Indian News Queensland – February 2022 – Vol 4 Issue 11

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Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

Brookwater is only 10 minutes from major shops, multiple schools, the Mater hospital and University.

Indian External Minister Dr S. Jaishankar’s holds bilateral with Minister Alex Hawke MP joined with Indian External Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today to discuss challenges and opportunities for Australia’s growing Indian diaspora, and to engage with members of the Indian Australian community in Victoria.

Canberra, February 11: Minister for Immigration,

Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke

Ministers met ahead of the fourth Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting to discuss issues including changes in the Indo-Pacific region, the important contribution of the Indian diaspora in Australia, the reopening of Australia's international border, and celebrations to mark this year's 75th anniversary of Indian Independence.

Continued on Page 13

Celebration of India Australia Day 2022 and 25th Anniversary of FICQ 2

6th January is very significant in the history of both countries, Australia and India. What a unique coincidence that both country’s National day falls on the same day. We cherish common values, with a gifted connection between two countries enabling us to work together for a better world. FICQ celebrated one of its iconic events, India Australia Day, with great enthusiasm as a virtual event for the community’s safety.

Unfortunately, FICQ could not hold it as planned in person due to the unprecedented hike in COVID 19.

Continued on Page 16

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More on Page 32

BrisAsia launch party organised

T

he 2022 BrisAsia Festival, which celebrates Brisbane’s emerging status as a new world city with a spectacular showcase

by Brisbane’s finest traditional and contemporary performing artists, was officially launched and the schedule of programmes and shows announced.

This very special free event held at the iconic Fortitude Music Hall included live music, digital art, dance, film and fashion. There were performances by renowned Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, Sitar virtuosi Sudha

Manian, LALKA, KPOP, break dancing and more.

The coming events for BrisAsia 2022 include the hip hop/luxury car/food truck event Southside

by Night, the first-ever dedicated tea festival The Laneway Tea Festival, digital storytelling initiative Mother's Table, a special Valentine's Day event called BrisAsia Love Songs, new music and healing initiative Satsang Sacred Gathering and BrisAsia Fashion showcasing some of the finest Asian designers.

Continued on Page 12

Lata Mangeshkar, the ageless voice of India, passes away at 92 New Delhi, Feb 6 (IANS): Lata Mangeshkar, India’s most loved singer who had once moved Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to tears, leaves behind a teary-eyed nation of admirers who grew up listening to her immutable voice give wings to the words of poets and the screen careers of legions of heroines.

India’s Melody Queen, who also composed music for Marathi films and was a producer as well, and had the distinction of being conferred with the highest civilian honours of India and France, passed away on Sunday morning at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where she had been admitted because of

Covid-related complications on January 11.

Continued on Page 3

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

Contact: D r Ram Mohan, Chairman info@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066 Page 7

Republic Day Special

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ICAQ organises Citizenship Ceremony in Brisbane

WEBSITE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT Cosmos Media www.cosmosmedia.info DESIGNER Reetu Yadav, Cosmos Media PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTION Star Promotions

Union Budget 2022-23 highlights

R-Day parade displayed evolution of uniform, arms over decades

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WRITERS Mr Devashish Chakraborty Ms Deepika Banerjee Mr Rabindra Mukherji

WORLD THIS WEEK

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Editorial

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Fatima Sana Shaikh says she believes acting is all about reacting

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Dress circle in Brookwater… surrounded by 345 acres of open space, manicured parks and a championship golf course.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Lata Mangeshkar, the ageless voice of India, passes away at 92 Continued from Page 1

Lata Didi, as she was known among her family and followers, was 92 and is survived by her siblings — playback singer and composer Meena Khadilkar, popular singer and restaurateur Asha Bhosale, singer Usha Mangeshkar, and music director Hridayanath Mangeshkar.

She never married, but was close to the late Raj Singh Dungarpur, the aristocratic former cricketer and President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 1996 to 1999.

One of India’s most loved voices, Lata Mangeshkar was the recipient of three National Film Awards, seven Filmfare awards, and of course, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1989. She was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2001, becoming the second singer after M.S. Subbulakshmi to be so honoured, and the French awarded her the Officer of the Legion of Honour.

In 1974, Lata Mangeshkar became the first Indian to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London. She had indeed come a long, long way since the time when the first song that she recorded for a film — ‘Kiti Hasaal’ in 1942 — was dropped in the final cut.

Born in what was then the princely state of Indore on September 28, 1929, to the classical singer, Marathi theatre actor and writer of musical plays Deenanath Mangeshkar and his wife Shevanti (Shudhamati), Lata Mangeshkar was originally named Hema by her parents, but they later changed it to Lata after the character Latika from one of her father’s musical plays.

Lata Mangeshkar’s association with the performing arts began when she was five and started appearing in her father’s musical plays, and it continued even after her father’s premature death in 1942, thanks to his good friend, the actor and director Master Vinayak (Vinayak Damodar Karnataki), who took the family under his wings.

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It was Master Vinayak who took Lata Mangeshkar to Mumbai, paved her way into the world of Marathi cinema, got her to take Hindustani classical music lessons from Ustad Aman Ali Khan of the Bhendi Bazaar Gharana, and introduced her to Vasant Desai, V. Shantaram’s favourite music composer.

And she worked with every contemporary composer of note — from Anand-Milind, sons of Chitragupt, with whom she had also worked, and Anu Malik, Sardar Malik’s son, to Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman. It is said she worked with music directors from 13 states in her star-studded career.

But it was not until Master Vinayak’s death in 1948 that the struggling singer-actor found the person whom she considered to be her “godfather” — the music composer Ghulam Haider, who gave Lata Mangeshkar her first big break with the song ‘Dil Mera Toda, Mujhe Kahin Ka Na Chhora’ in the movie ‘Majboor’ (1948). It was her first big break.

After Noorjehan moved to Pakistan, Lata Mangeshkar became the go-to playback singer for every film producer and music composer. She did not disappoint them.

Haider took his protege to Shashadhar Mukherjee, the Filmistan boss now better known as Kajol and Rani Mukherjee’s grandfather, for his film, ‘Shaheed’ (1948), but he turned her down because he found her voice to be “too thin”.

Lata Mangeshkar proved him ohso wrong just a year later when her song ‘Aayega Aanewaala’, filmed on the gorgeous Madhubala in Kamal Amrohi’s debut directorial, ‘Mahal’ (1949), became an ageless hit.

And in one of life’s delicious ironies, Mukherjee’s granddaughter lip-synced the ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ song, ‘Mere Khwabon Mein’, which was sung by none other than Lata Mangeshkar, as well as the other numbers picturised on her and Shah Rukh Khan.

Since ‘Mahal’, Lata Mangeshkar was courted by just about every music director of note — from Anil Biswas to S.D. Burman (and his son Rahul Dev, whose first and last song she sang), Naushad (who had asked her to sing like the then reigning nightingale, Noorjehan), Madan Mohan, ShankarJaikishan, Laxmikant-Pyarelal (for whom she’s said to have sung 700 songs in 35 years), and KalyanjiAnandji.

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Lata Mangeshkar lent her voice to an endless succession of chart-topping numbers in Hindi cinema, from ‘Allah Tero Naam’ and ‘Rangeela Re’ to the ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ title track, to ‘Lukka Chuppi’ in ‘Rang De Basanti’, apart from songs in Marathi (she also composed the music for several Marathi films in her ‘Anandghan’ avatar), Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Sinhala.

In 1974, the Guinness Book of Records listed Lata Mangeshkar as the most recorded artiste in human history, stating that she had recorded “not less than 25,000 solo, duet and chorusbacked songs in 20 Indian languages” between 1948 and 1974.

The claim was contested by her long-time rival, Mohammad Rafi, who claimed to have sung around 28,000 songs.

After Rafi’s death, the Guinness Book in its 1984 edition listed Lata Mangeshkar in its entry for ‘Most Recordings’, but it also recorded Rafi’s claim. Later editions of the Guinness Book said Lata Mangeshkar had sung no less than 30,000 songs from 1948 to 1987.

For 73 years, from 1943 to 2015, when she recorded her last song for a film (the Indo-Norwegian production, ‘Dunno Y2…Life Is A Moment’, which was all about gay love), Lata Mangeshkar commanded a fan following and an inimitable reputation with not many parallels in the Indian

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performing arts.

The late Yash Chopra, who was one of Lata Mangeshkar’s favourite directors, said in an article he had penned for BBC. com on the occasion of the singer’s 75th birthday (not longer

after she had sung the famous ‘Veer Zaara’ song, ‘Tere Liye Hum Hain Jiye’, with Roop Kumar Rathod): “I see God’s blessing in her voice.” We are blessed to have that voice live with us forever.

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

ADVERTORIAL

Springfield student Prithvi wins aviation award A

passion for flying has seen Springfield Central State High School student Prithvi Yadav Harish named the winner of the 2021 Honourable Company of Air Pilots Award in partnership with Aviation Australia.

Prithvi, a Year 10 student, said he found his passion for flying at the age of nine thanks to his father and grandfather.

“My father and my grandfather both were a major influence on me,” Prithvi said.

“My grandpa was in the army for a short time and he always used to tell me stories of about his experiences. That’s when I started to get intrigued about planes, started to watch videos and research about them.

“My dad also had a chance to be in the air force but unfortunately his mother did not want him to join and ended up ripping up his joining application.

“When my dad found out I had a keen interest for flying and defence, he supported me with all his might and pushed me to pursue my dream career.

“My dad and I went on a flying session in Archerfield for 45 minutes on a light aircraft

(Eurofox), which I enjoyed, and the experience strengthened my passion.”

my submission of a four-minute video presentation and essay on aerospace.”

Prithvi’s parents Bhagyalakshmi Harish and Harish Venkatapathaiah, of Spring Mountain, said they were proud of their son who wanted to study aerospace at school.

He said as the winner, he was awarded a one-on-one mentoring session with a highly experienced airline captain, a 60-minute introduction to flying a modern jet airliner from the captain’s seat of a Boeing 737 flight, simulator at Aviation Australia in Brisbane, and the opportunity to complete a pilot aptitude assessment, designed to identify strengths and weaknesses in terms of potential for being a pilot.

“All the other things that he started doing related to the field of aviation, being part of Airforce cadets and doing a Certification 3 in Aviation which aligned and boosted his passion for flying,” Mrs Harish said.

Keen to be a defence pilot or an aeronautical engineer when he grows up, Prithvi said his recent award from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (Australian Region), in partnership with Aviation Australia, was open to students who could demonstrate their enthusiasm for flying.

More than 50 schools around Queensland entered the competition.

“Only three students across those schools were chosen for the finals. I was one of the finalists and I was also the winner of the award,” Prithvi said.

Prithvi said he loved everything to do with flying.

“Flying gives me a sense of freedom, it’s very exciting to have control of the plane and feel the plane respond to your input, it’s very exhilarating,” he said.

The Greater Springfield careerdriven student said the award was an acknowledgement of his efforts towards becoming part of the aviation industry.

“I am very grateful for the recognition and the opportunity provided to showcase my skills,” he said.

“The judges were impressed with

Jayalakshmi’s passion for education shines through

G

reater Springfield teacher Jayalakshmi Vasudevan says her passion to teach students is matched by their energy and liveliness.

since 2015.

The Spring Mountain teacher migrated to Australia in 2009 for a better quality of life, after living in India for several years.

“I did relief teaching at Springfield Lakes State School on several occasions during 2020 and 2021, and a few weeks at Springfield Central State School.

As primary school teacher, Ms Vasudevan is looking forward to teaching Year 1 students this year.

She said education was very important in a child’s life and has been teaching in Queensland

“I tutor students who need academic support, including those with special needs,” Ms Vasudevan said.

“The children learn important life skills such as critical thinking skills, and develop social and emotional cues.”

Mrs Vasudevan’s son Abhinand Vasudevan is a soon-to-be third year pre-medical student studying at the University of Queensland.

shopping centres and public transport,” she said.

She said having lived in the Greater Springfield region for many years there were plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and encouraged more people to move to the ever-growing city.

Aside from her job as a teacher, Ms Vasudevan is the vice president of the Organisation of Hindu Malayalees (OHM).

“There is a unique combination of conveniences and facilities available within our vicinity like sports complexes, schools,

“It is also one of the fastest growing suburbs, so I feel excited to be a part of that.”

The group creates a platform for Hindu Malayalee’s in Queensland to participate and perform in all Hindu-related activities.

The group meets every third

Saturday of the month and conducts activities at Moorooka Community Hall.

The activities include singing devotional songs, spiritual talk by professionals and celebrations of respective Hindu festivals.

The not-for-profit organisation promotes Hindu culture and fosters spiritual education among Malayalee communities in Brisbane. There are 55 families actively participating in OHM’s regular programs and membership costs $25 each year.

Brookwater….

A unique and elegant lifestyle.

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Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, 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.

A

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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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

Tricolour unfurled atop 150 feet flagpole in Shopian Jammu and Kashmir. The second highest flagpole is also located at Shopian," the Army said.

The foundation stone was laid on October 18, 2021 at the Army Goodwill School, Balapur.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Tricolour was unfurled by Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, GOC, Chinar Corps, in the presence of the students of the Army Goodwill School.

Dedicating the flagpole to the people of Shopian, Pandey congratulated the gathering on the auspicious occasion of 73rd Republic Day. Srinagar, January 26 (IANS): On the occasion of the country's 73rd Republic Day, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps in collaboration with Punit Balan Group unfurled the Tricolour after installing a

150 feet tall flagpole at Shopian in South Kashmir.

"The event ushered in a new milestone in the history of South Kashmir with the installation of the highest flagpole in the entire

The GOC said that the national flag is the greatest symbol of national conscience, as it represents the supreme collective expression of the commitment and loyalty to one's motherland.

REPUBLIC DAY 2022

President's Bodyguard horse 'Virat' retires from service New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): 'Virat', an elite member of President Ram Nath Kovind's Bodyguard, and a veteran who has been a part of over 13 Republic Day parades, retired from the service on January 26.

the majestic Rajpath, President Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi bid farewell to the elite horse.

Virat, a hanoverian breed horse, was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation for his exceptional service and abilities.

The PBG, raised in 1773, is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army.

Notably, Virat was the first charger horse of the President's Bodyguard (PBG) to receive such a commendation card.

According to officials, Virat is a veteran of over 13 Republic Day parades as a charger escorting the President of India.

"Today was his last Republic Day parade as he gracefully retires after being the most trusted steed over the years," the official said.

On January 26, during the Republic Day celebrations at

PM Modi was seen on camera patting and showing his love for the esteemed member of the PBG.

The unit maintains stringent physical standards by ensuring the fittest men only above 6 feet are enrolled.

To match the build of these fine troopers of the President, the horses too are of a minimum height of 15.5 hands height, the tallest held by any mounted unit, in the country.

These magnificent horses of the elite PBG are bred by Remount Veterinary corps and presently looked after by 44 Military Veterinary Hospital.

4 women among 10 eminent R-Day parade: Jal Shakti Ministry's personalities from NE tableau showcases JJM work in Ladakh conferred Padma Shri awards In such areas where people were forced to dig ice and drink it after melting, are now getting clean tap water in the comfort of their homes, schools and anganwadis.

"Not only that, through sensor based IoT systems they know live data about quantity, quality and monitoring of the water supplied.

Women in villages have been trained to test the quality of water using Field Test Kits (FTKs)," he added.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): A sky blue, smiling, huge drop of water stands resting one a flowing tap right in front, with a traditional Ladakhi mud house behind it. On the one hand are happy Ladakhi people and on the other, the support teams, some women are testing water sources, some men are putting in pipelines in place and yet some, checking connections.

For the Jal Shakti Ministry to showcase its flagship project running in Mission Mode - Jal Jeevan Mission ( JJM), its tableau, 'Jal Jeevan Mission: Changing Lives' at the Republic Day parade this year could not have been a better opportunity. And the location chosen was Ladakh.

The harshest of terrain and subzero temperatures, sometimes even minus 20 at night. Not only are the water sources frozen, but even the supply lines are inoperative because of extreme winter as sometimes the pipes are frozen or burst regularly.

It is in such inclement weather conditions and more than 11,000 feet average altitude that the JJM has sought to bring about a change. The JJM, as it is popular, aims at providing functional tap

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water connection to every rural household across India.

Ladakh has the lowest population density in the country (2.8 person / sq km), villages are scattered, and rainfall is scarce. It remains cut off from the rest of the country for a few months in a year due to closure of passes during winters. This affects the supply of materials badly. Further, most of the water sources are in inaccessible areas, in many areas of Ladakh the water bodies freeze in winters, a lot of labour is required for construction and help of animals & helicopters is taken to lift and transport the material.

"Due to freezing temperatures, in place of regular GI pipe, HDPE pipes are used, and main supply lines are laid below frost line. Wherever pipes come above the frost line, these are encased in 4" dm of glass wool, wood, aluminium jacketing for insulation. Solar power plays an integral part in the water supply chain and ensures continuous flow of water in the pipeline," said an official.

There are technical challenges as well to draw water from frozen water sources.

Ladakh was just a showcase.

Across India, the JJM has trained more than 8.6 lakh women so far in ensuring clean tap water to homes with the help of FTKs. Water testing laboratories in the country are now open for the public to get their drinking water tested.

A digital board displaying live temperature and real time data about water supply, chlorination etc., and progress of the Mission is also presented.

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "In a very short span of 29 months since its announcement in August 2019, Jal Jeevan Mission has provided tap water supply to more than 5.63 crore rural households, 8.4 lakh schools and 8.6 lakh anganwadi centres in India.

At the time of announcement of the Mission, only 3.23 crore homes had tap water supply and today more than 8.87 crore homes have tap water connections.

Akin to Ladakh, the JJM Jal Jeevan Mission has been working in the most difficult terrain of the country to provide tap water to communities in high altitudes of Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand or in deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

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Guwahati/Imphal, January 25 (IANS): Ten distinguished personalities, including four women, from seven of the eight northeastern states were conferred Padma Shri awards in different fields.

The four women are Shakuntala Choudhary of Assam for social work while Lourembam Bino Devi and Muktamani Devi, both from Manipur, were recognised for their contributions in art and trade and industry, respectively, and Badaplin War of Meghalaya in the field of Literature and Education.

Choudhury, the 102-year-old Gandhian social worker from Kamrup, is popularly known as 'Shankuntala Baideo'.

Veteran applique textile artist Lourembam Bino Devi, 77, famous for preserving the Leeba textile art of Manipur for over five decades while Muktamani Devi, 49, is an inspirational woman entrepreneur exporting and popularising handcrafted woollen shoes.

War, 60, a scholar and author, has been always promoting Meghalaya's Khasi language globally.

Manipur's 58-years-old dollmaking artist Konsam Ibomcha Singh, a resident of Imphal East district, who is preserving over a 100 years old art form and Sikkim's Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia, 62, an eminent Tangkha painter specialising in traditional Buddhist paintings on cotton and silk, are also featured in the field of art.

Nagaland's T. Senka Ao, Assam's Dhaneswar Engti, and Mizoram's V.L. Nghaka, all authoring many books, have been conferred the Padma Shri awards in the field of literature and education.

Senka Ao, 76, has been doing works in preserving Nagaland's Ao language through his writings over decades while nonagenarian Nghaka is a Hindi author and translator from Aizawl who is well-known for developing a Hindi-Mizo dictionary. Karbi author and poet from Karbi Anglong district Engti, 66, has been working towards preservation and advancement of indigenous languages.

Buddhist Spiritual Leader from Arunachal Pradesh and former Abbot of the Tawang monastery Guru Tulku Rinpoche, 53 also got the Padma Shri award.

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Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

R-Day parade displayed evolution of uniform, arms over decades the Indian Armed Forces in the Republic Day Parade, which included 6 contingents of the Army, one each from the Air Force and the Navy. Four were from Central Armed Police Forces, one from Delhi Police, two from National Cadet Corps and one from NSS," Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area said.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The six marching contingents of the Indian Army donned different uniforms, including the new one, on Rajpath in Republic Day parade on January 26.

In total there were 16 marching contingents.

"There were 8 contingents of

The officer further stated that the Indian Army showcased how uniforms and arms have evolved over the decades in the parade.

Indian Army contingents wore uniforms from three decades, the present-day olive green and the new combat uniform unveiled at Army Day parade this year.

The first contingent of Rajput Regiment wore the uniform from 1950 and marched with .303 rifles.

The second Assam regiment wore the uniform from 1960 and carried .303 rifles.

Troops from Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry donned the uniform from 1970 along with the 7.62 mm rifle.

Sikh Light Infantry and Army Ordnance Corps wore the present day olive green along with the INSAS rifles.

The sixth contingent of the Parachute regiment soldiers wore the new combat uniform.

Further, each marching contingent comprised 96 soldiers instead of the usual 144 so that proper attention could be accorded to Covid-19 protocol.

Similarly, the force also showcased mechanized weapons from vintage to present day era.

Swami Sachidanand honoured with Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri for six other Gujaratis Gandhinagar, January 26 (IANS): As per the list from the Home Ministry's Padma Awards for this year, a total of seven Gujarati persons have been selected by the Ministry, including Swami Sachidanand who will receive the Padma Bhushan award.

Swami Sachidanand is a social reformer, humanitarian, philosopher and a welfare activist belonging to no "panth". His religious work has been with an aim to uplift the human values and the whole society.

Apart from him, six noted Gujarati personalities have been

selected for the Padma Shri award.

Savjibhai Dholakia, a noted diamond businessman from Surat, owns an empire with a turnover worth Rs 6,000 crore annually. He has been known for his corporate social responsibility activities.

The other Gujarati is Ramilaben Gamit, a member of the Taparwada gram panchayat in Gujarat's Tapi district, who has also received the Swachh Shakti Puraskar from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making her village open defecation free.

The noted Gujarati litterateur, Khalil Dhantejvi will be receiving the Padma Shri award posthumously. Born in 1935 in his village Dhantejvi, on which Khalil took his pen-name, Khalil Dhantejvi, died on April 4, 2021, at Vadodara.

REPUBLIC DAY 2022

Amid Covid-19 restrictions, Punjab, Haryana celebrate R-Day Chandigarh, January 26 (IANS): Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on January 26 celebrated the 73rd Republic Day amid tight security arrangements, foggy climatic conditions and Covid-19 restrictions.

It had been foggy and the sky had been cloudy since early morning at most places in Punjab and Haryana, including Chandigarh.

Contingents of police, home guards, NCC and others took part in the parade held at district headquarters in both the states and Chandigarh.

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurled the national flag at a state-level function at Mohali near here.

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya unfurled the national flag at Panchkula, while Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar hoisted the national flag at Ambala.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi unfurled the national flag in Jalandhar.

Both Chief Ministers conveyed greetings to people on the

occasion.

"It is important to remember the core values of sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, justice, equality, human dignity & the unity, which are the bases of our constitution. Let us pledge to uphold and safeguard these values," Channi said in a tweet.

Haryana Governor Dattatreya tweeted, "On 73rd #RepublicDay, I convey my heartiest greetings to the people of Haryana and the country. Let's resolve and make our best efforts to preserve and promote the spirit of equality, justice, fraternity and liberty, the four key pillars of #Constitution,".

Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala unfurled the national flag at Jind in Haryana.

Various events were held in district headquarters in Punjab and Haryana, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Moga, Bathinda, Panchkula, Karnal and Panipat.

Ministers of Punjab and Haryana presided over the celebrations in district headquarters.

R-Day: PM wears cap from Uttarakhand, Manipur stole

Another noted Gujarati to receive the Padma Shri is Maljibhai Desai, who is known for his decades of service in water conservation.

Lata Desai from Society for Education Welfare and ActionRural will be receiving the Padma Shri for services in rural community health.

