Akashvani , National news, All India Radio News

NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is GAURAV SHARMA and with me is SAIRA MUJTABA 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:

⦁ India-Japan hold 22 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo;  Both countries reaffirm their commitment to rules-based global order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

⦁ Indian and Chinese troops start disengagment in planned way from Gogra-Hotsprings area in Ladakh.

⦁ Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls upon American institutions and companies to partner with India in education and skilling landscape.

⦁ Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says  importing Russian oil is part of  country's inflation-management strategy.

⦁ Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to attend Indo-Pacific Economic Forum Ministerial meeting in Los Angeles on Friday.

⦁ Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pays obeisance at dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

⦁ ⦁ Australian Parliament passes climate bill, pledges to reduce carbon emissions by 43 percent by 2030.

⦁ Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra to take part in finals of Zurich Diamond League javelin throw event tonight.

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INDIA-JAPAN 22

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held the second India-Japan 22 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Defence Minister Hamada Yasukazu today. A Joint Statement issued following the meeting said, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based global order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. They emphasized the need for all countries to seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law without resorting to threat or use of force or any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo.

The Ministers highlighted their commitment to a common strategic goal of achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, that is inclusive and resilient, based on the rule of law and free from coercion. They also reiterated their strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality and their full support for the 'ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific' which upholds the principles such as the rule of law, openness, freedom, transparency and inclusiveness.

The Ministers had a frank and fruitful discussion on the regional and global issues of mutual interests and concerns, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific as well as Ukraine. While expressing its resolve to examine all options necessary for national defence, including so called counterstrike capabilities, the Japanese side expressed its determination to fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defence capabilities within the next five years and secure substantial increase of Japan’s defence budget needed to effect it. Acknowledging Japan’s determination to reinforce its defence capabilities, Indian side expressed its support to work towards enhanced security and defence cooperation.

The Ministers expressed their commitment to continuing bilateral and multilateral exercises including 'Dharma Guardian', JIMEX and Malabar. The Ministers noted with pleasure that the air services of the two countries are working closely for the early conduct of inaugural India-Japan fighter exercise. They also expressed their shared intention to make continuous efforts towards more complex and sophisticated bilateral exercise. The Ministers concurred to launch the Joint Service Staff Talks between the Japan Joint Staff and the Indian Integrated Defence Staff.

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INDIA-CHINA

Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hotsprings in Ladakh have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way. India-China Joint Statement said, this is being done after consensus reached in the 16th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting today. This is conducive to the peace and tranquility in the border areas.

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PRADHAN - US

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called upon American institutions and companies to partner with India in rapidly-transforming education and skilling landscape. Mr Pradhan today participated in the India Ideas Summit organised by the US-India Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce, International Affairs, South Asia. He said, Education and Skill development are important pillars of Indo-US relations. The Minister called for greater academic collaboration between higher education institutions in both the countries for offering twinning, joint degrees and dual degree programmes.

Speaking about the National Education Policy, Mr Pradhan elaborated its role in empowering 21st century learners and building a vibrant, future-ready workforce. He said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is taking great efforts in skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling its youth. The Minister said, India has a large, young and educated population who are an asset to any industry globally, if they are provided focussed training and capacity building as per industry requirement.

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FM -SITHARAMAN

India's finance minister said on Thursday that importing Russian oil was part of the country's inflation-management strategy and that other countries were doing something similar. India's crude oil shipments from Russia have jumped to between 12% and 13% of imports from all sources since February from about 2% before then, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

India is the world's third-biggest consumer and importer of crude oil, and Sitharaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserved credit for balancing trade and other ties with various countries.

Inaugurating a conference of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relation in New Delhi on Thursday Sitharaman said that she gave credit to the statesmanship of the prime minister to make sure globally that India did keep up the relationship with all countries but yet managed to get the Russian fuel, which is what Japan is doing today, which is what some other countries are doing.

Talking about inflation, she said that the Finance Minister said that bringing inflation down cannot be the sole responsibility of the Centre.  She stressed states also play a critical role in management of prices.

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HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we have a discussion on India's strides in digital payments. In conversation are A. K. Bhattacharya, Economic Analyst

and Shishir Sinha, journalist.

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PM - KARTAVYA PATH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Kartavya Path - a stretch of the Central Vista from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. He also unveiled the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, India has received new energy and inspiration today as the nation is breaking free of the shackles of colonisation during the 'Amrit Kaal'. He said, history has been rewritten.

