NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is ABHINEET SHUKLA 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 Seventy Fourth Republic Day being celebrated with traditional patriotic fervour; Country's military might and cultural diversity showcased in a magnificent parade on Kartavya Path in National Capital.

⦁ Reports of Republic Day celebrations coming in from Indian Missions abroad.

⦁ Bharat Parv, displaying cuisine and culture of different states of the country begins at Red Fort in Delhi.

⦁ Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza to play their mixed doubles final of Australian Open Tennis in Melbourne on Friday.

⦁ In Badminton, Lakshya Sen enters quarterfinals of Indonesia Masters in Jakarta.

⦁ And in Cricket, first T20 International of three-match series between India and New Zealand to be played in Ranchi on Friday.

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REPUBLIC DAY PARADE

India is celebrating its 74th Republic Day on 26th January. The main function was held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi from where President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the Republic Day. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the Chief Guest at the parade.

The Republic Day Parade ceremony started in the morning with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial where he led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the brave-hearts by laying a wreath.

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As per the tradition, the National Flag was unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. This time, the 21-gun salute was given with the 105-mm Indian Field Guns replacing the vintage 25 pounder gun which reflects the growing Aatmanirbharta in defence. Four Mi-17 and V5 helicopters showered flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path. The Republic Day parade began with the President taking the salute. During the march past, Indian Army was represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, nine Mechanised Columns and six marching contingents. Indigenously developed equipment like Arjun Tank, Nag Missile System, K9 Vajra-Howitzer Gun, and Akash Weapon System were showcased during the parade. The marching contingent of the Indian Air Force consisted of four Officers and 144 air warriors. The Naval contingent of 144 young sailors was led by women officer Lieutenant Commander Disha Amrith. For the first time ever, the marching contingent consisted of three women and six Agniveers. Marching contingents of Indian Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, NCC, NSS also took part in the parade. For the first time, female camel riders of BSF participated in the parade showcasing women empowerment. A tableau of the Indian Council and Agricultural Research on the theme International Year of Millets 2023 was among the special attractions during the parade. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees also participated in the parade. The grand finale and the most eagerly-awaited segment of the parade was the Fly Past. In this segment a breath-taking air show was performed by 45 aircraft of Indian Air Force, one from the Indian Navy and four helicopters of Indian Army. Vintage as well as current modern aircraft and helicopters including  Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, Su-30 MkI Jaguar, C-130, C-17, Dornier, LCH Prachand and Apache roared in the skies above Kartavya Path. Various formations, including Baaz, Prachand, Tiranga, Tangail, Vajrang, Garud, Bheem, Amrit and Trishul were displayed by them.

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PM-R-DAY GREETINGS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the citizens on the occasion of Republic Day. In a tweet, Mr Modi said this time, this occasion is special because it is being celebrating during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Prime Minister wished that all should move forward unitedly to make the dreams of the great freedom fighters  come true.

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STATES -R-DAY

Reports of Republic Day celebrations have also come in from States, Union Territories and Indian Missions abroad. In Uttar Pradesh, Republic Day functions were organized at all district headquarters, educational institutions and various government offices.

In Maharashtra, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari unfurled the national flag at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan in Dadar.

In Kashmir Valley, the Lieutenant Governor's Advisor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar addressed a gathering on at SK Stadium in Srinagar on the occasion Republic Day. He highlighted the works and developmental projects carried out in Jammu and Kashmir by the LG-led administration. He said in the last three years, Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a new dawn in terms of development, peace and progress.

In Arunachal Pradesh, main function was held at IG Park in the Capital city, Itanagar. Chief Minister Pema Khandu unfurled the National Flag on the occasion.

In Assam, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma unfurled the tri-colour at Khanapara in Guwahati. Addressing the gathering, he said India's sovereignty is non-negotiable. He appealed to banned militant group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) to shun the path of violence and urged it to come to the discussion table for the development of the state.

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LANKA-R-DAY

The High Commission of India in Colombo celebrated the 74th Republic Day in all its diplomatic offices in Sri Lanka. Remembering the sacrifices of the Indian peacekeeping force in Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay laid a wreath at the IPKF memorial. He unfurled the National flag at India House in Colombo in the morning.

On the occasion, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, wished India on the Republic Day. In his video message, he said India is the only bilateral creditor of Sri Lanka to convey written financing assurance to the IMF. Mr. Abeywardena thanked the exemplary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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CHINA-R-DAY

In China, the Embassy of India in Beijing celebrated the 74th Republic Day, the first without Beijing’s Zero-COVID protocol after almost three years. Ambassador Pradeep Rawat unfurled the national flag and read out important parts of the President of India’s message to the nation to a large gathering of Indian diaspora who participated with patriotic fervor.

