NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is PURNIMA SAMANT 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:

⦁ President of 77th Session of United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi stresses on bringing reforms in UNSC to prevent Russia-Ukraine like conflicts; meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

⦁ First G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting begins under India's Presidency in Chandigarh.

⦁ In Pakistan, at least 44 people killed and over 150 injured in a suicide blast inside a mosque in Peshawar.

⦁ Eight people killed in South Africa as gunmen open fire in a birthday party.

⦁ US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges calm as Israel-Palestinian conflict flares.

⦁ Nepal to hold Presidential elections on 9th of March.

⦁ India remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his 75th death anniversary.

⦁ India Men's Hockey Team coach Graham Reid resigns following World Cup exit.

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UNGA PRESIDENT PRESSER

President of 77th Session of United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi has stressed the need to bring reforms in the UN Security Council. Mr Korosi was interacting with media in New Delhi on Monday. Responding to a media query about Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mr Korosi said, the issue was discussed during the meeting and to prevent such incidents in future, Security Council must be reformed. He said, India has been very active on Ukraine-related issues.

On the issue of China violating India's sovereignty along the northern border, the UNGA President said, all the conflicts must be resolved by peaceful means. He said, India has a vision how this world should look like and how India’s role should look like in the changing World.

Earlier on Monday, Mr Korosi met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. During the meeting, Csaba Korosi lauded India’s transformational initiatives for communities, including in the area of water resource management and conservation. Acknowledging India’s efforts towards reformed multilateralism, Mr. Korosi underscored the importance of India being at the forefront of efforts to reform global institutions. Prime Minister Modi thanked Mr. Csaba Korosi for making India his first bilateral visit since assuming office. Mr Modi appreciated his  approach based on science and technology to find solutions to global problems. He assured Csaba Korosi of India’s fullest support to his Presidency initiatives during the 77th UNGA including the UN 2023 Water Conference. Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of reforming the multilateral system, including the UN Security Council.

The visiting dignitary also met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. External Affairs Minister of India said, during the meeting, they discussed global challenges, UN reform, the Ukraine conflict  and G20 agenda. He assured Csaba Korosi of India’s full support in developmental progress and reformed multilateralism. Dr Jaishankar also hosted a millet lunch for him.

Mr Korosi arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit. This is his first bilateral visit to any country since he assumed UNGA Presidency in September last year.

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CHANDIGARH-G20 MEETING

Now we move on to our segment "G20 in India"

The First G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting under India's G20 Presidency began in Chandigarh on Monday. India's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Food Processing Industries Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras inaugurated the two-day meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Tomar said, India is developing rapidly due to science and innovation, as both are closely related to the future of India. Addressing the gathering, India's Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras said, the Indian Presidency of the G-20 has the responsibility to build on the progress made so far and ensure that the international financial architecture remains well-equipped to meet the acute challenges it faces today and provide maximum support to vulnerable groups. With the rich and diverse experience of eminent experts from around the world, this International Financial Structure Working Group will work together in the areas of development financing, supporting vulnerable countries, maintaining financial stability and upholding the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. G-20 is in a better position to coordinate its efforts.

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PUDUCERRY-G20 MEETING

Science-20 Inception Meeting, as part of India's year-long G20 presidency, was held in Puducherry on Monday. Scientists from 10 member countries of G20 along with scientists from India's Premier Science Institutions participated in the deliberations. Invited scientists presented views and recommendations. The deliberations were conducted in six sessions.

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KANT-MODEL G20

India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Monday inaugurated India’s first Model G-20 Summit organised by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini’s Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership near. The two-day Model G-20 Summit has been organised at the institute's Uttan campus near Mumbai to celebrate India’s presidency and make awaress about G-20 among the youth. Addressing the summit, Mr Kant said, G-20 is an important forum because it accounts for 85 per cent of the global GDP. G20 countries comprise, developed and developing countries that have provided solutions to various global issues. Mr Kant further said that India has taken the G-20 presidency amidst global turmoil like Post COVID challenges, geopolitical crisis, debt crisis, climate crisis, and food and energy crisis. A total of 150 youngsters from across the country are participating in the two-day programme and get into the roles of delegates representing the G-20 countries. The best two delegates will be awarded a cash prize of 15,000 and 10,000 rupees. Discussions ranging from global peace to democratising of the world economic order will be on the agenda.

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YADAV- G20 SUMMIT

The First Employment Working Group meeting of G20 summit under India's Presidency will be held at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from 2nd to 4th of February. During the meeting, three thematic areas will be discussed. These include addressing the Global Skill Gaps, Gig and Platform Economy and Social Protection and Sustainable Financing of Social Security. India's Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav said this while interacting with the media in New Delhi on Monday. Highlighting the importance of the G20 summit, Mr. Yadav said that the G20 countries represent close to 85 percent of the world GDP, 3/4th of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. He said, the Employment Working Group under the Indian presidency of G20 has a mandate of addressing priority labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced, and job-rich growth for all. India is hosting over 73 delegates from 19 countries, European Union and 9 guest countries and 9 regional and international organisations.

