Akashvani , National news, All India Radio News

NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is R.S.RAGHU and with me is RAMAYA 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:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to UN Chief over death of two Indian peacekeepers in Congo; calls for speedy probe to bring perpetrators of attack to justice.

•  Energy and power sector has a huge role to play in accelerating India's progress in the next 25 years, says Prime Minister Modi.

• India calls for addressing global energy and food crisis caused by COVID pandemic and Ukraine conflict urgently.

•  In United States, at least 25 people killed in a flash flood in Appalachia region of eastern Kentucky.

•  In Pakistan, a special court summons Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in connection with  16 billion rupees money laundering case on September 7.

• And in Commonwealth Games, India's Sanket Sargar wins silver and Gururaja Poojary bronze in Weightlifting; President, Vice President and Prime Minister congratulate.

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PM-UN CHIEF  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres on Friday. Both leaders discussed the recent attack on the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), where two Indian peacekeepers martyred.

The Prime Minister urged the UN Chief to ensure expeditious investigations, to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. Mr Modi also underscored India’s abiding commitment to UN Peacekeeping, with more than two lakh fifty thousand Indian peacekeepers having served under UN Peacekeeping Missions so far. As many as 177 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice while serving in UN peacekeeping Missions, the largest by any Troop Contributing Country.

The Secretary-General offered his condolences to the families of the two martyred Border Security Force personnel, as well as to the Government and the people of India. He reiterated his unequivocal condemnation of the attack against MONUSCO and assured all possible action in conducting speedy investigations. Prime Minister Modi also emphasized on India’s unwavering support to peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nearly 2040 Indian soldiers are presently deployed at MONUSCO mission.

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PM-POWER

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Power Ministry’s flagship Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. The scheme aims at improving the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of the Distribution Companies and power departments. It is being implemented with an outlay of over three lakh crore rupees over a five year period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.  Mr Modi said, the energy and power sector has a huge role to play in accelerating India's progress in the next 25 years. Mr Modi said, projects worth thousands of crores of rupees are significant step not only in the direction of energy security but also of green energy.

The Prime Minister said, strengthening energy sector is important for Ease of Doing business and Ease of Living. He said, the government had resolved to create 175 Giga Watt  of renewable energy capacity by the completion of 75 years of independence. He added that today, India is in the top 4 to 5 countries of the world in terms of installed solar capacity.

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PM-LEGAL

Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi has said that ease of justice is as important as ease of doing business and ease of living. He said that the National Legal Service Authority and District Legal Services Authorities can play a great role in the speedy justice delivery system. The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the first All India District Legal Services Authorities Meet in New Delhi on Saturday. He said,  justice delivery is equally important as is access to the judicial system  for any society.

Mr Modi said in the last eight years, work has been done  at a faster pace to strengthen the judicial infrastructure of the country.        

Chief Justice of India N.V Ramana said  that strengthening the district judiciary is the need of the hour. He said, it is a driving force behind the legal aid movement in the country.

There are a total 676 District Legal Services Authorities in India.

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JAISHANKER-SCO

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for urgently addressing the energy and food crisis that the world is facing caused by disruptions from the Covid pandemic and Ukraine conflict. Dr Jaishankar was speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Tashkent in Uzbekistan on Friday. The Minister said, the response required to address these challenges includes, resilient and diversified supply chains as well as reformed multi-lateralism. He stressed that zero tolerance for terrorism in all its manifestations is a must. Dr Jaishankar reiterated India’s position on Afghanistan and highlighted the humanitarian support given by India. He also underlined the potential of Chabahar port for SCO’s economic future.

The External Affairs Minister spoke about the economic progress in India, stressing the relevance of startups and innovation.

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JAISHANKAR-LAVROV

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers held in Tashkent. Dr. Jaishnkar said he had a useful talk on the sidelines with Sergey Lavrov. He said bilateral meetings with Uzbek, Tajik, Kyrgyz and Kazakh counterparts advanced the India-Central Asia Summit process. He said conversation on the sidelines with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was also useful.

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HOTSPOT

In today's HOTSPOT section, we bring you a discussion on Outcome of SCO Foreign Ministers meeting in conversation are Shashank, Former Ambassador and Manish Anand, Journalist.

