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

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs video meeting of  Governors, State Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors on country's G-20 Presidency.

⦁ India reducing dependency on Chinese goods by taking a series of measures, says country's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

⦁ New Delhi asks Islamabad to take immediate measures to bring persecutors of minority groups in Pakistan to justice.

⦁ India Meteorological Department warns of cyclonic storm Mandous over Bay of Bengal from Friday midnight to early hours of Saturday.

⦁ President Droupadi Murmu stresses on immediate implementation of measures taken by Government of India to deal with climate change.

⦁ Japan, UK and Italy to jointly develop next-generation fighter jet.

⦁ In Women's Cricket, Australia defeat India by nine wickets in first T20 International in Mumbai.

⦁ And In FIFA World Cup, Brazil facing Croatia in first quarter-final in Qatar.; Argentina to take on Netherlands later on Friday in the second quaterfinal.

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PM-G20 MEETING

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a video meeting of the Governors, Chief Ministers of States, and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories to discuss aspects relating to India’s G-20 Presidency. In his remarks, Mr Modi stated that India’s G-20 Presidency belongs to the entire nation and is a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s strengths. He emphasised the importance of teamwork and sought the cooperation of the States and Union Territories in the organization of various G-20 events. He pointed out that the G-20 Presidency will help showcase parts of India beyond the conventional big metros and bring out the uniqueness of each part of the country. Highlighting the large number of visitors who will be coming to India during India’s G-20 Presidency and the international media focus on various events, Prime Minister underlined the importance of States and Union Territories utilising this opportunity to rebrand themselves as attractive business, investments, and tourism destinations. He also reiterated the need to ensure people’s participation in the G-20 events by a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach.

A number of Governors, Chief Ministers, and Lieutenant Governors shared their thoughts during the meeting, emphasising the preparations being done by the states to suitably host G-20 meetings. External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar also addressed the meeting, and a presentation was made by India's G-20 Sherpa. India took over the Presidency of G20 on the first of this month and will convene the G20 Leaders' Summit for the first time in the country next year.

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HOTSPOT

As, India takes over the G20 Presidency, the event gives a historic opportunity to the country to address the growing challenges of food security being faced by the world and promote cultivation as a solution to the climate crisis. It also coincides with the UN General Assembly’s declaration to make 2023 the “International Year of Millet” at India's request which was endorsed by over 70 countries. In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a News Commentary on International year of Millets-2023.

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RS-INDO-CHINA TRADE

The Government of India on Friday said that it has taken a series of measures to reduce dependency on Chinese goods and increase the manufacturing capacity of domestic industries and its competitiveness. Replying to supplementaries on India-China trade relationship in the Upper House, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, the government has laid focus on the Make in India initiative and took the efforts by providing production linked incentives to the domestic industries to increase their manufacturing capacities.

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LS- PAK

India has asked Pakistan to take immediate measures to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of persecutors of minority groups in that country to justice.  There have been reports of instances of vandalism and desecration of places of religious worship belonging to the minority communities in Pakistan. These include vandalism of Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Shri Guru in Sindh, statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore, Shiv temple in Mirpur Mathelo and Shir Mata temple in Karachi and theft of gold idol in Sant Baba Jairamdas Samadhi Ashram in Sindh.  In a written reply in the Lower House of Indian Parliament on Friday, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan said, New Delhi has raised all such cases with Pakistan and called upon it to take steps to protect and promote the safety, security and well being of its minority communities and their places of worship. He also informed that India has secured the release and repatriation of more than two thousand 700 Indian prisoners from Pakistan custody since 2014. The country has also sought early consular access and release and repatriation of the remaining Indian in Pakistan custody. Mr. Muraleedharan said  the government attaches  high importance  to the issue of Indian prisoners held in Pakistan custody and  all possible assistance is extended to the fishermen for their early release.

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CYCLONE-MANDAUS

India Meteorological Department has issued warning for cyclonic storm Mandous over Bay of Bengal from Friday midnight to early hours of Saturday. The Cyclone lay centered at 135 km southeast of Indian toof Mamallapuram and 170 kilometers south-southeast of Chennai. It is moving towards the west and northwest direction at a speed of 14 kmph. It is expected to make landfall near Mahabalipuram, between Puducherry and Sriharikota.

