NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on All India Radio. This is NABANITA ADHIKARI 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's Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Government working on uniform policy for organ donation in the country.

⦁ India summons Canada's High Commissioner over actions of separatist elements at its Diplomatic Mission.

⦁ Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launches LVM 3-M3 rocket with 36 satellites from Sriharikota.

⦁ Second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting under India's Presidency to begin at Gandhinagar in Gujarat from Monday.

⦁ In the United States, emergency declared in Mississippi following devastating tornado.

In Sports,

⦁ India wraps up Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi with four gold medals.

⦁ And, in Badminton, Indian pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty wins Men's Doubles title of Swiss Open at Basel.

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PM MANN KI BAAT

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to come forward for organ donation. He expressed satisfaction that his government is working on a uniform policy in the country for organ donation. Addressing the nation in the 99th episode of his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio on Sunday, Mr. Modi said, a large number of needy people are waiting for organ donors.

Mr Modi further stated that it has been decided to remove the condition of domicile of the states. It will enable patients to go to any state and register for receiving organs. The government has also decided to abolish the age limit of below 65 years for organ donation. Mr Modi reminded that cases of Corona are rising in some places. He urged everyone to take precautions and be mindful of cleanliness.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section we bring you a discussion on 99th Edition of Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat: Organ Donation and Its Importance.

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LVM 3 -M3 LAUNCH

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully launched India’s largest Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) rocket with 36 satellites of One Web India-2 Mission onboard from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota. Speaking after the launch, ISRO Chairman, Somnath said it was a successful mission with no glitches. He said, he looked forward to more such missions in future. The ISRO chief informed that cryogenic engines which were used in these missions will be used in Gaganyaan mission also. He said that ISRO will be having another commercial launch in April.

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INDIA-CANADA

India on Sunday said, the High Commissioner of Canada was summoned on Saturday to convey strong concern over the actions of separatist and extremist elements against India's diplomatic Mission and Consulates in Canada this week. The Indian Government has sought an explanation on how such elements were allowed, in the presence of police, to breach the security of the diplomatic Mission and Consulates. Canadian government was reminded of its obligations under the Vienna Convention, and asked to arrest and prosecute the individuals who have already been identified as being involved in such acts. India's External Affairs Ministry said, it is expected that the Canadian Government will take all steps which are required to ensure the safety of diplomats and security of diplomatic premises so that they are able to fulfil their normal diplomatic functions.

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G20 Weekly roundup

Now we move on to our segment, G20 in India.

India's G20 Presidency is witnessing a series of significant deliberations and related events across the country. This week, the cities in focus were Amritsar, Udaipur, Guwahati and Chennai whereas Gandhinagar is hosting the second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting from Monday while Mumbai is gearing up for other key meet next week. We take a close look at G20 events that took place in India during the past week and what is store in for us ahead.

The week began with the adoption of two Joint Statements during the Labour20 engagement group’s inception meeting at Amritsar in Punjab on 20th of this month as the final outcome of the two-day deliberations. One called for resolving the question of portability of social security among G20 nations as the first step towards universalisation of social security, and another for plugging the gender gap in the global work force. The Joint Statement on Universalisation of Social Security stated that the question of portability of benefits within the G20 nations is a low hanging fruit, which could be addressed by the grouping at no time. The statement pointed out to the BRICS deliberations for an intra-group arrangement in this regard.

The Joint Statement on Women and the Future of Work called for upskilling of women workforce globally to meet the emerging challenges of tech-intensive industry and the post-pandemic job market. The statement asked the governments and employers to shoulder this responsibility. It also called for recalibrating how women in the informal sector, and in family-raising roles, contribute to global economy, and asked for valueing that contribution.

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The Second meeting of G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group concluded successfully at Udaipur in Rajasthan on 23rd of March. Addressing a press conference in Udaipur, Advisor in the Department of Economic Affairs, Geetu Joshi said, during the meeting, Sustainable Finance Working Group reached halfway in delivering upon the agreed work plan for 2023. Arriving at a consensus in a collaborative spirit, the members agreed upon the way forward for important deliverables for the year that include a set of options for mobilizing financial resources for climate action and the G-20 Sustainable Finance Technical Assistance Action Plan among others.

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The G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering under India's Presidency concluded at Dibrugarh in Assam on 24th of March. The meeting deliberated on ways towards building a sustainable and circular bio-economy. Speaking at the event, Secretary in Department of Science and Technology, Dr S Chandrasekhar said, at the meeting, participating countries deliberated to aspire for a Net zero country and to create a circular bio-economy that is resource-efficient and sustainable.

103 delegates from G20 member countries, nine guest countries and International organisations, along with invited participants from the scientific community attended in the conference today.

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The Second G20 Framework Working Group meeting 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 two-day meeting. 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.

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Before we wrap up, here is a quick look at the upcoming key G20 events scheduled to be held in India next week.

