vigilance", reports Yonhap News Agency

"We are making our upmost efforts to maintain and beef up quarantine barriers to prevent

any contagious virus from entering our precincts," the paper said.

"We are coping with loopholes and spaces that could appear during anti-virus projects."

North Korea observers said the

secretive nation seems to be preparing for a military parade on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army on February 8.

As world’s fastest-growing economy at 5.8%, India ‘bright spot’: UN economist

headed by India, said Hamid Rashid, the Chief of the Global Economic Monitoring Branch, on Wednesday.

United Nations, Jan 26 (IANS)

As the fastest-growing major economy at a clip of 5.8 per cent this year, India is a "bright spot" when the world economy is expected to grow by only 1.9 per cent, according to the UN's chief official monitoring the global economy.

For next year, the UN is projecting a growth rate of 6.7 per cent, a "very high growth relative to other G20 member countries", the group of the large developed and emerging economies

Meanwhile in New Delhi, India's President Droupudi Murmu credited India's economic performance to its leadership.

"India has been among the fastest-growing major economies because of the timely and proactive interventions of the government. The 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, in particular, has evoked great response among the people at large," Murmu said in her Republic Day speech.

Briefing reporters at the release of the UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report, Rashid said that India's

I keep working hard?’: Google layoff survivors ask top bosses

hard? Does it matter?" another employee wondered.

growth trajectory will be "good" for attaining the UN's Sustainable Development Goals for poverty reduction and development.

China, which came in second, is projected to grow by 4.8 per cent this year and 4.5 next year, according to the WESP, the UN's flagship economic report. The US economy is projected to grow by 0.4 per cent this year and 1.7 per cent the next, while for developed economies as a whole, the report cut the growth rate projected in May by 0.2 per cent to 0.4 per cent this year and 1.6 per cent next year, a reduction of 1.7 per cent.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @ arulouis)

New York, Jan 25 (IANS)

Employees, who survived the recent layoffs at Google, are worried and have demanded assurances that their jobs are not next to be axed by the company during a recent all-hands meeting with top bosses.

As Google's parent company Alphabet chopped six per cent of its workforce globally, an employee based in the UK told management that "psychological safety is paramount", the New York Post reported.

The employee, who had trouble processing the news like many of his colleagues, said: "How are we supposed to ever feel safe again?"

Among those who were handed pink slips were employees who "had previously received high performance reviews" or had annual compensation packages of $500,000 to $1 million.

"The layoffs seem random," one employee wrote in a question that was submitted to top Google executives via the company's internal messaging system, the Post reported.

Denying that the layoffs were done "randomly", Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai had said earlier that he is "deeply sorry" for reducing the workforce.

In an email to employees, Pichai said he takes "full responsibility for the decisions that led us here".

the airline drew flak following the 'pee-gate' incident, wherein a flyer named Shankar Mishra reportedly urinated on an elderly female passenger in a drunk state on board a New York-New Delhi flight in Novermber last year. Mishra is presently under judicial custody.

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) With

Air India reviewing its alcohol service policy, the new guidelines say that the cabin crew should act respectfully without raising voice and guests should not be permitted to drink alcohol unless served by the cabin crew. It also says that the cabin crew should be attentive to identifying guests who might be consuming their own alcohol.

The policy review came after

As per Air India's reviewed liquor policy, the cabin crew should behave with the passengers in a polite manner, and not call the guests 'drunk'.

"Don't call the guest 'drunk', warn them politely that their behaviour is unacceptable. Don't be persuaded to give them 'one last drink' if they have had enough," the new policy says.

The guidelines also prohibits the cabin crew from raising their

voice.

"Don't raise your voice. If they raise theirs, lower yours... Don't put off refusal, act while the guest can still be reasoned with," the policy says.

It also says that serving of alcoholic beverages must be carried out in a reasonable and safe manner, which includes tactfully refusing to (further) serve a guest alcohol.

The airline has also issued a set of 'Dos and Don'ts' for service refusal. These require the cabin crew to be polite and avoid value judgements and use tact to politely inform the guest that "you will not serve them any more alcohol".

According to the report, most of the 12,000 people, including Indians, axed by the tech giant were high performers and people on immigration visas.

The professionals with an H-1B visa will have to leave the country in 60 days if they are unable to find another alternative to sustain.

"Should I keep working super

In the US, Google will pay employees during the full notification period (minimum 60 days) and also offer a severance package starting at 16 weeks salary, plus two weeks for every additional year at Google, and accelerate at least 16 weeks of GSU (Google stock) vesting.

The layoffs at Google's parent company were expected amid the deepening funding winter that has hit companies of all sizes in the global slowdown and recession fears.

Tesla sales up 51% in 2022, net income doubles amid Musk’s Twitter saga

Tesla said it is prepared for short-term uncertainty, while being focused on the longterm potential of autonomy, electrification and energy solutions.

Tech major IBM lays off

3,900 employees, bets big on hybrid cloud, AI

"We expect to address these remaining stranded costs early in the year and anticipate a charge of about $300 million in the first quarter," Kavanaugh added.

New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) Tech giant IBM is laying off 3,900 employees, which is a result of the spinoff of IT infrastructure services provider Kyndryl business and part of the AI unit called 'Watson Health'.

The layoffs will cause a charge of $300 million in the JanuaryMarch period to the company, according to IBM Chief Financial Officer James Kavanaugh.

"We have taken a number of significant portfolio actions over the last couple of years, which has resulted in some stranded costs in our business," he said during the company's earnings call late on Wednesday.

IBM joins a slew of tech companies such as Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft and others in laying off thousands of employees amid the global economic headwinds.

In its quarter ending December 31, 2022, the company delivered $16.7 billion in revenue, $3.8 billion of operating pre-tax income, and operating earnings per share of $3.60.

"In our seasonally strongest quarter, we generated $5.2 billion of free cash flow," said the company.

The revenue for the quarter was up over 6 per cent at constant currency.

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IBM, said that to bolster the software

portfolio, "we invested in hybrid cloud and AI capabilities". "This year, we'll unlock more productivity, expand our strategic partnerships, and put more investment in specific growth markets. For 2023, we see revenue growth in line with our midsingle-digit model range and about $10.5 billion of free cash flow," said Krishna.

San Francisco, Jan 26: Despite a rocky takeover of Twitter which saw Tesla stock tumbling by over 60 per cent, Elon Musk-in Tesla made more money than ever in 2022, as total revenue grew 51 per cent to $81.5 billion and net income more than doubled to $12.6 billion.

In the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022, the company beat Wall Street revenue estimates, registering $24.3 billion in revenue, a 37 per cent increase from the same quarter last year, and earned $3.7 billion in net income.

"As we progress into 2023, we know that there are questions about the near-term impact of an uncertain macroeconomic environment, and in particular, with rising interest rates," said the company.

"In the near term we are accelerating our cost reduction roadmap and driving towards higher production rates, while staying focused on executing against the next phase of our roadmap," it added.

Tesla said it delivered 405,278 vehicles to customers in the October-December quarter, and 1.3 million vehicles for the entire 2022.

"Our relentless cost control and cost innovation is why we believe that no other OEM is better equipped to navigate through 2023, and ultimately succeed in the long run," it added.

The Model Y production line in Austin, Texas, produced over 3,000 vehicles in a week towards the end of Q4.

"Production and delivery challenges in 2022 were largely concentrated in China Since our Shanghai factory has been successfully running near full capacity for several months, we do not expect meaningful sequential volume increases in the near term," said the company. The Model Y production line in Germany produced over 3,000 vehicles in a week towards the end of Q4.

"We have now released FSD Beta to nearly all customers in the US and Canada who bought FSD (approximately 400,000). This is an important milestone for our company," Tesla added.

‘Don’t call flyer ‘drunk’, tell them politely their behaviour is unacceptable’, says AI’s new alcohol policy

‘Should

I wrote this poem during my days at Make a Difference, India’s second-largest youth network dedicated to teaching and empowering orphan kids. When I saw them for the first time, They gave me an energy unknown, For that energy so pious, I Donate.

When I reach there in all euphoria, And they cling onto me with all their might, For that love unspeakable, I Donate.

The day when I taught him that trick in Math, His eyes shone, he got the trick at once, And said, “I will tell this trick to whoever I meet”

For this knowledge so contagious,

US weapons for Russia, courtesy Taliban

I Donate. When I teach them the Nouns and the Pronouns, And they repeat it exactly as I do, Our souls unite in that moment of magic, And all disparity dies at once, For that boundless beauty of oneness, I Donate.

When I am with them, Am the closest to my heart then, They share their thoughts and desires in all innocence, And lend to my eyes the dreams in their eyes, For their dreams are now mine, I Donate.

For when they run into me, like the rays in the flower, And turn me into a dutybound sunflower, For those magicians turning my time into the zenith hour, I Donate. I Donate.

By ASAD MIRZA

Indeed, war and political circumstances can make you sleep with your enemy, and despite different ideologies, they can also make opponents strange bedfellows.

As per reports in the British media, Russia is eyeing weapons left by the hastily-withdrawing US forces in Afghanistan in 2021. To secure these arms, Russian diplomats are reportedly wooing the Taliban elements of the caretaker government in Afghanistan.

British tabloid The Sun reported last week, citing a Telegram channel 'Kremlin Insider', that Russia is seeking weapons from Afghanistan, including those left behind by the US forces in 2021. Though Moscow has denied these claims, Ukrainian and Western officials said Russia is facing a shortage of arms.

Reports claimed that amid planning for an expected spring offensive, Russia has reportedly turned to the Taliban government in Afghanistan for weapons.

As per a US Department of Defence report, the American troops had left more than $7 billion worth of weapons and equipment when it pulled out of Afghanistan, CNN reported.

US arms for Russia

The Sun, citing a Telegram channel, 'General SVR', reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the Taliban for equipment left by the US. The General SVR channel claimed, citing the Kremlin Insider, that in exchange for arms, Putin will "recognise" the Taliban government.

"Putin is overseeing negotiations with the Taliban to recognise the Taliban government. In return, the Russian leadership is offering a major arms and military equipment swap," General SVR claimed, The Sun reported.

General SVR further stated that those aware of the negotiations say that the Taliban are "extremely surprised" by such proposals, however, they are discussing them in "earnest".

This claim comes amid other conflicting reports claiming that Russia and Pakistan are stressing on the need for

and specialised maintenance. But they had also expressed concerns about the Taliban fighters using small arms, including automatic rifles.

The reality

"practical engagement" with the Taliban. Some claim that Russia is considering recognising the Taliban government while others claim that it is not considering such a proposal for the time being.

If indeed these reports are true, then it may come as a shot in the arm for the Taliban, as finally they'll be able to get at least one former super power to recognise them and additionally they also might get some financial package from the Russians, money which is desperately needed by the Taliban government to function properly.

Reportedly, the Russian presidential envoy for Afghanistan - Zamir Kabulov - met with Pakistani officials in Islamabad on January 25 and apprised them about his meetings with the Taliban in Kabul earlier this month.

Official Pakistani sources in the know of the meeting told Voice of America (VOA) that Kabulov said Russia will continue to engage with the Taliban, but it is not considering granting formal recognition to the rulers "for the time being".

The Russian envoy "advised" the all-male Taliban to create a "politically inclusive" government and ease restrictions on women in order to move forward on the issue of their legitimacy, VOA reported citing sources.

US weapons in Afghanistan

As the US troops withdrew from Afghanistan amid the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, 70 per cent of American weapons as well as $48 million worth of ammunition provided to the Afghan forces were left in the war-torn country, Foreign Policy had reported in April last year. The military equipment included 23,825 Humvees and around 900 combat vehicles. As many as 42,000 pieces of night vision, surveillance, biometric and positioning equipment were also left behind in Afghanistan, as per the report.

The officials familiar with the defence department report had said that it was unlikely for the Taliban to use the US weapons, which require technical support

The big question is whether Russia is actually short of weapons. No, claims former Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, the newly-appointed head of the military-industrial commission that is monitoring weapons production for the war. Hitting out at Western media reports that Russia is facing a paucity of missiles and artillery, Medvedev had said last week that Moscow's weapons stocks are adequate to continue the fight in Ukraine.

A video posted on the former President's Telegram channel showed him taking a stock of Kalashnikov rifles, artillery shells, missiles and drones. Russian troops have also deployed Iranmade 'kamikaze' drones for their attacks in Ukraine.

Despite Russia's denial, Ukrainian and Western military officials have claimed that Russia is facing a crunch of arms.

In December last year, Britain's armed forces chief - Admiral Sir Tony Radakin - had said that Russia had planned for a "30-day war" and is now facing a "critical shortage" of artillery shells. The Guardian had reported him as saying that Russia faces a critical shortage of artillery munitions. This means that their ability to conduct successful offensive ground operations is rapidly diminishing.

When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February last year, it was planned to be a blitzkrieg-like operation that would sweep the capital Kiev. However, the fierce resistance by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) pushed the Russian troops to the fringes and made it a war of attrition that will complete a year next month.

The war has essentially proved to be a double whammy for Russia. Not only has the country lost a massive number of men and materials, Moscow has also been unable to manufacture weapons at pre-war levels due to crippling sanctions.

Going by the daily estimates published by Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, Russia has so far lost more than 3,100 tanks, over 6,300 armoured vehicles, more than 2,100 artillery, over 1,900 drones, and almost 300 military jets, to name a few.

Meanwhile, there are also reports that NATO is going to supply Ukraine with more superior tanks to counter the hotly-predicted pre-spring Russian offensive. (Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. He can be contacted at www.asadmirza.in. The views expressed are personal)

The new age is eroding the capacity to think

Over a period what digitisation has done is to push a person high or low in the organisation's hierarchy, into 'mechanical' dependence on the online information and the computerised 'deductions' made on it. This has the effect of 'shrinking' the work outlook of the employee to a mere 'compliance' mode in regard to the do's and don'ts of the desk.

BY D.C. PATHAK

Human beings have been given the rare gift of 'discretion' which can be defined as the 'pause' one makes to allow for application of mind before some 'action' was initiated in response to a situation. In a way this is the exercise of option in 'decision-making' based on a quick evaluation of pros and cons of what had been noticed or reported. This is a cerebral call. In life there is a constant interplay of knowledge and response - of 'gyan' and 'karma' - and there is no escape from that. Only a thinking person can lead a life of fulfilment for what it means is a conscious movement on the path of self improvement, honest pursuit of material advancement and voluntary discharge of one's duties by the family and the larger society.

Today, maintenance of physical fitness is as urgent as the mental health since both are interlinked in a manner that was new - the mandate of life, it is discovered, demanded application of mind behind any decision or action big or small, was taken.

Advent of the Age of Information

consequent on the success of IT revolution, has made it doubly important that only knowledgebased decisions were reached at every step which meant also that an analytical mind was intrinsic to success in these times.

Absorbing information that was relevant is necessary to read the 'opportunities' and 'dangers' in the environment which would enable an individual to make a gainful advance or keep from avoidable risks.

Importance of information

presupposes significance of the

power of observation, a certain skill for accessing what one was looking for and the ability to separate grain from the chaff.

Digitisation in various fields of national, business and organisational life has not only led to the phenomenon of a vast amount of information being thrown up on any subject but also encouraged the practice of technology-based data analytics. This is a great advantage at the 'tactical' or 'operational' level but is not a substitute in any way of the 'strategic' requirement that only human intervention could fulfil in any significant decisionmaking.

The much talked about 'reskilling' is largely a programmed effort to get an executive to handle larger amount of information on-line and to do 'collation and analysis' of data to cull out meaningful deductions from the information on record. Computers however, work on the 'input output principle' and the signals produced by them would reflect that limitation.

Even the so-called 'machine learning' represents an advanced programming that allows the system to make an 'insider's reading' out of the patterns set for it and produce 'indicators' that would further help to determine the choice of response or course of action.

'Machine learning' is an aid as far as production of analysed findings are concerned and it could even suggest some 'directions' for further action but all of this does not detract from the indispensability of application of human mind and decisionmaking power, for fixing 'policy' or 'strategy' of the organisation.

Reskilling should not aim at multi-tasking alone but basically also at creating awareness about utilising only 'reliable' data in these days of misinformation, about the need for keeping 'security' of communication intact and about the importance of marshalling information that would help 'knowledge-based' decision making at any level. On the whole the capacity to think is on a discount and so is the 'spirit of inquiry' that is basic to acquisition of knowledge.

'Google search' has taken away the importance of a healthy memory that was an asset in any circumstance and dampened the analytical orientation of the mind that could be developed right from a young age.

It is on the base of an analytical bend of mind that the power of 'imagination' can be built'imagination is more important than knowledge' is what was famously said by Albert Einstein. Any work methodology that does not put a premium on mental involvement and 'forward thinking' can not serve the best interests of the organisation or corporate body since it passes on the cumulative burden of knowledge-based decisionmaking on the leadership by depriving the latter of a healthy feed back from below.

