NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is RENUKA R.S 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:

• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar participates in ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Issues of digital, health, agriculture education and green growth figure in the meeting.

• Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi says, government in touch with educational authorities in Ukraine regarding continuation of studies by Indian students.

• China holds military exercises encircling Taiwan in wake of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit; G-7 countries condmend the move.

• United States Senate approves Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO.

• Indian Oil Corporation signs MoU with Bangladesh Roads and Highways department for emergency supply of petroleum goods to India.

• And in Commonwealth Games, Pugilists Amit Panghal and Jasmine Lamboriya assure India bronze medals; Hima Das enters semifinal of women's 200 metre run.

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JAISHANKAR-ASEAN

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar participated in the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Phnom Penh in Cambodia on Thursday.

In a tweet, Dr Jaishankar thanked Singapore Foreign Minister  Vivian Balakrishnan and other Foreign Ministers of ASEAN countries for a good discussion.  He said there was strong convergence on Indo-Pacific,United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea  (UNCLOS),  connectivity, Covid-19, terrorism, cyber security, Ukraine and Myanmar. He added that digital, health, agriculture education and green growth will drive the ASEAN-India partnership.

On the sidelines of the event, Dr Jaishankar met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry and congratulated him on his new responsibility. He reaffirmed India’s commitment, as a dependable friend and reliable partner, to the economic recovery and well being of Sri Lanka.

The External Affairs Minister also met his Vietnamese counterpart and agreed to keep working to maintain the momentum of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

During the meet Dr. S. Jaishankar also met United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In a tweet, Dr Jaishankar said, on sidelines of ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, he discussed the ever strengthening India-US relationship and the global situation with Mr Blinken.

Dr Jaishankar also met Foreign Affairs Minister of Australia Penny Wong and discussed the regional and global issues.

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RS-LEKHI UKRAINE STUDENTS

Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi has said that the Government has been in touch with the educational authorities in Ukraine regarding the continuation of studies by Indian students who returned from Ukraine. In a written reply in upper house on Thursday, Ms Lekhi said, currently, the ground situation in that country does not permit the return of Indian students.

She said, Ukrainian side has reiterated its willingness to allow Indian students to continue their courses online. The Minister said,  National Medical Commission (NMC) has devised a scheme under which Indian medical students who did not undergo physical clinical training due to the extraordinary situation, but were granted certificates of completion of degree by respective institutes in foreign countries on or before 30 June 2022, will be permitted to appear in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination.

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INDIA-US EXERCISE

India and the US will conduct a fortnight-long mega military exercise in Uttarakhand’s Auli in October this year. The 18th edition of exercise “Yudh Abhyas” is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 31. A number of complex drills are being planned for the mega exercise. The exercise is aimed at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two armies. The last edition of the exercise took place in October last year in Alaska in the US.

The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing for the past few years. In June 2016, the US designated India a “Major Defence Partner”. The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). The agreement that allows militaries of two countries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.

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PAR-DIASPORA

A Parliamentary Panel has asked the government to initiate consultations with all the stakeholders without delay for the rehabilitation of Indian workers, who have lost their jobs abroad in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel on External Affairs headed by P. P. Chaudhary tabled its report in Parliament on Wednesday. The panel observed that government is implementing various programmes and schemes for the welfare of the Indian diaspora, no specific scheme exists for the rehabilitation of the workers who lost their jobs including the huge population of Gulf returnees, in the wake of this pandemic. The committee members are aware that many workers have gone back to their employment abroad with the easing of the COVID-19 Pandemic situation and the re-opening of doors to Indian workers by the Gulf countries.

