NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. I am pallavi manchanda and with me is harpreet kaur 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:

⦁ Prime Minister Narendra Modi notes a four-fold jump in foreign tourists in India; emphasizes on special strategy for developing tourist destinations across the country.

⦁ Foreign Ministers of Quad countries reiterate their commitment for sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the Indo- Pacific region.

⦁ President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates International Dharma-Dhamma Conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

⦁ And in Cricket:

⦁ Australia win third Test of Border Gavaskar trophy against India by 9 wickets at Indore.

⦁ First ever Women's Premier League to begin in Navi Mumbai from Saturday.

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PM-WEBINAR -TOURISM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the footfall of foreign tourists in India has increased four fold in January this year as compared to same month last year.  Addressing a post-budget webinar on boosting India's tourism potential, Mr. Modi said  that tourism has always been part of India's social and cultural civilization, If the country develops more facilities, it will increase tourist footfall. He emphasized the need to profile such tourists and create a special strategy to attract them to the country.

The Prime Minister insisted on developing 50 such tourist destinations that every tourist from around the globe would want  to visit on a  trip to India. He also mentioned developing apps for tourist destinations in all Indian languages and those listed in the United Nations. Mr. Modi  said all languages should be incorporated while designing the content for tourism and asked to further modernize tourists apps and digital connectivity.

Saying that villages are becoming centers of tourism in the country, the Prime Minister remarked that remote villages are now coming up on the tourism map due to their improving infrastructure. He informed that the Central Government has started the Vibrant Village Scheme for the villages situated along the border and emphasized the need to support businesses including  homestays, small hotels and restaurants.

Mr. Modi also highlighted the basic challenge of the tourism sector and  pointed out the lack of professional tourist guides.  He   stressed on promoting school and college trips to the northeast so that more people become aware and start developing infrastructure and facilities for tourists. 

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PM-WEBINAR INFRA

Prime Minister Modi will address the post-Budget Webinar on ‘Infrastructure and Investment - Improving Logistics Efficiency with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan’ on Saturday through video conferencing. The Government is continuously increasing budgetary allocation for the development of world-class infrastructure. This year's budget is a reflection of this vision. Significant budgetary allocation for capital expenditure has been earmarked for infrastructure development.  Road Transport and Highways and Railways are the key target areas.

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QUAD MEETING

The Foreign Ministers of the Quad member countries have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive and resilient. The Foreign Ministers held the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad in New Delhi on Friday. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar chaired the meeting, attended by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. In a joint statement, the leaders reiterated their support to the principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders also reaffirmed their support to the region through practical cooperation on contemporary challenges such as health security, climate change,  clean energy transition, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure, connectivity, maritime security and counter-terrorism. Speaking at the event, External Affair Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, the leaders agreed on a counter-terrorism working group and the issue of terrorists should not be politicised.

Dr Jaishankar said, Quad is working successfully because its origins lie in common good and it reflects innate virtue. He also informed that all four nations supported the reform of the United Nations.  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, for Quad the future is Indo-Pacific and the group is rightly focused on what is happening in Ukraine. Mr Blinken added that Quad is not a military group and it is working on things that are really critical. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also reiterated that Quad is not a military grouping. He said that Quad does not try to exclude anybody, including China.

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EAM- BILATERALS MEETING

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday held bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of different countries on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. In his meeting with Sweden Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, they noted the steady progress in bilateral relations and regular contact in the India-Nordic and EU formats. The two leaders discussed technology, sustainability and economic collaboration. Dr Jaishankar also met Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan and appreciated Saudi Arabia’s support in the G20. They also  discussed global developments. A productive discussion was held during Dr Jaishankar's meeting with Foreign Minister of Australia Penny Wong. In a tweet, Dr Jaishnakar said the regularity of contacts reflects the convergence in the two countries' views. He said, India looks forward to an exciting 2023, in India-Australia relationship. The Minister also had a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

Dr. Jaishankar also met with Foreign Minister of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi in New Delhi. Both the leaders discussed the progress made in the bilateral relationship and their cooperation in third world countries.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister of France Catherine Colonna, both the nations agreed to coordinate more closely on global and multilateral issues. They also reviewed their bilateral relationship.