There is a sudden surge of the idea of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhancing productivity by making technology more 'smart' - being 'smart' can be defined as adoption of a strategy where output increases 'per unit of resource' whether it is money, manpower or time.

Technology makes a human process 'smart' and AI further 'smartens up' the technological procedures. AI makes it faster to identify what was not working optimally in the system and

what could be done to maximise the outcome and its end resultprofitability.

What is more important, it substitutes for a human response in some simpler ways - it can never be the total replacement for human mind that was gifted with 'discretion' and the capacity to 'calibrate' the response while handling a situation.

Robots that can serve customers in a restaurant, gadgetry at home that can be managed through remote instructions or the invention of driverless cars are all in the news but AI applications are so far centred more usefully, around scanning of multiple data to produce flag points of 'alert' and include precise - looking indicators for 'action' as far as possible.

In a limited way only, it has a usage for minimising human intervention required for determining the course of action.

In essence, AI marks a further advancement of technologydriven processes but does not set a 'competition' with human intellect.

In a classical illustration, a major power could have developed a nuclear missile that would be ready to fire off on receiving a 'trigger' about the enemy actiondeveloped through use of AI - but it would not like to make this counter-response totally automatic and would like to retain the element of 'authorisation' at a prescribed level.

AI as an advanced technology would be of immense help in upgrading business operations, production centres and work protocols but in matters of 'policy' formulation, defence responses and counter-measures in information warfare, the primacy of human decision-making would remain in place.

It is necessary for institutions, organisations and business corporates to check the trend of rising mediocrity on account of the mono-culture created by the preponderance of computerdriven work.

There is faster 'delivery' no doubt but the work place was becoming impersonal and everybody's preoccupation with the allotted task that required little interaction with others within the organisation, was adding to that.

Technology-aided work needed

little supervision and this affected the leadership quality of the 'bosses' who found it convenient that they did not have to get involved with their people at a personal level and were not called upon to provide 'participative and nurtural' guidance to them. This had become pronounced in the era of 'work from home' set in by Covid emergency. However, in the US in particular, corporate leadership is already taking steps to get the lower and middle level work force back in office like in the earlier times.

In ultimate analysis, it seemed that the facility of 'work from home' was adversely affecting productivity for various reasons - one being the emphasis on 'mere compliance' that did not encourage 'thinking' about the job in a manner that could suggest organisational improvement or increased output. Covid aftereffects have produced a welcome churning of thoughts on corporate strategy, importance of human interaction in business and the presumed competitive advantage accruing from purely technology-driven human endeavour.

Somewhere, the larger question of whether technology was 'aiding' or in fact 'trying to substitute' for human play in all fields, is appearing on the horizon and inviting new ideas on future manmachine equation.

In Indian context, however, march of 'digitisation' has to be kept up for betterment of governance, upgradation of public services and in particular for the management of law and order that safeguarded the right to equality before law for every citizen over the demands for special treatment by certain groups including minorities. The country fortunately has no dearth of working hands and 'thinking minds'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to strengthen the former with technology and encouraging the latter to create their own space through start ups and contribution made, in their spare time, to ways and means of strengthening internal cohesion and national orientation of the people here.

(The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

‘Medical Value Travel plays crucial role in ending healthcare disparities’

graduates for a 1.5 degrees Celsius future. The ranking has been developed by Mock COP, an international, youth-led organisation, whose work aims to amplify young people's voices at the highest levels of decisionmaking.

ranked performed badly, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tsinghua University, and Peking University top the table as seeming the 'worst' at preparing their graduates for a 1.5 degrees C future.

New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Global youth campaigners released an alternative university league table on Thursday, ranking the world's top universities on how their courses align with the actions needed to tackle the climate emergency.

The '1.5 Degrees' League Table is a global 'worst' ranking of the top universities and reveals that these institutions are failing to prepare

The campaign group has assessed the world's top 20 universities, taken from The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, on how their engineering, law, economics, politics and health courses, which are traditionally chosen by decision-makers, align with the actions needed to tackle the climate emergency and ecological crisis.

While all of the universities

Global North universities dominate the table with 11 from the US, five from the UK and one each from Canada and Switzerland.

The campaigners have stated that based on the departmental websites for each of these institutions, decision makers and world leaders do not have the understanding that is required to tackle the climate and ecological crises with meaningful urgency.

Over 50 high-impact initiatives launched at WEF for more sustainable world

"Now more than ever, it is time to forge the pathways to cooperation in our fragmented world." World leaders expressed solidarity with Ukraine.

Davos, Jan 21 (IANS) With more than 50 high-impact initiatives were launched or profiled, world leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 in the first major international gathering of the year to address ongoing economic, energy and food crises laid the groundwork for a more sustainable, resilient world. While many economists forecast recessionary risks in 2023 and see geopolitical tensions continuing to shape the global economy, there are glimmers of hope that pressures on food, energy and inflation may be peaking.

"Our world is plagued by a perfect storm on a number of fronts," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for urgent action on a number of interconnected challenges, including the global economic crisis, climate, income and gender inequality, US-China relations, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country will continue to support Ukraine "for as long as necessary".

He also said that, despite the war, Europe's largest economy will avoid a recession this year thanks to its efforts to limit the impact of the region's energy crisis on the economy, and reaffirmed Germany's goal of attaining climate neutrality.

China's Vice-Premier Liu He declared his country open to the world after three years of pandemic isolation, and emphasized international cooperation, economic stability and re-globalization.

Cooperation is becoming more virtual and the Forum's Global Collaboration Village showed how the metaverse can be harnessed for inclusive and effective international action. With the golden age of artificial intelligence under way, technology will provide more ways to bring people together.

"Through the power of

collaboration, innovation, human goodwill and ingenuity, we have the capacity to turn challenges into opportunities. This is the spirit of solving problems through mutual respect and cooperation. This is the spirit of Davos," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

As crises converge, so too must the solutions. The annual meeting emphasized connections across big systemic challenges. With over 480 sessions, more than 2,700 leaders -- including over 350 public figures government leaders and 47 heads of state -- came together at the annual meeting to address the world's most pressing challenges.

On geopolitical cooperation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed participants virtually from Kyiv while his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenska, spoke in person in Davos -- both urged world leaders to support Ukraine's 10-point proposal to end the war, which includes an end to hostilities, restoration of the country's borders with Russia, release of all prisoners and deportees, as well as assurance of food and energy security and justice.

WEF signs pact with Indonesia for ocean conservation

help meet the rapidly increasing demand for high-quality blue carbon credits and projects around the world and connect global blue carbon actors from various sectors.

Davos, Jan 19: The World Economic Forum (WEF) on Thursday signed, at the Annual Meeting 2023, a new partnership with the Indonesian government to support its ambitions to scale blue carbon restoration and ocean conservation efforts. The partnership is the first of a series being initiated by the Forum's Ocean Action Agenda to

Blue carbon -- the carbon captured and sequestered by ocean ecosystems -- stores up to five times more carbon per acre than tropical rainforests.

Ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrasses, and salt marshes are also critical to protecting coastlines from storms and other natural disasters, and act as nurseries for fish stocks, providing a critical food source

Davos, Jan 18 (IANS) With the immense potential of India's transitioning energy systems, industry leaders have emphasized the need to forge partnerships across private, public and philanthropic entities to aid the country in attaining its net-zero targets.

At a fireside chat organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Invest India in association with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Tuesday, Girish Sethi, Senior Director, TERI, drew attention to the commitments made by India towards its net-zero targets at COP26 in Glasgow, and underscored the array of initiatives undertaken since at the government level, with the National Green Hydrogen Mission being the latest, to make the targets attainable.

Taking part in a panel discussion moderated by Sethi on 'The Path to Net Zero for India: The role of Public-Private Partnerships'

with industry leaders and other stakeholders, Jeremy Oppenheim, Senior Partner, SYSTEMIQ and Member of Board of Directors, Mission Possible Partnership, said strong government commitments in India have translated into large-scale investments, which, in turn, is beginning to change the economics of how the energy systems in the country work. "There are technologies coming through, with solar being an obvious example. These are not only unlocking immense potential for the transformation of the energy system in India, but the economy as a whole, and that is feeding through into green hydrogen, green steel, green cement and into a whole lot of industries and technologies. India has a chance to be world class," said Oppenheim.

During the chat that brought together leaders from global businesses and coalitions to explore innovative technologies and business models for accomplishing India's net-zero vision and help find solutions through public-private cooperation, Paul Marriott, President, SAP Asia Pacific Japan (APJ), said regulations are one of the barriers in making the transition to renewables swifter and smoother.

and jobs, especially for coastal communities.

"Blue carbon holds immense potential for marine ecosystem restoration and coastal community resilience, while contributing to climate mitigation and helping raise critical funds to advance the urgent needs for ocean protection and conservation," said Kristian Teleki, Director, Ocean Action Agenda, World Economic Forum. "We are excited to partner with Indonesia to start bringing to fruition this win-win-win potential."

Davos, Jan 20 (IANS) In order to reach 2050 emissions reduction targets, trillions of dollars in public and private capital are needed to adopt and scale green energy technologies, financial experts told participants at a session on climate finance at the 53rd World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

Despite the urgent need for climate finance, numerous barriers have impeded the flow of private capital to decarbonization projects around the world and especially in the Global South. Financial experts agreed that a major hurdle is the need for carbon pricing. "We're still resisting the necessity that carbon has to be priced, and the price has to climb up," said Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Public resistance to a carbon tax has prevented many nations from establishing carbon pricing via taxation, but taxation is not the only way to deter emissions.

Carbon trading, regulation and different pricing schemes are alternative strategies that countries have used to impose costs for emissions. Better coordination of these strategies would incentivize private capital to invest in more net-zero projects around the world. Another barrier to private finance has been the lack of common standards and data on reducing emissions. Experts expressed frustration that after nearly three decades of COP summits, there is still a lack of common metrics on many environmental goals.

"We need standards," said Bill Winters, Group CEO of Standard Chartered Bank. "We're all terrified of being accused of greenwashing, even if we're doing the right thing."

Multilateral development banks such as the IMF, as well as national development banks, must play a leading role in catalysing private finance for climate change adaptation.

"Multilaterals and national development banks have got to take much higher risk," said Patrick Khulekani Dlamini, CEO of the Development Bank of Southern Africa. One problem has been that national and multilateral development banks compete for projects and do not share information.

Need to forge pacts to attain net-zero targets by India: Industry leaders

Trillions of dollars needed to adapt green technologies: Experts at WEF

First Made-in-India intranasal Covid vaccine to be launched on R-Day

vaccine, the first of its kind in India.

Bhopal, Jan 21: Bharat Biotech will launch its intranasal Covid-19 vaccine iNCOVACC on January 26, the company's CMD Krishna Ella announced here on Saturday. The vaccine manufacturer had already received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) earlier this month for the nasal

"Our nasal vaccine will be officially launched on Republic Day on January 26," said Ella while participating in a session during the 8th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) that began at the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), here on Saturday.

The session was titled 'Faceto-Face with New Frontiers in Science'.

The company had earlier announced that it would price the intranasal vaccine at Rs 325

per shot for procurement by the government, and 800 per shot for private vaccination centres. As per the vaccine manufacturer, the nasal route has excellent potential for vaccination due to the organised immune system of the nasal mucosa. Thus, intranasal immunisation of ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S can create an immune response in the nose, which is the point of entry for the virus, thereby protecting against disease, infection, and transmission.

The nasal vaccine can be taken after six months of the second dose.

China says 80% of population have had Covid-19

holiday period -sometimes dubbed the 'world's largest human migration' - could spread the virus to the countryside and cause a second wave of infections, CNN reported.

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 20 (IANS) Medical Value Travel (MVT) plays a crucial role in eliminating healthcare disparities across the globe and through the first Health Working Group meeting, G20 India Presidency aims to provide an impetus to create pathways to bridge this gap, said Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog. Paul made the remarks while speaking on the closing day of the three-day meeting of the Health Working Group of G20 India here on Friday.

incorporating digitisation and technology advancements; renewing focus on holistic healing through integrated healthcare offerings; ensuring effective quality assurance through regulation, standardisation, accreditation and streamlining of institutional procedures; and forming partnerships among stakeholders for convergence of health, hospitality and travel services.

Emphasising strengthening the ecosystem for MVT, Paul underscored the need for effective governance and policy framework, including setting up of dedicated board and agency for MVT.

Beijing, Jan 22 (IANS) Eight in 10 people in China have now been infected with Covid-19, a prominent government scientist has claimed.

Wu Zunyou, the chief epidemiologist of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the present "wave of epidemic has already infected about 80 per cent of the people" in the country of 1.4 billion people, CNN reported. His claim came amid concerns the travel rush that takes place around the Lunar New Year

But Wu, speaking on his personal social media account, said this scenario was unlikely as so many people had already caught it.

"In the next two to three months, the possibility of a large-scale Covid-19 rebound or a second wave of infections across the country is very small," Wu said.

China's Ministry of Transport estimates over 2 billion passenger trips will take place during the 40-day Lunar New Year season as people across the country return to their hometowns for family reunions for the first time without domestic travel restrictions since

the start of the pandemic over three years ago, CNN reported. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported on Sunday that more than 26 million passenger trips were taken on the eve of Lunar New Year.

That is only half of the number of travelers from the same day in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, but 50.8 per cent higher than 2022, it said. More than 4.1 million people traveled by train and 756,000 people by air for holiday reunions on the day before the start of Lunar New Year, CCTV added. The country's road transport system registered more than 20 million passenger trips on the same day, 55.1 per cent higher than the number from 2022, CNN reported.

Older adults with asthma at high risk of depression during Covid: Study

Speaking on the occasion, Paul said: "There is a great opportunity for utilising traditional medical practices like Ayurveda in Medical Value Travel sector which is witnessing a combined annual growth rate of over 23 per cent."

At the same time, he also elaborated on the need to build a resilient and sustainable MVT framework.

"MVT could be focused on maintaining, improving or restoring health through medical intervention instead of the common parlance of visiting another country to seek medication. It can be achieved by providing access to quality and cost-effective medical care, transparent pricing, seamless travel to medical value travel destinations, attainment of Universal Health Coverage and ensuring low waiting time for medical treatment," he pointed out.

Paul also highlighted four key enablers to achieve Universal Health Coverage which includes

He stressed on the need for developing standards and accreditation for healthcare facilities and Medical Travel Facilitators and called for enabling digitisation in the MVT segment.

He further highlighted the need for ensuring availability of medical insurance portability and coverage of traditional systems of medicine under insurance policies at the international level, enhancing accessibility and patient experience through a liberalised visa policy and improved air connectivity and capacity building of healthcare enterprises and staff.

Focusing on India's efforts and vision, Paul said: "The government will be launching 'Heal in India' initiative to leverage its healthcare services for international patients, 'Heal by India' initiative to send out healthcare workforce to other countries. He also emphasised on the huge strength of India in the telemedicine sector which could pave the way for 'Heal from India' initiative."

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) Older adults with asthma were at high risk of depression during the Covid-19 pandemic, a new study has shown.

According to the study published in the journal Respiratory Medicine, the numbers were extremely concerning for older adults with asthma who had previously experienced depression, with approximately one-half experiencing a recurrence of depression during the autumn of 2020, which was significantly higher than recurrence rates among their peers who did not have asthma. However, those who were lonely had substantially elevated rates of depression.

"When considering the high comorbidity between asthma and

depression prior to the pandemic, combined with the loneliness associated with extended periods of lockdown and the stress over being labelled high risk for severe Covid-19-related outcomes, it is unsurprising that this population experienced a precipitous decline in mental health during the pandemic," said first author, Andie MacNeil, a research assistant at the Canada-based University of Toronto.

Using longitudinal data, the study distinguished among 2,017 respondents with asthma between those with pre-pandemic history of depression and those who had never experienced it before.

While respondents with a history of depression had the greatest risk, 1 in 7 of those without a prepandemic history of depression was depressed during autumn 2020, showing the impact the pandemic had on these formerly mentally healthy older adults with asthma, said the study.

"The pandemic has had detrimental consequences for the mental health of older adults, particularly those who are

also navigating chronic health conditions, such as asthma," says co-author Grace Li, a PhD candidate at the Canada-based University of Victoria.

Furthermore, respondents with asthma who experienced an increase in family conflict during the pandemic were found to be more likely to develop depression by the autumn of 2020. The researchers also discovered that having a loss of income or being unable to obtain necessary supplies or food during the pandemic was linked to depression in people with asthma.

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Saturday joined the growing debate on the serious side-effects of Covid-19 vaccines, saying he had "major side effects from my second booster shot".

In a tweet, he said that he "felt like I was dying for several days".

"Hopefully, no permanent damage, but I dunno," the billionaire said, adding that "first mRNA booster was ok, but the second one crushed me".

He said that he had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with no bad effects, "except my arm hurt briefly".

