India News – Dec 16-31, 2021, Vol 2 Issue 11

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Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

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CDS Bipin Rawat, wife among 13 killed in chopper crash in TN IANS

New Delhi, December 8 (IANS): India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 others died in a military chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8.

"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that General Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons onboard have died in the unfortunate incident," the Indian Air Force said in a Continued on Page 3 statement.

President, PM condole demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, others

Indian PM Narendra Modi (left) and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi, December 8 (IANS): Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 8 expressed deep grief over the demise of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other military personnel, who were killed in a chopper

crash in the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu.

Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief J.P. Nadda also expressed condolences over the sudden demise of CDS Rawat and 12 others onboard the ill-fated chopper.

Continued on Page 3 India extends ban on international India’s Harnaaz Sandhu AUKUS tips scales against China commercial flights till Jan 31 crowned Miss CDS Bipin Rawat (centre)

New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): India's civil aviation regulator, the DGCA, on December 9 extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till January 31.

Earlier, India had announced plans to allow resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services from December 15 with certain conditions.

However, on December 1, the Directorate General of Central Aviation (DGCA) said it is "closely monitoring" the situation emerging out of the Covid-19's Omicron variant and the final decision on the resumption of near normal international flight operations will be taken after consultation with stakeholders.

In the notification on December 9, the DGCA extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till January 31, 2022.

"This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA." It also said that scheduled international flights might be allowed on selected routes on a case to case basis.

India had banned the operation of international flights on March 23 last year to contain and control the spread of Covid-19. Flight restrictions, however, were later eased under air bubble arrangement with certain countries.

Continued on Page 3

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Universe 2021

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fter a wait of more than two decades, Chandigarh’s Harnaaz Sandhu finally brings home the Miss Universe crown.

The 21-year- old won the title on December 12, 2021, at the pageant which was held at the Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel.

Continued on Page 3

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in its trade war with Australia

New Delhi/Canberra, December 8 (IANS): The formation of AUKUS, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the US and the UK, in the Indo-Pacific region, has put China on the backfoot, undermining its objective of bringing Australia to its knees by unleashing a severe trade and tariff war against it.

Peeved by Australia calling for an independent inquiry into the origins of the Coronavirus in 2019, China launched a trade and tariff war against that country. It imposed restrictions and tariffs on several Australian exports like barley, sugar, wine, coal, and copper ore. Ties between the two countries which were warm till 2014, have since frozen. In 2014,

Chinese President Xi Jinping went to Australia declaring a permanent friendship between the two countries and even signed a bilateral free trade agreement a year later. They became so close that Victoria state in Australia even signed a memorandum of understanding for the Belt and Road Initiative with the Chinese government.

However, things began to sour between them over Australia's concerns that China was consciously expanding its political influence in Canberra. As the US-China relations worsened, Australia found itself increasingly difficult to maintain a balance between its ties with the two countries.

Continued on Page 3

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Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

EDITORIAL BOARD Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, Queensland University of Technology Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India

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11 bravehearts lose their lives along with Gen Rawat, wife

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Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

COVER STORIES

CDS Bipin Rawat, wife among AUKUS tips scales China in its 13 killed in chopper crash in TN against trade war with Australia Continued from Page 1

Gen Rawat was on a visit to the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington in Nilgiri Hills to address the faculty and student officers of the staff course.

Around noon on December 8, an IAF Mi17V5 helicopter with a crew of four members carrying the CDS and nine others met with the tragic accident near Coonoor.

Out of the 14 people, Group Captain Varun Singh, Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, is currently undergoing treatment at the Military Hospital in Wellington.

Madhulika Rawat, Brigadier L.S. Lidder, Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitender Kumar, Naik Vivek Kumar, Naik B. Sai Teja and Havaldar Satpal were travelling

along with General Rawat.

Apart from them, two pilots, a Group Captain and a gunner were aboard the ill-fated chopper.

Singh, along with his wife and seven staff, boarded a flight at Delhi for the Sulur IAF base near Coimbatore at 8:47. They landed in Sulur at 11:34 am. From there, they boarded the Mi17V5 helicopter at 11:48. At 12:22 pm, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) lost contact with the chopper, which crashed in a forest area around 7 km from Coonoor.

The IAF said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident. The report is expected in one month.

The mortal remains of all the deceased were brought to Delhi on December 9.

General Rawat, 63, took charge as

India's first Chief of Defence Staff on January 1, 2020. The position was created to integrate the three services -- Army, Navy and Air Force. The CDS is mandated to facilitate integration, ensure best economical use of resources allocated to the armed forces and bring uniformity in the procurement procedure.

Later, he was also appointed as the head of the newly-created Department of Military Affairs.

On December 17, 2016, the government had appointed him as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff.

He took charge on December 31, 2016, after the retirement of General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

General Rawat was also the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all triservices matters.

President, PM condole demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, others Continued from Page 1

In a series of tweets, President Kovind said, "I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons.

His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family."

the bereaved families."

"It's deepl painful for me to learn of the loss of lives in the chopper crash. I join the fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," the President said in another tweet.

Modi also pointed out that India will never forget General Rawat's exceptional service.

Expressing his grief, Prime Minister Modi said in a series of tweets, "I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the armed forces.

They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with

"Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus.

His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister added.

"As India's first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces, including defence reforms.

He brought with him the rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service," Modi said.

Sharing his grief, Amit Shah said, "A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji, in a very tragic accident. He was one of the

bravest soldiers, who served the motherland with utmost devotion.

His exemplary contributions and commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained."

"I also express my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other Armed Forces personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss.

Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh," the Home Minister said.

Expressing his condolences to the bereaved families, Nadda tweeted, "Deeply pained by the sudden demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife & 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. Huge loss to the nation. I salute Gen Rawat for his outstanding services. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

India extends ban on international commercial flights till Jan 31 Continued from Page 1

Currently, several nations have either closed their air spaces or placed strict restrictions on incoming passengers.

On December 7, the Centre mandated a contactless selfdeclaration by international air travellers arriving in India on the 'Air Suvidha' portal.

At present, India has formed air bubble pacts with over 30 countries.

The country had been operating Vande Bharat flights to many countries over the last one year to evacuate stranded Indians abroad.

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As per a Ministry of Civil Aviation statement, all international passengers arriving in India are mandated to declare their current health status prior to boarding on the Air Suvidha portal along with the required documents.

"For immigration, the copy received in e-mail is essential

on arrival in India and has to be verified at the 'APHO' counter," the statement said.

According to the ministry, all applications from 'at risk' countries are marked with 'H' and 'red band', while others are marked 'green'.

"This helps in smooth on-arrival segregation and processing.

The application also takes into account countries visited in the last 14 days to highlight 'at risk' applications. This field has also been made into a multiselect drop-down option for standardisation."

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Continued from Page 1

In 2018, Australia publicly banned Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE from building its domestic 5G network. The following year came Australia's demand for a virus probe against China. That was the last straw.

China used its economic heft to launch an open trade war against Australia. Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties were dumped on Australia. Australian exports were sanctioned for unbelievable reasons. Imports of fish products from that country were inordinately delayed in customs, leading to losses. Australia largely weathered the onslaught but sometimes it buckled. Like, for instance, in the case of Australian wine. China imposed tariffs of up to 212 per cent. That crushed domestic Australian distributors and Australia's share in the world's wine import market nosedived from 40 per cent to six per cent in 2020.

By the beginning of this year, Australia appeared to weather the worst, trading in new products and finding new export markets.

For instance, it re-directed its coal exports to India instead.

Saudi Arabia became the biggest importer of Australian barley instead of China.

And now, the AUKUS security pact, announced in September, has led to further deterioration of the Australia-China relations with Beijing seeing the pact as a personal affront and a deliberate attempt by the troika countries to contain it. What infuriated China was the critical agreement in the pact that the US and the UK will share advanced nuclear submarine technology with Australia as also information about long-range strike capabilities, artificial intelligence, and underwater systems.

Where Australia saw the pact as a "strategic victory", the Chinese voiced concern that it will lead to nuclear proliferation in nonnuclear states (like Australia) and destabilise security in the Indo-Pacific region. China has its biggest political stakes in this region.

Experts are now assessing who between Australia and China is hurt more because of the trade war and the AUKUS pact. The fact remains that while the trade war badly affected Australia it did not force the country to adopt a pliant approach towards China. On top of it, the AUKUS pact opens a new front of confrontation, with the US and the UK formally backing Australia.

China continues to spew venom at AUKUS, saying it will "induce a new round of arms race" and "undermine regional stability" by sabotaging the prospects of a "nuclear-free zone in South-East

Asia". They are certainly talking points, but they do not take into account China's own provocations and belligerence towards its neighbours in the South China Sea and its role in escalating tensions in the region because of its military and naval build-up.

For China its threat perception over AUKUS is real. The distant worry of a US-led western coalition against China is now a reality. What is worse, China's bete noire Japan has endorsed the trilateral pact and Australia is actually a party to it. China is convinced AUKUS is an attempt to contain its rise in its area of influence and that the US has roped in Australia as a key anchor for its Indo-Pacific strategy.

China tried to raise the bogey of nuclear proliferation, but the argument is falling flat in face of known facts. The use of nuclear material for non-explosive military purposes is not banned by the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Secondly, Australia is not even a signatory to the Treaty of Southeast Asia NuclearWeapon-Free Zone (Bangkok Treaty). Thirdly, the South Pacific Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Rarotonga Treaty) "does not place any restrictions on nuclear-powered vessels". China, for instance, has its nuclear attack submarine fleet in the region.

Realising this, Beijing has shifted its criticism from nuclear proliferation to blaming Australia for "exploiting loopholes by playing dirty", thus "tramples on the spirit of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons". That is mere rhetoric because the nuclear submarines are not expected to enter the Australian navy before 2040. However, China is still worried that the inclusion of the Tomahawk-type cruise missiles in AUKUS will give the west a decisive edge in the geo-strategic rivalry with China.

Peeling away the rhetoric reveals China's real and absolute worry with the AUKUS pact. It has to do with the west involving Japan in its bid to contain China even without having to formally include Tokyo to join the pact.

SupChina, a New York-based, China-focused news, information, and business services platform, put the finger on the pulse, reporting: "With Japan at one vertex and India at the other, Australia's nuclear submarines will allow the Allies to close a "strategic triangle at the second island chain's southernmost point, shortening the distance for reconnaissance, monitoring, and rapid response against China, as well as achieving long-range hypersonic precision strike capabilities."

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INDIA NEWS

Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

ADVERTORIAL

Springfield Lions Club members growing as city's population grows A n increase in the number of men keen to join the Springfield Lions cricket team is no surprise, with mental health and physical activity the primary focus of the Springfield Lions Club.

The Club has been running for almost two years, with two teams involving male players aged between 20-45 years old.

ourselves and surrounding cricket teams to excel,” he said.

“There is a lot of interest in the game - 70% of the players from most of the participating teams are from the Greater Springfield region like Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Spring Mountain, Augustine Heights, Redbank Plains, Bellbird Park, Goodna, Yamanto, and Ripley.”

The Springfield Lions Club media officer Satya Yelisetti said the teams consisted of university students, doctors, scientists, university lecturers, business owners and various types of engineers.

He said the support from families to play cricket and have fun was “immense”.

Mr Yelisetti said the Springfield Lions Cricket team provided men of all ages a safe place for better mental health and the opportunity to play in regular tournaments.

“Apart from the families, local Springfield businesses have always come forward to help us run the club or teams right from a grass root level.”

“It’s an opportunity to get physically active and make connections with their peers,” Mr Yelisetti said.

“People make new friends and apart from winning people have loads of fun together.”

Mr Yelisetti said teams included players from all ages, backgrounds and communities.

“We wanted to test our skills on a broader level and motivate

“Without their support and encouragement, we wouldn't have made a team and the club we have today,” he said.

Mr Yelisetti said there were not many cricket clubs in the Springfield area and the reason many players had showed a keen interest in the sport.

“The convenience of a close cricket ground and culture of the club has helped attract more people,” he said.

“Cricket has been an important part of the Australian way of life for over a century. Communities that participate in a social sport

develop strong social bonds, are safer places and the people who live in them are generally healthier and happier than places where physical activity isn't a priority.

cricket team has taken part in three tournaments to date, two of which they have been finalists.

The tournaments include:

“Sport builds stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities and we think we are providing an opportunity for everyone to get active, healthy and make new friends.”

S.R.R.R. Friendship Series 2021Jun-Sep 2021 – Runners

Meanwhile the Springfield Lions

SSG T20 Tournament 2020 - OctNov 2020 – Lost in leagues

Ipswich Friendship Cup 2021 Oct-Nov 2021 – Runners Mr Yelisetti said the club would no doubt attract more interest from

local families next year.

“The Springfield and Greater Springfield areas are growing, and more and more people are moving here,” he said.

“Also, because of the regular tournaments we play and participate in, Springfield Lions is gaining popularity - people are approaching us to join and play.”

For more information visit https:// www.facebook.com/sflcclub/

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Life on Brookwater’s Dress Circle is within 10 minutes of everything you need — commuter rail to the city, private and public schools, childcare centres, a university, a private hospital, shopping centres and a thriving commercial precinct.

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Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

ADVERTORIAL

Mining business shines in renewables From engineering equipment to give solar panels a sparkling clean to designing class leading mining truck trays, regional Queensland has the mechanical know-how.

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dani Renewables Australia is working with Rockhamptonbased SMW Group to produce custom-designed equipment to clean the 247,000 solar panels at Rugby Run Solar Farm, near Moranbah.

Adani Renewables Australia’s Business Manager Derek Chapman said the new machine will help to maximise the panel’s energy production and improve operational efficiency.

“There’s a large mining services knowledge base in our region, so it is great to see companies like SMW Group who have always been focused on traditional mining use their capability for renewable projects as well,” Mr Chapman said.

“Adani Renewables Australia has a proud history of working with regional Queensland businesses and it has always been our intention to continue to work with local suppliers wherever possible.

“The cleaning equipment that SMW Group has developed is specifically designed for Rugby Run with the cleaning arm and rotating brushes tailored for our panels.

mining sector for a long time, so it made a lot of sense for our business to adapt some of the equipment that we use on a mine site for use in solar panel cleaning.

“We have been really impressed

by SMW Group’s willingness to work with us to get the product right for our operations and look forward to seeing the results of this relationship over time.”

“Securing a contract to supply solar panel cleaning equipment for Adani Renewables Australia’s Rugby Run Solar Farm is a great outcome for SMW Group and is a vote of confidence for central Queensland’ resources industry.”

SMW Group Operations Manager Cameron Tragardh said that SMW Group was proud to continue its partnership with Adani’s businesses in Australia after previously working with Adani Australia’s mining business, Bravus Mining and Resources to make custom haul truck trays.

“We are really proud to align ourselves with any business that values giving back to local communities,” Mr Tragardh said.

“At SMW Group we have been providing equipment for the

Adani Renewables Australia is part of the Adani Group, which in 2020 was recognised as the world’s largest multinational solar company with 25GW of operating, installed and committed capacity.

We remain on track to be the world’s largest renewables company by 2030 with a portfolio including solar and wind generation and a solar panel manufacturing business in India.

Sheep lend a hoof at Rugby Run A

nd in other news, in what is central Queensland’s first ‘Agri-solar’ arrangement Adani Renewables Australia is working with local farmers on a sheep grazing trial on Rugby Run solar farm's 600-hectares.

Trying to keep the grass in check around the 247,000 solar panels was expensive and quite difficult using mowing and slashing equipment, so in August last year, Adani Renewables put out a call to local farmers for sheep, and shortly after started a trial with 70 sheep with self-shedding coats.

there’s good food, good water, good shelter and plenty of space at Rugby Run – it’s sheep heaven.

During the day the sheep are able to use the panels as shade while they graze and several have now successfully lambed, which shows us that they are happy and healthy.

The joint exercise between Adani Renewables Australia and local farmers has shown that combined land use can have positive outcomes for both the agricultural sector and solar operators.

It has been a real winner as

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INDIA NEWS

Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

Tibetan Youth Congress urges to boycott 2022 Beijing Olympics The world had already given an opportunity for China to host the Olympic games in 2008 with the hope that the same opportunity will be a progressive impetus for the Chinese leadership to improve human rights situation but the Chinese government did the opposite of what the international community had expected of it, he explained.

Bengaluru, December 10 (IANS): The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) has organised a bike rally from Bengaluru to national capital New Delhi with a call to boycott the 2022 Beijing Olympics condemning Chinese aggression.

The bike rally was flagged off on December 10 on the occasion of the World Human Rights Day. The aim of the bike rally is to bring international attention to the gross human rights violations committed by China in Tibet and East Turkestan (Xinjiang) which have been under Chinese occupation.

"We call upon and appeal to the basic human conscience of all people and boycott Beijing Olympics 2022 as an expression of solidarity with the people in Tibet, Xinjiang, South Mongolia and Hong Kong who are suffering

under Chinese repression and oppression," RTYC president Tsering Chomphel stated.

Though sport ideally must be kept away from politics in a normal time, however, the atrocities carried out by Chinese against Tibetan and Uyghur people in the form of increasing police custodial deaths, tortures, forced sterilisation, forced disappearance, genocide and running of mass concentration camps raise fundamental questions about the basic tenets of humanity, he stated.

"We cannot and should keep sports away from basic moral principles. The international community cannot go on like business as usual with China regarding its repressions at home and aggression abroad from India's Himalayan borders to Taiwan and South China Sea," he said.

"The international Olympic Committee is fully complicit in the ongoing cultural genocide and systematic repressions in Tibet and Xinjiang by not raising the same issue with China," he alleged.

"We call upon all the relevant international governments, NGOs, companies and sportspersons to boycott Beijing Olympics 2022 in order to make China accountable for its gross violations of human rights. The international community should turn the spotlight of the game on China's horrible human records in Tibet and Xinjiang, instead of letting China whitewash its crimes against humanity including genocide and repression, he said.

International events like the Olympic Games should be a celebration of human brotherhood, freedom and dignity and should never be sold out as a platform for a totalitarian and imperialist regime to whitewash crimes against humanity, he demanded.

PM pays homage to crash victims at Palam airport Sulur air base near Coimbatore.

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari brought the mortal remains of all the deceased.

The force said that positive identification of only three mortal remains -- Gen Rawat, Madhulika Rawat and Brig L.S. Lidder -- has been possible as of now, and their mortal remains will be released to the next of kin for final rites as desired by the respective families.

New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the Palam airport here on December 9 evening and paid his homage to Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other armed forces personnel, who lost their lives in the military chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8.

Before the Prime Minister,

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached the airport and first met the family members of all the deceased and expressed his condolences to them.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and all the service chiefs expressed their condolences.

At 7:46 pm, the mortal remains of the crash victims were brought to the Palam airport from the

All possible measures are being taken for positive identification of the mortal remains. The remaining mortal remains will be kept at the mortuary of Army Base Hospital till completion of positive identification formalities, the force said.

Close family members of all the deceased personnel have arrived at Delhi. All necessary assistance and support are being provided by the Indian Army.

Appropriate military funerals of all the deceased are being planned and coordinated in close consultation with the close family members.

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NEWS FROM INDIA

11 bravehearts lose their lives along with Gen Rawat, wife

New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): Along with General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat, seven Indian Army officers and jawans and four Indian Air Force officers lost their lives in the military chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8.

Among the 13 deceased, the military doctors have been able to identify the mortal remains of General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and Brig L.S. Lidder, while they are carrying out DNA tests to identify the others.

Here is a look at the bravehearts whose lives were cut short by the tragic accident: Brig L.S. Lidder Commissioned to Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in December 1990.

Was DA to CDS since Jan 2021.

Approved for promotion as Major General, he was due to take over a Division. Commanded Brigade in the Northern Borders. Was instructor at NDA and Director at Military Operations Directorate.

Lt Col Harjinder Singh 2/11 Gorkha Rifles; Commissioned in September 2001 from OTA, Chennai. He was an instructor at IMA, Dehradun. Served in the Northeast and J&K. Also, in Sikkim Scouts. Was a Staff Officer in a Corps HQ. Lance Naik B Sai Teja 11 Para (SF). Enrolled in June 2013, he served in super high altitudes in Arunachal Pradesh along the border with China. Part of counter-terrorist operations in Manipur and Nagaland. Mixed martial arts, unarmed combat, and communications and electronic warfare expert.

Lance Naik Vivek Kumar

1 Para (SF). Enrolled in December 2012, he served in South and North Kashmir, and also near the India-China border ahead of Spiti. Specialist in combat freefall, communications expert and excellent in unarmed combat.

Lance Naik Jitender Kumar 3 Para (SF). Enrolled in March 2011, he served in the Desert Sector along the Indo-Pak border, on the India-China border near Pithoragarh, and in J&K. Expert sniper and specialist in communications.

Naik Gursevak Singh 9 Para (SF). Enrolled in March 2004, he served in Ladakh, Poonch-Rajouri, South and North Kashmir. A demolition specialist, he was an expert in unarmed combat and close-quarter battle.

Havildar Satpal Rai 5/11 Gorkha Rifles. Enrolled in March 2002, he served in Siachen, Naushera, Nagaland and Manipur.

His son has been serving in the same unit as his father since last one year.

Indian Air Force Wg Cdr P.S. Chauhan Commissioned in the IAF in June 2002 as a helicopter pilot.

Belonged to Agra.

Sqn Ldr Kuldeep Commissioned in the IAF in June 2015 as a helicopter pilot.

Belonged to Ghardana Khurd, Rajasthan.

JWO R.P. Das Enrolled in the IAF in June 2006, he was a flight engineer who belonged to Angul, Odisha.

JWO A. Pradeep Enrolled in Jan 2004, he was a flight gunner who belonged to Thrissur, Kerala.

Dalai Lama mourns demise of General Rawat

Dharamsala, December 9 (IANS): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on December 9 mourned the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and others travelling with him in a fatal helicopter crash.

"I pray for the General and his companions and offer my heartfelt condolences to the members of the families of all those who perished in this unfortunate accident.

"I salute General Rawat's long-standing contribution

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama

in the service of the nation," the spiritual leader said in a statement.

General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 defence personnel were killed after the Mi-17V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force crashed at Kattery in Nilgiris on December 8.

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Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

NEWS FROM INDIA

Good for India if Congress, Mamata's India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021 paths converge: Chidambaram Continued from Page 1

with Sanjay Raut," Chidambaram, who is the Congress' senior observer in-charge of the 2022 Assembly polls in Goa, told a press conference here.

Panaji, December 9 (IANS): Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram on December 9 backed Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's call to the Congress to take the lead in uniting all partners in the UPA to take on the BJP, even as he also said that it would be good for India, if the paths taken by the Congress and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee converge.

"I read Sanjay Raut's statement.

I think he has made a very responsible statement. What he says is, we need a non-BJP opposition in the country and the Congress party must take the lead and bring together all the UPA parties. I think that is a very sensible statement. I fully agree

He also lauded Raut's outreach to the Congress, urging the latter to take the initiative in bringing the UPA parties together.

