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

• India's Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan stresses on need to incorporate Human Factors Engineering in making indigenous weapons.

• National Investigation Agency of India conducts multiple searches in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab over terror conspiracy to radicalise youth and target security personnel.

• New Delhi signs agreement with World Bank for construction of Green National Highway Corridors Project in four States.

• Second Education Working Group meeting of G-20 countries under India's Presidency begins in Amritsar.

• Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi condoles loss of lives as Cyclone Freddy leaves trail of destruction in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar; Death toll in record-breaking storm crosses over 270.

• Qatar's Commercial Bank launches country's first UPI remittance service for instant transfers to India.

• World Consumer Rights Day observed on Wednesday.

• India’s Women’s Doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela advance to second round of All England Open Badminton Championships.

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CDS-WEAPONS

Indian Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan has emphasised on the need for incorporation of the Human Factors Engineering in the designs to make indigenous weapons suitable for soldiers. Mr Chauhan was speaking at the inauguration of a workshop on Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms in New Delhi on Wednesday.

He also called for creating a synergistic approach and policy framework for the implementation of the Human Factors Engineering by keeping in mind both long drawn battles and short duration special operations. Speaking on the occasion, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat highlighted the initiatives taken by DRDO for implementation of the Human Factors Engineering as an integral part of the product development cycle to ensure that the products are developed not only for Indian soldiers but are also available for export. He emphasised that in the age of Artificial Intelligence and system autonomy for defence equipment, the Human Factors Engineering will play an equally important role. The aim of the two-day workshop is to evolve a policy framework and practices to ensure scientific implementation of Human Factors Engineering in the Defence sector. Human Factors Engineering is a science concerned with the design of tools and systems by taking into account human capabilities and limitations for safe and effective use.

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RS-TERRORISTS

The Government of India on Wednesday said four organisations have been notified as terrorist organisations under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in 2023 so far and their names added to the First Schedule of the Act. In a written reply in the Upper House of Parliament, Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that the organisations, namely, the Resistance Front, Peoples Anti-Fascist Front, Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force, and Khalistan Tiger Force had been involved in the terrorism and have committed and participated in various terrorist activities in the country. The Minister informed the House that 54 terrorists under the Fourth Schedule and 44 terrorist organisations under the First Schedule of UAPA had been listed till February this year.

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DRDO-PTO

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a maiden flight-test of Power Take off (PTO) Shaft on LCA Tejas in Bengaluru. The PTO shaft is indigenously designed and developed by Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, Chennai of the DRDO.

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NIA- SEARCHES

National Investigation Agency of India has conducted searches at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab in connection with a terror conspiracy hatched by Pakistan based commanders of proscribed terrorist organisations to radicalise youth and target security personnel. Searches were conducted yesterday at 11 locations in Jammu and Kashmir including Kulgam and Shopian and one location in Fatehgarh Sahib of Punjab belonging to the  suspects of this case. The Agency in a statement said that digital devices and incriminating material were seized from these locations. The accused were also found involved in spreading terror in Jammu and Kashmir over cyber-space. In June last year, NIA had registered a suo-moto case against cadres of various proscribed outfits and their affiliates  who were operating under various pseudo names.

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J&K-TERRORIST

In Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Police along with security forces have arrested a terrorist associate linked with proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba at Baramulla. During the searches, incriminating materials and ammunition including 71 AK-47 rounds were recovered from his possession. During preliminary investigation, it came to fore that he was working as a terrorist associate of proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

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GOVT-GREEN HIGHWAYS

India and the World Bank have signed a loan agreement for the construction of the Green National Highway Corridors Project in four States. These States are Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The agreement has been signed for the construction of 781 kilometers in these States, with loan assistance of 500 million dollar. In a written reply to a question in the Upper House of Parliament on Wednesday, India's Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said, the total project cost is over seven thousand 662 crore rupees. He said, the objective of the Green National Highway Corridors Project is to demonstrate safe and green highway keeping in view climate resilience and use of green technologies.

