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's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in Indore; Call upon people of Indian origin to strengthen India's unique global vision and role in global order.

⦁ G20 meeting on financial inclusion begins in Kolkata.

⦁ Brazil launches probe after thousands of protesters storm  government buildings; Removes Brasilia Governor.

⦁ New Delhi expresses concern over rioting and vandalism against State institutions in Brazil.

⦁ 40 people killed in bus crash in Senegal.

⦁ 'Once in a century' flood cuts off communities in northwestern Australia; Hundreds airlifted.

⦁ And, in Cricket, first ODI between India and Sri Lanka to be played in Guwahati on Tuesday.

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PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi called upon the Indian Diaspora to strengthen India'a unique global vision and its important role in global order. The Prime Minister said, on Monday the world is looking towards India with hope and faith, therefore, the Diaspora can play an important role as brand ambassadors of  the country.

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Mr Modi urged the diaspora to keep abreast of India's progress along with cultural and spiritual information so that they can tell the world about India. He said the Indian Diaspora have an important place in India's journey during the Amrit Kaal.

Talking about Indian growth in various sectors, Mr Modi said that India today has the potential to become a skill capital with knowledge centers in the world. He said, currently India is among the top economies of the world, has the largest start-up eco system, is the father of state-of-the-art technology like Tejas and Arihant, therefore the world wants to know our speed and skill along with our future.

The Prime Minster appealed to document the lives, struggles and achievements of overseas Indians in various countries. He said the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are the ambassadors of India around the world.

The three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention began in Indore yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Suriname President Chandrika Prasad Santokhi said, the NRI should also be included in the framework of India's 25 years of development in Amrit Kaal. He proposed setting up of institutions for the Indian diaspora focused on various subjects like languages, films and IT.

On the other hand, President of Guyana, Mohammed Irfan Ali, while appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas policy, said that our country is also learning a lot from India from humanitarian initiative to human resource management. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke on the occasion. NRIs from around 70 countries across the world are attending the conference.  Indian diaspora in Nepal attended the convention virtually. Several Pravasi Bhartiya in Nepal shared their excitement about Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebration.

The conference will conclude on Tuesday. President of India Droupadi Murmu will grace the valedictory session of the Convention and confer Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. She will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards upon 27 overseas Indians. The award is conferred as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin, or an organization established and run by Non-Resident Indians in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad. On the sideline of the Convention, the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana will call on President Murmu.

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INDORE-PM SURINAME: 

The Indian Prime Minister met the President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi on the sidelines of the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention. During the meeting, both leaders held discussions on cooperation in areas of mutual interest including hydrocarbons, defence, maritime security, digital initiatives and ICT, and capacity building. Suriname appreciated the restructuring by India of Suriname’s debt arising from Lines of Credit availed by Suriname.

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PIYUSH-US

India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has appealed to the Indian diaspora in the United States to contribute and shape the contours of New India. He said, it is shaped by continuous reforms, a large consumption market, and talented and skilled youth. Addressing the diaspora on the eve of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2023 in New Jersey in the United States, the Minister called the Indian American community a living bridge between the world’s two most vibrant democracies. The Minister said, India is an attractive destination for investment with the finest returns like no other country. He said that several Indian companies on the Indian stock exchange have shoa 20 per cent compound annual growth rate in the 20 years horizon. Appreciating the Indian diaspora for their contribution overseas, Mr Goyal said that over 90 out of 1078 founders of about 500 Unicorns in the US are persons of Indian origin.  

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RAJNATH-AMBASSADORS

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India has been working towards enhancing its defence manufacturing capabilities in the area of drones, cyber technology and Artificial Intelligence. He said, a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem has been created in the country which led to the emergence of India, as a leading defence exporter in recent years. Speaking at the Ambassadors' Conference in New Delhi on Monday, the Defence Minister said, the country's large population and abundant skilled work-force has enabled the creation of an innovative ecosystem, led by start-ups in high technology areas. Mr Singh said, India's defence exports have groby eight times in the last five years and now it is exporting to more than 75 countries.

