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

• Union Budget for 2023-24 pegs country's economic growth for current financial year at seven per cent.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Budget strives to fulfill dreams of the aspirational society, poor, villages and middle class.

• India and US formally launch the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in Washington.

• Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih says, India has proven to be one of the most trusted and valued friends during challenging times.

• Pro-democracy activists in Myanmar hold a silent strike to mark two years of military coup.

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirms that Turkey won’t allow Sweden to join the NATO military alliance.

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BUDGET 2023-24

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2023-24 in Parliament on Wednesday. She said that the Indian economy is on the right track and is heading towards a bright future, despite challenging times. Ms Sitharaman said the economic growth in the current year is estimated to be at 7 per cent. The Finance Minister announced that Capital investment outlay will be increased by 33 per cent to 10 lakh crore rupees, which would be 3.3 per cent of GDP. To spur investment in infrastructure, Ms Sitharaman said, the government has decided to continue the 50-year interest free loan to State governments for one more year. To increase opportunities for private investment in Infrastructure, the government has established Infrastructure Finance Secretariat which will assist all stakeholders for more investment in railways, roads, urban infrastructure and power. Focussing on the Agriculture Sector, Ms Sitharaman said an Agriculture Accelerator Fund will be set-up to encourage agri-startups by young entrepreneurs in rural areas. The Fund will aim at bringing innovative and affordable solutions for challenges faced by farmers. The Finance Minister also announced that the agriculture credit target will be increased to 20 lakh crore rupees, with focus on animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries. The year 2023 has been declared as the international year of millets. Ms Sitharaman said the government will bear an expenditure of about 2 lakh crore rupees to supply free food grain to all Antyodaya and priority households for the next one year under PMGKAY. In a further push for the government’s objective of housing for all, the Finance Minister said, the outlay for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will be enhanced by 66 per cent. Shifting her focus towards education sector, the Finance Minister announced that one hundred and fifty-seven new nursing colleges will be established in co-location with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014. The Centre will recruit teachers and support staff for the Eklavya Model Residential Schools. The Finance Minster has announced major concessions for individual tax payers. The rebate limit has been hiked from existing 5 lakh rupees per annum to 7 lakh rupees in the new tax regime.

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PM - UNION BUDGET

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the first Union budget in the Amrit Kaal has established a strong base to fulfill the aspirations and resolutions of a developed India. In his address after the Union budget presentation in parliament on Wednesday, Mr Modi said, this budget gives priority to the deprived and strives to fulfill the dreams of the aspirational society, poor, villages and the middle class. Prime Minister said, this budget will make cooperatives a fulcrum of the development of the rural economy. He said, the government has made the world's largest food storage scheme in the co-operative sector. Mr Modi said, an ambitious scheme to form new primary co-operatives has also been announced in the budget. He said, this will expand the area of milk and fish production along with farming, farmers, animal husbandry and fishermen will get better prices for their produce. Emphasizing the need to replicate the success of digital payments in the agriculture sector, the Prime Minister said that this budget comes with a big plan for digital agriculture infrastructure. Prime Minister said, the unprecedented investment of ten lakh crore rupees on infrastructure will give new energy and speed to India's development. He informed that these investments will create new employment opportunities for the youth, thereby providing new income opportunities to a large population.

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MEA- FOC  

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, co-chaired the annual India-U.S. Foreign Office Consultations on Tuesday in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs said, both sides agreed to work together during India’s ongoing G-20 Presidency. They also agreed to intensify cooperation in multilateral fora and international organizations, including the UN, on global issues of mutual interest. The Ministry said that both sides also reviewed progress made towards further consolidating the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. It said that discussions also covered contemporary regional developments in South Asia, Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. Both countries' representatives reiterated their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Ms Nuland. In a tweet, Dr Jaishankar said they had a good talk on the Indian subcontinent, the Indo-Pacific and the convergences in Indo-US relationship.

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HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a news commentary on PRESIDENT SAYS INDIA TO SHINE BRIGHT DURING AMRITKAAL.

