India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar took to social media to share a picture of himself with his new pet dog.
The 21-year-old wrote, “Love is a four-legged word. World, meet Gabba!”
Sunder named his pet dog after the Gabba stadium in Australia, where he made his Test debut in January and helped India win on the venue after 32 years.
Coming with the touring Indian cricket team as a net bowler, Washington Sundar made an unexpected debut at the Gabba in the final India-Australia Test.
His debut story is like a romantic novel, He was picked ahead of a more experienced Kuldeep Yadav, apparently for his prowess with the bat. The move turned out to be the best decision as Washington Sundar dismissed Australian batting star Steve Smith for just 36 in the first innings and returned overall figures of 3-31.
India’s Washington Sundar bats during a fourth test match between India and Austrlaia, in Gabba on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy: BCCI twitter)
In the second dig, when the Indian batting was reeling at 186-6, Sundar with fellow allrounder Shardul Thakur stitched an all-important 123-run partnership.
Sundar was earlier asked to stay back with the side as a net bowler as injury concerns marring the tour.
After his heroics in Australia, Washington Sundar has cemented his place as one of India’s four top all-rounders in Test cricket.
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 2, 2021
Indian skkiper Virat Kohli has already clarified that Sundar is ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin in the pecking order for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
His precipitous rise began in IPL 2020, where he was the second most economical bowler (5.38). Sundar will be back plying his trade for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021.
SBA gave the funds as part of its Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDLA), Disaster Assistance Loan (DAL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), based in Massachusetts, received more than US$150,000 under PPP and an additional US$21,430 under EIDLA and DAL programmes.
One of the key mission of VHPA is to “Cultivate a spirit of self respect for our way of life, our environment, our Dharma Gurus and institutions and respect for the people of all colors, creeds, races and religions.“
At least 22 security personal have lost their lives in India’s Chhattisgarh in a Far left-wing extremists (Naxal) attack on Saturday.
“22 security personnel have lost their lives in the Naxal attack at Sukma-Bijapur in Chhattisgarh,” said Bijapur Superintendent of Police, Kamalochan Kashyap.
On ground visuals from the site of Naxal attack at Sukma-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh; 22 security personnel have lost their lives in the attack pic.twitter.com/sVCoyXIRwN
Around 31 officers sustained injuries in the attack in Bijapur on Saturday, Chhattisgarh Police said.
Far left-wing extremists (Naxals) looted more than two dozen weapons from security personnel following the attack, according to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sources.
— Tirupati Tarak 🇮🇳 (@tirupatitarak31) April 4, 2021
As per local media reports, an encounter broke out between security forces and left-wing extremists (Naxals) along the Sukma-Bijapur border in the state of Chhattisgarh on Saturday after a group of police personals was ambushed by Maoists lest wing extremists near Jonnaguda village around noon.
One of our Navodayan Bhaiya Deepak Bharadwaj , who was serving as Sub-inspector, bravely got martyred during face with Naxals in Sukma Chhattisgarh. 😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has said that operations against left-wing extremists/Naxals would continue and the work of establishing camps in Naxal-affected areas would be completed in an expedited manner.
पुनः दोहराता हूँ.. "नक्सलियों के प्रभाव क्षेत्र में कैम्पों की स्थापना का कार्य तेजी से किया जाएगा"
रायपुर के रामकृष्ण केयर हॉस्पिटल पहुंचकर बीजापुर में हुई घटना में घायल जवानों के इलाज की जानकारी ली व उन्हें बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सुविधा को कहा।
“They are fighting the left-wing extremists/Naxalites in their den. This left-wing extremist-police encounter has caused huge damage to the left-wing extremists in Bijapur. We have received information that the left-wing extremists had carried their dead and injured fellowmen in four tractors from the encounter site.” Baghel said.
He said that the influence of left-wing extremists in Chhattisgarh was shrinking rapidly, and they are panicking and trying to make their presence felt through such violent incidents.
Director-General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Kuldiep Singh, who is in Chhattisgarh to monitor the situation following the left-wing extremists attack, on Sunday said that there was absolutely no intelligence or operational failure in the operation. Singh informed that around 25-30 left-wing extremists were also killed though the exact number is yet to be ascertained.
We salute the valour and steadfast devotion to duty of the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation while valiantly fighting the Maoists in an operation in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh yesterday. We stand with the families of our Bravehearts. pic.twitter.com/nOY66CLNP2
“There is no point in saying that there was some kind of intelligence or operational failure. Had it been some intelligence failure, forces would have not gone for the operation. And if there was some operational failure, so many left-wing extremists would have not been killed,” DG CRPF told media.
Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday held a top-level meeting with senior officers on the Bijapur left-wing extremist attack at his residence here. Indian Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director IB Arvind Kumar, and senior CRPF officers are present in the meeting.
Mr. Shah said sacrifices of security personnel killed in Bijapur’s left-wing extremist attack would not go in vain. He informed that a search operation is underway for the missing police officers.
I bow to the sacrifices of our brave security personnel martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. Nation will never forget their valour. My condolences are with their families. We will continue our fight against these enemies of peace & progress. May injured recover soon.
“Both sides have suffered losses. Our jawans have lost their lives. I pay tributes to them. I want to assure their families that their sacrifice will not go in vain,” the Home Minister said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that this sacrifice by police personels will never be forgotten.
He also wished for a speedy recovery for personnel injured in the encounter. “My thoughts are with the families of those martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. The sacrifices of the brave martyrs will never be forgotten. May the injured recover at the earliest,” PM Modi tweeted.
My thoughts are with the families of those martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. The sacrifices of the brave martyrs will never be forgotten. May the injured recover at the earliest.
Political leaders from across the spectrum condoled the attack and death of the security personnel.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik strongly condemned the attack by left-wing extremists.
Strongly condemn the cowardly attack by left-wing extremists on our jawans in #Sukma, Chhattisgarh. My deepest condolences to the families of the jawans who embraced martyrdom while fighting for the country. Wish speedy recovery to the injured.
Indian National Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday paid homage to security personnel killed in Naxal attack at Sukma-Bijapur in Chhattisgarh and said that the Nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to them.
In a statement, Gandhi wished complete recovery of injured personnel and said “we are united in our resolve to combat Naxalism”.
The entire country bows before the martyrdom of 22 jawans in the gruesome naxal attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. I pay homage to these jawans who have given their lives, and heartfelt condolences to their families.
“The entire country bows before the martyrdom of 22 jawans in the gruesome Naxal attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. I pay homage to these jawans who have given their lives and heartfelt condolences to their families. The Nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to them,” she said.
French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain on Sunday expressed grief for the loss of lives of the security personnel in the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh.
Heartfelt condolences for the losses suffered by the security personnel in #Chhattisgarh. Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims and to the injured, for whom we wish a speedy recovery. France stands with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.
Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez, who has started shooting for her upcoming movie ‘Ram Setu’ on Saturday, revealed the first look of her character from the film on social media.
The ‘Race 3’ actor took to her Instagram handle and shared a glimpse of her look for the movie, along with the caption, “First day of #ramsetu extremely honored to be part of this prestigious film! Thanks to the ace photographer @akshaykumar for capturing this moment #ramsetu.”
The picture, which was clicked by Jacqueline’s co-star Akshay Kumar, was a stunning monochromatic shot of her wearing a headscarf and looking candidly sideways from the camera.
Apart from Jacqueline and Akshay, ‘Ram Setu’ also stars Nushrratt Bharuccha, who had shared her first look from the movie a day prior. Akshay too had earlier shared his look from the film and revealed that he would be playing an archaeologist in the movie.
‘Ram Setu’, which is being helmed by Abhishek Sharma and produced by Aruna Bhatia and Vikram Malhotra was first announced on Diwali last year. It will be an action-adventure drama, that will bring to light a story that is deeply rooted in Indian cultural and historical heritage.
Following the film’s theatrical release, ‘Ram Setu’ will soon be also available for Prime members in India, along with more than 240 countries and territories. Amazon Prime will also be the worldwide exclusive streaming partner for the film.
An 82 year old man, gatekeeping India’s abandoned and haunted village- town of Kuldhara in the heart of the Thar desert in Rajasthan reunited with his “first love” after 50 years.
A post has gone viral on Instagram by the Humans of Bombay where this gentleman recalled that he was in his 30s when he met Marina, an Australian woman who had come to Jaisalmer from the foreign on a five-day tour. Opening up about what internet users are calling ‘magical love story,’
“I was in my 30s when I first met Marina–she’d come to Jaisalmer from Australia, for a desert safari. It was a 5-day trip & I taught her to ride a camel! This was the 1970s–un dino, pehli nazar mein pyaar ho jata tha!”
Image credits: @officialhumansofbombay/Instagram
He further narrates, “That’s exactly what happened–for both of us, it was love at first sight. Throughout the trip, we couldn’t take our eyes off each other. Before leaving for Australia, she said, ‘I love you;’ I went red! Nobody had ever said those words to me. I was so shy; I couldn’t utter a word in response!”
“But she understood & we stayed in touch–Marina would write to me every week. Soon, she invited me to Australia–I was over the moon!”
It was not easy for him he took a loan of Rs 30,000 and bought a ticket, arranged for a visa, and flew to be with her, that too without informing his parents. “Those 3 months were magical–she taught me English, I taught her to do the ghoomar. But then she said, ‘Let’s get married & settle in Australia!’–things got complicated, he told.
Image credits: @officialhumansofbombay/Instagram
However, this love story came to a dead end as both of them were not ready to leave their respective countries.
“I wasn’t ready to leave my motherland & she wasn’t willing to move to India. I told her–‘This can’t work long term,’ & we parted ways. It wasn’t easy–she cried the day I left, but I had to let her go.”
Then, life moved on. A few years later, owing to family pressure, I had to get married. I took up a job as the gatekeeper of Kuldhara, an abandoned ghost town to fend for my family. But I’d often think about Marina–‘Would she has gotten married?’, ‘Will I ever see her again?’ but I never had the courage to write to her, explains the post.
“As time passed, memories faded; I got busy with family responsibilities. And then 2 years ago, my wife passed away. All my sons were married & had moved out. And here I was, an 82-year-old man, gatekeeping India’s haunted village.”
For him lucky surprise came exatly 50 years after his meeting with her.
“And just when I thought life couldn’t surprise me anymore, it did! A month ago, Marina wrote to me; she asked, ‘How are you, my friend?’ After 50 years, she found me! Since then, she calls me every day; we have so much to catch up on! She told me she’d never gotten married & that she’s coming to India soon.”
“Ramji ki Kasam, I feel like I’m 21 again! I don’t know what the future holds, but knowing that my first love is back in my life & talks to me every day is a feeling I can’t explain.”
Veteran actor Anupam Kher on Thursday shared a health update about his wife and actor Kirron Kher stating that she has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and is currently ‘undergoing treatment’.
The ‘Hotel Mumbai’ star took to Twitter and released a statement which was from Anupam and his son Sikandar. The actor revealed that Kirron is undergoing treatment for the disease and ‘will come out of this stronger.
“Just so that rumors don’t get the better of a situation Sikandar and I would like to inform everyone that Kirron has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. She is currently undergoing treatment and we are sure she will come out of this stronger than before,” wrote the ‘Saraansh’ actor.
Stating that the ‘Singh Is Kinng’ actor is under doctor’s observation, he added, “We are very blessed that she is being looked after by a phenomenal set of doctors. She’s always been a fighter and takes things head-on. She’s all heart and that’s why she has so many people that love her.”
Urging his fans to keep on showering love and prayers for Kirron’s speedy recovery, he said, “so keep sending your love to her in your prayers and in your heart. She is well on her way to recovery and we thank everyone for their support and love. Anupam and Sikandar”
Scores of fans of the celebrity couple expressed concern and wished Kirron a speedy recovery in the comments. On the professional front, Kirron was last seen in ‘Khoobsurat’ directed by Shashanka Ghosh while Anupam was last seen in ‘One Day: Justice Delivered’ alongside Esha Gupta.
Queensland COVID Lockdown will be lifted from midday today, after just 1 new case of community transmission however, that’s linked to an existing cluster of COVID-19.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said testing rates, low case numbers, and the fact that community transmission had been linked to existing cases, allowed authorities to give the green light.