ITBP jawans unfurl Tricolour at icy height in Himalayas on R-Day

Mahotsav' on the 75th Anniversary of India's independence. A total of 146 personnel and 33 Bullet Motorcycles of ITBP participated in the Mission 'Daredevils'.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The troopers of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on January 26 celebrated the 73rd Republic Day, 2022 at the icy heights of Himalayas with zeal and vigour, from the heights ranging from 12,000 to 17,500 feet.

The ITBP jawans also known as Himveers, unfurled the national flag in the border areas of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh where at places, the minimum temperature is minus (-) 45 degrees celsius.

The jawans unfurled the national

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flag at the last Indian village Mana at Uttarakhand, border areas of Ladakh, and Kumaon region in Uttarakhand.

The 'Daredevil' bikers of the ITBP also showcased 10 different types of formation at the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade.

This is the first time that the ITBP showcased so many formations such as Lotus Formation, Border Man's Salute, Fly Riding, Pawan Chakki, Horizontal Bar Exercise, Six-Man Balance, Arrow Position, Jaguar Position, Sentinels of the Himalayas and the theme-based Pyramid on 'Azadi Ka Amrit

Raised in 1962, the ITBP is deployed to guard the 3,488 km of India-China borders. The terrain and weather conditions in the mountainous borders are full of challenges where the brave jawans of the ITBP remain deployed 24x7 to keep vigil at the Himalayan frontiers of the country.

The ITBP is a mountain trained force and all its personnel are professionally acknowledged mountaineers. The Force is known as 'Sentinels of the Himalayas' for its greater role in the security of the highest borders of the Nation.

The Himalayan border guarding force has recently completed 59 years of dedicated service to the Nation. It has conducted hundreds of rescue operations as 'First responders' in disasters in the Himalayan region over the years.

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New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26 wore a cap from Uttarakhand and a stole from Manipur on the Republic Day function.

The Prime Minister wore a cap from Uttarakhand with Brahma kamal flower embossed on it. Brahma kamal is the state flower of Uttarakhand and Prime Minister Modi uses this flower whenever he does pooja at Kedarnath. Apart from white kurta with a jacket, PM Modi was seen wearing a Manipuri stole also.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked PM Modi for representing the state's culture and tradition in front of the world. "Today, on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the culture and tradition

of our state proud by wearing the cap of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, adorned with Brahma Kamal. On behalf of the 1.25 crore people of Uttarakhand, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister," Dhami tweeted.

Both Manipur and Uttarakhand are going to the polls in a few weeks.

Prime Minister Modi makes a statement by wearing a dress or accessories from different states on important occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and other occasions.

While taking Covid vaccination shot last year, he wore a gamcha.

Last year on Republic Day, Modi wore a red Gujarati headgear.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi greeted people on the occasion of Republic Day. "Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!," the Prime Minister tweeted.

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

Telangana CM skips low-key Republic Day function she said.

REPUBLIC DAY 2022

Rejected for National R-Day, TN tableau finds pride of place in Chennai

She claimed that the youngest state of Telangana is making rapid strides in different areas.

Tamilisai Soundararajan said that Hyderabad is fast emerging as the pharma hub, IT hub, and medical hub and is witnessing the establishment of offices by many global corporate organizations.

Hyderabad, January 26 (IANS): Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao skipped the low-key Republic Day celebrations held at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled the national flag.

Unlike the last two years when the main ceremony was held at Public Gardens, this time the venue was shifted to Raj Bhavan in view of restrictions on mass gathering due to the surge in Covid-19 cases.

Since Tamilisai Soundararajan had to proceed to Puducherry where she is holding the additional charge of Lieutenant Governor, the 73rd Republic Day celebration began at 7 a.m. and was completed within half-anhour.

The event was held with Covid-19 protocol. Like last year, there was no march past, no parade review by the chief guest, no tableaux or cultural programmes by school children.

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, Director General of Police M.

Mahender Reddy and few top defence, civil and police officials attended the brief ceremony.

The Republic Day function in 2020 and 2021 was held in the historic Public Gardens, adjacent to the State Assembly in the heart of the city after the venue was shifted from Parade Grounds, the sprawling ground in Secunderabad which has been the venue for decades. Not only the venue but the format of the main ceremony was also changed.

This year, the Governor also did not host the customary 'At Home' in the evening in view of the Covid situation. Chief minister, his cabinet colleagues, top officials and eminent people from various walks of life used to attend 'at Home' every year.

The Governor in her Republic Day speech noted that Telangana has emerged as the rice bowl of India in the recent past.

"I salute the farmers for their toil, despite the pandemic conditions; they have produced a bumper harvest thus ensuring food security to millions of people,"

"I wish the Telangana State to emerge as the leader in quality higher education, and consolidate its position as the innovation hub through constant efforts by promoting innovation eco-system and take the lead in contributing for the realization of self-reliant India."

She said India is proudly reclaiming its real history and heritage by respecting the unsung heroes in a truly befitting manner.

The Governor termed development, production, and free distribution of indigenous Covid vaccine a true testimony to the spirit of self-reliance.

The country has administered a record number of 160 crore vaccine doses and is marching forward to achieve the 200 crore vaccine doses mark in the months to come.

India has also supplied its indigenously produced vaccines to more than 150 countries in the world.

It is time to salute our scientists, doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, and other frontline warriors for helping India implement the world's largest vaccination drive in a seamless manner, she said.

R-Day: Proud moment for French Ambassador as Rafale soars high Day flypast! Truly breathtaking maneuvers by@IAF_MCC's talented pilots."

The French-made Rafale fighter jets were the part of Indian Air Force contingent this year for the fly past on the Republic day celebrations. Baaz formation comprising a Rafale, and two Jaguars, MiG-29s, Su-30 MKIs each in a seven aircraft 'Arrowhead' formation stunned the spectators.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): It was a proud moment for French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain when the Rafale fighter jets formed a part of the largest aerial display at the 73rd Republic Day celebrations.

Seated in the diplomatic lounge, www.indianews.com.au

it seemed tough for the French envoy to shoot the video while the French-made Rafale flew past Rajpath, but he did and shared it on social media.

Later Lenain tweeted: "Always a proud moment to witness IAF Rafale fighter jets in the Republic

In recent years, the defence cooperation between India and France have scaled new heights.

France hosted the sixth edition of the joint Army exercise "EX SHAKTI" from November 15 to 26. The joint drills took place in south-eastern France.

Meeting of the 17th France-India High Committee on Defence Cooperation between DGRIS Alice Guitton and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar took place in Paris on November 25, 2021.

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Chennai, January 26 (IANS): The Tableaux proposed by Tamil Nadu and rejected in the third round by the Central government for the National Republic Day parade was used by the state government at Chennai parade during the 73rd Republic Day celebrations.

The tableaux titled 'Tamil Nadu in Freedom Struggle' depicting V.O. Chidambaranar, 'Mahakavi' Subramania Bharathi, Rani Velu Nachiyar, and the Maruthu Pandiyar brothers who were executed by the East India Company were used in the Republic day parade in Chennai.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier said that these tableaux will be displayed during the Tamil Nadu Republic Day parade and after this will be taken across the

state to showcase to the people about the freedom fighters of the state.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on January 26 unfurled the national flag near the Gandhi square on Kamarajar salai in Chennai in the presence of Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin on the occasion of the 73rd Republic day celebrations in the state.

About 6,800 police personnel are on duty as part of the security and are deployed in various parts of Chennai city on the occasion.

Due to a surge in Covid cases, the general public was not given entry to the Republic day functions at the Gandhi square. Parades by school and college students also did not take place due to Covid.

On R-Day, Kamal Haasan makes a global pitch for khadi

Mumbai, January 26 (IANS): Megastar and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan says khadi, the banner of India's freedom struggle, not only represents Indianness, but also is a fabric for all seasons. He maintains that it has the potential to re-connect with people and all it would take for it to happen is a good idea to cultivate this affinity.

The actor was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of his clothing line named 'KH House of Khaddar', which went live on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day. Breaking the stereotype around the fabric, he says, "Our first collection is not pompous. It answers questions like 'What can khadi do for style and fashion?'

It can do all that linen can, and much more."

Recalling the launch of the label in Chicago in Fall 2021, he said: "It is the Windy City and the temperature there can turn icy, but I could walk down the streets in a three-piece khadi outfit, and its warmth held me up. I do

believe khadi is a textile for all seasons."

Commenting on the launch, Amritha Ram, designer and creative head of KH House of Khaddar, said: "I want to make sure that alongside presenting the designed element that would put KH House of Khaddar on the global map, we as a brand send out the message that we comprehensively take care of the three dimensions of sustainability: Economic Development, Social Development and Environmental Protection.

That is my dream for Khadi."

Talking about what separates khadi from others, Ram said; "The fluidity of the fabric! One can groom the fabric the way one wants to. It is raw, beautiful and all natural."

The idea behind KH House of Khaddar is both to create a clothing line that flaunts khadi as a textile and to contribute to the upliftment of the country's handloom weavers.

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

REPUBLIC DAY 2022

Navy tableau on 1946 naval uprising nation and Navy's contribution to our freedom struggle. It also showcased the multidimensional capabilities of the Indian Navy.

The naval contingent comprised 96 Men, three Platoon Commanders and one Contingent commander.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The Indian Navy highlighted the naval uprising of 1946 -- an event which contributed to India's struggle for Independence -- in its tableau this Republic Day.

indigenous missile Corvette Kora, the Destroyer Visakhapatnam, Frigate Shivalik on left and P-75 submarine Kalvari, frigate Godavari and destroyer Delhi on the right side.

Lieutenant Mayank Bhagour, an Aviation Officer currently posted at INS Rajali, giving details of the Naval Tableau said, "The forward part of the tableau depicts the Naval uprising of 1946, an event which contributed to India's struggle for Independence."

"Frames on the lower section of the trailer depict construction of Indian Naval platforms in India," the officer said.

The officer further stated that the rear section of the tableau illustrates the 'Make in India' initiatives of the Navy particularly for the period 1983 to 2021.

The model of indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant with Light Combat Aircraft in air took the centerstage flanked by models of

Explaining about the Tableau Lieutenant Preeti, an Education Officer, posted at INS India, says: "The tableau of Republic Day Parade 2022 of Indian Navy is in pursuance of the Navy week theme of Indian Navy 'Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive'."

The tableau endeavoured to highlight Indian Navy's sustained focus on 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' initiatives maintaining combat readiness in service of the

Lieutenant Commander Aanchal Sharma said, "The hard work and tough schedule in the last two months has paid off and if you see the contingent today, it is full of passion and pride and each individual has a sense of honour to be marching in front of our Supreme Commander, The President of India. The enthusiasm and energy of the contingent is unparalleled. It is indeed an honour to be leading the Indian Naval Contingent."

The naval band was led by Vincent Johnson, Master Chief Petty Officer Musician.

He led a 72-men naval band as its drum major in front of the President of India, with millions watching India's most loved ceremonial event.

From Sydney to Mauritius and St Petersburg to Edinburgh, Vincent Johnson has led the Indian Navy band at various military events across the world, but if there's a celebration that's closest to his heart, it's the Republic Day parade.

Spectacular flypast by 75 aircraft at Rajpath leaves people stunned and two Su-30 MKI in echelon flew in the Arrowhead formation, after Traan formation.

Vinaash formation comprising five Rafale flew in Arrowhead formation after Netra formation.

Thereafter, Baaz formation consisted of one Rafale, two Jaguar, two MiG-29 UPG and Su-30 MI in seven 'Arrowhead' formations.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The flypast witnessing 75 aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force and displaying a number of formations left people stunned at Rajpath during the Republic Day parade on January 26.

Vintage as well as current modern aircraft and helicopters like Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mi-17, Sarang, Apache and Dakota displayed different formations, including Rahat, Meghna, Eklavya, Trishul, Tiranga, Vijay and Amrit.

Precision at tremendous speeds was on display and thundering aerobatics were done with professional skills at Rajpath in the national capital.

The Rahat formation comprising five LHA flew in five 'Arrowhead'

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formations. The formation flypast over the water channel North of Rajpath.

The Meghna formation comprising CH-47 Chinook in lead and four Mi-17 1V in echelon, flew in the five 'Arrowhead' formation.

The Eklavya formation consisting of Mi-35 in lead with four Apache heptrs in echelon flew in five 'Arrowhead" formation.

The Tangail formation comprising a Dakota in lead with two Dornier in echelon flew in Vic' formation.

The Traan formation comprising 1C17 with two C 130A in echelon flew in Vic formation.

Netra formation comprising one x AEW & C with two MiG 29 UPG

Trishul formation comprising three Su-30 MKI flew in Vic formation, one minute after Baaz formation approached the dias. The formation pulled up and outward for the Trishul maneuver.

Varuna formation comprised one P8-i with two MiG-29K in echelon and flew in Vic formation behind Trishul formation.

Five Sarang (ALH) flew in ladder formation streaming Tricolour after Varuna formation.

One Rafale flew in at 900 kmph behind Tiranga formation.

Approaching the dias, the aircraft pulled up for Vertical Charlie and carried out 21/2 turns.

In the end, the Amrit formation comprising 17 Jaguar made a figure of 75 aircraft and helicopters.

The parade culminated with the national anthem and the release of Tricolour balloons.

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THE HON ALEX HAWKE MP

MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS MESSAGE FOR INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY 2022 Best wishes to the Indian Australian community as you celebrate Indian Republic Day. This day – 26 January – is a day of national celebration for both Australia and India. Our connection extends beyond this shared date though, with our enduring friendship and partnership – founded on our shared ideals of democracy, freedom and inclusion – strengthening year after year.

On our shared day, we recognise what is one of the oldest and fastest growing communities in our nation, the Indian Australian community, who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of this nation across all facets of society since the early 1800s.

Australia and India have faced unimaginable challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people separated from their loved ones. At this time, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Indian Australian community for the spirit of community, compassion and charity you have embodied. I am so thankful for the resilience and determination you have shown in supporting Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The solidarity of our communities and the shared spirit of mateship is one of our nation’s greatest assets.

In 2022, there is so much to look forward to – with families continuing to be reunited, and students, skilled workers and travellers being welcomed back to our shores.

On this Indian Republic Day and Australia Day, I hope that you are able to connect with friends and family and share in the celebrations of democracy and national pride.

Happy Republic Day!

ALEX HAWKE

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

UNION BUDGET

NIRMALA SITHARAMAN PRESENTS BUDGET 2022 Union Budget 2022-23 highlights

F

ollowing are the highlights of the Union Budget 2022-23 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Tuesday: FISCAL POSITION India's growth estimated at 9.2 pc, to be highest among large economies Fiscal deficit in 2022-23 estimated at 6.4 pc of GDP Total expenditure in 2022-23 pegged at Rs 39.45 lakh cr Total receipts other than borrowings estimated at Rs 22.84 lakh cr in FY23 ‘Effective Capital Expenditure' of central government estimated at Rs 10.68 lakh cr in 2022-23, which is about 4.1pc of GDP Fiscal deficit in current year at 6.9 pc of GDP (against 6.8pc in Budget Estimates) 60 lakh new jobs to be created under productivity linked incentive scheme in 14 sectors TAX PROPOSALS No change in personal income tax rates Provision to file an updated return on payment of additional tax; can be filed within two years from the end of the relevant assessment year Updated return provision to enable assessee to declare income missed out earlier Tax deduction limit increased from 10% to 14% on employer's contribution to the NPS account of state government employees Incentives for start-ups: Period of incorporation extended by 1 year, up to March 31, 2023 for eligible

start-ups to avail tax benefit Any income from transfer of any virtual digital asset to be taxed at the rate of 30 pc; gift of virtual digital asset also to be taxed in the hands of recipient Health and education cess: any surcharge or cess on income, profits not allowable as business expenditure No setoff of any loss to be allowed against undisclosed income detected during search, survey operations Alternate minimum tax paid by cooperatives brought down from 18.5 per cent to 15 per cent

structure; to facilitate domestic manufacturing of wearable devices, hearable devices and electronic smart meters Duty concessions to parts of transformer of mobile phone chargers, camera lens of mobile camera module and some other items to promote domestic manufacturing of high growth electronic items Customs duty on cut, polished diamonds, gemstones cut to 5%; no duty on simply sawn diamond Customs duty of at least Rs 400 per kg to be paid on imitation jewellery import

Payment of annuity and lump sum amount from insurance scheme to be allowed to differently-abled dependent during the lifetime of parents/guardians, that is on parents/ guardian attaining the age of 60 years

Customs duty on umbrellas raised to 20%; exemption to parts of umbrellas withdrawn

Surcharge on long term capital gains arising on transfer of any type of assets capped at 15 pc

Unblended fuel to attract an additional differential excise duty of Rs 2/ litre from Oct 1, 2022, to encourage blending of fuel

Gradual phasing out of concessional rates in capital goods and project imports; applying a tariff of 7.5 pc, conducive to the growth of domestic sector Over 350 exemption entries proposed to be gradually phased out, like exemption on certain agri produce, chemicals, fabrics, medical devices, and drugs and medicines for which sufficient domestic capacity exists Customs rate, tariff structure simplified particularly for sectors like chemicals, textiles and metals Customs duty rates to be calibrated for graded rate

Customs duty exemption given to steel scrap last year extended for another year to offer relief to MSME secondary steel producers

ALLOCATION AND REFORMS Rs 2.37 lakh cr direct payment to 1.63 crore farmers for procurement of wheat, paddy Rs 2 lakh cr additional credit for micro and small enterprises to be facilitated under the Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises For MSMEs, guarantee cover under ECLGS to be expanded by Rs 50,000 Crore to total cover of Rs 5 lakh cr Raising and Accelerating MSME performance (RAMP) programme with outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to be rolled out for MSMEs

Rs 60,000 crore allocated to cover 3.8 crore households in 2022-23 under ‘Har Ghar, Nal se Jal'

Scheduled Commercial Banks to set up 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in 75 districts

Rs 48,000 crore allocated for completion of 80 lakh houses in 2022-23 under PM Awas Yojana

100 per cent of 1.5 lakh post offices to come on core banking system

Additional allocation of Rs 19,500 crore for Production Linked Incentive for manufacture of high efficiency solar modules to meet the goal of 280 GW of installed solar power by 2030

e-Passports with embedded chip, futuristic technology to be rolled out

Initial allocation of Rs 1,500 crore made to enable livelihood activities for youth and women under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for NorthEast Region (PM-DevINE) SEZ Act to be replaced with new legislation to enable States to become partners in ‘Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs' Defence: 68% of capital procurement budget earmarked for domestic industry in 2022-23, up from 58% in 2021-22 Defence R&D to be opened up for industry, startups and academia with 25% of defence R&D budget earmarked

Battery swapping policy to be brought out for setting up charging stations at scale in urban areas for promotion of electric mobility Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) to be established for speedy windingup of companies Scheme for design-led manufacturing to be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the PLI scheme Data centres and energy storage systems to be given infrastructure status RBI to introduce digital rupee in FY23 to boost digital economy, better currency management Source: Rediff.com

All key demands of Telangana ignored Kejriwal 'disappointed' as Hyderabad, Feb 2 (IANS): The Union Budget 2022-23 came as a big shock for Telangana as all its demands for additional funds and new projects were ignored.

central taxes. This is Rs 3,175.85 crore higher than the 2021-22 budget estimates and Rs 1,240.14 crore higher than the revised estimates.

The budget speech of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also had no mention of the commitments made to the state under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014.

However, there was no allocation to the state in addition to the state's share in central taxes, funds for local bodies as per the recommendation of Finance Commission and allocation for centrally sponsored schemes.

The state had high hopes from the budget and it had demanded allocation of Rs 60,000 crore for various projects. It was for this reason the budget evoked angry reaction from Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who termed it as 'golmal' and 'useless' budget.

Telangana's long pending demand for national status to either Kaleshwaram or PalamuruRangareddy lift irrigation projects was again ignored by the Centre.

As per the budget estimates, Telangana will get Rs 17,165 crore during 2022-23 as its share in the

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With the Centre imposing a huge cut of Rs 25,000 crore on allocation of MGNREGS across the country, the flow of funds to the state under the rural employment guarantee scheme is likely to be badly hit.

Telangana has 1.19 crore workers registered under the scheme and they are provided work for 100 days in a year with minimum daily wages of Rs 237. With the cut in allocation the state may be forced to cut the number of workers or work days under the scheme. For

the current financial year, the state has received Rs 3,053 crore under the central scheme.

Budget fails to address inflation

The Centre also did not take the recommendation of 15th Finance Commission to allocate Rs 2,362 crore for state-specific grants for four years from 2022-23 into consideration. As per this recommendation, the state was expecting Rs 471 crore every year.

The state has also not received arrears towards the special assistance for development of backward areas under AP Reorganisation Act. For the last three years, the state government had been demanding release of Rs 24,205 crore as per the recommendation of NITI Aayog.

Similarly, the demand to allocate funds for Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya as per the recommendation of NITI Aayog was once again ignored. Ahead of the budget, state finance minister T.

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): Terming the Union Budget 2022-23 "disappointing", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that it has nothing to ease the burden of common masses hit by the rising inflation amid Covid-19.

"People had high hopes from the Union Budget in Covid times.

It has disappointed masses.

The budget has nothing for the common people. It has nothing to ease the inflation," Kejriwal

posted in Hindi on Twitter.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget this morning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the budget, saying it would benefit all via "more investment, more infrastructure, more growth", but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted it for its lack of provisions for the "salaried and middle class, the poor and deprived, youth, farmers and MSMEs".

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

UNION BUDGET

Budget gives renewed thrust to new- Income support, lower tax burden missing in Budget age businesses for $5 tn economy Continued from Page 1

In a significant move to bring cryptocurrencies and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) under a tax net, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a 30 per cent tax on any income from the transfer of virtual digital assets, specifying that no deductions and exemptions will be allowed.

There will also be a 1 per cent tax deducted at source (TDS) on the payments made for the transfer of digital assets.

The government also announced to bring India's own digital currency by the RBI next year that will be based on Blockchain technology, while the muchexpected Cryptocurrency Bill is yet to see the light of the day.

"Digital rupee to be issued using Blockchain and other technologies by the RBI starting 2022-23. This will give a big boost to the economy," said Sitharaman in her Union Budget 2022-23 speech in Parliament.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already been deliberating upon various aspects relating to the central bank digital currency and private crypto currencies.

Already late on riding the global 5G bandwagon, the government

said it will soon launch a scheme for design-led manufacturing to build a strong ecosystem for 5G in the country. Part of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, it will enable growth and offer job opportunities, said Sitharaman.

"A scheme for design-led manufacturing will be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme," she said during her Union Budget 2022-23 speech in Parliament.

"Required spectrum auction will be conducted in 2022 to facilitate rollout of 5G mobile services within 2022-23 by private telecom providers," she added.

The Finance Minister said that all villages and their residents should have the same access to e-services, communication facilities, and digital resources as urban areas and their residents.

"The contracts for laying optical fibre in all villages, including remote areas, will be awarded under the Bharatnet project through PPP in 2022-23.

Completion is expected in 2025.

Measures will be taken to enable better and more efficient use of the optical fibre," Sitharaman added.

To facilitate domestic manufacturing for the ambitious goal of 280 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, an additional allocation of Rs 19,500 crore for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for manufacture of high

efficiency modules, with priority to fully integrated manufacturing units from polysilicon to solar PV modules, will be made.

The Finance Minister said that the PLI scheme across 14 sectors, including IT hardware manufacturing, has the potential to generate at least 60 lakh new job opportunities.

"The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat has received an excellent response, with potential to create 60 lakh new jobs," she said.

