NAMASKAR! A warm welcome to 'World News: an Indian perspective on AKASHVANI. This is ABHINEET SHUKLA 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 gives ten-point 'call to action' at G-7 to address food, health and development related issues across the world.

⦁ Leaders at Quad Summit condemn terrorism and violent extremism, reaffirm commitment for dialogue and diplomacy.

⦁ Indian Prime Minister holds bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of G-7 Summit including French, US and Ukranian Presidents and Japanese Prime Minister.

⦁ Nepal announces the current decade as the VISIT NEPAL DECADE, revises tourism policies to boost tourism.

⦁ 4th India-Indonesia bilateral exercise Samudrashakti-23 concludes in South China sea.

⦁ India wins three gold and a bronze medal in Archery World Cup Stage 2 at Shanghai.

⦁ And in IPL, Chennai Super Kings qualifies for playoffs defeating Delhi Capitals by 77 runs in Delhi. 

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QUAD JOINT STATEMENT

The Quad leaders have unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. In a joint statement on saturday, they reiterated their condemnation of terrorist attacks including the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and in Pathankot. The leaders also emphasised on commitment to pursuing designations by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee as appropriate. The Quad leaders, comprising the leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, expressed their shared vision of a region where no country dominates and all countries are free from coercion. They said that the conscious must not be an era of war and  reaffirmed their commitment for dialogue and diplomacy.

The  leaders also affirmed their support for The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality, unity and recognizing its regional leadership role.

The Quad's positive, practical agenda covers a wide range of issues including addressing the climate crisis, achieving sustainable consumption and production, strengthening cooperation in clean energy, and supporting health security. The leaders announced various initiatives and partnerships to advance these goals, including the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Program, the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, and the Quad Health Security Partnership.

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PM - TEN POINT CALL G7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on saturday gave a 10-point call to action at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan to address food, health and development related issues plaguing the world. Addressing the G7 session on Working Together to Address Multiple Crises, Mr Modi suggested that the global leaders must develop inclusive food systems that protect the most vulnerable, including marginal farmers. He exhorted them to adopt millets, the path to nutritional and environmental benefit.  

The Prime Minister stressed on the need to promote digital health to ensure global universal health coverage and develop resilient health care system. He also suggested to build development models inspired by needs of developing countries. Mr Modi said, it is important to work together for the betterment of the planet and to address the challenges, the countries face relating to sectors such as health care, wellness and food security.

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J&K-G-20

Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta launched open quiz and photo competitions about “G20 in Kashmir” on the MyGov portal in Srinagar on saturday.

Both these competitions are available on the Jammu & Kashmir web portal www.jk.mygov.in.

Speaking about the competitions, Dr Mehta said that these initiatives area way of celebrating the prestigious international event of G20 happening under the presidency of India. He encouraged all the residents of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir especially the students, to participate in these contests to gain knowledge about this big forum and the local customs, traditions and locales.

The competitions  aim at promoting G20 awareness and its understanding among the citizens. They will also foster critical thinking skills amongst students by asking challenging questions that require them to think deeply about important summits thereby broadening their horizons, igniting their passion for global affairs and providing valuable experiences. After completion of the Quiz, the participants will get a certificate of participation also.

Regarding the G20 Photo Competition, the participants have to submit photographs capturing G20 landscapes in J&K in a creative way to capture the essence and impact of this important event. The photographs can have specific categories like cultures, traditions, tourism or people and relevance to the G20.

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MUMBAI-ECSWG

The 3rd Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting will begin in Mumbai on sunday. The main focus of this meeting will be on steering the discussions around Communique with a more outcome driven approach.

Speaking to Akashwani News, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Richa Sharma said  that the focus of the 3rd ECSWG meeting is on a sustainable and climate resilient blue economy.  

(S/B-Additional Secretary, MoEF&CC)

The three-day event will commence with a side event on Beach Clean Up in Juhu, Mumbai, which will be followed by the side event, the Ocean 20 Dialogue. The beach clean-up is an initiative aimed at enhancing awareness and to sensitize citizens on the role of community participation in safeguarding our coasts and oceans.