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G-20 EDUCATION WORKING GROUP

The first meeting of the Education Working group of G20 will begin on 1st of February. During the two-day meeting, the working group will hold deliberation on areas to ensure inclusive, equitable, relevant and quality education and life long learning opportunities for all within the theme of  One Earth, One family and One future.

Speaking to AIR, Secretary of Higher Education, Sanjay Murthy, said, this will be the first time that a seminar will be held where 69 delegates from 19 countries will participate. He said, this will set a bench mark for the other countries to follow in the successive G 20 summits. He pointed out that the exhibition which would be conducted as a part of the Summit has given an opportunity for seven other countries to showcase their specialties. He said that focus is on tech enabled education anchored by IIT in the workshop seminar and exhibition during the education working group.

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PARL-ALL PARTY MEETING

The Budget Session of Indian Parliament begins on Tuesday. Ahead of the session, the Government of India convened an all-party meeting on Monday. The Budget Session of Parliament will commence with the address by President Droupadi Murmu to the Joint Sitting of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the Central Hall. The Economic Survey will  be tabled in both Houses on the first day of the session. The Union Budget 2023-24 will be presented on Wednesday. The session will continue till the 6th of April this 

HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a news commentary on Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat.

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NEPAL-PRESIDENT ELECTION

Nepal will hold Presidential elections on 9th of March. The Election Commission of Nepal has decided to hold the Vice Presidential elections on 17th of March.

Election Commission Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel said, the President and the Vice President will be elected through an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of the Federal Parliament and all seven provincial assemblies.

In accordance with Article 63 and 69 of the Neapl Constitution, the terms of the President and the Vice President is for five years.

The term of incumbent President Bidhya Devi Bhandari ends on 12th of March and the term of the incumbent Vice President Nand Kishore Pun is ending on 17th of March.  

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PESHAWAR-BLAST

In Pakistan, the death toll has risen to 44 in the suicide blast inside a mosque in Police Lines area of Peshawar near Afghanistan. At least 157 people were injured. According to the Police, the blast took place at the mosque during afternoon prayers when a large number of people had gathered for prayer. Police officials said, there were around 260 people inside the mosque which is located close to a police housing block, when the blast occurred. A rescue operation is underway inside the mosque as a number of people were buried under the rubble after a portion of the building collapsed due to the explosion. Meanwhile, the terror outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the blast.

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BLINKEN-EGYPT

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached Israel on Monday on the second leg of his West Asia tour after concluding visit to Egypt.

During his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Mr Blinken is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas.

Before landing in Tel Aviv, Mr Blinken urged for calm and de-escalation after violence flared between Israel and the Palestinians.

Speaking at a press conference in Cairo on Monday after kicking off his visit to West Asia, Washington’s top diplomat urged all parties to calm things down and de-escalate tensions and stressed the importance of working for a two-state solution.

Israel is reeling from an attack that killed seven civilians outside a synagogue in east Jerusalem on Friday, a day after an army raid in the West Bank claimed 10 lives.

In an interview with a TV channel, Mr Blinken condemn and deplore the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in the last couple of days.

Earlier, US Secretary of State met Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the country's foreign minister in Cairo.

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JAPAN-CHINA SHIP

The Japanese Coast Guard has said that four Chinese government ships have entered Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. It said the vessels entered territorial waters near the islands of Minamikojima and Uotsurijima early morning on Monday. The coast guard said that it dispatched patrol vessels to ensure the safety of the Japanese ships and to warn the Chinese vessels to leave Japan's territorial waters immediately. According to media reports, the incident marks the second time this month that Chinese government ships have been spotted in Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands. The first incident occurred on the 10th of January.

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GERMANY-UKRAINE JETS

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday said, Germany will not be sending fighter jets to Ukraine. Kyiv has been stepping up calls for more advanced weapons from the West. In an interview with a Newspaper, Mr Scholz said, there is no war between NATO and Russia and the organisation will not allow such an escalation. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine needed more heavy weapons from NATO allies, including fighter jets and long-range missiles. However, Germany is committed to supplying 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine on Wednesday.

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SA-MASS SHOOTING

In South Africa, eight people killed and three wounded as gunmen opened fire on a group of people celebrating a birthday on the weekend in a township. Police said, in a statement that the owner of the house was celebrating his birthday when two unknown gunmen entered the yard on Sunday evening in the southern port city of Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, and started shooting at the guests. The home owner is among the deceased. An investigation has been launched into the attack and police said a manhunt for the perpetrators was underway.

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GANDHI-DEATH ANNIVERSARY

India paid homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 75th death anniversary on Monday. The day is also observed as Martyrs' Day. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948. India's President Droupadi Murmu laid a wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi and offered floral tributes to him. Country's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla were among those who paid tributes to the father of the nation at his Samadhi. The nation also observed a two-minute silence at 11 AM on Martyrs’ Day. An inter-faith prayer meeting was also held at Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on Monday evening. Vice President  Dhankhar, Prime Minister Modi, the Lok Sabha Speaker and other dignitories attended the prayer meet and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Martyr’s Day.