Recalling the sacrifice and valour of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Mr Modi said, India's glorious history runs as lifeblood among the nation's youth. He said, India would have reached unprecedented heights if the country had followed the vision of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that 'Kartavya Path' is the heart of the nation's capital. He said, the inauguration of 'Kartavya Path' is in line with the Prime Minister’s second 'Panch Pran' for New India in 'Amrit Kaal' - that is to remove any trace of colonial mindset.

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PIYUSH GOYAL - IPEF

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will attend the first in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Forum Ministerial meeting in Los Angeles tomorrow as a part of the second leg of his United States tour. He will also attend US-India Strategic Partnership Forum meeting and other events in Los Angeles. Ahead of the meeting, interacting with the media, the Minister said, discussions at the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum would focus on opening opportunities for the member nations to work in partnership with each other. Mr Goyal said it is to ensure that particularly during challenges and difficult times, supply chains remain open and business and people of countries don’t suffer because of chaotic conditions like the covid and conflict.

BANGLADESH-PM

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid obeisance at the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer on Thursday afternoon.She was given a red carpet welcome at the dargah amid tight security arrangements. Hasina performed ziyarat at the shrine.

As per the protocols followed for visits by a head of a nation, there was no other devotee on the dargah premises and the dargah market was also closed. Hasina and her delegation reached the Jaipur International Airport by a special aircraft. She was received by state Education Minister B D Kalla and top officials.

The delegation stayed for a while at the VIP lounge of the airport before leaving for Ajmer by road.

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AUSTRALIA-CLIMATE BILL

Australian Parliament has passed government legislation in view of a pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and further bring it to zero by 2050. The Senate passed the bill with 37 votes to 26 with amendments from independent senator David Pocock, before being passed by the House of Representatives hours later.

The legislation, which still needs royal assent before it officially becomes law, will set a target greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 43 per cent by 2030. It also enshrines net zero emissions by 2050.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said that the passage of the climate change legislation sends a message to the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions and serious about reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy.

Mr Bowen said, it also strengthens transparency and accountability through the annual climate change statement and will ensure public debate informs government decisions. The bill is passed with the support of the Greens party and independents. This is the first step in climate action following Labour Party coming to power this year.

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TAIWAN-US TRADE

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen today said that Taiwan is confident it can sign a high-standard trade deal with the United States under a new framework. Ms. Tsai told the US lawmaker delegation during a meeting at the Presidential Office that her country would work with the United States to develop more stronger trade and economic ties. She added that Taiwan has already announced that the negotiations under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade will initiate soon.

In June this year, Washington and Taipei unveiled the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade after the Biden Administration cut out the Chinese-claimed island from its Asia-focused economic plan. Taiwan has long pushed for a broad free trade deal with the United States, its most important international backer and foreign arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

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BRITAIN-QUEEN

Queen Elizabeth-II is under medical supervision recommended by her doctors at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.The British Monarch's doctors are concerned for her health following the evaluation. Buckingham palace says that Queen is comfortable and was at the Balmoral.

British Prime Minister Liz Truss expressed concern over the Monarch's health in a tweet saying that the thoughts of the people across the country are with the Queen and her family.

As per news reports, the Royal Family members have been informed regarding Queen's medical situation. Members of the family are reportedly on their way to Balmoral Scotland. Queen turned 96 this year in April.

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UKRAINE-US

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv on Thursday to pledge 2 billion dollars in fresh security assistance, including support the Biden administration hopes will bolster a nascent Ukrainian counteroffensive aimed at pushing back Russian forces in the south and east.

This was Blinken’s second visit to the Ukrainian capital since Russia's February invasion comes as Ukraine reported progress in its effort to retake territory seized by Russia near Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv. Blinken met Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, saw U.S. diplomats, and visited a children's hospital, where he met youngsters injured in Russian bombardments.

According to the official statement, the money is intended to defend sovereignty, modernize security forces, enhance partnerships with transatlantic military alliance NATO, and strengthen capacity to counter Russian influence and aggression.