“Easter is good to go,” she said.
Highlights:
1- 10 New COVID19 cases in last 24 hours.
2- One new community transsion
3- Lockdown lifted, some restrictions reamin
BREAKING: The Greater Brisbane lockdown has now lifted.
Some temporary restrictions remain across the state for the next 14 days to keep people safe.
Family events, church services, long weekend getaways, and chocolate egg hunts can all go ahead – Easter is good to go. pic.twitter.com/b8swDAyhBW
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) April 1, 2021
From 12 noon today until 15 April all Queenslanders will be required to carry a mask when they leave their home. Mask-wearing will be compulsory for shopping centres and supermarkets, indoor workplaces, public transport.
PLEASE SHARE: Everything you need to know about Queensland’s updated roadmap for easing restrictions 👇 pic.twitter.com/GXhCqVpulp
People of Indian origin and Indian diaspora who have Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card are now not required to carry their old, expired passports for travel to India, as required earlier.
“The requirement of carrying old and new passports, along with the OCI card, has been done away with.”
This statement will help address one of the major concerns of overseas Indians.
The embassy said:
“Henceforth, an OCI cardholder travelling on the strength of an existing OCI card bearing old passport number is not required to carry the old passport. However, carrying the new (current) passport is mandatory.”
According to the embassy, the Indian government has also decided to grant further extension of time till December 31, 2021, to get the OCI cards re-issued for those below the age of 20 years and above 50 years.
As per the current OCI guidelines that have been in force since 2005, an OCI card is required to be re-issued each time a new passport is acquired by the cardholder up to the age of 20 years or after completing 50 years of age.
The Indian government has relaxed the second provisions since last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Australian Federal Police has released video footage to raise awareness of human trafficking crimes in Australia.
The video shows a woman having an argument with a man in the departures area of Sydney International Airport.
The video footage would go on to form part of the AFP’s Operation Eastwater.
This operation was launched in 2017 and culminated in January in the first conviction for an exit human trafficking offence in Australia.
A 29-year-old Sydney man was sentenced to 21 months in prison when he faced the NSW District Court on January 21.
The man was found guilty of using threats and deception to force the woman and child to return to India.
Operation Eastwater began with Anti-Slavery Australia alerted the AFP that the woman had been forced to India against her will.
It was revealed by the police that the man had in fact just purchased a one-way ticket for the woman to travel from Sydney to India in March 2017.
The woman told police she feared for her life and was threatened with murder if she did not comply with the man’s request.
AFP notes that after the woman had departed for India, the man contacted Australian immigration authorities.
He gave false information and adopted the identity of the woman in a bid to revoke her legal visa status to try and prevent her from returning to Australia.
Somehow, the woman managed to get to Australia two months later and contacted Anti-Slavery Australia.
The matter was referred to the AFP’s Human Trafficking team for further investigation.
The AFP executed a search warrant at the man’s Lidcombe home in September 2017 and served him with a court attendance notice.
Two months later, police arrested him at Sydney International Airport trying to board a flight to Bangkok, Thailand.
In a Victim Impact Statement provided to the court, the victim told of the severe impact the exit trafficking has had on her life and her young daughter.
“Because of his actions, I live in constant fear and stress knowing the lengths he will go to find us and harm us. This fear and stress impacts my physical, emotional and mental health. I have to be careful about who we talk to and where we go, to make sure that our private information is not shared with him. I am very careful when I leave the house. I avoid leaving the house unless absolutely necessary. Because of his actions and threats, I am constantly worried about my daughter. I am always thinking about how to keep my daughter safe. This is very stressful for me. Ordinary things like going out to the shops or to the park has become more difficult because I fear for our safety.”
AFP Commander Hilda Sirec said victims of human trafficking have many fears and vulnerabilities about coming forward to police, but it is important they know we are here to help.
“Human trafficking is not often discussed or even considered to be an issue in Australian society. It is often unreported, but the reality is that Australia is not immune to human trafficking and victims in our communities are suffering in silence. It is thanks to brave people like the woman involved in this matter that our investigators were able to work with her to see justice done.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, help is available.For information and confidential advice please contact Australian Red Cross. Call (03) 9345 1800 or visit the Red Cross website.
Australia’s population has declined for the first time. In fact, such a drop has been recorded after more than a century.
Experts believe that the key reason for this is pandemic-induced border closures that have stemmed the flow of overseas migrants.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the population grew by less than one percent in the year to September 2020.
It has actually declined in the last recorded quarter.
ABS’ demography director, Phil Browning said:
“The last time we saw population decline was the year to December 1916, during World War I.”
Australia’s population is 25.7 million people and COVID measures including snap lockdowns have limited the number of arrivals.
“Decreases to overseas migration have been observed over the last two quarters. For this most recent quarter, the decrease was not outweighed by natural increase causing a small decline in population.”
Net overseas migration stood at 85,100 in year to September 2020.
Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSR Congress Party) Lok Sabha MP Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singari (M.B.B.S., M.S., M.Ch) said that the government should not waste Rs 35,000 crore on the inoculation drive.
He presented these views in the Parliament during a discussion on demands of grants of the Health Ministry amid the ongoing Budget session of Parliament.
He argued that instead this money could be used in improving the health infrastructure in India.
Dr Singari also stated that the COVID vaccine drive is a waste of money, as it is not possible to vaccinate every single person.
He believed that this vaccination drive would be able to protect people against infection for 6-9 months only.
“After 6-9 months Rs 35,000 will be evaporated.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing Indians, underlined the need to scale up RT-PCR tests so that new cases can be identified as soon as possible and the spread of infection can be contained effectively.
“We have to finish vaccination as soon as possible, otherwise, it will keep spreading.”
In fact, during his meeting with Chief Ministers over resurgence of COVID-19 cases, the Prime Minister had highlighted vaccine wastage in Telangana, Andhra and UP.
“Over 10% vaccine wastage in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh. Vaccine wastage in UP is almost the same. It should be reviewed in states that why’s vaccine wastage happening? Monitoring must be done every evening & pro-active people should be contacted so that there’s no wastage.”
In April 2020, six members of Dr Singari’s family had tested Covid-19 positive. He is an MP from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.
In 2013, Kulwinder Singh, the 42 yo man had faced trial in the NSW Supreme Court accused of killing his wife Parwinder Kaur, 32 yo, by setting her on fire at their home in Sydney’s north-west.
He pleaded not guilty.
Now, more than seven years after his wife died, SMH reports that Kulwinder Singh has walked out of court for a final time.
He has been acquitted of her murder.
Mr Singh said to his supporters:
“I am very happy, thank you.”
The Crown case alleged Kulwinder Singh had poured petrol over Parwinder Kaur.
It was also alleged that he has set her alight within the laundry.
Neighbours informed the courtroom they heard a ‘bloodcurdling scream’ on the afternoon of December 2, 2013.
They also told the court that they then saw Parwinder Kaur engulfed in flames and Kulwinder Singh frantically attempting to pat them out within the driveway.
Parwinder Kaur suffered full-thickness burns to 90 per cent of her body and died in hospital the very next day.
The jury in the 2019 verdict was hung but this time a a jury of five men and seven women deliberated for a few hours and declared Kulwinder Singh not guilty of homicide.
कोरोना को लेकर लंबे समय से चले आ रहे प्रतिबंधों को तोड़ने का सिलसिला भी चल रहा है। होली को लेकर महाराष्ट्र सरकार की गाइडलाइंस को लेकर नांदेड में बलवा हो गया। वहां होली के दिन निकाले जाने वाले होला मोहल्ला जुलूस को निकलने से रोकने पर भीड़ ने पुलिसवालों पर हमला कर दिया। इसमें 4 पुलिसकर्मी घायल हो गए।
महाराष्ट्र में कोरोना के बढ़ते केस की वजह से धार्मिक कार्यक्रमों पर रोक लगी हुई है। सोमवार को होला मोहल्ला का आयोजन करने के लिए सैकड़ों लोग गुरुद्वारा परिसर में जुटे थे। बाद में जुलूस को लेकर वो पुलिस के रोकने पर वे भड़क गए। भीड़ ने बैरिकेडिंग तोड़ दी और सड़क पर खड़ी गाड़ियों में तोड़फोड़ की। उन्होंने पुलिस वालों को दौड़ा-दौड़ाकर पीटा। कई लोगों के हाथ में तलवारें भी थीं। मौके पर बड़ी संख्या में पुलिसकर्मी तैनात थे, लेकिन भीड़ के मुकाबले उनकी संख्या कम पड़ गई
नांदेड़ के SP ने बताया कि कोरोना के मद्देनजर लगाई गई पाबंदियों की वजह से होला मोहल्ला की अनुमति नहीं दी गई थी। इस पर गुरुद्वारा कमेटी ने भरोसा दिलाया था कि परिसर के अंदर ही कार्यक्रम करेंगे। लेकिन बाद में शाम 4 बजे जब निशान साहिब को गेट पर लाया गया, तो लोग जुलूस निकालने पर अड़ गए।
पुलिस ने रोकने की कोशिश की तो 300-400 लोगों ने गेट तोड़ दिया और पुलिस पर हमला कर दिया। इसमें 4 पुलिस वाले घायल हो गए। हिंसक भीड़ ने वाहनों में भी तोड़फोड़ की। इस मामले में FIR दर्ज कर जांच की जा रही है।
Four police personnel were injured when a sword-wielding mob consisting of Sikh youths broke the gates of a gurudwara in Nanded and allegedly attacked them after permission for the ‘Hola Mohalla’ tradition was denied due to COVID-19.
SP Vinod Shivade said, “Permission for Hola Mohalla (Halla Bol) wasn’t granted due to COVID-19. Gurudwara committee was informed and they’d said that they would do it inside Gurudwara.”
Highlight:
At least 4 cops have been injured in a mob attack in Maharashtra’s Nanded
One of them is said to be in critical condition
At least six police van have been damaged in the attack
“The committee had said they’ll do it inside Gurudwara premises itself. But around 4 pm when Nishan Sahib was brought to the gate, they started arguing and 300-400 youth broke the gate and marched outside,” SP Shivade was quoted as saying by local media.
Maharashtra: 4 Police personnel injured after some Sikh youth broke gates of Gurudwara in Nanded & allegedly attacked them. SP says, 'Permission for Hola Mohalla wasn't granted due to #COVID19. Gurudwara committee was informed & they'd said that they would do it inside Gurudwara" pic.twitter.com/clOBTQBb9F
Four police personnel were injured and vehicles were damaged. An FIR has been registered and a probe is on,” SP added.
A viral video of the incident showed the mob storming the gurudwara, break barricades and attack the policemen.
Maharashtra: Four cops injured in clash at Nanded Gurudwara
Religious gatherings were barred in the area in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases. But the crowd of about 300 to 400 people tried to enter the gurudwara, breaking the police barricades.
Saugat confidently jumped next to her, in a heavily decorated car.
Sneha is 28-year-old chef by profession. She wrote,
“This actually was enjoyable!”
Sneha’s father-in-law can be heard asking her to adjust the seat.
Saugat replies that everyone relax:
“Sneha will handle it fairly straightforward”.
Sneha told local media outlets that she had informed her then-husband to be about her will to drive them both to the sasural nearly a month ago, and her husband had reacted positively saying “it sounds suburb”.
A group of Indian-American frontline healthcare workers held a demonstration to protest over Green Card backlog.
This demonstration was organised in front of the US Capitol.
They urged US lawmakers to end the per capita country-specific quota.
Dr Raj Karnatak, an infectious disease and critical care physician, and Dr Pranav Singh, a pulmonary and critical care physician, the organisers of the peaceful protest said in a joint statement.
“We are frontline COVID warriors, and we are here to tell how we have been short changed into a life of perpetual indentured servitude. Each of us has a story. We are here from all over the country asking for justice. Most of us are from India. We trained in the US and took oath as physicians to serve the sick and needy. Most of us are serving the rural and underserved areas. We are in a Green Card backlog due to archaic country caps that allow no country to get more than seven percent of employment-based green cards.”
