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

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THE HEADLINES:

⦁ First G20 Sherpa meeting under India's Presidency begins at Udaipur, Rajasthan

⦁ President Droupadi Murmu says, Indian Navy has huge responsibility of ensuring security for national maritime interset.

⦁ Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave to begin in New Delhi on Monday.

⦁ Iran disbands Morality Police after months of anti-Hijab protests.

⦁ Indonesia raises alert to highest level as volcano erupts on Java Island.

⦁ In Cricket, Bangladesh defeat India by one wicket in first ODI of three-match series in Dhaka.

⦁ And, in pre-quater-finals of FIFA Football World Cup, France beat Poland 3-0 and England to take on Senegal in another fixture at Qatar.

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G20 SHERPA MEETING

The first G20 Sherpa Meeting under India’s Presidency, began in the lake city of Udaipur in Rajasthan on Sunday. India's G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant is presiding over the four-day meeting. Delivering his opening remarks, Mr Kant, said, India took over G20 Presidency at a time when the world is facing several challenges. He said, India believes every crisis is an opportunity.

Representatives of 19 countries including from European Union and nine special invitee countries will take part in the meeting, setting the stage for important conversations on some of the most pressing issues of current time.

Earlier in the day, holding an informal interaction with media, Mr Kant said, New Delhi assuming G20 Presidency means it will help the country to tell the narrative of the remarkable work done in health care sector, the massive work done in manufacturing Covid-19 vaccine, digital public infrastructure and to tell the world that India is the "Mother of Democracy".

India formally assumed the year-long Presidency of the G-20 on 1st of this month.

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PRESIDENT-NAVY DAY

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said, Indian Navy has a huge responsibility of ensuring an umbrella of security for national maritime interest. President Murmu was addressing the 'Operational Demonstration' programme held on the occasion of Navy Day at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

The President said, it is a day to remember and honour our martyrs who continue to inspire every generation. She congratulated all Navy personnel on the occasion.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Indian Navy and sent his greetings to the navy personnel and their families on the occasion of Navy Day. The Prime Minister said that the Indian Navy has steadfastly protected the nation and distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times. He expressed his pride over the country's rich maritime history.

Wishing the navy personnel and their families on the occasion, Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his respect towards the force for its valour, dedication and commitment in protecting country's maritime borders.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also hailed the Indian Navy for its valour, courage, commitment and professionalism. The Minister said that the Indian Navy is at the forefront of keeping our country safe by ensuring impeccable maritime security.

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MILLETS CONCLAVE

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will attend the Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave as chief guest  in New Delhi on 5 December 2022. The conclave is a pre-launch event of the International Year of Millets - 2023 organised with an objective to promote the export of millets. We have a report:

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JITENDRA- UAE

Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space  Dr Jitendra Singh will lead the  Indian delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the “Abu Dhabi Space Debate  on 5 December 2022.  Dr Singh will address the Opening Ceremony along with the Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

During the two day International meet, the Minister will also attend the Ministerial Plenary on the ‘Role of Foreign Policy in Enabling Space Diplomacy and International Cooperation. The Minister is also scheduled to hold delegation level talks with UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of UAE Space Agency Sarah Al Amiri to discuss ways and means for further strengthening bilateral space cooperation. He is also likely to pitch for joint start-up ventures between India and United Arab Emirates in advanced and emerging space technologies during the delegation level talks.

In a statement issued before departure to Abu Dhabi,  Dr Jitendra Singh said, India and UAE joint space cooperation is on the verge of taking a big leap in the Arabian Peninsula, as the two sides have prioritised increased bilateral space cooperation. He said, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and UAE Space Agency  signed an MoU regarding cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes in 2016. The Minister also informed that UAE’s first nanosatellite - ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data was launched by PSLV from Siriharikota.

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HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a discussion on India’s cyber security preparedness. The participants are Pawan Duggal, Cyber Security Expert and V. Ravi Kumar, AIR correspondent.

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GUJARAT-POLL

Stage is set for polling for the second and final phase of Gujarat assembly elections on Monday. Ninety-three constituencies spread over 14 districts including Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Gandhinagar are going to polls in this phase.

Election Commission has made all the necessary arrangements to ensure peaceful elections. Over 26 thousand polling booths have been set up in the poll-bound districts. Meanwhile, State Chief Electoral Officer P Bharati has appealed to the urban voters to vote in large numbers.

A total of 833 contestants are in the fray including 69 women candidates.

The Counting of votes for both the phases will be held on 8th of December.

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IRAN-MORALITY POLICE

Iran's attorney general has said that the country's morality police, which enforces the Islamic dress code, is being disbanded. Iran has seen months of protests over the death of young woman Mahsa Amini in custody, who was detained by the morality police for allegedly breaking the dress code.

Attorney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said, morality police have nothing to do with the judiciary and have been abolished.  He provided no further details about the state of the force, or if its closure was widespread and permanent. The judiciary continues to monitor behavioral actions at the community level, he was quoted as saying by Iranian news agency ISNA. Mr Montazeri also told the Iranian parliament the law that requires women to wear hijabs would be looked at.

However, there was no confirmation of the closure from the Interior Ministry which is in charge of the morality police.

Iran’s morality police, the ‘Gasht-e Ershad’ or 'Guidance Patrol' was established in 2005 with the task of arresting people who violate the country’s Islamic dress code.

Hundreds of people have been killed in the unrest which erupted in September after the death in custody of the 22-year-old woman who was detained by the morality police for flouting the Hijab rule. Calls for strike action and mass mobilisation have in past weeks resulted in an escalation in the unrest which has swept the country - some of the biggest anti-government protests. Iran's Interior Ministry state security council said, the death toll was 200.

