NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on AKASHVANI. This is GEETANJALI MATHUR 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 asserts, every policy of the Government acts as door to generating employment; Distributes appointment letters to 71 thousand new recruits across the country.

⦁ Prime Minister Modi to embark on a three nation tour of Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia on the 19th of this month.

⦁ India and EU affirm commitment to work together on common priorities for WTO-related issues.

⦁ 76th Cannes Film Festival begins in France; India to participate with spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' showcasing its rich culture.

⦁ Qatar and Bahrain to resume flights as of May 25.

⦁ And in IPL Cricket, match between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians underway in Lucknow.

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PM-ROZGAR MELA

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed about 71 thousand appointment letters to newly inducted recruits through video conferencing on Tuesday. The Rozgar Mela was held at 45 locations across the country. Addressing the new appointees on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, in the last nine years, government has given priority to make its recruitment process faster, more transparent and impartial. He said, be it building modern infrastructure or rural development, every plan and policy of the government acts as a door to generating employment for the youth.

Mr Modi said, Rozgar Mela is the government's endeavour to empower the youth and strengthen their participation in national development.

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INDIA EU  

India and EU have emphasised the need for expediting the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations by finding convergence on all issues after due consideration to mutual sensitivities. Both sides also affirmed their commitment to work together on common priorities for WTO related issues. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a bilateral meeting with the European Commission Executive Vice President, Valdis Dombrovskis on the side lines of the first Ministerial meeting of India-European Union Trade and Technology Council at Brussels in .

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from both sides. During the bilateral discussions, the leaders recalled the long-standing partnership between the two sides and emphasized the need to work together to deepen the association given their commitment to democracy and rule-based international systems. Both sides recognised the need for consensus-based solutions including Permanent Solution on Public Stock Holding that would support the livelihoods and food security of people in India as well as in large parts of the developing world. They expressed hope that their joint efforts would enable finding meaningful solutions in the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference. This meeting was followed by meeting of the Working Group 3 Stakeholders co-chaired by Mr Goyal and Mr Dombrovskis.

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PM VISIT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three nation tour of Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia on the 19th of this month. He will be on a visit to Hiroshima in Japan from 19th May to 21st May at the invitation Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for the G-7 Summit. During the Summit, Prime Minister will speak at G-7 sessions with partner countries, on subjects such as peace, stability and prosperity of a sustainable planet food, fertiliser and energy security. He will also hold bilateral meetings with some of the participating leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

External Affairs Ministry said Prime Minister will then travel to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to host the third Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation jointly with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape on 22nd May. The FIPIC involves India and fourteen Pacific Island Countries. These are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Niue, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Palau, Nauru and Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Modi will have bilateral engagements in Papua New Guinea, including meetings with Governor-General Bob Dadae and Prime Minister James Marape. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea.

Thereafter, Mr Modi will visit Sydney in Australia on the 22nd of May itself to participate in the Quad Leaders’ Summit. The Summit provides an opportunity for the Leaders of QUAD nations to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and advance their vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

During his three day visit, Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on 24th May. Prime Minister will also interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and address the Indian diaspora at a community event in Sydney on 23rd May.

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PM-US VISIT

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States in the upcoming month, Principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State Vedant Patel has said that the US is looking forward to it and it will be an opportunity to deepen partnerships in issues such as trade, security  between the two nations. He also said that it will also play a role in working towards shared global challenges of health and climate crisis. Patel said that the State Department and its secretary Antony Blinken are critically involved in PM Modi's upcoming visit.

He said that the US is close with India on a number of vital priorities. Speaking of India's role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific he said, the state visit is also an important opportunity towards ensuring free and open Indo Pacific, making sure the region is more connected, propsperous, more secure and resilient.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section, we bring you a News Commentary on External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to Bangladesh,Sweden and Belgium.

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MEA-US STATE DEPT REPORT

The India's External Affairs Ministry has said that reports like US State Department 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom continue to be based on misinformation and flawed understanding. In response to media queries regarding release of the Report, Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it is regrettable that such reports continue to be based on misinformation and flawed understanding. He said motivated and biased commentary by some US officials only serves to undermine further the credibility of these reports. Mr Bagchi said India values its partnership with the US and will continue to have frank exchanges on issues of concern to us.

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PM ARUNACHAL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with a delegation of community leaders of various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh at his residence in Delhi on Tuesday. He expressed his happiness on meeting the delegation. He enquired about their experience of their recent visit to Gujarat, especially their visit to Kevadia and GIFT city. Prime Minister also discussed the historical and cultural ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that with support from the Central Government, many outstanding border issues, such as Assam-Arunachal border dispute, have been resolved.

