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.

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THE HEADLINES:

⦁ India needs to reorient skill infrastructure system to meet the needs of skilled craftsmen, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

⦁ India and Australia aim to push bilateral trade to 100 billion dollar in next five-years.

⦁ 4th Y20 Consultation Meet held in Pune, Union Minister Anurag Thakur says Y20 is an opportunity for deeper involvement of youth at all levels.

⦁ Two-day G20 flower festival begins in New Delhi.

⦁ Tunisia and Syria plan to restore diplomatic ties after a gap of more than a decade.

⦁ In Cricket, India trails by 191 runs in first innings against Australia in Ahmedabad test.

⦁ And in Women's Premier League, Delhi Capitals defeats Gujarat Giants by 10 wickets at D Y Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

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PM -WEBINAR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need to reorient the skill infrastructure system according to the needs of skilled craftsmen, or the Vishwakarmas. Mr Modi was addressing the post-budget webinar on 'PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM VIKAS) yojana this morning. He said skilled craftsmen are a symbol of the true spirit of self-reliant India and the government considers such people as Vishwakarma of new India. He said, small artisans play an important role in the production of local crafts and PM Vishwakarma Yojana focuses on empowering them.

Mentioning the continued attraction of hand-made products, the Prime Minister said that the government will provide holistic institutional support to every Vishwakarma of the country. This will ensure easy loans, skilling, technical support, digital empowerment, brand promotion, marketing and raw material.  

Mr Modi also mentioned the need for digital literacy campaigns to Vishwakarma Saathis on priority. The Prime Minister underlined that this working class have conserved their craft of using traditional methods for centuries and they are making a mark with their extraordinary skills and unique creations.

He said, the PM VIKAS scheme focuses on skilled craftsmen from villages and towns who earn a living by working with their own hands. He said, for the last few years, the government has been working towards enhancing the skills of crores of youngsters and providing them job opportunities through the Skill India Mission and the Kaushal Vikas Kendras.

Referring to Gandhi ji’s concept of Gram Swaraj, the Prime Minister said, empowering every section of the village for its development is essential for India’s development journey.

The Prime Minister highlighted that artisans and craftsmen can be strengthened when they become a part of the value chain.

Today's webinar was the last and final of a series of 12 post-budget webinars organized by government. It aims to seek ideas and suggestions for effectively implementing the initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2023.

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GOYAL- AUSTRALIA TRADE

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said India and Australia will aim to push the bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars in the next five years. The Minister was addressing the media in New Delhi on India-Australia 18th Joint Ministerial Commission with Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell. He said that India and Australia have some critical talents at government, business, and people-to-people levels and together the two countries can make a tremendous difference in the world.

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PUNE-Y20 MEETING

Union Minister for Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the fourth Youth-20 Consultation meeting in Pune. Youth 20 (Y20) is an official consultation forum for youth from all G20 member countries. The Y20 Summit in 2023 under India's Presidency would exemplify country's youth-centric efforts and provide an opportunity to showcase its values and policy measures to the youth across the globe.  

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that young people are equal stakeholders in the present scenario. He said that the Y20 Summit presents a unique platform for young minds to share their vision, values, and ideas, and develop solutions and recommendations which will be presented to G20 leadership. He said, India's role in this Summit is not limited to speaking, it also aims for youth to be heard and actively shape the global agenda.

Talking to media after the event, Mr Thakur expressed faith that the active involvement of young minds present for the event will lead them to a deeper understanding of the challenges being face by society and humanity and the ways to resolve them at the Y20 discussion forum.

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G20 FLOWER FESTIVAL

A two-day G20 Flower Festival began at Connaught Place in Delhi on Saturday. It is aimed at highlighting the vibrancy of G20 members and guest countries. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the festival which is being organised by the New Delhi Municipal Council at Central Park. G20 countries including Japan, Singapore and the Netherlands are participating in it.  

Flower plants of different colours and varieties are being displayed in different forms and installations to showcase the diversity of the Indian subcontinent. The festival is also showcasing the painting and photographs of flowers of G20 member countries and guest countries. The timing of the festival is from 10 AM to 7 PM and entry is free for the general public.

