Akashvani , National news, All India Radio News

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

⦁ President of India Draupadi Murmu says, in the atmosphere of discord and wars, global community is looking towards India for a solution.

⦁ External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticises China for not following border agreements with India.

⦁ India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicates to the nation 28 border infrastructure projects worth 724 crore rupees.

⦁ Russia says, more than 60 of its soldiers killed in a Ukrainian strike on Moscow-controlled territory in Donetsk.

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with King Charles -III of United Kingdom; Discusses India’s G20 presidency and climate action.

⦁ Venezuela ready to normalize ties with US, says, President Nicolas Maduro.

⦁ And, in Cricket, India set a target of 163 runs for Sri Lanka in first T-20 match in Mumbai.

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PREZ-ADDRESS  

President of India Draupadi Murmu has said that in the atmosphere of discord and wars, the global community is looking towards India for a solution. She said, India is playing the role of a harbinger of peace in the world. She was speaking after launching a National Campaign on 'RISE, that is, Rising India through Spiritual Empowerment' in Rajasthan on Tuesday.

The President emphasised that India's aim is to become a knowledge superpower which should be used for sustainable development, social harmony, and lasting peace in the world.

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JAISHANAKR-INTERVIEW

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized China for not observing agreements with India on border issues. During an interview to Austria’s national broadcaster ORF on Monday, Dr Jaishankar pointed out the reason for the tense situation between the two neighbours.

On China trying to change the status quo, the Minister said Beijing may blame India for not following the agreements, however, the satellite pictures clearly show who is at the fault.

The two countries have held 17 rounds of talks so far to resolve the standoff.

Mr Jaishankar said, India will probably overtake China as the world's most populous country within this year. Highlighting the need for reforms in the United Nations, the Indian Minister regretted that the world's most populous country is not among the permanent members of the Security Council.

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, during the interview, the External Affairs Minister termed it an epicentre of terrorism. He said, the world has to be concerned that terrorism is going on and should not looks away.

The Minister also hit out at the European countries for not condemning Pakistan.

Dr S Jaishankar reached Austria from Cyprus on the second leg of his two-nation tour. This is the first EAM-level visit from India to Austria in the last 27 years.

Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister on Tuesday met the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi in Vienna. In a tweet, Dr Jaishankar said, during the meeting, he discussed several issues including India-International Atomic Energy Agency cooperation, India's G-20 Presidency, the global energy scenario, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific.

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JAISHANKAR-NYT REPORT

Indian External Affairs Minister has said that Europe has imported six times the fossil fuel energy from Russia than India has done since February last year. He was quoted saying this in a New York Times report titled 'Russia's War Could Make It India's World'.

The report quoted the Dr S Jaishankar saying that, a world order which is still very deeply Western is being hurried out of existence by the impact of the Ukraine conflict, to be replaced by a world of multi-alignment where countries will choose their oparticular policies and preferences and interests.

In the New York Times article, the Minister said that he would still like to see a more rules-based world. Dr Jaishankar said, India has had a much more peaceful, productive relationship with the world than, Europe. He said, Europe has been expansionist, which is why the world witnessed the period of imperialism and colonialism. However, he asserted, despite being subjected to colonialism for two centuries, India is a very open society and there is no anger against the world.

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J&K-RAJNATH

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday inaugurated 28 infrastructure projects, during an event in Arunachal Pradesh. These projects have been completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Built at a cost of 724 crore rupees, the projects will hugely augment India's border infrastructure, mostly along the Chinese border, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. Later in the day, the Indian Defence Minister virtually inaugurated the Bailey Suspension Bridge over the Chenab river in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. The 240-feet high Bridge has been completed by BRO, a month before deadline.

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RUSSIA-TROOPS

Russia has said more than 60 of its soldiers were killed in a Ukrainian strike on Russian-controlled territory in a New Year assault. The strike took place in the city of Makiivka in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine on New Year's Eve. It is the highest number of deaths acknowledged by Moscow in a single incident since the conflict began last year.

In a rare announcement the Russian Defence Ministry said, 63 Russian servicemen were killed as a result of a strike by four missiles in Makiivka. The Ministry said, US-supplied Himars rocket systems had been used and the target was a temporary deployment point.

The General staff of Ukraine's armed forces said in a statement that its forces were behind the strikes on Makiivka.

Earlier in the day, the strategic communications department of Ukraine's armed forces said nearly 400 Russian troops were killed in Makiivka. The general staff, which usually communicates on such incidents, did not confirm the figure and said the human "losses" were still being established.

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ECONOMIC SLOWDO

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the three big economies the United states, Europe and China  are all slowing dosimultaneously. For much of the global economy, 2023 is going to be a tough year as the main engines of global growth. In October, the IMF cut its outlook for global economic growth in 2023, reflecting the continuing drag from the war in Ukraine as well as inflation pressures and the high interest rates engineered by central banks like the US Federal Reserve aimed at bringing those price pressures to heel. Since then, China has scrapped its zero-Covid policy and embarked on a chaotic reopening of its economy, though consumers there remain wary as coronavirus cases surge.  

