India News – May 1-15, 2021, Vol 1 Issue 21

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With Quad at its strongest, US-Japan pledge Vaccinated Australians to have greater int'l travel freedom to work with India on free Indo-Pacific

By Arul Louis New York, April 17 (IANS): Declaring that the Quad "has never been stronger", the US and Japan have reiterated their commitment to work with India and Australia to build a free and "thriving" Indo-Pacific where, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga warned the "security environment has become increasingly severe".

Continued on Page 3

Canberra, April 18 (IANS): Vaccinated Australians could be allowed to travel overseas and quarantine at home on their return before the "vast majority" of the population has been inoculated against Covid-19, a Minister said on Sunday.

remain closed even after the entire population is vaccinated, but Stuart Robert, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, said on Sunday that Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made it "quite clear" that he wants borders open.

As of Sunday morning, there has been 1.48 million vaccines administered in Australia, reports Xinhua news agency.

“One of the challenges, of course, is if we vaccinate the population, it is voluntary,” Robert told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Continued on Page 3

While Health Minister Greg Hunt has said Australia's borders could

India reports 3.14 lakh new Covid Lockdown should be the last resort: Modi

cases, highest-ever daily spike New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): India reported 3,14,835 Covid-19 new cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since the onset of the pandemic early last year, taking the overall infection tally to 1,59,30,965 on Thursday, according to data from the Union Health Ministry.

2,17,353 on April 16 and 2,00,739 on April 15.

Meanwhile, 2,104 additional people died due to the virus, which took the total death toll to 1,84,657.

at 2,29,142.

A total of 1,78,841 infected people recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the total recoveries to 1,34,54,880.

Student Visas I Skilled Visas I Tourist Visas The Health Ministry said that a This is the second consecutive Visas total ofI 16,51,711 samples were Temporary Graduate Business Migration day that the country has tested in the last 24 hours. So far, registered over I2,000 deaths in a Visa a totalSpecialist of 27,27,05,103 samples have Family stream Visas Partner I Sponsored Visas Since April 15, India has continued single-day. been tested in the country. to report over 2 lakh new Covid-19 Job Ready I Skill Assessments representation On Wednesday, 2,023 deaths were AccordingI toAAT the government cases on a daily basis.

There were 2,95,041 new cases on Wednesday, 2,59,170 cases on April 20, 2,73,510 on April 19, 2,61,500 on April 18, 2,34,692 on April 17,

reported, which was the highest single-day spike so far.

With the fresh Covid-19 cases, the country's active caseload stands

data, a total of 22,11,334 people were also vaccinated in the same period, taking the total inoculation count to 13,23,30,644.

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New Delhi, April 21 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday advised the state governments to use lockdown as the last resort to contain the spread of the Covid-19 cases. He said that instead of lockdown, the focus should be on creating 'micro containment zones'.

In his address to the nation on Tuesday evening, Modi said: “In today’s circumstances, we have to save the country from lockdown.

We have to concentrate on micro containment zones and have to try our best to avoid lockdown.”

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21 Andhra Pradesh logs 10k infections, active tally at 66k

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

Lockdown should be the last resort: Modi Continued from Page 1 The Prime Minister emphasized that along with saving lives, the effort was on to save the economic activities and ensure minimum adverse impact on the livelihood of the people.

"By opening vaccination for those who are 18 years and above, vaccine will be available quickly for the workforce in the cities," he said.

The Prime Minister suggested the state governments to boost the confidence of the workers and convince them to stay wherever they are.

"This confidence by the states will greatly help the workers and labourers and they will get the vaccine wherever they are and their work will also not suffer," Modi said.

On shortage of oxygen, Modi said: "The government is working with speed and sensitivity to meet the increasing demand of oxygen in the various parts of the country.

The Centre, state governments and private sector are trying to ensure that every needy person

gets oxygen."

"Efforts to increase oxygen production and supply are on at various levels. Measures like installing new oxygen plants, providing one lakh new cylinders, diverting oxygen from the industrial use, are being undertaken."

Lauding the efforts of scientists, the Prime Minister said: "Our scientists came out with the vaccine in a very short time and today India has the cheapest vaccine in the world. Due to this team effort, India has embarked upon the world's largest vaccination drive with two 'Made in India' vaccines."

He further stated that from the very first phase of the vaccination drive, it has been emphasized that the vaccine reaches the maximum number of areas, and to the people who need it.

He pointed out that India gave the first 10 crore, 11 crore and the 12 crore vaccine doses in the shortest time in the world.

Speaking about the government's

agreed "to oppose any attempts to change the status quo" through "intimidation of others in the region", a reference that covers China's escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control in the Himalayas over the past year.

The Quad is made up of India, the US, Japan and Australia and has assumed an important role in Washington's strategy to confront China's military, economic and diplomatic challenges.

He said that they will also take on attempts by China to use "force or coercion in the East and South China Seas", where Beijing has had confrontations with several countries including Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines in their territorial waters.

Signifying the importance Biden places on Beijing's threat, his first multilateral summit after becoming President was held last month with the Quad Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India, Scott Morrison of Australia and Suga.

While Japan and the US "will take the lead to promote the vision" of a free and open Indo-Pacific "through concrete efforts, we will also cooperate with other countries and regions, including the ASEAN, Australia, and India", the Prime Minister added.

In the coronavirus-stricken world where travel is limited, Suga became the first foreign leader to physically visit the White House in Biden's presidency further highlighting the China factor.

Because "the regional security environment has become increasingly severe", Suga said, "the deterrence and response capabilities of our alliance must be strengthened".

Speaking at a White House news conference, Suga said that they "had serious talks on China's influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and the world at large" and

"I conveyed my resolve to reinforce Japan's defence capabilities while President Biden again demonstrated America's commitment to the defence of Japan."

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Vaccinated Australians to have greater int'l travel freedom Continued from Page 1

Monday's decision, he said that after May 1 every person above 18 years of age can be vaccinated and half of the vaccine produced in India will go directly to the states and hospitals.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the country has much better knowledge and resources to meet the challenge than the initial days of the first wave.

Modi also credited the people of India for a good and patient fight.

"With the strength of people's participation, we will be able to defeat this wave of Corona too," he said.

He saluted the contribution of social organisations who are helping the people in the time of need and called upon everyone to move forward to help the people who require help.

The Prime Minister also called upon the youth to help in maintaining Covid appropriate behaviour in their areas and neighbourhood. "This will help in avoiding containment zones, curfews or lockdowns."

With Quad at its strongest, US-Japan pledge to work with India on free Indo-Pacific Continued from Page 1 In a joint statement issued on Friday after their talks, US President Joe Biden and Suga said: "Together, we will continue to work with allies and partners, including with Australia and India through the Quad, which has never been stronger, to build the free, open, accessible, diverse, and thriving Indo-Pacific we all seek."

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"We'd hope that the vast majority of Australians would be vaccinated. But if only 80 per cent are vaccinated or 90 per cent, you would still have 10 per cent who are not vaccinated, over the age of 18, and therefore unprotected.

"And that leaves open the opportunity, unfortunately, for Covid-19 to still roll through the community. And that's just the reality of when people have choices, as they should in Australia," Robert added.

Earlier on Sunday, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said

"work was well underway" on a plan that would allow vaccinated Australians to quarantine at home on arrival in the country.

"We are looking to open international borders as quickly as we possibly can but the role of the government is to make sure we are keeping Australians safe and secure," she told Sky News.

"We are working across government, with many agencies, to ensure we are ready and able to support the opening of borders as and when that happens. We will be led by the health advice."

Biden spoke of the effort launched at the Quad summit to jointly provide one billion Covid-19 vaccine doses to countries in the region, with India being the manufacturer.

"Top of our agenda is, of course, getting the pandemic under control and helping our friends and neighbours throughout the Indo-Pacific region to recover.

Earlier this year, we, together with India and Australia, launched the landmark Quad Vaccine Partnership to expand the manufacturing of Covid-19 vaccines and assist countries throughout the region with vaccination efforts," he said.

Biden highlighted the challenges from China in science, technology and industry and announced a new Competitive and Resilience partnership (CORE) with Japan, another leader in innovations.

"We're going to work together across a range of fields, from promoting secure and reliable 5G networks; to increasing our cooperation on supply chains for critical sectors like semiconductors; to driving joint research in areas like Artificial Intelligence, genomics, quantum computing, and much more, as he said.

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

New Covid cases spike to 25,795 in Karnataka Photo Courtesy: IANS

Hassan, 659 in Kalaburagi, 587 in Kolar, 474 in Dakshina Kannada and 405 in Raichur.

Of the 985 patients in the intensive care units (ICUs), 243 are in Bengaluru hospitals, 175 in Kalaburagi, 82 in Tumakur, 51 in Mysuru, 50 in Dharwad, 47 in Davanagere, 44 in Kolar and 43 in Shivamogga, with the rest spread in the remaining 23 districts.

Out of 1,62,534 tests conducted during the day across the state, 17,056 were through rapid antigen detection and 1,45,478 through RT-PCR method.

Bengaluru, April 23 (IANS): Riding on the pandemic's second wave, a record 25,795 new Covid cases were registered in a day across Karnataka, with Bengaluru accounting for 15,244 of them, said the state health bulletin on Thursday.

"With 25,795 patients testing positive on Wednesday, the state's Covid tally shot up to 12,47,997, including 1,96,236 active cases, while recoveries increased to 10,37,857, with 5,624 discharged during the day," said the bulletin.

Bengaluru registered 15,244 fresh cases on Wednesday, taking the city's Covid tally to 5,98,919, including 1,37,813 active cases, while 4,55,655 recovered, with 2,257 discharged in the last 24 hours.

In all, 123 Covid patients, including 68 in Bengaluru succumbed to the virus, taking the state's death toll to 13,885 and the city's toll to 5,450.

Among the districts across the state, 1,231 new Covid cases were reported in Tumakur, 940 in Ballari, 818 in Mysuru, 689 in

Positivity rate rose to 15.87 per cent while case fatality rate was 0.47 per cent across the state on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, 88,363 people, including 38,893 senior citizens above 60 years of age and 45,035 in the 45-59 years age group were vaccinated during the day.

Cumulatively, 76,41,817 people, including healthcare workers and frontline warriors have received the jab till date since the vaccination drive was launched on January 16 across the southern state.

Delhi records highest-ever Covid-19 deaths, positivity rate at 36.24 New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): There seems no respite for Delhi from coronavirus as it recorded the highest-ever daily death toll at 306, while equally alarmingly, the city's positivity rate stood at 36.24 per cent, meaning every third person who underwent the test was infected, according to Delhi government's health bulletin late on Thursday.

A total of 72,208 samples were tested, out of which 26,169 people were found infected. The number of active cases stands at 91,618, as on Thursday.

As per the report, a total of 19,609 Covid infected patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the total recovery so far 8,51,537 in the national capital.

With the latest deaths, Delhi's cumulative death toll rose to 13,193.

Delhi has been logging over 25,000 cases for days now. The huge numbers have converted its hospitals to battle zones where for the last three days, the doctors have been fighting to save patients amid a massive shortage of beds and most crucially,

oxygen.

Outside many hospitals, desperate relatives of patients could be seen waiting, many in tears, appealing for a bed and treatment for their loved ones.

Since morning, several private hospitals in Delhi said they ran out of oxygen, and two approached the High Court for relief. Late in the evening, the Delhi government listed several hospitals which were completely out of supplies even as other hospitals flagged shortages to press and on social media.

Gujarat now sees 13,105 Covid cases, 137 deaths

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Gandhinagar, April 22 (IANS): Breaking all previous records, Gujaraton Thursday saw 13,105 new Covid cases, taking its tally to 4,53,836, while the death toll climbed to 5,877 as 137 more succumbed.

In April, the state has added 1,46,138 cases at an average of 6,643 daily, and there are 92,084 active cases currently.

Ahmedabad registered 5,226 cases, followed by Surat with 2,476, Vadodara with 782, Rajkot with 762 and Jamnagar with 564.

Mehsana saw 444, Gandhinagar 276, Bhavnagar 254, Banaskantha 236, Kutch 214, Junagadh 202,

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Patan 158, Bharuch 157, Kheda 114, Navsari 107, Tapi 103, Dahod and Panchmahals 97 each, Valsad 95, Surendranagar 84, Amreli 85, Sabarkantha 112, Narmada 110, Amreli 98, Panchmahals and Navsari with 93 each, Valsad 82, Surendranagar 80, Mahisagar 77, Morbi 66, Gir-Somnath 63, Aravalli 55, Narmada 52, Anand 42, Devbhumi Dwarka 39, Porbandar 34 cases, Chotta Udepur 25, Botad 19 and Dangs 14.

Surat recorded 27 deaths, while there were 24 in Ahmedabad, 14 each in Vadodara and Rajkot, nine in Jamnagar, six in Bhavnagar, five each in Banaskantha and

Sabarkantha, among others.

With a decline in recoveries compared to the new cases, Gujarat's rate of recovery fell to 78.41 per cent.

"A total of 91.51 lakh people have been administered the first dose of anti-COVID 19 vaccines while 17.07 lakh have been given the second till date," as per the Health Department release.

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Maha reports 568 Covid deaths for 2nd day, toll crosses 62K Mumbai, April 22 (IANS): For the second day running, Maharashtra reported record number of Covid deaths with its overall toll racing past the 62,000-mark, with a spike in the number of active cases as the state entered a tougher phase of lockdown from tonight, health officials said on Thursday.

The state's fatalities remained at the peak of 568 notched on April 21, as the overall toll shot past the 62,000-mark to 62,479, the worst in the country.

Dropping a little from the record high of 68,631 new cases notched on April 18, the state on Thursday reported 67,013 fresh Covid cases, taking its overall tally to 40,94,840.

The situation in Mumbai improved a bit with a drop in new infections from 7,654 on Wednesday to 7,367 on Thursday, taking the city's Covid tally to 609,080 till date, 18 days after it reported the highest daily spike of 11,206 cases on April 4.

Mumbai's fatalities continued to increase from 62 on Wednesday to 75 on Thursday, taking its overall death toll to 12,583, the highest for a single city in the country.

On a brighter note, a total of 62,298 fully cured persons returned home on Thursday, taking the total number recoveries to 33,30,737, with the recovery improving slightly from

81.15 per cent on Wednesday to 81.34 per cent now.

The death rate again dropped from 1.54 per cent a day earlier to 1.53 per cent now, while the number of active cases increased to 699,858 on Thursday.

The Mumbai Circle -- comprising Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts -- reported 17,195 new cases on Thursday, taking its overall tally to 12,69,529 now, while 12 deaths mounted its Covid death toll to 22,184.

Of the day's 568 fatalities, Mumbai again led the chart with 75 deaths, followed by 73 in Nagpur, 47 in Nanded, 37 in Yavatmal, 31 each in Raigad and Nashik, 30 in Ahmednagar, 24 in Osmanabad, 23 in Parbhani, 20 in Latur, 19 in Jalgaon, 18 in Thane, 17 each in Solapur and Satara, 12 in Akola, 11 in Beed, and 10 each in Sangli and Amravati -- on the higher range.

There were 9 deaths in Wardha, 8 each in Pune and Kolhapur, 7 each in Aurangabad and Jalna, 6 in Chandrapur, 5 in Dhule, 3 in Palghar, and 1 each in Nandurbar, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Hingoli, Washim, Gondia and Gadchiroli, besides 3 outsiders.

Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home isolation increased from 39,15,292 to 39,71,917 now, while those shunted to institutional quarantine went up from 28,384 to 29,014 on Thursday.

India's DRI seizes over 300 kg 'cocaine' coming from Panama Photo Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS): India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized over 300 kg of drug, suspected to be cocaine, concealed in a consignment of wooden logs that originated from Panama, officials said on Wednesday.

A DRI officer said that they received specific intelligence that cocaine will be concealed in a consignment imported in a container reaching V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

The officers intercepted the container which was declared to be containing wooden logs.

During investigation, it was found that the container has originated from Panama, and transited through the ports of Antwerp and Colombo.

On examination, the container in question was found to contain nine bags concealed between the rows of wooden logs. On opening the said bags, 302 white coloured compressed bricks, wrapped in multiple layers of packing

material, were found.

"The contraband weighed 303 kg and it is highly suspected to be cocaine," the agency said.

Last November, the agency had arrested a Guinean national at Mumbai airport while he was smuggling in cocaine worth around Rs 18 crore. The accused had concealed the drugs in a false cavity made in the trolley bag. The arrested accused was identified as Moussa Camara, 34, who was travelling from Addis Ababa to Mumbai via Dubai.

Camara was detained at the airport and when his luggage examined, officials discovered a false cavity at the bottom where a packet containing around 3kg white powder was found.

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INDIA NEWS

Ensure uninterrupted oxygen supplies, says Punjab CM Further, the Central allocation control room has clubbed allocation of Punjab with the Union Territory of Chandigarh (22 MT) which further reduces the allocation for Punjab, he added.

In a letter to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan, he sought immediate consideration to his request for uninterrupted oxygen supplies from the liquid medical oxygen (LMO) suppliers as per commitment on a daily basis.

He also requested that allocation to Punjab be kept at least at 120 MT daily excluding 22 MT of Punjab quota in supply to the PGIMER, Chandigarh.

While the capacity for storage of medical oxygen for all healthcare facilities in the state is around 300 MT, daily consumption and requirement of medical oxygen as per the present case load in Punjab is around 105-110 MT, the Chief Minister pointed out, adding that this was expected to further rise to around 150-170 MT in the next two weeks as per the projections of increase in hospital admissions due to the rising case load.

Amarinder Singh noted that since the main requirement of the state is fulfilled from outside, adherence of supply as per the allocation made by the Centre for all states, including Punjab, is critical to be able to meet the daily requirements.

The Central Control Group on Oxygen had allocated 126 MT (including 32 MT from the local ASUs) on April 15. However, the

The demand is currently fulfilled by the manufacturers, refillers, ASUs of the state and PSA plants in few of the districts, both in government and private sector.

He said that the biggest constraint faced by Punjab is the supply to the manufacturers and distributors and the refillers for liquid oxygen is fulfilled by manufacturers from outside the state (namely Inox, Baddi, HP; Air Liquid, Panipat and Roorkee; and Linde, Selaqui, Dehradun) as there is no LMO plant within the state.

On the two pending Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants, which were approved by the Centre two months earlier for the Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals at Patiala and Amritsar, he urged the Union Minister to initiate the process for setting them up expeditiously, in order to reduce oxygen requirement from LMO suppliers.

Covaxin effective against double mutant strain found in India: ICMR New Delhi, April 21 (IANS): Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Monday Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin neutralises multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively neutralises the double mutant strain as well.

ICMR cited the findings of a study carried out by them.

Covaxin is developed locally by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Ltd. in collaboration with the ICMR -- the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.

ICMR-National Institute of Virology has successfully isolated and cultured multiple variants

of concern of SARS-CoV-2 virus: B.1.1.7 (the UK variant), B.1.1.28 (Brazil variant ) and B.1.351 (South Africa variant), said the apex health research body.

identified in certain regions of India and several other countries.

Chouhan said the support of Yoga and Ayurveda would be taken to boost the immunity against

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Photo Courtesy: IANS

"ICMR study shows Covaxin neutralises against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively neutralises the double mutant strain as well," the ICMR said in a tweet.

The study was published in the Journal for Travel Medicine in March where it highlighted that Covaxin is effective against the UK variants as well as other strains of Covid-19.

They have also demonstrated the neutralisation potential of Covaxin against the UK variant and Brazil variant.

ICMR-NIV recently has been successful in isolating and culturing the double mutant strain B.1.617 SARS-CoV-2

By Sujit Chakraborty Itanagar/Kohima, April 21 (IANS): After Nagaland, another Northeastern state Arunachal Pradesh is determined to provide protection and sanctuary to the birds and wild animals even as the tribals traditionally hunt them for centuries.

Photo Courtesy: IANS Arunachal Pradesh Environment and Forests Minister Mama Natung said that responding to the government appeal so far 680 airguns and a few rifles have been voluntarily surrendered by the people and they willingly vowed not to hunt birds and animals.

"Those who are surrendering airguns and rifles, the government is giving them encouraging certificates. We are considering framing suitable policies to give some support to those people who would be affected after depositing airguns

and rifles to the government," Natung told IANS over phone.

The Arunachal Pradesh government on March 17 had started the campaign to inspire the people to surrender their airguns and rifles and to shun the hunting of birds and animals.

Since March 17, the Environment and Forests Minister, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju, top officials of Environment, Forests and Wildlife Departments have been holding numerous events in the districts and far flung areas to motivate the people to protect the bird, animals and environments.

The minister said that in these events locals came out in large numbers and surrendered their air-guns commonly used to hunt birds and small wild animals.

Andhra Pradesh logs 10k infections, active tally at 66k

Photo Courtesy: IANS

"Covaxin has been found to effectively neutralise the double mutant strain as well," it said.

"It was reassuring from the PRNT50 data generated in our laboratory that the indigenous BBV152/ COVAXIN, following its roll out in vaccination program, could be expected to work against the new UK-variant," the study said.

'Art of Living' extends help to fight Covid in MP Bhopal, April 21 (IANS): The nongovernment organisation (NGO) 'Art of Living' will contribute to the ongoing fight against coronavirus infections in Madhya Pradesh, said the Art of Living' founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during a telephonic conversation with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

After Nagaland, Arunachal firm to protect birds, wild animals

allocation has subsequently been reduced to 82 MT from the week of April 25, said the Chief Minister, adding this allocation would be grossly insufficient to meet the demand.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Chandigarh, April 21 (IANS): Faced with shortage of medical oxygen supply for Covid-19 patients, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday urged the Centre to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supplies, with at least 120 metric tonnes (MT) daily allocation for the state, while reiterating his request for urgent steps to set up two pending PSA plants approved two months ago.

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Covid-19 infection and improve the health of the people affected by the virus.

to the infected patient on taking a healthy nutritious diet during the treatment of the infection.

The team of the 'Art of Living' would provide support through Yoga, Ayurveda and necessary guidance to protect patients from mood swings and boost their morale. To mitigate conditions such as restlessness, anxiousness, anxiety, stress and depression as a result of Covid-19 infection, guidance would also be provided

Guidance in relation to yoga, pranayam, asanas and diet would be provided through video calls and phone calls to persons living in home isolation and Covid-care centres. The Jan Abhiyan Parishad would coordinate and cooperate in this activity.

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Bengaluru, April 23 (IANS): Amaravati, April 22 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 10,759 new Covid-19 cases, raising the overall tally beyond 9.97 lakh, while the state's active cases reached 66,944.

However, on a positive note, 3,992 more persons recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of recoveries over 9.22 lakh.

Chittoor district reported the highest number of cases at 1,474, followed by Kurnool (1,367), Srikakulam (1,336), Guntur (1,186), East Godavari (992) and Visakhapatnam (844).

Among other places, Nellore (816), Anantapur (789), Krishna (679), Vizianagaram (562), Prakasam (345), Kadapa (279) and West

Godavari (90).

In a worrying development, some districts have started recording infections more than 1,000 regularly.

East Godavari's tally has crossed the 1.32 lakh mark, the highest among all the districts in Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, 31 more persons succumbed to Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, pushing the state's death toll to 7,541.

The southern state started logging deaths at an incremental rate everyday with the onset of the second wave.

