Akashvani , National news, All India Radio News

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.

WN-THE HEADLINES:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, BIMSTEC framework showcase India’s commitment to create enabling environment for rapid development of region through joint endeavours.

• India and Germany reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance industrial partnership.

• Indian Navy carries out successful test of indigenous heavyweight Torpedo to destroy underwater target.

• President Droupadi Murmu says, India and Suriname bilateral ties based on shared aspirations for development.

• NCB busts darknet-based pan-India network of drug cartel, making largest ever seizure of LSD.

• White House lauds health of Indian democracy; says it is vibrant.

• And, in Badminton, India’s Kidambi Srikanth, Priyanshu Rajawat and Men’s Doubles pair of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila enter second round of Singapore Open.

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WN BIMSTEC -LEADERS       

Leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen regional cooperation. The leaders issued messages on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the BIMSTEC on Tuesday, 6th June. Secretary General Tenzin Lekphell in his message on this occasion said that as it marks its 26th anniversary, BIMSTEC seeks to revisit and re-examine its working methods to better serve the people through the appointment of an Eminent Persons Group to put forth practical recommendations on its future directions. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to meet the challenges of the economic crisis caused by the Ukraine war. She commended BIMSTEC for creating its administrative and regulatory structure and its charter. She reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to help BIMSTEC in transforming itself into a results-driven organisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message said that BIMSTEC framework is India’s commitment to create an enabling environment for the rapid development of the region through joint endeavours in a spirit of equality and friendship. He said the current efforts to have a maritime cooperation agreement and an agreement to facilitate the movement of motor vehicles across the region reinforces the importance of the Bay of Bengal for our collective security, connectivity and prosperity. BIMSTEC is a regional organisation. Established in 1997, it comprises seven member states including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal. Its headquarter is based in Dhaka.

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WN RAJNATH-GERMANY BILATERAL

India and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and explore ways to further enhance the defence industrial partnership. The decision was taken during a delegation level talk between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi on Tuesday. In the meeting, both the leaders discussed regional issues and shared priorities of both nations. Mr. Singh highlighted the opportunities that have opened up in the defence production sector, including the possibilities for German investments in the two Defence Industrial Corridors in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He stressed that India’s skilled workforce and competitive costs along with Germany’s high technologies and investment can further strengthen defence ties. The bilateral meeting was preceded by a Tri-Service Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary. Earlier, the German Minister laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. German Federal Minister of Defence is on a four-day visit to India.

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WN NAVY-TORPEDO

Indian Navy on Tuesday carried out successful test to destroy underwater target using Made in India heavy weight Torpedo. A Navy spokesperson said that the successful engagement of an underwater target by an indigenously developed Heavy Weight Torpedo was a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO’s) quest for accurate delivery of ordnance on target in the underwater domain. The spokesperson said, this showcases Indian Navy’s commitment to future proof combat readiness. This is the second sea-level test in a fortnight. Last month, the Navy tested an advanced missile from the destroyer INS Mormugao. The missile, known as 'Sea Skimming', hit the target floating in the sea from below. The missile is capable of hitting its target up to a distance of 300 kilometre.

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WN PRESIDENT- SURINAME

President Droupadi Murmu lauded the Indian diaspora in Suriname as an important pillar of the deepening partnership between India and Suriname. The President said this while addressing a gathering at the Independence Square in Paramaribo, on the occasion of the commemoration of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in Suriname on Monday. The President said that she was happy to note that despite the vast geographical distances, the different time zones and cultural diversity, the Indian diaspora has always remained attached to their roots. The President said that at a time when Suriname is celebrating the legacy of its ancestors and its links with India, India stands with Suriname in solidarity and reverence. The President also said that India-Suriname bilateral relations are based on shared aspirations for development. The President is on a 3 day state visit to Suriname. On Monday, at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, President Murmu was conferred with the highest civilian honour of Suriname ‘Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star’ by the President of Suriname. In her acceptance remarks, the President thanked President Santokhi and the Government of Suriname for bestowing upon her this honour. She also dedicated the honour to the successive generations of the Indian-Surinamese community, who have played a stellar role in enriching the fraternal ties between the two countries.

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Earlier in the visit, delegation level talks were conducted and 3 MoUs were signed between the two countries. Two MoUs were signed in the field of Health and one in the field of Agriculture. The Government of India also announced the extension of the OCI facility to the 5th & 6th generation of Persons of Indian origin in Suriname, a long standing demand of the Indian diaspora living in Suriname. On the concluding day of her visit on Tuesday, President Murmu visited the Lallarookh Museum, dedicated to preserving the history and cultural heritage of the Hindustani population in Suriname. She also offered prayers at the Arya Dewaker Mandir, the largest temple in Suriname and Shri Vishnu Mandir, headquarters of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha in Suriname.

