Akashvani , National news, All India Radio News

NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is ABHINEET SHUKLA and with me is RESHMA TIWARI 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 says, India will be a witness to a splendid and historic moment when it completes 75 years of Independence.

• Fourth edition of India and Oman Joint Military Exercise to begin in Rajasthan from Monday.

•  India observes Chabahar Day with emphasis on linkage with Central Asia.

•  Pakistani currency depreciates by 14.5 per cent against the US dollar, registering its worst month in over 50 years.

• US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi begins tour of Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan.

• In Commonwealth Games, Jeremy Lalrinnunga wins Gold medal in men's 67 kg weightlifting; President, Vice President and Prime Minister congratulate Jeremy.

• And, in CWG Cricket, Indian women thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets.

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PM MANN KI BAAT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, it will be a splendid and historic moment when India completes 75 years of its Independence next month.He called countrymen lucky to have been born in a free country. Sharing his thoughts in Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday, Mr Modi said the 91st episode of the programme is very special as it comes just before completing 75 years of India's independence.

The Prime Minister said the biggest message that emerges from all events being organized in the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is that all of us countrymen should follow our duty with full devotion. Only then will India be able to fulfill the dream of those countless freedom fighters and to build India of their dreams. That is why this Amrit Kaal of India in the next 25 years is Kartavyakaal, a period of duty for every countryman.

The Prime Minister spoke about the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign which is being held under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Talking about the importance of Indian traditional methods like Ayurveda, Mr. Modi said, AYUSH has played an important role, at the global level. He stated that Ayush Exports have witnessed a record growth and many new start-ups are emerging in this sector.

The Prime Minister shared the success stories of the Indian Toy industry and gave the credit to the youth, Start-ups and Entrepreneurs. He said that when it comes to Indian toys, the echo of Vocal for Local is being heard everywhere. Mr Modi stated that the number of toys coming from abroad in India is continuously decreasing.

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INDIA-OMAN

The fourth Edition of India Oman Joint Military Exercise ‘AL NAJAH-IV’ between contingents of Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman is scheduled to take place at the Foreign Training Node of Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Indian northern state of Rajasthan from Monday. It will continue till 13 of the next month. The Royal Army of Oman contingent comprising 60 personnel from the Sultan of Oman Parachute Regiment have arrived at the exercise location. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the 18 MECHANISED INFANTRY Battalion.

The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills and procedures, the establishment of joint command & control structures and elimination of terrorist threats. The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism Operations, Regional Security Operations and Peace Keeping Operations under United Nations charter apart from organising joint physical training schedules, tactical drills, techniques and procedures. The joint military exercise aims to enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and Royal Army of Oman and will further manifest in enhancing the bilateral relations between the two nations.

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INDIA VIETNAM EXERCISE

The third Edition of Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” will begin at Chandimandir on Monday. It will continue till 20th August. The exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership. Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision.

The theme of Ex VINBAX - 2022 is the employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of United Nations Contingent for Peace Keeping Operations.

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INDIA-BHUTAN

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pandey, who is on a visit to Bhutan, called on Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Sunday. They discussed aspects of enhancing the enduring bilateral relationship between the two nations. The Indian Army tweeted that General Manoj Pande also received an impeccable Guard of Honour at capital Thimphu. The Army Chief also interacted with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army.

The visit is to enhance the unique and time-tested bilateral relationship, characterised by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding, the Indian Army had posted the statement earlier.

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CHABAHAR CONFERENCE

India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal affirmed the country's commitment towards unlocking the trade potential with the Central Asian region through the use of Chabahar Port in Iran. He was addressing a Conference in Mumbai on Sunday on the occasion of ‘Chabahar Day’ to mark the beginning of an Indian vision to economize movement of cargo between India and Central Asia through the Chabahar Port located in Iran.