"UPA is not led by Congress. The old UPA is still there. CPI, CPI-M, DMK, NCP, RJD... UPA is still there. Raut's suggestion is, all the erstwhile UPA parties must come together again and Congress should take initiative, which I think is the correct statement," Chidambaram said.

Asked if the Congress would use the 2022 Goa Assembly polls to put Raut's suggestion into action, he said: "We are ready to try (but) two hands must clap."

About the emergence of the Trinamool Congress, led by Banerjee, Chidambaram said: "I have known her for over 20-25 years now. She has got a particular approach, we have an

approach, it would be good for the country if the two approaches can converge."

Chidambaram also called the current anti-defection law as a defective legislation, adding that if the Congress comes to power in the 2024 general elections, the party would plug the existing loopholes in the law.

"The bane of politics has been defection. It's a shame. Goan people should not forgive those who get elected on one party ticket and shamelessly defect to another party. That is the bane of Goan politics. We must put an end to that disease in 2022. If you are elected on one party ticket, you must remain with that party for the term of five years," he said.

"I have said in several meetings that the defection law is a defective law. This law has several loopholes which people are using.

If a Congress government is formed in 2024, certainly those loopholes would be removed," he added.

“I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents, and the Miss India Organization for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me. Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of great pride,” Harnaaz tells IANS.

that she was going to make sure that she is the best version of our country and that she would make India proud at Israel this year. She also stated that she was looking forward to strengthening relations between Israel and India and was super excited staying, “I have to bring back the crown home”

Sandhu beat out 79 contestants to be crowned the 70th Miss Universe. Nadia Ferreira, Miss Paraguay was runner-up Miss Paraguay and the second runnerup is Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane.

The Bollywood aspirant kept her word and did India proud.

Sandhu said, “One must keep growing through life as we all learn something every day. To believe in yourself is the key to success. I represented myself as the best version of myself”.

The Miss Universe Organisation posted the news on their official Instagram handle, with a clip showing last year’s winner, Andrea Meza of Mexico, crowning an overjoyed Harnaaz. The young model will bring home the crown after 21 years, she is preceded by Lara Dutta who was crowned in 2000.

Before setting out to Israel, Sandhu Told IANS in an interview

Sandhu believes that Pageants are a platform where women come forward to celebrate sisterhood and womanhood and people across the world celebrate their beauty queens and their successes with great pride. “According to me, it’s all about being true to the self and people around you will definitely look at that spark in you,” she stated.

Farmers' protest: Centre End of farmers' stir to pave way for constructive environment: Amarinder sends new proposal

Chandigarh, December 9 (IANS): Congratulating the farmers over the triumphant culmination of their 15-month-long agitation against the (now scrapped) farm laws and other issues, Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) chief Amarinder Singh on December 9 hoped that it would pave the way for a more constructive political environment for the progress of the farming community, which constitute the backbone of India's economic growth and sustainability.

Almost 15 months after the agitation began, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions that led the protest, said on December 9 that it has suspended the agitation after receiving positive assurances from the government on their demands, adding that the borders of Delhi will be cleared soon. The SKM also said that it would hold a review meeting on January 15.

Amarinder Singh, the former Chief Minister of Punjab who recently left the Congress and floated his own political outfit, said he was happy that the farmers' fight has reached its logical conclusion, and the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments have agreed in principle to follow his own erstwhile government's decision in Punjab to compensate the families of farmers who had lost their lives during the agitation.

The Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government had announced Rs 5 lakh as financial aid and a job for one member each of the deceased farmers' families in December 2020 and January 2021, respectively.

In a statement, the former Chief Minister expressed relief that the agitating farmers, farm labourers and their families will finally be back in the warm comfort of their homes after camping on Delhi's borders since November last year.

Amarinder Singh hoped the lingering issue of minimum support price (MSP), for which the Centre has now constituted a committee, would also be resolved soon to the satisfaction of the farmers.

He further hoped that all future legislations and decisions concerning the farming community, which has been at the forefront of India's progressive march since Independence, would be taken in the spirit of mutual agreement, after due consultation with all the stakeholders.

Asserting his party's unequivocal support for the farmers, Amarinder Singh said that, as in the past, he would continue to do everything in his power to protect their interests and ensure their welfare.

He pointed out that as Chief Minister of Punjab, he had not only supported the farmers' fight for the repeal of the three farm laws, but had also ensured that they were not, in any way, harassed even when they were sitting in protest across the state or marching towards Delhi.

In June 2020, he had convened an all-party meeting to seek repeal of what were then the three farm Ordinances, pointed out the former Chief Minister.

His government had followed it up with a resolution rejecting the Ordinances, which was passed by the Punjab Assembly in August last year, he added.

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New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): The Centre on December 9 handed over a revised proposal to the farmers as demanded, indicating an end to over a year-old agitation against the contentious farm laws.

Soon after this, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella body of the farmers' union spearheading the protests, huddled into a meeting to chart out a future course of action.

Meanwhile, the farmers protesting at the Singhu border have started removing their tents.

They were also seen exchanging sweets indicating that the end of the agitation is not very far.

Air crashes claimed many prominent personalities in the past New Delhi, December 8 (IANS): Several senior military officials were feared dead after an Indian Air Force helicopter crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor on December 8 afternoon with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 12 others onboard.

The latest incident brings to our mind several prominent personalities who have perished in air crashes in the past.

One of the first instances was freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose in 1945 in Taiwan, although there has been some controversy over his death.

Another air accident was the crash of a helicopter in which Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) was onboard.

The chopper of YSR crashed in a forest while flying in a Bell 430 to Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. His body was traced 27 hours after the helicopter went missing in 2009.

Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son

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Following the revocation of the law, the Centre had come up with a proposal which was accepted by the farmers. Based on their demand, the Centre has come out with the same in writing.

of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was killed in 1980 when a glider he was flying crashed after taking off from the Safdarjung airport in Delhi.

Senior Congress leader, Madhavrao Scindia was killed in a Cessna aircraft crash in 2001 while travelling to Kanpur to address a rally.

Lok Sabha Speaker and Telugu Desam leader G.M.C. Balayogi also died in a chopper crash in 2002 in Andhra Pradesh.

O.P. Jindal, Haryana's then power minister and a leading industrialist, and state agriculture minister Surendra Singh were killed when their chopper developed a technical snag and went down near Saharanpur in 2005.

Punjab Governor Surendra Nath and nine members of his family were killed when the government's Super-King aircraft crashed into high mountains in bad weather in 1994 in Himachal Pradesh. Nath was then also the acting Governor of Himachal.

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Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

406 elephants killed in Odisha during past 5 years

Bhubaneswar, December 7 (IANS): As many as 406 elephants have died in Odisha from 201617 to 2020-21, the Assembly was informed on December 7.

In a written reply to a question by member Suresh Kumar Routray,

Forest Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha said that 162 jumbos died in accidents while 11 were killed by poachers. However, he did not mention the reasons behind the death of the remaining 233 elephants.

creating problems to monitor their movement, set up an elephant rescue centre, chalk out a strategy with the consultation of the people and to strengthen the facilities for the treatment of wild animals, he added.

Out of 162 accidental deaths, 14 were due to train accidents, 4 due to road accidents, 54 due to electrocution and 90 due to other reasons, he said.

In another reply, the minister said 802 wild animals including elephants and tigers have died due to poaching in the state between 2016-17 to 2020-21.

Elaborating various measures taken by the state government, the minister said three elephant projects - the Mayurbhanj elephant conservation project, Sambalpur elephant conservation project and Mahanadi elephant conservation project - have been taken up to check the deaths of elephants.

While 117 wild animals were killed in 2016-17, the number increased to 157 in 2017-18 and to 158 in 2018-19.

The government has also planned for radio collaring the elephants

Similarly, 130 animals were killed by poachers in 2019-20 and this increased substantially to 240 in 2020-21, Arukha said. During these five years, 3,248 poachers have also been arrested in the state, he added.

Lawyer files complaint against JNUSU over Babri Masjid protest march

New Delhi, December 7 (IANS): A Delhi-based lawyer on December 7 filed a police complaint against Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union ( JNUSU) over organising an event and protest march demanding reconstruction of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The complaint contended that on December 6 a show was organised at the campus in which a movie based on the Babri Masjid demolition was shown even after the JNU administration did not allow that movie show.

The leader of the student's union Aishe Ghosh, the JNUSU president said that after Babri Masjid, the next target of the BJP is Kashi and they (BJP) have started working on it. Saket Moon, vice president of the JNUSU said: ".... that with the reconstruction of the Babri Masjid justice will be delivered".

These statements clearly indicate

the intention of the organisers that with this protest, they want to provoke and instigate people against the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya after the Supreme court judgment, the plea stated.

"While the process of reconstruction of Ram Mandir has been carried forward by the order of the Supreme court, such an event organised to protest in demand of reconstruction of Babri Masjid clearly questions the judgment of the highest court of India.

"Not only does it condemn the court's judgment but also questions the secular nature of our Constitution which is the foundation of the judiciary system of the country.

"At the same time, it further adds fuel to the fire which is about to extinguish with the court's judgment and its acceptance by

New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS): As a stop-gap arrangement before the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff following the demise of General Bipin Rawat, the Centre has placed in an old system and appointed Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

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The practice was that the senior-most Chief would take over as the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee and would be responsible for synergy between the Army, Navy and Air Force.

He would look after the better coordination and co-operative practices among the three services.

Old system was brought in following the death of General Bipin Rawat. He along with wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 armed personnel were killed in a military

Cabinet clears proposal to increase legal age of women to 21 New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS): The Union Cabinet has passed a proposal to increase the minimum legal age for marriage of women from 18 to 21 years.

Sources said the government approved the proposal in a meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday.

Currently, the legal minimum age of marriage for men is 21 years and 18 for women. Sources said the proposal was based on the recommendation of NITI Aayog task force headed by Jaya Jaitly. Senior officials of the health ministry, women and child development ministry, and law ministry were members of the task force set up in June last year.

The task force was formed to examine matters pertaining to the age of motherhood, imperatives

of lowering MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate), improvement of nutritional levels and related issues.

After the Union cabinet's approval, the government will amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, and the Hindu Marriage Act to implement the new decision to increase the legal age of marriage of women," sources said.

In his Independence Day speech last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that to save the women from malnutrition they are married at the right age.

"The task force has also recommended that sex education be formalised and introduced in the school curriculum," sources said.

Kolkata Police to develop hotline kiosks for women's safety

the citizens of this country," it said.

On one end, it is instigating the Muslim community against the judgment regarding the reconstruction of Ram Mandir while on the other end, it is provoking equal distress among the Hindu people who are looking forward to the reconstruction of Ram Mandir after prolonged years of judgment passed by the apex court, the plea said.

Such protests are an attempt to create and provoke communal disharmony and national discord among the masses, it stated.

The complaint filed with CP Delhi Police sought to take action under sections 121,124A,153,153A, 298, and 505 of I.P.C. for organising events and making instigating and provoking statements for the reconstruction of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya.

Gen Naravane takes charge as Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee The old system was in practice before creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff two years ago.

NEWS FROM INDIA

chopper crash on December 8 at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Lone survivor Group Captain Varun Singh succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday (December 15).

The chopper crashed when General Rawat was on his way to Wellington for a lecture.

The post of CDS was created in 2019 on the recommendations of a committee of defence experts headed by Lt. General D.B. Shekatkar.

The government after creating the post had stated that the CDS will head the Department of Military Affairs within the Ministry of Defence.

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Kolkata, Dec 16 (IANS): Considering the recent incidents of women harassment in the city, the Kolkata Police has decided to develop hotline kiosks -- a one-off project in the country -- particularly for the distressed women. A pilot project has already started functioning and very soon will be launched in various locations across the city.

The trial run of the project has already been initiated just opposite Alipore Zoo. The kiosks will be equipped with the latest electronic gadgets, including cameras, voice recorders and location trackers. There will be policemen who will help the woman in distress to register her complaint.

The woman will have to enter inside the kiosk and press the SOS button and immediately she will get digitally connected with the local police station. It will be a video connection. The duty officer will be able to see her and the entire process will be recorded.

The version of the woman will be treated as her official complaint and she will not have to move into the police station to register her complaint.

"The officers, including one woman officer, will immediately rush to the location and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of the woman. As all the locations will have a direct connection with Lalbaazar --

the Kolkata Police headquarter -- everything can be monitored from there also. The Lalbaazar control can also give instructions to the local police station as well," a senior police officer of Kolkata Police said.

"Though this has been created especially for the women, anybody can use the facility and the police will act depending on the gravity of the situation," the officer added.

On Tuesday Akash Magharaia, deputy commissioner (DC) of South division and Arijit Sinha, DC, Traffic visited the kiosk to review the system. Magharia later informed that anybody in distress can access the kiosk hotline to seek help or report any crime using the SOS button.

"This kiosk has been set up on a trial basis. It is not operational.

Today we went to check it. Some technical issues have been found which will be rectified soon.

After the trial is over, such kiosks will be set up across the city," Magharia said.

It may be mentioned that Kolkata has been declared safest metropolitan city by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB).

The NCRB report of 2020, which has been published during September this year, states that the number of crimes committed in Kolkata has gone down compared to the figures of 2018 and 2019.

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Majority of Australians want Covid booster vax: Poll Canberra, December 9 (IANS): More than 70 per cent of Australians say they want a coronavirus booster vaccine, a new survey published on December 9 revealed.

Researchers from Australian National University (ANU) published the latest findings from their ongoing survey of more than 3,400 people during the pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.

It found that 71.9 per cent of the respondents said they will get a booster vaccine when available.

However, it did reveal portions of the population that are hesitant about boosters.

"In our analysis we found males, younger Australians, those who live outside of advantaged areas, those who have not completed

Year 12, those who speak a language other than English, and those who have had their first dose vaccination relatively recently are all less willing to receive their 'third dose' of the Covid-19 vaccine," study coauthor Nicholas Biddle said in a statement.

Australians that they can get a booster without putting others at risk," Biddle said.

Booster vaccines are currently available to Australians aged 18 and over six months after their second shot.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who is fully vaccinated, has confirmed he has tested positive for Covid-19 after arriving in the US for work on the government's social media regulation laws.

Till date, 93.1 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over had received one vaccine dose and 88.7 per cent were fully inoculated, according to the Department of Health.

The most common reason for booster hesitancy given by respondents to the survey was thinking other people would need Covid-19 vaccines before them.

"This reinforces the need to boost supply of Covid-19 vaccines to the region, not only because many countries in the Asia Pacific have very low vaccination rates, but also because it will reassure

Australia on December 9 reported more than 1,600 new locallyacquired coronavirus cases and 10 deaths as the country continues to battle the third wave of the pandemic.

He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that he decided to get tested after developing mild symptoms.

"Obviously I am very frustrated.

I'm going to be locked up in a room by myself for 10 days, but that's part of the process," Joyce said.

"It's probably developing, I'm probably very much in the early stages - but I'm more worried about being in a room by myself to be honest."

Qantas gears up for soaring Christmas deliveries demand company's 212-year history, even eclipsing last December's record of 52 million parcels and more than 7.4 million kg of air freight.

Canberra, December 7 (IANS): Australian flag carrier Qantas announced on December 7 that it is boosting its fleet of freight planes to handle the boom in parcel deliveries this Christmas as well as the nation's ever-rising increase in online shopping.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced that a new widebodied Airbus A321 has been added to the freight fleet that operates on behalf of the nation's postal service, Australia Post, reports Xinhua news agency.

The addition has been timed to help with what Australia Post expects will be the largest Christmas operation in the

Joyce also announced that two Airbus A330 passenger planes would be converted into freight carriers - one for the domestic market and one for international services - within the next two years to cope with the unprecedented demands of e-commerce.

"The converted A330 will be able to carry about 50 tonnes of cargo each flight, more than double the capacity of other freighters operating for the national postal service," Joyce said.

"Our freight business has boomed during the pandemic and while some of that is temporary, Covid-19 has accelerated the permanent expansion of e-commerce and online shopping in this country.

"It is predicted that much of this demand will continue beyond the recent surge as Australia catches up with other nations where online retail accounts for three times the volume we have here now," the CEO added.

He said Qantas and Australia Post were responding quickly to shoppers' changing buying habits to guarantee they could "increase the amount of parcels that we can carry by air to ensure they arrive at people's homes as quickly as possible".

Australia Post CEO Paul Graham said that e-commerce has grown by more than 76 per cent within the past two years.

"Australia Post plays a critical role connecting Australian businesses and communities to each other and the rest of the world," Graham said.

"This has never been more evident than through the pandemic."

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Extreme weather conditions prevail in Australia Canberra, December 9 (IANS): Extreme weather conditions are continuing to wreak havoc during Australia's early summer season with flooding in the nation's east and bushfires in the west.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecast further showers and a possible severe thunderstorm throughout southeast Queensland on December 9, including the state capital of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, adding to the previous day's downpours where up to 70 mm of rain was recorded, reports Xinhua news agency.

The torrents caused Queensland's third flood-related death within a month after a Brisbane woman's car was swept from the road on December 8 afternoon.

"Because of the rapidly rising water, and the speed at which the water was flowing, it took several hours to actually locate the vehicle," a police officer told the national broadcaster ABC. The neighbouring state of New South Wales (NSW) is also bracing for further turbulent conditions with forecasts of up to 200 mm of rain falling in the state's southeast.

The BoM said the rain pattern was due to a low-pressure trough

moving east, meeting with a band of humid air.

The eastern states' prolonged thundery conditions, exacerbated by the La Nina weather phenomenon, have already led to the wettest November since the BoM began its records in 1900.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the nation, Western Australian (WA) firefighters and waterbombers have been battling bushfires in the state's southwest triggered by a record-breaking heatwave.

Several campgrounds, wineries and tourist attractions were evacuated near Margaret River as a fierce blaze raged on December 8.

It is only the second time in 90 years that the WA capital of Perth has sweltered through temperatures of above 30 degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days so early in summer.

Australian homelessness up during pandemic: Report

Canberra, December 7 (IANS): Australian homelessness has increased during the pandemic despite a drop during the first wave of infection.

Homelessness Australia on December 7 published an analysis of federal government data on the number of Australians requiring homelessness support, Xinhua news agency reported.

It found that in May 2020, when the government doubled the JobSeeker welfare payment in response to widespread lockdowns, the number fell 5 per cent from 91,672 to 87,301.

However, with JobSeeker payment now wound back to 620 Australian dollars ($437.1) a fortnight, a slight increase from 566 Australian dollars ($399) prior to the pandemic, the number of people claiming homelessness support in May 2021 increased to 93,726.

Jenny Smith, chair of Homelessness Australia, called for a permanent JobSeeker increase to 966 Australian dollars ($681.1) a fortnight, equalling 69 Australian dollars ($48.6) a day.

"The sector has been saying for years now that increasing income support would reduce homelessness, and now we have the evidence that proves it," she told Nine Entertainment newspapers.

"The federal government knows what it needs to do. If it raises the rate of JobSeeker for good, then far fewer people would find

themselves without a home.

"There's still an opportunity for that to happen because we will probably need more economic stimulus coming out of the pandemic."

The federal government has ruled out a more significant increase, arguing that a rate too high could incentivize unemployment.

A spokesperson for federal Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston said a permanent increase to 1,115 Australian dollars would cost an additional 81 billion Australian dollars ($57.1 billion) over the next four years.

"Our focus now is reopening the economy and supporting Australians into work because we know that for every person we get in a job, they are better off and the country is better off," they said.

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SA tightens border curbs amid Omicron concerns

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Moon seeks Australia's continued support for Korean Peninsula peace

of more detailed information, is to enhance our testing and surveillance, which is what we're doing," he said.

As of December 4 morning there were 15 confirmed Omicron cases in Australia - 13 in NSW, one in the ACT and one in the Northern Territory (NT).

Canberra, December 4 (IANS): The state government of South Australia (SA) has imposed further border restrictions amid concerns about the Omicron Covid-19 variant.

Premier Steven Marshall on December 4 announced that SA's borders will remain open to domestic travellers but those from the Covid-hit Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria must have a coronavirus test on arrival and isolate until it comes back negative.

They will also be required to have a second test on day six if they are

still in SA, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We remain extraordinarily concerned about the Omicron threat," Marshall told reporters.

"We don't know enough about the Omicron variant at this stage, so we are being very cautious."

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the state's directions committee made a consensus decision not to impose a hard border closure but said "significant spread" of Omicron interstate would trigger stricter restrictions.

"The best course of action at this point in time, in the absence

The ACT's first case, which was confirmed on December 3, was fully vaccinated but has not travelled overseas recently, triggering an investigation into the source of the infection.

On December 4, Australia reported over 1,700 new Covid cases and 10 deaths as the country continues to battle the third wave of infections.

The majority of new cases were in Victoria, the country's second-most populous state with Melbourne as the capital city, where 1,365 cases and nine deaths were reported.

As of December 3, 92.8 per cent of Australians over 16 years of age had received one vaccine dose and 87.9 per cent have received their second dose, according to the Health Department.

Bushfire prediction model launched

by Aus national science agency often connect to areas where large numbers of Australians live," he said in a media release.

Canberra, Dec 14 (IANS): Australia's national science agency on Tuesday launched a new model for predicting the spread of bushfires.

The Vesta Mark 2 Model, which was launched by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), is Australia's most advanced model for predicting the speed and behaviour of a Eucalypt forest fire, reports Xinhua news agency.

Eucalypts make up more than 70 per cent of Australia's forests and account for the country's two most extreme fire events of the 21st century: the 2009 Black Saturday fires and the 2019/20 Black Summer fires.

Andrew Sullivan, a CSIRO bushfire behaviour researcher, said while much of the country was expecting a wet summer, bushfires remained an everpresent threat.

"Forests have critical ecological and socio-economic roles, and

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"Critically, this model can accurately predict the speed that a fire front will advance across a landscape, which is essential to enable authorities to efficiently identify threats, issue bushfire warning messages, signal evacuations, and plan fire suppression actions."

The model relies on weather forecasts and wind information from the Bureau of Meteorology as well as historical data on fires dating back 40 years and fuel load information from vegetation databases.

A landmark CSIRO report published in November found that the average area of forest burned annually in Australia was 800 per cent higher between 2002 and 2019 than from 1988 to 2001.

Of the four mega fires in Australia since 1930, defined as a bushfire that burned more than 1 million hectares of land, three have occurred since 2000.

Kyle Stewart, deputy commissioner for preparedness and capability at the New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service (RFS), said the new model would be a key weapon in the fight against fires.

"Knowing with confidence where a bushfire will be ahead of time is critical to the safe and effective

deployment of our fire crews and the safety of our communities," he said.

Sydney/Seoul, Dec 14 (IANS): Visiting South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday met Australian opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese and asked for the country's continued support for Seoul's efforts to bring lasting peace to the Korean Peninsula.

Moon and Albanese met in Sydney during the President's ongoing four-day state visit to the country, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Moon noted that he and Prime Minister Scott Morrison agreed the previous day to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed hope for strengthened cooperation in future high-tech industries, among other areas.

He also asked that the Labor

Party take an interest in and support the Korean community's settlement and growth in Australia.

