NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on AKASHVANI. This is ADITI LOOMBA 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 reaches Hiroshima in Japan to attend G7 Summit.

⦁ Japan expresses keen interest in joining India's Unified Payments Interface, UPI system.

⦁ India hands over humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material to cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar.

⦁ Reserve Bank of India to withdraw 2,000 rupee notes from circulation; To remain as legal tender.

⦁ India says, it is developing mitigation programmes to reduce risk of losses from all hazards.

⦁ And, In Italian Open Tennis, Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina enters Women's singles final beating Russia's Veronika Kudermetova in the semifinal 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 in Rome.

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PM - JAPAN  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Hiroshima in Japan to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He embarked on a three nation tour of Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia on Friday morning. The G7 Summit has chosen several key priorities for the current Presidency. The broad terms of the G7 Summit preferences include nuclear disarmament, economic resilience and security, regional issues, climate and energy, food and health and development. There are other priorities also such as digitisation and science and technology which will be highlighted during several sessions at the Summit. India's participation at the Summit in Hiroshima would be structured around three formal sessions. Two sessions would be held on Saturday and the third one will be held on the 21st of May. The first session relates to food, health, development, and gender equality.

The second session is on climate, energy and environment. The third session is titled "Towards peaceful, stable and prosperous world". On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral discussions with several leaders of the G7. Japan has also invited Autralia, Brazil, Comorros, Cook Islands, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam and some of the international organisations including the UN. Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his Japanese counterpart and unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima. A QUAD leaders meeting is being planned in Hiroshima with leaders of all QUAD nations. Our correspondent reports that India's regular participation at the G7 Summits clearly points to increasing recognition that India should be a part of any serious effort to resolve global challenges, including those of peace, security, development and environment preservation.

Briefing the media in New Delhi on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, on the second leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will reach Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea on Sunday evening.

Prime Minister Modi will travel to Sydney in Australia on Monday.

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G7-JAPAN

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida welcomed the G7 leaders in Hiroshima ahead of the commencement of the Summit. The leaders laid wreaths at the Peace Memorial Park and planted saplings there. Prime Minister Kishida, European Council President Charles Michel, US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also posed for the picture.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the only structure left standing in the area, depicting the aftermath where the world's first atomic bomb was dropped on the city on 6th of August, 1945.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section, we bring you a discussion on G7 Summit and Significance of  Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia. In conversation are Experts: Anil Wadhwa, Former Ambassador and Nilova Roy Chaudhury, Senior Journalist.

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JAPAN-UPI

Japan has expressed keen interest in joining India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. In an interview with a media channel, Japanese Digital Minister Kono Taro highlighted the ongoing digital cooperation between the two countries. He said, this move aims to enhance interoperability and mutual recognition of e-IDs. Responding to Mr Taro's statement, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed gratitude for the recognition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India vision. Mr Vaishnaw added that the vision has gained traction globally and the people understood how it has democratised digital technology.

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MYANMAR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

India has handed over humanitarian assistance and disaster relief  material to Myanmar which was ravaged by cyclone Mocha on May 14. Ambassador Vinay Kumar handed over the relief material to the people affected by the Cyclone Mocha to Yangon Region Chief Minister on Thursday under ‘Operation Karuna’.

The relief material brought by the INS Shivalik, INS Kamorta and INS Savitri included food items, tents, portable generators, clothes, water pumps, medicines, tarpaulins, hygiene and sanitary items, wheel chairs, face masks etc. Another ship INS Gharial with emergency materials and medical kits will be arriving shortly. The materials are being sent immediately to the Rakhine state for distribution among the affected communities.

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RBI-DENOMINATION

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to withdraw 2,000 rupess denomination banknotes from circulation. RBI has said members of the public may deposit 2,000 rupess banknotes into their bank accounts or exchange them into banknotes of other denominations at any bank branch. The 2,000 rupess notes, however, will continue to be legal tender.