Mr. Sonowal said that Indian government envisions to make Chabahar Port a transit hub under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to reach out to Commonwealth Independent States countries. The Minister further said that Chabahar Port links the rich Central Asian region with the South Asian markets. It has emerged as significant for trade, economic collaborations and connecting people between the two geographies. Owing to the potential of the Central Asian markets, the India-led connectivity has provided a secure and commercially viable access to the Indian Ocean region for Central Asian countries. Mr Sonwal added that this link will not only provide connectivity but also drive investments further supporting our cultural and political ties. The Minister said that the Chabahar Port will lead to promoting a joint initiative to create a regional and international transport corridor over there.

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shripad Yesso Naik  said that, in the coming years, developments in the Shahid Beheshti Port, which is the part of Chabahar Port will support the faster growth of business and raise standards of living in the region. He stated that the infrastructural linkage would lead to expansion of trade and investment prospects in the region.

Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan among others graced the occasion. Dr. A. M. Alikhani Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran also took part in the deliberations.

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BANGLADESH-TRANSHIPMENT

The transhipment arrangement between India and Bangladesh moved further with a fresh trial run of a cargo vessel from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to Mongla Port on Saturday. Our Dhaka correspondent has the details.

Moving ahead towards the full implementation of the agreement reached between India and Bangladesh in 2014 for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for transshipment of goods, a container vessel left the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata for Mongla port with a consignment of  iron pipes and prefoam. The consignment is expected  to reach Mongla port on 5th of August from where the shipped items will be sent by road to Tamabil and Bibirbazer land ports for delivery into Meghalaya and Assam respectively. Four such trial runs will be conducted over the next few months towards preparation for the full implementation of the agreement. Rajesh Jha AIR News/Dhaka

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HOTSPOT

In today's HOTSPOT section, we bring you a Discussion on India- Maldives ties and the road ahead. in conversation are Sheelkant Sharma Former Diplomat and Nilova Roy Chaudhary, Journalist.

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PAK CURRENCY

The Pakistani currency depreciated by 14.5 percent against the US dollar, registering its worst month in over 50 years as the country continues to struggle with high import payments, depleting foreign exchange reserves, and political uncertainty. The value of the Pakistani rupee was 204.85 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market at the start of July. Even though fewer trading sessions took place due to the Eid holidays, the currency closed at 239.37 against the US dollar on July 29, Business Recorder reported.

Earlier, the Pakistani currency slumped by 57 percent in May 1972. The government had termed the decision inevitable.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said on Sunday that pressure on the rupee, which has taken a severe beating against the dollar in recent weeks, would ease in the next two weeks, Aaj News reported. He said this while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

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WN-Nancy Pelosi Visit

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is beginning a tour of Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, with no mention of a possible visit to Taiwan. She is leading a Congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific, according to a statement released by her office on Sunday. The statement made no mention of Taiwan, despite speculation in recent days that Pelosi might be planning to visit the self-governing democracy of 24 million people.

No high-ranking US elected official has visited Taiwan in 25 years. Ms Pelosi, a California Democrat, tweeted that the six-person Congressional delegation tour would seek to "reaffirm America's unshakeable commitment to our allies and friends in the region".

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BIDEN-COVID

US President Joe Biden has tested positive for the Coronavirus again Saturday. Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the White House physician, said that the President has experienced no reemergence of symptoms and continues to feel quite well. The rebound positivity, as O’Connor termed it, meant that Biden was forced to resume strict isolation procedures in keeping with medical advice. The White House announced that Mr Biden would no longer travel to his home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Sunday as planned or make a scheduled visit to Michigan on Tuesday.

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CWG

At the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Jeremy Lalrinnunga won the gold medal for India in the men's 67 kg category in weightlifting on Sunday. He lifted a total of 300 kg. He lifted 140 kg in snatch and 160 kg in clean and jerk. This is India's second gold and fifth overall medal at the CWG Games.

Talking to media, Jeremy said he was happy to have won gold medal for the country. He said he is going to prepare hard for Paris Olympics.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have congratulated Jeremy Lalrinnunga for winning gold.

In Women's cricket, India trounced Pakistan by 8 wickets to keep its hopes alive in the event. Chasing the target of 100 runs, in a rain truncated match of 18 overs, Indian eves reached the target in 11.4 overs. Smriti Mandhana top scored with 63 runs.