Welcoming Moon, Albanese pledged to actively cooperate to further develop the two countries' relations based on their shared values of democracy and a market economy.

He conveyed Australia's respect for Seoul's efforts until now to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula and expressed his enthusiastic support for the campaign for denuclearization and peace.

Moon is scheduled to meet with local businesspeople later in the day to discuss ways to secure stable supply chains of raw materials and critical minerals.

Australia's int'l border to open to students, skilled workers Canberra, Dec 13 (IANS): Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed on Monday that the country's borders will open as planned for foreign students and skilled workers this week.

He said that from Wednesday, foreign students and skilled workers will be able to enter Australia for the first time since March 2020, subject to quarantine requirements in their state or territory of arrival, reports Xinhua news agency.

The borders were initially set to reopen on December 1 but the change was delayed for two weeks amid concerns over the new Omicron variant.

Hunt said Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and the international evidence were cautiously optimistic that the Omicron variant "is showing clear signs of being milder".

"The strong, clear evidence is that all of the vaccines continue to provide very clear coverage against serious illness, hospitalisation and loss of life," he

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told reporters.

"As a variant, it may well be milder. And that could turn out, as many international sources have indicated, to be a quietly positive development for the world."

The Minister also announced that telehealth services, which have allowed Australians to consult with doctors remotely during the pandemic, will be made permanent.

More than 16 million Australians have used telehealth for 86 million appointments during the pandemic.

"It came about because of the pandemic, but it has changed the way Australians are able to access healthcare," Hunt said.

Australia reported more than 1,800 new locally-acquired coronavirus cases and two deaths on Monday as the country continues to battle the third wave of the pandemic.

Till date, 93.3 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over have received one vaccine dose and 89.2 per cent were fully vaccinated, according to the Department of Health.

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Awards to recognise Funding boost to help councils deliver vital infrastructure for FNQ communities Queensland's top bus drivers Warren Entsch

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wellbeing projects such as sport and recreation centres, and security and community safety projects.”

Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the Lake St Car Park refurbishment in Cairns was an example of the kinds of projects that could receive funding.

Brisbane, December 10: Communities across Far North Queensland will receive an early Christmas present this year, a share of almost $86 million to help councils deliver priority projects like tourism, water and sewage or sports and community infrastructure.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) provides funding to councils to deliver the infrastructure and essential services communities need.

“This program aims to help our hardworking councils build and upgrade infrastructure that is vital to sustaining and improving their towns, cities and regions,” Mr Miles said.

“This early Christmas present will go a long way to continue Queensland’s economic recovery, creating jobs and building the infrastructure our communities need.

“The types of infrastructure projects we are talking about can include sewerage and water, economic development and tourism, and community

“The Lake St multi-storey carpark in the Cairns CBD was refurbished and expanded thanks to previous funding from this program” Mr Healy said.

“These are the kinds of projects that create construction jobs and improve amenities in our community.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said along with the car park, the FNQ Regional Water Laboratory also received funding in 2019.

“Since 2017, this program has supported close to 1,900 jobs across Queensland, providing a big boost to regions like Cairns and Far North Queensland” Mr Crawford said.

“The FNQ Regional Water Laboratory provides an important service to our community, providing water testing services for Far North Queensland.”

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the program has the potential to help create local jobs in the region.

"The program provides valuable grants which enable Councils to fast track and complete important infrastructure projects," Mr Pitt

said.

“We have seen what impact this funding program can have on communities by delivering priority infrastructure.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Mareeba CBD water trunk main upgrade was also funded through the LGGSP. “I can’t wait to see what projects receive funding this time and the jobs created from those projects,” Ms Lui said.

“Water infrastructure is so important and this program helps to deliver essential projects like water main upgrades.”

FNQ projects funded under previous rounds of the LGGSP include: the Lake St Car Park refurbishment in Cairns, the Community Education, Training and Disaster Coordination Facility in Atherton, the Bulgun Creek Intake Reservoir and Chlorination Facility in Tully, the Mareeba CBD water trunk main upgrade and the FNQ Regional Water Laboratory.

All 77 Queensland councils are eligible to apply for 2022-24 LGGSP funding.

Applications close on 04 March 2022. Successful projects will be announced in the first half of next year, with construction beginning on some projects as early as 1 July 2022.

The LGGSP provides funding to support councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects that improve the liveability of communities and support economic growth and employment.

Three new magistrates appointed in Queensland Brisbane, Dec 10: Three women with impressive achievements in the legal profession are the latest appointments to the Queensland magistracy.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman congratulated Magistrate Dzenita Balic, Magistrate Edwina Rowan and Magistrate Veena Jattan on their elevation to the bench.

“Each of the new magistrates have been very strong contributors to their workplaces and community at large, and I know they will serve Queensland well in their important new roles,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Magistrate Balic was admitted to the Bar in 2006, beginning her career as a legal support officer with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and worked her way through the ranks from there.”

Her Honour was principal crown prosecutor at Ipswich, Maroochydore and Brisbane for the past seven years and has prosecuted more than 150 criminal trials to verdict and more than 120 appeals in the Court of Appeal.

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Magistrate Balic is the Chair of Diversity at the Women’s Lawyers Association of Queensland and is a former board member of the Islamic Centre Rochedale, where she represented women in Islam and specific issues faced by Islamic women in Queensland.

The Attorney-General said Magistrate Veena Jattan is an expert in litigation dispute resolution, having specialised in this area of law for the past two decades.

“Her Honour was a longtime senior associate lawyer with Adamson Bernays Kyle & Jones (ABKJ) Lawyers on the Gold Coast and was more recently a senior associate at Mullins Lawyers in Brisbane” she said.

“She has also been a sessional academic at QUT for almost five years.”

Magistrate Edwina Rowan was raised in Bundaberg and began her career with century-old Bundaberg firm Charltons Lawyers in 2005 and worked her way up to be appointed a partner in 2017.

Her Honour was admitted to the

bar in 2007, having graduated with Honours in a Bachelor of Law at QUT, as well as gaining a Distinction in a Bachelor of Journalism.

The Attorney-General said her Honour has been an active member of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, is president of the EDON Place Bundaberg Women’s Domestic Violence Service and is past secretary of the Bundaberg Law Association.

“It is perhaps no surprise that Magistrate Rowan was awarded the Agnes McWhinney Award by the Queensland Law Society in 2019 for her outstanding contribution to the legal profession and community,” she said.

“All three of our new magistrates have worked incredibly hard for their appointments and I wish them every success for the future.” The Magistrates will begin their appointments on 4 January 2022. Magistrate Jattan and Magistrate Balic will be located at Southport Magistrates Court and Magistrate Rowan will be located at Bundaberg Magistrates Court.

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Brisbane, December 10: Do you have a favourite bus driver? Now is the time to nominate them for the 2021 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the awards provided an opportunity to recognise the huge contribution bus drivers have made to keep Queenslanders moving for another year.

“Queensland’s bus drivers have done an exceptional job in connecting Queenslanders to work, study, essential services and each other during the pandemic,” Mr Bailey said.

“They have constantly adapted within a changing environment to keep customers safe, and for that each and every driver deserves to be recognised.

“The Bus Driver of the Year Awards seeks to celebrate those drivers who go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience."

Nominations are open and will be until 7 January 2022 for three award categories: South East Queensland urban bus drivers (covering Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands council areas) Regional bus drivers (QConnect drivers in regional centres outside of SEQ) School bus drivers (all school bus drivers in all cities and towns) All nominations will be reviewed by a judging panel to determine three finalists in each category, which will then be put to a public vote to crown winners.

Winning drivers will be presented with a trophy and $1000 cash prize at the awards ceremony, held in partnership with the Queensland Bus Industry Council, on 9 April 2022.

Mr Bailey encouraged bus

customers to take part in the celebration through a nomination.

“All drivers working on public passenger services in Queensland are eligible, so jump online and nominate your favourite driver,” he said.

“All drivers across the state work tirelessly and make countless sacrifices to ensure customers can safely and easily get to where they need to go every day.

“We want customers to get behind our bus drivers by nominating them and sharing stories of their favourite driver improving their journey.

“If you’re not sure of your driver’s name and you think they’re doing a great job, we’d encourage you to note the bus route number, the date and time, so the information can be passed on to TransLink and used to submit a nomination.”

Mr Bailey said more than 2500 nominations were received for the last bus driver awards in 2019.

“Our 2019 winners set an extremely high standard for other bus drivers to follow with their friendly customer service and strong driving standards every time they are behind the wheel,” he said.

“I’m sure the quality of candidates for this year’s awards will be just as high.”

Customers can nominate their favourite driver by visiting the TransLink website at translink. com.au.

Queensland government reopens border

The Gaurdian

Brisbane, December 9: Queensland’s border reopened from 13 December, so families and loved ones could re-unite.

While this will mean a rise in COVID-19 cases, Queensland’s high vaccination rate means that they are well prepared.

The Queensland Government recognises the vital role business, industry, unions and the community sector will play in making sure we reopen safely.

That’s why, in the coming days, the Government will issue the guidelines required for business and industry as our border reopens. This will include information on managing close contacts in the workplace.

The main objective is to provide an environment where business, particularly essential business,

remains open.

The Government will continue to work with the Queensland Industry Recovery Alliance in this next stage, just as they have throughout the pandemic.

Very few places in the world have achieved this level of protection before a COVID wave arrives. The credit for this belongs to each and every Queenslander.

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NEWS FROM VICTORIA

Four new appointments Victoria to become home of mRNA vaccine manufacturing to the Magistrates’ Court

Melbourne, December 14: Victoria will become the first place in the southern hemisphere to manufacture mRNA vaccines, after the Victorian Government reached an inprinciple agreement with the Commonwealth Government and Moderna.

Under the deal – announced by Acting Premier James Merlino and Prime Minister Scott Morrison today – Moderna’s new manufacturing and finishing facilities and Australian research centre will all be based in Victoria.

The manufacturing facility will be capable of producing 100 million doses per year from 2024

to combat future pandemics. It is expected to create up to 500 jobs during construction and around 500 ongoing roles across the broader industry – driving the development of a local mRNA ecosystem that does not currently exist in Australia. mRNA has not only created a new frontier for vaccine development but also become a promising new weapon in the fight against a range of diseases. As well as mRNA COVID vaccines, the new facility may over time produce other therapeutics for a range of respiratory diseases. Most importantly, developing mRNA manufacturing capability in Victoria will provide vaccine

security, ensuring manufacturing can be contracted locally to avoid global supply chain issues and creating a more robust defence against future pandemics.

Victoria is already Australia’s leader in pharmaceutical and biological manufacturing, responsible for nearly 60 per cent of Australia’s pharmaceutical exports – making it our highest value advanced manufactured export. Earlier this year, the Victorian Government announced up to $400 million in funding for a new Australian Institute of Infectious Disease in Victoria to lead the fight against future pandemics.

Crypto.com is Victoria’s new kid on the blockchain Melbourne, December 14: One of the world’s fastest growing cryptocurrency platform companies has chosen Melbourne as the home for its Australian headquarters, enhancing Victoria’s reputation as an emerging blockchain powerhouse.

Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas announced today that Crypto. com will set up its Australian headquarters to focus on collaboration with globallyrenowned Victorian universities to increase the company’s technical development capabilities. Crypto.com aims to expand rapidly – attracting, building and retaining a highlyskilled workforce to build its blockchain, applications and

various systems needed to provide services in Australia and across the globe.

Headquartered in Singapore and with a presence in more than 110 countries, the Crypto. com investment demonstrates how Victoria is attracting global companies from growth industries in line with the state’s International Investment Strategy.

Globally, the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry has grown from a valuation of about $1 trillion in 2018 to $2.7 trillion in 2021. Melbourne was recently selected as the host for the largest blockchain series in the world – The World Block Chain Summit 2022 – and is emerging as a location of choice for global companies operating in this

space.

As a major innovation and digital technology hub with a thriving tech ecosystem and strong local talent, Melbourne is attracting investment from tech companies across the globe.

Global technology leaders including Zendesk, Infosys and Square have chosen to establish their regional headquarters in Melbourne, and Singapore tech giant NCS recently chose Melbourne as the home of its new Cloud Centre of Excellence, creating 500 new high-skilled jobs over the next five years.

Victoria’s thriving tech sector contributes more than $38 billion to the state’s economy annually and supports more than 139,000 workers across 20,000 businesses.

Celebrate festive season in style Melbourne, December 13: Time To ‘Drink Victorian’. Victorians are being encouraged to back local businesses and enjoy a glass of their favourite Victorian wine, craft beer, spirit or cider this holiday season, as more locally produced drinks are available at bars, restaurants and retailers.

Minister for Agriculture MaryAnne Thomas today launched the Drink Victorian campaign at Cumulus Inc in Melbourne’s CBD, alongside business owners taking part in the program and members of the Victorian Drinks Alliance.

There are 100 hospitality venues from across Melbourne

participating in the campaign, which backs local businesses by encouraging venues to offer more drinks produced in Victoria for sale.Industry and consumers can learn more about Victorian drinks through regional visits to producers, education programs, an industry ‘super tasting,’ and other events.

The Victorian Drinks Alliance developed the project to promote local products and back Victorian businesses as we recover from the global pandemic, bushfires, export challenges and strong international and interstate competition in the domestic market.

It is a collaboration between Food and Drink Victoria, Wine Victoria, Cider Australia, the Independent Brewers Association, the Australian Distillers Association and Spirits Victoria.

Drink Victorian has been backed by $1.5 million, jointly funded by Agriculture Victoria through its Small-Scale and Craft and Food to Market programs as well as Global Victoria. The Food to Market Program is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Agriculture Strategy and will help to deliver on its vision for a Victorian agriculture sector that is strong, innovative, and sustainable.

New Latrobe Valley Authority CEO appointed Melbourne, December 9: The Andrews Labor Government has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) and support the community through its next phase of transition.

Chris Buckingham has been appointed to the role to ensure the LVA remains well placed to build on its partnership with business and residents to improve

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outcomes for the Latrobe Valley community.

Mr Buckingham brings 15 years of experience as a senior executive across a number of sectors, including state and local government and tourism. He was most recently the Chief Executive Officer at Casey Cardinia Libraries. As a Gippslander, Mr Buckingham has strong connections to the Latrobe

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Melbourne, December 14: The Victorian Government has today appointed four new Magistrates, adding their invaluable experience and expertise to the state’s busiest Court.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes congratulated Caroline Boult, Timothy Greenway, Samantha Poulter and Robert Stary on their appointments to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.

Caroline Boult brings over 20 years of experience practising criminal law and has been a senior solicitor and advocate for the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) since 2005. Her experience includes appearing in the Magistrates’, Children’s, Coroners, County and Supreme courts. Before joining the OPP she was in private practice as a criminal defence lawyer. Ms Boult was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2000 and holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from La Trobe University.

Timothy Greenway has been a member of the Victorian Bar since 2010 and has extensive experience practising across commercial, administrative, and quasi-criminal jurisdictions.

During his career, he has had

many successful and notable cases, while also mentoring undergraduate students for more than a decade. He was admitted to legal practice in 2008 and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Monash University.

Samantha Poulter has worked as a barrister since 2008, across the Supreme, County and Magistrates’ courts. She has worked as a duty lawyer at Victoria Legal Aid from 2007 to 2008, and has extensive previous experience in community corrections and justice policy. Ms Poulter holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Legal Studies and an Honours Degree in Bachelor of Legal Studies from La Trobe University.

Robert Stary was a principal lawyer and partner at Stary Norton Halphen Lawyers for 26 years. Before this, he played a vital role in Victoria’s legal and philanthropic community, particularly in the west as a founding committee member of the Western Suburbs Legal Service, and as a committee member and Chair of both Westadd Alcohol and Drug Agency and the Footscray Community Legal Centre.

Socceroos headed to Melbourne for World Cup qualifier

Melbourne, December 13: Melbourne will host the Socceroos for the first time in four years as they vie to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will attract tens of thousands of fans to the city and deliver an important boost to businesses and jobs.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced the AFC Asian Qualifier – Road to Qatar 2022 fixture between the Socceroos and Vietnam will be held at AAMI Park on Thursday 27 January 2022.

Supported by the Andrews Labor Government, the event is expected to inject around $3 million into the Victorian economy and attract up to 30,000 attendees, helping to fill the city’s hotels, bars and restaurants.

The Socceroos have won eleven of their last fourteen matches and Valley and understands firsthand the unique opportunities and challenges faced by the region and the community.

Mr Buckingham will begin his new role next year and lead the LVA to drive positive community and economic outcomes for the future. He will bring his strong leadership experience to support partnerships with local businesses and communities, with a focus on backing more local jobs and driving the economy in the Latrobe Valley.

the match against Vietnam will have a crucial bearing on whether Australia can qualify for its fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup later in 2022.

The Labor Government is helping develop the Socceroos of the future by backing community soccer, investing $127 million to support more than 220 projects since December 2014.

Melbourne will also host six matches of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – the biggest standalone women’s sporting event in the world, with the Matildas scheduled to play on 31 July 2023.

The Government is backing a blockbuster calendar of events in 2022, which will encourage more interstate travellers to visit Victoria. time of continued change for the region. The Authority, which was established for an initial period of four years to support the closure of the Hazelwood Mine and Power Station, is now entering the next phase of its work.

Under the leadership of outgoing CEO Karen Cain, the LVA has contributed to the Victorian Government’s support for the addition of more than 4,000 jobs to the region’s workforce since the closure of the Hazelwood Mine and Power Station in 2016.

His appointment comes at a

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COMMUNITY NEWS

AFIN International Film Festival held in Brisbane

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FIN International Film Festival's Awards Gala took place on November 28 in Brisbane. During the Awards Gala, guest speakers from the industry were invited, and there were live performances by Birdman Randy & Ivory Street Preachers.

The festival included three screening nights in Brisbane, which were attended by film makers and film lovers alike, and the formal red carpet awards night.

Besides the dinner, which was included in the ticket price, the attendees were given the opportunity to meet filmmakers,

actors, and film industry professionals and be entertained

by MC, multi-talented actress, comedian, and performer, Tracie Filmer.

Awards presentations were done by judges and many special guests, and live entertainment was presented by 5-piece band, "Birdman Randy & The Ivory Street Preachers".

AFIN International Film Festival celebrates and showcases excellence in filmmaking and storytelling from emerging and established filmmakers and screenwriters, from every corner of the globe. An open, and market

orientated film industry event, AFIN supports innovation and exploration in film, and provides networking opportunities for local and international film makers.

With direct links with international sales agents and distributors, AFIN make special introductions for certain awards winners (Best Feature and Best Australian Film), to assist them in achieving success.

Entries are selected and screened based on their artistic value, originality, globally distributable appeal, production values/quality, and narrative content.

GOPIO Gold Coast host Christmas lunch; raise funds

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OPIO Gold Coast organised a Christmas luncheon fundraiser on December 11 to support the victims of domestic and family violence.

Prominent Indian community members who attended were Mrs Seema Chauhan, Dr Ram Mohan,

Pushpinder Oberoi, Prerna Pahwa, among others.

PM Morrison's End of Year message

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021 has been an extraordinary year.

Australians have been challenged in many ways, but we’ve also risen to those challenges.

We are a strong and resilient people, and if you ask Australians to stand up, take action and play their part, they will – and they have.

A well-organised event, it offered good food, fun and great company, just what is needed to end the current year on a good note.

I thank all Australians for doing their bit – the nurses, doctors, mental health professionals, retail staff, cleaners, truck drivers, farmers, teachers and public servants.

What we have achieved together – saving more than 30,000 lives, supporting over 3 million Australians through JobKeeper, and getting 1 million Australians back into work – it’s something every Australian can be proud to share.

To date over 20 million Australians have had a vaccination, and over 18 million have had two.

I want to thank our multicultural communities for rolling up their sleeves to get the jab because, under the National Plan, that means we can open safely and we can remain safely open as we go into 2022. It means those jobs come back, the businesses come back and the livelihoods come back.

Our multicultural communities have played a vital role in our national success.

I know it’s been difficult for so many to be separated from family and friends, and not be able to celebrate traditions and religious ceremonies as you normally

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would.

But you’ve stayed the course.

You’ve done whatever it takes to keep each other safe.

You’ve kept going, stayed strong and helped keep our nation together.

That’s why Australia is the most successful multicultural nation in the world.

A place where we all buy in and draw strength from our shared values – such as mutual respect and individual responsibility.

Your efforts have helped the country that we all love and care about respond so magnificently to this pandemic.

I can’t thank you enough.

This is why our country can open safely and stay safely open.

As we reclaim our lives and reunite with each other again, we can put 2021 in the rear-vision mirror and move forward to 2022 with confidence.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a bright and happy summer, and a hopeful new year.

The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia

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BRIMM hosts HOPE '22 - A Musical Event

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risbane Maharashtra Mandal (BRIMM) organised HOPE '22 - A Musical Event that showcased impeccable performances by multicultural artists during a night of soulful music on December 4 at Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane.

A real treat to the eyes and ears of the audience, it was an evening full of Bollywood and nonBollywood songs performed by Brisbane’s most talented singers and musicians.

Fifth East Asia Summit (EAS) on Maritime Security Cooperation held Maritime Foundation (NMF) of Australia and the Research Centre for East and North East Regional Studies, Kolkata (CENERS-K).

Government of India was represented by Ms. Riva Ganguly Das, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

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he fifth EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation, organised by India in partnership with Australia, was held in Kolkata on 23-24 November.

Apart from the two governments, organisers included the ASEANIndia Centre (AIC) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) in collaboration with National

During the conference, experts from both government and academia from the EAS participating countries deliberated upon various aspects of maritime security cooperation under four thematic sessions, namely Maritime Security; Resource and Information Sharing; Science and Technology Cooperation; and Pandemic and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

UQ hosts Annual Business Lunch

U

niversity of Queensland held their Annual Business Lunch with some of the women leaders from the region attending, including Dr Sarah Jane Kelly OAM, Ms. Raynuha Sinnathamby, Ms Juanita Maiden, Dr Monica Chen, among others.

Lead, Boeing, were on the panel.

Dr Cle-Anne Gabriel, Senior Lecturer in Strategy, UQ Business School, was the moderator.

The attendees got to enjoy a vibrant panel discussion on 'Towards net zero: What you can do now to exceed by 2020.'

Dr Belinda Wade, Lecturer in Sustainability and Strategy, UQ Business School; Nick Shewring, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, Carbon Planet; and Heidi Hauf, Regional Sustainability

The event concluded with a panel discussion on The Way Forward.

Ladies in Red event organised

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adies in Red' was organised on November 20 at Unidus Community and Conference Centre in Willawong. A multicultural ladies event, the Ladies in Red was attended by Pinky Singh, Cr Angela Owen.

Jyoti-Amarjot Bains, Anu Samra, Sippu Hans Jassar were the judges.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Maitri Diwas - Commemorating 50 years of India-Bangladesh friendship

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igh Commission of India and High Commission of Bangladesh jointly commemorated Maitri Diwas on 6 December. Maitri Diwas is observed to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh and the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh Liberation War. During the visit of PM Shri Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021, it was decided to commemorate 06 December as Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day).

Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh. At the Maitri Diwas on 6 December, a minute silence was observed, remembering the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. A Documentary on the journey of India-Bangladesh ties was also screened.

High Commissioners of India and Bangladesh addressed the gathering and highlighted the special bond India & Bangladesh share. High Commissioner Shri

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Manpreet Vohra underlined the important role played by the people of Bangladesh in the Liberation War and India’s support for the struggle. High Commissioner noted the major milestones in the history of India– Bangladesh ties, highlighting the booming bilateral trade and the deepening developmental partnership.

Ms. Harinder Sidhu, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade addressed the gathering the event as the Guest of Honour. Ms. Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for Environment & Minister of Heritage and Dr. Marisa Paterson, MLA for Murrumbidgee and representatives from Diplomatic Corps, various Government Departments and the Indian and Bangladeshi community also attended the Event.

A Cultural presentation by artists Ms. Ira Patkar & Ms. Tanisha Kundu mesmerized the audience.

A Photo Exhibition on ”IndiaBangladesh Friendship” was also inaugurated on the occasion.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Summer of Cricket Lunch raises funds for QCF

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ummer of Cricket Lunch raises funds for QCF Summer of Cricket Lunch held on December 3 at the Queensland Cricketers Club was able to successfully raise over $27,000 for the Queensland Cricket Foundation.

The funds would be used towards cricket initiatives that create positive differences in Queensland communities.

The foundation aims to give more Queenslanders the opportunity to support and participate in Australia’s favourite sport while enhancing the experiences of all existing participants, volunteers and fans.

The Australia India Business Council led by Queensland President Dr Nik Senapati and National Sports Chair Dr Ashutosh Misra supported the event by putting table and help raise the funds. The table had Dr Senapati, Prof Shaun Star, Dr Ram Mohan, Mr Samir Vora, Mr Muthuraj Guruswamy, Dr Amol Wagholikar, Mr Mayur Thakeria, Dr Neeraj Khanna, Dr Yash Khanna and Dr Sanjib Baruah.

(L-R) Australia India Business Council Queensland President Dr Nik Senapati, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick and India News' Chief Editor Dr Ashutosh Misra

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Dr Ram Mohan, who won the helmet bid, seen with Dr Ashutosh Misra and Dr Nik Senapati

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Ashes 2021-22 Downunder

India News is very proud to be accredited by Cricket Australia to cover the Australia vs England Ashes series 2021-22 in Australia. Dr Ram Mohan India News Chairman and Dr Ashutosh Misra not only attended the official launch of the Ashes but also covered the Gabba test from the media enclosure, and engaged with the two captains, team players, former cricketing legends from both sides, and also with the member of the Barmy Army and Richies.

With England supporters

With Ashely Giles

India News Editor in Chief Dr Ashutosh Misra in the Media Enclosure

With Australian Captain Pat Cummins

With Glen McGrath

With Adam Hallioke

With England Captain Joe Root With Mitchell Johnson

With Austraian Vice Cpatain Steve Smith

With Matthew Hayden

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With Allan Border

With Austraian Vice Capatain Steve Smith

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Ashes launch with Michale Kasprowicz and Kirsten Pike

AIBC Table at the Ashes Launch

Joe Root and Pat Cummins launching the Ashes

Ashes Launch

Dr Nik Senapati, Mr Cameron Dick Queensland Treasurer and Dr Ashutosh Misra

Dr Ram Mohan and Dr Ashutosh Misra with Barmy Army members

With the Barmy Army

Captains addressing the press conference

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Interviewing Barmy Army members

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Head of Pak's new authority holds controversial views on democracy, ethnic groups

New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): The newly appointed chairman of Pakistan's National Rehmatunlil Alameen Authority, Ejaz Akram, holds controversial views about democracy and ethnic groups in Pakistan, it has emerged, Friday Times reported.

Social media is abuzz with posts about a speech that he delivered last year at the National Library in Islamabad, wherein he had termed ethnic rights groups like Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) 'foreign-funded', as well as an article in which he had criticised democracy, the report said.

Akram has in the past expressed his views on global politics and what Pakistan should

do considering the changing dynamics of world affairs. While criticising democracy in an article, he wrote, "...But can we trust the judgment of people who are duped and brainwashed with lies from morning to evening? Do people even know? If they did, would they've voted the wellknown looters, embezzlers, and murderers into office over and over again?".

Suggesting a new system of governance, he had said, "We must prop up an 'elite of the elite' that have an upright character and espouse a much deeper understanding of ideologies, religions, civilizations, and principles of statecraft". He added, "Belief in deep secularism, the idea of a republic, nationalism, capitalism, feminism, absolute freedom of speech, are all false consciousness that must be abandoned for things that work for us", the report said.

Activists reacted to the appointment on social media and wondered if he was selected to the post for his controversial

views.

Nida Kirmani said in a tweet, "Disturbing (& terribly-written) article by Dr Ejaz Akram, the head of the Rahmatunlil Alameen Authority, claiming that the military has given too much power to civilians & advocating for rule of an 'elite of the elite', in other words, fascism".

"Your new Chairperson of the National Rehmatunlil Alameen Authority, ladies and gentleman PTM, Siraiki movement and Jaye Sindh are funded by the enemies of Pakistan - The foremost enemy of the idea of Pakistan are the "forces of global Zionism", Fahad Desmukh tweeted.

"Ejaz Akram has been appointed by @ImranKhanPTI as the Chairperson of Rehmat-ulalameen Authority. He says that PTM, Siriaki & Jaye Sindh movements are foreign funded.

Listen to him and you will find that the choice of a dwarf named Imran Khan can be nothing but a dwarf," Jawad Khan Yusufzai said in a tweet.

Pakistan skips democracy summit convened by Biden The Express Tribune

WORLD NEWS

Australian science agency opens testing facility for lunar rovers Canberra, December 2 (IANS): Australia's national science agency has opened a purposebuilt facility to test technology before it is sent to the Moon.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on December 2 opened the In-situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) Facility in Brisbane.

The facility provides a Moonlike environment to test rovers and related equipment before it is sent into space, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Our ability to simulate the lunar terrain at this scale is an exciting advancement for the development of space technology in Australia," CSIRO Space Programme Director Kimberley Clayfield said in a media release.

"This facility is the latest example of our commitment to stimulating innovation, supporting industry and solving the greatest challenges through space science, technology and exploration.

"We're looking forward to working with researchers and businesses from across the space sector to test their technology and systems

for future space missions."

The ISRU Facility, which is located at CSIRO's Queensland Center for Advanced Technologies, contains a sealed dust area to simulate various types of Moon dust, smaller pits for small-scale tests and a mission control room to monitor rovers and payloads.

The Australian Space Agency (ASA) in October signed a landmark deal with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US to send an Australian-built rover to the Moon for the first time as early as 2026.

ISRU Project Leader Jonathon Ralston said the new facility would be key to solving major challenges for the rover.

"The challenge is the Moon dust is powdery, sharp and electrostatically charged so it sticks to everything and has the potential to damage the technology sent to investigate it," he said.

"Our facility offers technology developers the opportunity to test their equipment closer to home, in a safe environment to find solutions to this dusty problem."

China warns countries announcing diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympics

The Newsman

It is believed that President Biden's move to continue to ignore Prime Minister Imran Khan also made it difficult for Islamabad to attend the summit on democracy.

President Biden is yet to speak to the Prime Minister directly since taking over the White House earlier this year. But his invitation to Pakistan was seen as an ice breaker.

New Delhi, December 11 (IANS): Pakistan decided to skip the summit on democracy convened

by US President Joe Biden on December 10 and 11, The Express Tribune reported.

The Biden administration has invited leaders from over 100 countries and Pakistan was among the four South Asian nations besides India, Maldives and Nepal to receive an invite.

China and Russia were excluded, while Taiwan extended an invitation, drawing a strong reaction from Beijing.

Islamabad's move is seen as a clear snub to the White House that could entail serious implications for the already strained relations between the

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two countries, The Express Tribune report said.

It is understood that multiple factors have played their part as is obvious from the fact that it took Pakistan days of consultations before finally deciding not to attend the summit.

Initially, Pakistan was thought to be part of Biden's initiative at the ministerial level but it decided to skip the summit altogether because of a variety of reasons.

One of the reasons includes the exclusion of China from the summit. The overall state of relations between the two countries is another major factor, compelling Islamabad to stay away from the summit, the report said.

It was not clear if China had anything to do with Pakistan's decision, but official sources confirmed that Islamabad did consult Beijing on the issue, the report said.

The move by Pakistan to stay away from the summit indicates the nature of current relations between Islamabad and Washington.

During November’s briefing to the lawmakers on Afghanistan, it was informed that the ties between Pakistan and the US were at the lowest ebb.

Pakistan also fears that the US may resort to some punitive action as the Treasury Department announced ahead of the summit that Washington would impose sanctions on people undermining democracy and also penalise countries having poor human rights records.

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New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): China has warned countries which have announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, saying they "will pay the price for their mistaken acts", the BBC reported.

Beijing is scheduled to host the Winter Olympics from February 4-20 next year.

The US, the UK, Australia and Canada will not send government representatives to the Games because of concerns over China's human rights records, including widespread allegations of abuse against the Uyghur minority group.

France, host of the next Summer Games, said it would not join the boycott, the report said.

"The United States, Britain and Australia have used the Olympics platform for political manipulation," said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson in the Chinese

Foreign Ministry.

Chinese state media claimed on December 9 that Beijing "never planned to invite the US and Western politicians who hype the 'boycott' topic".

The US was the first country to announce a diplomatic boycott, with Australia, Canada and the UK following suit.

The move by these countries stops short of preventing the athletes from attending the Games -- something which has been welcomed by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

"The presence of government officials is a political decision for each government so the principle of IOC neutrality applies," Bach said.

Relations between the boycotting nations and China have been tense in recent years, the report added.

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WORLD NEWS

Diplomatic boycott of China Winter China committed genocide Games causes deep freeze with US against Uyghurs: Tribunal "It's understandable as long as they are sending athletes," said a former Chinese sports journalist, talking about the move that wouldn't directly affect athletes.

Beijing, December 9 (IANS): Amid vaulting China-US oneupmanship and US President Joe Biden's recriminations against Russia, East-West tensions spilling onto the turf of sports didn't raise many eyebrows as Washington announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics, scheduled in Beijing from February 4-20 next year, triggering a swift response from China amid a Yuletide season rendered hot by geostrategic tensions.

Acerbic relations between the two superpowers have recently been in flux as the United States under Joe Biden has raised the heat on China under Xi Jinping's stewardship.

Taiwan, Hong Kong, weaponization and the battle for one-upmanship in the South China Sea have littered the turf of bilateral ties between the two nations. Sports -- recently being used as a weapon of attrition in international politics -- is increasingly coming to the fore in the arena of inter-state confrontation.

The boycott doesn't seem to be out of sync with what has been transpiring between the two nations -- one of which always draws fire for calling itself the leader of the free world.

Germany's Thomas Bach, a 1976 Olympic fencing gold medallist, lost the opportunity to defend his Olympic title in 1980 after the Western Bloc boycotted the Moscow Games, added the journalist.

Bach, now the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has said that he chose to be politically neutral in the face of the boycott by Washington.

Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada have been doing the US' bidding by announcing diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games by citing concerns over China's human rights record.

What is important is that athletes are participating, the German official said.

Chinese mouthpiece Global Times had another take on the controversy. Calling the boycott a "US hijack", it said Washington had turned it into a small 'clique' diplomatic tool.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a press conference that the US has been fabricating the biggest lie of the century about so-called "genocide" in China's Xinjiang region, which has been "refuted" by facts.

"Based on ideological biases and lies, the US is trying to disturb the Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

The practice violates the principle of political neutrality enshrined in the Olympic Charter, runs counter to the Olympic motto of 'together' and stands on the opposite side of global athletes and sports fans," Zhao said.

Quite unbeknownst of what was happening on the sports front, China had its eyes set on space from where three Chinese astronauts -- called 'taikonauts' -- delivered a lecture to schoolchildren who had their eyes fixed on the classroom screen.

Dressed in blue space suits, the trio demonstrated several interesting experiments, including those on surface tension and motion and how objects behave differently in space.

Back on earth, at a Chinese tea house in Anhui province in eastern China, people talked about Chinese-style democracy as steaming tea was poured into bowls. A Ukrainian man explained how the Chinese went about their business in the 100-year-old tea house, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Back in Ukraine, thousands of miles away, the threat of a Russian invasion was another factor playing in the minds of people as the Kremlin flexed its muscle over the territorial conflict.

From the tea house to the Crimean Peninsula -- when China and Russia are there, can their brand of democracy be far behind.

Smash-and-grab robberies hit multiple US cities Washington, Dec 14 (IANS): Smash-and-grab robberies are heading toward crisis levels in some US cities, with gangs of thugs rampaging unchecked through stores and grabbing anything in site.

On December 11, two robbers walked into a Chicago store wielding hammers and a gun, smashing through display cases and stealing several watches valued at $2 million, Xinhua news agency quoted local media reports as saying.

A security guard was shot and killed last month during a smashand-grab robbery in Oakland, near San Francisco. He was protecting a local news crew while they covered the uptick of looting in the city.

Outside Chicago, thugs recently stampeded through a Louis Vuitton store, filling large plastic bags with merchandise worth over $120,000, the media reported.

A string of violent robberies took place all in one weekend in the

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San Francisco Bay Area. Those included an incident whereby thieves with hammers ransacked several clothing, jewellery and sunglasses stores.

On the same weekend, as many as 80 bandits carrying crowbars hit a Nordstrom department store outside San Francisco, attacking one employee with pepper spray and stealing as much merchandise as they could get their hands on. The group fled via waiting getaway carsd.

The same weekend saw roving groups of criminals carrying crowbars and hammers attack multiple luxury retailers, including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Bloomingdale's, all around San Francisco's Union Square, media reported.

The recent surge in online shopping, due to the pandemic, has given criminals a vast marketplace in which to sell stolen goods.

Senior executive vice president for public affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association

Michael Hanson said, "Criminals saw that (increase in online shopping) and said, 'Oh, my gosh.

More people are shopping online.

Let's go get more and more product to sell on marketplaces because we can make a lot of money'", as reported by The Hill, a political newspaper.

Critics said radical city officials are responsible for implementing policies that encourage smashand-grab robberies. Those include downgrading offenses from felonies to misdemeanors.

According to the New York Post, over a dozen suspected looters in Los Angeles were arrested but rapidly released due to zero-bail policies that allow suspects to go free after arrest.

The 14 arrests followed a "rash" of 11 "flash-mob type" raids in which nearly $350,000 in goods was swiped in just 10 days last month in Los Angeles, with the most recent on November. 28, city Police Chief Michel Moore said, as reported in the New York Post.

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New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): The Uyghur Tribunal said on December 9 that China by the imposition of measures to prevent births intended to destroy a significant part of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang as such, has committed genocide.

The UK-based independent Tribunal said that torture of Uyghurs attributable to China is established beyond reasonable doubt. Crimes against humanity attributable to the People's Republic of China (PRC) is established beyond reasonable doubt by acts of: Deportation or forcible transfer; imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty; torture; rape and other sexual violence; enforced sterilisation; persecution; enforced disappearance; and other inhumane acts.

The Tribunal is satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the crime against humanity of other inhumane acts is proved.

Satellite imagery identified the destruction of, or damage to, approximately 16,000 mosques or 65 per cent of the previous total in the region, evidence matched by direct observations of witnesses.

In addition, cemeteries and other sites of religious significance have been destroyed. Uyghurs are punished by imprisonment and torture for displays of religious adherence, including attending mosques, praying, wearing of headscarves and beards and not drinking alcohol or not eating pork.

The Tribunal is satisfied that the PRC has implemented a comprehensive policy of destruction of physical religious sites, and conducted a systematic attack on Uyghur religiosity for the stated purpose of eradicating religious ‘extremism'.

The Tribunal received evidence which it could include within this category including the forcible imposition of Han people into Uyghur family homes, the pervasive surveillance systems installed throughout the region, rendering it an open-air prison, destruction of mosques and cemeteries, repression of religious and cultural expression and forced or coerced marriages.

The number of Uyghurs detained, the number of mosques and graveyards destroyed or rendered unfit for purpose, the sterilisations and abortions, the repression of use of language and practice of religion, the separation of Uyghur children

from their parents all show that there was, indeed, an attack on the Uyghurs wholly without justification, even if some of them had sought separation from China and even if some Uyghurs had perpetrated acts of violence, as happened by way of example as in the years 1997 to 2000 and later Urumchi in 2000 and in the Kunming train attack of 2014.

Between 2017 and 2019, Chinese government figures record a 43.5 per cent increase to 880,400 primary and middle Uyghur school children being placed in Han-run and Hanstaffed boarding schools. This policy was, according to the Xinjiang Education Department, deliberately designed to isolate children from the influences of their families.

Parents have been unable to resist the policy and involuntary separation has been widespread, in part because some families have suffered the internment of one or both parents.

The Tribunal is satisfied that China embarked on a deliberate policy of separating children from their families into state care for the purpose of eradicating their Uyghur cultural identity and connections.

The Tribunal is satisfied that the PRC has affected a deliberate, systematic and concerted policy with the objective of ‘optimising' the population in Xinjiang by means of a long-term reduction of the Uyghur and other ethnic minority populations to be achieved through limiting and reducing Uyghur births.

The tribunal has received evidence, including by means of satellite imagery of the construction or conversion of hundreds of very large factories, in some cases co-located with internment camps. According to state media, hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs have been inducted into labour programmes, including 611,500 in Hotan alone in 2018. The transfers have been within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and also into ‘mainland' China.

The Tribunal is satisfied that China has built a very extensive network of detention and penal institutions, that it has imprisoned hundreds of thousands and maybe a million and more of Uyghurs without substantive cause and without any recognisable or legitimate legal process.

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INDIA NEWS

WORLD THIS WEEK

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

Compiled by Avishka Ashok, Sukanya Bali and Porkkodi Ganeshpandian

China in Africa: FOCAC celebrates two decades of mutually beneficial relationship

What happened?

On 29 and 30 November, the People's Republic of China and the African countries participated in the eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Dakar, Senegal. The forum's theme was 'Deepen ChinaAfrica Partnership and Promote Sustainable Development to Build a China-Africa with a Shared Future in a New Era' and was attended by 53 African countries and the African Union. Eswatini, the only African country with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, did not participate in the forum.

Despite being a ministerial meet, the opening ceremony was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who addressed the forum online and delivered a speech highlighting agricultural cooperation, Chinese investments in Africa and greater trade exchanges between China and the African continent. President Xi delivered his speech based on the White Paper published by the State Council Information Office on China's cooperation with Africa in the new era. It emphasized China's intentions of helping the African Union with achieving its goals of vaccinating 60 percent of the African population by 2022, alleviating poverty, promoting agricultural development, encouraging investments worth USD 10 billion in Africa, providing means to digitization of the economy and green development and advocating closer cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges The forum also adopted four resolutions: the Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024), the ChinaAfrica Cooperation Vision 2035, the Sino-African Declaration on Climate Change and the Declaration of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC.

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What does it mean?

The cooperation between China and Africa will continue to grow in the coming decade as the country establishes itself as one of the foremost supporters of African development and economic sustainability.

Africa's support for the country is bound to grow further in the coming decades as China pushes billions in investment and provides greater assistance than other countries. There is much criticism regarding China's lending to African countries and the status of their independence in the face of China's extreme support that at times leads them into a debt trap. However, African countries such as Rwanda and Guinea have rejected accusations of lack of freedom in their relationship and have deeply appreciated the assistance offered

by China.

ALSO IN NEWS

China: Expresses opposition against motion passed in Irish Senate On 2 December, the Chinese embassy in Ireland issued a statement, expressing discontent and opposition to a motion passed by the Irish Senate against Beijing. The embassy spokesperson said: "The motion blatantly violates the one-China principle and wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs." He further added, "We urge those Irish politicians to respect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect the Chinese people's aspiration to realize national reunification as much as they respect the Irish people's aspiration to realize national reunification, and abide by the one-China principle, so as to preserve the healthy development of China-Ireland relations."

Japan: Former Prime Minister says the US and Japan could not stand Beijing attack on Taiwan

On 1 December, in a virtual conference organized by Taiwanese think tank the Institute for National Policy Research, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, "Japan and the United States could not stand by if China attacked Taiwan, and Beijing needs to understand this."

Focusing on the growing tension in the democratically ruled island, Taiwan, he also said: "A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an

emergency for the Japan-US alliance. People in Beijing, President Xi, in particular, should never have a misunderstanding in recognizing this."

North Korea: UN excludes Pyongyang for humanitarian assistance plan On 3 December, the United Nations excluded Pyongyang from its global humanitarian assistance plan for 2022 released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Korea Herald reported. The Global Humanitarian Overview 2022 said, "Afghanistan, DPR Korea, and Myanmar are facing acute food insecurity situations, which are likely to deteriorate further by the year's end."

This marks the second year of exclusion from its assistance plans. The report highlighted: "The persisting economic constraints, exacerbated by restrictive measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, have significantly reduced imports, including critical agricultural inputs and humanitarian goods, increasing the population's vulnerability to food insecurity."

New Zealand: Prime Minister sends peacekeeping force to the Solomon Islands

On 1 December, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asked troops to join the international peacekeeping mission against the deadly anti-government riots in the Solomon Islands. The riots erupted last week against government policies and issues like poverty, unemployment, and inter-island rivalries. Ardern said, "an initial force of 15 New Zealand personnel would set off on December 2 and another 50 would join them over the weekend" followed by a request from the Solomons government. She also said, "about 200 peacekeepers are already on the ground in Honiara from Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea."

Myanmar: UN committee postpones decision on Myanmar and Afghanistan representation On 2 December, the UN credential committee decided to postpone their decision on "who will represent Myanmar and Afghanistan." Reuters reported: Swedish UN Ambassador Anna Karin Eneström said, "The committee has decided to defer its decision of the credentials in these two situations."

Maldives: Chinese firm signs

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French President Emmanuel Macron

deal to provide hybrid solardiesel power system

On 3 December, a Chinese renewable energy firm, Sino Soar Hybrid Technology signed an agreement with the Maldives to provide a hybrid solar-diesel power system. Previously, Maldives environment minister, Shauna Aminath and the company's project manager signed the agreement. The Chinese embassy tweeted, Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, "has inked a contract with Maldivian govt on 29 November to establish solar power plants at 12 islands in the Maldives."

and the Yemeni war. While in Qatar, Macron revealed that the EU members might open a joint diplomatic mission in Afghanistan but did not wish to recognize the Taliban government. While in the UAE, he signed the largest-ever French weapons contract for export consisting of a sale of 80 upgraded Rafale warplanes. The deal is worth USD 16 billion.