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NATIONAL ANTI LEPROSY DAY

India observed the national anti-leprosy day on Monday. Speaking on the occasion in New Delhi through video message, Country's Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said, India is making progress and new leprosy cases are declining year after year. Mr Mandaviya said India can achieve the target of leprosy-free India by 2027 with the support of society, three years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal target. Reiterating Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring concern for people affected with leprosy, he said, India's efforts to eliminate leprosy from this country under National Leprosy Eradication Programme is a great tribute to Bapu's vision.

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SCO-FILM FESTIVAL:

Panel discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Film Festivals ended on a befitting note with the final one being on the challenges and scope of promoting film festivals in SCO countries. Participating in the festival, film producer and consultant,  Licensing Syndications, Swaroop Chaturvedi said the scenic locations in SCO countries can work as a catalyst for popularizing festival films. He added that the film market is constantly changing and thus scope for profit always remains. Founder of Ameli Entertainment from Kazakhstan, Yrys Assel pointed out that the advent of OTT platforms can play a huge role in popularizing cinema across the region.

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WOMEN'S CRICKET

In Women's Cricket, India registered a dominating eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the final group match in the ongoing Tri-Nation Series at Buffalo Park, in East London in South Africa.

Put to bat first by the Indian side, the Caribbean nation posted a mere 94 for 6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Skipper

In reply, India comfortably chase down the 95 runs with the loss of two wickets in 13.5 overs.

Apart from India and the West Indies, South Africa is the third team in the tournament.

The Women in Blue had already cemented their spot in the summit clash of the Tri-Series as they will take on hosts South Africa on Thursday.

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BHOPAL-KHELO INDIA

The fifth edition of Khelo India Youth Games began in the state of Madhya Pradesh on Monday. The games will conclude on 11th of February.  India's Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur and Chief Minister of the State, Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared the games open in a colourful ceremony at Tatya Tope Nagar Stadium in Bhopal.

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HOCKEY COACH RESIGNED

Indian Men's Hockey Team Chief coach Graham Reid resigned  from his position on Monday after the host nation's outing at the just-concluded World Cup. Reid, who was appointed India coach in April 2019, led the team to a historic bronze medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The 58-year-old Australian submitted his resignation to Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, a day after the conclusion of the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, where Germany beat Belgium in a penalty shoot-out to emerge as champions.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

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

The Sensex rose 170 points, or 0.29 percent, to finish at 59,500. The Nifty-50 also added 45 point, or 0.25 percent, to end at 17,649.

Among global stock markets, Asian shares ended mixed at the start of an agenda-setting week for markets in which likely interest rate hikes in Europe and the United States. Investors are also waiting for the cues from the U.S. jobs and wage data which will give markets a fresh update about inflation. China’s Shanghai Composite index rose marginally by 0.1 percent and Japan's NIKKEI-225 added 0.2 percent. On the other hand, Singapore’s Straits Times index declined half a percent, South Korea’s KOSPI fell 1.4 percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng plunged 2.8 percent. European shares were mixed in intra-day trade.

Oil remained steady amid looming interest rate hikes by major central banks. Signs of strong Russian exports was balanced by rising tension in the West Asia over a drone attack in Iran and hopes of higher Chinese demand. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at 88 dollars and 70 cents per barrel.

Back Home, at the forex market, the rupee appreciated marginally by two paisa against the dollar to close at 81 rupees and 50 paise against the US dollar.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, Gold futures for February was trading at 56,780 rupees per ten grams. Silver futures for March was trading at 68,490 rupees per kilogram. S Rangabashiam for World News, All India Radio.

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

⦁ The Washington Post writes, Putin threatened Britain with missile strike, Boris Johnson says.

⦁ The Financial Times reports, German economy shrinks as energy and borrowing costs pinch demand.

⦁ The Japan Times writes NATO chief urges South Korea to step up military support for Ukraine.

⦁ Le Monde reports Erdogan says Turkey might approve Finland's NATO bid, block Sweden.

⦁ Straits Times says Singapore and Malaysia sign agreements to deepen cooperation in digital, green economy.

⦁ Cnn writes, New Zealand’s biggest city braces for more heavy rains after deadly floods.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ President of 77th Session of United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi stresses on bringing reforms in UNSC to prevent Russia-Ukraine like conflicts; meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

⦁ First G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting begins under India's Presidency in Chandigarh.

⦁ In Pakistan, at least 44 people killed and over 150 injured in a suicide blast inside a mosque in Peshawar.

⦁ Eight people killed in South Africa as gunmen open fire in a birthday party.

⦁ US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges calm as Israel-Palestinian conflict flares.

⦁ Nepal to hold Presidential elections on 9th of March.

⦁ India remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his 75th death anniversary.

⦁ India Men's Hockey Team coach Graham Reid resigns following World Cup exit.

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

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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