With 41,871 more tests, the total number of tests conducted in Andhra Pradesh has crossed the 1.58 crore-mark.

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INDIA NEWS

NEWS FROM INDIA

Commonwealth to send Amid surge, around 3K Covid patients go 'missing' in Bengaluru medical supplies to India Photo Courtesy: IANS

have switched off their mobile phones.

"Some them reach hospitals at a critical stage and desperately look for Intensive Care Unit beds. This is what is contributing more to the already existing confusion," he said.

Ashoka appealed to those who have tested positive for the viral disease to keep their cell phones on so that the official responsible for contact tracing and follow-ups could reach them.

Bengaluru, April 29 (IANS): Grappling with unprecedented spike in Covid cases, Karnataka is facing another challenge, of tracking and tracing of anywhere between 2,000 to 3,000 Covid positive patients who have "gone missing", state Revenue Minister, R. Ashoka revealed on Wednesday.

After his meeting with various department heads here, Ashoka, who is also Vice Chairman of the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, told reporters that he has already directed the state police to track and trace these missing Covid patients.

"At least 2,000 to 3,000 people in Bengaluru have gone of our radar by switching off their phones and left their houses. We don't know where they have gone," he admitted.

Bengaluru, has become epicentre of the viral spread ever since

the pandemic broke out, often contributing a minimum 50 per cent to the state's overall tally of Covid patients, fatalities and nearly two-third of patients in ICUs. "With most of these patients switching off their mobile phones, the Health Department is not able to trace them and most of them are also not available at their given addresses, it is construed as they have 'missing'. Certainly there is a potential threat for these missing patients. These patients can turn out to be superspreaders," Ashoka warned.

He added that the state had to rope in police as they have required expertise to track switched off mobile phones.

The minister added that the state government was giving free medicines to people, which can control 90 per cent of cases, but these Covid-19 infected people

Covid fear forces old man to carry wife's body on cycle Jaunpur (UP), April 28 (IANS): Shocking pictures of an old man carrying his wife's body on his bicycle for cremation have exposed another heart-wrenching aspect of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Her husband was forced to carry the body of his deceased wife on his bicycle for hours, in search of a place to cremate her.

However, after coming to know about the elderly man's ordeal, the Jaunpur police conducted the last rites of the woman at Ramghat on Tuesday.

A police spokesman said that the woman's condition had deteriorated on Monday, after which she was admitted to the Umanath Singh District Hospital.

However, she died soon after and

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The Karnataka government had recently increased its contact tracing activity after it was found that the officials in Bengaluru and other districts were tracing only four contacts per infected person, while the guidelines mandate tracing at least 20 contacts.

Health Minister K. Sudhakar said Bengaluru had been the victim of this problem ever since the pandemic broke out.

"In my more than one year's experience of handling this pandemic, it is observed at least 20 per cent of the patients do not respond to our phone calls.

Though in most of the cases, police track them down in their own way but there are some of them who migrate to other states and take this disease with theme there too," he told reporters at a separate press conference.

Noida police helps daughter perform last rites of father

Noida, April 28 (IANS): People are dying in large numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic across the country but due to the fear of the virus sometimes even their relatives are reluctant to perform their last rites.

According to reports, the old woman died of Covid and the local villagers did not allow her cremation in the village, fearing spread of the infection.

In one of the photographs, the old man is seen sitting on the roadside while the body of the woman lies on the road along with the bicycle.

"I pray to them with folded hands that Covid-19 cases will only increase due to this. It is wrong when you try for ICU beds at the last moment," the minister said.

On April 27, a case came to light in Noida where a 52-year-old man, who lived in Sector-19 in the Sector-20 police station area, died of Covid-19 at home but his body was not being transported to the crematorium. The body was lying in the house for several hours. the hospital sent her body back in an ambulance.

The local people did not come forward to help the elderly man in cremating the deceased. They also warned him not to cremate his wife in the cremation ground in the village.

The district administration, however, has not confirmed if the deceased was Covid positive.

When the police came to know about it, Sector-19 police post in-charge, Hari Singh, along with other policemen reached the spot after which the man's body was carried to the crematorium.

The daughter and mother of the deceased man did not even have enough money to conduct the last rites so the police arranged logs for the funeral pyre after which the daughter lit the flame.

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New Delhi, April 29 (IANS): Expressing gratitude to India for the support provided by the nation to small and vulnerable member countries earlier in the Covid-19 pandemic, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland on Thursday assured medical help the government and its people facing "heavy burden" with the latest wave of infection.

"On behalf of the whole Commonwealth family, I want to express our deep concern and solidarity with the people and the government of India as your national agencies mobilise to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and as the latest wave of infection continues to spread so distressingly in your country," Scotland said in a statement to IANS. "We are immensely grateful for the support provided by the government of India to small and vulnerable member countries of the Commonwealth earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was an immensely generous and practical response to this global emergency.

"And as your country so compassionately acted to support

others in their time of need your fellow Commonwealth nations and the institutions which serve them would wish to do all we can to reciprocate in that same spirit of mutual support."

"As such we stand ready to assist in any way that we can and have called a Commonwealth Secretariat rapid response meeting to consider what practical support the Commonwealth Secretariat and our member countries might offer together to be able to help you with your heavy burden.

"As a family of nations, we value our brothers and sisters in India and we, along with the wider Indian diaspora, all of whom have family and friends affected, share your anguish at the impact of this devastating and terrible disease and commit to supporting the government and people of India in any way possible," the Secretary-General added.

India's tally of coronavirus cases reached 17,997,267 on Wednesday morning. Its Covid-19 tally is the second-highest globally, after that of the US, with Brazil in third. In terms of the death toll, India is fourth in the world, behind the US, Brazil and Mexico.

He skips 'roza' to ferry dead bodies Prayagraj (UP), April 28 (IANS): It is rare to find a devout Muslim skipping 'roza' during the month of Ramzan.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

But for this ambulance driver in Prayagraj, working during the pandemic is more important than fasting.

Faizul, who drives an ambulance is providing free hearse car services to the poor and needy amid the pandemic, but he is also lending a helping hand to perform the last rites of orphans.

The driver has been providing vehicles to ferry dead bodies of Covid-19 patients free of cost.

A resident of Attarsuiya locality in Prayagraj, he has been working for the last 10 years to provide vehicles to ferry dead bodies of the poor for free, but during the difficult times of Covid-19, most of his time is spent in helping those in need.

"These are difficult times. I move

out as soon as I get a call. In such circumstances, it is not possible to keep 'roza' but I know Allah understands," he said.

Faizul does not ask anyone for money, but accepts if someone offers on his own.

Faizul is single by choice.

"If I get involved in worldly things then my work may be interrupted, so I do not want to get married," said Faizul.

He used to ferry dead bodies on a cart but later took a loan and bought an ambulance.

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

NEWS FROM INDIA

Supporting programs to combat India’s second wave - AIBC’s action bears fresh Air

I

ndia is currently facing a shortage of hospital beds and oxygen tanks due to the increased demand framed by the pandemic.

The Prime Minister of India; Narendra Modi, announced that he’ll be holding meetings with the chief ministers of affected states and oxygen manufacturers on Friday. The decision has been based on the critical increment in cases the country has been

witnessing with the daily caseload having doubled to over 300,000.

The Australian Government is considering a ban on all flight from India in response to the increased number of cases being reported in the sub-continent.

The national security of the cabinet is to discuss this measure on Tuesday; however, this would mean thousands of Australians, including players from the Indian

Premier League, would be forced to remain in India.

and maximize the power of our collective efforts."

‘We have been actively mobilizing the Startup Ecosystem and the network across several states in India, by working with several Ecosystem partners along with local Govt and district health authorities to coordinate these resources better. Our focus is to mobilize and channel Oxygen Concentrates and Hospital Beds optimally,’ said Mr Jim Varghese AM, National Chair of AIBC.

The present demand in India is being met by the government, through oxygen express trains carrying tankers to wherever there is demand, and the Indian Air Force airlifting oxygen from military bases.

Mr Jim Varghese AM further suggested that "We could start working with FICCI, CII, and IACC to assist the businesses and governments of India. It is crucial that we maintain our business council identity in response to the situation currently predominating the country. We must empower and support collaboration wherever necessary. It could be prudent for AIBC to work with our Indian partner- organizations to produce well-coordinated efforts

Adani Group supports India’s Covid-19 response

A

s India’s COVID-19 situation worsens Bravus Mining & Resources parent company, Adani Group, is working to help secure medical oxygen supplies for hospitals that are at maximum capacity.

Adani has worked with other countries to import cryogenic tanks and liquid oxygen through its Port in Mundra, Gujarat and with the support of the Indian Air

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Force.

As India’s largest private port operator, the group has used its business connections to secure supplies from Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Dubai including: - Four cryogenic tanks with 80 tonnes of liquid oxygen and 5,000 medical-grade oxygen cylinders from Saudi Arabia.

- Seven cryogenic tanks from Thailand.

- 12 ready-to-use cryogenic tanks to transport liquid oxygen from Dubai.

Adani Group is one of India’s leading corporates with more than 17,000 employees across the globe.

Through the Adani Foundation, the Group has been involved in combatting the country’s COVID-19 crisis since the beginning. This includes providing relief through financial aid, sanitizing public places, providing healthcare support and protective equipment, donating food and supporting community kitchens.

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Australia is currently undergoing discussions to send oxygen, ventilators and personal protective equipment to India as part of an immediate support package to be announced on Tuesday. Vaccines will probably not be included in the extension of helping aid due to the shortage Australia is facing itself, alongside the fact that India has ramped up domestic manufacturing of vaccines. The Indian Consulate, in Australia, is currently in search of potential suppliers for the drugs Remdesivir and Tocilizumab.

At present, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is currently working on strategizing effective

and immediate measures that could aid the limitations in medical resources in India. The IMA is in the process of lending medical support to Doctors and medical professionals in India.

They plan on refreshing their expertise and knowledge before the direct execution of the plan.

The IMA is currently seeking community support in the field of logistics and E-commerce.

The current strategy includes contacting local suppliers of the drugs in order to facilitate delivery action in real-time.

Discussion of a Tele-health support line is also underway for the Doctors and medical professionals directly involved in these difficult times. The AIBC Industry Chapters are actively identifying supporting mechanisms and strategies in alignment with the response by the Australian Federal Government to support the Indian Government in these tough times.

Oxygen Express delivers 510 MTs of liquid medical oxygen to 4 states

Photo Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi, April 28 (IANS): India Railways' Oxygen Express trains have delivered a cumulative 510 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen to Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. Haryana is also getting its first Oxygen Express.

"Indian Railways is continuing its journey of delivering liquid medical oxygen to various parts of the country. So far, more than 510 metric tonnes LMO have been delivered to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi," the Railway Ministry said, adding that Haryana government has also requested an Oxygen Express.

"Currently, tankers are being loaded in Faridabad, which will be sent for filling to Rourkela.

As of now, it is planned that two Oxygen Express with a capacity of five tankers each will be run specifically for Haryana," the

ministry said.

Madhya Pradesh has received its first Oxygen Express carrying more than 64 metric tonnes of LMO early on Wednesday. These tankers were unloaded at various locations in Madhya Pradesh in cities like Jabalpur (one tanker), Bhopal (two tankers) and Sagar (three tankers).

The fourth Oxygen Express destined for Lucknow will be reaching on Wednesday carrying three tankers of LMO. Another empty rake is on its way (sixth) from Lucknow to Bokaro, which will bring another set of oxygen tankers replenishing oxygen supply to Uttar Pradesh.

"So far, Indian Railways has delivered 202 metric tonnes to Uttar Pradesh, 174 metric tonnes to Maharashtra, 70 metric tonnes to Delhi and 64 metric tonnes to Madhya Pradesh," the Railways said.

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INDIA NEWS

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

Aus PM calls inquiry into veteran suicides Opening of travel bubble with NZ a win-win: Aus PM Photo Courtesy: IANS

died in active duty in Afghanistan since 2001.

According to a report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), between 2001 and 2017, there were 419 suicides among current serving, reserve and contemporary former serving ADF personnel.

Canberra, April 19 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday announced a royal commission into the suicides of current and former defence personnel.

Morrison acknowledged the "human cost" of defence deployments, saying he hoped that the long-awaited inquiry would act as a "healing process", reports Xinhua news agency.

"I think this will be a process that will assist in the comfort that those families have been seeking," he told reporters here.

More Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have lost their lives by suicide than those have

By comparison, since 2001, 41 Australian personnel have lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan, according to Morrison.

The federal government previously resisted calls for a royal commission, instead proposing an independent commissioner to investigate veteran suicides, which failed to receive support in the senate.

Pressure on the government to call an inquiry increased when a motion passed both houses of parliament supporting its creation.

Morrison said the inquiry, which is expected to take up to 18 months to complete, would examine "all aspects of service".

"The Royal Commission will

have a mandate to examine the systemic issues and any common themes and past deaths by suicide of Australian Defence Force members and veterans," he said.

The families of veterans who have taken their own lives have long campaigned for the government to establish an inquiry into the issue.

Julie-Ann Finney's son David took his own life in 2019 after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She welcomed the announcement as a "long time coming".

On Monday, Defence Minister Peter Dutton voiced public support for the royal commission.

He also announced that he would overrule Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell's decision to strip more than 3,000 special forces soldiers who served in Afghanistan of their service medals.

Campbell made the decision as a collective punishment for 39 murders allegedly committed by Australian special forces troops in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

Canberra, April 19 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday welcomed the opening of a travel bubble between his country and New Zealand, saying it was a "win-win" for both Canberra and Wellington.

As of Monday, Australians can enter and return from New Zealand without having to quarantine on either side, reports Xinhua news agency.

It marks the first time that Australians can enjoy unrestricted international travel since the country's international borders were closed in March 2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"Today's milestone is a winwin for Australians and New Zealanders," Morrison said in a joint statement with his New

Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern on Monday.

He added that it will help drive the economic recovery for both countries while continuing to navigate the global pandemic, especially in the travel and tourism sectors.

"Both countries have done a remarkable job in protecting our communities from COVID and two-way flights are an important step in our road out."

He said that the two countries were also considering opportunities to open the bubble to other countries in the Pacific.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the opening of travel marked a significant step in both countries' reconnection with the world.

Aus woman's death linked to AstraZeneca vax Photo Courtesy: IANS

Opening borders risk Covid spike: Aus PM Canberra, April 16 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday warned that opening the country's borders too early could lead to an influx of coronavirus cases.

Morrison said that Covid-19 vaccines were not a "silver bullet" and Australians would need to prepare for "many" more cases if the country's strict border restrictions were lifted, reports Xinhua news agency.

Australia's borders were closed in March 2020 with all residents and citizens returning to the country from overseas forced to spend 14 days in hotel quarantine.

"If we were to lift the borders and people to come, then you would see those cases increase and

Australians would have to become used to dealing with 1,000 cases a week or more," Morrison told Nine Entertainment radio.

"Now, it is true that our most vulnerable populations would be vaccinated, but I don't think Australians would welcome restrictions and closures and border shutting and all of those things again."

However, on Thursday, Morrison told a community forum in Western Australia that the government was considering allowing vaccinated citizens to leave the country for "important purposes" such as work, medical reasons or funerals.

They would then be allowed to quarantine at home on their

return to Australia.

"The first goal I think is to enable Australians who are vaccinated to be able to move and travel, particularly for important purposes," Morrison said.

"That would enable Australians to travel first for business and those sorts of things but ultimately if that worked well over a period of time and the data was showing that home-based quarantine was not creating any additional, scaled risks, that could lead to something more significant. That is how we move to the next step.

"That would require being vaccinated and I think that would be an important incentive to do that."

Aus Def Min overturns special forces medal ban Photo Courtesy: IANS

Canberra, April 19 (IANS): Australia's Defence Minister Peter Dutton on Monday pulled rank and intervened to ensure that soldiers who served in Afghanistan were not stripped of service medals over war crime allegations.

Dutton announced he would overrule Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell's decision to strip more than 3,000 special forces soldiers who served in Afghanistan of their Meritorious Citation Unit (MCU), reports Xinhua news agency.

Campbell made the unprecedented decision as a "collective punishment" for 39 murders allegedly committed by

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Australian special forces troops in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

Dutton's decision means that soldiers affected will retain their citations unless they are found guilty of war crimes or are dismissed from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as an accessory to a war crime or for failing to uphold army standards.

Campbell in November 2020 had said the MCU would be stripped on the recommendation of the landmark four-year inquiry into alleged war crimes committed

by Australians in Afghanistan, declaring that "units live and fight as a team".

The Inspector General of the

Canberra, April 17 (IANS): The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's medical regulator, has ruled that a 48-year-old woman's death due to blood clotting was a side effect of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.

The woman from New South Wales' Central Coast was admitted to hospital with blood clots four days after she received the vaccine and died earlier this week, Xinhua news agency reported.

The TGA on Friday evening confirmed that the clotting in her arteries and veins and her low platelet count was "likely to be linked to vaccination".

The TGA's Vaccine Safety Investigation Group (VSIG) said the investigation into the woman's death was complicated by underlying health conditions including diabetes and "some atypical features".

ADF inquiry uncovered "credible evidence" that up to 25 special forces soldiers were involved in the alleged murders of 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners.

Criminal investigations into 19 of the soldiers are ongoing.

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"Despite the atypical clinical features and the negative antibody test, in the absence of an alternative cause for the clinical syndrome, VSIG believed that a causative link to vaccination should be assumed at this time," it said in a statement.

"Given this is an atypical

presentation, should the test results and/or autopsy provide an alternative causation, VSIG would review their decision."

It is the third confirmed case of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia from about 885,000 doses administered.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on April 8 that access to the AstraZeneca vaccine would be restricted for Australians, and adults under the age of 50 should avoid using it on the advice of the TGA. Earlier on Friday, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly urged Australians to get vaccinated, saying the benefits outweigh the risks.

"We are in a very unusual situation here in Australia at the moment, with no community transmission and very few cases right throughout this year.

"That will not continue. We will at some point in the future, we do not know when, but we will have cases here in Australia.

"The chances of being infected will rise, so being vaccinated is a protection not only for yourself, but also for the people you care for," he said.

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

INDIA NEWS

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

West Australian owes an apology to Indians

I

ndian community in Australia has demanded for an apology from West Australian for calling India “hell” in their latest piece titled “Ban on trips from Indian hell.”

The letter written by President of the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA), a peak body that represents more than 80 Indian origin associations with 30,000 members says that the community is “disappointed with the style of journalism that is devoid of ethics and humanity.”

Supriya Guha, President of ISWA, further adds that the published article is “full of sensational and biased language – describing India and ‘Indians’ – in the utmost derogatory and discriminatory fashion.”

supply of COVID vaccine.

Even World Health Organization (WHO) has warned media against jumping to conclusions about the new coronavirus variant discovered in India, saying it had not yet classified it as worrying.

WHO believes it is possible that the British coronavirus variant may have affected India’s epidemiological situation.

The British, South African and Brazilian variants of Covid-19 have all been classified by the WHO as “variants of concern.”

Source: Based on Inputs from the Australia Today

Recently, many Indian community members have voiced their concerns in relation to the coverage of events in newspapers abroad that may give rise to racism and Hinduphobia.

Prominent members from the Indian diaspora in Australia have also tweeted against the West Australian’s coverage at a time when diaspora is worried about the safety of their loved ones in India.

The Indian diaspora in Australia is aware of the seriousness of the situation in India and has requested all local newspapers to show some compassion to a country that went out of its way to help 95 countries with the timely

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

Major investments in Northern Territory bases Melbourne, April 28: The Morrison Government will invest $747 million to upgrade four key training areas and ranges in the Northern Territory to enable the Australian Defence Force to conduct simulated training exercises and remain battle ready. Essential upgrades will be made to four key military training areas and weapon ranges in the Northern Territory, including: Robertson Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mount Bundey and Bradshaw. These Defence training areas and facilities will support greater engagement with our Indo-Pacific neighbours and our allies, and to conduct small- and large-scale military exercises across several different scenarios. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment was part of almost $8 billion in defence capital infrastructure works over the next decade in the Northern Territory. “This investment will deliver a jobs boom for the Northern Territory,” the Prime Minister said. “We continue to invest more than $270 billion in defence capability across Australia over the next decade, ensuring we have a capable defence force to meet a changing global environment, while backing thousands of ADF

men and women with the newest technology and training,” the Prime Minister said. “Working with the United States and Indo-Pacific neighbours, we will continue to advance Australia’s interests by investing in the Australian Defence Force, particularly across Northern Australia.” “Our focus is on pursuing peace, stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a world order that favours freedom. “This investment will also maximise local jobs through a targeted industry plan to contract local businesses throughout the entire supply chain. My commitment is keeping Australians safe and keeping Australians in jobs.” Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said this significant investment would ensure the Australian Defence Force continues to deliver world class training and our engagement with allies and other nations through the conduct of joint training exercises, including with the US Marine Rotational Force - Darwin. “This investment is critical to ensuring that our ADF land combat capability is equipped with the cuttingedge technology it will require to maintain our competitive advantage,” Minister Dutton

said. “These works will provide a strong economic benefit to the region, with significant opportunities for the local construction industry and local tradies over a five-year delivery phase program. “Significant opportunities will exist for local Australian industry to bid for almost all of the construction works, planned to be delivered through numerous local subcontractor packages by Defence’s local Darwin-based Managing Contractor, Sitzler.” Subject to Parliamentary approvals, construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2021, with completion expected by mid-2026.

Flights from India now paused as Australia sends emergency medical supplies

Melbourne, April 27: The Morrison Government has agreed to several new measures to protect Australians from the increased risk of the COVID-19 outbreak in India, while also providing significant new support to assist the Indian Government in their humanitarian response.

We recognise the challenging COVID-19 crisis that India is currently battling and we stand ready to provide more support to our friends in India and Indian Australians during this difficult time. On advice from the Chief Medical Officer, India has been determined to be a high-risk country for the purposes of travel arrangements. Australia will implement a temporary pause on direct passenger flights

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between India and Australia for two weeks, with consideration of further flights to be made by 15 May 2021. Passengers on all future flights will be required to have both a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result and a negative Rapid Antigen test result prior to taking off. Once flights restart, the Government will prioritise the return of vulnerable Australians.

Already almost 20,000 registered Australians have returned from India since the pandemic began.

Restrictions have been placed on outbound travel exemptions to high-risk countries to strictly essential travel only (national interest, medical exemption and COVID-19 purposes). For indirect flights through Dubai (United

Arab Emirates), Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), the Government is aware that flights to and from these transit points and India have been paused by respective governments. As a close friend and comprehensive strategic partner, Australia stands with India as it battles a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Following consultation with the Indian Government, Australia will provide emergency medical supplies. The initial package of support includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators. Our Government is also supplying a significant package of personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000 face shields. The Government has agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will manage the movement of PPE and equipment over the next week. Our Government is standing with Australians in India and we recognise the difficulties they face. The Hardship Program and Consular Support continues to be available to Australians in India.