  In a statement released on Friday, the central bank stated that in pursuance of the “Clean Note Policy” of the Reserve Bank of India, it has decided to withdraw the 2000 rupess denomination banknotes from circulation. The central bank added that in order to ensure operational convenience and to avoid disruption of regular activities of bank branches, exchange of 2000 rupess banknotes into banknotes of other denominations can be made upto a limit of 20,000 rupess at a time at any bank starting from May 23, 2023. Additionally, the facility for exchange of 2,000 rupess bank notes up to the limit of 20,000 rupess at a time will be provided at the 19 Regional Offices of the RBI having issue departments from May 23.

The RBI has added that in order to complete the exercise in a time-bound manner and to provide adequate time to the members of public, all banks shall provide deposit and/or exchange facility for 2000 rupess banknotes until September 30, 2023.

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JITENDRA-SCO

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh has emphasized on the importance of collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation among countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Virtually addressing the Seventh Session of the Heads of Ministries and Agencies of Science and Technology of SCO Member States, Dr. Singh expressed India's readiness to work closely with other member countries in addressing emerging challenges.

He highlighted the shared challenges faced by SCO nations, such as food security, climate change, healthcare, and energy access, and emphasized the need for joint efforts in finding affordable scientific solutions.

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MEA -TAHAWWUR RANA

External Affairs Ministry has said that it is in regular touch with the US authorities to ensure that there is speedy and early extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana. Replying to media queries in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said a judgement was given by the local US court there on the matter.

He added that conversation of India with the US side is continuing. On the upgradation of the current framework agreement that India has with Australia, the Foreign Secretary said that discussions on broad-basing trade, investment and other elements of economic partnership between India and Australia is an ongoing discussion. He said the end objective is to upscale and upgrade the current framework of partnership into a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement.

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NIA

India's National Investigation Agency, NIA arrested two wanted close associates of Canada based ‘listed terrorist’ Arsh Dhalla when they arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport from Manila, Philippines. The duo, identified as Amritpal Singh alias Ammy and Amritk Singh, both hailing from Punjab, were nabbed by the NIA in an operation on Friday morning.

The accused had non-bailable arrest warrants issued against them by the NIA Delhi Court in a case related to the unlawful and violent activities of banned organisations in India. They also have several criminal cases registered against them in Punjab. NIA had registered a suo moto case on 20th August last year under various sections of IPC and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. .

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PK MISHRA-UN  

India told the UN General Assembly that it is developing ambitious mitigation programmes to reduce the risk of losses from all hazards. Principal Secretary to Prime Minister PK Mishra said, India accord high importance to disaster risk reduction issues.

Mr Misha was speaking at the Risk Reduction Hub Event during the High-level meeting of the midterm review of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 that is taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

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UK RUSSIA SANCTIONS

The United Kingdom has announced ban on Russian diamonds alongside the military-industrial complex and metals in fresh round of sanctions ahead of G7 meeting in Japan. In a statement, UK government said, the ban has also been announced on imports of Russian-origin copper, aluminium and nickel. Along with these trade sanctions, the UK is also preparing to target an additional 86 members of Russia's military-industrial complex as well as those engaged in vital industries including energy, metals, and shipping.

The statement said, as the UK continues to engage with G7 allies to address all types of sanctions circumvention, they also include those who actively help the Kremlin in its efforts to weaken the impact of current sanctions.

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INDIAN-ROYAL SAUDI NAVAL FORCE COLLABORATION

In a major  move aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Force, cadets from the latter are in India for 24 days of afloat training. 55 cadets from the King Fahd Naval Academy, Saudi Arabia arrived this week in Kochi, the headquarters of India's Southern Naval Command, as part of their first-ever training with the Indian Navy.

55 cadets along with five Directing Staff from King Fahd Naval Academy, Saudi Arabia arrived onboard First Training Squadron (1TS) ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata at Kochi as part of afloat training with the Indian Navy on 16 May 23.