Dr. Jaishankar also met with Foreign Minister of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Abdul Momen and Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr AlBusaidi. Besides, Dr. Jaishankar on Friday handed over the IBSA Handover Report 2023 to Brazil. He said, India, Brazil, South Africa partnership will continue to work for the concerns of the Global South.

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JITENDRA - CANADIAN DELEGATION

A High-level Canadian Delegation led by its Premier Scott Moe called on India's Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on Friday. Cooperation and joint ventures in areas like Electric Vehicles, Cyber Physical System, Quantum Technologies, Future Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen Fuel, Deep Ocean Mining were discussed during the meeting.

Welcoming the Delegation, Dr Singh said, a 23-Lakh strong Indian Diaspora is reinforcing Indo-Canadian Relations and contributing to the development of both the Nations. He said, India has one of the largest Diaspora in Canada and it has achieved success in all walks of life.

The Minister said, the Diaspora which contributes positively to both countries, would be a good bridge between the two nations, as Canada is one of the most favored destinations for Indian students for higher education.

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RAJNATH-ISRAEL

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday talked with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant over phone.

During the conversation, Mr. Singh emphasized the government’s priority for indigenisation and domestic manufacturing of defence equipment under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’. He acknowledged the cooperation of Israeli industries towards nurturing a vibrant and world class defence manufacturing ecosystem in India. He invited Israeli Industries to deepen their investments in Joint Ventures with Indian companies. Mr Singh expressed pleasure at the signing of some important MoUs between Indian and Israeli companies during the recently concluded Aero India 2023.

The Defence Minister of Israel highlighted the positive role played by India in the region and conveyed his Government’s keen interest in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries. Both the Ministers affirmed their commitment to further deepening of bilateral defence relationship under the framework of ‘Vision Statement’ adopted last year.

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HOTSPOT

In today's Hotspot Section, we bring you a News Commentary on   India-Italy ties on the upswing.

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PRESIDENT DHARMA CONFERENCE

President Draupadi Murmu said, India always emphasises that peace, not war, is the way forward. The President was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 7th International Dharma Dhamma Conference in Bhopal on Friday.

The three day conference, focused on the principle of Eastern humanism in the new era, will conclude on Sunday. More than 350 scholars from 15 countries are participating in this conference.

The President said that in recent times, India has been trying to correct many prevailing global perceptions about the idea of progress, development and a fair world order. President further added that, in the tradition of our country, religion has occupied a central place in the social system and political activities since ancient times.

Elaborating on Eastern humanism, the President said that Eastern humanism believes that blind impulses lead to individual fights and even wars between countries. When India proclaims on the global stage that the entire world is but one family, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, it proclaims its commitment to eastern humanism.  

The President said that the consciousness of Dharma Dhamma is embedded in the core of India and the foundation stone of humanism rests on Dharma. She said that in the present times, it is everyone's duty to protect and enhance the system based on morality.

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PM - NIGERIA PREZ

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu for winning the Presidential elections in Nigeria.  In a tweet on Friday, the Prime Minister said that he looks forward to further strengthening India-Nigeria bilateral relations under Mr Tinubu's  leadership.

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WORLD WILDLIFE DAY

Prime Minister Modi has conveyed his best wishes on the World Wildlife Day on Friday. In a tweet, Mr. Modi said, protecting animal habitats is a key priority for us and India has witnessed good results on this front. He said, the year gone by will always be remembered as the year, we welcomed cheetahs to our nation.

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ANURAG THAKUR-NYPF

India's Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has expressed delight at youth getting platforms to convey their ideas. Attending the cultural program of the National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) 2023 in New Delhi, Mr Thakur urged the country's youth to take the Panch Pran given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as living principles. He also expressed happiness at women's participation in the NYPF at a larger scale and hoped that they would keep on reaching new heights.

