NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on AKASHVANI. This is RENUKA R.S. 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.

<><><>

THE HEADLINES:

⦁ Sixth Indian Ocean Conference begins in Bangladesh capital Dhaka; India reiterates commitment to well-being and progress of all nations of Indian Ocean.

⦁ New Delhi says, Indian Ocean Nations must be conscious of threats by extremism and fundamentalism taking advantage of democratic openness.

⦁ Islamabad High Court grants protection from arrest to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in all cases registered across Pakistan till Monday.

⦁ United States braces for surge of migrants at its southern borders as pandemic-related asylum restrictions expire, straining country's immigration system.

⦁ India's Retail inflation declines to 18-month low of 4.7 percent in April.

⦁ Cyclone Mocha intensifies into Very Severe Cyclonic Storm; Likely to make landfall along Bangladesh-Myanmar coast around Sunday noon.

<><><>

JAISHANKAR

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reiterated New Delhi's commitment to the well-being and progress of all nations of the Indian Ocean. Dr. Jaishankar was addressing the 6th Indian Ocean Conference in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka.

Dr. S. Jaishankar said, Indian Ocean Nations must be conscious of threats by extremism and fundamentalism taking advantage of democratic openness.

The Indian Minister said, when nations disregard their legal obligations or violate long-standing agreements, as we have seen, the damage to trust and confidence is immense. He said, it is therefore essential that all of us take the long view of our cooperation, rather than a tactical one of our interests. Dr Jaishankar lauded Bangladesh for releasing its Indo-Pacific outlook and its respect for the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) as one of the elements of its 4 guiding principles and 15 objectives. The Minister said that it is essential for the credibility of the global order that such foundational regimes are respected and scrupulously observed by all signatories. Speaking about the Bay of Bengal countries, he said these countries have their particular aspirations and agenda. He said BIMSTEC is increasingly coming into its oand the countries of the region are cognisant of the challenges they face in governance, modernisation and security.

Highlighting the issue of unsustainable debt generated by unviable projects, Dr. Jaishankar said, we can ignore these at our operil. He said, if opaque lending practices are encouraged which are at price points unrelated to the market, these are bound to bite back, sooner rather than later. He said that countries in the region are today confronting the consequences of our past choices. This is time to reflect and reform, not one to repeat and reiterate, said the External Affairs Minister. Stressing on the importance of connectivity, Dr. Jaishankar said, from India’s perspective, efficient and effective connectivity to ASEAN in particular will be a game-changer. He said, India accords this the utmost priority.

The two day Conference was inaugurated by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The theme of the Summit is Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a resilient future.

<><><>

HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section, we bring you a News Commentary on India-Israel Ties on the Upswing.

<><><>

PM-GUJARAT PROJECTS:

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, country's development is a conviction and commitment for his Government. He said, nation-building is a continuous responsibility that his Government is working on fulfil. Mr Modi was addressing the gathering after inaugurating and laying foundation stone of various developmental projects worth 4 thousand 400 crore rupees at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. These include projects worth 1 thousand 950 crores rupees under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The Prime Minister said, his government is eliminating inequality, reaching to every poor and ensuring 100 per cent saturation. The Prime Minister said, we must understand that a home is more than just a shelter and it is a place of faith where dreams are realized and new possibilities are born. He said, his government does not look at religion or caste while delivering benefits and this is real secularism. Mr Modi said, after 2014, Government did not limit the house of the poor only to a concrete roof, but made the house a solid foundation for fight against poverty and a medium of empowerment of the poor.

<><><>

MODEL PRISON ACT:

The Home Ministry of India on Friday said comprehensive ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’ has been finalised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah. Indian Government had earlier decided to review and revise the colonial-era outdated Prison Act in tune with contemporary modern day needs and correctional ideology. The Model Prison Act, 2023 may serve as a guiding document for the States, and for adoption in their jurisdiction.

<><><>

BHARATI-HEALTH SCO:

Indian Minister Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar on Friday chaired the virtually-held sixth session of the Health Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Corporation Organization, SCO member states. The meeting was also attended by India's AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Director General of World Health Organization Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, SCO Secretary-General Jhang Ming and other high-level stakeholders and partners. Highlighting the efforts of all SCO member states, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar said, discussions will bring the world a step closer in the direction of achieving Universal Health Coverage. She said that collective efforts by the SCO towards creating long-lasting positive impact for the betterment of mankind will guarantee health security for citizens. Underscoring the role of technology in delivery of healthcare services, Dr. Pawar said that digital health interventions can bridge the existing gap among different stakeholders of healthcare ecosystem. She also urged the SCO member states to recognize the potential of medical value travel in promoting and exploring the ways to collaborate and exchange best practices within the region. AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also urged the SCO member countries to work together to recognize the potential of medical value travel in promoting and exploring ways to collaborate and exchange best practices within the region. He said, traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda are an important form of healthcare system which is holistic and people-centric.