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INDIA-US-MARTITIME SECURITY

The 5th India-US Maritime Security Dialogue was held in New Delhi today. During the Dialogue, the two sides discussed developments in the global maritime domain, bilateral maritime cooperation endeavors, regional support initiatives and collaborative efforts such as Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness. They affirmed their shared desire to enhance maritime security internationally and strengthen cooperation towards a free, open and inclusive maritime order that would support security, inclusive growth and prosperity.

During the dialogue, the officials had an opportunity to discuss regional issues pertaining to South Asia, Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The two sides agreed to remain engaged with the objective of further enhancing the depth and substance of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

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DRDO-QRSAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO and Indian Army have successfully completed six flight-tests of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile QRSAM system from Integrated Test Range Chandipur off the Odisha coast. The flight tests were conducted as part of evaluation trials by the Indian Army.

The flight-tests were carried out against high-speed aerial targets mimicking various types of threats to evaluate the capability of the weapon systems under different scenarios including long range medium altitude, short range, high altitude manoeuvring target, low radar signature with receding and crossing target and salvo launch with two missiles fired in quick succession. The system performance was also evaluated under day and night operation scenarios.

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BUSINESS

And now a report from the business world.

 The Sensex rose 659 points, or 1.12 per cent, close at 59,688. The Nifty was also up 174 points, or 0.99 per cent, to end at 17,799.

At global stock markets, Asian share markets traded mixed. Japan's NIKKEI-225 gained 2.3 per cent, Singapore’s Straits Times closed 0.7 per cent up and South Korea's KOSPI added 0.3 per cent. On the other hand, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined one per cent and China’s Shanghai Composite index slipped 0.3 per cent. European shares were mixed and trading in a narrow range in intra-day trade.

Oil prices fell extending sharp losses from the previous session. The crude prices declined amid fear after China's extension of lockdown measures as it dampened economic activity globally and hit fuel demand. Brent crude was trading at 88 dollars and 45 cents per barrel..Anubha Rohatagi for World News, All India Radio.

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US OPEN

In the US Open Tennis, top seed Iga Swiatek overpowered American player Jessica Pegula to complete the semi-final line up in Women's Singles.

Polish Swiatek will take on 6th seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the last four tomorrow.

In the other Semi-finals, Fifth-seed Tunisian Ons Jabeur will meet 17th seed Caroline Garcia of France.

In Men's Singles, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner of Italy in a five-set thriller to enter the US Open semifinals early morning today. He will clash with the local Frances Tiafoe for a place in the final on Friday.

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CRICKET- ASIA CUP

In the last Super-Four match of Asia Cup T20 cricket, India defeated Afghanistan by 101 runs in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.  Chasing a victory target of 213 runs, Afghanistan made 111 runs in the stipulated twenty overs for the loss of eight wickets. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took five wickets. For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran with unbeaten 64  was the top scorer.

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NEERAJ-ZURICH LEAGUE

Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is all set to take part in the finals of the Zurich Diamond League javelin throw event tonight. The 24-year-old star became the first Indian to qualify for the final of the event.

Neeraj Chopra will compete in the grand event alongside five other world class javelin throwers that includes Jakub Vadlejch. Mr. Vadlejch won the 2016 Diamond League and got silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

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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 Ukrainian Canadian lobby calls for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

⦁ South China Morning Post writes China to tighten domestic travel restrictions until the end of October.

⦁ The Washington Post writes Solomon Islands’ pro-China leader wins bid to delay elections.

⦁ The Financial Times reports European Central Bank raises rates by 75 basis points.

⦁ The Wall Street Journal writes Fed’s Powell affirms need to act strongly to fight inflation.

⦁ The Guardian writes drought declared across whole of Wales despite recent flooding.

⦁ The Japan Times reports South Korea offers talks with North for reunion of war-torn families.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India-Japan hold 22 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo;  Both countries reaffirm their commitment to rules-based global order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

⦁ Indian and Chinese troops start disengagment in planned way from Gogra-Hotsprings area in Ladakh.

⦁ Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls upon American institutions and companies to partner with India in education and skilling landscape.

⦁ Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says  importing Russian oil is part of  country's inflation-management strategy.

⦁ Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to attend Indo-Pacific Economic Forum Ministerial meeting in Los Angeles on Friday.

⦁ Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pays obeisance at dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

⦁ ⦁ Australian Parliament passes climate bill, pledges to reduce carbon emissions by 43 percent by 2030.

⦁ Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra to take part in finals of Zurich Diamond League javelin throw event tonight.

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