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LS SPEAKER- GERMANY

A delegation of the German Parliament - Bundestag - called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Parliament House on Tuesday. Referring to the long-standing ties between India and Germany, Mr Birla said that the ties between the two countries are based on shared values and common goals. He said, India and Germany are playing important role in tackling eemrging global challenges. Mr Birla appreciated the contribution of German parliamentarians in strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries. He added that India and Germany have a 'Strategic Partnership' since 2000. He expressed happiness that the current German government has held consultative talks with India which is a commendable initiative for bilateral relations between the two countries. He further said that India wants to further strengthen the parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Mr Birla added that India is the largest democracy in the world. He stated that India has a centuries-old democratic heritage, due to which it is kno as the 'Mother of Democracy' around the world.

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TOURISM-LOGO  

Minister of Tourism G. Kishan Reddy launched the Visit India Year - 2023 initiative and also unveiled its logo in New Delhi on Tuesday, kicking off the year of grand plans and activities for promoting tourism in the country. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that launch of Visit India Year 2023 logo is taking place in this important year as India is heading G20. He said, more than one lakh foreign delegates will visit India this year and they will be showcased entire gamut of India's culture, including monuments and festivals. Mr Reddy added that each foreign delegate of G20 will be a brand ambassador of India's culture, heritage and tourist destinations. He further stated that his Ministry is coordinating with Indian missions and other stakeholders to have a conducive environment for foreign visitors this year.

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US-INDIA ICET  

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan formally launched the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in Washington. The United States and India concluded the US-India iCET meeting and also decided to launch a new Innovation Bridge. The Indian Embassy in the US said in a tweet that the iCET announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden. It reflects India US convention of strategic, commercial & scientific approaches in field of technology. The White House said in a statement that Innovation Bridge will connect both countries' defence startups. It said, both countries affirm that the ways in which technology is designed, developed, governed, and used should be shaped by our shared democratic values and respect for universal human rights. According to the statement, the two sides discussed opportunities for greater cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, co-development and coproduction, and ways to deepen connectivity across our innovation ecosystems.

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MALDIVES PRESIDENT

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that his country’s partnership with India built on mutual trust and respect has had a renewed impetus during the past four years. He added that India has proven to be one of the most trusted and valued friends during challenging times. He made the remarks while speaking at the official reception in Dharubaaruge held to commemorate India’s 74th Republic Day. Speaking at the reception, the President extended warm wishes and felicitations for the occasion to the President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and friendly people of India on behalf of the Maldivian people. Reflecting on the friendship between the two countries throughout the years, President Solih noted India's massive contributions to the Maldives' developmental efforts and assistance towards the Covid-19 response as significant highlights of this special relationship. The President expressed his confidence in elevating the existing relations between the two countries through new avenues of cooperation this year. President Solih stated that  India's enduring adherence to constitutionalism serves as a shining example for young democracies such as the Maldives and a fine example of the vision and foresight of the framers of India's constitution. He applauded the resilience, commitment, and steadfastness India has demonstrated in its journey towards progress, development, and stability over the years. He said Constitution of India guarantees sovereignty and safeguards all rights, which played a crucial role in its success. President Solih also emphasised that the ethos of inclusiveness and equitable development in India is a fine demonstration of the strength of its constitution and the policies of its leadership. He added that India continues to set an example to the world that it is possible to achieve unity through diversity and that a nation can strive towards a harmonious society while not compromising its development imperatives.

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MYANMAR STRIKE

Pro-democracy activists in Myanmar are holding a silent strike to mark two years since a military coup. Protesters have urged the public to remain indoors and for businesses to close for Wednesday's anniversary.

The call came as the UK, US, Canada and Australia announced fresh sanctions against army-linked firms. The military has said the country is facing unusual circumstances - prompting fresh doubt over its pledge to hold an election this year.

Images showed deserted streets in major cities, including the commercial centre of Yangon. Protesters also gathered outside Myanmar embassies in Thailand and Japan, chanting anti-military slogans and holding portraits of jailed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

A small pro-military demonstration took place in Yangon, where an estimated 200 supporters marched through the city centre escorted part of the way by soldiers, AFP news agency reported.

