India News - May 16-31, 2023

20,000-plus diaspora members register for Modi event in Australia

The event -- Australia Welcomes Modi -- organised by non-profit Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation (IADF) will provide Indians Down Under an opportunity to see Modi and listen to his address to the community.

Mpox emergency is over: WHO

from various social, cultural, linguistic, business, professional, and religious backgrounds have registered to become 'Welcome Partners' for the reception," the IADF said in a release.

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) More than 20,000 members of the Indian diaspora have registered so far for the grand community reception organised for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sydney during his upcoming visit to Australia on May 23.

The IADF said it has received an overwhelming response with more than 20,000 members of the diaspora having already registered for the event.

"Since the opening of the registration process, more than 300 diaspora organisations

"We received an overwhelming response with more than 20,000 members of the diaspora already registered," it added.

In less than 72 hours of the opening of registrations, more than 7,500 people signed up. The organisation, which provides

In budget response, Australian opposition accuses govt of fuelling inflation

Peter Dutton, leader of the conservative Coalition, on Thursday night delivered his family-focused budget reply speech to the parliament, calling for more investment in women's health and a ban on gambling advertising during sports broadcasts, Xinhua news agency reported.

Geneva, May 12 (IANS) The mpox disease no longer represents a global health emergency, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, directorgeneral of the World Health Organization (WHO), said at a virtual press conference from Geneva, based on a statement by the WHO's emergency committee.

"Yesterday (Wednesday), the emergency committee for mpox met and recommended to me that the multi-country outbreak of mpox no longer represents a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)," Tedros said on Thursday. He had declared mpox a PHEIC in July 2022.

During the past three months, the number of reported new cases dropped by almost 90 percent compared to the previous three months, according to data

Continued on Page 3

California Senate passes bill to ban caste bias

centerpiece cost-of-living relief package would only cause more long-term pain.

Canberra, May 12 (IANS)

Australia's opposition leader has charged the federal government with fuelling inflation and making life harder for millions of people.

He welcomed the Labor government's move to subsidize more doctor visits and expand single-parent payments in Tuesday's budget, but said that its

"At 6.6 per cent, Australia's core inflation, the best measure of inflation, is higher than every G7 nation," Dutton said. "Inflation is coming from Canberra. And Labor's big spending Budget will only fuel inflation and make life harder for millions of Australians."

Khalistan event cancelled by city council in Australia: Report

Melbourne, May 12 (IANS) A city council in Australia has cancelled a Khalistan propaganda referendum event in Sydney following numerous complaints about threats posed by the event, a media report said on Friday.

Acting on security agencies' advice, the Blacktown City Council cancelled the event scheduled to be organized at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope by the pro-Khalistan Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), The

New York, May 12 (IANS) The California state Senate passed by 34-1 vote a bill that would make discrimination on the basis of caste illegal in the state. California would become the first state to protect caste if the state Assembly passes the bill and Governor Gavin Newsom signs it into law.

Introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab in March, SB 403 adds caste as a protected category to an existing law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which provides that all people in the state of California are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments. The development comes just weeks after the California Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed SB 403 in April.

It also follows the Seattle City Council's historic legislation banning caste discrimination earlier this year. The resolution moved by Indian-American Kshama Sawant was approved by the Seattle City Council by six to one vote.

Wahab, the first Afghan American and Muslim elected to the California state senate, represents the 10th District -- home to a diverse Asian population. While introducing the Bill, she had said that caste-based prejudices exist in the US, and expanding the understanding of discrimination is necessary given the growing diversity in the country.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine, according to civil rights organization Equality Labs, one of the proponents of the bill.

"On behalf of all Dalit Californians and caste-oppressed people around the world, we are ecstatic that the California Senate has

EDITORIAL TEAM

Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman

Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-in-Chief

Ms Priyadarshini Rana, Bureau Chief, Victoria

EDITORIAL BOARD

Amrita Deshpande, Community News Editor

Paras Sharma, Assistant Editor

Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India

Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India

INDIA NEWS TV

Mr Karthik Pratap Singh, News Director

Mr. Agastya Yeturi, Cinematographer

Mr Nishit Chandan, Special Correspondent

WRITERS

Mr Rabindra Mukherji

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

Institute for Australia India Engagement

Australia India Business Council

WEBSITE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT

Cosmos Media

www.cosmosmedia.info

DESIGNER

Cosmos Media

PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTION

Star Promotions

ADDRESS

India News

Unit 49, 391, WICKHAM TERRACE, Ground Floor, Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD – 4000

WEB: www.indianews.com.au

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/indianewsaustralia

Page 6

Docu on PM Modi: Delhi court to hear defamation case by BJP leader on May 26

News from India

Australia Global Fair Afternoon Tea, a Quest for creative empowerment

Community News

Page 19

Strained Indo-Pak ties to stay

Page 17

Special Features

Here is how you can enjoy the King’s Coronation ceremony

Page 27

Travel

For comments, queries, and submission of articles please write to info@indianews.com.au. For advertisement please write to sales@ indianews.com.au or call at 1300 859 066

Page 11

facebook.com/indianewsaustralia

Page 20

Fee-Free TAFE giving more Tasmanians access to skills and training

News from Australia

A Fabulous Eid Ul Fitr Festival unfolded in Rocklea Showgrounds on May 7th

Community News

Cisco eyes over $1 bn in exports, domestic production with India manufacturing

Page 9

Make In India

Priyanka balked at ‘sloppy kissing scene’ with random person on ‘Love Again’ set

Page 36

Entertainment

INDIA NEWS GROUP is looking for Interns with an interest, expertise or skills in journalism, information technology, video editing, copy editing and social media management. If interested please write to info@indianews.com.au

20,000-plus diaspora members register for Modi event in Australia

Continued from Page 1

a platform for the Indian diaspora in Australia to come together, network, and promote cultural and community events, has also received over 100 proposals for cultural performances.

"There will be a cultural extravaganza with colorful performances of singing, music and various dance forms to showcase the diverse and rich culture of India, and how the

Indian diaspora has enriched the wider Australian multicultural society," the release stated.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May with the power-packed visit concluding Down Under where he will attend the Quad summit from May 23 to 24 in Sydney. Modi last visited Australia in 2014, and addressed 20,000 people at the Sydney SuperDome at Olympic

Mpox emergency is over: WHO

Continued from Page 1

published by the WHO.

challenges that need a robust, proactive, and sustainable response, he said.

Park.

According to media reports, the Parramatta Council has formally extended an invitation to Modi to visit Harris Park, informally referred to as 'Little India', this time.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who visited India this year, formally extended the invite to his Indian counterpart.

In budget response, Australian opposition accuses govt of fuelling inflation

Continued from Page 1

Dutton also announced that a Coalition government would move to ban sports betting advertising during the broadcasting of games.

A poll published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in March found that many Australians were in favor of such a ban.

"The bombardment of betting

ads takes the joy out of televised sports," Dutton said. "Worse, they are changing the culture of our country in a bad way and normalizing gambling at a young age."

Khalistan event cancelled by city council in Australia: Report

Continued from Page 1

to the internal affairs of India or Pakistan and must not be represented as support for any particular political position," he added.

The development comes just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country on May 23.

"I am pleased to declare that mpox is no longer a global health emergency," Tedros was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying. He cautioned, however, that "as with Covid-19, that does not mean that the work is over". The virus continues to affect communities in all regions, including in Africa, where transmission is still not well understood and poses significant public health

"While the emergencies of mpox and COVID-19 are both over, the threat of resurgent waves remains for both," Tedros said. "Both viruses continue to circulate, and both continue to kill (people)."

According to the WHO, since the mpox outbreak last year, more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths have been reported from 111 countries.

Australia Today reported.

"Council has, this morning, cancelled this booking as it is in conflict with adopted Council policy and due to risks to Council staff, Council assets and members of the public which cannot be practicably mitigated," a Blacktown City Council spokesperson told the media outlet.

"Council's decision is in no way an endorsement of, or criticism of, any political position relating

Among the many complainants, Arvind Gaur, a resident, had written a letter to Mayor of the Blacktown City Council, Tony Bleasdale, informing him about terrorists being praised via posters and banners by the SFJ event.

Gaur told The Australia Today that he has received a reply from the council CEO Kerry Robinson explaining that the unauthorized banners and posters are being removed by Council officials and they have sought advice from the NSW Police.

"We are removing the banners and posters around the city placed on public property as these have been erected without our approval," Robbinson said.

The NSW Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade were involved while taking a decision to withdraw permission for the Khalistan propaganda event, according to The Australia Today.

A wave of Khalistani venom has been unleashed upon Indian installations and temples across Australia since the start of the year with the recent one being on BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Sydney on May 5.

California

Senate passes bill to ban caste bias

Continued from Page 1

passed SB403 off the Senate floor," Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a Dalit activist and the founder of the caste equity organization Equality Labs, wrote in a tweet.

"This is a win rooted in years of Dalit feminist organizing, and we are just getting started in making the state safe for our entire caste-oppressed community. We know that we have a long journey ahead of us with this bill, but we have made history with this vote and are proud to look forward to working with the California Assembly on this historic bill!"

Soundararajan

A lot of Hindu groups in the US have expressed strong opposition to SB 403, which

would specifically add "caste" to California non-discrimination policy.

Many of them fear that codifying caste in public policy will further fuel instances of Hinduphobia in the US.

"SB 403 unfairly maligns, targets and racially profiles select communities on the basis of their national origin, ethnicity and ancestry for disparate treatment, thereby violating the very laws it seeks to amend, the Unruh Civil Rights Act. It further violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the US and California State Constitutions," The Hindu American Foundation had said in a statement.

Bravus helps bring meals for mums to Rockhampton

Queensland to ensure the same practical assistance is provided to parents in central Queensland.

White Cloud Foundation Founder and Chairman Professor Adam Scott said early-intervention support programs were critical to assist people who were at risk or living with mental health conditions.

“It’s the small things in life that make the biggest impacts,” he said.

“We know practical support is crucial. By providing a single meal to someone in a time of need to give them the energy and the mental strength to support their family and kids, that’s absolutely huge.”

He said White Cloud Foundation programs were aimed at overcoming barriers to access for both clinical and social supports for mental health.

expanded to provide practical and targeted supports through Meals for Mums, a telehealth service for mental health, a social support program for men experiencing depression or anxiety, and a service for elite sportspeople.

Bravus Mining and Resources

Head of Community Kate Campbell said the business was proud to support White Cloud Foundation’s work in regional Queensland.

“We’re proud to operate in regional Queensland and we always seek to back our local communities,” she said.

“We recognise that many people who live in regional areas experience challenges in mental health and face additional difficulties accessing help.

central Queensland for decades to come.”

The sponsorship is funded under the Bravus Community Partnership Program, which offers grants of up to $10,000 for not-for-profit businesses, groups, or associations in central and north Queensland.

The program is aimed at enhancing communities through education, skills development, health, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social welfare.

Ms Campbell urged local community groups to apply for the annual program, which is awarded each quarter.

Bravus Mining and Resources is helping the White Cloud Foundation expand its Meals for Mums service into Rockhampton as part of the company’s enduring commitment to regional Queensland communities.

Meals for Mums delivers 14 nutritious, ready-to-heat meals to mums who are experiencing, or

at risk of experiencing, perinatal depression, as a complement to their clinical care.

The ongoing partnership was announced at the White Cloud Foundation’s Boardies and Bubbles fundraising lunch in Townsville and builds on the success of the Bravus-supported Meals for Mums program in north

“We’ve removed the barriers,” he said. “We’re helping mothers during that perinatal period when we know it is really challenging having a baby.

“We’re really proud to have Bravus as one of our sponsors to support the Townsville and Rockhampton communities.”

Professor Scott started the not-for-profit in 2011 to address access to mental health services across the country.

White Cloud Foundation has since

“The White Cloud Foundation delivers evidence-based, practical supports to people when they need it, such as the standout Meals for Mums service.

“This is just another way we are helping regional communities to thrive on top of the jobs we support that help local families and the opportunities we create for local businesses.

“Our Carmichael mine is exporting coal and ramping up production to meet growing demand so we are looking forward to sharing these kind of benefits with people in north and

“If your local group has a great community initiative, we would really encourage you to jump on our website and put in an application,” she said.

Since construction commenced on the Carmichael Mine and Rail Project, Bravus has contributed more than $2 million to not-forprofit, charities, school groups and other organisations across the businesses’ operational footprint.

For more information about Bravus Mining and Resources Community Partnership Program, visit www.bravusmining.com. au/sustainability/communities/ community-partnerships.

Bravus Mining and Resources’ commitment to Rockhampton Carmichael mine

• Rockhampton and Townsville remain the primary employment hubs for the Carmichael mine. We continue to recruit workers who can drive to site from the Isaac Region.

• About 18 flights leave Rockhampton each week carrying local workers to the Carmichael mine.

• During the construction of the mine and rail projects, Bravus Mining and Resources paid more than $80 million directly to local Rockhampton contractors

and many millions more in indirect spending.

• Through Bravus Mining and Resources’ Community Partnership Program the business has supported numerous Rockhampton community groups and not-for-profit organisations including: the Glenmore Bulls AFL Club, the White Could Foundation, Rugby Capricornia Limited, Rockhampton Musical Union Youth Choir, Breast and Prostate Cancer Association of Queensland, Indian

Association for Central Queensland, the Fitzroy River Fish Stocking Association and CQ First Aid volunteers.

• Bravus Mining and Resources also recently extended its sponsorship of Rockhampton Basketball, taking that association to six years and making it the business’ longest running Major Partnership.

• The Carmichael mine is producing high quality coal for export to nations around the world that want to lift their people out of energy poverty.

• The mine continues to safely and efficiently ramp up to its constructed level of production which is in the order of 10 million tonnes per annum.

• More than 2,600 people were employed and more than A$1 billion paid to regional Queensland contractors and businesses since construction began on the Carmichael project in 2019.

• Although the primary construction phase is finished, Carmichael still has more than 750 people on site at any time while another third are on days off.

• Carmichael coal is high quality with low sulphur, low trace elements and low ash which meets the import requirements of many international markets, including those in the Asia-Pacific region.

• Carmichael coal is sold into the international seaborne export market and its ultimate destination depends on market demand.

L-R Madonna Simmons, Bravus’ Community Manager Ally Foley, the White Cloud Foundation’s Prof. Adam Scott and Bravus’ Head of Community Kate Campbell at the Boardies and Bubbles fundraising lunch in Townsville.

Wing, DoorDash, and Mirvac launch drone delivery in the fast-growing region

Wing, Australia’s first on-demand drone delivery service, has partnered with DoorDash, the leading on-demand delivery platform, and Mirvac, one of Australia’s leading property groups, to launch the first drone delivery service in Springfield Central.

Wing has established a hub for drone deliveries at Mirvac’s Orion Springfield Central shopping center in the fast-growing and innovative Ipswich area. The new operations center makes it possible for local restaurants and retailers to use DoorDash’s platform and Wing’s delivery drones to provide food and essentials to the surrounding communities. This includes parts of Redbank Plains, Springfield

Central, Springfield Lakes, Spring Mountain, Brookwater, Augustine Heights, Camira, Bellbird Park, White Rock, Springfield, Greenbank, and Goodna. From today, merchants such as Sushi Hub will be available via the service, known as ‘DoorDash Air’.

“We’re thrilled to officially launch and to team up with Mirvac and DoorDash to support consumers’ demand for faster, more convenient, and sustainable delivery choices. Businesses need to be able to offer a range of delivery options, with the most appropriate option selected depending on the weight and size of the package. On-demand drone delivery helps address the costly last-mile delivery challenge for lightweight goods. It reduces

road congestion and emissions while creating new economic opportunities for retailers and communities,” said Simon Rossi, General Manager of Wing Australia.

The initiative emphasizes Mirvac’s focus on supporting retailer growth and consumer experience. While for DoorDash it creates a quick, efficient option for smaller orders and frees up their teams to focus on larger deliveries.

Mirvac Retail’s General Manager, Kelly Miller, said, “At Mirvac, we are always looking at new ways to reimagine our retail spaces to create greater value for our partners and our communities. Working with Wing, we are transforming a section of the

Orion Springfield Central carpark to bring new technology to the region, providing another point of connection between customer and retailer, and ultimately delivering a better shopping experience.”

While Wing has traditionally provided delivery services directly to residential and business customers, the company is now accelerating its partnerships with real estate and logistics businesses to expand delivery options, making fast drone delivery affordable and sustainable.

Wing plans to continue identifying retail properties and high-demand regions in urban areas where drone delivery can add customer value.

*Analysis from Accenture, published in the 2023 report, “Flying into the future”, commissioned by Wing, shows drone delivery has the potential to reduce emissions and make Australian roads safer. By reducing the number of motor vehicle journeys taken in fulfilling last-mile deliveries around Australia, drones can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 238,000 tonnes by 2033, equivalent to the carbon storage of over 7 million trees. Drones can also reduce traffic on roads which will result in 320 fewer serious accidents each year, and reduce congestion by 2.0 billion vehicle kilometers, of which 1.2 billion will be from arterial roads.

From the India News Newsdesk: Springfield City group organized the “Know your City” event arranged in the Brookwater Golf Club in the greater Springfield area. It was a good opportunity for all community members, investors, business owners and professionals working in the Springfield area to come

together and network. Mr. Maha Sinnathamby made a presentation on the beginnings of the City, the vision of destinations in areas of IT, Health and Education. He also gave insights into how the build for Mater Hospital will unfold, how the facilities will enhance the quality of healthcare, setting up of a medical production facility

and more.Community members and business owners alike were excited to hear the progress and development happening in the Springfield area. It is just a matter of time to see how everything unfolds and shapes up for the benefit of the community living in the Springfield area. These new developments lurking on the

horizon will bring progress but definitely should be beneficial for those working in those areas including the migrant families settled in the Springfield City. Shayenne Neumann MP expressed his gratitude for attending and speaking at the event “ I was delighted to speak about how the Anthony Albanese Government

is supporting infrastructure and economic activity in the region at the “Know Your City” event at Brookwater Golf & Country Club hosted by Springfield City Group.” Senator Paul Scarr was also in attendance along with Dr. Ram Mohan and other Indian community leaders who were present at the occasion.

“Know your City” event by Springfield City Group, informed the community of the future of the City.

Delhi Mayor acted in malafide manner after politically unpalatable result: BJP to HC

issued by Oberoi.

Jethmalani stated that a vote's invalidity must be supported before determining the quota that decides the winner, however, in this instance, the Mayor incorrectly declared a vote invalid at a later stage.

"Once the quota is fixed, how can anyone go back to validation? The quota is to see who after the first stage, wins. If this is not malafide, what is? Because of unpalatable result, you try to subvert the election," he argued.

should be allowed to conclude as the ballot papers were still safe. It is not her case that ballot papers were snatched away during any pandemonium, he said.

On May 5, Oberoi objected to the plea saying the decision was taken in the interest of free and fair polls.

Docu on PM Modi: Delhi court to hear defamation case by BJP leader on May 26

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) Two BJP leaders on Thursday alleged in the Delhi High Court that Mayor Shelly Oberoi acted in a malafide manner when she called for the re-election of six members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) standing committee after finding the election results "politically unpalatable".

Before the bench Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, senior lawyers Mahesh Jethmalani and Jayant Mehta, appearing for the BJP two councilors, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Shikha Roy, respectively, submitted that Oberoi invalidated one of the votes in a manner "unrecognized in law" and interdicted the election process.

On February 24, the Mayor announced re-election for the standing committee on February 27 due to the chaos that rocked the MCD House during polling for the body earlier.

During a special hearing on the petitions filed by the councilors, the Delhi High Court had on February 25 put a stay on a notice

"This is res ipsa loquitur (things speak for themselves). This shows the motive of the Mayor. She acted ex post facto on unfavorable results. The Mayor acting malafidely is a good ground for interference of writ court," Jethmalani said.

Jethmalani was referring to the quota of votes each candidate was allotted by his/her party to ensure their victory in preferential voting.

Mehta also stressed that there is no legal provision that gives the Mayor the authority to ask for reelection, a re-count, or to declare the election invalid.

He also said that there was no invalid vote at the relevant stage and "ex post facto scrutiny of ballot papers" cannot be permitted.

"There was no invalid vote and therefore the quota was fixed. Only when the result sheet was placed and when she found that it was not politically palatable, she revisited the votes," Mehta said. He said the election process

Senior lawyer Rahul Mehra, representing Oberoi, said that she had ordered fresh 're-polls' rather than 're-election' due to the commotion in the House and that the court should not take the present petitions into consideration while the election process is still in progress.

"The returning officer (the Mayor) said everything stands compromised. There is complete commotion. Elections must be free and fair and they must also be seen to be free and fair and hence I (Mayor) am directing a re-poll."

Mehta had contended that once the election is completed, Oberoi has no discretion but to declare the results and she cannot sit over it if the results are not to her liking and has no power to order re-election.

Earlier, a ruckus was created after the Mayor had declared one vote invalid in the election to pick six members of the standing committee.

While staying the notice issued by Oberoi, the court had said that no purpose will be served by conducting fresh elections on February 27.

Amending rules to recruit women as constables in CISF, Centre tells Delhi HC

no justification for not hiring women for the positions because the human rights of women are unalienable, integral, and indivisible parts of human rights. Moreover, the bench was informed that similar changes are under consideration for other paramilitary organizations.

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Wikimedia Foundation have submitted in a Delhi court that it does not have jurisdiction to try a defamation suit filed by a BJP leader seeking to restrain them from publishing the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or any other material related to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). Additional District Judge (ADJ) of Rohini Courts Ruchika Singla noted: "Counsel for defendants no. 1 (BBC) and 2 (Wikimedia Foundation) submit that they are appearing under protest as they have not been served properly as defendants... are foreign entities. Further, counsel for defendants... submit that this court does not have the jurisdiction to try the present matter."

Hindu Parishad are made with the intention of defaming the organizations and its volunteers. "The allegations made against the RSS and VHP are motivated by a malicious intent to defame the organizations and its millions of members/volunteers. Such unfounded allegations are not only baseless but also have the potential to damage the reputation and image of the RSS, VHP, and its millions of members/ volunteers, who have committed themselves to uphold the cultural, social, and national values of India," the suit states.

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that it is considering bringing in provisions to recruit women on an equal basis with men to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) positions of constable/driver and constable/ driver-cum-pump operator (driver for Fire Services).

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad was hearing Kush Kalra's 2018 petition challenging the CISF's advertisement inviting applications from only male candidates.

It is Kalra's case that there was

The counsel for the Centre sought eight weeks' time for finishing up the process of changing the recruitment rules.

"Learned CGSC (central government standing counsel) has informed this court that a proposal has already been forwarded by CISF on March 23, 2023, for amending the Recruitment Rules in order to make provision for recruitment of women/females for the post of constable/driver and constable/ driver-cum-pump operator (driver for Fire Services) in CISF at par with males," the bench recorded.

"It is also informed by him that similar amendments are being

made in respect of Recruitment Rules governing the other paramilitary Organisations," the court noted. Accordingly, the matter was posted for hearing next on August 29.

"The respondents (Centre and CISF) are practicing institutional discrimination, without any rational basis depriving females of the right to serve in the aforementioned posts. The state cannot enact any law which is inconsistent with/in derogation of fundamental rights and as a consequence thereof, respondents cannot frame any law/rules/bye-laws/regulations for its functioning which is inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights," the plea filed through advocate Charu Wali Khanna read.