The PLI schemes may invite additional production of Rs 30 lakh crore during the next five years, the finance minister added.

In order to ensure seamless movement of goods and people, the data exchange among all mode operators will be brought on Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), designed for Application Programming Interface (API).

This will provide for efficient movement of goods through different modes, reducing logistics cost and time, assisting just-in-time inventory management, and in eliminating tedious documentation.

"Most importantly, this will provide real time information to all stakeholders, and improve international competitiveness.

Open-source mobility stack, for organizing seamless travel of passengers will also be facilitated," said Sitharaman.

Budget will make India self-reliant: Amit Shah Shah said.

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Union Budget will make India self-reliant and lay the foundation for a new India of the 100th year of Independence.

from 6.9 per cent to 6.4 per cent is a huge achievement, and through it, India will be able to bring down the fiscal deficit below 4 per cent under the leadership of Narendra Modi," he said.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a series of tweets, Shah said, "This Budget will make India selfreliant and lay the foundation for a new India of the 100th year of independence. I congratulate @ narendramodi and @nsitharaman for this."

He claimed that the union budget will help in making India the world's leading economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "The prime minister has reduced the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rate in the cooperative sector from 18.5 per cent to 15 per cent and the surcharge from 12 per cent to seven per cent, ending the injustice done to the cooperative sector for decades and bringing it at par with other sectors. This will help in achieving Prime Minister Modi's resolve of prosperity with cooperation,"

Shah said that the budget size of Rs 39.45 lakh crore, shows that the Indian economy is rapidly growing even in the Covid period.

"Reducing the fiscal deficit target

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He also hailed several announcements in the budget like zero budget farming, natural farming, river linking, one station-one product and farmer drones are important in realising Prime Minister Modi's resolve to make the agriculture sector modern and self-reliant along with giving benefits to our farmer brothers. "I congratulate Narendra Modi for increasing the capital investment by 35 per cent to Rs 7.5 lakh crore. At the same time, increasing the amount given to the states from Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore testifies to the efforts made by Modi ji to continuously strengthen the federal structure," he said.

The Home Minister appreciated the proposal to connect all 1.5 lakh post offices with core banking to promote financial inclusion and said it will greatly benefit the rural people and senior citizens.

"The development of the Northeastern region has always been the top priority of the Modi government. The announcement of the 'PM Development Initiative' for the Northeast will go a long way in realising PM Modi's vision of a prosperous northeast," he said.

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): The major disappointment in Union Budget 2022-23 continues to remain on the government's focus on boosting supply side over demand, experts said.

"We would have loved to see some balance between boosting industry and supporting individuals. Think of the sacrifices the Indian consumers made over the last two years... lost livelihoods, lower incomes, health costs, higher oil and food prices, higher taxes on income and GST. The government's response in terms of some income support or a lower tax burden has been missing," said Arvind Chari, CIO, Quantum Advisors.

"The economy faces short term risks from higher global and domestic inflation. In this respect, the government's continued increase in import duties to boost domestic manufacturing on the back of improving growth will lead to higher cost pressures in the economy. We would have liked to see the government take some measures to manage future cost pressures with duty cuts," he

added.

The announcement also had no mention of rural employment, the impact on the informal enterprises and the continued divide between the formal and informal economy.

"We do recognise that higher growth will trickle down over time, however, there should have been some immediate relief to the economic segments which have been impacted by the pandemic," he said.

The government has stuck to its priority to boost growth over fiscal consolidation. The budget for capital expenditure spending from Rs 5.5 trillion budgeted for FY22 to Rs 7.5 trillion for FY23 is a massive increase.

If the Central and the state governments are able to implement and spend these amounts in a timely and efficient manner, it could lead to a multiplier effect in the economy.

This should enable the continued economic recovery and extend the growth over the next 2-3 years.

Govt extends tax holiday for eligible startups by 1 more year New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): In further respite for startups amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the government on Tuesday announced to extend the period to avail tax incentives by one more year.

To incentivise startups, the government had last year extended the eligibility for claiming tax holidays for startups by a year to March 31, 2022. It had also extended the capital gains exemption for investment in startups by a year to March 31, 2022 to boost funding.

In her Union Budget 202223 speech delivered in the Parliament on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that startups have emerged as drivers of growth in the economy.

"Eligible startups established before 31.3.2022 had been provided a tax incentive for three consecutive years out of 10 years from incorporation. In view of the Covid pandemic, I propose to extend the period of incorporation of the eligible startup by one more year, i.e., up to 31.03.2023 for providing such tax incentive," she informed.

India now has more than 61,400 startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). At least 14,000 recognised startups have been added in 2021-22 fiscal, according to the Economic Survey 2021-22.

India presently has 83 unicorns, most of which are in the services sector, with 44 startups achieving the unicorn status (values more

than $1 billion) last year.

"This Budget is a welcome move for startups and manufacturing companies which have been given additional time periods to fulfil their dreams and avail tax holiday and concessional tax benefits," said Ashu Kansal, CFO of robotic automation startup, Addverb Technologies.

"Capping of long-term capital gains (LTCG) surcharge to 15 per cent is again a windfall gain to the private sector employees and cofounders who had to earlier shell out extra surcharge to the extent of 37 per cent," he told IANS. According to startup founders, meeting working capital requirements during the initial years of operation is often tough for startups.

"Hence, tax exemption for startups being extended by one more year is a welcome move, and it is likely to further encourage innovations and growth that the startup ecosystem is delivering," said Ravish Naresh, CEO and Cofounder, Khatabook.

Anubhav Jain, CEO and Cofounder of Rupifi, said that the Budget has put a conscious focus on neutralising pandemic effects by proposing a slew of measures for startups.

"The move to extend the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) to MSMEs to cope up with pandemic losses is a welcome step and will have a positive impact in assisting the industry in overcoming its struggles," said Jain.

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Indian External Minister Dr S. Jaishankar’s holds bilateral with Minister Alex Hawke

"Today's discussion emphasised the importance of India to both Australia and the world, changes in the region over the coming years, and the role of the Indian-Australian community in strengthening our relationship further," Minister Hawke said.

"The Australia India Institute plays a critical role in promoting and enhancing our important relationship with India. I am sure the India Matters program will help to foster more conversations and more bonds between our nations," Minister Hawke said.

"This year, as India celebrates 75 years of Independence, we also celebrate 75 years of friendship and partnership between our two nations - founded on our shared ideals of democracy, freedom and inclusion," he said.

Minister Hawke also joined with Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister, Jason Wood MP and leaders of the Indian Australian community in Victoria to discuss issues impacting them and their communities.

Minister Hawke also attended the Australia India Institute's launch of the India Matters program, which included a keynote address

by Minister Jaishankar.

"COVID-19 definitely changed the way Australians communicate with one another, so it was great to be able to meet with community leaders in person,

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to listen to their questions and concerns and to thank them for their extraordinary efforts over the last two years," he said.

"The pandemic has once again

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shown us the power and reach of community organisations in bringing people together," he said.

"Community leaders and organisations, particularly in

Victoria, have shown a great sense of civic responsibility and resilience as they support those around them to feel safe, connected and informed," he said.

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BrisAsia launch party organised

Continued from Page 1

Returning in February 2022 for its 10th year, BrisAsia Festival brings together a program that celebrates a dynamic fusion of Asian art, culture and cuisine across more than 50 events.

The program will feature live performances by internationally acclaimed artists, outdoor festivities and intimate cultural encounters across traditional and contemporary art forms.

The theme for this year is 'connection through culture' and

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is a call to action to reach out to others, participate and be part of Brisbane's evolving cultural story. Over three weeks from 1-20 February, audiences can experience the transformative power of live performance, learn and grow through immersive workshops and travel the length and breadth of Asia across the incredibly packed festival program that has something for everyone.

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ICAQ organises Citizenship Ceremony in Brisbane

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ndian Council of Australia, Queensland (ICAQ) organised a Citizenship Ceremony last month for those immigrants who made Australia their home.

30 candidates coming from 14 different countries walked proudly as Australian citizens that day. Among them were 4 candidates of Indian origin.

The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from three levels of government.

Hon. Luke Howarth Federal MP, member for Petrie, represented the Immigration Minister, Hon. Mr. Alex Hawk. Also present were Ms Anika Wells Federal MP member of Lilley, Hon. Mr. Stirling Hinchliffe MP, member for Sandgate, Cr. Mr. Jarred Cassidy, who accepted the invitation to be the Presiding Officer for the Ceremony. Ms Jeanie Murray, Acting Inspector, represented the Commissioner of Police.

"We at ICAQ would like to help the diaspora to integrate smoothly and also bridge the gap between government and our community by organising special programs and activities for Youth, Women, and Aged Care," said Amrita Deshpande PRO, ICAQ. In doing so, ICAQ organised a panel discussion with Hon. Mr. Luke Howarth Federal MP,

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Hon. Mr. Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Dr Abraham Francis, Professor in Social Work at James Cook University, and Ms. Sudha Manian, a sitar player. The panel was moderated by Amrita Deshpande, communication consultant, a New Media, performing arts, and fine arts Artist and the Public Relations Officer of ICAQ. It was quite an educational, engaging discussion on shared values and multicultural connections in Australia.

An India Day could not have concluded without the cultural program. Noopur Dance Studio performed the Jogwa, a traditional dance based in bhakti ras and Sher E Punjab group performed the bhangra. The program ended with the sumptuous Indian meal provided by CAFE Hyderabad.

Indian Council of Australia, Queensland, Inc. was incorporated on 12th October, 2021. With the vision to bring the Indian diaspora together and provide valuable knowledge, help, and connection to various services ICAQ organised its maiden event on 26th January 2022 to celebrate Australia-India Day. ICAQ is an amalgam of many small and big associations and groups as well as individuals of Indian origin who live and have made Queensland their

home. The Indian diaspora in Queensland represents the twenty nine states and seven union territories of India, and in its composition has several sub-groups representing the home states and geographies across India from where they have travelled to make Queensland their home. ICAQ mirrors that diversity and, as a platform, celebrates the diversity and identity of the Indian diaspora.

ICAQ recognises the growing need to partake in productive diversity, lead successful endeavours and to live a life with heritage, as comrades in multicultural Queensland. As migrants living in Queensland, they continue to contribute to agriculture, public services to the schools, higher education, medical profession, allied health, services sector, security, banking, and IT industry, to name a few.

Please visit www.ICAQ.org.au for more information as well as to become a member of the organisation. You can also join their facebook group: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ icaqueensland, or follow their Facebook Page at https://www. facebook.com/Indian-Council-ofAustralia-Queensland To watch the entire Facebook live video of the event, visit https:// fb.watch/aPDr7w-Bgd

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Singhs Open Cup volleyball tournament held

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inghs Open Cup volleyball tournament was organised at Cornubia Park Sports Centre, Shailer Park, on January 15 by Singh Spikers Queensland. The event went on the whole day from 8am till 9pm.

Best setter-Tylor Nix (Beta) Best hitter-Alfredo Walton (Singh Spikers Queensland) Player of the tournament-Connor Rudder (Beta) Bronze -Tune Squad

The event was divided in two divisions, and both the divisions had maximum ten teams competing. In Division 1, Beta Squad won the Gold, and in Divison 2 the Gold went to D.V.A.S..

Silver-Singh Spikers Queensland

Following are the results:

Silver- ICSC

Division 1

Gold- Beta Squad Division 2 Best setter- Nathan (D.V.A.S) Best hitter- Rahul (ICSC) Bronze -Slavic Jaguar Gold-D.V.A.S

Republic Day celebrated in Brisbane

H

on Consul of India in Brisbane Mrs Archana Singh hoisted the Indian flag on the occasion of India’s Republic Day and Australia Day on January 26 at the office of Honorary Consul Of India in Brisbane.

Republic Day is a public holiday in India, when the country marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950, replacing the Government of

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India Act 1935 as the governing document of India and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed republic.

The day also marks the transition of India from an autonomous Commonwealth realm with British Monarch as nominal head of the Indian Dominion, to a fully sovereign republic in the Commonwealth of Nations with the President of India as the nominal head of the Indian Union.

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Celebration of India Australia Day 2022 and 25th Anniversary of FICQ Continued from Page 1

The event was well attended online by dignitaries from different backgrounds, from politicians to the corporate world, community leaders and members.

Senator Paul Scarr represented the Prime Minister of Australia Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Mr Graham Perrett MP represented the Federal Opposition Leader Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Mr Suneet Mehta, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Australia, was present on behalf of the High Commissioner of India to Australia, His Excellency Shri Manpreet Vohra, Mr James Martin MP, the member for Stretton, conveyed the message of the Minister for Children, Justice for Youth, and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Hon. Leanne Linard MP, Mr Milton Dick MP, Federal Member for Oxley, Cr Angela Owen spoke on behalf

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of the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Cr Adrian Schrinner, Ct Teresa Harding, Mayor of Ipswich and Inspector Jacqui Honeywood, graced the occasion on behalf of the Police Commissioner of Queensland.

The President of FICQ, Mr Shyam Das, started the event with the welcome speech. He emphasised the significance of the celebration of India Australia Day and the objectives and vision of FICQ, its role in fostering unity in diversity and the development of a strong bilateral relationship between Australia and India, multiculturalism and new projects taken on board. He proudly announced the milestone achieved by FICQ in 2022, which is 25 years in the service of the community. He also assured the audience that 25th anniversary would be celebrated with great

zeal soon.

wishes for 2022.

He also thanked Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, the Premier of Queensland, for her best wishes. Hon. Mark Bailey MP, State Minister for Transport and Main Roads represented the Queensland Government. he also thanked Mr Jim Chalmers MP, The Federal Shadow Treasurer, and Dr Maha Sinnathamby MP, Patron of FICQ, for their beautiful video message.

Other dignitaries spoke about the importance of celebrating Australia Day and India’s Republic Day.

In conclusion, he thanked NADC and BCC for their continued support and extended his sincere thanks to his committee members for their tireless efforts to make such an event a great success.

He also emphasised getting vaccinated and enjoying freedom, which is the only response to this pandemic. He expressed concern over the growing new COVID 19 in Australia and conveyed his best

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Australia Day is a time for all Australians to reflect, respect and celebrate. We are all part of the story of Australia, and we celebrate being Australian together, free and fair. Our history began more than 60,000 years ago. Australia Day is a time to be united, not divided. We celebrate being part of a proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values the contribution of every citizen.

Besides informative and inspiring speeches, the event also showcased beautiful multicultural mesmerising performances.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks to the dignitaries, committee members, performers, supporters and the MC.

On India’s Republic Day, on 26th January 1950, India adopted its constitution for democracy, equality and respect for each other and obtained complete freedom from British rule.

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Australia welcomes return of international students and backpackers

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anberra, February 3: Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke MP, today announced strong arrival figures for International Students and Working Holiday Makers, in recent weeks.

“Australia is open for business. We are welcoming back increasing numbers of International Students, Backpackers, and Skilled migrants,” Minister Hawke said.

“Visa application rates have surged in the last week, since the Government’s announcement of a special Visa Application Charge (VAC) refund window for people who travel and arrive in Australia over the coming weeks,” he said.

“We are building back healthy pipelines of Working Holiday Makers, and we are processing these visas very quickly. The Government is seeing a surge in demand from backpackers and we are ready to welcome them to our shores,” he said.

“Confidence in Australia’s economic recovery is extremely strong. Unemployment is at record lows, industry and government are providing incentives for workers to come to Australia, and we are ready to meet the demand. We all have a role to play in the economic recovery, filling vital skills shortages, and the Government is providing these incentives to encourage skilled workers to come to Australia now and fulfil these opportunities and participate in the phenomenal economic recovery that we are seeing in Australia right now,” he said.

“There are more jobs now available in Australia than before the COVID-19-Pandemic, and there are still many more places available to Backpackers and

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Tamanna Monem wins Female Defence Leader Award

T Students that we are ready to fill, so come on down,” Minister Hawke said.

International Students Australia is proud to have welcomed the arrival of almost 7,000 International Students in the last week alone.

From 24 to 30 January we have witnessed the strong return of International Students to our shores - with almost 7,000 International students making the journey to Australia ahead of course commencement at Australian campuses right around the nation.

Since late November 2020 a total of 56,000 International Students have arrived in Australia.

Demand for Australian study visas has been particularly strong, in recent months, with more than 50,000 overseas student visa lodgements since late 2021.

Visa grants to International Students are flowing as a result of the Minister directing the Department to allocate additional resources to processing the visas of International Students.

Working Holiday Makers There was a 17% increase in the arrival of Working Holiday Makers in the last week.

From 24 to 30 January the number of Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417 and 462) applications has surged – with 2,600 visa applications lodged by overseas backpackers.

A total of 28,000 Working Holiday Maker visas have been approved in the last few months - since the reopening of international borders to fully vaccinated skilled workers, International Students and Working Holiday Makers - in line with the National Plan to safely reopen Australia.

The Morrison Government has

signed a number of new and increased Working Holiday Maker arrangements with partner countries, in recent years, with a total of 45 partner countries or regions now participating in the program.

Refunds of visa application charges Fully vaccinated International Students and Working Holiday Makers have been encouraged to return to Australia now to support our economic recovery and to commence studies through the launch of a new Visa Application Charge (VAC) refund window for eligible travellers.

Working Holiday Maker visa holders (subclasses 417 or 462) who are outside Australia and arrive in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 April 2022 are eligible for a VAC refund.

Student visa holders who are outside Australia and arrive in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 March 2022 are eligible for a VAC refund.

Further information about refunds is available online.

Attracting more International Students and Working Holiday Makers These initiatives are proudly supported by a new $7 million marketing campaign to attract young people from overseas to work and holiday in Australia.

The Work and Play the Aussie Way campaign encourages the uptake of Working Holiday Maker visas in the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and Republic of Korea, by giving young travellers a glimpse of the adventures that await them while working and travelling Australia.

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is also running a campaign to attract more international students.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

amanna Monem has been awarded as the Female Defence Leader 2021. This award acknowledges Tamanna’s authentic, innovative and inclusive leadership to drive defence industry projects, over the past few years, leading defence strategy, initiating defence summits, and helping SMEs to get access to defence industry mentoring and defence supply chain opportunities.

She was acknowledged as a high performing, innovating and authentic leader in defence industry.

Defence Connect’s Australian Defence Industry Award is a peak platform that recognises the comprehensive role of the defence industry as a fundamental input to Australia’s

capability.

This esteemed awards program celebrates the achievements and excellence of the industry’s most successful professionals and businesses.

Previously, Tamanna has received the Rising Star award and Professional of the Year award for her contributions to help empowering SMEs for defence and her contribution to shaping India Australia trade relationship.

Tamanna is leading strategy and partnerships at the Queensland AI Hub. She is a board member of Australian AI Collective. Tamanna is Women in Business Qld Chair and National Advisor for Export and Investment at Australia India Business Council (AIBC).

Australia reopening to tourists and other international travellers from Feb 21

A

ustralia will reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders, welcoming the return of tourists, business travellers, and other visitors from 21 February.

These changes will ensure we protect the health of Australians, while we continue to secure our economic recovery.

Australia’s health system has demonstrated its resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including though the recent Omicron wave. With improving health conditions, including a recent 23 per cent decline in hospitalisations due to COVID, the National Security Committee of Cabinet today agreed Australia is ready to further progress the staged reopening of our international border.

Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia, and will be subject to

state and territory quarantine requirements.

Today’s announcement will give certainty to our vital tourism industry, and allow them to start planning, hiring and preparing for our reopening. In 2018-19, tourism generated more than $60 billion for the Australian economy, with more than 660,000 jobs dependent on the industry.

Since the Morrison Government commenced Australia’s staged international border reopening on 1 November 2021 we have seen almost 580,000 arrivals come to Australia including to reunite with loved ones, work or study.

The Commonwealth continues to work with States and Territories on the safe resumption of the cruise industry and looks forward to further announcements on this in due course.

Press release from PM Scott Morrison MP

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WHAT’S ON

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REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Planting the seeds for growth- Indy’s disability support story Moving from India and becoming a disability support worker wasn’t where Indy expected he’d end up. But after jobs in horticulture and then in the police force, he realised it was exactly where he was supposed to be.

While it might seem an unexpected career path, Indy says his previous work experience has led him to where he is now.

“In horticulture, I was working in disability residential accommodation and recovery places, which is when I realised how important it is for people to have greenery around them. I regularly met people with disability there,” he says.

“Then, the police force. It was a big change but something I always wanted to try. I worked there for five years, and again had many interactions with people with disability. I wanted to try and understand and help them as much as I could, but it was hard to provide support in that role.”

It was then that Indy decided disability support was what he wanted to do. He started studying community services through TAFE. “I was studying full time while working part time in the police force. I really enjoyed the course and started working in the care and support sector so I could get a feel for what it involved,” says Indy.

While he was studying, Indy found work supporting a person with disability who lived nearby.

He jumped at the opportunity to gain experience while studying.

“This person had had a stroke and needed support to look after their health. It was a really eye-opening time for me – that you could be supporting anyone, from any walk of life,” says Indy.

That work took Indy somewhere he didn’t imagine a role in support would – overseas.

“My client told me he was going on a trip with his family and he wanted to bring me along.

We went to the Pacific Islands in Tonga – I would never have gone there on my own, it was amazing,” he says.

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PM Narendra Modi sends High Commission, Canberra, felicitation celebrates Republic Day of India personalised to Matthew Hayden AM

T

he High Commission of India in Australia celebrated the 73rd Republic Day of India on January 26, and at the event the High Commissioner Shri Manpreet Vohra, after unfurling the Indian flag, read the President’s message to the Indian community present there.

Shri Manpreet Vohra on his Twitter thanked PM Scott Morrison and said: "Thank you Prime Minister Scott Morrison, January 26 is really very special for both Indians and Australians.”

Also, Prime Minister Scott

Morrison shared on Twitter a letter he had written celebrating the twin events. He wrote how 26 January is a wonderful coincidence in global history, with the Australia Day and India's Republic Day falling on the same day.

T

he Institute for Australia India Engagement's Goodwill Ambassador to India and Board member Matthew Hayden AM was felicitated by India's Honorary Consul Archana Singh in Brisbane, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on January 28 in Brisbane.

In Brisbane, Matthew Hayden and Professor Dr Ian Hall, Academic Fellow of the Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne, were given personalised felicitation letters from Honorable Prime Minister of India.

Matthew Hayden received a personal letter of appreciation from PM Modi for his role in building bilateral ties, friendship with India and the Indian people

and Indian diaspora in Australia, and standing with India in tough times.

Matthew Hayden remains connected with Sadguru and Isha Foundation and calls Tamil Nadu his spiritual home. He has played for the Chennai Super Kings IPL Franchise, and nowadays commentates in the tournament.

INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND QUEENSLAND extends its greetings to Matthew Hayden for this rare honor.

GOPIO Gold Coast celebrates Indian Republic Day and Australia Day

G

lobal Organisation of People of Indian Origin GOPIO Gold Coast Inc. hosted the combined celebrations for the 73rd Indian Republic Day and Australia Day on January 30.

This event aimed to unite all members of Indian and Australian

community to honor this special day. Considering the current COVID-19 situation on the Gold Coast and Queensland, this year the event was hosted virtually.

Ms Karen Andrews, Minister for Home Affairs and Member for Moncrieff, spoke at the web event,

and other prominent people who attended the event included Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane, Mrs Archana Singh, Dr Ram Mohan, Mrs Seema Chauhan, Prerna Pahwa, Preetham Krishna, among others.

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250 Calamvale Ward residents get citizenship

N

early 250 Calamvale Ward residents became Australian Citizens on Jan 22 at the online ceremony in Brisbane, with Cr Angela Owen, Councillor for Calamvale Ward, as the Presiding Officer.