The Ocean 20 platform, launched during the Indonesia Presidency Dialogue is aimed to advance ideation and action for ocean solutions. To ensure continuity and build on the initiative, the Indian Presidency is demonstrating active leadership by anchoring the Ocean 20 Dialogue in the 3rd ECSWG which will focus on three significant pillars of the Blue Economy. Both the side events are aimed at promoting a sustainable and climate resilient Blue Economy.

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PM - JAPAN- G7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan on saturday. On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with several world leaders. During his meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron, he reviewed the progress in their Strategic Partnership in various areas, including cooperation in trade and economic spheres, civil aviation, renewables, co-production and manufacturing in defence sector, as well as civil nuclear cooperation. They agreed to expand the partnership to newer domains. The leaders exchanged views on regional developments and global challenges.

Mr. Modi also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the meeting, he conveyed India's clear support for dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to find a way forward for Ukraine. The Prime Minister also assured Mr. Zelensky that India would continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.

During the meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, both the leaders discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture, ways to synergize efforts of their respective G7 and G20 Presidencies, and the need to highlight the voice of Global South.

Prime Minister Modi had a productive meeting with the President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol. They talked about ways to further boost India-South Korea friendship in key developmental sectors and agreed to deepen cooperation in areas of trade and investment, high technology, IT hardware manufacturing, defense, semiconductor, and culture.

Prime Minister Modi also met his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh. Both the leaders discussed opportunities in the fields of defence, building resilient supply chains, energy, science and technology, human resource development, culture and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister also met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and reviewed and assessed the progress in bilateral relations.

Mr. Modi met the President of the United States of America Joe Biden. Earlier, as a symbol of friendship and goodwill, the Prime Minister also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima.

 The G7 Summit preferences include nuclear disarmament, economic resilience and security, regional issues, climate and energy, food, health and development. There are other priorities also like digitization and science and technology which will be highlighted during several sessions at the Summit. Japan has also invited Australia, Brazil, Comoros, Cook Islands, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam and some of the international organisations including the UN.

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VISIT NEPAL DECADE

In Nepal, the decade of the 2080s of Bikram Samvat will be marked as 'the Visit Nepal decade' and the year 2025 as the special year for tourism. This was announced by the President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel while presenting the policies and programmes for the fiscal year, 2080/81 at the joint meeting of the federal parliament. The tourism sector which witnessed a huge dent from the COVID crisis is slowly recovering.

The President announced that timely revisions would be made to tourism-related law. The tourist destinations would be popularized in the international community and the necessary infrastructure prepared accordingly.

With the collaboration of private sectors, 'Samarmatha Special Honour' will be conferred on foreign nationals considering their role in the promotion of Nepal's art, culture, language and literature in the international arena.

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SAMUDRA SHAKTI

The fourth edition of the Indo-Indonesia bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 concluded in the South China Sea. The sea phase held from 17th to 19th May witnessed the participation of ASW corvette INS Kavaratti with an integral Chetak helicopter and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the Indian Navy. KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda with an integral helicopter Panther and a CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft participated in the exercise from the Indonesian Navy. During the exercise, a series of complex exercises including tactical manoeuvres, weapon firings, helicopter operations, Air defence and Anti-Submarine warfare exercises were undertaken. According to the Defence Ministry, this exercise has enhanced interoperability between the two navies.

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JITENDRA-MUSEUM EXPO

Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh on saturday announced that 231 stolen antiques have been repatriated to India during the past nine years. The minister also highlighted the government's commitment to preserve India's heritage by setting up Science Museums across the country. Dr Singh noted that several museums have already been established in Aspirational Districts, showcasing traditional knowledge and recent achievements such as India's successful COVID-19 vaccine story. During his visit to the first International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized on the role of museums in cultural diplomacy and India's G-20 Presidency. The expo featured star objects from various museums and highlighted technological advancements in the museum sector.

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HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section, we bring you a  news commentery on museums are repositories of heritage prime minister.

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J&K-TERRORIST KILLED

In Jammu and Kashmir, a Pakistani intruder was shot dead along the Line of Control (LoC) in frontier district Poonch of Jammu division on saturday. Our Jammu Correspondent reports that the infiltrator was challenged by the army troops guarding the Balakote sector along the LoC in the Mendhar sub-division of the Poonch district when he was trying to sneak into this side from across the border. However, the intruder paid no heed to the repeated warnings and tried to flee back when troops opened fire, resulting in his death. An IED was recovered from the spot, which was destroyed in situ. Some narcotics that were recovered from the spot and have been seized. The whole area has been cordoned off and Searches are being conducted.

