NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on AKASHVANI. 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 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holds talks with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in New Delhi; both leaders reaffirm their commitment to strengthen India-Israel relationship.

⦁ India, Myanmar inaugurate Sittwe Port to enhance regional trade and connectivity.

⦁ India extends one billion dollar credit Line to Sri Lanka by a year for essential imports.

⦁ Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrested from Islamabad High Court premises in Al-Qadir Trust case.

⦁ UN calls on Taliban to halt flogging, executions in Afghanistan

⦁ China expels Canadian diplomat in retaliatory move.

⦁ Top militants among twelve killed after Israel launches air strikes against militant group Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

⦁ And, Indian pugilists Deepak Bhoria and Nishant Dev storm into quarterfinals of Men's World Boxing Championships at Tashkent.

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ISRAEL FOREIGN MINISTER-VISIT

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Israel Eli Cohen held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Tuesday. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-Israel relationship.

After the meeting, Dr. S Jaishankar said, both countries noted the progress in I2U2 and cooperation in multilateral forums. He said, perspectives were exchanged about respective regions, Ukraine and Indo-Pacific. The Minister said, the main pillars of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership are agriculture, water, defence and security which are taking bilateral ties forward. He said, new agreements in the water and agriculture sector underline the potential to do more. He said, discussions were held to increase cooperation in high technology, digital and innovation, connectivity, mobility tourism, finance and health. He said, both countries have initiated an agreement in the area of mobility.

Later, both the leaders paid homage at the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. Dr. S Jaishankar said, Teen Murti Haifa Chowk which is a symbol of India-Israel shared history reflects the enduring India-Israel friendship.

Meanwhile, Mr. Cohen has decided to cut short his three-day visit to India in view of security matters in his country.

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RAJNATH - ISRAELI MINISTER

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met an Israeli delegation, led by Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, in New Delhi on Tuesday. During the meeting, Mr Singh underlined India’s priority towards indigenisation in accordance with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Policy’. He acknowledged the cooperation being extended by Israeli companies and encouraged them for more investments in India and for forging joint ventures with Indian partners to manufacture defence equipment in India.

The Israeli Minister affirmed the continued cooperation of Israel in India’s endeavour for indigenisation and conveyed the willingness to cooperate and partner in advanced technologies. Both sides acknowledged the completion of 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and looked forward to further strengthening the bilateral ties.

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SONOWAL- SITTWE PORT

India's Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Transport & Communications of Myanmar, Admiral Tin Aung San,  jointly inaugurated the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State, Myanmar on Tuesday. During this event they received the first Indian Cargo ship which was flagged off from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Sarbanand Sonowal highlighted the close historical, cultural and economic ties between India and Myanmar. He reiterated India’s long-standing commitment towards the development and prosperity of the people of Myanmar through developmental initiatives such as the Sittwe Port.

The Shipping Minister said in a tweet that the Sittwe Port and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) are important projects for India as they will help the North East become the Gateway to Southeast Asia, while delivering large-scale benefits to the people of Myanmar. A vibrant Sittwe Port can catapult Myanmar's Rakhine State into a major connectivity hub.  He said it can fuel productive inland waterway traffic, boosting tourism, agriculture and manufacturing along the Kaladan river and generating economic dividends for the nation and the wider region.

He further said that the Sittwe Port is set to be a gamechanger for maritime connectivity and trade in the region. The operationalisation of this port is a major step towards sustainable, environment-friendly and seamless connectivity between India, Myanmar and beyond, said Shipping Minister Sarbanand Sonowal.

The port will provide alternative connectivity between Mizoram and Haldia in West Bengal or any Indian port through the Kaladan river in Myanmar. The multimodal connectivity project envisages road transport from Mizoram to Paletwa in Myanmar. Thereafter from Paletwa to Sittwe in Myanmar by Inland Water transport and Sittwe to any port in India by maritime shipping.

Sittwe Port has been developed as a part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) funded under grant-in-aid assistance from the Government of India. Once fully operationalized the waterway and road components of KMTTP will link the East coast of India to the North-eastern states through the Sittwe port.

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INDO-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

India's Home Minister Amit Shah has said that India-Bangladesh relations are based on the values of shared culture, language, art and life traditions. He said that no one can disrupt the relations between India and Bangladesh.