Also, it was extra special for Sri Lankan born couple Shyam (a multimedia designer) and Madhavi (a nurse) whose newborn son was born in the front seat of their car in the hospital carpark on Thursday morning, as Shyam had to assist delivering him.

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PM Scott Morrison's message AIBC hosts virtual celebration of India's Republic Day and Australia Day on Australia Day 2022

The AIBC NSW and Qld State Chapters jointly hosted a special Virtual Event on 26 January 2022, to celebrate Australia Day and commemorate India’s Republic Day and 75 years of Indian Independence.

The well-attended event, brought together government and business representatives from Australia and India, as well as Indigenous business leaders, AIBC members and sponsors. & Security, Education & Skills Development, Infrastructure, Financial services, Healthcare, ICT & Digital, Make in India and Women in Business. Going forward AIBC will continue to work towards building stronger platforms in facilitating and nurturing growth opportunities for business and investment between Australia and India.”

I

rfan Malik, AIBC NSW State Chapter President and Co-Host of the evening with Indu Balachandran, AIBC NSW Management Committee member, in his Welcome Address said this was an important day when Australia and India had come together to connect, reflect and be part of their shared vision to shape their future. “The core theme of the event is celebrating and fostering Australia India bilateral People to People Connect to Enable Business to Business Outcomes and Impact, and never before have Australia and India been so close in multicultural and bilateral opportunities. I want to also introduce the smiles framework. Whenever there are bilateral opportunities, there’s a focus on the SMILES framework which recognises small, medium and large enterprises, but also indigenous businesses and startups as well. AIBC has a strong focus on indigenous business collaboration and support, and I'm pleased to welcome some of our indigenous business leaders today.”

Indu Balachandran said the AIBC promoted business engagement across nations very much through relationships between people and hoped this was the start of connecting Indian, Australian and First Nations people who have a vision of collaboration that will lead to strong cultural, economic and social outcomes.

“Having worked for many years in indigenous businesses, social enterprises and within indigenous communities. I believe that Indian and indigenous businesses must and will trade.

We will trade and share stories and cultural knowledge. And within all those, I think will be the strongest shared future for this

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nation.”

In his Welcome to Country Address Steven Coghill, Indigenous Affairs Advisor at Santos, Brisbane, thanked the AIBC for incorporating the indigenous perspective on this Australia survival day and mentioned his connection to his place of birth was the same as that of his father, and those of his ancestors, who all had a traditional, custodial attachment and responsibility to southeast Queensland. He said, “First Nations people, and Torres Strait Islander people, have been involved in the economic development of this nation and continue to explore opportunities to improve our economic outcomes. Indigenous people are always exploring prospects of political, economic and cultural integrity.”

In his Keynote Address Jim Varghese AM, AIBC National Chair, acknowledged the importance of indigenous representation at the event and also acknowledge Florence Drummond as the first elected AIBC indigenous executive committee member from Western Australia. “AIBC had over 35 years of promoting trade and Investment with a focussed and visionary approach of building partnerships and collaborations.

We have further strengthened our bilateral business commitment by establishing the Australia India Business Enterprise (AIBE) the commercial arm of AIBC. AIBC maintains a close relationship with the state and federal governments of Australia and India and industry. With chapters in every state and the ACT, national industry chapters representing a range of industry including Agribusiness, Defence

Congratulating the AIBC on this prestigious event Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney, said bilateral ties between India and Australia had grown from strength to strength.

“The comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries and regular high level interactions between our Prime Ministers are indicative of this relationship. The determination of both governments is to conclude a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement by the end of the year. This offers valuable opportunities to both Indian and Australian businesses.”

In her video message, Archana Singh Consul General of India, Brisbane, said over time the shared values and the shared commitment to liberal democratic ideals. “We are natural partners, on the cricket field or in the field of trade and commerce. I acknowledge the great work that has been done by all on both sides and look forward to the future, as the possibilities are limitless. Members of the Indian diaspora and Indian businesses, who now call Queensland home, must be congratulated for their contribution to our robust society.”

Through a video message from Chennai, Sarah Kirlew Australian Consul General, South India, said the shared national day was just one of the many wonderful connections Australia had with India. “The elevation of the Australia India bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership reflects the strategic connection we find about in our values and interests in a rapidly changing world.

On the trade and economic front, New South Wales and its businesses are strongly represented here in South India, as well as Indian companies with a large investment presence in NSW. The NSW Government will also be appointing a local trade commissioner in Bengaluru, joining our growing presence there, with the trade office soon to be upgraded to a full Consulate General.”

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oday there will be thousands of gatherings where Australians will celebrate our country.

the world. Combined with one of the world’s highest vaccination rates, Australia is well set up to secure our recovery.

We’ll gather together at breakfasts, BBQs, picnics, surf carnivals, and flag raisings and reflect on the country that we are and the people we have become.

We have faced the most difficult challenges in three quarters of a century and worked together delivering what has been an extraordinary national achievement.

Though there will be a lightheartedness in so many places, our celebration is one that understands the textures of our Australian story. A story of strength and resilience that spans 65,000

Through this time, there has also been a realisation of what is truly important - our health, our family, our friends, our jobs, our communities and our sovereignty as a free people.

years, of a continent that we love and contend with, and of a free and fair people who live in relative harmony.

There’s been a clarity as well with a renewed understanding about what we can accomplish as a people.

Today as part of our celebrations, over 16,000 people, in over 400 locations, from more than 130 nations, will become Australian citizens, adding their own talents, strengths and hopes to

Australians have a quiet confidence. It’s a confidence to do what is right and a confidence in each other.

our shared national fabric. It is a reminder that Australia is the most successful multi-cultural and multi-faith nation on Earth.

On this Australia Day, we also reflect on what it means to be Australian during the extraordinary times that we live in.

While our journey has not been perfect, Australia is emerging from a once in a century pandemic with one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID and with one of the strongest advanced economies in

Today, on this Australia Day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude.

Gratitude for a history that spans 65,000 years; a continent of unmatched beauty and wonder; a democratic tradition that is the foundation of our freedom; and the multicultural and multi-faith communities that add so much to our national life.

Above all, I’m grateful for the Australian people, whose character, determination and heart inspire me every day.

We have much to be thankful for.

Happy Australia Day! The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia

Gandhi Ji's 74th Martyr Day celebrated

O

n 74th Martyr's Day of Mahatma Gandhi, High Commission of India and ICCR organised the celebrations with the talk on ‘Satyagraha -The Pathway to Global Peace’ by Dr Shobhana Radhakrishna on January 30.

India and the Indian diaspora across the world observe Mahatma Gandhi’s 74th death anniversary on this day. The day is also observed as Martyrs’s Day to commemorate freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to get us freedom and harmony.

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WORLD NEWS

Pak's secret delegation to Afghanistan holds Russia carries out large-scale drills in Black Sea amid Ukraine tensions talks with TTP chief, Haqqani network The Newsman

which has close ideological and organisational ties with the TTP. The Afghan militant group is also a long-time ally of Islamabad, its main foreign sponsor.

The Pakistani delegation also visited Kabul, where it met senior members of the Haqqani network, a key Afghan Taliban faction, said a source with knowledge of the delegation's visit.

The network is a US-designated terrorist organisation, the report said.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Pakistan sent a secret delegation to neighbouring Afghanistan to hold talks with the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as part of the efforts to revive peace efforts with the militant group, RFE/RL reported.

The TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has intensified its attacks in Pakistan since a month-long ceasefire expired and peace talks collapsed in December last.

The Pakistani delegation held several days of talks with TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud and members of the extremist group's leadership council in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, said sources with knowledge of the discussions, the report said.

The delegation -- which arrived in Paktika's Bermal district on January 9 -- consisted of influential Pashtun tribal elders

from Pakistan, the sources said.

Many members of the TTP are Pashtuns from the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which straddles the border with Afghanistan.

"The elders stayed there for two nights and held three or four rounds of discussions," said a source close to the delegation, adding, "The TTP leadership welcomed the delegation with traditional Pashtun hospitality and slaughtered two sheep."

The source added that the talks centred on reviving the expired truce and resuming talks over a negotiated end to the TTP's 14-year insurgency in Pakistan, where thousands of people have been killed in militant attacks and clashes between the TTP and the military, the report said.

The talks between the Pakistani delegation and the TTP were mediated by the Afghan Taliban,

The Taliban's Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the head of the Haqqani network, has been the key facilitator for the talks between Islamabad and the TTP. But the delegation did not meet with Haqqani, the source said, adding that the reason was unclear, RFE/RL reported.

"The delegation proposed an offer [on behalf of the government] to release half of the 100 TTP prisoners," said a member of the delegation who did not wish to be named.

"But the TTP leadership did not agree," he said.

A source close to the delegation said TTP leaders complained that Islamabad had repeatedly backtracked on a "promise" to release all the prisoners.

The delegation returned to Pakistan on January 11. They were expected to brief Pakistan military officials upon their return, the sources said, the report added.

UK PM welcomes police probe into Downing Street lockdown parties VOX

at Downing Street, though the date for its release has yet to be announced, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the debate about the police investigation, politicians from the main opposition Labour Party, the minority Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party called on Johnson to step down as Prime Minister.

Liberal Democrats leader, Ed Davey told lawmakers that the government was in meltdown, adding: "We can't go on with this chaotic government."

London, January 26 (IANS): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons that he welcomed a police investigation into alleged parties at Downing Street during the national lockdown.

the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19."

He called on Johnson to "do the right thing and resign."

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan also welcomed the investigation into the Downing Street parties by the Metropolitan Police.

Johnson faced calls to resign from opposition politicians during an urgent debate on January 25 following the announcement by the Commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, that a police investigation has been launched into "a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in

"I welcome the Met's decision to conduct its own investigation. I believe it will give the public the clarity it needs and draw a line under matters," Johnson told the lawmakers.

The Prime Minister said he had commissioned an independent inquiry into a series of events at Downing Street, which "involved sharing information with the police continuously."

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Senior civil servant Sue Gray is conducting the said inquiry into these alleged lockdown parties

"The public rightly expect the police to uphold the law without fear or favour, no matter who that involves. The public must be able to expect the highest standards from everyone, including the Prime Minister and those around him. No one is above the law.

There cannot be one rule for the government and another for everyone else," Khan said.

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Moscow, January 27 (IANS): More than 20 Russian warships and supporting vessels had left their bases for exercises in the Black Sea, Russia's Defence Ministry said on January 26.

The naval group, which consists of frigates, patrol ships, missile ships, landing ships, anti-submarine ships and minesweepers, was sailing towards the designated areas, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement released by the ministry.

On the way to the drills, the Russian vessels will practice

communications, safe maneuvers in areas with intensive navigation, and air defence, it added.

On January 24, another 20 Russian warships and supporting vessels started large-scale drills in the Baltic Sea to carry out anti-submarine, air defence and mine-sweeping tasks, according to another statement.

These drills came as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to Eastern Europe as tensions in and around Ukraine had escalated.

Saudi-led airstrikes hit military camp in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, January 26 (IANS): The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has launched multiple airstrikes on a military camp controlled by the Houthi militia in the Yemeni capital, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

On January 25 midnight, it was the second consecutive day of airstrikes by the coalition that hit the al-Siyanah maintenance camp in central Sanaa, Xinhua news agency reported citing al-Masirah TV. The explosions smashed windows

of nearby houses and sent a fire which could be seen from downtown.

The airstrikes came after the militia claimed responsibility for explosive-laden drones and ballistic missile attacks on sites in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on January 24 morning.

This was the second of such cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE claimed by the Houthi militia in nearly a week.

Global education loss due to pandemic irrevocable: Unicef New York, January 25 (IANS): More than 616 million students remain affected by full or partial school closures, a Unicef report on January 25 said marking the International Day of Education.

Even as the Covid-19 pandemic nears its two-year mark, in the report Unicef shares the latest available data on the impact of the pandemic on children's learning.

"In March, we will mark two years of Covid-19-related disruptions to global education.

Quite simply, we are looking at a nearly insurmountable scale of loss to children's schooling," said Robert Jenkins, Unicef Chief of Education, in a statement.

Children have lost basic numeracy and literacy skills.

In low- and middle-income countries, learning losses to school closures have left up to 70 percent of 10-year-olds unable to read or understand a simple text, up from 53 per cent prepandemic, the report said.

In Ethiopia, primary school children are estimated to have learned between 30 to 40 per cent of the math they would have learned if it had been a normal school year.

In several Brazilian states, around three in four children in grade 2 are off-track in reading, up from 1 in 2 children pre-pandemic.

In South Africa, schoolchildren are between 75 per cent and a full school year behind where they

should be.

In India, 80 percent of adolescents between 14-18 years, reported learning less due to extended closure of schools.

Learning losses have been observed even in developed countries like the UK, US and Australia.

In addition, school closures have also impacted children's mental health, reduced their access to a regular source of nutrition, and increased their risk of abuse.

A growing body of evidence shows that Covid-19 has caused high rates of anxiety and depression among children and young people, with some studies finding that girls, adolescents and those living in rural areas are most likely to experience these problems.

Further, more than 370 million children globally missed out on school meals during school closures, losing what is for some children the only reliable source of food and daily nutrition, the report said.

While the disruptions to learning must end, just reopening schools may not be enough, Jenkins said.

"Students need intensive support to recover lost education. Schools must also go beyond places of learning to rebuild children's mental and physical health, social development and nutrition," he added.

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India, France sign MoU for extended health research New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Widening the scope for cooperation in health research, India and France have signed an MoU aimed at joint research and focus on emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and inherited disorders, an official statement said on January 26.

General Dr Shekhar C. Mande and Institut Pasteur President, Professor Stewart Cole signed the MoU. French Ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain commended this effort and underscored its importance and impact in the overall India-France S&T relations.

The MoU, signed on January 25 between India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and France's Institut Pasteur, would enable delivery of effective and affordable healthcare solutions not only for the people of India and France but for the global good, a Science and Technology Ministry statement said.

Extending full support to this collaboration, Ambassador of India to France and the Embassy of India, represented by Deputy Chief of Mission, Dr Praphulla Chandra Sharma termed it as a need of the hour, particularly in the age of the pandemic.

The MoU provides for developing potential scientific and technological cooperation and networking in advanced and emerging areas of human health between scientists and institutes/ laboratories of CSIR and Institut Pasteur and its international network.

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Director

The path ahead for execution of collaboration activities under the MoU was presented

by Director CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Dr Vinay K Nandicoori in discussion with Senior Executive Scientific Vice-President, Scientific Affairs Department, Institut Pasteur, Professor Christophe d'Enfert.

Emphasising the commonalities of interest and expertise of the two institutions, Director General

for Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, France, Dr Claire Giry appreciated the initiative.

The senior leadership in the healthcare domain from CSIR and Pasteur, a 14-member delegation from CSIR and DST and 15-member delegation from Institut Pasteur and over 10 representatives from the Indian and French Missions and Indian External Affairs ministry attended the meeting, which was a hybrid event on the Indian side.

The gathering of the scientific fraternity appreciated the intellectual young enthusiastic workforce on both sides and indicated enormous opportunities for working together for identifying and developing new mechanisms and models, in cell biology, virology, vaccine development, infectious diseases, and working on computational biology and human evolutionary genetics studies, the release said.

BSF, Pak Rangers exchange sweets at Attari-Wagah border

IANS

WORLD NEWS

Modi most approved leader in the world with 71% rating New Delhi, January 21 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the most popular leader in the world among adults with 71 percent rating, leaving behind prominent global leaders like US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Olaf Scholz and others, revealed a survey.

In the survey conducted by Morning Consult Political Intelligence, Modi secured a 71 percent approval rating, whereas Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador came second with 66 per cent, followed by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi with 60 per cent approval.

With 43 percent approval rating, US President Joe Biden came sixth in the list of 13 world leaders.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is at the bottom with 26 per cent, the survey revealed.

Other leaders in the list are Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil President), Fumio Kishida ( Japan Prime Minister), Emmanuel Macron (France President); Moon Jae-in (South Korean President), Scott Morrison(Australian Prime

Minister); Pedro Sanchez (Spain PM); Olaf Scholz (German Chancellor) and Justin Trudeau (Canada PM).

The Morning Consult Political Intelligence is currently tracking the approval ratings of government leaders and country trajectories in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, the UK and the US. With the latest data for all 13 countries, offering real-time insight into the shifting political dynamics across the globe, the latest approval ratings are based on data collected from January 13-19, 2022.

Approval ratings are based on a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country.

Biden warns Putin of 'personal sanctions' if Ukraine is invaded

in October 2016, the BSF did not offer sweets to Pakistan Rangers.

Because of the Covid pandemic, the flag lowering ceremony or Beating Retreat border ceremony have been suspended at AttariWagah border.

The 'Beating Retreat' on the border has been observed since 1959.

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): The Border Security Force (BSF) and its Pakistani counterpart Pak Rangers on January 26 exchanged sweets on the occasion of the 73rd Republic day of India.

The officials of the BSF and Pak Rangers exchanged sweets and pleasantries.

The exchange of sweets was suspended in the last two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic whereas earlier in 2018, the BSF skipped the tradition on January

26 over growing incidents of ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border.

Even in 2019, both border guarding forces of India and Pakistan did not exchange sweets and greetings on the occasion of Eid along the Attari-Wagah border as Pakistan chose to skip the friendlier gesture at the border after the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir was revoked.

Similarly, after the surgical strike

At the International Border between India and Pakistan, the pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard occur within the handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces.

Wagah, an army outpost on the India-Pakistan border between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides.

Soldiers from both the countries march in a drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags.

Similar parades are organised at Mahavir/Sadqi border near Fazilka and Hussainiwala/Ganda Singh Wala border near Firozpur.

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Washington/London, January 26 (IANS): Upping the ante amid prevailing tensions over Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be sanctioned personally if he sends troops into Ukraine even as representatives of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany were due to meet on January 26 for talks.

In a brief interaction with media persons on January 25, Biden said "Yes" when asked if sanctions could be imposed on the Russian President personally if his country invades Ukraine, adding that such a move would mean "enormous consequences worldwide".

He also said that the US could commit more military strength in eastern Europe in case of any Russian invasion, but ruled out sending them to Ukraine itself, though military supplies, including anti-tank missiles, have been sent. The US has also put around 8,500 troops on alert.

The UK has also been hawklike on the situation and on January 26,

its Foreign Minister Liz Truss told the BBC that the Boris Johnson government has "ruled nothing out" -- including sanctions against the Russian leader -adding that the UK is looking to "toughen up" its sanctions on people, banks and businesses.

Reacting to Biden's threats, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said such sanctions would not be "painful" for the President but would be "politically destructive", the BBC reported.

At the heart of the dispute is Russian troop concentrations on Ukraine's borders, with the West claiming Russia is poised to invade, but Russia has denied any such intent.

On the other hand, Russia demands that Ukraine not be inducted into NATO, like many other ex-Soviet states and formerly Communist countries of Central and East Europe, and the alliance should not station advanced weapons near its borders, but NATO says it cannot accept a Russian veto over its functioning.

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WORLD THIS WEEK

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

Compiled by D. Suba Chandran, Ashwin Dhanabalan, Angkuran Dey and Meghna Manoj

The US-Russia talks on Ukraine: “Useful, honest, direct and business-like”

The New York Times

What happened?

On 21 January, Antony Blinken (the US Secretary of State) and Sergey Lavrov (the Russian Foreign Minister) met in Geneva.

The discussions focussed on the following: tensions over Ukraine relating to the threat of war, Russian troops along the Ukraine border, the West's military presence in Eastern Europe, and a written response to Russia's demands. Blinken and Lavrov were quoted to have stated that the talks were "direct, business-like" and "useful, honest discussion", respectively. Blinken, in an interview, immediately after the talks, stated: "We didn't expect any breakthroughs to happen today. But I believe we are now on a clearer path in terms of understanding each other's concerns."

On the same day, in the introductory remarks to the meeting, Lavrov said: "What we expect is concrete answers to our concrete proposals in the vein and in compliance with the obligations that were adopted at the highest level within the OSCE. I'm referring particularly to the principle of indivisibility of security, as well as the obligation of countries not to strengthen their own security at the expense of the security of others. We would be very much interested to listen to how the US interprets these obligations and these principles." Blinken said: "I come from consulting with allies and partners, as well as from Ukraine itself. That too is part of an ongoing effort to work closely, coordinate with, consult with all of our allies and partners who share our deep concerns about the moment we're in. We are – all of us – equally committed to the path of diplomacy and dialogue to try to resolve our differences."

On the same day, immediately after the meeting, in an interview, Blinken shared the following with the media on what he conveyed to Russia: The discussion today with Minister Lavrov was frank and substantive. I conveyed the position of the United States and our European allies and partners that we stand firmly with Ukraine

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in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We've been clear that if any Russian military forces move across Ukraine's border, that's a renewed invasion.

It will be met with swift, severe, and a united response from the United States and our partners and allies." In his interview, Blinken also made a point on how the West looks at the Russian strategy: "We also know from experience that Russia has an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks, paramilitary tactics, and other means of advancing their interests aggressively without overtly using military action. Those types of Russian aggression will also be met with a decisive, calibrated, and again, united response." About the talks, Lavrov said: "I can't say whether we are on the right path or not.

We will see when we get the American responses."

On 22 January, the Russian news agency TASS referred to a foreign ministry note, quoted: "It was made clear to Antony Blinken that further ignoring Russia's legal concerns, first of all, those linked with the United States' and its NATO allies' advance in Ukraine amid the large-scale deployment of the alliance's forces and weapons near our border, will have the most serious consequences. It can be avoided if Washington positively responds to our draft agreements on security guarantees. We expect to receive the American side's written article-by-article response next week."

What does it mean?

First, the crisis over Ukraine has been postponed but not resolved.

Both Blinken and Lavrov have agreed to continue the diplomatic approach towards Ukraine; if there is a success, they have also agreed to explore another summit-level meeting at the highest level between Biden and Putin.

Second, the meeting points between the US and Russia.

Outside Ukraine, there are a few other issues, including arms control and Nord Stream, where Washington and Moscow have differences. Ukraine is not the only issue in Europe between the US and Russia.

Third, while the White House would want to maintain the status quo in Europe, the Kremlin sees an opportunity to reassert its sphere of influence, especially in Eastern Europe, and prevent any further expansion of the EU and NATO. Fourth, Putin is willing to take risks, whereas Biden wants to avoid them. Putin is engaged in salami slicing. Biden wants to create a larger template. Ukraine explains the asymmetry between the two.

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Afghanistan: The EU reopens its embassy in Kabul Japan and the US: Tokyo and Washington discuss China's growing military assertiveness On 21 January, US President Joe Biden met with the Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Fumio Kishida virtually to discuss China's growing assertiveness in the Pacific. They also discussed the crackdowns on democracy in Hong Kong and the forced labor practices in Xinjiang.

Furthermore, Kishida expressed his concerns about China's intentions in the South China Sea as it had stepped up its military presence in the region. In addition, the Senkaku islands or the Diaoyu islands have continued to remain a bone of contention between the two countries. Kishida said: "President Biden and I were able to exchange views frankl which I believe will lead to further strengthening of the Japan-US alliance."

Tonga: Supply planes land a week after the volcanic eruption On 20 January, the first foreign aid supply planes landed in Tonga, carrying essential supplies. The military planes from New Zealand could arrive only after the ash was cleared from the runway. Australian supply planes also landed after a few hours. Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton tweeted about it, saying: "Tonga is a very important member of our Pacific family and we have committed to supporting them however we can."

