J&K provides the maximum number of e-services to its citizens in the country
Our cooperative model is a human-centric model: Amit Shah
Mobile data service resumes from today In Manipur
Nagpur witnesses unprecedented rainfall this morning
Government is developing sports talent in the country: Anurag Thakur
19TH Asian Games, 2023 begins in Hangzhou, China in a colorful ceremony
Chess comeback after 13-year hiatus in 19th Asian Games at Hangzhou in China
US stocks ends marginally lower yesterday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share his thoughts in the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on Akashvani at 11 AM tomorrow
India become No 1 ranked team in all formats after defeating Australia in 1st ODI
NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This 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 to you the latest from the world of politics, economy, sports, entertainment and more.
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HEADLINES:
⦁ India and France hold 36th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi.
⦁ India's Prime Minister meets Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation on his digital India Vision.
⦁ India to emerge as most competitive source of green hydrogen and ammonia for the world; says Energy Minister R.K Singh.
⦁ France promises first Western tanks in support of Ukranian Army.
⦁ US-House of Representatives adjourns again after Republicans fail to ellect a new Speaker for the sixth time.
⦁ U K PM Rishi Sunak vows to tackle pressing concerns in the country from cutting inflation to reducing illegal migration.
⦁ And in Cricket, Srilanka sets a target of 207 runs for India in second T20 International.
INDIA FRANCE
India and France held the 36th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday. The Indian delegation was led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, while the French delegation was led by French President Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne. Briefing media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India and France held discussions on various issues including the current global security situation in the context of conflict of Ukraine, regional security in the context of Afghanistan , counter terrorism, defence cooperation in the Indo Pacific and cyber security.
On Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's tweets on Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesperson reiterated that Jammu and Kahmir is an inalienable and integral part of India. He said Article 370 is entirely a matter of India as well as Indian Constitution and it is a sovereign matter.
Replying to a query on the death of three Russians in Odisha, Mr Bagchi said the deaths should not be linked together. He further said that India is a large county where a lot of foreigners visit. He said necessary investigation is being carried out in the deaths.
PM - FRENCH ADVISOR
Diplomatic Advisor to the French President Emmanuel Macron, Emmanuel Bonne called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday. On this occasion, Mr Modi highlighted the close cooperation between India and France in various domains of their strategic partnership, including defence, security, and the Indo-Pacific. He also welcomed France’s support to India’s G20 Presidency.
Mr. Bonne conveyed President Emmanuel Macron’s message of friendship to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him on the Strategic Dialogue with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, held earlier during the day. Discussions were also held on other areas of mutual interest and cooperation including energy and culture.
Earlier, Mr Bonne met with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. They had a useful exchange of views on current issues of mutual interest.
PM-SATYA
Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation Satya Nadella met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. In a tweet, Mr. Modi said, country's strides in technology and innovation are ushering in an era of tech-led growth. He said, youth is filled with ideas which have the potential to transform the planet.
In a tweet, Mr. Nadella thanked the Prime Minister for an insightful meeting. He said, it is inspiring to see the government’s deep focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth led by digital transformation. He said, Microsoft is looking forward to helping India realize the Digital India vision and be a light for the world.
RKSINGH-GREEN HYDROGEN
Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister of India RK Singh has said that India will emerge as the most competitive source of green hydrogen and ammonia for the world. Terming the Union Cabinet's decision for the National Green Hydrogen Mission a bold and pioneering step, the Minister expressed confidence that the country will achieve the five million metric tonnes of annual production of green hydrogen before the deadline of 2030.
Briefing media in New Delhi on Thursday, Mr. Singh said, the country is working to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel imports and the Green Hydrogen Mission will help in achieving energy autonomy. He said, the country has a competitive advantage in the production of green hydrogen as it has the necessary resources and a strong and thriving industry in the green energy sector. He said, India has a potential to produce green energy at a very competitive rate. The Minister expressed confidence that domestic industries can supply green hydrogen and ammonia at a lower price in comparison to other countries.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet had approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with initial outlay of 19 thousand 744 crore rupees. The aim of this mission is to make India the global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen. The mission will lead to significant decarbonisation of the economy.
HOTSPOT
In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a News Commentary on India’s Ties with Cyprus & Austria set for Upward Swing.