Sweden: First female Prime Minister re-elected

Afghanistan: Taliban reacts to the decision on who will represent Afghanistan at the UN On 2 December, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced Suhail Shaheen as an ambassador to the UN in reaction to the UN credential committee. Tolo reported: the Islamic Emirate also said, "this decision is not based on legal rules and justice because they have deprived the people of Afghanistan of their legitimate right." He also added, "We hope that this right is handed over to the representative of the government of Afghanistan in the near future so that we can be in a position to resolve issues of the people of Afghanistan effectively and efficiently and maintain positive interaction with the world."

Pakistan: NSA meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow On 1 December, a six-member delegation headed by National Security Advisor Dr Moeed Yusuf visited Moscow at the invitation of Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev.

During the meeting, they both discussed matters related to bilateral relations and held indepth discussions on regional and international issues. Additionally, cooperation in economic, energy, defense, counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, and information and cyber security were discussed.

Middle East: French President visits UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia On 3 December, the French President Emmanuel Macron visited the UAE during his twoday trip to the Middle East. On 4 December, he visited the UAE and later met the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed Iran's nuclear programme, the political and economic crises in Lebanon,

On 29 November, Magdalena Andersson who resigned from the position of the Prime Minister after being the first woman elected to the post was re-elected.

She received 173 votes in the 349-seat parliament while 101 voted against and 75 abstained.

On 30 November, she formed her cabinet and created a oneparty, minority government. She addressed the parliament and said: "A female prime minister means a lot to many girls and women, to see this glass roof shattered. I am proud that the Center Party is involved and makes this possible."

The US: Washington Post claims of massive troop build-up at Russia-Ukraine border On 30 November, the Washington Post reported that the CIA had discovered the movement of Russian troops towards the Ukrainian border and issued a word of caution against heightened violence in the border areas. The report alarmed the US intelligence and the government at a time when US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin were scheduled to meet and discuss the Ukrainian issue. The report claimed that Russia was readying 100 battalion tactical groups on the border.

About the Authors Sukanya Bali is a doctoral candidate at OP Jindal Global University. Porkkodi Ganeshpandian is a research intern in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Avishka Ashok is Research Associate at NIAS.

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INDIA NEWS

Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

EDITORIAL

From the editor's desk Putin visiting India: Is it A Tall General bids adieu strategic balancing? with other Bravehearts

By Major General S.B. Asthana

W

DT Next

I

ndia’s first Chief of the Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat tragically died on 8 December in a Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in the hills near Coonoor district in Tamil Nādu, along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other defence personnel onboard. The dead included CDS’ Defence Adviser Brig Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Group Captain Varun Singh, Staff Officer Lt Col Harjinder Singh, Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan, Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, Junior Warrant Officer Rana Pratap Das, Junior Warrant Officer Arakkal Pradeep, Havildar Satpal Rai, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitendra Kumar, Lance Naik Vivek Kumar, Lance Naik B Sai Teja is on life support in the Military Hospital at Wellington and all efforts are being made to save his life.

Expressing grief at the tragedy Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the Armed Forces.

They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply.

Om Shanti. As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms.

He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service."

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also tweeted, “Deeply shocked by the tragic death of Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his spouse Smt. Madhulika Rawat, senior officials of the armed forces & others in a helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.”

Homage poured in from around the world. The US defence secretary Lloyd Austin described

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Gen Rawat as a "valued partner".

He said, "General Rawat left an indelible mark on the course of the US-India defence partnership and was at the centre of the Indian armed forces' transformation into a more jointly integrated warfighting organization." Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said Russia lost "a very close friend." [Gen Rawat] played a big role in promotion of our bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership. Grieving together with India. Goodbye, friend! Farewell, commander!"

The European Union's ambassador to India Ugo Astuto, also condoled, along with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan’s Army Chief who had served with Gen Rawat in a UN peacekeeping mission in Congo in 2008. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the accident an "unprecedented tragedy".

Sun Weidong, China’s Ambassador to New Delhi conveyed "deep condolences on the sad demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other victims in the helicopter crash". Bhutanese Premier Lotay Tshering described the tragedy as heart aching.

Barry O'Farrell, Australian High Commissioner to India, conveyed condolences and noted that Australia-India relationship thrived during General Rawat's tenure.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a statement in the Parliament said, “With profound grief and heavy heart, I stand to convey the unfortunate news of the crash of the military helicopter in the noon of 8th December 2021, with India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat onboard…A tri Service enquiry regarding the incident has been ordered by Indian Air Force, headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command.”

General Bipin Rawat was appointed India’s Army Chief on 31 December, 2016 and then first CDS on 1 January, 2020 and was slated to be in the position until March 2023.

ith heated exchanges between the US and Russia due to heavy concentration of troops in Ukraine border scheduled for talks between both, Russia’s growing dependency on China due to sanctions from West, and Indian tilt towards the US with inclusion in Quad, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on December 6, appears to be viewed differently by different world players.

Even in domestic debates, the public anger due to Chinese intrusion in Ladakh and growing partnership of Russia and China, indicates that the visit is sensitive in context of international geopolitical scenario; hence will require a delicate strategic balancing including text of joint statement, if issued at the end of the visit. Notwithstanding the above, the visit is a scheduled 21st India-Russia Annual Summit, which couldn’t take place earlier due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There are many justified reasons to continue with 'Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty (1971)' matured into 'Strategic Partnership (2000)', which has stood the test of time till date, even during ongoing rough relations between China and India.

Why Russia matters to India despite the Chinese embrace

Despite India's effort for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing and SIPRI indicating a significant 33 per cent decrease in import of military hardware by India in recent years, it remains heavily dependent on Russian technology, maintenance, procurement of hardware and spares. For many decades Russians have been collaborating with India in its indigenous manufacturing programs and were amenable to transfer of technology, which India was finding difficult to get from others. It includes some major systems like nuclearpowered submarines, warships/ frigates, nuclear reactors, space programmes and flagship projects like Brahmos.

The impending visit, besides the deal to commence indigenous manufacturing of AK 203 Kalashnikov rifles, may see some forward movement in collaboration in manufacturing (including transfer of technology of very short range air defence missile systems (VSHORADS), twin engine helicopters to replace Cheetah and Chetak, upgradation of inventory of MIG-29 and Sukhoi aircrafts. S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system which India had signed in 2018 for $5.43 billion is a done deal, and the threat of CAATSA is unlikely to have any impact on delivery schedule. It was chosen because it was most suitable to Indian requirements at that point of time. There are also speculations

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of approximately ten agreements to be signed between the two countries, which could include reciprocal exchange of logistics agreement and 10-year military technical agreement, besides Two plus Two dialogue to strengthen existing strategic partnership.

The US may be amenable to a waiver on CAATSA for S-400, in view of the common China challenge, but further deals may create some new friction points in strengthening Indo-US relations.

In a strategic context, Russia continues to be a favourable P5 member in the UN and continues to support India in various multilateral organisations like the UN, SCO, BRICS on crucial issues.

It's a technological powerhouse, one of the largest producers of military hardware, producing rugged equipment suited for a variety of terrain, where Indian forces operate. While its nearness to China, its discomfort with Indian embrace to Quad, growing Indo-US partnership, and hardware sale to Pakistan, forces some of the opinion makers in India to suggest divorcing Russia in favour of US, but such opinions are marred by impracticality, ignorance of Indian hardware dependency on Russia and its track record of reliability of its partnership with India. In its revised Military Strategy document Russia continues to name India as its partner along with China, and has not delayed/defaulted on any hardware support to India, even during standoff with China. The interest of both countries also coincide regarding concerns on export of terror after Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and resultant humanitarian crisis, which will certainly be a subject of discussion and may find some mention in joint statement.

Reality of Sino-Russian embrace The much publicised SinoRussian embrace by Chinese media and Russian acceptance to go along has been due to economic compulsions due to increasing sanctions from West, common adversary US branding both as competitors in security strategy documents. Objectively an expansionist, aggressive China seeking Sino-centric world order does suit Russia as well, which is looking for multilateral world order. Chinese BRI has already side-lined Eurasian dream, its technological theft like alleged hypersonic technology proliferation and increasing border claims in previously settled borders with Tajikistan are not to Russian liking. Russia has made no commitment to back China's misadventure in South China Sea/Himalayas and China has also not made any commitment on Ukraine borders.

Reiterating India as a strategic partner may be Moscow's message to the US and Beijing

both. It is however, impractical to expect Russia criticising China or Pakistan or India discussing Ukraine issue during this visit, due to peculiar geo-political equations, and Russians’ need for strategic and economic balancing.

Strategic balancing by India India and US have commonality of Interest in most issues including tackling China, which has pushed India to become an important global strategic partner of US, by its aggressive designs. There is congruence of interests in most global issues between US and India in the current geo-strategic equation. India stands with the US and Quad in the context of the Indo-Pacific and facing China’s challenge. India continues to do its best to respond to sensitivities and concerns of the US, at times risking some of its old relationships like Iran. To accommodate US interest, India reduced import of oil from Iran, bearing a cost disadvantage, as Iran oil was being imported in rupee terms, in crude form and attuned to existing refineries in India. India doesn't seem to be repeating the same mistake with Russians, who haven't done anything bilaterally which demands a divorce in a mutual relationship. Moreover, military capacity building of India also adds to the collective strength of Quad, which is in collective interest.

Lately India is trying to be selfreliant, as well as diversifying procurement from various countries to include the US, France and Israel. In the last decade the defence procurement from Russia has gradually reduced from over 65 percent approximately to nearly 49 percent and correspondingly increased in favour of the US, Israel and France. There is a noticeable upward trend in purchase of US military hardware, as the year 2020 alone saw a purchase of $3.4 billion worth of US military equipment, indicating enough accommodation by India.

In a buyers' market the US has competitors including Russia, Israel and France. India has also made a modest beginning in exporting Rs 38,000 crore worth of military equipment, as a step towards self-reliance, seeking support of all the partners.

(Major General S.B. Asthana is a strategic and security analyst, a veteran Infantry General. He is the Chief Instructor, United Service Institution of India. The views expressed are personal)

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INDIA NEWS

Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

SPECIAL FEATURE

Benares: Karma, Destiny and Freewill!

Uttam Sinha and Manoj Mishra

learning

s you trudge through the narrow lanes and descend the slippery stone steps to the ghats where its edges touch the ripples of Ganga, you stop and look to the reverend river and turn behind to the heap of mismatched temples and then, suddenly, the mystery of life engulfs you. It is an epiphanic moment like the Yaksha Prashna to Yudhisthira in the epic Mahabharata, “And what is the greatest wonder”, to which the virtuous Yudhisthira answers: “Each day death strikes and we live as though we were immortal.

This is the greatest wonder.”

Benares is also a cultural epicentre, a confluence of religion and faith, and a history of tolerance and co-existence that has seen Persian culture and Islamic traditions flourish.

There can be nothing more syncretic than to find a Sufi Muslim shrine of Bahadur Saheed visited by thousands of Hindus and Sikhs and Christians. It is hardly surprising that Benares has been chronicled by historians, sociologist, satirists, poets, novelists and ethnographers. One has to put all the mythological, historical, anthropological, archaeological and proto-history together to unravel the city’s past.

That’s why conflicting schools of philosophy have positioned for intellectual acceptance here through the language (Hindi and its dialect awadhi) that is common and involves larger participation.

A

Benares is that puzzling city; a city of existence and continuity, one of palpable intensity that is forever alluring and perplexing — the enchanting city to wash away your sins and to die in. It is a city you need to know everything about but end up only discovering a million more facets to it; where one convincing story leads to another equally compelling one.

The city strains, so to speak, under its own myth; hard to prove but difficult to not believe.

And flows the prose But more than anything else Benares is a city of fascinating juxtaposition that immediately instructs and even shocks. The “play of life and death” in the ghats and in the mandirs starts with the break of dawn and lingers into the deep night with hanging smoke from the pyres.

It’s an ancient Hindu city, which is as holy for the Muslims and continues its cheek-by-jowl existence with Islamic and Hindu traditions.

The charm and mystique of Benares has attracted people from far and away and left an indelible impression. Mark Twain, one of 20th century’s greatest cultural critics, on his subcontinental sojourn between January and April 1896 confesses: “If you go to Benares with a serious desire to spiritually benefit yourself, you will find it valuable.” He almost never stops describing the city in his book Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World (1897) and saying: “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks as twice as old as all of them put together”.

Interestingly, Twain informs and appreciates getting valuable facts from reading Rev Mr Parker’s Guide to Benares of which little is known. While the prose has always flowed in Benares like a muse to an inspired writer; the lens too has been captivated by the surreal expression of the city. Herbert Ponting, acclaimed for his enduring images of the Antarctic from 1910 to 1913, could not resist capturing the sadhus, sants and fakirs on the ghats and the melancholic presence of the havelis in the gullies of Benares.

Cultural chronicle and centre of

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While many cities have more than a few names, Benares has a hundred or probably even more.

Though officially Varanasi (the secret land between the rivers Varuna and Assi that join the Ganga), the locals proudly call it Benares, after the mythological ruler Benar or simply the making of sweetness or joy (ras). Another name ‘Kashi’ (city of light) carries cultural weight. Mentioned in ancient Buddhists texts around the first millennium BC as a great kingdom, Kashi has a resonance of universal knowledge and wisdom.

The city’s belief, myth and spiritual power are collectively captured on the ghats that line the west bank of Ganga. Each of the 84 ghats from north to south stretching for over seven kilometres are fantastically

photogenic and delightfully architectural but also sees the unfolding of day-to-day life of a multitude of people. The ghats are a lifeline, in fact the only public space in Benares and one can also see the akhadaas (a traditional gym for athletes and martial arts), yet another distinctive feature of Benares. Each ghat has a character about it and a tale to tell.

Benarasipan Benares has lived through many folklore and metaphors such as Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb and Tana Bana. The former compares the Hindu-Muslim harmony and friendship to the holy confluence of India’s major rivers, the Ganga and Yamuna, and the peaceful merging of the culture and lifestyle, joint festivities and interdependence. As such Benares reminds people of the incomparable unison of the two communities that share the city space. There is community bonding rather than religious segregation.

The other peace metaphor that is unique to Benares is the Tana-Bana (weaving of the silk sari), which describes the interdependent and easy-going communal existence between the Hindus and Muslims — as interlinked like the warp and weft of a Benarasi silk sari. Tana-Bana emphasises salience of business and that harmony between Hindus and Muslims are not only a matter of their personal consciousness but are also driven by their social being. The Muslims constitute one-quarter of the population, which is substantially large as compared to other cities, and significantly contribute to the local economy. The other

Prof. Manoj Kumar Mishra

ethos which is very popular in the city life is that of ‘Benarasipan’.

It is an over-arching collective identity, which loosely translated means a “free-spirited soul with a heart of gold”. This ‘Benarasipan’ accompanied with mauj-masti (leisure and pleasure) appear to support a unique lifestyle in the city and serves as a frame for the inter-faith activities.

In the eye of politics Benares has always been politically alive and a seat from Kashi is regarded as a prized one — a representative from the spiritual and cultural capital. Like in most constituencies, politics is not above caste or religion in Benares. Despite the charged atmosphere and the cutthroat campaign, Benares retained its sanity and cohesiveness, allowing the city’s free spirit to prevail and “a thousand flowers to bloom”.

Benares has had its political figures but none more towering than the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Benares also gave Madan Mohan Malaviya, an enlightened personality. Respectfully called Mahamana, he would frequently advice those aspiring to be in politics that “The path of politics

Uttam Sinha

is strewn with struggles. And remember, if you want to be in politics never let your selfinterests get the better of you.”

His groundings in the tenets of Hindu Dharma led him to strong beliefs on ‘right thinking and right actions’. And it was his vision and great determination that he eventually built the renowned Benaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916. As the president of the India National Congress four times, he moderated successfully between the liberals and the nationalists and the moderates and the extremists. It is often recollected that when Malaviya was on his deathbed, he said, “Take me to the outskirts of Benares”. Puzzled, the people by his side asked as to why and he replied, “My work on earth is not complete, I do not want to achieve moksha. I must come back and finish my work.”

Uttam Kumar Sinha is works at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and Manoj Kumar Mishra teaches at the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research, BHU (This is an edited version of the article that first appeared in Sunday Pioneer, May 18, 2014)

PM Modi during Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi

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MAKE IN INDIA

Investment climate in India has improved considerably since the opening up of the economy in 1991. four months of F.Y. 2021-22 which is 62% higher as compared to the corresponding period of F.Y. 2020-21 ($ 16.92 billion).

T

his is largely attributed to ease in FDI norms across sectors of the economy. India, today is a part of the top 100 clubs on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). FDI inflows in India stood at $45.15 bn in 2014-15 and have consistently increased since then. Moreover, total FDI inflow grew by 65.3%, i.e. from $266.21 bn in 2007-14 to $440.01bn in 2014-21 and FDI equity inflow also increased by 68.6% from $185.03 bn during 2007-14 to to $312.05 bn (2014-21).

India has attracted a total FDI inflow of $27.37 bn during the first

FDI inflows in India from April to December were $67.54 bn. It is the highest ever for the first ninth months of a financial year and 22% higher as compared to the first ninth months of 2019-20 ($55.14 bn).

Total FDI inflows in the country in the last 21 years (April 2000 March 2021) are $763.5 bn while the total FDI inflows received in the last 5 years (April 2014September 2019) was $319 bn which amounts to nearly 50% of total FDI inflow in last 20 years.

During FY 2020-21, total FDI inflow of $58.37 bn, 22% higher as compared to the first 8 months of 2019-20. FDI equity inflows received during April - November 2020 is $43.85 bn which is 37%

more compared to April November 2020 ($32.11 bn).

FDI equity inflow grows by 168% in the first three months of FY 2021-22 ($17.57 bn) compared to the same corresponding period last year ($6.56 bn).

Automatic Route Under the Automatic Route, the non-resident investor or the Indian company does not require any approval from the Government of India for the investment.

Government Route Under the Government Route, prior to investment, approval from the Government of India is required. Proposals for foreign direct investment under Government route, are considered by the respective Administrative Ministry/ Department.

Food processing - 'A sunrise sector' 292 Food Processing Units, 63 Creation of Backward & Forward Linkages Projects & 6 Operation Green projects across the country have been approved.

The key sub-segments of the Food Processing industry in India are Fruits & Vegetables, Poultry & Meat processing, Fisheries, Food retail, dairy industry, etc.

Key facts: 296.65 mn tonnes of horticulture food grains in 2019-20 Milk production of 198.4 mn tonnes during 2019-20 Ranks 3rd in the world in Egg production with 114.38 billion in 2019-20 India's food ecosystem offers huge opportunities for investments with stimulating growth in the food retail sector, favorable economic policies, and attractive fiscal incentives.

Through the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), the Government of India is taking all necessary steps to boost investments in the food processing industry in India.

The government has sanctioned 41 food parks funded under the Mega Food Parks Scheme of which 38 have final approval.

In 2014, there were only 2 Mega Food Parks in the country. As of 1 August 2021 there are 22 Mega Food Parks functioning in the country. Now the target is to take their number to more than 40.

India records close to 15% rise in export of agricultural and processed food products in AprilOctober.

By 2025, India’s food processing industry is expected to be worth over half a trillion dollars.

By 2030, Indian annual household consumption to treble, making

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India 5th largest consumer 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route in food processing industries in India.

Industry Scenario India’s food processing sector is one of the largest in the world and its output is expected to reach $535 bn by 2025-26.

The Food Processing sector in India has a quintessential role in linking Indian farmers to consumers in the domestic and international markets. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is making all efforts to encourage investments across the value chain. The food processing industry engages approximately 1.93 mn people in around 39,748 registered units with fixed capital of $32.75 bn and aggregate output of around $158.69 bn. Major sectors constituting the food processing industry in India are grains, sugar, edible oils, beverages, and dairy products.

Under PMKSY, 41 Mega Food Parks, 353 Cold Chain projects, 63 Agro-Processing Clusters,

Mining the future

Second largest producer of fish in the world — total fish production in 2019-20 was 14.16 MT with 7.56% of Global production 70 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of Sugar has been exported in sugar season 2020-21, an increase of 17.45% compared to 2019-20 Food grocery and food services segments, growing at a CAGR of 25% and 15%, respectively, are majorly dominating the Food Retail Sector of India.

India shipped 12,89,651 MT of seafood worth $6.68 bn during 2019-20 The export of other cereals increased from $44.9 mn in AprilJune 2020 to $231.4 mn in AprilJune 2021 The export of meat, dairy and poultry products increased from $483.5 mn in April-June 2020 to $1022.5 mn in April-June 2021 100% FDI is allowed through the government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India.

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Steel India is the 2nd largest crude steel producer in the world, generating an output of 99.6 MT in 2020.

Domestic consumption of Total Finished Steel (alloy + non-alloy) was at 88.53 MT in 2020 as against 83.64 MT in 2016.

Over 2030-31, crude steel demand/production forecasted to reach 255 MT Per capita finished steel consumption is expected to rise to 160 kg by 2030-31 (from 74.7 kg in 2019-20) Steel production (weight: 17.92 per cent)increased by 9.3 per cent in July, 2021 over July, 2020.

Coal India is home to 1,303 mines which reported mineral production (excluding atomic, fuel, and minor minerals) in 201920 and produced 95 minerals – 4 fuel-related, 10 metallic, 23 nonmetallic, 3 atomic, and 55 minor minerals.

India is the 2nd largest producer of coal. In 2020-21, all India coal production was 716.084 MT. Consumption / actual supply of coal (including imports) increased from 836.93 MT in 2016-17 to 968.03 MT in 2018-19.

Coal is projected to remain the largest single source of electricity in India in 2040.

Coal production (weight: 10.33 per cent) increased by 18.7 percent in July,2021 over July,2020.

Captive Mine Coal Production Recorded 39. 68 % Growth Coal Production Increased by 10.35% During November to 67. 84 Mn Ton The country’s FDI Policy for the metals and mining sector allows: 100% FDI through automatic route in the steel sector 100% FDI through automatic route in the mining sector Industry Scenario With the launch of the National Mineral Policy 2019 and the Mines

and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2021, India presents a major opportunity for investors looking to invest in the metal industry in India.

India has large reserves of Iron ore, Bauxite, Chromium, Manganese ore, Baryte, Rare earth and Mineral salts.

The Metals and Mining sector in India is expected to witness a major reform in the next few years, owing to reforms such as Make in India Campaign, Smart Cities, Rural Electrification, and a focus on building renewable energy projects under the National Electricity Policy as well as the rise in infrastructure development. *The production level of important minerals in March 2021 were: Coal 960 lakh tonnes, Lignite 52 lakh tonnes, Bauxite 2,103 thousand tonnes, Chromite 601 thousand tonnes, Copper conc 11 thousand tonnes, Iron ore 227 lakh tonnes, Lead conc 41 thousand tonnes, Manganese ore 331 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc 164 thousand tonnes, Limestone 391 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite 124 thousand tonnes, Magnesite 12 thousand tonnes, Gold 148 kg, and Diamond 34 carat. *The production of important minerals showing positive growth during March 2021 over March 2020 included Manganese Ore (80.1%), Lead conc. (74.9%), Phosphorite (57.0%), Copper conc. (50.2%), Chromite (45.8%), Limestone (45.6%), Magnesite (44.9%), Zinc conc. (43.2%), Bauxite (33.4%), Lignite (25.3%), Iron ore (13.7%), and Coal (0.2%) 19 coals blocks were auctioned in 2020 for commercial mining. The total expected revenue from these mines is around INR 7,000 cr with a combined peak capacity of 51 MPTA. The second tranche of auction for commercial coal mining offered 67 mines for sale of coal in March 2021.