Indonesia: New capital approved by the House

On 18 January, Indonesia's House of Representatives approved the legal framework for relocating the Indonesian capital to Nusantara, a Javanese word for 'archipelago'.

Jakarta has been reeling with overpopulation pollution and is one of the world's fastest-sinking cities. Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa, on the approval of the bill, stated: "The new capital has a central function and is a symbol of the identity of the nation, as well as a new centre of economic gravity." The relocation is scheduled between 2022 and 2024, with an approximate cost of

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On 21 January, the EU resumed its embassy and limited services in Kabul to emphasize a "minimal presence" for smoother movement of humanitarian aid. The EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson made a statement: "Our minimal presence in Kabul must not in any way be seen as recognition of the Taliban government there." The primary objective is to make it easier for the international European delegation staff to monitor the deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

the attacks under "Threats to International Peace and Security".

They also stressed the need to hold "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable".

France: Macron suggests Normandy format talks to deal with the Ukraine crisis Foreign Policy

The Maldives: Indian teachers face the heat of the "India Out" campaigns On 19 January, reports highlighted the harassment faced by Indian origin teachers in the Maldives due to the intensified "India Out" protests. The Education Ministry of Maldives confirmed two cases of teachers facing harassment on the streets by anti-India groups. However, the Maldivian government reassured India, saying: "India has always been the Maldives' closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts."

The government also said it would take decisive action against spreading false information regarding India out protests on social media.

UAE: UNSC council condemns terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi On 21 January, the UAE envoy to the UNSC appreciated the Council's condemnation of the terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi.

In addition, the Council held the Houthi militia in Yemen accountable for its crimes and called for measures to prevent future attacks by the militia. The 15 council members released a joint statement saying: "The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Monday, 17 January, as well as in other sites in Saudi Arabia." The Council discussed

On 19 January, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that the EU open its talks with Russia rather than relying on the US. Macron currently holds the Presidency of the EU and hopes to revitalize the four-way talks through the Normandy format between Russia, Germany, France, and Ukraine. Macron said: "I think our credibility vis-a-vis Russia lies primarily in entering into demanding dialogue."

The UK: Lawmakers challenge Boris Johnson to resign over lockdown parties On 19 January, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson received challenges to resign from lawmakers over allegations regarding the lockdown parties. He won the office with a massive majority in 2019, but his recent scandals and accusations led to questioning his authority. Johnson tried to defend his case by citing various reasons, but the opponents have called for him to resign. The 54 Members of the Parliament will have to submit a no-confidence vote to the Chairman of the party's committee to bring about a challenge to leadership.

It is speculated that about 20 conservative lawmakers have planned to submit a noconfidence vote, among others.

UAE: UNSC council condemns terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi

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EDITORIAL

From the editor's desk Reflecting on India’s

A Republic Day with a difference

Bloomsberg

Republic, 73 Years On

By Michelle Rowland MP

A

s we approach India’s 73rd Republic Day, I am reminded of my dual trips to the nation a few years ago.

During my time in Chennai, Amritsar and Delhi, to Agra, Jaipur and Mumbai, the character of India and its people quickly became clear — India is a nation defined by its ability to care for its neighbours, on a micro and macro level.

Through India’s innovative rigour, economic success, value for diversity, ability to collaborate, and technological leadership, it has become imperative in developing solutions that benefit nations across the globe.

participated and shared their inspirational stories through essays, poems, drawings and multimedia presentations. 25 were selected and received cash prize of Rs 10,000 and witness the R-Day parade.

Before the parade the contingents of Central Armed Police Forces undertook static band performances.

I

ndia has been celebrating Republic Day since 1951, and parade has been taking place at the Rajpath since 1955. But this year the Republic Day was a unique event in many ways.

'Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman' programme by National Cadet Corps was lunched this year. To commemorate India’s 75th year of independence 75 aircrafts and helicopters of the Indian Air Force saluted the Supreme Commander.

The cultural performances by 480 dancers were a culmination of a nationwide Vande Bharatam dance competition.

A drone show was done involving 1,000 indigenously developed drones as a product of Make in India campaign.

The parade timing was changed to 10:30am., from 10am. for better visibility of the parade and flypast.

People got to vote for best marching contingent and tableau in popular choice category.

Special arrangements were made for the auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers, safai karamcharis and frontline health workers to watch the Republic Day Parade as well as the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the country's bravehearts at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

As a part of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education initiative over eight lakh students from around 4,800 schools across the country

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Projection mapping commemorated 75 years of Independence for 3-4 minutes on the walls of North and South Block before the end of the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony.

In total there were 16 marching contingents and the Indian Army showcased the evolution of the uniforms and arms over the decades in the parade. Indian Army contingents wore uniform from three decades including the present-day olive green and the new combat uniform.

The first contingent of Rajput Regiment wore the uniform from 1950 and march with .303 rifles.

The second of Assam regiment wore the uniform from 1960 and will carry .303 rifles.

Troops from Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry donned the uniform from 1970 along with the 7.62 mm rifle.

Sikh Light Infantry and Army Ordnance Corps wore the present day olive green along with the INSAS rifles.

India has become a hub for research and development, with over 70 per cent of the world's most innovative firms having centres there.

During the pandemic, India’s COVID vaccine producers shared their supply with at least six of their neighbours: Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and The Seychelles.

And, in response to the pandemic, India continues to be on the frontline of solutions-based research, stating it will financially support 75 start-up organisations in their pursuit to further developments on telemedicine and digital health.

Most recently, India’s launch of the Indian Space Association (ISpA) in October 2021 has accelerated technological advancements in the world’s collective space sector.

India’s innovative potential has fed in to its production capacity.

I spent a week in Gujarat, attending the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit for Trade and Investment — the world’s 2nd largest investment forum.

There, India’s innovative potential was illuminated, setting a high standard for the rest of the world.

The automotive industry in India, for instance, is one of the largest and is projected to create 14.9 million jobs by the end of 2022.

India’s acumen for construction

has resulted in jobs generation, as it constructs over 40km of highways per day across the nation.

Not to mention, the Bhadla Solar Park in the Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, is the largest in the world.

The diaspora continues to benefit from India’s innovative capabilities, as IT centers like Tata Infosys Mahindra assist with technology here in North Sydney, employing thousands of residents.

Beyond their academic successes, Indian Australians are also making their mark in the sports arena. From Jason Sangha and Gurinder Sandhu from Western Sydney, playing for our Sydney Thunder team, to Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s T20 captain and player of the tournament in the Women’s Big Bash League.

India’s diplomatic attitude of solutions-based action and generosity has become inherent within the nation's people, including its diaspora here in Australia.

Throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2021, people of Indian heritage in my electorate of Greenway kept our community going, without any expectation of thanks or reward.

Turbans 4 Australia were responsible for delivering 271,000 free meals across the nation, lending a total of 585 days for COVID-19 Crisis Support.

The Hindu Council of Australia has embodied the essence of Raksha Bandhan – showing selfless-service and dedication throughout the last two years especially, initiating food drives across the state and country to anyone who needed it, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity.

The HCA created the Hindu Benevolent Fund, which provides financial help to people in distress as a result of the lockdowns, as well as the Karma Kitchen dedicated to feeding homeless people.

The Harman Foundation initiated a food drive named Langar for

Hunger, distributing 7000 meals throughout Blacktown during the pandemic.

Amidst the lockdowns in NSW, where places of worship were closed to the public, the Gurdwara Sahib Temple in Glenwood did not leave their spaces empty. Instead, they created a pop-up vaccine clinic, supplying any individual with ample access to vaccinations.

The contributions of the Indian diaspora to Australia are seemingly endless, and their place in our community is invaluable.

Only a week ago, as the Omicron virus grips Australia causing many to lock down, said organisations consistently contacted my team, making them aware of any initiatives they were providing to ensure anybody who required their services, had access to them.

This Indian Republic Day, Indians and their diaspora should take immense pride in India. They should do so not only for their contributions on a global stage through technological and medical innovation, but also for their benefaction each day, in communities across the world.

73 years since the official declaration of India as a republic, India has become a prominent world leader ever dedicated to furthering innovation, fostering diversity and prioritizing harmony, domestically and internationally.

Happy India Republic Day 2022!

Michelle Rowland MP is member of the Australian Labor Party and has represented the Division of Greenway in the House of Representatives since 2010

The sixth contingent of the Parachute regiment soldiers wore the new combat uniform.

Due to Covid restrictions each marching contingent consisted of 96 soldiers instead of the usual 144.

Similarly, the force also showcased mechanized weapons from vintage to present day era.

The Republic Day celebrations this year have immortalized India’s 75th year of Independence as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav which will culminate with the 75th Independence Day celebrations on 15th August 2022.

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Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

SPECIAL FEATURE

Harnessing foreign policy for a new India

By Manish Chand

A

s India celebrates 75 years of independence and the Modi government completes eight years at the helm, the world is looking at the country of 1.4 billion anew as an emblem of hope, resilience and resurgence.

Transformational diplomacy – pragmatic and visionary at the same time – has played a pivotal role in India’s ongoing global ascent, opening new avenues for prosperity and well-being of its citizens.

With the overarching strategic objective of making India a great power and its people prosperous, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led India’s diplomatic outreach from the front. Shedding years of riskaversion, under his watch, Indian diplomacy has become innovative, courageous, and nimble-footed, enabling India to navigate its own emergence on its own terms.

This out-of-the-box approach was evident from Day 1 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, armed with the largest mandate in a quarter century, took charge of the country on May 26, 2014.

Showcasing its Neighbourhood First diplomacy, the leaders of all neighbouring countries and Mauritius were invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister. The primacy on neighbourhood was also exemplified by the choice of Bhutan as the first overseas destination of PM Modi. Over the next few years, PM Modi has visited all SAARC countries sans Pakistan which has stubbornly rejected India’s overtures for peace by refusing to end crossborder terror.

Diplomatic outreach The last eight years saw an unprecedented diplomatic outreach with a record number of high-level incoming and outgoing visits. Reaching out to countries big and small – on the side-lines of the UNGA, PM Modi met the leaders of big countries as well as island nations such as St Vincent and Grenadines. Several countries saw the first-ever high-level visits from India at the level of Heads of State/Heads of Government.

In sync with its rising global profile, India hosted the first-ever summit of the International Solar Alliance, the first summit with the leaders of Pacific Island states and the largest ever gathering of African leaders on Indian soil.

The focused and systematic upgrade and transformation of India’s relations with the Gulf countries is widely seen as among major foreign policy achievements of the Modi government. PM Modi has deftly steered diplomatic outreach to the energy-rich region, forging robust security and counterterror cooperation with key players in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Another major achievement of the NDA government was the upgrade of Look East to Act East policy, which signified accelerated result-driven engagement with the strategically located region. The India-ASEAN commemorative summit in 2018 was a milestone that brought the leaders of all ASEAN countries to India for the first time as chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations.

Diplomacy for development Undistracted by power games, India fused diplomacy with national development and resurgence, leading to foreign collaborations and financial support for flagship schemes of national renaissance, including Make in India, Skill India, Smart Cities, Digital India, Namami Gange and Start-up India.

Enhanced engagement with India’s external partners has brought visible benefits to people through foreign investment and technology tie-ups, leading to the setting up of factories and creation of jobs. Forging of green energy partnerships with countries like the US, France and Denmark has set the stage for clean low-carbon life for citizens of India.

Moulding the global agenda The recalibration of India’s foreign policy in tune with the emerging world order has led to an increasing recognition of India’s indispensability to

addressing diverse crosscutting challenges, ranging from combating terrorism, global warming, piracy and pandemics to reshaping of global governance architecture. Instead of being reactive, India proactively set the global agenda and played a constructive role in key multilateral platforms such as the UN, the G20 and the COP 26. The country’s rising global stature is clearly reflected in its ongoing tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on January 1, 2021. India’s presidency of UNSC for the month of August 2021 was marked by pioneering initiatives and its focus on effective multilateralism.

Under New Delhi’s presidency, a strong resolution was adopted on the situation in Afghanistan, which demanded that the Afghan territory not be used to threaten any country or shelter terrorists. The highlight of the month-long presidency was a high-level signature event on maritime security presided over

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first time the Prime Minister of India chaired the Security Council. The finesse with which India has steered global issues during its UNSC tenure has buttressed its credentials for acquiring a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. On terrorism, India pursued the policy of zero tolerance and forged counter-terror coalitions.

National security issues moved centre-stage to India’s diplomatic outreach, with India showing decisiveness and boldness in addressing Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism hands-on through offensive surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in the Pakistani territory.

Free and open Indo-Pacific In view of emerging geopolitical equations, India has minted its unique brand of multi-alignment to grapple with an increasingly multipolar world which underlines the country’s growing confidence in harnessing ties with mutually antagonistic power centres without getting sucked into zero sum games.

This approach was crystallized

in PM Modi’s vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific at the Shangri La Dialogue in June 2018. In his speech, PM Modi underlined the centrality of ASEAN to the new Indo-Pacific and rejected any attempt to portray the Indo-Pacific Region as a club of limited members.

In sync with this vision, New Delhi played a constructive role in bolstering the Quad grouping comprising India, US, Japan and Australia and in shaping outcomes of the two Quad summits held so far. In yet another sign of nimble-footed diplomacy, New Delhi has joined a new Quad comprising India, Israel, UAE and US, which is focused on enhancing economic cooperation in West Asia.

There are many other achievements in the realm of foreign policy the NDA government can take justifiable pride in. India has been admitted as a member of top global atomic export regimes, including Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Agreement and the Australia Group. Signalling India’s rising regional profile, India was admitted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the SCO summit in Astana in June 2017. Now, in a unique move, PM Modi will be holding a digital summit with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries on January 27, which could prove to have a force multiplier effect on India’s relations with the resource-rich

region.

A bouquet of hope Looking ahead, many more milestones await India in an emerging world order. As the world grapples with the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and its new variants, India has exhibited unique strength and resilience as it has not only vaccinated nearly a billion Indians, but has also provided vaccines and other medical support to over 100 countries around the world under the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative. In his recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, PM Modi underlined India’s unique strengths as an emerging country of great potential and provider of global public goods.

“A strong democracy like India has gifted the whole world a beautiful gift, a bouquet of hope.

In this bouquet, we Indians have an unwavering trust in democracy; this bouquet has the technology that will empower the 21st century; and it also has temperament and the talent of us Indians. The multi-lingual, multi-cultural environment in which we Indians live is a great power not only of India but of the whole world.” The world will be watching closely how this bouquet of hope provides new energy to a conflicted world.

Manish Chand is FounderPresident of India Writes Network and Centre for Global India Insights, a think tank focused on global affairs.

As US, Russia clash at UNSC, India calls for diplomacy that upholds 'legitimate security' United Nations, Jan 31 (IANS): India has called for de-escalating the tensions around Ukraine through a diplomatic solution that addresses "legitimate security interests of all" as the US and Russia clashed in the Security Council on Monday.

"India's interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond," India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti

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said.

"It is our considered view that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue," he said, adding: "Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour."

The US and Britain, in particular, have warned of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"Any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security," Tirumurti said.

Earlier, India abstained on a procedural vote on the Council meeting discussing the threats to

peace arising from the situation around Ukraine.

Moscow opposed the proposal made by the US to take up the "international threats to peace" due to what the US said was the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine's border.

China joined Russia in voting against the agenda item.

Monday was seen as the last day to have a discussion of the Ukraine issue before Russia takes over the presidency of the Council on Tuesday under the system of monthly rotation of leadership.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that he does not

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expect Russia to invade Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelentsky last week has said that he did not expect an imminent invasion from Russia and criticised talk of the threat.

"We have also been in touch with all concerned parties," Tirumurti told the Council.

"More than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indian nationals is of priority to us."

Tirumurti said that India urges "all parties to continue to engage through all diplomatic channels

and to keep working towards the full implementation of the 'Minsk Package'".

The Minsk Package is a set of agreements reached in 2014 ad 2015 among representatives of Russia, Ukraine, Ukrainian separatists, and the multinational Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe for the de-escalating the situation in Ukraine.

Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France have been engaged in a process of diplomacy to deal with the situation that is known as the Normandy Format.

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India's 'Buy Now, Pay Later' segment slated to reach $56 bn by FY26 IANS

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): India's 'Buy Now, Pay Later' sector is poised to grow to $56 billion by FY26, said HDFC Securities.

The segment provides short-term financing to make immediate purchases and the credit can be paid back at a later date.

"India's BNPL is at an inflexion point with rising ecommerce and digital P2M payments fuelling deferred payments. BNPL GMV

is poised to exhibit 74 per cent CAGR and account for 5 percent of digital P2M payments by FY26E," HDFC Securities said.

"The proliferation of BNPL as a mode of credit-based payment is gaining significant traction, particularly amongst the millennials and Gen-Z population within a short span of time."

According to the brokerage house, the growth of the BNPL segment is expected to be triggered on the back of rising ecommerce and digital payments penetration.

"BNPL players are exploring multiple business models and are yet to establish economic viability with limited revenue drivers and high delinquencies."

Both Poonwalla and Ella duo will be conferred with Padma Bhushan -- the third highest civilian award in the country.

The two pharma companies played a big role in developing and manufacturing low-cost Covid vaccines -- Covaxin and Covishield -- for India as well as the world.

Poonawalla's (80) Serum Institute of India was founded in 1966 with

the aim of manufacturing lifesaving immuno-biologicals, which were in shortage in the country and were imported at high prices.

Krishna Ella is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, while his wife Suchitra Ella is the Joint Managing Director of the company. They together founded the company in 1996.

Bharat Biotech was responsible for developing India's indigenous Covid-19 vaccine -- Covaxin.

The other awardees of the Padma Bhushan in the trade and industry category included Chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, and CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai.

Besides, Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, will be conferred upon the Executive

"We expect regulatory convergence on the back of the RBI's recent narrative for digital lenders although 'FinTech BNPLs' are likely to sustain their superior user experience."

"Within a bouquet of BNPL options, credit cards remain the most exhaustive and profitable and, in fact, offer an up-sell opportunity for credit-tested top-of-the-BNPL-pyramid customers."

Chairman of knitwear company Rupa, Prahlad Rai Agarwala, Chairman of Chardikala Time TV Group, Jagjit Singh Dardi, and entrepreneur from Manipur, Muktamani Devi.

Muktamani Devi started making shoes for her children when she couldn't afford to buy new ones, and today she's the owner of a large company by her name which produces unique woollen shoes. She has been continuously designing and producing woollen shoes for everyone since 1993.

Also, Ryuko Hira, Chairman of HMI Hotel, will be conferred with Padma Shri.

These awards are conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function which will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan around March-April.

Nearly 30K Bitcoin millionaires wiped in last 3 months US News Money

New Delhi, January 27 (IANS): Almost 30,000 Bitcoin millionaires have been wiped out in the last three months as the volatile cryptocurrency is witnessing a free fall -- from $69,000 in November to nearly $36,000 (as of Thursday) -owing to regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical unrest.

According to data acquired by financial news portal Finbold, between October and January, the number of Bitcoin addresses holding over $1 million has reduced by 28,186 or 24.26 per cent.

In general, the Bitcoin-rich list has plunged over the last three months.

"Wallets holding over $100,000 have dropped 30.04 per cent from 505,711 to 353,763. The number of addresses with $1 million and above dropped 23.5 per cent from 105,820 to 80,945. Wallets holding

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over $10 million and above also registered a drop of 32.08 percent from 10,319 to 7,008," the report mentioned.

The drop in the Bitcoin rich list correlates with the asset's volatility that has been heightened in recent times.

"A combination of factors such as regulatory scrutiny, turbulent markets, geopolitical unrest, and Covid combined with having an adverse effect on the asset's performance. However, despite the volatile start to the year, a number of analysts continue to laud the asset as a hedge against rising inflation," the report elaborated.

Due to the rapid decline in the value of Bitcoin since the start of the year, the number of liquidations has also increased in recent weeks, with $372 million in long positions in the perpetual market across all exchanges

Air India union objects to cabin crews' pre-flight weight, BMI checking rules IANS

Besides, the brokerage house's report cited that although 'FinTech BNPLs' enjoy favourable regulatory arbitrage, incumbents have an opportunity to expand their customer funnels either through in-house offerings or partnerships.

Nine Padma awards for industry doyens, including vaccine pioneers New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): Of the total 128 Padma awardees announced on the eve of Republic Day on January 25, nine are from the field of 'trade and industry', including the Founder of Serum Institute of India, Cryus Poonwalla, and Krishna Ella and his wife Suchitra Ella of Bharat Biotech, the pioneers of Covid vaccines in India.

BUSINESS & TRADE

being liquidated in only one day, January 22.

"Given the anonymous nature of the world's most valuable digital asset, it is difficult to identify the individuals who possess the addresses in question," the report said.

Bitcoin, along with other digital cryptocurrencies, has crashed to its lowest levels and the continuing meltdown has wiped out over $1 trillion from the global crypto market value.

The crypto crash came as the US Federal Reserve raised the possibility of boosting interest rates as soon as March and withdrawing stimulus from the market.

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New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): Air India's cabin crew union has objected to the company's new rules mandating pre-flight -- Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight -- checks by "grooming associates".

The All India Cabin Crew Association conveyed its objections to the airline's 'Inflight Services Department'.

On January 20, 2022, the Executive Director of ISD, through an internal communication, informed cabin crew members about the new rules of checks on a quarterly basis.

The guidelines were introduced so that the crews are in line with laid-out norms in the uniform regulations.

According to the communication, the cabin supervisor of the flight will be responsible to ensure the required guidelines are followed.

"It will be the responsibility of the cabin supervisor of the flight to ensure that her/his set of crew are well turned out and follow complete uniform regulations," the communication sent out by the airline said.

The bone of contention between the union and the airline was that the latter wants these checks to be conducted by doctors in the privacy of medical clinics instead of "grooming assistants".

The new rules could be in violation of the 'Share Purchase Agreement' between the government and Air India and Tata Group -- the new owner of the national carrier awaiting formal handover, the union said in the letter to the ISD. The union may seek legal remedies if the new rules are not withdrawn, it said.

"Respectfully, we thus would call upon you to amend the impugned circular and reissue it without the offending clause of 'BMI Check/ BMI Management' failing which AICCA may be compelled to seek legal redressal which may also extend to the issuance of a directive and/or contempt, none of which we desire at this stage," it added.

Anand Mahindra responds after Karnataka farmer's humiliation at SUV showroom Bengaluru, January 25 (IANS): Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra on January 25 reacted to the incident of humiliation of a farmer at a Mahindra showroom in Tumakuru district in Karnataka, underlining that upholding the dignity of an individual is the core value of the company.

lakh in 30 minutes and demanded delivery on the same day.

Anand Mahindra took to Twitter to make his stand clear with regard to the incident of the staff of the Mahindra showroom insulting a farmer who came to buy a Bolero pick-up vehicle.

"I came to make a purchase of a Bolero pick-up vehicle. I went to the showroom along with my seven friends and uncle. But the company field officer mocked and chided me that I don't even have Rs 10 with me and how could I have the capacity to purchase the vehicle. The officer also said that no one comes to purchase a car in such a group," Gowda said.

The field officer had reportedly told the farmer, Kempe Gowda, that he didn't have even Rs 10.

Gowda then arranged Rs 10 lakh in just 30 minutes and slammed the showroom staffers for the differential treatment meted out to him for his appearance.

Anand Mahindra tweeted on January 25, "The Core Purpose of @MahindraRise is to enable our communities & all stakeholders to Rise. And a key Core Value is to uphold the Dignity of the Individual. Any aberration from this philosophy will be addressed with great urgency," quoting a tweet by Mahindra and Mahindra CEO Veejay Nakra.