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MANDAVIYA- HEALTH

Indian Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said that country has a strong political will to lead in innovative research and technology supported solutions which are commercially viable with universal acceptability. The Health Minister was addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry Partnership Summit 2023 in New Delhi on Wednesday. The theme of the event  was ‘One Health: Integrated, Collaborative and Multisectoral Approach to Optimal Health. He said, it is time that India takes the lead in realisation of the “One Earth, One Health” vision with a holistic and integrative eco and nature friendly policy-making environment. Dr Mandaviya  also added that “the One Earth, One Health vision can become a reality only with active global collaboration. He said, in India, health is treated as service and not as commerce. Dr Mandaviya said that the CoWIN  app developed by India for vaccination, has been accepted by many countries for their own use. He said, by developing this App or platform, India never tried to create a monopoly rather than service to mankind.

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RS-GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX REPORT

The Government of India has called the Global Hunger Index report flawed and non-representative of the true picture of hunger in the country. In a written reply to a question in the Upper House of Parliament on Wednesday, the Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani said that the Global Hunger Index’s report should not be taken at face value. She added that out of its four indicators, only one indicator- undernourishment, is directly related to hunger. She also said, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducts National Family Health Survey (NFHS) periodically to capture data on nutritional indicators in children.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section, we bring you a news commentary on Yoga, the way to a better life.

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G20-EDUCATION WORKING GROUP

The second G20 Education Working Group meeting began at Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday. India's G20 Presidency took centre stage at Khalsa College in Amritsar, where on the first day IIT Ropar under Ministry of Education hosted a seminar on 'Strengthening Research and Promoting Innovation through Richer Collaboration.’ The event brought together delegates from the G20 Education Working Group to discuss the future of work and innovation, with a focus on building bridges across nations for equitable development. 28 G20 member countries, guest countries and invited organizations are participating in the three-day event consisting of seminar, exhibition and working group meetings. We have a report:

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SIKKIM TO HOST B20

Indian state of Sikkim is set to host a B20 or Business20 meeting under India’s G20 presidency tomorrow in Gangtok. Addressing a press conference at Samman Bhawan in Gangtok today, Chief Minister PS Tamang said, the G20 events scheduled in Gangtok offer a golden opportunity for Sikkim to showcase its economic potential in green investments, organic farming, tourism, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and hospitality sectors. Mr Tamang said that the G20 events will provide a platform to Sikkimese entrepreneurs to explore opportunities outside the State. He expressed hope that the meetings will increase foreign tourist footfall in Sikkim, with tourism being a core industry. Mr Tamang informed that there will be a focus on organic farming, including the production and marketing of millets. Our correspondent has the details:

"Sikkim will host the third of four Business20 or B20 events scheduled in the Northeast under India’s G20 presidency tomorrow. B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community and among the most prominent engagement groups of the G20. Among other sectors, the State’s vibrant organic farming will be prominently showcased to the world through the B20 event. Startup20 events are scheduled on the 18th and 19th of March in Gangtok.Dilli Ram Dulal, Saikat Sarkar, from Gangtok "

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PM – ENERGY

Prime Minister of India  Narendra Modi has said that India is committed to self-reliance in energy and furthering sustainable growth. Mr Modi shared a tweet by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri about India becoming the world’s 3rd largest energy consumer, 3rd largest consumer of oil and 3rd largest LPG consumer in the world.

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INDIA – EXPORT

India’s overall exports is projected to grow at over 16 per cent during April to February 2022-23 over same period last year. Country's Commerce and Industry Ministry said, the merchandise export is estimated to grow at over 405 billion dollar during the same period, while in the Service sector the export will be over 296 billion dollar. The Ministry said, as India’s domestic demand has remained steady amidst the global slump, overall imports in April to February 2022-23 is estimated to exhibit a growth of over 19 per cent over the same period last year. It said, the country's overall exports in February this year are estimated to be over 63 billion dollar, exhibiting a positive growth of 7.81 per cent over the same period last year.