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NEWS FROM VICTORIA

Supporting Multicultural Young People through Sport Melbourne, April 23: TheAndrews Labor Government is helping more young people to connect through local sport as Victoria recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Minister for Youth Ros Spence today launched a new African and Pasifika Youth Sports Program, with $300,000 in grants available to informal sports teams with young African and Pasifika members. Local councils and community organisations are encouraged to partner with young people aged 12 to 25 to apply for a grant. Sport fosters vital social connections and offers the opportunity to grow through mentoring, leadership and career development. To ensure cost is not a barrier to participation in sport, grants of up to $2,000 are available to support African and Pasifika sports teams to cover the costs of uniforms and equipment. A second funding stream offers grants of up to $30,000 to cover costs associated with participating in sporting competitions and events, including staff costs and venue hire. Funded activities will provide pathways into formal sporting organisations as well as mentoring, training and employment opportunities for young people. To ensure the program responds to the immediate needs of young people, funded activities will be delivered between 1 July and 31 December 2021. The grants are part of the Labor Government’s work to provide tailored and culturally appropriate community engagement opportunities

for young people. Earlier this month, the Government announced $450,000 to support larger sporting organisations to deliver mentoring and skillbuilding activities to African and Muslim young people. This builds on $250,000 announced in February to support Aboriginal young people to reconnect with community and culture through the Government’s new Aboriginal Youth Engagement Grants. Applications to the African and Pasifika Youth Sports Program close on Wednesday 19 May 2021. Find out more and apply at, visit youthcentral.vic. gov.au/african-and-pasifikayouth-sports-program-grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Ros Spence “Sport isn’t just about improving physical health – it’s about taking pride in your achievements and feeling a deep sense of connection and belonging to a community. After a tough year, this is exactly what young Victorians need.” “This program will support African and Pasifika young people to reconnect with their peers, explore career pathways and develop personal and leadership skills.”

Putting Deakin at the forefront of water science research

Melbourne, April 23: A trio of projects worth $22.1 million and funded by the Andrews Labor Government will position Deakin University at the forefront of water and aquaculture research and push the boundaries of water sustainability in Australia.

Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today visited the Marine Science Centre at Queenscliff to launch the projects as part of the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF). They include both capital works and applied research: A new $9.8 million state-of-the-art AquaFI Hub innovation centre to explore animal nutrition and environment to support the expansion of fish and seafood farming, running in part by AI technology. A $7.8 million water management upgrade at the Waurn Ponds campus, including upgraded stormwater and recycled water infrastructure, for applied research and to demonstrate sustainable practices in management in collaboration with Traditional Owners. $4.5 million redevelopment of the Marine Science Centre at Queenscliff to establish it as the centre of

excellence for temperate water marine science research and education in southern Australia.

Works include new laboratories, teaching facilities and a highspeed optic fibre internet network for the community.

The projects will provide great opportunities for staff and students, in collaboration with Traditional Owners. It will also boost enrolments and create scholarship opportunities, 50 per cent of which will be offered to women. Melbourne-based Root Partnerships will oversee construction, which will begin this year and finish mid-2022.

The Labor Government contributed $6 million to the projects in a joint effort with Deakin University. It is one of many pitches from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector. The unprecedented $350 million VHESIF is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity.

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Countdown to Tokyo begins for Canberra athletes Canberra, April 28: With just under 100 days until the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic Games, every minute counts for athletes like Clare Warwick.

“With 100 days to go, training is ramping up… it’s great to be back on track for Tokyo,” the Softball Australia Open Women’s Squad Member said. Due to the pandemic, the Tokyo Olympic Games were rescheduled by exactly one year, with the new dates set for 23 July to 8 August 2021 for the Olympic Games and 24 August to 5 September 2021 for the Para Olympic Games. To support athletes in the leadup to the games, the ACT Government has provided $300,000 towards their success, which includes $100,000 for 32 local athletes under the ACT Training Assistance Program, and $100,000 each for the Australian Olympic Team and Paralympics Australia Team appeals. “The ACT Government’s support through the Training Assistance Program will really help me to focus on and get the most of out of my training

Photo Courtesy: Insidethegames

and preparation so that I am ready to perform in Japan,” Clare said. The funding helps athletes meet increased training and competition costs in the lead up to Tokyo, which includes travel, training and equipment costs, as well as additional coaching. Clare has said the preparation for Tokyo has been a “silver lining” after a difficult year.

“Last year was tough, especially in Australia because we rely a lot on going overseas,” she said.

“The last couple of years we had been able to play in the national pro fastpitch league in the US, and

I rely a lot on that to get quality experience.

“However, having the extra time to strengthen and condition [after an injury last year] has put me in a confident position to compete.”

For now, Clare is enjoying the preparation for Tokyo, which includes many full days of training with her teammates.

“We’re enjoying being together, this is something we haven’t done in a long time,” she said. “I still enjoy my preparation, even if things are uncertain, training is one thing I can control.”

NEWS FROM THE ACT

Floriade returns to the Suburbs Canberra, April 23: Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, Floriade, will celebrate its 34th year in 2021. To mark the milestone, Canberrans will once again be able to enjoy a burst of colour in town centres and suburbs across Canberra.

Floriade Community was introduced last year as part of Floriade: Reimagined and saw more than 80 community groups’ plant bulbs and annuals to help create a Tulip Trail through Canberra’s suburbs. It was embraced by the community, and this year there will be an additional 300,000 bulbs and annuals available for the community to plant and enjoy.

For locals and visitors alike, Floriade will also return to Commonwealth Park from 11 September – 10 October with a spectacular floral display of over 1,000,000 bulbs and annuals.

Floriade’s return to its home in Commonwealth Park will help drive visitation to the city and support local jobs and our

economy. The scale and format of Floriade at Commonwealth Park will be announced in the coming months following consultation with the Chief Health Officer, to ensure the event is COVID-safe.

To support Floriade Community, the ACT government has now opened applications for community groups and organisations to be part of the program in 2021. Local community groups, attractions, sporting clubs, churches, aged care facilities, medical centres and Floriade sponsors are among the groups eligible to apply.

Locations must be visible to a large number of Canberrans who can enjoy the blooms in their day-to-day life and could include garden beds at local shops, churches or community centres.

Successful applicants will also be eligible for Floriade grants to help promote their plantings to their local community and spread the spring festivities across Canberra during Australia’s biggest celebration of spring.

Milestone for Dickson Access A new look for Canberra Service Centre Canberra, April 27: Being so close to the heart of Canberra city, the team at Dickson’s Access Canberra Service Centre will often assist with many transactions a day. The centre showed just how busy they’ve been, reaching a whopping 22,624 transactions since opening in September 2020. For the centre’s manager Rachel Maleganeas, who has worked there since the centre opened, it was an “incredible milestone”. “It’s fantastic to reach that number and feels really good that we can provide this service to the community,” said Rachel.

While Rachel said every day in the centre is different, one constant is her team’s dedication to their roles. “We have a really passionate group of staff members who are dedicated to serving the Canberra

community, and we really do look forward to seeing our customers at the service centre,” Rachel said.

“We provide a great service and it’s nice to be able to continue to provide that service.”

One major change for Access Canberra, particularly since COVID-19, is that most transactions can now be completed online. The only transactions that need to be done in person include registrations that require a photo (for example a driver’s licence, proof of identity, or working with vulnerable people card) or to arrange new number plates (for new registrations or custom plates). “While most of our transactions are online, we are more than happy to show

Light rail turns Two Canberra, April 25: Canberra’s light rail celebrated its second birthday on April 20. Over 6.6 million passenger trips have been taken on light rail since its first journey two years ago, and we have ridden close to 1.8 million kilometres, the equivalent of 44 laps around Earth. The busiest day overall was Friday 17 May 2019, when Canberrans made close to 19,500 trips. The quietest day was Christmas Day 2020, when only 522 trips were taken to and from Christmas lunch.

Public transport usage took a hit over the last 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however total light rail use has already

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re-bounded to approximately 75 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

COVID-safe travel advice is still in place to reconsider the need to travel in peak times. Despite a quieter than normal period on public transport, there were still close to 2.5 million passenger trips in the period from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. There were over 925,000 kilometres driven in this time, and the busiest day in the last year was Friday 26 March 2020, when Canberrans made more than 13,000 trips.

Over the last two years we’ve seen Canberrans embrace light rail, many even using public transport for the first time. A recent survey

those who need assistance or are unsure how to complete transactions online via our touch screens if they come into the centre,” said Rachel. Rachel said the centre is continuing to practise COVID-safe measures such as physical distancing and reducing the number of counters available at one time. “We have a lot of vulnerable customers, so we want to help them feel safe,” she said. “We definitely have noticed a difference in the community since last year, everyone is calmer, and we’ve got a lot of things in place now to make sure our customers feel safe when they come in.

“Showing empathy and having a calm consistent approach to offering solutions is really important when you are in a faceto-face customer service role." of light rail customers has shown that more than two-thirds of respondents were more likely to use public transport now that light rail is in operation. Whether it’s the convenience, reliability or flexibility of the service, Canberrans are embracing light rail. More and more Canberrans are using public transport and using light rail to get to work, with over 40% of recent survey respondents using light rail for their commute, compared with 35% in 2020. The survey has shown that the Government’s investment in light rail is encouraging more Canberrans to choose public transport including a large group that never previously used the bus system.

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local art centres Photo Courtesy: theartling.com

Canberra, April 26: They are known for being hubs of creativity, now Canberra’s art centres have experienced a transformation of their own. New LED fittings, refreshed foyers and digital signage are just some of the upgrades undertaken for 10 of Canberra’s arts centres, as part of the ACT Government’s Fast Track program. Designed to help create local jobs and support Canberra’s local arts community, the program engaged more than 50 Canberrans from seven local businesses to deliver projects at a range of Arts Centres.

Watson Arts Centre benefited from $145,000 in upgrades, which included a new heating and cooling system for the ceramic workshop space a new Foyer ceiling and insulation fresh paint bathroom refurbishments accessibility upgrades landscaping new stairs

operates the Watson Arts Centre, said he was “delighted” with the upgrade. “Canberra Potters has been providing pottery experiences to the Canberra region for more than 45 years,” Richard said.

“From our facility at the Watson Arts Centre, we cater to an active community of pottery and ceramic enthusiasts from beginners to professional artists.

Our association has over 400 members and we teach over 1800 students each year.

“As we have grown so have our operational needs. The improvements see us ready to continue our gallery and retail activities and support our members, artists and students in a comfortable and inviting environment.”

Some of the improvements to other arts centres include: LED fittings heritage windows at Gorman and Ainslie Arts Centres a new shade sail for COVID-safe events at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre kitchen upgrades installation of a new digital signage screen at the Canberra Contemporary Arts Space in Manuka

New LED light fittings.

improvements to the foyer space and the installation of new flooring at the Canberra Glassworks

CEO of the Canberra Potters Society, Richard Thomas, who

Bathroom upgrades at the Megalo Print Studio in Kingston.

the removal of hazardous materials

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INDIA NEWS

GOODWILL TROPHY

Batting for a thriving multicultural Queensland

IAIE XI vs QPS XI, 17 April 2021

T

he inaugural T20 cricket match, “The Goodwill Trophy” was organized by the Institute for Australia India Engagement in conjunction with the Queensland Police Service.

The match fostered engagement between the South Asian diaspora (represented by IAIE) and QPS members on Saturday, 17 April 2021, at the Wolston Park Cricket Club at Wacol, Brisbane.

The underlying objective of this innovative initiative was to promote inter-community integration, mutual trust and understanding between the South Asian communities and the state law enforcement agencies and the government to build a vibrant and multiculturally thriving and resilient Queensland.

The event commemorates 2021 as the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ declared by the United Nations General Assembly.Sports is an effective medium for breaking barriers and strengthening multicultural ethos. This event was a celebration of diversity to acknowledge the invaluable role

community organizations, local businesses and institutions play in the growth and progress of Queensland and Australia.

Batting first, after losing the toss, IAIE XI captained by AmilaWeththasinghescored 154 runs in 20 overs.In response the Queensland Police Commissioner's XI red by their captain Senior Sergeant Wayne Clayton fell short by 9 runs. It was a tight and keenly contested match which kept the supporters on both sides on the edge of their seats till the very end. IAIE XI was very proud to clinch the trophy, for which the credit goes to IAIE XI players and its coach Anu Perera. The Queensland Police XI players specially Jake Coolwell (Man of the Match) deserve special praise for putting up a great fight and treating the audience with a cracker of match.

Special thanks to Ian Healy AM for meeting and greeting the players, and doing the toss in the morning, on the day of his marriage anniversary. IAIE and QPS also thank Milton Dick Federal MP, Minister Lance

Trophies

Opening remarks by Ian Healy

Vote of thanks by Ashutosh Misra

McCallum MP, Minister Charis Mullen MP (representing the Hon’ble Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard), Jessica Pugh MP, Jim Madden MP, Councilor Nicole Jonic, Henry Palaszczuk (representing the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk);Acting Inspector Michelle Piket (representing QPS Commissioner Katarina Carroll) Ankit Taneja, Country Head, Mahindras Automotive, the lead sponsor; and Peter Clifford, former Australian first-class cricketer, for their generous support and time to grace the presentation ceremony.

The event kicked start by welcome remarks by Ashutosh Misra, IAIE CEO, Senior Sergeant Wayne Clayton, Ian Healy and Peter Clifford. Ian Healy was also presented with a token of appreciation to also mark his marriage anniversary on the day.

Ian Healy doing the toss

Promotions, Woolworths, Greg Chappel Cricket Centre and above all Mahindras Automotive. which the event would not have materialized. Similarly, Team India News led by Dr Ram Mohan Chairman/Publisher, AgastyaYeturi, Nishit Chandan and Kartik Pratap Sigh for the excellent coverage of the event, live streaming, photography, food arrangements, match jerseys, publicity banners and other logistical necessities. IAIE and QPS is also indebted to Amol Wagholikar, Program Director, Sports and Wellness at IAIE for his sustained support in organizing the event and securing funding from various sponsors.

For making this inaugural event happen, sincere gratitude goes to the event sponsors Sankalprestaurant, Mirch Masalarestaurant, Tulsi restaurant, Nabropure, Top in Townrestaurant, Meg Fine Arts, Gadgets for Projects, BiowinNeurosocks, Star

Various community organizations including Kshatriya Society of Brisbane, Afghan Association, Nepalese Association, Sri Lankan Association and Griffith Criminology Institute deserve accolades.

Also, our special appreciation goes to our family, friends and well-wishers for their support and most notably to our wonderful Master Ceremony Narasimhan Ravi for his smooth compeering and deft handling of the proceedings.

SCORES IAIE XI: 154 for 9 (20 overs) QPS XI: 144 for 9 (20 overs) Man of the Match: Jake Coolwell, QPS XI Best Bowler: AmilaWiththesinghe, IAIE XI Best Batsman: Wayne Clayton, QPS XI

The closing ceremony began with the acknowledgement to the country by Adrian Coolwell (QPS Indigenous Employment Officer), special remarks by Peter Davis, WPC President, and vote of thanks by Inspector Jason Saunders and Ashutosh Misra.

For the successful hosting of the event special gratitude goes to the Wolston Park Cricket Club, President Peter Davis, Greg White curator and grounds man, Brad and Anu Perera for their wonderful hospitality and logistical support, without

Ram Mohan, Jess Pugh, Henry Palaszczuk, Anu Perera and Narsimhan Ravi doing the raffles

Action Time

Milton Dick Federal MP; Lance McCallum, Charis Mullen, Jess Pugh and Jim Madden (State MPs), Henry Palaszczuk and Cr. Nicole Jonic

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Adrian Coolwell, QPS

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Winning IAIE XI team

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

Umpires Peter Mathieson and Graeme Frederickson

Peter Clifford

IAIE Board with Ian Healy

Ashutosh Misra with Inspector Jason Saunders

Acting Inspector Michelle Piket

Barbequue by QPS

GOODWILL TROPHY

Sr Sergeant Wayne Clayton and Ian Healy

QPS XI players

Thriving multiculturalism

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INDIA NEWS

Queensland taking the lead on gender equality Brisbane, April 21: An annual snapshot on the status of gender equality in Queensland has been released today by the Palaszczuk Government.

The Premier said the 2020 Gender Equality Report Cards focussed on four priority areas including participation and leadership; economic security; safety; and health and wellbeing.

“I am proud to lead a Government that supports equality and justice for women and these report cards are a way we can track our progress,” the Premier told Parliament.

“We have done a lot in-an-effort to make Queensland a fairer society and we continue to make great strides in this space but there is still a long way to go which is evident by the recent national movement for change.”

The Premier said the latest report cards as part of the Queensland Women’s Strategy demonstrate continued improvements in leadership, but it also shows that gender inequality persists across all priority areas.

“It’s great to see women taking up more leadership roles in Queensland,” the Premier said.

“In 2015 we set a target to reach 50 per cent of women on government boards and we beat that with women now comprising 54 per cent.

“Women are also taking prominent roles in Government, for example, we have a woman Premier, Health Minister, Chief Health Officer, Chief Justice and Police Commissioner.

“While 38 per cent of all serving judges and magistrates, including the Chief Justice of Queensland, are female, just 16 per cent of chief executives and managing directors in the corporate world are women.”

The Premier said that to achieve

real change on gender equality, action is required across the nation.

“That is why I asked my National Cabinet colleagues recently to consider a National Women’s Summit focussing predominantly on women’s economic security – which was supported,” the Premier said.

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said Queensland had come a long way on some of our priorities, however some of these statistics show there is still much work to be done.

“The gender pay gap and women’s superannuation being lower than men are two key concerning economic issues and I applaud the Premier on getting this on the National Cabinet agenda,” Minister Fentiman said.

“With regard to the safety of women and girls, the report card shows the rates of sexual violence against them are still far too high.

“Almost 85 per cent of victims of sexual assault are females and women are more than three times more likely to be killed by a partner.

“Violence against women is never acceptable and the current social dialogue about these issues highlights that we can all do more to try to support women and eliminate it from our community.

“This issue is firmly on the state and national agenda with the National Summit on Women’s Safety to be held at the end of July this year.

“In Queensland, the independent Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce led by former Court of Appeal judge the Hon Margaret McMurdo AC is also set to make its first report to the Palaszczuk

Education Minister Grace Grace today congratulated Queensland’s latest batch of highest achieving school leavers from 2020, including the 38 students who receive a QCE outstanding academic achievements.

“These graduates are among our brightest young minds and are set to become tomorrow’s software engineers, surgeons, data scientists, and medical researchers,” she said.

“I’m especially proud of these resilient young people from the

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Class of 2020, who were the first full Prep cohort, the first Year 7s at high school, and the first to switch to our new senior assessment and tertiary entrance system – and then had to navigate COVID-19.”

The top award goes to biotechnology and medicine student Vishaak Gangasandra, who attended The Southport School. Vishaak receives a certificate, trophy and $5000.

Vishaak achieved straight As in seven senior subjects including an overall mark of 100 per cent in English, mathematics and physics – the top result of the 45,188 students who achieved the Queensland Certificate of Education.

Ms Grace told Parliament today that Vishaak deserved

Queensland leaders to scope Biden summit Photo Courtesy: Yahoo Finance

Government in October this year.”

Minister Fentiman said the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated how women can be disproportionately impacted, economically and socially, by such events.

Key statistics: 50.6% Queensland’s population is female.

Women represent 54% on Queensland Government boards as at 30 September 2020, up from 31% in 2015.

In the Queensland judiciary, women comprise 37.9% of all serving judges and magistrates as at 30 June 2020, steadily increased from 30.4% in June 2015.

16% of chief executives and managing directors are women.

In every age group on average women have lower superannuation balances.

On the gender pay gap – for a fulltime working week is around 15 per cent less for women.

26% of women are in fulltime employment compared to 40.8% men.

Women are over-represented in roles like clerical and admin at 77.3%. Compare this to just 16% in roles like technicians and trades.

More women are in part-time employment then men and more women are involved in unpaid activities per week then men.

More than 30% of working mothers are accessing part time arrangements to care for their children compared with just 3.8 per cent of working fathers doing the same.

Women are over three times more likely than men to be killed by a partner 85 per cent of victims of sexual assault are female.

Next gen of Qld’s academic high achievers step up Brisbane, April 22: Queensland’s next generation of scientists, engineers, artificial intelligence designers and doctors have today been recognised with Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Awards.

NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND

congratulations for his academic achievements and for his actions in 2015 when he and his father helped save a car accident victim at the Gold Coast just before her car burst into flames.

“Vishaak would like to be a doctor and combine his passion for healthcare with interests in business management and technology,” she said.

“I’m sure Vishaak will have a rewarding future and make a positive contribution in the community.”

Ms Grace said the class of 2020 was the first to graduate in the new QCE system which had introduced new syllabuses, external exams and the ATAR. She told Parliament that the Queensland Curriculum and

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Brisbane, April 22: The Palaszczuk Government will task leaders in industry, innovation and the environment to explore new opportunities out of US President Joe Biden’s upcoming climate summit.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said she would request her climate advisory council to look at the outcomes of the summit of 40 global leaders.

“Queensland has become a leader when it comes to supporting zero emissions technology, the jobs of the future and protecting the environment,” Ms Scanlon said.

“It’s this government that set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 50 per cent renewables target by 2030.

“It’s under this government that places like Gladstone and Townsville are becoming hubs of hydrogen.

“We’ve built the world’s longest collection of electric vehicle chargers and we’ve committed to new buses on our network being zero emission buses from 2025.

“We established the $500 million Land Restoration Fund with 18 projects already underway, and Queensland now boasts 44 largescale renewable energy projects.

“Of course, that’s on top of Queenslanders themselves taking action and leading the way with 717,000 rooftop solar installations.

“I’m pleased to announce that as part of our push to drive net zero emissions – I will be tasking our climate advisory council to look at the outcomes and build on our climate action plan.

“That’s leaders of Queensland industry, innovation and environment looking at how we can maximise the global shift to zero emissions.

Ms Scanlon said if Queensland was to continue to build on our achievements, we can’t expect to Assessment Authority (QCAA) was publishing the results today online.

“The report this year provides important state-level data, with a focus on individual students’ achievements,” she said.

“This approach to reporting student outcomes has been endorsed by the Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance Implementation Taskforce, the

wait for the Federal Government to take action.

“While we’ve seen some steps taken by Canberra, we’ve not yet seen the leadership the world has been crying out for.

“They’re yet to set a net zero emissions target and the Biden administration has criticised their climate change policies as ‘insufficient’.

“Well we won’t wait and be left in the dust.

“Queensland is in a strong position today when it comes to the environment and jobs because we took the lead.

“And we’ll continue work to put Queensland in the fast lane to create the jobs of future industries and protect our environment.”

Members of the Queensland Climate Advisory Council: Amanda McKenzie CEO, Climate Council Don Henry Melbourne Enterprise Professor of Environmentalism, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne Dermot O’Gorman CEO, WWF Australia Lauren Kirkwood Special Counsel, Baker & McKenzie’s Environmental Markets Ian Lowe Emeritus Professor, School of Science, Griffith University Emma Herd CEO- Investor Group on Climate Change Sandra McCullagh Director, About Energy Pty Ltd, Trustee of QSuper Damien Frawley CEO, QIC Stephen Tait CEO, CCIQ Peter Castellas CEO, Tasman Environmental Markets Mark Baker-Jones Special Counsel Climate Change, Simpson Grierson Professor Hugh Possingham , Queensland Chief Scientist QCAA Board, and is in line with the reporting practice in other states and by resolution of the Education Council of state, territory and Commonwealth ministers.”

The award winners attended 23 different state, Catholic, independent and international schools.