Underscoring the importance of Make in India, Mr. Singh said, this initiative encompasses the element of make-for-the-world. He emphasized that India's national efforts towards ‘Make in India’ are neither isolationist, nor are they just meant for India alone. He said, the self-reliance initiative is the beginning of a new paradigm of partnership with other partner countries. He said, partnership and joint efforts are the key elements that differentiate country's defence industry partnership with other nations. He added that India does not believe in a hierarchical conception of world order, where few countries are considered superior to others. On the 14th edition of Aero India-2023 which is scheduled to be held next month from 13th to 17th February at Bengaluru, Mr. Singh said, Aero India will provide an opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new technological developments in the aviation industry. He expressed confidence that the Indian Aerospace and Defence manufacturing sector is well prepared to take up the future challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities. On the upcoming G20 Summit in India, the Defence Minister said, the country's endeavour is to build consensus within the G20, and shape the agenda for a more secure, prosperous, sustainable world. He termed the G20 presidency as an occasion to showcase India to the world, the 3 D’s of India-Development, Democracy and Diversity.

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G20-GPFI KOLKATA

The first meeting of working group of Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) of G20 under the Finance Track began in Kolkata on Monday. GPFI member countries, guest countries and international organization are participating in the two-day meeting to hold discussion on the agenda of Financial Inclusion under India's G20 Presidency. The meeting began with a round of discussions aimed at better opening of doors of digital transactions to marginal people for financial progress and productivity growth. Two panel discussions were held which witnessed the participation of 12 experts  from International Financial Organisations. Besides, an exhibition on innovative financial products has been put up as a part of the meet.

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HOTSPOT

In today’s HOTSPOT section, we bring you a discussion on India's Digital Transformation.

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BRAZIL-PROTEST:

 Brazilian authorities launched an investigation on Monday after thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the country's highest seats of power. The protesters, who were demanding that newly-elected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva be ousted, barged into the presidential palace, Supreme Court and the Congress on Sunday. The protesters smashed windows, overturned furniture, destroyed art works and stole the country's original 1988 Constitution. Guns were also seized from a presidential security office. Following the unprecedented protest, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the governor of Brasilia to be removed from office for 90 days over alleged security failings. He also ordered social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and TikTok to block accounts of users spreading anti-democratic propaganda. In a press conference, President Lula vowed to bring those responsible for the riot to justice and launched a blistering attack on Bolsonaro. Prior to the Supreme Court's action, President Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in a close contest last year, instructed the federal security intervention in Brasilia lasting until 31st of this month after capital security forces were outnumbered by the invaders. Last year, after losing the most fraught Brazil elections to his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Jair Bolsonaro challenged the election. The supporters of Bolsonaro had filed a complaint with the country’s Superior Electoral Court seeking 'extraordinary verification' of the election results. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden joined other world leaders in condemning the attacks.

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PM- BRAZIL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern about the news of rioting and vandalism against the State institutions in Brasilia. In a tweet, Mr Modi said that democratic traditions must be respected by everyone. He added that India extends its its full support to the Brazilian authorities.

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MHA-TERRORIST

 has declared Khalistan Tiger Force associate Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, UAPA. In a notification, the Ministry said, he is involved in terror financing and cross border smuggling of drugs or weapons in large scale. Arshdeep Singh is also involved in heinous crimes such as murder, extortion and targeted killings besides terror activities. The Home Ministry said, Arshdeep Singh Gill is accused in various cases registered and investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

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JOSHIMATH-DISASTER PRONE:

In Indian state of Uttarakhand, construction activities in Joshimath toand the nearby areas have been banned as it has been declared a disaster-prone area following appearance of cracks on many roads and houses due to land subsidence. 603 buildings in Joshimath tohave developed cracks so far. A total of 68 families have been 'temporarily' displaced. The administration has ordered an immediate evacuation of residents from areas prone to excessive landslides and deemed unsafe. The work of identifying the places affected by landslides is in progress and the vulnerable families are being temporarily shifted to safer places.

