NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is ANITA ANAND 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 to become a developed country by 2047 with joint efforts of people, asserts Prime Minister Narendra Modi  

⦁ Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviews performance and preparedness of Public Sector Banks amid stress in global banking system.

⦁ Second G20 Framework Working Group meeting under India's Presidency concludes in Chennai.

⦁ France bans use of mobile apps TikTok, Twitter and Instagram on official phones.

⦁ At least 23 people killed as powerful tornado and storms hit Mississippi in the United States.

⦁ Indian Pugilists Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora clinch gold medals at Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi.

⦁ In Badminton, Indian Men's Doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty enters finals of Swiss Open.

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PM-KARNATAKA VISIT

 India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon people to contribute towards making the country a developed nation by 2047. Mr Modi was speaking after inaugurating Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Karnataka on Saturday. Established by Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, the Institute will provide free medical education and offer free medical treatment to the poor.

The Prime Minister highlighted the service deliveries and good governance model of the double engine governments in the Centre and the State. He said, the medical infrastructure in the country has improved, medical colleges have increased from 380 to 650 and 40 among them are in the aspirational districts that are backward in various parameters.

Earlier in the day, Mr Modi inaugurated a new metro line between Whitefield and K R Puram covering 13.71 kms built at a cost of around 4250 crore rupees.

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SITHARAMAN-BANKS

Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday chaired a meeting to review the performance and preparedness of the Public Sector Banks (PSBs). The review was based on various financial health parameters, and the resilience of PSBs in light of the current global financial scenario emanating from the failure of some international banks in the USA and Europe. During the meeting, Ms Sitharaman emphasized on preparedness along with due diligence through adherence to the regulatory framework by focusing on risk management, diversification of deposits and asset base. She underlined that the PSBs must look at business models closely to identify stress points, including concentration risks and adverse exposures. The Indian Finance Minister has urged the PSBs to use this opportunity to frame detailed crisis management and communication strategies. Ms Sitharaman also advised the PSBs to aim at increasing brick-and-mortar banking presence in border and coastal areas.

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WN G2O-FWG

Moving onto our segment 'G20 in India', here is a desk report:

[WN  G-20 - ]

The Second G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) meeting under India's Presidency concluded in Chennai on Saturday. The two-day meeting was co-chaired by India's Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, and UK's Chief Economic Adviser Clare Lombardelli. Around 87 delegates from G20 member countries, invitees, and international organizations attended the meeting.

The Framework Working Group focuses on global macroeconomic issues and deliberates on enhancing policy cooperation to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth. The agenda for the meeting involved discussions on the global economic outlook and risks with a particular emphasis placed on inflation, macroeconomic implications of food and energy insecurity, climate change, and transition policies.

During the discussion, members discussed and agreed on the way forward for important deliverables for the year, including those on macroeconomic consequences of food and energy insecurity and climate changes & transition pathways. The discussion on the global economic outlook and risks emphasised the need to continue efforts to manage global inflation and remain vigilant to emerging financial risks. Members also deliberated on how food and energy prices remain elevated in many economies, disproportionately affecting vulnerable countries. The discussions also highlighted the difficult trade-offs countries face as they balance short-term energy security with long-term structural reforms for the transition to cleaner energy. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of critical minerals to facilitate a smoother transition as well as generating domestic savings to meet investment needs and thus boost economic growth for the transition were also issues that came up for discussion.

On the sidelines of this FWG meeting, a panel discussion on the “Macroeconomic Impacts of Climate Change and Transition pathways” was also organized in collaboration with UAE which will be the Presidency of COP28. The session aimed to develop a collective understanding of the challenges facing countries during the climate transition and initiate a discussion on the macroeconomics around climate policy action and transition pathways.

An outreach program with IIT Chennai and Madras School of Economics was also held in the run-up to the meeting. The Chief Economic Adviser interacted with students and researchers on India and the world economy, mainly focusing on India’s 2023G20 Presidency.

Meanwhile  the second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting will be held at Gandhinagar in Gujarat from 27th of this month. The three-day meeting is being hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Addressing media in New Delhi, Special Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Debashree Mukherjee said that the second Working Group meeting focuses on Water and the issues of water resources management.

