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

<><><>

THE HEADLINES:

⦁ India and Australia agree to bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the first India-Australia Annual Summit in New Delhi.

⦁ India-US hold Fifth Commercial Dialogue in New Delhi; Acknowledge bilateral goods and services trade almost doubled since 2014.

⦁ Xi Jinping elected China’s President for unprecedented third term.

⦁ Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume diplomatic ties.

⦁ Seven killed in shooting at Hamburg in Germany.

⦁ And in cricket, India were 36 for no loss against Australia in their first innings at the end of the second day of the 4th and final Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad.

<><><>

PM-AUSTRALIA BILATERAL

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared their commitment towards further deepening of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during a delegation level bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday.

During the first India-Australia Annual Summit, both the countries exchanged MoU for cooperation in sports and audio-visual co-production. The Indian and Australian side also exchanged Terms of Reference for India-Australia Solar Task Force, Letter of Intent between Atal Innovation Mission and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.  

Addressing the joint press conference after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said, security cooperation is an important pillar of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said, India and Australia are both members of the Quad and he will travel to Australia for the Quad Leaders summit in May this year.

The Prime Minister said that India and Australia also talked about developing credible and robust global supply chains. Terming renewable energy a key priority area for cooperation, Mr. Modi said, both the countries are working together in the field of clean hydrogen and solar. Highlighting the benefit of Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister said, it has opened up new opportunities in trade and investment between the two countries.  

Speaking on this occasion, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, the relationship with India is multifaceted. He said, high level contact between the two countries has further strengthened cooperation across many sectors.  

Earlier, on Friday the Australian Prime Minister was accorded the gurard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Modi received him for the ceremonial welcome. Mr. Albanese also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

<<<>>>

KWATRA-AUSTRALIAN PM

India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have expressed satisfaction on the progress made in various sectors between India and Australia.

Briefing media in New Delhi on Friday, Mr. Kwatra said, both the leaders also appreciated the considerable progress made in defence and security cooperation.

He said, the Prime Minister Modi encouraged his Australian counterpart to avail the opportunities available in India in defence manufacturing sector.

<<<>>>

AUSTRALIAN PM- PRESIDENT

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. Welcoming Prime Minister Albanese and his delegation, the President said that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries has given a boost to the bilateral engagements. She expressed confidence that this visit would instil greater momentum in India-Australia ties.  

The President said that the Indian community in Australia is known for being hardworking and peace-loving, with entrepreneurial skills. She expressed confidence that the Australian Government would take all necessary steps to provide a safe, secure and positive environment to the Indian community in Australia.

<<<>>>

HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section we bring you a news commentary on Australian Prime Minister's visit to India.

<<<>>>

PREZ-KENYAN DELEGATION

A delegation of the Supreme Court of Kenya, led by Chief Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH, called on President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Friday. Welcoming the delegation at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President said that Kenya and India share centuries-old friendly relations. She said, India is proud to be a development partner of Kenya and is eager to maintain the tradition of high level political engagement with the new Government of Kenya.

President Murmu said, both countries should also work together to further strengthen bilateral trade ties. She noted that Justice Koome is the first woman Chief Justice of the Kenyan Supreme Court. The President also commended her efforts for making justice accessible to all and to empower women in Kenya.

<<<>>>

VICE PREZ-HEALTH SYMPOSIUM

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said, India is a global example where technology has been used for making efficient services available to the people. He said, technology enables accessibility and reduces out of pocket expenditure of citizens. Mr Dhankhar was addressing the second International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment 2023 in New Delhi on Friday.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was also present during the event. In his address, Mandaviya said, India is playing a crucial role in healing the world by providing quality and affordable medicines. He said, India has always been responsive to the global community and any research and innovation happening in the country is readily available to the world.

The international symposium was organised by the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with World Health Organisation and Centre for Global Development.

<<<>>>

INDO-US COMMERCIAL DIALOGUE

The India-US Fifth Commercial Dialogue was held in New Delhi on Friday. During the meeting, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo acknowledged that bilateral goods and services trade has almost doubled since 2014, surpassing 191 billion US dollars as recorded in 2022. Both sides welcomed further steps to enhance their commercial collaboration and tap into market potential across multiple sectors, and also enable an environment for investment by small and medium-sized industries and startups.

Both sides announced the launch of a new Working Group on Talent, Innovation and Inclusive Growth under the Commercial Dialogue. This will further the cooperation on Start-ups, SMEs, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, including in digital and emergent technologies.

A Memorandum of Understanding on establishing semiconductor supply chain and innovation partnership under the framework of India - US Commercial Dialogue was signed between the two countries.

<<<>>>

OM BIRLA VISIT- BAHRAIN

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Bahrain's capital Manama on Friday, leading an Indian Parliamentary delegation, to attend the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The Lok Sabha Speaker received a warm welcome from the Deputy Chairman and Members of the Bahrain Parliament Shura Jamal Fakhro. The 146th Assembly of the IPU will be held in Manama, Bahrain from the 11th of March to the 15th of March.