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GOVT-ADVISORY MEDIA

The Government of India has cautioned television channels against broadcasting disturbing footage and distressing images. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Monday issued an advisory to all TV channels against reporting incidents of accidents, deaths, and violence, including violence against women, children, and the elderly in a manner that grossly compromises good taste and decency. The advisory comes after the Ministry noticed several instances of lack of discretion by channels. The Ministry said that channels have shodead bodies of individuals, images and videos of injured persons with blood splattered around without taking the precaution of blurring the images. It stated that such reports might have an adverse psychological impact on children.

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AUSTRALIA-FLOODS

In Australia, military helicopters airlifted hundreds of people from communities cut off by once in century, floods in country's northwest. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the flood-hit regions to view the devastation caused by the flooding. He has also announced disaster relief payments and other support via joint Commonwealth and state packages to the victims. The crisis in Kimberley region, a sparsely populated area in Western Australia state was sparked by severe weather system Ellie, a former tropical cyclone that brought heavy rain. Among the worst-hit locations is Fitzroy Crossing, a toof around 1,300 people where supplies were being airlifted in due to the flooding, which authorities have said is the state’s worst on record. The emergency in the country’s far northwest comes after frequent flooding in Australia’s east over the last two years due to a multi-year La Nina weather event, typically associated with increased rainfall. Some regions have endured four major flood crises since last year.

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BIDEN-MEXICO

US President Joe Biden went to country's border with Mexico border on Sunday for the first time since taking office. He visited a migrant centre in El Paso, Texas entry point at the center of debates over illegal immigration and smugglingand joined Border Patrol agents in touring a section of the border wall. President Biden met with customs and immigration officials at the Bridge of the Americas crossing, before flying on to Mexico City for a regional summit with the leaders of Mexico and Canada.

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SENEGAL BUS CRASH

At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured in a bus crash in central Senegal. President Macky Sall tweeted that the collision happened in Gnivy village, in the Kaffrine region. He declared three days of mourning starting on Monday and said he will hold an inter-ministerial council to discuss road safety measures.

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IRAN-DEATH SENTENCE

Iran has sentenced to death three people accused of killing three members of the security forces during the protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. The Islamic Republic has been rocked by civil unrest since the custodial death of Kurdish Iranian Amini in September last year following her arrest for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code for women. The latest sentences, which can still be appealed, bring to 17 the total number of people condemned to death in connection with the more than three months of protests. Four of those convicted have been executed and two others are on death row after their sentences were upheld by the country's Supreme Court.

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IRANI - HAJ QUOTA

Over one lakh 75 thousand Indians will perform Haj this year. India's Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani on Monday said that India has signed the Haj 2023 bilateral agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In a series of tweets, Ms. Irani said, over the last two months, her Ministry has had extensive consultations with all stakeholders. She said, India’s Haj Policy 2023 will be announced in the next few days.

The Minister extended gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Haj quota of one lakh 75 thousand 25 to India. Ms. Irani said, the Government will extend all its support for the success of Haj 2023. She said, the portal of the Haj Committee of India will be open for online applications.

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IND-SL-ODI:

In Cricket, the three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will begin on Tuesday. The first match in Guwahati will begin at 1.30 pm. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed India’s last two bilateral series, will return to lead the team.