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KATHMANDU-RD

The 74th Republic  Day of India was celebrated at the  Embassy  of India  in  Kathmandu. The  celebrations began with unfurling  of  the  national flag  by  Ambassador of India to Nepal  Naveen Srivastava who then  read  out  the address to the nation of President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Our Kathmandu correspondent has filed this report on Republic Day celebrations in Nepal:

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BHARAT PARAV

The six-day mega event Bharat Parv began on 26 January at Red Fort in Delhi as part of Republic Day Celebrations. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the event, showcasing cuisine and culture of different states of the country. During the event, some of the best Republic Day Parade tableaux will be displayed as also cultural performances by the Zonal Cultural Centres and cultural troupes from States and Union Territories. Besides, a pan - India Food Court and Crafts Bazaar with 65 handicraft stalls have been set up. On Thursday the event will be open to the general public till 10:00 p.m. From on Friday onwards it will be open from noon to 10:00 p.m.

Branding and promotion of Dekho Apna Desh, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, G20 and Mission LIFE will also be undertaken during the event.

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HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a news commentary on India-The Mother Of Democracy.

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PM- NCC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the annual NCC PM rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi on 28th of this month. During the event, Prime Minister will release a special Day Cover and a commemorative specially Minted Coin of 75 rupees. This coin is dedicated to the denomination, commemorating 75 successful years of NCC.

The rally will be held as a hybrid day and night event. In the event, a cultural program on the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ will also be presented. 196 officers and cadets from 19 foreign countries have been invited to be a part of the celebrations. This year, NCC is celebrating 75th year of its inception.

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MANDAVIYA-VACCINE

india's Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled world’s first intranasal COVID19 vaccine, iNNCOVACC in New Delhi on Thursday. It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC).

The Vaccine was launched in the presence of Union Minister of State (IC) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh and other officials.

In a statement the Ministry said, the intranasal COVID19 vaccine is to receive approval for the primary 2-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster dose.

The rollout of iNCOVACC is expected to begin in private hospitals that have placed advance orders. Initial manufacturing capacity of several million doses per annum has been established, this can be scaled up to a billion doses as required.

iNCOVACC is priced at 325 rupees per dose for large volume procurement by State and central government.

Speaking at the event, Dr Mandaviya said that over 65 per cent of vaccines supplied in the world are from India.  Congratulating the BBIL team and the department of Biotech, he stated that being the world’s first intra-nasal COVID19 vaccine, this marks a glorious tribute to the call for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Union Health Minister added that India’s vaccine manufacturing and innovation capability is appreciated all over the world as it has made a mark in producing quality and affordable medicines.

Congratulating BBIL for innovating another vaccine in collaboration with BIRAC, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India has taken a lead in developing vaccines and medicines for diseases common in the developing world.

Mr Singh said, Next step would be to develop vaccines for non-communicable diseases.

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US-GERMANY UKRAINE TANKS

The United States, Germany, and Norway have announced that they will send battle tanks to Ukraine in order to support the devastated nation during the ongoing conflicts. US President Joe Biden said that he would give Ukraine 31 M1 Abrams tanks, changing the administration's long-standing resistance to Kyiv's requests for the highly advanced but labor-intensive machines. He said in the short-and long-term, the tanks would improve Ukraine's capabilities to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also declared that Leopard 2 tanks would be sent to Ukraine to aid Kyiv in the continuing conflict with Russia. The simultaneous declarations came after weeks of heavy pressure from some NATO members on Berlin to provide armoured vehicles to Ukraine.

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AUSTRALIA-PROTEST

In Australia, thousands participated in protests in support of indigenous people on Thursday, many of whom refer to the anniversary of the day a British fleet entered Sydney Harbor as "Invasion Day." According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, similar protests took place in other Australian state capitals, including in Adelaide where around 2,000 people attended. Speaking at a flag-raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese honoured the nation's Indigenous people, who have occupied the land for at least 65,000 years.

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SOUTH AFRICA-PROTEST

Thousands of people took to the streets in South Africa yesterday to protest a prolonged energy crisis that has left the region's biggest industrialised economy suffering from chronic power outages. Protests took place at various locations nationwide, including the financial hub, Johannesburg and the seat of Parliament, Cape Town. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 protesters marched on the African National Congress (ANC) party's headquarters in Johannesburg. The ANC has been in power for almost three decades and is held responsible for the crisis by the opposition.

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NIGERIA-BLAST

In Nigeria, at least 50 people were killed and several others injured in a bomb blast in north central region. An official said that dozens of cattle herders and bystanders were killed in the blast on Tuesday night between Nasarawa and Benue states. North central Nigeria, also known as the Middle Belt, is prone to violence due to ethno-religious conflict between Fulani pastoralists and farmers, who are mainly Christians. Nasarawa governor Abdullahi Sule told reporters that he is in touch with security agencies to ensure that they continue to douse the tension that could be caused by the incident.

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SARASWATI PUJA

Basant Panchmi and Saraswati Puja are being celebrated with great enthusiasm on Thursday. Students organise the Puja in schools, Colleges and educational Institutions, seeking blessings of Goddess of learning. The day is celebrated in various states of North India. People take holy dip at rivers, wear yellow coloured clothes and visit temples.