In Indian state of Tamil Nadu, capital Chennai and surrounding areas have been experiencing intermittent rains since Thursday. Educational institutions have been closed for Saturday as well. Airports, Railways, and other transport services are put on high alert as the cyclone advances.  

State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams have been stationed in coastal districts due to high waves reaching up to more than five feet. The Indian Government has issued advisories to alert the public not to venture out of their houses late evening as there is a threat of strong winds.

Talking to AIR News, Director General of IMD Dr. Mrutyunjay Mahapatra said that the cyclonic storm Mandous is very likely to weaken into a deep depression within three hours after landfall.

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SRI LANKA-CYCLONE

As the Cyclonic system Mandous moves northwestward, the sea areas of northern and eastern coast of Sri Lanka are reported to get rough with very strong gusty winds and heavy rain. In an advisory, the Sri Lankan Meteorological department has advised naval and fishing communities against venturing into the sea areas off the coast from Mannar to Pottuvil. Those who are out at these places have been advised to move to safer areas or return to coast immediately. The advisory states that there is a possibility of swell waves upto 3.5 metres.

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PREZ-GLOBAL WARMING

India's President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said, there is an urgent need to take effective steps to solve the problem of global warming and climate change. She said, the whole world is struggling with these issues. President Murmu was addressing the closing ceremony of the 97th Foundation Course of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Indian hill toof Mussoorie.   She appealed to officers to fully implement steps taken by the Government of India for environment protection, to save our future.

Addressing another event, the Indian President said, India is moving towards becoming self-reliant for which the commitment of the students is needed. The President said that only education can bring change to the entire nation.

The President remarked that there is no harm in learning all the languages of the world but the mother tongue should not be forgotten. She said, the British ruled India for many years but today the whole world is looking towards the country because it has the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means 'World is one Family'.

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CLIMATE CHANGE-ROUGH WAVE

A recent study has revealed that climate change is likely to increase rough wave days in the Indian Ocean, northern sector of Arabian Sea and central Bay of Bengal in near future. The Science and Technology Ministry said that extreme wave events can have a tremendous impact on the livelihoods of the coastal population, infrastructure, and ocean-related activities. It added, observed variability and changes in extreme wave events, along with shifting storm intensity and tracks, can play a crucial role in shoreline changes, erosion rates, flooding episodes, and other related coastal hazards. The study also found that extreme waves due to climate change and its consequences continue to emerge at both regional and global scales. It suggested that a better understanding of the future projected changes in the amplitude of high-frequency extreme wave events is necessary for timely warning and coastal planning and management. The study was conducted by a team of scientists from National Institute of Technology Delhi; Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur; and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad.

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FIGHTER JET-COLLABORATION

Britain, Italy and Japan on Friday said, they will jointly develop a future fighter jet that uses artificial intelligence.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, the joint venture aims to create thousands of jobs and strengthen security ties.

Talking to the media on a visit to a Royal Air Force base in eastern England, Mr Sunak said, the partnership will keep the country safe from the new threats that they face.

The three nations held out the prospect of cooperation with European and US allies, which are developing their osixth-generation planes, vowing to maintain interoperability among all the allies against threats from the likes of China.

The new "Global Combat Air Programme" is slated to produce its first jets by 2035, merging the three countries' costly existing research into new aerial war technology, from stealth capacity to high-tech sensors.

The British Prime Minister said, they are one of the few countries in the world that has the capability to build technologically advanced fighter aircraft.

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US-RUSSIA EXCHANGE

American basketball star Brittney Griner reached the United States on Friday after being released from a Russian prison in exchange for an arms dealer. Ms Griner was arrested in Russia in February on drug charges, and Viktor Bout serving a 25-year sentence in a US prison were exchanged at an airport in Abu Dhabi.

US President Joe Biden announced the release of the basketball star in an address to the nation at the White House.

The Russian state media released footage showing Griner, and Bout crossing paths on the airport tarmac and heading towards the planes that would take them home.

A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Brittney Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport nine months ago. She was accused of possession of vape cartridges with a small quantity of cannabis oil and sentenced in August to nine years in prison.