On Saturday, the Indian delegation will participate in the Asia Pacific Group meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Later, Birla will lead members of the Indian delegation at the opening ceremony to be held in the Plenary Hall under the patronage of the King of Bahrain.

During its stay in Manama, the Indian Parliamentary delegation will also attend the General Debate of the 146th Assembly of the IPU on the 12th of March. Birla will address the Assembly on the topic: "Promoting peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies: Fight against intolerance".

<<<>>>

CHINA PRESIDENT

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has formally secured an unprecedented third term as China’s president as he embarked on a fresh five-year tenure. Delegates to the 14th National People's Congress, NPC also elected Zhao Leji, as the new chairman of the parliament. Han Zheng was elected as the new Vice President of the country. Delegates at the NPC will approve China’s new premier on Saturday which is widely thought to be Xi’s closest ally Li Qiang. More from our Beijing Correspondent:

V/C-ANSHUMAN MISHRA

In a largely ceremonial display on expected lines, nearly 3000 members of China’s rubber stamp parliament - the National People’s Congress (NPC) voted unanimously for Xi, 69 who was the only candidate in fray. Xi, who leads the ruling Communist Party, was also reappointed head of the national Central Military Commission. He was already the head of an identical party body overseeing the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Experts said, with Li Keqiang out of scene and Xi's trusted ally Li Qiang to become the Premier of the State Council - China’s cabinet, Xi will enjoy unbridled powers. This may lead to further blurring of the fine line between the CCP and the government as the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) is expected to significantly increase its direct control of the government. Under Chinese government system, party leaders already occupy top government roles.

Critics say, Xi has already purged his political adversaries from the party, the government and the military through his anti-corruption campaign in last 10 years. Even though the post of Chinese President is largely a ceremonial one, Xi consolidated his powers and control of the ruling communist party at the 20th National Congress of the CPC in October last year, by securing the precedent-breaking third term as its powerful head and cherry-picked his loyalists as part of the topmost group of leadership, known as the Politburo Standing Committee of the CPC to rule the country. Anshuman Mishra, for World News, All India Radio Beijing.

Xi Jinping became the head of the ruling CPC and China’s President in 2013. As he took over as the CPC head and Chinese President for the second time in 2018, he removed the term limit of two presidential terms by a constitutional amendment and paved way for his rule for life.

<<<>>>

UN-INDIA

United Nations Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp has lauded India’s G-20 Presidency for highlighting a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He was addressing the Joint Valedictory Session of the 57th Capacity Building Programme of the Civil Servants of Bangladesh and Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi. The UN Resident Coordinator said, in fact India’s G-20 Presidency has become SDG-20 Presidency as India is raising strong voice to close financial gaps.

Mr Sharp pointed out that after a long gap, four emerging economies like Indonesia, India, Brazil and South Africa will be holding the G-20 Presidency in a consequent manner to raise the issues of developing countries and to become the Voice of the Global South.

Mr Sharp said that the United Nations also supports India’s Green Transition, as it has committed for net-zero carbon by 2070. He said, Digital Transformation, Low Carbon Economic Model and Women led Governance with Gender Equality and Women Empowerment are some of the key highlights of India’s High Growth Model.

<<<>>>

BANGLADESH-PIPELINE

The Bangladesh-India Friendship pipeline, carrying fuel from India’s Numaligarh refinery to Bangladesh’s Parbatipur depot, will contribute effectively to energy security of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Energy Minister Nasrul Hamid said that it will be a milestone in providing fuel to the northern region of the country quickly, uninterruptedly and in a cost-effective manner.

The 130 kilometre long pipeline has a capacity to supply one million metric tonne per annum fuel from India to power plants in Bangladesh and to 16 districts of the northern region.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen announced that the pipeline will be jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18th of March via video-conferencing.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the project took place in 2018. The project was scheduled to be completed in June this year but it will become operational ahead of time. The pipeline is built at an approximate cost of 346 crore rupees, financed under India's concessional Line of Credit (LOC) to Bangladesh.

<<<>>>

IRAN-SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS

Iran and Saudi Arabia has agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations according to the Joint Trilateral Statement issued by the Saudi Arabia, Iran and China. Both countries have agreed to re-open their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months. The agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in each others internal affairs.

They also agreed that the Ministers of foreign affairs of both countries shall meet to implement this, arrange for the return of their ambassadors. The delegations from the two countries held talks during the period from 6th of March to 10th of March in Beijing.

<<<>>>

DUBAI-ART EXHIBITION

The ninth edition of World Art Dubai commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday. The event will feature more than 4,000 artworks from over 300 renowned galleries and solo artists, hailing from more than 60 countries. The artworks will include paintings, sculptures, photography, digital art, and more. The event aims to make art accessible for collectors and enthusiasts who are looking for original and quality pieces under one roof.