The petition also inquired about the CISF's efforts to promote gender equality.

US-based digital library Internet Archive's counsel submitted that the content was already taken down and if any objections still persist, it would look after that, too.

However, on request, the court adjourned the matter to be heard on May 26. On May 3, the court issued a summons to the three (defendants and the plaintiff).

"Issue summons of the suit for settlement of issues to the defendant on the filing of PF and e-mode returnable on next date of hearing. PF be filed today itself. The defendant is directed to file his written statement within 30 days from the date of service of the summons. Endorsement be made on the summons accordingly," the court had said in its order.

Singh, who claims to be the state executive committee member of the Jharkhand BJP and an active volunteer of the RSS and VHP, moved the suit through advocate Mukesh Sharma stating that the claims in the documentary against the RSS and Vishwa

The two-volume documentary series that has already been banned is nevertheless easily accessible in the public domain on Wikimedia and the Internet Archive, Singh has argued. "Defendant No.1 (BBC), strategically and purposefully disseminated unfounded rumors without verifying the authenticity of the claims. Furthermore, the accusations made therein foster animosity between multiple faith communities, in particular Hindus and Muslims," the suit says.

Singh has also sought an order of unconditional apology by the defendants, to him, the RSS, and the VHP for the allegedly "libelous and defamatory content" that was included in the twovolume documentary series. The suit states: "The plaintiff has worked assiduously over decades to build his career and reputation, and if this matter is left unchecked, it will permanently demolish the plaintiff's hardearned reputation and career. Therefore, even though the plaintiff is a champion of free speech, he is compelled to seek an immediate injunction to safeguard his reputation and livelihood."

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) The Supreme Court judgment, ruling on a batch of petitions arising out of the intra-party rift in the Shiv Sena, made a detailed analysis of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (or the anti-defection law) to draw a distinction between a legislative party and a political party.

A five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, said the Tenth Schedule would become unworkable if the term 'political party' is read as the 'legislature party'.

The bench -- also comprising Justices M.R. Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli, and P.S. Narasimha - said that the Parliament, in its constituent capacity, was conscious of the necessity of not allowing antidefection laws to stifle intraparty dissent and the freedom of expression of legislators.

"When the anti-defection law seeks to curb defections from a political party, it is only a logical corollary to recognize that the power to appoint a whip vest with the political party," it said.

The bench observed that to read the term 'political party' as 'legislature party' would be contrary to the plain language of the Tenth Schedule. It said that to hold that it is the legislature party that appoints the whip would be

to sever the figurative umbilical cord which connects a member of the house to the political party. The bench said "that a whip be appointed by the political party is crucial for the sustenance of the Tenth Schedule. The entire structure of the Tenth Schedule which is built on political parties would crumble if this requirement is not complied with. It would render the provisions of the Tenth Schedule otiose and have wider ramifications for the democratic fabric of this country. Thus, the courts cannot be excluded by Article 212 from inquiring into the validity of the action of the Speaker recognizing the whip".

The bench said the Speaker, on taking cognizance of the resolution passed by the faction of Shiv Sena Legislative Party (SSLP) led by Eknath Shinde, did not attempt to identify which of the two persons who were nominated (Sunil Prabhu or Bharat Gogawale) were authorized by the political party.

"In a contentious situation such as this, the Speaker should have conducted an independent inquiry based on the rules and regulations of the political party to identify the whip authorized by the Shiv Sena Political Party."

"The Speaker must only recognize the Whip appointed by the

Satta Bazar predicts 120-130 seats for Cong in Karnataka

political party. The decision of the Speaker recognizing Mr. Gogawale as the Chief Whip of the Shiv Sena is illegal because the recognition was based on the resolution of a faction of the SSLP without undertaking an exercise to determine if it was the decision of the political party".

The bench noted that the leader of the legislature party is the link between the political party and the Legislative Assembly. "If the interpretation of the respondents is accepted, the action of the leader condoning an MLA's prohibitory conduct would not reflect the voice of the political party and would instead reflect the voice of the legislature party. This would be contrary to the manner in which the Tenth Schedule is intended to operate. The manner in which the Tenth Schedule would then operate would not effectively prevent or provide a solution to the constitutional sin of defection," said the bench.

The top court concluded that the political party and not the legislature party appoints the whip and the leader of the party in the House. "Further, the direction to vote in a particular manner or to abstain from voting is issued by the political party and not the legislature party," it said.

PM Modi’s visit to GIFT City set to propel progress, engagement: Official

various departments, such as Urban Development, Water Supply, Road and Transport, and Mines and Minerals.

The list of projects set to be inaugurated includes a series of enhancements to multi-village drinking water supply schemes in Banaskantha district, a new river overbridge in Ahmedabad, an advanced drainage collection network at Naroda GIDC, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants in Mehsana and Ahmedabad, and a modern auditorium in Dahegam.

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) Bookies who run the Satta Bazar have put their money on the Congress in Karnataka where polling for 224 Assembly seats were held on Wednesday, saying the grand old party is likely to achieve a "remarkable victory" by winning around 120-130 seats. The bookies have predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win "a maximum of 80 seats" while the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) is expected to bag up to 37 seats.

A Satta Bazar source from Hapur told IANS that the Congress might be getting 110 seats whereas the BJP is expected to bag a maximum of 75 seats.

Meanwhile, people connected to Phalodi Satta Bazaar have stated that the Congress party is likely

to win 137 seats, while the BJP is expected to secure only 55 seats. The Phalodi Satta market has predicted that the Janata DalSecular will get 30 seats.

According to the Palanpur Satta Bazaar, the Congress is expected to secure 141 seats, while the BJP is projected to win 57 seats. The JD-S is likely to bag 24 seats. These numbers indicate a favorable outcome for the Congress party, suggesting a significant lead over its rivals.

Overall, the Satta market has predicted 120 to 130 seats in Congress in the 224-seat assembly. The bookies are anticipating that the BJP might secure around 70 to 80 seats.

(Atul Krishan can be approached at atul.k@ians.in)

Indian art market makes a turnover of $144.3 mn in FY 2023: Report

impressive sell-through rate of 90.4 per cent.

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The Indian art market has clocked in a mammoth turnover of $144.3 million through the sale of 3,833 works in FY23, according to a report on Friday.

"The Indian art market is at an alltime high. Data from the report reveals that the auction market has grown by 265 per cent since FY13. The mean auction estimate for FY23 stood at $93.1 million.

Gandhinagar, May 11 (IANS)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to evaluate the current state of various in-progress initiatives in Gujarat on Friday, an official said on Thursday. This tour will also provide an opportunity for PM Modi to communicate directly with GIFT IFSC representatives, thereby understanding their operational experiences and future aspirations within GIFT City.

A key highlight of this visit is that PM Modi will personally hand over keys to the rightful owners of houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

The Prime Minister's visit also includes the inauguration and cornerstone laying of numerous rural and urban PMAY initiatives, as well as his participation in a housewarming ceremony for approximately 19,000 newly built houses under the PMAY scheme. During this event, PM Modi will bestow house keys to the fortunate beneficiaries. These assorted projects command a total investment of about Rs 1,950 crore.

During his stay in Gandhinagar, PM Modi will initiate and inaugurate an assortment of development projects worth an estimated Rs 2,450 crore. These projects are spread across

Future projects, such as bulk pipeline ventures in Junagadh district, augmentation of water supply plans in Gandhinagar district, construction of new flyover bridges, a novel water distribution station, and several town planning roads will see their foundation stones laid during the Prime Minister's visit.

PM Modi will also grace the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Sangh Adhiveshan, the 29th Biennial Conference of the All India Primary Teachers' Federation.

The theme for this conference is 'Teachers are at the Heart of Transforming Education'.

The 'State of the Indian Art Market Report FY23' by Grant Thornton Bharat and Indian Art Investor, shows there is a 9 per cent rise in turnover and a 6 per cent rise in the number of works sold from the previous year, making FY23 the most successful year for Indian art at auction. "Art has always been a lucrative investment among high-networth individuals (HNIs) for diversifying wealth and creating value. Today, the pool of investors looking to include fine art in their investment strategies is widening," said Pallavi Bhakru, Partner, Private Client Services, Grant Thornton Bharat, in a statement. "By setting clear requirements, doing extensive research and seeking help and advice from professionals who can guide and manage this investment avenue, investors can acquire desirable works of art, thereby adding value to their portfolio for generations to come," she added.

The report showed that the Indian art market at auction witnessed noteworthy traction this year, with a total of 132 auctions offering 4,240 works; an increase of 11 per cent in terms of works that came up for sale from the previous year.The market observed high liquidity, with an

At a turnover of $144.3 million, the market recorded a positive deviation of 55 per cent from its mean estimate," said Arvind Vijay Mohan, Founder of Indian Art Investor, in the statement.

"There were a total of 164 artists who set new records this year and every year is witnessing new records, rising volume and increasing sales turnover. All these are indicators of buoyancy and positive sentiment in the Indian art market," he added.

Modernists and pre-modernists both witnessed a 7 per cent increase in the number of artists featuring at auction in FY23.

Unlike the previous year, the art market witnessed a decline in the number of Contemporary artists at auction, and the decline was significant at 9 per cent. Over the next few years, pre-modernists are expected to gain more dominance in the market. There were a total of 103 online auctions held in FY23, accounting for 45 per cent of the total turnover generated and 75 per cent of the works sold in FY23. At 1,597 works, over 40 per cent of the works sold this year were sold above their upper estimates, indicative of great demand by patrons. Overall, the market recorded impressive numbers in FY23 and along with the previous 2 years has set the foundation for a successful decade ahead for Indian art.

The political party and legislature party are not the same, former appoints whip, says SC

Actively considering the hiring of special educators for disabled students: KVS to Delhi HC

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad granted four months to the authorities to ensure compliance.

WBBPE to challenge Calcutta HC’s order to terminate 36K primary teachers

any special instructors despite a commitment made in 2009.

New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) The Central government and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) have told the Delhi High Court that the decision to hire special educators to teach kids with disabilities in their schools is currently being actively considered by the relevant authorities.

An NGO called Social Jurist has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the appointment of special educators for students with disabilities studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

The counsel for Centre and KVS sought six months' time for compliance with statutory provisions since it is a policy matter.

"The present matter relates to the appointment of special educators in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) for the education of disabled students. The counsel appearing for respondents has informed this court that the matter is under active consideration by the authorities. He submits that since it is a policy matter six months' time be granted for compliance with statutory provisions.

Keeping in view the submission made in the application, four months' time is granted to the respondents to do the needful," the bench said.

Accordingly, the court listed the matter for the next hearing on October 10.

The High Court had earlier sought the response of the KVS.

According to lawyer Ashok Agarwal, representing the petitioner, KVS has not hired

The petitioner has prayed to give KVS the direction to create a sufficient number of regular posts for special educators, establish recruitment guidelines, and hire at least two special educators for each school.

The "inaction" on permanent special educator hiring, according to the petition, violates the fundamental right to education of thousands of students with disabilities.

The petition states: "Respondent KVS to date has neither created permanent posts of Special Educator nor have framed recruitment rules nor have made any recruitment so far. It is also further submitted that despite respondents having as many as 5701 children with special needs as of December 31, 2021, in KVs across the country, to date, respondents have not taken steps to recruit special educators for the education of children with disabilities."

Controversy as Mamata proposes the introduction of a 3-year diploma in medicine

Even the medical fraternity has strongly opposed the idea. According to Calcutta doctor, Dr Arindam Biswas, this model, though to an extent exists in China, the same cannot be replicated in India.

Kolkata, May 12 (IANS) The West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) is set to challenge the order of the Calcutta High Court to terminate the services of 36,000 primary teachers in different state-run schools in West Bengal.

WBBPE President Gautam Pal said that the termination of 36,000 jobs will create a major chaos in the state education system.

"We can say for sure that not a single primary teacher lacks requisite training. We will challenge the decision at the right forum," Pal told mediapersons a few hours after the judgment was pronounced by the singlejudge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

He also claimed that all the recruitments were made as per existing legal provisions.

He added that the board cannot just deny the responsibility for those teachers whose jobs are being terminated.

"Let us get the copy of the court order first and accordingly we will take a decision," he said.

Earlier on Friday, while passing the order for termination of 36,000 primary teachers, Justice Gangopadhyay had observed that none of these teachers had proper training for getting recruited as primary teachers and they got recruited without appearing for the compulsory aptitude tests. However, Justice Gangopadhyay directed that these 36,000 primary teachers will be able to attend their respective schools for the next four months and during that period they will be paid the salary of para-teachers instead of that for regular teachers.

Kolkata, May 11 (IANS) West

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday directed state Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam to explore the possibilities of introducing a three-year diploma course in medicine in the state that will run in a parallel manner with the existing MBBS degree course. She directed Health Secretary to form a committee in this regard to evaluate the possibilities of introducing the diploma course on this count.

Her proposal has, however, evoked controversies with the opposition parties and a section of the medical fraternity described the decision as a risky proposition.

Addressing media persons, the Chief Minister said that although many hospitals are coming up in the state, there is acute shortage of doctors there. "So, we will have to examine whether a three-year diploma course in medicine can be started in line with the diploma

in engineering. In that case, many students will also be able to study that course," she said.

She also said that since the existing MBBS course is of fiveyear duration, often the state government has to wait for a long time to get qualified doctors.

"The number of hospitals and beds have increased manifold. If a parallel diploma course can be started, then those qualifying there can be utilised at the health centres. I think this will yield positive results," Banerjee said.

BJP's state spokesman Samik Bhattacharya said that this will remain a proposal from the Chief Minister and will never see the light of the day. "This is a dangerous proposition," he said.

Congress leader and Calcutta High Court counsel Kaustav Bagchi said that the Chief Minister's proposal for a diploma in medicine in lines of "civic volunteers" in police, if put into practice, will endanger the lives of several patients.

"The Chief Minister has said that these doctors will be deputed at the health centres which are mainly in the rural areas. So, the question is whether the lives of the patients in the rural areas can be put at stake. During the previous Left Front regime too, there was a similar move. But it did not work out and the proposal was outright rejected. There is no reason to risk the lives of the patients for short-term gains," he said.

City-based maxillofacial surgeon Dr Srijon Mukherjee said that the learning and studies is a life-long process for a medical practitioner. "The main technical problem is that those completing a three-year diploma will not get the medical registration as the regular MBBS degree holders get. Without the medical registration, they will not be able to go for higher degrees which the MBSS qualified ones can. So, there is a major problem in implementing the system," he said.

"The WBBPE arranged for the training of each and every primary teacher recruited in the open and distance learning mode and the training process was completed by 2019," Pal said.

If any candidate among these 36,000 completes the requisite training in the interim period, he/ she will be eligible for appearing for examinations in the next recruitment phase.

CBSE Class 12 result: 87.33% students pass, girls outshine boys

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday declared the Class 12 exam results in which 87.33 per cent students have passed. This year the pass percentage of girl students has been 6 per cent higher than that of boys.

More than 16 lakh students from across the country had registered themselves for the CBSE Class 12 board examinations, out of which 7,45,433 were boys and 9,51,332 girls.

Thiruvananthapuram region stood first across the country with 99.91 per cent.

This year, girls outshined boys by 6.01 per cent with 90.68 per cent. Meanwhile, CBSE will not award first, second and third divisions to its students to avoid unhealthy competition.

The board said that it will also declare the Class 10 result very soon.

CBSE had already released the six-digit DigiLocker security pin for Class 12 results. Through this, students can download their marksheet and migration certificate online from DigiLocker.

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).

Cisco eyes over $1 bn in exports,

domestic

production with India manufacturing

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS) Global networking giant Cisco on Wednesday announced it will start manufacturing in India, with an aim to drive more than $1 billion in combined domestic production and exports in the coming years via offering a robust and secure device ecosystem. The company will start manufacturing routers and network switches in India to begin with, to create an even more diverse and resilient global supply chain and support India's vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub.

"The manufacturing move is

aligned with the government's 'Make in India' initiative. We are bullish on the India market and will tap into the country's vast pool of talent in order to create a more secure and seamless experience for our customers, while making India an export hub for the future," Maria Martinez, Chief Operating Officer, Cisco, told IANS.

Cisco is now building core manufacturing capabilities in India, including testing, development and logistics, and expanding in-house repair operations.

In addition to supporting supply chain resiliency, reducing lead times, and elevating customer experience, this will add further impetus to the local economy, according to the company.

"We are announcing strategic investments in Indian manufacturing capabilities as the next step in delivering cutting-edge technologies to our

To boost self-reliance, Centre approves indigenisation of 928 defence items

customers in India and across the globe," said Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco.

"Fueled by a rapidly developing digital economy, India is a focal point of innovation and business for Cisco, and we remain deeply committed to our partnerships here," he added.

Robbins met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, among others.

"India is of strategic importance for Cisco, and we continue to bet on India. Today's announcement marks a significant milestone to power the next phase of growth for Cisco. This investment will enable us to bring state-ofthe-art technologies to more people and businesses and help accelerate India's transition into a leading digital economy," said Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India and SAARC.

Vaishnaw meets Pichai at Google HQ, discusses India Stack

India Stack and Make in India programme," tweeted Vaishnaw. Pichai replied: "Thank you for taking the time to visit us at the Googleplex, Minister @ AshwiniVaishnaw. Enjoyed discussing the many ways we're working together on India's digital transformation, and the opportunities ahead".

In December, Pichai had said that India has a leadership role to play.

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday approved fourth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 928 strategically-important Line Replacement Units (LRUs), Subsystems, Spares and Components. This approval includes high-end materials and spares, with import substitution value worth Rs 715 crore.

According to the Ministry of Defence, these initiatives have been taken to promote 'Aatmanirbharta' in the defence sector and minimise the imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). These will only be procured from the Indian industry, the official added. On Sunday, the ministry said that this fourth list is in continuation to the previous three PILs involving LRUs or Sub-systems, Assemblies, Sub-assemblies, Spares and Components which were published in December 2021, March 2022 and August 2022

respectively. These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 1,238 items which will be indigenised within the given timelines. Of 1,238, 310 items have been indigenised so far.

The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of these items through different routes under 'Make' category and in-house development through the capabilities of MSMEs and private Indian industry, thereby providing impetus to the growth in economy, enhanced investment in defence and reduction in import dependence of DPSUs. In addition, this will augment the design capabilities of the domestic defence industry by involving academia and research institutions.

The DPSUs will soon initiate procurement action for these notified items. The industry may look for Expression of Interest (EoIs) or Request for Proposal (RFPs) on the Srijan Portal Dashboard especially designed for this purpose and may come forward to participate in large number. The details of the items have been made available on SRIJAN Portal (srijandefence.gov. in), officials said.

New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday posted an image on social media with Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai at the tech giant's headquarters in the US, saying they had a good discussion on India Stack and the 'Make in India' programme.

Pichai last met Vaishnaw during his India visit in December, saying it was important for the government to create regulatory frameworks that help companies innovate on top of those local laws of the land.

"Met @sundarpichai at the @ Google HQ. Good discussion on

"It's important to make sure you're balancing the safeguards you're putting for people and creating innovative frameworks so that companies can innovate on top of certainty in the legal framework," he said in the presence of Vaishnaw, at Google India's flagship event in New Delhi.

Vaishnaw said that the government is working on a range of bills that will safeguard users' data and create a robust legal regulatory framework around the new internet economy.

Pichai had also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and

pledged support for India's G20 Presidency.

"Thank you for a great meeting PM @narendramodi. Inspiring to see the rapid pace of technological change under your leadership. Look forward to continuing our strong partnership and supporting India's G20 Presidency to advance an open, connected internet that works for all," Pichai tweeted after the meeting in the Capital.

India’s forex reserves rose to $595.976bn during week ending May 5: RBI

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) India's foreign exchange reserves rose by $7.196 billion to $595.976 billion during the week ended May 5, data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday. The overall reserves had fallen by $4.532 billion to $588.78 billion during the previous reporting week, ending April 28.

In October 2021, the country's forex reserves had reached an all-

time high of $645 billion. The reserves have been declining as the central bank deployed the kitty to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments.

During the week ended on May 5, the foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased by nearly $6.536 billion to $526.021 billion, according to RBI data.

Our aim is to create 100 semiconductor design startups: MoS IT

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) India is aiming to create 100 semiconductor design startups in the near future that will develop innovative designs and solutions not only for the domestic market but also for the world, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said here on Friday.

Addressing a gathering of students, young innovators, industry stakeholders and others

at IIT Delhi, the minister said that the country will soon have a talent pool of 85,000 highlyskilled professionals in the semiconductor space.

"Our target is to create 100 semiconductor design startups as there are immense innovation possibilities in this space," said Chandrasekhar during the keynote at the third edition of the flagship 'Semicon India' event. According to Chandrasekhar, in

just 14 months, the country has not only created opportunities in manufacturing and design but "with brand new curriculum in place, we will soon deliver a brand new 85,000 talent pool not only for India but also for the world".

"There is nothing in the digital space or in the tech space that India will not be a part of in the coming years," said the minister.

Road Safety Week gives the green light for Hold the Red Youth crime targeted with $4 million sport and recreation fund

• Innovative red-light technology rolling out at 15 intersections across Qld

• Risk of collision is reduced by more than 33 per cent

• National Road Safety Week –Everyone has the right to get home safe

Brisbane, 14 May: The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing a reliable, accessible, and, most importantly, safe road network, investing more than $1.5 billion in road safety over the next four years to make Queensland’s roads as safe as they can be.

This National Road Safety Week (14 to 21 May), the Palaszczuk Government is announcing the extension of its award-winning ‘Hold the Red’ technology in 15 targeted locations across

Queensland, helping to ensure more Queenslanders get home safely.

Hold the Red is an intelligent crash avoidance system that uses radar to detect vehicles about to run a red light and implements a two-second delay that prevents other motorists or pedestrians from entering the intersection, which significantly reduces the risk of a collision with any redlight runners.

An evaluation of the Hold the Red trial by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety

Queensland (CARRS-Q) found the Hold the Red system can reduce red-light running crashes by 33.47 per cent.

This initiative is part of a suite of measures being considered to

reduce the number of fatalities and accidents on Queensland roads, including the introduction of an immediate licence suspension for high-range speeding offences, developing and trialling engaging content for young drivers on road rule changes and emerging road safety issues and trialling new technology.

Sadly, 83 people have already lost their lives this year on Queensland roads. Last year, 297 people lost their lives. And nearly every year, almost 8,000 people in Queensland are seriously injured on our roads, with some of these injuring being life changing. Landmarks around Australia will be lit in yellow this week to shine a light on road safety

Women across Far North Queensland encouraged to get on board

• The Palaszczuk Government is encouraging Queensland women to join the board of a government body through its sixth Women on Boards event.

• More than 150 women are participating, with a four-person panel of leaders.

• Women make up 53 per cent of all Queensland Government board positions

Brisbane, 12 May: More than 150 board-ready women from across Far North Queensland are participating in the Palaszczuk Government’s sixth Women on Boards event, held in Cairns today.

This event is hosted by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in a bid to advance gender equality in boardrooms across Queensland. It comes as the government continues to promote the states Women’s Strategy, which aims to strengthen and support the rights of Queensland women and girls. An exciting panel of women will

present to attendees, including:

• Sarah Zeljko - Chair, Energy Queensland

• Melia Benn - Barrister, Endeavour Chambers

• Julie-Ann Lambourne - Senior Consultant, Tagai Management Consultants, and

• Jacinta Reddan - Chief Executive Officer, Advance Cairns.