Musk's admission about the side-effects of Covid vaccines came as Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla evaded difficult questions about the effectiveness of the company's vaccine during the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davis.

Bourla refused to answer any questions and instead repeatedly responded with phrases such as "Thank you very much" and "Have a wonderful day".

Musk also revealed that his cousin, who is young and in peak health, "had a serious case of myocarditis" and "had to go to the hospital" after the Covid vaccine jab.

The debate over the side-effects of Covid vaccines is gaining ground worldwide, including in India.

In India, the government earlier this week re-affirmed the after-effects of different Covid-19 vaccines, but refuted a report based on an IANS RTI plea pertaining to the potential ramifications of these jabs as "ill-informed" and providing "erroneous" information.

I had major side effects from 2nd Covid booster shot: Elon Musk

‘Medical Value Travel plays crucial role in ending healthcare disparities’

Waited 6 months to join Google: Sacked Indian-origin techie

and among those affected is an Indian-origin worker who says "he waited for six months to join Google".

Indian-American councilor faces heat from anti-drag protesters

Twitter handle.

Carnegie Mellon University in 2019.

As Google started laying off its 12,000 employees, affected employees are beginning to look for new jobs on LinkedIn, and among those affected is an Indian-origin worker who says "he waited for six months to join Google".

New Delhi, Jan 23 (IANS) As Google started laying off its 12,000 employees, affected employees are beginning to look for new jobs on LinkedIn,

Kunal Kumar Gupta, a Technical Program Manager at Google in California, writes in his LinkedIn post: "As the news is out that Google has done a 12,000 strong layoff, unfortunately, I have been impacted by the same. After 3 years and 6 months at Google, I got an email stating that my employment has been terminated effectively."

Gupta further said that he had waited six months to join Google and worked as a Teaching Assistant to maintain his immigration status after graduating from the US-based

"And Google just sent an email stating I was no longer a part of the organization, that is how life works sometimes," he mentioned. Recalling his journey at Google, Gupta shared: "Google has been the best professional time of my career, I have met some of the smartest and nicest folks across teams. I thank all of them for working with me and giving me the opportunity to learn from them."

He concluded his post by saying:"I am immediately open to work and would need immediate assistance to find a role as I am on an H-1B visa which gives me 60 days to find a job."

Pushpinder Oberoi gets the Hind Rattan Award 2023 at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Indian-American New York City Councillor Shekar Krishnan is facing the ire of protesters for supporting drag queens reading out to children in public libraries.

New York, Jan 21: IndianAmerican New York City Councillor Shekar Krishnan is facing the ire of protesters for supporting drag queens reading out to children in public libraries.

Krishnan, who is the Council Member for District 25, came home last week to find anti-drag protesters shouting slurs and vandalizing the sidewalk outside his home in Jackson Heights.

"...after a meaningful day of reflection on Dr (Martin Luther) King, I came home to homophobic and transphobic protesters outside my door, again, vandalizing the sidewalk & shouting slurs with my children inside," Krishnan wrote on his

The protesters screamed "Shekar is a pedophile, he is a groomer" when his wife and children were inside the house.

"This disgusting behavior is another reminder of the work ahead of us," Krishnan, the first Indian-American ever elected to the City Council in history, tweeted.

A civil rights lawyer and a longtime community activist, he stated that the New York City Council is committed to Drag Story Hour and to LGBTQIA+ communities across the city.

"This @NYCCouncil is committed to Drag Story Hour. With every display of hate, our commitment to love and inclusivity only grows," Shekar wrote in his tweet.

The next Drag Story Hour in Jackson Heights is on February 24. Krishnan was also targeted in October last year when Drag Story Hour protesters defaced his district office with spiteful graffiti.

Our very own Gold Coast resident shines at the recently held Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2023 at Indore. Pushpinder Oberoi has been a community leader and is part of the executive committee of the Indian Association in Gold Coast “GOPIO Gold Coast.” He has got the Humanitarian Award earlier, he is a former Managing Director of the Oberoi group in Gold Coast.

On receiving the Award he says, “A proud moment.

I am privileged and honoured to receive “Hind Rattan Award 2023 “at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India in January 2023 for my multicultural Community service,

social welfare and business and my involvement in maintaining an emotional bonds between india and Non Resident Indian and maintaining great bilateral relationship and understanding with india and Overseas.

“Keeping the India flag high.”

Jai Hind.

Proud to be Gold Coaster, Queenslander and Australian and above all proud to be an Indian.

Jai Hind

Shukrana “

India News Team and Indian community members in Brisbane congratulate Mr. Pushpinder Oberoi on receiving this Award.

‘Prominent’ Indian-American charged with defrauding community members

American community members," Federal Bureau of Investigation official Michael C. Scherck, said.

"Now, multiple victims are left without their much-needed savings," he added.

A Federal prosecutor has charged a "prominent" Indian-American of using his standing in the community to rip off others in a real estate scam that promised high rates of returns.

ARUL LOUIS

New York, Jan 20 (IANS) A Federal prosecutor has charged a "prominent" Indian-American of using his standing in the community to rip off others in a real estate scam that promised high rates of returns.

Michael Easley, the federal prosecutor for eastern North Carolina, announced on Tuesday that Kumar Arun Neppalli, 56, has been charged with defrauding 12 people.

"Our investigation shows Neppalli abused the trust and confidence placed in him by fellow Indian-

A court document said, "Neppalli was a respected and prominent member of the local IndianAmerican community, which enabled him to gain the trust of other members of the same community."

The charges were filed against him on December 21 but were held under seal and released only on Tuesday after Neppalli appeared in court.

Often charges or other court documents are sealed while investigations continue so that the information cannot be manipulated by the accused.

As an employee of Chapel Hill town in North Carolina, he allegedly claimed to have "insider knowledge" to convince the victims, the charge sheet said.

The town websites identify him as an engineering services manager.

In the alleged scheme that began in May 2017 and continued till at

Harmony Day Festival and Market to be held at Vedanta Centre

Springfield Lakes on 18 March

least May 2021, Neppalli collected money from people promising to invest in real estate, according to court papers.

However, the documents said, he used the money collected from investors to pay the previous investors without actually making the investments he promised and using some of it to pay off debts or for "personal enrichment".

These kinds of deals are known as "Ponzi" schemes which show returns to some early investors with payments from later investors and build a false sense of trust in more people.

In one of his emails to an alleged victim identified only as "R.A." in court documents, Neppalli said that "you get $10,300 profit" on an investment of $54,000.

The alleged victims have been identified only by their initials in court documents that listed payments made to and received from Neppalli.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @ arulouis)

US releases strategy to uplift Asians, other communities

Pacific Islanders) hate said.

A national survey by AAPI last year estimated at least three million from the community experienced hate incidents between March 2021 and March 2022.

The White House has released its first-ever national strategy to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AsianAmerican, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities.

New York, Jan 19 (IANS) The White House has released its first-ever national strategy to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities.

Senior Biden-Harris administration officials outlined the details of an action plan made by 32 federal agencies to promote safety and equity for Asian Americans, including Indians, and NHPIs at a virtual event on Tuesday, the White House said. Community leaders also discussed additional steps the federal government can take to address critical priorities for AA and NHPI communities, including data disaggregation, language access, and combating anti-Asian hate.

One in five incidents involve language scapegoating of AsianAmericans, including Indians, by wrongfully blaming them for Covid, espionage or economic insecurity, an October 2022 report by Stop AAPI (Asian-American

The 30-page report said that information will be accessible in different languages.

For example, the Internal Revenue Service developed landing pages in 20 different foreign languages, including Arabic, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, Urdu, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Khmer, Japanese, etc.

"Language access can be the difference between life and death. Being able to access public safety professionals if something is going wrong, being able to access any type of program for benefits," Vanita Gupta, Associate Attorney General, US Department of Justice, said at the event.

Apart from Gupta, other prominent Indian-Americans who attended the event were, Chiraag Bains, Deputy Assistant to the President on Racial Justice and Equity; Sonal Shah, Chief Commissioner, of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and Manjusha Kulkarni, Co-Founder, Stop AAPI Hate.

"With the release of today's national strategy, the public can see the Biden-Harris administration's whole-ofgovernment approach to advancing equity and addressing the challenges that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and

Vedanta Centre, the intercultural faith and community centre in Springfield Lakes, announced on January 24 that it will hold ‘One and All Harmony Day Festival’ on Saturday 18 March from 10am to 2pm. The festival is supported by the Queensland Government. The Harmony Day Festival which will feature live music, artisan stalls, cultural performances, cooking demos and free workshops, is expected to be a popular event with families and market-goers. Visitors can expect to be immersed, intrigued, delighted and moved by the sounds, smells, sights and soul of this festival. The aim of the festival is to celebrate the wonderful diversity of cultures and traditions that enrich our communities. Highlights of this free event are performances by music duo Mundy-Turner who have toured the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy & Hong Kong with their original folk music and quirky humour. Spectators will also be treated to the rare voices of Pauline Maudy and Paddy McHugh. Pauline is an awardwinning French-born singer and songwriter in rock, folk andjazz.

Pacific Islander communities face," Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Xavier Becerra, said in a statement.

On May 28, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14031, establishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

In its first year, the Initiative collected action plans from 32 federal agencies -- including all 15 executive departments in the President's Cabinet. These plans are deeply aligned with the administration's broader equity agenda and represent a historic first for the federal government.

Children can have plenty of fun in the interactive kidstent or join in one of the free workshops taking place in the hall. Workshops to look out for are Sandhya Parappukkaran, renowned children’s author, and Tsoof Baras hand drumming and

novelty percussion. Meanwhile the car park will come alive with market stalls showcasing artisan wares, ceramics, prints, home ware, jewellery, fashion, crystals, candles, gifts and more. Visitors will be able to support local businesses while enjoying roving performances and delicious eats from Maa Sarada’s Kitchen Café run by volunteers of the Centre. The One and All Harmony Day Festival at Vedanta Centre Springfield Lakes will coincide with National Harmony Week. This is an occasion to come together as One in a spirit of unity. The motto of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs’ which reminds us to accept everyone regardless of their background or circumstances. Notable guests expected at the event include members of parliament and Ipswich Council. And what better place to celebrate Harmony Day than the Vedanta Centre with its ideals of unity and oneness. The Vedanta Centre is a spiritual and cultural organization that started in 1897 India and has a long history of working for universal harmony and welfare of all beings. The Centre provides services to the local community including free meals for the needy, a community café, $5 yoga classes, gardening and kids activities. To follow this event visit: www. bit.ly/3XvCjkw

There is strength in unity: Uphaar warriors Neelam & Shekhar Krishnamoorthy

(17) and Ujjwal (13).

Excerpts from an interview with the Krishnamoorthys:

IANS: How did you decide to form the Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT)?

Placed with love and grief, Unnati's and Ujjwal's photo frames stand on a wooden cabinet even after 26 years of no justice in the capital's Uphaar cinema fire tragedy.

New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Placed with love and grief, Unnati's and Ujjwal's photo frames stand on a wooden cabinet even after 26 years of no justice in the capital's Uphaar cinema fire tragedy.

It is their parents Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy's remarkable hard work, bravery, and unity in fighting the case that is keeping 28 families of 59 victims still hoping that they will get justice one day.

For the victims' families, who were left helpless and pained to lose their loved ones, Krishnamoorthy formed AVUT (Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy) on June 30, 1997, barely 17 days after the tragedy. Starting off as a nine-family association, it is a 28-family powerful registered society now.

Starring Abhay Deol and Rajshri Deshpande, the web series 'Trial by Fire' is based on the 2016 book of the Krishnamoorthys, 'Trial by Fire: The Tragic Tale of the Uphaar Fire Tragedy'. The tragedy raised important questions about our social values and our ability as a nation to implement and enforce some of the most basic laws governing the safety and survival of our people.

Besides so many lives lost, more than 100 people were injured. At 4.55 p.m. a swirling mass of smoke engulfed the balcony section of the cinema hall in posh south Delhi. In the absence of fire exits and ushers to help the patrons, the people seated on the balcony found themselves trapped. By 7 p.m., 59 people had died. Among them were Unnati

Krishnamoorthys: It was Senior Advocate K.T.S. Tulsi's guidance to us to form an association to fight the case. While Shekhar was skeptical about it, I (Neelam) told him that we will find a way. We started looking for numbers of families in newspapers' obituary columns every day. We managed to get nine families and on June 30, 1997, AVUT was born out of "anger and grief". However, everyone joined the journey with time.

IANS: Many people were not open to the idea of AVUT. How did you convince them?

Krishnamoorthys: On contacting them, I understood that they need time to grieve. We started after the 13th day itself when people were performing the last rites. Moreover, I knew it would take some time considering that people are not prepared to take on the rich and powerful or the government. People feared! That fear is still lurking around and it is high time that we come out of it. Somebody has to start.

IANS: Talking about your legal battle, how many hearings have taken place?

Krishnamoorthys: In 26 years of no justice, we have lost count. It must be in thousands because there are multiple cases in different courts.

IANS: Time and again, the courts have been favoring the Ansals, stating their old age. What is your say on this?

Krishnamoorthys: (They cite the instances of the imprisonment of civil rights leader Stan Swamy and of a 98-year-old man who was recently released after serving five years in jail.) It is not old age, it is money. There should be some parity.

Twenty-three children lost

their lives to the tragedy and the youngest being 30 days old, why hasn't the Supreme Court considered that? D.Y. Chandrachud, in one of his judgments, has himself said that we are having two parallel legal systems, one for the rich and one for the poor. Would they let a poor man walk free like Ansals? The courts are there to deliver justice and we should all be treated on par.

IANS: One of the chapters in your book is 'In India, life comes cheap'. What made you title it that?

Krishnamoorthys: When the High Court had awarded Rs 18 lakh each to victims above 20 and Rs 15 lakh each to families of the children, the Ansals challenged the amount before the Supreme Court. The court very gladly listened to them and reduced it to Rs 10 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh, respectively. Where in the world is life so cheap? Our children are children of a lesser God, to them.

IANS: Sushil Ansal has claimed that the sale of your book be stopped as it has only a onesided narration.

Krishnamoorthys: If I am writing a book, will I go ask him about what I need to write in my book? It is that simple. I (Neelam) am the author and what goes in my book are my thoughts. Moreover, it is all facts.

IANS: Something we are sure of is that you are not going to give up. How far or near do you see yourself getting justice?

Krishnamoorthys: For us, it's a never-ending saga. Till the last day of my life, I will probably end up in court because they have failed to deliver justice to us. However, till the time I am alive, I will continue. I will not give up. On August 19, 2015, I was so angry and frustrated and I said that if I had another choice, I would have picked up a gun and shot them (Ansals). At least, my children would have been at peace.

IANS: After so many years, do you think safety measures are in

Indian accused of abusing domestic help acquitted in Singapore

An Indian woman accused of abusing her Indonesian domestic help and committing forgery has been given a discharge, amounting to an acquittal on all of her charges in Singapore.

Singapore, Jan 20 (IANS) An Indian woman accused of abusing her Indonesian domestic help and committing forgery has been given a discharge, amounting to an acquittal on all of her charges in Singapore.

This means that Ketaki Rai, 36, an Indian national and Singapore permanent resident, cannot be charged again with the same offenses, The Straits Times reported.

District Judge Ronald Gwee gave the decision on Thursday after the domestic help, Susi Rimasari, left Singapore before the start of the trial.

Noting that Susi was an unwilling witness, Judge Gwee said the situation had put the accused people at a disadvantage.

The accused, Gwee said, should be entitled to have the accuser come forward in court to be open to cross-examination. Defense lawyer Amarjit Singh Sidhu told the court that Ketaki employed Susi on January 19, 2011, to take care of her two sons and perform household chores.

Ketaki, who was accused of

place?

Krishnamoorthys: After we have raised our voices and a lot of other tragedies have happened, I think, safety measures have been taken in many places but not enough. There are a lot of public spaces like restaurants and shopping malls running without no objection certificates.

IANS: What is the takeaway from the series?

Krishnamoorthys: The relevance of fire safety in public places, people being aware of their rights and if you are fighting a rich and powerful lobby, or the government, getting together and fighting them are the three takeaways. The biggest, however, remains the justice being denied to us despite Ansals being convicted twice by the court in two different cases.

From India News News Desk Community News Editor Amrita

Deshpande

Having seen this series recently it is fresh on my mind hence I wanted to know more from the Krishnamurthy couple detailing the tragedy. IANS interviewed the Krishnamurthy couple and it is definitely a must-read for every community member wanting to do good in his or her community. The series is well done no doubt and keeps you hooked on it until you get to the end. The series does make you feel that as a community we become immune to something that should have been avoided in the first place and that as community members we need to collectively voice our opinions and stand for our rights as the Krishnamurthys have done. But the question remains whether we will get justice. Whether we will ever be heard and taken seriously? Capitalism rules no doubt about that but in the day and age of democracy should this still prevail?