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US-UKRAINE

The United States is hosting war planning exercises in Germany for Ukrainian military officers to help them think through upcoming battlefield decisions ahead of the next phase of the year-old conflict with Russia. The multi-day exercises have been carried out at a war-gaming facility at a U.S. Army base in Wiesbaden, Germany.  

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US-IRAN SANCTIONS

The United States has imposed a new round of Iran sanctions, targeting the country’s oil and petrochemical sales. The sanctions hit a Vietnam-based company, two firms based in China, two others in Iran and one in the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of involvement “in the transport or sale” of Iranian oil and petrochemicals. According to the state department, The US is committed to significantly reducing Iran’s energy exports and will sanction those facilitating its petroleum and petrochemical trade. It will not hesitate to take action against those who try to circumvent our sanctions. Meanwhile, Iran has accused the US of showing “bad faith” in the talks to negotiate a prisoner swap. Iran had faced an enormous amount of US sanctions since 2018. US-Iranian relations have been further complicated by a crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran and Washington’s allegations that Tehran supplied Russia with drones that Moscow used against Ukraine.

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C-20 NAGPUR

The inception meeting of Civil20 (C-20), a working group of G-20 summit will be organized in Nagpur from the 20th to 22nd of March. About 60 representatives of  G-20 countries, which are members of C-20, and about 250 representatives of various civil society organizations in India and invited countries will participate in this conference.  

Addressing a press conference, Chairman of Indian Cultural Council Relation-ICCR  and Patron of C-20 Secretariat  Dr. Vinay Sahastrabuddhe  said that through the 'Nagpur Voice' initiative, the Civil Society and NGOs of Nagpur and Vidarbha will get an opportunity to express their views on the global stage through C-20.

Dr. Sahastrabuddhe  while elaborating the details of three-day C-20 meeting informed that, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, India's Sherpa for G-20 Dr. Amitabh Kant, will be prominently present in the inaugural ceremony of C-20 meeting, which will be held under the chairmanship of social and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi.

The representatives attending the C-20 meeting will also visit the wildlife sanctuaries in Pench forests as well as  Gandhiji and Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s resident places - Sevagram and Pawanar Ashrams in Wardha city of Vidarbha.  

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BANGLADESH-TRIBUTES

Indian High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, visited Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s mausoleum in Tungipara on Friday to pay tributes to the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh. He placed a floral wreath on the mausoleum as a mark of respect to Bangabandhu.

In his written remarks at the mausoleum, High Commissioner Verma highlighted the historic importance of the month of March in the history of Bangladesh and underlined Bangabandhu’s vision for the development of Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh partnership.

High Commissioner Verma also took a guided tour of the museum, which showcases Bangabandhu's life and legacy, and the supreme sacrifices that he made for the independence and progress of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu’s fight for democracy, inclusivity and social justice continues to inspire people across the world. His legacy remains the driving force for India’s steadfast partnership with Bangladesh on its journey towards progress and prosperity, said the High Commission of India in Bangladesh.  

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GREECE-PROTEST    

Anger in Greece over poor railway safety grew as the death toll from one of the country’s worst train crashes reached 57. Protesters clashed with police in the Greek capital Athens after a passenger train carrying more than 350 people collided with a freight train. In a televised address after visiting the crash site, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the collision was mainly due to tragic human error. He said the Transport Minister’s decision to resign was honorable, and added that the heads of Hellenic Railways Organization and its subsidiary ERGOSE have also submitted their resignations. Condolences poured in from across the world, while a three-day period of mourning is under way in Greece. 

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SRILANKA-FEAST

The Annual St. Anthony’s feast will be held at the Katchchatheevu island in Sri Lanka on Saturday. Indian pilgrims have reached the island to participate in the feast. Arrangements for comfortable stay of the incoming pilgrims, fishermen and clergy have been put in place by the Consulate General of India in Jaffna.