<><><>

MHA - G20 CONFERENCE

Indian Ministry of Home Affairs will organize “G20 Conference on Crime and Security in the age of Non Fungible Tokens, Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse” on 13th and 14th July this year in Gurugram, Haryana. A Round Table was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi on Friday to present the details of the proposed G20 Conference under India's Presidency. It was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners and senior dignitaries from more than 20 countries apart from senior officers from various ministries and organizations of government of India and partner organizations. During the roundtable, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla appraised the participating dignitaries about the contours of the forthcoming conference and countries were requested to send high level delegations for the conference.

<><><>

J&K-G20

In the run-up to the forthcoming third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting to be held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir administration kick started a range of captivating tourism-related activities aimed at showcasing the mesmerizing charm and immense potential of India's Union Territory at Zabarwan Park in Srinagar on Friday. The event witnessed the exciting launch of a hot air balloon, an enchanting addition to the attractions available for tourists on the serene shores of the world famous Dal Lake, nestled beneath the majestic Zabarwan mountain range. Over 150 foreign and national delegates will participate in the event which will provide an unparalleled global platform for Jammu and Kashmir to demonstrate its potential.

<><><>

IMRAN KHAN-BAIL:

The Islamabad High Court on Friday barred authorities from arresting former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in all the cases registered against him across the country till 15th of May. Earlier in the day, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman was granted bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. The court also granted him protective bail in three terrorism cases against him in Lahore and Zille Shah murder case. The bail hearing came a day after Pakistan’s Supreme Court invalidated the incarceration of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, saying that no one could be arrested from inside the court. The former Prime Minister was arrested in the case by the National Accountability Bureau during a court appearance on Tuesday, triggering violent protests between his supporters and the police and paramilitary forces across the country and prompting the government to call out the army to help restore order. At least 11 others were killed and dozens injured in the clashes. The Islamabad Police said, about 493 people have been arrested since 9th of May.

<><><>

INDIA-EU:

The first Ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council will be held in Brussels on 16th May. The meeting will be co-chaired on the Indian side by the Ministers for External Affairs, Commerce and Industry, and Communications, Electronics and Information Technology. Trade and Technology Council was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during Ms Leyen's visit to India in April last year. Both sides established three Working Groups under the Council. These are Working Group on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity, Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies and Working Group on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains. Our correspondent reports that both sides have maintained continuous engagement within the Working Groups at various levels. Meetings of the three Working Groups have also taken place leading to the Ministerial meeting in Brussels.

<><><>

NAVY-CAMBODIA:

Indian Naval Ships, INS Delhi and INS Satpura are making a port-call at Sihanoukville in Cambodia. According to the India's Defence Ministry, visit of the Indian Naval ships seeks to consolidate the strong bonds of friendship that exist between India-Cambodia by strengthening maritime cooperation. During the port call, Navy personnel of both the countries will engage in a wide range of interactions, deck visits and sports exchanges which is aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding. INS Delhi is India’s first indigenously built guided missile Destroyer and INS Satpura is an indigenous multi purpose stealth Frigate. The two ships are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors and can carry multi-role helicopters. Both ships are a testimony of India’s advanced ship design and shipbuilding capabilities.

<><><>

US-MIGRATION:

The United States is putting new restrictions into place at its southern border to try to stop migrants from crossing illegally and encourage them instead to apply for asylum online through a new process. The changes come with the end of coronavirus restrictions on asylum today that has allowed the United States to quickly turn back migrants at the US-Mexico border for the past three years. The border is witnessing around 60,000 people waiting to cross into the US from Mexico. Those Pandemic-related asylum restrictions are knoas Title 42, because the authority comes from Title 42 of a 1944 public health law, allowing curbs on migration in the name of protecting public health. The expiration of these rules is creating an uncertain future for migrants and further fueling America's ongoing immigration debate. It is also raising questions about the fate of tens of thousands of individuals seeking refuge from poverty and criminal violence in their home countries. Title 42, an emergency health authority, was a holdover from President Donald Trump’s administration and began in March 2020. Under Title 42, the authority allowed US officials to turn away migrants who came to the US-Mexico border on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Before that, migrants could cross illegally, ask for asylum, and be allowed into the U.S. They were then screened and often released to wait out their immigration cases.

<><><>

INFLATION-APRIL:

India's Retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 4.70 per cent in April this year. As per the Indian Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation data released on Friday, inflation dropped to a 18-month low in April. Consumer Food Price Index fell to 3.84 per cent, as compared to 4.79 per cent in the previous month and 8.31 per cent in April 2022. The Rural inflation in April stood at 4.68 per cent, while urban inflation was at 4.85 per cent. The retail inflation stood at 7.79 per cent in April previous year. The Indian Government had mandated the Central Bank to maintain retail inflation at four per cent with a margin of two per cent on either side.