Each holding a board leadership position, panellists will inspire and inform attendees by sharing their experiences, and encourage them to get on boards.

At the start of 2023, women made up 53 per cent of all Government bodies, representing an increase of 22 per cent since 2015 when the Palaszczuk Government took office.

The Palaszczuk Government’s 2022 Gender Equality Report Cards show just over 17 per cent of chief executives and managing directors in Queensland are female.

The Premier encouraged board-ready women to register for leadership positions with Queensland Government bodies through the Queensland Register of Nominees.

Quotes attributable to Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“I want to see a Queensland where communities far and wide are represented on Queensland boards and in our parliament.

“Having gender parity is just one way that our states diversity can be reflected in those leadership roles.

“I’m passionate about putting women at the forefront, which is why our government will continue to host these empowering events, and to invest in the areas that matter.

“To those who have and continue to represent women on our public and private boards – thank you for breaking the glass ceiling and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.”

Premier applauds Federal support for film industry

• Film Location Offset increase boosts local screen industry

• Premier applauds Federal Government for its Budget move

• Screen Queensland praises state government for continued calls Brisbane, 11 May: The Palaszczuk Government has applauded the Albanese Government’s decision to lift the film location tax offset to 30 per cent in a major boost to the local screen industry.

As part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget, $112.2 million over four years has been committed to the Location Offset – lifting it from 16.5 per cent to a wholly transparent 30 per cent.

The increase, to start on 1 July, ensures Queensland and Australia will be far more globally competitive in the screen market.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk first began campaigning for an increase to the Location Offset in 2015 and has labelled the decision a huge boost for the state and Screen Queensland.

The federal offset works in combination with Screen Queensland's Production Attraction Strategy (PAS), to secure inbound productions.

Since 2018, two separate programs have run concurrently to ensure Australia’s competitiveness as a production location – the 16.5% Location Offset and the 13.5% Location Incentive Grant.

Last night’s budget announcement to transition to a 30% Location Offset will streamline the process and

• Youth crime early intervention programs the focus of a new $4 million funding package

• Expanding youth diversionary projects like Cairns Safer Streets

• A partnership between Sport and Recreation and the QPS Brisbane, 11 May: Youth crime early intervention programs across Queensland will benefit from a new $4 million funding package.

The Youth Development Partnership Fund is a joint initiative between the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and the Queensland Police Service. The fund will support the

continuation and development of new youth mentoring programs for ‘at risk’ youth which involve sport and adventure-based learning activities.

It will enhance youth early intervention programs including Moonlight Hoops, Project Booyah and Cairns Safer Streets so they increase their reach, while also expanding into new locations. The fund will support youth programs across Queensland including locations such as Cairns, Townsville, Caboolture, Logan and Toowoomba, with tailored sport and active recreation programs that are best suited to the needs of each region.

Queensland manufacturers front and centre at Aus Manufacturing Week

• Australian Manufacturing Week

9-12 May

• Thousands of leading manufacturers showcasing latest technology and innovations

• DRDMW are showcasing why Qld is home to nation’s manufacturing sector

• Qld manufacturer and MiQ grant recipient Elexon Electronics demonstrating one-of-a-kind defence sector capabilities

Brisbane, 09 May: Queensland’s Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher is looking forward to meeting with leading innovators at the Australian Manufacturing Week showcase, running from Tuesday 9 May until Friday 12 May in Melbourne. The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and many of Queensland’s leading manufacturers are front and centre at the event.

Australian Manufacturing Week attracts innovators and technology specialists from

around the world, and the event serves as a vital networking and professional development opportunity for anyone working in the sector.

Leading Queensland manufacturer, Elexon Electronics, is exhibiting at Australian Manufacturing Week to demonstrate new capabilities and attract international customers. Elexon Electronics is based in Brendale and in 2019 received a Made in Queensland grant of $890,000 to increase production capacity, reduce manufacturing costs, and create new job opportunities. Since then, Elexon has doubled its manufacturing capacity, implemented aerospace quality standards and started supplying to defence customers. Just in the past month Elexon employed eight new assemblers and plans to move to a new and larger purpose-built facility in the soon-to-be-developed Technology Park in Petrie.

Spotlight on Far North as Cairns hosts Parliament

provide long term certainty to investors.

Since 2015-16, the PAS has brought 48 international and interstate productions to the state, contributing more than $1.33 billion to the local economy and creating more than 14,000 jobs for Queensland cast and crew.

During the 2021-22 financial year, the Queensland Government, through Screen Queensland, supported 45 productions and digital games which injected $229.3 million into the local economy and created 5,400 jobs.

Brisbane, 09 May: As part of a broader program of events during the week, the Premier, Ministers and MPs participated in events including Regional Cabinet, State Reception, an Advance Cairns business and industry luncheon, Parliament Reception, an afternoon tea with seniors, Path to Treaty breakfast and a Women on Boards event.

Regional Mayors, Indigenous representatives, business and community leaders, and school groups were involved with events across the week.

Following a visit to Townsville in 2019, it was the second time Parliament ventured outside Brisbane since the Palaszczuk Government’s 2017 commitment to reintroduce regional sittings.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk: “Queensland is a big state, and we

are taking the people’s Parliament to the people.

“Regional sittings of Parliament are an important opportunity for locals – including our school students - to not only see democracy in action first hand, but to also hear all of the key issues for their area debated. “It’s also about engaging and listening to the local community in their own backyard so we can help boost the local economy and provide better infrastructure and services for them.

“As part of the 2022-23 State Budget, we’re investing $1.2 billion in far north infrastructure and capital works, $1.5 billion on health, $66.5 million on education, $173 million for social housing, all supporting thousands of good jobs.

CANBERRA, MONDAY, 8 MAY

2023: From PMO office: Well, friends, it is good to be back. And it's good to be here the day before what will be a Labor Budget in every sense tomorrow night. A Labor Budget which tackles the immediate challenges that are before us.

When talking with other international leaders in the UK, on the sidelines of the Coronation, there are none who didn't wish they were Australia. You have global inflation having a major impact on slowing economies right around the world.

You have, in spite of, I did have time to watch on the way back, one of our opponents yesterday morning saying that we had the highest inflation of any country in the G7. Now, we're not in the G7. That's a separate point.

But in fact, of course, the UK has a higher inflation rate, the United States has higher interest rates, and the world is struggling through two events. One, the ongoing impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and secondly, the pandemic and what it did to supply chains and causing disruption around the world.

What we're doing is tackling those immediate challenges, dealing with the pressures that are on working families. And tomorrow night, we will have $14.6 billion of cost-of-living relief targeted for those who need it most.

And I want to congratulate,

particularly, Jim Chalmers, our Treasurer, and Katy Gallagher, our Finance Minister, and all the members of the ERC who have sat day after day, hour after hour, to the point whereby I had to leave the country to get away from those meetings to have a break. We have worked very hard over many months since the October Budget. We've worked hard as well because we've had to find dollars for all of those programs that ended on June 30 of this year. Essential programs on community services funding, essential programs relating to our national security, essential programs regarding infrastructure, regarding service delivery right across the board, including in areas like health and education.

We had to find the money for the programs, it's not like they just were going to end on June 30. It's that they didn't begin when we have an art gallery down the road here that has one piece of art, thanks to Gough Whitlam, worth half a billion dollars, but has buckets in the corner collecting water from leaky roofs, then that is simply not good enough.

And we had to find space to protect that as well as to protect a few other natural assets, such as Kakadu, and the areas around Sydney Harbour National Park, which have suffered from absolute neglect for a long period of time for the nine years of the former government.

But we've done that. We've done that whilst making sure that, as I promised during the election campaign, we don't leave people behind. But we also don't hold people back. And tomorrow night is about the aspiration of people for a better life.

Aspiration, the investment we're making in expanding fee-free TAFE to 300,000 places, in providing support for additional university places, in providing support for advanced manufacturing, in recognizing as other world leaders do, like the UK Prime Minister, Conservative Rishi Sunak, that the challenge of climate change is also the economic opportunity of creating jobs and new industries as we transition as well.

There's another area in which we create aspiration, one of them standing here. And I was really proud, today, to announce the single parenting payment would increase from eight to fourteen so that those families could look after people.

Now, when we sat down around that table for hour after hour, we always went back to the commitments that we made. We made commitments that no matter how young you were, the first youngest Australians, they'd get support through early learning. Right through to working people would get support as well, and we're seeing wages starting to rise, as we said we would.

And we also said that we'd look after our oldest Australians who need respect. And that's why I'm very proud that we are providing the funding, an additional $11.3 billion in adjustment that's been made, to make sure that we fulfill the promise to lift up the wages of people in the aged care sector, 250,000 of them.

So this Budget will be in the best tradition of the Australian Labor Party. Dealing with those immediate challenges, but always with the eye on the future, on the medium and long-term, to make sure that we're delivering, laying those foundations for a better future that we promised when we moved from the office down there, to this office here.

And I do note that while we've been doing that, we've seen other resignations foreshadowed and more chaos on the other side. Well, they can be distracted by being concerned about each other and concerned about themselves. What our concern is about is always about the Australian people. Always about the Australian economy and jobs. Always about a fairer society. Always about how we create a better future.

And I must say, colleagues, that our ranks are about to increase. Now, we had a little by-election on April 1. And for 100 years, governments have had hopes that they would win a seat from the opposition, a held seat. But for 100 years, it hasn't happened.

When I rang Mary Doyle and asked her to recontest as the Candidate for Aston, it was a big ask. When Mary Doyle started, she was running for a seat that had received a Liberal primary vote of 54.7% and a two-party preferred vote above 60%. She ran hard in that campaign and showed herself to be a quality candidate whose decency just absolutely stood out to the people of Aston. And she received a very big swing.

It was a big ask to run twice for a seat, and Mary Doyle was prepared to do just that. And all of the figures showed that we were hoping to do okay, and if we had held that vote from 2022, that would have been outstanding. But instead, Mary Doyle decided to defy history, and a byelection in which you receive a swing of that magnitude, towards the government from an opposition-held seat, is literally unprecedented. The only precedent we can find going back was 1920 in Kalgoorlie that were different circumstances. To be clear, a bloke was expelled from the Parliament for treason, against the Crown, and recontested. And not surprisingly, under the circumstances, whatever people might think about that, he was not successful. But Mary Doyle was successful. She ran an amazing campaign. She worked each and every day to do us proud. And I'd like to ask colleagues to welcome the Member for Aston, Mary Doyle.

Fee-Free TAFE giving more Tasmanians access to skills and training

The Albanese Government’s Fee-Free TAFE has been widely embraced in Tasmania, with almost half of the 2023 places taken up, helping to address future workforce demand and skills shortages.

Since January, more than 2,200 students have enrolled in the 3,800 available Fee-Free TAFE training places intended to support more secure and rewarding employment in areas of critical skills shortage.

Tasmania has seen the highest demand for Fee-Free TAFE in courses like Aged and Disability Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Technology, with over 280 students enrolling in Certificate III in Individual Support.

But Fee-Free TAFE is not only securing a future Tasmanian workforce in areas of need, it also keeps money in the pockets of students and makes studying more accessible to people right across the state.

Tasmanian students studying a Fee-Free TAFE place can save:

• $1,149.52 undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support.

• $1,653.57 undertaking a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

• $1,233.50 a undertaking a Certificate IV in Information Technology.

The $23 million agreement will quickly provide critical skills and includes 1,000 Fee-Free places in the care sector – including 850 in aged care – 450 in hospitality and tourism, 350 in agriculture, 250 in technology and digital, 200 in construction, 150 in sovereign capability, and around 1400 in other priority sectors including foundation skills.

The Albanese Government is investing millions more in Tasmania with a share of a $50 million national TAFE Technology Fund to upgrade and expand facilities, such as laboratories, workshops, and IT services.

There are two TAFE Technology Fund projects in Tasmania, for which project plans have been agreed and payments authorised:

• The Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub, with a $1.5 million Australian Government contribution, and

• Upgrading the spray booth at the Devonport campus of TasTAFE, with a $1 million Australian Government contribution.

The Sorell Trade Training Centre will help build the local workforce through re-skilling and upskilling workers for secure, wellpaid jobs.

The Devonport spray booth project will upgrade two existing spray paint booths and the Paint Room at TasTAFE Devonport to create a "fit for purpose" spray painting facility.

Both projects deliver on the Government’s commitment to skilling Australians for well-paid jobs for today and the future, and both projects are expected to be completed in 2024.

Quotes attributable to Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training

Fee-Free TAFE is a big part of the fix for the skills shortages we’re seeing in Tasmania - particularly in education, hospitality, and the care economy - increasing access to high-quality training for any Tasmanian who wants to skill, reskill or upskill.

We have already made available

180,000 places across the country, and this year’s Budget will invest another $400 million to support another 300,000 TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) Fee-Free places. The Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub will increase access to training and associated services, leading to jobs for Tasmanians in the area to meet a growing demand.

Quotes attributable to Felix Ellis, Tasmanian Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth Partnering with the Federal Government allows us to deliver more training to the Tasmanians who build our homes, provide our food and care for our loved ones.

Tasmania has already recorded 2,212 enrolments in fee-free training for Tasmanians who want to grasp the opportunities in Tasmania’s nation-leading economy.

Our Government is providing $1.5 million towards the Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub, and with the Australian Government funding, this takes the total funding to deliver this fantastic project to $3 million.

“What we’re doing is tackling those immediate challenges, dealing with the pressures that are on working families.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the pre-budget analysis

Alberta wildfire smoke blankets most of Canada

Air quality statements remain in effect for much of Alberta with Environment and Climate Change Canada also warning of poor visibility as a result of wildfire smoke, Xinhua news agency reported.

wildfires so far this year, CTV News reported.

The Alberta government confirmed on Thursday that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has deployed troops as the province battles "unprecedented wildfires".

SL to convert 500,000 tuk-tuks to EVs

Ottawa, May 12 (IANS) Wildfire smoke from the blazes in Canada's western province of Alberta now blankets most of the country, a local media report said.

As more than 80 wildfires continue to burn throughout Alberta on Thursday, with 23 of them classified as out of control, and nearly 18,000 people remain forced from their homes, smoke from the blazes has now covered most of the country, CTV News reported.

"People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke," the national weather agency said.

Alberta's provincial government declared a state of emergency on Saturday, and several provinces are assisting the wildfire fight by sending equipment and firefighters to Alberta, which has already faced more than 420

"The capabilities the CAF can bring to support Alberta are firefighting support to aid in mop-up operations and basic firefighting duties," a government spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Airlift resources for increased mobility and logistical responsibilities, such as evacuating isolated communities, will also be provided, and engineering support will be provided where required, the spokesperson said.

Indonesia investigates swine flu entry on Bulan Island

province, the Agriculture Ministry has said.

A team has been deployed for disinfection and biosecurity assistance after Singapore temporarily halted exports of pigs from the island, Xinhua news agency reported.

Colombo, May 12 (IANS) Facing a severe energy crisis amid the financial downturn, Sri Lanka mulls to switch to electric mobility by converting 500,000 'tuk-tuks' (autorickshaws) to electric vehicles (EVs) within the next five years.

"With the prevailing socioeconomic crisis in the island, a shift towards adopting sustainable mobility approaches has been identified as a necessity for a green recovery process," the UNDP stated while launching the project on Thursday.

The project aims to support the conversion of petrol threewheelers to electric threewheelers.

Jakarta, May 12 (IANS) The Indonesian government is investigating the entry of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus that infected pigs at a farm on Bulan island in the Riau Islands

"We have proposed an ASFfree sub-compartment system on Bulan island and has been approved by Singapore authority so that we can export pigs to the country again in the future,"

said the head of the Agricultural Quarantine Agency, Bambang.

The Paris-based World Organization for Animal Health recently announced an outbreak of ASF which killed 35,297 pigs in a herd of 285,034 at a farm on Bulan island.

Bulan Island is the largest pig farm in the archipelagic country which regularly supplies around 15 percent of Singapore's pork needs, according to Indonesia's Agriculture Ministry.

UN General Assembly Prez calls for debt relief

for middle-income countries

common challenge of establishing your capacity to cope with these extreme conditions in ways that ensure resilience," he said.

Korosi said it is time to get serious about debt relief in middle-income countries, which host the majority of the extremely poor in the world.

Backed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Power and Energy, together with the Department of Motor Traffic and the National Transport Commission started the project to mainstream e-mobility by converting to e-tuk-tuks.

Sri Lanka has nearly 1.2 million tuk-tuks mainly imported from India. However, threewheeler import from India has dropped to almost zero since the government's 2022 decision to ban the import of vehicles due to the dollar crunch.

Unable to import necessary fuel, nearly 500, 000 tuk-tuk drivers who were solely dependent on hires became jobless with weekslong queues last year.

The proposed three-phased project consists of an incubation phase, a demonstration phase, and an acceleration phase. The incubation phase will test the conversion process, the demonstration phase will support conversions and the acceleration phase will use market forces for conversion through concessional financing and infrastructure development.

"This pilot project is part of UNDP's Green Development Portfolio which is currently being developed. This portfolio aims to build solutions and support Sri Lanka's development in catalyzing low-carbon, green, and inclusive development within which sustainable transportation and e-mobility play a key role," UNDP's Resident Representative, in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota, said highlighting UNDP's role in the pilot project.

The incubation phase will support the conversion of 200 petrol three-wheelers to electric threewheelers.

Israeli military instructed to continue striking Gaza amid violence escalation

UN General Assembly President

Csaba Korosi called for debt relief, as well as equitable access to new technologies, for middle-income countries.

The 110 middle-income countries, which account for three-quarters of the global population and nearly one-third of global GDP, are central drivers of global development, he told a General Assembly high-level meeting on middle-income countries, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Your geographies, ecosystems, cultures, and economies are incredibly diverse -- with varying vulnerabilities. Some of you encounter frequent drought and desertification, while others face tropical storms and sealevel rise. But all of you face the

In the torrent of today's global crises, some countries have been forced to prioritize short-term economic goals over longerterm aims. In many countries, including small island developing states, high public debt service is crowding out investment in green, resilient and equitable transformation, he noted.

Various debt-relief instruments can be considered. The debt-forclimate or debt-for-nature swaps offer a win-win for debtors, creditors and donors to meet national development objectives in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, said Korosi.

He noted that the International Monetary Fund's Resilience and Sustainability Trust and Food Shock Window, along with the loss and damage fund agreed on at the latest UN Climate Change

Conference in Egypt, open avenues to expand contingency financing to countries in need. Middle-income countries need equitable access to new technologies, science and innovation that spur resilience in the long run, said Korosi. This is a shared charge, and international partnership is key. The revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development is an important vehicle for strengthening this worldwide cooperation, he said. It is also time for the international community to go beyond GDP as the primary measure of development, since GDP has never been designed for that, he said.

"We need a measurement that captures ... the total assets of a nation since its balanced growing is the essence of sustainable development."

Currently, 90 countries compile the System of Environmental Economic Accounting, he said, encouraging more governments to do so.

Jerusalem, May 12 (IANS)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday night that Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip will "continue as long as necessary", amid the worst spate of violence between Israel and the Palestinians in months.

Netanyahu made the remarks after a security assessment in the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet intelligence agency's director Ronen Bar, army chief Herzi Halevi and other top security officials, Xinhua news agency reported.

Netanyahu and Gallant instructed the army and Shin Bet "to continue to exact a heavy price" from the Palestinian Islamic

Jihad, according to a statement issued on their behalf. "The campaign will continue as long as necessary," it added.

The efforts to negotiate a truce by Egypt, a frequent mediator between the Palestinians and Israel, have not yet yielded results.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that an Egyptian team was traveling to Israel for talks but an Israeli official said in a statement on Thursday night that a truce "is no longer on the agenda at the moment."

The intense fighting began after Israel killed three senior Islamic Jihad commanders in airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since Tuesday. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, 29 Palestinian have been killed since the beginning of the fighting, including six children and three women, and another 93 have been injured, including 32 children and 17 women.

In Israel, a man was killed after a rocket hit a residential building in Rehovot, a city 25 km south of Tel Aviv, while 11 others were injured, according to official Israeli figures.

United Nations, May 12 (IANS)

is the Chief Justice doing?’ Imran’s audio leak surfaces

media reports said on Thursday.

The purported audio conversation between Imran Khan and PTI leader Musarrat Jamshed Cheema has surfaced online in which the party chief who was detained by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday could be heard inquiring about the latest situation, ARY News reported.

Pakistan to Release 500 Indian Prisoners

doing," Khan could be heard saying in the purported video, ARY News reported.

Cheema then apprised Khan, "NAB officials have just come here and we questioned them. We asked Salman Safdar to tell them to present him before the court, otherwise, we will not leave. Your case will also be heard by the Chief Justice."

the travel of the released Indian citizens to Lahore by train, and they will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Friday, ARY News reported.

Islamabad, May 11 (IANS) A new audio leak of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has surfaced in which he was purportedly talking with Musarrat Jamshed Cheema about the court developments and the response of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP),

Cheema replied that they had sent a "message to them and we are sitting in the high court now. We demanded them to bring Khan Sahib before us, otherwise we will not leave [the high court premises]".

Khan, apparently criticizing his arrest, said whatever they have done is "malicious".

"You should also initiate a proceeding in the Supreme Court against whatever they have done today. What is Chief Justice

Khan replied, "No, he receives orders from them. You should talk to Azam and ask him to talk with the other people," ARY News reported.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday termed Khan's arrest by Pakistan's anti-corruption body as illegal and ruled that the PTI chief should be released immediately. Khan was under the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Malaysia’s population rises 1.6% YoY to 33.2 mn in Q1

Karachi, May 11 (IANS) Pakistani authorities have decided to release 500 Indian prisoners, 499 of them fishermen, who have completed their jail terms, media reports said on Thursday.

The Indian prisoners will be released from jails in phases. The first batch of 200 prisoners will be released from the Malir District Jail on Thursday and will be sent to Lahore, ARY News reported.

Edhi Foundation will facilitate

Another batch of 200 Indian fishermen will be released from jails in Karachi on June 2 for repatriation to India.

The third batch of 100 Indian prisoners will be released from jails on July 3 for repatriation to their home country, ARY News reported.

Pakistan and India regularly arrest each other's fishermen for violating the maritime boundary, which is poorly marked, the report said.

New Zealand to celebrate Maori New Year in July

Kuala Lumpur, May 11 (IANS)

Malaysia's population in the first quarter was estimated at 33.2 million, an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to a year ago, official data revealed on Thursday.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the total population comprised 30.4 million citizens, which accounts for 91.7 per cent, and 2.8 million non-citizens, which is 8.3 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the DOSM, the increase in the total population was contributed by the positive

natural increase of citizens and higher non-citizen population.

Meanwhile, the male population increased from 17.1 million to 17.5 million compared to the first quarter of 2022, while females increased from 15.5 million to 15.7 million in the same period.

The number of live births for the first quarter climbed 8.9 percent year on year to 111,604.

The number of deaths, however, fell 11.7 per cent year on year to 47,767.

The deaths due to Covid-19 plunged 97.3 per cent to 96 in the

first quarter from 3,553 a year ago, contributing 0.2 per cent of the total number of fatalities in the first quarter.

The population aged 0-14 years old (young age) remained at 7.7 million in the first quarter.

The composition of the population aged 15-64 years old (working age) increased to 23.1 million in the first quarter from 22.6 million a year earlier.

The composition of the population aged 65 years and over (old age) rose to 2.4 million in the quarter from 2.3 million a year ago.