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ASHWANI-5G SPECTRUM

India's Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that with 1.17 billion subscribers, the country is the world's second largest telecom market. He said the Telecom discourse which used to be about 2G, it has been taken to 5G and 6G. Mr. Vaishnaw was speaking during the valedictory session of the Telecom Investor’s Roundtable on “Investment Opportunity in 5G operations and Telecom Reforms” in Mumbai on Saturday.

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US-FLOOD

In the United States, at least 25 people have been killed in a devastating flash flood in the Appalachia region of eastern Kentucky. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he expected the death toll to continue to rise. He said hundreds of homes and businesses had been flooded. President Joe Biden has declared the floods "a major disaster" and ordered federal aid to help local rescuers. Representatives from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency arrived on Friday to assist local rescue efforts. Among the dead are at least six children, including a one-year-old. After an aerial tour with the National Guard, Mr Beshear said the flood was "by far the worst" he had seen. He said they are going to do their best to find them all. He warned that it could take weeks to find all the victims. Hundreds of people have been rescued by boat or helicopter. Some areas reported more than 20 centimeters of rain in a 24-hour period.

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RUSSIA-NEW ZEALAND

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it has introduced sanctions against 32 New Zealand officials and journalists in a tit-for-tat move. In response to New Zealand government sanctions that apply to an increasing number of Russian citizens, the Russian Ministry said in a statement that an additional 32 New Zealanders have been added to the national stop-list.

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PAK PM-SUMMON

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz have been summoned by a Lahore-based special court on September 7 in connection with  16 billion Pakistani rupees money laundering case against them. The court on Saturday summoned the father-son duo for the framing of charges and adjourned the hearing till that date, the Danewspaper reported. The Prime Minister and his two sons were booked by the country's Federal Investigation Agency in November 2020 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the  Anti Money Laundering Act. The Pakistani newspaper said Shehbaz's lesser-knoson Suleman Shehbaz is in the UK and has been declared an absconder. A total of 14 others have also been named in the FIR in an anti-corruption act. Shehbaz and Hamza have already been granted pre-arrest bail in the case filed by the Federal Investigation Agency.

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IRAQ-PARLIAMENT

In Iraq, supporters of powerful cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have stormed Parliament for the second time in a week. The protesters again breached the high-security Green Zone in Baghdad, as they oppose the nomination of a pro-Iran rival candidate for the Prime Minister.  Over 120 people were injured in the latest unrest. Mr Sadr's block won the most seats last October, but it is not in power due to a political deadlock. 

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POPE-CANADA

Pope Francis has said the time may soon come when he needs to consider stepping do- and would do so if he felt his health meant that could not serve in the way he should. He made the comments at the end of a trip to Canada. He apologised to indigenous people in Canada. The 85-year-old pontiff stressed that for the moment he intends to continue in his duties - and will be guided by God as to when he will step down, if he steps doat all.

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CWG -MEDALS

In Commonwealth Games 2022, India opened its account securing three medals on 2nd day  of the competition in Birmigham. Weightlifter Sanket Sargar clinched a silver medal in the men's 55kg category. Gururaja Poojary gave India its second medal, winning a bronze in the men's 61 kg finals.

Sargar looked on course to win the gold but two failed clean and jerk attempts spoiled his chances. He could lift a total of 248kg to finish second.

Star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu wins India's first gold medal. Boxer Lovlina Borgohain will also step in the ring with her bout.

The Indian women hockey team will face Wales in a Group B encounter. The team had opened their campaign with an emphatic 5-0 win over Ghana.

In Badminton, India beat Sri Lanka 5-0 in Group A second mixed team event.

Indian women's table tennis team outclassed Guyana 3-0 while the men's team secured a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland.

In Squash, Saurav Ghosal secured 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 win against Sri Lanka's Shamil Wakeel in the men's singles round of 32 event.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have have congratulated Sanket Sargar and P. Gururaja for winning the medals for India.

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CHHARI MUBARAK

Now let us listen our segment Potpourri.