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PUNE-CLIMATE ACTION Y20

The session on ‘Climate Action’ at the fourth Youth 20 (Y20) has called upon the youngsters to be brave and outspoken about their opinions on climate issues. The first session of the day on the subject at the consultation meeting was held at the Symbiosis International University (SIU), Lavale, Pune in Maharashtra, on Saturday.

Speaking at the session, the panelists stressed on the need for the inclusion of youth as stakeholders in the policy-making process at the national and international levels and the need to support small, localized, and decentralized actions for holistic development. The speakers also called on the youth to live harmoniously with fellow humans and the environment.

Dr. Bala Ramani, Elected Member of the Hannover City Council and Spokesperson for Climate Change and Environmental Protection, Germany, started the discussion by highlighting the interconnectedness of people around the globe and how our action determines the everyday lives of people living thousands of miles away.

In response to the One Nation, One Grid policy, Dr. Bala Ramani said the concept applies to countries worldwide. He said that individual initiatives will be futile if climate change is not tackled universally.

The Y20 Consultation meeting also deliberated on Global Education Reforms. The meeting highlighted the need to focus on Life Skills, Holistic Education, Institutional Capacity to impart Hard and Soft Skills, Student-Driven Education Policy.

Mr. Simon Kuany Kiir Kuany, Programme Manager at Education for Peace, UNESCO Iraq, emphasized the importance of more interactive and playful education, including life skills. He suggested creating a "Buddy system" in schools where students can help each other, along with academics, and fasten collective growth.

Y20 is an official consultation forum for youth from all G20 member countries to be able to have dialogue with each other. The theme for the fourth Y20 Consultation is ‘Peace building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era of No War- the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Climate Action is one of the six sub themes of the consultation.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section we bring you a news commentary on Prime Minister Hails Union Budget As Women-Centric.

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MEGHWAL - NAI EXHIBITION

Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurated the   exhibition “Women and Nation Building: 1857 to the Republic” at National Archives of India in New Delhi on Saturday. The exhibition is being held on the occasion of 133rd Foundation Day celebrations of the National Archives of India.

On the occasion, Mr Meghwal said it was the idea of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to highlight unsung heroes of the freedom struggle in which women played an important part. He said that the  exhibition highlights the contributions of women in nation building and freedom struggle from 1857 in an interesting manner. Citing examples of Durgawati Devi and Kasturba Gandhi, the Minister said that the exhibition throws light on important and unknown aspects of their contribution.

The exhibition will remain open for public till 30th of next month from 10: 30 am to 5:00 pm on each day, including Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays.

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HEALTH INFLUENZA

The Centre has written a letter to all States and Union Territories over the rising trend in the Influenza-like illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory illnesses being witnessed in some States and UTs. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has asked them to follow operational guidelines for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens causing the illness. He also asked the states and UTs to raise community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene, and promote early reporting of symptoms to limit the transmission. The states were also requested to review hospital preparedness including availability of drugs and medical oxygen, vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.

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TUNSIA-SYRIA

Tunisian President Kais Saied has said he plans to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, more than a decade after they were broken off in protest of Damascus's repression of political opponents. During a sit-down with Tunisian foreign minister Nabil Ammar, Saied said Nothing can justify the absence of a Tunisian ambassador in Damascus and an ambassador from Syria in Tunis. He also said that the question of the regime in Syria concerns only the Syrians rejecting any interference in the affairs and choices of others.

Saied had mentioned his intention to reinforce the diplomatic representation of Tunisia in Syria back in February.

Tunisia expelled Syria’s ambassador in 2012 over the bloody repression of opponents of President Bashar al-Assad at the outset of the country’s civil war.

In 2015, Tunisia took a step toward re-establishing relations when it designated a consular representative to Assad’s regime to follow the situation of Tunisians in Syria.

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INDIAN-AMERICANS APPOINTED:

U.S. President Joe Biden has named two Indian-Americans,  Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of the Natural Resources Defence Council to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

On Friday, Mr. Biden announced his intent to appoint 14 people to the Advisory Committee, which provides overall policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on matters of development, implementation, and administration of the U.S. trade policy.

