NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This 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 Infrastructure Working Group meeting under India's Presidency will be held in Pune on Monday.

⦁ India celebrates 75th Army Day; Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh tells Armed Forces to be future ready to take on security challenges.

⦁ Death toll in Nepal Plane crash rises to 68; Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi expresses grief at the loss of lives.

⦁ World Economic Forum summit kicks off at Davos in Switzerland on Monday; ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’, theme for this year's meeting.

⦁ India announces donation of 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba

⦁ US President Joe Biden declares emergencies for storms in California and tornadoes in Alabama.

⦁ Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel croed Miss Universe.

⦁ In Cricket, India beat SriLanka by record 317 runs in the third ODI at Thiruvananthapuram; Clean sweep the series 3-0.

⦁ And in Hockey World Cup, match between India and England ends in a goalless draw; Spain beat Wales, 5-1 in another Pool match.

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We begin the World News with our segment, "G20 in India"

 G-20 MEETING

The first G-20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) meeting under India's Presidency will be held in city of Pune on Monday. Briefing media about the meeting on Sunday, Joint Secretary in India's Finance Ministry, Solomon Arkoiyaraj said, the flagship priority to be discussed in this meeting is “Financing Cities of Tomorrow: Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable”.  The theme will focus on various facets of making cities economic centres of growth, financing urban infrastructure, building future-ready urban infrastructure, directing fiscal investments for unlocking private financing for energy-

The meeting will be hosted by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India along with Australia and Brazil as the co-chairs. 66 delegates from more than 30 countries will be participating in the two day event.

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HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a discussion on Voice of Global South Summit. In conversation are,  Former Diplomat Sheelkant Sharma and Journalist Sanjay Jha.

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PM VANDE BHARAT

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off virtually the Vande Bharat Express train connecting Secunderabad in Telangana with Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion he said, Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of the potential of New India which is on the path of rapid change. Mr Modi said the train will enhance ease of living, boost tourism and benefit the economy.

Mr Modi mentioned, the Vande Bharat Express signifies that India wants the best of everything. He elaborated that connectivity is directly related to development as it connects not only infrastructure but also connects dreams to realities. He said, travelling on Indian Railways is becoming a pleasant experience today and a picture of New India is emerging through railway stations.

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 ARMY DAY

India celeberated 75th Army Day on Sunday. Addressing an event as part of Army Day in Bengaluru on Sunday, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh exhorted Armed Forces to further develop capabilities and work on strategies and policies keeping the global security scenario and future challenges in mind.

The Defence Minister lauded the Armed Forces for ensuring the country’s territorial integrity and upholding rich tradition with unmatched bravery. The Defence Minister recalled the bravery of the Armed Forces during 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars and the recent incidents in Galwan and Tawang. Mr Singh expressed hope that by 2027 India will be one among the top economies of the world and it will occupy the top slot and hence security plays an important role to safeguard the national interest.

Earlier in the day, speaking at an event, the Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande said that the Indian Army is modernising weapons and infrastructure, improving its processes and systems, adopting advanced technologies and partnering with industries to develop indigenous weapons and equipment to meet the present and future challenges. General Pande said, the army is ready to tackle any contingency along the Indian borders. The Army Chief pointed out that a strong defence posture and the use of anti-drone technologies have acted as a countermeasure against cross-border terrorism and insurgency. He promised that measures will be taken to tackle targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir. President of India Droupadi Murmu recalled Indian Army soldiers’ sacrifices on the occasion of Army Day. In her message, President Murmu said they have always pushed the frontiers of valour and courage, and also acted as saviours in times of calamities. India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar greeted all Indian Army personnel and veterans on the occasion. In his message, Mr Dhankhar said their valour, determination and devotion to duty form the foundation of India's security. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to all army personnel, veterans and their families. Mr. Modi said every Indian is proud of the  Army and will always be grateful to the soldiers.