In western countries including Australia, there are strict building measures that have to be fulfilled in regard to safety before they are open to the public for use. Not

only that but there are regular fire drills that are to be conducted by every body corporate of every residential and commercial place to keep up to date information about fire safety.

Fire tragedies are taken seriously in these countries and as community members, each one has the responsibility to know and follow the protocols and safety measures in case of fire hazards in any public space. Taking this opportunity to reach out to the community here are some rules, regulations, and conduct to be followed by community members in case of Fire hazards.

1. Firstly have a Fire Safety Chart check regularly checked and updated in the Building where you stay or work at.

2. Have a plan for fire safety identified, written and circulated to all tenants, workers, residents of the building.

3. Have regular Fire Safety Drills for your building where you explain to the tenants, employers, workers the plan for fire safety when it really happens.

4. Keep at least one Fire extinguisher on every floor of the Building and check all the fire extinguishers regularly for leaks and safety.

5. Contact fire department immediately in case of a fire emergency

6. Have fire alarms in place and regularly check if they are working fine

7. Have a Fire Marshal appointed to guide you to safety

8. Don’t Panic, stay calm and follow instructions

9. Leave all your belongings behind and step out of the house and meet your Fire Marshal at the allocated spot for further Instructions.

10. Life is more important to save than belongings.

An old church in Canada transformed into a Sikh temple

slapping Susi once in 2015 and another time in 2016, had earlier faced two counts each of assault and forgery. According to The Straits Times, Ketaki had submitted a forged three-page document to the Ministry of Manpower in 2016, comprising monthly salary acknowledgments for June 2015 to May 2016, purportedly signed off by Susi. She was also accused of working together with two other Indians -- Varsha Ray and Ahjay Rai Lalhar -- by allegedly making a false one-page apology letter, purportedly signed by Susi between January 1 and September 12, 2017.

An old church has been transformed into a Sikh place of worship -- the first in Canada's Red Deer city after requests from the local Sikh community since 2005.

Toronto, Jan 20 (IANS) An old church has been transformed into a Sikh place of worship -- the first in Canada's Red Deer city after requests from the local Sikh community since 2005.

The Cornerstone Gospel Chapel at 5911 63rd Street is now Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara and will open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

It will serve around 150 families, 250 international students, and temporary foreign workers from

India, CBC News reported. "The community is growing every day. So many people are moving here from B.C., Calgary, and Ontario," Nishan Singh Sandhu, the gurdwara's president, told CBC News.

"It's very important, otherwise we don't have a place to get together. We struggled for the last 20 years to build a gurdwara," said Sandhu. The community received donations from neighboring Sikh communities in Calgary, Edmonton, and Surrey, British Columbia, along with private donations to the tune of $450,000, which allowed them to buy the building with no mortgage.

How to experience Jaipur this January Bikaner’s latest gem

Airbnb recommends the best way

By IANSlife

January 21, 2023 (IANSlife) The City of Jaipur, famous for its exquisite architecture and delicious food, has culture embedded deep in its roots. Millions of tourists visit Rajasthan every year and seek out the rich

heritage of the Pink City. What’s more? It’s even more special this time of the year as the Jaipur Literature Festival is in town from the 19th to the 23rd of the month. Known as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, avid readers from around the world come to Jaipur to be a part of the global literary phenomenon.

If you consider yourself a literary enthusiast, there is no better time than right now to visit Jaipur and attend the Jaipur Literature Festival with a diverse mix of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers,

humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to expression and engage in thoughtful debates and dialogues. Explore the city, immerse yourself in the culture, and interact with the locals as you savor and bask in the rich literature on offer. Airbnb guides you through a curated list of amazing properties and experiences that you can book to ensure your time in Jaipur is more than memorable.

By IANSlife

January 23, 2023: The Brij Gaj Kesri in Bikaner has opened, according to Brij Hotels, a handpicked collection of customised residences offering

desert areas of Bikaner, is encircled by gardens of Neem, Khejri, Peepul, Sheesham trees, etc. that serve as a haven for birds like Jungle Babblers, Bulbuls, Lapwings, Woodpeckers, and others. The hotel features 40 generously sized rooms, the

Shades of Summer: This cozy 3-bedroom apartment is situated just 25-30 minutes away from the festival venue and is one of

the best-looking homestays you can book in Jaipur. With modern furniture and vibrant colors that retain an old-world charm,

this spacious property is a great place for you to relax and unwind after a long day of debate and discussion.

immersive stays in unrivalled settings. This establishment is the group's sixth in India and fourth in Rajasthan. The property marks Group’s fourth launch in Rajasthan, and sixth in India

Modern manor residence Brij Gaj Kesri in Bikaner has 16 acres.

vegetarian restaurant "Polki," numerous relaxing reading places, a library, a spa, an outdoor pool, distinctive dining areas, and numerous venues for hosting social gatherings and MICE events, with capacities ranging from 30 to 1500 guests at once. With the entire property taken

3 BHK with a Private Garden: A plush, luxurious 3BHK home with colonial décor and American furniture, this Airbnb is a bespoke

property situated in a bustling neighborhood. Situated just 15 minutes away from Old Jaipur, it allows you to explore the city

and its cultural sights and come back to this Airbnb at the end of the day to take a breather in the home’s many comforting rooms.

The red sandstone building, which bears witness to the storied Marwari patronage of art and architecture, exhibits a carefully maintained collection of precious artefacts and works of art across its roomy interiors. The hotel's design combines subtle elegance with regal flourishes in a

Winter Garden Studio: The Winter Garden Studio is an artistic and elegant property with mindful corners that are designed with plants, sculptures, and antiques. If you’re looking to come back home to a calm and serene house, this is the Airbnb for you! Should you need any more persuasion to book this

space, don’t forget the private terrace hidden with a canopy of greenery that offers just the right amount of solitude for you to catch up on a great read and enjoy the sun on a winter afternoon.

One Uptown 201:For all solo travelers, this chic and modern 1-bedroom apartment is located in the heart of Jaipur and is an

absolute no-brainer for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city. Its retro style décor and vibrant color palate coupled with its proximity to the Jaipur Literature Festival venue make it the one Airbnb you can’t miss out on booking.

seamless fusion of European and Rajasthani influences.

over, it is perfect for destination weddings and will make sure that each day of the celebration is individually transformed into a memory of a lifetime.

Commenting on the launch, Udit Kumar, Co-founder, Brij Hotels said, ‘We are excited to announce

that Brij Gaj Kesri, Bikaner is now open, and we are welcoming guests at this new addition to our

Brij Hotels debut in Bwith Brij Gaj Kesri

Brij Gaj Kesri, an oasis in the

2nd T20I: India survive spin scare to beat New Zealand by 6 wickets, level series 1-1

Sundar (10) and Hardik Pandya (15 not out), and eventually hit the winning boundary for India in the last over.

Michael Bracewell (1-13), and Ish Sodhi (1-24) were the wickettakers for Black Caps.

Hockey World Cup 2023: Germany beat Belgium 5-4 in sudden death shoot-out to lift title

Lucknow, Jan 29 (IANS) India survived a spin scare and held their nerve to beat New Zealand by six wickets in the second T20I and level the three-match series

1-1 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, here on Sunday.

Indian bowlers produced a sensational performance to restrict New Zealand to 99/8 in 20 overs. Spinners spun the web and took the first five wickets of New Zealand, who never got the momentum throughout the innings. The Indian pacers then did a brilliant finishing job for the hosts.

Arshdeep Singh (2-7) was the most successful bowler for India while Yuzvendra Chahal (1-4), Kuldeep Yadav (1-17), Deepak Hooda (1-17), Washington Sundar (1/17) and Hardik Pandya (1/25) also picked vital wickets at regular intervals. Chasing a small total on a challenging pitch, India were also in trouble after they were reduced to 50/3 in 10.4 overs but Suryakumar Yadav once again showed his class.

Yadav played a crucial knock (26 not out off 31), stitched vital partnerships with Washington

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. Opener Devon Conway hit Hardik Pandya for a boundary in the first over while Washington Sundar bowled a disciplined second over. Pandya came back for the third over and Finn Allen got a lucky boundary, with wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan missing a tough chance.

With the pitch assisting spinners, Hardik brought on Yuzvendra Chahal very early in the innings and the move paid off. Finn Allen (11), who was getting a bit frustrated, wanted to bring out the reverse sweep but with Chahal turning the ball he failed to connect it with the bat and got bowled.

After Chahal bowled a wicketmaiden, Washington followed it up with a wicket as well after he dismissed Conway (11). The left-hander, who scored a matchwinning fifty in the last game, attempted a reverse sweep but the ball went up after coming in contact with the glove, only to be caught by the keeper. New Zealand are in trouble and have fallen behind in the Power-play to only post 33 on the board.

Soon, Deepak Hooda was introduced in the attack and he struck immediately with another Kiwi batter in Glenn Phillips (5)

perishing while trying the reverse sweep. India's spinners were taking control of the game and it didn't take Kuldeep Yadav much time to make an impact as he cleaned up Daryl Mitchell (8). On a tricky surface on which spinners were dominating, runout was the last thing that New Zealand needed. However, the lack of communication between Mark Chapman (14) and Michael Bracewell saw the former get run out, leaving the Black Caps at 60/5 after 12.4 overs.

Thereafter, Bracewell and Mitchell Santner had a brief stand of 20 runs before Hardik Pandya brought himself on for a second and final spell to fetch a wicket. Bracewell got a top edge and Arshdeep took a near-perfect catch at the fine-leg boundary. After waiting for a long time, Arshdeep came to bowl right at death and stuck immediately. Using the short balls to great effect, the left-armer removed Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson in the same over. Eventually, skipper Mitchell Santner's fighting knock (19 not out off 23) along with Jacob Duffy (6 not out) took New Zealand to a respectable total of 99-8 in 20 Overs.

Brief scores: New Zealand 99/8 in 20 overs (Mitchell Santner 19 not out; Arshdeep Singh

2-7, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-4) lost to India 101/4 in 19.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 26 not out, Ishan Kishan 19; Michael Bracewell 1-13) by six wickets.

Opener Murali Vijay announces retirement from all forms of international cricket

38.29, including 12 centuries and 15 fifties, and was also leading run-scorer in the 2014 Test tour of England. He also featured in 17 ODIs and nine T20Is for India, scoring only 339 and 169 runs respectively.

New Delhi, Jan 30: India opener

Murali Vijay has announced his retirement from international cricket. Vijay, the right-handed opener, last represented India in the 2018 Perth Test while his last first-class appearance for his state team Tamil Nadu came in the Ranji Trophy in December 2019.

"Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from all forms of International cricket. My journey from 2002-2018 has been the most wonderful years of my life for it was an honour representing India at the highest level of sport," he said in an official statement through his social media accounts.

In his 61 Tests for India, Vijay scored 3982 runs averaging

"I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Chennai Super Kings and Chemplast Sanmar."

"To all my team-mates, coaches, mentors and support staff: It has been an absolute privilege to have played with you all, and, I thank you all for helping turn my dream into reality," he added.

In his first-class career, Vijay has played 135 matches, scoring 9205 runs, including 25 hundreds and 38 half centuries. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Vijay was an integral member of the Chennai Super Kings side winning the trophy in 2010, 2011 and 2018.

"To cricket fans that have supported me through the ups & downs of international sport, I will forever cherish the moments

I spent with you all and your support has always be a source of motivation for me."

"Lastly, I would like to thank my family & friends for their unconditional love and support throughout my career. They have been my backbone and without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today," he further said.

Vijay, who had returned to competitive cricket after a twoyear absence through the 2022 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), playing for Ruby Trichy Warriors, signed off by saying he will seek playing as well as business opportunities in a new atmosphere.

"I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in new and different environments."

"I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life.

the regulation time to win the FIH Odisha Hockey Mens World Cup 2023, here on Sunday.

This is Germany's third Hockey World Cup title after they won it in 2002 and 2006. With this, they draw level with Netherlands and Australia.

Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: Germany made a remarkable comeback to beat defending champions Belgium 5-4 in the sudden death shoot-out after playing a 3-3 in

Germany also became the fourth team to register a come-frombehind win in a World Cup final. From a 2-0 deficit to a 3-2 to lead and ultimately a shootout, they eventually became champions.

Djokovic returns to top spot after Australian Open victory; Nadal slips to sixth in ATP rankings

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, who is now placed second on the list. The four-place ascent is a bigger jump than the three-spot climb previously made by Carlos Alcaraz (September 12, 2022), Pete Sampras (September 11, 2000), Andre Agassi (July 5, 1999) and Carlos Moya (March 15, 1999).

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) After winning his 10th Australian Open title, Novak Djokovic returned to the No. 1 spot in the latest ATP rankings released on Monday. Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in the final on Sunday and clinched his 22nd Grand Slam title, equalling Rafael Nadal on the list for most Grand Slam crowns on Sunday night.

The Serbian climbed four spots from World No. 5 to seal the top spot, the biggest jump to the top of the men's tennis summit between two editions of the ATP Rankings in history (since 1973). The 35-year-old dethroned reigning U.S. Open champion

If Djokovic remained World No. 1 through the week of February 20, he will tie Stefanie Graf's record for most weeks as World No. 1 in history (men and women) at 377. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal dropped from second to sixth place after his second-round loss to USA's Mackenzie McDonald. After reaching the second Grand Slam final of his career, Tsitsipas moved up one place and returned to his career-high World No. 3, 875 points behind Djokovic.

Denmark's Holger Rune reached a new career-high ranking of World No. 9. Last year's runnerup Daniil Medvedev moved out of the top 10 as he slipped four spots to 12.

India clinch inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup title with 7-wicket win over England

and found enough help to pick two wickets each. Shafali, leftarm spinners Mannat Kashyap and Sonam Yadav took a scalp each in a dominating bowling performance.

Potchefstroom, Jan 29 (IANS)

India's quest for a maiden world title in women's cricket finally came to an end on Sunday when they defeated England by seven wickets in a low-scoring finale to emerge as the winner of the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup at the JB Marks Oval here.

Nearly 18 years after India first made it to the final of a World Cup through the 50-over event in 2005, Shafali Verma & Co produced a superb bowling performance coupled with some outstanding fielding to bowl out England for just 68.

Fast bowler Titas Sadhu, offspinner Archana Devi and legspinner Parshavi Chopra were accurate in their line, and length

The fielding, despite a few blips, was athletic with some exceptional catches taken as England never got going with the bat. In chasing 69, on a slow pitch and aiding spinners, India lost Shafali and Shweta Sehrawat in the first four overs.

But Soumya Tiwari (24 not out) and Gongadi Trisha (24) stitched a vital partnership and shared a 46-run stand for the third wicket to complete the chase in 14 overs and give India their first-ever World Cup title in women's cricket.

Titas made a breakthrough on the fourth ball of the innings by having Liberty Heap mistime the heave and give her a simple return catch. Apart from Titas and Archana keeping things tight, India were also sharp with their ground fielding.

Inaugural Harmony Cup organised successfully

Brisbane, 27 January (India News Bureau): To commemorate Australia Day and India’s 74 th Republic Day on 26 th January 2023, the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) Inc in partnership with Queensland Sub Districts Cricket Association (QSDCA) organised a T20 cricket match game between an Australian Community XI and an Indian Community XI at Gibson Park, Stafford. The objective

was to promote community engagements and harmony between the two communities through sport and build a resilient society. The event was named Harmony Cup for this reason and is due to become an annual event.

The match held at the QSDCA Grounds at Gibson Park, Stafford witnessed a close contest in which the Indian Community XI having put to bat made 168 for 8 wickets. In response, putting a

scintillating chase the Australian Community XI scored 153 for 6, falling short by 15 runs. The event was supported by several key institutions including the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) represented by its National Sports Chair Dr Ashutosh Misra who also represented the Institute of India Australia Engagement as the CEO. Dr Misra also coordinated the event on behalf of Queensland Cricket which provided My

Cricket scoring facility, financial support and activation led by Liam Green and two CCOs providing inflatables and backyard cricket for kids. India News as the Media Partner provided the media coverage led by its Chairman Dr Ram Mohan. Brisbane Super Kings as the key partner fielded the Indian Community XI which was facilitated

by Sathish Rajendran.

On behalf of FICQ Anoop Nauru— President, Krishnan Menon— Secretary, Jyoti Amarjot Goraya— Cultural Coordinator and Raphy Alappatt—Treasurer attended the event.

On behalf of QSDCA Bruce Lawson—Secretary and Geoff Doyle organised all the local logistics including umpiring, catering and hospitality.

Ian Healy predicts 2-1 victory for India over Australia for upcoming four-match Test series

of extreme importance for India, as a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), to be held in June 2023, is at stake.

New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Ian

Healy has predicted a 2-1 series win for India in the four-Test series against Australia starting from Nagpur on February 9.