Wellington, May 11 (IANS) New Zealand will celebrate the Maori New Year on July 14 this year and mark its newest public holiday for the second time after last year's inaugural celebration as a statutory holiday.

Celebrations leading up to Matariki began on Thursday as a booklet containing karakia (Maori prayer) for each of the nine stars of Matariki was launched at an event at the Dark Sky Sanctuary in Lake Tekapo of New Zealand's South Island.

Matariki is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar which marks the start of the Maori New Year, signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in the night sky.

For Maori, the appearance of Matariki heralds a time of remembrance, joy and peace. It is a time for communities to come together and celebrate.

The booklet will be distributed widely across the country to schools and communities to

serve as an important resource that would support people with their own preparations as they decided how to mark Matariki, said Minister of Maori Crown Relations Kelvin Davis. Matariki was marked for the first time as an official public holiday last year.

"It was a beautiful moment to see how the nation took joy in celebrating and embracing Matariki last year," Davis said. Data suggests at least 87 per cent of New Zealanders now have some understanding of what Matariki is about and means, he said.

‘What

WORLD THIS WEEK

In collaboration with National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

Authored by Harini Madhusudan, Rashmi Ramesh, Akriti Sharma, Ankit Singh, Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph and Femy Francis

ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise: Towards Maritime Domain Coordination

Teshu Singh

What happened?

On 2 May 2023, the first phase of the ASEAN India Maritime Exercises (AIME) started at the Changi Naval Base. The second phase will be conducted from 7-8 May 2023 in the South China Sea (SCS). The naval exercise involved nine ships, six aircraft and over 1800 personnel from the ASEAN Member States and India.

The opening ceremony of the AIME-23 was held at the Changi Naval Base in Singapore. INS Delhi and INS Satpura participated from the Indian side. INS Delhi is India’s first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer and INS Satpura is an indigenouslybuilt guided missile stealth frigate. They are part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet located at Visakhapatnam. The ships will also take part in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) being hosted by Singapore.

What is the background?

First, a brief note on the objectives of the first IndiaASEAN exercise - building trust and increasing operationality among navies. Amid the rising Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea, it is

the first naval exercise between India and ASEAN countries. The frequency of the exercises has not been decided yet. It gives both sides an opportunity to familiarize themselves and collaborate on the naval front seamlessly. The Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy has said that the “important outcome of these exercises is to build trust between various participants”. Second, ASEAN is a peacebuilder. Because of the increasing demand for trade and economic growth, ASEAN is conducive to making supply chains resilient and preparing for any human-induced shock. ASEAN lies at the core of India’s Act East Policy and is crucial for framing overarching security architecture to enable development and prosperity for all.

Third, militarised the South China Sea. China has militarized the SCS region by building artificial islands, occupying islands and reefs by force and using other means to maintain its sovereignty over the region. China claims the region on historical grounds and has maintained ambiguity about its clear position in the region. In 2016, China refused to comply with the Permanent Court of Arbitration award/verdict that was in favour of the Philippines. Recently, China has been aggressive in the Indo-Pacific region. China has held its second ferocious drill in the Taiwan

Strait and has been luring the ASEAN countries with chequebook diplomacy. China is also cautiously looking at the IndiaChina border. At the 20th Party Congress of China, Xi Jinping included people with experience in dealing with India.

Fourth, conflict over resources. There is a conflict in the SCS region between China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. The dispute is over the strategic value of the islands and the vast mineral resources that lie underneath.

What does it mean?

Strategically, the South China Sea region is of vital importance to India. Almost 55 per cent of the Indian trade passes through the region. India does not have any territorial claims but has economic interests in the region.

Indian vision of the Indo-Pacific underscores the importance of ASEAN centrality. By conducting the exercises, India becomes the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to hold ASEAN +1 naval exercises. Overall, the objective of AIME 2023 is to achieve coordination with ASEAN countries in maritime domain awareness, build maritime defence capabilities of the ASEAN countries and support them in acquiring the advanced platform that India is producing.

World and Regional Roundups

China: US has advanced spy tactics since 2011, says a report

On 4 May, a report released by China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre (CVERC) and cybersecurity company 360, accuses the US of employing hackers to disrupt the functioning of governments, infrastructure, research institutions, and tech and oil companies since 2011. The report stresses that the CIA is secretly orchestrating “peaceful evolution” and “colour revolutions” around the world with the use of superior technology.

China: FM Qin Gang meets the chief of the Myanmar Junta to discuss diplomatic ties

On 2 May, Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang met with the Myanmar Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. China has been a vital supplier to the Myanmar

junta with arms and it refuses to condemn the Myanmar regime. Qin stating his support, said: “China stands with Myanmar on the international stage.” Additionally, during the visit, the officials discussed cooperation and diplomatic relations between the two.

India: Defense Minister visits the Maldives

On 1 May, the Defence Minister of India arrived in the Maldives for a three-day official visit.

accommodative of their national priorities and capacities,”

Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visits the US

On 1 May, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh visited the US to attend the 50-year partnership between Bangladesh and World Bank. She also met with the officials of the IMF and the USBangladesh Business Council. At the World Bank, she asked for assistance for Bangladesh’s transition to a developing country under the Delta Plan 2021. She also highlighted the trade partnership between the US and Bangladesh. She said that hi-tech parks and IT zones will be created in the country for American businesses to operationalise.

India: India-Russia suspend talks to settle trade in INR

On 1 May. Reuters quoted senior officials from the Government of India saying that Russia has still not warmed up to the idea of using the surplus rupee it will gather after trade in INR initiates. Reuters estimated that Russia does not desire INR surplus of up to USD 40 billion. The Indian side has suggested using the surplus in equities and bonds and did not clarify if the talks were suspended or halted for now. India’s export share in global trade is around 2 per cent, and USD remains desirable, while Russia had suggested trade with India is CNY.

India: APSEZ sells Myanmar port at a discounted price of USD 30 million

On 4 May, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) announced the sale of its controversial port in Myanmar to an unknown buyer, Solar Energy at a big loss of USD 60 million. APSEZ, in its own independent evaluation, deemed the port as risky following sanctions on Myanmar by the US and a longer approval process, and not meeting certain condition precedents. APSEZ had paid USD 90 million for the land lease. In August 2019, a UN report indicated the role of foreign business in developments in Myanmar.

Russia: Two UAVs disabled by Russian air defences

eastern European countries for agricultural imports from Ukraine. Previously tensions arose due to Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Poland imposing restrictions to Ukraine’s grain imports. According to the report, wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds would come under safeguard measures. The US: Contracts of Northrop Grumman and Raytheon on hypersonic defence extended

He met with the President of Maldives and expressed India’s commitment to the country. He handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) and a Landing Craft Assault ship to the Maldives National Defence Forces. During the visit, he said: India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years. A defence manufacturing ecosystem has been created which has the advantage of abundant technical manpower. We produce worldclass equipment to meet not only our own needs but also for exports. India offers an enhanced defence partnership to friendly foreign countries, that is

On 3 May, Putin’s office reported that two Ukrainian UAVs had been disabled by air defences that were headed to strike the president’s Kremlin residence in Moscow in the early hours. Moscow described the drone strike as a “pre-planned terrorist act” and an attempt on Putin’s life perpetrated by Kyiv. On 4 May, the Russian presidential spokesperson claimed that all of Kyiv’s decisions are ultimately dictated by Washington, including which targets to hit and by what means, which makes the US also responsible for the attack on Kremlin/ Putin’s life.

Europe: Grain deal signed with eastern European countries to allow export of Ukraine grains

On 29 April, the European Commission announced the signing of the grain deal with

On 5 May, Defense Daily reported on the additional firm-fixed-price modifications awarded to the two defence producers. The modified contracts boosted the value of the companies’ contracts by USD 29 million for Northrop Grumman (NOC) and USD 18 million for Raytheon Technologies (RTX). The Missile Defence Agency (MDA) extended the contracts to let companies continue refining the missile defence technology on Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI). GPI hypersonic missile would intercept the incoming hypersonic missile during the glide phase as traditional missile defence cannot scope the speed and manoeuvrability of high-speed and low-altitude hypersonic missiles. The value of the NOC and RTX contracts stands at USD 156 million and USD 153 million, respectively.

About the Authors

Harini Madhusudan, 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. Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, and Femy Francis are Research Associates at NIAS. The report has been modified by India News for space considerations.

India tablet market fell 30% in Q1 2023: Report

on-quarter), while the 4G tablets recorded a growth of 55 per cent (quarter-on-quarter) in 2023.

Cisco CEO meets PM Modi, doubles down on local manufacturing

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) The overall tablet market in India declined by 30 per cent (yearon-year) during the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, while the 5G tablet shipment share increased to 4 per cent, with 5G tablet shipments growing 36 per cent (year-onyear), a new report showed on Thursday.

According to CyberMedia Research (CMR), the India tablet market grew 12 per cent (quarter-

"While the overall tablet market declined on an annual basis, we still foresee pockets of growth for the tablet market. There has been a particular focus on tablets with 4G and 5G connectivity options. Additionally, consumers continue to seek tablets as companion devices for work, entertainment, and education," said Menka Kumari, AnalystIndustry Intelligence Group (IIG), CyberMedia Research (CMR). Samsung (29 per cent), Apple (23 per cent), and Lenovo (17 per cent) captured the top three spots in the tablet leaderboard in Q1 2023. Moreover, the report mentioned

that the shipment of tablets with eight inches displays constituted 26 per cent of the overall shipments in the Indian market, while tablets with 10-inch and above displays contributed to 65 per cent of the shipments.

The report also estimated that the overall tablet market to post a growth of around 5-10 per cent in 2023.

"Our estimates project a healthy expansion in the tablet market during H2 2023, with a particular surge anticipated during the festive season. Furthermore, the tablet market continues to offer avenues for new entrants to introduce competitive offerings," said Menka Kumari.

More than 50% of investment projects in Invest Rajasthan implemented

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS) Global networking giant Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and discussed how the company has doubled down on manufacturing to boost exports from the country.

Cisco has announced strategic investments in Indian manufacturing capabilities as the next step in delivering cutting-edge technologies to our customers in India and across the globe.

"Thank you for your leadership, Honorable PM of India, @ narendramodi! Thrilled to announce @Cisco is investing in manufacturing in India, with an aim to drive over $1B in combined domestic production and exports," Robbins tweeted.

Cisco has announced it will start manufacturing in India, with an aim to drive more than $1 billion in combined domestic production and exports in the coming years via offering a robust and secure device ecosystem.

India is a key market for Cisco and its second largest R&D centre outside the US.

Since commencing operations in India in 1995, Cisco has focused on helping the country digitise at scale and speed, including accelerating the transformation of critical sectors like transport, agriculture, including through the Country Digitisation Acceleration programme, and building a skilled workforce through the Cisco Networking Academy programme.

Jaipur, May 11 (IANS) A review meeting on the progress of MoUs and LOIs, at The Invest Rajasthan Summit 2022, was held under the chairmanship of Rajasthan additional chief secretary, Industries and Commerce, Veenu Gupta, at Udyog Bhavan on Thursday.

Following up on the progress of investments on the ground till

date, it was reported that more than 50% of the investments announced in The Invest Rajasthan Summit have already been implemented. Among a total of 2091 projects, 1074 projects have been implemented and 1017 projects are currently in the under implementation stage. A total of 4195 cases were reviewed during the meeting.

Veenu Gupta emphasized the importance of establishing enterprises for the all-round development of the state. She urged officials to help industries so that they don't face any difficulty in getting information

related to setting up their enterprise or obtaining NOCs from various departments. Gupta also instructed the officers to remain in touch with investors and provide them with all necessary help including immediate redressal of investment-related issues.

"It's essential for us to provide a supportive environment to industrialists to flourish in Rajasthan," said Gupta. "We're working hard to further ease the process of establishing enterprises in the state and offer a hassle-free experience to investors."

Key Apple supplier Foxconn logs

56%

profit loss in Q1, outlook flat

low visibility, particularly as monetary tightening around the world, coupled with geopolitical tensions, inflation and other uncertain factors impact the economic outlook".

In the first quarter of 2023, revenue totaled 1.4624 trillion Taiwanese dollars, up 4 per cent year-on-year.

Around 250 LMT of wheat procured during current Rabi season

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS) The government has procured 252 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat so far during the ongoing Rabi marketing season (2023-24).

According to estimates released by the Department of Food and Consumer Affairs, the current wheat procurement crossed last year's total procurement of 188 LMT.

More than 20 lakh farmers have benefitted from the current season's procurement, with more than Rs 47,000 crore payment of minimum support price (MSP).

The Food Corporation of India along with other state agencies are engaged in the procurement operations.

Official sources said that more farmers are yet to be benefitted

since the procurement process is still going on, and on daily average, more than 2 LMT wheat is still being procured.

The major contribution in the procurement has come from three wheat procuring states of Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh with procurement of 118.68 LMT, 62.18 LMT and 66.50 LMT, respectively.

One of the major factors contributing to the progressive procurement this year is the relaxation in quality specifications of wheat being procured, extended by the Centre. This has been granted in view of untimely rains leading to luster loss and will reduce the hardship of farmers and check any distress sale.

This means a large part of the EV industry will actively move towards professional OEMs in the future, driving opportunities for Foxconn.

Foxconn is bullish on the India market as Apple ramps up its manufacturing and retail presence in the country.

Hyundai Motor India to invest Rs 20,000 cr in TN

New Delhi,

May 11 (IANS)

Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer and assembler of iPhones, on Thursday reported a huge 56 per cent loss in net income (year-onyear) in the January-March period owing to sluggish consumer demand as few people are buying smartphones and other gadgets. The net profit for the March quarter dropped to 12.8 billion Taiwanese dollars ($417.17 million) from 29.45 billion Taiwanese dollars in the first quarter last year.

Hon Hai Chairman and CEO Young Liu said in a statement that the outlook for full year 2023 overall remains flattish, "with

"With inventory adjustments following the growth bump from pandemic-driven demand for ICT goods and amid a traditionally off-peak season, the current quarter is expected to see declines both on an on-quarter and on-year basis," said Liu.

Among the company's primary product segments, cloud and networking products and computing products are likely to be flat quarter-on-quarter, while components and other products are likely to show quarterly growth.

In terms of partnering with traditional auto OEMs, Chairman Liu said auto brand manufacturers must face the challenges of time-to-market and time-to-cost.

The company has bought a huge tract of land on the outskirts of Bengaluru. According to reports, the company made the statement in this regard at London Stock Exchange.

According to the statement, the 1.2 million square metre (13 million square foot) plot has been acquired near Devanahalli located close to Bengaluru International Airport. According to sources, the land was bought for Rs 106.24 crore.

This is seen as part of the company's strategy to look for alternative production destinations away from China following rigid Covid rules, according to sources.

Chennai, May 11 (IANS) Car maker Hyundai Motor India Ltd will be investing about Rs 20,000 crore for modernising its plant near here, rolling out new models and to make electric vehicle battery assembly packs and EV charging stations.

The Hyundai Motor India and the Tamil Nadu government's Guidance Bureau on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this purpose.

Speaking at the function, Chief Minister M.K.Stalin said the investment will speeded up the government's target of growing the state economy to one trillion dollars by 2030.

Referring to the cabinet reshuffle on Thursday Stalin said the government's support to the industries and the steps taken to grow the sector in the state will continue.

Stalin said Tamil Nadu ranks at the top in the production of automobiles and automobile components and as a logical progression the state also ranks at the top in the production of electric vehicles.

In March 2023, Hyundai Motor India had announced that it is considering acquiring land and building and some assets of General Motors India's Talegaon plant in Maharashtra with a view to have a plant in a second location.

According to Hyundai Motor India, a Term Sheet has been signed for the potential acquisition of identified assets of the plant like -- land and building, certain machinery and equipment situated at the General Motors India's plant in Talegaon.

From the editor’s desk A people-friendly budget keeping future growth & sustainability in mind

Quad should emerge as a strong regional player & also look beyond

Come May 24, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, and the President of the United States, Joseph R Biden, in Sydney for the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit. But as the leaders of the four important countries meet, there will always be the recurrent question of whether Quad, as it stands today, is relevant, and whether it can deliver on its promises.

One of the chief areas the Quad members understand about is that they have to cooperate and combine to thwart China’s maritime ambitions. China is pursuing its goal of becoming a dominant world power, elevating itself to the position of a superpower, and even try to stay ahead of the US- the only superpower left after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990’s. In its bid to dominate the world, China knows full well the importance of the maritime space, which is more important to China than making opportunistic attempts to grab land in the Himalayas.

This is not to say China does not indulge in land-grabbing attempts in the Himalayas any more. It still does it, and India knows more about it than perhaps any other country, being its neighbour. But maritime space is more significant given the fact that a huge proportion of China’s trade happens via the Indian oceanic routes. It is here that the importance of Quad becomes vital. From India’s perspective, if China resorts to aggression on India’s borders, India with the cooperation of other Quad members can potentially disrupt China’s trade. Unlike the continental sphere over land, where India seems to face challenges due to ChinaPakistan collusion, the maritime sphere is wide open to India, which can build coalition with other member countries of the Quad, giving India the strategic advantage, thereby forcing China to shelve at least some of its dominant policies in this sphere. India being located at the centre of the Indo-Pacific geopolitical equation, therefore, with the cooperation of Quad countries, it can bring to fruition its vision of extending its influence far beyond its geographical boundaries.

Moreover, India has always entered into alliances like the Quad with the aim of mobilizing collective action with other countries in a bid to provide

humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to needy countries; engage in monitoring shipping for search and rescue or anti-piracy operations; providing infrastructure assistance to climatically vulnerable states, and indulge in connectivity initiatives and similar activities. These goals are also that of other Quad members; therefore Quad must work cohesively towards the attainment of these goals.

Quad countries can come together to check colonial policies of China in the Indian Ocean region, ensuring security and growth for all countries in the region. What is significant is that all Quad member countries are strong democracies, which understand and value the importance of democratic values. This requires that Quad should stand as a cohesive unit in the Indian Ocean region, which has become vulnerable ever since China began pursuing its colonial policies in the region.

However, with changing times, the Quad must evolve and should not confine itself to the Indo-Pacific objectives alone, as this will make it a maritime grouping, rather than an allencompassing one. This may raise questions whether the cooperation extends to the AsiaPacific and Eurasian regions as well. And in the wake of the United Nations not having the teeth to tackle international crises effectively, regional groupings like the Quad assume more significance.

But the Quad itself must emerge as a strong unit in the Indo-Pacific by envisioning its objectives in the Indo-Pacific to begin with, especially in matters of ensuring that every country in the region gets its economic and security interests fulfilled.

Besides, Quad can consider including other Indo-Pacific countries into its fold such as Indonesia, and Singapore, thereby making Quad a truly representative body in the region. This will pave the way for building a comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific taking into account the maritime challenges, present and future, with a viewing to solidifying strategies, both military and non-military, to ensure the Indo-Pacific region remains safe and strife-free, encouraging fulfillment of trade and other interests of the countries in the region, and of those countries beyond the region that want to engage with these countries.

The uncertainty in global economy continues to loom large and the economic growth in most of the countries is much slower than what those countries need, especially after the pandemic. The projections for the US economy are not what the world expects, given the clout the US enjoys. In fact, the US economy is said to be losing more steam in the months to come after it has been hit by rising prices and higher interest rates, which have adversely affected the lives of families, and performance and sustenance of businesses. Moreover, the global economy is reeling under the pressure created by Russian-Ukraine war. In fact, experts say that the trend of slow growth globally is expected to continue throughout 2023, only to improve slightly in 2024. More precisely, there are pressures across the world, build up like an economic pandemic, owing to the prevalence of high inflation, high interest rates and harsh financial conditions, which are a recipe for limiting economic growth.

Whether one likes it or not, after the US economy, China’s economic condition plays a major role in keeping stability in the global economy. The worsening economic situation in China due to the Covid-19 pandemic saw its economy shutting down partially. Besides, the inflation globally is still very high, and the global financial sector continues to show its vulnerability under trying conditions. These developments do not augur well for consumer confidence, and businesses will find it difficult to tread the path of growth. This situation is somewhat similar in the US and Europe. Many other factors in the global economy are a threat to its sustained development goals. The effect of long-term inflation has necessitated central banks of some countries to keep their interest rates higher for a rather longer period so as to tame inflationary pressures. Global food and energy crises continue, which have been exacerbated following Russia-Ukraine war.

In such a backdrop of not-soencouraging global economic projections, especially in terms of economic growth prospects, the Australian government was expected to do the juggling act of keeping many economic parameters under control, and at the same time, deliver to its people the budget they desperately needed. In fact, the government had to rise up to the occasion and give to the nation a budget that lived up to the

reputation of Australia being the country that the IMF forecasts suggest will continue to grow in 2023, though many advanced countries are likely to be under the grip of recession. The IMF has predicted that Australia’s economy will grow by 1.6% in 2023, compared to an average of 1.3% for advanced economies.

As Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers has maintained throughout this period leading up to the 2023 federal budget that though Australia’s growth is expected to exceed all major advanced economies in 2023, the country is not immune to global economic challenges mentioned above. In fact, in modern highly globalised economies, the financial contagion propagates across the world like a pandemic. The Australian economy is also expected to slow down under the constraints of a declining global economy, highlighted by high inflation and high interest rates, which are two main detrimental factors to economic growth. There is a situation of slowing down of household aggregate demand due to cost-of-living pressures, which cannot be brushed under the carpet, and needs to be addressed immediately.

Therefore, the federal budget endeavoured to walk the tight rope walk of controlling debt, inflation, employment and other important parameters, and ensuring growth to the economy as well without which other parameters of the economy’s health will fall flat.

The government’s first budgetary obligation was, as it ought to be in any country, to provide cost-of-living relief to its people. As the government’s budget review states, it will be delivering targeted cost-of-living relief with a view to reducing price pressures and the customer price index by ¾ of a percentage point in 2023–24. As the costof-living eases, it is expected to give a boost to aggregate demand in the economy, which has hitherto shown signs of sluggishness. Increase in aggregate demand will kick-start a series of developments which would ultimately lead to higher economic growth.

Even before this budget, the government has been making efforts to take measures to give a boost to real wages. As of now, as the government’s review of the budget suggests, nominal wage growth will reach 4 per cent in 2023-24, which is, as the government states, the fastest rate of nominal wage growth since 2009. But the real indicator of the benefit of wage growth will be visible from the real wages growth. This is expected to happen when there is a combination of two factors i.e. faster rate of growth of nominal

wages and lower rate of inflation, and this, the government expects, will happen in early 2024. Another factor that has bothered Australia just like most other advanced countries is inflation. Though the pressure of inflation on people will continue, the situation is likely to improve in the years ahead. In this regard, the budget review by the government suggests that inflation in Australia is now past its peak, has begun to moderate, and is expected to decline in 2024–25.

But the Australian government recognizes and rightly so that for the fulfillment budget’s objectives, governments at all levels must work together. The government has expressed its commitment that it will pave the way for an atmosphere of cooperation among all states and territories for bringing about the reforms for the next generation of growth, jobs, prosperity and security. One of the important areas where federal, state and territorial governments have a shared vision is for a patient-centred and sustainable Australian healthcare system. This kind of an approach to healthcare will lead to the best outcomes for Australia’s diverse communities. Therefore, the federal budget 2023 has provided for the substantial package to give a boost to Medicare measures agreed by the National Cabinet to address immediate challenges in primary care, and laying the foundations for long-term Medicare reform.