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WN HM-NCB DRUGS

Home Minister Amit Shah has congratulated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) team on busting an international narcotics syndicate. In a tweet, Mr Shah said, realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to create a drug-free India, the NCB team has busted the syndicate and seized 15 thousand blots of LSD drug. He said, great coordination between cyber vigilance and human intelligence has made it possible as the dark net and cryptocurrencies were used to trade these drugs. The Union Home Minister said, due to intensified vigilance and improved coordination, drug seizures have exponentially increased in India in the last few years.

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WN NAVY-DURBAN    

The Indian Navy will participate in a commemorative event to mark 130 years of the start of struggle against apartheid at the Pietermaritzburg, Railway Station near Durban. INS Trishul, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy is visiting Durban from 6th June till 9th June to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the 7th Jun 1893 incident at Pietermaritzburg, Railway Station as also 30 years of re-establishment of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa. The ship will participate in a commemorative event at Pietermaritzburg Railway Station which would include paying floral tributes at the Plinth of Mahatma Gandhi and a performance by the Indian Navy band. The ship will also participate in other professional and social engagements during the visit.        Mahatma Gandhi had arrived in Durban, South Africa, in 1893 to serve as legal counsel to the merchant Dada Abdulla. On 7th June 1893, during a trip to Pretoria in the Transvaal, he first arrived at Pietermaritzburg station. Gandhiji who was seated in the first-class compartment after having purchased a ticket, was evicted from the compartment at the behest of a European since as per him coolies and non-whites were not permitted in first-class compartments. The incident is considered to be the trigger which led to Gandhiji’s fight against racial oppression and to the birth of Satyagraha. The story of Mahatma Gandhi’s travails at Pietermaritzburg Railway Station acquired another life on April 25, 1997 when, in a moving ceremony at Pietermaritzburg Railway Station, presided by Nelson Mandela, then President of South Africa, the Freedom of Pietermaritzburg was conferred posthumously on Mahatma Gandhi. Gathered together to right a century-old wrong, President Mandela had recalled Gandhi’s magnificent example of personal sacrifice and dedication in the face of oppression. The Defence Ministry said, INS Trishul’s visit to Durban is in continuation with the Indian Navy’s celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav by celebrating key moments that shaped India’s Independence struggle.

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WN-HOTSPOT

In today's hotspot section, we bring you a commentary on India-United States Defence-Industrial Cooperation.

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WN WHITE HOUSE LAUDS INDIAN DEMOCRACY    

The White House on Monday appeared to dismiss the criticism related to India's democratic health under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. John Kirby, the Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House's National Security Council, said that India is a vibrant democracy. At a news conference in Washington, in response to a question, John Kirby stressed that the US administration never shies away from expressing concerns that U.S. might have with anyone around the world. Kirby mentioned that during the Shangri-La conference, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced further defence cooperation plans with India. With respect to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US later this month, Kirby hoped for a deeper, stronger partnership and friendship going forward. Emphasizing the significance of India-US bilateral relations, Kerby noted that India is important to the US, not just bilaterally between the two of our nations but multilaterally. In addition, Kirby noted India's vital role as a friend and partner in preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific region as well as its membership in the Pacific Quad.

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WN SRI LANKA-ENERGY        

Sri Lanka is set to achieve regional energy integration with grid connectivity with India by 2030. Sri Lanka’s Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said in a tweet that Regional energy integration has been discussed for more than two decades and the government has made it a priority to implement the India-Sri Lanka grid connection by 2030. He added that the World Bank has been actively assisting the state-run Ceylon Electricity Board in understanding the technical aspects and business models necessary for the project. The plan aligns with the vision articulated by the External Affairs Minister earlier this year, highlighting Sri Lanka's vast renewable energy potential and the capability of Trincomalee to become an energy hub. Both countries had also agreed in principle on a renewable energy framework to foster further cooperation. This integration is expected to pave the way for enhanced energy security, sustainability, and economic development in the region.

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WN IDY-SL

And now we have a report on Sri lanka organizing a 50-day prelude to celebrate the International Day of Yoga.

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WN BANGLADESH-INFLATION     

Bangladesh recorded its highest monthly inflation rate in over a decade as the monthly inflation reached 9.94 percent in May. It is the highest inflation rate since 2010-11 when it was reported to be 10.11 percent. The latest data was released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Monday. The increase in inflation is attributed to rise in food and non-food prices during this period. The average inflation for the period June 2022 to May 2023 has gone up to 8.84 percent which is higher than the budgetary target of 5.6 percent. Inflation in April 2023 was reported to be 9.24 percent and in March at 9.33 percent which is higher than the comparative months in April 2022 at 6.29 percent and March 2022 at 6.22 percent. BBS has changed the base index for calculation of inflation from 2005-06 to 2021-22 and changed its methodology for Consumer Price Index (CPI) compilation following the latest 2020 CPI manual of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Earlier, on Monday, addressing party leaders and activists in Dhaka Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is facing difficulty due to the rise in price of gas, fuel, transport, commodities because of global rise in prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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WN IRAN SAUDI MISSIONS      