Healy added that his prediction can come true if the hosts aren't preparing "unreasonable wickets". India and Australia will play four Tests in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad to decide the winner of the BorderGavaskar Trophy. The series is

"They've got a good team but I'm not too scared of their spinners unless they produce unreasonable wickets. If they produce unreasonable wickets like they did half the series last time (we won't win), two wickets were just terrible, unfair, spinners jumping over your head on day one."

"So that type of thing they will play better on than we will, but if they get flat wickets that India used to put out, nice flat batting wickets and bowlers have to work really hard, I think we can do it. But (my prediction is) 2-1 India, if Starc's unavailable in the first Test," said Healy on SEN radio show.

Starc will be joining the Australian

team from the second Test due to a finger injury to his bowling hand, which he sustained during the second Test against South Africa at the MCG in December 2022.

"Guess what Lyon needs, he needs Mitch Starc, Mitch Starc to run through and create rough for him outside of right-hander's off stump."

"Starc mightn't be available first Test, and if you're not available first Test, you're not going to be great second Test... it's soon after, there's no other games."'

"My worry for him not playing the first Test is that you don't have a lot of time to get the bowling in that you're going to need in the second, third and fourth Test," added Healy.

Australia's next overseas Test

assignment is the Ashes against England in June-July. Healy predicted that Australia should win 3-1 over England, who have been on a high in the format thanks to "Bazball" strategy of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, provided the Pat Cummins-led side don't have any injury concerns. "Now Ashes, if we haven't got any injuries in that bowling attack and we can play our top team, then 3-1 Australia. We're going to really

attack Bazball and put Bazball under pressure. We'll see how much courage and bravery they can retain in that top order with England and their bowlers."

"I think for once we'll cope the best against Anderson and Broad, Anderson is 40 years of age, we've got to really get some pressure back on him. Our best players for mine, Pat Cummins and Steve Smith will be our stars," he concluded.

India’s U-19 team are a revelation and far cry from the past, writes Michael Jeh

By Michael Jeh

There will come a time in the not-too-distant future when we look back and remember the good old days when India didn't dominate all forms of cricket. I have been saying this since 2004 when I spent extensive time in India, closely involved in seeing the passion for the game being matched by infrastructure, coaching and a growing selfbelief. At the time, I firmly believed that Indian cricket was in the ascendancy, perhaps a decade or two away from dominating the world, never to be surpassed again. Here we are in 2018 and I'm prepared to bet my house on it - from what I've just seen in the U19 World Cup and the ODI series in South Africa, that moment of truth draws nearer and dearer. Why do I say this? Because we have a country that is mad about cricket, almost to the exclusion of any other team sport (in a genuine world competitive sense) but now with the political and demographic clout to marry performance with ambition. That is indeed a powerful marriage, built on a dynasty that now includes world class facilities, coaches and development systems that produce cricketers capable of succeeding away from home.

Watching the U19's was a revelation. A far cry indeed from teams of long ago when admiring comments about wristy strokeplay and mystery spinners were almost offered condescendingly to mask the absence of substance. To win

consistently, home and away, you need fast bowlers. Not just one tearaway quick who is an outlier, an aberration, a novelty (a la Kapil Dev). India now have some of the fastest (and most skillful) bowlers in the world, even on pitches like the recent Johannesburg green mamba. In Mavi, Porel and Nagarkoti, India now had the pace and aggression to match it with anyone. It was noticeable that the Australians were upto 10k's slower in the Final. Pakistan had one quick bowler (Afridi) who occasionally cranked it up to 140 k's but he lacked support. The young Indians just kept coming. Harking back two decades, it was always thought that the Asian teams simply lacked the sheer physical attributes to turn out fast bowlers. Pakistan produced some beauties but by and large it was thought that the Asian physiques simply couldn't churn out big, strong, burly fast bowlers. But those days have clearly passed us by. India's U19 cricketers have just given us a glimpse into the future. With improved nutrition and training programs, India now have a fast bowling factory that can match it with the rest of the world. Don't be fooled by the rest of India's population who may still err on the side of thin, slight, weaker physiques.

You only need a stable of 10 high quality fast bowlers to be a world class cricket team. Countries like Australia may have more people in the general populace who look like fast bowlers but you can't pick 12 million people! You only need about three each game.

Let's talk about the fielding standards...India were by far the best fielding team at U19 level. These kids are athletes with rocket arms and unerring accuracy. Perhaps the quality of outfields in India in junior cricket have improved to the extent that young cricketers now have complete confidence in diving full length to field/catch balls. This was not the case twenty years ago where teams like Australia, NZ

and South Africa dominated this important facet of the game. Even at the senior level, India's fielding has put the Proteas to shame. There is no good reason why India will go backwards in this discipline.

What strikes me about India's batting is the simplicity and purity of their techniques. This may explain why they are so successful at U19 and senior levels. I put it down to a coaching system that focuses on teaching the basics of batsmanship in an old fashioned way. Surely this must be a nationwide culture of excellent coaching because the conveyor belt keeps producing clones like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw who look for all the world like young Kohlis, Laxmans or Dravids.

Unlike almost every other country at U19 level, India's batsmen had the most conventional techniques. They played late with fast hands and straight bats. They now take on the short ball without fear. Improved cricket bats give them the confidence to take on the boundaries. Even in the senior team, India's top order has arguably the most stylish batsmen with orthodox techniques. Unorthodoxy might suit some individuals but in the long run, year after year, I believe that a return to the basics will produce more consistency.

Shikhar Dhawan is probably the least conventional of the current crop but he uses that point of difference to stunning effect. He tends to stay legside of the ball when driving through the offside which opens up the point and cover regions more effectively. I first came across Dhawan in 2004 when he flayed me for a century in Delhi and I knew instantly that his was a rare talent. To watch Manjot Kalra batting in similar vein is a delicious sense of de ja vu, head not quite over the ball in the classical Dravid way, weight leaning back slightly with a bent back knee which allows the elevation to clear the infield.

As I said in my last article, written before India won the 3rd Test in Johannesburg, the new generation have no fear of fast pitches because they have the fast bowlers to exploit the conditions, the fielders to take those brilliant slips catches and the batsmen who are becoming increasingly skilled (and confident) about batting on these pitches. It might yet take another unsuccessful tour of Australia before the lessons are fully learned but I think the day is fast approaching when the Indian juggernaut will soon have a team capable of winning in all conditions. This must surely speak volumes for the thousands of coaches all around India, many of them unpaid volunteers, who are steeped deep in cricket knowledge and have the ability to translate that wisdom into effective training regimes.

I speak from experience; I coach talented cricketers in Australia. Both my son and my daughter have made recently made junior Queensland teams. I watch them play every weekend and I'm not seeing what I see when I strolled around the maidans of Mumbai or the muddy laneways in Bangalore. The coaches here work from a primitive template that cannot match the sheer numbers that are emerging from the academies throughout India. In Australia, we teach techniques and temperaments that are one-dimensional. Hit through the ball, on the up and back your instincts. It's too simplistic to expect that to translate to batting in difficult circumstances when there is sideways movement or when the ball doesn't quite come on to the bat. Hence, Australia's poor record when the ball swings or seam. Recent collapses in Cape Town, Trent Bridge and Hobart attest to that. This is a direct product of a coaching system that is one dimensional.

The fast bowlers here are on some ridiculous 'workload management' restrictions which means they can't bowl more than

a set number of overs before the computer system tells them to stop. The injuries are no less so the system clearly doesn't work but young boys are not learning to bowl properly because....well, they're not allowed to bowl. One can only hope for India's sake that the scientists are not allowed to interfere too much with those who actually understand that cricket skills can only get better with practice. And more practice. Not some software program that stops a young cricketer from learning his/her craft at an age when their brain is so open to new skill development.

The one thing that might stand in the way of India's destiny as the number one cricketing nation is a bloated and avaricious bureaucracy. Politics, corruption and greed are universal traits not indigenous to India alone. But the sheer scale of it and the arrogance that can accompany absolute power in Asian cricket can undermine even the most dedicated coaches who are toiling away in anonymity, mining the precious jewels that glittered so brightly in New Zealand last week. It is the game of the people, the enduring love affair of a nation. Let it not be stolen by men in dark suits whose time passed a generation ago. In science, medicine, IT and now cricket, the future is young and bright. Let's hope it fears no one but respects history.

The author graduated from Brisbane State High School in 1986 and then attained a commerce degree in Australia before going on to a postgraduate scholarship at Oxford University where he won two Cricket Blues. He played first-class cricket, was a professional League cricketer for 12 years and now based in Brisbane with his family. He is also a wildlife ranger/guide in Africa and take clients on exciting conservation/charity focused safaris.

This article was first published on Mid-Day on www.mid-day.com

New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) India's left-arm spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's fitness report by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to be made available to the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) on February 1.

As per a report in Cricbuzz, BCCI will take a call on Ravindra Jadeja's readiness for the start of the four-match Test series against Australia, to be played for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on

February 1 when the report on his fitness levels from the NCA will be available.

Jadeja is currently on a comeback trail from a knee injury which needed surgery in September last year, forcing him to pull out of Asia Cup in the UAE and miss subsequent cricket action, including Men's T20 World Cup in Australia.

He is currently playing for Saurashtra, and captaining them against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and will report back to the NCA for an assessment at the end of the match.

The report added that the selectors and the team management will subsequently take a call on his availability before India start a pre-series camp in Nagpur from February 2. The first of the four-match Test series will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium from February 9, followed by matches in New Delhi, Dharamshala and Ahmedabad.

Renshaw

well, but you do get used to him once you've faced him for a while,"

Renshaw was quoted as saying by AAP.

He added that the Australian batters will have to be wary of the delivery which doesn't spin from Ashwin and can trap the batters lbw.

"I think the big challenge from Ashwin and any off-spinner in spinning conditions to a left-hander is the lbw threat. Obviously, everyone thinks about the one that turns and gets you caught at slip, but the big one is the lbw when it doesn't spin. You just have to be ready for that one,"

Meanwhile, the report also said opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand after he complained of wrist pain. Gaikwad, 25, has checked into the NCA for a prognosis of his injury and subsequent rehabilitation.

Gaikwad was last involved in the Ranji Trophy clash for Maharashtra against Hyderabad, making 8 and 0. He then subsequently reported to the BCCI about his wrist condition. Incidentally, this is the second time Gaikwad has had trouble with his wrist, missing last year's T20I series against Sri Lanka with an injury to his right wrist. The report added that the decision makers and the brains trust of the national team are upset over how often Gaikwad has missed assignments due to illness or injuries. But they will not seek a replacement for this series, increasing the possibility of the returning Prithvi Shaw's participation in the series as an opener, with the first match to be held in Ranchi on Friday.

New Delhi, Jan 26: Mark Waugh, Mitchell Johnson and Aaron Finch will be the replacements for Michael Clarke for commentary during Australia's upcoming tour of India.

A report in The Sydney Morning Herald says Clarke, the 2015 ODI World Cup winning captain of Australia, was passed over by the BCCI following a video of his altercation with his girlfriend going viral on social media. The report adds that Waugh is set to accompany Matthew Hayden as the Australian commentators for the first two Tests of the series, to be played for the BorderGavaskar Trophy, in Nagpur (February 9-13) and New Delhi (February 17-21).

Hussey, Simon Katich, Brad Haddin and Trevor Bayliss are all involved in the IPL as head coaches of various teams or in other coaching capacities. Having lost the opportunity to commentate on the tour of India, Clarke had earlier said he was approached by the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which ends on March 22, to be a commentator for them.

The report also said the touring Australia Test side, who are scheduled to depart for India on Tuesday, which is January 31, are set to spend five days in Bengaluru in training before the first Test in Nagpur. It added that Bengaluru has been deemed to provide the most suitable practice options for the visiting Australians ahead of the fourmatch series.

Sydney, Jan 25 (IANS) Australian batter Matt Renshaw has picked ace India off-spinner

Ravichandran Ashwin as the key Indian bowler and the toughest to face in the upcoming four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting from February 9 in Nagpur.

With Australia's batting line-up packed with left-handers like David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey apart from Renshaw himself, Ashwin will be crucial for India as he became the first bowler to take 200 wickets against left-hand batters in 2021.

"Ashwin is difficult to face. He is a smart bowler with a lot of variations and he uses them very

Renshaw was a member of the Australia Test side who toured India in 2017, losing 2-1 and Ashwin had dismissed him once, in the opening Test at Pune which Australia won by a whopping 333 runs, but not before he had scored 68 in the first innings. Now most likely to come in at number five if he gets into the playing eleven, Renshaw is confident of performing well in India.

"I think two years batting at No. 5 helped me with facing spin. I know my game a lot better now and I am a lot more comfortable in different situations. We have a strong squad and it is going to be hard to push my way in, but I know that I will be ready if I do

get a chance."

Asked about his preparation for the upcoming tour of India, Renshaw revealed he is getting leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, as well as Matthew Kuhnemann and Marnus Labuschagne to bowl at him with the SG ball whenever he finds time while playing for Brisbane Heat in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL).

"The SG ball is a bit different, so we are just trying to prepare as well as we can during this BBL schedule if we get a window to hit red balls. It is a lot different, the conditions in India, so we are trying to replicate them as much as we can."

"The plan was if (the Heat) got knocked out we'd do some prep with the (Australian) team in Sydney, but we just kept winning and are in the finals now. We have got a good week and a bit in India before the first Test, so there will be plenty of time to prepare there as well."

India and Australia will play four Tests in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad to decide the winner of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series is of extreme importance for India, as a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), to be held in June 2023, is at stake.

Johnson will then take over from Waugh for the third and fourth Tests of the series in Dharamshala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13). For the three ODIs that follow after the four-match Test series, Johnson will be joined by Finch, who recently retired from ODIs.

The report also says that the short-notice nature of the assignment and its short turnaround to the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) contributed to numerous names being unable to take part. The likes of Ricky Ponting, Mike

"We are really confident and comfortable with the preparations the BCCI has made for us. The proof will be in the pudding obviously, but we're really comfortable with the discussions we've had. They see merit in seeing us prepare really well for a marquee Test series as we do when overseas teams come out here," Peter Roach, Cricket Australia's head of cricket operations, was quoted as saying in the report.

The series against Australia is of extreme importance for India, as a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), to be held in June 2023, is at stake.

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) Australia

fast bowler Mitchell Starc has confirmed that he will be missing the first Test of the BorderGavaskar Trophy against India as he continues to battle a finger injury.

Starc suffered an injury on the finger of his left hand in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa and subsequently missed the last game of the series.

During the Cricket Australia's awards, when the host asked the Starc about his fitness, the speedster said: "I am on track... still a couple of weeks and then probably meet the guys in Delhi... after... hopefully, a first Test match win... get myself into

training over there."

The first Test is scheduled to take place in Nagpur from February 9-13, and the second in New Delhi from February 17-21.

Besides Starc, Cameron Green is also carrying a finger problem since the Boxing Day Test victory over Proteas. However, Australian coach Andrew McDonald said Green would be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the series opener.

"He hasn't been ruled out," McDonald was quoted as saying. "We just want to make sure we set up all our players up for success and there isn't much time left from now to the four-week check-in around his finger to the start of that test match. We'll see how he goes in the build-up and make that decision when we get on the ground in India."

Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness report by NCA to be made available to the BCCI on February 1: Report

Big challenge in series against India will be from Ashwin, says Australia’s

Waugh, Johnson, Finch to be Clarke’s replacements in commentary for Australia tour of India: Report

‘Probably meet the guys in Delhi’: Starc confirms he will miss first Test against India

USA’s R’Bonney Gabriel crowned Miss Universe 2022

Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela was named as the first runner-up, and Andreina Martinez of the Dominican Republic was named as the second runner-up

ByIANSlife

January 15, 2023 (IANSlife) Young talent from over 80 different nations competed for the coveted crown in the most anticipated pageant in the world, Miss

Universe 2022, which was held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

R'Bonney Gabriel of the USA was crowned Miss Universe 2022.

Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela was named as the first runnerup, and Andreina Martinez of the Dominican Republic was named as the second runner-up.

India’s Miss Diva Universe 2022 Divita Rai, who wore an exquisite silver, champagne,

and gold ombre gown designed by celebrated fashion designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock, entered into the prestigious Top 16 category, making her motherland very proud.

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu in a message to Miss Universe 2022, said, "Remember to live this year to the fullest because tomorrow is never promised. Namaste Universe."

A look at the first Indian model in history to open the Versace runway

show at Milan Fashion Week on 25 February.

Vogue India features Avanti Nagrath

By Vogue India

January 17, 2023 (IANSlife) The first Indian model in history to open the Versace runway, beating out the likes of Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, Avanti Nagrath makes her Vogue India cover debut with its Jan/Feb 2023 issue.

Divya Bala meets the girl of the moment blazing a trail through the international fashion scene.

You’re a model from Delhi in Milan for the first time, fresh out of your teens. You’re somewhere in the sprawling, sumptuous headquarters of Versace, perhaps feeling a little out of your depth.