Viktor Bout, who was accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts, was detained in an American sting operation in Thailand in 2008, extradited to the United States and sentenced in 2012 to 25 years behind bars.

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LS-UKRAINE

 Around 1100 Indian students and 90 other Indian Citizens are still in conflict hit Ukraine. This was stated by the India's Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi in a written reply in the Lower House of the Indian Parlament on Friday. She said, most of the Indian students pursuing medical education in Ukraine have returned to India since the conflict began. She said, the Indian Mission in Kyiv, in its advisory also provided information about available options to Indian citizens for crossing borders and it remains in touch with them to provide help.

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BNP MEMBERS ARRESTED

Bangladesh Police on Friday arrested two top leaders of the main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP), a day before its planned grand rally in the capital.

Party’s General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas were produced before a court in Dhaka in a case filed over Wednesday’s clashes between BNP supporters and the police. One person was killed and several others including some policemen were injured in the clashes in front of the BNP office in Dhaka.  The court denied bail to the two leaders and sent them to jail. The police had detained them from their homes early in the morning and brought them to the police station for questioning which continued for several hours.

Earlier, on Thursday police arrested several top leaders of the BNP in connection with the clashes

Meanwhile, the BNP agreed to hold its rally at another venue after talks with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

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RS-SOCIAL MEDIA

 India has said that its policies are aimed at ensuring an Open, Safe and Trusted and Accountable Internet for its users.  In a written reply to a question in Upper House of Parliament, India's Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, with the expansion of the Internet and users are increasingly exposed to potential harm arising from improper use of cyberspace. He said, to help achieve the aim of ensuring an Open, Safe and Trusted and Accountable Internet, the Central Government has also made the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Mr Chandrasekhar added that with regard to due verification of social media accounts, it is informed that the due diligence requirements for a social media intermediary under the IT Rules include  informing users about its  user agreement.  While with regard to  social media intermediary which has more than 50 lakh registered users in India, such requirements also include enabling its users to voluntarily verify their accounts and provide such accounts with visible marks of verification. The Minister said, with regard to steps to address the potential damage due to fake accounts, it is informed that section 66D of the IT Act penalises cheating by impersonating by means of any communication device or computer resource. Such act is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and fine of up to one lakh rupees.  He said, as the offence is a cognizable offence, State police departments take preventive and penal action as per law in respect of the same.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

The Sensex and the Nifty on Friday fell more than half a per cent. A report from the business desk-  

The Sensex declined 389 points, or 0.62 per cent, to close at 62,182. The Nifty also plunged 113 points, or 0.61 per cent, to end at 18,497.  At global stock markets rose on expectations that China's economy would strengthen as COVID-19 curbs ease. However, stocks still logged two percent weekly loss ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week. Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 2.3 per cent and Japan's NIKKEI-225 gained 1.2 percent. South Korea's KOSPI rose 0.8 per cent while Singapore's Straits Times and China's Shanghai Composite indices added 0.3 per cent. European shares were also up in intra-day trade. Oil prices were stable but headed for a weekly loss on worries over weak economic outlooks in China, Europe and the United States. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at 76 dollars and 50 cents per barrel. Back Home, At the Multi Commodity Exchange, Gold futures for February was trading at 54,340 rupees per ten grams. Silver futures for March was trading at 67,300 rupees per kilogram, when reports last came in. In the forex market, the rupee appreciated 15 paise to closed at 82 rupees and 28 paise against the US dollar S .RANGWASYAM for World News, All India Radio.

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LS ANURAG SPORTS

India's Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Friday said one thousand Khelo India centres will be opened by the 15th of August next year across the country. The Minister was replying to a discussion in Lower House of Parliament on the need to promote sports in the country and steps were taken by the Government in this regard. Mr Thakur stated that be it Tokyo Olympics or Tokyo  Paralympics, India has performed better as compared to the past. He said India has also performed well in Deaf Olympics as well.

Mr Thakur said, the focus is being given to improving sports infrastructure. He assured that the Government has shono discrimination towards para-athletes. Participating in the discussion, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress suggested that budgetary allocation for the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry should be increased.