Gowda, a farmer from Ramanapalya near Hebbur town, taught the employees of the Mahindra showroom a lesson that they should not judge a person by his clothes.

Gowda was insulted by staff when he went to the showroom to purchase a pick-up vehicle. After being insulted, he arranged Rs 10

The showroom staff have apologised for their conduct at a local police station. Gowda's quick action and zeal has been appreciated by people from all over the state and his photos and videos of the incident have gone viral on social media.

"My uncle then asked him that if we bring the money, will he be able to deliver the vehicle. The field officer challenged that if we managed the money, he would deliver the vehicle immediately and told us to bring the money within half-an-hour," he said.

"I arranged Rs 10 lakh in 30 minutes and placed it in front of the field officer. I had approached the police about the insult caused by the showroom employees.

I am an educated man. I have studied till Class 10. What will these people do to farmers from villages," he questioned.

The matter was resolved after the intervention of police. After Gowda arranged the money and demanded immediate delivery of the vehicle, the showroom staff sought three days' time for the same.

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MAKE IN INDIA

MAKE IN INDIA

As world economies restart their engines in a bid to regain lost ground due to the Covid-19 pandemic, India too shows signs of economic buoyancy and promise. India’s Make in India initiative holds a key to the global economic revival, something that should interest Australian government ministries, corporate sector, entrepreneurs, institutions seeking R&D collaborations and Australia Inc in general, among others.

India assumes greater importance as several major world economies including American, Japanese, German, British and South Korean look to move out and diversify their businesses from China. India has jumped to 63rd rank in the World Bank’s Ease of Development 2020 report, and has also been ranked as the 9th largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment destinations in 2019 by the World Investment Report 2020 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

State of the World address: Modi showcases India as future tech & economic powerhouse

New Delhi, January 18 (IANS): Virtually delivering the 'State of the World' special address to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Davos Agenda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17 underlined the role played by India in handling the Covidtriggered crisis and managing the vaccination drive, while touching upon the need to reshape and restructure international organisations.

Armed with data, figures and facts on the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi presented India as not only a future technology and economic powerhouse of the world, but also showcased the country as an indispensable member of the world community.

Without naming the UN, he also demanded restructuring and reforms in international organisations.

"We have not just set a record of

administering 1.6 billion Covid vaccine shots, but also stood with the countries which were in need during the pandemic. India always follows the vision of 'One Earth, One Health', and supplied Covid vaccines to more than 150 nations along with life-saving drugs," the Prime Minister said.

up with a suggestion for the world in dealing with challenges like climate change, saying that time has come for the world to start thinking about its life-style, which is damaging the global environment, whereas Indian culture still banks on its age-old traditions of preserving nature.

"India's health professionals, who are always regarded for their sensitivity, went on to win the hearts of the people. Our 5-million software professionals did not let the world stop digitally by working day and night tirelessly," Modi said in his speech.

The Prime Minister underlined that India always advocates growth, which should be green, clean, sustainable and reliable.

Presenting India as one of the world's future tech and economic powerhouse, Modi elaborated the economic and tech reforms taking place in the country, saying that gone are the days when India's business space was badly disrupted by government control, as the present government has removed more than 25,000 such hurdles to start a business in India.

"Today, India is the land of more than 60,000 registered startups, 80 unicorns, country of more than 4 billion UPI transactions, and a nation with 6 lakh villages connected digitally and spending about $1.3 trillion on connectivity," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also came

"Through the International Solar Alliance and COP21, the world witnessed India's commitments towards saving the Earth," he said.

Without naming the UN, he said when such organisations were formed, the world was different, but now over the years, things have changed and "it is the call of the day that all the democratic countries should come together and make the changes for a better tomorrow".

Besides PM Modi, the Davos summit was also attended

by Japan PM Kishida Fumio, Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Israel PM Naftali Bennett, China's President Xi Jin Ping and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, along with top industry leaders, international organisations and civil society groups.

71% jump in India's gems and jewellery exports IANS

in 2020. Compared to the same period before the Covid pandemic struck, the gems and jewellery sector registered a growth of 3 per cent over $28 billion achieved in April-December 2019.

In December 2021 alone, India exported gems and jewellery worth $2.99 billion, registering a growth of 16.38 per cent over $2.57 bn in December 2020.

New Delhi, January 25 (IANS): India's exports of gems and jewellery shot up by a whopping 71 per cent during the first three quarters (April-December) of the current financial year, over the same period of the previous year.

The sector clocked $28.9 billion exports as compared to $16.9 billion during the same period

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With record exports already achieved during the first three quarters of the current financial year, the sector has already surpassed $26.02 bn exports registered during the last FY (2020-21) and is likely to better the previous high of $35.89 bn scaled during the FY (2019-20).

The gems and jewellery sector made up 9.6 per cent share of India's entire exports basket

during the period (AprilDecember 2021), accounting for the third largest commodity share, after engineering goods and petroleum products.

The top 5 export destinations in April-November 2021 were the US (38.7 per cent), Hong Kong (24.6 per cent), the UAE (11.9 percent), Belgium (6.6 per cent), and Israel (3.9 per cent).

Gems and jewellery industry contributes about 7 per cent of India's total GDP and employs the largest skilled and semi-skilled workforce of more than 50 lakh workers. More than 450 organised jewellery manufacturers, importers, and exporters are based in Surat, making the Gujarat city the jewellery manufacturing hub of the world.

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IMF projects India's growth rate at 9%, highest among major economies

United Nations, January 25 (IANS): India's economy is projected to grow by 9 per cent in the next financial year (FY23), retaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported on January 25 citing its expectations of higher investments and consumption due to credit growth and better financial sector performance.

IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update released in Washington said that India's gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to again increase next fiscal by another 9 per cent, before moderating to 7.1 per cent in 2023-24.

The Update raised the growth projection for the current fiscal by 0.5 per cent from the 8.5 per cent projected in its WEO released in October last year.

expected to decline relatively quickly, and the Omicron effect will fade starting in the second quarter," she wrote.

Globally, the Update expected growth to moderate from 5.9 last year to 4.4 per cent this year, 0.5 per cent lower than the 4.9 per cent in the October WEO, and go down to 3.8 per cent next year.

"The global economy enters 2022 in a weaker position than previously expected," the Update said.

While it said that a factor was the reimposed mobility restrictions in many countries as a result of Omicron, it blamed the higher broad-based inflation due to rising energy prices and supply disruptions and developments in the US and China, the world's two largest economies, whose growth projections were cut.

The upward revision is unrelated to the Covid-19 developments, it said.

"In the case of the United States, this reflects lower prospects of legislating the Build Back Better fiscal package, an earlier withdrawal of extraordinary monetary accommodation, and continued supply disruptions.

China's downgrade reflects continued retrenchment of the real estate sector and a weakerthan-expected recovery in private consumption," the IMF said.

India and Japan are the only major economies to have their growth projections raised from that made in October last.

The IMF cut US growth projection for this year by 1.2 per cent from the 5.2 per cent in the October WEO to 4 per cent.

Japan's growth projection was increased by only 0.1 per cent from 3.2 per cent in October to 3.3 per cent.

China's growth projection for this year was cut by 0.8 per cent from 5.6 per cent in October - to 4.8 per cent.

Even though the report lowered India's growth estimate for the current fiscal to 8.5 per cent from October's 9 per cent, the country will still be the global growth leader.

While India's projected growth at 9 per cent sounds impressive, in reality it will have to make up for the shrinkage of 7.3 per cent - a negative growth - it recorded in 2020-21.

This WEO Update is the last directly overseen by Gita Gopinath as the IMF's economic counsellor and director of its research department.

The IMF prognostications for India's growth are better than those made by the United Nations earlier in January.

"India's prospects for 2023 are marked up on expected improvements to credit growth -- and, subsequently, investment and consumption -- building on better-than-anticipated performance of the financial sector," the report said.

She was promoted to the No. 2 spot at the IMF as its First Deputy Managing Director recently.

In a blog accompanying the Update, Gopinath sounded optimistic about the future with Covid variant Omicron's effects likely receding in the second quarter of this year.

"The new variant appears to be associated with less severe illness than the Delta variant, and the record surge in infections is

The UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report said that on a fiscal year basis, India's economy shrank by 10.6 per cent in 2020-21.

It was projected to grow 8.4 per cent in the current fiscal, and moderate to 6.5 per cent in the next fiscal and to 5.9 per cent in 2023-24.

But in the UN's projections also, India will be the fastest-growing major economy this year.

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ENERGY & RESOURCES

BHU develops onboard IOC to pump fuel directly to Sri Lanka's electricity supplier chargers for e-vehicles IANS

Newsfirst.lk

the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

"We have prepared a loan to directly obtain fuel from the IOC," said Lokuge. Accordingly, the CEB is to receive 30,000 metric tonnes of fuel on credit basis from LIOC. Colombo, January 25 (IANS): Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will provide fuel directly to staterun electricity provider Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to ensure continuous power supply in the island nation.

Sri Lanka Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge announced on January 25 that arrangements have been made to obtain fuel directly from the Lanka IOC (LIOC), Indian Oil's subsidiary in Sri Lanka, instead of getting them through

The decision was reached following a discussion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Minister of Petroleum, Udaya Gammanpila, who had earlier refused to provide fuel to the CEB from CPC, an entity under his (Gammanpila) ministry.

Recently, the two ministers were at loggerheads after the Petroleum Minister refused to supply fuel to the CEB. This led the Energy Minister to seek the assistance of LIOC to purchase

fuel, but the LIOC too had turned down the request stating that it did not have additional fuel stocks to supply to the CEB. Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst-ever power crises with no dollars to buy fuel.

On January 18, India had extended a $500 million line of credit for urgent import of fuel as all oil stocks had dried up with no dollars to import new fuel.

This was following New Delhi's $900 million relief given to the island nation which is facing a dire financial crisis. India is to assist Sri Lanka with a total of $2.4 billion to help the island nation recover from the dollar crunch and inflation.

Lucknow to US to Satara, a rural innovator's journey to Padma Shree New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): Always ahead of his times, Dr Anil Rajvanshi has been credited with infusing science and technology for rural development, e-rickshaw and ethanol as cooking fuel being just the two from way back in the 1990s.

On January 25, Padma Award finally caught up with the 60-plus spiritual engineer -currently the Director of Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) at Phaltan (district Satara), Maharashtra -- who believes that spirituality with high technology should be "the mantra of India's development and practices what he preaches."

Born and raised in Lucknow, higher studies in the US beckoned Rajvanshi following his

bachelor and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur. He received PhD at the University of Florida in 1979; he taught there for two and half years.

He could have chosen a cozy life for himself, instead he came back to India in 1981 with a dream to apply his training for developing rural India. Rajvanshi established the energy and sustainable development work at NARI. Rajvanshi's pioneering rural development work over last three decades has spanned a whole spectrum of areas affecting the lives of rural population: renewable energy-based cooking and lighting; power generation from agricultural residues; renewable fuel production

from agriculture; electric cycle rickshaws; water purification and effluent treatment through the use of renewable energy.

His efforts have shown how a small rural S&T Institute working on a shoestring budget can pioneer technologies for rural India. He calls himself a spiritual engineer and believes that spirituality with high technology should be the mantra of India's development and practices what he preaches.

Apart from a dozen-odd national and international awards, he is the recipient of the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 2001 for the use of science and technology in rural India.

Gujarat likely to get medical isotopes reactor facility to be set up in PPP mode Wikipedia

detailed design is in progress," he added.

The proposed facility complex will be one of the largest single facilities for production/ processing of isotopes in the world in terms of volume. This will be the first of its kind PPP in the world.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is designing the reactor with a capacity ranging between 40-60MW depending on the demand for medical isotopes.

Chennai, January 25 (IANS): The Indian government is mulling over the location of the country's first dedicated nuclear research reactor for making medical isotopes or radio pharmaceuticals in Gujarat, said a top official of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in May 2020

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announced the setting up of such a reactor in public-privatepartnership (PPP) mode.

"Kakrapar in Gujarat is being evaluated as a potential site for this reactor," K.N. Vyas, Secretary, DAE and Chairman, AEC, told IANS. "Around 20 potential investors from India and abroad have shown interest in the PPP reactor for making medical isotopes. A

India has built 40-100 MW research reactors. But the last research reactor was built in 1984.

Thus, new costs would have to be worked out, Vyas had told IANS. At an informal pre-request for proposal (RFP) consultation session held in April 2021, there were participants representing businesses across the nuclear medicine value chain such as nuclear medicine, pharmaceuticals, healthcare,

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Varanasi (UP), January 27 (IANS): Researchers at the department of electrical engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) have developed a new technology for onboard chargers for vehicles.

They have claimed that this technology costs about half of the current onboard charger technology and can reduce the cost of two and four-wheeler electric vehicles.

Dr Rajeev Kumar Singh, associate professor and chief project investigator, said: "Amid the rising cost of petroleum products and rising pollution levels, electric vehicles (EVs) are the best alternative to conventional IC engines, but lack of high-power offboard charging infrastructure forces automakers to incorporate on-board chargers into the vehicle itself. The vehicle owner can charge the vehicles through the outlet. In such a situation, electric vehicles become very expensive."

He said that with the new technology developed in the institute, the cost of on-board charger can be reduced by about 50 per cent.

"This will also significantly reduce the cost of electric vehicles. The technology will be completely indigenous and will have a significant impact on driving electric vehicles on Indian roads in a big way," he said.

"Lab scale development has already been done at IIT (BHU) and upgradation and commercialization are in progress. A country's leading electric vehicle manufacturer has also shown interest in this medical devices and nuclear reactor equipment suppliers from the US, Canada, Argentina, Russia, France, the UK and others and couple of Indian suppliers.

According to the government, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) will be taking the responsibility of constructing the reactor, including the upfront capital expenditure for construction.

It is expected that the private partner should be able to get high return on the capital invested.

According to Vyas, the proposed reactor is designed to maximise irradiation capacity, and thus a large quantity of a variety of radioisotopes shall be produced in the reactor.

"Majority of the isotopes are for medical use. In addition, some

new technology and is ready to develop a full-fledged commercial product that can be applied to existing electric vehicles.

Experts from IIT Guwahati and IIT Bhubaneswar have also collaborated for this technology development," he added.

Dr Singh said that this research is financially supported by the ministry of electronics and information technology.

This innovative technology of the institute will also contribute to the e-mobility mission of the government. With the help of this new technology, the charging infrastructure of vehicles in the country will be improved and the access of the general public to electric vehicles will be possible easily.

He explained that the electric vehicle contributes to sustainable development as it improves community health by eliminating tailpipe emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and, with the integration of renewable energy into existing electricity networks.

IIT (BHU) director Prof Pramod Kumar Jain said: "The technology will help in production of cheap electric vehicles, which will be beneficial for the common man.

The technology will support the government's mission to bring electric vehicles on Indian roads in a big way."

Prof Jain added that a few projects on developing autonomous vehicle, connected vehicles are already underway at IIT (BHU).

One such project is Averera, which has already won first prize globally in the Shell Eco Marathon last year. He further said that the IIT (BHU) is planning to set up an interdisciplinary centre on EV technologies to carry out design, fabrication, and testing of battery management systems, commercialise research, provide solutions to R&D problems and develop human resources in the area.

of the isotopes would also have industrial use. As per internal assessment, it is expected that with this research reactor, it will be possible to meet the complete requirement of medical isotopes in the country," Vyas had told IANS. "In addition, there will be considerable scope to export radioisotopes. It is planned to have a processing facility complex along with the reactor. It would be the world's largest (production volume wise) radio-isotopes production and processing facility," he added.

Currently, NPCIL has two 220 MW and one 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) at Kakrapar.

One more 700 MW reactor (KAPP4) is under construction.

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Pandemic causing 'generationdefining disruption' among children The Newsman

and mental health distress such as difficulty sleeping, having nightmares and withdrawing from friends, the report said.

The review also refers to Kids Helpline data, and paediatric emergency department data, that shows a rapid rise in mental health and self-harm presentations.

A survey of 5,000 teachers cited in the review found only 35 percent of them reported their students were learning effectively during lockdowns.

Sydney, January 24 (IANS): More than the impact of being infected with Covid-19, children are facing many indirect effects of the pandemic in terms of health and wellbeing.

In a research review from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, paediatrician Prof Sharon Goldfeld said children are facing a "generation-defining disruption" with public health restrictions and interventions, the Guardian reported.

These include online learning, social distancing, increased screen time, reduced access to healthcare, less community sport and less outside play all having repercussions.

"The public health measures have resulted in positive benefits for some, while others have been adversely and inequitably impacted," Goldfeld was quoted as

saying.

"Children and adolescents experiencing adversity before the pandemic have been disproportionately affected, potentially leading to a widening of disparities in child health, wellbeing, and developmental outcomes," he added.

The review, published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), includes findings from a Royal Children's hospital poll that found one-third (36 per cent) of Australian parents felt that the pandemic had negatively affected the mental health of their child, and that 31 per cent of parents had delayed or avoided medical care for a sick or injured child due to concerns about catching the virus.

A separate study found some children and adolescents infected with the virus experienced stigma

Goldfeld said some families also lacked the resources and time needed to support their children during remote education.

Further, Goldfeld said even areas such as child nutrition and child safety had been impacted due to reduced family income and job losses during lockdowns, and parental mental health issues and stresses.

"Job loss and reduced income is a known risk factor for harsh parenting and maltreatment," she said.

A study released by the UN cultural agency UNESCO, last year, revealed-that more than 100 million-children than expected, are falling behind the minimum proficiency level in reading, due to Covid-related school closures.

Goldfeld suggested developing urgent intervention programmes to address growing disparities.

NZ announces 3-phase public health response to Omicron Yahoo India

Wellington, January 26 (IANS): The New Zealand government on January 26 announced a threephase plan that aims to slow down and curb the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country.

"Through the course of managing Omicron, we will be taking a phased approach. As case numbers grow, both testing and isolation approaches will change in response," Xinhua news agency reported citing the New Zealand Associate Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall.

"We are setting out the changes ahead of large case numbers to give people a clearer idea of what to expect and what they need to do at each phase," Verrall said,

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Pak study blames polluted air from India for toxic smog in Lahore New Delhi, January 26 (IANS): An investigation report in Pakistan has blamed India, which it said is responsible for the terrible air pollution levels in Lahore.

A joint investigation report of Bahauddin Zakariya University and NUST University has said that the polluted air coming from India formed the toxic smog in Lahore, Samaa TV reported.

The report said the city's air was not clean for a single day in 2020, therefore the number of asthma and heart patients has increased.

Pakistan has taken up the matter with India but did not get a response and without some intervention from across the border, the problem cannot be tackled, the report said.

The report suggested that the SAARC conference could work on air pollution in Asia.

Washington, January 26 (IANS): Amid an ongoing resurgence across the world, the global coronavirus caseload has topped 357.9 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.61 million and vaccinations to over 9.85 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on January 26 morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 357,963,895 and 5,614,043, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 9,850,294,423.

The US continues to be the worsthit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 72,171,208 and 871,937, according to the CSSE.

also require us to shift from identifying all infected individuals to being more targeted to those most at risk and those needed to keep the country going," she said.

"So far, we've been focused on keeping Omicron out of the community for as long as possible while we roll out vaccinations to children and boosters for our adult population," she said.

At phase three, when cases are in the thousands, through contact tracing household and household-like contacts will be identified only. This will mean the highest risk contacts will need to be isolated, Verrall said.

Berlin, January 26 (IANS): German biotechnology company BioNTech and US company Pfizer have started clinical trials of an Omicron-based Covid-19 vaccine candidate in healthy adults aged from 18 to 55 years, the companies have said.

"Supported self-service, rapid antigen testing for diagnosing Covid and a self-service tool to enable identification of high-risk contacts will be significant to respond to the high volumes of Omicron cases," she added.

The trials would evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate, according to a joint statement by the companies on January 25. The study would involve up to 1,420 participants.

The majority of people will be supported and be able to selfmanage and isolate at home, and clinical care will focus on anyone with high needs, the plan said, adding that through the course of phase two and three, a test to return regime will apply to the critical workforces, to keep them going through the outbreak.

"This study is part of our science-based approach to develop a variant-based vaccine that achieves a similar level of protection against Omicron as it did with earlier variants but with longer duration of protection," said Ugur Sahin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioNTech.

"Our plan is simple, get boosted, wear a mask, follow basic hygiene rules we've become so familiar with and reduce contact as much as is practical," Verrall said.

The first group of participants, around 600 volunteers, have already received two doses of the BioNTech or Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine between 90 and 180 days

The phase two response is to slow the spread and protect the vulnerable communities. The system will be adjusted to focus much more on identifying those who are at greater risk of severe illness from Omicron, which will be a smaller percentage of cases.

At phase two, the isolation period for cases is reduced to 10 days and contacts to seven days in line with the best practice overseas, Verrall said.

"A rapid escalation in case numbers and the resulting pressure on our resources will

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Lahore has been battling the worst air pollution for four years in the winter. In 2021, the city ranked No. 1 globally as the most polluted city, with its AQI crossing 700 which is 'most hazardous'.

The last time smog levels in Lahore sky-rocketed was in the winter of 2016-2017. A New York Times report said that dangerous particles in the air, called PM2.5, reached 1,077 microgram per cubic metre, which is 30 times more than what is considered a safe limit.

Experts said the pollution has reached a "crisis point", the report said.

Smog is formed by a mixture of pollutants and water vapour in the atmosphere. It can cause health problems such as asthma, flu, cough, allergies, bronchial infection, and heart problems.

Global Covid caseload tops 357.9 mn

adding that vaccination remains the most effective weapon against the virus, and the Omicron variant is markedly less severe than prior variants.

According to the plan, the phase One response to Omicron involves taking a stamp it out approach. Cases will need to be isolated for 14 days and contacts for 10 days.

HEALTH

The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (39,799,202 infections and 490,462 deaths), followed by Brazil (24,342,322 infections and 624,129 deaths).

The other countries with over 5 million cases are France (17,420,531), the UK (16,158,212), Turkey (11,090,493), Russia (11,055,246), Italy (10,212,621), Spain (9,395,767), Germany (8,956,528), Argentina (8,041,520), Iran (6,267,559) and Colombia (5,780,910), the CSSE figures showed.

The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Russia (320,844), Mexico (303,301), Peru (204,404), the UK (154,873), Indonesia (144,247), Italy (144,343), Colombia (132,737), Iran (132,274), France (130,483), Argentina (119,703), Germany (117,006), Ukraine (106,047) and Poland (104,097).

Pfizer, BioNTech start clinical trial of Omicron-specific Covid-19 vaccine

before the start of the study. They would receive one or two doses of the new Omicron-based vaccine, according to the statement.

The second group, almost as large, would include individuals who have already received three vaccine doses and who would then receive one dose of the BioNTech or Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine or the Omicron-based vaccine, Xinhua news agency reported.

The third group would include around 200 unvaccinated people, who have not previously had Covid-19. People in this group would receive three doses of the new Omicron-based vaccine, according to the statement.

"Staying vigilant against the virus requires us to identify new approaches for people to maintain a high level of protection, and we believe developing and investigating variant-based vaccines, like this one, are essential in our efforts towards this goal," said Kathrin Jansen, Pfizer's senior Vice-President.

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SPORTS

Nadal beats Medvedev to win Australian Krejcikova-Siniakova pair Open and 21st Grand Slam title clinches Australian Open women's doubles title Al Jazeera

Under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, the legendary Spaniard demonstrated his trademark bigmatch mentality, overcoming the Russian Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in an epic five hours and 24 minutes final to win the trophy.