You’ve made it through a room full of 70 other hopeful models and been approved by five gatekeepers of one of fashion’s most storied luxury houses to be booked for your first international runway. A living legend—in this case, Donatella Versace—is overseeing your fitting, ensuring the precision tailoring of the sharply-cut black suit you are wearing lives up to the Versace standard. Suddenly, she flicks back her curtain of flaxen hair to look at you and, in her gravely Italian drawl says, “Do you know you’re opening the show?”

It’s the kind of fairy-tale story that model dreams are made of, one that is Avanti Nagrath’s reality. However, the 21-yearold has trouble believing it, even almost a year on. It was then that she burst onto the international fashion scene, opening the Versace autumn/winter 2022-23

“It still feels like a dream when I think about it—even while I was walking the show it felt like a dream. There were so many models around, it was Bella [Hadid]. It was Gigi [Hadid], and I’m the one opening the show?” Nagrath recalls, speaking from her home in Delhi, where she is taking a break before returning to the circuit in January. “I told myself, ‘You can get intimidated by the big names, but just do what you do best and forget whatever else is around you.’ And because I was the first girl out, I was like, ‘If I don’t go out, the whole show is going to stop.’ So the second they said, ‘Go!’ I put blinders on and walked.”

Born and bred in Delhi, growing up with her parents, her younger brother and her grandmother, Nagrath was a self-confessed “outdoor kid”, a tomboy who enjoyed nothing more than playing sports. And when she wasn’t on the basketball court, she was perpetually in front of the camera.

“My mum tells me that even when I was a kid, I loved taking photos. If there was a camera in front of me, I would pose for it. I still have pictures of myself doing the typical Bollywood pose—you know with your hip out, and your hand on your hip,” she says, with a laugh. “And then at 14, my mum and I were sitting together and she asked, ‘Why don’t you try modelling?’ I had always loved [modelling] and looked up to models like Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski and Naomi Campbell, so I thought, why not? I took a few pictures and put it on social media and then a few agencies approached me.”

With the support of her mother, Nagrath started modelling at 15, between classes at the

Modern School Barakhamba and extracurricular duties as an avid basketballer. (Nagrath was captain before handing over her captaincy to a teammate due to the growing demands of her modelling career. A movie moment saw her wave the flag at her school sports day before swapping her basketball shorts and sneakers to walk in one of Tarun Tahiliani’s saris at his show at Lakme Fashion Week.) She has also worked with the likes of Rahul Mishra, Manish Malhotra, Lovebirds and Pankaj & Nidhi, garnering attention for her appearances at 2019’s FDCIorganised Fashion Week in Delhi.

“I learnt a lot in India,” explains Nagrath. “I met so many designers and people in the industry. I figured out how the industry works, how a runway show is. My vision was that I always wanted to be an Indian model representing India outside. I have that ambition of wanting to do something big.”

Upon graduating in 2020, Nagrath was anxious to go abroad to economics school and continue modelling, however, Covid and a vaccination mishap would more or less ground her until January 2022 when she was able to restart conversations with her agents. She then flew to Europe and promptly booked the aforementioned Versace show. For autumn/ winter 2022, she would go on to walk for Bottega Veneta in Milan, The Row, Coperni and Givenchy in Paris. Since then, she has also worked for Burberry, 1017 ALYX 9SM, Jacquemus, Chanel, Ferragamo, Courrèges, Hermès and Ralph Lauren, as well as the Alaïa Summer 2023 lookbook, the Proenza Schouler White Label campaign and the Versace autumn/winter 2022-23 campaign.

Parrtners with Saritoria, proceeds to be contributed to Mountain View School in Madurai, founded and run by her mother

By IANSlife

January 19, 2023 Actor and entrepreneur Katrina Kaif is all set to make a coveted selection of hand-picked pieces from her wardrobe available to the public for purchase for the first time, exclusively on Saritoria. Known for her distinct style, and for bringing her best to every role she

takes on, Katrina will be among the first celebrities in India to be part of a pre-loved revolution at a global scale, allowing consumers to browse and shop one- ofa-kind items from her closet, to promote sustainability. The proceeds from the sale of Kaif’s outfits will be contributed to Mountain View School in Madurai, an institution dedicated to the education of lesser privileged children, founded and run by her mother.

Preloved fashion as a concept is increasingly finding value in the hearts of consumers, particularly with millennial and Gen Z shoppers who believe in making mindful investments in fashion, now, more than ever.

“I am excited to announce my decision to join the preloved revolution and be part of the circular economy by doing a wardrobe cleanse with Saritoria and giving some of my favorite pieces a new home,’’ said Katrina Kaif. She added, “I have always believed in and followed the ‘less is more’ lifestyle and my

collaboration with Saritoria is an extension of the same. 2022 has made us all aware of the need to embed more sustainable and conscious decisions into our everyday lives and as a consumer, shopping pre-loved is a step in that direction. With Saritoria, I aim to do my bit to familiarise a larger consumer set to the concept of pre-loved. I am keen to normalise the notion of secondhand shopping in India – you can buy stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces at a fraction of their original cost while saving the planet.”

The Katrina x Saritoria closet sale will feature some iconic garments from Kaif’s wardrobe. A few of the preloved luxury brands that will be available from her wardrobe are Victoria Beckham, Alexander Mc Queen, Jacquemus, Saint Laurent, Balmain, and more. All the pieces from her collection are well maintained, in impeccable condition and will be available for significantly lesser than

their retail price. Each piece has been hand-selected by Katrina and is available for the public to purchase exclusively on the Saritoria App.

The Saritoria App aims to upgrade the consumer experience while offering a fuss-free and user-friendly interface. It is designed like a social media application, which enables users to follow their favourite

6 Celeb-Approved Nude Eye Makeup looks to steal in 2023

look.

Shimmer Touch

On days when the classic black eyeshadow seems a bit too OTT, brown to the rescue

By IANSlife

January 21, 2023 (IANSlife) For individuals looking for a natural and subtle appearance, naked eye makeup styles are a go-to. They have a special allure for romance. Any onlooker can be fascinated by these understated and elegant appearances. Nude eye makeup is a timeless and adaptable choice, whether you want to keep it simple for every day use or create a romantic and seductive atmosphere for a special occasion. Try these methods for creating the ideal nude eye makeup appearance if you want to create a lovely and stylish look. They are worth taking, believe us. Brown Eyeshadow

On days when the classic black eyeshadow seems a bit too OTT, then there’s brown to the rescue. A brown smoky eye will make your eyes pop without looking too much. It’s also perfect for a day look. Moreover, it looks so good that you can easily wear it at work. Along with a little blush and kohl, you’ll put together an iconic

If you’re a gal who loves her bling just like Disha Patani, then this look is for you. Opt for shades like dark brown, dull golden or silver that add the right amount of sparkle for a nude eye makeup look. Add a couple of coats of mascara and tons of lip gloss for a dewy, shimmery look.

We’d suggest a liquid eye shadow that’s super easy to use and highly pigmented, so you don’t need to be a pro for using these.

Glossy Gush

Glossy – followed by anything will always be a hit. Kiara Advani wears sheer eye shadow on her lids along with thick black eyeliner and glossy lips, and looks absolutely breathtaking! One neat way to recreate this look is by using the highlighter on your lids and your cheekbones. Then pick a tinted gloss for your lips, and you’re good to go! SUGAR

Cosmetics’ Own The Light Liquid Highlighter is perfect for this job. Its high-shine finish and blendable consistency make the job very easy and quick.

Pastel Eyes

If we’re talking nude eye makeup look, why not actually apply a matte nude eyeshadow! To create Athiya Shetty’s easy-breezy look, pick a colour that’s closest to your natural skin tone. Apply

that shade as a base and then blend it out with a colour that’s slightly darker. This will add some depth and warmth to your eyes. Lastly, seal the deal with multiple coats of lengthening mascara and you’re done! This natural eyeshadow look is perfect for coffee dates!

Soft & Subtle Nudes

If you’ve got small eyes, then listen closely. Because this pastel pink nude will not only bring out your dive vibe but also make your eyes pop. Just like Alaya F, apply a white kohl on your lower lash line to make your eyes look wider and more awake. The little shimmer action that’s going on is a big plus and elevates this simple look. Get the look with our SUGAR Cosmetics’ Eye Love Jelly Eyeshadow. It is a unique jelly-consistency eyeshadow that’s available in 8 jaw-dropping shades! It also leaves behind a hint of shimmer to give your eyes a 3D dimension. Pink Wink Pink will always remain a cult favourite! Take a leaf from Kriti Sanon’s minimal pink eyeshadow look that’s simple yet elegant. You can get her look by applying a nude pink eyeshadow as the base and then blending a slightly darker pink shade on the outer corner. If you want to make it pink-er you can apply a sleek line of our pink eyeliner too!

K-beauty skincare picks for 2023 based on

your zodiac signs!

Quench Botanics share zodiac predictions and the best-suited skincare regime for this year.

Aries

Aesthetically pleasing skincare that delivers results

ByIANSlife

January 09, 2022 2022 was a year of skincare, from the rise of plant ingredients to endless Korean skincare! And 2023 we are expecting skincare to get even bigger, with new innovations in ingredients, textures, and hybrids. K-beauty skincare has been on the rise and we anticipate another round of ‘simplified skincare’ basis your zodiac - from which color dominates the month for you to which music elevates your mood, zodiac signs can dictate it all.

It is possible to live your best life according to your horoscopes, astrology experts suggest. And not to forget, these predictions have moved on from lucky days and generic signs to categorical tips for everything happening in your life. So, what does your zodiac sign say about your skincare regime? Without any further ado, our team of skin experts at

The Fire sign that’s always brimming with enthusiasm! Aries are passionate, confident, and determined. And you need something that’s as quick and fun as your ideas. Hey you Aries girls, do try the ultimate quick fix with Peel Pads for a brightened and even skin tone.

Taurus

The Earth sign that enjoys serenity and stability is Taurus. For someone who likes things that bring peace and joy, skincare specials that give it all for skin is a fun match. So, it's time for you to hook yourself with a good Face Mist that would plump up your skin moisturizes, and revives your dull-looking, lackluster complexion! Perfectly practical, like you.

Gemini

A charismatic Air sign, Gemini indulges in humor and can talk about everything there is to know. This socializing sign deserves skincare treats that bring fun to the new year! To match your gentle soul, a quick-absorbing Serum would fix your skin woes.

It will satisfy your appreciation for change with its skin-firming ingredients like arginine, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid, and skin-reviving properties. Enhance your glow, not just in your life but also in your skin!

Cancer

This comfort-seeking Water sign is known for its unending forgiveness. Cancer needs skincare that can take on their concerns just like they take on others’. This New Year, grab Korean skin delights that sensitively deal with trouble, just like you!

Just like you, the Quench Botanics Mon Cherry Brightening Face Mist is reliable. It’s devoted to hydrating, protecting, and brightening your skin, every day. This Korean skincare must-have has hyaluronic acid that plumps up the skin, moisturizes, and revives a dull-looking, lackluster complexion! Perfectly practical, like you.

Leo

This Fire sign exudes warmth and thrives on creativity. Vanity and luxury call your name and all for the right reasons for your personality are larger than life. And you need to try K-beauty

Dolly Singh & Rad Living collaborate to launch one-of-a kind scented soy candles

By IANSlife

January 16, 2023 (IANSlife) Popular social media figure, Dolly Singh, and Rad Living, an up-andcoming premium domestic soy candle brand, have teamed up to launch an exclusive line of scented soy wax candles. With themes of manifestations and affirmations for a good start to usher in a new year, it consists of fifteen varied variants.

The collection is a true representation of Singh's onscreen persona, embracing eccentric declarations for 2023 like "25 din mein paisa double," "Saccha Pyaar," "I Am My Own Sugar Momma," "Great Sex, No Stress, Big Checks," and "Saste Nashe." Sandalwood Rose, Green Lush, Almond Shea, Jasmine Cedar, French Lavender, and Chocolate Rose are just a few of the aromas that make up the collection's signature notes, each of which perfectly complements the affirmation inscribed on the candle.

Elaborating further Dolly says, “I’m extremely delighted to partner with Rad Living to give my audiences an immersive experience. This step for me marks not just my maiden attempt at becoming an entrepreneur but has a lot to do with manifestation of dreams which forms the

ethos of this collaboration. My father sold candles in his gift shop in Nainital and my mother manufactured candles at home and sold them to retailers around town to add to the family income pool. My connection with candles is not a new found fascination but travels back to my childhood. During our growing up years, my brother and I were extra hands to my mother and used to chip in and assist her. From drawing eyes on the wax rabbits and bears, to sprinkling glitter on romantic couple candles, I was part of the whole candle making process. Our house always smelled like wax and candle making as a process has always been close to my heart. Therefore, this collaboration is even more special and personal as I’m launching my own line of candles and I couldn’t be more excited and grateful!”

Vineet Arora, Founder & CEO, Rad Living adds, “While India boasts of a rich history of aromas, scents and flavors, ironically the benefits of ambient fragrances are rather overlooked in our daily lives. We started Rad Living with the sole purpose of making ambient fragrances approachable, relatable and inclusive through our wide variety of fragrances and designs. We strongly believe that this collaboration with Dolly holds the potential to truly open up conversations and spark a light of fragrance in many more lives in India and hopefully soon, in the world. We are grateful for the phenomenal response and feedback that we have received from all our customer. We hope we keep adding light, aroma and cheer in every life we touch!”

Not Just Men, Even Women Suffer From Receding Hairline

Over-treated hair can lead to hair loss due to the toxic chemicals

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

January 15, 2022 Losing your hair might cause you to lose confidence and cause emotional stress. There are several reasons why you can be dealing with a receding hairline; history of the family, stress, inadequate nutrition, too much perspiration, illness, age, treatments or medications, and changes in Hormones

Some of the reasons are difficult to deal with but mostly a lot are under our control and can be reversed to a lot of extents. There are a lot of medical treatments available in the market that you can try but why go for extreme steps when you can try natural ways of treating your problem?

Time to look at some natural solutions for receding hairline according to Dr. Blossom Kochhar–

Having the right diet that promotes hair growth, you should also create a healthy meal

plan with a dietitian if you’re experiencing hair loss, especially one that is high in protein and iron. Consuming a quality multivitamin daily will help keep your nutrition levels in check, which will intern promote hair growth. Including fish, meat, and pulses in your diet can bring a lot of changes.

There is nothing that a good oil massage can’t cure. We have heard of a variety of oils to promote hair growth but Bhringraj oil isn’t the kind that you hear about every day, it is quite popular in Ayurveda therapy as well as medical science. This oil really has the best reputation for all that it can do for your hair. The oil overall helps to treat dandruff and dry scalp, reduce hair fall, increase blood circulation, add sheen, promote hair growth, and even prevent premature greying. You can simply warm it up, apply it on your scalp and roots thoroughly and keep it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

Smell the scent of ‘Saccha Pyaar’ & ‘I Am My Own Sugar Momma’

Mahindra Roots explores unique and lost forms of Indian Culture

mesmerising combination of folk music, performing arts, and other art forms from various pockets of India, modernised to appeal to millennials and Gen Z as a modern, interesting, and immersive experience.

Govandi Arts Festival’s Artist Residency Programme

The Mahindra Group introduces an entirely new Cultural Outreach initiative

By IANSlife

January 28, 2023: On February 24, 25, and 26, 2023, Mumbai will host the Mahindra Roots festival, which aims to reintroduce and celebrate the magnificent fusion of India's vast and diverse cultural past via a contemporary lens.

India is a country with a rich history of diverse cultures and customs, as well as a mingling of many languages and dialects. Indian culture is vibrant and ever-evolving, altering every 50 to 100 kilometres, where people both make and are made by culture. The Mahindra Group has launched the Mahindra Roots Festival, which Hyperlink Brand Solutions conceptualised, developed, and produced in order to honour this time in Indian culture and encourage the next generation of Indians to appreciate, protect, and nurture their cultural roots.

The three-day festival aims to bring to life a world where Indian artists' history and culture are celebrated in cuttingedge, contemporary ways. It aims to compile and present a

Astonishing decorations, displays that are larger than life, and artwork will reacquaint audiences with their rich cultural history.

Mahindra Roots will honour Indian arts and culture while also creating a long-lasting community thanks to the wide range of artists from diverse subcultures who will be present at the festival.

Additionally, performers from a variety of genres, tongues, and cultures will wow audiences with performances that will be a visual and audible feast. The festival will bring audiences closer to cultures from all over the nation through theatre productions, immersive storytelling, folk music, classical music, and poetry in Hindi, Punjabi, English, and Kannada, among other languages, as well as tribal music forms, contemporary Sufi, Abhangas, Bengal's Baul music tradition, and more.