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SL-ELECTIONS

In Sri Lanka, local government elections will be held on the 25th of April. The Election Commission of Sri Lanka said that the returning officers in their respective districts have issued a Gazette Notification in this regard. The Election Commission had asked the returning officers to make arrangements for holding the polls in April as they could not be held on the 9th of March.

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CALIFORNIA SEVERE WEATHER

California reels under severe weather crisis as torrential rain has brought flash flooding and landslides to the state. The state is dealing with blocked roads, falling trees, and raising avalanche fears due to the latest winter storm. The National Weather Service has warned of a high risk of excessive rainfall throughout the weekend.

US President Joe Biden has offered emergency federal assistance to all the affected states.

This atmospheric disturbance that began on Thursday - is known as a "Pineapple Express" because it brings warm subtropical moisture across the Pacific from near Hawaii.

As much as 10 inches of rain in 24 hours could fall in some parts of the state where there is snowpack, meaning the "potential for widespread flooding" is considerable according to the National Weather Service. Due to such strange and inhibiting weather conditions, lack of ability to get equipment into the rugged and frost-laden terrain has hampered the progress of rescue efforts to a great deal.

California is still reeling from a series of extreme weather events this month and last. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in 34 counties in the state amid one of its wettest winters on record.

At least eight deaths are possibly related to the weather, while two deaths have been confirmed due to the storms.

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CHINA-NEW PREMIER

Li Qiang, a close aid of President Xi Jinping has been confirmed as China’s premier on Saturday at the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s annual legislature. He is taking over from Li Keqiang who is retiring after serving two five-year terms.

As the country's second-in-command, Li - the former party chief of Shanghai - will be in charge of reviving an economy battered by stringent COVID-19 controls and restoring market confidence. China's economy grew by just 3 percent in 2022, among the slowest rates of growth in decades and well short of the official 5.5 percent target, largely due to COVID-19 lockdowns and a real estate downturn.

He was at the helm during Shanghai's chaotic two-month COVID-19 lockdown last year and faced heavy criticism. However, to his credit, he was able to bring Tesla to the financial capital to build an electric vehicle plant.

Li, who has no experience of working at the central government, will lead the State Council, the country's cabinet, along with a new team of top officials to be confirmed before the NPC concludes on Monday. Li Qiang will also hold his first press conference as premier on Monday.  It will be closely watched to understand his thinking on matters related to China’s economy as it is struggling with a weak demand, demographic challenges and technological bottlenecks and sanctions by the west.

Li was elevated to the Communist Party's powerful Politburo Standing Committee at the 20th Party congress in October when President Xi secured an unprecedented third term and possibly a rule for life with a loyalist-stacked inner circle of decision making.

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CHINA-ARMES FORCES

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for quickly elevating the armed forces to world-class standards. He also emphasised on improving China’s integrated strategic capabilities to fulfil country's goal of national rejuvenation. President Xi, told this to the delegation of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the paramilitary unit People’s Armed Police at a meeting during the ongoing 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. Xi, who was elected as China’s President for an unprecedented third term and also the head of the national Central Military Commission yesterday.

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Japan-12 years since 2011 earthquake

People across Japan remembered the thousands of lives lost when a massive earthquake and tsunami struck along the northern Pacific coast twelve years ago. The disaster triggered a nuclear catastrophe, which remains unresolved. People across the country observed a moment of silence at 2:46 pm, the exact time the magnitude 9 earthquake struck.

The magnitude 9.0 quake struck at 2:46 PM on March 11, 2011, generating tsunami waves more than ten meters tall. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was engulfed, causing a triple meltdown.

Authorities say the toll of those confirmed dead or missing has topped twenty-two thousand. This total includes people who died in the years following the disaster, from health problems or causes related to it. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to evacuate, and more than thirty thousand of them were still displaced as of last month.

Twelve years on, over three hundred square kilometers of land near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is still classified as a "difficult-to-return" zone. People waiting to move back to these areas face an uncertain future.

