NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is R.S RAGHU and with me is NISHIT KUMAR bringing glimpses of the major developments of the day from across the globe. Over the next half an hour, we shall bring you the latest from the world of politics, economy, sports, entertainment and more.

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THE HEADLINES::

⦁ Indian Prime Narendra Modi to participate in Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24th May; bilateral meetings with Quad leaders also on the agenda.

⦁ Nikhat Zarin wins Gold medal at World Boxing Championship in Istanbul  

⦁ India is emerging as a country from software to space and is ready for a new future, says Prime Minister Modi.

⦁ New Delhi says BRICS nations must display zero tolerance for terrorism, especially cross border terrorism.

⦁ India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

⦁ Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur stresses on India's ability to become content hub of world and preferred destination for post-production hub of films.

⦁ Turkey tells allies that it will reject Sweden and Finland's membership to NATO, amid US President Joe Biden meeting with Swedish and Finnish leaders.

⦁ United States has no legal authority to seize Russian central bank assets says US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

⦁ Indian men's compound team stuns hosts South Korea to enter Archery World Cup stage 2 final; Women's team win bronze.

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PM-QUAD

Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi will participate in the Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24th of this month at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will participate in the summit. Briefing media in New Delhi on Thursday, External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Arindam Bagchi said, the summit in Tokyo is the fourth interaction of Quad Leaders.

The Spokesman said, the forthcoming Quad Summit provides an opportunity to the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review progress of Quad Initiatives and Working Groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaborations.

Mr. Bagchi said Prime Minister Modi will have a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart and participate in business events.

The Spokesman said that the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden and exchange views on  regional and global issues.

Mr Modi is also likely to hold bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart. Elections are scheduled to be held in Australia on the 21st of this month.

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PM YUVA SHIVIR  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is the new hope of the world today amidst the global turmoil. Addressing the Yuva Shivir in Vadodara, Gujarat through video conferencing, Mr Modi said that today we are taking a collective resolve for making efforts to build a new India. He said that the world is looking towards India with a new hope for a peace in the midst of global unrest and conflicts. He said that a new India is with new identity and forward-looking with ancient traditions. He said that such a new India should give direction to the entire mankind.

Mr. Modi said that we are showing the path of Yoga and the power of Ayurveda to the entire humanity.

 He said that we are emerging as a nation looking forward to a new future from software to space. Mr. Modi said that from delivering vaccines and medicines to the world in the midst of the Corona crisis, we have created hope of a self-reliant India amidst scattered supply chains.

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 PREZ VISIT- SVG

President Ramnath Kovind met Governor General of Saint Vincent and Grenadines Ms Dame Susan Dougan on the second day of his visit to the Caribbean nation on Thursday. They discussed strengthening cooperation in the fields of IT, health, education, tourism, culture and in the multilateral fora. The two sides also signed  MoUs on 'exchange of information and assistance in collection of taxes' and on  Refurbishment of old Calder Community project'. President Kovind also visited the botanical garden where he planted a sandalwood sapling and attended cultural performances.

Later in the day President Kovind addressed the Parliament of Saint Vincent and Grenadines. President Kovind said, to tackle the complex issues of today, the new world order that we seek to build, is to be an inclusive world order, where every country can express its legitimate interests. He said, the need of the hour is reform of global institutions, with the UN Security Council at its core, to reflect the contemporary global reality. He noted that on this issue, India and St. Vincent and the Grenadines share common interest, approach and understanding.  

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JAISHANKAR-CHINA-BRICS

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday. He highlighted eight key points during the meeting. Dr Jaishankar said, we must not only seek socio-economic recovery from the COVID pandemic, but also create resilient and reliable supply chains. He said, knock-on effects of the Ukraine conflict have led to sharp increases in the costs of energy, food and commodities and this must be mitigated for the sake of the developing world.

The External Affairs Minister said, the BRICS has repeatedly affirmed respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity and international law and we must live up to these commitments. He said, BRICS should unanimously and specifically support UN Security Council reform. Dr Jaishankar said, together, we should press for credible commitment of resources by developed nations for climate action and climate justice. He said, BRICS must display zero tolerance for terrorism, especially cross border terrorism.

The External Affairs Minister said, a globalized and digitized world will give due regard to trust and transparency. He said, Sustainable Development Goals must be approached in a comprehensive manner.