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HOCKEY WORLD CUP:

 India is all set to host the 15th edition of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup from the 13th of January. The tournament will be hosted by Odisha. The matches will take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

The Sensex and the Nifty on Monday witnessed gains of around 1.4 per cent. Index of top 30 companies at Bombay Stock Exchange ended above 60,700 points. The index of top 50 companies at National Stock Exchange, closed above the 18,100 level. Both indices climbed amid positive global cues. The rupee also appreciated 36 paise against the US dollar. A report from the business desk-  

'The Sensex rose 847 points or 1.41 percent to settle at 60,747. The Nifty also climbed 242 points or 1.35 percent to finish at 18,101. Among global stock markets, Asain shares ended with gains. South Korea’s KOSPI gained 2.6 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.9 percent and Singapore’s Straits Times added 0.9 percent. Japan's NIKKEI-225 and China’s Shanghai Composite, both ended 0.6 percent up. European shares were mixed in intra-day trade. Oil prices climbed more than three percent as China's move to reopen its borders boosted the demand outlook and overshadowed global recession concerns. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at 81 dollars and 35 cents per barrel.

Back Home, At the Multi Commodity Exchange, Gold futures for February was trading at 56,000 rupees per ten grams. Silver futures for March was trading at 69,250 rupees per kilogram when reports last came in. At forex market, the rupee appreciated 36 paise to closed at 82 rupees and 36 paise against the US dollar. V. RAVI KUMAR.for World News, All India Radio.

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OZONE-RECOVERY

A new UN scientific report has said that the successful phasing out of banned substances as envisioned by the Montreal Protocol has set the stage for a complete recovery of the ozone layer by the 2060s. This was stated by United Nations-backed panel of experts at the American Meteorological Society’s annual meeting on Sunday. The Montreal Protocol enforced in 1989 called for a ban on the use and trade of 100 ozone-depleting substances (ODS), and 99 per cent of these have been successfully phased out. While this is an achievement, the scientists warned of the detrimental effects of geoengineering technologies such as stratospheric aerosol injection on the ozone layer.The first ozone hole was discovered in the stratospheric layers over the Antarctic in 1985, which allowed harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to pass into the lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere (troposphere) where humans live, according to a report by the British Antarctic Survey published the same year. UV radiation is linked with health hazards such as skin cancer, cataracts and other conditions in the eye and reduced immunity.

The Scientific Assessment Panel to the Montreal Protocol said, if current policies remain in place, the ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 values, before the appearance of the ozone hole,  by around 2066 over the Antarctic, by 2045 over the Arctic and by 2040 for the rest of the world.

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Now let us take a look at the major developments around the world, as reported in the Foreign Press.

⦁ The Guardian writes Brazil protests: Lula vows to punish ‘neo-fascists’ after Bolsonaro supporters storm congress.

⦁ REUTERS quotes that Brazil police amass at camp of Bolsonaro's backers after capital stormed.

⦁ The Washington Post  reports Battle to dethrone Tesla heats up just as Musk is distracted by Twitter.

⦁ The New York Times writes As China Lifts Pandemic Border Controls, Mixed Feelings at Home and Abroad.

⦁ The Business Recorder writes At Geneva conference, Islamic Development Bank pledges 4.2 billion dollar over 3 years for Pakistan.

⦁ Wall Street Journal  writes Biden Summit With López Obrador, Trudeau to Focus on Migration, Supply Chains.

⦁ The Globe and Mail  writes Three Amigos summit set to start against backdrop of political crises in Mexico.

⦁ The Straits Times says Najib’s petition to UN rights group does not affect judiciary: Malaysia’s Chief Justice.

⦁ BBC reports on Iran protests: Crowd gathers outside prison in bid to stop executions.

⦁ AP says that the United Arab Emirates will begin teaching about the Holocaust in history classes in primary and secondary schools across the country.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in Indore; Call upon people of Indian origin to strengthen India's unique global vision and role in global order.

⦁ G20 meeting on financial inclusion begins in Kolkata.

⦁ Brazil launches probe after thousands of protesters storm  government buildings; Removes Brasilia Governor.

⦁ New Delhi expresses concern over rioting and vandalism against State institutions in Brazil.

⦁ 40 people killed in bus crash in Senegal.

⦁ 'Once in a century' flood cuts off communities in northwestern Australia; Hundreds airlifted.

⦁ And, in Cricket, first ODI between India and Sri Lanka to be played in Guwahati on Tuesday.

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

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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