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SL-LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLLS  

In Sri Lanka, local government elections have been scheduled for 9th of March. The announcement comes in the form of gazette notifications issued by returning officers. More than 80,700 candidates are in the fray for 8,771 seats in 340 local councils. The Election commission of Sri Lanka has said that the candidates belong to 58 registered political parties and 329 independent groups.

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IRAN-US

The US and Europe are united in urging Iran to return to the negotiating table on an agreement to revive its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, the US special envoy for Iran has told BBC News.

Robert Malley told the BBC  Iran is going to have to make a choice, whether it wants to continue to go do this path of greater isolation, greater pressure, more sanctions, no economic opportunity, or whether it chooses another one.  Iran has repeatedly said its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

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ERDOGAN-SWEDEN

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Wednesday that Turkey won’t allow Sweden to join the NATO military alliance as long as it permits protests desecrating Islam’s holy book to take place. Turkey, which has been holding off approving Sweden and Finland’s membership in the Western military alliance, has been infuriated by a series of demonstrations in Stockholm by activists who have burned the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy and hanged an effigy of Erdogan. It has indefinitely postponed a key meeting in Brussels that would have discussed the two Nordic countries’ entry into NATO.

Swedish government officials have distanced themselves from the protests, including by a far-right anti-Islam activist who burned copies of the Quran in Stockholm and Copenhagen, Denmark, while also stressing that the demonstrations are protected by freedom of speech.

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CHINA-TAIWAN

Taiwan prepared fighter jets, put its navy on alert and activated missile systems in response to nearby operations by 34 Chinese military aircraft and nine warships that are part Beijing’s strategy to unsettle and intimidate the self-governing island democracy. The large-scale Chinese deployment came as Beijing increases preparations for a potential blockade or military action against Taiwan that have stirred increasing concern among military leaders, diplomats and elected officials in the U.S., Taiwan’s key ally.

In a memo last month, U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan instructed officers to be prepared for a U.S. -China conflict over Taiwan in 2025. As head of the Air Mobility Command, Minihan has a keen understanding of the Chinese military and his personal remarks echo calls in the U.S. for heightened preparations. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said 20 Chinese aircraft on Tuesday crossed the central line in the Taiwan Strait that has long been an unofficial buffer zone between the sides, which separated during a civil war in 1949.

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SL-TOURIST

In Sri Lanka, Over one lakh tourist arrivals have been recorded for January 2023. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reported an increase of over 20,000 tourists against January last year. The island nation had 13,759 tourist arrivals from India during the month. India had been the largest source market for tourism in Sri Lanka last year.

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MOGADISHU-SUMMIT

Mortar shells have exploded in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, as regional leaders are gathered in the city to discuss their joint offensive against the al-Shabab militant group. The four shells hit areas near the heavily guarded presidential palace. There are no reports of casualties.

The leaders of Kenya, Ethiopia and Djobouti are holding a summit there on Wednesday following recent military gains made by the Somali government against the Islamist militants. Al-Shabab still control large areas of Somalia, and are continuing to carrying out regular attacks.

But they have lost territory since the government, backed by the US and African troops, launched a new offensive last August.

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TUNISIA-EMERGENCY

Tunisian President Kais Saied has issued a decree extending the state of emergency that has been in place in the country since November 2015. The state of emergency was extended until the end of December this year, the state news agency TAP reported. Mr Saied last extended the state of emergency on 30 December for a month. Before that, it was extended for nearly a year from February to 31 December 2022.

The initial declaration of a state of emergency in November 2015, followed a bombing targeting a bus transporting presidential guard forces, which killed 12. The country had been rocked earlier that year by two major attacks on foreign tourists in the capital Tunis and the resort to of Sousse.

The latest move comes as Tunisia's main opposition parties have accused Mr Saied of a power grab after he implemented a series of measures expanding his powers and curbing those of elected institutions. Opposition leaders have called on the president to stand do after recent parliamentary elections saw a record low voter turnout.

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EQUATORIAL GUINEA-PM

Equatorial Guinea has appointed Manuela Roka Botey as prime minister, becoming the first woman in the country to hold the position. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled the country since 1979, made the announcement on Tuesday in a decree read on state television.