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LEKHI-CUBA VISIT

India has announced donation of 12 thousand 500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba. India's Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi announced this during her official visit to Cuba from 12th to 14th of this month. This was her first visit to Cuba. During her visit, Ms Lekhi had a fruitful interaction with Speaker of Cuban Parliament, Esteban Lazo Hernández. Both the leaders discussed various issues including, development of indigenous vaccines against Covid and woman empowerment. Ms Lekhi apprised Mr. Hernández about policies of the government of India and emphasized on the need to further strengthen cooperation between the two Parliaments. During the meeting with Acting Minister of External Relations of Cuba, Gerardo Peñalver Portal, both sides discussed issues of common interest and expressed willingness to enhance cooperation in development assistance programmes, trade and investment, energy, disaster management, culture, health and pharma, AYUSH, and biotechnology. Detailed discussions were also held on International Year of Millets 2023, sustainability and climate change.

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NEPAL-PLANE CRASH

In Nepal, the death toll in the plane crash this morning has gone upto to 68. The mishap occured when a 72-seater Yeti Airlines plane crashed into the gorge of River Seti near Pokhara International airport. A total of 68 passengers including 5 Indians and 15 foreigners and four crew members were on board the ill fated plane. According to reports, the plane coming from Kathmandu, crashed when it was attempting to land at the Pokhara International Airport amid bad weather conditions. Immediately after the mishap, the Nepal government called an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers. A five-member commission has been formed to probe the mishap. More from our Katmandu Correspondent:

The cause of the mishap is not immediately clear. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has issued a helpline number for Tribhuvan International Airport -01-4113163 and Yeti Airlines helpline number-9801007531. Indian Embassy has issued a helpline number-9851107021 for Kathmandu and-9856037699 for Pokhara. At the crash site, the newly inaugurated Pokhara International Airport, rescuers sprayed water hoses to control the fire hundreds of soldiers started retrieve the bodies many of which were beyond recognition. Sweta Singh, For world news, kathmandu.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief at the loss of lives. He said in a tweet, pained by the tragic air crash in Nepal in which precious lives have been lost, including Indian nationals.

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CALIFORNIA FLOOD EMERGENCY

US President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for California on Saturday, after storms that pounded the Golden State killed at least 19 people. This has led to floods, power outages, mudslides, evacuations and road closures in California. The White House in a statement said, President Biden ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the storms. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Merced, Sacramento and Santa Cruz counties. Mr Biden also approved an emergency declaration for Alabama on Sunday after at least nine people died in tornadoes, destroying homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands in the southeastern United States.

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WEF-DAVOS

The Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) will begin on Monday at Davos in Switzerland. The meeting will continue till 20th of this month. The theme for this year’s WEF meeting is, ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’. The congregation of experts, academics, investors, political and business leaders will discuss some of the pressing issues the world is facing today, such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis, global inflation and climate change and promote innovative solutions. Global leaders taking part in the meeting include, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, South Africa President Cyril M Ramaphosa, Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Swiss President Alain Berset and Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Strong participation of leaders from India is expected at the summit.

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PAK DAILY-PM MODI PRAISE

In a first, a leading Pakistan daily has lauded India's expanding global footprint and its growing stature on the world stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The daily said, Prime Minister Modi has brought India to the point where the nation has begun to cast a wider net of its influence and impact. The Op-ed column in leading Pakistan daily further stated that under Mr Modi, India's foreign policy has treaded skilfully and its GDP has gro to over three trillion US dollars. Calling it 'monumental progress',  the Op-ed column written by Shahzad Chaudhry, a noted political, security and defence analyst, called India a preferred destination for all investors. The writer further reiterated that India has, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, established its o domain on the foreign policy front.

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PM FESTIVALS

Festivals of Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu and Pongal were celebrated in different parts of India on Sunday. In state of Uttar Pradesh, despite the biting cold thousands of devotees  started taking dip at holy rivers from the early this morning on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the occasion. Mr Modi prayed for everyone’s happiness and well-being and said, may there be abundance of joy in people's lives.

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SRI-LANKA-PONGAL

The Tamil community in Sri Lanka celebrated Thai Pongal on Sunday with fervour and gaiety. Our Colombo correspondent has the details:

The Tamil Hindu community on Sri Lanka which numbers upwards of 25 lakh thronged the temples to thank for the abundance of previous year’s harvest and pray for a successful one in the coming year. The   multi day celebration of Pongal, marks the beginning of the sun's journey north ward, signalling the end of the winter solstice. Celebrations began early in the morning with making of beautiful designs of Kolam before every house. The traditional cooking of Pongal with Newly harvested rice with milk and jaggery in an open area and cries of Pongalo Pongal echoed everywhere as the boiling Pongal overflowed the pots. Festivities would continue on Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, as The Tamil hindu community celebrates it with cows and exchanging of gifts over the next two days. While the island nation is making efforts to recover from the economic crisis, the festival of Pongal gives some hope. For World News Dr. Ahmed Muyeen Farooqi/Colombo.