RAJNATH SINGH- ANDAMAN NICOBAR
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He will review the operational preparedness of the Andaman and Nicobar Command on Friday. He is also scheduled to take stock of the infrastructure development at the operational areas of the Command and its outlying units. The Defence Minister will also visit the Command units at Campbell Bay, Carnic and Diglipur where he would be interacting with troops.
JAISHANKAR ISRAEL
External Affairs Minister of India Dr Jaishankar on Thursday spoke to new foreign minister of Israel, Eli Cohen. In a tweet, Dr Jaishankar said he is lookign forward to partnering him in taking India- Israel cooperation forward. He said he values the Israeli Foreign Minister's many insights, including on economy and security.
PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS
The 17th Pravasi Baratiya Diwas (PBD) will be held from 8th to 10th January in Indore, capital of Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Briefing media in New Delhi on Thursday evening, Secretary (CPV and OIA) in the External Affairs Ministry, Dr Ausaf Sayeed said the formal inauguration of the PBD Convention will be done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 9th of January. President of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be the Chief Guest and Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi will be the special guest of honour.
Pravasi Baratiya Diwas 2023 has special significance as this year marks the 75 years of India's independence. This will also be the first PBD convention as India enters the Amrit Kaal. Dr Sayeed said the diaspora will play a very important role in the development trajectory of India. He added that the theme this year is Diaspora- Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal.
More than 3500 registrations from nearly 70 countries have been made by diaspora for the event.
Ministerial-level delegations and big delegations of diaspora from several countries will participate, added Dr Sayeed.
LADAKH-HYDRO-TOURISM
In Indian Union Territory of Ladakh, Tourism Department is adding another feather to its cap with plans to start Hydro tourism. Ladakh Tourism department in collaboration with National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, is planning aquatic sports to begin Hydro tourism at world's highest hydro power project on the Indus river, near Alchi in Leh.
The UT Tourism Secretary Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan directed the official to prepare DPRs and safety guidelines with NHPC, to start execution of related works in the coming season.
Aquatic sports like Kayaking, Jet Skiing, Motorboating, Ice Skating during winter, and boating during the summer season will be rolled out in a phased manner.
Similarly, tourism department is also introducing border tourism in cooperation with Fire and Fury Corps of Indian Army.
SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM
National Single Window System, NSWS Portal for various Central, State and UT clearances on Thursday hit a new milestone by crossing 75 thousand approvals. The portal has received 4 lakh 20 thousand unique visitors from 157 countries since its inception. More than one lakh fifty thousand investors have used KYA (Know Your Approvals) Module of NSWS to know list of approvals they require for their specific business cases. A total of 75 thousand 599 approvals have been granted out of over one lakh 23 thosuand applications received.
Out of these, more than 57 thousand approvals have been approved by Commerce Ministry. Consumers Affairs Ministry has given over 17 thousand approvals.
NSWS is providing a single interface to apply for all G2B clearances from various Ministries and Departments as well as eliminating duplication of work.
RUSSIA-CEASEFIRE
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered his defense minister to implement a ceasefire in Ukraine for 36 hours on 6 and 7 January 2023 to allow Orthodox Christians to attend Christmas services, according to a statement from the Kremlin.
Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January.
Earlier on Thursday, Patriarch Kirill - the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church and a vocal supporter of the war - had called for a temporary ceasefire.
FRANCE-UKRAINE
France has annonced that it will send light AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles to Ukraine. The Annoncement came after French President Emmanuel Macron called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday.
A French official told, this is the first time that Western-made armoured vehicles are being delivered in support of the Ukrainian army.
However, the official did not give any details about the volume or timing of the planned shipments.
According to the French armed forces ministry, AMX-10 is an armored reconnaissance vehicle with a high level of mobility, with a carrying capacity of four crew. According to media reports, France has already delivered modern artillery, armoured personnel carriers, anti-aircraft missiles and air-defence systems to Ukraine.
US-HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The US House of Representatives adjourned for a second day without electing a House speaker, after Republican Kevin McCarthy fell short on three more ballots, failing to win a majority of support in the House. The House will reconvene on Thursday at noon.