In West Bengal the day is celebrated with traditional fervour. Pujas are held in almost every household praying for better results and for good learning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the occasion of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja.

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JAPAN-COLD

Wide areas of Japan were covered with heavy snow on Wednesday, which caused traffic jams, hundreds of airline cancellations, a disruption in rail service, and at least one fatality. After wreaking havoc earlier this week in several Asian nations, an abnormally cold weather front and extreme low pressure systems began to bring snowfall and high winds to Japan on Tuesday.

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BADMINTON

In Indonesia Masters Badminton, Lakshya Sen entered the quarterfinals defeating Ng Tze Yong of Malaysia in Men's Singles in Jakarta on Thursday. After trailing in the first game, the Indian shuttler won his round of 16 match 19-21, 21-8, 21-17. The World No. 12 Sen will now face Jonatan Christe of Indonesia on Friday.

Lakshya is the only remaining Indian hope in men’s singles, with H.S. Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth and Priyanshu Rajawat bowing out in the first round.

Saina Nehwal was also knocked out by Han Yue of China 21-15, 21-17 in 29 minutes.

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AUSTRALIAN OPEN

In the Australian Open Tennis, Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza will take on  Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos in the mixed doubles final on Friday. The match will begin at 6.30 a.m. Sania and Bopanna defeated Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski 7-6, 6-7, 10-6 in the semifinal on Wednesday.

In the Women's Singles, Elena Rybakina stormed to her first Australian Open final with a 7-6, 6-3 win over Victoria Azarenka on Thursday.

In the Men's Singles semifinal on Friday, Novak Djokovic will face Tommy Paul.

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CRICKET:

In Cricket, the first T20 International of the three-match series between India and New Zealand will be played at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday. The game will begin at 7 p.m. India claimed the top spot in the ICC men’s ODI ranking after clean sweeping the Kiwis 3-0 in the series. The hosts won the third and final ODI at the Holkar stadium in Indore by 90 runs, secured a comprehensive eight wicket win in the second ODI in Raipur and won the first one-dayer by 12 runs in Hyderabad.

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WOMEN'S CRICKET UNDER-19

In Women's Cricket, India U-19 team will face New Zealand in the first Semi-Final of ICC T-20 World Cup at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, South Africa, on Friday. The match will begin at 1.30 p.m.

Indian girls sealed their last-four berth after Bangladesh and England registered big wins in their final Super Six fixtures. England will take on Australia in the second semifinal.

India finished at the top of Group One. They face, second placed New Zealand in Group 2. The Kiwis finished second behind England on the net run rate.

The winners of these two matches will face off in Sunday’s final, which will also be held in Potchefstroom.

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NEW HOCKEY

In the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup, India trounced Japan 8-0 at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela on thursday evening. All the goals were scored in the third and fourth quarters.    

India will face South Africa on Saturday for the 9th-12th place classification match.

Earlier, while Argentina thrashed Chile 8-0, South Africa beat Malaysia 6-3 and Wales outplayed France 2-1 in the penalty shoot out. Wales and France were level 2-2 at full time.

Meanwhile, with the title race hotting up, the semi finalists Australia-Germany and Belgium-the Netherlands are busy priming themselves up for the showdown on Friday at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar.

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OLYMPIC COUNCI ASIA- RUSSIAN ATHLETES

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has invited Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in the 2023 Asian Games. The next Games will be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8. The OCA had announced its readiness to host Russian athletes at Asian sports competitions, at the Olympic Summit held in December last year.

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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, UNESCO adds Ukraine’s 'pearl of the Black Sea’ to World Heritage list

⦁ The Guardian says Visitor to UK parliament made to cover ‘stop Brexit’ sticker on laptop.

⦁ The Financial Times writes US economic growth slows less than expected to 2.9 per cent in fourth quarter.

⦁ South China Morning Post writes, China population raising retirement ages won’t ‘make a big difference’ in workforce size amid demographic crises.

⦁ The Japan Times reports, Toyota taps Lexus chief as CEO, shifting Akio Toyoda to chairman role.

⦁ The Strait Times reports IBM to cut 3,900 jobs globally but still expects to hire in ‘higher-growth areas.

⦁ Le Monde writes Tesla announces record 2022 earnings despite economic downturn and supply chain problems.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's Seventy Fourth Republic Day being celebrated with traditional patriotic fervour; Country's military might and cultural diversity showcased in a magnificent parade on Kartavya Path in National Capital.

⦁ Reports of Republic Day celebrations coming in from Indian Missions abroad.

⦁ Bharat Parv, displaying cuisine and culture of different states of the country begins at Red Fort in Delhi.

⦁ Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza to play their mixed doubles final of Australian Open Tennis in Melbourne on Friday.

⦁ In Badminton, Lakshya Sen enters quarterfinals of Indonesia Masters in Jakarta.

⦁ And in Cricket, first T20 International of three-match series between India and New Zealand to be played in Ranchi on Friday.

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

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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