<<<>>>

PAKISTAN-POWER OUTAGE

Traders in Pakistan's Mansehra and Shinkiari towns on Friday held a shutter-down strike in response to the prolonged and unscheduled power outages. Mansehra is a city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Chairman of the Shinkiari Traders' Association Alamgir Shah said that businesses are already suffering from record inflation and now the daylong load-shedding is badly hitting traders. Shah said, besides downing shutters, the traders would stage a protest rally as well. He further said the Peshawar Electric Supply Company suspended electricity from 9 am to 4 pm every other hour.

President of the association Zuhaib Shah said harsh economic conditions had rendered traders and shopkeepers unable to pay rent of their shops and business centres, so they couldn't afford to bear expenses for household goods and children's education.

The traders' central body met in Mansehra and demanded the government do away with the prolonged and unscheduled load-shedding.

<<<>>>

GERMANY-SHOOTING

Seven people were killed and many others were injured in a shooting incident in the German city of Hamburg. Police say the perpetrator shot himself inside the Jehovah's Witnesses hall after officers forced their way into the building. The shooter was a 35-year-old man named Philipp F.

Thomas Radszuweit, a Hamburg security official, said the shooter was not previously known to authorities and there was no previous case against him.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a former Hamburg mayor, described the shooting as a brutal act of violence.

Dramatic footage has now emerged that appears to show the gunman firing many rounds through a window of the hall. All those shot dead were German nationals.

Germany has been shaken by a number of shootings in the last few years. In February 2020, a gunman shot dead nine people in the western town of Hanau before killing himself and his mother. In October 2019, a gunman killed two people when he opened fire outside a synagogue in the eastern city of Halle.

<<<>>>

WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

A report from the business desk-  

The Sensex dropped 671 points, or 1.21 per cent, to end at 59,135. The Nifty lost 177 points, or one per cent, to settle at 17,413.

Asian and European stocks fell after sell-off in US Bank shares. As far as Asian indices are concerned, Hong Kong's Hang Seng tumbled 3.1 per cent, Singapore's Straits Times declined 1.8 per cent, Japan's Nikkei-225 slipped 1.7 per cent, China's Shanghai Composite shed 1.4 per cent and South Korea's Kospi fell one per cent. European stocks were also down in intra-day trade.

Oil fell for a fourth session, heading for its biggest weekly loss in five weeks. The fall is due to worries about the prospect of steep interest rate hikes in the United States hitting fuel demand. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at around 81 dollars and five cents per barrel.

Back Home, the Gold price at Multi Commodity Exchange for April contracts was trading at around 55,490 rupees per 10 gram. Silver was trading around 62,070 rupees per kilogram for May Contracts.

In the forex market, the rupee today appreciated four paise against the US dollar. The domestic unit closed at 82 rupees and two paise against the US currency.Arjun Choudhari for World News, All India Radio.

<<<>>>

IND-AUS 4th TEST

In cricket, India were 36 for no loss against Australia in their first innings at the end of the second day of the 4th and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad. Earlier the visitors scored 480. Ravichandran Ashwin scalped 6 wickets for Indian side.

 On the first day of the play, the visitors scored 255 for a loss of four wickets. Opener Usman Khawaja scored Australia’s first century with 180 runs, while Cameron Green hiting 114 runs on the second day.

Earlier, Australia recovered from two losses to win the third Test at Indore. India will try to win or draw this test match to win the series, while Australia will try to level the series 2-2 by winning this match.

<<<>>>

FPR

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

⦁ The Guardian writes Joe Biden plans to visit Belfast to mark Good Friday agreement anniversary.

⦁ The Washington Post reports Iran and Saudi Arabia set to restore ties after Beijing mediation.

⦁ The Globe and Mail reports Canadian economy added 22,000 jobs in February, unemployment rate steady at 5 percent.

⦁ The Financial Times writes European bank stocks sell off sharply after steep falls in US.

<<<>>>

REPEAT HEADLINES

A QUICK LOOK AT THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

⦁ India and Australia agree to bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the first India-Australia Annual Summit in New Delhi.

⦁ India-US hold Fifth Commercial Dialogue meeting in New Delhi; Acknowledge bilateral goods and services trade almost doubled since 2014.

⦁ Xi Jinping elected China’s President for unprecedented third term.

⦁ Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume diplomatic ties.

⦁ Seven killed in shooting at Hamburg in Germany.

⦁ And in cricket, India were 36 for no loss against Australia in their first innings at the end of the second day of the 4th and final Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad.

<><><>

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

AND WITH THAT, WE END THIS BULLETIN. WE'LL BE BACK AT THE SAME TIME RROW WITH THE NEXT EDITION OF WORLD NEWS.

<><><>