Earlier, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected Republican Kevin McCarthy's bid to lead the chamber as a small group of holdouts in the party defied former President Donald Trump's call for unity. Despite Mr Trump's appeal, 20 Republicans on the party's right flank voted for an alternative candidate. It left McCarthy short of the majority needed to become House speaker, a powerful post that is second in the line of succession to the presidency. McCarthy secured only 201 votes on Wednesday, as 20 Republicans voted for Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican first elected in 2020, and one Republican declined to back a specific candidate.
SUNAK- INFLATION
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to tackle country's most serious problems, from cutting inflation to reducing illegal migration. In a speech in east London on Wednesday, Mr Sunak said, his government would build a better future for their children and grandchildren. He listed five promises: halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, cutting National Health Service waiting lists and stopping the small boats that carry illegal migrants across the Channel from France.
AUSTRALIA-AMMUNATIONS
Australian government has annonced that it will invest more than one billion dollar to buy new naval missiles and other ammunations to enhance capabilities of its forces on Thursday.
The government in a statement said, it had signed a contract with a Australia based defence industry to deliver the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The missile will be deployed on the Hobart Class destroyers and Anzac Class frigates from 2024. The government will also acquire the land-based, long-range, surface-to-surface High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS,) which includes launchers, missiles and training rockets.
Australian defence Minister Richard Marles said, in the current strategic environment, it is important that the Australian Defence Force should be equipped with high-end, targeted military capabilities.
He added that the level of technology involved in these acquisitions takes our forces to the cutting edge of modern military hardware.
POPE-FUNERAL
Pope Francis paid tribute to his predecessor former Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday, at a funeral attended by tens of thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Square. The remains of Pope Benedict XVI were interred in a tomb in the grottoes under the main floor of St. Peter's Basilica.
The event marked the first occasion in modern times that a pontiff had presided over the funeral of his predecessor - and the first ever of one who resigned. Benedict, the first pontiff in almost 600 years to resign his position, rather than hold office for life, died aged 95 on December 31 2022 at a monastery in Vatican City.
About 200,000 mourners, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, paid their respects to the former pontiff earlier this week during his lying-in-state in St. Peter’s Basilica.
His death prompted tributes from political and religious leaders including US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Dalai Lama.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid in his tribute described Benedict as a man who devoted his entire life to the Church and the teachings of the Lord Christ. He will be remembered for his rich service to society, Mr. Modi added.
SOUTH KOREA-NORTH KOREA
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has said, he would consider suspending a 2018 inter-Korean military pact if the North violates its airspace again. South Korean President's office said, Mr Yoon made the comment on Wednesday after being briefed on countermeasures to North Korean drones that crossed into the South last week. He called for building an overwhelming response capability that goes beyond proportional levels.
PERU PROTEST
In Peru, Police used tear gas to disperse protesters trying to approach Parliament, Congress, building on Wednesday.
According to media reports, transport authorities reported 35 blockade points across the country.
It said, protesters marched in Lima and Arequipa and demanded the resignation of current President Dina Boluarte and closure of Congress.
Meanwhile, authorities said, trains to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu had been suspended, a day after some 2,062 tourists were evacuated.
The police and the army guarding headquarters of public institutions in some areas where protests were planned.
Earlier, the Prime Minister Alberto Otarola had called for demonstrations to be peaceful. Thousands of protesters took to the streets two weeks after a wave of deadly protests over the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo Around two dozen people died in protests across the country last month.
SOMALIA-ATTACK
In Somalia, at least 35 people, including nine members of a single family have been dead in two simultaneous car-bomb attacks in the Hiran region on Wednesday.
Mahas District Commissioner Mumin Mohamed Halane told that one bomb targeted his house and the other hit the home of a member of the Federal Parliament.
According to media reports, the al-Qaeda linked group al-Shabab claimed the responsibility of the attack.
CALIFORNIA STORM
The governor of the state of California declared a state of emergency as a major storm hit the western US coast.
The powerful bomb cyclone, a type of explosive storm, lashed into the state with heavy downpours and strong winds, damaging life and property. With its landfall, the low-pressure storm system caused heavy rainfall and snow over much of California and into southern Oregon. Central California experienced hurricane level wind gusts by Wednesday evening as the storm’s heaviest rain and strongest winds slammed into the Bay Area. More than 40 million people were under wind alerts on Thursday morning. As the storm battered the region, about 180,000 homes and businesses in California were left without power.