According to the protestors, due to decades of backlog, high-skilled immigrants are not able to change jobs.
These skilled immigrants fear of losing the spot in the Green Card line.
Because of this fear, many healthcare workers could not serve in COVID-19 hot spots as the visas are tied to the job and employer.
They demanded that President Joe Biden should direct United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to end the Green Card backlog for the frontline healthcare workers by utilising the unused green cards in the past years.
There was an HR 1044 fairness bill that was passed in the House of Representatives by 365 votes in 2019 and its senate equivalent S386 passed the Senate in 2020.
The protestors pointed that frontline healthcare workers need immediate relief as they have been suffering for a very long time.
“As frontline healthcare workers who are risking their lives in this pandemic, the least we deserve is a certainty. A certainty that if we die or get disabled, our children and spouses won’t be kicked out of the country.”
The US is currently facing a backlog of nearly 473,000 qualified family-based Green Card requests.
From 5pm 29 March 2021, people who have been in the greater Brisbane region since the 20 March 2021 will be subject to home confinement restrictions. The impacted Local Government Areas are:
People can leave their home for a permitted purpose accompanied with people from their household or, alternatively, by one person who is not a member of their household.
Individuals are able to leave the Greater Brisbane area to return to their home outside of Greater Brisbane or for essential reasons (see below) but must continue to follow the lockdown rules.
Anyone who was in Greater Brisbane on or since 20 March but has since left must follow the same lockdown rules as for Greater Brisbane.
Those who transit into Greater Brisbane from surrounding areas for work, healthcare, study or to support a vulnerable person may do so if it is not reasonably practicable to make other arrangement, such as work or study from home.
People can enter Greater Brisbane to transit through Brisbane airport.
Reasons to leave home during the greater Brisbane lockdown period
Shopping for essentials, food and necessary supplies
Medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements
Exercise with no more than one other person, unless all from the same household
Providing care or assistance to an immediate family member
Work, or volunteering, or study if it is not reasonably practicable to work or learn remotely
Child custody arrangements
Legal obligations
Visit for end of life
Attend funeral or wedding in line with restrictions
In emergency situations
To escape harm
If you entered the impacted area responding to an emergency as an emergency health services or emergency service worker or national defence, state security or police officer
If required to allow an essential service to occur such as the transport of freight in and out of Greater Brisbane
You’re directed to leave by an emergency health officer
You have an exemption from the Chief Health Officer
NSW Health is urging anyone in the Byron Bay area with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing and self-isolate immediately. To find your nearest clinic, visit: https://t.co/LmeATIQK4Z, or contact your GP.
Visitors at private residences limited to two per day.
A person who owns, controls or operates a premises, other than a residence, must not organise or allow a gathering to occur on the premises.
Schools
Schools will be closed from Tuesday 30 March until Term 2, Monday 19 April, except for vulnerable children and children of essential workers.
Weddings and funerals
Weddings (ceremony) – maximum of 10 people, including celebrant and witnesses.
Funerals – maximum of 20 people, excluding officials.
Because of restrictions on non-essential businesses, wedding reception or other events post weddings and funerals should be postponed.
Non-essential businesses, activities and undertakings
A person who owns, controls or operates a non-essential business, activity or undertaking in an impacted area, including operating at a private residence, must not operate the business, activity or undertaking, with limited exceptions.
Cafes, pubs and restaurants no dine in customers – takeaway allowed.
Boot camps and personal training to two people outdoors (including the trainer), with physical distancing observed.
Social sport is permitted, such as golf and tennis, limited to two people outdoors, with physical distancing observed.
Community facilities to remain open for the purpose of hosting essential voluntary or public services, such as food banks or homeless services. Community facilities may continue to operate if they provide formal out of school hours care. Physical distancing must be observed to the extent possible.
Food markets and farmers markets to continue to operate.
Real estate auctions and open house inspections to private appointments only.
Restrictions outside of greater Brisbane (rest of Queensland)
Gatherings
Gatherings in people’s homes are limited to 30 persons in total, including the people you live with.
The Queensland Border Declaration Pass system is not active. You do not need a border pass to enter Queensland from any Australian state or territory.
COVID Safe celebrations and holidays
Easter
We want everyone to have a safe and happy Easter. We’d like to remind all Queenslander residents and visitors to stay up to date with the latest health directions that will be in place over the long weekend and school holidays.
If you are indulging this Easter, remember to drink water straight after eating any sweet treats help wash away residual sugars. Your teeth and your dentist will thank you!
If you are travelling this Easter, remember:
If you are flying, you must wear a face mask at all times at the airport and on the plane
If the space you are in is or becomes overcrowded, move elsewhere or choose to return at an off-peak time.
Make hygiene your number one priority when travelling. This is recommended regardless of whether you are staying in a hotel or in a camping ground. Always carry tissues and hand sanitiser.
Anzac Day
Anzac Day commemorations, including marches, parades, dawn services and other commemorative events can take place this year.
Masks for Queensland (all of Queensland including Greater Brisbane)
You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to.
You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, such as:
shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and indoor markets
hospitals and aged care facilities
hospitality venues such as restaurants and cafés (not required for patrons while seated; customer facing staff only)
churches and places of worship
libraries
indoor recreational facilities and gyms (except if doing strenuous exercise*)
indoor workplaces (where safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)
public transport, taxis and rideshare, including waiting areas and queues for this transport
airports and travelling on planes.
It is strongly recommended you wear a mask when outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m distance from other people, such as busy walkways and thoroughfares.
Masks do not need to be worn in some circumstances, including children under 12 years, where people have certain medical conditions, and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so.
You can remove your masks to consume food or drink.
*Strenuous exercise is exercise in or above the aerobic zone including high-intensity interval training, cycling, running.
Sam Curran’s unbeaten knock of 95 runs went in vain as a spirited bowling performance by India helped the hosts to defeat England by seven runs in the third and final ODI here at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday evening. With this win, India has clinched the three-match series 2-1. Virat Kohli-led side has now won all the series’ in this England’s tour of India. India claimed the Test series 3-1 and then won the five-match T20I series by 3-2.
In the last four overs, England has required 41 runs while hosts just needed two wickets to win the series decider. Curran accumulated 18 runs off the 47th over, needing just 23 runs off the last three overs. In the 48th over, Bhuvneshwar just gave four runs and almost a wicket of Wood, the decision was overturned by the third umpire after England took DRS. For India, Thakur bagged four wickets while Bhuvneshwar clinched three scalps.
Hardik came in to bowl the penultimate over of the match. India lost two back-to-back opportunities to dismiss Wood and Curran as first Shardul and then T Natarajan dropped the high catches. Visitors were required 14 off the last six balls with Curran on strike. Natarajan bowled the final over for India. Curran played the yorker towards long-on and in search of two runs Wood (14) got run out.
The two chat up about their bowling performance in the final ODI versus England, #TeamIndia's ODI series win, @imVkohli's stunning catch & more. 😎👍 – By @RajalArora#INDvENG@Paytm
Race Topley joined Curran in the middle and took a single on the first ball. Curran denied runs on the next two balls and it was enough for India to claim the match despite Curran smashed the boundary on the fifth ball. England scored 322/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Curran remained unbeaten on 95 runs including three sixes and nine fours. Chasing a giant target of 330, England openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow failed to give a steady start to the side and both the top-order batters were sent back to the pavilion by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the first three overs of the innings. Bhuvneshwar got hold of Roy (14) in the first over while in the third over he removed Bairstow (1). Two new batsmen Ben Stokes and Dawid Malan came out in the middle. The duo played cautiously and kept the scoreboard moving.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya dropped Stokes at mid-on in the fifth over of the innings. Bhuvneshwar was denied his third wicket. But the 40-run danger-looking partnership for the third wicket was put to an end by pacer T Natarajan as he dismissed Stokes (35). After Stokes’ dismissal, England was at 68/3 in 10.3 overs. Skipper Jos Buttler came in to bat at number five. Buttler along with Malan steer the side towards total and the duo had a brief 27-run stand for the fourth wicket.
This time it was Shardul Thakur who bagged Buttler (15) in the 16th over and put the visitors under pressure. Buttler’s wicket saw Liam Livingstone’s arrival in the middle. Malan and Livingstone played attacking cricket and started taking charge of the Indian bowlers. The duo added 60-run for the fifth wicket partnership. Malan and Livingstone guided the side to the 150-run mark. In the 24th over, Thakur caught swashbuckling batsman Livingstone (36) on his own bowling and gave the much-needed breakthrough to the side.
Moeen Ali came in to bat at number seven. Meanwhile, Malan completed his half-century, and just after that Rohit caught him at short mid-wicket off Thakur. Malan scored fifty off 50 balls including six fours. India was in total control of the match after sending the top-five English batters back to the hut under 24 overs. Malan’s wicket saw Sum Curran joining Ali in the middle. The duo tried the kept the scoreboard ticking with a decent run-rate. They added 32-run off 31 balls before Hardik got hold of Ali (29) in the 30th over.
Ali departed after scoring 29 runs studded with two sixes and as many fours. Adil Rashid and Curran build a 57-run partnership but it could only delay England’s defeat as Thakur got the better of the former in the 40th over, reducing the side to 257/8 in 39.2 overs. Skipper Virat Kohli took a stunner at the cover as he dived to his left and plunges superbly to grab the ball. Rashid departed after scoring 19 runs.
Wood arrived at the crease after Rashid’s dismissal. Wood and Curran kept the fight alive as Curran looked confident in the middle and completed his half-century. Curran played an anchor role and remained unbeaten with 95 runs but failed to put his side over the line. Earlier, India’s batting unit displayed a change of approach and this ensured that despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the hosts posted a total of 329.
Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Shikhar Dhawan registered fifty-plus scores as India set a 330-run target for the visitors. From the very start, every Indian batter came out playing aggressively and this saw the hosts scoring runs at seven runs per over for the major part of the innings. Put into bat, openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan started right from the word go and played with more intent, compared to the previous two games. The duo put on 100 runs for the first wicket inside 14 overs, but as the partnership started looking ominous, Rohit (37) ended up losing his wicket to Adil Rashid in the 15th over of the innings. Soon after, Dhawan (67) and Kohli (7) were also sent back to the dressing room, reducing the hosts to 121/3 in the 18th over.
Dhawan was dismissed by Rashid while Kohli was clean bowled by Moeen Ali. This brought Pant and KL Rahul together at the crease and the duo put on 36 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the partnership was cut short by Liam Livingstone in the 25th over as he dismissed Rahul (7), reducing India to 157/4. Pandya then joined Pant in the middle and both batters took a special liking to the England spinners. The 99-run stand for the fifth wicket between the duo saw both batters hammering the England bowlers and India looked set for a mammoth total.
However, the visitors got the wicket of Pant (78) in the 36th over. The left-handed batsman tried to work the ball to the on-side but ended up getting an edge, and skipper Buttler took a one-handed blinder. Soon after, Hardik (64) was bowled around his stumps, and India was reduced to 276/6 in the 39th over and the major workload relied upon his brother Krunal. In the final overs, Shardul Thakur provided support to Krunal and the duo took India’s score past the 300-run mark. Shardul was dismissed after contributing with a valuable 30 and the hosts were not able to score runs freely after that, eventually getting bowled out for 329. Brief Scores: India 329 all out (Rishabh Pant 78, Shikhar Dhawan 67; Mark Wood 3-34); England 322/9 in 50 overs (Sam Curran 95*, Dawid Malan 50, Liam Livingstone 36; Shardul Thakur 4-67, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-42).
The new pacer Prasidh Krishna is a huge fan of masala dosa and Bret Lee.
In fact, Prasidh Krishna has received guidance from none other than former Australian cricketer, Jeff Thomson ‘Thommo’.
Prasidh Krishna took up the game at the age of 11. His father, Murali Krishna, was a cricketer too. He says:
“Prasidh started playing at the age of 11 and did well in school cricket as an all-rounder. At the age of 14 he became serious about fast bowling. The family has supported him in his endeavours.”
In 2017, as part of the IDBI Federal Bowling Foundation, Prasidh Krishna travelled to Australia with 3 others to train under Thommo.