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US-SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia is demanding security guarantees and help in the development of its civilian nuclear programme from the United States, as the latter is trying to broker its peace deal with Israel.   Reaching a normalisation deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel has become a priority for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States President Joe Biden as chances of confrontation with Iran, over its military aid to Russia amid the Ukraine war and the nuclear programme, remain high.

The deep involvement of the Biden administration in the complex negotiations, would reshape the political landscape of the Middle East.

The demands made by Saudi Arabia for nuclear aid and security guarantees stand as daunting obstacles amid the deal, as the measures are likely to be opposed by some Washington lawmakers.

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UK-FRANCE-MIGRANTS

The United Kingdom will give France 480 million pounds over three years in an attempt to stop migrants travelling in small boats across the Channel. The cash was announced on Saturday at a summit in Paris between UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Emmanuel Macron. The money will go towards an extra 500 officers and a new detention centre in France. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made stopping the boats one of his key pledges for his government.

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SILICON COLLAPSE

Silicon Valley Bank which served mostly technology workers and ventures capital-backed companies collapsed yesterday, marking the largest failure of a U.S. financial institution.

Startup-focused biggest US lender SVB Financial Group became the largest bank to fail since the 2008 financial crisis in a sudden collapse that roiled global markets and left billions of dollars belonging to companies and investors stranded. Greg Becker, Silicon Valley Bank's chief executive officer, played a prominent role in steering the lender, valued at over $40 billion till last year. Becker, who served at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco as among its board of directors, departed the board Friday following the crisis.

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CRICKET

In cricket, India were 289 for 3 in their first innings when stumps were drawn on day three of the Ahmedabad test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The hosts added 253 runs on Saturday after resuming their innings at the overnight score of 36 for no loss in the morning. Shubhman Gill was the top scorer with 128 runs. Virat Kohli 59 and Ravindra Jadeja 16 were at the crease. India now trail by 191 runs.

On the second day on Sunday, Australia were all out for 480, helped by 180 runs by Usman Khwaja and 114 by Cameron Green. Ravichandran Ashwin took 6 wickets for India.

India already have retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy after winning the first two Tests of the four-match series.

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WPL- GG-DC RESULT

In Women's Premier League, Delhi Capitals defeated Gujarat Giants by 10 wickets at D Y Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.  They surpassed the victory target of 106 runs in 7.1 overs making 107 runs without losing any wicket. Shafali Verma scored unbeaten 76 off 28 balls while Meg Lanning made 21 off 15 balls for the winners.

Gujarat Giants had set a target of  106  runs against Delhi Capitals.  Gujarat Giants skipper Sneh Rana won the toss and opted to bat first. They scored 105 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their stipulated 20 overs.  Kim Garth top scored with 32 runs.  For Delhi Capitals, Marizanne Kapp claimed 5 wickets while Shikha Pandey took 3.

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FPR

⦁ The Guardian writes Fury in Germany as Hamburg shooting brings ‘lax’ gun laws into focus .

⦁ The Washington Post reports Silicon Valley Bank failure raises fear of broader financial contagion.

⦁ The Globe and Mail reports Meta to end Canadians’ access to news on Facebook and Instagram if Bill C-18 becomes law.

⦁ The Financial Times writes Vaccine inequality blamed for boosting global Covid death toll.

⦁ South China Morning Post reports Iran reaches deal to buy Russian fighter jets.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India needs to reorient skill infrastructure system to meet the needs of skilled craftsmen, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

⦁ India and Australia aim to push bilateral trade to 100 billion dollar in next five-years.

⦁ 4th Y20 Consultation Meet held in Pune, Union Minister Anurag Thakur says Y20 is an opportunity for deeper involvement of youth at all levels.

⦁ Two-day G20 flower festival begins in New Delhi.

⦁ Tunisia and Syria plan to restore diplomatic ties after a gap of more than a decade.

⦁ In Cricket, India trails by 191 runs in first innings against Australia in Ahmedabad test.

⦁ And in Women's Premier League, Delhi Capitals defeats Gujarat Giants by 10 wickets at D Y Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

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

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

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