The second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting will commence at Gandhinagar in Gujarat from Monday. The three-day meeting will focus on three priority areas such as arresting land degradation, Encouraging resource efficiency in a circular economy, and promoting a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy. Addressing media in New Delhi, Special Secretary in  Department of Water Resources, Debashree Mukherjee said, the three-day meeting focuses on Water and the issues of water resources management.

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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.

The first Trade and Investment Working Group meeting will be held in Mumbai from 28th of March. The three-day meeting will discuss and debate a diverse range of issues. India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will attend the meeting on the second day, where the group will deliberate on how trade can ensure growth and prosperity and how to build resilient Global Value Chains.

And with that we end our weekly round of G20 events held across the country at different levels under India's Presidency. This is Sunil Verma for World News.

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US-MISSISSIPPI

US President Joe Biden approved on Sunday an emergency declaration for Mississippi after the state was hit by devastating storms and a tornado which killed at least 25 people there and left a trail of destruction while one person was killed in Alabama. White House statement said the declaration involves federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the affected areas. The National Weather Service warned that more severe weather could still be on the way on Sunday. The service cautioned eastern Louisiana, south-central Mississippi, and south-central Alabama could be hit with high winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes.

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russia- belarus

The United States has said, there is no indication that Russia has moved any nuclear weapons yet. This was stated by US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Sunday. His statement comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday that Moscow would station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbor and ally Belarus. Mr. Putin had said, the action would not violate nuclear non-proliferation commitments. Meanwhile, NATO has said, it is vigilant and closely monitoring the situation.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cautioned Belarus against hosting Russian nuclear weapons on its territory, warning the move may trigger additional sanctions.

On the other hand, Ukraine has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over Russia’s announcement. Kyiv termed Moscow's plans as another provocative step.

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BANGLADESH-INDEPENDENCE

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the world community including the United Nations to recognise 25th of March as the International Genocide Day. On 25th of March in 1971, Pakistan unleashed a brutal phase of murder and killings against the people of the then East Pakistan. It is estimated that more than 3 million people were killed in the 9 month period between 25th of March to 15th of December, 1971 by the Pakistani forces before they surrendered to the Indian army and liberation war fighters of Bangladesh. More than one crore refugees had taken shelter in India, at the time. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is celebrating its Independence Day today.

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IMF CHIEF-RISKS

International Monetary Fund Chief Kristalina Georgieva warned on Sunday that risks to financial stability had increased and stressed the need for vigilance following the recent turmoil in the banking sector. Speaking at China Development Forum in Beijing, the IMF managing director said, she expected 2023 to be another challenging year, with global growth slowing to below 3.0 percent due to the conflict in Ukraine, monetary tightening and scarring from the pandemic.

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BOXING

India wrapped up the Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi on Sunday with four gold medals. Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain added fourth gold to India's tally by defeating Caitlin Parker of Australia with 5-2 split decision win in the final of middleweight 75 kilogram category. Earlier, Indian pugilist Nikhat Zareen defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Tam in the final of 50 kg light fly weight category to clinch third gold for India at the tournament. The 26 year old created history by becoming World Champion for the second successive time. She has become only the second Indian woman boxer after  Mary Kom to bag more than one world titles. On Saturday, Indian pugilists Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora brought two gold medals for the country at the Championships.

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BADMINTON

India's top-ranked doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched their first title of the 2023 season today. The second seeded Indian duo defeated China's Ren Xiang Yu and Tan Qiang to win the Men's Doubles final of the Swiss Open in Basel.

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WPL

In Cricket, Mumbai Indians have won the inaugural Women's Premier League. They defeated Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the Summit Clash at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai a short while ago.

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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 Biden declares Mississippi disaster as 26 killed; Tornado warnings issued in Georgia.

⦁ The New York Times writes NATO criticises Putin for 'dangerous and irresponsible' nuclear rhetoric.

⦁ The Business Recorder writes Iraq halts northern crude exports after winning arbitration case against Turkey.

⦁ The Globe and Mail reports, in uncertain times, more parents are choosing to have only one child..

⦁ South China Morning Post says, Beijing sets up formal ties with Honduras in yet another diplomatic blow for Taiwan.

⦁ CNN BUSINESS report says, Pay 84 dollar a year for Twitter Blue or lose your checkmark beginning April 1, Twitter says.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Government working on uniform policy for organ donation in the country.

⦁ India summons Canada's High Commissioner over actions of separatist elements at its Diplomatic Mission.

⦁ Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launches LVM 3-M3 rocket with 36 satellites from Sriharikota.

⦁ Second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting under India's Presidency to begin at Gandhinagar in Gujarat from Monday.

⦁ In the United States, emergency declared in Mississippi following devastating tornado.

In Sports,

⦁ India wraps up Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi with four gold medals.

⦁ And, in Badminton, Indian pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty wins Men's Doubles title of Swiss Open at Basel.

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

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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