The Home Minister was speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of various development projects of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) and Border Security Force (BSF) in West Bengal on Tuesday.

The Home Minister said that the two nations have followed the same culture for thousands of years, and from the birth of Bangladesh till today India has always played a friendly role in the history of Bangladesh.

He said that the contribution of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the freedom struggle of Bangladesh is written in golden words, and underlines the cordial and warm relations between India and Bangladesh till today, which will only gain new energy and momentum from hereon.

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INDIA- SRI LANKA

In a move to assist Sri Lanka in its recovery from a severe financial crisis, India has extended a credit line of one Billion dollar to its neighboring country by one year. The credit line which was a part of the 4 billion dollar emergency assistance provided by India during the peak of Sri Lanka's crisis last year, was originally set to end in March but has now been extended until March next year.

Sri Lanka's Deputy Treasury Secretary, Priyantha Rathnayake said, the extension will provide the Island nation with backup funds to pay for essential imports.  He said the initiative to extend the credit line, in which almost 350 Million dollar is still unutilised, denotes India’s continued commitment to stand with the people of Sri Lanka in facing the challenges of economic crisis and moving towards sustainable economic recovery.

Sri Lanka, which faced its worst financial crisis in decades, experienced a slump in its forex reserves last year and struggled to pay for crucial imports such as fuel, cooking gas, and medicine. However, the situation has improved since then, with Sri Lanka securing a nearly 3 billion dollar bailout package from the International Monetary Fund in March and initiating debt restructuring talks with key bilateral creditors including India, Japan, and China.

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DWG-G-20

The formal segment of the 3rd Development Working Group (DWG) meeting of G-20 began in Goa on Tuesday. More than 80 delegates from G20 Members, 9 invitee countries, and various international and regional organizations participated in the meeting that will be held from the 9th of May to the 11th of May.

Delegates from different countries across the globe commenced discussions on developmental aspects focussing on Women-Led Development. Delegates discussed a section of India’s proposed Action Plan, which focuses on strengthening data-informed approaches to development and bridging the data divide. A Session on one of India’s core priorities - digital transformation for all was held.

An exhibition showcasing India’s women-led initiatives, titled “ECHO” - Economy with safe climate and health leads to greater opportunities was organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs at the sidelines of the meeting. The theme "Echo" reflects the impact of women-led development and its significant role in sustainable development.

India currently holds the Presidency of the G20. It is an inter-governmental forum of the world’s 20 major developed and developing economies.

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MUMBAI-G20 MEETING

Mumbai is all set to host three G20 meetings this month. The first meeting will be of the 3rd Energy Transition Working Group and will be chaired by Union Power Secretary Mr. Alok Kumar. Spread over three days from 15th to 17th May, a number of workshops and seminars will be held on subjects related to biofuels, offshore wind, decarbonization, clean energy and regarding promotion of energy-efficient life. Representatives of various international organizations like World Energy Council India, National Power Training Institute, International Energy Agency and USAID will be present for this meeting along with secretaries of concerned ministries. The 3rd Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Meeting will be held from 21st to 23rd May, 2023. The 2nd Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting will be held from 23rd to 25th May.  This Working Group is an initiative taken by India under its G-20 Presidency. Various side events like seminars on Financing Disaster Risk Reduction and Infrastructure Risk Assessment tools will also be held.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section, we bring you a News Commentary on Strengthening India-Canada Economic Partnership.

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NIA-TERROR FUNDING

As part of its continuing crackdown on terror funding in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at multiple locations in a case related to separatist and secessionist activities of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). NIA in a statement said, the searches were conducted at the premises of JeI (J&K) members and supporters, at 16 locations, including 11 in Baramulla district in Kashmir valley and the remaining 5 located in Kishtwar district in Jammu region. JeI has been found to carrying out terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir, even after being declared an unlawful association under the UA(P) Act in 2019. The NIA said, during the investigations, it was revealed that JeI (J&K) members had been collecting funds domestically and from abroad through donations as well as for purported charitable purposes, such as promotion of education and health. The funds were, instead, being used for violent and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. 