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INDIA-CHINA COMMANDERS TALKS

The latest round of negotiations between the senior military commanders of India and China in an effort to sort out the issues across Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh began on Tuesday.

The day-long meeting at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) campsite along the LAC was carried out between an Indian Major General and his Chinese counterpart.

Different rounds of negotiations between the Indian Army commanders and PLA are organised from time to time to deal with the issues across LAC for better bilateral relations between the two countries.

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MANDAVIYA  

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has said Indian medical devices industry has the power to emerge as the global leader in manufacturing and innovation in the next 25 years. Interacting with representatives of Japanese Medical Devices Companies in Tokyo, the Minister said the medical devices sector is an essential and integral constituent of India’s healthcare sector. He highlighted that to invite investors from across the world, India is allowing 100 percent FDI under the automatic route for both Greenfield and Brownfield setups.

Mr Mandaviya said the sector’s contribution became even more prominent as India supported the domestic and global battle against COVID pandemic through large scale production of medical devices and diagnostic kits. He invited Japanese Medical Companies to take advantage of opportunities to “Make in India”, “Innovate in India”, and “Discover in India”.

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MUMBAI-ETWG MEETING  

On the second day of the  3rd Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting (ETWG) in Mumbai, over 100 delegates representing G20 member countries and special invitee countries deliberated on six priority areas, outlined under India’s Presidency. The priority areas include Energy transition through addressing technology gaps, Low-cost financing for energy transition, Energy security and diversified supply chains, Energy efficiency industrial low carbon transitions and responsible consumption, Fuels for Future and Universal access to clean energy and just, affordable and inclusive energy transition pathway.

On the sidelines of the ETWG, three seminars titled 'Small Modular Reactors for Clean Energy Transition', 'Off-Shore Wind' and 'Sharing global policies and best practices to decarbonize Hard to Abate sectors' were organised. Addressing the , ‘Small Modular Reactors for Clean Energy Transition’ seminar virtually,  India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that nuclear energy can help in mitigating the Climate change challenges.

Under India's Presidency, four ETWG meetings have been planned. The first two ETWG meetings were held in Bengaluru and Gandhinagar.

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INDIA-UK

India and the UK will hold the tenth round of talks for the proposed free trade agreement in New Delhi next month. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Director General of Foreign Trade, DGFT,  Santosh Kumar Sarangi said, the deadline to conclude the talks was Diwali last year, but it was extended for various reasons. He added that both the sides are aiming to conclude the negotiations at the earliest. Mr Sarangi expressed hope that the tenth round of negotiation from 5th to-9th June will make some substantial progress.

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PM MUSEUM EXPO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 on 18th of May at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The International Museum Expo is being organised as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 47th International Museum Day. The theme for this year is ‘Museums, Sustainability and Well Being’.

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IAF SEMINAR

India's Chief of the Air Staff, VR Chaudhuri has said that global supply chains have become increasingly complex and interconnected. He was speaking at the National Logistics Management Seminar, LOGISEM - 23, held in New Delhi on Tuesday. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhuri said Indian Air Force relies heavily on global supply chains for delivery of critical components, equipment and services to maintain its combat potential at optimum level. He pointed out that in recent times, the world has witnessed multiple and varied disruptions like COVID pandemic, Russia-Ukraine conflict, trade barriers, tariff wars, and environmental compliance policies. He added that such events have highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains to disruptions. He further said that to mitigate such disruptions, leveraging emerging trends such as digitisation, automation and data analytics should be exploited to enhance logistics capabilities.

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SANCHAR SAATHI

India's Minister for Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw  launched a Citizen Centric Portal named Sanchar Saathi Portal at a function in New Delhi on Tuesday through which mobile users can now track and block their lost mobile phones. The Sanchar Saathi Portal is an initiative of Department of Telecommunications. It empowers the citizens by allowing them to know the mobile connections issued in their names, get the connections not required by them disconnected and to block and trace the lost mobile phones.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, three important modules have been added in the portal to secure the mobile users from fraudulent activities.

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BANGLADESH-ADDITIONAL SECURITY

The government of Bangladesh has decided to withdraw the additional security currently being provided to some diplomatic missions in Dhaka. In a Press Release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that additional security including vehicles to support the movement of the diplomats in traffic was provided unofficially to some foreign diplomats after an terror incident in Dhaka a few years back. But the law and order situation in Bangladesh was now normal and there was no need for additional security, said the release. Currently, Diplomatic missions of the US, UK, India, and Saudi Arabia receive special security protocol from the government of Bangladesh. Most of the other Diplomatic Missions are provided with static armed guards outside their premises by the Diplomatic Security Division of Bangladesh Police in Dhaka.