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INDIA--MANUFACTURING

India's manufacturing sector activity ended on a very positive note in 2022 with December reporting output level best seen since November 2021. The Purchasing Managers’ Index, PMI average for the third quarter of the current fiscal year was the highest recorded in a year. Posting 57.8 in December, up from 55.7 in November, the seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI signalled the strongest improvement in operating conditions since October 2020. The latest PMI data corroborates signs of robust economic activities signalled by other indicators like GST collections, which stood at 1.5 trillion rupees in December, the third highest level this fiscal and robust auto fuel sales. The output of eight core sector industries grew 5.4 percent on year in November, recovering from their worst performance in 20 months in the previous month.

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WN-GOVT-ADB

The government of India on Tuesday signed several loan agreements with the Asian Development Bank to boost the infrastructure sector in the country. The Finance Ministry said, a loan agreement worth 350 million US dollars was inked to improve connectivity in state of Maharashtra. A loan agreement worth 300 million US dollars will be utilised to upgrade over 300 kilometres of State highways and major district roads in Assam. The other agreements aim to improving power sector in Tripura, and building new power lines along with improving connectivity of the metro rail system in Chennai.

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HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a News Commentary on GST revenue brings cheer to India in New Year

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

The Sensex and the Nifty on Tuesday witnessed modest gains. We have a report:

The Sensex rose 126 points to settle at 61,294. The Nifty also added 35 points to finish at 18,233.

Among global stock markets, Asain shares ended mixed. China’s Shanghai Composite index rose 0.9 percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.3 percent. On the other hand, Singapore’s Straits Times index closed marginally doby 0.2 percent and South Korea’s KOSPI fell 0.3 percent. Japan's NIKKEI-225 was closed due to a holidays. European shares were up in intra-day trade.

Oil prices fell around one and half percent as investors expected lower demand amid weak manufacturing activity survey from China. A warning from the head of the International Monetary Fund that the global economy will face a tough year ahead also dampened investor sentiment. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at 84 dollars and 65 cents per barrel.

Back Home, At the Multi Commodity Exchange, Gold futures for February was trading at 55,555 rupees per ten grams. Silver futures for March was trading at 70,600 rupees per kilogram when reports last came in. Gaura dhawan lal  for World News, All India Radio.

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PM-KING CHARLES

Prime Minister of India on Tuesday spoke with King Charles -III of the United Kingdom over the telephone. During the call, a number of subjects of mutual interest were discussed, including Climate Action, conservation of biodiversity, and innovative solutions for the financing energy transition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for King Charles -III's abiding interest and advocacy on these issues. This was the Indian Prime Minister's first conversation with King Charles -III after he assumed the Office of the Sovereign of the UK. Mr. Modi conveyed his best wishes to the King for a very successful reign.

The Prime Minister apprised him of India’s priorities for its G-20 Presidency, including the propagation of digital public goods. He also explained the relevance of Mission LiFE - Lifestyle for Environment, through which India seeks to promote environmentally sustainable lifestyles.

The leaders also exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Nations and how to further strengthen its functioning. They also appreciated the role of the Indian community in the UK, in acting as a living bridge between both countries and enriching bilateral relations.

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PM SCIENCE CONGRESS

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the scientific community to work on subjects that meet increasing needs of the country. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 108th Indian Science Congress in city of Nagpur through video conferencing he said, the scientific community should work on innovation to meet India's energy requirements.

Mr Modi also said, the increasing participation of women is a reflection of the progress of society and Science. The Indian Prime Minister said, Data and Technology can take India's science to new heights. Our correspondent reports that the theme of this year's Indian Science Congress is 'Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment'. During the five-day event, the participants will discuss and deliberate on ways to increase the number of women in higher echelons of teaching, research and industry.

A special programme to showcase the contribution of women in science and technology will also be held, which will also witness lectures by renowned women scientists.

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B'DESH-ENERGY

Bangladesh will start receiving electricity from the power plant at Godda in Indian state of Jharkhand from mid-march to meet the needs of the country during the summer months. This was stated by Minister of State for Power Nasrul Hamid on Monday. He made the comment after inspecting the 1600 megawatt under-construction power plant. A dedicated power transmission line has already been constructed to supply electricity from India to Bangladesh.

The Minister said the government is also looking for alternative sources of energy to meet the country's demand for fuel.

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VENEZUELA-US TIES

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said, his government is ready to normalise diplomatic and political connections with the United States. We have a report:

President Maduro said, Venezuela is fully ready to take steps towards a process of normalisation and regulation of diplomatic, consular, and political relations with the US government and with the government that may come. In 2019, Venezuela cut ties with America after the United States started identifying illegally acclaimed leader Juan Guaido as the interim President instead of re-elected Nicolas Maduro. In return, Washington targeted Venezuela's oil and financial enterprises and levied damaging prohibitions on Caracas.