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NSA MEET-SAUDI ARABIA

National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the US, India, and the UAE met  Saudi Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad Bin Salman in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to discuss a shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Middle East region interconnected with India and the world. NSA of India, Ajit Doval, his US counterpart Jake Sullivan and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the meet ahead of the Quad Summit in Australia later this month. The White House said, the four nations agreed to maintain regular consultations and follow up on the matters discussed. Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, the leaders discussed strengthening relations and ties between their countries in a way that enhances growth and stability in the region. Mr Doval also held bilateral meeting with his US counterpart and discussed bilateral and regional matters. Mr Sullivan said, he looks forward to further consulting with Mr. Doval on the margins of the Quad Summit in Australia.

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CHEETAH DEATH

In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, another cheetah has died in Kuno National Park of Sheopur district.

A female cheetah, Daksha, brought from South Africa was killed in a fight with other cheetahs inside the park.

According to official sources, Daksha died in a violent interaction with the male cheetah. This is the third cheetah to die in Kuno since the cats were brought from South Africa and Namibia.

Twenty cheetahs have been brought to the national park since last year, of which two died in March and April respectively.

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IMRAN KHAN ARRESTED

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust Case from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. Khan was taken into custody by the Pakistani Rangers.

The former Prime Minister, along with his wife Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders, is facing an inquiry from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) related to a settlement between the PTI government and a property tycoon, which reportedly caused a loss of 50 billion rupees to the national exchequer. They are also accused of getting undue benefit in the form of over 458 kanals of land at Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, to establish Al Qadir University.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Imran had failed to appear before the court despite being issued several notices. He said the arrest has been conducted by the NAB for causing losses to the national treasury.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Imran Khan has resulted in protests and demonstrations across Pakistan. PTI workers are protesting in cities across the country, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. In Karachi, demonstrators clashed with the police. Internet has been suspended in several parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. And section 144 has been imposed in Peshawar.

The PTI Secretary General Asad Umar has announced that a six-member party committee would soon determine the next course of action.

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UN REPORT ON AFGHANISTAN

The United Nations has called on the Taliban to halt flogging and execution in Afghanistan. Human Rights Chief of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Fiona Frazer said, the Taliban's corporal punishment is against international law. She urged the Taliban leadership to halt all executions immediately.

The Taliban-led Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan in response said most Afghans adhere to Islamic rules and guidance and that Afghanistan's laws are based on Islamic principles. It further said that in the event of a conflict between international human rights law and Islamic law, the government is obliged to follow the Islamic law.

Meanwhile, a UN report released on Monday strongly criticized the Taliban for carrying out execution, floggings and stoning since gaining control of Afghanistan. It urged the Taliban leaders to put an immediate end to such practices.

According to the report, 274 men, 58 women and two boys were publicly flogged in Afghanistan during the past six months.

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NEPAL-PARLIAMENT

On Monday, an Independent MP in Nepal, Amresh Kumar Singh, took off his shirt and vest in the House in protest against not being given time to speak.

Amresh Singh, a former Nepali Congress leader, contested the elections last year as an Independent candidate from Sarlahi after the Nepali Congress did not give him a ticket.

Singh, who had done Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University in the Indian capital of Delhi, took off his clothes after Devraj Ghimire, Speaker of the House of Representatives did not allow him to speak.

Ghimire warned him to take care of parliamentary dignity and decorum.

Singh, however, refused to listen to any of the requests by the Speaker and began taking off his clothes.

This was the first-ever such incident in Nepal’s Parliament’s history.

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CHINA EXPELS Canadian diplomat

China has expelled a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai in retaliation for Ottawa sending home a Chinese diplomat accused of trying to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker. China told Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, a Canadian diplomat to leave the country by the 13th of May.  Wang Wenbin, spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry said,  China has adopted corresponding retaliatory measures in response to the Canadian side's unreasonable provocation. He said this was absolutely necessary and urged Canada to immediately stop its unreasonable provocations. On Monday, Canada expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei after an intelligence report accused him of trying to target a Canadian lawmaker critical of China's treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority. Last Thursday, Canada summoned China's ambassador to reiterate that Canada would not tolerate interference in its affairs. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained since the detention of Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou, held in Canada on US fraud charges in 2018, and Beijing's subsequent arrest of two Canadians on spying charges. All three were freed in 2021.