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WOMEN'S CRICKET

In Women's Cricket, Australia defeated India by nine wickets in the first T20 International of the five-match series at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. Chasing a target of 173 runs, Australia overhauled the score with 9 wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare. Beth Mooney scored unbeaten 89 runs and Tahlia McGrath contributed 40 runs for the visitors.

Earlier, put into bat, India scored 172 runs for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. For India, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma scored 36 runs each. For Australia Ellyse Perry took two wickets.

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FIFA

In the FIFA World Cup 2022, the first quarter final match between Brazil and Croatia is underway at the Education City Stadium in Qatar. After goal-less stipulated 90 minutes, Brazil were leading 1-0 in extra time, when reports last came in .

The action-packed last-eight stage will also see Argentina against Netherlands at Lusail Iconic Stadium later on Friday.

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KING CHARLES-COIN

The first coins bearing the likeness of Britain's King Charles III has entered circulation in UK.

This was announced by the Royal Mint, the official producer of UK banknotes and coins.

The new 50 pence piece features an effigy of Charles, who became king after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September.

The Royal Mint is initially releasing 4.9 million of the coins via transactions made at the country's postal offices.

Millions more will eventually enter use, with King Charles's head featuring on all denominations.

Charles's head faces left, in line with a tradition that the new monarch looks the opposite way to their predecessor.

The effigy is the work of British sculptor Martin Jennings and was personally approved by the King.

The reverse side celebrates the life and legacy of Elizabeth, using the coin design for her coronation in 1953.

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JAPAN-LUNAR VOYAGE

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has announced eight crew members who will join him for a journey around the Moon planned for 2023 on a SpaceX rocket that is still under development. The flight could be the first lunar journey by humans since 1972. The mission, knoas dearMoon, was first announced in 2018. Mr Maezawa initially said, he would invite a crew of six-to-eight artists, but later changed the entry requirements to a competition which applicants could apply online.

The eight people chosen were Indian actor Dev Joshi, K-pop musician TOP of South Korea, DJ and producer Steve Aoki of the United States; Tim Dodd, an American YouTuber; Czech artist Yemi AD; An Irish photographer, Rhiannon Adam; British photographer Karim Iliya and American filmmaker Brendan Hall. There were also two backup crew members: snowboarder Kaitlyn Farrington of the US and dancer Miyu of Japan.

Making the announcement on YouTube, the Japanese billionaire expressed hope each and everyone will recognise the responsibility that comes with leaving the Earth, travelling to the Moon and back.

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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  writes US welcomes Brittney Griner as Viktor Bout arrives in Moscow.

⦁ The Financial Times reports that US House passes 858 billion dollar defence bill with weapons funding for Taiwan.

⦁ The New York Times writes Chasing the US, China’s Leader Emerges From Diplomatic Isolation.

⦁ Wall Street Journal writes ‘Ebola Could Have Wiped Us All’: Slow LockdoHaunts Uganda.

⦁ Japan Times opines, Disappearing plant populations jeopardize a green future.

⦁ The Guardian writes that the US is a rogue state leading the world towards ecological collapse.

⦁ Reuters reports that Britain reviews financial rules to bolster City's global clout.

⦁ Kathmandu Post says Supreme Court orders authorities not to implement Gautam’s decision to invalidate Rana’s suspension.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs video meeting of  Governors, State Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors on country's G-20 Presidency.

⦁ India reducing dependency on Chinese goods by taking a series of measures, says country's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

⦁ New Delhi asks Islamabad to take immediate measures to bring persecutors of minority groups in Pakistan to justice.

⦁ India Meteorological Department warns of cyclonic storm Mandous over Bay of Bengal from Friday midnight to early hours of Saturday.

⦁ President Droupadi Murmu stresses on immediate implementation of measures taken by Government of India to deal with climate change.

⦁ Japan, UK and Italy to jointly develop next-generation fighter jet.

⦁ In Women's Cricket, Australia defeat India by nine wickets in first T20 International in Mumbai.

⦁ And In FIFA World Cup, Brazil facing Croatia in first quarter-final in Qatar.; Argentina to take on Netherlands later on Friday in the second quaterfinal.

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

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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