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CHINA -MILITARY EXERCISES

China has initiated its largest-ever military exercises encircling Taiwan this morning after United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi left the island on Wednesday. Her visit sparked a furious reaction from Beijing, which vowed punishment and announced military drills in the seas around Taiwan -- some of the world's busiest waterways. The exercises, which began around 0400 GMT, involve live-firing, according to state media. State broadcaster CCTV reported that six major areas around the island have been selected for this actual combat exercise and during this period, relevant ships and aircraft are directed not enter the relevant waters and airspaces. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said, it is closely watching the drills and that the island is prepared for conflict, but would not seek it. In a statement, the Ministry of National Defence stressed that it will uphold the principle of preparing for war without seeking war and with an attitude of not escalating conflict and causing disputes. Citing military analysts, Beijing's nationalist state-run tabloid Global Times said that the exercises are unprecedented and that missiles are flying over Taiwan for the first time. Taiwan has described the exercises as an irrational move to challenge the international order.

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G7-TAIWAN

The Group of Seven industrialised nations (G7) has condemned military drills announced by China around Taiwan in the wake of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit. In a statement, the G7 foreign ministers said, there is no justification to use a visit as pretext for aggressive military activity in the Taiwan Strait and China's escalatory response risks increasing tensions and destabilising the region. The G7 Foreign Ministers called on China not to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the region, and to resolve cross-Strait differences by peaceful means. The statement said there is no change in the respective one China policies, where applicable, and basic positions on Taiwan of the G7 members. G7 Foreign Ministers said we reaffirm our shared commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.

Singapore also said it hopes the United States and China can exercise self-restraint and refrain from actions that will further escalate tensions amid concerning "cross-strait developments".

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defense ministry said it scrambled fighter jets on Wednesday to respond to 27 Chinese military aircraft that flew through its air defense zone.

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CHINA-BLINKEN PELOSI

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that Beijing will not manufacture a crisis or seek a pretense to increase its aggressive military action, as China fired missiles towards waters near Taiwan as part of exercises near the self-governing island in the wake of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit there.

Speaking at the ASEAN-US Ministerial meeting in Cambodia, Blinken noted that many countries around the world believe that escalation serves no one and could have unintended consequences that serve no one's interests, including ASEAN members and including China."

The top US diplomat said that Maintaining cross-strait stability is the interest all countries in the region, including all of our colleagues within ASEAN.

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HOTSPOT

In today's HOTSPOT section, we bring you a discussion on Implication of China-US Stand off, in conversation are Shashi Uban Tripathi- Former Diplomat and Simran Sodhi, Journalist.

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RS-INDIA SRILANKA

Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan has said that under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbours. He said, in line with this policy, the Government of India continues to assist Sri Lanka in its economic development as also support it in overcoming its economic challenges. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Mr Muraleedharan said, in January this year, India extended a 400 million dollar currency swap to Sri Lanka under the SAARC Framework and deferred successive Asian Clearing Union A.C.U. settlements till 6th July 2022. He said, a Line of Credit of 500 million dollars was extended to Sri Lanka for importing fuel from India. The Minister said, in addition, India has extended a credit facility of one billion dollars for the procurement of food, medicines and other essential items from India.

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MALDIVES PRESIDENT-  JNPT  VISIT

President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) on the second day of his Maharashtra visit. During this visit, Chairman of JNPT Sanjay Sethi apprised him of the importance and special features of this port. After welcoming President Solih, Mr Sethi apprised him that this port is located very close to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and is well-connected by all modes of transport. He also informed that the port has now risen from 146 to 63 in the global rankings due to its consistent performance.

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IOCL-BANGLADESH MOU

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has signed an MoU with the Bangladesh Roads and Highways department in Dhaka for the emergency supply of petroleum goods via Bangladesh territory to India. This is an interim set up to facilitate urgent supply of petroleum products due to damage caused by the flood in Assam this year, said the Indian High Commission in a tweet. The petroleum tankers will enter from Meghalaya and will go to Tripura crossing through the Bangladesh territory. The IOCL will bear all the administrative fees, charges and local taxes including road usage fee for use of the Bangladeshi territory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Bangladesh in a statement said that the MoU has been signed in a spirit of good neighbourly relations to allow Indian vehicles for transportation of the fuel from Assam to Tripura by Road which has been severely disrupted due to the recent floods in Assam and Tripura.