With his dramatic victory, Nadal has claimed sole ownership of the record for the most Grand Slam men's titles, moving past Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic who are both on 20 major crowns.

The 35-year-old, who clinched the trophy in Melbourne in 2009, has also become just the second player in the Open Era alongside Djokovic to win each of the four majors at least twice.

Melbourne, Jan 30 (IANS): Rafael Nadal roared back from twosets-to-love down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the classic final

and win Australian Open 2022 men singles trophy, claiming his record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title, here on Sunday.

Nadal now leads Medvedev 4-1 in their ATP Head2Head series, with this their second meeting in a Grand Slam final. At the US Open in 2019, Medvedev rallied from two-sets-to-love down before Nadal prevailed in the decider in a Flushing Meadows epic.

Australian Open: Barty outplays Collins, becomes first home champion since 1978

IANS

Melbourne, Jan 29 (IANS): Adding another feather to her cap, world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty outplayed Danielle Collins in the final to win the 2022 Australian Open women's singles title, ending her country's 44-year wait for a home Grand Slam champion, here on Saturday.

Top seed Barty overturned a 5-1 deficit in the second set to defeat No. 27 seed Collins 6-3, 7-6(2) in the final, becoming the first home champion at the tournament since Chris O'Neil in 1978.

The title is Barty's third Grand Slam crown, and second out of the last three, following Roland Garros 2019 and Wimbledon 2021. The 25-year-old becomes the second active player to claim major titles on all three surfaces, alongside 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Barty is also the eighth WTA player in the Open Era to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

Appropriately, the only other woman to capture her first three majors at each of those was fellow Indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who presented

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people. This crowd is one of the most fun I've ever played in front of. You brought so much joy, you relaxed me and forced me to play my best tennis. This is just a dream come true for me and I am so proud to be an Aussie," she added.

Barty with the trophy afterward.

It is World No 1 Barty's 15th title overall, fourth on home soil and second in a row following her Adelaide triumph in the first week of 2022. She has won 12 of her past 14 finals dating back to Miami 2019, with her only losses coming to Naomi Osaka at Beijing 2019 and Aryna Sabalenka at Madrid 2020.

Barty, who is now on an 11-match winning streak, is the first player to win the Australian Open without dropping a set since Serena Williams in 2017.

"First and foremost, I have to say congratulations to Danielle and your team. I know you'll be fighting for many more of these in the future," said Barty.

"To my team, wow. I said numerous times I'm so lucky to have so many people here that love and support me. We started right together from the start in the second part of my career. I love you guys to death, you're the absolute best in the business.

"As an Aussie, the most important part of the tournament is being able to share it with so many

In the first set, Barty won 15 out of 16 first-serve points and faced only one breakpoint at 2-2, which she saved with a clinical one-two punch. Collins' return had been lethal against Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, but the American was only able to put 11 out of 30 back in play against Barty in the first set.

IANS

Melbourne, Jan 30 (IANS): The Czech Republic's pair of Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova clinched their fourth Grand Slam women's doubles title as a team, defeating Kazakhstan's Anna Danilina and Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in the Australian Open final here on Sunday.

This was the No.1 seeds' maiden Australia Open title and came after the Czech duo overcame a spirited challenge from the unseeded pair of Danilina and Haddad Maia 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-4.

Siniakova, ranked world No.1, and Krejcikova, No.2 in the doubles, had lost in the final of the 2021 Australian Open, falling to Belgian-Belarusian pair of Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka.

But the Czechs prevailed this time around in an engrossing two-hour and 42-minute contest.

Krejcikova and Siniakova added to their two French Open titles (2018 and 2021) and their 2018 Wimbledon title, which means they only need to win the US Open title for a career Grand Slam.

Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallists Krejcikova and Siniakova have improved one step further in each of the last five editions of the Australian Open.

They lost in the round of 16 in their 2018 debut, reached the 2019 quarterfinals, the 2020 semifinals, and the 2021 final before their title this year.

For Danilina and Haddad Maia, the defeat ended their exceptional run. They had paired up for the first time two weeks ago and won the Sydney title before making their first Grand Slam final in Melbourne. The duo won the first nine matches of their partnership.

Haddad Maia was the third Brazilian woman to reach a Grand Slam final, according to wtatennis.com. Maria Bueno won a total of 19 Grand Slam titles between 1959 and 1968 (seven singles, 11 women's doubles and one mixed doubles), and Claudia Monteiro reached the mixed doubles final at 1982 Roland Garros.

Danilina was ranked No.100 in doubles coming into Sydney, but hit a career-high of No.53 after that title, and will leave the Australian Open with a projected top-25 doubles ranking. Haddad Maia will also reach a new careerhigh doubles ranking, projected to crack the top-45.

Mladenovic wins second Australian Open mixed doubles crown WTA Tennis

Having saved that break-point, Barty pounced immediately in the next game, bringing up her first of the match by powering away from a forehand winner, and converting it as Collins double-faulted for the first time, a wtatennis.com report said.

An undaunted Collins mounted a strong response in the second set. Barty opened the door with a series of forehand errors, and Collins landed an emphatic overhead -- accompanied by a trademark fiery exhortation -- to break for 2-1. Barty's edgy play continued as she threw in a pair of double faults two games later, and a ferocious Collins return sealed the 5-1 double break lead.

With a third set seemingly inevitable, Barty loosened up again. Her tight forehand errors were replaced by a series of precise winners off that wing to gain one of the breaks back, and from that point, the comeback was on. Collins, serving for the set for the second time at 5-3, reached 30-0, only to be denied by another trio of Barty forehands.

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Melbourne, Jan 28 (IANS): France's Kristina Mladenovic and Croatia's Ivan Dodig were on Friday crowned the Australian Open 2022 mixed doubles champions, defeating Australian wild cards Jaimee Fourlis and Jason Kubler 6-3, 6-4 at the Melbourne Park here.

This is the second time in her career that the 28-year-old Mladenovic has emerged the Australian Open mixed doubles champion, with the previous title coming in 2014.

The win for the former top-10 player is her first mixed major crown in eight years, her third overall and second in Australia.

She and Canada's Daniel Nestor reached consecutive finals

in Australia in 2014 and 2015, winning the former, and the duo also won Wimbledon in 2013.

Mladenovic now boasts eight total Grand Slam titles across women's and mixed doubles.

Mladenovic and Dodig cruised in the 78-minute final, which was a far cry from their previous games, which were keenly fought. The duo was stretched to a match tiebreak in three of the four matches in the earlier rounds, and rallied from a set down to defeat No.2 seeds Zhang Shuai of China and John Peers of Australia in the semifinals, 1-6, 7-5, 10-2.

Fourlis and Kubler were the third wildcard team to reach the mixed doubles championship in Melbourne in the past four years.

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SPORTS

U-19 World Cup: All-round India outclass BBL 2021-22: Perth Scorchers England; clinch record-extending 5th title thrash Sydney Sixers to clinch the stumps, leaving England to 18-2 after 3.3 overs. Thereafter, George Thomas, who was playing counter-attacking shots looking to rebuild England’s innings along with James Rew after two early blows.

During the process, Kaushal Tambe dropped a straightforward catch at first slip as Thomas survived and Raj Bawa, the first change bowler, was denied a wicket.

Antigua, Feb 6 (IANS): Riding on half-centuries by Nishant Sindhu and Shaik Rasheed and clinical bowling performances from Raj Bawa and Ravi Kumar, India clinched a record-extending 5th U-19 World Cup title after beating England by four wickets in the final of the 2022 edition of the tournament at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, here on Saturday.

This is India’s record fifth title in the tournament’s history and came after previously winning it in 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018. The Yash Dhull-led India U19 finished the tournament with an unbeaten run in the West Indies, flaunting the strength of the assembly line of Next-Gen India cricketers.

With this, Dhull joins the illustrious list of captains — Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), Prithvi Shaw (2018) — who have lifted the U19 trophy for India in the past.

A superb bowling performance

by Raj Bawa (5/31) and Ravi Kumar (4/34) helped India bowl out England for 189 despite a fighting fifty by James Rew (95). In reply, Shaik Rasheed (50 off 84) and Nishant Sindhu (50 not out off 54) smashed fifties while Raj Bawa (35 off 54) also played a vital knock and helped India chase the target in 47.4 overs, with four wickets in hand.

Chasing a challenging target, India were off to a poor start as left-arm pacer Joshua Boyden removed Angkrish Raghuvanshi for zero in the very second delivery of the innings. After losing Raghuvanshi early, Shaikh Rasheed and Harnoor Singh didn’t take too many risks and batted cautiously. The duo took India to 33/1 after 10 overs as England used three bowlers, including captain Tom Prest, in the first powerplay.

From there on, England dried the runs up by bowling some disciplined overs and backed that up with solid efforts in fielding. It was Thomas Aspinwall who gave England the big breakthrough by dismissing opener Harnoor Singh with an unplayable bouncer and ending a 49-run stand for the 2nd wicket.

Captain Yash Dhull, who played a

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match-winning knock of 110 runs against Australia in the semi-final, then joined vice-captain Rasheed at the crease. The asking rate was not too much but India were under a bit of pressure after that slow start. But Dhull and Shaikh Rasheed showed great composure and added runs quickly.

Rasheed, who took his time during the partnership with Harnoor, was more proactive between the two as he got to his fifty in 83 balls. However, he couldn’t carry his innings longer and got out to James Sales while going for a big hit. Soon, Sales dismissed Yash Dhull for 17 and helped England claw back in the match with India at 97 for 4 in 28.4 overs.

From there on, Raj Bawa and Nishant Sindhu joined hands to bail India out of the tricky situation. Both Bawa and Sindhu looked in solid touch and scored at a brisk rate, taking India closer to the target. It took 40 overs for India to hit their first six as Rehan Ahmed was launched over the long-on boundary by Nishant Sindhu, who hit the first six of the second innings to bring his 50run partnership with Bawa.

With India needing 44 runs in the last 60 balls, Bawa changed gears and smashed a six and a four to turn things in India’s favour. In continuation of his aggressive batting, Bawa hit the ball straight to the mid-on fielder and departed after scoring 35 from 54 balls. However, Nishant Sindhu kept his nerves and hit a superb fifty, putting India on the cusp of victory. It was Raj Bawa — the star of the day– who hit a couple of sixes and took India over the victory line in style.

Earlier, England won the toss and opted to bat first, but they were off to a terrible start as they lost Jacob Bethell (2) in the second over of the innings. Bethell played for an in-swing but the ball bowled by Ravi Kumar kept its line and the England opener was trapped plumb in front of the wicket.

Captain Tom Prest, who came to bat first, didn’t trouble the scorers and got out a duck. He was also dismissed by Ravi Kumar, who bowled a short delivery and Prest dragged the ball onto

However, the drop didn’t cost India that much as Bawa dismissed the dangerous Thomas for 27. Opener Thomas looked to put pressure on Bawa by hitting across the line in the first delivery of the 11th over but he got a leading edge and was caught inside the 30-yard circle.

Continuing his dreamy bowling spell, Raj Bawa soon got rid of Will Luxton and George Bell in two consecutive deliveries of the 13th over as England were five down for 47 runs. Things were not looking good for England; it got worse when Bawa picked his fourth wicket of the match, dismissing Rehan Ahmed (10), who edged the ball straight to the slips and Kaushal Tambe made no mistake.

Wickets were falling from one end but James Rew was holding the fort for England amid all the carnage. He along with Alex Horton hit a few much-needed boundaries and stitched a 30run stand for the seventh wicket before the latter got out to spinner Kaushal Tambe for 10 in the 25th over of the innings.

At 91-7, it looked like England would get bowled out for a lower total but James Rew and James Sales stitched a solid partnership for the 8th wicket. Rew mixed aggression with caution and found the gaps with ease, scoring his fifty in 79 balls. He was well supported by Sales from the other end as the duo took England to 147/5 after 35 overs. On the other hand, India were looking desperate for a wicket as skipper Yash Dhull made multiple bowling changes.

It was Ravi Kumar, who brought India back into the game by taking two quick wickets in the 44th over. He first got rid of James Rew, who played a fantastic knock of 95, snapping a 93-run stand for the 8th wicket and then removed lower-order batter Thomas Aspinwall for a duck.

Raj Bawa then dismissed Joshua Boyden to take his five-fer as England were bowled out for 189 after 44.5 overs. James Sales remained not out after scoring 34 off 65.

Brief scores: England U-19: 189 all out in 44.5 overs ( James Rew 95, James Sales 34; Raj Bawa 5/31, Ravi Kumar 4/34) lost to India U-19: 195-6 in 47.4 overs (Shaik Rasheed 50, Nishant Sindhu 50; Joshua Boyden 2/24) by four wickets

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record fourth title

IANS

IANS

Melbourne, Jan 28 (IANS): A stunning fightback from Laurie Evans and skipper Ashton Turner with the bat followed by a clinical show with the ball helped Perth Scorchers thrash Sydney Sixers by 79 runs in the final and won the 2021-22 Big Bash League title, here on Friday.

With this win, Perth Scorchers became the first team to lift the BBL Trophy for the fourth time in the competition's 11-season history. They earlier had won titles in seasons 3, 4 and 6 of BBL. At 4-25, Scorchers were in deep trouble and Evans (76 not out off 41) and Turner (54 off 35) helped them recover from the collapse as they put on 104 runs for the fifth wicket to help their side to 171 for 6. In reply, Daniel Hughes topscored for the Sixers with 42 but it was not enough.

Chasing a challenging target, Hayden Kerr (2), who scored an unbeaten 98 against Adelaide Strikers to help the Sixers into the final, could not replicate his heroics as he fell in the second over to Jason Behrendorff slicing a catch to short third-man.

Daniel Hughes and Nick Bertus (15) tried to build a partnership but their association ended on 27 runs as Turner dismissed the other opener. With skipper Moises Henriques also falling cheaply, leg-before to Ashton Agar, the Sixers slipped to 46 for 3 after seven overs.

From there on, the game began to rest largely on the bat of Hughes, who despite passing a pre-match fitness test, appeared to be significantly hampered running between the wickets. He tried to hold the innings together but didn't receive support from the other end as Dan Christian and Peter Hatzoglou fell in quick succession.

Hughes (42) was the next to fall, run out after a poor call from Sean Abbott in the 13th over as the Sixers slumped to 6-77. Only 25 more runs were added for the last

four wickets as the Sixers were bowled out for 92 in 16.2 overs, losing the final by a huge margin of 79 runs.

Andrew Tye picked up a threewicket haul (3/15) while Jhye Richardson bagged a couple (2/20).

Earlier, the Scorchers innings was in disarray after they were asked to bat, with only 25 runs coming in the first six overs at the cost of four top-order wickets.

Kurtis Patterson (1) was the first to depart, top-edging a pulloff Jackson Bird. Inglis (13) then joined the in-form Patterson back in the shed and he was quickly followed by Mitchell Marsh and Colin Munro.

Marsh (5) and Munro (1) got out to Nathan Lyon in the sixth over, failing in their attempts to play the loft and reverse sweep respectively as the Scorchers slumped to 4-25 in the sixth.

That was when Turner was joined by Evans and they shifted the momentum with a brilliant match-winning partnership across the next 10 overs. Both Turner and Evans brought up their half-centuries with powerful sixes over mid-wicket before veteran tweaker Steve O'Keefe (2-43) broke through to send the Scorchers skipper on his way in the 16th over.

Evans, meanwhile, collected two more sixes and remained unbeaten on 76 from 41 balls, his highest score of the tournament, with a tally of four boundaries and as many maximums. Ashton Agar also struck three fours as Scorchers finished with a remarkable total of 171-6 that had earlier looked impossible.

Brief scores: Perth Scorchers 171/6 in 20 overs (Laurie Evans 76 not out, Ashton Turner 54; Nathan Lyon 2-24, Steve O'Keefe 2-43) beat Sydney Sixers 92 in 16.2 overs (Daniel Hughes 42; Andrew Tye 3-15, Jhye Richardson 2-20) by 79 runs.

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Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

CULTURE

Intimate cafes, cloud kitchens: Picasso’s 'La Fenêtre to be auctioned Exhaling with grub in Srinagar Ouverte' for the first time being fascinated with cooking since she was a child.While other cloud kitchens have emerged in recent years, hers remains the only one that provides customised cuisines. “I was the first to make people fall in love with fish cooked with sun-dried vegetables.”While the Tabak Maaz salad was a big hit, I’ve always believed in improvisation, such as the apricot mutton.”

Someone who constantly encourages her clients to try new things,”So many young people are opening up to experimentation,” Ayub adds. I was recently asked for Hibachi chicken, a Japanese dish.”

T

he stark contrasts in Srinagar are what make the spaces inbetween breathtaking, terrifying, and seductively blank. Under the cloud-capped sun and the melancholy that comes with the permanent grey weather of January here; amidst graffiti in a script that goes from right to left.

And in those places, at all times – both tense and 'normal,' food is rarely lost in conversation.

That's what my new friends here say. However, if you believe that a city can only be found on long walks — alone and abandoned — in places where multiple currents meet, downtown may seem like the perfect choice —- roadside barbecues, shops as old as time... but this is a place for solitary meals, piping hot meat from establishments whose half-erased signboards make a nostalgic's dreams come true.

In order to capture the vibe of the ‘urban and mobile’ young, the intimate cafes that have sprung up in recent years provide interesting insights. The air of informality, a promise to sit around, where nothingness is encouraged, it is always beyond the grub they offer that they are usually full. Several are led by people who have worked across the country for major corporations or aid organisations.

Before the conversation begins, some owners may inquire, ‘Is there going to be a political undertone to the piece?’ You smile as you say ‘no,’ thinking, ‘but what isn’t political?’

Anam Khan, a communications specialist who worked with John Hopkins in their Delhi office and later US Aid, was born in Delhi, lived and studied outside the valley (though her mother lives here), and then became a partner in the well-known ‘Books & Bricks’ cafe on Iqbal Road here,

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which is essentially an American diner that serves burgers, pizzas, and pasta, with the Lamb Half Pounder being their best-selling dish.

With a capacity of 40 customers at a time, its popularity among young people aged 18 to 40 ensures that Khan is always hands-on. “During my time with US AID, I would come here to cover childhood and work in this cafe.” I proposed that there be book readings and other cultural events held in this space. In fact, I was the one who organised the first one, and we also saw a sarangi player. The evening was enchanting. I began assisting them with social media.”

She joined the team in 2019.

The place had been completely renovated, and Khan would be here every day, serving, hosting, and conversing with customers.”I never went back to Delhi,” she says with a smile. She believes that the rustic and intimate setting of Books & Bricks is one of the reasons for the city’s strong cafe culture’s evolution. “Yes, a lot of people have recently invested.

“Because there are no theatres or art galleries for recreation, eating out becomes a recreational activity.”

For someone who makes it a point to visit each table and speak with customers to ensure that everything is in order, this Delhi University graduate believes that opening up more spaces will benefit the industry. “When a new cafe opens, I am not threatened.”

More spaces like this indicate that the industry is evolving.

Previously, our vendors were located in Delhi or Chandigarh.

“Most of them have arrived now.”

Mir Toyyibah Ayub, then 19, founded Kashmir’s first cloud kitchen, ‘Dish You Wish.’ This young woman, now 22, recalls

Aghya Ayhan Rathore and his brother, who worked in the corporate sector in major cities, had long planned to open a cafe in their hometown of Srinagar last year, but it was the Pandemic that brought their plans to fruition, and thus ‘The Backyard Grill’ at Rajbagh was born. “Well, we’re foodies, so that definitely helped.”

They didn’t want to buy or rent a place, so they converted a portion of their home into a cafe, hence the name. With the option of sitting indoors or outdoors, the duo has focused on warm lights, a lot of wood and greens, and neon lights to give the outdoor space a nighttime facelift.

Rathore, like Khan, believes that it is the personalised experience that is working for them. “We are always on-site and in contact with our customers.” Because the atmosphere is so welcoming, we frequently have the joining of two random tables. People who come in as our guests leave as our friends.”

Several other cafes, including Chai Jhai, Cafe Liberty, and Creme Bakery Cafe, are also popular with young people and tourists.

Cafe Morels, another popular spot known for its Stuffed Chicken Steak and ‘Bubble Tea,’ also arose during the Pandemic. Iqra Rafiqi, the owner, has always been passionate about food and wanted to open a cafe with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Starting operations in 2021, the architecture of the cafe, which can seat 27 people inside, may be reminiscent of a European establishment, given that he lived in London before returning, but it contains enough Kashmiri elements to make everyone feel at home.

“When I moved back here, there were no options for authentic English breakfast or a cup of coffee that satisfied my taste.”

And I was confident that many Kashmiris would appreciate the opportunity to sample international cuisines. For the first time, I introduced bubble tea to Kashmir, and the response has been overwhelming.”

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L

a fenêtre ouverte (1929, estimate: £14,000,00024,000,000), presented at auction for the first time, is a seminal work from Pablo Picasso's Surrealist period. The painting will be featured in Christie's 21st edition of The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale, which will be held on March 1, 2022, as part of the 20/21 Shanghai to London auction series.

La fenêtre ouverte is a work of striking visual power, impressively scaled and rendered with a bold colour palette and direct handling. This complex and compelling studio scene, painted on November 22, 1929, is one of a series of Atelier works that Picasso began around 1926, richly symbolic and radically constructed paintings that reveal the artist's multi-faceted interests at the time. Other works from this series can be found in museums such as New York's Museum of Modern Art and Paris's Musée National d'Art Moderne, Le Centre Pompidou. La fenêtre ouverte is a rich source of personal and artistic symbolism. It is a still life, a veiled Atelier scene, and a Surrealist distortion of reality.

Two highly abstracted figures tower in the foreground of this painting. A plaster bust on the right appears to be a disguised image of the artist’s great lover and muse at the time, MarieThérèse Walter. The figurative object on the left, a jumble of feet intersected by an arrow, is thought to be an abstracted, symbolic representation of Picasso himself. In the background, two spires of the Sainte-Clotilde church can be seen. According to John Richardson, this work depicts the secret Left Bank apartment that Picasso and Marie-Thérèse shared as a hideaway during their relationship. A configuration of abstracted objects is depicted in the foreground in an arrangement reminiscent of the artist’s earlier cubist still lifes.

Olivier Camu, Deputy Chairman, Impressionist and Modern Art, Christie’s: “Held in the same European collection for half a century, this powerful and

explosively coloured painting from the highpoint of Picasso’s Surrealist period and two years into his clandestine love affair with Marie-Thérèse, represents a brilliant fusion of the different passions and inspirations that defined the artist’s life at the end of the 1920s. Relishing the secret nature of their romance, Picasso could not help but include his lover’s presence in the form of the plaster bust in this painting.

Marie-Thérèse’s presence in Picasso’s life reinvigorated every area of his work, her statuesque form and radiant beauty, as well as her youthful, carefree sensibility inspiring the artist to create works that stand as the finest of his career. This metamorphosised, cryptically coded work stands as a fascinating self-portrait of Picasso and his golden haired muse, which we are thrilled to present to the market for the first time as a major highlight of the 21st edition of The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale.”

Although Marie-Thérèse did not appear in full form in the artist’s work until the spring of 1931, when he created the sentinellike plaster busts, her profile and sweep of hair are instantly identifiable in La fenêtre ouverte.

Her presence in the artist’s life and art was unknown at the time, but the iconic visual idiom that Picasso developed in his portrayals of her, in profile and with the luminous white visage, was already present.

La fenêtre ouverte was included in Picasso’s landmark 1932 retrospective, which was first shown at the Galerie Georges Petit in Paris from June to July, before moving to the Kunsthaus Zurich from September to October. The painting was also included in the seminal survey exhibition ‘Dada, Surrealism, and Their Heritage’ at The Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1968.