[Debashree Mukherjee / Environment and Climate Sustainability meeting - ]

Ms Mukherjee said that the meeting also provides an opportunity to India to showcase its traditional water management practices as well as technical capabilities in terms of designing and implementing mega water projects.

(ENG - Debashree Mukherjee take byte after 2 minutes 20 seconds & Hindi byte from 4 minute onwards) .SWATI RAKHEJA FOR WORLD NEWS.

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CRPF PARADE CEREMONY

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the fight against Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region is now in the final stage of victory. He said CRPF has played an important role in reducing the influence of Maoists. The Indian Minister was speaking at the 84th raising day celebration of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar division in Chhattisgarh on Saturday. He said that CRPF jawans risked their lives to bring development to tribals.

During the event, Mr Shah virtually launched the weekly news bulletin in Halbi dialect to be broadcast by All India Radio. Appreciating the efforts of All India Radio, Mr Shah said that this not only strengthens local language but also serves news to people of Bastar in their own language. The 15-minute-long weekly news bulletin will be broadcast from All India Radio Jagdalpur Kendra every Sunday at 7:30 am. Chief Executive officer of Prasar Bharati Gaurav Dwivedi was also present on the occasion. While talking to media, he said that local languages and dialects prove to be most effective in providing news and other information to people in remote rural areas.

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J&K-ARREST

In Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have arrested two terrorist associates linked with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Sumlar area of Bandipora district. Incriminating material and two Chinese grenades were also recovered from their possession. A case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Bandipora Police Station and further investigation has been initiated.

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J&K-ASHWINI

Railways Minister of India Ashwini Vaishnav has said, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line project in Jammu and Kashmir will be completed by early next year. He was talking to media persons at Srinagar Railway Station at Nowgam on Saturday. The Minister maintained that after connecting with Udhampur, Srinagar and Baramulla with train services, a specially built Vande Bharat train will be introduced on the rail section. The Minister visited Budgam Railway Station and inquired about various procedures related to the maintenance of trains. Mr. Vaishnaw also undertook a journey from Budgam Railway Station to Baramulla Railway Station by special inspection car. He made a detailed overview of the safety and security of the railway section and took stock of the passenger amenities at Baramulla Railway Station.

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INDO MYANMAR-BORDER:

Government of Indian state of Manipur has deployed additional security forces along the Indo-Myanmar border. The decision has been taken following reports of clashes between the Myanmar Army and the resistance group People's Defence Force on the Myanmar side near the border for the last few days. Talking to media,  Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said, 24X7 foot patrolling has been intensified along with the deployment of additional forces of IRB, Police and other security personnel along the border areas to avoid untoward incidents. He said, no reports have been received of crossing over of the Myanmar citizens to Manipur due to the clash.

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MANIPUR-ARMED FORCE

In Manipur, the Disturbed Areas status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 has been lifted from the jurisdiction of four more Police Stations. State Chief Minister N. Biren Singh thanked Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for acknowledging the sentiments of the public of Manipur and bringing peace and normalcy in the State. The new four police Stations from where the Disturbed Areas status has been lifted are Nambol, Leimakhong, Moirang and Wangoi Police Stations. Earlier the government had lifted the status from the jurisdiction of 15 police stations. With the new decision, the status is no more implemented in altogether 19 police stations of Manipur. Speaking to media persons this evening, Mr Biren said, under the guidance of Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, Manipur has witnessed progress several areas. Many unlawful insurgency groups and cadres have joined mainstream society. He added terefore, the government has been able to lift the Disturbed Areas status from the jurisdiction of more police stations.

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HEALTH ADVISORY

The Government of India has asked the States and Union Territories to keep a close watch on the evolving causes of diseases including COVID-19, Influenza Like illness (lLl) and Severe Acute Respiratory illness (SARI) in the country. In an advisory, the Health Ministry said that COVID-19 and influenza share a number of similarities in terms of mode of transmission, high-risk population, clinical signs and symptoms. It said, these diseases can be prevented by following simple public health measures including avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, using handkerchiefs and tissue while sneezing or coughing, wearing a mask in crowded and closed settings, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding spitting in public places. The Ministry also stressed raising community awareness regarding adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene to limit the transmission of these diseases.