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NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND

History made with new Parliamentary Friends Grants boost support for of First Nations People group formed Queensland’s domestic and Brisbane, April 21: History has been made in Queensland with the very first meeting of newlyformed Parliamentary Friends of First Nations People.

like this has been formed in Queensland and is among one of the first in Australia. Only one other state – NSW – has a similar Parliamentary group.

This non-partisan group has been formed as a place to hold important and truthful conversations as everyone – no matter which side of politics they are from – can and should work together towards reconciliation and a prosperous future for all.

“For more than 150 years the Queensland Parliament has determined legislation that has impacted First Nations Peoples in ways that have not always been positive – much of which has led to inter-generational trauma that is still being felt today,” Ms Enoch said.

The group is co-chaired by: Minister for Communities and Housing, Member for Algester and proud Quandamooka woman Leeanne Enoch Member for Cook and proud Kulkalgal woman from the Torres Strait Cynthia Lui Member for Bundamba and Gubbi Gubbi man Lance McCallum Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford Member for Southport Rob Molhoek Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton The group held its first ever meeting on Tuesday night and Ms Enoch said the group would provide a safe place for everyone to work together.

“Queensland is home to two of the world’s longest continuous living cultures in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” Ms Enoch said.

“Parliamentary Friends of First Nations People will provide a safe, respectful space to explore Queensland’s collective past, gather knowledge to help understand the future.”

This is the first time a group

“As governments across the nation work to Close the Gap, and Queensland begins our Path to Treaty, it’s more important than ever to foster constructive, nonpartisan conversations across Parliament and seek common ground based on a shared understanding.”

Ms Lui said for the first time in history, Queensland currently has three First Nations people hold seats in the Queensland Parliament at the same time.

“We’ve come a long way, but there is still more work to do, and this is what the Parliamentary Friends of First Nations People will achieve,” Ms Lui said. “We will put politics aside to help work towards a more inclusive and shared future.”

Mr McCallum said being inclusive was at the core of what the Group was about.

“As a state, we should always strive to choose acceptance, collectiveness and unity over fear and division,” he said. “This group will ensure we, as elected Members of the Queensland Parliament, can lead the state and have open and honest

conversations as we move towards reconciliation.”

Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to a new way of working together with First Nations Queenslanders through a reframed relationship that delivers meaningful outcomes through a genuine partnership approach.

“This is about including all Queenslanders in a process that allows us to come together, to listen to each other’s experiences, and to understand what that has meant for us personally and as a community.

“The July 2019 Statement of Commitment anchors the Palaszczuk Government’s determination to reframe the relationship with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Crawford said.

“As we continue our path to Treaty, we recently appointed the Treaty Advancement Committee,” he said.

“Co-chairs Dr Jackie Huggins AM and Mr Mick Gooda, are joined by committee members Emeritus Professor Michael Lavarch AO, Dr Josephine Bourne and Ms Sallyanne Atkinson AO. “We have also committed to a truth-telling and healing process.

“We shouldn’t underestimate how important the truth telling part of this journey will be to healing the wounds that have accrued over 250 years of recent history.”

Game over for illegal hoon events Brisbane, April 23: Drivers taking part in illegal mass hoon gatherings will be further targeted under new anti-hoon powers passed in the Queensland Parliament this week.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said amendments to the legislation will turn the table on hoons and support police enforcement action against those taking part in these gatherings.

“As a result of these new laws, Police are now equipped with powers which will enable them to serve notices on the owner of a vehicle involved in hooning offences,” Minister Ryan said.

“This means if the owner of a vehicle claims they weren’t driving at the time of the offence, it will be up to them to prove it.”

Minister Ryan said road policing units across Queensland will be using high-tech camera technology along with the traffic monitoring CCTV network to target mass hoon gatherings.

“Police are already capturing hooning incidents on new highquality cameras and meticulously

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reviewing the footage to identify drivers involved and take strong enforcement action,” he said.

“The new laws are a gamechanger for police, providing greater flexibility for officers to go after each and every vehicle taking part in illegal hoon events.

“Offenders will no longer be able to avoid prosecution by simply masking their identities and denying they had been behind the wheel.

“Illegal mass hoon gatherings are a disaster waiting to happen and the State Government makes no apologies for Queensland maintaining its strongest stance on hooning in the country.”

Assistant Commissioner Road Policing and Regional Support Command, Ben Marcus, said recent hooning events on the Gold Coast highlighted how dangerous hooning activities can become.

“The outrageous and despicable acts of hoons have been on display recently where they have not only endangered their own lives and others but they have turned violent on police and

media,” Assistant Commissioner Marcus said.

“The community does not accept their reckless antics and police will certainly not tolerate anti-social and dangerous hooning behaviour in our neighbourhoods.”

As part of Operation Tango Vinyl, an anti-hooning operation on the Gold Coast which commenced in March, 201 infringement notices have been issued, 12 charges for serious offences have been laid and 9 vehicles have been impounded.

“Police across Queensland have been rolling out a range of strategies to disrupt and prevent hooning activity, particularly on the Gold Coast with an ongoing operation to target mass gatherings,” Assistant Commissioner Marcus said.

“With the new legislation, combined with a fleet of hightech cameras, the community can expect to see even more enforcement action taken against dangerous hoons putting others at risk.”

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sexual violence services Photo Courtesy: Mirag News

Brisbane, April 21: The Palaszczuk Government has given Queensland’s domestic, family and sexual violence service providers a $2.5M boost to assist the sector in responding to the impacts of COVID-19.

Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman today announced the successful recipients of an almost $2.5 million grants program aimed at helping domestic, family and sexual violence service providers respond to the complexities and challenges resulting from the pandemic.

“Over the past 12 months many in our community have stayed home to protect themselves from COVID-19, yet we know that for so many across our state home is not the safe space it should be,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Since the initial impacts of COVID-19 on our economy and way of life, we have also seen an unprecedented demand on our domestic and family violence (DFV) services.

“Our fantastic DFV services stepped up during COVID-19 to meet the increasing need for victim support.

“That is why these grants of between $50,000 and $150,000 have been made available to support one-off initiatives to respond to the impacts of the pandemic.

“The response from the sector has been overwhelmingly positive, with the quantity and quality of applications so high that additional funding was allocated on top of the initial $2 million advertised, and more initiatives have been able to be supported.”

Minister Fentiman said the 23 projects which had been successful in receiving funding would target a range of specific groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTIQ+ community, people with a disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“Projects to benefit communities right across the state will receive funding, including a partnership between Griffith University’s MATE Bystander Program and Torres Strait Island Social Justice Interagency Service to deliver training to help locals respond to violence in island communities, and the delivery of extra counselling services at the Centre Against Sexual Violence in the Redlands in south-east Queensland,” she said.

“Funding has also been allocated to the North Queensland Combined Women's Services Inc. in Aitkenvale to develop services to assist and inform people who have experienced, or are at risk of, sexual violence in the North Queensland region.

“The grants will fund direct, frontline services that provide prevention, early intervention, crisis and post crisis support, and develop resources to assist clients and use in community education programs about sexual violence.”

These funds are from a partnership between the State and Federal Government’s to provide assistance with domestic and family violence services during COVID, with the State Government calling on the Federal Government to continue this funding, as service providers are still faced with the same pressures.

Statement from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

P

remier Annastacia Palaszczuk has paid tribute to the Labor Member for Stretton, Duncan Pegg, who has announced his impending retirement from parliament due to ill health.

In a heartfelt speech, Duncan spoke of the love and support of his family, his community and his local legacy including a number of improvements to local schools and safer roads.

“As Duncan put it, he is among

30,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year,” the Premier said.

Mr Pegg has served as Member for Stretton since 2015 and as Chair of the Tourism Development and Environment Committee.

The Premier praised Duncan for his devotion to his community, his dedication to education and for making Queensland all the better for his service.

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Modi announces US-India partnership to fight climate change Photo Courtesy: IANS

By Arul Louis

New York, April 22 (IANS): Warning that the Covid-19 pandemic is a grim reminder of the dangers of climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a global initiative in cooperation with the US to mobilise investments for the greening of the world and promote collaboration to fight global warming.

countries' programmes.

He said that the global goal was mobilising $100 billion per year for developing countries to meet the climate challenge.

To help meet this goal, he said that the US will double by 2024 "our annual public climate development finance to developing countries compared to what we were providing during the second half of Obama-Biden administration".

Biden said that the US would cut its greenhouse emissions from the 2005 level by half by 2030.

In a subtle dig at the hypocrisy of Western leaders, media and activists who paint India as the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter and demand it cut down emissions, Modi pointed out that each Indian's greenhouse gas footprint is 60 per cent lower than the world average.

Modi said that India was doing its part to fight climate change.

"Our ambitious renewable energy target of 450 gigawatts by 2030 shows our commitment. Despite our development challenges we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation and biodiversity."

India has encouraged global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Modi added.

Modi was the second non-US leader to speak after Xi at the virtual conference.

Xi said that China was making extraordinary efforts like ending coal power generation in order to reach its climate change goals.

US Senate passes bill targeting anti-Asian hate crimes Photo Courtesy: IANS

Washington, April 23 (IANS): The US Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill combating surging hate crimes against Asian Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Senate approved the bill in a 94-1 vote and sent it to the House on Thursday, which will soon take up their version of the legislation. The lone nay vote was cast by Missouri GOP senator Josh Hawley, Xinhua news agency reported.

"By passing this bill we say to the Asian American community that the government is paying attention to them, has heard

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By Arul Louis New York, April 27 (IANS): The US Defence Department is working on providing the direly-needed oxygen to India in the grip of a Covid-19 surge and Washington may be able to reroute shipments to India, according to Joe Biden's Spokesperson Jen Psaki.

"Department of Defense and USAID are pursuing options to provide oxygen generation systems (and) we may be in a position to reroute shipments meant for other countries with lower immediate needs, given the urgency of the conditions in India," she said.

Leaders of 40 countries are participating in the summit.

They include President Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia, with whom Biden has an increasingly hostile relationship, but they have put aside their difference in the climate cause.

He announced the first US Climate Finance Plan to promote public sector "to increase the quality and quantity of climate financing" and spur the private sector to contribute to developing

US looking at rerouting oxygen shipments to India: Biden spokesperson

The US has also identified commercial suppliers of Remdesivir who can immediately provide the Covid-19 medicine to India, she said on Monday at her briefing.

"Humanity is battling a global pandemic right now and this event is a timely reminder that the grave threat of climate change has not disappeared," he said at the Leaders Summit on Climate Change convened by President Joe Biden.

"President Biden and I are launching the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership. Together we will help mobilise investments, demonstrate clean technology and enable green collaboration."

WORLD NEWS

their concerns and will respond to protect them," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat from New York, where anti-Asian violence has especially been running high.

American and Pacific Islander community.

Sponsored by Hawaii's Democratic senator Mazie Hirono and New York's Democratic congresswoman Grace Meng, the bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to designate an official to review coronavirusrelated hate crimes. Hirono and Meng are both Asian Americans.

Senators locked in a final deal on the bill late Wednesday night, allowing for several GOPproposed amendments to get a vote. All of those changes would need 60 votes in favour in the now evenly-divided Senate, and it turned out none of them got added.

The bill also directs the DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance raising awareness of hate crimes amid the pandemic, and work with other agencies to establish an online platform for reporting those crimes.

Hirono said that the bill's passage "sends a clear and unmistakable message of solidarity" to the Asian

The bill gained momentum after six women of Asian descent were killed in mass shootings in the Atlanta area in March.

Susan Collins, GOP senator from Maine who managed to work with Hirono to change the language of the bill over the administration's guidance, said that with the passage of the bill, "we can send an unmistakably strong signal that crimes targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our country will not be tolerated."

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The Defence Department is also looking at sending field oxygen generation systems, which have been used in US field medical hospitals and can support 50 to 100 bed, and oxygen concentrators used to produce medical quality gas, Psaki said.

The announcement came after a conversation between Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at which, according to the White House, "the two leaders resolved that the United States and India will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the effort to protect our citizens and the health of our communities."

Biden "pledged America's steadfast support for the people of India who have been impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases," the White House said in a readout of their conversation.

Psaki said the US was "in close touch with Indian officials at all levels" and "as requested by India we will provide raw materials for the production of AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine at Serum Institute of India."

"The US has also identified the rapid diagnostic testing supplies, personal protective equipment and ventilators available to be sent to India," she said.

Asked if there were any moves to ban travellers coming in from India because of the surge there,, Psaki said that while the US wanted to protect its people, at the moment there were no plans to restrict travel from India.

About reports that the Indian government was asking the social media providers like Facebook and Twitter to ban posts critical of the government, Psaki said, "That certainly wouldn't be aligned with our view of freedom of speech around the world."

Responding to a question about the US making available its stockpile of AstraZeneca vaccines that are distributed in India under the Covishield label, Psaki said that none was immediately available because those on hand had to be cleared for safety by the Food and Drug Administation (FDA).

About 10 million doses can be released in the coming weeks if they clear the FDA safety review and meet the US standards, she said.

"And there is an estimated additional 50 million doses that are in various stages of production. These could be completed in stages across May and June, but our team, our national security team, or COVID team, working with the State Department others, we're going to assess a range of requests a range of needs around the world," she said.

There was a safety problem at a US facility that was making both the AstraZeneca and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines when the two were accidentally mixed up.

Several million of those vaccine doses were dumped.

Because of authorities are examining the other doses made at the facility to ensure safety.

Export of vaccine raw materials and some anti-COVID products were banned by former President Donald Trump under Defence Production Act. Biden ordered the embargo lifted for India on Sunday.

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

WORLD NEWS

Re-issuance of Overseas Malaysia, China and Pakistan use Covid-19 as excuse to block freedoms Citizen of India (OCJ) Card

By Ateet Sharma

Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

Photo Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi, April 21: Malaysia has witnessed a remarkable fall in press freedom while China, which "continues to take Internet censorship, surveillance and propaganda to unprecedented levels", is still firmly anchored among the worst countries in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which provides information about the media freedom situation worldwide.

The annual report published on Tuesday shows that journalism - "the main vaccine against disinformation" - is completely or partly blocked in 73 per cent of the 180 countries ranked by the organisation in the last 12 months.

It said that the Covid-19 pandemic has been used as grounds to block access to information with the journalists finding it increasingly hard to investigate and report sensitive stories, especially in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

According to the report, the country that fell the furthest in 2021 was Malaysia where the problems include a recent "antifake news" decree allowing the government to impose its own version of the truth.

Malaysia was ranked 101st in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index but the organisation said that many press freedom violations since Muhyiddin Yassin took over as Prime Minister in March 2020 have severely impacted its ranking in the new index released Tuesday.

The report blasted China (177th), saying it continues to be the

I

n order to streamline the process of Re-issuance of OCI Cards, the Government of India has decided the following:

world's biggest jailer of press freedom defenders in 2021 as the Chinese authorities have tightened their grip on news and information even more since the emergence of Covid-19. It said that Beijing is trying to export its oppressive model by promoting a "new world media order" under China's influence.

President Xi Jinping's regime has imposed a social model based on control of news and information and online surveillance of its citizens," the report detailed on China.

The organisation mentioned that China's state and privately-owned media are under the Communist Party's ever-tighter control, while the administration creates more and more obstacles for foreign reporters.

Pakistan, under the military establishment's thumb Meanwhile, RSF mentioned that the Pakistani media, which have a long tradition of being very lively, have become a priority target for the country's 'deep state', a euphemism for the military and

Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the main military intelligence agency, and the significant degree of control they exercise over the civilian executive.

It said that Pakistani journalists, who dared to broach subjects deemed off limits by the military, have been subjected to ISI-orchestrated harassment campaigns with several being abducted in 2020 in order to be told: "Stop covering unwelcome stories or your family won't find you alive."

The report says that journalists in Pakistan continue to be at risk in the field, especially in the western provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The stepping up of online 'regulation' which clearly means censorship and cyber-harassment campaigns by pro-government or pro-military trolls against journalists has made things worse in Pakistan.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

The existing mandatory requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card each time a new passport is issued to a foreigner up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age has been dispensed with.

OCI cardholders are now required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.

OCI cardholders would be required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport. The service will be provided on Gratis basis.

Foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI Card holder is required to upload online a copy of his/ her new passport, latest photo, a declaration regarding subsisting of marriage and a copy of the

Indian passport of the Indian spouse or OCI card & passport of the OCI Cardholder on the online system, each time a new passport is issued. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI Card holder foreign spouse within three months of receipt of his/her new passport.

There will be no restriction on the OCJ Cardholder to travel to/ from India during the period from the date of issue of new passport till the date of final acknowledgement of his/ her documents in the online system.

Timeline for reissuance of OCI Card for OCI cardholders who may be required to get their OCI Card re-issued has been extended tilI 31st December 2021.

Appropriate modifications are being made in the OCI Miscellaneous Services portal to implement the above. This is expected to be launched by end May, 2021. OCI cardholders are therefore requested to wait for the updating of the portal before submitting any application for reissuance of OCI card.

Source: High Commission of India (Canberra)

In run-up to Biden's summit, UK sets target to slash emissions by 78% Photo Courtesy: IANS

from the independent Climate Change Committee, this sixth Carbon Budget limits the volume of greenhouse gases emitted over a five-year period from 2033 to 2037.

According to the UK government, the Carbon Budget will ensure Britain remains on track to end its contribution to climate change while remaining consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goal to limit global warming to well below 2oC and pursue efforts towards 1.5oC.

By Vishal Gulati New Delhi, April 21 (IANS): Hours ahead of Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the opening session of the US Leaders' Summit on Climate, hosted by President Biden on Earth Day, the UK government announced to set the world's most ambitious climate change target into law to reduce emissions by 78

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per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

For the first time, UK's sixth Carbon Budget will incorporate the UK's share of international aviation and shipping emissions, bringing more than threequarters of the way to net zero by 2050.

In line with the recommendation

Spring Hill Corner, Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane, Queensland

Enshrining the new target in law to slash emissions was announced on Tuesday.

The government is already working towards its commitment to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68 per cent compared to 1990 levels through the UK's latest Nationally Determined Contribution -- the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date.

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

INDIA NEWS

WORLD THIS WEEK Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

Compiled by Avishka Ashok, Harini Madhusudan, Lokendra Sharma,Akriti Sharma and Sukanya Bali

The US: Biden brings back the climate change agenda

Photo Courtesy: The New York Times

Photo Courtesy: The Reddifmail.com

Photo Courtesy: Reuters.jpg

What happened?

What happened?

On 22 April, President Joe Biden hosted online a two-day "Leaders Summit on Climate."

The summit aimed at addressing the climate crisis, resilience and adaptation, reduction in emissions, innovation, finance, and job creation. The summit was attended by 40 world leaders along with business leaders around the globe.

"Time is short, but I believe we can do this," Biden said in his opening remarks. "We will do this." He also said: "As we transition to a clean energy future, we must ensure workers who have thrived in yesterday's and today's industries have as bright a tomorrow in the new industries as well as in the places where they live."

What does it mean?

First, the US leadership. During the pandemic, climate action has taken a back seat as the world is grappled with the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. The US has taken the responsibility of bringing back the climate change agenda to focus. By announcing the revised targets, Biden seems to be ahead of Obama in attempting to institutionalize climate action globally.

Second, the US engaging with the rivals. Biden is using soft power to deal with rival states like China and Russia to achieve its climate targets. The presence of the world's largest emitters, including China and the EU, further makes it significant to achieve the targets that cannot be achieved unilaterally by any country.

Third, setting up the pace for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference. Countries like the US, Canada, and Japan have set up an example by releasing the targets way ahead of the COP26.

The summit has promoted more meaningful interactions for the upcoming conference in Glasgow.

Hong Kong: China now targets media freedom www.indianews.com.au

What does it mean?

Boa's conviction indicates the growing pressure on media in Hong Kong. The use of national security law against media freedom has narrowed the space for dissent.

China seems to be moving towards a "one country, one media" environment by replicating mainland media's features in Hong Kong, thereby effectively eroding the territory's civil liberties.

India: The second wave drives an unprepared country into a humanitarian disaster What happened?

On 22 April, India recorded over 3.14 lakh COVID-19 infections, the highest daily infection recorded anywhere in the world. On 23 April, even this grim milestone was surpassed as the country reported over 3.22 lakh infections and 2,247 deaths, taking the total reported cases to 1,62,57,337 cases and deaths to 1,86,919.

On 23 April, New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said that 25 patients had died due to a shortage of

oxygen. In another incident, 20 patients died at Delhi's Jaipur Golden Hospital due to oxygen shortage.

On 23 April, PM Modi chaired a review meeting with chief ministers of 11 high burden states.

Chief ministers flagged issues of oxygen supply and vaccine pricing. PM Modi asked states to ensure uninterrupted movement of medical oxygen and assured that the Railways and the Indian Air Force had been pressed into service.

On 22 April, the Supreme Court (SC) took cognizance of the rising cases. But, on 23 April, the SC adjourned the case till 27 April. Earlier, on 19 April, the central government announced that everyone above the age of 18 would be eligible for vaccine shots from May 2021.

What does it mean?

The ongoing second wave has exposed the lack of administrative preparation at both federal and state levels. It has also highlighted the inadequacies of healthcare infrastructure to cope with any major crisis. Despite the experience of the first wave, and despite more than a year to build healthcare capacity, India did little on this front. And, that some states are even disrupting the movement of oxygen tankers highlights the failure of cooperative federalism in this moment of crisis. Finally, people would have to strictly adhere to safety protocols to beat the second wave as vaccination will take many months, if not years, to reach a significant proportion of the population.

Photo Courtesy: The Express Tribune

China: Australia scraps Belt and Road Initiative deal On 21 April, Australia's foreign minister decided to cancel four deals, including two, which the State of Victoria agreed with China, in 2018 and 2019.

FM said: "I consider these four arrangements to be inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations."

China's embassy in Australia showcased its "strong displeasure and resolute opposition" to the move.

China: Scientists accuse WHO director of being "extremely irresponsible"

On 22 April, Bao Choy Yuk-ling, a freelance journalist with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), was convicted of making false statements using license plate information from publicly accessible databases. She was fined USD 775 for violating the road traffic ordinance.

Ivy Chui, West Kowloon Magistrate, said: "The regulations are not intended to allow the public to obtain vehicle particular without limitations." She highlighted that the public could obtain vehicle ownership records only for three stated purposes: legal matters, vehicle purchase or other transport or traffic-related matters. According to Reuters, Chris Yeung, Chief of Hong Kong Journalists Association, said: "it was a day of shame for the city."

Also according to Reuters, he considered this as criminalizing normal journalism and said it is "recklessly destroying" the press freedom.

ALSO IN NEWS

WORLD THIS WEEK

On 21 April, Chinese scientists accused the WHO Director of being "extremely irresponsible" for pursuing "lab leak theory." A foreign ministry spokesperson said: "all parties should respect science and the opinion and conclusion of scientists, WHO in particular should play an exemplary role." Last month, after the release of the joint report on origin COVID-19, Tedros suggested further investigation on 'lab leak theory', which was described as an 'extremely unlike' scenario in the report.

Myanmar: UN Secretary General's calls for a regional solution, as violence continues On 19 April, the UN SecretaryGeneral called for the ASEAN members to collectively find a solution to the crisis in Myanmar. On 20 April, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked a police post in Kachin State. No casualties were reported. KIA also warned local people to relocate to safe places.