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INDIA FOOD

India has expressed concern over global food insecurity and underlined the need of collective work to alleviate sufferings of most affected. Addressing a high level ministerial meeting on Global Food Security Call to action in New York, Minister of state for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia-Ukraine have impacted the developing countries, with spiralling energy and commodity prices and disruption in global logistical supply chains.

Mr Muraleedharan pointed citing the Global Report on Food Crises 2022, said that 139 million people had suffered across the world from conflict-induced acute food insecurity. He said, India will play its due role in advancing global food security, in which it will uphold equity, display compassion and promote social justice.

In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India is donating 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the people of Afghanistan. He said, India has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar, including a grant of 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat. The Minister said India is also assisting Sri Lanka including with food assistance, during these difficult times.

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MEA-AFGHANISTAN

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said, India has continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, particularly supplies of wheat, medicines and vaccines. Replying to a query on reopening of Indian Embassy in Kabul, Ministry Spokesman Arindam Bagchi said that following deterioration in security situation in Kabul, the Ministry had to relocate all India-based personnel.

On food security, the Spokesman said, there has been an unjustified hike in the food prices. He said, India is committed to ensuring that such adverse impact on food security is effectively mitigated and the vulnerable are cushioned against such changes. He pointed out that India announced some measures regarding wheat export on 13th of May which allow export on the basis of approvals to those country who needed to meet their food security demands. He said, this policy will ensure that India truly responds to those who are in need. Mr Bagchi said, it is necessary to adequately appreciate the importance of equity, affordability and accessibility of food grains. He said, India has always been supportive and helped its partners in distress even during COVID. He said, India's measures on wheat exports should be seen from that context.

Replying to a query on US Special Envoy Uzra Zeya's visit, Mr Bagchi said she met senior officials of the Indian Government. He added that discussions focused on global and regional issues of mutual interest. Both sides also discussed follow-up to the Prime Minister's participation in the Summit for Democracy in December last year that was hosted by US President Joe Biden.

On reports of another Chinese bridge at Pangong Lake, the Spokesman said, the situation is being monitored and talks are on with the Chinese side.

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ANURAG THAKUR-CANNES

Now news about India at Cnnes Film Festival.  

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur stressed that India has the ability to become content Hub continent of the world and preferred destination for post-production hubs of films. He said the government policies are aimed at boosting India's media and entertainment ecosystem which is expected to generate 53 billion dollars annually.  

Speaking during the India Forum on India-The Content Hub of the World, Mr. Thakur said, Indian cinema has been entertaining not only the Indians but global viewers also. He said, India's journey has been beautifully captured by the Cinema and India cinema has played crucial role and portrayed country's fight for independence.

Mr Thakur said, the Indian media and entertainment sector is a significant contributor in economy and also showcase country's soft power at global level. He said, the government has taken several initiatives in the last eight years to boost co-production and film shoots in the country.  

The Minister said, the government has set up the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comic (AVGC) task force comprising of the industry leaders to prepare a policy roadmap for India to take up a quantum leap in this sector. He said, steps have been taken to preserve the cinematic heritage of the country through digitization. He said, there is a huge potential lies in the OTT market and the country is expected to grow at 21 per cent annually in this sector.

During the panel discussion, Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification and veteran lyricists Prasoon Joshi, actor and director R Madhavan, filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor, Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Apurva Chandra among other were present.

Mr. Shekhar Kapur spoke about the effect of access to cheap broadband and mobile devices having a disruptive effect on movie industry.

He said that India is about to become the world’s biggest ‘influencer economy’ and that cinema will soon be redefined by the young film makers.

Adding on the comment of  actor Kapur, lyricist Prasoon Joshi  said India is a pool of restless dreams, dreams that are restless to make it big, of looking forward.

Mr. Scott Roxborough said the style of Indian storytelling needs a lot more to become appealing to the world market. Mr  Apurva Chandra contested the notion by Mr. Scott Roxborough by citing movies like Lunchbox, Mr and Mrs Iyer and Rocketry that are typically Indian in their story but have resonated with audience across the world.

He further reiterated the incentives announced by the Government of India for film makers from across the world.

R. Madhavan commented on how India has so much to tell the world in the field of science and technology and the cinema world must explore this idea. From Aryabhatta to Sundar Pichai India has extraordinary stories which are aspirations of youngsters around the world.

With Bhupendra's report, this is Saaira Mujtaba for World News, All India Radio.