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MANDAVIYA-TB

Indian Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the country is ready to lead from the front and  become the voice of the Global South in the collaborative fight against Tuberculosis (TB). Dr. Mandaviya was addressing the 36th Board Meeting of the Stop TB Partnership in New Delhi today. The Health Minister stated that India has identified three important health priorities under the G20 Presidency and all of these are focused on universal health coverage and relevant to our response for TB elimination.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section we bring you a News Commentary on India's commitment to eradicate TB by 2025.

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US-TORNADO

In the United States, at least 23 people were killed after a tornado and severe storms swept through the state of Mississippi last night. The southern state’s emergency management agency said, at least four people were missing and dozens were injured, while tens of thousands of people in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee were without power. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said, the death toll is expected to rise further as search and rescue operations continue in Sharkey and Humphreys counties. The National Weather Service warned residents that as clean-up operations continue, dangers remain even after the storms move on. Last month, a series of tornadoes lashed the central US, leaving a trail of wreckage and injuries as winter storms cause extreme weather around the country.

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US-IRAN

US President Joe Biden has warned Iran that the America would act forcefully to protect its citizens. President Biden's statement came after the US military carried out air strikes against Iran-backed forces in retaliation for an attack in Syria. Later, officials said that another US service member was wounded yesterday in the latest tit-for-tat strike between Iran-backed forces and US personnel in Syria. It comes on top of seven casualties on Thursday, which Washington blamed on a drone of Iranian origin, and included an American contractor being killed and five US troops and another contractor being wounded.

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Gordon Moore Died

Intel co-founder and creator of Moore's Law, Gordon Moore dies at the age of 94 in Hawaii. Intel and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation announced in a press release today. Gordon Moore was the driving force behind the development of modern computing devices. Mr Moore began working on semiconductors in the 1950s and co-founded the Intel Corporation in 1968 which grew into the world’s largest semiconductor maker at one point. Paying tribute to him Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, in a tweet, said Moore was an inspiration to him. His vision inspired many to pursue technology. Calling him a true visionary, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the world has lost a giant in Gordon Moore.

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FRANCE-TIKTOK

France has announced that it is banning the recreational use of TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and other mobile applications on government employees’ phones because of concerns about insufficient data security measures. The move follows similar restrictions on TikTok in democratic countries amid fears about the popular video-sharing app’s Chinese connections. However, the French decision also encompassed other platforms widely used by government officials, lawmakers, and President Emmanuel Macron himself. The French Minister for Transformation and Public Administration, Stanislas Guerini, said in a statement that recreational apps aren’t secure enough to be used in state administrative services and could present a risk to the protection of data. The ban will be monitored by France’s cybersecurity agency. The statement said the decision came after other governments across the globe took measures targeting TikTok. Mr Guerini’s office said, the ban will also include Twitter, Instagram, Netflix, gaming apps like Candy Crush, and dating apps. The US, Britain, the European Union, and others have already banned TikTok on government phones.

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Paul Rusesabagina

In Rwanda, Paul Rusesabagina, a former hotel manager portrayed as a hero in the Hollywood film Hotel Rwanda, has been released from prison.  Rwandan court  had sentenced him to 25 years for terrorism two years ago. A government spokesperson said Mr Rusesabagina's sentence had been commuted by presidential order. Mr Rusesabagina, 68, is credited with saving around 1,200 people during the 1994 genocide. The US President, Joe Biden called the news of his release a happy outcome.

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BHUPENDER-CHEETAH

Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that Project Cheetah is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to environmental protection and wildlife conservation. He said, this project will lead to enhanced livelihood opportunities for the local communities through eco-development and ecotourism activities. Mr Yadav said this while chairing a meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament on Project Cheetah in New Delhi. Mr Yadav expressed his gratitude for the steps taken by the Government of India for bringing the Cheetah back to India and restoring its lost glory. He stated that the Government is determined to conserve and protect wildlife and the environment with the active participation of all stakeholders.

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EARTH HOUR

Millions of people around the world observed the annual Earth Hour on Saturday to raise awareness about climate change. The ‘Earth Hour’ event encourages individuals to turn off all lights and electrical appliances at their homes and offices for an hour to promote awareness about energy conservation. It is a global annual initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature. The day aims to increase awareness and spark global conversations on protecting nature, tackling the climate crisis, and working together to shape a brighter future for us all.