This budget has also provided for an NDIS Financial Sustainability Framework, so as to continue to provide life-changing outcomes for future generations of Australians with disability. These measures are a step towards building a nation that cares for its entire population. Besides a slew of people-friendly measures, this budget announces making new investments to promote better growth, including paving the way for a better migration system by increasing visa processing capacity, expanding pathways to permanent residence for temporary skilled sponsored workers, and taking steps to address migrant exploitation. The budget also makes provisions for sustained investment for a pipeline of new social and affordable dwellings, including delivering the Housing Australia Future Fund, and expanding the capacity of the Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator by increasing the liability cap by $2 billion. Furthermore, the budget also talks about offering tax incentives for build-to-rent projects to increase the supply of housing. Therefore, after getting an overall feel of the budget, one can say that it has been a “carefully calibrated” one.

Strained Indo-Pak ties to stay The Chinese challenge and India’s growing global clout

ASAD MIRZA

May 08, 2023, IANS: India taking down Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet is indicative of changing diplomatic might of India. India will not stick to fake goody words any longer. It signals Pakistan about the need to do more to shed the tag of being a global headache on terrorism.

Coming soon after the recent Shanghai Cooperation Council's (SCO) Defence Ministers' Summit in New Delhi, India last week hosted the Foreign Ministers of the SCO at Goa.

The common thread between these two summits was the tough posturing by India against its two neighbors Pakistan and China. At the Goa meeting, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, revealed that India had twice called out China and Pakistan at the summit for violating India's sovereignty through their connectivity projects.

The statement was made in response to a question on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Indian territory currently under Pakistan's illegal occupation.

Earlier, India had sort of reprimanded the Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu at the New Delhi meeting, on the issue of the stalled talks over the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India's critique of Pakistan

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in Goa to represent Pakistan at the SCOCFM. A visit, which happened after a 12-year gap.

The last Pakistani Foreign Minister to visit India was Hina Rabbani Khar, when she met her Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna in Delhi in 2011. However, what soured the atmosphere this time in Goa, was references made by Zardari over Kashmir and Pakistan being a victim of terrorism itself. Though he also called for reviving the stalled talks.

India, in a strongly worded response to Pakistan's overtures for talks, said victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism to discuss terror.

Rebutting each of the points made by Zardari, EAM Jaishankar said he (Zardari) was "a promoter, justifier and spokesperson for a terrorism

industry which is the mainstay of Pakistan. The tough Indian response came after the news of death of five Indian Army soldiers in a terrorist attack near the Line of Control (LoC) on Friday".

Jaishankar said Bilawal's suggestion to sit together and talk was "hypocritical" and said India was feeling "outraged" by the incident.

India's stand on China

Jaishankar had a similar position on China whose readout on the bilateral between him and its Foreign Minister Qin Gang described the situation on the boundary as stable.

Jaishankar said that there is an abnormal position in the border areas. "We have to take the disengagement process forward. I have made it very clear. IndiaChina relations will not be normal if peace and tranquility in the border areas is disturbed. This message was on the same lines as delivered by the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, a fortnight ago."

Responding to Zardari's diatribe, Jaishankar said Bilawal's opposition to a G-20 meeting to be held in Kashmir had no basis since Pakistan was not even a member of that grouping.

On Bilawal's opening address at the SCO conference where he said the issue of terrorism should not be used to score diplomatic points, the Minister said: "We are not scoring diplomatic points. We are exposing Pakistan. As a victim of terrorism, we are authorized to do so. We have put up with it. It speaks so much about the mindset of that country."

He asked Pakistan to "smell the coffee" regarding its grouse about the abrogation of Article 370 as a violation of international agreements.

"370 is history. Sooner the people realize it, the better," Jaishankar said.

Indian response to CPEC EAM Jaishankar also took an exception at the mention of CPEC at the SCO meeting, both by Pakistan and China. And rightly so, as SCO is a multilateral forum, not a bilateral one and further India's adversarial stand on the CPEC has been very clear from the beginning, as it passed through the PoK. India has consistently opposed the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC, as these projects violate India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Jaishankar very clearly stated that connectivity is good for progress, but connectivity cannot violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

Bilawal's overture

On his part Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blamed India's Kashmir policy for the "frozen peace" between India and Pakistan. The India-Pakistan relationship soured significantly after India announced the withdrawal of special powers from Jammu and Kashmir and the division of the state into two union territories in August 2019. India has always maintained that it wants regular neighborly ties with Pakistan while emphasizing that the onus is on Islamabad to create a safe environment for such an engagement.

The tough Indian response to both Pakistan and China, mainly stems from its exhaustion with its neighbors, who in spite of several Indian initiatives to better relations, prefer to stick with their age-old stands on the contentious issues, preferring not to respond positively to any Indian efforts in this regard.

The SCO meet also showed yet again that body language speaks volumes in geopolitics and diplomacy. The distance between the two foreign ministers while posing for photographs was noticeably gaping. However, the cold Indian demeanor, a departure from customary diplomatic niceties, and continuing with its old parroting by the Pakistani Minister were more targeted at their respective domestic audiences.

The Indian leadership in view of the forthcoming elections in Karnataka wanted to be seen as acting tough, while the Pakistani Minister wanted to showcase his ability to rake-up old issues in the backdrop of the economic woes of Pakistan.

But overall this posturing does not augurs well for friendly relations between the neighbors in the foreseeable future.

(Asad Mirza is a senior political commentator based in New Delhi. He can be contacted at www. asadmirza.in)

ANIL TRIGUNAYAT

April 16, 2023, IANS: China will be an ongoing challenge for the Indian foreign and security policy establishment. Its hegemonistic ambitions are clearly evident from the fact that its territorial ingress and disputes are with more countries than it shares a border with.

After the perfidious war of 1962, India became wiser and focussed on creating stronger defenses against Chinese designs which have become far more robust during the past few years as greater focus on creating state of the art border infrastructure and quick response mechanisms have been created.

The unwritten peace for decades broke down when Galwan happened in 2020. But India's firm and determined counteraction and eyeball-to-eyeball response made Beijing pause and think if it could push its luck further.

Despite India and China cooperating in multilateral and regional formats like G20, SCO, BRICS and RIC and even 18-19 meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping, the loud and clear message was conveyed that border incursions and nefarious designs on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be tolerated at any cost.

As India prefers dialogue and Diplomacy and perhaps China would also not like to indulge in foolhardy and MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) syndrome, painfully slow border talks and discussions in the WMCC have continued to contain the situation from further escalation. Even then repeat incursions in Tawang and psy-ops in Arunachal and elsewhere have continued unabated but have met with firm response.

India has followed a policy of Competition with Cooperation but China has added another C of Containment of India through its 'String of Pearls' strategy, Belt and Road Initiative and pivoting an unstable Pakistan and its terrorist designs against India.

The iron-clad Sino-Pakistan nexus will be a profound challenge that would have to be understood and factored in India's proactive comprehensive response and including a readiness to confront a two front war, if imposed. With Indo-Pacific emerging as a new theater of Sino-US competition, India's maritime power and prowess especially in the Indian Ocean will come under stress.

It is imperative that the SAGAR doctrine and Indian Ocean initiatives will need to be further accentuated as the relationships with other major powers in QUAD and other formats provide greater heft to Indian response potential

in the event that her interests are challenged by the Chinese hegemonistic ambitions. Like rest of the world, India's trade and economic engagement has moved apace crossing over $125 bn with huge trade deficit in China's favor with critical dependencies still inherent which would need to be addressed both through futuristic policy refinements in a dynamic manner and alternate credible partnerships to enable India to be a trusted part of the global and regional value and supply chains. India has taken some actions like banning apps and calibrating the FDI and FII policies with regard to China. Beijing, despite having a five times larger economy, considers India a credible competitor of consequence and hence wishes to undermine and contain it within the neighborhood and its Asian periphery.

But India does not seem to mind this challenge and is ready to accept it head-on since the world is its oyster. The G20 Summit expanse, Vaccine Maitri, growing soft power, increasing hard power, top performing fifth largest economy and functional largest democracy or even mother of democracy and becoming a Voice of the Global South as well as her strategic autonomy and leadership in fighting injustice, climate change and terrorism have added up to make India a global power to be reckoned with in every major strategic calculation and announcements and explicit recognition of this fact by major global powers. One area in which China has mastered is the art of deception and 'Grey Zone' and disinformation campaigns and warfare which would pose India a major challenge going forward especially as it enters the election year. Hence it is essential to have a proactive, dynamic and comprehensive communication strategy with sharpened toolkits. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has often reiterated that while border tensions continue, "business as usual" can't be the model for interaction with Beijing. His 3Ms prescription of Mutual Respect, Mutual Interest, and Mutual Sensitivity could provide the matrix going forward provided Beijing is on board - which is unlikely as the global order remains in transition. Caution is the buzzword and capacity to inflict costs is a way out.

(Anil Trigunayat is India's former Ambassador to Jordan, Libya, and Malta and a Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation)

S.Korean President announces end to nearly all Covid restrictions

Seoul, May 11 (IANS) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday declared an end to almost all Covid-19 restrictions, including mandatory isolation, effectively placing the disease in the endemic category.

Yoon said during a Covid-19 response meeting that the sevenday mandatory isolation period for infected patients will be reduced to a recommendation of five days, reports Yonhap News Agency.

He also said the indoor mask mandate will be lifted everywhere except for hospitals with rooms for hospitalization, and the PCR test-upon-arrival recommendation will be removed. The new measures will take effect June 1 when the national crisis level for Covid will be lowered from "serious" to "alert".

"I am pleased that our people will reclaim their everyday lives after

three years and four months," Yoon said during the meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at the presidential office.

"This was possible because of the dedication and efforts of many people," he said, thanking frontline medical staff, health industry workers and public officials.

The announcement came days after the World Health Organization declared an end to Covid as a "global health emergency".

Yoon said the government will continue to provide financial support for Covid testing and treatment for now and prepare thoroughly against future pandemics by establishing a science-based response system. He also vowed to increase the country's vaccine development capabilities while strengthening cooperation with the

radiation therapy gives hope to head & neck cancer patients

international community and drawing up a detailed post-Covid policy that sees pandemic-driven societal changes being used as future growth engines.

However, new coronavirus cases in the country stood above the 20,000 mark for a third consecutive day on Thursday. In the last 24 hours, there were 20,574 cases, including 32 imported cases, bringing the total caseload to 31,351,686, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. Thursday's tally fell from the previous day's 23,521 infections, a three-month high, but was about 400 higher than the same day last week.

The country also reported 12 Covid fatalities in the same period, raising the overall death toll to 34,583.

Soaps could make people more or less attractive to mosquitoes: Study

had a fruity or flowery scent. The one that decreased attractiveness was coconut scented, raising the potential for using coconutscented soaps to reduce attractiveness to mosquitoes.

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) The treatment for head and neck cancers have transformed tremendously over the years and latest advancements in radiation therapy can help treat the condition, said experts here raising awareness on the treatment.

Cancers which are collectively known as head and neck cancers usually begin in the mouth, throat, or the voice box.

Globally, Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is the seventh-most common cancer. In India, it is the second most common cancer especially, lip and oral cavity cancer.

Radiation therapy is an extremely targeted treatment precisely acting on cancer wherever it may be in the body. This allows the cancer cells to be killed or be reduced in number while safeguarding most of the healthy organs and tissues in the body. It is a cost-effective treatment modality provided as out-patient treatment, where people can get it done in a short time and continue their normal activities.

But with advanced treatment methods like the IMRT (Intensitymodulated radiation therapy), the rate of cure has become higher while also reducing side effects, Vineet Nakra, radiation Oncologist at Max Super Speciality Hospital Vaishali, told IANS.

IMRT can be used to treat cancers and tumours that aren't cancerous, which are called benign tumours. It can treat cancers and tumours anywhere in the body. It uses advanced technology to manipulate high energy photon beams of radiation to conform to the shape of a tumour.

"After a cancer diagnosis, the right treatment plan is very important. Modern treatment methodologies along with safe and effective treatment options like IMRT have helped improve the clinical outcomes in a big way," Rahul Bhargava, Principal director of haematology and bone marrow transplant, at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IANS.

"Many patients have recovered successfully just because they were able to complete the entire treatment owing to innovative modalities like IMRT which is now an important and effective treatment," he added.

With IMRT, the beams of radiation are carefully customised. The beams are shaped to match the shape of the cancer. The beams can move through an arc while they deliver the radiation. The intensity of each beam can be varied. The result is a precisely controlled radiation treatment. IMRT delivers the correct radiation dose as safely and efficiently as possible.

New York, May 11 (IANS) Certain scents of body soaps could alter the scent profile of humans to make them more or less attractive to mosquitoes, claims a study. The findings, published in the journal iScience, showed that mosquitoes, when not feeding on blood, supplement their sugar intake with plant nectar. In other words, the flowery, fruity smells of scented soaps on humans may increase or decrease attractiveness to mosquitoes.

"Just by changing soap scents, someone who already attracts mosquitoes at a higher-thanaverage rate could further amplify or decrease that attraction," said Clement Vinauger, Assistant Professor of biochemistry at Virginia Tech, formally Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the US.

The connection between soap and mosquito attractiveness was studied through four volunteers. The team studied the unique scent profile of each individual, unwashed and washed with each Dial, Dove, Native, and Simple Truth soaps.

According to Vinauger, more than 60 per cent of what is smelled after washing comes from soap,

rather than natural body odours.

"The other aspect is that it's not simply adding stuff to our body odour, but it's also replacing some chemicals while eliminating others that are washed away," Vinauger said. "So we think there is a lot of chemical interaction between our natural chemicals and soap chemicals."

To test the interactions between smell, the researchers released mosquitoes in a meshed cage that had two cups containing odour extracts and gave them a choice -- unwashed scents gathered from the individuals along with their washed scents. These were gathered from a nylon sleeve on the forearm with the body in both washed and unwashed states. Tests were repeated for the various combinations of scents.

"This way we can really measure and quantify the effect of the soap in terms of increasing or decreasing the attractiveness of the individual," Vinauger said.

"That's where we found that not all soaps have the same effect on all volunteers."

In terms of fragrance preferences, three of the four soaps increased mosquito attractiveness while one decreased. All of the soaps

Love to grill meat? Fumes from BBQs may up risk of arthritis

New York, May 11 (IANS) Your love for grilling meat may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis -- a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints, warned a study. It is due to the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the procedure. These particles, which are environmental pollutants, form during the burning of coal, oil, gas, and wood, as well as during the flame grilling of meat and other foods, revealed the study, published in the journal BMJ Open. PAHs also originate from smoking tobacco.

"While PAH levels tend to be higher in adults who smoke, other sources of PAH exposure include indoor environments, motor vehicle exhaust, natural gas, smoke from wood or coal burning fires, fumes from asphalt roads, and consuming grilled or charred foods," researchers from the University of Maryland wrote in the paper.

"This is pertinent as households of lower socioeconomic status generally experience poorer

indoor air quality and may reside in urban areas next to major roadways or in high traffic areas." These people may therefore be particularly vulnerable, they suggest.

The team studied a variety of toxicants, including PAHs, PHTHTEs (chemicals used in manufacturing plastics and consumer products), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from paints, cleaning agents, and pesticides.

They included nearly 22,000 adults, 1,418 of whom had rheumatoid arthritis, while the remaining 20,569 did not. The team gathered blood and urine samples to measure the total amount of PAH, PHTHTEs, and VOCs in the body.

They discovered that 7,090 participants had PAH in their system, 7,024 had PHTHTEs, and 7,129 had VOCs.

Regardless of their smoking status, the highest risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis were found among people with the top 25 per cent of bodily PAH levels. In particular, people with the PAH 1-hydroxynaphthalene

in their body were 80 per cent more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis.

However, people with high levels of PHTHTEs and VOCs did not show an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Further analysis showed that bodily PAH level accounted for 90 per cent of the total effect of smoking on rheumatoid arthritis risk. The researchers noted that "this is an observational study, and as such, can't determine cause". And they also acknowledged limitations including that measurements of environmental toxicants in fat (adipose) tissue weren't available. However, they said "to our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that PAH not only underlie the majority of the relationship between smoking and (rheumatoid arthritis), but also independently contribute to (it). "This is important as PAH are ubiquitous in the environment, derived from various sources, and are mechanistically linked by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor to the underlying pathophysiology of (rheumatoid arthritis)."

New

Australia Global Fair Afternoon Tea, a Quest for creative empowerment

From Newsdesk: It was a proud moment for the organizers to present the GLOBAL FAIR to the multicultural social network.

Through an event the Afternoon Tea hosted by Agnes Whiten AM who brought together the community once again with

a vision to promote diversity, culture, arts, entrepreneurship, and creative empowerment. Indian Community leaders were

present at this event and also shared insights on connecting through art and innovative cultures.

It was a well-organized and well-received event by the community leaders who definitely feel the need for such spaces of connection and networking.

New bill fuels citizenship hopes for undocumented immigrants in US

"As the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, I am honored to introduce the US Citizenship Act today... a bold, transformative framework that will finally fix our broken immigration system," Sanchez said in a statement.

"The US Citizenship Act will help us grow our economy, make our borders safer and more secure, and deliver a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants already living and working here," she added.

the country are married to US citizens and roughly 675,000 are married to lawful permanent residents.

The bill protects children from aging out of visa eligibility due to processing delays, and ensures that beneficiaries of family-based petitions retain their earliest priority date even if they later become eligible for a visa under a different category.

have been waiting to be reunited with their families for more than 10 years.

The bill also alleviates lengthy wait times for individuals from higher-admission states by raising the per-country limits from 7 per cent to 20 per cent.

New York, May 11 (IANS) : In a bid to fix the US immigration system, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and other Democrats introduced a Citizenship Act to deliver a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants living and working in the country.

The US Citizenship Act 2023 will make way for Dreamers, recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), agricultural workers, including their spouses and children, immediately eligible for green cards.

Nearly 4 million people in the US with approved familysponsored petitions are waiting for an immigrant visa to become available, and an estimated 4.4 million American citizen children have at least one parent who is undocumented.

Approximately 1.6 million undocumented noncitizens in

It also seeks to reform the family-based immigration system by clearing the immigrant visa backlogs.

It bill recaptures unused family-sponsored visas since FY 1992 and exempts from the numerical limitations -- spouses, permanent partners, and children under the age of 21 of lawful permanent residents; derivative spouses and children of principal applicants; and individuals who

To retain talent and strengthen the economy, the bill also exempts individuals with a doctoral degree in a field involving science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from an accredited US institution of higher education from the numerical caps on visas.

Foreign-born workers make up 17 per cent of the workforce and undocumented workers comprise approximately 4.4 per cent.

An estimated five million undocumented workers are serving in essential roles as frontline workers.

A Fabulous Eid Ul Fitr Festival unfolded in Rocklea Showgrounds on May 7th

From the Newsdesk: The Eid Ul Fitr festival at the Rocklea Showground organized by the Islamic Council of Qld Inc (ICQ)

unfolded on May 7th with pomp and galore. The organizers ICQ committee, Amar Khan & Hussain Baba, and volunteers put up an

inclusive multicultural event. It was attended by community leaders including the right honorable Lord Mayor and the

Lady Mayoress. The event brought multifaith people together celebrating and enjoying the activities that were arranged for

the entire community of Brisbane to enjoy. Children and Adults alike enjoyed the rides and festive delicious festive food.

Indian students in UK surpass all nations, including China: British High Commissioner

Sonipat, May 10 (IANS) Indian students in the UK surpass all countries, including China, said Alex Ellis, the British High Commissioner to India, at a Distinguished Public Lecture on India-UK Relations at O.P. Jindal Global University.

"The degree of human connection between our two countries is extraordinary, yet there is potential to take the India-UK relationship to a deeper and profound level," he said. This was a unique and prestigious occasion when the High Commissioner of the UK visited JGU for the first time and addressed students of international affairs, law and other disciplines, giving them a diplomatic and strategic overview of the relationship between the world's two important democracies.

"India and the UK connect on a human level. We are the fifth and sixth biggest economies in the world, India will grow to be

the third in the world by 2030. We are trying to negotiate a free trade agreement and it's quite important that we look at the economic value it gives but also the strategic value. Together, as nations we will try to deal with some of the biggest problems the world faces, especially climate change! We have already demonstrated how well we have cooperated in the research and production of Covishield vaccine during the pandemic. It was funded by research in Britain's second best university and then developed and manufactured in India and that's been a great milestone. But India will be one of the country's most affected by climate change in the world and we will face it in our lifetimes."

The High Commissioner then gave an overview of geopolitical strategic imperatives which will influence the India-UK relationship. "Trade and investment, security in the region and the Indo-Pacific areas will also drive the discussion on

cooperation. But it is the human level that is more important. I'd like to get more British people coming to India to understand the reality of India." He also touched on and the shared history between India and the UK and opined that India was one country where as a diplomat he had to take special care of historical sensitivities but he also looked at contemporary outcomes.

In his wide ranging lecture, the High Commissioner also dealt on the subject of geography, culture, language, food, cricket and showing respect for the country you live in. Professor Dr. C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University welcomed the High Commissioner to JGU and said: "One of the remarkable aspects of the India UK relationship is the extraordinary evolution of the relationship especially when we had to deal with over 200 years of colonial history. It speaks volumes about the extraordinary vision and the sagacity of the people

who led the freedom movement that India remained a part of the Commonwealth. Among the post-colonial relationships of the world, the India-UK relationship is one of the most defining relationships of the last 35 years. Education plays a very significant role as this relationship transcends the usual boundaries of strategy, security, trade, investment and more. We, in universities who are looking at this relationship very differently, strongly believe in the intellectual presence of British universities in the Indian imagination and aspiration for a large number of young Indians to be able to seek high quality education both in India and around the world. One of the aspects of this relationship that requires even greater impetus is the need for having a stronger presence of British students at Indian universities, while the inward mobility of Indian students into UK has been quite significant."

Professor (Dr.) Sreeram

Chaulia Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs gave an overview of the India-UK relationship and said: "There is a lot of potential for India and the UK to jointly do work in third countries, so that we can really realize the full benefits of our strategic partnership. There was a time, especially during the Cold War period, when we didn't want a western influence in our backyard. Now the scenario has changed. Some of it is linked to China's rise, but much of it also leads to new economic opportunities that beckon in this region for European countries. In the future, we're going to see bigger partnerships, not just the free trade agreement, but also more on defence more on joint triangular cooperation in third countries."

AIBC Queensland networking event held

India News Bureau

Brisbane, 15 May: The Australia India Business Council networking event was held at Stamford Plaza hotel in Brisbane today. The networking event was organised to welcome the AIBC National Chair Ms. Jody Mackay who had flown in from Sydney to hold discussion with government stakeholders, led by the Treasurer of Queensland Mr. Cameron Dick and also included Trade and

Investment Queensland officials. The interaction was focused on enriching the India Strategy currently being developed by the Queensland Government to deepen business and trade engagements with India. In the networking event, a large number of key corporate leaders, AIBC industry partners, entrepreneurs, academics, sports persons, media representatives, mining and resource sector executives,

international education experts, legal firms and community leaders participated.

The networking was kick-started by Queensland AIBC President Dr Nick Senapati, who welcomed Ms Mackay and also set the background for Ms Mackay' focussed address on ECTA and CECA and PM Modi's upcoming visit to Australia.