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ISRAEL-PROTESTS

In Israel, thousands of protesters have rallied in the capital Tel Aviv and other cities against the plans by the new coalition government to overhaul the judiciary. According to media reports, the reforms would make it easier for Parliament to overturn Supreme Court rulings, among other things. Local media reported that Rallies were also held outside the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem and in the northern city of Haifa. Under the plans announced by Justice Minister Yariv Levin earlier this month, a simple majority in the Parliament would have the power to effectively annul Supreme Court rulings.

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CHINA-COVID

China on Saturday reported that nearly 60,000 people with COVID-19 had died in hospitals since it abandoned its zero-COVID policy last month. It is a huge increase from previously reported figures that follows global criticism of the country's coronavirus data. In early December, Beijing abruptly dismantled its strict three-year anti-virus regime of frequent testing, travel curbs and mass lockdos after widespread protests in late November, and cases have surged since then across the nation of 1.4 billion.

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MISS UNIVERSE

Miss USA, R'Bonney Gabriel has been croed as the Miss Universe 2022.  Gabriel took the cro ahead of Amanda Dudamel from Venezuela and Andreína Martínez from the Dominican Republic. 28 year old R'Bonney Gabriel is a model, fashion designer, and sewing instructor who prioritizes the environment in her work. She is also the first Filipino American to win Miss USA. The 71st Miss Universe pageant was held at New Orleans in Louisiana, on Saturday night with 84 women from around the world competing for the cro.

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 CRICKET

In Cricket, India scripted history today by defeating Sri Lanka by the largest ever margin of 317 runs in 50-over international cricket. With this India also clean sweeped the series by 3-0.

Previous record of a win by a largest ever margin was with the New Zealand, for 290-run win over Ireland in 2008.

In today's match at Thiruvananthpuram, chasing the target of 391 runs, visitors were all out at 73 in 22 overs. Mohammed Siraz claimed four wickets for India.

Earlier, a century each by Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli guided Team India to a whopping total of 390 for 5.

Gill slammed second ODI century of his career with 116 runs and Kohli remained unbeaten at 166 runs scoring 46th ODI century of his career.

Kohli today broke two of Sachin Tendulkar's 'all-time records'.

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HOCKEY

In the FIH Hockey World Cup today, a pool D match between India and England ended in a goalless draw at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. In the stipulated time, no team could score a goal. Earlier in another Pool D match, Spain registered first win beating Wales by 5-1 at the same venue.

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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, Russia hits Ukraine with fresh missile strikes, damaging vital infrastructure in Kyiv, Kharkiv.

⦁ The Guardian also writes, Brazil’s new leaders to fight hard in wake of ‘insane’ coup attempt.

⦁ The Washington Post reports, Former Russian president says Japanese leader should disembowel himself.

⦁ The New York Times writes, Iran Executes Former Defense Official, a Dual U.K. Citizen, on Spy Charges.

⦁ The Business Recorder reports, Pakistan’s economy grinding to a halt as dollars dry up.

⦁ Japan Times writes, Kishida and Biden meeting heralds an alliance in lock-step - but challenges remain.  

⦁ The Le Monde writes, Storm-battered California gets more wind, rain and snow.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ First G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting under India's Presidency will be held in Pune on Monday.

⦁ India celebrates 75th Army Day; Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh tells Armed Forces to be future ready to take on security challenges.

⦁ Death toll in Nepal Plane crash rises to 68; Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi expresses grief at the loss of lives.

⦁ World Economic Forum summit kicks off at Davos in Switzerland on Monday.; ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’, theme for this year's meeting.

⦁ India announces donation of 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba

⦁ US President Joe Biden declares emergencies for storms in California and tornadoes in Alabama.

⦁ Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel croed Miss Universe.

⦁ In Cricket, India beat SriLanka by record 317 runs in the third ODI at Thiruvananthapuram; Clean sweep the series 3-0.

⦁ And in Hockey World Cup, match between India and England ends in a goalless draw; Spain beat Wales, 5-1 in another Pool match.

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

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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