During the press meet, it was also announced that former India players, Roger Binnyand Raghuram Bhatt will be part of the Bowling Foundation.
Thommo who then was just inducted to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, planned to select a few pacers to travel with him to Brisbane for a 3 weeks training.
Prasidh Krishna went on to work with Thommo and Glen McGrath.
On his first day as an international cricketer, Prasidh Krishna tweeted: “My first day at work was a roller coaster ride. Never over until it’s over. All’s well that ends well. Cheers to this special match and many more to come.”
According to Makarand Waingankar, a former cricket administrator and columnist, the training at the Cricket Australia Academy in Brisbane proved extremely beneficial for Prasidh Krishna.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Saturday virtually inaugurated the ‘Mitali Express’ passenger train between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri on Saturday.
Speaking at a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that the Bangladeshi Prime Minister lauded India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and said that “India sending COVID-19 vaccines to its neighbours is a reflection of that policy. “To further strengthen the people to people connectivity, the two sides have agreed to start a new passenger train service which is called ‘Mitali Express’ between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka cantonment on the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link,” Shringla said.
“It is a very important rail link that connects north Bangladesh with north Bengal. Starting off this passenger service is really a recreation of what used to happen in 1965. The trains will commence operations once normal train services resume between the two countries,” he added. The joint statement issued after talks between the two leaders said they inaugurated the train. “Inauguration of ‘Mitali Express’ – passenger train service on Dhaka-New Jalpaiguri-Dhaka route through Chilahati-Haldibari rail link,” it said.
As per Bangladeshi media reports, the Mitali Express was jointly inaugurated by Modi and Hasina at 6:38 pm on Saturday from the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon via a video conference.
India, Bangladesh to recognise Dec 6 as ‘Maitri Diwas’
India and Bangladesh have decided to celebrate December 6, the day on which India formally recognized Bangladesh, as ‘Maitri Diwas’, a joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka on Saturday stated.
According to the joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of modern times, will be remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s emergence as a sovereign country. MEA stated that PM Modi also recalled the contribution of Bangabandhu in nurturing peace, security and development in the region. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked India for conferring Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2020 on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards the social, economic and political transformation of Bangladesh through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
“To mark the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh friendship, both sides released respective commemorative postage stamps. It was decided to commemorate 6 December as Maitri Diwas, the day when India recognized Bangladesh in the year 1971. The Indian side announced the establishment of Bangabandhu Chair at the University of Delhi,” the statement read. In view of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh as well as the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, both sides have agreed to jointly commemorate these epochal events in 19 select countries. “Both sides noted with satisfaction that the filming of the biopic on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under the direction of Indian film director Shyam Benegal, has commenced and is expected to be completed according to schedule. Both sides stressed the need to commence work on the Liberation War documentary at the earliest,” MEA stated.
The ministry further noted that both sides noted with appreciation the participation of a 122-member tri-services contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces in the 2020 Republic Day celebrations of India. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit India in 2022 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both sides welcomed the port call by Indian Naval Ships Sumedha and Kulish on 08-10 March 2021 at Mongla upon the invitation of Bangladesh as part of the commemoration of the epochal occasions. This was the first-ever visit to Mongla Port by any Indian Naval Ship. Bangladesh Navy Ship is also scheduled to make a port call at Vishakhapatnam as part of the joint celebrations,” the statement read.
The Bangladesh side welcomed the decision of the Government of India to announce 1000 Shuborno Jayanti Scholarships for Bangladeshi students for pursuing education/courses in India. Bangladesh Prime Minister thanked the Indian side for considering Bangladesh’s proposal to name the historic road from Mujib Nagar to Nadia on the Bangladesh-India border as “Shadhinota Shorok” commemorating the historic significance of the road during Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Both sides looked forward to inaugurating the road soon as part of the joint celebrations.
On the subject of water resources cooperation, the MEA said that Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta river. She underscored that to alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta river basin, it is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta waters, the draft agreement of which has already been agreed upon by both Governments in January 2011. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts to conclude this agreement, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. The Indian side also requested for early finalization of the draft of the interim agreement for sharing of water of Feni River, pending with the Bangladesh side which had been agreed upon by both sides in 2011,” the statement read.
The Ministry stated that to enhance trade between the two countries, both Prime Ministers underscored the need for the removal of non-tariff barriers. Bangladesh side requested for lifting the new policy of Indian Customs stipulating verification of certificates of origin issued from Bangladesh. “The Indian side conveyed that under the provisions of the new Customs rules, in the event of a conflict between a provision of these rules and rules of origin of a trade agreement, the provisions of the rules of origin of the trade agreement shall prevail. Further, for bilateral trade to flourish, both leaders stressed the need for predictability of trade policies, regulations and procedures,” the ministry’s statement read.
The MEA said that both sides took note of the first meeting of the High-Level Monitoring Committee and directed the Committee to provide recommendations for the expeditious execution of projects under the Lines of Credit. “Both sides expressed satisfaction at the robust cooperation in the power and energy sector, including between the private sectors. It was agreed to strengthen sub-regional cooperation, including with Nepal and Bhutan and in this regard cooperation in energy was underscored. The Indian side emphasized that the finalization of regulations and guidelines for cross-border trade in electricity would increase sub-regional cooperation. India requested early finalization of modalities for implementation of the Katihar – Parbotipur – Bornagar cross border electricity interconnection,” the statement read.
Both sides welcomed the establishment of a study team in this regard. Both sides took stock of progress in the implementation of the India Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline and unit-1 of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project and expressed hope that these projects would get commissioned soon, according to MEA. Both sides took note of the first meeting of the High-Level Monitoring Committee and directed the Committee to provide recommendations for the expeditious execution of projects under the Lines of Credit. New Delhi and Dhaka expressed satisfaction at the robust cooperation in the power and energy sector, including between the private sectors. It was agreed to strengthen sub-regional cooperation, including with Nepal and Bhutan and in this regard cooperation in energy was underscored.
The Indian side emphasized that the finalization of regulations and guidelines for cross-border trade in electricity would increase sub-regional cooperation. India requested early finalization of modalities for implementation of the Katihar – Parbotipur – Bornagar cross border electricity interconnection. “Both sides welcomed the establishment of a study team in this regard. Both sides took stock of progress in the implementation of the India Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline and unit-1 of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project and expressed hope that these projects would get commissioned soon,” MEA read.
Bangladesh’s side highlighted that Biosecurity Cooperation is an area that may be explored by both sides as the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed that without meaningful biosecurity measures, economic prosperity is at stake, given the interconnected nature of trans-boundary trade and people to people contacts between the two countries. “The two Prime Ministers appreciated the collaboration and active participation under different mechanisms between the Indian Council of Medical Research, India and, Bangladesh Medical Research Council, Bangladesh,” MEA stated.
On the issue of new areas of cooperation, both sides acknowledged the potential of new and emerging areas of cooperation in bilateral cooperation and directed authorities on both sides to focus on and augment cooperation in cutting edge areas of science, artificial intelligence, peaceful uses of nuclear technology, big data, and technology-enabled services in health and education. “To facilitate further youth exchanges between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited 50 young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh to visit India and present their ideas to venture capitalists,” the statement read.
The vibrant festival of colours is just around the corner! As much as it is impossible to stay away from colours on this day, so is to restrain yourself from grooving to the iconic tunes of Holi songs. This year Holi will be celebrated on March 29. Even though it is a predominantly Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of other faiths as well. It marks the arrival of the spring harvest season in the country. The evening before Holi is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi during which people light a bonfire to signify the burning of the demon Holika. People celebrate the festival by binging on some lip-smacking sweets, thandai and splash coloured powder, water, and balloons while chanting “Holi Hai”. However, no celebration is complete without some songs that go perfectly with the occasion. When it comes to festivals, Bollywood has always been at the forefront of providing the best songs for its audience. For Holi 2021, let’s create a euphoric playlist by revisiting all the melodies that are remembered by generations. 1. Balam Pichkari – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: The 2013 Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor-starrer gave this iconic Holi song to Bollywood. The track was sung in the soulful voices of Shalmali Kholgade and Vishal Dadlani.
2. Do Me A Favour Let’s Play Holi – Waqt: The Race Against Time: Music director Anu Malik has helmed and sung the song with Sunidhi Chauhan. The number, penned by lyricist Sameer, stars Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra.
3. Rang Barse – Silsila: Holi celebration is incomplete without this song which is from the 1981 film ‘Silsila’ sung by Amitabh Bachchan and penned by his father and legendary writer Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
4. Hori Khele Raghuveera – Baghban: From the 2013 movie ‘Baghban’, this song that stars Amitabh Bachchan, and Hema Malini is sung by Amitabh Bachchan, Alka Yagnik, Sukhwinder Singh, and Udit Narayan.
5. Aaj Na Chodenge Bas Humjoli Khelenge Hum Holi – Kati Patang: The Holi special song ‘Aaj Na Chhodenge’ sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar from the super hit Bollywood movie ‘Kati Patang’ (1970) stars Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh. Music is composed by legendary R.D.Burman.
6. Badrinath Ki Dulhania Title Song – BKD: The new Holi song from the 2017 Hindi movie ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’ starring Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt is enough to hit the euphoric nerves of people while playing Holi. The song is sung by Neha Kakkar, Dev Negi, Monali Thakur, and Ikka Singh.
7. Gali Gali – Pataakha: Penned by the legendary writer Gulzar, the song starring Sanya Malhotra, Radhika Madan, and Gulshan Grover, is sung by Sukhwinder Singh Choir – Mridul Ghosh, Sudhanshu Shome, Pankaj Dixit, and Divyaansh Mehta.
8. Mind Na Kariyo Holi Hai – Milan Talkies: From the 2019 rom-com film ‘Milan Talkies’, the song is sung in the soulful voices of Mika Singh and Shreya Ghoshal.
9. Gori Tu Latth Maar – Toilet: Ek Prem Katha: The song ‘Gori Tu Lath Maar’ from the blockbuster Hindi Bollywood movie ‘Toilet – Ek Prem Katha’, stars Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar playing the Latthmar Holi. The song is sung by Sonu Nigam and Palak Muchhal.
10. Holi Ke Din – Sholay: Sung by the legendary singers Kishore Kumar, and Lata Mangeshkar, the song stars Hema Malini, Dharmendra Deol, and Amitabh Bachchan. The song, penned by Anand Bakshi is still listed as one of the most iconic Holi songs of Bollywood.
So, as you gear up to celebrate Holi this year, add these peppy numbers to your playlist and dance like there’s no tomorrow.
Ben Stokes’ swashbuckling 99 and in-form England opener Jonny Bairstow’s 112-ball 124 saw England register a six-wicket win over India in the second ODI here at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a mammoth target of 337, the visitors crusied home with 39 balls to spare as they leveled the three-match series 1-1. If the Indian batsmen stole the show in the afternoon, it was the turn of the English batters under lights to showcase some quality strokeplay. The decider will be played on Sunday. The foundation of every successful chase is a strong foundation and England had the best possible start as openers Jason Roy and Bairstow scripted a hundred-plus partnership for the first wicket.
"We went out there and expressed ourselves as we always have done."
The duo started the innings cautiously but took charge after the initial spell from the Indian bowlers. The visitors looked to be in cruise mode before a piece of brilliance on the field from Rohit Sharma in the 17th oversaw Roy get run out after hitting a top-quality 55. Stokes joined Bairstow in the middle and made his intentions clear from the word go as he went hammer and tongs from the word go. The duo added 175 for the second wicket and that set the momentum for the visitors. Stokes missed out on a much-deserved ton as he got out on 99 off 52 balls — studded with 10 sixes. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant caught Stokes off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 36th over but it was too late for India as England was only 52 runs away from the target with eight wickets remaining.
In the very next over, Prasidh Krishna picked two wickets as he first got rid of centurion Bairstow and then picked stand-in skipper Jos Buttler for a three-ball duck. But it didn’t make much difference to the chase. Dawid Malan and debutant Liam Livingstone stitched an unbeaten 50-run partnership to take the side home. Livingstone scored 27* while Malan returned unbeaten on 16. Earlier, riding on the platform set by centurion KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, India scored 63 runs in the last five overs to finish on 336/6 in the allotted 50 overs.