However, the two countries renewed communion in March last year when President Joe Biden sent a US delegation to Caracas. The objective was to negotiate with the Maduro regime about oil supply problems amid the energy crisis, heightened by cutting ties with Russia, prisoner exchanges, and other topics.

Nicolas Maduro's government and the opposition are currently in a power battle. The South American country has been in a downward spiral of growing political discontent for years. While some nations recognise Nicolas Maduro as the legal president, many people have backed Juan Guaido. Anuja Kumar For World New.

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COLOMBO-AWARD

Kumar Nadesan, Managing Director of the 92-year-old Virakesari, published by Express Newspapers, is the only Sri Lankan among 27 others selected globally to receive the coveted Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. More from our Colombo correspondent:

The Award is given by the President of India to honour exceptional and meritorious contributions in their chosen field/profession both in India and abroad.

Mr. Nadesan serves as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Institute and represents the Newspaper Society of island nations. In addition, he serves as the Chairman of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka. He is also President of the Global organisation of people of Indian origin (Sri Lanka) and has been a recipient of 'the Service above Self' from Rotary International for Community work.

The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is scheduled to be held from the 8th to the 10th of January 2023 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Ahmed Muyeen Farooqi for All India Radio News from, Colombo.

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INDIA-ASIAN POSTAL UNION

India will take over the leadership of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) having its Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand from this month. The Communications Ministry said, the APPU is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the Asian-Pacific region. The goal of APPU is to extend, facilitate and improve postal relations between member countries and to promote cooperation in the field of postal services. Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh, erstwhile Member (Personnel), Postal Services Board will take over the charge of Secretary General of the Union for a tenure of four years.

Secretary, Department of Posts, Vineet Pandey said, this is the first time an Indian is leading an international organization in the postal sector. He said, it is a privilege for the Department to have its officer lead the activities of the Union, especially beginning from this year of India’s G20 presidency.

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PM-ASSAM RHINO

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi complimented the people of Assam for their efforts toward Rhino conservation in the State after zero poaching incidents were reported in the last year.

Sharing a tweet by Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness over proactive efforts taken by the people to protect the Rhinos and showing the way.

Earlier, Mr. Sarma in his tweet shared his delight that 2022 was really special for the Government's Rhino conservation efforts. He said, not a single Rhino was poached last year except two in 2021. Mr. Sarma said, the giant Rhino is now much safer in Assam. He appreciated the Assam Forest Department and Assam Police for their sincere efforts to protect the iconic animal.

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CHINA -MILLETS

The year 2023 is being celebrated as International Year of Millets (IYM) globally, under a proposal sponsored by India and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who led India’s efforts in this regard has a vision to make IYM 2023 a ‘People’s Movement’ alongside positioning India as the ‘Global Hub for Millets’. India accounts for almost 80 per cent of Asia’s and 20 per cent of global Millets’ production.

Being groin more than 130 countries at present, Millets are considered traditional food for more than half a billion people across Asia and Africa. However, their cultivation is declining in many countries, and their potential to address climate change and food security is not being realized in full.

Our Beijing Correspondent spoke to Proffessor Diao Xianmin, the leading scientist in Millets research at Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences on significance of IYM 2023 for China and the world in terms of food security.

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CRICKET

In Cricket, India defeated Sri Lanka by two runs in the first T-20 encounter of three match series at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Put ino bat, India posted 162 runs with the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan made 37 runs off 29 balls while skipper Hardik Pandya chipped in with 29 runs in 27 deliveries. Deepak Hooda blasted 41 runs off 23 balls while Axar Patel smashed 31 in 20 balls.

In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 160 runs.

Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to injury. In his place, Hardik Pandya has been named captain for the  series. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have not been selected.

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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 Strait Times writes, World Bank seeks more funds to address climate change, other crises.

⦁ The Global Times writes, China gets off to a good start with new year tourism rebound, boosts market confidence for 2023 economic recovery.

⦁ The Guardian writes, Extreme-right Israeli minister visits al-Aqsa mosque compound.

⦁ The Business Recorder reports, Two British citizens among dead in mid-air helicopter collision near Australian theme park.

⦁ Wall Street Journal  writes, Ukraine Has Digitized Its Fighting Forces on a Shoestring.

⦁ The Washington Post  write Europe prepares to take in more Ukrainians, with less support, in 2023.

⦁ CNN writes Australia’s top health adviser urged government against restrictions on travelers from China.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ President of India Draupadi Murmu says, in the atmosphere of discord and wars, global community is looking towards India for a solution.

⦁ External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticises China for not following border agreements with India.

⦁ India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicates to the nation 28 border infrastructure projects worth 724 crore rupees.

⦁ Russia says, more than 60 of its soldiers killed in a Ukrainian strike on Moscow-controlled territory in Donetsk.

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with King Charles -III of United Kingdom; Discusses India’s G20 presidency and climate action.

⦁ Venezuela ready to normalize ties with US, says, President Nicolas Maduro.

⦁ And, in Cricket, India beat Sri Lanka by two runs in first T-20 match in Mumbai.

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

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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