As per the officials, over 2400 pilgrims have reached the island and an equal number will join from the Sri Lankan side. During the last few years, the feast had lesser pilgrims arriving on account of restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

A report from the business desk:

The Sensex surged 900 points, or 1.53 per cent, to end at 59,809. The Nifty also added 272 points, or 1.57 per cent, to close at 17,594.

Asian shares rose after Wall Street reversed losses, on signals of a measured policy tightening approach from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The rise in stocks was also due to prospects of a solid economic recovery in China. In the Asian markets, most shares ended on a positive note except Singapore's Straits Times, losing 0.1 per cent. Japan's NIKKEI-225 surged one and a half per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.7 percent, China’s Shanghai Composite gained half a per cent and South Korea’s KOSPI added 0.2 per cent. European shares also registered gains in intra-day trade.

Oil prices held steady poised to register a weekly gain. This comes amid renewed optimism on China's demand recovery, which overrode recession worries over growing U.S. crude inventories and tightening monetary policy in Europe. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at around 84 dollars and 50 cents per barrel.

Back Home, At the Multi Commodity Exchange, Gold futures for April was trading at 55,805 rupees per ten grams. Silver futures for March was trading at 63,450 rupees per kilogram when reports last came in.

In the forex market, the rupee appreciated 63 paise against the US currency. The domestic unit closed at 81 rupees and 97 paise against the US dollar Arjun Choudhary for World News, All India Radio.

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NEW CRICKET-INDIA-TEST

In cricket, Australia beat India by 9 wickets in the third Test of Border Gavaskar trophy at Indore on Friday. With this victory on Day 3, Australia sealed their World Test Championship final spot. India lead the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series 2-1 with one Test to go in Ahmedabad, which India will need to win to reach the World Test Championship final.

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WPL 2023

History will be made on Saturday when five-team Women's Premier League (WPL 2023) begins in Navi Mumbai. After years of wait and planning, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, has finally been able organise the standalone T20 franchise-based cricket league for women, on the lines of popular Indian Premier League.

The five teams taking part in the inaugural edition of WPL  are Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), UP Warriorz (UPW) and Gujarat Giants (GG). India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been named as MI captain while opener Smriti Mandhana will be leading RCB's women's team. Australia's successful skipper Meg Lanning will be at the helm of Delhi Capitals, while Beth Mooney has been named as captain for Gujarat Giants. Australian wicketkeeper and batter Alyssa Healy is leading UP Warriorz in WPL 2023.

The first match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants will be played at DY Patil Stadium Navi Mumbai, at 7.30 pm on 4th of March. The tournament final will be played at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on 26th of March.

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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 says Nordstrom to close all its Canadian stores, lay off 2,500 workers.

⦁ The Wall Street Journal writes U.S. Export Limits Target 28 Chinese Entities, Citing Alleged Ties to Iranian Military.

⦁ Japan Times reports Japan drops to 104th in latest World Bank gender equality survey.

⦁ The Globe and Mail reports Chinese foreign minister rebukes Melanie Joly over election interference allegations at G20 meeting.

⦁ The Guardian writes King Charles to make first state visits to France and Germany.

⦁ Financial Times reports US chip subsidies alarm Korean companies with tough conditions.

⦁ The Straits Times writes  Ex-Malaysia PM Najib acquitted in second 1-Malaysia Development Berhad-linked trial.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ Prime Minister Narendra Modi notes a four-fold jump in foreign tourists in India: emphasizes on special strategy for developing tourist destinations across the country.

⦁ Foreign Ministers of Quad countries reiterate their commitment for sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the Indo- Pacific region.

⦁ President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates International Dharma-Dhamma Conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

⦁ And in Cricket:

⦁ Australia win third Test of Border Gavaskar trophy against India by 9 wickets at Indore.

⦁ First ever Women's Premier League  to begin in Navi Mumbai from Saturday.

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

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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