While Rahul hit a classy 108 off 114 balls, it was all about brutal power for Pant as he hit a 40-ball 77 with seven hits out of the park. India was placed comfortably at 210/3 after the completion of 40 overs. But the duo ensured that the hosts hit overdrive mode and picked 126 runs in the last 10 as the England bowlers had no clue on the length to bowl.If Rahul and Pant set up the finish, Hardik Pandya hit a 16-ball 35 to keep up the tempo after their dismissal. India had a poor start as in-form Shikhar Dhawan got out cheaply in the fourth over. Pacer Reece Topley scalped Dhawan (9) and provided an early breakthrough to his side. Skipper Virat Kohli joined Rohit Sharma in the middle. The duo added 28 off 29 balls before Sam Curran sent Rohit (25) back in the ninth over as the batsman hit one on his legs straight to short backward square.
England win the 2nd @Paytm#INDvENG ODI by six wickets & level the series. #TeamIndia will be looking to make amends & win the decider to seal a series win.
Rahul, promoted up in the batting order, came in to bat at number four. Rahul and Kohli set the foundation of India’s inning as they scored all around the park. They mixed caution with aggression as they picked the singles and waited for the bad balls. Between the well-planned partnership, Kohli was dropped by Jos Buttler in the 22nd over off Rashid. At that time, Kohli was batting on 35. The duo kept piling the runs and both Kohli and Rahul completed their half-centuries. But just when it looked like Kohli would break his hundred droughts, Rashid brought England back as he dismissed Kohli (66) in the 32nd over.
Rashid has now become the second-most successful bowler against the India skipper as he has had Kohli’s number nine times. Kohli’s dismissal saw Pant join Rahul in the middle. The duo accelerated and started taking on the English bowlers. Pant started hitting from the word go and scored all around the stadium with Rahul also joining the party. Rahul and Pant stitched a 113-run partnership off 80 balls for the fourth wicket. Brief Scores: India 336/6 (KL Rahul 108, Rishabh Pant 77; Reece Topley 2-50); England 337/4 (Jonny Bairstow 124, Ben Stokes 99; Prasidh Krishna 2-58)
An Indian-origin courier driver failed to deliver 89 parcels in Wellington, New Zealand has now pleaded guilty in Wellington District Court to a charge of theft by a person in a special relationship.
It is reported that instead of delivering these parcels, Akash Arora took them home for himself.
Between June 6 and November 10 last year, Akash Arora, stole parcels when he was working as an independent contractor for New Zealand Couriers.
Akash Arora took parcels containing perfume, clothing and electronics, among other things valued at NZ$8098 ($7432.57).
In November, NZ Couriers National Operations Manager John Charles told media that the company became aware of the situation and the matter was referred to police.
NZ Police searched Arora’s home and stolen freight valued at NZ$7700 ($7067.28) was recovered.
The police sought a reparation order for NZ$398 ($365.30).
This was for the value of two icebreaker jackets which had been worn by Akash Arora and couldn’t be returned.
Mr Charles told media that Akash Arora’s contract was terminated soon after.
“All claims received from parcel senders were actioned appropriately, following our clear process for any issues where our contractors have fallen short.”
Akash Arora told police he had been going through some difficult times both personally and with his employment situation.
He is expected to appear in Wellington District Court on June 23 for sentencing.
Indian state of Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 6, 2021, to elect the 16th Legislative Assembly.
Key political parties such as AIADMK has promised washing machines for every household, along with free computers, salaries for housewives, among other things.
Its arch rival the DMK has said it will give free tablets to every student in the state with internet connectivity and will cut fuel prices.
To top these parties election promises, is 34 year-old Thulam Saravanan, an independent candidate fighting from South Madurai.
Saravanan, who is contesting in his maiden poll, is also promising many freebies to woo people into voting for him.
However, his election manifesto is so ‘out of the world’ that it contains a promise to send every person in the constituency for ‘a vacation to the Moon’.
In addition, he has also promised to provide every household in his constituency with free helicopters and robots.
He will give free iPhones, transfer Rupees 1 crore each in every person’s bank account, and give a three-storey house with a swimming pool.
He has said he will build a 300-feet-tall iceberg in South Madurai to deal with the scorching heat in the summer.
Saravanan told media that he has made these ‘outlandish commitments’ to remind people of the ‘phony promises’ politicians make prior to elections in Tamil Nadu.
“I wanted to create awareness among the people of Tamil Nadu and urge them to vote for those candidates who would serve people, rather than the freebies that big parties promise.”
On his unique polls symbol dustbin, he told media that it was the only option available.
“We’d like to clean up the literal (corruption, bribes) and political mess that Madurai has been reduced to.”
The results for this election will be declared on May 2.
We have estimated around $8 billion of non-government or private funding flows through Australia’s school system each year — both public and private. The vast majority of this comes from school fees. The rest is from “other private sources”, including donations and community fund-raising.
Unsurprisingly, the independent school sector generates the most private income. But public schools also receive private income that goes towards things like refurbishing facilities.
We analysed private income in every Australian school using data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). At the time of our study, the latest figures available for school fees and income were from 2015.
We found independent schools totalled an average A$9,227 of private funding per student. This was followed by Catholic schools ($2,873) and government schools ($752).
Relative advantage is defined using ACARA’s Index of Community Socio-educational Advantage (ICSEA). This scale is a proxy for socioeconomic status used by education sectors in Australia.
ACARA calculates the ICSEA score for each school using factors such as students’ parental education and occupation, the proportion of Indigenous students at the school, students with a language background other than English and the school’s geographical location.
An ICSEA score above 1,000 indicates greater socioeconomic and educational advantage; an ICSEA score below 1,000 indicates greater disadvantage. In our analysis, we put schools into four categories:
very disadvantaged (ICSEA 900 and less)
disadvantaged (ICSEA from 901 to 1,000)
advantaged (ICSEA from 1,001 to 1,100)
very advantaged (ICSEA more than 1,100).
Parents in very disadvantaged independent schools paid an average of $1,225 in 2015 per student. This increased to an average of $14,624 in very advantaged independent schools.
Parent fees at the most advantaged government schools were $745 in 2015 per student. At the most disadvantaged government schools, parents paid around $299 per student.
Private school fees are growing faster than inflation and are now one of the biggest financial outlays in the average Australian family.
Only 50% of families with children attending private schools pay fees from their disposable incomes. The rest, according to market-based research by Edstart, increase their credit card debt, take out personal loans, redraw on their mortgage, or borrow money — often from grandparents.
According to the latest financial data from ACARA, fees have increased in some public schools since 2015, too.
Using metropolitan Brisbane schools as an example, Macgregor State High (ICSEA 1,018) had a 19% increase in fees between 2015 and 2019 — from $576 to $715 respectively. Browns Plains State High (ICSEA 963) had a 10% increase from $273 to $305, and Bray Park State High (ICSEA 989) had a 6% increase from $387 to $415.
But many public school fees had a less than 2% increase, and some, like Kelvin Grove State College (ICSEA 1,129) actually reduced their fees from $1,714 to $1,532 per student between 2015 and 2019. Other very advantaged public schools also reduced fees.
A recent article in The Age showed families in Victoria spent a total of $400.1 million for the 2019-20 financial year in public schools.
The article said data from ACARA showed total parent payments to Victorian state schools have risen by $160 million since 2009.
What happened to free education?
Fees in public schools are often referred to as voluntary contributions. This is because government legislation prevents public schools attaching parental fees to student enrolments.
But public schools sometimes use various strategies to promote fee payment. For instance, schools may exclude students from extra-curricular activities and excursions if parents have not paid fees. This may compel parents to pay to avoid their child’s embarrassment.
There are other ways parents contribute money to public schools.
Bake sales, fetes and “democracy sausage” sizzles have always been a cornerstone of public schooling. And like their private school counterparts, public schools are now investing in strategic fundraising with parents and alumni, and sponsorship arrangements with businesses and philanthropists.
In our study, we found very advantaged independent schools received the most funding from “other” income sources, compared to all other independent schools. But in the public school sector, the very disadvantaged schools received the most from “other” income sources, compared to other public schools. This was the same in the Catholic school sector, where the very disadvantaged schools received the most from “other” income sources. This may be because disadvantaged schools are receiving targeted philanthropy.
For instance, Schools Plus is an intermediary organisation that works to connect disadvantaged schools with donors through a tax-deductible giving program.
Since 2015, Schools Plus has directed $17.8 million to both public and private disadvantaged schools in Australia. Most of these donations come from the corporate sector, large trusts and foundations, and high-net worth individuals.
According to the Schools Plus 2020 Impact Report, most schools apply for funding to help improve student engagement and performance. While all disadvantaged schools (with an ICSEA less than 1,000) are eligible for Schools Plus funding, the process is competitive, meaning not all schools that need extra funding receive it.
An equity issue
Income raising is a labour-intensive process that is re-imagining the role of school staff and parents. Raising money relies on entrepreneurial principals, savvy PR staff, engaged parents and parent committees, as well as the work of intermediary organisations like Schools Plus. This is a problem, especially when it comes to public schools.
Research from the United States and United Kingdom cautions that an over-reliance on private income could lead to governments shirking some responsibility for resourcing and supporting schools.
This has the potential, if it has not already, to produce a multi-tiered education system based on parental capacity and inclination to pay.
The ongoing issue here is one of equity. When schools start relying on private funding (both fees and philanthropy) to augment how basic education services are provided, schools in most need of extra support are the least likely to be able to afford it.
India recorded 53,476 new COVID-19 cases, 26,490 recoveries, and 251 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.
With this, the total cases in the country mounted to 1,17,87,534 including 3,95,192 active cases and 1,12,31,650 recoveries. The death toll has gone up to 1,60,692. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 10,65,021 samples were tested on March 24.
“A total number of samples tested up to March 24 is 23,75,03,882 including 10,65,021 samples tested yesterday,” said ICMR. Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat are reporting a surge in the new COVID-19 cases and together they account for 77.44 per cent of the new cases, informed the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. A total of 5,31,45,709 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far in the country.
Indian Captain Virat Kohli became the fastest cricketer to score 10,000 international runs across formats on home soil.
With this he has bettered former Australia captain Ricky Ponting’s record.
Kohli got to the landmark when he scored his fifty in the series opener vs England.
He now has 10002 runs in international cricket on home soil in 195 innings at an average of 61.74.
Ponting had taken 219 innings to score 10000 runs across formats on home soil.
The third in the list and also the only other Indian apart Kohli, is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin had taken 223 innings to reach the milestone.
Cricketers such as Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, and Jacques Kallis have also registered more than 10000 runs in international cricket on home soil.
However, none of them had done it in less than 200 innings like Kohli.
Australia’s Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has withdrawn from a high-profile international conference that was to be held in India next month.
It is said that she has taken this step because of the uncertainty that mounts over her future in the crucial frontbench role in the Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government.
Senator Reynolds went on leave in February after being admitted to hospital to receive treatment for a pre-existing heart condition.
She made this announcement after her handling of a rape allegation.
These allegations have been levelled by her former staffer Brittany Higgins.
Senator Reynolds has earlier revealed she would remain on leave until April 2.
She was expected to travel to New Delhi with Foreign Minister Marise Payne to attend the Raisina Dialogue on April 13.
However, Senator Reynolds office confirmed to the media that she was no longer taking the trip.
The Raisina Dialogue is one of Asia’s pre-eminent defence and strategic forums.
Australia’s High Commissioner in New Delhi, Barry O’Farrell, told India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last month that Minister Reynolds “very much looks forward to the upcoming Raisina Dialogue and hopes to meet you there in person”.
Indian officials had planned a meeting between the two Ministers which has now been abandoned.
A Pakistani national, Ayaz Younus, has become the first fatality in NSW floods.
Mr Younus, a 25 yo software engineering graduate, died in floodwaters in Sydney’s north-west while on the way to his first day of job as a truck driver.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has recovered $389,982 in unpaid wages for 163 security guards following an investigation into 19 security businesses in Queensland.