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GOYAL- MOBILE EXPORT

Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has said that exports of mobile phones from India has gone up to 6.62 times in April to January months of  2022-23 as compared to the same period in 2013-14. In a tweet, Mr Goyal informed that the exports of mobile in the ten months of 2013 -14 was to the tune of only 10 thousand 352 crore rupees which has now increased to 68 thousand 617 crore rupees. He added the country has witnessed massive rise in exports of mobile phones.

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QATAR -UPI LAUNCH

Qatar's Commercial Bank has announced the launch of UPI remittance service to India, becoming the first bank in Qatar to offer this service. UPI (Unified Payment Interface) is a fast and convenient payment system that allows customers to transfer money between bank accounts in real time using UPI-ID. UPI-ID is a unique identifier that does not require bank account details or IFSC codes to create a beneficiary. Customers can use Commercial Bank's digital platforms to initiate UPI payments using UPI-ID. Available round-the-clock, transactions can be initiated and completed within 60 seconds. Expressing happiness at the launch, Group Chief Executive Officer at the Commercial Bank, Joseph Abraham, said, this represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the customer experience and provide more convenient, secure, and accessible financial services to their clients.

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WORLD CONSUMER DAY

World Consumer Rights Day was observed on Wednesday. The day aims to raise awareness about the rights of consumers. The theme of the day this year is “Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions”. In India, the government passed the Consumer Protection Act, in 1986 that outlines some basic consumer rights. World Consumer Rights Day came into being in 1983. It was inspired by a speech given by former US President, John F Kennedy to the U.S. Congress on consumer rights. In India, the government passed the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 that outlines some basic consumer rights.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

India's key domestic indicies on Wednesday closed lower, losing around half a per cent. A report from the business desk:

"The Sensex declined 344 points, or 0.59 per cent, to finish at 57,556. The Nifty also fell 71 points, or 0.42 per cent, to settle at 16,972. Asian shares closed with gains amid positive cues from US share markets. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed one and half percent and Singapore's Strait Times gained 1.4 per cent. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 1.3 per cent and China’s Shanghai Composite index added 0.6 per cent. Japan's NIKKEI-

225 ended flat. European shares were trading with heavy losses in intra-day trade. Global crude oil prices declined around two per cent. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at around 75 dollars and 95 cents per barrel. Back Home, the Gold price at Multi Commodity Exchange for April contracts was trading at around 58,355 rupees per 10 gram. Silver was trading around 68,580 rupees per kilogram for May Contracts, when reports last came in. Gouran Dhawan Lal, for World News, All India Radio."

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CYCLONE-FREDDY

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives as Cyclone Freddy left a trail of destruction in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Freddy hit the coast of Southern Africa for a second time in a month over the weekend and was still causing heavy rain today, hampering relief efforts, making it one of the deadliest storms to hit the continent in the last two decades.

Indian Prime Minister expressed distress at the devastation due to Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. In a message, Mr Modi gave his condolences to the Presidents of the three countries, the bereaved families and those affected by the cyclone. He said India stands with them in this tough time.

The overall death toll from record-breaking tropical Cyclone Freddy has risen to over 270 in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Malawi’s Disaster Management department said, in a statement that the death toll from the cyclone's second hit stood at 225 with 707 people injured and 41 missing. Many of the dead were killed by mudslides in hilly Blantyre, the country's second-biggest city. Torrential rain swept away thousands of homes and uprooted trees. The scale of the damage and loss of life is still unknown as search and rescue operations continue. Malawi’s government said, almost 60,000 people have been affected, of which about 19,000 were displaced from their homes. The official death toll in neighboring Mozambique stood at 21.

Meteorologists said, the month-long storm has broken at least one record and could break two more, as climate change causes warmer oceans, and heat energy from the water’s surface is fuelling stronger storms.  

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TURKEY-FLOOD

In Turkey, floods caused by torrential rains hit two provinces that were devastated by last month’s earthquake, killing at least five people. Officials said, at least five other people were reported to be missing. One person was killed in the town of Tut in southeastern Adiyaman province where surging waters swept away a container home where a group of earthquake survivors was living. Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu conducted a survey of the areas devastated by the floods in Adiyaman.