Some of the noted guests

included India's Honorary Consul Mrs. Archana Singh, immediate past AIBC National Chair Dr. Jim Varghese, Queensland AIBC Vice President Mr. Tony Denholder, AIBC National Education Chair Mrs. Amritha Zachariah, National Sports Chair Dr. Ashutosh Misra, AIBC Queensland committee members Dr. Ram Mohan, Mr. Shaun Star, Mr. Saurabh, and also Mrs Bronwyn Bartsch from Australian Catholic University,

Mr Ashawani Soni from Holistic Homecare, Mr Adam Dale from Queensland Cricket, Ms Kriti Bhardwaj from BHP Billiton, Mr. Michael Sing and Mr. Greg Rostron from Rostron Carlyle Rojas, Brett Lovegrove, PVC Global Partnership - University of Queensland and Ms Akashika Mohla from Gandhi Salt March Limited, among others.

Hind Rattan Award Jewel of India Awarded to Pushpinder Oberoi by The Non-Resident Indian Society of India

Pushpinder Oberoi received the Hind Rattan Award (Jewel of India) on Thursday 20/04, presented by His Excellency Manpreet Vohra in Gold Coast. The stalwart of the Indian Diaspora received the honour with grace, in the presence of key Australian and Indian Diaspora leaders of Queensland. The spectacular evening was held at Tandoori Place in Gold Coast.

His Excellency Manpreet Vohra lauded Pushpinder Oberoi's contribution to the Indian Community Leadership Excellence across Australia, and Cultural Diplomacy between Australia and India.

Pushpinder Oberoi responded to his accolade by saying, "Honoured and grateful. Thank you so much.

Indian Non-resident Society, India awarded Hind Rattan Award

during the PBD convention in India 2023, for acknowledging my contributions, my life, my passion, and my purpose - my people, the important causes, and my wife Karla, that allowed me to contribute, to the community, and beyond. I thank all those who have trusted me through this journey - all those who held my hand through it, and all those who watched me from their place above. I owe this to my parents."

Akashika Mohla also added, " Pushpinder Ji's passion for people, and his contribution to people-to-people ties across Australia and India speak for themselves. We hope he now runs for politics and brings in his transformational energy to advance Australia and the people of Gold Coast".

The night was Hosted by the Rotary Club of Gold to celebrate and facilitate the Hind Rattan

Award, also attended by Angie Bell, Federal Member of Parliament, Archana Singh - CGI (Hon), Amar Singh - Australia of the Year, Dr. Neeraj Khanna of Indian Medical Association, Ashutosh Mishra and Ram Mohan of India News Belinda Dawes from Gold Coast Bulletin , Umesh chandra OAM, Pinky Singh OAM, Rotarian. and community and business leaders from Gold Coast and Brisbane and more...

Council program helps more than 40 creative businesses grow

From the Lord Mayor office: More than 40 local start-ups, including a printing studio, a children’s clothes designer and a jeweller, are being supported this year through Council’s Maker Entrepreneurship Program.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the highly-successful program, which provides direct assistance to budding community entrepreneurs, demonstrated Council’s commitment to ensure Brisbane remains the most smallbusiness friendly city in Australia.

“We have so much talent here in Brisbane and while every successful business starts with an idea, there is a lot more to learn if you are new to the maker scene,”

Cr Schrinner said.

“This program aims to elevate our independent, artisan and bespoke creators to help grow the city’s maker economy.

“This year we’ve been able to expand the program and mentor 45 makers, compared with 15 in 2022.

“New providers to the program and social enterprise Creative Plus Business will deliver training sessions to participant in five sessions running from May to mid-June.

“These sessions provide an engaging small-group experience, with the option to attend face-toface or online.”

A ‘maker' is someone who creates a tangible item either by design or fabrication, such as an artist, sewer, printer,

potter, metalsmith, jeweller, woodworker, or designer

The goal of the program is to set makers up for business success through upskilling them in areas of goal setting, money management, online product photography and marketing. Maker participants cover a range of mediums. 2023 program participant Ploys had the inspired idea of recycling inflatable pool toys and turning them into handbags and accessories with a sustainable touch.

Pieces of Eva Jewellery recently had a display at the Suburban Business Hub in Nundah, showcasing their beautiful pieces, which combine semi-precious gemstones and handcrafted natural pearls.

Self-proclaimed bee-lover Sharon Ferguson is passionate about sharing Fergo's Farm raw honey, beeswax candles and herbinfused balms with the world.

“Although we have been apiarists (beekeepers) for over eight years now, I'm new to the 'maker' market and keen to learn more about branding and marketing,” Mrs Ferguson said.

“I’m really excited to be part of Council’s Maker Entrepreneurship Program, to learn about these important tools that will take our bee product business to the next level.”

For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search “Maker Entrepreneurship Program”.

Indian High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra visits the Gurudwara and Hind Temple Foundation Place in Gold Coast

Indian High Commissioner Mr. Manpreet Vohra gave a special visit to Gold Coast to facilitate the Hind Rattan Award to Mr. Pushpinder Oberoi on 20 April

2023. During this visit, his Excellency, Mr. Manpreet Vohra visited Gold Coast Gurudwara and Hind Temple place and met and interacted with the Executive

Committee of both organizations. His Excellency Mr. Manpreet Vohra also had a meeting with The Mayor of Gold Coast. Mr. Tom Tate and Shadow Minister MP

Angie Bell.

All the meetings were organized by the community leader Mr. Pushpinder Oberoi.

The honorable High

Commissioner was also invited to a special dinner to meet and greet, arranged by the local Indian community in Gold Coast.

Tuesday 9 May 2023

The Vedanta Centre of Brisbane in Springfield Lakes held a multi-faith event on Sunday 30 April. The event brought together community leaders of different faith groups to share teachings and personal experience on the theme “as many faiths, so many paths”. The event was an

opportunity for members of the public to join in conversation and contemplation in the name of harmony.

The multi-faith event took place in the prayer hall of Vedanta Centre which reverberates with a special feeling of peace. The spiritual atmosphere was felt when children of the Vedanta

Centre Yoga and Mindfulness class chanted invocatory prayers in Sanskrit. Around 150 people gathered to hear the talks of faith leaders as well as music and dance performances.

There are plenty of reasons why this gathering of faith leaders is timely. Peace and social cohesion is nurtured through friendship and shared activity. The visible unity of faith leaders helps to reinforce the enduring values that have helped sustain Australia’s multifaith and multicultural harmony over many years.

At the occasion David Paratz, representing Judaism said: “Cultures and communities over thousands of years have developed different faiths which have different beliefs and observances. These different paths and beliefs are the paths for fulfilling a peaceful and cooperative world.”

Rev. David Baker, General Secretary, Queensland Churches Together acknowledged that : “…And so the path seems to

be about self-emptying, about humility, and about love for neighbors, whoever that neighbor may be.”

Dr Abbas Muhajer, Secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the City of Brisbane noted that :

“There must be unity of east and west, there must be a coherence of the material and spiritual world, there must be unity of religion so that the whole world can be a village.” and Hon. Shayne Neumann, Federal Member for Blair was of the opinion:

“It’s important for us that we respect one another. It's not just about tolerance, it's about respect and active communitarian caring for one another.”

Princess Lakshman, representing Islam, said that:

“The holy Koran teaches all of humanity to treat one another with mercy, compassion and kindness. Islam teaches me to respect you, even when I disagree

with you.”

and Swami Aksharatmananda, Ramakrishna Mission teaches us: “We are human, we are One, but we can have different paths, different ideas, to meet the same goal.”

Other notable speakers were Denis Bartrum, Chaplain Ipswich Hospital and Dr.Arsalan Mozaffari Falarti, an exponent of Sufism. A dance ‘Danno Budunge’ was performed by students of Nadananjali School of Dance, Nipuni Gomes and Nethini Gomes. Miss Yalda Ahmadi from Baha’I Faith music performed on the Persian Santoor. There was also a dance interlude by students of Mrs Malarville Kandaiah of Sri Abbinayia Bharatanatyam. The program commemorated 125 years of the founding of Vedanta Centre’s parent organization, the Ramakrishna Mission of India. For more information contact Swami Atmeshananda, Vedanta Centre (07 3818 9986, info@ vedantabrisbane.org)

“As many faiths, so many paths” – a multifaith meet at Vedanta Center

Zang Trei get-together by Kashmiri Pandits in Australia

Brisbane, May,11: Kashmiri Pandits Australia (KPA) did a Zang Trei get-together in Australia, on Saturday, 8th April 2023 - a long time coming after almost 3 years' gap because of Covid19 pandemic.

According to our religious

beliefs, Lord Shiva created the Universe on Navreh, and on the third day, Mata Parvati paid a visit to her parent's home. All Kashmiri married women go to their MALYUN (parents' house) for an hour or two, conveying good wishes for the new year, and then

return to their homes. That is Zang Trei - being the third day of the New Year (Navreh). Our community members met at a famous public park called Sherwood Arboretum, which is a heritage-listed arboretum and a

perfect venue for our event. The Sherwood Arboretum covers an area of 15 hectares, containing approximately 1,100 trees from about 300 species. Community members enjoyed the company and the lunch and customary team with all. As the zung, and to

keep our customs intact, Athhoer (gold-like tassels) and token Money was given to all the ladies.

To know more about the Kashmiri Pandits Australia visit the website https://www.kppro.com.au

Varnam Festival is a spectacular event bringing the entire community together

Varnam Cultural Society (QLD) Inc. recognizes that every country, region, province, or state brings in its own unique culture, traditions, and values.

Varnam Cultural Society’s “The Greater Springfield Festival” is one such occasion for people to come together to share in the joys and festivities that make their community special. From music and dance performances to food and crafts and local vendors, the Greater Springfield festival is a vibrant display of all that makes this celebration unique. Year after year, The Greater Springfield festival has always been a highly

effective means of fostering social unity and promoting values such as confidence in the community, respect for diversity, and recognition of the diverse spiritual traditions of humanity. This year was no different!

It was a bright sunny day on May 6th when the festival began with a beautiful Saxophone Performance followed by a range of singing talents and instruments like keyboard, parai, and drums.

Good Shepherd Primary School choir entertained the crowd by showcasing their musical skill.

The event featured a dynamic lineup of performances that

showcased diverse range of over 18 languages, traditional, cultural, and contemporary dances from communities around the world, including China, Mexico, Vietnam, Thai, Papua New Guinea, India etc. The audience experienced performers ranging from 4 to 60 years of age mesmerizing them with their captivating performances. The vibrant showcase of talents was a celebration of the unique cultural heritage and artistic expressions of each community.

Off the stage, culinary delights comprising the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of Australia

delighted the food connoisseurs.

The grand display of stunning fireworks delighted the spectators with its radiant luminosity and majestic spectacle. Finally all the children were invited to join the live DJ on stage and discover their hidden dancing talents as they moved to the infectious rhythm and beats of diverse music.

Whether they are a long-time resident of a Springfield or a first-time visitor, there is always something for everyone to enjoy at a Greater Springfield festival.

Varnam Cultural Society’s popularity and success were evident this year as there

was a significant increase in attendance, with a phenomenal 13,000 attendees from across Queensland. This impressive growth year after year is a testament to the festival's grandeur and appeal. Once again, the committee of Varnam Cultural Society extends their gratitude to Ipswich City Council, Charis Mullen MP, Milton Dick MP, Cr. Paul Tully and QLD Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll for their unwavering support and encouragement, which have been instrumental in making this festival a resounding success.

Here is how you can enjoy the King’s Coronation ceremony

Visiting the UK? Have a royally good time

By IANSlife

May 06, 2023 (IANSlife) King Charles III will be crowned today, Saturday, May 6, in Westminster Abbey, sparking a colossal celebration in the UK that will reverberate across the world. This once-in-a-lifetime event is the perfect opportunity to learn about British traditions and customs.London and Windsor are the ideal places to see the royal celebrations, whether visitors want to see the newly crowned King and opulent processions up close or take in the ambiance around the joyous Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7.

London

England’s capital city will be bursting with excitement on the first weekend of May this year. Britain’s new monarch will arrive at the service in the King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace and return via the more spectacular Coronation Procession with other key members of the royal family. Visitors can join the euphoric crowds on the Mall to get a glimpse of the parade and then move up to Buckingham Palace to witness the iconic balcony wave in real life. With 81 percent* of Indian travelers saying that iconic landmarks are an important factor when choosing a destination, London is the perfect place to experience cherished landmarks during this historical weekend.

Travelers can toast the new King and see the sights on a Gin-themed Afternoon Tea Bus Tour from Trafalgar Square, and enjoy everything the city has to offer from Sunday roasts to walks in Hyde Park to admire the swans on the Serpentine. For those wanting to immerse themselves in English royal history, a Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour is led by the Yeoman Warders, widely known and recognized as beefeaters in their scarlet and golden military uniforms. This fascinating tour will give visitors the opportunity to see the King of England’s armor over history. However, the Crown Jewels which are normally on display will be booked out for a particular occasion.

The majestic Colorado Plateau with Amangiri and Camp Sarika

A world of adventure and discovery

By IANSlife

Windsor

The beautiful town of Windsor is steeped in British history, culture and heritage and famously home to Windsor Castle – the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world which has been the official residence of 40 British monarchs. This grand castle will host a Coronation Concert on Sunday May 7 with performances from global music icons, a world-class orchestra, famous entertainers and dancers. Several thousand pairs of tickets have been made available to the public via a ballot and the concert will be broadcast live and easily viewable on TVs and big screens around town. A Coronation Big Lunch will also take place across the country with locals holding street parties where community spirit will be in full swing as people gather together to celebrate over food – and travelers can try a special coronation brew at a royal-themed Windsor and Eton brewery.

Nestled in the idyllic Berkshire countryside, this charming town is as regal as it gets and is just a 40 minute drive outside of London so visitors could hire a car to travel down from the capital. Travelers can enjoy picturesque walks in Windsor Great Park, spot deer in the pretty meadows and woodlands and wander down the Long Walk, a historic three-mile avenue from Windsor Castle to the beautiful Copper Horse statue. With 78 percent of Indian travelers reporting that visiting historical places is a key motivation to travel*, a House of Windsor Self-Guided Audio Tour will help visitors explore off-the-beaten-track sites and monuments that make up the rich tapestry of Britain’s intriguing royal history. For travelers inspired to witness the royal celebrations themselves, Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals. Discounts start at 15 percent at participating properties indicated by the “Getaway Deal” badge, and are valid for stays with check-out on or before 28 September 2023. In addition, the platform is giving travelers around the world the keys to unlock a new level of additional perks with the introduction of a third tier to its Genius loyalty program. Designed to make every trip a better experience, its loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime – travelers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire. All travelers have to do is sign into their Booking.com account and look for the Genius logo to identify benefits, discounts and perks.

April 28, 2023

(IANSlife) 900 acres of untamed wilderness, Amangiri and Camp Sarika, located in Utah, offer front-row access to a world of adventure, discovery, and restful time out in America's beautiful red-rock region. They are surrounded by amazing rock formations and marbled canyons on the majestic Colorado Plateau.

The resort has selected new itineraries for 2023, each painstakingly crafted with a certain need-state in mind, allowing visitors to make the most of their time and guaranteeing an in-depth discovery of the exceptional place. The area is home to five national parks and other national monuments on the outskirts.

Discover Amangiri

Until 30 May 2023

Amangiri has designed a brand-new four-night itinerary that allows guests to thoroughly explore the resort's vast amenities and its alluring surroundings. The activity offers a unique and in-depth exploration of the numerous natural treasures on the property and in the surrounding area. A visit like no other with loved ones is made possible by the variety of land and sea activities, in-depth knowledge of Amangiri, abundant time in the Aman Spa, and the opportunity to indulge in wonderful cuisine in the restaurant. Visitors may make the most of their time at the resort and ensure that no area of the magnificent location is left unexplored because the Amangiri team has planned every excursion before their arrival.

Prices start from USD $5,500 per night, based on double occupancy and excluding taxes and fees, including airport transfers, full-board (excl. alcohol), a guided Can-Am adventure, a half-day boating or Sea-doo experience on Lake Powell, a 90-minute movement session (personal training, Pilates, or yoga) and a private dinner with a beverage credit of USD $150.

Time Together

Until1 December 2023 Camp Sarika provides the luxury and convenience of a private retreat with 10 one- and two-bedroom Pavilions, as well as a Main Pavilion featuring a restaurant, café, swimming pool with daybeds, and two spa rooms. The home is perfectly positioned to serve as a meeting place for friends or family, and the lovely setting makes it simple to explore the surrounding area with adventurous activities suitable for all ages. Camp Sarika caters to groups travelling together with a novel four-night stay that incorporates unique experiences, giving the impression of a resort within a resort. The customised programme provides the opportunity to rekindle relationships and make priceless memories with loved ones through adventure activities that provide an exhilarating exploration of the extensive environment around the property and exclusive craft classes.

Queensland Cricket’s inaugural Multination Cup a roaring success

India News Bureau, Brisbane, 1 May: Queensland Cricket was very proud and honoured to host the inaugural Multination Tapedball Cup featuring India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan and Diversity Legend team. The event was organised in association with Warehouse Cricket, Institute for Australia India Engagement, Australia India Business Council and Australia India News. It is noteworthy that the Multination Cup received a stellar support

from the Pakistan Australian Community Association, Bangladesh Association of Brisbane, Queensland Nepalese Cricket Association, Brisbane Super Kings, Brisbane Champions League and Afghan Cricket Association. It was a hard-fought tournament which saw some very exciting and close matches between these teams, but above all in a spirit of brotherhood, harmony and intercommunity cooperation. Cricket and multiculturalism triumphed on

a day when despite being public holiday community members and leaders participated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The inaugural cup was won by the Queensland Nepalese Cricket Association and the Diversity Legends multicultural team was the runners-up. What is interesting is that Queensland Cricket’s taped ball format has become very popular and more young dads and mums are embracing it, give the little risk of injury and investments it required

for cricket equipment. Eighta-side and 12 overs match is completed in one and a half hour, making it fast, entertaining and risk free. Queensland Cricket’s Project Manager Multicultural Engagement Dr Ashutosh Misra says, “Sports and cricket are powerful tools to build a cohesive, harmonious, multicultural, diverse, and an inclusive society. This was on display at Marchant Park, and it allows multicultural community to embrace cricket and create an environment in

which more and more boys and girls from the community take up cricket. The presentation ceremony featured Dr Ashutosh Misra, AIBC Queensland president Dr Nik Senapati, India News chairman Dr Ram Mohan, Queensland Cricket’s coordinator Liam Green, John ButterworthManager, Diversity and Inclusion, PACA President Syed Asghar Rizvi, BAB’s President Jishu Das, QNCA President Amit Lohni, Afghan Association’s Ali Husseini, BCL’s Kush Ghai among others.

Australia men’s team to host Pak, Windies in 2023/24 home summer; women’s side to face West Indies, SA

hugely important tour for the Proteas Women in Australia is welcomed news. I would like to thank Cricket Australia for their collaboration in helping make this substantial tour a "ea"ity."

Melbourne, May 14 (IANS)

Cricket Australia on Sunday released the schedule of 2023/24 international home summer for both men's and women's teams, comprising six Tests, nine ODIs and nine T20Is to be played at 11 venues across seven cities.

With the men's team set to be in India for the ICC ODI World Cup in October-November, Australia women's team, currently holding both T20 and ODI World Cups, will begin the home summer with a three-match T20I series on October 1, 2 and 5 against West Indies at North Sydney Oval and Brisbane, before a further three ODIs on October 8, 12, and 15 against the same opponent at Allan Border Field and in Melbourne.

After featuring in a highlyanticipated multi-format tour of India over December and January, the Australia women's team will be back to hosting duties through a multi-format series against South Africa begins late January with three T20Is (Jan 27, 28 and 30) and three ODI matches (Feb 3, 7 and 10) in Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide and Sydney before culminating in the historic inaugural Test meeting between the two teams at the WACA Ground in Perth from February 15-18.

The ODI series carries additional significance for both Australia and South Africa as they seek to earn crucial points in the ongoing ICC Women's Championship campaign (2022-25) which forms part of the qualification pathway for the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup to be held in Ind"a. "The confirmation of this

The trip 'Down Under', which is included in the first women's cricket Future Tours Programme (FTP), will present the Proteas with elite competition during a pivotal phase ahead of the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September, as the team continue its storied journey near the top of the wom"n'" game."

"Following the success of the recent Women's T20 World Cup held on home soil, it is without a doubt that the South African public and the global cricket fan at large is eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to witness world-class women's cricket and this tour goes a long way in deli"ering that," said Pholetsi Moseki, CSA Chief Executive.

On the other hand, the Australian men's team will remain in India immediately after the end of the ODI World Cup for a bilateral white-ball series before returning home to begin their three-match Test series against Pakistan from December 14-18 at the Perth Stadium. The two teams will face off in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30, followed by the third and final match will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7, 2024.

Pakistan have played 10 Tests at the MCG and eight at the SCG -- at both venues, they have won two matches each. In the lead-up to the series, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up to acclimatise to the conditions Down Under.

The Benaud-Qadir Trophy was launched in 2022 when Australia arrived in Pakistan after 16 years for a three-Test series. Pat Cummins' side bagged the first

iteration as they bagged the series 1-0 after defeating Pakistan in Lahore in the third and final Test. The summer's only pink-ball Test match will be the second Test match between Australia and West Indies at the Gabba from January 25-29, where the visitors last played in 2009, with the first Test to be played at Adelaide Oval from January 17-21. Another key factor in formulating the men's schedule, as per CA, was the West Indies' requirement to depart Australia by mid-February to meet their FTP commitments with Pakistan. Consequently, the three ODIs and three T20Is between Australia and West Indies have been scheduled for Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth from February 2-13 to round out the international schedule. Australia's men's team then travels to New Zealand for a series of two Tests and three T20Is, as per the FTP. "Cricket provides the sights and sounds of the summer and brings Australians together like no other sport and we can't wait to welcome fans to watch worldclass cricket next season."

"We look forward to West Indies, Pakistan and South Africa visiting our shores this summer and we thank them along with all our partners, including broadcasters, venues and local governments for their support in bringing world-class cricket to fans around the country," said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO. "We are delighted to be offering our most loyal fans the opportunity to secure the best seats at the best prices in our Australian Cricket Family pre-sale. We're also proud to be able to keep our entry-level ticket prices flat for the eighth consecutive season to ensure as many people as possible can experience and enjoy women's and men's international cricket," he concluded.

AFC Men’s Asian Cup: India to open campaign against Australia on January 13, 2024

Doha, May 12 (IANS) The Indian men's football team will open its campaign in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 against former champion Australia in Group B at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on January 13.

Asia's top 24 teams discovered their group stage fate at the Katara Opera House in Doha for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 on Thursday and will do battle at the Continental showpiece between January 12 to February 10, 2024.

Besides India and Australia, the other teams in Group B are Uzbekistan and Syria.

In their other Group B matches in the Asian Cup, India will take on Uzbekistan on January 18 and Syria on January 23.

The AFC and the LOC for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 confirmed

last month that the eagerly anticipated tournament will be staged across eight stadiums. Six of these were venues for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, setting the stage for the first-ever AFC Asian Cup to be played at World Cup venues.

Hosts for a record third time, defending champions Qatar will get Asia's most prestigious competition underway by facing Lebanon on January 12, 2024. The 68,895-capacity Al Bayt Stadium is set to witness an opening spectacle between the two West Asian teams, who have previously only met once in AFC Asian Cup history. It will be Qatar's 40th match in tournament history, while Lebanon will be playing in an opening match of an AFC Asian Cup for the first time.