Businesses in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Maryborough, Gympie and Mackay were investigated between September 2019 and July 2020.
FWO received intelligence that raised concerns that some guards may have been incorrectly engaged as independent contractors rather than employees.
This intelligence included anonymous tip-offs and job advertisements.
Inspectors interviewed workers, managers and business owners and checked records and pay slips for compliance with the Fair Work Act, Fair Work Regulations and the Security Services Industry Award 2010.
The FWO found that 10 of the audited businesses (53 per cent) were non-compliant.
Of these, nine failed to pay workers correctly and two breached record-keeping and pay slip laws.
The most common breaches of workplace laws related to underpayments of weekend penalty rates and the minimum rate for ordinary hours.
No evidence of sham contracting was identified.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the regulator prioritised allegations of employees being misclassified as independent contractors, and she expected security employers to check their compliance with workplace laws.
“Too often we have found employees being underpaid in the security industry and we will continue to monitor the sector and act to ensure that lawful wages are put in workers’ pockets. The Fair Work Ombudsman is aware that many security guards are visa holders or from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, which can make them more vulnerable to breaches of their workplace rights. We urge any workers with concerns about their entitlements to contact us.”
Inspectors issued 11 Compliance Notices requiring nine employers to rectify breaches of the law.
This has resulted in the $389,982 in back-payments by eight businesses to 163 affected employees.
One of the Compliance Notice matters remain ongoing.
Recoveries from individual businesses ranged from $357,275 for 136 workers from a north Queensland business to $102 for one worker from a Brisbane business.
These businesses were put on notice that any future breaches may result in higher-level enforcement action.
Inspectors also issued two Infringement Notices resulting in payments of fines totalling $420.
Last year, a separate security business in Coffs Harbour received penalties in court for underpaying employees, while another principal security contractor entered into an Enforceable Undertaking after it admitted it was involved in the underpayments of guards in its supply chain.
The FWO has an agreement with the Department of Home Affairs where visa holders can ask for our help without fear of their visa being cancelled.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance.
Recently, Sushant Singh Rajput’s work was recognised as his film Chhichhore bagged a National Award.
Tributes have poured in for the late actor from all over the world.
Indian-Australians showed their love by installing a bench called ‘Sushant Point’ in Melbourne.
This small contribution by the Aussizz Group is to support the innitiative in the memory of SSR legacy and contribution to Indian cinema.
The installation described the star, who passed away at the age of 34 last year, as ‘actor, keen astronomer, environmentalist & humanitarian’ and as a ‘soul that touched millions.’
Aussizz Group’s Dharmendrakumar patel said this was cultural organisation Celebrate India’s initiative.
The group has termed the gesture as a ‘small contribution to preserve nature.’
SSR was well-known to be a nature lover.
In fact, his ‘50 dreams’ list contained a wish to plant more trees.
Jonny Bairstow might have played a 94-run knock, but India bowlers came back strongly to hand hosts a 66-run victory in the first ODI of the three-match series against England on Tuesday here at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
With this win, India has gone 1-0 up in the three-match series. Both teams will now lock horns in the second ODI on Friday. Chasing 318, England got off to an ideal start as openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow made full use of the powerplay overs and the visitors scored 89 runs without losing a wicket inside the first ten overs. Bairstow and Roy eventually put on 135 runs for the first wicket inside 15 overs.
Superb bowling display by #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 after 🏴 got off to a rollicking start 💥💥
India win by 6️⃣6️⃣ runs and take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series #INDvENG@Paytm
Bairstow went past his half-century, but Roy (46) ended up missing the milestone as he was sent back to the pavilion by Prasidh Krishna. This was Krishna’s first wicket in ODI cricket. In his very next over, Krishna sent Ben Stokes (1) back to the pavilion, reducing the visitors to 137/2. Bairstow (94) also missed out on his century as he was dismissed by Shardul Thakur with England still needing 149 runs for the win. England’s innings further derailed in the 25th over as Shardul helped the hosts see the back of skipper Eoin Morgan (22) and Jos Buttler (2), reducing the visitors to 176/5. Sam Billings and Moeen Ali then formed a 41-run stand for the sixth wicket but with 101 runs away from victory, Billings (18) ended up losing his wicket to Krishna, reducing England to 217/6 in the 33rd over.
Sam Curran and Moeen Ali put on 20 runs for the seventh wicket, but this stand was cut short by Bhuvneshwar Kumar as he dismissed Ali (30) and India looked set for a famous comeback victory in the first ODI. In the very next over, Krunal Pandya removed Sam Curran (12) and the hosts were looking to finish the match in a jiffy. In the end, the hosts won the match by 66 runs. For the hosts, Prasidh Krishna scalped four figures and he returned with the best bowling figures for an Indian debutant in an ODI. Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan (98) and Virat Kohli (56) might have set the platform at the top, but it was KL Rahul (62*) and Krunal Pandya’s (58*) blitz in the end that propelled India’s score to 317/5. The duo added 111 of their 112 runs in the last nine overs as they sent the English bowlers on a leather hunt.
Asked to bat first, India got off to a cautious start as openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan put on 39 runs inside the first ten overs. The score would have been more but England’s ground-fielding was up to the mark and the visitors clearly saved 20 runs in the first ten.
Stokes, who was playing his first ODI after the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand, provided the first breakthrough to England as he had Rohit (28) caught at the hands of wicketkeeper Jos Buttler in the 16th over of the innings, ending the opening partnership of 64. Skipper Virat Kohli next joined Dhawan in the middle and the duo started accumulating runs at a brisk pace. The left-handed Dhawan started off the 24th over with a six and as a result, he brought up his half-century. Both Kohli and Dhawan put on 105 runs for the second wicket, and it also saw Kohli going past his 50. But in trying to accelerate further, skipper Kohli (56) ended up giving his wicket away to Mark Wood, reducing hosts to 169/2 in the 33rd over.
Shreyas Iyer, who came out to bat at number four, was not able to impress with the bat and he departed after scoring just six runs. England managed to bog down Dhawan (98) when the left-handed was in his 90s, and this brought about his dismissal in the 39th over. Soon after, Hardik Pandya (1) also ended up giving his wicket to Stokes and this left the hosts in a spot of bother with 9.3 overs still left in the innings.
Making his debut, Krunal did now show any nerves and he smashed boundaries consistently to help India rocket along in the final overs. The left-hander also registered a half-century in his first ODI and he created the record for the fastest fifty scored by a debutant in ODI cricket — 26 balls. In the final five overs, the hosts managed to score 67 more runs and India cruised past the 300-run mark. Krunal and Rahul clearly took the English bowlers by surprise as they kept matching each other shot for shot.
Brief Scores: India 317/5 (Shikhar Dhawan 98, KL Rahul 62*, Ben Stokes 3-34) vs England 251 (Jonny Bairstow 94, Jason Roy 46, Prasidh Krishna 4-54).
It was established in 2017 in and currently has 24 artist members. This organisation is open for artists of all nationalities, gender and background living in Australia.
Their rural folk paintings bear distinctive colourful designs and often mystical motifs.
Sandhya Mohan Padma is a self-taught artist, emerging out of her hobby-painting phase into the real and fascinating world of art.
Her idea about art has been deeply influenced by her Indian upbringing, culture and tradition and hence her Indian background can be seen reflected in most of her works.
Senthil Vel R. S. is also a self taught artist who has worked with pencil sketches, water and oil mediums.
He learnt traditional South Indian Tanjore painting and worked with clay sculpting and is inspired by deep emotions of people, wildlife and nature.
Gayathri Vidhya is a Power Electronics Engineer for whom drawing and art was a world away.
She says:
“Having had an interest in history and drawings since childhood, I took up Tanjore Paintings because of its associated cultural heritage. I learnt it from a couple of teachers, my style of Tanjore painting is in its traditional form where I use poster colours as the medium along with 22 carat gold foil, AD stones and Pearls to bring out its richness. Over the last 3-4 years Tanjore Paintings has become my passion and having a highly supportive family helps; be it my understanding kids who give me the time as well as my husband who is my greatest supporter and also happens to be my hardest critique. I feel every new painting is another new beginning, a learning curve which teaches me that extra bit more, pushes me to strive for that extra bit of perfection.”
Bhadra Kaushik Thotath is a self-made artist who has specialized in Kerala Mural paintings.
By qualification, she is a post graduate in physics but has always held art very close to her heart since childhood.
“My love for art was passed on to me from her father as I grew up watching him paint.”
She went on to learn her basics in mural painting from Sri Dileep Swastik who is an artist at “Guruvayur Mural Painting Institute’.
These artists, under IAA, are organising a unique exhibition of their works at the Library at the Dock, Victoria Harbour Promenade in Docklands.
This free exhibition will take place from Wednesday 24 March to Thursday 15 April.
International students commonly share bedrooms so they can afford the rent. What is perhaps much more surprising is that our research suggests thousands are “hot-bedding” – their beds are available to them for only some hours of the day or night so others can use them the rest of the time. If our survey of more than 7,000 international students renting privately in Sydney and Melbourne is representative of the 758,154 international students in Australia in December 2019, this equates to about 22,750 students’ hot-bedding.
In our survey, 3% of all students answered yes to the question, “Do you have to hotbed (i.e. our bed is only available for a few hours of the day/night)?”. The survey also found about four in ten of these hot-bedding students were going without meals. And this was before nearly two-thirds of international students lost their jobs in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another extraordinary finding is that 14% of hot-bedders said their employer had threatened them with visa cancellation (compared to 2% of non-hot-bedders). One in five (20%, compared to 5% of non-hot-bedders) answered yes when asked: “Has the landlord/real estate agent/property manager ever taken away your passport?”
These findings suggest a sizeable proportion of hot-bedders are struggling financially and in a vulnerable situation. Many said their circumstances were having a negative impact on their studies.
Despite this, almost eight in ten agreed or strongly agreed that they “enjoy living and studying in Australia”.
Who are the hot-bedders?
In our survey, 45% of hot-bedders were female. Just under two-thirds (65%) were university students, rather than studying at vocational or English language colleges.
Hot-bedding was spread across all age groups and countries of origin. Thus 4% were aged 18, a quarter were 19 to 21, 42% were 22 to 25, 18% were 26 to 30 and 11% were over 30.
Just under a third came from low-income countries, half came from middle-income countries, and 15% from high-income countries.
How do they feel about rent costs?
Hot-bedders were generally satisfied with their rent – 23% disagreed with the statement, “I think the rent I pay is fair.”
However, one in two (51%) strongly agreed or agreed they worried about paying rent each week (compared to 35% for non-hot-bedders) and only 21% (36% non-hot-bedders) disagreed.
Most students (58%) living less than 40 minutes away from their education provider paid more than $250 a week in rent.
About four in ten hot-bedders agreed they “go without necessities like food so I can pay for my accommodation” and had failed to make a rent payment because of a lack of funds. The rates for students who didn’t hot-bed were two in ten.
Almost half (48%) of hot-bedders agreed concern about paying the rent was having a negative impact on their studies.
How do they view their accommodation?
Despite having to hot-bed, just under eight in ten (78%) of these students said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the home they are renting.
Just over seven in ten (72%) agreed with the statement, “The home I rent is suitable for my needs.” Only 7% disagreed.
Only one in ten hot-bedders agreed the person they rent from did not keep the property well-maintained.
Just over one in four (27%) hot-bedders felt their home was overcrowded compared to 12% of non-hot-bedders.
The cramped situation appeared to have a negative impact on their academic work. About one in three (35%) agreed or strongly agreed that “the condition of my accommodation has a negative impact on my studies”, compared to 13% of those who didn’t hot-bed.
Remarkably, just under one in four (23%) hot-bedding students answered: “yes” when asked if the “balcony of the property is used as a bedroom”, compared to 5% of students who did not hot-bed. A similar percentage of hot-bedders (and 4% of non-hot-bedders) said the garage is used as a bedroom.
How secure do they feel?
Most hot-bedders reported they had a good relationship with their landlord or real estate agent. Only 6% said it was “bad” or “not very good”.