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Bringing International Focus: Cleantech Workshop with IEA International Energy Agency

representative organizations, are as follows: India: AGNIi Mission, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to Govt. of India Indonesia: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia Oman: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) Saudi Arabia: Aeon Strategy

By Agnii As efforts towards clean energy transitions gather momentum globally, emerging and developing countries will play an important role in shaping outcomes. There are distinct market conditions and developmental priorities shared by developing countries, but without clear communication across national borders, knowledge gaps are bound to arise.

To facilitate awareness regarding common energy innovation challenges, AGNIi, in partnership with International Energy Agency (IEA), organized a working-level dialogue between emerging economies on commercializing clean energy innovations on September 30, 2021. The target audience for this discussion were relevant public investment bodies responsible for technology innovations, commercialisation and foreign direct investment (FDI).

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous

intergovernmental organisation that works with governments and industries to shape a secure and sustainable energy future for all. It is at the heart of global dialogue on energy, providing authoritative analysis, data, policy recommendations, and realworld solutions to help countries provide secure and sustainable energy.

The workshop took place over two hours and featured a presentation on the importance of clean energy innovation and investments from Araceli Fernández, Head of the IEA Technology Innovation Unit. Following this, there were a series of presentations from each country representative on their clean energy technology priorities, support programmes for energy innovators and interest in international collaboration on market development and investment. Each presentation was followed by a Q&A session with the participants.

The countries that presented at the workshop, along with their

Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMSTI) and Domestic LPG of the Vice President (DLPGOVP) South Africa: South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Morocco: Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN) Chile: Start-Up Chile or Chilean Ministry of Energy Mexico: Mexican Ministry of Energy (Sener) The workshop was intended to highlight opportunities created by participating countries to foster innovation in the clean energy space.

The AGNIi Mission, both coorganized the workshop and served as India’s representative on the same. We remain committed to both strengthening our national innovation ecosystem in clean energy, as well as organizing more forums wherein the international community can demonstrate their commitment to cleantech and showcase the opportunities for innovators in the sector.

PLI scheme for automobile sector to boost cost-effective production: Centre components but will bring investment in the country," Pal said.

He said that old technologies being used to manufacture cars and other four-wheelers, was the major cause of high prices.

New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS): Minister of State for Heavy Industries Krishan Pal on Tuesday said in the Lok Sabha that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) in the automobile sector will boost the cost-effective production in India.

Replying to a question during the 'Question Hour', he said that the PLI scheme aims to work towards manufacturing four-wheelers with improved technology.

"We will encourage our industries to invent technology so that we

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are able to produce four-wheelers including cars with advanced technology, fuel efficiency and improved safety features at a lower cost."

He also said, "We have to import technology from abroad and have to pay heavy price on the components being imported from the foreign countries.

"Under the PLI, we will develop the technology under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' mission and this will not only curb the import of the technology and

"Once we bring forth the latest technology, costs will go down since we will be able to produce locally. The global automobile industry is worth 15 billion US dollars, but India has less than two per cent share in this segment. This will improve with the PLI scheme," the Minister said, adding that new employment avenues will also be opened in the automobile sector.

Congress MP Ravneet Singh mentioned that as of now the automobile sector has been bearing losses every day and companies like Ford have closed their manufacturing units in India. The government needs to take measures to stop the closure of such automobile companies, he said.

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Leena Nair named CEO of French luxury group Chanel New Delhi, Dec 14: Leena Nair (52), who was named the new global CEO of French fashion house Chanel on Tuesday, said that she is humbled and honoured to be appointed the global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel, which is an iconic and admired company.

In a rare move for the tightlycontrolled fashion house, picking the consumer goods veteran to run one of the world's biggest luxury groups sends a positive and inclusive message, setting the pace in an industry reeling under pressure to show a more inclusive and accepting approach.

"I am so inspired by what Chanel stands for. It is a company that believes in the freedom of creation, in cultivating human potential and in acting to have a positive impact in the world," Nair tweeted.

The Indian born British national has been given the charge of ensuring Chanel's "long term success as a private company", it said in a statement, recognising Nair as a "visionary leader whose ability to champion a longterm, purpose-driven agenda is matched with a consistently strong record of business outcomes".

Renowned for its women's pantsuits, tweeds and famous handbags, Chanel was founded in 1910 by the legendary Gabrielle Chanel, fondly called "Coco" Chanel. What started out as a

hat boutique in Paris became synonymous with French chic and Parisienne style.

From 2016 to date, Alain Wertheimer, who owns Chanel with his brother Gerard Wertheimer, temporarily took on the CEO's job till a suitable candidate was found. The 73-year-old French billionaire will take on the role of global Executive Chairman.

Nair's 30-year-long career at Unilever comes to an end with her as the chief of human resources and a member of the company's executive committee. Unilever's CEO, Alan Jope, thanked her for her "outstanding contribution", adding that she "has been a pioneer through her career... a driving force on our (Uniliver's) equity, diversity and inclusion agenda... she has played a critical role in building our purpose-led, future-fit organisation."

Nair will now be based out of London and will join the luxury house at the end of January.

Adani signs world's largest Green PPA with SECI New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS): Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), the worlds largest solar power developer and the renewable energy arm of the diversified Adani Group, has signed an agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply 4,667 MW of green power.

This is the worlds largest ever green power purchase agreement.

"We are pleased to have signed the world's largest PPA with SECI," said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group.

"This is yet another step in our journey to enable India's dual objective to accelerate India's renewable energy footprint as well as promote domestic manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.

Following the proceedings at COP26, it is increasingly evident that the world has to equitably transition to a low carbon economy faster than previously anticipated. This is why the Adani Group has committed $50-$70 billion of investment in the renewables space. This agreement keeps us well on track to our commitment to become the world's largest renewables player by 2030," he added.

The AGEL-SECI agreement to supply 4,667 MW is part of a manufacturing-linked solar tender of 8,000 MW awarded to AGEL by SECI in June 2020, which set a record for being the world's largest solar development tender ever awarded.

So far, AGEL has signed PPAs with SECI for a total generation capacity of close to 6000 MW of the 8,000 MW awarded in 2020.

AGEL expects to close the balance 2000 MW PPA in the next two to three months.

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Global report questions BYJU'S meteoric rise in India New Delhi, December 7 (IANS): With more than six million paying users, and a 85 per cent renewal rate, edtech unicorn BYJU's has had a glorious run in India, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

However, behind this meteoric rise lies customer disputes related to refunds and deficiency of services, parents being pushed into debt burden, and unsatisfied employees who were bullied with aggressive targets, the BBC reported.

Founded by Byju Raveendran in 2011, the world's highestvalued edtech start-up is funded

by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and major private equity firms such as Tiger Global and General Atlantic.

The ongoing pandemic, which began nearly two years ago, led to closure of schools and pushed children into online classes.

The sudden shift made both children and parents anxious -presenting BYJU'S with an ideal market.

The BBC spoke to many parents, according to whom the edtech

giant's promised services never materialised. This includes its one-on-one tutoring and mentor.

Moreover, the company's sales "tactics included incessant cold calls and sales pitches whose effect was to convince them that their child will be left behind if they don't buy a BYJU'S product".

The disgruntled parents allege they were misled by sales agents, who would be "least bothered" for a refund, once a sale is done.

According to education experts, the hard sales tactics gave rise to parents' insecurities, and added to their debt burden, the report said.

BYJU's denied the allegations and in a statement to BBC, it said "only if the student and parent sees value in our product and develop trust do they purchase it".

Further, the BBC probed former BYJU former employees who complained of "pushy managers", and a high-pressure sales culture that emphasised aggressive targets, all which took a toll on their mental health.

Several employees also complained that "12-15 hour work

days were a regular feature of their job, and staff who couldn't clock 120 minutes of 'talk-time' with potential customers were marked absent, resulting in loss of pay for that day".

BYJU'S, however, said that their "employee culture does not permit any misbehaviour or bad behaviour towards parents" and that "all rigorous checks and balances are in place to prevent misuse and abuse".

"All organisations have rigorous but fair sales targets and BYJU's is no exception," the firm said. They added that mindful of employees' health and comfort, they offered a robust training programme.

Meanwhile, consumer courts in India have ordered BYJU'S to pay damages to customers in disputes related to refunds and deficiency of services in at least three different cases, the report said.

The online tutoring firm also has hundreds of complaints against it in online consumer and employee forums. But, BYJU's noted that they had reached a settlement in these legal cases, and their grievance redressal rate was 98 per cent, the report said.

Declining 'Omicron' concerns lift equity indices; auto stocks rise

New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): The Indian equity indices -- S&P BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 -- rose marginally higher on December 9 as investors' concerns over the new Covid-19 variant faded.

However, the day's trade was marred by volatility as the key indices opened lower due to profit booking. Nevertheless, they rose later on.

Sector-wise, auto, FMCG, metal, media stocks among others rose.

During the session, ITC, L&T, Asian Paints, UPL, and Britannia stocks were some of the top gainers. Shares of these listed companies closed higher by 4.9 per cent, 3.01 per cent, 2.2 per cent, 1.9 per cent, and 1.5 percent on December 9, respectively.

US inflation data in order to gauge the Fed's decision on rolling back economic stimulus," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

Consequently, the S&P BSE Sensex closed at 58,807.13 points, up 0.27 per cent from its previous close.

According to Mohit Nigam, Head - PMS at Hem Securities: "The RBI monetary policy on Wednesday continues to push for growth while keeping an eye on price stability and with this important announcement, Indian markets may look to global markets in the near term for the next movement."

The broader 50-scrip Nifty at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) ended the day's trade at 17,516 points, up 0.27 per cent.

"Domestic indices surrendered to profit booking in the early session but later gained ground owing to positive global sentiments.

Investors are keenly awaiting the

The company will line up six battery-run electric vehicles during the period, it said on December 8.

"Catering to the diversity of the Indian market, Hyundai's line-up of six 'Battery Electric Vehicles' will cater to multiple segments including mass market and mass premium segments in India," the www.indianews.com.au

automaker said.

Besides, the company plans to invest approximately Rs 4,000 crore for R&D (Research & Development) towards the expansion of six electric vehicles line-up till 2028.

According to S.S. Kim, MD and CEO of Hyundai Motors India: "As we continue to redefine the mobility space, today we are yet again showcasing our commitment towards Indian customers with the announcement of expanding our

MG Motor India to drive in EV at Rs 10-15 lakh by next fiscal

IANS

New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): Automaker MG Motor India said that it will "drive" an electric vehicle priced between Rs 10-15 lakh by the end of the next fiscal.

At present, the company sells electric SUV 'ZS EV' which is available in two variants, priced at Rs 21 lakh and Rs 24.68 lakh (ex-showroom). It plans to launch an electric crossover vehicle based on a global platform but customised for the Indian market as its next new product.

"Our next product after SUV Astor, we have been thinking about an EV and now we have been very encouraged with the absolute clarity from the government side that the EV is the way to go," MG Motor India President and Managing Director Rajeev Chaba said.

"It is actually a kind of a crossover and this is going to be based on a global platform, which we are going to develop and this will be an EV for mass market for all the emerging markets including India.

"We will customise this car for the range and the Indian regulations and customer taste. It will be specially tailored for India. We will start working on it right now."

"We have taken the decision that we are going to introduce an EV by the end of next financial year."

Besides, he said in order to meet the government's guidelines for the production linked (PLI) scheme for the auto sector, MG Motor India will localise a lot of parts for its next EV.

On the expected price, he said it will range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh and will target the mass segment of personal electric mobility.

Currently, the company offers Hector, ZS EV, and Gloster.

These would include battery assembly, motors, and other parts.

Australian central bank flags Omicron uncertainty Social News XYZ

"Easing fears over the Omicron variant continue to temper optimism in the markets. "

"Global markets seem to be on an upswing, as Covid fears dissipate."

Hyundai Motor India aims to launch six EVs by 2028 New Delhi, December 8 (IANS): Automaker Hyundai Motor India aims to expand its electric mobility plans for the market by 2028.

BUSINESS & TRADE

'BEV' line-up to six vehicles for the Indian market by 2028.

"We will introduce our dedicated 'BEV Platform–E-GMP' as well as modified platforms for battery electric vehicles in India. By driving the adoption of electric mobility at scale in India, Hyundai will become the fulcrum for the transformation of a brighter and better tomorrow."

At present, Hyundai Motor India has 12 car models across various segments.

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Canberra, December 7 (IANS): The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said on December 7 that it would maintain "accommodative monetary policy" into December, flagging the new threat of the Omicron Covid-19 variant to the economy.

During its monthly monetary policy update on December 7, RBA Governor Philip Lowe acknowledged the Omicron variant, which has begun to spread in the state of New South Wales (NSW), as a "new source of uncertainty" but downplayed its potential to derail the nation's economic recovery, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The economy is expected to return to its pre-Delta path in the first half of 2022," said Lowe.

He pointed to increased wage growth brought on by Australia's recovering labour market as one of many positive signs for the economic rebound.

"This pick-up (in wage growth)

is expected to be only gradual, although there is uncertainty about the behaviour of wages as the unemployment rate declines to historically low levels."

"Household consumption is rebounding strongly and the outlook for business investment has improved," said Lowe.

He cast some doubt on the wavering of the Australian dollar which he said had "depreciated and is around its lows of the past year".

According to the RBA, the current rate of inflation in Australia is 2.1 per cent and is expected to reach 2.5 per cent over 2023.

In previous instances, the RBA had committed to not raising interest rates above 0.1 per cent until inflation is sustainably within the 2 to 3 per cent range.

The announcement also confirmed that the bank would not taper its weekly purchases of A$4 billion of government bonds until at least mid February 2022.

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Lok Sabha begins discussion on climate change New Delhi, December 8 (IANS): The Lok Sabha on December 8 took up the discussion on climate change under Rule 193.

Speaker On Birla said this is an important subject for all human beings, and it is a matter of great pride that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated conservation of the climate on all international forums.

Initiating the debate, DMK's Kanimozhi cited the excessive flooding in recent weeks in south India and how Chennai was badly affected again, as she stressed that the government needs to act on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

BJP's Sanjay Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Modi has initiated a series of steps in this direction soon after he took over in 2014 and equally voiced his concerns on all international forums. Even in the Glasgow summit, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had widely praised him a lot for his proactive role played for climate change, he added.

However, Leader of Congress Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the time has come when we need to think globally but act

locally. India has the lowest rate of emission at five percent only compared to other countries of the world, but climate change was "the most under-reported failure of the Modi government". "The assault on climate began as soon as the Modi government took over in 2014," he added.

"We need to certainly think on the issues. We need to reduce carbon emissions, we need electric vehicles. The frequency of the cyclone has increased substantially in recent times.

Trinamool Congress' Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said that this is an important issue for all human beings.

"We need to have renewable energy as Denmark has 100 percent renewable energy. Solar energy could be a substantial replacement but 80 percent of the energy in India comes from fossil fuels," she said.

"In India, we cannot put on a mask all the time. Some rich people use air fresheners in their rooms but poor people cannot and they are forced to inhale the polluted air," she said.

She also suggested that the MPLAD funds can be used for setting up solar panels in rural areas, hospitals and other places and the government should amend the law to allow this.

She also said that one should not plainly blame the farmers for burning the stubble as they have been doing it for ages. "We should teach them alternate ways first."

Dileswar Kamait of the Janata Dal-United said that unplanned development of the cities, the impact of climate change can be seen in every part of the world but this is seen more in India. For infra projects, around 69 lakhs trees have been cut in recent years, he added.

She noted that unplanned development, not in keeping with the sustainable development goals, is causing Climate Change.

"The area of Sunderban in Bengal is under constant threat as the water level in the Ganga is rising and the sea level is also rising due to the melting ice in Antarctica.

BSP member Ritesh Pandey said that we need to be serious about climate change and economic development, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuel.

Coal shortage cripples non-power sector as supplies to power sector prioritised IANS

New Delhi, December 8 (IANS): Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) state council, in its recent letter to the Ministry of Coal, has addressed the issue of the proposed increase in coal rakes for power sector that in turn will deprive the consumers of Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) from getting sufficient coal rakes, ultimately leading to a coal crunch.

The council has highlighted a recent decision of Coal India to enhance the rake supplies for the power sector to 296 rakes per day.

The decision dated December 2, 2021 has been taken in order to increase coal stocks level in power plants to 14 days from current level of around 10 days.

Coal Ministry's move to increase coal rakes for the Power Sector will deprive Captive Power Plants (CPPs) from coal rakes and will lead to coal crunch for the industrial manufacturers.

The months from August to November witnessed the provision of 'Priority Coal Supplies' to the power sector which led to a difficult situation for the Non-Regulated sectors (NRS), adversely impacting their operations. The letter further says that in the month of November, 255 out of 272 rakes allocated were supplied to the power sector, while the non-power sector was

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provided just 17 rakes against their requirement of around 50 rakes per day. The proposed plan for Dec 2021 also envisages just 26 rakes per day for NRS. The main transportation channel for coal from point of production to consumption is through railway rakes. In the last few months, the supplies meant for Captive Power Producers (CPPs) and industries have been either stopped or significantly curtailed for diversion of these to the power sector, which has led to a perilous situation for other coal-based Power Generators, adversely impacting their industrial operations. Diversion of rakes away from CPPs to the Power Producers (PP) by giving them a higher priority is a discriminatory step.

This will lead to coal shortage for industrial production activities, which will not augur well for the manufacturing supply chain.

If the situation persists, it is bound to create a precarious condition for the NRS sector which represents some highly power intensive sectors, leading to an adverse impact on their sustainable industrial operations and by extension, on the economy.

As a result of the shortage, the NRS consumers will be forced to procure Grid power generated

by Power Sector through coal diverted from NRS, leading to skyrocketing power prices and power deficit for other consumers.

With the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Coal and Coal

India, the situation for the Power Sector has improved to current levels of 9 days. On the other hand, the NRS consumers are struggling to get un-interrupted coal supplies and rakes for continued operations.

Their coal supplies are at 4050 per cent levels, which will directly impact the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and hence create a bottleneck for the nation's GDP growth. The demand of the Power Sector is directly linked to the growth of Indian industry, where in the NRS industry has played a critical role in bringing the industrial activity back on track. It has provided the necessary thrust for the nation's GDP witnessing a healthy growth of 8.4 percent in Q2-FY22, and further forecast to double digit growth in Q3FY22. The NRS including the DRI and CPP based industries are highly dependent on uninterrupted coal supplies, which is vital for sustainable operations and cost-competitiveness of power intensive industries, and therefore, makes it critical to maintain continuous coal supplies.

Keeping the above in mind, FICCI state council has requested the ministry's intervention and support for normalizing coal rakes supplies to DRI, Captive Power Plants of Steel and other Industries. They have requested to earmark at least 50 rakes per day for Non-Regulated Sectors to enable optimum materialization and balanced economic development of the nation.

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ENERGY & RESOURCES

Goa govt firm on auctioning of mines: Sawant IANS

Panaji, December 8 (IANS): The state government is firm on auctioning mining leases in the state to restart the beleaguered mining industry in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on December 8 Speaking to reporters at the State Secretariat, Sawant also said that the rules related to the process of setting up a state governmentoperated mining corporation and auctioning had been sent to the state government's Law department for finalisation.

"We have taken 100 per cent steps for (restarting) mining. The rules have been sent to the law department. We are going for auctioning, the government is firm," Sawant said.

In November, the Goa government had roped in the State Bank of India to facilitate the auction of "six to eight" iron ore mining blocks by December 15.

The Goa government has already appointed the Mineral

Exploration Corporation Limited, a central government concern, for exploration of the nearly 90 mining leases in the state for mineral prospects.

The auctioning of the iron ore mineral blocks will be carried out under the aegis of the newly formed Goa Mineral Development Corporation, which was formed earlier this year as a step towards restarting of the mining industry.

Fresh mining excavation in the state has been shut down since 2018, when the Supreme Court of India scrapped renewal of 88 mining leases citing irregularities.

The Goa government's decision to opt for the auctioning route to restart mining comes ahead of the 2022 state Assembly polls and the ruling BJP-led coalition dispensation has come under fire for not being able to restart the mining sector which when at its peak accounted for nearly 30 percent of the state's gross domestic product.

NTPC awards India's first Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project IANS

New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS): Integrated energy company NTPC on Wednesday said it has awarded project of "Standalone Fuel-Cell based Micro-grid" with hydrogen production using electrolyser' at NTPC Simhadri, Andhra Pradesh.

According to the company, this will be India's first "Green Hydrogen" based "Energy Storage Project" and one of world's largest.

"It would be a precursor to large scale hydrogen energy storage projects and would be useful for studying and deploying multiple microgrids in various off-grid and strategic locations of the country," the company said.

"The hydrogen would be produced using the advanced '240 kW Solid Oxide Electrolyser' by taking input power from the

nearby 'Floating Solar' project.

The hydrogen produced during sunshine hours would be stored at high pressure and would be electrified using a 50 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell'. The system would work in a standalone mode from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m."

As per the company, the unique project configuration is designed in-house by NTPC. "This unique project for India would open doors for decarbonising the far-off regions of the country like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir ( J&K) etc., hitherto dependent on diesel generators."

At present, NTPC has an installed capacity of about 67,907.5 MW comprising 47 stations and 26 joint ventures.

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Delhi's AQI improves, settles in 'poor' category New Delhi, December 8 (IANS): Delhi's AQI improved from 'very poor' to 'poor' category as it stood at 235 on December 8 morning with the level of PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants being recorded at 101 and 179, respectively, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

"The air quality over Delhi-NCT is likely to improve and remain in the poor to moderate category on December 8. The air quality is likely to remain in the poor category on December 9 and 10. The Outlook for subsequent 5 Days: The air quality is likely

to remain in Poor category till December 13 and deteriorate marginally on 14 and 15," as per estimates of the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.

Till December 7, Delhi's AQI stood in the lower end of the 'very poor' category.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', then 401 and between 500 is considered 'severe'.

Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR woke up to a mainly clear sky.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature for the day will be pegged at 25 degrees Celsius and minimum at 10 degrees Celsius.

The relative humidity at 8.30 a.m. was recorded at 93 per cent.

As per IMD's December 7 forecast, there will be a gradual fall in the minimum temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over most part of northwest India, including Delhi, during the next 4-5 days.

A similar drop in the minimum temperature is also likely in the central and eastern part of the country.

Wearing a mask could bring down the risk by up to 225 times IANS

New Delhi, December 7 (IANS): Wearing a face mask is better than social distancing at preventing you from catching Covid, a study suggests, Daily Mail reported.

Researchers found that donning a covering could lower the risk by up to 225 times, compared to solely relying on a three-metre rule, the report said.