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SUBMARINE-VAGHSHEER

The Indian Navy's sixth and final Kalvari class submarine, Vaghsheer, has begun its sea trials. Vaghsheer is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after completion of these trials. The submarine was launched on 20th April last year from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said, MDL has delivered three submarines of the Project-75 in 24 months and the commencement of sea trials of the sixth submarine is a significant milestone. It said this is indicative of the boost towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.

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ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT  

The 32nd Summit of the Arab League is currently taking place in Jeddah, with the primary focus on Syria's reinstatement into the league and the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Arab heads of state and government, including Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad, have gathered to participate in the meeting, aiming to discuss greater unity and integration to address major crises in the region.

The summit coincides with Saudi CroPrince Mohammed bin Salman's active regional diplomacy, mirroring his previous determination in engaging with Iran and regional proxies. 

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE

At the stock markets, both the Sensex and the Nifty posted modest gains; but the rupee weakened agasint the dollar. In the international market, Brent crude futures traded higher. A report from the business desk-  

At the stock markets, the Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange climbed 298 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 61,730, today. The Nifty at the National Stock Exchange added 73 points, or 0.4 percent, to end at 18,203.

In other global bourses, Japan's Nikkei-225 index climbed 0.8 percent; South Korea's Kospi index adanced 0.9 percent and Singapore's Straits Times index gained 0.5 percent. But China's Shanghai Composite index fell 0.4 percent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined 1.4 percent.

In Europe, London's FTSE-100 had gained 0.4 percent; France's CAC-40 had climbed 0.8 percent and Germany's DAX had added 0.7 percent, in intra-day trade.

Global crude oil prices traded higher today as investors turned cautiously optimistic over the fading risk of a US debt default. So, the Brent futures rose 69 cents, to 76.55 dollars a barrel. The US crude futures gained 56 cents, to 72.42 dollars a barrel.

Back Home, gold fell 105 rupees, to 60,045 rupees per ten grams at Delhi's bullion market amid weak global cues. But silver climbed 255 rupees, to 73,500 rupees per kilo.

And At the forex market, the rupee weakened 6 paise, to 82.66 againt the US dollar. Arjun Choudhary for World News, AKASHVANI.

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ITALIAN OPEN-TENNIS

In Italian Open Tennis, Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina has entered the Women's singles final beating 11th seed Russia's Veronika Kudermetova in the semifinal 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 in Rome, a short while ago.

Later, reigning Wimbledon Champion and seventh seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan will take on former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the second Semifinal.

Men's Singles semifinals will be played on Saturday. While third seed Daniil Medvedev will take on fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, fourth seed Casper Ruud of Norway of will meet World Number Seven Holger Rune of Denmark.

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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 Puts Spymaster in Charge of U.S. Corporate Crackdown.

⦁ The Guardian writes, Kidnapped Australian Dr Ken Elliott released by al-Qaida in Africa after seven-year fight for freedom.

⦁ Washington Post reports, Arab embrace of Assad underscores divergence with U.S. over Syria.

⦁ The Japan Times reports, NATO revisits Cold War past with first major defense plans in decades.

⦁ Khabarhub writes, G7 to increase financial pressure on Russia.

⦁ The Globe and Mail writes, Chinese comedian’s crack about the military results in 6-million dollar fine.

⦁ The Straits Times reports, Warming world risks adding 9 million deaths annually, WHO warns..

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Hiroshima in Japan to attend G7 Summit.

⦁ Japan expresses keen interest in joining India's Unified Payments Interface, UPI system.

⦁ India hands over humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material to cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar.

⦁ Reserve Bank of India to withdraw 2,000 rupee notes from circulation; To remain as legal tender.

⦁ India says, it is developing mitigation programmes to reduce risk of losses from all hazards.

⦁ And, In Italian Open Tennis, Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina enters Women's singles final beating Russia's Veronika Kudermetova in the semifinal 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 in Rome.

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

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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