Close to half (45%) of hot-bedders said the person they pay rent to lives in the same accommodation. It’s unclear whether this is the actual landlord, or a person who sub-lets the property.
Two in three hot-bedders sensed they “could stay in this rental property as long as they want to”. Despite the seemingly good relationship of most hot-bedders with their landlord, just under one in three agreed that if they “complain about the standards of the property and maintenance problems [they] might be asked to leave”.
Although maintenance did not seem to be a major issue, just under four in ten hot-bedders agreed they were concerned the rent might be increased if they did ask for repairs. And 38% were anxious they “might be told to leave [their] property and be given a short time to leave”.
When asked, “In the last year, have you ever felt that you could become homeless?”, 37% answered yes. This compares to 17% of non-hot-bedders.
Just under four in ten hot-bedders agreed or strongly agreed that “stress around the possibility of losing my accommodation is affecting my academic studies”.
What is their employment status?
Half of the students who hot-bed had paid work at the time of the survey and of those employed 48% reported that their landlord employed them, compared to 17% of the other students in paid work.
A large proportion felt they were poorly paid and their job was insecure. Less than half of the hot-bedders felt they were well-paid. Only one in four disagreed with the statement, “My current job is insecure.”
Just over eight in ten said losing their job would cause them financial difficulties.
Financial stress is widespread
The chart below shows eight measures of financial stress adapted from the Australia Bureau of Statistics. We added an item on the affordability of textbooks.
On every measure students who hot-bed were two to three times more likely to have answered yes to the question, indicating financial stress. Perhaps the most alarming statistic is that 39% of hot-bedders went without meals. So did 20% of non-hot-bedders.
One in ten hot-bedders suffered from all eight indicators of financial stress. A worrying 34% of hot-bedders reported five or more indicators of financial stress. Only 9% of non-hot-bedders reported five stress indicators. Less than one in 100 endured all eight.
Rural areas in New South Wales are infested with mice.
These rodents have invaded homes, entered farmer’s barns, destroyed shops and valuable machinery.
Mice are still causing nightmares for farmers and rural communities in many parts of NSW, as evidenced by this friday night footage from a family farm near Gilgandra#nswfarmers#miceplaguepic.twitter.com/Xe8yiBVFRm
In the footage that emerged online through New South Wales Farmers, the panic-driven rodents ran haywire in farms in Gilgandra, northwest of Sydney.
These mice have not only destroyed harvest but also bit patients and electrical wires in hospitals.
In a statement to ABC, a farmer said that at night thousands and thousands of mice covered the floor, moving around rapidly.
Mice were found sailing inside water tanks, trapped in sealed food containers, pantries and wardrobes of homes, fouling the previously clean spaces with faeces and stinky smells as the mice plague, worst in decades, spread in NSW.
A local grocer in Gulargambone told Sky News that the staff was catching nearly 500 mice or sometimes 600 at night.
“It’s pretty gross.”
The NSW government’s Department of Primary Industries found that the on-farm rodent control programs that rely on rodenticides alone to control and manage rodent problems aren’t effective or sustainable.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said:
“I have been meeting with NSW farmers frequently on this issue, and at our most recent meeting, they had no clear suggestions on how we can tackle this problem. This shows how difficult mice are to manage. Fundamentally, the regulation of what we are able to use against these pests sits with the APVMA. If we don’t have what we need, it needs to be sorted out at a federal level. If it was up to me, I would task my department with finding an off-label solution, so our farmers have what they need to fight back.”
Because of this mouse plague, New South Wales Farmers is also seeking financial assistance.
The winners of the 67th Indian National Film Awards have been announced.
This announcement has been delayed due to the pandemic.
The prestigious National Film Awards are given out by the Directorate of Film Festivals (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting).
Director Priyadarshan’s Malayalam war epic Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea, that is headlined by Mohanlal, won Best Feature Film.
The best acting honours went to Manoj Bajapayee for Bhonsle, Dhanush for Tamil film Asuran, and Kangana Ranaut for two of her films: Panga and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.
Vijay Sethupathi (Super Deluxe) and Pallavi Joshi (The Tashkent Files) won the supporting actor awards.
Director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan was awarded for Bahattar Hoorain.
Here is the complete list of winners:
Feature Film Awards
Best Feature Film: Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Malayalam)
Best Actor (shared): Manoj Bajpayee for Bhonsle (Hindi), and Dhanush for Asuran (Tamil)
Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut for Panga (Hindi) and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (Hindi)
Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi for The Tashkent Files (Hindi)
Best Supporting Actor: Vijay Sethupathi for Super Deluxe (Tamil)
Best Director: Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan for Bahattar Hoorain (Hindi)
Best Debut Film of a Director: Mathukutty Xavier for Helen (Malayalam)
Best Child Artist: Naga Vishal for KD (Tamil)
Best Action Direction: Avane Srimannarayana (Kannada), Vikram Mor
Best Choreography: Maharishi (Telugu), Raju Sundaram
Best Special Effects: Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Malayalam), Siddharth Priyadarshan
Special Jury Award: Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (Tamil), Radhakrishnan Parthiban
Best Lyrics: Prabha Varma for Kolaambi (Malayalam)
Best Music Direction: D. Imman for Viswasam (Tamil)
Best Background Music: Prabuddha Banerjee for Jyeshthoputro (Bengali)
Best Make-up Artist: Ranjith for Helen (Malayalam)
Best Costumes: Sujith Sudhakaran and V. Sai for Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Malayalam)
Best Production Design: Anandi Gopal (Marathi), Sunil Nigwekar and Nilesh Wagh
Best Audiography (Location Sound Recordist): Iewduh (Khasi), Debajit Gayan
Best Audiography (Re-recordist of final mixed track): Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (Tamil), Resul Pookutty
Best Screenplay (Original): Jyeshthoputro (Bengali), Kaushik Ganguly
Best Screenplay (Adapted): Gumnaami (Bengali), Srijit Mukherji
Best Screenplay (Dialogue Writer): The Tashkent Files (Hindi), Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
Best Cinematography: Jallikattu (Malayalam), Gireesh Gangadharan
Best Editing: Jersey (Telugu), Navin Nooli
Best Children’s Film: Kastoori (Hindi)
Best Film on Environment Conservation: Water Burial (Monpa)
Best Film on Social Issues: Anandi Gopal (Marathi)
Best Film on National Integration: Tajmahal (Marathi)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Maharishi (Telugu)
Best Female Playback Singer: Savani Ravindra for Bardo (Marathi)
Best Male Playback Singer: B Praak for Kesari (Hindi)
Best Films in Each Language:
Best Hindi Film: Chhichhore
Best Telugu Film: Jersey
Best Malayalam Film: Kalla Nottam
Best Tamil Film: Asuran
Best Paniya Film: Kenjira
Best Mishing Film: Anu Ruwad
Best Khasi Film: Iewduh
Best Chattisgarhi Film: Bhulan the Maze
Best Haryanvi Film: Chhoriyan Chhoron Se Kam Nahi Hoti
Best Tulu Film: Pingara
Best Punjabi Film: Rab Da Radio 2
Best Odia Film: Kalira Atita and Sala Budhar Badla (shared)
Best Manipuri Film: Eigi Kona
Best Marathi Film: Bardo
Best Konkani Film: Kaajro
Best Kannada Film: Akshi
Best Bengali Film: Gumnaami
Best Assamese Film: Ronuwa – Who Never Surrender
Special Mentions: Biriyani (Malayalam), Jonaki Porua (Assamese), Lata Bhagwan Kare (Marathi) and Picasso (Marathi)
Non-Feature Film Awards
Best Voice-over/ Narration: Sir David Attenborough forWild Karnataka (English)
Best Music Direction: Bishakhjyoti for Kranti Darshi Guruji – Ahead of Times (Hindi)
Best Editing: Arjun Gourisaria for Shut Up Sona (Hindi/ English)
Best Audiography: Radha (Musical), Allwin Rego and Sanjay Maurya
Best On-Location Sound Recordist: Rahas (Hindi), Saptarshi Sarkar
Best Cinematography: Savita Singh for Sonsi (Hindi)
Best Direction: Sudhanshu Saria for Knock Knock Knock (English/ Bengali)
Best Film on Family Values: Oru Paathira Swapnam Pole (Malayalam)
Best Short Fiction Film: Custody (Hindi/ English)
Special Jury Award: Small Scale Societies (English)
Best Animation Film: Radha (Musical)
Best Investigative Film: Jakkal (Marathi)
Best Exploration Film: Wild Karnataka (English)
Best Educational Film: Apples and Oranges (English)
Best Film on Social Issues: Holy Rights (Hindi) and Ladli (Hindi)
Best Environment Film: The Stork Saviours (Hindi)
Best Promotional Film: The Shower (Hindi)
Best Arts and Culture Film: Shrikshetra-Ru-Sahijata (Odia)
Best Biographical Film: Elephants Do Remember (English)
Best Ethnographic Film: Charan-Atva The Essence of Being a Nomad (Gujarati)
Best Debut Non-Feature Film of a Director: Raj Pritam More for Khisa (Marathi)
Best Non-Feature Film: An Engineered Dream (Hindi)
Other Awards
Most Film Friendly State: Sikkim
Best Book on Cinema: A Gandhian Affair: India’s Curious Portrayal of Love in Cinema, by Sanjay Suri
(Special mentions: Cinema Paharana Manus by Ashok Rane and Kannada Cinema: Jagathika Cinema Vikasa-Prerane Prabhava written by PR Ramadasa Naidu)
Best Film Critic: Sohini Chattopadhyay
The awards are usually presented by the President of India.
However, the 66th National Film Awards saw Vice President Venkaiah Naidu honouring the winners while President Ram Nath Kovind had hosted the high tea for the winners.
Watch the 67th National Film Awards announcement of winners here:
It has been a difficult few days for Sydneysiders because of the unprecedented rain and flooding as a result. Brave Women and Men of State Emergency Services are doing every bit to reach everyone who needs them.
However, there are a lot of people who have opened their homes for flood-affected families, Anand Manickam, joint secretary of Hindu Council of Australia’s NSW chapter is one of them.
Anand told The Australia Today, “After seeing the flood situation for last two days, I had volunteered to share my shelter with few people as my Hindu dharma tell me to always help people in need. By the grace of Shiva, we have a 6 bedroom house in Sydney (NorthWest) and can accommodate at least a couple of families.”
When we offer help, we never see what background a person is from. They could be from any ethnicity, religion, or language community, said Mr. Manickam.
“In fact today morning we hosted two families one Catholic and other Hindu as due to flood warnings they were asked to evacuate.”
He further explains a few families are still in touch with me caused by flood evacuation/warnings (they live very close to the Nepean River), we have talked to a lot of our volunteers who are ready to accommodate these families in their homes.
He is not alone to answer the call to humanity in this hour of need.
A lot of members of the devoted Hindu community in Sydney have come forward to provide support for the flood-impacted communities around Sydney and other parts of NSW.
Ankur Patel is member of Australian Hindu Foundation.
He took it to social media to publish an appeal.
“We are met with yet another challenge in the form of a once-in 100 years flood event. It’s an ever-changing situation and let us all be vigilant and help each other. I live in Marsden Park. If you need shelter, food, or any other support, please reach out to me via DM without any hesitation. Prayers for all Sydneysiders to quickly overcome this. Hare Krishna”
Diksha Varun Sharma lives around Penrith with her family.
She was panicking as the situation was quickly deteriorating and she was concerned about the safety of her nine-month-old child.
Social Media page Sydney Hindus reassured her and arranged accomodation near Blacktown.
Arya Samaj Temple is situated in the flood-affected area of Sydney. Temple is partially inundated in floodwater and can’t be accessed.
However, this has not dempened their spirits, they are persistently trying to organise help for community.
Suresh Chandra, President of Arya Samaj Temple said, “Our temple is inundated in flooding but our spirits of helping the community can never be drowned. Our temple community is ready to help and support anyone who needs shelter or food in case they had to leave their homes.”
Vishva Hindu Parishad Volunteers and Hindu Social Services Foundation is working closely with emergency relief services to provide food and accommodation.
VHP Australia said We monitoring the situation and our members are ready to act on the directions of the authorities where ever required.