Jay Shah, Vice PresidentCultural Outreach at Mahindra Group, said, “Mahindra Group has always strived to make an impact on people’s lives in a way that stretches beyond corporate boundaries, enabling audiences to explore art, music and culture. India’s culture is a melting pot of diversity, steeped in rich history

and heritage and infused with numerous art forms, dialects and languages. And with Mahindra Roots, we seek to celebrate the essence of this legacy and put it into the limelight. At the same time, we also wish to inspire the millennials and Gen Z, the future change-makers, dreamers and shapers of our societies, to rise to our roots through this festival.”

VG Jairam, Founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions, added, “Hyperlink has always been at the core of movements that connect cultures and powerful stories with people. And Mahindra Roots pushes the envelope to expand on this philosophy by bringing the roots of our diverse Indian culture on one platform while imbibing it in contemporary thought and style to connect with new-age audiences. The festival is our attempt to give cultural art forms pushed to the peripherals of stage wings a mainstream centre stage, and we are looking forward to many more editions in the future.”

The festival's opening night will be held on 24th February at Bal Gandharva Mandir while the subsequent performances will be hosted at Bandra Fort Amphitheatre on 25th & 26th February, and antiSOCIAL on 25th February 2023. Mahindra Roots will, indeed, weave a rich tapestry reflecting India’s multifaceted culture with threads of classic and folk art injected with contemporary storytelling.

Songs that celebrate India

celebrate all that makes India beautiful, from vocalist Lata Mangeshkar's "Ae Mere Watan ke Logon" to "Meri Desh Ki Dharti."

'Teri Mitti' from 'Kesari'

There are many songs that celebrate all that makes India beautiful, from vocalist Lata Mangeskar's "Ae Mere Watan ke Logon" to "Meri Desh Ki Dharti."

By Olivia Sarkar

January 26, 2023 (IANSlife)

On January 26, 1950, India's Constitution went into effect, and the nation became a republic. Thus, this day is extremely important to all Indians. Indians watch tableaux honouring the nation's vibrant culture and its brave military forces during the Republic Day parade as they celebrate this historic day with a strong sense of patriotism.

By listening to some patriotic music, one may always celebrate the day with close friends and family. Bollywood has always come to our aid in this situation. There are many songs that

From the 2019 album 'Kesari,' the soulful single 'Teri Mitti' is featured. With strong lyrics, soulful music, and a hint of Punjabi, the sacrifice of soldiers are honoured in the song. You would be reminded of the many lives lost in the struggle for the India of today. Punjabi artist B Praak performed the song, which was penned by Manoj Muntashir and composed by Arko Pravo Mukherjee. Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra sings the feminine version of this song.

'Ae Watan' from 'Raazi'

'Ae Watan' is a nationalistic song featured on the soundtrack of the 2018 Indian movie Raazi. The song was performed by Sunidhi Chauhan and Arijit Singh. The lyrics were written by Gulzar and Allama Iqbal, and ShankarEhsaan-Loy composed the music. The video for the song features Alia Bhatt as Sehmat Khan. It expresses the individual's bond with their nation.

'Ye Jo Desh Hai Tera' from 'Swades'

'Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera' is a song from the Shah Rukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi movie 'Swades.' The music was written and sung for the Asutosh Gowariker-directed movie by composer A R Rahman. Javed Akhtar is credited with writing the song's lyrics. The song from the 2004 movie talks about one's motherland and how their connection to it is unbreakable.

'Vande Mataram' from 'ABCD2'

The song 'Vande Mataram' is from the 2015 film 'Any Body Can Dance 2.' The song's lyrics were penned by Rimi Nique and Badshah. It was performed by Tanishka Sanghvi, Divya Kumar, Badshah, and Daler Mehndi. It honours the very best of India.

'Rang De Basanti' (Title Track)

The soundtrack for the 2006 movie was made available by Sony Music Entertainment. It featured lyrics written in both English and Hindi by rapper Blaaze and music by A. R. Rahman. The song, performed by Daler Mehendi, portrays India's rich cultural heritage. It is undoubtedly a song to improve one's mood, especially when combined with Punjabi beats.

Champions Local Art, Traditions And Stories

By IANSlife

January 28, 2023 (IANSlife) In a bid to give creative expression to the stories, aspirations, and lives of communities living in marginalized neighborhoods, the Govandi Arts Festival’s Artist Residency Programme has brought together 3 Mumbai-based artists to create contextual, sitespecific art. They have been working in Govandi for over three months and are creating art in the form of animation, crafts, ethnographic mapping, and storytelling with the local residents. The Festival is being spearheaded by the Community Design Agency (CDA) in India along with Lamplighter Arts CIC (UK), and Streets Reimagined (UK). The festival will culminate in an exhibition open to the public from February 15th to 19th, 2023, featuring an array of events, including the work of the resident artists.

The Artists in Residence whose

works will be showcased at the festival include Jerry Antony, Nisha Nair Gupta, and Meera Goradia. Jerry is a storyteller and visual communicator with a master's in Animation Film Design and his focus will be to explore the emotional and interpersonal relationships within the community through animation and storytelling. Meanwhile, Nisha Nair Gupta is an architect, urban researcher, and writer. Her residency project maps the people of a neighborhood and brings forth their stories of belonging and becoming, creating an intimate reading and building a repository of stories for the community. And Meera Goradia, who has worked with artisanal sectors across India since 1989, is facilitating a documentation team to discover the richness of handwork in Govandi. Her goal is to create new learning and a sense of value for traditional practices, which she believes are essential for conserving the native intelligence and identity of India.

Commenting on the program, Sandhya Naidu, Founder and Managing Director of Community Design Agency, said, “The artist residency program will help showcase the richness and diversity of the talent and stories that thrive in Govandi and create a sense of belonging and pride in the community. Jerry, Nisha, and Meera are extremely talented and intuitive artists and they’ve labored for many months, drawing inspiration from their surroundings to shine a light on the neighborhood through their creations. For us, the festival is not just an event, but a step towards empowering and celebrating the people of Govandi through the power of art and storytelling.”

The Govandi Art Festival has a

robust arts-based framework focussed on building and showcasing the skills/talents of spatially/culturally marginalized communities through inclusive processes. Supported by the British Council, Govandi Arts Festival is part of the ‘India/ UK Together, a Season of Culture’. The season celebrates and strengthens the bilateral relationship, friendship, and vibrant cultural bonds between the two countries and also marks India’s 75th anniversary. The festival has two overarching goals. First to provide residents— especially youth, with access to high-quality artistic mentorship and a public platform to express themselves joyfully; without minimizing their lived experiences.

Writing is about upholding beliefs that we think are important: Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah

a responsibility in that, there is also resistance to distraction, to having our minds taken away from what it should be focussing on, and getting distracted by other things that might appear at first more appealing, interesting or immediate."

Jaipur lit fest begins: 350 speakers including Gulzar, Tharoor to mark their presence

young.

The Festival has tried to take into account the future of this young demographic by attempting to go carbon neutral.

Jaipur, Jan 19 (IANS) Stressing that the act of writing is not just about nobility and bravely, but also the ordinary mundane business of keeping alive what is important, Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah, while delivering the keynote address on 'writing as a form of resistance' during the inaugural day of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) said, "Resistance to forgetfulness, to not allowing what we know and what we remember to pass away unnoticed".

The Tanzanian-British Nobel Prize winner emphasised: "In an important way there is a kind of

Gurnah also said that resistance is not about fighting tyrants or standing on platforms and making powerful speeches to energize people, but, "It is about upholding those ideas and beliefs that we think are important."

This year, the festival will host several major thinkers, writers, and speakers over the next five days till January 23.

Authors William Dalrymple, Namita Gokhale and Sanjoy K. Roy also addressed the audience. Roy, shared how -- with over 80 per cent of attendees under the age of 25 in 2020 -- the Festival has found a niche among India's

Author Namita Gokhale spoke at length about the diverse languages that the Festival has come to represent -- in this edition, there will be speakers from over 20 Indian languages and 14 international languages, making this an event that represents the diversity of its attendees.

Dalrymple said that this edition will include winners of the most coveted literary awards from around the world, including the Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, the Man Booker prize winners Geetanjali Shree and Daisy Rockwell, among many others.

JLF Day 2: Authors, film personalities, scribes share views on diverse themes

on an issue like that... for demonstrating how vehemently or strongly large sections of society feel... policies still need to be made by people made in offices."

Jaipur, Jan 20: The second day of the 16th Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) opened at the Hotel Clarks Amer here with a powerful Carnatic music performance by Aditya Prakash, accompanied by violin and mridangam.

On Friday, author Tripurdaman Singh and author-politician Shashi Tharoor discussed the crisis of democracy. Addressing the role of public demonstration in a democracy, Tharoor said, "The streets are only effective

Philanthropist and writer Sudha Murty in conversation with journalist Mandira Nayar discussed Murty's first publishing experience when she was 29. Murty emphasised the importance of her mother tongue, Kannada, and the culture of the land. While talking about the importance of being real and holding to one's perspective and ideas, Murty said, "I connect to the people because I tell the truth. I don't act."

Hindi, spoken in several countries in the world today, has acquired diverse repertoires deriving

from cultural and linguistic interactions with the ambient environment.

Sanskrit scholar and Director of the Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi, Oscar Pujol, and the Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski, brought glimpses of the popularity of Hindi in Europe, as they were seen in conversation with author and diplomat Abhay K. at a session titled Global Hindi'. Burakowski shared his experience of the last 25 years in India and how 'Bharat' captivated him and drove him to learn Hindi and specialise in India as a political scientist.

While talking about the importance of Hindi, Pujol said, "I think Hindi is going to become a global language."

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw unveils Siddhartha Mukherjee’s latest book ‘The Song of The Cell’ in B’luru

Bengaluru, Jan 19 (IANS)

Renowned oncologist, cancer researcher and Pulitzer Prizewinning author Siddhartha Mukherjee's latest book "The Song of The Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human" was unveiled by Kiran MazumdarShaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics Ltd, on Wednesday during an event at the Museum of Art and Photography in Bengaluru. Commenting on the book, Mazumdar-Shaw said, "Siddhartha Mukherjee's "The Song of the Cell" is a priceless chronicle of how scientists discovered cells, how they began to understand cell biology, and are now using that knowledge to usher in revolutionary changes through biomedicines."

Siddhartha brings his own experience as a scientist, doctor and a brilliant writer in telling this fascinating story of cells, which are the basic structural and functional units of every living organism, she added.

"An immaculately researched book, it inspires the reader to delve deeper into the mysteries of cellular science. It also inspires the reader to hope for a better future as greater understanding of cellular science is helping unravel the diseases that still afflict us and our ability to treat them. I believe it should be a prescribed textbook in every high school."

Siddhartha said, "'The Song of the Cell' understands life at the level of its most fundamental unit: the cell. We are entering a new

century of the cell."

"The fundamental questions in biology and in medicine today can be answered through a better understanding of cells and cell biology. Our new-found ability to manipulate cells and thereby change their properties is also opening new frontiers in medicine. I wrote this book because I felt these ideas needed to be communicated to the public at a level that they can understand," he added.

Mazumdar-Shaw and Mukherjee are the co-founders of 'Immuneel Therapeutics', a pioneering clinical stage start-up company leading the change in cell and gene therapies and personalised immunotherapy for patients in India, along with '5am Ventures' co-founder Kush Parmar.

Jaipur, Jan 19 (IANS) 16th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival has returned to Pink City after a year ushering in a festive feel as it brings along 350 speakers from across the globe associated with literature, music, art and film from across the world. This unique festival shall continue from January 19 to 23 at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur.

The inaugural ceremony on Thursday was addressed by Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah in Front Lawn from 9:50 a.m. onwards. The theme for this year is 'Utsav' celebrating the colours of Rajasthan and displaying bright colours. Indian weddings make statements with its vibrant colours, extravagant celebrations, resonating music and sharing the happiness of a new start. With its decor, Jaipur Literature Festival 2023 tried to replicate the same joy for the audience which they take away from an Indian traditional celebration. The entire decor and theme for this year is an amalgamation of Indian cultural heritage and its vibrant nature.

The speakers will discuss global issues along with art, literature and music. Since the theme this time for the Jaipur Literature

Festival is Utsav, Hotel Clarks Amer has been decorated with Rajasthani colours and artefacts. Producer of Jaipur Literature Festival, Sanjoy Roy, said that this time the festival is being organised on the green concept in which no card is required. People will be able to attend the festival by just showing their barcode after online registration. Once they enter, they shall get to see colourful cultural programmes along with contemplation and brainstorming issues related to literature, art and music.

Some of the key sessions include The Essential Abdulrazak Gurnah in which Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah will be in conversation with British publishing legend Alexandra Pringle. Gurnah fled Zanzibar as a teenager following the Revolution of 1964. His striking and formidable works include Memory of Departure, Pilgrims Way, Dottie, Paradise, By the Sea, Desertion, and his most recent, Afterlives, which examines the German colonial force in East Africa and the lives of Tanganyikans - as they, work, grieve and love - in the darkening shadow of war.

The other sessions include Seven Moons of Maali Almeida in which Shehan Karunatilaka will be in conversation with Nandini Nair, Sustaining Democracy; Nurturing Democracy in which Shashi Tharoor will be in conversation with Tripurdaman Singh.

a whole gamut of ideas

and it never should. The people who are drawing such strict boundaries are, in the name of purifying them, segregating them."

Jaipur, Jan 21: The third day of the 16th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival featured a gamut of ideas which were shared by renowned authors and veterans from diverse fields.

Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, well-known Rajasthani and Hindi writer Nand Bhardwaj, Sahitya Akademi Award recipient novelist Anamika, MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda Sanjiv Chadha, and author-translator and columnist Pushpesh Pant focused on the diversity of Hindi and the difficulty of 'purifying' it.

They discussed how the different variants of Hindi across India get embedded in languages across the subcontinent, resulting in a Kolkata Hindi, Mumbai Hindi etc.

Sharing her thoughts, Shree noted, "I feel that language can never have a strict boundary,

Archaeologists David Wengrow and Rebecca Sykes talked about primitive ancestors, barbarism, human instinct, the origin of states and civilisations and their ties to the conflict between European society and indigenous discourse. In their book, authors of 'The Dawn of Everything', Wengrow and the late David Graeber, provide an extraordinary perspective of human history and social evolution, challenging our most fundamental assumptions to reveal a broader scope for human emancipation.

Author Deepti Kapoor in conversation with Man Booker Prize winner Marlon James talked about her latest book 'Age of Vice' and the inspiration behind her writing. On speaking of writing a crime novel, Kapoor said, "...In order to create something larger and stranger... and unstable, I think instability is a really important word to me, instability in an unstable world that reflects the current time we're living in..."

JLF Day 3: Authors, experts from diverse fields share

SELFIEE

RELEASE DATE: 24 February 2023

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Cape of Good Films, Dharma Productions, Magic Frames

DIRECTOR: Raj Mehta

CAST: Akshay Kumar, Emraan Hashmi, Diana Penty, Nushrratt

Bharuccha

SYNOPSIS: Bollywood superstar Vijay Kumar needs to obtain a new driving license, from RTO officer, Om Prakash Agarwal, a diehard fan of Vijay. But a misunderstanding leads to a war of words between the two, eventually escalating into a feud which is played out in front of the media and the entire country.

RELEASE DATE: 25 January 2023

LANGUAGE: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Aditya Chopra

DIRECTOR: Siddharth Anand

CAST: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia, John Abraham

SYNOPSIS: Make. Some. Noise! PATHAAN is here! The high-octane spy thriller 'PATHAAN' starring

Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, directed by Siddharth Anand is set to release on January 25, 2023. The action spectacle will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.Celebrate Pathaan with YRF50 only at a big screen near you

BHOLAA

RELEASE DATE: 30 March 2023

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Ajay Devgn Ffilms, Dream Warrior Pictures, Reliance

Entertainment DIRECTOR: Ajay Devgn

CAST: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Raai Laxmi

TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAR

RELEASE DATE: 8 March 2023

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg

DIRECTOR: Luv Ranjan

CAST: Ranbir Kapoor,Shraddha Kapoor,Dimple Kapadia,Boney Kapoor

Raveena Tandon all set for as-yetuntitled OTT show after ‘Aranyak’

This show is going to be very special for me as I've always liked to challenge and reinvent myself with every character I've ever played and this show has given me just that, all I can say is, stay tuned for some fun!"

Mumbai, Jan 28 (IANS) After an overwhelming response to her streaming show 'Aranyak', Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, who reigned in Bollywood in the 1990s and was recently awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour in the country, is set to star in another OTT show.

The makers are keeping the show title and the storyline under the wraps currently.

Sharing her excitement, Raveena Tandon, said: "I'm extremely elated to be a part of the show.

The yet-to-be-titled show will stream on OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar, with its title and streaming date to be announced soon.

Gaurav Banerjee, Head, Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star, said: "It brings us immense happiness to announce our association with Raveena Tandon. She is and has been a superstar throughout her journey in the Indian Film Industry and together, Disney+ Hotstar and Raveena Tandon will soon bring some magic on the audience screens."