Masks have been mandated in almost every country in the world at some point in the pandemic but the jury's still out on their efficacy due to contradictory evidence.

The latest research, by a team of German and US experts, is the latest to conclude that wearing a face covering offers 'enormously high' protection, the report said.

It found a 90 percent chance of catching Covid if you stand across from an infected person for five minutes and neither of you wear a mask, even with a gap of 3 metres.

Whereas it would take 30 minutes for the risk to be that high if someone was to wear a surgical

mask, even if it does not fit 'perfectly' on the face, the report said.

In the most ideal scenario, where both people wear a medical-grade FFP2 mask and are kept apart, the chance of transmission is just 0.4 per cent after an hour.

Experts from the universities of Gottingen and Cornell who did the study said their finding 'makes social distancing less important'.

It comes after a major review found that widespread mask use could cut infection rates by 50 per cent, double the amount from solely social distancing, the report added.

UK announces stronger measures to curb Omicron spread IANS

London, December 9 (IANS): The UK will move to "Plan B" restrictions to combat the rapid spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant this winter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced.

At a Downing Street press conference on December 8 night, the Prime Minister asked people to work from home when

possible from December 13 and that face masks would be a legal requirement in "most public indoor" areas such as theatres and cinemas from December 10.

Proof of two vaccine doses or a negative Covid-19 test will be necessary for those wanting to enter nightclubs and large venues, Johnson said, adding that people who are contacts of Omicron cases could face daily testing instead of undergoing a period of isolation.

However, he said the new measures were "not a lockdown" and people "should not" cancel Christmas parties or Nativity plays, and nightclubs will remain

open.

"Plan B" was set out in September and will help to tackle the new variant and reduce the chances of the National Health Service coming under unsustainable pressure, according to the British government.

The most recent data suggest that Omicron has a very high growth rate and is spreading rapidly.

Another 131 cases of the Omicron variant have been reported in Britain, taking the total to 568, the UK Health Security Agency said, noting that the doubling time could be as little as two-and-ahalf days to three days.

India logs 9,419 new Covid cases, 195 deaths New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): India on December 9 reported 9,419 fresh Covid cases and 159 deaths recently, said the Ministry of Health and Family welfare on December 9 morning.

The recovery of 8,251 patients has increased the cumulative tally to 3,40,97,388. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.36 per cent, highest since March 2020.

India's active caseload presently stands at 94,742. Active cases constitute 0.27 per cent of the

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country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020.

remained below 2 per cent for the last 66 days and less than 3 per cent for 101 consecutive days now.

Also in the same period, a total of 12,89,983 tests were conducted across the country. India has so far conducted over 65.19 crore cumulative tests.

The total death toll due to Covid in the country has climbed to 4,74,111.

Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 0.74 percent has remained less than 1 percent for 25 days now.

The daily positivity rate stands at 0.73 per cent, which has also

With the administration of 80,86,910 vaccine doses, India's Covid inoculation coverage has reached 130.39 crore as of December 9 morning.

This has been achieved through 1,35,89,181 sessions.

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HEALTH

Australia commits to Covid suppression amid Omicron concerns Canberra, December 1 (IANS): Australia's leaders have committed to the country's coronavirus "suppression" strategy amid concerns over the Omicron variant.

of infections.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders on November 30 evening agreed to continue to pursue a strategy of suppression at a meeting of the national cabinet.

The Northern Territory (NT) reported three new cases including two flight crew members who were in isolation and an infant from the Binjari community, which remained in a hard lockdown until December 7.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Paul Kelly told the meeting that there was "insufficient evidence" that vaccines are less effective against Omicron and advised no immediate change to Australia's border restrictions or quarantine requirements, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The variant, over the next few weeks, we'll learn a lot more about it, and I think that will give us the confidence to keep moving forward because that's what we want to do," Morrison said in a press conference on December 1.

On December 1 morning, Australia reported more than 1,300 new locally-acquired Covid cases, one of which has been confirmed to be infected with the Omicron Covid-19 variant, and six deaths, as the country continues to battle the third wave

The majority of new cases were in Victoria, the country's second-most populous state with Melbourne as the capital city, where 1,179 cases were reported.

Also in NT, three teenagers who scaled a fence to escape from the Howard Springs Covid quarantine facility near Darwin in the early hours of December 1 morning have been arrested.

The teenagers aged 15, 16 and 17 were in quarantine after being deemed close contacts of positive cases.

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said that while the teenagers posed a low public health threat they would face consequences for their escape including restarting their quarantine time.

As of Nove 92.5 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over have received one vaccine dose and 87.2 percent have had their second dose, according to the Health Department.

Covid vaccine approved for Australians aged from 5 to 11 Canberra, December 5 (IANS): Australia's medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), on December 5 provisionally approved Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine for children aged between 5 and 11.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the federal government now expects the vaccine rollout for that cohort to start on January 10 pending approval from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

"The vaccine dose approved by the TGA for children aged 5 to 11 is the same safe and effective vaccine used for other age cohorts, however is one-third the dose approved for those aged 12 and over," according to a media release from Hunt.

"As with other age groups, the use of this vaccine in children aged 5-11 years should be given in two doses at least 3 weeks apart."

There are approximately 2.3 million Australians in the 5-11 age bracket.

As of December 4, about 88 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over and 67.5 percent of 12-15 year-olds were fully vaccinated against Covid.

On December 5, Australia reported more than 1,200 new

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner

locally-acquired coronavirus cases and eight deaths as the country continues to battle the third wave of the infection.

The majority of them -- 980 cases and seven deaths -were in Victoria, the country's second-most populous state with Melbourne as the capital city.

The number of cases of the Omicron variant in Australia has increased to 18 after more cases were reported in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW).

Parliament House in Canberra was closed on December 5 after a staffer to Greens leader Adam Bandt, tested positive for Covid.

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INDIA NEWS

Serena Williams pulls out of Australian Open IANS

Serena Williams.jpg

SPORTS

Want middle order batters to prepare for worst case scenario: Rohit Sharma

competed since an ankle injury forced her to retire six games into her first-round Wimbledon clash with Aliaksandra Sasnovich. She is currently ranked World No.41.

On December 7, former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu explained her decision to quit the Australian Open on Twitter.

"Hi everyone. As you all know, the last two years have been very challenging for me for a variety of reasons," Andreescu wrote.

Melbourne, December 8 (IANS): Former World number one Serena Williams has pulled out of the Australian Open 2022 following advice from the medical team on December 8.

Serena, a seven-time winner of the Australian Open, revealed that she was not fit to compete at the first Grand Slam of the upcoming season.

"While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete.

I will miss seeing the fans, but am excited to return and compete at

my highest level.

"Melbourne is one of my favorite cities to visit and I look forward to playing at the AO every year. I will miss seeing the fans, but am excited to return and compete at my highest level," Serena added.

Serena was a semifinalist in 2021, defeating Aryna Sabalenka and Simona Halep before falling to eventual champion Naomi Osaka. A left knee injury sidelined her until the clay season this year. The 23-time Grand Slam winner reached the fourth round of Roland Garros but has not

"Especially this year in particular, I spent multiple weeks in isolated quarantining, which affected me greatly - both mentally and physically. In addition, my grandmother spent several weeks in the ICU for a COVID infection, something that really hit me hard.

"A lot of days, I did not feel like myself, especially while I was training and/or playing matches.

I felt like I was carrying the world on my shoulders. I could not detach myself from everything that was going on off the court; I was feeling the collective sadness and turmoil around and it took its toll on me," she said.

Wherever the Ashes is played, fifth Test will be a day-night affair, says CA CEO IANS

over the decision on Perth not hosting the Ashes Test as Western Australia refused to relax its 14 days of quarantine rule. "We're extremely disappointed and I have to say I'm just gutted.

Throughout this pandemic, we've done everything we possibly can to play the schedule as planned, and unfortunately for the cricket fans of WA we weren't able to play in Perth."

Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley

Brisbane, December 9 (IANS): Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley confirmed on December 9 that the fifth Ashes Test will be a day-night affair. He added that with many states showing interest in hosting the fifth Test, an announcement on the same will come in the near future.

Hockley's comments come after the hosting rights of the fifth Test, scheduled to start from January 14, had to be taken away from Perth due to COVID-19 restrictions by Western Australia.

As of now, Hobart, Melbourne, and Sydney are the frontrunners to host the fifth and final Ashes Test.

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"The plan is, wherever it's played, to be a day-night Test with a pink ball. We've tried to be fair to everyone, we've given everyone an opportunity, we'll be taking in a range of considerations, and ultimately it's my job to put a recommendation to the board," said Hockley to SEN Test Cricket show.

"We've had lots of interest, I won't go into specifics because we're going through all the details now but as I said, we're working to come to a position as quickly as possible. Hopefully, there will be an announcement in the not-toodistant future," added Hockley.

Hockley went on to term the criticism of CA for not hosting the fifth Test in Perth as 'entirely unfair'. "I think that's entirely unfair. I think we've worked really constructively with governments right around the country throughout the last 18 months, including the Western Australian government. So that's certainly not reflective of the conversations and the spirit of the conversations that I've been having with counterparts over in Western Australia."

"Everyone's been extremely constructive. In the end, delivering a Test match is a massive endeavour, a massive logistical endeavour, a major event, five days, a huge number of production personnel and in the end, it became pretty clear in the last 10 days that it was logistically not feasible. I actually haven't seen those comments, but they're certainly not reflective of the discussions that I've been a part of."

Hockley expressed sadness

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New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): India's new white ball captain Rohit Sharma has said that his team, especially middle order batters will have to prepare themselves to deal with the worst case scenario, in order to win ICC trophies going ahead.

In the last four years, India have lost in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, the semifinal of the 2019 ODI World Cup and crashed out in the group stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup. One common factor on all the occasions has been the team's failure to recover from an early loss of wickets.

Therefore, Rohit now wants his team-mates to learn from past experiences and prepare themselves before the next World Cup. "We lost the Champions Trophy, the 2019 world cup and even this T20 world cup. That initial phase of the game is where we lost the game. That's something I will keep in mind. I will see that we have to prepare for the worst.

We have to prepare for when the team is 10 for 3. And that is how I want to move forward and get the message across to the boys," Rohit said in a YouTube show 'Backstage with Boria'.

"The guys who are batting at 3,4,5.6 .. there is nowhere written that if you are 10 for 3, you can't get to 189-190 or more. I want the guys to prepare in that fashion.

"Let's say we are playing the semifinal and we are 10 for 2 in the first two overs , what do we do? What's the plan? I want to put ourselves in that situation again and see if we can respond to that.

We have games before the world cup to test that out," he added.

The 34-year old star batter also highlighted that there is a similarity between all three games that India lost - two Pakistan games and one New Zealand game in three ICC tournaments.

"There is a similarity in all the three games we lost. Two Pakistan games and one New Zealand game in the three ICC tournaments.

That can happen. I do understand that the quality of bowling was exceptional at that point. But it has happened three times. I hope it doesn't happen for the fourth time," said Rohit.

"It will be about seeing how we can plan for that. Whether we can go in and counterattack straight from ball one, whoever batter goes in. And I don't want people, the fans, to think that 'oh we are 10 for 2 and what shot is he playing?' They need to understand that this is the plan of the team.

"I just want the batters and bowlers to go out there and do what they want. And by that I don't mean they are doing their own stuff but it's a plan.

Something has to change. There needs to be a change," he added.

India last won an ICC title in 2013 under MS Dhoni's captaincy when they beat England in the final.

And Rohit also feels it's important to win World Cups as winning the championship always stays with the team.

"When you play the sport, you want to achieve the best. And I feel the best I feel is winning the championship. You might score many runs, many hundreds but winning that championship always stays with you. You know why? Because that's a collective effort from the team. At the end of the day, we play a team game. It's not an individual sport. So, what you achieve as a team is very very important to me," he said.

"It's that I want to achieve the team goal - which is to win the championships. We have a few world cups coming up. There are a lot of things we need to do to get that championship. We have the team, players, the support staff now to go get it. What we do prior to the world cup is important," he added.

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INDIA NEWS

BCCI thanks Virat Kohli for his service as India ODI captain skipper.

"A leader who led the side with grit, passion & determination.

Thank you Captain @imVkohli!" the board tweeted along with the picture featuring Kohli's captaincy stats in the 50-over format.

Kohli, who took over limitedovers captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2017, has been one of India's most successful white-ball captains. In 95 ODIs, he won 65, giving him an admirable winning percentage of 70-plus. In 45 T20Is, he led India to victory 27 times.

The star batter relinquished T20 captaincy at the end of the 2021 T20 World Cup where India failed to reach the knockout stages.

New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): A day after replacing him with Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain, the BCCI on December 9 thanked Virat Kohli for leading the team with "grit, passion and

determination" during his four year tenure.

The 34-year old Rohit, who was already appointed as T20I captain in November, on December 8 replaced Kohli as India's new ODI

Sharma has been Kohli's long standing deputy in white ball cricket and his first assignment as India's limited overs captain was the recent three-match T20 series against New Zealand at home in November, which the team won 3-0.

He will now lead India in the South Africa ODI series, the squad for which is yet to be announced.

The Ashes: Cricket Australia CEO Hockley would love to see Paine return to cricket

Brisbane, December 9 (IANS): Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said on December 9 that he would love to see wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine play cricket again. At the same time, Hockley insisted that it was Paine's decision to step away from captaincy, which was supported by the board as well.

A tearful Paine stepped down as the Test captain, just three weeks away from the start of the Ashes at The Gabba after his lewd text exchanges with a former Cricket Tasmania employee from 2017 came into light. After a few days, his manager announced that he will be taking an indefinite mental

health break from all forms of the game.

"Absolutely, we would love to see Tim play again for both his state and for Australia. We want to see him back out there playing and performing as quickly as possible," Hockley told SEN Test Cricket.

After the Paine text saga came into light, Cricket Australia also received a lot of flak for the way the issue was handled in 2017. But Hockley, appointed permanently as the CEO in May this year, praised Paine's time as the captain when the Sandpaper Gate scandal caused a lot of turbulence in 2018.

"It's obviously just a really, really difficult situation. Let's not forget that it was Tim's decision to step aside and that was a decision the board felt was appropriate.

He's been an exemplary captain throughout his three years, done a phenomenal job and it's justa very, very difficult situation.

While he's made a big mistake, he's owned it, and he's stepped aside to prioritise and look after his family. We've really sought to support him."

"Everyone really wants to support him as best as we can. He made a big mistake, he served Australian cricket as captain supremely well over the last number of years, he's paid an enormously high price.

The head coach has been down to see him, we've had members of our high performance set up go down to Tassie. The Tasmanian cricket community have put their arms around him. We're all very, very concerned to make sure Tim is well supported. A lot of respect for Tim for owning his mistake and our job now is to really support him."

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Inability to win ICC trophy cost Kohli ODI captaincy, says exnational selector Saba Karim New Delhi, December 9 (IANS): Former India wicketkeeper and national selector Saba Karim said that Virat Kohli has been sacked as the India ODI skipper due to his inability to win an ICC trophy.

While announcing his decision to step down from the T20 captaincy, Kohli had expressed his wish to continue leading the ODI side until the 2023 World Cup in India. However, the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee announced that star opener Rohit Sharma will lead India's ODI and T20I teams.

"It is right to say that Kohli has been sacked. He made the announcement while leaving the T20I captaincy and could have confirmed that he does not want to continue as ODI captain as well. This meant he wanted to remain ODI captain. Not being able to win an ICC trophy could have cost Virat Kohli the ODI captaincy," said Saba Karim on a show called Khelneeti.

Saba Karim feels that Kohli has been sacked from his position as ODI skipper, saying Kohli himself made the announcement that he was stepping down as the captain of the Indian side in T20I cricket, but wanted to remain as the ODI captain.

"It is right to say that Kohli has

been sacked. I think his inability to win an ICC trophy could have cost his ODI captaincy," he said, adding, "I am confident that Rahul Dravid would have had a word with Kohli."

Karim emphasised that Dravid is a person who always wants to have clear communication with his players.

"I am sure that Dravid or a BCCI functionary would have had a word with Kohli regarding their plans of introducing split captaincy. So, when it comes to taking such a big decision, I believe someone would have surely talked to Kohli," he said.

The Ashes, 1st Test: Technology breaks down as 13 no-balls not called on Day 2 Brisbane, December 9 (IANS): The first Test of the Ashes series plunged into controversy on the second day on December 9 over news that of the 14 no-balls bowled by England's Ben Stokes, only one has been called as the on-field umpires did not get help from the technology that helps check the front foot on every delivery. It was reported that the equipment that does this had broken down.

With help from technology unavailable, the one delivery of Stokes that was called no-ball was because the TV umpire checked it after David Warner, batting on 17 at that time, got bowled on that ball. While the Australian opener got the reprieve, his team lost 13 runs as those deliveries were not called no-balls despite Stokes at times going well over the line.

Stokes not being called for these no-balls also meant that he was not able to correct his run-up while both Australia and England lost an opportunity on the extra deliveries.

Under International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, the third umpire in World Test Championship matches is supposed to check every delivery for a no-ball.

The broadcasters later reported that the equipment used by

the third umpire to check the front foot had broken down and the officials had reverted to the protocols used before the technology existed.

Unless the equipment can be repaired or replaced, the on-field umpires will call a no-ball if they see it. If they miss it, the position of the front foot will only be checked by the third umpire after the fall of a wicket.

Missing a wicket in his first over would cause a feeling of deja vu for Stokes, who is returning after a break to tend to mental issues following an injury, as he was denied his first Ashes wicket in 2013 when he overstepped the mark in the Adelaide Test with Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin getting the benefit.

Haddin, who was caught behind for 51, went on to make 118 after his reprieve. Australia won the series 5-0.

On December 9, Warner went on to score 94 before getting out caught by Stokes off Ollie Robinson.

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Plastic waste sculpture museum to come up near Bengaluru The launch took place during the 12th CSR Leadership Summit and witnessed participation from distinguished guests including Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Accel Partners' Partner Prashant Prakash, and Additional Chief Secretary, Dr Shalini Rajneesh, among others.

Bengaluru, Dec 12 (IANS) Karnataka will house a museum of plastic waste sculpture near Bengaluru's picturesque holiday destination of Nandi Hills soon to sensitise people, it was announced on Sunday.

The Hyphen told IANS.

"Our aim is to use art to sensitise people against the ill-effects of plastic waste and encourage others to take up similar initiatives to promote recycling of waste, and protect our environment in every possible manner," Apresh Mishra, founder,

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar had on Friday formally launched the Fellowship, a first-of-its-kind encourage young artists to create sculptures from plastic waste.

The winning sculptures will eventually find place in the first of its kind museum of plastic waste sculptures near Nandi Hills, a popular weekend destination near Bengaluru, he said.

Under the Fellowship, entries will be invited from various young artists and 25 best entries will be selected by an eminent jury and mentored over several weeks to create life-size sculptures made purely from used plastic or plastic waste.

Kriti Fellowship is being supported by wecare and Discovery Village, among other partners, Mishra added.

It is one of the many initiatives of The Hyphen, an organisation aiming at channelising the potential of youth for nation building. "I am delighted that this Fellowship is receiving so much love and appreciation from our stakeholders and partners," he said.

Day 2 of KLF gives space to Climate Change, CSR, sports the trend', Bembem Devi, former captain of the national women's football team, observed that while Indian women's soccer has come a long way from what it was a decade ago, it would still take another 10 years for it to play in the World cup.

Bhubaneswar, Dec 11 (IANS): The second day of the 8th Odisha Tourism-Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) hosted 15 sessions, including those on language, women spiritual masters, translation of regional literature, poetry, Hindi literature, sports, corporate social responsibility, climate change and its impact on human lives, besides sessions on poetry recitations.

During the session 'Empowerment of women through sports and how to strengthen

She added that men's football in India has been strengthened due to the participation of corporate and private entities.

"If similar support is extended towards the women's football team, it would tremendously benefit the sport," said Devi, who is coaching the Women's U-17 national team at present.

Every ruler on this earth has destroyed the history of previous rulers, as it is the nature of power, said former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Lok Sabha MP Tathagat Satapathy during a conversation.

"Be it the BJD in Odisha or the NDA at the Centre, each had

tried to remove the history of previous rulers. This (attitude) is with everyone, across party lines," he said while talking about intolerance in different regimes.

Participating in the inaugural session of the second day of KLF, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik said India is the 'Vishwa Guru' of the world owing to its vibrant and rich literature, despite its features of regionalism since it contained universal themes such as love, peace and universal brotherhood.

"Covid management could not have been possible by a corporate. Governments across the globe are not dumb, they are actually smarter than we think.

Government responds to ideas that have the ability to change on a large scale basis," said Subroto Bagchi, chief of Odisha Skill Development Authority, who formerly headed the software firm Mindtree.

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CULTURE

It's girl power at Kerala Kalamandalam - the cradle of Kathakali

K

erala Kalamandalam Deemed university is synonymous with the art form of Kathakali -the Kerala art form, the glory of which is spread far and wide.

In a revolutionary change, the Kerala Kalamandalam founded

by Kerala's noted poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, 91 years ago, had decided to admit girl students in its "vesham" course in both northern and southern kalari forms.

The girls students have outnumbered boys in the southern style with 3 girls joining the course while only one boy has opted for it.

In the northern style also, 5 girls and a boy is admitted to the course and here also, girls have outnumbered boys. The head of the Vadakkan style or northern style of Kalari, Kalamandalam Suryanarayanan told IANS: "Five girl and a boy were admitted to the course and classes have started since Wednesday. Girls are participating with much enthusiasm and I find them performing exceedingly well."

Generally, in Kathakali, even the characters of women were enacted by men and with girls being admitted to Vesham

course, a sea change is expected in the performance and style in Kathakali.

One of the doyens of Kathakali , who has unique style for himself and has fans across the globe, Padmasri Kalamandalam Gopi who is also in the advisory board of Kerala Kalamandalam, told IANS: "I had given a suggestion to admit girls for Kathakali course in an experimental basis. This was accepted by the board and we have commenced classes for girl students. If other similar art forms of Kerala like Ottanthullal and Koodiyattam can have girl students, why not Kathakali?"

The students are admitted for vesham courses -- both, northern and southern styles, at class 8, and they can continue up to post-graduation for ten years at a stretch.

Noted art critic and writer Rajani Varrier told IANS: "It is indeed a revolutionary decision by the Kalamandalam. If women can perform and excel in all fields, why not in this? Girls will prove in the days to come that they are masters in the art and the feminine characters if played by women will have more natural flair than men enacting it."

After Covid break, Taj Mahotsav on schedule in 2022

A

fter a break due to Covid-19 this year, the annual 10day cultural extravaganza, Taj Mahotsav, will be held from February 18 to 28 next year.

This information was given by the divisional commissioner Amit Gupta after a meeting of departmental heads who have been asked to go ahead with the preparations 'full-steam'.

The Taj Mahotsav festival was started in 1992 to promote tourism, but over the years it has been reduced to a local 'Mela-Tamasha' with lots of 'filmy programmes' thrown in. This has alienated the tourism industry which sees no merit in promoting it for foreign visitors.