A series of attacks also took place in Injangyang, Momauk, Namtu, Hpakant, Tanai and Shwegu townships.

Indonesia: Navy declares all 53 on board of the missing submarine dead On 24 April, the Indonesian navy announced: "missing submarine had sunk and cracked open, killing 53 crew members aboard."

Searchers have found parts of torpedo straightener, a grease bottle, debris from prayer rugs, and a broken piece from a coolant pipe. Navy chief said: "With the authentic evidence we found, believed to be from the submarine, we have now moved Photo Courtesy: Voice Of America

from the 'sub miss' phase to 'sub sunk'."

India: The fifth batch of Rafael jets arrives On 22 April, the fifth batch of four Rafale fighter jets arrived in India, completing the first Rafale squadron No. 17 Golden Arrows based in Ambala. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said: "The fifth ferry marks end of training of our third batch of pilots and all our maintenance crew." The jets flew with air-to-air refueling support by the French and UAE Air Force.

Afghanistan: Trilateral meet on Taliban, reaffirm commitment to peace On 23 April, FM of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey held talks about Afghanistan's future. As per the joint statement, the ministers underlined: " 'the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire' to end the violence and 'provide a conducive atmosphere for peace talks.'"

They also "called on all parties, in particular the Taliban, to reaffirm their commitment for achieving an inclusive negotiated settlement leading to lasting peace in Afghanistan desired by the Afghan people, the region, and the international community."

The US: The Senate passes AntiAsian hate crimes bill On 22 April, the US Senate passed a bill to address the hate crimes against Asians. The bill received immense support in the Senate, with 91 lawmakers voting in support of the bill and one voting against it. The bill mandates the Justice Department to review hate crimes and support local bodies to respond to violent acts of targeted hate. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives and then to the President for final approval.

About the Authors Harini Madhusudan, Lokendra Sharma and Akriti Sharma are PhD Scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at the Institute.

The only positive story so far, notwithstanding the delayed approval to the Sputnik V vaccine, is India's vaccination programme.

According to the Health Ministry, India became the fastest nation to administer 13 crore doses in 95 days. Rolling out vaccines for all aged above 18 is a welcome development.

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Vaccinating everyone above 18 to cost just 0.36% of GDP: Ind-Ra Photo Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): Vaccinating everyone above 18 in the phase III of the inoculation drive will cost only about 0.36 per cent of the GDP, ratings agency India Ratings and Research said.

age, states and Union Territories have been allowed to procure additional Covid-19 vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers and open-up vaccination to people above the age of 18 years."

As the second wave of Covid-19 sweeps the country with alarming speed and severity, the Centre recently announced a liberalised and accelerated phase III strategy of vaccination.

As a result, Indian vaccine manufacturers would now be supplying 50 per cent of their production to the Indian government and the balance 50 per cent would available for procurement by the state governments and the open market.

Under this phase, all persons above 18 years of age will be eligible to get Covid-19 vaccine doses from May 1.

Consequently, the total size of the population that will now be eligible for vaccination would be 841.95 million out of the total population of 1,332.69 million.

As per Ind-Ra's calculations, vaccinating the targeted group may cost Rs 671.93 billion, of which the Union government is expected to spend Rs 208.70 billion and state governments together will incur Rs 463.23 billion.

"The Union government has said that under this scheme, the pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of coronavirus vaccines will be made flexible."

"While the vaccination drive will continue as before, providing free vaccination to priority populations such as healthcare workers, frontline workers and population above 45 years of

"Of the total requirement of vaccines, a sum of Rs 50.90 billion has already been spent for procuring 214 million doses; thus, the remaining amount required to be spent for procuring 1,554 million doses would be Rs 621.03 billion."

"This is not a big amount as Rs 671.93 billion and works out to be just 0.36 per cent of GDP. If we split it between the Union government and state governments, then the fiscal impact on the union budget would be 0.12 per cent of GDP and on the state budgets would 0.24 per cent of GDP." According to Ind-Ra, the maximum impact is likely to be on Bihar followed by Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

"Since the antibodies generated by these vaccines are likely to last

for 12-18 months, this expenditure would be a recurring expenditure on Union and state budgets.

However, many states such as Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have already announced that the government will bear the cost of vaccination."

"Vaccinations by large corporate groups will reduce pressure on state/central budget."

Besides, Ind-Ra said given the magnitude of the problem and the economic cost the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic is likely to inflict on the economy, "it is too small an amount".

"However, more than the money spent, the critical factor would be how soon the desired level of vaccination can be achieved."

"Therefore, the decision to allow the restricted emergency use of Russian vaccine Sputnik-V and other vaccines approved by the US, EU and WHO is another step in the right direction. This will only accelerate the vaccination effort in the country."

BUSINESS & TRADE

Sitharaman assures industry of government's support New Delhi, April 21 (IANS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday urged the industry to wait and watch for next few days to assess the situation amid the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, while assured it of full government support.

Addressing the FICCI National Executive Committee members through virtual mode, she said that with the Prime Minister's address to the nation, along with the new vaccination guidelines and with the five-fold strategy adopted in handling the Covid-19 cases - i.e., test, track, treat, COVID-19 protocols and vaccination - there will be a sense of reassurance.

"With all these steps, we should hope to see a positive change in the way the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic is moving.

Industry is watching out and I would want you (industry) to keenly observe what is going on and we are together with the industry in (fighting) this (pandemic). I am sure all of us together will understand how best

to now ramp-up and sustain the growth momentum which all of us are keen to see between the last quarter and this quarter," Sitharaman added.

"I would request the industry to watch the next few days a bit more carefully, and then assess for yourself what this quarter is going to be like," the Finance Minister exhorted.

Sitharaman stated that sectors like hospitality, aviation, travel, tourism and hotels faced great difficulty since the start of the pandemic. "We have extended the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECGLS 2.0) for these sectors and I will ensure the efficiency with which it was performing last year shall perform even for the aviation and tourism sector," she said.

FICCI President Uday Shankar said that some clarity may be needed over essential and nonessential supply of goods. He further stressed on the need to support the MSME sector which is currently under facing difficulty.

Industry federations extend support to Covid vaccination drive Photo Courtesy: IANS

The first batch of Sputnik V is expected to be delivered to India

by April-end, it added.

AIBC to minimise the impact on bilateral trade due to temporary reduction to incoming flights from India New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): Healthcare and Industry federations came forward on Thursday to support the government's Covid vaccination strategy and to scale up last-mile delivery for the entire population.

Melbourne, April 22: Today the National Cabinet announced a temporary reduction by 30 per cent to the number of incoming flights from India and limiting the departures to India amid a rising number of COVID-19 cases in returning passengers. The decision is due to sudden increase of COVID-19 cases with more than 314,000 people confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 over the past 24 hours in India.

“Australia India Business Council (AIBC) as a Premier Industry body engaged in many years in Australia India trade, fully shares the Federal government’s concern behind the of temporary reduction of flights to and from India. While this will impact the Indian community in Australia a lot in the short term, AIBC

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hopes these measures are only temporary. Health should remain as the priority” said Mr Jim Varghese AM, National Chair of AIBC.

Australia, and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce of India, INVEST India will identify strategies to minimise the impact on Australia India Trade.”

Mr Jim Varghese AM stated that “AIBC wants to ensure that the trade and investment in India continues to have the highest level of support across party lines.

India is an especially important economic powerhouse for Australia and is part of the Quad.

We must deliver on the Modi / Morrison Virtual Summit. We would like to see Prime Minister Morrison’s outcome from the virtual summit held last year effectively implemented. AIBC through its ongoing engagement with its industry partners including Business Council of Australia, Export Council of

Mr Jim Varghese AM further stated that even during peak of the Covid 19 lockdown period last year, AIBC has been proactively identifying many bilateral trade and business opportunities with virtual engagements addressing many industry sectors such as Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Education, Health etc. “in fact AIBC believes in pragmatic and resilient approach in such situations and challenges,” said Mr Jim Varghese AM. For further information please contact Mr Vish Viswanathan – 0411 104 249.

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In order to ramp up the coronavirus vaccination drive in the country, the Indian government on Monday announced a liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination from May 1.

Everyone above the age of 18 will be eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine, said the government.

The healthcare and industry federations in a meeting deliberated on a set of immediate recommendations for submission to the government for effectively executing the liberalised and accelerated phase three National Vaccination Strategy from May 1.

The recommendations were aligned with the main elements of the Phase-3 strategy -procurement and administration of vaccines being made flexible -- all stakeholders being given

the freedom to customise to local needs and dynamics.

They also recommended incentivising manufacturers to scale-up production and invite new national and international players; and manufacturers empowered to release vaccines in the open market at a pre-declared price and states authorised to purchase from private players.

Senior healthcare leaders from the private sector spanning all major healthcare federations -- CII, FICCI, AHPI, IMA, PHD Chamber of Commerce, ASSOCHAM, Indian Chamber of Commerce, AMC, ANEI, AHEI, FHA Karnataka and NATHEALTH -- participated in the meeting.

Lauding the government for the phase three inoculation drive, as it can enable the industry to come together, the Federations recommended that the private sector in India pool their demand for effective flexible procurement to ensure high quality and uninterrupted access of lifesaving vaccines.

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Let us not lose perspective in judging Modi’s India Photo Courtesy: The Print

What is it in Quad for India?

By Dr Ishani Naskar

T

T

he Indian High Commission in Canberra has issued a stern rejoinder in response to The Times (UK) report by Philip Sherwell, ‘’Modi leads India into a viral apocalypse”, re-published in the Australian dated 26 April. The displeasure of the High Commission is quite understandable.

The Times report has lambasted Narendra Modi for a “slow domestic vaccination roll out”, “ill-equipped health system”, “lax protection”, “pandemic fatigue” and “promotion of economy over containment”.

Frankly speaking, every leader and country can be held guilty on these charges. Not long ago, we had seen a total collapse of the healthcare system in the advanced economies, including the United States, UK, France, Germany and even Australia to some extent, in the face of the dramatic covid-19 outbreak.

The images of people putting tents on the streets in the US, aircraft carriers and public parks being turned into make-shift hospitals, and UK subjecting its citizens to a complete lockdown bringing life to a standstill are still fresh. Reports of ambulances being bumped off in Australia from hospitals, the Ruby Princess fiasco, and the recent the AstraZeneca roll out confusion do not paint a very promising picture either.

For the records, while Australia is struggling to vaccinate the entire population, India recorded the fastest vaccination roll out, vaccinating over 140 million people, and has now been reportedly conducting 1.3 million tests daily. In 2020, when the West for all its economic might and health facilities was struggling to protect its people, India driven by its Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (world is one family) philosophy despatched personal protective equipment, hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to over 150 countries, including China (Wuhan) and has lately, exported 66 million vaccines to over 80 countries in desperate need.

Ironically, now Modi is being pulled up for this humane gesture as well.

Not many know that India does not feature in the top 10 countries recording high mortality rates

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for every 100,000 inhabitants. It includes countries like the Unites States, United Kingdom, Belgium and others.

Let us also not lose the perspective of how a deeply divided polity since 2014 in India has led to such human catastrophe.

In March 2020 when PM Modi announced the lockdown, he was labelled as a heartless dictator for triggering a massmigration of laborers by the same international media which is now calling him an “anti-lockdown” leader.

In March 2020, when Modi called upon the countrymen to stand united to pay gratitude to the frontline workers and law enforcement agencies by clapping and lighting lamps, his detractors in India and abroad ridiculed him.

Subsequently, when the government issued directives to put on masks and practice social distancing, people roamed with impunity saying they have developed herd-immunity and India has very low mortality rate.

In the latter half of 2020 when vaccination manufacturing gained pace in India, it was labelled as a “BJP vaccine” and therefore should be boycotted.

Amidst all this, when the farmers agitation broke out, hundreds of thousands of people thronged the Singhu border and scaled the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in a display of mass hysteria.

Then celebrities, journalists and political opponents joined the protests flouting all Covid-safety norms. Then Covid was least of the concerns, but now election rallies and religious congregation are being labelled as a ‘superspreader’.

EDITORIAL

he Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,(the Quad) emerged in 2007 as an informal association focusing on ‘security’ and gained momentum when the four founding members – India, Australia, the United States, and Japan decided to revive the dialogue process in light of the growing threat of China in the South China Sea region.

Thehistoric 2021 Declaration, ‘Spirit of the Quad’, candidly mentioned that, “Together, we commit to promoting a free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law to advance security and prosperity and counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity. We commit to work together and with a range of partners”.The genesis dates back to Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s Arc of Democracythat revolved around a normative formationbased on liberal values and beliefsof like-minded political systems.This revival of the Quadbrings together two

For the Quadmembers China is the elephant in the room. The whole democratic – liberalorder rationale itself is indicative of China’s authoritarian ubiquity in the region either militarily or economically. critical domains – diplomatic and the maritime.

Quad brings together maritime democracies across the Pacific and seeks to bond on the belief of establishing ‘an order based on democracy and liberal values’ Photo Courtesy: The Japan Times

and avoids any open reference to military engagement.It adopts an overall security approachand has an assortment of concerns and commitments – freedom of seas, environmental issues, global vaccination, exchange of critical technologies, denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and challenges to democracy in Myanmar.Yet, it is interesting to note that the Quad members are already looped in a network of bilateral military and strategic relationships.Australia’sinclusion in the Malabar Naval Exerciseindicatessoliciting of the ‘might’ component of the Quadthat gives a distinct indication of the strategic interests of the grouping in consonance with the geopolitics of the region. The ‘QuadPlus’ mechanism involving Canada and France, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam provides avenues to other stakeholders for a say in grouping.

For the Quadmembers China is the elephant in the room. The whole democratic – liberalorder rationale itself is indicative of China’s authoritarian ubiquity in the region either militarily or economically.

Thus, Quadhas tocalibrate its approach to grapple with China’s expansion into supply chains, production, manufacturing, banking networks, name it, the Chinese are quite indelible in their imprint in the region.The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiative has already spread the tentacles far and wide whichQuad is striving to counter through Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure, Blue Dot Network Process and Resilient Supply Chain Initiative. Quad as a loose value-based arrangement oscillating between military and non-military moorings has its own uniqueness in translating international ordering in a much more flexible manner vis-a-vis China-dominated rigid international ordering.

In the last decade or so, with the emerging thaw in relations

with the US on the one hand, and confrontations with China on the other India’s foreign policy has witnessed significant readjustment. But the entire rationale behind joining the Quad should not be boxed in the SinoIndia binary as India addresses bilateral and strategic concerns strategic separately. What India expects in strategic terms is balancing China’s territorial aggrandisement with some form of maritime balancing through the Quad through maritime exercises and other cooperative mechanism with the Quad members.Quad is also expected to strengthen India’s bilateral strategic engagements with Quad and Quad-Plus members.

Quadis also predicted to yield economic dividends for India.

In face of Covid-19 pandemic, the Quad has pledged to expand vaccine production and strategize equitable distribution across the region. India will benefit from this scheme as it is set to produce the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Vaccine financed both by US and Japan and logistically supported

by Australia.Before the pandemic India’s bilateral trade with the Quad countries were valued at aroundU$200 billion and net investment from the Quad countries were overUS$50 million.

In the post Covid-19 recovery scenario, India is projected to make a robust recovery better than the other three members, which is an added incentive for the QUAD members like to engage with India.

Dr Ishani Naskar is a Professor at the Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India

A recent Right to Information request has revealed that the Government of India had disbursed funds to the state governments to set up oxygen manufacturing plants in January itself, but states like Delhi were sleeping over it.

In this context, why is the world aghast when India sits on a Covid time-bomb? For now, the least we can do is not lose the perspective of India’s deeply divided polity, demographic bulge and the West’s own failings.

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INDIA NEWS

MAKE IN INDIA

MoU with Australia India Business Council (AIBC)

Footwear Supply Chain Footprint in India

By Neharika Mirakhur

I

nvest India and Australia India Business Council (with chapters in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra) signed the Memorandum of Understanding on April-9-2021, aiming to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) in India with the vision of making a positive contribution to economic growth of the country and offering more opportunities to the citizens of India.

Launch of Australia Micro-site The Australia India investment relationship has just begun.

The potential to strengthen the relationship between India and Australia stems from the emergence of business opportunities. And the current economic, political and business environment in both countries has created an incentive to supplement collaborative efforts and discussions to give an impetus to trade and investment.

With this website being launched exclusively for Australian investors and entrepreneurs, we wish to see our ties grow even more strong. All the information that an investor would need to enter and do business in India is available there with a dedicated 5-member team to provide handholding support to Australia businesses in their India journey.

Why Australia Micro-Site:

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India is the 2nd largest producer and consumer of footwear in the world. The leather and footwear industry in India is a high employment generating sector, contributing significantly to the country’s export earnings and economic growth. The footwear industry in India contributes about two per cent to India’s overall GDP along with employing more than four Mn workers. As per a report released by the Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the sector has the capacity to generate 250 jobs for every investment of INR 1 Crore.

Additionally, for every 1,000 pairs of footwear produced and sold in India per day, the sector can create 425 jobs spanning manufacturing, allied industries, and retail. The sector holds an important place in the Prime Minister’s drive to Make in India and thus has been chosen as a Champion Sector.

While India is a world leader in leather products, it is steadily gaining ground in the non-leather footwear segment. Presence of major Taiwanese companies such as Apache and Feng Tay in India are further accelerating India’s growth in the non-leather footwear segment.

Footwear Market in India: Current scenario and growth projections The Indian Footwear Market was valued at ~ $ 9.3 Bn in the year 2019 with non-leather footwear segment comprising of ~ $ 5.3 Bn. Out of the breakup for non-leather footwear, ~ $ 2.4 Bn comprised of branded footwear.

India, with consumption of 2,506 Mn pairs, is now the 2nd largest consumer of footwear globally, surpassing USA by 200 Mn pairs.

India’s footwear consumption per

person increased from 1.7 in 2016 to 2.0 in 2019.

The Indian footwear market is now expected to grow at 8% CAGR to be ~ $ 11.8 Bn by 2024-25 and the per- capita consumption of footwear is likely to increase from 2.33 pairs in 2021-22 to 2.94 pairs in 2024-25 i.e. to 3763 million pairs in 2024-25.5 Supply Chain Footprint: Clusters and Key Players India offers many footwear clusters wherein companies both Indian and foreign have set up their manufacturing plants.

Below is a snapshot of the various footwear clusters along with the key players situated in those clusters.

Starting from the northern part of India, the states hosting the footwear clusters include: Uttar Pradesh • Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the largest footwear cluster in India.

- Key players such as Von Wellx, a German shoe brand which has recently shifted its manufacturing units from China is setting up a plant in Agra. The company has collaborated with an Indian company, Latric Industries Group for the same.

- Virola Shoes Pvt. Ltd., a leading export company in Agra manufactures footwear for Alberto Toressi, a popular European brand. The company uses a stress-free technology in their shoes so that their products are not only fashionable but also

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comfortable. They have a patent technology that they use in all the soles which keeps the shoe light and durable.

• Kanpur hosts yet another major footwear cluster in India.

Some of the key players situated in this cluster include: - Mirza International, a leading leather footwear manufacturer, marketer, and exporter. It owns brands such as Red Tape, Oaktrack and supplies leather footwear to leading international brands and has products available in 28 countries globally.

-Tirubala Group, is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of high quality, fashionable footwear for men, women, and kids. It has international markets comprising of countries such as USA, UK etc. and manufactures footwear products for many international brands such as Mango, Tempe, Arcadia Group, Bimba and Lola, Hoogenbosch, Lloyds, Esprit, Zara, Bershka, and Topshop.

• Noida hosts footwear giants such as Woodland. The company sources its leather from tanneries in Jalandhar, Punjab. It has collaborated with vendors in Bangladesh, Taiwan, and China, for the outsourcing of a few SKUs. The city also hosts the Superhouse Group, leading producer of finished leather, footwear, leather accessories, textile garments etc. and produces leather for brands such as Hugo Boss and Michael Kors.

Haryana • Lakhani Footwear is one of the largest producers of sports shoes, beach slippers, PU (polyurethane) injected sports shoes, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) injected sports shoes with a total capacity of ~ 55.5 million pairs per year. It has been manufacturing shoes for leading brands and has established a strong alliance with Adidas for which it provides sports shoes.

• Liberty Shoes is one of the leading Indian footwear brand manufacturers, manufacturing ~ 50,000 pairs a day.

• Jasch Industries offers polyurethane (PU) and vinyl (PVC) coated fabric for various parts of footwear such as shoe upper, shoe linings and insoles.

Delhi • Clarks Future Footwear is a leading manufacturer and retailer of footwear. Nearly 60% of the products it sells in India are sourced from India itself from companies such as Tata International and Farida Group.

• Relaxo Footwear, a Fortune 500 (India) company, is one of the largest footwear manufacturers in India. They manufacture products such as rubber slippers, sandals, flip flops, sports shoes.

States hosting footwear clusters in the southern part of India include: Tamil Nadu • Vellore and Chennai in Tamil Nadu have emerged as the key clusters in the state.

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• Feng Tay, a leading Taiwanese footwear contract manufacturer for brands such as Nike is present in the state and is continuing expansion in India.

• Tata International, is a pioneer in the Indian leather industry and a leading exporter of finished leather and leather products. Their facilities have received ISO accreditation and LWG Gold Rating. They export footwear to global brands and leading retailers around the world including Clarks, Deichmann, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Zara, and Massimo Dutti.

• Farida Group, they manufacture and market high quality men & women footwear and finished leather, and operate through three main business segments: leather, uppers and shoe manufacturing units. Their products are sold in more than 40 countries globally.

• Weyco Group, an American footwear brand has an exclusive license agreement with Indian firm Samar Lifestyle Private Limited to produce and distribute Florsheim (sub-brand) footwear in India. They currently have a factory in Ambur in Tamil Nadu for production of the shoes under the Florsheim brand.

• Astro Mueller, is a German company that produces footwear for brands such as Bugatti Shoes and Daniel Hechter. Most of its products are exported to Europe.

Andhra Pradesh • Presence of players such as

Tata International and Apache Group. Apache is a leading Taiwanese footwear contract manufacturer for brands such as Adidas. It is in the process of expanding in the country.

States hosting footwear clusters and PU (polyurethane) manufacturing in the western part of India include: Maharashtra • Mumbai, the capital of the state hosts a footwear cluster wherein the famous Kolhapuri chappals are manufactured. Apart from these chappals, various other footwear such as sports shoes, sandals for men, women and children are manufactured.

• Metro Shoes is a popular manufacturer of footwear in the state. The company sources from its manufacturing facilities in Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, China, and Brazil.

Gujarat

• Dahej in Gujarat is home to Topline- a leading producer of PU for footwear in India. As per the company, it is compliant for export to European countries and is also Caprop 65 US compliant for US buyers.

State hosting footwear cluster in the eastern part of India: West Bengal • It is home to the largest footwear manufacturer and retailer in India- Bata. The first plant of Bata was established in Batanagar in Kolkata. This is the plant wherein maximum production of footwear takes place.

• Khadims, another popular footwear manufacturer and retailer is present in the state.

State hosting the major PU production in India: Madhya Pradesh • Mayur Uniquoters, is one of the largest synthetic leather

manufacturers in the country. It produces both PVC ( Jaipur Plant) and PU leather (Gwalior Plant).

Footwear is the company’s largest revenue contributor.