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BANGLADESH - CHINA

Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said that China and Bangladesh have always understood and supported each other on issues of core interest concerning respective sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr Jiming said that China believes that the government and people of Bangladesh will continue to abide by the one China principle, understand and support China’s legitimate and justified position on the Taiwan question and work together with China to defend regional peace, stability and security.

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US-NATO APPROVAL

The United States Senate on Wednesday approved Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO. The vote on  easily surpassed the two-thirds majority needed to back the ratification of the accession documents, with 95 Senators voting in support.

US President Joe Biden in a statement said that this historic vote sends an important signal of the sustained, bipartisan US commitment to NATO. He said, it is also to ensuring the Alliance is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. The Nordic countries, which had long maintained neutrality, launched a bid to join the 30-member alliance in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. All 30 NATO member states must approve the accession protocols.

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ANURAG-BRICS

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has said that the priority of the Government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to build everlasting links among the youth across the world. Addressing the youth participants and official representatives from the BRICS countries at the Opening Ceremony of the BRICS Youth Camp on Thursday through video, Mr Thakur highlighted the Lifestyle for Environment LiFE campaign launched by the Prime Minister and urged the youth to come together and take it forward which can become a mass movement towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

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CWG 2030 HRS

On Day 7 of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, Boxer Amit Panghal has assured India at least a bronze medal with a win over Scotland's Lennon Mulligan in men's flyweight quarter-final.

Boxer Jaismine Lamboriya defeated New Zealand's Troy Garton in women's lightweight quarter-final by split decision, and assured of a medal. Puglist Sagar Ahlawat  also reached to semifinal by beating Seychelles' Keddy Evans Agnes in the men's super heavyweight category.

Hima Das won her 200m heat with a time of 23:42 and qualified for the semifinal.

In men's hockey with the help of Hat-trick by Harmanpreet, India defeated Wales by 4-1 and entered in semifinal.

Shuttler PV Sindhu begins her women's singles campaign with a 21-4, 21-11 won against Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq from Maldives in Round 32.

In Table Tennis mixed doubles, in Round of 64, India's Sanil Shetty and Reeth Tennison defeats Malaysia's Wong Qi Shen and Tee Ai Xin. In Men's Singles - Group 2, Raj Aravindan Alagar defeated England's Dan Bullen by 3-1.

So far India's medal telly is Five Gold, Six Silver and Seven Bronze.

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BCCI-AUSTRALIA TOUR

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the upcoming Australia and South Africa tours of India. India’s international home season 2022-23 will commence with a three-match T20I series against Australia in September and will be followed by a three-match T20I and ODI series against South Africa.

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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 Globe And Mail reports Canadian Armed Forces to start training Ukrainian soldiers in third country.

⦁ The Washington Post Russian court sentences WNBA star Brittney Griner to 9 years in prison on drug charges.

⦁ South China Morning Post says China scraps meeting with Japanese foreign minister after G7 statement.

⦁ The Wall Street Journal reports U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows as Energy Exports Rise.

⦁ The Financial Times writes Alibaba's revenue falls for first time since New York listing.

⦁ The Guardian writes Bank of England hikes interest rates and warns UK to enter recession with inflation to pass 13 percent.

⦁ The Japan Times reports Japan says five Chinese ballistic missiles landed inside EEZ near Okinawa.

⦁ Business Standard reports Bangladesh to resume talks for the import of wheat from Ukraine.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

•  External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar participates in ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Issues of digital, health, agriculture education and green growth figure in the meeting.

• Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi says, government in touch with educational authorities in Ukraine regarding continuation of studies by Indian students.

• China holds military exercises encircling Taiwan in wake of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit; G-7 countries condmend the move.

•  United States Senate approves Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO.

• Indian Oil Corporation signs MoU with Bangladesh Roads and Highways department for emergency supply of petroleum goods to India.

• And in Commonwealth Games, Pugilists Amit Panghal and Jasmine Lamboriya assure India bronze medals; Hima Das enters semifinal of women's 200 metre run.

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