In India, as a part of the campaign, various important government buildings and historical monuments dimmed their lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. In the national capital, the lights were dimmed at the Akshardham temple. In Kolkata, lights at the iconic Howrah bridge were turned off to conserve energy. Mumbai also contributed towards saving the electricity as the lights at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus were switched off.

The movement of the Earth Hour began in 2007 in Australia, and it has now become a global campaign wherein non-essential lights are turned off at 8:30 PM on a specific day towards the end of March.

Prominent landmarks around the globe including, Sydney Opera House in Australia, New York's Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Moscow's Red Square observe the Hour by going dark.

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SPORTS

NOW HERE IS A REPORT FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS

India won two gold medals in World Women's Boxing Championship in New Delhi on Saturday.  Saweety Boora clinched the yellow metal by defeating her rival Lina Wang of China by 4-3 in the 81-kilogram category. She became the seventh Indian boxer to win the World championship. Earlier, Nitu Ghanghas grabbed the gold in the 48-kilogram category by overpowering Mongolia’s Altantsetseg Lutsaikhan 5-0 via unanimous decision.

In Badminton, Indian Men's Doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty cruised into the finals of Swiss Open on Saturday. The Second seeded Indian duo defeated World Number eight Malaysian combination of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in the semifinal, 21-19, 17-21, 21-17 at Basel.  On Friday, the Indian pair overpowered Danish pair of Jeppe Bay and Lasse Molhede, 21-15, 10-21, 15-21 in quarter-final.

In Women's Premier League Cricket, Mumbai Indians will face Delhi Capitals in the summit clash of the tournament in Mumbai on Sunday. Both the teams have recorded heavy wins against each other in the group stage and finished with identical 12 points, with only the net run rate separating them at the top of the table.  Delhi Capitals stand at the top with 1.856 while Mumbai Indians with 1.711 hold the second spot. Going by their record at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai Indians have the upper hand, having won all three games so far, while Delhi Capitals have two wins and a loss at the venue.Reshma Tiwair Desk Report For World News.  

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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 Guardian writes Tanzania announces outbreak of deadly Marburg virus disease.

⦁ The Washington Post reports Bolsonaro’s return poses risks for the former president - and Brazil.

⦁ The New York Times writes Israel’s Army Fears Effect of Judicial Crisis on Battlefield Readiness.

⦁ The Business Recorder writes PTI's Minar-e-Pakistan rally to break all records: Imran Khan.

⦁ The Prothom Alo reports  45 shops, houses burnt in Bandarban fire.

⦁ Wall Street Journal  writes  Biden, Trudeau Tout Job Boosts From Clean Energy, Chips Manufacturing.

⦁ The Globe and Mail reports Mexico’s top court freezes electoral reform ahead of lawsuit.

⦁ Le Monde writes Tunisia criminalizes contacts with Western diplomats.

⦁ The Financial Times writes  Top Democrats lash out at ‘new wave’ of Republican climate denialism.

⦁ South China Morning Post says China calls for tighter trade ties with New Zealand.

⦁ The Japan Times reports Kishida nixed China envoy farewell meeting amid strained ties.

⦁ The Straits Times reports  Conflict in Syria escalates following attack that killed a US contractor.

⦁ CNN BUSINESS report says Banks aren’t out of the woods yet and neither is the economy.

⦁ Sydney Morning Herald writes UN decries killing of Ukrainian, Russian POWs, as strikes kill 10 civilians.

⦁ New Age reports Rishi Sunak stresses democratic values in talks with Netanyahu.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India to become a developed country by 2047 with joint efforts of people, asserts Prime Minister Narendra Modi  

⦁ Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviews performance and preparedness of Public Sector Banks amid stress in global banking system.

⦁ Second G20 Framework Working Group meeting under India's Presidency concludes in Chennai

⦁ France bans use of mobile apps TikTok, Twitter and Instagram on official phones.

⦁ At least 23 people killed as powerful tornado and storms hit Mississippi in the United States.

⦁ Indian Pugilists Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora clinch gold medals at Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi.

⦁ In Badminton, Indian Men's Doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty enters finals of Swiss Open.

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

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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