"This event is now a formality, a 10-day 'masti' time for the government babus and their family members. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department has not been able to convince us how it has impacted tourism," say the captains of the industry.

The organisers, however, claim that the Mahotsav is a big boost to local art and culture, as performing artistes get lots of opportunities to showcase their talent. Also, the handicrafts of the Braj Mandal, the local products find a huge market.

The organising committee has decided to continue with Rs 50 entry ticket. However, the entry for foreigners would be free. Booking of stalls will commence soon. At the same time, apprehensions about the third wave of Covid-19 continue

to impact the preparations.

The organisers have indicated change in dates, if the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections are announced.

The Taj Mahotsav is organised at Shilpgram complex, 500 metres from the Taj Mahal. Some programmes are also held at the Soor Sadan auditorium and in the Paliwal Park.

This year, a new venue, Taj view point, near Mehtab Bagh, on the other bank of Yamuna, at the rear of the Taj Mahal, has been developed.

It is likely that some musical programmes of popular appeal may be held here, on the sprawling lush green ground, close to Gyarah Seedhi monument.

The Taj Mahotsav organising committee has asked the public to suggest theme ideas for the festival. The state roadways department will run shuttle bus services from different parts of the city.

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ARTS & LITERATURE

This world of mine Hawakal Publishers, New Delhi, Calcutta, 2021, ISBN:978-81952401-5-9, Paperback, INR 350 A Review by Swati Pal Don’t be deceived by the seemingly simple words in this selection of poems by GJV Prasad.

This world of mine is his latest collection of poems, some old, some published earlier and some new, put together in a slim volume by Hawakal Publishers.

Each word will cut into your consciousness and before you know it, you will find yourself pensive, thoughtful, laughing and crying- all at the same time.

Perhaps that’s what GJV’s world and ours makes us do; it is after all a shared world but with the difference that not all of us can make poetry out of it as GJV has done.

It is difficult to put a label upon GJV as a writer. Is he a feminist?

A number of his poems look at the myriad challenges faced by women whether they be those in myths or those outside; indeed he makes one think that there is perhaps no difference between myth and reality as the questions remain the same for all. The three Sati poems as also Draupadi and Hey Ram speak for and appear to be insights by women of all times. They are incisive about the rituals we practice, the almost celebratory and even commercial nature of these rites that make a mockery of how in reality we treat women. The words and the images evoked in these poems are often dark, compelling and disturbing. The almost tongue in cheek and yet equally unsettling poem Edible Women

where women are referred to as delectable consumer items are an uncomfortable reminder of the way in which women are spoken of and represented in media in particular but even in common parlance. We realize that society has internalized such references so that they cease to shock us when we encounter them. But when GJV says, I mean to say I can snack/On you any time/And time and again, you are jolted out of your comfort zone. This, despite the almost droll ending: My jangiri my halwa/My burfi my desi ghee/Besan laddoo.

Whether we label him a feminist or not, these poems, as others, reflect on GJV’s deep concern with perception, in particular with the way that women are perceived. Take a poem like WhatsAppery which is a close to the bone comment on whatsapp groups where debates and discussions are often indicative of the chauvinism that seems to be so endemic in society. Statements like You will say so, you are a woman/ we have seen how women exploit the laws or again, The fact is that women/Have filed false dowry cases/Have accused men of rape/If a relationship doesn’t end in marriage/ The laws are so skewed/We men walk around in fear may seem laconically written but are obviously meant to make us revisit the way we perceive and refer to men and women, often filled with self righteous indignation. GJV gently makes fun of this misplaced indignation.

How does GJV see India? Is he a nationalist? What is his political vision? Is he a humanist?

Several poems from the opening Desperately seeking India to the two 15th August poems , Partitions, Godhra- Gujarat, Gujarat 2005, 31st October 1984 and Election Strategies: Shining India give the reader some idea about what fascinates, maddens, saddens and infuriates the poet about India and Indian politics. His x ray vision pierces through superficial trappings to deconstruct political happenings and events. While each of these poems narrates a different aspect of the political machinations that drive the country one way or the other, the lines that best express the plight of the nation are in the poem 15th August 1974 where the poet says we fought for light/ we got it/ we didn’t know/ what to make of it and the next stanza is almost a lament, an elegy, in darkness/there was hope/ in light/ there is despair. Indeed, it is 75 years since the country attained Independence from colonial rule and while much has changed, so much remains to be done that ‘despair’ quickens the pulse. It is really interesting how GJV can use a line from a comic book series The phantom never dies/ Old jungle saying to capture the essence of the spectre of death through violence that rears its ugly head in collective memory.

Indeed GJV can use the most mundane and commonplace of phrases and fashion them in such a way that a whole new meaning unravels. That is one of the many linguistic tricks that you are treated to in his poetry.

One label that GJV wears on his sleeve is of course clear; that of

Prof. GJV Prasad

Dr Swati Pal

an academic and a JNUite. How Brown Was My Campus, JNU, First Class In Room 016 and Two writers at JNU are the poems that make his love, concern and his nostalgia for JNU very clear.

It is a known fact that GJV is the stuff that legendary academics are made of; loved and admired by generations of students at JNU for many of whom, JNU and GJV are almost synonyms. Old timers from JNU will certainly find that these poems mirror their own fondness and fears for an institution they see as pivotal to the formation of their identities.

And another label that can easily be attributed to GJV is that of the family man or rather as one for whom the family and its individual members play a big role. A picture emerges in the eyes of the reader of various members of the poet’s family, his father, his brother and his nephew.

However,the fact is that GJV and his poetry defy labels, though the subconscious mind tends to attach one or the other, as this

reviewer attempted. So, perhaps the best way to find out what his poetry means would be to read him. That is a pun.

Can one read another? That too, through poetry?

Perhaps GJV says it all: Why does poetry make so much sense to me When I never knew what the poets mean Why does poetry give me so much energy When it takes so much effort to read Swati Pal, Professor and Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College(DU) has been an educator since the last twenty seven years.

She also translates and writes poetry.

1857: The 1st War of Independence from an Indian perspective

D

rawn from the details provided by a Brahminturned-amateur-historian, this is a real story that follows two learned men as they traverse India during the 1857 uprising on foot, unearthing history from a new vantage point

common Indian's point-of-view.

As the First War of Independence raged, a Brahmin from Maharashtra, Vishnubhat Godse, on a pilgrimage found himself caught right in the middle of the action. He, along with his uncle Rambhat, went through a series of adventures, including barely escaping hanging.

This tale starts in 1857, as the protagonist duo starts on a 'teertha yatra' from Varsai, a small Maharashtrian village, and walk smack in the middle of the mutinous upheaval of 1857. Having the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, they were caught in the crossfire between the loyalist Indian troops and the British.

Upon his return home, Godse wrote it all down in Marathi so that his forthcoming generations could have an idea of how things were during that tumultuous period. "The Walking Brahmin"

by Maneesh Madhukar Godbole retells that journey, which is a rare eyewitness account from a

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Published by Garuda Prakashan decades after the original manuscript, it puts all pieces of the story together with maps and photographs and offers a unique insight into what really happened during the War of 1857.

Narrativising historical incidents through an Indian lens, such as the fall of Jhansi, they survived the aftermath of British savagery, were robbed of all their belongings multiple times, and

even managed to avoid getting hanged twice. Being on the road for over two years, they finally returned to Varsai, which was where Vishnubhat penned down his adventure for his descendants.

"His original manuscript, which ran into 297 pages, comprised two notebooks and twentytwo individual pages. It was eventually published as a Marathi book in 1907, a few years after Vishnubhat's death. This is probably the only known instance of a document that talks about 1857 from an Indian perspective," the Pune-based Godbole said.

"Not only does it give us the story from the perspective of the vanquished, but it is also more reliable as it is a first-hand account of experiences and not based merely on hearsay.

Thus, the value of this book, in the annals of history, is quite priceless.

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"Vishnubhat's book offered me a unique and authentic insight on how our ancestors lived.

What they believed in, the social structure of those times, the hardships, the never-give-up attitude, their fortitude, their beliefs and their ability to even put their lives at risk to fulfill their responsibility," added Godbole, who learnt about this lesser-known story when he was busy writing blogs related to his travel to northeast India and subsequent research.

Sharing his insights on the book, Uday S. Kulkarni, historian and author of "The Extraordinary Epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa", said that it "gives us a graphic account of the cruelty perpetrated by British forces in cities such as Jhansi, where troops looted and massacred the populace in retaliation for the stiff resistance the city offered the attacking

force. It's a short book, which brings alive the times, the dangers, the smell of war and of death...a first-rate historical account of those turbulent times."

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TRAVEL

Soak in the serenity and beauty of Bhimtal W

ould you like to spend Christmas Eve with a candlelight meal and a beautiful view of a lake? Or how about ringing in the New Year with a breathtaking vista of the night sky? Bhimtal, the Mahabharataera lake resort, is the ideal site to spend the holidays for all of these reasons and more.

The town is known for its stunning scenery, lakes, flowerfilled villages, and untamed valleys, as well as its unique fusion of cultures and cuisines.

Some of the must-do activities in Bhimtal include mountain trekking and excursions to the breathtaking Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal lakes, among others.

If you haven't made plans for the holidays yet, Airbnb has some suggestions for creating the perfect vacation in the Bhimtal mountains.

Comfortable and luxurious Airbnb Stays Sanjwat Homestay This Airbnb stay is exactly what vacations should be about! Trees lined with blossoming flowers and fruits, as well as boundless mountain views, may be found along red bricked paths, green chequered gardens, and trees lined with blossoming flowers and fruits. This 4-bedroom villa, designed with a warm and inviting ambiance, is the ideal way to ring in the New Year.

The half-acre property features various sit-outs, sun-drenched rooms, and classic furnishings.

It is spotless, roomy, welcoming, and conveniently located near the Bhimtal Lake.

La Belle Vie This Airbnb Home is located in the Lake District, only minutes from the beautiful Naukuchiatal Lake, and is the ideal holiday escape. The stay is composed of stone and salvaged wood and is inspired by nature. While being well-equipped with modern amenities, the living area has a really warm feel to it. Beautiful markets, restaurants, and other leisure activities like as boating, paragliding, hiking, and nature hikes are all within walking distance to satisfy the traveller within.

The Verandah The Verandah is the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary style. This Bhimtal home has a contemporary kitchen, clean and comfortable beds, and a veranda where you can spend your evening sipping martinis and laughing the night away.

Every accommodation has a verandah with a wonderful view of the mountains, as the name suggests. From here, you may embark on a trek with the host or go paragliding, since anything adventurous is just a short walk away.

Shambhala

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This Airbnb, which is located in the heart of Kumaon, has a panoramic breathtaking view of the Bhimtal Lake from every room, living space, garden, and kitchen. It’s as though you’re sitting on the edge of a forest, with everything you need for the ideal soul-searching vacation. The hosts have gone to great lengths to make this cottage feel warm and inviting, and they keep it spotless and trendy. It’s ideal for a family holiday or a solo work trip.

Avocados With its beautiful design, Host Raj’s ancestral farm stay amid the pretty Kiwi vineyard will transport you back in time. The A-framed Airbnb Home features a fireplace, a freshwater spring, numerous ponds, a hammock, and the constant chirping of birds, making for an intriguing vacation. The farm stay is a tranquil, quiet location with water springs, age-old silver oaks, a variety of fruit trees, and a variety of birds, including pheasants and partridges, and is distinctively created with a lot of history attached with it. Perfect for a cup of coffee while taking in the scenery.

Enjoyable Experiences in Bhimtal Evening stargazing Spend an evening with the celebrities and discover more about their lives. This amazing trip in Naukuchiatal will transport you to another world. The telescope may be used to go to faraway galaxies far beyond our own and witness the wonder of Saturn’s rings or the merry dance of Jupiter’s moons around the largest planet in our solar system.

Furthermore, astrophotography can be used to capture these magical moments. A selfie with the stars is the epitome of the festive season.

Bird Watching If your only encounters with winged animals have been with crows, peacocks, and pigeons, this Airbnb Experience is for you. Thrushes, blackbirds, and parakeets are some of the birds you might see. You’ll also learn about bird sounds, migration patterns, and more while you’re at it. Host Nir is also available to answer any questions you may have, and at the conclusion of the trip, you will receive photographs of every bird you have seen! Isn’t that amazing?

Sound healing Stay at Heals Farm on Airbnb and reconnect with yourself while enjoying the grandeur of Bhimtal with this truly unique sound healing experience. Most common health conditions, such as frequent headaches, blood pressure-related difficulties, stress, lack of attention, and more, are known to be relieved by sound therapy. To establish new, good, and re-energizing health

patterns, attend the workshop.

Host Adnan also welcomes guests into his house, where they may relax and enjoy sound therapy while staying at his tranquil Airbnb.

Must-eat places in Bhimtal The Lake Hill Restaurant Cafe Among the 23 eateries in Bhimtal, the lovely lakefront restaurant café is rated number one. It’s just adjacent to the main boat dock, and it serves a variety of cuisines while overlooking the lake. Italian, Chinese, and American cuisines, as well as spaghetti and burgers, draw crowds.

Babs’ Cafe In The Woods Bab’s Cafe in Naveen’s Glenn is one of Bhimtal’s most tranquil destinations. The Indian, European, and Italian caféstyle cuisine, as well as a broad assortment of teas and coffees, making it the ideal place to spend an afternoon amidst the woods.

The pea mint soup, salad made with locally grown ingredients, apricot and cream cake, and inner-cleansing nettle tea are all worth trying.

The Kumaoni Farm Cafe This café, located in Mehragaon, about 6 kilometres from Bhimtal Lake, is only open for lunch and

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only serves guests who have placed a prior order. The climb to get there is a little challenging, but the view is well worth it. The café also has some of the friendliest and most helpful employees, who will make sure you leave happy.

Kumaoni Farm Café is recognised for its authentic Indian thalis and beautiful mountain vistas. Bhang Chutney, Red Rice, Palak Gravy, and a delectable mustard raita are all must-haves here. iHeart cafe iHeart Cafe, located in the heart of the Himalayas, is a tranquil spot to sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking scenery. Coffee,

snacks, pasta, pizza, french fries, sandwiches, and/or famous baked products are all available. If you’re looking for some alone time in the mountains, this could be the spot for you.

The town not only impresses with beautiful landscapes, lakes, flowered villages, cafes and wild valleys but also with its unique fusion of culture and cuisines.

When in Bhimtal, some of the must-dos include trekking in the mountains and visits to the breath-taking Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal lakes, amongst others.

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WHAT’S ON

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Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

INDIA NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

It's official! Katrina and Vicky Salman Khan to host IIFA 2022 in Abu Dhabi are now husband and wife Instagram

T

he 22nd edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards will be held at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on March 18 and March 19, 2022, to celebrate the best of Hindi cinema.

The awards night will be hosted by superstar Salman Khan.

Apart from celebrating and lauding cinematic excellence, the awards held in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will also commemorate the 75th year of India's independence and the UAE's year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations, marking its 50th anniversary, and strengthen the cultural ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it will see global dignitaries, fans and film enthusiasts from across the world.

such as Kabir Khan, his wife Mini Mathur and their daughter Sairah left Mumbai for Jaipur. Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia, Sharvari Wagh, Radhika Madan and Malavika Mohanan followed suit and pumped up the tempo of the celebrations.

The guests were extended a grand welcome, served Rajasthani and Punjabi delicacies, even as the venue lit up the Sawai Madhopur skyline and fireworks added to the dreama.

K

atrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal have been pronounced man and wife after one of the most celebrated marriage ceremonies of the year.

The celebrity couple tied the knot at a private ceremony in the Six Senses Fort Barwara Hotel, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, with friends and family in attendance.

The initial photographs show Vicky following Katrina and then the two waving at the paparazzi gathered at a distance from the venue.

Katrina wore a bridal lehenga crafted by ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for her special day, Vicky is said to have worn a beige sherwani after his

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'sehrabandi'.

The couple also made it official that they would soon host a reception in Mumbai for those who were not invited to the very private marriage ceremony at Sawai Madhopur.

Vicky headed to the mandap in a vintage car with his baraatis, including brother Sunny Kaushal, good friend Angad Bedi and members of his family. The couple took the pheras in the traditional way, thus bringing to an end the celebrations that took off on December 7.

The pre-wedding festivities started officially on December 7 when Bollywood celebrities and close friends of the couple,

The 'mehendi' celebrations saw 20 kilos of GI-tagged henna sourced from Sojat by the river Sukri in Rajasthan.

The 'haldi' ceremony followed, with the guests faithfully following the yellow dress code.

This was when the media first got a glimpse of the guests in the corridors of the luxury hotel.

After the pictures surfaced on the Internet, the organisers put up curtains on the arches of the forthotel to protect the privacy of the guests from prying cameras.

The 'sangeet' night was held on December 8 with Gurdas Maan, Hardy Sandhu, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Manj Musik belting out their music to entertain the select company.

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Talking about the highly anticipated awards, event host Salman Khan said, "I have always enjoyed being a part of the IIFA Family and travelling to some great destinations but this year I am super happy that we are headed to one of my personal favorites, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi."

Salman continued, "IIFA is always a memorable time and this year it

will be an even bigger celebration as we celebrate the 75th year of India's independence and UAE's 50th Anniversary-Golden Jubilee celebration."

"Over the last 21 years, IIFA has not only given Indian cinema an international platform, but it has created a wonderful opportunity to take us to our fans and connect millions of people globally. I am proud and excited to get ready to host the 2022 IIFA Weekend & Awards Yas Island, Abu Dhabi as we unite the world through cinema & celebration", he added.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "India has long been one of Abu Dhabi's top inbound source markets for tourists building on strong historic ties. Hosting the IIFA Awards underlines the key strategic position the Indian market occupies for the emirate."

Saood further said, "In addition, we have enjoyed a great bond with India's movie industry, which has for many years been attracted to the UAE capital by our high-quality infrastructure, so the addition of the IIFA to Abu Dhabi's calendar of events aligns perfectly with our 5-year strategy to develop the cultural and creative industries."

'Pushpa' star Allu Arjun clears the air on ruckus at movie event Fans of Tollywood actor Allu Arjun protested against the cancellation of the actor's photo session with them at an event and created a ruckus following which Arjun apologised to them.

Things escalated as Allu Arjun's fans started to create ruckus after the show organisers stopped them from meeting Allu Arjun.

Allu Arjun, who came to know about the incident, took to his social media handles to apologise to his fans.

He acknowledged the unfortunate incident which took place after the pre-release event of 'Pushpa', assuring his fans that he would be careful hereafter.

"I got to know about the unfortunate incident of my fans

getting injured at a fan meet event today. My team is personally monitoring the situation and keeping me updated."

"Henceforth, I will take a lot of care to ensure that such incidents don't happen again. Your love and admiration is my biggest asset and I am never going to take them for granted," the 'Pushpa' actor's note reads.

Organisers claimed to have taken permission for 200 people, but admitted around 2,000. They had also told the fans that they would get to participate in a photo session.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the photo session was cancelled, which triggered the incident.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Nothing serious about Samantha's Disha Parmar opens up about upcoming sequence health condition, team clarifies health condition.

in 'Bade Acche Lagte Hai 2'

The news created wide speculation among the public and her fans got worried about Samantha's health condition. To clear the air, an official statement from Samantha's manager has been released.

Priya gets jealous and how this will affect her relationship with Ram (Nakuul Mehta).

When asked if jealousy is the right way of expressing her feelings, Disha says: "I don't think I have ever experienced a relationship in the absence of jealousy. Mild jealousy is the needed electricity to keep a relationship alive and thriving. These aching pangs are nothing but our heart's language of hurting for our beloved. Priya's jealousy is healthy, is needed, especially since they started on a rocky road."

The statement denies any seriousness, brushing off rumours about her health.

The 'Oh Baby' actress had a slight cough, for which she visited a private hospital. As a precautionary action, Samantha also underwent a Covid test which was only done to rule out any possible infection.

"Actress @Samanthaprabhu2 is healthy. She is taking rest at her home after undergoing a test at AIG Hospital due to a slight cough yesterday. Do not believe any rumours or social media gossips," Samantha's manager told the media.

A

fter Samantha Ruth Prabhu was rumoured to have developed a severe viral infection, her manager has clarified that it is

nothing but a slight cough.

Earlier on Monday, the actress had visited a private hospital, which triggered gossip on her

This clarification from Samantha's team has come as a big relief for the fans who are now wishing her a speedy recovery.

Samantha, who recently participated in shooting for 'Pushpa's item song, had jived with Allu Arjun.

B

ade Acche Lagte Hai 2' actress Disha Parmar talks about the upcoming sequence in the show, where her on-screen character

"Her feeling jealous will take her to the right path of making her fall head over heels in love with Ram. And I think I remember a quote which goes something like 'In jealousy, there is more of self-love than love'. So here you have Priya, coming to terms with her feelings for Ram, coming to terms with her married life with him and wanting to be with him," she adds.

Kangana shares pics of Ankita, Vicky's sangeet ceremony

Prabhas treats Deepika to Andhra meals on sets of 'Project-K' T

elugu star Prabhas is known for his hospitality on the sets of his movies as his co-stars are always fed famous local delicacies and Deepika Padukone has now joined the list.

Prabhas is currently working on multiple projects, one of which is under Nag Ashwin's direction.

Paired with Deepika Padukone, the movie is tentatively titled 'Project-K'.

The actors, who joined the sets of 'Project-K' wrapped up the first schedule recently. So, Prabhas, who loves to treat his co-stars with special delicacies, had arranged for a grand meal with amazing food on the sets of 'Project-K'.

Deepika shared a picture on her social media handle, which features a nice spread of sumptuous Andhra and Hyderabadi delicacies. The 'Bajirao Mastani' actress captioned the picture, "#IfYouKnowYouKnow" as she displays umpteen dishes from their meal.

Deepika, who flew off to Mumbai post her shoot schedule, shared a picture of the sky from an airplane and wrote, "You were lovely #Hyderabad ... Until we meet again...#ItsAWrap #Schedule1 #ProjectK @ actorprabhas @nag_ashwin (sic)."

'Project-K' also features megastar Amitabh Bachchan in a significant role.

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B

ollywood actress Kangana Ranaut attended Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain's sangeet ceremony. Kangana took to her Instagram account to share the pictures and videos of the couple.

In the pictures, Kangana can be seen wearing navy blue coloured lehenga choli with heavy jewellery and a sheer dupatta.

While on the other hand Ankita looked stunning in a shimmery lehenga, while Vicky donned a black designer suit.

Kangana posted her picture on Instagram with a heart emoji, mentioning: "Make love not war...

Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai... @ lokhandeankita."

In her Instagram Stories, Kangana a picture with the couple and wrote: "@lokhandeankita will always have my heart. Love you girl."

Ankita and Vicky are getting

married on Tuesday in a private ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier they had planned a red carpet event for the media but now it has been cancelled, according to the reports.

They have asked everyone to wish them on their special day.

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INDIA NEWS

Luxury, lifestyle, location — welcome to Dress Circle

Dec 16-31, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 11

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