Ms Rotey was previously the education minister and joined the government in 2020. She replaces former premier Francisco Pascual Obama Asue, who has been in the position since 2016.

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POPE-CONGO

Pope Francis has celebrated one of his biggest masses, in Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa.

It is more than 37 years since a pope visited the mineral-rich but conflict-ridden country.

Estimates say around a million gathered for the open-air mass at N'dole airport, on the second of the pontiff's six-day visit to Africa.

Around half of DR Congo's population is Catholic - the largest Catholic community in Africa.

Speaking at the mass, the Catholic leader called for peace in DR Congo, saying warring sides should forgive one another and grant their opponents a "great amnesty of the heart".

Wednesday's mass was tipped to be one of the pope's largest-ever masses, second only to one held in the Philippines in 2014.

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RADIOACTIVE CAPSULE

Authorities in Western Australia say they have found a tiny radioactive capsule which went missing last month.The capsule was found when a vehicle equipped with specialist equipment, which was travelling at 70 km/h (43 mph), detected radiation, officials said.

A huge search was triggered when the object was lost while being transported along a 1,400km  route across the state. Authorities released a close-up picture of the pea-sized capsule - which could cause serious harm if handled - on the ground among tiny pebbles.

It contains a small quantity of Caesium-137, which could cause skin damage, burns or radiation sickness. Mining giant Rio Tinto apologised for losing the device, which is used as a density gauge in the mining industry.

It will be stored at a secure location in the to of Newman overnight before being transported to a secure facility in the city of Perth on Thursday.

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FINAL IND-NZ T20

India demolished New Zealand by 168 runs in the deciding third and final T20 international at Ahmedabad.  Chasing the target of 235, the visitors were bundled out for a paltry score of 66 runs in 12.1 overs.  Daryl Mitchell was the highest score for New Zealand with 35 runs. Only two batsmen could reach the double figure, while four batsmen were out without scoring any run.

For the winners, Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers taking FOUR wickets, Arshdeep Singh Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik  took 2 wickets.

With this, India have won the series 2-1. Visitors won the first match by 21 runs in Ranchi while hosts won the second T20I in Lucknow by 6 wickets.  

Earlier the hosts won the toss, elected to bat and scored 234 runs in stipulated 20 overs. Shubman Gill hit a ton with 126 runs on 63 balls and remained not out. Rahul Tripathi scored 44 off 22 balls.

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RELIANCE MALIBAN PARTNERSHIP  

Reliance Consumer Products Limited, the FMCG arm of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, has announced a strategic partnership with the Sri Lanka’s Maliban Biscuit Manufactories. Maliban, a heritage brand and a household name in Sri Lanka, is a pioneering biscuit manufacturer well kno for last 70 years for its range of quality products. The company has expanded its products to reach global markets and now exports to over 35 countries across 5 continents.

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FPR 01.02.2023

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

The Globe and Mail reports, Canada’s transportation regulator doesn’t track 97% of air passenger claims.

The Washington Post writes, Radioactive capsule found in Australian desert after ‘relentless’ search.

 The Financial Times reports, Eurozone inflation slows to 8.5% on back of lower energy costs.

The New York Times writes, As China’s Covid Tsunami Recedes, Relief, Grief and Anxiety Follow.

South China Morning Post says Austin’s Philippines visit to bring deal on expanded military base access.

Le Monde reports, In the DRC, Pope Francis calls on Africa to be the 'protagonist of its destiny.

The Asahi Shimbun says U.S. blocks export license renewals for China’s Huawei.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

• Union Budget for 2023-24 pegs country's economic growth for current financial year at seven per cent.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Budget strives to fulfill dreams of the aspirational society, poor, villages and middle class.

• India and US formally launch the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in Washington.

• Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih says, India has proven to be one of the most trusted and valued friends during challenging times.

• Pro-democracy activists in Myanmar hold a silent strike to mark two years of military coup.

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirms that Turkey won’t allow Sweden to join the NATO military alliance.

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

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