<><><>

WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

Key domestic indices recovered from early losses and posted minor gains amid mixed cues from global share markets. The Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange closed above 62,000 points while the Nifty at the National Stock Exchange settled above 18,300 level. A report from the business desk-  

<><><>

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY:

International Nurses Day is being observed across the globe today. It is celebrated on 12th of May each year to honour the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role  played by nurses alongside doctors in all of our medical institutions, for the welfare, safety and recovery of patients. This day recognizes the dedication and compassionate care provided by nurses, who serve as the primary caregivers for patients. The kindness and empathy shoby nurses often contribute to patients' well-being and recovery. The day encourages people to express their gratitude towards these brave and hardworking professionals. This year the theme for International Nurses Day is "Our Nurses. Our Future."

<><><>

INDIANS-NURSING AWARD:

Shanti Teresa Lakra, a nurse working with primitive tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kerala-born Jincy Jerry from Ireland are among the 10 finalists of a global award honouring nursing staff worldwide. Ms. Lakra from GB Pant Hospital in Port Blair was awarded the Padma Shri in 2011 for her incredible service to the tribal community of Andaman and Nicobar - gaining their trust over the years, overcoming the language barrier and providing medical assistance whenever they needed it. Jerry, who moved to Dublin in 2006 after training as a nurse in Delhi’s Jamia Hamdard, was nominated for a robotic system she introduced in her Dublin hospital in March 2020. It has drastically reduced the administrative work of nurses, eliminating human error, allowing nurses to spend more time with patients and improving job satisfaction and staff retention. Lakra and Jerry were selected from 52,000 entries sent by 202 countries for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2023.

<><><>

MOCHA CYCLONE UPDATE:

The Severe Cyclonic Storm, Mocha has intensified into a very severe cyclonic Storm. India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, it is likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu in Myanmar, close to Sittwe around noon on Sunday as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 150 to 160 kilometres per hour gusting to 175 kilometres per hour. India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and South Assam will receive heavy rainfalls till Sunday. Squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kilometres per hour gusting to 70 kilometres per hour is likely to prevail in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur. IMD said, Sea Conditions will be very rough from today till Sunday. Fishermen, ships, boats and trawlers have been advised not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal.

<><><>

BOXING:

Indian boxers Mohammad Hussamudin, Deepak Kumar and Nishant Dev had to settle for the bronze medal at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan today.

Deepak lost to two-time Worlds bronze medallist Billal Bennama of France 3-4 in a closely contested 51 kg Semifinal match. While Nishant Dev went dofighting Asian champion Aslanbek Shymbergenov of Kazakhstan 3-2 in the 71 kg category Semifinal.

Earlier, Hussamuddin gave a walkover to his opponent in the Semifinal bout in the 57 kg category due to a knee injury. He had sustained a knee injury in his quarterfinal bout against J. Diaz Ibanez of Bulgaria. The Boxing federation of India said, after detailed assessment by the medical team, Team Management decided that he won’t take part in the semifinal to prevent the injury to aggravate further.

<><><>

IPL

In IPL Cricket, Mumbai Indians have set a target of 219 runs before Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Put in to bat, Mumbai scored 218 for the loss of five wickets in stipulated 20 overs. In reply, Gujarat Titans were 127 for 8 in 14.3 overs when reports last came in.

With their previous victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians climbed up to third spot in the points table, however they slipped to fourth spot after yesterday's win of Rajasthan Royals.

<><><>

FPR

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

⦁ The Globe and Mail reports, 18 years after Natalee Holloway’s disappearance, Peru to extradite key suspect to US.

⦁ The Financial Times writes, ECB too lax in supervising Europe’s largest banks, watchdog warns.

⦁ The Wall Street Journal reports, Pandemic-Era Border Policy Expires Amid Migrant Surge.

⦁ Japan Times reports, Families of those lost to COVID wrestle with mixed emotions as emergency ends.

⦁ The Straits Times reports, US, China officials meet in bid to move beyond spy balloon episode.

⦁ The Guardian reports, Iran expected to execute three protesters over killing of police officers.

⦁ Le Monde reports, Pakistan court grants bail for Imran Khan after arrest canceled.

<><><>

REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ Sixth Indian Ocean Conference begins in Bangladesh capital Dhaka; India reiterates commitment to well-being and progress of all nations of Indian Ocean.

⦁ New Delhi says, Indian Ocean Nations must be conscious of threats by extremism and fundamentalism taking advantage of democratic openness.

⦁ Islamabad High Court grants protection from arrest to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in all cases registered across Pakistan till Monday.

⦁ United States braces for surge of migrants at its southern borders as pandemic-related asylum restrictions expire, straining country's immigration system.

⦁ India's Retail inflation declines to 18-month low of 4.7 percent in April.

⦁ Cyclone Mocha intensifies into Very Severe Cyclonic Storm; Likely to make landfall along Bangladesh-Myanmar coast around Sunday noon.

 <><><>

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

 And With That, We End This Bulletin. We'll Be Back At The Same Time Tomorrow With The Next Edition of World News.

<><><>