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CANNES-MARATHI FILMS

A Maharashtra delegation led by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Amit Deshmukh is reaching in Cannes tonigh to participate in the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.Mr Deshmukh said that it is a proud movement for Marathi film world that three Marathi films ‘Potra’, ‘Karkhanisanchi Wari’ and ‘Ticha Shahar Hona’ have been selected for the Cannes International Festival. He further said that the delegation is attending this festival with the aim of attracting international film audiances towards Marathi films, increasing the importance of filming and tourist destinations in the country and attracting international film producers to invest in Indian cinema. The representatives of selected Marathi films are also participating in this festival.

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ANURAG-SAINT TROPEZ

India's Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur paid floral tributes to Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Princess Bannu Pan Dei in Saint Tropez. He visited the Allard Square in Saint Tropez, a coastal town on the French Riviera.

Maharani Bannu Pan Dei was born in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Thakur said the India connect of Saint Tropez has not been lost even after four generations. He said, the family of Maharani is immensely respected in Saint Tropez and the family has preserved its Indian roots.

The Minister invited the Mayor of Saint Tropez Sylvie Siri and the Deputy Mayor Allard Frederic to International Film Festival of India in Goa to witness the gala festival.

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TURKEY-NATO

Turkey has told allies that it will reject Sweden and Finland's membership to NATO. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in a video posted on his Twitter account on Thursday. Finland and Sweden formally applied on Wednesday to join U.S.-led NATO, a decision spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Turkey's objections have come as a surprise to the other members of the alliance.

The Turkish President said Sweden and Finland harbour and finance "terrorists" and supply them with weapons. He repeated Ankara's accusation that the countries supports groups that it deems terrorists, namely the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group and Syrian Kurdish YPG, which it also views as a terrorist group closely tied to the PKK. Erdogan   said that the NATO is a security alliance and he cannot accept terrorists to be in it.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden met the leaders of Sweden and Finland on Thursday to advance their applications to join the NATO military alliance, as Turkey repeated its opposition to the move.

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US-RUSSIA ASSETS

United States does not have legal authority to seize Russian central bank assets frozen due to its invasion of Ukraine. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said this in Bonn on Wednesday. She said talks with US partners over ways to make Russia foot the bill for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction are starting. Yellen also said it is likely that the special license granted to allow Russia to make payments to its US bondholders would not be extended when it expires next week, leaving Russian officials a fast-narrowing window to avoid its first external debt default since the 1917 Russian revolution. Russia’s military action in Ukraine is the central agenda item at this week’s gathering of Group of Seven finance ministers. Yellen is calling for increased financial support for the war-torn country, which the World Bank estimates is suffering four billion dollars in weekly physical damage. Yellen told reporters ahead of this week’s meetings.

Some European officials have advocated that the EU, the United States and other allies seize some 300 billion dollars in Russian central bank foreign currency assets frozen by sanctions. The assets are held abroad, but remain under Russian ownership.

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ITALY-RUSSIA

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi called on Thursday for an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine to enable a negotiated end to the war. He said Italy would continue supporting Kyiv, without ruling out the supply of weapons.

Mr Draghi has taken a hard line against Russia since its military action in Ukraine on February 24.

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IBA-WOMEN'S BOXING:

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen clinched the gold medal at the 12th edition of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships after registering a dominating 5-0 victory in Istanbul on Thursday. She thrashed Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas without breaking a sweat in the 52kg final with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28 in the Indian’s favour.

Nikhat became the only fifth Indian woman to secure gold medal at the World Boxing Championships after record six-time champion Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny RL  and Lekha KC. It is also India’s first gold medal since boxing great Mary Kom won it in 2018.

With Manisha in 57 kg and Parveen in 63 kg signing off with bronze medals after their semi-finals finish, Indian contingent concluded its campaign with three medals at the world’s biggest boxing event. The event witnessed exciting competition in presence of record 310 boxers from 73 countries. It also marked the 20th anniversary of the Women’s World Championships.

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ARCHERY:

The Indian men's compound team of Abhishek Verma, Aman Saini, and Rajat Chauhan stunned the South Korean team to reach the final of the Archery World Cup 2022 stage 2 in Gwangju, South Korea. The men's team, who had also won a gold at the Archery World Cup 2022 Stage 1 event held in Turkey last month, started the day by beating Italy in the first round. Then they played out the United States and beat them in the quarter-finals. In the semis against the host South Korean team  in a shoot-off, the Indian team won 29-26. India will face France  on Saturday in the final.