The company supplies its products to various OEMs in the auto, furnishing, apparel, bags categories. The company’s major clients include VKC, Bata, Paragon, Relaxo, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hero Motorcorp and

Mahindra & Mahindra.

While the examples cited above are some of the main players in the footwear industry in India, there are numerous small and medium sized footwear manufacturers who are involved in the entire supply chain ecosystem.

Source: Invest India, Government of India

AIBC applauds federal govt support to India for COVID 19 crisis management

I

ndia is going through an unprecedented Health crisis with the second wave of the COVID 19 virus affecting millions.

As Indian Government and agencies are dealing with this crisis to provide immediate relief, at the same time many countries have commenced supporting such relief measures.

Australia has begun process to provide a relief to India consisting of 500 non-invasive ventilators with the scope to go up to 3000, personal protective equipment, 1 million surgical masks 500,000 p-two and 95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, 20,000 face shields, 100 oxygen concentrators with tanks and consumables.

Australia is suspending flights from India as a temporary measure to prevent further spread of the virus.

In Australia it is a different picture. Thanks to the measures taken by federal and state governments in Australia such as contact tracing, quarantine and medical support, Australia is on the road to recovery.

Australia India Business Council (AIBC) organised a live webinar session on “Post pandemic

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recovery plans of Federal government and Insight of Home Affairs during Pandemic” with Hon Peter Dutton MP - Minister for Defence, on April 28th, 2020.

This session was moderated

by Mr Jim Varghese AM – AIBC National Chair.

Hon Peter Dutton MP’s speech elaborated on the active measures Australia has been taking for the country, and to help India overcome this battle. Hon Peter Dutton MP stated Australia has been relying on a headstrong quarantine strategy within the country to reduce the number of cases. The country witnessed the defence personnel divide themselves amongst various departments and activities to monitor and control the spread of the virus over the past 15 months.

Australia now seeks to extend their resources and help India meet the medical demands with the increase in the case graph.

“By January 2020, we saw about 1.3 million people having lost their jobs, or stood down to zero hours, and by April 2020, we saw 94% of those people back at work, and that is quite a remarkable outcome. We want to make sure that in the budget this year, we provide support to, again, small businesses, and the focus of the

budget will very much be on jobs and on service delivery. And there is an incredibly significant stage of support, to continue support around aged care. And we have had a particular look at the way in which we can, we can show support to different models of aged care, particularly those that are delivering a service to a diasporic community and the different needs around different languages,” said Hon Peter Dutton MP while discussing the Federal Government strategy this year.

When asked about the relief measures Australia seeks to extend to India, Hon Peter Dutton MP stated that Australia currently has begun process to provide a relief to India. Ongoing discussions and strategies are still taking place to help small business and Indian employees that have been affected within the Australian region.

Mr Jim Varghese AM – AIBC National Chair acknowledging the Federal government programs and initiatives regarding the pandemic and thanking the Hon Peter Dutton MP for his support said “one of the things one of the initiatives AIBC is taking is working with our counterparts in India, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and

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Industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and the Indian Australian Chamber of Commerce. What we would like to do from business-to-business relationships is during this incredibly challenging time, keep those business relationships going and trade and investment.”

Mr Vasan Srinivasan - Patron of AIBC Victoria Chapter said: “I know as a friend, you are always available for the benefit of my Indian community in Australia.

You never let me down so far, and you always protect Australia and Australians, for our safety and health. Thank you so much and looking forward to working with you in relation to AIBC activities.”

Mrs Ravneet Pawha - President of AIBC Victoria Chapter said: “I want to thank the Australian Government, personally and professionally for all the support that is being extended to India and people that are currently in this difficult situation. I wish to suggest collaboration for education and research in defence with India with educational institutions such as Deakin University."

Hon Peter Dutton MP welcomed this idea and said: "There’s an enormous amount of

collaboration, as you would expect with research institutes, the science and technology aspect of defence is quite a remarkable undertaking. And that is done in collaboration with several institutions. And some of that work, obviously, is publicly acknowledged. But I think there is an enormous opportunity to form those collaborations through the quad with institutions in India and identifying the requisite skills or the capacity within.”

There was a lively interactive Q&A session moderated by Mr Jim Varghese AM – AIBC National Chair addressing defence supply chain, visas for talented people and logistical support to India COVID 19 measures.

Hon Peter Dutton MP concluded his speech on a positive note that hopes to foster and strengthen the relationship between Australia and India. Upon the settlement of the pandemic, the countries hope to work on further building their ties and strategizing for future challenges, in order to be better prepared and emerge stronger.

The lively session with Hon Peter Dutton MP ended with a vote of thanks by Mr Jim Varghese AM – AIBC National Chair.

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India to import oxygen generation plants, containers from Germany

By Sumit Kumar Singh

Photo Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS): Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of Covid across the country, India will be importing oxygen generation plants and containers from Germany to cater the shortage.

Government sources said that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being air lifted from Germany.

These will be deployed in static hospitals and provide adequate oxygen to the needy.

Further, sources said that India is procuring a large number of oxygen containers for adequate supply of oxygen in Delhi and other states.

IANS was first to report that India is deliberating on to import oxygen containers and equipment from foreign friendly nations to meet the crisis the country is facing after the second wave of Covid-19 hit severely.

The government planned to assign Indian Air Force to airlift in oxygen containers and equipment from friendly nations.

The problem India, in importing oxygen, facing is transportation due to an acute deficiency of containers to carry. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders to get the containers.

The government had roped in the air force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and

essential medicines as the national capital region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines.

The IAF started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic.

So far IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital at Delhi.

The force had also airlifted oxygen containers of DRDO from Bengaluru for Covid centres at Delhi.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh directed all the defence establishments to setting up of more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and to bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis.

A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in

The DRDO had stated that they have set up a Covid hospital on Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then 1,000, if required.

Rajnath Singh instructed more fully functional Covid hospitals be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also in other places where required.

He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad.

There were also discussion on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they volunteer.

The minister also had suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

ward, and 24 patients on ventilator beds died gasping for breath within minutes.

"However, the NMC authorities handled the crisis very efficiently and helped prevent a bigger tragedy. They managed to save a part of the oxygen, which is stored at below minus 180 degrees Celsius," said Tope.

The tragedy occurred at the Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital run by the BJP-controlled Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), which is among the biggest civic bodies, and in one of the worst Covid-19 hotspots in the state.

President Ram Nath Kovind,

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Photo Courtesy: IANS

58,51,361 HCWs who have taken the second dose. 1,16,28,882 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have taken the first dose and 59,32,541 FLWs have been administered the second dose. 4,43,89,584 persons aged between 45 years to 60 years old have administered first dose and second dose administered to 16,28,837 persons between 45 years old to 60 years.

Further after the directions of the government, Army hospital at Delhi Cantonment area has been converted into Covid facility for people infected with the virus in Delhi.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Nashik (Maharashtra), April 21 (IANS): In a horrific incident, at least 22 Covid-19 patients on ventilator support died at a Nashik public hospital after an abrupt drop in pressure due to leakage in oxygen supplies, and two others succumbed later, officials said.

Andhra DGP recommends 'Dasa Sutras' for police to avoid Covid

a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the Minister.

Oxygen leak leaves 24 Covid patients dead in Maha's Nashik

By Quaid Najmi

HEALTH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and other senior Central and state leaders cutting across political lines expressed their grief over the tragedy that occurred on the day of Ram Navami.

Visiting the tragedy-hit hospital this evening, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that according to NMC officials and experts, there were certain technical glitches while oxygen was being transferred from a tank which caused a sudden variation in the pressure of the oxygen being administered in the Covid-19

People were left speechless as visuals of the tragedy were posted on social media with the invisible gas stored in the tank under extremely cold minustemperatures suddenly gushing out in snow-white, hissing clouds, with workers and others running around in panic. Some technicians were seen struggling with the controls to curb the deadly outflow.

At that time, around 150 patients were undergoing treatment on oxygen or ventilator beds but when the oxygen pressure plummeted without warning, the hospital staffers were seen running helter-skelter to save their lives by shifting them to other wards or nearby hospitals.

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New Delhi, April 21 (IANS): The total Covid vaccinations across the country have crossed the 13.22 crore mark on Wednesday with more than 21.21 lakh vaccine doses administered till evening.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 13,22,40,352 till 8 p.m. on Wednesday, as per the provisional report.

"These include 92,19,080 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and

First dose of vaccine was also administered to 4,78,44,204 beneficiaries above 60 years and 57,45,863 people above 60 years the administered second dose.

"Total 21,21,042 vaccine doses were given till 8 p.m. today, the 96th day of nationwide Covid vaccination. Out of which 14,35,858 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 6,85,184 beneficiaries received second dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight," the Health Ministry said.

At least 100 Sikh devotees returning from Pak test positive Chandigarh, April 22 (IANS): At least 100 Sikh devotees mainly from Punjab, who returned from Pakistan after visiting several shrines on the occasion of Baisakhi, on Thursday tested positive for coronavirus on their return to India through the Wagah border near Amritsar, officials said.

A 'jatha' of 815 pilgrims reached Pakistan's Lahore on April 12 to celebrate Khalsa Sajna Diwas and Baisakhi at the religiously significant Sikh shrines.

A total of 100 out of 350 devotees tested positive for coronavirus through a rapid antigen test, an official told IANS. However, the result of many other devotees is awaited.

The Pakistani High Commission in Delhi had issued visas to 1,100 Sikh pilgrims. Before departing to Pakistan, all those who tested negative for Covid-19 were allowed to cross the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post.

They were granted a 10-day visa

by Pakistan and were allowed to visit Sikh shrines besides attending the main function at Gurdwara Panja Sahib at Hasan Abdal on April 14.

On their return, they paid obeisance at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on April 19 and took out a 'nagar kirtan' from there to the Zero Line located along Dera Baba Nanak on the Indian side.

Ram temple trust to set up oxygen plant Ayodhya, April 22 (IANS): The Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is working for the construction of the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya and for the development of the Ayodhya region, has come out to help the Covid patients.

The trust has announced to set up an oxygen plant at a cost

of Rs 55 lakh. Dr. Anil Mishra, trustee of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said that at present, the whole country is in the grip of the pandemic. In such a situation, the Trust has decided to set up an oxygen plant of Rs 55 lakh, he said. The plant will be set up at Dasharatha Medical College, Ayodhya.

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

ENERGY & RESOURCES

IMF chief urges "robust" price on carbon Gorakhpur girl features to fight climate change in Forbes under 30 list Photo Courtesy: IANS

Washington, April 23 (IANS): International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva called for a robust price on carbon to fight climate change, warning that without it, "we will not reach our climate stabilization goals".

A robust price on carbon provides "a critical market signal" to producers and consumers in all sectors of the economy, Georgieva made the remarks at the Leaders Summit on Climate, virtually hosted by the United States on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"It has proven to advance investments in renewable energy, electric mobility, energy efficient buildings, reforestation and other climate friendly activities - with positive impact on growth and jobs, while reducing carbon emissions," Georgieva said.

According to IMF analysis, a mix of steadily rising carbon prices and green infrastructure investment could increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by more than 0.7 per cent per year over the next 15 years, and create millions of new jobs.

Noting that carbon pricing is gaining momentum, the IMF chief, however, said the average global price needs to rise from the current $2 a ton to $75 a ton by 2030 to curb emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Georgieva said the IMF proposes an international carbon price floor among large emitters, such as the Group of Twenty (G20), as focus on a minimum carbon price among a small group of large emitters could facilitate an agreement, covering up to 80 per cent of global emissions.

Gorakhpur, April 22 (IANS): Gorakhpur, the home district of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has just added another feather to its already crowded cap.

Georgieva noted that such a price floor has to be "pragmatic" and "equitable," with "differentiated" pricing for countries at different levels of economic development.

Aside from carbon pricing, the IMF chief highlighted green taxonomy and standardized reporting of climate related financial risks, as well as financial support to developing countries.

Climate change "presents huge risks to the functioning of our economies and offers incredible opportunities for transformative investments and green jobs," Georgieva said.

P&G commissions first in-house solar plant in India Hyderabad, April 22 (IANS): Procter & Gamble's manufacturing site in Hyderabad became its first site in India to house a solar plant.

This is P&G's only the fifth manufacturing site globally to commission in-house solar plant.

Spread over 16,000 square meters and comprising nearly 3,000 panels, the in-house solar plant has a capacity of one Megawatt clean energy production and will reduce the company's carbon footprint by an estimated 1,030 tonnes annually.

According to Sachin Sharma, Plant Head, Hyderabad manufacturing site, P&G India, environmental sustainability is core to the company operations.

"Increasing our use of renewable electricity and improving energy efficiencies is a critical part of our sustainability journey. Therefore, we are taking a more deliberate approach to develop and adopt

more efficient ways to operate. By commissioning our new in-house solar plant, we are making strides to advance progress against these goals."

He pointed out that all sites of Procter & Gamble in India are zero manufacturing waste to landfill. In 2020, the company achieved 100 per cent recycling of multi-layered plastic waste.

In 2019, P&G announced vGROWEnvironmental Sustainability Fund of Rs 200 crore to invest in sustainable solutions with partners and suppliers.

The Hyderabad site is P&G's largest manufacturing plant in India focused on producing its fabric care brands Ariel and Tide, personal care brand Gillette and baby care brand Pampers.

P&G says as the focus on clean energy has been a key action area for the Telangana government, the company is taking a more deliberate approach to develop and adopt more efficient ways to

operate.

According to a recent report by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Telangana has exceeded renewable energy target.

The installed capacity in 2017 in Telangana was 1,286.98 MW and it touched 3,291.25 MW in 2018, moved up to 3,592.09 MW in 2019 and then 3,620.75 MW in 2020.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad-based Freyr Energy has announced an equity investment of Rs 18 crore from Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures, Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia and C4D Partners.

Freyr Energy is one of India's leading solar rooftop companies that is using technology to change the way homeowners and MSME's transition to solar.

The company, which had raised Rs 27 crore in 2018, has so far installed about 30 MW of rooftop solar systems in over 1,700 installations across 22 states in India.

'Developed nations should contribute more to tackle climate change' United Nations, April 23 (IANS): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on developed countries to contribute more to defeating climate change during a US-hosted virtual event.

hottest on record. "Dangerous greenhouse gases are at levels not seen in 3 million years. Global temperature has risen 1.2 degrees Celsius -- racing toward the threshold of catastrophe."

"Let us mobilize political leadership to move ahead together -- to overcome climate change, end our war on nature and build lives of dignity and prosperity for all," the UN chief told world leaders attending the Leaders Summit on Climate on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

He called on leaders to take action to conquer climate change, and reiterated his position to build a global coalition for netzero emissions by mid-century.

The top UN official underscored that the past decade was the

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He urged countries to make this "a decade of transformation", calling on them to submit new and more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions for mitigation, adaptation and finance, to lay out actions and policies for the next

10 years aligned with a 2050 netzero pathway.

Guterres also called for efforts to "translate those commitments into concrete, immediate action".

Moreover, he asked countries to put a price on carbon, end subsidies for fossil fuels, ramp up investments in renewable energy and green infrastructure, stop the financing of coal and the building of new coal power plants, phase out coal by 2030 in the wealthiest countries and by 2040 everywhere else, and ensure a just transition for affected people and communities.

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Shriti Pandey, 29, has been selected among the 30 under 30 achievers from Asia in the 2021 list by Forbes, a leading American business magazine focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle.

Forbes magazine had informed Shriti through e-mail on Tuesday that she figures on its 30 under 30 Asia list class of 2021.

The Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list features 30 bright and innovative millennial and Gen-Z leaders in 10 categories who have preserved and thrived despite global uncertainty.

Shriti has been selected in the Industry, Manufacturing & Energy category.

Her father M.N. Pandey told reporters that his daughter is the founder and CEO of Strawcture Eco, which is registered in Gorakhpur and has an office in Delhi.

The enterprise makes panels made from agri-waste that are environment-friendly, low cost, sustainable and non-toxic. The eco-friendly boards are used in house construction Strawcture Eco is one of the first 'Make in India' companies committed to manufacturing carbon negative products.

Shriti's innovative idea also

resolves the problem of stubble burning that leads to air pollution in the country and offers an ecofriendly housing model.

An elated Shriti said: "It was a real surprise for me when I received an email from Forbes regarding my selection in the 30 under 30 list from Asia. We make eco-friendly boards with compressed agri fibres that are then used in house construction and making furniture. The boards are acoustic, thermal, termite and moisture resistant."

Shriti has done her schooling from Gorakhpur and then from Delhi. She has done her masters in construction management from New York University. She returned to India and founded Strawcture Eco in 2018.

She had earlier won SBI youth fellowship and worked in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh. In 2018, during the UP Startup Conclave at IIM, Lucknow, her innovative idea was acknowledged by the UP government and her project was accepted.

The UN also appreciated her work in 2019 and honoured her as her technology aims at reducing pollution by compressing crop waste into agri-fibre panels for industrial and commercial builds.

Last year, Shriti was named a climate fellow by the New Yorkbased non-profit Echoing Green and received $90,000 in seed funding. Shriti has about a dozen employees working for her and wants to bring in more women into her business.

Dorsey, Musk bat for Bitcoin as future of renewable energy New Delhi, April 22 (IANS): Arguing for Bitcoin as a key driver of renewable energys future on Earth Day, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have come forward to support the fast-growing cryptocurrency, saying that Bitcoin incentivises renewable energy.

Dorsey's digital payment services company Square and global asset manegement firm ARK Invest have jointly released a white paper on "Bitcoin as Key to an Abundant, Clean Energy Future".

In a tweet on Wednesday, Dorsey said: "Bitcoin incentivises renewable energy."

Musk replied: "True," after tweeting that starting next week, "Tesla Solar Panels and Solar Roof will only be sold as an integrated product ‘with' Tesla Powerwall battery".

In the white paper, Square and ARK Invest said that "the energy asset owners of today can become the essential bitcoin miners of tomorrow".

The ‘Bitcoin Clean Energy Initiative' has developed a short research paper as a "starting point

to share our vision for how bitcoin mining — in conjunction with renewable energy and storage - is especially well suited to accelerate the energy transition".

To complement this work, ARK Invest has contributed an open source model that demonstrates how bitcoin mining could augment these renewable + storage systems to supply a larger percentage of a grid's base-load energy demand for comparable or lower cost unit economics.

"Bitcoin miners are unique energy buyers in that they offer highly flexible and easily interruptible load, provide payout in a globally liquid cryptocurrency, and are completely location agnostic, requiring only an internet connection," the paper read.

Bitcoin miners are an ideal complementary technology for renewables and storage.

"Combining generation with both storage and miners presents a better overall value proposition then building generation and storage alone," the research paper noted.

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INDIA NEWS

Vinesh upset over delay in vaccinating athletes

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Vinesh, who has qualified in the women's 53 kg freestyle event, said having vaccines close to the Tokyo Olympics will be no good.

"We are waiting for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to take a call, but nothing has happened.

Taking a vaccine at this stage will be a big advantage because it will build the immune system in the body," said Vinesh.

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS): Olympic-bound wrestler Vinesh Phogat is disappointed over the delay in giving Covid-19 vaccine to athletes.

"After having vaccines, there could be mild fever and stiffness of the arm. It would also disrupt training. Keeping all the sideeffects of the medicine in mind, the Olympic-bound athletes should be given vaccines right now," she added.

During online interaction with the media on Friday, Vinesh said she doesn't want to become the

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the sports ministry have been discussing the issue of vaccines for Olympic-bound athletes since February but there is no concrete plan yet.

Six wrestlers, including three in the women's group, have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

The World Olympic qualifier in Sofia from May 6 to 9 is the last qualifying tournament for Tokyo Olympics.

The city could spend as much as 778 million dollars for the rebuilding of the stadium.

Besides cricket, the stadium currently hosts rugby and AFL football matches.

The Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said on Tuesday that The Gabba would stage the Opening and Closing Ceremonies if the Games were

awarded to the city.

"Every Games needs a home. The Gabba has been home to our sport since 1895. A home for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could be its crowning glory," said Palaszczuk, adding, that the stadium would be "essentially demolished".

There are reports that the stadium's capacity could be increased from the current 42,000 to 50,000, but the huge rebuilding cost could become a sore point with the people of the country.

"We looked at a number of options about whether we could remodel.

We are actually going to lift this stadium," said Palaszczuk.

Brisbane Lord, Mayor Adrian Schrinner, also hailed the plans.

"Council's investment in the Brisbane Metro will help move tens of thousands of people to the doorstep of this venue, with

capacity for high-frequency, 24/7 trips," he said, adding, "The Gabba is the right choice for the 2032 Games and will also benefit countless major events over the decades to come."

During the Indian cricket team's last tour of Australia, "Fortress Gabba" was breached when the visitors defeated Australia in the fourth and final Test to break their unbeaten run since 1988.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

On Friday, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player tweeted, "Let's do our bit to help (one) another in this difficult times… may waheguru keep everyone safe...We will win this fight against #carona."

The gesture drew adulation from Harbhajan's fans and followers who took to Twitter to thank the

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40-year-old cricketer who has taken 417 wickets in 103 Tests.

According to reports, the mobile Covid-19 facility will have a capacity of 1,500 samples per day and will provide the result within four hours. While the service will be free for those below poverty line, others will be charged Rs 500 per test.

Harbhajan has been urging people to stay safe all along while also retweeting messages from people seeking help for their near-anddear ones.

On April 17, Harbhajan also urged his followers to help

Kielce (Poland) April 23 (IANS): Indian boxer Sachin produced a remarkable performance to clinch gold as the Indian contingent concluded its campaign with an unprecedented 11 medals, including eight gold, at the 2021 AIBA Youth Men's and Women's World Boxing Championships on Friday.

With Sachin's gold, the 20-member contingent finished the 2021 edition with a historic eight gold and three bronze medals to emerge as one of the top boxing countries in the event.

The previous best outing for India was in 2018 when they won 10 medals.

Harbhajan to set up mobile Covidtesting lab in Pune Pune, April 23 (IANS): Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is setting up a mobile Covid-19 testing laboratory in Pune, which will become operational from Saturday and augment the efforts of the government and private entities.

Photo Courtesy: Times Of India

Last month, World Championships bronze-medallist and Olympic-bound wrestler Bajrang Punia who has qualified in the men's 65kg freestyle event got the Covid-19 vaccine on his own.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Sports website insidethegames. biz said on Tuesday that Brisbane is the favourite to host the Summer Games, after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) short-listed it as a leading contender.

World Youth Boxing: Sachin clinches gold

centre of controversy by using her connections to get vaccines.

Plan to demolish, rebuild Gabba for 2032 Olympic Games Brisbane, April 20 (IANS): There are plans to demolish the Australian cricket team's fortress, The Gabba stadium, and rebuilt it as the main venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, if the quadrennial showpiece is awarded to Brisbane.

SPORTS

Delhi cricketer Unmukt Chand whose mother and uncle were admitted to a hospital in the national capital for Covid-19 treatment. Chand had posted a doctor's prescription which said his mother and uncle urgently required Remdesivir vials.

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Sachin, who hails from Bhiwani, Haryana, made a cautious start against the highly-skilled Yerbolat Sabyr in the men's 56kg final.

The Indian made good use of his feet and landed fierce punches to put pressure on his Kazakhstan opponent.