National Single Window System, NSWS Portal for various Central, State and UT clearances today hit a new milestone by crossing 75 thousand approvals. The portal has received 4 lakh 20 thousand unique visitors from 157 countries since its inception. More than one lakh fifty thousand investors have used KYA (Know Your Approvals) Module of NSWS to know list of approvals they require for their specific business cases. A total of 75 thousand 599 approvals have been granted out of over one lakh 23 thosuand applications received.
BANGLADESH-EC
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the Election Commission of Bangladesh is very much independent and the elections in the country will be held as per the constitutional provision, reports the official news agency BSS.
A group of four British parliamentarians called on her in Dhaka on Wednesday. Interacting with the parliamentarians Prime Minister Hasina said that Bangladesh follows the Westminster type of democracy and it has no problem if election observers come during the general elections.
Prime Minister Hasina said that the ruling Awami League has a long tradition of fighting for the restoration of democracy from the military rulers in the past who used to grab power with the help of guns and manipulate elections after forming political parties.
Meanwhile, the United States has called upon all political parties in Bangladesh to respect the rule of law, and refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation. Briefing media in Washington on Tuesday, the State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the US has called on the government to ensure that no party or candidate threatens, incites, or conducts violence against another party or candidate. Further, he said that the US has called on the government to respect and protect the fundamental freedoms of expression, of association, and peaceful assembly for the people of Bangladesh.
WORLD NEWS CAPSULE
The Sensex and the NSE Nifty on Thursday witnessed losses. Index of top 30 companies at Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, ended below 60,400 level. The Nifty, index of top 50 companies at National Stock Exchange, closed below the 18,000 mark. Both indices fell half a percent even as the global cues were positive. A report from the business desk-
The Sensex fell 304 points to settle at 60,353. The Nifty also slipped 51 points to finish at 17,992. Among global stock markets, Asain shares ended with gains. Singapore’s Straits Times index gained 1.6 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.3 percent and China’s Shanghai Composite index added one percent. South Korea’s KOSPI and Japan's NIKKEI-225 both, indices ended 0.4 percent up. European shares were mixed in intra-day trade. Crude oil prices rose more than two percent. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at 79 dollars and 60 cents per barrel while WTI crude price was at 74 dollars and 50 cents per barrel. Back Home, At the Multi Commodity Exchange, Gold futures for February was trading at 55,520 rupees per ten grams. Silver futures for March was trading at 68,335 rupees per kilogram when reports last came in. At the forex markets, the rupee appreciated 25 paise to closed at 82 rupees and 55 paise against the American Unit. Rajesh Lekh for World News, All India Radio.
IND-SL T20
In the second T20 Cricket match at Pune, Sri Lanka defeated India by 16 runs a short while ago.
After setting a victory target of 207 runs, Sri Lanka restricted India to 190 runs. India managed to score 190 for 8 in stipulated 20 overs. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka scored 56 not out from 22 balls.
Earlier, India won the toss and chose to field. India had won the first match by 2 runs in a nail biting finish in Mumbai on Tuesday.
FPR
Now let us take a look at the major developments around the world, as reported in the Foreign Press.
⦁ The Guardian writes Thai police accused of ‘sham’ inquiry into alleged forced labour at former Tesco supplier.
⦁ The Washington Post reports McCarthy makes fresh concessions to try to woo hard-right Republicans.
⦁ The New York Times writes Actress Detained for Supporting Iranian Protests Is Released.
⦁ The Business Recorder writes Imran Khan claims PML-N-led govt made 'two plans' to assassinate him.
⦁ Wall Street Journal writes Public Schools Lost More Than One Million Students During Pandemic.
⦁ The Straits Times says China called on the World Health Organization on Thursday to take a just position on Covid-19, after the body criticised Beijing’s very narrow definition of virus deaths.
REPEAT HEADLINES
⦁ And in Cricket, Sri Lanka beat India by 16 runs in second T20 International in Pune.
And now, before we end, let us listen to Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajanVaishnav Jan, by artists
AND WITH THAT, WE END THIS BULLETIN. WE'LL BE BACK AT THE SAME TIME TOMORROW WITH THE NEXT EDITION OF WORLD NEWS.