Meanwhile, Indian Women’s compound team of Avneet Kaur, Muskan Kirar and Priya Gurjar won a team bronze in the recurve section to take their medal's tally to three at the World Cup Stage 2.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

A report from the business desk-  

The Sensex plunged 1416 points or 2.61 per cent to finish at 52,792 while the Nifty declined 431 points or 2.65 per cent to settle at 15,809. At global stock markets, Global stock markets posted heavy falls followed Wall Street's worst day since mid-2020 yesterday. Asian Markets fell amid worries over rising inflation and its impact on economy. Majority of Asian stocks today logged heavy losses except China’s Shanghai Composite index which gained 0.9 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index tumbled 2.5 per cent and NIKKEI-225 lost 1.9 per cent. South Korea’s KOSPI declined 1.3 per cent and Singapore’s Straits Times ended 1.1 per cent down. European shares also witnessed losses in intra-day trade. Oil prices fell more than one and half per cent, reversing early gains as traders grew less worried about a supply crunch after government data showed U.S. refiners ramped up output. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at around 107 dollars and 30 cents per barrel. And At the forex market, the rupee weakened 14 paise against the US dollar. The rupee closed at 77 rupees and 73 paise against the US currency. Rajesh Lekh for World News, All India Radio.

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FPR

Now let us take a look at the major developments around the world, as reported in the Foreign Press.

First we have a look at the press reports on CHINA.

⦁ Al Jazeera writes China’s small businesses buckle under lockdowns, as expats exit. Beijing’s controversial “dynamic zero COVID policy” is hammering the world’s second-largest economy.

⦁ Reuters reports US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday that he discussed the possibility of North Korean nuclear or missile tests with China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi during a call focused on regional security issues and nonproliferation.

Now let's have a look at the press reports on Nepal.

⦁ The Himalayan Times writes that never before has a Prime Minister of India visited Nepal on more than four occasions. Narendra Modi holds the distinction of achieving this unusual feat. It says that his visit to Lumbini will provide a great boost to it with the arrival of innumerable tourists in the future. Besides, the truth of Lumbini being the Buddha's birthplace has finally triumphed with Prime Minister Modi's visit.

⦁ The Annpurna Express reports that New Delhi seem keen on normalizing the relationship. New Delhi’s renewed engagement with Kathmandu comes on the heels of growing interest shown by Washington and Beijing in Kathmandu.

Now let's have a look at the press reports on Balochistan.

⦁ The Dawn reports that a no-confidence motion was submitted against Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo in the provincial assembly on Monday with the support of some lawmakers from his own party.

⦁ The Balochistan Post writes that Noor Jahan Baloch was picked up by the Pakistani security forces from her hometown of Hoshap, district Kech, in the middle of the night. She was kept in custody for over a day and then produced before the Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday to be prosecuted.  

Now let's have a look at the press reports on Pakistan.

⦁ The Daily Times reports that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday launched a fresh drive of the anti-polio campaign by administering vaccine drops to children under five years. The anti-polio campaign was launched in view of the report of three new cases of the crippling disease in the country.

Now let's have a look at the press reports on BANGLADESH.

⦁ Inflation reached its highest level in 18 months in Bangladesh, reports Dhaka Tribune. It rose by 0.07 percent to reach 6.29 percent in April.

⦁ Hundreds of schools in Sylhet district have been closed due to flooding, reports UNB.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ Indian Prime Narendra Modi to participate in Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24th May ; bilateral meetings with Quad leaders also on the agenda.

⦁ Nikhat Zarin wins Gold medal at World Boxing Championship in Istanbul  

⦁ India is emerging as a country from software to space and is ready for a new future, says Prime Minister Modi.

⦁ New Delhi says BRICS nations must display zero tolerance for terrorism, especially cross border terrorism.

⦁ India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

⦁ Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur stresses on India's ability to become content hub of world and preferred destination for post-production hub of films.

⦁ Turkey tells allies that it will reject Sweden and Finland's membership to NATO, amid US President Joe Biden meeting with Swedish and Finnish leaders.

⦁ United States has no legal authority to seize Russian central bank assets says US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

⦁Indian men's compound team stuns hosts South Korea to enter Archery World Cup stage 2 final; Women's team win bronze.

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And now, before we end, let us listen to Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan Vaishnav Jan, by artists from ISRAEL.

AND WITH THAT, WE END THIS BULLETIN. WE'LL BE BACK AT THE SAME TIME TOMORROW WITH THE NEXT EDITION OF WORLD NEWS.

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