The top FIFA-ranked team in

their respective Pots, Japan (Pot 1) and 2007 winners Iraq (Pot 2) are set for an exciting showdown when they meet for only the third time in AFC Asian Cup� history, the AFC said in a release on Friday.

Record four-time champions Japan got the better of Iraq in the quarterfinals in 2000 en route to winning their second Asian crown and this encounter on January 19 at the Education City Stadium might decide who finishes top of Group D.

Vietnam head coach Philippe Troussier, who led the Samurai Blue in that successful 2000 campaign, will also relish facing off against his former employers as he bids to orchestrate an upset with his current side on January 14 at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Maxwell came into the attack in the 10th over and got rid of RR's only hope Hetmyer and the host were struggling on 59/8 halfway through the chase.

Karn Sharma's double strikes in the 11th over put the last nail in the coffin and restricted the host to 59. He first cleaned up Adam Zampa on a googly. A delivery later he dismissed K.M. Asif and RCB secured a massive 112-run win.

Jaipur, May 14 (IANS) Riding high on a dominating bowling display Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) thumped Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a huge 112-run margin in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, here on Sunday, to keep their playoffs hopes alive. The win gave RCB crucial two points and they sit fifth on the table with 12 points and a healthy run rate of +0.166, with two matches to go.

For RCB, Wayne Parnell was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed three wickets with the likes of Michael Bracewell and Mohammad Siraj also bowling really well as RCB sealed a massive win.

After Faf du Plessis' composed innings of 55 off 44 and Glenn Maxwell's 54 off 33. Anuj Rawat's cameo of unbeaten 29 off 11 lifted RCB to a competitive 171/5 in 20 overs.

Then, the RCB bowlers, led by Wayne Parnell (3-10), came out all guns blazing as they reduced RR to 28-5 in the Power-play. The hosts never recovered from the early collapse as they were bowled out for 59 inside 11 overs.

Chasing 172, RR lost three quick wickets and were reduced to 7 for three in the first two overs.

Mohammad Siraj drew the first blood as he removed inform opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for the duck. In the next over Parnell struck twice to claim the wickets of Jos Buttler and skipper Sanju Samson.

Root and Devdutt Padikkal went for a couple of boundaries before Bracewell piled up more miseries, removing the Padikkal on a short ball in the fifth over. Then, Shimron Hetmyer started with a bang as he simply hit through the line and smoked it a long way over long-on for a maximum.

Parnell struck again and picked up his third, trapping Root lbw. Bracewell got his second wicket in the seventh over as he removed Dhruv Jurel and RR lost their sixth wicket with not even 50 runs on the scoreboard.

Then, Hetmyer did what he does best and smashed three backto-back maximums to Karn Sharma. The next ball, a bit of a mix-up in the middle resulted in Ravichandran Ashwin's run out, and RR were reduced to 50/7 in eight overs.

Earlier, opting to bat first, RCB had a modest start as RR bowlers kept the opening duo, skipper du Plessis and Kohli, at bay with their superb bowling -- just four boundaries coming in the first six overs and the visitors were 42 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay.

In the over after the Power-play, K.M. Asif provided a crucial breakthrough as Kohli completely failed to pick up his knuckleball and holed out for 18. But RCB continued to prosper as Glenn Maxwell upped the ante a bit with his big hits while du Plessis just kept the scoreboard ticking. RCB were 78/1 in 10 overs.

The Royals continued with a clinical bowling display as no boundary came in the next 19 balls before Maxwell smashed two successive boundaries to break the shackles.

In the next over, du Plessis brought up his seventh fifty of the season with an effortless six against Asif in the 15th over. But the pacer was quick to regroup as he removed the opener on the penultimate ball of the over. Zampa's double strike in the 16th over reduced RCB to 120/4. He first removed Mahipal Lomror and then trapped Dinesh Karthik. Maxwell completed his halfcentury in the next over. Soon after his fifty, he threw away his wicket while attempting a reverse sweep off the bowling of Sandeep Sharma.

Just when it looked like RCB will end up with an under-par score, Anuj Rawat's cameo put the visitors in the driving seat as he smashed Asif for back-to-back sixes followed by a boundary in the last over to finish things off sensationally for RCB.

Brief scores:

Royal Challengers Bangalore 171/5 in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 55, Glenn Maxwell 54, Anuj Rawat 29 not out; Adam Zampa 2-25, KM Asif 2-42) beat Rajasthan Royals 59 all out in 10.3 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 35; Wayne Parnell 3-10, Michael Bracewell 2-16) by 112 runs

Cisco eyes over $1 bn in exports, domestic production with India manufacturing

Met Gala 2023: Celebrating ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’

The theme for Met Gala 2023 is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” in remembrance of the life and career of the late fashion designer

May 2, 2023 (IANSlife) Once again, the Met Gala brings together the most prominent fashion figures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for its annual celebration of the opening of its new costume institute exhibition.

The theme for Met Gala 2023 is "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of

Beauty," in remembrance of the life and career of the late fashion designer. Along with creating clothing for his own label, Lagerfeld worked on projects for fashion labels including Chanel, Fendi, Balmain, and Chloé throughout his career.

Here are some of the best Met Gala 2023 outfits we've curated from the red carpet:

Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz, who was dressed in vintage Chanel bridal, revealed to Vogue that she first met Lagerfeld in 1999 and that they grew close after he made her a company ambassador. She said, "I loved him so much.

Doja Cat went all out for her first Met Gala, showing up in a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown and complete cat prosthetics.

Jenna Ortega wore a corset dress, small tulle pannier, cropped tweed jacket, and long coat in her deconstructed high-low Thom Browne ensemble.

Bad Bunny is sporting a rosepatterned stole and a backless cream suit.

Cardi B rocked two iconic couture outfits, including this one with a corset, gloves, and tie à la Lagerfeld.

In keeping with the Chanel brides who concluded Lagerfeld's couture presentations, Rihanna's white Valentino gown, which she paired with a white floral hooded coat, looked great on her.

Gigi Hadid arrived at the red carpet wearing a sensual Givenchy gown that was corseted, sheer, and fitted.

Kim

This year, Alia Bhatt attended her first Met Gala. The actress, who will soon make her Hollywood debut in Gal Gadot's Heart of Stone, was dressed in Prabal Gurung clothing for the momentous occasion. She was stunning in a floor-length white gown.

In a black off-the-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit, Priyanka looked stunning. She also donned a cape with frills. She accessorised with a diamond necklace and earring sets. Priyanka made a bun out of her hair. Nick praised her stylish black outfit.

In a specially designed Erdem gown created as an homage to Lagerfeld, Glenn Close added drama.

By Olivia Sarkar

Doja Cat

Jenna Ortega

Bad Bunny

Cardi B

Gigi Hadid

Rihanna

Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian & Kylie Jenner

Kardashian is wearing Schiaparelli, Kendall Jenner is wearing Marc Jacobs, and Kylie Jenner is wearing Haider Ackermann.

Jeremy Pope

A Balmain Cape with the visage of Lagerfeld was actor Jeremy Pope's obvious and imposing tribute to the fashion designer.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas

Alia Bhatt

Glenn Close

Want Soft Feet? These Simple Tricks Really Work

Achieving soft feet doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming

olive oil. To exfoliate your feet, simply rub the scrub onto your feet in circular motions, focusing on the heels, balls of your feet, and other rough areas. Rinse off the scrub with warm water, and pat your feet dry.

Soak Your Feet

How Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid help Ageing Gracefully

By IANSlife

May 4, 2023 (IANSlife) Having soft, smooth feet is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Not only does it look and feel better, but it can also help prevent foot pain and discomfort. However, achieving soft feet can be challenging, especially if you have dry, rough, or callused skin. Fortunately, there are several simple tricks you can try to help soften your feet and keep them healthy. In this article, Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies tells IANSlife five tricks to achieve the softest feet possible.

Exfoliate Regularly

One of the most effective ways to soften your feet is to exfoliate them regularly. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which can make your feet feel rough and dry. You can use a foot scrub or pumice stone to exfoliate your feet, or you can make your own foot scrub at home using ingredients like sugar, honey, and

Moisturize Daily

In addition to exfoliating, moisturizing your feet daily is essential for soft, healthy skin. Moisturizers help to hydrate and nourish your skin, preventing it from becoming dry and cracked. Look for a moisturizer specifically designed for feet, as these products tend to be thicker and more hydrating than regular body lotions. Apply the moisturizer after showering or before going to bed, and make sure to massage it into your feet thoroughly.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Wearing comfortable shoes is another important factor in achieving soft feet. Shoes that are too tight or don't provide enough support can cause friction and pressure on your feet, leading to calluses and rough skin. Look for shoes that fit properly and provide ample cushioning and support. Avoid high heels and shoes with narrow toe boxes, as these can also contribute to foot problems.

Soaking your feet in warm water is a great way to relax and soften your skin. You can add Epsom salt or essential oils like lavender oil to the water to help soothe sore feet and promote relaxation. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry and apply a moisturizer.

Use Foot Masks

Finally, using foot masks can be a fun and effective way to soften your feet. Foot masks are similar to face masks, but they're designed specifically for your feet. They typically contain ingredients like glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, and hyaluronic acid, which help to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Apply the foot mask to your feet, leave it on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse it off and apply a moisturizer.

Achieving soft feet doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. By following these five simple tricks, you can help keep your feet healthy and smooth. Remember to exfoliate regularly, moisturize daily, wear comfortable shoes, soak your feet, and try foot masks for an extra boost of hydration. With a little effort, you'll be on your way to having the softest feet possible.

8 essential tips for summer nail care

Dry, brittle, and prone to breakage nails due to heat and humidity

By Dr. Reema Arora

By IANSlife

May 4, 2023 (IANSlife) As the summer season approaches, it's important to take extra care of your nails, which can get dry, brittle, and prone to breakage due to heat and humidity.

Rajesh U. Pandya, Managing Director, of KAI India - gives some advice on how to take care of nails in summer:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Staying hydrated is key to keeping your nails healthy and strong. Drink plenty of water and include hydrating foods in your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries. You can also apply a moisturizing hand cream or nail oil to your nails and cuticles to

keep them hydrated. Wear gloves: When doing household chores like washing dishes or gardening, wear gloves to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and dirt. This will also help to prevent your nails from getting brittle and breaking. Avoid overexposure to the sun: While it's important to get some sun exposure to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, overexposure can be harmful to your nails. Too much sun can cause your nails to dry out, become discolored, or even crack. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands and nails whenever you're outside for extended periods of time.

Don't forget to exfoliate: Just like

your skin, your nails and cuticles can benefit from exfoliation. Use a gentle nail brush or an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and stimulate blood flow to your nails. This will also help to prevent ingrown nails and keep your cuticles looking healthy. Keep your nails short: Long nails may look glamorous, but they can be more prone to breakage and damage in the summer months. Keep your nails short and wellgroomed to prevent them from snagging or breaking. This will also make it easier to maintain good nail hygiene. Take a break from nail polish: While it's fun to wear nail polish, it's important to give your nails a break from time to time. Constantly wearing nail polish can weaken your nails and make them more prone to breakage. Give your nails a chance to breathe for a few days after regular intervals

By following these tips, you can keep your nails looking and feeling healthy all summer long. Remember to stay hydrated, protect your nails from the sun and chemicals, and choose safe nail products. With a little bit of care and attention, you can have strong and beautiful nails all year round.

May 06, 2023

(IANSlife)

Our bodies’ needs and capabilities change as we age, and our skin is no exception. Sometimes the skin may transform more rapidly than necessary, if certain factors are at play such as pollution, unhealthy habits, hormonal and metabolic change.The skin becomes thinner, developing your first fine lines and wrinkles. It also loses its radiance and elasticity; no longer appearing as supple as it once did. While these are natural processes, there are certain skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen that can actually reverse signs of ageing.

Role of hyaluronic acid and collagen

Both, hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen, have become a mainstay in cosmetics and skincaresupplements, injectables, and topical. These ingredients are critical to keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful, but they work in different ways. For instance: hyaluronic acid helps to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, in contrast, collagen helps to rebuild and strengthen the skin's connective tissues from within. Hyaluronic acid is a naturallyoccurring substance found in the human body. It’s present in large concentrations in the skin, where it helps keep the complexion hydrated and plump. In fact, hyaluronic acid is responsible for up to 30 percent of the skin’s natural moisturebinding ability, but its production depletes over time as you age. Similarly, collagen is a protein that your body naturally creates.

Like hyaluronic acid, as you age your body produces less of the protein. As collagen plays a role in strengthening skin and increasing elasticity and hydration, wrinkles develop when your body starts producing less. In recent years, people have started using hyaluronic acid and collagenenriched skincare products and supplements. But for longerlasting effect and better results, bio-remodelling is a practical choice.

Collagen and hyaluronic acid go together like best friends. They complement and support one another for maximal, effective benefits. Hailed as the breakthrough treatment for anti-

ageing, Profhilo, also synonymous with bio-remodelling, is the latest innovation in the field of aesthetic procedures. With one of the highest concentrations of ultrapure HA on the market, the treatment tackles antiageing directly from within the skin itself, stimulating collagen production and strengthening the support networks in the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, hyaluronic acid plays a key role in tissue regeneration, specifically in repairing skin, and has been found very effective in healing wounds. Rather than being a volumising filler or muscle relaxant, Profhilo can be seen as more of an advanced injectable moisturiser. Besides the face, Profhilo can also be injected into neck, hands and other areas with high skin laxity. Foods for boosting hyaluronic acid and collagen

The importance of nutrition is paramount, since we know that the skin is nourished from the inside. If you're not eating right, your skin will show it. While there are many approaches to eating healthy, certain foods are guaranteed to up your beauty game.

Adding bone broth, foods such as soy products, oranges, bell peppers, tomato, cashew, almonds, kale, beans, and sweet potatoes will provide nutrients that may naturally ramp up your body’s synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen and give you a healthier glow.

It is also important to reduce or cut out alcohol, coffee, foods and beverages high in sodium and sugars as they all contribute to systemic dehydration, which may show up as skin that looks dull and non-plump. Do your best to limit your intake of processed foods, and increase the intake of water to keep the skin hydrated. Using the right skin care ingredients, making a few lifestyle changes, and having patience can help your skin in aging gracefully and keeping it look its best through the years.A trustworthy dermatologist can help you create a personalised skin care plan by assessing your skin type, evaluating your skin's condition and recommending products and aesthetic procedures likely to be effective.

Revamped Avadh gallery to be tech-driven

while taking a tour of the gallery. New items to be added to the gallery include paintings of the Nawabi era, dioramas of monuments, musical instruments, and sculptures that will inform the visitor in detail about the history and rich culture and heritage of the Avadh region that included Lucknow and Ayodhya apart from other places. At the entrance, people will get information about the history and geography of the Avadh province.

100 sand radios made for 100th episode of PM’s ‘Mann

Ki Baat’

complete the sculpture.

"Earlier, I created a few sand sculptures on 'Mann ki Baat' on different occasions. Besides, sand sculpture on radio was also created on occasions like World Radio Day," Pattnaik said.

Lucknow, May 1 (IANS) The Avadh gallery at the State Museum, housed in the Lucknow Zoo campus, is being revamped, to provide people with a better insight into the rich culture and heritage of the region.

The renovated gallery, which will reopen in June, will be technology driven and is being renovated and redesigned by the Uttar Pradesh Awas Vikas Parishad with an estimated cost of Rs 1.8 crore.

The gallery was established 50 years ago with the objective of making make people aware of Avadh's culture and showcasing 120 objects in two halls.

The exhibits include clothes with chikan and zari embroidery worn

during the Nawabi era, bidri metalwork, and objects made of ivory and clay.

Museum director Anand Kumar Singh said: "Both the halls of the gallery will be technology driven and will have audio-visual presentations informing people about the exhibits and their history and relevance."

Besides the addition of new exhibits, old and worn-out ones will be replaced.

Visitors will be provided with mobile tablets fed with all information related to exhibits. These tablets will serve as digital guides as a person will be able to easily access the information about specific exhibits on display

Soon after entering the first hall, a visitor will find a portrait of Lord Ram and information about his rule followed by a section displaying the clothing items of the Nawabi era, metalwork, pottery, etc and a diorama of Rumi Darwaza.

The entrance of the second hall has been designed to appear as Lakhi Gate. Once inside the hall, one will find showcases with musical instruments of the Nawabi era on display followed by a section that will depict the Nawabi court scene with the help of life-size sculptures.

The woodwork and designer carvings on doors and jharokhas of the Nawabi era will also be on display.

At the end of the gallery, visitors will get information about the 1857 War of Independence in Awadh which will be displayed through infographics on posters and archival documents.

The first three books of the series ‘SHIMLA Investigators’ released

warm summers, and colorful autumn. Mystery tales come alive in the ambiance of high mountains, tall trees, winding hill tracks, and dark woods.

Vandana Bhagra, head of the Trust said, "We are excited about the co-authorship program. These stories of mystery, crime, and suspense will be set in contemporary times and will highlight the issues being faced by the young people today."

Bhubaneswar, April 29 (IANS)

Renowned sand artist Sudarsan

Pattnaik has created a sand sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with 100 radios to celebrate 100 episodes of "Mann ki Baat", at Odisha's Puri beach. Pattnaik has created the 8-ft high sand art to mark the feat by using about seven tonnes of sand.

He also created a sand sculpture of the Prime Minister with 100 sand radios. Students from his sand art school joined him to

Modi's flagship radio address, which aired for the first time on October 3, 2014, will complete 100 episodes on April 30.

So far, the Padma-winning artist has participated in more than 60 international sand art competitions and festivals around the world and won many prizes for our country.

He always tries to create awareness on different social issues through his sand art. His sand arts are appreciated by the UN, WHO and UN Environment.

Ayodhya to be painted with spiritual themes

Shimla, April 30 (IANS) Minakshi

Chaudhry, the celebrated author of over 20 books, including the bestselling 'Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills', has penned a new series of books for children and young adults.

The first three books of the series titled 'SHIMLA Investigators' was released here on Sunday.

The books were released by young readers on the occasion of the launch of Brews and Books, the first-of-its-kind private book cafe here.

"I am happy that the books were released by children who love to read. I am sure the series will be liked by the young and the old alike," Minakshi told IANS.

All three books, namely 'Murder on the Bicycle Trail', 'Scandal at Scandal Point' and 'A Treacherous

Beauty Pageant' are based on Shimla. The series features a team of six (two girls, three boys, and a monkey) who solve crimes, mysteries, and cases that even the police cannot crack.

Minakshi has also planned an exciting initiative with Keekli Charitable Trust. This new project titled Keekli's Angels is about a co-authorship and mentoring program for budding authors.

This joint initiative by Minakshi and Keekli Trust aims to groom children in the art of creative writing while giving them an opportunity to co-author a book.

Minakshi said Shimla, the Queen of Hills, and one of the main tourist attractions of the country, is the perfect setting for this series with snow-white winters, misty monsoons, fragrant spring,

Next three titles in the 'SHIMLA Investigators' series will be co-authored by Minakshi and selected young writers.

Minakshi has also written and curated coffee table books on Himachal.

She is the founder and President of SEWA Trust, which works in health, education, and the environment. Minakshi is also a motivational speaker and life coach.

She conducts personality development courses and runs a book club for children jointly with Keekli Charitable Trust.

Minakshi lauded the effort of the trust to launch a book cafe in Shimla. "I will be a regular here. Shimla, tea coffee, and books are the best combo one can have," she beamed.

Ayodhya, May 10 (IANS) The identity of Ayodhya as a spiritual city will be further reinforced when the facade, flyovers and walls of private and government buildings get painted with spiritual themes.

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has floated a competition for students and other individuals interested in providing the designs, art works and concepts for the major streets of the temple town. Officials said that once the entries are received, the process to shortlist and select the best design and art works will commence.

"While maintaining the overall theme of Ramayana, life of Lord Ram and history of Ayodhya (UP), the murals, sculptures, facade art and other elements being planned will incorporate modern artistic technique and styles," said vice-chairman of the ADA, Vishal Singh.

Cash rewards to the tune of Rs 10 lakh along with certificates are

going to be handed over to the winners.

The authority wants to give a complete makeover to enhance the experience of the pedestrians and commuters who take the four key arterial roads of the city once the Ram temple gets ready next year.

The four roads where facade control guidelines are also being implemented, will give a similar look and feel to the external walls of the buildings, shops and other structures including Ram Path, Janmabhoomi Path, Bhakti Path and Dharam Path.

The minimum width of the four roads would be 12 metres.

The four routes are expected to witness major movement of the tourists and pilgrims in the years to come and facade lighting and decorative elements are also going to be installed once the wall murals and art works are complete.

The murals will be in 3D form.

The defining trait of humanity, language is the bedrock of all its achievements, from social relations to culture to technology, due to its ability to convey meaning, reference objects, events, and ideas across time and space, and enable the propagation of knowledge.

However, in their diverse development and spread, languages can have complex challenges, especially for people seeking to ascertain their use, learn a new one, and or even understand how their language differs from another one, even when these are part of the same "language family".

Take Indo-European -- the world's most expansive though with around 450-odd languages, it is far behind the Niger-Congo/ Atlantic-Congo (1,400-1,500 odd languages across most of subSaharan Africa) and Austronesian (1,200-odd across Pacific Ocean islands and even Madagascar). However, even the IndoEuropean name is misleading -- it is found on all continents, beyond Europe, and even in India, there are two other prominent language families that span a considerable area.

But in diversity, it is stunning -- spanning from Icelandic to Sinhalese, and from Portuguese to Nepali, and containing at least six with the most speakers (Spanish, English, Portuguese, Hindi, Bengali, Russian). Yet, the differences between most of its

members, which, centuries back, was just one language -- ProtoIndo-European, is downright perplexing -- especially for those of us attuned to English.

Russian and Latin, along with some other non-Indo-European languages like Chinese and Japanese, lack articles such as a, an, or the, while Irish and Icelandic -- and non-IE Arabic -- have definite articles but no indefinite articles, while Scandinavian languages and Romanian have indefinite articles, but use suffixes for definite forms.

Then, while English -- and Armenian and Bengali -- have lost their noun genders, French, Swedish, Lithuanian, and Hindi still have them but reduced from three to two, while the Slavic sub-family (Russian, Czech, Polish, etc.) still has a complicated gender system by imposing on the inherited distinctions contrasts of animate vs inanimate or personal vs non personal.

Take the case system governing nouns and noun modifiers like determiners, adjectives, numerals, etc. -- English has only three and for pronouns -- subjective (he/she), objective (him/her), and possessive (his/ hers) or nominative, accusative and genitive as earlier known, while Hindi-Urdu has three for nouns (nominative, oblique, and vocative) and five for pronouns (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive, and oblique).

Proto-Indo-European, however, had eight, and so IE languages Marathi, Sanskrit, and Assamese -- and Mongolian (Monglic family), as well as Kannada, Tamil, Telugu (Dravidian family), while Armenian, Czech, Georgian,

Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Serbian, Croatian and Ukrainian (all IE) have seven, Bengali, Latin, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian at least six, Romanian and Ancient Greek five, German, Icelandic, Modern Greek, and Irish four, Arabic three, and Persian two.

Compare it with IE's neighboring Finno-Ugric family whose members like Hungarian have at least 18 cases and Finnish has 15. There are so many other differences in the declension of verbs (remember memorizing the different ends for I, you, they, and the plurals thereof), the syntax (the placing of subject, verb, object), and so many more aspects to bewilder the senses.