The contest was evenly poised at

the end of the two rounds with Sabyr providing equal resistance.

However, Sachin took charge of the game with relentless attacks in the final round before completing a 4-1 win and securing India's eighth gold.

Earlier on Thursday, the Indian women's team had scripted history and secured the highest medal haul at the event. Gitika (48kg), Naorem Babyrojisana Chanu (51kg), Poonam (57kg), Vinka (60kg), Arundhati Choudhary (69kg), T Sanamacha Chanu (75kg) and Alfiya Pathan (+81kg) had clinched gold medals as India finished on top with seven gold medals.

They bettered their previous best of five gold achieved during the 2017 edition in Guwahati.

Besides Sachin, Bishwamitra Chongthom (49kg), Ankit Narwal (64kg) and Vishal Gupta (91kg) managed to clinch a bronze each in the men's section.

Wishes pour in as Sachin Tendulkar turns 48 Mumbai, April 24 (IANS): India's cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who is recovering at home after spending six days in hospital due to Covid-19, turned 48 on Saturday and wishes started pouring in from all over the world.

Former India pace bowler Venkatesh Prasad took to Twitter, posting pictures of some of the glorious moments he shared with the legend, and wrote, "Sach is truth, Sach is life, Sach is the answer, Sach is it. Birthday greetings to not only the greatest batsman the world has seen, but the most humble and incredible human being @sachin_rt. #HappyBirthdaySachin."

Born on April 24, 1973, the Mumbai batsman has scored a record 100 international centuries - 49 in One-day Internationals and 51 in Tests - and is the first of only four cricketers to receive the highest national sporting award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, in 1997/98. The other three

cricketers are Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2007/08), current India skipper Virat Kohli (2018) and Rohit Sharma (2020).

Tendulkar is the first and only recipient of the Bharat Ratna -- India's highest civilian honour - which he received 2013 after his retirement from international cricket.

Tendulkar, who was hospitalised to a Mumbai hospital as a precautionary measure after he tested positive for Covid-19 late last month, had returned home on April 8 to begin his recuperation.

To all his well-wishers, he wrote on April 8: "I have just come home from the hospital and will remain isolated while continuing to rest and recuperate. I would like to thank everyone for all the good wishes and prayers.

Really appreciate it. I remain ever grateful to the medical staff who took such good care of me and have been working tirelessly for over a year in such difficult circumstances."

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INDIA NEWS

SPORTS

Won't be surprised if Padikkal plays Jongwe rattles Pakistan in all formats for India: Gavaskar as Zimbabwe win Mumbai, April 23 (IANS): Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said that he won't be surprised if he sees Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Devdutt Padikkal playing for India in all formats.

Photo Courtesy: Cricbuzz.com

Padikkal has become a mainstay at the top of the order for RCB and scored his first Indian Premier League (IPL) century on Thursday. Gavaskar also pointed out Padikkal's record in domestic cricket in India.

"I won't be surprised if he plays for India in any of the formats because he has got the class and the ability to do that. He is a heavy scorer in first-class cricket and Ranji Trophy as well gets big hundreds. In 50-overs cricket, he gets lots of runs and hundreds.

Here, in the T20 domestic tournaments, he got lots of runs.

So, I won't be surprised if he is

there sooner rather than later," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Gavaskar said that Padikkal is just the latest in a long line of great batsmen to have come out of Karnataka which includes Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul. However,

Gavaskar said that Rahul seems to not believe in himself as much as he should.

"Karnataka has always produced a terrific line of batsmen.

Gundappa Vishwanath, Rahul Dravid, then KL Rahul. And if KL Rahul, you know, some of the stars need to believe in themselves a little bit more.

Sometimes you get the feeling that he doesn't believe in himself.

He is such a talented player And there is Mayank Agarwal, there is Karun Nair who got a triple hundred, he also needs to get his act together. It's a terrific batting line-up Karnataka have," Gavaskar added.

"And Devdutt Padikkal is another one in that long line of batsmen who have delighted the Indian cricket lovers," he said.

Need to be patient to survive in international hockey: Xess Bengaluru, April 23 (IANS): India hockey defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess said on Friday that the competition for a place in the team was so fierce that he might have to wait for some more time to add to the 14 caps he has earned so far.

"Of course, it's a part and parcel of the game for any young player," the 22-year-old, who will reunite with the Manpreet Singh-led team which returned from the successful tour of Argentina, said.

Xess said that one needs wait for the opportunity and make full use of it to cement his place in the team.

"I have realised that one has to be patient to survive in international hockey. Especially, in a team where there are so many top

players. We are in good form right now. I just want to better myself as a player and not worry too much about other details," said Xess.

Bengaluru in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

"The credit has to be given to the ethos set by (chief coach) Graham Reid and the senior players; they never make you feel any less important because you're a young player who hasn't played a lot recently. My focus is on making the best use of the opportunities I receive, whether in training or on the pitch."

"I was watching the team during the Argentina tour and the Europe tour before that. We showed that, on our day, we can match any side. The team is in good shape and we have to continue to build on this momentum," he added.

Even as the team was defeating Olympic champions Argentina in Buenos Aires, Xess along with 10 other team-mates, including Chinglensana Singh, SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh, continued their training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in

He was delighted when India performed exceptionally well in Argentina.

Xess has now set his sights on winning the Olympic gold.

"Winning an Olympic gold has been a lifelong dream for me. I have been really pushing myself over the past year, even when there were no matches. We will continue to work on getting better as a team before flying to Tokyo," said Xess.

Aussie Green gets first full contract after India show Sydney, April 23 (IANS): Allrounder Cameron Green has been elevated to his first full contract following his fine performance against India in the four-match Test series last summer, as Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday announced the list of 17 players to be offered national contracts for the 2021-22 season.

Joe Burns, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis -- who were upgraded during the 2020-21 season -- did not retain the national contracts but will be 'afforded every opportunity' to press for selection in Australian squads.

CA national selector Trevor Hohns said, "His (Green's) 84 in the second innings against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) demonstrated excellent technique and resolve and we are confident his bowling will be impactful at international

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level. His domestic form was also outstanding, and we expect he will only get better with more international exposure."

Green played all four Tests against India and led all-comers in the Marsh Sheffield Shield with 922 runs at 76.83, including three centuries.

"Cameron is a player we believe will play an important role for Australian cricket after his impressive breakout summer," said Hohns.

Hohns said that while the BorderGavaskar Trophy was "deservedly" won by India, the Aussie players can be proud of their efforts across all formats, which included a home ODI series win over India and an away win over England, the reigning world champions.

"This is reflected in the ICC (International Cricket Council) rankings. Steve Smith, Marnus

Labuschagne and David Warner are all ranked among the top10 Test batsmen, while Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are rated in the top-10 Test bowlers," said Hohns "Add to this the white-ball player rankings -- Aaron Finch (ODI and T20I) and Glenn Maxwell (T20I) among the batsmen and Ashton Agar (T20I) and Adam Zampa (T20I) among the bowlers are all in the top 10 globally -- and the strength of this contract list is evident," he added.

List of contracted players: Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner and Adam Zampa.

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Photo Courtesy: IANS

Harare, April 23 (IANS): Rightarm pacer Luke Jongwe took four wickets, including that of the dangerous Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, to help Zimbabwe defeat Pakistan by 19 runs in the second T20 International and level the series 1-1 on Friday.

In a low-scoring match, where the home team could score only 118 for nine in the allotted 20 overs, Zimbabwe bundled out the visitors for 99 runs to register their maiden T20I win against Pakistan.

Zimbabwe crawled to 118 thanks mainly to the efforts of opener Tinasha Kamunhukamwe, who scored 34 off 40 deliveries. All the

Pakistan bowlers were miserly in giving away runs with Mohammad Hasnain taking two wickets for 19 runs, while Haris Rauf conceded just 10 runs in his three overs.

Chasing 119 to win, Pakistan was bowled out for 99 on the penultimate ball. Babar Azam top-scored with a 45-ball 41, while Danish Aziz was the other notable run-getter scoring 22 off 24 balls.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 118 for 9 in 20 overs (Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 34; Mohammad Hasnain 2-19, Danish Aziz 2-29) beat Pakistan 99 in 19.5 over (Babar Azam 41, Danish Aziz 22; Luke Jongwe 4-18, Ryan Burl 2-21) by 19 runs

India women win four gold medals in Youth Worlds Photo Courtesy: DT Next

Kielce (Poland), April 22 (IANS): The Indian women's boxing team stamped its authority in the Youth Men's and Women's World Boxing Championships by winning four gold medals on Thursday night.

Gitika Narwal set the ball rolling by winning women's 48 kg gold medal by defeating home favourite Natalia Kuczevska 5-0.

India's second gold came in the women's 51kg when Baby Naorem Chanu scored a 5-0 win against Russia's Valeriia Linkova.

In the women's 57kg final, Poonam beat Sthelyne Grosy from France 5-0.

India's fourth gold medal came in the women's 60kg when Vinka outplayed Zhuldyz Shayakhmetova of Kazakhstan.

Referee stopped the contest in the third round.

The 20-member Indian contingent has already created history by securing 11 medals, improving the previous best of 10 medals in the 2018 edition. Earlier in the men's section, Bishwamitra Chongthom (49kg), Ankit Narwal (64kg) and Vishal Gupta (91kg) won three bronze medals for the country with semi-final finishes.

The tournament has witnessed high competition with the presence of 414 boxers from 52 countries.

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

INDIA NEWS

Indian-origin artist Madhuri to display works in Milan

M

adhuri Srikanth, an Indianorigin artist with roots in Telangana, has received a special invite to showcase her works at 'Romantica', an international art exhibition, to be held at Italy's Milan between April 23 and May 2.

Madhuri is the lone Indian artist to be invited to showcase her works at the exhibition organized

by M.A.D.S., a contemporary art gallery, located in one of the main Milan districts.

A resident of Cary town in North Carolina (USA), Madhuri has been invited to showcase three of her works at the exhibition. These include "Benevolent Buddha" (Acrylic painting on a clay board), "Golden Geisha" (Tanjore painting with .22 carat gold, semi-precious stones accompanying with poster colors on wooden panel) and "Shadow Sway" (Tanjore painting with .22 carat gold, semi-precious

stones, and Swarovski crystals accompanying with poster colors on wooden panel).

ART & CULTURE

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Photo Courtesy: IANS

The three works have a sale price of $2,000 each.

"I consider this has a great opportunity for me to showcase the traditions and culture of India on an international platform.

This festival opens doors to possibilities of showcasing art in a different light, with colours becoming the messengers of thought and memory. By setting an example, I would also like to encourage more girls of Indian origin born or living in the US to make painting their manner of expression," said Madhuri on getting this invitation.

Born in Nalgonda, Madhuri is a self-taught painter, and believes canvas is her medium to express her dreams. Inspired from her mother's Rangoli as

looking back.

a kid, Madhuri started dealing with colors from a young age.

The innate talent in Madhuri was recognised during her days in school, when she received accolades at the national level, and ever since there has been no

Photo Courtesy: IANS

A mother of two, and Vice President, at the prestigious Truist Bank (USA), Madhuri has developed strong command over various forms of paintings, without any formal training. From color portraits, to murals, from sand art to Tanjore paintings, Madhuri has done some exceptionally great works in at least six forms of paintings.

Drawing social narratives Highest estimated Photo Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS): "It's important for me as a person to comment on social and political issues. Social media is a powerful tool to project my opinions into the world. It is also a great place to find alternate points of view and to engage with people outside of our echo chambers. My tool is drawing, so that is what I use to express myself," says artist Ikroop Sandhu, whose illustration, re-imagining painter Amrita Shergill's famous 'Three Girls' to mark Woman's Day during the ongoing farmers' agitation went viral.

This BA (Philosophy) graduate from LSR in New Delhi, who later did a course in animation from Vancouver has been following the farmers' protest ever since BKU (Ugrahan) set up a morcha.

"Initially I was an observer, but as things progressed, a friend of mine - Sangeet Toor set up a women led publication called 'Karti-Dhatri'. She asked if I could make an illustration for their first issue. That got the wheels of my mind turning. I had been thinking about the contrasting images of women farmers astride tractors from this protest versus their docile depiction in paintings, films and literature. In fact, women farmers are largely invisible and categorised as rural women while their active role as farmers is overlooked even today.

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"Amrita Shergill's beautiful and melancholic painting of three women came to mind, and I wondered if I could use them as a visual quote in the current dialogue around representation of women farmers. That is how the illustration came about. It was printed for the Women's Day celebration instead, and filmmaker Gurvinder Singh designed the poster. It was a spontaneous collaboration," she remembers.

Talking about artists' relationships with protest sites, especially as seen during the CAA-NRC protests and the ongoing farmers' agitation, Sandhu feels that art is an exercise in observation whether one is painting a landscape, drawing a political cartoon or making a film. That this keenness to observe emerges from curiosity. "It could be that artists are curious people or that curious people become artists.

Protest sites with their continual improvisations and diversity of engagement is like a Petri dish for a curious mind. So it makes sense as to why young and old creative people would want to

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Photo Courtesy: IANS

Asian artwork ever offered at auction Photo Courtesy: IANS

participate and study this human experiment."

The artist, who moved to Dharamshala from Delhi just before the lockdown is quite optimistic about the future of graphic novels in the country.

"We are seeing a plethora of independent publishers who are putting out high quality visual work. As comics go digital, more experimental and interactive work from Indian creators will emerge. I am optimistic about this ever growing readership and the shifts in visual mediums," she says.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi, April 22 (IANSlife): A magnificent national treasure of museum quality, by Chinese Modern master Xu Beihong (1895-1953) will be up for grabs by auction house Christie's.

As one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century, Beihong paved the way for Chinese Realism and pioneered modern art education in China.

'Slave and Lion', carries an estimate of US$45,000,000 58,000,000, the highest estimated Asian artwork ever offered at auction. The painting is a groundbreaking example of the artist's thematic creations, and signifies a watershed moment in modern Chinese art history. It was painted at the height of his creative output, and is regarded as one of his most significant and signature creations. Beihong's largest oil painting is still in private hands, the artist's thematic oil paintings are extremely rare on the market and no more than six have ever appeared in history.

The story behind 'Slave and Lion' originates from ancient Roman mythology and 'Aesop's Fables' the slave who tried to run away was captured by his master, and thrown into the Colosseum to be

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executed by the lion. However, to everyone's surprise, the lion recognised the slave and did not attack him. It transpired that the slave had removed a thorn stuck in the lion's paw during transportation. The moving account paved way for the slave and lion to be set free. The story serves to praise the essence of humanity and our intrinsic nature towards compassion and redemption for all.

In order to underscore the historical significance and influence of this work, 'Slave and Lion' will be presented in an exclusive single-lot evening sale, immediately after the conclusion of the 20th and 21st Century Art Evening Sale in Hong Kong. Following the previous world records set by Christie's for Su Shi's 'Wood and Rock' and Sanyu's 'Five Nudes', the sale is an testament to Christie's ability in sourcing the most important Asian Art masterpieces.

Francis Belin, President, Asia Pacific, commented "We are privileged to be offering this exceedingly rare work which holds great cultural significance.

The sale of this museum-quality masterpiece marks a monumental moment in auction history and continues Christie's tradition in offering the greatest masterworks of Chinese Modern art. As the leading highlight of our Spring season, it joins a formidable line-up of Asian and Western masterpieces, sourced by the strength and unparallel expertise of our market-leading team here in Asia".

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INDIA NEWS

May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

Is Modi era the end of Congress?

Photo Courtesy: IANS

the question: Will the Congress now be relegated to the history books?

Taking a leaf from India's history and crunching important data, the book, published by Garuda Prakashan, breaks down crucial themes like Congress helmsmanship, family-controlled party leadership, breaking away of senior Congress leaders, loss of vote share, and the Congress-led UPA's defeat in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

A

timely and comprehensive political critique of India's 'grand old party', the Indian National Congress, author Amit Bagaria's new book "CongressMukt Bharat: Is the Modi Era the End of Congress?" is a compelling and multi-dimensional take on the political, ideological and structural downfall of this 135-year-old party and the ascent to power of the Narendra Modiled BJP. Overall, it aims to ask and answer

"There is already talk of an anti-BJP alliance led by regional parties in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, similar to 1977, 1989, and 1996. Some regional leaders were quoted as saying that the Congress can no longer be the ebig brother' of the opposition, and will have to play esecond fiddle' to regional parties in an anti-BJP front. Are we truly headed towards a Congress-Mukt Bharat by 2024," writes Bagaria in the book.

The opening chapters speak of Congress party's corruption.

The fourth chapter quotes from former bureaucrat RVS Mani's

The next three chapters analyse the 2019 elections in great detail, followed by one on how the Congress claim of being the enatural party of choice' for voters is completely disproved by the results of the last seven Lok Sabha elections. Two chapters analyse Congress performance in each state since Sonia Gandhi became the party president, and how the Left Front fared since 1989.

The next nine chapters are about Narendra Modi, his successes, his failures, and the work he has done in 80 months.

The longest chapter, divided into 14 sections, details the successes and failures of India's 14 Prime Ministers. The author has given points on a scale of 0 to 10 to each PM, and two Congress PM's, PV Narasimha Rao and Lal Bahadur Shastri, are among the Top 4.

In his in-depth analysis of the Modi 2.0 ministry, the author

Photo Courtesy: IANS

have seen a growing appetite for financial crime drama and ‘The Banker Who Crushed His Diamonds' not only fits the bill as a cautionary tale, but it is also a revelation of the chinks in India's armour against financial chaos."

T

he Banker Who Crushed His Diamonds, that charts the trajectory of the YES Bank from its inception to its dramatic rise and meteoric downfall, capturing the story of the people behind one of the biggest banking failures in Indian history, is to be adapted for the screen, its publisher, Penguin, has announced after closing a deal with Almighty Motion Picture for its AV rights.

Vaishnavi Singh, Manager, Digital Platforms, Products & Video Rights, Penguin Random House India, said: "After the resounding success of the book, we are excited to see the story of one of the biggest banking scams transform for screen. We

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On September 28, 2018, after announcing that he was going to step down as the Managing Director of YES Bank, Rana Kapoor had claimed: "Diamonds are forever. My promoter shares of YES Bank are invaluable to me."

However, in a span of just 14 months, Kapoor did a complete U-turn. He sold his entire stake in the bank, even as the shares continued to get hammered by investors.

Rana Kapoor and Ashok Kapur had founded YES Bank in 2004.

On March 5, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took control of it in an attempt to avoid the

gives only 6.56 out of 10. Next is an interesting chapter on revamp of the Central ministries and the author's choice of ministers if he were to be the PM. "Is Congress Becoming AntiIndia?" and "The End of Congress?" are concluding chapters. The Appendix lays out eAgenda 2024' for India.

"Amit has once again crafted a book, which is a testimony to his

Kapoor's story runs parallel with that of the fourth largest private bank in India.

In what feels like a story straight from a financial thriller, the book uncovers the rot deep within YES Bank's glittering success story. It serves as much as a cautionary tale as it exposes the chink in India's armour against financial chaos.

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He was bullied in school and at cricket camps, but he always punched above his weight, overcoming every adversity life threw at him and never gave up.

This is the story of the lessons he learnt and the friendships he built.

Peppered with invaluable insights -- about the game and about life that Raina acquired from senior colleagues such as Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, among others -- this book will make you believe in the power of hard work, love, luck, hope and camaraderie.

collapse of the bank, which had an excessive amount of bad loans.

"The Banker Who Crushed His Diamonds" takes you right to the start of Rana Kapoor's career as a banker, charting his meteoric rise, his mercurial personality, the lavish lifestyle and the unravelling of it all.

strenuous research, felicitous writing, and erudition. The book covers PM Modi's innovative and ambitious foreign policy, which is my subject matter. The author has carried out this task with admirable skill and efficiency," says TP Sreenivasan, IFS, Former Ambassador of India to Austria and Slovenia and Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN.

'Believe' is the mantra that guided Suresh Raina to the top Photo Courtesy: IANS

"I am really excited that Almighty Motion Picture has acquired the rights for my book," the author, Furquan Moharkan, said.

"A scam of this magnitude has to be taken to masses, and what better than a book getting made into an AV form. We have also seen growing interest in financial thrillers in the country, which I hope would lead to success of ‘The Banker Who Crushed His Diamonds' in AV form. This will also help a lot in making the masses financially more literate," he added.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

book on how Congress falsely spread the narrative of Hindu Terror and Saffron Terror. It includes spine-chilling details on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

Book on dramatic rise, meteoric downfall of YES Bank to be adapted for screen Photo Courtesy: Kashmir Walla

BOOKS & LITERATURE

S

achin Tendulkar gave him a mantra that he took to heart, getting it etched on his arm as a tattoo.

In "Believe -- What Life and Cricket Taught Me" (Penguin), coauthored by Bharat Sundaresan, Suresh Raina, one of India's most successful international cricketers, an aggressive lefthanded middle-order batsman and an occasional off-spin bowler who is regarded as one of the best fielders in the world, takes you through the challenges he faced as a young cricketer.

It takes us through the highs and lows of the cricketing career of a man who saw his world fall apart and yet became one of the most influential white-ball cricketers India has ever seen, a youth icon and the fifth most followed sportsperson on social media with 40 million followers.

Bharat Sundaresan is a worldrenowned, award-winning cricket writer currently based in Adelaide. He is the Australian correspondent and senior writer for Cricbuzz. He is also the bestselling author of "The Dhoni Touch."

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INDIA NEWS

TRAVEL

Short driveable holidays: A travel trend here to stay Photo Courtesy: The NewsMen

wonderful experiences closer home especially with the positive and safe environment created with the news of Covid-19 vaccination rollout. Be it bag packers, corporate groups, families or friends, people are preferring to drive down to their nearby getaways for short and relaxed staycations. In our recent survey, surprisingly 59 percent respondents preferred short driveable holidays over long distant holidays.”

As many as 69 percent of respondents mentioned sustainability as one of their

top priority before hitting any domestic travel destination.

About 49 percent respondents gave special attention to offbeat destinations so as to avoid the travel rush to popular destinations. While 32 percent were in favour of community support to help local tourism recover amid the pandemic. A highly trained staff on hygiene and safety protocols, more personalised experiences and automation for comfort topped the survey chart of service standard expectations from hotels and resorts.

Photo Courtesy: The NewsMen

A

new online survey has found that 89 percent of Indians are ready to hit their favourite domestic destinations with more confidence and excitement, as India began its vaccination rollout drive.

Most respondents emphasized on preferring high-level health and safety standards at tourism spots, hotels and resorts before selecting their favourite travel destination and properties for staycations, highlighted the survey.

Conducted by Noor Mahal, the

survey also witnessed a hike in demand for domestic over foreign destinations. The survey was conducted among a sample of adults who travelled for business or leisure in the past six months, and must be planning to travel in 2021.

According to the New Informed World Traveler survey, which polled more than 3,000 adults, one in three is looking forward to travel with family and friends as compared to solo travel.

Decoding the deciding elements behind selecting a preferred

hotel destination, respondents voted for high level health and safety standards, sustainability, responsible tourism and authentic and value for money as key factors.

Roop Pratap Choudhary, Managing Director of Noor Mahal, an award-winning luxurious Palace Hotel Brand, said, “People are now preferring staycations over long holidays and short distance tours over long journeys.