‘Pathaan’ makes history, collects Rs 219.6 cr worldwide in two days

Mumbai, Jan 27 (IANS) The 'Badshah' of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan's latest release 'Pathaan', directed by Siddharth Anand, has emerged as a historic hit as it clocked another century plus day and registered Rs. 113.6 crore gross on Day 2, taking the total worldwide collection to an astronomical Rs. 219.6 crore gross.

On Day 2, 'Pathaan' collected Rs. 68 crore nett in the Hindi format, while its dubbed formats earned 2.5 crore nett.

The total India collection on Day 2 was 70.50 crore nett (82.94 crore gross). It thus became the first Hindi film to breach the 70 crore nett collection on a single day. Meanwhile, overseas collection was also incredible as it collected 30.70 crore gross.

'Pathaan' created more history on its second day when it beat its own record for the highest day ever which it set on the opening day -- Rs. 55 crore in Hindi format + Rs. 2 crore in dubbed formats -- amounting to a total of Rs. 57 crore nett on Day 1.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, says, "As an industry,

we are rejoicing today. This is the most important sentiment emerging out of Pathaan's success."

"All of us at Yash Raj Films are grateful for the incredibly humbling support from media, audiences and the industry towards Pathaan. It is this unanimous love for the film that has resulted in Pathaan shattering all existing records and creating new ones. We are happy that the film has entertained everyone in such an immersive manner."

He adds, "We share this moment with the entire team of Pathaan including our director Siddharth Anand, the superstars of our nation Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham and every single person who has tirelessly worked in making Pathaan the gigantic success story that it has become today. Indians globally are celebrating the film and SRK's return to the cinemas."

"It's really special for us to witness this outpouring of warmth. We are overwhelmed as a team and we can only thank everyone for their belief in us as a team."

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Pathaan’ to be screened at inflatable theatres in Leh

Abraham, Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana, and is a part of YRF's spy universe.

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Bollywood

superstar Shah Rukh Khan returned to the screens after four years with 'Pathaan' and now his fans in Ladakh can also watch the film at the highest altitude, as the movie is being screened in the inflatable theatres.

In 'Pathaan' Shah Rukh is playing a RAW agent. The film also features Deepika Padukone, John

The movie also faced controversy after the release of the song 'Besharam Rang' because of the colour of Deepika's costume and many opposed the release of the film.

However, now the movie already seem to be breaking records in advance booking and Sushil Chaudhary, CEO and Founder, PictureTime Digiplex said that it is going to be a great experience for the audience to watch the movie in a theatre set up at a height of 11,562 ft.

He said: "The entire nation is thrilled to watch Pathaan and so are the beautiful people of Leh. It's been our continued effort to bring marquee cinematic titles to the interior locales of India. The fandom of Shah Rukh Khan spreads far and wide, and it's the first time one of his recent movies is being released in Leh."

"We are also doing similar screenings in Asifabad, Sardarshahar(Rajasthan) and in Arunachal. This is a happy occasion for all Shah Rukh Khan fans to come and watch their favourite star on the big screen," he added.

AP Dhillon is ‘Insane’ about the game of

basketball

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Punjabi synth-pop sensation A.P. Dhillon might be shy of the media but definitely not shy about stepping onto the court when it comes to playing basketball.

The singer, who has redefined the landscape of Punjabi music with tracks like 'Brown Munde', 'Excuses' and 'Summer High', put his dribbling skills on exhibition as he engaged in a friendly Basketball with underprivileged children training.

The singer will also be returning to India to perform in the first ever edition of the Lollapalooza festival on January 28 and January 29 at Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai.

The match was a part of the initiative to support the construction of a Basketball court in the singer's home state in Punjab to further

sports development for the underprivileged in the state. To kickstart this joint initiative, BookASmile organised a friendly Basketball match between AP BookASmile constructed court at one of the BMC Schools in Mumbai where the singer played the game with the kids.

Speaking about the initiative, AP Dhillon said: "For me personally, Basketball has always been my favourite sport to watch and play. It was my dream to one day, become a professional basketball player. Although my life has taken a different path, I have been looking for a way to give back to the community I grew up in, to help provide resources for the next generation to chase their dreams".

AP Dhillon played the match with the two teams comprising kids under the age of 14 years currently being trained in Basketball. The children have been training in the sport for the past four years across 12 BMC school centres under the NGO, Hi5 Youth Foundation.

Dhillon added: "Today's Basketball match with these children was extremely fulfilling and gave me a window into how, together BookASmile and I, can create development and growth opportunities for the children of Punjab. I look forward to helping build a basketball court together, in my hometown as the first step towards this mission."

Speaking about the partnership, Farzana Cama Balpande, Head - BookASmile said: "Furthering sports development through enabling infrastructure building and establishment across states in India is a very critical pillar of the work we do at BookASmile to truly create an impact for young beneficiaries. We will jointly work towards creating an impact in the area of sports development for several young, underprivileged children who love Basketball and can use this opportunity to further growth with equal opportunities."

On the work front, Dhillon recently launched his new album 'Two Hearts Never Break The Same'.

Kannada actor Darshan, wife booked for keeping rare birds in farmhouse

interview that he has these rare migratory birds at his farmhouse. The authorities have seized four of the rare birds and released them near the Hadinaru lake in Bengaluru, which is considered a magnet for migratory birds.

Bengaluru, Jan 24 (IANS) The Karnataka forest authorities have booked Kannada actor Darshan and his wife Vijaya Lakshmi under the Wildlife Protection Act for keeping the rare bar-headed geese at their farm in Mysuru. Darshan, ironically, is an ambassador for wildlife conservation and he was also nominated to the State Wildlife Board.

The authorities have also booked the farmhouse manager, Nagaraj. The forest department sleuths conducted raids following Darshan's statement in an

Deputy Conservator of Forests

B. Bhaskar had stated that his sleuths also found a black swan, ostrich, emu and other rare species of birds at the farmhouse. They have asked for the documents relating to the actor obtaining permission from the authorities to rear these birds at his farmhouse.

Darshan is all set for his big release 'Kranthi' this week. The media has decided not to publish news regarding his new film following his derogatory remarks against media houses.

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Actorproducer Jackky Bhagnani, whose film 'Bade Miyaan Chote Miyaan' will see Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran giving a new twist to the story, recently opened up on the decision to cast Prithviraj for the part.

He said, "We completely believe in inclusive cinema and Prithiviraj

adds a lot of credibility to the film. He represents the Southern film industry in a big way and with him coming on board, it makes 'Bade Miyaan Chote Miyaan', a bilingual film in the true sense."

"I think the audience will really enjoy Akshay Sir, Tiger, and Prithviraj's combination together under the direction of Ali Abbas Zafar," he added.

'Bade Miyaan Chote Miyaan', which also stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, is produced by Pooja Entertainment, and will release in 2023.

the shows such as 'Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai', 'Thapki Pyar Ki', 'Bepannaah', 'Tujhse Hai Raabta', among others. He added about preparing for his character and for that he watched Korean dramas as well.

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) 'Dill Mill Gayye' actor Sehban Azim has been roped in for the web series 'Dear Ishq' and the actor talked about playing an author Abhimanyu Razdan on-screen and how he has taken inspiration from the book as well as watched Korean dramas for his role in the web series.

The show is a web adaptation of Ravinder Singh's book titled 'Write Me A Love Story' and it is a story of two individuals who are completely opposite personalities but gradually they develop a liking for each other.

He said: "I have taken a lot of inspiration from the author of the book, Ravinder Singh. Abhimanyu Razdan is a popular fiction writer and so is Ravinder Singh. We discussed the character very much in detail, where I discovered that the character is very different from what I am in real life."

Sheban is known for his works in

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Laqshay Kapoor, who made his Bollywood singing debut with the song 'Mera Banega Tu' in the Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Pandaystarrer film 'Liger' last year, is all set to collaborate with the playback singer Shreya Ghoshal for the song, 'Sohnneyaa'. Sharing his excitement about getting an opportunity to sing along with Shreya, he said: "Life has indeed come a full circle. Having participated in the singing reality show as a kid years ago, I never ever expected to be standing right next to the music legend Shreya Ghoshal and record a song with her. After the reality show stint, I put off from music for some time, as I got busy setting up my business but at the same time I also learnt music professionally to make my craft better."

"I also came to know that they were trying to bring in a feel of Korean dramas to highlight the romance, but I had only heard of them and never really watched anything. So, I watched Korean dramas also to get a hang of the show and slip into my exciting role," he concluded.

'Dear Ishq' is a love story between a best-selling author and an editor. It features Sehban Azim as the author, Abhimanyu Razdan and Niyati Fatnani as the editor, Asmita Roy.

Apart from the leads, it also stars Kunal Verma, Vikas Grover, Kishwer Merchant, Jyoti B. Banerjee, Puneet Tejwani, Roma Bali, Beena Mukherjee and Buneet Kapoor.

Directed by Atif Khan and produced by Yash Patnaik and Mamta Patnaik, the show is set to start on January 26 on Disney+ Hotstar.

The singer further shared about getting his latest project and how it was all unexpected for him. "Little did I anticipate that years later, I will be called by Dharma Productions as they curate a song with the music label VYRL wherein I will be singing a song along with Shreya Ghoshal. From a contestant to a co-singer, life has certainly come a full circle. I am happy that Shreya ma'am praised the song 'Sohnneyaa', my voice and the music video also," added Laqshay known for his singles like 'Tumhe Pyaar Karunga'.

Jackky Bhagnani shares reason behind casting Prithviraj in ‘Bade Miyaan Chote Miyaan’

From reading book to watching K-dramas, Sehban Azim did it all for ‘Dear Ishq’

Laqshay Kapoor

on cloud nine as he collaborates with Shreya Ghoshal for ‘Sohnneyaa’

Suniel Shetty pens heartfelt note for Athiya Shetty, KL Rahul after their wedding

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, who is in a happy place with the marriage of his daughter Athiya Shetty to the Indian cricketer K.L. Rahul, recently took to his Instagram to share his happiness with his followers as he shared a picture of the newly-wed couple from the ceremony that took place on January 23 at his farmhouse in Khandala.

He wrote in the caption, "A hand to hold and a reason to believe because sometimes the right place is a person and the ingredients love and trust ... congratulations and Godbless my bachchas @athiyashetty @ klrahul."

Reacting to Suniel's post, Athiya commented, "Love you dropping a red heart emoji."

Suniel's friends from the fraternity also congratulated him for his daughter's wedding. Sonu Sood commented, "Congratulations annaaaaaa," and pasted lots of heart-eyes

emoticons too, while Abhishek Bachchan dropped a red heart emoji in the comments section. Athiya and K.L. Rahul first met through a mutual friend and instantly got along. Sparks flew and the two started dating but kept their personal lives private. Fans finally got a whiff of their romance when designer Vikram Phadnis teased Athiya about the same on social media. He wrote, "You seem to be v hyper and excited these days ??? Let's go to KL ??? ..... Kuala Lumpur (sic)." Following this, Athiya said it was 'time to block' him.

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) The teaser of Salman Khan's upcoming film 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan' was shown during the screening of Shah Rukh Khan's action film 'Pathaan' in theatres, which was released on January 25. The teaser begins with Salman riding a bike in a dessert and then hitting baddies in a metro. It also shows him romancing actress Pooja Hegde.

The almost one-minute-40second teaser also shows a string of fight scenes, where Salman, sporting a rugged look, jumps from buildings, and beats up baddies.

In the end of the teaser, Salman looks dapper in a crisp white shirt even after he was beaten to a bloody pulp.

He mouths the dialogue: "Jab shareer, dil aur dimag mujhse kehte hain 'bas bhai, no more', main kehta hoon 'bring it on'." Directed by Farhad Samji, the film also stars Venkatesh and Shehnaaz Gill. The film is slated to hit the theatres by the end of this year, around Eid 2023.

"Nenikkade untanraa ... ekkadiki ellanu ... rammanu ..."

Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) Teaser of the upcoming Ajay Devgn directorial 'Bholaa' was unveiled on Tuesday at a multiplex in the Juhu area of Mumbai.

The teaser is laced with gravity defying action and tells the story of a man against several odds as he single-handedly takes on the

negative forces.

The teaser, which is under 2 minutes in length, starts off with a dutch tilt shot of Ajay's titular character bathed in the contrasting colour temperatures of warm and cool. This is followed by shots from the spiritual city of Varanasi before it brings fullblown action and actress Tabu once again serving as a cop.

This is her 3rd role as a cop after 'Drishyam 2' which again starred Ajay in the lead, followed by the recently released commercial dud

'Kuttey'.

'Bholaa' is Ajay's 4th directorial after his summer 2022 release 'Runway 34'. Ajay had a grear theatrical run with his last release 'Drishyam 2' which bailed the Bollywood out of troubled water and provided the much needed respite to the industry which is currently struggling with disinterest of the audience and the Boycott trend.

The film is set to release in cinemas on March 30.

Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) In a string of tweets, director Ram Gopal Varma has praised filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, whom he says is jealous of, and joked that he is a part of an "assassination squad" of filmmakers set to kill the 'RRR' helmer.

In a banter, Ram Gopal Varma asked Rajamouli to increase his security.

RGV took to Twitter, where he

re-shared a video of Rajamouli in a conversation with James Cameron from the 28th Critics' Choice Award where 'RRR' won Best Foreign Language Film. He captioned it: "From Dada Sahab Phalke onwards till now, no one in the history of Indian cinema including @ssrajamouli could have imagined that an Indian director someday will go through this moment."

"Hey @ssrajamouli U basically SURPASSED every filmmaker from #KaAsif who made #MughaleAzam till #RameshSippy who made #Sholay and also the likes of Aditya Chopras, Karan Johars and the bhansalis of India

and I want to suck ur little toe for that."

"And sir @ssrajamouli, please increase ur security because there is a bunch of film makers in india who out of pure jealousy formed an assassination squad to kill you , of which I am also a part ..Am just spilling out the secret because I am 4 drinks down."

Rajamouli's 'RRR' also won India its first Golden Globe award for 'Best Original Song'.

The film featured Ram Charan and Jr NTR in lead roles while Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgan also had special roles.

--IANS

Hyderabad, Jan 25 (IANS) Victory Venkatesh has joined forces with 'HIT' director Sailesh Kolanu for the Tollywood star's landmark 75th film. The makers announced the film, titled 'Saindhav', on Wednesday by unveiling the title poster and also a glimpse of it. The film's poster shows a bearded Venkatesh toting a gun. In the background, there's a car and explosion taking place. 'Saindhav', clearly, will be high on action and Venky will play an intense role. The first glimpse shows Venkatesh entering a port area in the fictional city Chandraprastha with a medical ice-box. He brings out a gun from the container and then warns a group of goons:

The makers have also announced that they intend to commence the shoot soon. Santosh Narayanan. who gave the background score for the video. will be composing the movie's music.

The film, being produced by Venkat Boyanapalli under the Niharika Entertainment banner, has raised expectations as the star, the director and the producer have all delivered blockbusters with each of their last movies.

'Saindhav' is production No, 2 from Niharika Entertainment after their successful foray with 'Shyam Singha Roy'. For Venkatesh, incidentally, this will be his most expensive movie ever. It will be released in all southern languages and Hindi. The names of the other cast members will be announced soon.

Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) Director Raj Mehta, who has given hits such as 'Goodnewz' and 'Jugg Jug Jeeyo', is gearing up for the release of 'Selfiee'.

Nushrratt Bharuccha and Diana Penty. Star Studios presents 'Selfiee' in association with Dharma Productions, Prithviraj Productions, Magic Frames and Cape Of Good Films.

Produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Supriya Menon, Karan Johar, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Apoorva Mehta and Listin Stephen, 'Selfiee' releases in theatres on February 24.

Hyderabad, Jan 24 (IANS) Actor NTR Jr is ecstatic as the song 'Naatu Naatu' from 'RRR' has been nominated for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards. This is the first time that a Telugu-language song has been nominated in the category. The peppy dance number composed by M.M. Keeravani and penned by Chandrabose is now vying for the top music

honour at the Oscar Aawards.

Celebrating the nomination of 'Naatu Naatu', NTR Jr wrote on social media, "Congratulations @MMKeeravaani Garu and @ boselyricist Garu on achieving another well-deserved and monumental feat... This song will forever hold a special place in my heart."

NTR Jr danced his heart out in shiny suspenders in 'Naatu Naatu'

alongside Ram Charan, which became a celebratory anthem across the globe. The song was earlier honoured with a Golden Globe award for Best Original Song. In 'RRR', NTR Jr portrays Komaram Bheem, an Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter in the colonial-era. The film had an unprecedented run at the global box-office.

He said that the upcoming movie is slightly different genre-wise from his two previous films.

He said: "Selfiee is slightly different genre-wise from my two previous films, so that made it more challenging and exciting for me as a director. The fact that I had Akshay with me made things much easier though."

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