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SRILANKA-IMF

Paris Club creditor nations are proposing a 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt and another 15 years of debt restructuring as a formula to resolve the Sri Lankan debt crisis. The Paris club is a group of officials from 22 countries who find sustainable solutions for challenges faced by debtor countries.

The Paris club has also called upon the Global north and south to take a similar haircut in restructuring of Sri Lankan debt. So far no official proposal has been made by Paris club to China or India.

Meanwhile, the island nation is yet to initiate any formal dialogue with China. The delay has reduced chances of making the December deadline for getting extended fund facility from IMF executive board. The next likely IMF meeting is possible only in March 2023. Given the delays, Sri Lanka will require bridge funding for the period upto the finalisation of IMF package.

Earlier this year, Sri Lanka had defaulted on its 51 billion dollar external debt in the midst of spiralling political and economic crisis. India has provided emergency aid to the tune of four billion dollars to the Island nation to tide over its economic crisis this year.

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S.AFRICA- PREZ

The Spokesperson of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that Mr Ramaphosa will not resign despite a scandal over money stolen from his farm. The spokesperson suggested Mr Ramaphosa  would fight on, and rather than quit would seek a second term as leader of his African National Congress party.

President Ramaphosa's position as the head of state came into question after an independent parliamentary panel said in a report he might have violated oath of office in regards to millions of dollars in cash that was found at his private game farm. The spokesperson added that the President would challenge the report and its findings. Mr. Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crimes. The panel's findings have been handed to parliament, which is set to examine them and decide whether or not to launch impeachment proceedings against the President.

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INDONESIA-VOLCANO

Indonesia's Mount Semeru volcano has erupted, sending ash billowing into the sky and sparking evacuations on the country's main island, Java.

Authorities raised the volcano's warning status to the highest level, meaning its activity had escalated. No injuries have been reported but nearly 2,000 people were evacuated from the area around the volcano.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent volcanic activity as well as earthquakes.

Semeru - also known as "The Great Mountain" - is the highest volcano in Java at 3,676 meter (12,060ft) and one of the most active.

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CHINA - COLD WAVE

China’s capital Beijing is in grip of a cold wave which has frozen the water bodies. Residents flocked to a frozen canal at the city’s Olympic park and indulged in ice sports yesterday against the backdrop of iconic Bird’s nest stadium which also hosted Beijing Winter Olympics last year. As city relaxed few COVID-19 curbs this week after the country was stunned by unprecedented civil unrest against the Zero COVID regime; young, old and kids were seen enjoying ice skating, ice hockey, sledging and other picnic activities - making a chilly winter day lively. Ice Skating has been particularly popular in the northern China. After Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 which was marked by severe COVID-19 restrictions and many controversies, China’s ice and snow industry got a push. State media reported that it is likely to top 1 trillion yuan in 2025.

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PELE-HEALTH

Brazilian soccer great Pele says, he is strong and has a lot of hope as he continues his treatment for colon cancer.

Pele’s social media post came after local media reports in Brazil said that the 82-year old former footballer’s health had worsened.

The 82-year-old one of the greatest footballers of all time was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, saying it was a routine monthly visit. The medical staff said, Pele has also responded well to treatment for a respiratory infection diagnosed this week and his condition has not worsened in the last 24 hours. The medical staff added he is still undergoing treatment and remains in stable condition. The latest medical note came after a local newspaper reported that the soccer legend had been receiving palliative care after chemotherapy stopped having the expected results.

The three-time World Cup winner had a tumour removed from his colon in September, last year and has since had regular treatment.

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EVE.CRICKET

In Cricket, India suffered one wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first One Day International of 3-match series at Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, on Sunday evening. With this, Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.

Put in to bat first, the visitors were bundled out by the hosts for 186 in 41.2 overs. KL Rahul turned out the lone warrior with his half-century. For Bangladesh, all-rounder Shakib al Hasan claimed five-wicket-haul while Ebadot Hossain rattled Indian batting by picking four wickets.

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REV. NT. FIFA WORLD CUP

In the FIFA World Cup, France defeated Poland 3-1 and enters the quarter final at Al-Thumama Stadium, Doha. France became the first defending champions since Brazil in 2006 to clear the group stage at the FIFA World Cup. Poland had finished second in Group C behind Argentina with a win, a draw, and a loss each. In another knockout encounter, England will take on Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor later tongiht at 12.30 AM Indian Time.

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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 Financial Times reports that Europe can withstand risk to winter energy supplies, says French grid chief.

⦁ Wall Street Journal  writes In Georgia’s Runoff Election, Midterm Turnout and Blank Ballots Might Reveal Who Has the Edge.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ First G20 Sherpa meeting under India's Presidency begins at Udaipur, Rajasthan

⦁ President Droupadi Murmu says, Indian Navy has huge responsibility of ensuring security for national maritime interset.

⦁ Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave to begin in New Delhi on Monday.

⦁ Iran disbands Morality Police after months of anti-Hijab protests.

⦁ Indonesia raises alert to highest level as volcano erupts on Java Island.

⦁ In Cricket, Bangladesh defeat India by one wicket in first ODI of three-match series in Dhaka.

⦁ And, in pre-quater-finals of FIFA Football World Cup, France beat Poland 3-0 and England to take on Senegal in another fixture at Qatar.

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And now, before we end, let us listen to Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajanVaishnav Jan, by artist from ANGOLA.

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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