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ANURAG - BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Boxing Federation of India is hosting the prestigious tournament from the 15th to the 26th of March. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Thakur said, 324 women boxers from about 65 countries are taking part in the championship in 12 weight categories. He said, India has risen to the third position from 44th position in the latest International Boxing Association, IBA world rankings.

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BADMINTON

Indian Shuttler Kidambi Srikanth entered the second round of All England Open Badminton Championships at Birmingham. Former World Number one Srikanth defeated World Number 25 Toma Junior Popov of France 19-21, 21-14, 21-5 in the opening round of Men's Singles.

Earlier, India’s Women’s and Men's Doubles pairs also advanced into the next round of tournament after winning their respective first round matches.

The Women’s Doubles duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela stunned seventh seeded Thailand duo of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai 21-18, 21-14 in the first round match . They will meet the Japanese pair of Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota in the next round.

In Men's Doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and his team partner Chirag Shetty sailed into the second round after getting better of compatriots Krishna Prasad and Vishnuvardhan, 21-13, 21-13.

However, Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu made a first round exit from tournament after losing to Zhang Yi Man of China in straight games in Women’s Singles. The world number nine Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, lost 17-21 11-21 in the 39-minute contest.

Yesterday, India’s HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen also registered dominating victories to enter the second round of the Men’s Singles event.

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HOCKEY-FIH PRO LEAGUE

In Hockey, India concluded their home leg of the FIH Pro League tournament on a high with a 4-3 victory over Australia in a penalty shootout after regulation time ended at 2-2 at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela on Wednesday.

PR Sreejesh, with three saves from six in the shootout, starred for India. Indian Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice in the shootout and was also named Player of the Match. Dilpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored one apiece.

With the win, the Hosts finished their campaign, remaining unbeaten in the second leg of the tournament. India’s brilliant performance in their last three matches helped them go up to the top spot in the FIH Hockey Pro League points table. The Men in Blue registered wins over World Champion Germany and mighty Australia twice within a week's time.

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KATHMANDU TOURISM - UNWTO

The United Nations Regional Workshop on Measuring Tourism: Better data for better tourism in Asia and the Pacific kicked off in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Nepal Tourism Minister Sudhan Kirati delivered a special address acknowledging the importance of tourism data and its potential for use in policies and plans for steady tourism recovery in the wake of the pandemic. He said the focus now should be on product development and diversification, investment in tourism sector, conservation of natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach community and grassroots level, for building a path to sustainable, resilient and responsible tourism industry. The three-day programme jointly organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board.

India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Maldives, Indonesia, Iran, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Korea, Thailand, Spain and Nepal, are participating in the programme that seeks to discuss the use of tourism data for “People, Planet and Prosperity”.

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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 opines about the 72-hour scramble to save the United States from a banking crisis.

• South China Morning Post reports, Lessons learned from FTX’s collapse mean crypto market’s future remains bright, New Huo Tech CEO says .

• The Financial Times writes, Credit Suisse share slide sparks rout in European bank stocks.

• The Globe and Mail reports, White Helmet rescuer hopes to bring her friend from earthquake-stricken Turkey to Canada.

• The Guardian  writes, Mexico to investigate alleged human rights abuses by military after spying claims.

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A QUICK LOOK AT THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

• India's Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan stresses on need to incorporate Human Factors Engineering in making indigenous weapons.

• National Investigation Agency of India conducts multiple searches in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab over terror conspiracy to radicalise youth and target security personnel.

• New Delhi signs agreement with World Bank for construction of Green National Highway Corridors Project in four States.

• Second Education Working Group meeting of G-20 countries under India's Presidency begins in Amritsar.

• Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi condoles loss of lives as Cyclone Freddy leaves trail of destruction in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar; Death toll in record-breaking storm crosses over 270.

• Qatar's Commercial Bank launches country's first UPI remittance service for instant transfers to India.

• World Consumer Rights Day observed on Wednesday.

• India’s Women’s Doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela advance to second round of All England Open Badminton Championships.

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