Travelers of the new informed world are keen to take smaller journeys, and discovering

A socially-distanced day-out in California floral blooms Photo Courtesy: IANS

T

he Wildflower season is beginning and here are some of the places visitors can safely enjoy spring blooms across California.

While visiting, be sure to maintain six feet from others, sanitize your hands frequently and wear face coverings when in close proximity to other hikers. Also, be sure to observe all trail signs and keep your pet on leash to preserve the flowers for future visitors.

The Golden Fields of Sonoma Valley in Springtime Before the grapes start to bud, Sonoma Valley's vineyards become a blanket of stunning yellow mustard flowers, which provide the soil with vital nutrients and act as a natural pest repellent. It's easy to see these golden fields as you drive throughout the valley Photo Courtesy: IANS

but if you want a closer look, Highway 12 is a great place to pull over (in a safe location) and snap a picture. Other photo-worthy spots include B.R. Cohn Winery’s iconic "mustard flower hill," the terrace at Gloria Ferrer Vineyards and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood. The flowers can be enjoyed from January through April.

Wildflowers Await in Yuba and Sutter Counties

Spring Arrives in Glorious Color in San Diego From March through April, drive out to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego’s rural East County for a spectacular display of color. Guests enjoy a vibrant kaleidoscope of wildflowers, from tiny bursts of color no larger than the head of a pin to towering ocotillos with fiery spines of scarlet blossoms.

The wildflower bloom depends on timing and the amount of winter rainfall, and can last two to six weeks. From March through May 10, guests can also stroll through 50 acres of beautiful Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in San Diego’s North County.

Photo Courtesy: IANS

As part of the California Floristic Province, Yuba and Sutter Counties are a biodiverse hotspot growing an unusually high concentration of native

Spring Blooms in Orange County There are a variety of parks and trails where nature lovers of all ages can view wildflowers safely and sustainably throughout Orange County. Highlights include Weir Canyon Trail at OC Parks' Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Laguna Niguel, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Trabuco Canyon. There are also a variety of seven-day self-guided access

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with the vibrant colors of evening primrose, verbenas, poppies, desert lilies and many other varieties. Wildflowers can be seen throughout the Murrieta and Lake Elsinore regions, but one of the best spots to view them is Walker Canyon Trail. The trailhead is easy to find at Lake Street and Walker Canyon Road.

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trails in the City of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve and the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon. The peak wildflower bloom typically occurs midMarch to mid-April.

Super Bloom in Murrieta Starting in late March through the end of May, the hills of Murrieta come alive each year

plant species – including over a dozen varieties of cluster-lily. In fact, there are 14 governmentally protected rare or endangered plant species found in the region.

The Visit Yuba Sutter Official Visitor's Guide is available online, and includes the names of all the trails and areas for the best nature experiences in the region.

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INDIA NEWS

TRAVEL

Norwegian Cruise Line announces return to cruising Photo Courtesy: IANS

N

orwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a global cruise trave company, has announced return to service, with new itineraries sailing Europe and The Caribbean beginning late July, it said in a statement.

The Cruise Line will restart operations at a reduced capacity with Norwegian Jade, Joy and Gem as the first of its 17-ship fleet to welcome guests back on board.

"Travelers long-awaiting a return to cruise will have the opportunity to spend the summer exploring ancient ruins and sunny beaches with all new seven-day cruises to the Greek Isles on Norwegian Jade from Athens (Piraeus) beginning July 25, 2021. They can

also island hop with week-long Caribbean itineraries available from Montego Bay, Jamaica as of August 7, 2021 on Norwegian Joy or from Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic on Norwegian Gem beginning August 15, 2021," it said.

“Over a year after we initially suspended sailings, the time has finally come when we can provide our loyal guests with the news of our great cruise comeback,” said Norwegian Cruise Line’s President and CEO Harry Sommer.

“We have been working diligently towards our resumption of operations, focusing on the guest experience with health and safety

Photo Courtesy: IANS

at the forefront. The growing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine has been a game changer.

The vaccine, combined with our science-backed health and safety protocols, will help us provide our guests with what we believe will be the healthiest and safest vacation at sea.”

Sommer continued, “All guests sailing aboard cruises with embarkation dates through October 31, 2021 will be required to be fully vaccinated and tested prior to boarding our ships.

Given the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, the accelerating rollout of the vaccine, and the speed of scientific learnings, it is premature to make decisions about our health and safety protocols for cruises with embarkation dates beginning November 1, 2021."

Photo Courtesy: IANS

The Cruise Line said it has been working closely with destination partners and others to provide a safe vacation and exceptional experience.

Sommer said, “Resuming operations is a comprehensive endeavor, involving many parties around the globe. We are very proud of our collaborations and look forward to deeper partnerships as we forge into the future.”

These new Caribbean itineraries provide guests with ten to 11

hours of port time with each sailing featuring only two days at sea and four distinct ports of call.

In addition, guests embarking on voyages from Montego Bay, Jamaica on Norwegian Joy will enjoy a visit to Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort

destination in Belize.

composting.

percent of respondents would look at sustainable travel when they do leave their homes in 2021.

This comes out strongly amidst the backdrop of the pandemic, with Indians becoming more aware of their impact on the environment and wanting to give back to local communities. This not only provides a boost to the communities and their members – thus redistributing the economic impact of travel – but is also sometimes more affordable.

This is also a model of travel that Airbnb has supported – travel as a way of fostering meaningful connections and regenerating communities.

Guests sailing aboard Norwegian Jade’s Greek Isles itinerary this summer and beginning of fall will wake up in a new destination every day with eight to nine hours of port time to explore, it added.

Sustainable travel celebrated on #WorldEarthDay

E

ach year 22nd April or Earth Day as we know it, brings with it a reminder to do better for our planet and take responsibility for a greener and better future.

With an increased consciousness towards our home, our planet thanks to pandemic, this 51st Earth Day comes with the opportunity for us to think about the choices we make which can help make the planet a better place to live.

As per a recent YouGov report

by Airbnb, an overwhelming 94 percent of Indians look at sustainable and responsible travel when they do leave their homes in 2021, with millennials and Gen Z fuelling this trend.

For those of looking to make a difference through daily routines, a little goes a long way when it comes to planet Earth. In fact, one of the most monumental ways in which individuals can make a difference is by adopting sustainable practices in their own homes. So, if you’re looking for simple tips to make your home greener, these easy guidelines from expert Airbnb hosts are sure to inspire you.

Source locally Shop local and use local. While designing and getting his quaint and charming farmstay ready, Airbnb Host Honey, who hosts

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The Owl’s Nest in Dharamshala, made a special effort to use as much local material as possible, with very few exceptions.

The minimized need for transportation helped keep the environmental impact to a bare minimum without compromising on the aesthetics or the modern comforts which we've grown used Similarly, Airbnb Host, Sanjay, swears by local products. While designing his farm stay, Meena Bagh Ratnari in the gorgeous locales of Himachal Pradesh, he decided to use local products as much as possible. A lot of the furniture has been designed using locally sourced 'waste' wood. This discarded wood was picked up from the wood-mills and is also known as reclaimed wood. While adding to the rustic look and feel of the home, reclaimed wood adds a certain warmth to the ambiance.

Nestled in the lap of nature, Meena Bagh Ratnari is the perfect place for those who prefer luxury in serenity, surrounded by nature, tranquillity and farm animals.

Go sustainable from the ground up if possible When talking about the need to adopt a sustainable lifestyle, Honey said, “For me, the transformation into a sustainable being living a sustainable lifestyle had to be more than refusing

plastic straws at fancy vegan eateries or refusing plastic bags at overpriced organic produce stores. It had to be 'Real' with visible positive impact and 'Local' enough to bring about a change, however small and however slow, in my community.” Which is why it is important that if you are building a new home, sustainable practices need to be a part of the plan from the very beginning.

Airbnb Host Rupam, who hosts La Belle Vie Naukuchiatal in Nainital has used stone from the surroundings to build walls of the home which adds to the natural aesthetics of the home.

Water harvesting and solar energy are also something that can be included at the time of planning itself. This not only saves the bills but is also a great way to contribute to nature. Joe, who hosts Striking Penthouse With Private Plunge Pool in Goa, recommends adopting upcycling practices during construction as well to create very little wastage.

Each of us can make a huge difference in contributing to the planet, through our daily practices, which is why Rupam encourages guests to reduce waste, save electricity and water as much as possible.

One can even choose to be sustainable while doing the interiors of their home. Honey has reused and upcycled a majority of the furniture, fixtures, doors and windows at his beautiful home.

Choose sustainable travel As per a recent YouGov report

by Airbnb, an overwhelming 94 Photo Courtesy: IANS

Reuse, recycle, reduce!

Both Joe and Sanjay believe in garbage segregation as a small yet crucial step towards sustainable living. Sanjay encourages composting as well and has specially dedicated composting bays where guests are educated on the benefit and ease of

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

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WHAT’S ON

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May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

INDIA NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Varnam Cultural Society’s Chithirai Kalai Vizha Multicultural Tamil festival organised

I

ndian New Year falls between March and April with the dates changing every day. Across India, New Year is celebrated differently depending on every state’s regional Culture. Indian New Year is celebrated as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Vishu in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, Baisakhi in Punjab, Pana Sankranti in Orissa and Naba Barsha in West Bengal, Nav Waras in Gujrat and Losoong in Tripura.

Varnam Cultural Society has been presenting Tamil and Indian New year Festival for the past few years in Queensland. Varnam, in fact has become tantamount to this festivity, Especially in Springfield. The spectacular event provides a platform not only for all Indians from different cultures but also to the global communities of Queensland to showcase their talents. This year was no different. The extravaganza event was held on April 17th, 2021 at Robelle Domain Park, Springfield. The event was dignified by notable community leaders, prominent political leaders as well as the who’s who of the Indian community. Most prominent among the VIPs were: Senator Paul Scarr, Milton Dick MP, Federal Member for Oxley, Hon. Minister Leanne Linard MP, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Charis Mullen MP, Member for Jordan, Assistant Minister for Treasury, John Paul Langbroek MP, Member for Surfers Paradise,Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Hon. Shayne Neumann MP, Federal Member for Blair, Lance McCallum MP, Member for Bundamba, Cr. Nicole Jonic, Mrs. Archana Singh, Honorary Consulate of India, Umah Ranchigoda, DirectorCommercial Development, Springfield City Group.

The event started at 5.00 pm with the invocation of Lord Ganesha by melodious Bhajans from Sunadham School of Music followed by classical

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dance Pushpanjali seeking blessings from almighty. The distinguished guests started the ceremony officially by lighting the traditional “Kuthu Vilalkku” signifying the beginning of an auspicious event. The VIPs showed immense support to the festival through their encouraging speeches. President of Varnam, Mr. Rajarajan Thennavan thanked the Queensland Government, Ipswich Council, political leaders, admirable community heroes, the event sponsors and gifted participants for their ongoing encouragement and appreciation to support the festival. His speech also emphasized the inner significance of communal peace as well as the significance of Varnam and its role within the community.

The proceedings were followed by various cultural presentations of dance and music by several talented teams around the city.

It was welcoming to see a couple of international performers as well presenting their form of dance to mesmerize the audience.

Traditional Bharatanatyam, peppy Bollywood presentations and south Indian musicals kept the audience entertained throughout the evening despite short spells of rain in between. Artistes of all ages, ranging from 5 to 50 showcased their talent, interest, and enthusiasm.

As part of the festive culture, it is important to recognise some of the hard-working individuals of the community. Three awards that were presented that evening are as below: Mr. Surendra Prasad, the Chairman- Australian of the Indian Heritage War Memorial Committee was the winner of Varnam Cultural Society’s Community Service Award for 2021.

Rajarajan and Ayyappan Kalidos for being an integral part of the committee for past 9 years and having contributed towards putting 1000 plus young talents across the Queensland on stage.

Varnam Cultural Society has been organising the Indian New Year festival in Springfield since 2013, promoting harmony and multiculturalism. Various music and dance presentations went on well into the evening entertaining the large crowd gathered at parklands. The gala affair ended with much-awaited fireworks, a vote of thanks by Treasurer, Senthil and finally audience kids dance.

Article by Rekha N Swamy.

Varnam The Rising Star Award 2021 was conferred to Ms. Shreemmate Narayanan, for taking the responsibility of organising the annual tree planting through the Ipswich City Council for the past 2 years.

The Long Service Awards were presented to Mrs. Swapna

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Rakul Preet drives a truck, calls it 'once in a lifetime experience' Photo Courtesy: Instagram

ENTERTAINMENT

Daisy Shah: Vaccination is our best shot at eliminating Covid Photo Courtesy: Instagram

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS): Actress Rakul Preet Singh took to steering a truck on the set of the upcoming film "Sardar Ka Grandson", and she was quite in the driver's seat doing the job!

"I personally like driving a lot and the entire process was a lot more fun than one could have imagined. Driving the truck is not easy, but I was able to take it on confidently," said Rakul.

She added: "We had a truck driver on set to train us how to manoeuvre the big truck, which helped me pull it off. On set, people were surprised with my driving skills! It was like a once in a lifetime experience for me."

The film is a comedy revolving around a relationship between Amreek Singh (played by Arjun Kapoor) and his grandmother Rupinder Kaur (Neena Gupta), whose idiosyncratic behaviour drives everyone crazy. Rakul plays Radha, a quiet and sensible girl.

"Sardar Ka Grandson" is directed

by Kaashvi Nair, and also features John Abraham, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kanlwajit Singh and Kumud Mishra.

The film is scheduled for a Netflix release on May 18.

Nushrratt Bharuccha: No conscious effort to move away from glam roles Photo Courtesy: Instagram

"(There is) No conscious choice or effort in anything. Honestly, I know I have been doing a certain kind of films but I don't look at them that way. I take them as different characters, and I have to do the same kind of hard work to make them different from the films before, which is even more challenging because the genre and the premise is the same but your thinking is to make it different,".

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS): Bollywood actress Daisy Shah has been encouraging her fans to get vaccinated for Covid-19 infection as soon as possible.

The actress says that the vaccinations will go a long way in helping people fight the virus.

"Vaccines as a concept are introduced for the citizens to fight the virus and given Covid, it is the only option we must resort to, to be safe. People can be infected by the virus in general so taking the vaccination surely diminishes the effect and the chances of someone contracting the virus.

It is our best shot at eliminating Covid-19 and we must promote the vaccination drives across the globe," she told IANS. The actress says that it is important to spread as much awareness as possible about Covid-19 so that people can be careful.

"The more we talk about Covid-19 and the situation outside or how

it is harming us as a country; the more we will create awareness and educate people. Through this awareness, people will be more thoughtful while stepping out of the house, taking care of themselves following all the precautionary measures, etc.

Once they start taking care of themselves, they automatically take care of their loved ones and the people around them," she says.

The times are tough and talking about how she is coping up with the stress, the actress says, "One needs to understand that it is not time that defines you. It is you that defines time. No matter how tough the situation is outside, always remember that you are tougher than any situation that erupts. Once you put yourself down and surrender to your fear to the situation, the game is over.

This is how I deal with stress. I do not let stress take over my mental state and I fight it to make sure it doesn't get into me," she says.

Yami Gautam calls her 9 years in Bollywood 'an incredible journey' Photo Courtesy: Instagram

The segment in "Ajeeb Daastaans" featuring Nushrratt is titled "Khilauna", and it co-stars Abhishek Banerjee and child star Inayat Verma. "Khilauna" is directed by Raj Mehta. She plays a househelp in the short.

"Doing something different in a similar kind of thing is difficult.

You don't have to do it but as an actor you think let's do something new. Like the diction in ‘Chhalaang' was interesting. So, I learnt the diction just to add more realism to the character. I did the same in ‘Khilauna'," Nushrratt added.

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS): Nushrratt Bharuccha rose to fame with her roles in the "Pyaar Ka Punchnama" franchise and "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety". Moving away from glamorous avatars, she has also portrayed de-glam

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roles in "Chhalaang" and "Ajeeb Daastaans".

Nushrratt says there is no conscious effort to switch over from roles she may have played before, by taking up characters that are different.

"Ajeeb Daastaans" has four segments, with the other stories directed by Shashank Khaitan, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Kayoze Irani. The anthology also stars Fatima Sana Shaikh, Jaideep Ahlawat, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shefali Shah, Manav Kaul and Tota Roy Chowdhary.

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Mumbai, April 21 (IANS): Actress Yami Gautam, who debuted in Hindi films with the 2012 hit "Vicky Donor", looks back proudly at her nine years in Bollywood, calling the time surreal.

was a dream to tell stories that I believe, to entertain people, and I just wish to continue doing that., " says the actress, " says the actress, who recently finished the shoot of her upcoming film "Dasvi".

"The feeling is surreal and it can't really be articulated in words. It was an incredible journey. I have had the best of opportunities to work with some phenomenal directors, actors and of being a part of some amazing projects. It

Yami, who made a mark with film roles such as "Uri", "Bala", "Badlapur" and "Kaabil", has a long line-up of films over the next months. Her upcoming projects include "A Thursday", "Bhoot Police", "Lapata" and "Dasvi".

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ENTERTAINMENT

Will Salman's hybrid release plan for 'Radhe' change B'wood box office game?

Photo Courtesy: Bollywood Hungama

T

he announcement of actor Salman Khan's big budget film "Radhe" having a simultaneous release on the pay-per-view platform Zeeplex, along with its theatrical release on Eid this year, has created a flutter in Bollywood. Is this the first step at reorganising film exhibition and distribution in India, in the era of OTT? More importantly, could such a hybrid release plan make permanent dent in box office collections, if producers make it a habit.

A similar idea was actually started last year, when Hollywood giants Warner Bros. announced in December 2020 that all their films of the current year would simultaneously have theatrical release along with premiere on HBO Max streaming service.

While Warner's gameplan makes all new films available to all subscribers, the "Radhe" strategy of pay-per-view would seem to reveal more concern for the big screen trade. If one has to pay per view to catch a film on the mobile phone or laptop, it would perhaps seem prudent to a lot of fans to shell out money for a big screen experience. The idea would especially hold true for a film like "Radhe", starring a superstar and pitched as all-out theatrical entertainment.

The initial reaction in the Bollywood trade, of course, has been one of concern, especially with the trade increasingly realising that the cinema halls may not open aby time soon.

Trade analyst Atul Mohan feels that "Radhe" releasing on pay per view platform has come as a jolt to the exhibitor in India. Salman and his co-producers of "Radhe" have perhaps taken a prudent step by deciding split the release of the film.

"This is a game changer. We all know that we have zero expectations of opening (theatres)

by May 13. We all are going through a tough time and this has come as a big jolt. For a year now, all exhibitors had their hopes pinned on this film along with other big-ticket films like Sooryavanshi and 83,'' says trade analyst Atul Mohan.

Salman Khan is known to deliver mass market, masala-oriented entertainer and "Radhe" falls exactly in this category. With Zeeplex launching the film on a pay-per-view model, it can also trigger other streaming giants like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix or Hotstar to make similar offers to the other biggies.

"We all were walking on this slippery path holding each another's hand. If even one person falls, everyone will. Zee has backed this one, there is possibility that other platforms will get aggressive to acquire Sooryavanshi, Bell Bottom or the other big titles," feels Mohan.

need of right now.

Girish Johar, producer and film business expert, feels the "Radhe" strategy is symptomatic of changes creeping into film business as well as film viewing patterns mainly owing to the pandemic. However, in India things like the pay-per-view model will be restricted to the city audience for now, he notes.

"The pandemic has changed cinema habits around the globe.

The OTT, which was supposed to come to India in about three to four years is already here. The pay-per-view model is expected to come in any entertainment consuming industry, with Hollywood leading the way, but they are 10 years ahead. The pay-per-view model is still new in India and has not reached the interiors. It is only available for the city audience. So, in a way, producers will be affecting their own revenue generation," says Johar He adds: "Theatre owners were expecting Salman Khan as a saviour, and now it has gone to people where no one wanted to be saved. The exhibition sector is majorly hit. This will put strain at a macro level. I doubt if any big film will go to exhibition, even if they do, they will definitely think twice."

Looking at the film's budget and expected market profit, "Radhe" was expected to do at least Rs 250 to Rs 300 crore in theatrical business -- the sort of business the Bollywood box office is in dire

Film trade insiders would tell you that 60 to 70 per cent revenue of any film is collected from theatres, and if films decide to adopt the pay-per-view model,

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS): Sandeepa Dhar plays a dancer in her upcoming, yet-untitled web series. She says the best part about the show is it gave her a chance to do something she loves the most -- dance.

Photo Courtesy: Bollywood Hungama

the people who will be directly hit are exhibitors.

Filmmakers would point at the flip side. They argue that there is no business sense in holding on to a completed film. For one, a film that gets delayed starts losing its curiosity and excitement value among the audience.

Secondly, trends in popular culture change rapidly, and a delayed film could seem dated if not released on time. "Radhe", a hardcore formula film starring a 50-plus superstar, would

seem like the just the project that could suffer owing to such circumstances -- especially if you consider the makers have been mulling release of the film since last year.

All of which could spell a drastic drop in profits if a big-budget film was to wait too long for normalcy to return and the big screen to open up again.

The situation sure is a Catch-22 that Bollywood has no immediate answer to.

Sandeepa Dhar plays a dancer Tahir Raj Bhasin: I get bored easily so playing different parts works for me in upcoming web-series Photo Courtesy: Instagram

out there. If someone is looking at a period film, they will watch Manto, if it's a college film, they will see Chhichhore. For a lot of new actors, unfortunately, the first thing is the visual," he says. However, he urges them to showcase their acting abilities on social media.

While Sandeepa essays Maina, a headstrong and ambitious dancer, the series also features Vikram Singh Chauhan.

"Maina is an independent and ambitious character who drives the narrative of the show in a contemporary modern story, which attracted me the most.

She is a sweet and sour girl on the path of fulfilling her dreams and aspirations which I believe a majority of the audience will connect with. The best part about this series that got me excited was that I did what I loved the most -- danced my way through the role and absolutely enjoyed playing this quirky yet confident character," said Sandeepa.

The romantic track with Vikram plays an important part in the show, she says.

The yet-untitled show will air on Disney+ Hotstar.

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"You can break that, go outside of your comfort zone. The tools are in your hand. Make selfie videos on Instagram or shoot a small film on your phone, and break the perception. It depends on you as an actor," he says.

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS): Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin says while he has always tried to go for variety in characters, it is very normal to get the same kind of roles in Bollywood.

"It's normal that when one thing does well (you get the same roles), like after 'Mardaani' did well, antagonist parts came. After 'Chhichhore', college, hostel life, sporty stud (roles) came. Not to say that if I refuse (these roles) it is because of a bad script. It's just

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that I wouldn't want to do it at that time," he told IANS. The actor adds that filmmakers prefer casting actors in genres that have worked for them before.

"This happens with every actor.

It is normal for a filmmaker to go with a tried-and-tested zone. I enjoy taking risks and exploring different aspects and my own acting talent. That is what interests me," he says.

"There is enough diverse work

Tahir adds that he doesn't go for the same roles as it becomes boring for him, "Some people like to be safe, playing the same parts. I get bored easily, so playing different parts works for me. It's a conscious decision to be doing something that is different, so that I don't feel that I did this last month, too," he says.

Tahir will be seen in the films "Looop Lapeta" and "83" over the next few months, as well as the web series "Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein".

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2/2/21 2:18 pm Page 1May 1-15, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 21

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