Iran says, it would reopen its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, restoring diplomatic ties after a seven-year rift. Iran's foreign ministry's spokesman, Nasser Kanaani said that the Iranian Embassy in Riyadh, its consulate general in Jeddah, and office of the permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would officially reopen on Tuesday and Wednesday. In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to establish diplomatic ties, in a Chinese-brokered deal, representing a major breakthrough in the region. Saudi Arabia broke ties with Iran in 2016 after protesters invaded Saudi diplomatic posts in Tehran and the northeastern city of Mashhad during demonstrations triggered by the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric and 46 others in the oil-rich Kingdom.

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WN HAITI FLOODS      

In Haiti, at least 42 people were dead and 11 are missing after heavy rains at the weekend triggered flooding and landslides. The country, which is already engaged in a protracted humanitarian disaster caused by gang warfare, political failure, and economic stagnation, was hit by terrible weather. According to the United Nations, the severe rains affected 37 thousand people and displaced 13 thousand four hundred. According to Haitian officials, the town of Leogane, located 40 kilometers southwest of the capital Port-auPrince, was also  badly hit by flooded rivers and twenty people died. UN coordinator of humanitarian action in Haiti said, thousands of families were affected in the town and urgently needed food, drinking water and medicine. Prime Minister Ariel Henry activated the National Emergency Operation Center in response.

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WN WTC FINAL-INDIA-AUS

Team India will play the second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final in as many editions and will look to go one better this time around as they take on Australia at the Oval in London for the summit clash on Wednesday. Australia topped the WTC points table in the 2021-23 cycle with 66.67 points per cent (PCT) in 19 Tests, while India made its cut for the final with 58.8 PCT after beating the Kangaroos 2-1 in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home.

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WN SINGAPORE OPEN

India’s Kidambi Srikanth and men’s double pair of Arjun and Dhruv Kapila entered the second round of the Singapore Open 2023 on Tuesday. P. Rajawat beat japanese K. Tsuneyama while Srikanth defeated Kantaphon Wangcharoen of Thailand 21-15, 21-19. On the other hand, the Indian duo of Arjun and Dhruv beat France’s Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar 21-16, 21-15. Meanwhile, Shuttler PV Sindhu and Sania Nehwal lost there matches. HS Prannoy also lost to Japan's Kodai Narakoa.

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WORLD NEWS CAPSULE    

Key domestic indices today ended on a flat note in the volatile session. The Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange settled below the 62,800 mark while the Nifty at the National Stock Exchange ended close to 18,599 level. A report from the business desk-

 [WN-BUSINESS CAP-ANUBHA]

"The Sensex climbed 5 points or 0.01 percent to finish at 62,792. The Nifty advanced 5 points or 0.03 percent to end at 18,594. Asian market finished with mixed results as Japan's Nikkei-225 jumped 0.9 per cent, Singapore's Straits Times index climbed 0.03 per cent and South Korea's Kospi rose 0.5 per cent while China's Shanghai Composite index down by 1.16 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.05 per cent. European market had a all red day as London's FTSE-100 declined by 0.3 per cent, France's CAC-40 fell 0.2 per cent and Germany's DAX lost 0.18 per cent when reports last came in. In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading at 75 dollars and 38 cents a barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude price was at 70 dollars and 76 cents per barrel when reports last came in. Back Home, Gold prices, at Multi Commodity Exchange for August contracts, were trading at around 60016 rupees per 10 gram. On the other hand, silver was trading at 72320 rupees per kilogram for July Contracts when reports last came in. And in the forex market, the rupee today closed at 82 rupees and 61 paise against the US dollar. Anubha Rohatagi for World News, AKASHVANI."

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WN-FPR

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

• The Washington Post says, Global economy struggles amid inflation, pandemic aftershocks and war.

• The Globe and Mail writes, Protesters march in France as unions make last-ditch bid to resist higher retirement age.

• The Financial Times reports, US prepared to address ‘aggressiveness’ of Chinese military.

• South China Morning Post writes, China, Russia joint air patrols veer close to South Korean airspace, Seoul says.

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A QUICK LOOK AT THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, BIMSTEC framework showcase India’s commitment to create enabling environment for rapid development of region through joint endeavours.

• India and Germany reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance industrial partnership.

• Indian Navy carries out successful test of indigenous heavyweight Torpedo to destroy underwater target.

• President Droupadi Murmu says, India and Suriname bilateral ties based on shared aspirations for development.

• NCB busts darknet-based pan-India network of drug cartel, making largest ever seizure of LSD.

• White House lauds health of Indian democracy; says it is vibrant.

• And, in Badminton, India’s Kidambi Srikanth, Priyanshu Rajawat and Men’s Doubles pair of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila enter second round of Singapore Open.

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