You have to be an expert linguist to make sense out of all this but even linguistics is a very specialized field and presupposes knowledge of differentiating between a voiceless alveolar trill and a voiced epiglottal affricate in consonants, or case of vowels, between close central unrounded and open-mid front compressed and the like. This is just words and it climbs up from there. However, there are a number of accessible books for those who seek to understand how languages develop and diverge. Let's see some half dozen of them

An engaging overview is offered in British classicist Simon Pulleyn's "The Secret Life of Language" (2018), which features a wealth of information but with simplicity, clarity, and wit.

He starts with the difference between communication and language and the changes in the human anatomy that made speech possible. Next up are

Walking through fog with author Anuja Chauhan

writing may be different too -sometimes a compelling theme, other times, a conflict," Chauhan tells IANS during the Sikkim Art and Literature Festival organized by the state government in collaboration with Teamwork Arts.

various constituents/features of a language. The various language families -- and their prominent members, and then the writing systems, the language ecology, covering dialects and language death.

A deeper, but still lucid, look is offered by American linguist John McWhorter, who, in "What Language Is (And What It Isn't and What It Could Be)" (2011) questions common assumptions about language, especially about its purity, provenance, and propriety -- and why written forms are not superior to spoken ones. Slightly dated but still incisive, Laurie Baker and Peter Trudgill's 'Language Myths' (1998), offers a gamut of scholars examining issues like comparison of languages on aesthetic or ease, whether media is ruining English, and do women really talk too much?

For an idiosyncratic look at various European languages, Dutch scholar Gaston Dorren's "Lingo: A Language Spotter's Guide to Europe" (2014) offers 60 vignettes on various languages, including 'exotic' ones like Breton, Sami, and Gagauz as well as their families. It, however, stresses it should not be taken as an encyclopedic as short portraits of some languages are interspersed with others focusing on some quirk or personality attached to it. From these, we find which present language is closest to ProtoIndo-European, why the 'mature' French has a mother fixation, why Spanish sounds like a machine gun, and why Norwegian is most democratic in nature.

After this, Dorren spreads his sights across the world. In 'Babel: Around the World in Twenty Languages' (2019), he gives an account of those with whom you can converse with three-quarters of the global population, but also how they reached their status and why they stand out. Starting with Vietnamese -- in fact, 14 of the 20 are Asian tongues (Chinese, Hindi/Urdu, and Arabic but also Javanese, Punjabi, Bengali, and Tamil -- all three trans-border), and one is African, each chapter starts with some facts about the language, how its alphabet or characters look like, how are its words formed, its grammar, the history of the language, and the people who speak it.

If you are interested in why languages rise to prominence -- regional or even global -- and then decline, British scholar Nicholas Ostler in 'The Last Lingua Franca: The Rise and Fall of World Languages' (2011) offers some engaging history in profiling the cases of Greek, Latin, Arabic, Sanskrit, Persian, some others, and finally English. Provocatively prophesying the fall of English too, he contends nothing will take its place with the rise of appropriate technology, especially machine translation (MT) technology.

ChatGPT and some other AI innovations now throw up more questions about humans and languages -- let's wait for experts to provide clarity.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)

Yuksam (Sikkim), May 10 (IANS)

A permanent gray envelopes everything around. Clouds, an arm's length away are doing somersaults on the mountains wearing thick greens. The light is tricky for a photo shoot, but author Anuja Chauhan is game -- like her writing, she believes in chance.

After all, every time she writes, it is an exercise to look through the fog."There may be silhouettes and mist around when you start, but then it slowly melts and you walk with the faith that there is something out there... Also, my process changes with different books. The 'reasons' for

Currently doing final edits on her upcoming book centering around a murder that takes place on Karva Chauth, the author makes it clear, it is not exactly a sequel to 'Club You to Death' as reported widely. The only common character is detective ACP Bhavani Singh. The book is set in Bangalore.

Some of Anuja Chauhan's previous bestselling novels include 'Those Pricey Thakur Girls',' Baaz', 'The Zoya Factor' and 'Battle for Bittora'. In fact,'Those Pricey Thakur Girls' is now a web series ('Dil Bekaraar') being streamed on Hotstar, and 'Baaz' has been taken by Yashraj and it could be a web series.

The author, who started her writing career with advertising

and continues to write for different genres stresses the same keeps her sharp. "I write a column for. major magazine as well because it's a different medium and I have to read the newspapers for that. And I write books as well of course. Advertising also shows up. It is like multi-training in the gym, doing new stuff to keep surprising the body for best results."

Someone who detests labels -- like being called a Chick Lit writer, Chauhan says it is sad that everything is being labeled. "There are labels on behavior too, the kinds that never existed before. Why dumb down things by labeling them? Yes, it may work for publishers, but it is not healthy," concludes the author who during her advertising days wrote lines like 'Yeh Dil Mange More' (Pepsi), 'Dar Ke Aage Jeet Hai' (Mountain Dew) and 'Tedha Hai Par Mera Hai' (Kurkure).

(Sukant Deepak can be contacted at sukant.d@ians.in)

Between food and the mouthidentity, history and religion

6-8) organized by the state government in collaboration with Teamwork Arts.

Yuksam (Sikkim), May 7 (IANS)

If we are what we eat, then what are we? This collection of essays, 'Turmeric Nation: A Passage

Through India's Tastes' (Speaking Tiger) looks at food through tradition, religion, history, habits, genetics, geography and habits by author Shylashri Shankar, a Delhi-based senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research serves as an assertion that it is only through hybridity and not uniformity that the true essence of India comes forth.

"And I actually feel very strongly about it. The fact that we are not uniform truly defines us, and this holds true for our food culture as well," Shankar tells IANS at the ongoing first edition of Sikkim Art and Literature Festival (May

While the country may have been subjected to several conquests in the past, she feels none of them completely flattened the way of life here but surely adopted several cultural aspects of this land. Citing the examples of Mughals, who introduced spices in their food after coming in contact with local food here, and developed many new recipes she adds, "By the way, it is Muglai food that is known as Indian food abroad. It is incorrect to talk about the notion of food without taking into account the way it incorporates so many different meanings and makes it is own -- that is where the taste comes from."

(Sukant Deepak can be contacted at sukant.d@ians.in)

Linguistic curiosities: How languages are humanity’s most perplexing achievement

WhatsApp working on broadcast channel conversation along with 12 new features

implementing numerous channel features in order to provide users with the best possible experience once channels are released.

Indian-origin Dylan Jadeja to become Riot Games CEO

use and making it easier for users to understand and manage channels.

San Francisco, May 13 (IANS)

Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly working on a broadcast channel conversation on Android, including 12 new features.

The ability to view channels is under development and it will be available to beta testers in a future update of the app, according to WABetaInfo.

The company is working on

The features include full-width messaging interface in the conversation, verification status, number of followers, mute notification button, handles, real followers count, shortcuts, channel description, mute notification toggle, visibility status, privacy, and reporting, the report said.

Moreover, the report said that the features also showcase the company's commitment to ensuring that users have a large set of features to explore and

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature called 'admin review' on Android, which will provide group admins with tools to help them better moderate their groups. When the feature is enabled, group members will be able to report specific messages to the group admin. If an admin believes that a message is inappropriate or violates the rules of the group, it may choose to delete it for everyone in the group when a member reports it.

Samsung faces serious competitor in fast growing foldable phone market

with the largest 4,821 mAh battery to date in a foldable, larger than Samsung's 4,400 mAh battery. So it is, naturally, slightly heavier than Samsung's phone: 283 grams versus 263 grams.

While Samsung is facing a tougher race in the foldable segment, more competition also means a bigger and more creative ecosystem and wider market adoption.

San Francisco, May 13 (IANS) Riot Games, the developer behind smash-hit video games like 'League of Legends' and 'Valorant,' has appointed India-origin A.Dylan Jadeja as the company's new chief executing officer (CEO).

"We're proud to announce that our current global president, A.Dylan Jadeja will become our next CEO later this year," said Riot Games. Dylan will succeed the company's current CEO Nicolo Laurent, who has spent the past 14 years in leadership roles at Riot, including six as CEO. He first joined Riot in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and

added Chief Operating Officer (COO) to his role in 2014. The CEO transition from Nicolo to Dylan will take place over the coming months and should be completed by the end of 2023, after which Nicolo will stay with Riot in an advisory role, the company said.

When the company's founders transitioned to co-chair roles in 2017, Dylan was named President of Riot and has been one of the key leaders in crafting Riot's strategy and driving its culture forward.

"I've been here for more than 12 years, and in many ways, Riot is my home; a home I'm deeply invested in, fiercely protective of, and grateful for every single day," said Jadeja in a message to Rioters.

"As CEO, it is fair to assume that I may do some things differently than those before me, but I want to assure you that the goal for us -- together -- will not waver," he added.

New AI model may soon help doctors diagnose heart attacks accurately

Seoul, May 13 (IANS) For the past few years, Samsung Electronics has been the dominant player in the global foldable smartphone market, where early tech adopters have lugged around small tabletsized phones in exchange for creative dual screen use.

Now, the South Korean tech giant is facing its most serious competitor yet -- Google.

The company unveiled the muchanticipated Pixel Fold, its first

foldable smartphone, during its annual developer conference this week. The phone is available for preorder now and will begin shipping next month, Google said.

One of the biggest appeals of the $1,799 Pixel Fold is its thickness. It is slightly slimmer than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4: 12.1 millimeters versus 15.8 mm, reports Yonhap news agency.

Fitted with a 7.6-inch screen when open, the phone comes

For its first foldable phone, Google optimised more than 50 of its own applications for Pixel Fold's larger display. It also promised to continue its efforts on that front, as part of efforts to encourage other app developers to do the same.

Samsung aims to raise the portion of foldable phones, which were first introduced in 2019, to half of its total smartphone sales by 2025, and to make them another pillar of the company alongside the Galaxy S flagship series and a key category in the premium segment.

Google with Taito working on AR Space Invaders game

TAITO are partnering to launch SPACE INVADERS: World Defense, 45 years after the original game's release. Launching later this summer, this immersive AR game transforms your city into a virtual playground."

London, May 12 (IANS) The UK researchers have developed a novel algorithm based on artificial intelligence (AI) that may one day help doctors diagnose heart attacks quickly and with precision.

intelligence to support clinical decisions has enormous potential to improve care for patients and efficiency in our busy Emergency Departments," Mills noted.

San Francisco, May 13 (IANS)

Google has announced that it is working on a new augmented reality version of the arcade classic Space Invaders game with Japanese video game company Taito.

The tech giant announced on Twitter via its Google AR & VR account, saying, "Google and @

Space Invaders: World Defense will use Google tools such as ARCore and the recently announced Geospatial Creator, which will let AR Space Invaders aliens fly around real-world locations.

"Powered by the ARCore Geospatial API and the Streetscape Geometry API, the game combines AR and 3D for customisable gameplay based on your location, nearby landmarks,

time, and weather," the company said.

Both Google and Taito also released a promotional video of the game that is fairly vague, implying that more information will be released as the game progresses. Meanwhile, Google has introduced "Project Gameface" -- a new open-source hands-free gaming mouse that enables users to control a computer's cursor using their head movement and facial gestures. People can raise their eyebrows to click and drag or open their mouths to move the cursor, making it possible for anyone to pursue gaming.

According to researchers from the University of Edinburgh, the new algorithm, called CoDE-ACS, was able to rule out a heart attack in more than double the number of patients, with an accuracy of 99.6 per cent in comparison to current testing methods.

CoDE-ACS may also greatly help in reducing hospital admissions and rapidly identify patients that are safe to go home. The findings are published in the journal Nature Medicine.

"For patients with acute chest pain due to a heart attack, early diagnosis and treatment saves lives," said Prof. Nicholas Mills, who led the research.

"Unfortunately, many conditions cause these common symptoms, and the diagnosis is not always straightforward.

"Harnessing data and artificial

In addition to ruling out heart attacks, CoDE-ACS could also help doctors identify those whose abnormal troponin (protein released into the bloodstream during a heart attack) levels were due to a heart attack rather than another condition.

"Chest pain is one of the most common reasons that people present to emergency departments," said Prof. Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director of the British Heart Foundation.

"Every day, doctors around the world face the challenge of separating patients whose pain is due to a heart attack from those whose pain is due to something less serious," he added.

CoDE-ACS was developed using data from 10,038 patients in Scotland who had arrived at hospital with a suspected heart attack.

TIGER 3

RELEASE DATE: Diwali 2023

LANGUAGE: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: Yash Raj Films

DIRECTOR: Maneesh Sharma

CAST: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Emraan Hashmi

DUNKI

RELEASE DATE: 22 December 2023

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

DIRECTOR: Rajkumar Hirani

CAST: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu

PIPPA

RELEASE DATE: TBA

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)

PRODUCER: RSVP, Roy Kapur

Films

DIRECTOR: Raja Krishna Menon

SYNOPSIS: About Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta of the 45th Cavalry tank squadron who fought on the eastern front during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 along with his siblings.

JAWAN

RELEASE DATE: 2 June 2023

LANGUAGE: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada (With English Subtitles)

DIRECTOR: Atlee Kumar

CAST: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Yogi Babu

Shubman Gill lends voice to ‘Indian Spider-Man’ Pavitr Prabhakar

the voice of our Indian SpiderMan, Pavitr Prabhakar, in Hindi and Punjabi languages was such a remarkable experience for me. Already, I feel superhuman. I am eagerly anticipating the release of this movie."

Shony Panjikaran, General Manager and Head of Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) India, said: "June 2 will indeed be a momentous occasion for all Spider-Man fans across the country, and we are sure that everyone will shower the same love on this film as they did on 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'."

Priyanka balked at ‘sloppy kissing scene’ with random person on ‘Love Again’ set

Cricketer Shubman Gill has lent his voice for the Hindi and Punjabi versions of the SpiderMan, Pavitr Prabhakar. The Hindi and Punjabi versions of the film will have Gill's voice. He became the first sports personality to lend his voice to any film.

Speaking about lending his voice to the 'Indian Spider-Man', Pavitr Prabhakar, Shubman said: "I have grown up watching Spider-Man, and he is one of the most relatable superheroes."

"Since the movie will be debuting the Indian Spider-Man for the first time on screen, getting to be

"We are so excited to collaborate with Shubman Gill, as he's not only a youth icon but also a true hero, having represented our country so well in international cricket while enthralling millions of fans with his onground heroics." Setting another milestone, Sony Pictures Entertainment India releases 'Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse' in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali on 2nd June 2023, only in Cinemas.

IFFM kicks off My Melbourne project with Onir’s film based on sexuality

country initiative has been taken to bridge cultural ties and bring the two communities together using the medium of cinema. The films of My Melbourne are based on diversity and are focused on bringing forth talent locally from Melbourne and I can vouch that there are such incredible local talents waiting to be discovered and this project has done just that."

"My film tells one such story of an integral part of diversity, bringing forth a warm story of a father trying to rebond with his gay son. It was a great experience to work and collaborate with talent from Melbourne. I am glad that Film Victoria and Mitu Bhowmick Lange have taken this step to celebrate cinema and diversity."

Mitu Bhowmik Lange, director of the festival, said: "The key idea was to provide a platform to emerging creatives from diverse marginalised backgrounds from various walks and abilities of Australia, mentored by some of the Worlds best film makers."

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas refused to do a "sloppy kissing scene" with a random person on the set of 'Love Again'. The actress plays a woman struggling to cope with the death of her fiance and finding love again with a journalist played by Sam Heughan but was left feeling uncomfortable when the script called for her to kiss another character because it was shot when social distancing was encouraged at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and ended up roping real-life husband Nick Jonas in to film the cameo role, reports aceshowbiz.com.

people that you could depend on and get along with."

"But the director and I were talking at dinner about, 'Oh, my gosh, there's a slow, sloppy kiss written into the scene.' And I was saying, 'Ugh.'

During COVID, kissing a random person sounded very aggressive. And he was like, 'What if we ask Nick since he's here anyway?' "

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne wrapped up the much anticipated shooting of the first film out of four films under the 'My Melbourne Project'.

The film, which is yet to be named, is co-directed by Onir and William Duan.

It stars Arka Das, Mouli Ganguly, and Jackson Gallagher. The film was shot in five days and

the story is based on grief and forgiveness.

The film follows the reunion of a queer Indian man, Indraneel, played by Arka, and his father, Mihir, played by Mouli, after many years of estrangement.

Onir said: "I am happy to be a part of My Melbourne as it is a unique and special film. It's the first time such a unique cross-

"Its a anthology of four stories weaved into one feature film called My Melbourne based on authentic migrant experiences. We cannot be what we cannot see."

IFFM is one of the biggest film festivals abroad, which is in association with the Australian Government.

"We totally (hit if off). He's such a fun and funny guy, and he's nice. For someone who's a Sam fan, they'd be re- ally excited to know that he doesn't just play a good guy in this movie, he's a really, really good guy, a complete gentleman and super thoughtful as a co-actor as well," Priyanka - who also stars alongside superstar Celine Dion in the movie - told Parade magazine.

"It was a trying time for all of us as actors coming onto this movie but we all had each other and that was really cool. We could hang out. Sam, me, Sofia [Barclay], and the rest of the cast, we used to all hang out together, grab meals, because we just had each other. It was just very great to be able to have

The 'Citadel' actress went on to add that her husband Nick Jonas had accompanied her to the London-based shoot of "Love Again" anyway and ended up having the "funniest day" on set with him and the rest of the team. She said, "Nick had travelled to London because it was one of the first times I was travelling during COVID and he wanted to make sure to get me settled in.

So, he just happened to be there. We asked him and he was an amazing sport about it."

"He did the scene, and it was the funniest day on set. I cannot even begin to tell you; it was just a giggle fest. Everyone was just laughing. He was doing something which is the opposite of who we are, so it was just hilarious.

I'm really glad Nick came to drop me off in London."

"Love Again" is slated to hit cinemas on May 9.

‘Super nervous’ Arjun Rampal makes Telugu debut with Nandamuri Balakrishna’s ‘NBK108’

Arjun and the film's director Anil Ravipudi are seen talking. Sharing the clip, he wrote: "Making my South Debut with team NBK108. Feel super nervous and excited. I promise you all this is going to be one mad ride with lots of fun. Thank you for having me. Team #NBK108 welcomes the talented National Award winning actor @rampal72 on board as the antagonist.

Rajkummar Rao to co-host IIFA Rocks 2023 in Abu Dhabi

the upcoming IIFA Rocks 2023 in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The two-day event will begin on May 26 and on May 27 will have the main IIFA Award event.

The actor will be seen playing an antagonist in the movie.

On Wednesday, the actor took to Instagram and shared the announcement video, where

Arjun also shared a poster and wrote: "It begins a new journey, onto a new territory, excited, nervous, ready to explore. There is a good feeling. Need all your support, love and blessings. Team #NBK108."

The movie also stars Sreeleela and Kajal Aggarwal. Other details are still under wraps.

Priyanka lands in Delhi for ParineetiRaghav engagement ceremony

Kapurthala House, where the ceremony is taking place at 5 p.m. Unlike other occasions, she was not accompanied by her husband Nick Jonas, with whom she most recently grabbed a lot of attention on the Met Gala red carpet, or her daughter Malti Marie.

Priyanka, of course, has been coming regularly to India, first for the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre's three-day inauguration gala and then for promotions of the sci-fi thriller series 'Citadel' with co-star Richard Madden.

named Radheshyam Makhanlal Seksaria in 1950, but it was later requisitioned by the Government of India.

Ahead of her engagement, Parineeti's apartment in the Bandra area of Mumbai has been lit up with fairy lights. A video shared by the celebrity photographer Viral Bhayani shows Parineeti's apartment in a Bandra highrise brightly lit up for the special occasion.

IIFA Rocks highlights the music and fashion of Indian cinema. The event will have some of the best actors coming together and performing on top Bollywood numbers for a fun-filled event. On the work front, Rao will be next seen in 'Stree 2'. He will also be seen with Jahnvi Kapoor in 'Mr & Mrs Mahi' which is directed by Sharan Sharma.

Sonakshi learnt biking for ‘Dahaad’: Even now I step out for night rides

Even as the entire nation was glued to the Karnataka election results, the arrival of Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Saturday for her sister Parineeti's engagement with AAP leader Raghav Chadha drew a phalanx of press photographers and TV camera persons to the VIP area of Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Sporting a golf cap and dark shades, and lightly dressed in a beige sporty ensemble, Priyanka came out of the airport and headed straight for, presumably,

The engagement ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. with the chanting of the Sukhmani Sahib from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, which will be followed by the 'ardas' or the holy prayer. It is expected to be attended by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, and Bollywood personalities as well.

Kapurthala House is now the official residence of the Governor and Chief Minister of Punjab whenever they are in the city. It was last occupied by Maharaja

Paramjit Singh of Kapurthala, who sold it to a businessman

Rumours that Raghav and Parineeti were dating picked up last month when the two were pictured together in London and then in Mumbai. The two have been spotted together several times - at the Mumbai airport or coming out of restaurants.

On the work front, meanwhile, Parineeti will be seen sharing the screen with Diljit Dosanjh in the Imtiaz Ali film 'Chamkila'. The film is said to be inspired by popular Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila, who was assassinated in the 1980s.

It is believed that the couple got close to each other during the film unit's long stay in Punjab for the 'Chamkila' shoot.

Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan join forces for supernatural thriller film

will be directed by Vikas Bahl, who directed the National Award winning film 'Queen'.

The film is currently in the pre-production stage and will go on floors next month. It will be extensively shot in Mumbai, Mussoorie and London.

For the film Ajay, who is also producing the film, has teamed up with 'Drishyam 2' producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and

Abhishek Pathak. The film is being produced under the banner of Ajay Devgn Ffilm and Panorama Studios.

Ajay's last film 'Bholaa' grossed Rs 112 crore worldwide as per trade experts. Prior to that 'Drishyam 2' registered a monumental success collecting Rs 345 crore worldwide.

Sonakshi Sinha, who is gearing up for her OTT debut with 'Dahaad', learnt biking for the thriller series. The Bollywood actress says riding has become her passion and even now she steps out for night rides.

Portraying the role of a super cop, Sonakshi nailed the look. According to the sources from the set, the actress learnt how to ride the bike during the shoot and in no time she became pro. Her dedication to the role was such that she was able to ride the bike better than her body double on the sets, impressing even the director, Reema Kagti. Talking about her love for biking, the real and unapologetic actress shared, "I think I was born to do this role, as an actor we all want to do something beyond our limits and this role demanded the same from me.

I had to go through a lot of preps for the role and riding the bike was one of them which was such a

fun experience."

Sonakshi's passion for biking did not stop there - post the wrap up of the shoot she gifted herself a bike and since then has made it a part of her lifestyle and often goes for bike nights with her friends.

"Once I gained the skill to ride, there was no stopping for me, riding became a passion for me and it continued even after the shoot. Even now I step out for night rides often and my mother gets really worried, but I love every bit of it," she added.

'Dahaad' has been created by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, and is directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi.

The upcoming series is slated to release on Amazon Prime Video on May 12.

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao will be seen co-hosting

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal is all set to mark debut in the south with his maiden Telugu film with Nandamuri Balakrishna's upcoming film 'NBK108'.

Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn and '3 Idiots' star R. Madhavan will be sharing the screen in the upcoming supernatural thriller film. The yet-to-be-titled film