Picasso’s La fenêtre ouverte will be on display in New York from February 4 to 8, 2022, and in Hong Kong from February 15 to 17, 2022, before travelling to London from February 23 to March 1, 2022.

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BOOKS & LITERATURE

The Nationalism Book Auction Exploring the heart and prison, were among the auction's highlights. (Lot 15; Jawaharlal Nehru's India and the World, 1926) The catalogue had 85 lots, bringing to life a diverse range of political leaders, authors, and philosophers’ experiences and narratives. The value of these literary assets was estimated to be between INR 30,000 and INR 1,00,000.

P

rinseps held the third edition of 'The Nationalism Book Auction' on January 25.

The auction featured a unique collection of first-edition books, the majority of which have never been offered for sale before. These novels were printed in India between the pre-independence and post-independence periods and are difficult to find, as just a few copies have remained.

The sale provided a rare view

into pre-independence India, a time when freedom fighters, philosophies, revolutionaries, and well-known figures flourished.

The comprehensive collection of Gandhi's speeches and writings (Lot 5; Speeches and Writings of M.K Gandhi by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, 1922); and a collection of Jawaharlal Nehru's political writings, which includes his presidential addresses and some shorter essays written in

“The third edition of The Nationalism Book Auction provides a rare collection of first-editions or limited editions that might be deemed irreplaceable in today’s times,” says Vice-President and Curator Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil. The books are in excellent shape, having been carefully conserved.”

In addition to the auction, Prinseps will hold a special auction of NFTs based on Bhanu Athaiya’s drawings and sketches in the following months.

1,500 saplings planted to offset carbon footprint of upcoming novel

I

n a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Hoshiarpur Literary Society has collaborated with the Punjab Forest Department to plant saplings in their endeavour to eliminate the carbon footprint of Khushwant Singhs upcoming novel, 'The Opium Toffee'.

Every publishing activity leads to the release of greenhouse gases, and the major contributors are carbon dioxide and methane.

The Forest Department carried out the plantation drive at its nursery in Muallanpur, near here.

The department planted 1,500 saplings, including species like Shishma, Kanakchampa, Rajhain, Sukh Chain, Australian Kikar, and Kaindu.

According to author Singh,

this noble idea came from a conversation with a friend from the organisation, Sustain to Survive.

love, drugs, betrayal, politics and fanaticism and opens a window to that disturbing phase in India's history.

"Once he made me aware and calculated the kind of CO2e (carbon dioxide and other gases) a book produces, I wanted to mitigate the carbon footprint of the novel and approached the Hoshiarpur Literary Society and the Forest Department to help me in taking this initiative.

Keroscene Films has already optioned 'The Opium Toffee' for a cinematic experience. This is Singh's third book to be optioned for a movie.

"The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests was very receptive to this idea, and I am sure that the step that we have taken will find roots, and many such initiatives will follow. Steps like using recycled paper, energy-efficient printing methods and usage of less toxic printing ink are some of the immediate remedies that the publishing industry can adopt," Singh told IANS. "Even though it's challenging to arrive at an exact figure, rough estimates suggest that 15 trees over their lifecycle can offset one tonne of CO2e. Keeping in mind the various steps involved in writing and publishing, the mortality of plants in forest conditions etc., I figured that 1,500 trees would be a safe figure to plant," he added.

'The Opium Toffee' will be formally released in February.

It is a love story set in Punjab and London of the 1980s. It is a story that traverses through

Omung Kumar is adopting his biographical work on veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh into a biopic. At the same time, his previous novel 'Maharaja in Denims' is being adapted into a film by Guneet Monga, the producer of 'Lunch Box' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur 2'.

Singh has also authored 'The People's Maharaja', the authorised biography of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

"We are very proud of this initiative. The Hoshiarpur Literary Society has always taken the lead in bringing important narratives to the society," said Sanna K. Gupta, President of the Hoshiarpur Literary Society.

"Through this tree plantation drive, we plan to sensitise the writers and the publishing community about GHG emissions that the publishing industry creates. We will soon hold a seminar as well as write to all the stakeholders in the writing industry to consider the options to help build a carbon-neutral world," Gupta added.

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soul of hi-performance companies A

distinguished Harvard Business School professor offers a compelling reassessment and defence of purpose as a management ethos, documenting the vast performance gains and social benefits that become possible when firms manage to get their purpose right.

Few business topics have aroused more skepticism in recent years than the notion of corporate purpose, and for good reason.

Too many companies deploy purpose, or a reason for being, as a promotional vehicle to make themselves feel virtuous and to look good to the outside world.

Some have only foggy ideas about what purpose is and conflate it with strategy and other concepts like 'mission', 'vision', and 'values'.

Even well-intentioned leaders don't understand the full potential of purpose and engage halfheartedly and superficially with it. Outsiders spot this and become cynical about companies and the broader capitalist endeavour.

Having conducted extensive field research, Ranjay Gulati reveals the fatal mistakes leaders unwittingly make when attempting to implement a reason for being. Moreover, he shows how companies can embed purpose much more deeply than they currently do, delivering impressive performance benefits that reward customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and communities alike.

To get purpose right, leaders must fundamentally change not only how they execute it but also how they conceive of and relate to it. They must practice what Gulati calls deep purpose, furthering each organization's reason for being more intensely, thoughtfully, and comprehensively than ever before.

In his authoritative work "Deep Purpose" (Penguin), Gulati takes readers inside some of the world's most purposeful companies to understand the secrets to their successes. He explores how leaders can pursue purpose more deeply by navigating the inevitable trade-offs more deliberately and effectively to balance between short- and longterm value: * Building purpose more systematically into every key organizational function to mobilize stakeholders and enhance performance * Updating organizations to foster more autonomy and collaboration, which in turn allow individual employees to work more purposefully * Using powerful storytelling to communicate a reason for being, arousing emotions and building

a community of inspired and committed stakeholders; and * Building cultures that don't merely support purpose, but also allow employees to link the corporate purpose to their own personal reasons for being.

As Gulati argues, a deeper engagement with purpose holds the key not merely to the wellbeing of individual companies but also to humanity's future.

With capitalism under siege and relatively low levels of trust in business, purpose can serve as a radically new operating system for the enterprise, enhancing performance while also delivering meaningful benefits to society. It's the kind of inspired thinking that businesses -- and the rest of us -- urgently need.

Ranjay Gulati is the Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor and the former Unit Head of the Organizational Behavior Unit at Harvard Business School. Until recently, he chaired the Advanced Management Program, the flagship senior leader executive program, at the school.

Gulati studies how "resilient" organisations -- those that prosper both in good times and bad -- drive growth and profitability. His work bridges strategy (establishing clear strategic pillars for growth), organizational design (reimagining purposeful and collaborative organizational systems), and leadership (fostering inspired, courageous and caring execution).

He is the author of a number of books, and has been a frequent guest on CNBC and other media outlets. He has also served on the advisory boards of several entrepreneurial ventures.

Gulati holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University, a Master's Degree in Management from MIT's Sloan School of Management, and two Bachelor's Degrees, in Computer Science and Economics, from Washington State University and St. Stephen's College, New Delhi, respectively.

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

TRAVEL

Ananda in The Himalayas & The Nautilus Maldives announce partnership T

he Nautilus Maldives, a highly tailored bohemian hideaway and private island resort, has collaborated with Ananda in The Himalayas, one of India's top ranked destination spa and wellness retreat, to create a firstof-its-kind wellbeing experience that is customised, opulent, and genuinely one-of-a-kind.

This collaboration, will offer the finest of both worlds: the confluence of the beautiful Himalayas and the broad Indian Ocean, where the luxury of space and time becomes boundless.

Two locations where you may re-energize, revitalise, and experience nature at its finest.

Set against the stunning background of the Baa Atoll in the Maldives, the Nautilus is known as the most personalised private island experience, and its “anytime, anywhere, as you please” style of hospitality invites guests to come as they are.

• As part of the daily schedule at the Solasta Spa overwater yoga pavilion, guests at The Nautilus will be able to experience signature Ananda Meditation and Breathwork practises as part of the hotel’s extensive spa offerings. The Ananda Dhyana meditation and breathwork series is specifically designed for guests at The Nautilus to recharge themselves by improving clarity of thought and achieving a heightened sense of balance.

• From January to March 2022, guests at The Nautilus will be able to sample a selection of signature Ananda gourmet wellness cuisine as part of The Nautilus’ culinary offerings. Ananda’s signature

wellness cuisine incorporates key Ayurvedic principles, such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and the avoidance of added or artificial salts, colours, flavours, or preservatives.

• At the same time, Ananda guests can enjoy signature dishes from The Nautilus’ three gourmet restaurants: Zeytoun, which focuses on intriguing infusions of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine; Ocaso, which celebrates simplicity with Japanese and Latin-American creations; and Thyme, which specialises in island-inspired tropical cuisine.

• In addition, a one-of-a-kind multi-day Ananda Wellness Retreat at The Nautilus is already planned for April 2022.

From April 7 to 11, 2022, Ananda experts will be in residence at The Nautilus, conducting daily classes, workshops, and guided sessions in yoga, meditation, and presenting Ananda’s gourmet wellness cuisine.

“With recent events and changed life circumstances, our guests’ health awareness and sustainable lifestyle are becoming increasingly important.” As a result, we are delighted to have found such a strong partner in the field of holistic wellbeing and to further enhance our guests’ wellness journey with Ananda’s

strong expertise,” says Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives.

The first floor includes a living room, kitchen, working space, bathroom and mezzanine bedroom with a king-size bed.

com/1eurohouse and complete the application form. Before applying, carefully read the selection terms available on the website.

“The Ananda concept is a journey to discover one’s inner self, aided by ancient wellness practises and retreats to places of solace where tranquil nature and nurturing care create longlasting transformations.” The

combination of Ananda’s wellness expertise and bespoke luxury from The Nautilus across two magical destinations presents a one-of-a-kind and immersive opportunity for our global patrons,” says Mahesh Natarajan, Chief Operating Officer, Ananda in the Himalayas.

Live for a year in a restored ‘1 Euro’ Sicilian home

A

irbnb is looking for the right person to host a decayedturned-designer Italian heritage home and live rent-free for a year. With the ability to live and work remotely, one person will be chosen to relocate to Sicily with their family, spouse, or friend, and live in this beautifully renovated home.

“The beauty of this campaign is that it gives a second chance not just to an abandoned heritage home in the heart of our village - it’s also a second chance to the person who moves into it. We see it as a designer makeover for the house and the Host. We’re looking for someone who wants to live with the local population and participate in all the important moments of the community, from the grape harvest to olive picking and we can't wait to welcome whoever gets selected!” said Leonardo Ciaccio, Mayor of Sambuca di Sicilia.

Candidates should be enthusiastic about hosting and participating

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in village life. Their stay in Sambuca will last a year, starting on June 30th, and the successful candidate will keep all proceeds from hosting on Airbnb.

The House

What makes this ‘1 Euro House’ truly unique is that it has been completely remodelled by a designer. Airbnb collaborated with Studio Didea, an Italian architectural firm, to renovate the home using materials and colours that complemented the surrounding environment. The structure is representative of Sicily’s attractive architecture, combining contemporary design with hand-made and local handicraft features.

The spacious building spans three floors, with plenty of room to work remotely and Host on Airbnb.

The ground floor comprises a small living room, master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom.

The upper floor includes an additional living space with a queen-size sofa bed.

The successful applicant gets first dibs on the bedroom that best suits their needs with the second bedroom to be listed on Airbnb.

The Location Sambuca is a tiny rural village in Sicily with a unique blend of Italian and North African cultures and architectural styles. It has a population of about 6000 people. The chosen candidate will join a burgeoning international community, with many millennials coming from larger local cities to the rural town in search of a calmer pace of life, thanks to its ‘1 Euro House’ marketing.

How it works To apply, visit airbnb.

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Candidates must be over 18, available to move to Sambuca for at least 3 consecutive months, starting from June 30th, 2022 and be able to speak conversational English (Italian a plus!). The selected participant will be given the opportunity to take part in a mentorship program: learning Italian and attending Italian cooking classes. Candidates will need to demonstrate a commitment to hosting one room in the house for a minimum of 9 months.

The successful participant may bring their partner, friend, or family (maximum of two adults and two children in total). The successful participant will live rent-free and will retain all Airbnb Host earnings over the course of their residence.

This opportunity in Sambuca, Sicily highlights the potential economic benefits for rural communities as a result of changing travel trends on Airbnb driven by the pandemic. In Q3 2019, just four Italian cities accounted for over 26% of all travel: Rome, Venice, Milan, and Florence. In Q3 2021, however, those same four cities accounted for under 17% of travel, and one of the top visited areas in Italy was Sicily. Airbnb aims to support this demand by working with villages like Sambuca to help restore them to their former glory.

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Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

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WHAT’S ON

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

ENTERTAINMENT

Shruti Haasan to play female lead in Jubin Nautiyal's new Prashant Neel's action flick 'Salaar' single brims over with @shrutzhaasan, a very Happy Birthday! #Salaar," wrote Prabhas, as he shares the poster.

love and friendship

Shruti Haasan plays a role named Aadya in Prashanth Neel's upcoming directorial 'Salaar'.

Though the makers didn't reveal much in the poster, Shruti Haasan is seen in a simple long-sleeved dress, as she gazes at the sky.

It is rumoured that Shruti will play a political journalist's role, while it is yet to be confirmed by the makers of 'Salaar'.

Billed to be a high octane action entertainer, 'Salaar' is one of the high-budget upcoming movies to feature Prabhas.

Like the movie 'KGF' bagged him so much fame, Prashanth Neel is pinning hopes on 'Salaar' so as to keep up his good work.

T

he makers of Prabhas-starrer 'Salaar' released a special birthday poster to wish the movie's heroine Shruti Haasan, on the occasion of her birthday.

As the 'Gabbar Singh' actress

celebrates her birthday on Friday, her upcoming movie- 'Salaar' hero Prabhas took to his social media platforms, to release a picture. "Wishing my entertaining heroine, the energy ball on set

While it is reported that a few schedules of the shooting have been wrapped up, the upcoming schedules will be crucial for the makers. Sandalwood's production banner Hombale Films of 'KGF' fame is bankrolling 'Salaar.'

Fatima Sana Shaikh says she believes acting is all about reacting D

angal" actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, feels that a lot of acting isdefined by how an actor reacts to their co-actor. She maintains that actors feed off each other's energy to sketch a good performance.

Elaborating on her stance, she said: "I believe, acting is a lot of reacting. It's always good to have good performers opposite you so that you can feed off their energies."

The actress recently worked in a TVC with Sidharth Malhotra.

They instantly clicked and their camaraderie seems to have translated into their work as well, going by her statement on her experience of working with the actor.

"It has been a blast working with Sidharth for the ad. We gelled so well on the sets, it didn't feel like it was the first time we were working together."

About their upcoming projects, Fatima Sana Shaikh will be next seen in "SamBahadur" while Sidharth Malhotra will be next seen in "Mission Majnu".

J

ubin Nautiyal's new romantic single 'Dil Pe Zakhm' featuring actors Gurmeet Choudhary, Arjun Bijlani and Kashika Kapoor was released on Friday.

The song features a compelling story at its core told musically in Jubin's soulful voice.

'Dil Pe Zakhm', presented by Bhushan Kumar's T-Series, has been composed by Rochak Kohli with lyrics penned by 'Teri Mitti' fame Manoj Muntashir.

Ashish Panda has taken the onus of direction by capturing it beautifully in picturesque locations of Shimla. It features the signature guitars and tabla beats of the record label.

Jubin Nautiyal describes the song as a roller coaster ride. "'Dil Pe Zakhm' is the perfect song to celebrate love and the roller-coaster ride that comes with it. Bhushanji has been great by giving me such splendid and once in a lifetime opportunities, especially with #JubinsJan! The storyline depicted in the song is perfectly complimented with soulful music and It's been splendid to sing for this particular track. Watch out, music lovers!"

Bhushan Kumar, MD of T-Series says that track exudes the emotions of love and friendship. "'Dil Pe Zakhm' describes the true emotions of love and friendship.

Jubin's soulful voice rendition and the powerful performances by Gurmeet, Arjun and Kashika make for a complete package. I am sure the audience will enjoy this track just like the previous ones we have delivered this month!"

Commenting on his long due collaboration with his friend Arjun Bijlani, Gurmeet said, "When you have a team lead by Bhushan Ji and a song by Jubin

Nautiyal in addition to co-stars like Arjun and Kashika, you know it's going to be the best.

"Shooting for this song was an amazing experience. Arjun and I are working together after a long time and this will be our 1st collaboration so I'm super excited to see how everyone reacts to it."

Arjun had a gala time working on the track as he was in the best company that he could ask for, "I am reuniting with Gurmeet, who is also a dear friend, for the first time. Not to forget it was a dream to work with Bhushanji who is a fabulous producer! Jubin is a personal favorite of mine so it's a pleasure to be in this video, for sure."

Sharing her excitement for the newly-released track, Kashika said: "Jubin Nautiyal and Bhushan Kumar have always been at the pinnacle of great music and more. 'Dil Pe Zakhm' is one more smashing product from the house that will be an amazing treat for audiences. I look forward to seeing what the reaction will be like to my performance and the song!"

For director Ashish Panda, the song merged flawlessly with his storylines. "It's always great to work with Bhushanji and T-Series. Their songs perfectly complement my story lines, so it's great fun directing the videos!

Gurmeet, Kashika & Arjun were really easy going and directing them was a cakewalk," Panda said.

"I loved seeing my vision being translated into reality and the audience will surely feel the vibe of love, emotions and friendship through 'Dil Pe Zakhm'," he concluded.

'Dil Pe Zakhm' is available for streaming on T-Series' YouTube Channel.

'Rangbaaz': Aakanksha Singh to play don-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin's wife

A

ctress Aakansha Singh will be seen portraying the character of Hena Shahab, the wife of convicted gangsterturned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin in the upcoming web series 'Rangbaaz'.

According to a source close to the development, the actress is currently shooting in Lucknow for the same and the role is something very different from

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anything that Aakanksha has ever had before.

"The story and her character is inspired by Hena Shahab, the wife of gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, and the actress is leaving no stone unturned to nail her part," the source informs.

"She is doing extensive research at her end by reading everything there is about Hena and is also

watching her interviews and seeing videos available on her.

Aakanksha still has a few days of shoot left in Lucknow but she is really thrilled about this revolutionary part," the source further added.

Aakansha will next be seen in Ajay Devgn-starrer 'Runway 34', which also features Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh.

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

Shilpa excited about Rannvijay to host uncovering hidden new talent across India wildlife A show 'Safari India'

ENTERTAINMENT

Lara Dutta, Pratiek Babbarstarrer 'Hiccups and Hookups' ready for Season 2

ctress Shilpa Shetty, who is currently seen judging 'India's Got Talent', is happy about uncovering hidden talent across the country with the help of the reality show.

Speaking about the premiere weekend, Shilpa said: "I am excited about uncovering the plethora of hidden talent that India's nooks and crannies have in store for us."

She added: "It's heartening to also see that the audience is enjoying this season of 'India's Got Talent'.

Kirronji, Badshah, Manoj and I are having a great time shooting for the show."

This is the fourth time that Shilpa is seen judging a reality show.

Previously, she has judged shows like 'Zara Nachke Dikha', 'Nach Baliye' and 'Super Dancer'.

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he makers of 'Hiccups and Hookups' have announced the second season for the web-show featuring Lara Dutta and Pratiek Babbar.

'India's Got Talent' Season 9 airs on Sony TV. On the film front, Shilpa, who is currently seen as a judge on 'India's Got Talent', will be seen in the film 'Nikamma'. Directed by Sabbir Khan, the film also stars Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia.

Saiyami Kher says she feels safe in the hands W of Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

ith the stated aim to explore and experience the biodiversity of India, interact with people managing the national parks, and underline the urgency of preserving the magnificent wildlife of the country, actor-TV host Rannvijay Singha is gearing up for a wildlife show titled 'Safari India'.

Talking about the show, Rannvijay said, "It was the most thrilling experience I have had this year.

It was a series of astonishing and larger-than-life experiences. I interacted with forest rangers and learnt about their efforts towards preserving our wildlife. I have had some exceptional learning experiences and it was only because of the show that I realised what a rich wildlife ecosystem our country has."

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ctress Saiyami Kher, who has collaborated with director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari for the upcoming web series 'Faadu', has praised the director for sketching strong female characters in her projects.

The actress feels secure because of Ashwiny's ability to handle and work around strong female characters on screen.

Talking about her experience with Ashwiny, Saiyami said, "They say what's meant to be, will always find a way. That's how I feel about 'Faadu'.

Collaborating with Ashwiny was on my to-do list. She has done

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spectacular work with 'Nil Battey Sannata', 'Bareilly ki Barfii', and 'Panga'. I feel assured that I am in safe hands."

Shedding light on the setting of the series, the actress said, "The world of this series is poetic and rooted. Ashwiny ma'am always has such strong female characters in her projects. I'm grateful she has given me the responsibility to play Manjiri."

Saiyami also applauded the director's sense of music: "She gives a lot of importance to small details and aesthetics. She plays with music a lot on sets, which is interesting."

The show explores a number of national parks, including Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Pakke Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh), Ranthambhore, Gir, Netravali (Goa) and Dubare Elephant Camp (Karnataka).

The show is coming on Zee Zest.

Amit Nair, Business Head, Zee Zest, said: "Most wildlife shows are voiceover-driven, but here we have tried to place the audience in the thick of the action, giving them the vicarious pleasure of exploring the wilds through the show and possibly inspire them to undertake their own journeys of adventure."

The show will be aired from January 31 on ZEE Zest.

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On the announcement of Season 2, Lara who plays Vasudha, said: "I would like to thank our viewers for all the love they have shown me, and the entire cast. We are all set to return with another entertaining season of Hiccups and Hookups, one with a lot of twists and turns, and frankly, I can't wait to see how Vasudha's life shapes up from here'.

Within a year of Lionsgate Play's premiere of its first Hindi original that witnessed a good response globally, the streaming platform is set to launch season 2 of Hiccups & Hookups.

Prateik Babbar, who plays Akhil said: "This time expect a lot of drama, action and adventure (pun-intended). The first installment was loved and appreciated, and I'm sure the new season will add to the love."

of season 1 centered around Vasudha, Akhil, and Kay portrayed

by Shinnova. Together, the three make a sensational trio navigating through the highs and lows of life while they find their groove, together and as individuals.

Rohit Jain MD Lionsgate South Asia and Networks -Emerging Markets Asia said: "After a successful season of Hiccups & Hookups, we are all set to bring viewers season 2 of the series in 2022. Our endeavor is to continue to create local original content that connects with audiences.

Hiccups & Hookups brought a mass appeal that translated into fans."

Mrinalini Khanna, VP, Originals, Lionsgate India said: "With the incredible cast, the goal for Season 2 is to showcase the deep and funny heart of the show while delivering on the entertainment quotient, and that is the reason we are going to bring Season 2 with a new director, vision and energy."

The series will be a continuation

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to release on Feb 25

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ilmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' starring Alia Bhatt is all set to release theatrically on February 25.

'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is inspired by the life of Gangubai Kothewali, 'madam' of a brothel in Mumbai's Kamathipura, and is based on a chapter of Hussain Zaidi's book 'Mafia Queens Of Mumbai'.

The film is all set to have its much-awaited world premiere at the prestigious 72nd Berlin International Film Festival.

The film also stars Ajay Devgn and is produced by Bhansali and Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios).

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INDIAN NEWS QUEENSLAND

Feb 7, 2021 - Vol 4, Issue 11

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