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TURKEY ELECTION

In Turkey, the Supreme Election Council has confirmed that country's powerful President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will go head to head with his opposition rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu in a run-off vote. Mr Erdogan led the first round with 49.51 percent of the votes, while his main challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu polled 44.88 percent.  A second round will go ahead on 28 May with Mr Erdogan the clear favourite. Shortly before the announcement of the new date for the second round by Election Council President Ahmet Yener, Kilicdaroglu appealed to his supporters not to fall into despair and to stand and take on the election together. Mr Erdogan has been in power in Turkey for more than 20 years, first as prime minister and then as president, extending his powers still further after a failed coup in 2016.

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CAMBODIA ELECTION

Cambodia's main opposition party and the sole credible challenger to the country's long-time leader Hun Sen has been barred from contesting July's election. Electoral authorities disqualified the Candlelight Party on Tuesday for not having the right paperwork. Critics say with this move, Hun Sen has again eliminated any real challenge for the second election in a row.The party later said it would appeal in the country's constitutional body against the decision. Other parties have signed up to contest the general election, but Candlelight's disqualification means the the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) looks set to run virtually unopposed.

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QATAR AND BAHRAIN-FLIGHTS RESUME

The Civil Aviation Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain announced the resumption of flights between the  Bahrain and the State of Qatar, as of May 25, in accordance with what was agreed upon between the concerned authorities in the two brotherly countries.

The resumption of the flights between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar comes within the framework of the brotherly relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples, and in a manner that achieves the common aspirations of the leaderships and citizens of both countries. Qatar and Bahrain re-established diplomatic relations this month, more than two years after an Arab blockade on Doha was ended.

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NEW ZEALAND-FIRE  

Six people were killed in a fire at a hostel in New Zealand's Wellington. Around fifty people are being said to have escaped the building, while others are being accounted for by the Fire department. According to the police, cause of the fire for now remained unexplained, and they would be investigating alongside fire and emergency officials.

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CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

The 76th Cannes Film Festival will begin in France on Tuesday. The festival will officially commence with the world premiere of the Johnny Depp starring film Jeanne Du Barry. India's Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan will lead the Indian delegation at the 12-day event. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur will address the inaugural session through a video message to showcase India as a global hub for content creation.

Ahead of his visit to the Cannes Film Festival, Dr Murugan said, India will participate in the the Cannes Film Festival in the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' showcasing our rich culture under the powerful creative economy.

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IPL

In IPL Cricket,  chasing a target of 178 runs set by Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians were 115 for 3 in 14.1 overs in Lucknow, when reports last came in. Lucknow scored  177 losing three  wickets  in  stipulated 20 overs. Earlier, Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to field.

Last night, Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 34 runs in Ahmedabad.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

Key domestic indices today declined more than half a percent. The BSE Sensex closed near 61,900 points while the NSE Nifty settled below 18,300 level. Both indices declined amid mixed cues from global share markets. A report from the business desk-  

The Sensex fell 413 points to finish at 61,932. The Nifty at the National Stock Exchange slipped 112 points to end at 18,287.

Asian Stocks ended mixed and majority of them traded in a narrow range. Japan's Nikkei-225 climbed 0.7 per cent while China's Shanghai Composite index declined 0.6 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng, South Korea's Kospi index and Singapore's Straits Times index ended flat. European Markets were also trading in mixed and in a narrow range.

Oil prices were down in intra-day trade. Brent crude was trading at 75 dollars and 45 cents a barrel.

Back Home, Gold prices, at Multi Commodity Exchange for June contracts, were trading at around 60,655 rupees per 10 gram. On the other hand, silver was trading at 72,680 rupees per kilogram for July Contracts when reports last came in.

And In the forex market, the rupee closed at 82 rupees and 22 paise against the US dollar.  Anubha Raouthgi for World News, AKASHVANI.

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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 Wall Street Journal reports China’s Youth Unemployment Tops 20% Amid Signs of Stalling Recovery.

⦁ The Guardian writes Prince Harry begins second legal case against Home Office over his security.

⦁ Le Monde writes Macron clings to economic fundamentals to put pension crisis behind him.

⦁ Khabarhub writes Nepal: Economy Confronts a Challenge to National Stability.

⦁ Prothom Alo reports Bangladesh sees continued communal violence in 2022, says US report.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserts, every policy of the Government acts as door to generating employment; Distributes appointment letters to 71 thousand new recruits across the country.

⦁ Prime Minister Modi to embark on a three nation tour of Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia on the 19th of this month.

⦁ India and EU affirm commitment to work together on common priorities for WTO-related issues.

⦁ 76th Cannes Film Festival begins in France; India to participate with spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' showcasing its rich culture.

⦁ Qatar and Bahrain to resume flights as of May 25.

⦁ And in IPL Cricket, match between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians underway in Lucknow.

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

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

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