In Hockey, relentless India got their Commonwealth Games 2022 campaign off to a flying start as they defeated Ghana in their first game after scoring a total of 11 goals in Birmingham. As many as eight Indians managed to score the goals but the star of the show was vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh, as he scored a hat-trick.

In women's boxing, Nikhat Zareen stormed into the quarterfinals of the 50kg event.

Indian men's table tennis team continued a successful defense of their title as they thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 to enter the semi-finals.

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Now let us listen our segment Potpourri.

J&K-AMARNATH

In Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,  the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji is going on smoothly. More and more pilgrims drawn from various parts of the country are reaching the city of temples Jammu. Nearly two lakh and Ninety-four pilgrims have paid their obeisance to Lord shiva at the holy cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji so far.

The prayers of holy mace " Chhari Mubarak " which is associated with the pilgrimage has been going on since Friday. It  was taken to Shankarachharya ji Temple on Friday,  Sharika Bhawani Temple on Saturday and at Shri Amareshwar ji Temple in the heart of Srinagar city on Sunday. Here is a report from our correspondent.

In connection with the ongoing annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji, ‘Chhari-Sthapana’ ceremony of Holy Mace of Chhari Mubarak, a  silver mace of Swami Amarnath was performed at Shri Amareshwar ji Temple,  Akhara Building at Badshah Chowk in Srinagar today. On the occasion,  a group of Sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of the Chhari Mubarak,  held prayers amid chanting of Vedic hymns for about two hours.

Chhari-Mubarak the Holy Mace, one depicting Lord Shiva and another Goddess Parvati shall be kept in the Amareshwarji Temple in Srinagar enabling the devotees to pay their obeisance to the Chhari Mubarak till August 7 and thereafter shall  be taken for main course of pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji in the Himalayas of south Kashmir. The traditional ‘Chhari-Pujan’ is scheduled to be performed on Tuesday the 2nd of August on the occasion of ‘Nag-Panchami’,the Shravan Shukla Paksha Panchami at  Amareshwarji  Temple in Srinagar. Chhari Mubarak shall leave on 7th of August for the holy cave Shrine from Srinagar and the traditional pujan and other rituals shall be performed on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Purnima coinciding with the Rakhsha Bhandan festival on 12th of August this year. And in this way, it will mark an end of this year's pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji. Sunil Koul for World News from Srinagar Kashmir

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RAFI-DEATH

Today is death anniversary of legendary Indian playback singer Mohammed Rafi, who passed away on 31st July, 1980 in Mumbai. He is considered as one of the greatest and most influential singers of the Indian subcontinent. He is known for his versatility and range of voice. Mohammed Rafi received six Filmfare Awards and one National Film Award. The Government of India honored Rafi with the Padma Shri award in 1967. He recorded nearly 7,000 songs throughout his career, spanning several languages and dialects. Rafi also sang in some foreign languages, including English, Persian, Arabic and Dutch, beside Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Let us listen to a song from the film "An Evening In Paris" sung by Mohammed Rafi.  

And one more from "Love In Tokyo".

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

⦁ The Guardian notes that Oxford University may return items looted from Nigeria by Britain in 1897.

⦁ South China Morning Post says  Xi urges Chinese Communist Party to step up Hong Kong and Taiwan efforts.

⦁ The Financial Times writes that   Zelenskyy urges civilians to leave Donetsk as fighting rages.

⦁ The Wall Street Journal reports Falling Food Prices Ease Pressure on Global Inflation.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, India will be a witness to a splendid and historic moment when it completes 75 years of Independence;

• Fourth edition of India and Oman Joint Military Exercise to begin in Rajasthan from Monday.

• India observes Chabahar Day with emphasis on linkage with Central Asia.

•  Pakistani currency depreciates by 14.5 percent against the US dollar, registering its worst month in over 50 years.

• US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi begins tour of Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan.

•  In Commonwealth Games, Jeremy Lalrinnunga wins Gold medal in men's 67 kg weightlifting; President, Vice President and Prime Minister congratulate Jeremy.

• And, in CWG Cricket, Indian women thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets.

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

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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