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ISRAEL-GAZA AIR STRIKE

Top militants among twelve killed after Israel launched air strikes against the militant group Islamic Jihad in Gaza. The Israeli army said it targeted three leaders of Islamic Jihad and hit weapons manufacturing sites belonging to the group. Meanwhile, the Israeli army instructed its citizens within 40 kilometres of Gaza to enter bomb shelters. This comes as previous strikes on the Islamic Jihad group have sparked barrages of rockets on Israeli civilians. In a statement, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement confirmed that three of its leaders were killed and several injured, including women and children. Israel and Gaza militants have fought multiple wars since Hamas took control of the Palestinian enclave in 2007.

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SERBIA PROTEST

Thousands of people in Serbia protested in the capital Belgrade on Monday, demanding better security, a ban on violent TV content and the resignation of key ministers. The protest comes days after two mass shootings killed 17 people in the country. Protesters and Opposition supporters demanded a shutdown of TV stations and tabloids that they accuse of promoting violent and vulgar content. Opposition parties and some groups accuse President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling populist Serbian Progressive Party of autocracy, oppressing media freedoms, violence against political opponents, corruption and ties with organised crime. However, President Vucic, denied the accusations.  

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

The BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty ended flat amid negative cues from global share markets on Tuesday. Gold was trading above 61,200 rupees per 10 gram at MCX while global crude oil prices fell around one percent. A report from the business desk.

The Sensex fell three points to finish at 61,761. Divergently, the Nifty added two points to end at 18,266.

In global stocks markets, the Asian market logged losses except Japan's Nikkei-225 which rose one per cent.  Hong Kong's Hang Seng tumbled 2.2 percent and China's Shanghai Composite index declined 1.1 percent. Singapore's Straits Times index fell 0.5 per cent and South Korea's Kospi index slipped 0.1 per cent. European Markets were also down in intra-day trade.

Global crude oil prices fell around one percent snapping winning streak of the previous two sessions. The crude prices fell with the market cautious ahead of U.S. inflation figures, which will be key to the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at 76 dollars and 35 cents per barrel.

Back Home, Gold prices, at Multi Commodity Exchange for June contracts, was trading at around 61,215 rupees per 10 gram. On the other hand, silver was trading flat at 77,000 rupees per kilogram for July Contracts when reports last came in.

And in the Forex market, the rupee closed at 82 rupees and five paise against the US dollar. Rajesh Laekh for World News, All India Radio.

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WORLD BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS

In Boxing, Indian pugilists Deepak Bhoria and Nishant Dev continued their impressive run by advancing into the quarterfinals of the Men's World Boxing Championship in Tashkent on Tuesday.

Deepak produced another commanding performance as he brushed aside China's Zhangh Jiamao by a 5-0 unanimous verdict in the 51kg category of Round of 16 bout.

oi(referee stops the contest) win against Nidal Foqahaa of Palestine.

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FPR

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

⦁ Washington Post writes Biden meets with congressional leaders in urgent bid to avoid default.

⦁ The Guardian reports Russian missiles downed over Kyiv as Putin makes angry Victory Day speech.

⦁ The Japan Times reports Japan and South Korea to link radar systems via U.S. to track North's missiles.

⦁ The Wall Streeet Journal reports EU Targets Eight Chinese Companies in Russia Sanctions Push.

⦁ The Financial Times reports Ireland to propose creation of sovereign wealth fund.

⦁ South China Morning Post says US announces 1.2 billion dollars for Ukraine in new military aid package.

⦁ The Globe and Mail writes BRICS expansion plan could create new rival for U.S. dollar.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holds talks with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in New Delhi; both leaders reaffirm their commitment to strengthen India-Israel relationship.

⦁ India, Myanmar inaugurate Sittwe Port to enhance regional trade and connectivity.

⦁ India extends one billion dollar credit Line to Sri Lanka by a year for essential imports.

⦁ Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrested from Islamabad High Court premises in Al-Qadir Trust case.

⦁ UN calls on Taliban to halt flogging, executions in Afghanistan

⦁ China expels Canadian diplomat in retaliatory move.

⦁ Top militants among twelve killed after Israel launches air strikes against militant group Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

⦁ And, Indian pugilists Deepak Bhoria and Nishant Dev storm into quarterfinals of Men's World Boxing Championships at Tashkent.

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

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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