Holy Chhari-Mubarak associated with the ongoing Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage was taken to the ancient ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple located at Haari Parvat in Srinagar. It was to pay obeisance to Goddess Sharika on the occasion of ‘Shravan Shukla Paksha Pratipada in the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Our correspondent has the details.

A sizable number of Sadhus and devotees participated in the prayers at the Sharika Bhawani ji Temple in Srinagar and the prayers lasted for about ninety minutes. The sound of conch shells reverberated all around and charged the whole atmosphere and the Pujan and other rituals were performed amid the chanting of Vedic hymns.

Goddess Sharika-Bhawani’ popularly knoas ‘Tripursundari’, is believed to be the ‘Isht Devi’ of Srinagar city who manifested herself in a figure of ‘Shila’ (Holy Rock) at Hari-Parvat. On Thursday, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to Shankaracharya ji Temple in Srinagar for prayers. The Chhari-Sthapana ceremony shall be performed on Sunday at Shri Amareshwar Temple, Akhara Building Budshah Chowk Srinagar and the traditional ‘Chhari-Pujan’ will be performed on the occasion of ‘Nag-Panchami’ that falls on Tuesday, the 2nd of August.

Chhari-Mubarak shall leave on 7th of August for the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet in South Kashmir from Dashnami Akhara Srinagar for the main course of pilgrimage. The traditional pujan and rituals shall be performed on the auspicious occasion of ‘Shravan-Purnima’ on the 12th of August, this year.

Meanwhile,  till now two lakh and eighty-eight thousand Yatris have performed their darshan at the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji.  This is Sunil Koul for World News, from All India Radio, Srinagar Kashmir.

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SONU NIGMAM-

Today is the birthday of Indian singer Sonu Nigam. He was born on 30 July, 1973. Besides being a singer, he is also a music director and actor. He has been described in the media as one of the most popular and successful playback singers of Hindi Cinema. Sonu Nigam has been honoured by the Government of India with Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian honour for his contribution in the field of arts.

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FPR

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

⦁ The Washington Post  says ‘Not enough shots’: US faces ‘vaccine cliff’ on monkeypox.

⦁ The New York Times writes that Russian National Charged With Spreading Propaganda Through US Groups

⦁ The Guardian observes the assault weapons ban in America passed by the House odf Representatives appears set to be doomed in the Senate amid implacable Republican opposition to gun reform, even in the wake of a series of mass shootings in the US.

⦁ The Globe and Mail reports lightning, continuing heat wave raise wildfire concerns as fire danger climbs in British Colombia.

⦁ South China Morning Post says China puts on show of naval force ahead of Nancy Pelosi’s possible Taiwan visit.

⦁ Sydney Morning Herald says Firearms, 4.5 million dollars worth of drugs seized in 11-day police operation.

⦁ The Financial Times  writes that US stocks spring higher to close out best month since 2020.

⦁ The Wall Street Journal reports that auto Makers Say car sales will defy economic gloom.

⦁ The Japan Times reports Japan protests South Korean military drills near disputed islands.

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CHINESE DEBRIS

Pieces of a Chinese rocket are expected to plunge to Earth on Saturday. Exactly where and when the debris might fall are uncertain. But with much of Earth’s surface covered by oceans and un-inhabited land. Experts said the debris poses little threat to people or objects on the ground and the probability of it landing in any populated area is extremely low.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

•  Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to UN Chief over death of two Indian peacekeepers in Congo; calls for speedy probe to bring perpetrators of attack to justice.

•  Energy and power sector has a huge role to play in accelerating India's progress in the next 25 years, says Prime Minister Modi.

•  India calls for addressing global energy and food crisis caused by COVID pandemic and Ukraine conflict urgently.

• In United States, at least 25 people killed in a flash flood in Appalachia region of eastern Kentucky.

• In Pakistan, a special court summons Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in connection with  16 billion rupees money laundering case on September 7.

• And in Commonwealth Games, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu wins India's first gold medal and Sanket Sargar wins silver and Gururaja Poojary bronze in Weightlifting; President, Vice President and Prime Minister congratulate.

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And now, before we end, let us listen to Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan Vaishnav Jan, by artists from Vanuatu on their Independence day.

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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