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US -F16 SUPPLY

In a major boost for Kyiv, the US has agreed for its Western allies to supply Ukraine with advanced fighter jets, including American-made F-16 fighter jets. The National security adviser of the US, Jake Sullivan said that President Joe Biden "informed his G7 counterparts" of the decision at the bloc's summit in Japan on Friday. In addition, the US troops will also train Kyiv's pilots to use the jets. Ukraine has long sought advanced jets and President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as a historic decision. Mr. Sullivan told reporters that the move was a part of Washington's long-term commitment to Ukraine's self-defence.

The Western countries can only resell or re-export American military hardware if the US approves it, so this decision clears the way for other nations to send their existing stocks of F-16s to Ukraine. The F-16 is widely used by a number of European and Middle East nations as well as the US, which still manufactures the aircraft.

On the other hand, the NATO member countries are concerned that handing jets to Ukraine would be viewed as escalating the war, risking a direct confrontation with Russia. Previously, the US stance was more of skepticism about the modern fighter jet supplies and it has focussed instead on providing military support on land.

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ARCHERY

In Archery World Cup Stage 2 at Shanghai on saturday, teenage Indian archer Prathamesh Jawkar defeated  the world number one Mike Schloesser of the Netherlands to win a maiden World Cup gold medal in the men's individual compound section.

In the non-Olympic compound section, India bagged two gold with the mixed team duo of Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam  beating top-seeded Korean team 156-155.

This was a successive World Cup gold medal for the mixed pair duo that had also won in the Antalya leg last month.

Earlier, in the Compound mixed team event on friday, mixed team duo of Sheetal & Rakesh also bagged gold.

Meanwhile, Avneet Kaur won bronze medal in the women’s individual compound category with a 147-144 victory over Ipek Tomruk of Turkey.

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EVE. IPL

In IPL Cricket, Chennai  Super Kings stormed into play-off  stage  beating Delhi Capitals by 77 runs in their last league stage match in New Delhi this evening. Opting to to bat  Chennai Super Kings made 223 for 3 in stipulated 20 overs. For CSK Devon Conway scored 87 while Ruturaj Gaikwad made 79 runs. In reply, Delhi Capitals managed only 146 for 9 in 20 overs. Skipper David Warner made 86 off 58 balls .

The second match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants is now underway in Kolkata. Chasing a traget of 177 runs, Kolkata Knight Riders were 114 for 4 in 15.1 overs when reports Last came in.

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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, Chinese Speech Fears Skyrocket After Military Attack on Comedian.

⦁ The Guardian writes, No one saw this level of devastation coming’: climate crisis worsens in Somalia.

⦁ Washington Post reports, Brazil indicts ex-officials over Amazon murder of journalist and colleague.

⦁ The Japan Times reports, As world's poor face 'compounding crises,' what could curb risks.

⦁ South China Morning Post writes, Ukraine’s Zelensky lands in Japan, says G7 summit will bring peace ‘closer’.

⦁ Khabarhub writes, In a lot of the world, the clock has hit midnight’: China is calling in loans to dozens of countries from Pakistan to Kenya.

⦁ The Globe and Mail writes, Air strikes hit Khartoum’s outskirts as Sudan’s war enters sixth week.

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REPEAT HEADLINES

⦁ India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives ten-point 'call to action' at G-7 to address food, health and development related issues across the world.

⦁ Leaders at Quad Summit condemn terrorism and violent extremism, reaffirm commitment for dialogue and diplomacy.

⦁ Indian Prime Minister holds bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of G-7 Summit including French, US and Ukranian Presidents and Japanese Prime Minister.

⦁ Nepal announces the current decade as the VISIT NEPAL DECADE, revises tourism policies to boost tourism.

⦁ 4th India-Indonesia bilateral exercise Samudrashakti-23 concludes in South China sea.

⦁ India wins three gold and a bronze medal in Archery World Cup Stage 2 at Shanghai.

⦁ And in IPL, Chennai Super Kings qualifies for playoffs defeating Delhi Capitals by 77 runs in Delhi. 

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

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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