Community members were quick to respond to the calls for support.
Anandsinh Jhala said, “I have two bedroom vacant at my house in Harris park, please feel free to contact me.”
On the other hand, Hindu benevolent fund and Karma kitchen teams are engaging with SES state emergency services teams from different regions to provide the support they need. Sanjeev is a volunteer with Hindu Benevolent Fund.
He said, “We are already in touch with two regions and approaching others. We will do what we can as our motto is “Vasudhav kuttumbkam” which means we all are one family.
An Indian Australian shopkeeper Yash Gupta running an Adelaide city convenience store was stabbed after an argument over a damaged product on Sunday night.
Security cameras captured the aftermath of the horrific attack, allegedly carried out by two teenaged girls.
He was taken to hospital and both teenage girls arrested following a this serious assault in the CBD.
As per details shared by SA Police, Just after 1 am on Sunday 21 March, patrols and paramedics were called to the convenience store on Hindley Street, after two girls were disturbed in a back room of the business by a worker.
Police will allege one of the girls stabbed the worker in the back with a small knife before they both fled.
Patrols were quickly on scene arresting one of the teens nearby while the second suspect was located in the bathroom of a nearby business and arrested.
The victim was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment of a minor stab wound his back.
A 15-year-old from Auldana and a 16-year-old from Cumberland Park, have both been charged with assault cause serious harm and bailed to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on 30 April.
Current weather across eastern parts of coastal NSW are seeing significant impacts from flood and storm conditions. Some areas have seen floods of record and with saturated catchments and further predicted rainfall, this is a potential life-threatening weather event.
The NSW SES is asking all people in areas impacted by floods and storms to monitor the situation closely and act on all advice given by emergency services immediately.
A coastal trough has resulted in heavy rain over the northern half of the NSW coast. Flash-flooding and riverine flooding is occurring. The accumulative effects of heavy rainfall on now soaked catchments has increased already flooded rivers, rates and rises.
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) March 21, 2021
Severe Weather Warnings are current for people in Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, Australian Capital Territory and parts of Mid North Coast, South Coast, Central Tablelands, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains locations. Saturday is likely to be the wettest for Sydney and the Illawarra.
Since 18/03/2021 the NSW SES has received over 2700 jobs across NSW during this significant weather event, with just over 800 jobs overnight. Our volunteers are attending properties with leaking roofs and fallen trees due to the strong winds. Communities were working at sandbag collection points to prepare for the flash flooding overnight however significant rainfall has seen 135 Flood Rescue activations for this period.
Across the state we have 8 Evacuation Orders issued in:
Low lying areas of North Haven, Dunbogan, and Laurieton
Low lying properties in Port Macquarie
Low lying properties on the Lower Macleay
Low lying properties in Kempsey CBD
Low lying areas of Wauchope and Rawdon Island
Low lying properties of Bulahdelah
Low lying properties in Kings Point and Macksville CBD
To view all current Evacuation Orders and Flood Bulletins head to the NSW SES website here https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/
On Monday and Tuesday in Western NSW, another trough is forecast to slowly cross the state. This system looks likely to bring significant rainfall totals to most inland districts during Monday and Tuesday. This includes the far west, which has so far missed out on recent rainfall events.
NSW SES urges communities to never enter floodwater. Prepare for this morning’s commute and avoid all unnecessary travel. Make safe decisions if you are on the roads and visit Live Traffic NSW for current road conditions. https://www.livetraffic.com/
The major cause of death during floods is from people entering or travelling through floodwater.
Floodwater may be deeper or faster flowing than it appears and contain hidden snags or debris.
Floodwater may contain chemicals, raw sewage, snakes, spiders and much more that could cause illness and even death.
Roads and surfaces underneath floodwater often wash away, and may not be visible from the surface.
When an Evacuation Order is issued, and you leave your house:
Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains before you leave and turn off and secure any gas bottles
Take your pets with you
Never enter or travel through floodwater
Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
Follow your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan
Follow all instructions given to you by emergency services
Op-ed: In the post-corona world order, countries are willing to give a shot to Globalisation pivoted on democratic values and not profits alone. The recent QUAD meeting of the heads of the states is a symbol of democratic powers aligning to economic and social avenues of collaboration. The long-term move could be to keep out non-democratic powers from deriving the benefits of free economics. The US under Biden has taken a keen interest in assuming the leadership. QUAD is one of the few forums where the US can show-case leadership and garner the support of its allies. The Vaccine Programme is one of the biggest outcomes from the latest meeting. While military actions requirement by QUAD appears distant, economic decoupling with rogue regimes is the least democratic powers can start with.
The United Kingdom appears keen to join the forum in some or the other format. EU powers like Germany and France are considering bilateral collaborations in the Indo-Pacific concept in the same area. The only ocean named after a country, the Indian ocean, hosts the majority of the exchange of goods, raw materials, oil, gas, and resources of the world. In the words of Mr. Boris Johnson, Indo-Pacific is increasingly becoming the geopolitical center of the world. Democracy has stung communism big time in Galwan debacle at the ongoing standoff between India and China. The status of Delhi has shot up multiple times with the massive Vaccine diplomacy and a chance of 5G Diplomacy from next year end.
The global flow of communication and transactions faces serious threats with the actions of the Chinese communist party regime. Australia has long been at the receiving end of the autocratic behavior of the Chinese from trade to diplomacy. There is no principle of equity or reciprocity in trade or diplomacy with China. Perhaps, this is the reason that the Scott government has taken an about-turn from Kevin Rudd’s cold response to the warm embrace of QUAD now. Economic might eventually turn into defence might. But war is a dead-end to healthy economics. When the World says Rules-based or Rule of Law, what CCP hears is Rule by Law. The world must decide if it wants to restrict trade in pre-emption or risk corporate interests importing this dangerous ideology back home in nexus with political elements. The CCP continues to lay traps of joint industrial parks, sister city MOUs, and economic promotion conferences to lure the profit-seeking businessmen from democracies.
The vigilant Indian government banned several Chinese applications on time. Chinese applications are well-known weapons of suppression and manipulation. With apps such as Tiktok and WeChat, China can access a massive, less-literate population and misuse the emotional and social profiling data bank created over time. The ability to talk to the enemy’s population directly, by-passing the enemy’s leadership is a lethal weapon of war. Imagine mobilizing a huge crowd with a fake narrative. China handles electricity grids and power distribution contracts in a few of the South China Sea countries under BRI. Besides the belligerence in the South China Sea, these few also face the trauma of allowing dams over rivers flowing to them from China for the sake of electricity and let China also control their water taps. This Chinese concept of Unrestricted Warfare will force QUAD nations to bond further and take actual defence actions on the ground in the future. Economic and social collaborations of the QUAD should go ahead with the isolation of rogue regimes in the back of mind in the short to medium term.
From the QUAD, Australia can be the first casualty when China resorts to any belligerent move in the region. From the possibility of cutting off sea routes to shunting down education business to banning crucial exports to Australia, it can play all the moves. The freedom of navigation of the seas is universal and accepted by all and QUAD can help preserve it. The QUAD nations must also collaborate diplomatically. Be it India’s claim to Pakistan occupied Kashmir and terrorism or China’s predatory take over of ports like Gwadar, Hambantota, Senkaku islands, or activities in the 9-dash line. The link of the Indian ocean with the pacific is inevitable and a common front of a tussle for democracies with the communist mainland of China. The Chinese navy is visibly becoming lethal with time. Islands of the critical Malacca straits should be considered for setting up a QUAD headquarter as the gatekeeper of the Indo-Pacific.
The future of the QUAD alliance will extent to QUAD plus and a separate South East Asia alliance under the leadership of India. About 10 nations depend on waters flowing from China occupied Tibet. Waters drive the economics of industry, electricity, and human survival. QUAD must consider supporting these nations diplomatically against this probable weapon which can cause flood or famines or hamper electricity supply. Every bilateral and multi-lateral agreement proposal involving rogue members must undergo security scrutiny, be it RCEP or Trans-Pacific Partnership. The hard-earned taxpayers’ money or wealth of democracies must not flow out to enrich rogue elements anywhere under the pretext of free trade.
Author: Ankit Shah, A South-Asia Security & Foreign Policy Analyst, Ph.D. scholar & Past Academic & Research Associate of IIM Ahmedabad. He also runs “The BHAARAT KSHETRA” YouTube Channel. Tweets @ankitatIIMA.
Disability services provider Breakthru Ltd is back-paying employees more than $2.7 million and has entered into an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The registered charity, which operates in NSW, Victoria and Queensland self-reported underpayments to the workplace regulator in March 2020.
During the process of negotiating a new enterprise agreement, Breakthru became aware that it had incorrectly classified a number of employees under the applicable awards and industrial agreements, resulting in an underpayment of base rates for those employees.
Underpaid employees were at various locations in Australia.
These include Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Atherton, Melbourne, Sydney, Coonabarabran, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Taree, Tuggerah and Tuncurry.
Affected workers were in disability support and training-and-placement roles.
In total, Breakthru is back-paying 649 current and former employees $2.75 million (including interest and superannuation) after underpaying them between 2014 and 2020.
Individual back-payments range from less than $1 to more than $34,000.
As at 19 February 2021, the company had back-paid 616 workers, with less than $47,000 still owing to 33 former employees who must be back-paid by 31 March 2021.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said that an EU was appropriate as Breakthru had demonstrated a strong commitment to rectifying all underpayments.
“Under the Enforceable Undertaking, Breakthru has committed to implementing stringent measures to protect the rights of its workforce. These measures include engaging, at the company’s own cost, audits of its compliance with workplace laws over the next two years. This matter demonstrates how important it is for companies to check that they have classified every employee correctly. Any employer who needs help meeting their workplace obligations should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance.”
Under the EU, Breakthru is also required to display an online notice detailing its workplace law breaches, apologise to workers, commission workplace relations training for human resources, recruitment and payroll staff and provide evidence that it has developed systems and processes for ensuring compliance in future.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free workplace advice.
“India has developed two vaccines, which have been given to 71 countries. Many more nations are seeking the vaccines, and these are not little-known nations…Canada, Brazil, and other developed countries are using Indian vaccines with great zeal.”
The Health Ministry informed that as many as 78,66,241 senior citizens and 13,86,305 aged 45 and above with specific comorbidities have received vaccine doses.
A total of 9,74,090 vaccine doses were given by the 57th day of the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination.
The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 and the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1.
This will include ponds and burrows at the zoo 391 km from Sydney.
This could house up to 65 platypuses by 2022.
The platypus is classified as a protected species in Australia. Taronga CEO Cameron Kerr told media:
“There is so much to learn about the platypus and we know so little. These facilities will be critical in building our knowledge so that we don’t let this iconic creature slip off the earth.”
Concerns about the platypus going extinct have been heightened as scientists estimate nearly three billion animals died due to warming temperatures caused by summer bushfires.
“The 2019-20 bushfires followed several years of drought, and Taronga had noted beforehand an increased number of platypuses with “climate-related injuries and illnesses.”
Australia’s Superannuation Minister Jane Hume told Sunrise that the federal government is hoping to reunite workers with $13.8 billion of lost and unclaimed superannuation.
According to the Australian Tax Office, super payments sometimes get “lost.”
This usually happens when when people change their names, jobs, addresses or do not update their details.
There are a number of types of unclaimed monies that the ATO may hold on a person’s behalf:
Unclaimed super money for a member 65 years old or older, or a non-member spouse, or a deceased member
Unclaimed super money of former temporary residents
Lost accounts with balances of less than $6000 (small lost member accounts)
Lost accounts that have been inactive for a period of five years and have insufficient records to ever identify the owner of the account (insoluble lost member accounts)
Accounts that are inactive low-balance accounts
Minister Jane Hume said that finding out if a person has any lost superannuation is easy.
“I encourage all Australians to take a moment to log in to the ATO via MyGov and check if it’s yours. In as much time as it takes you to eat a bowl of cereal in the morning, you can find out whether some of the super is yours.”
ATO’s data shows $13.8 billion is waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners with New South Wales in over $3 billion; Victoria and Queensland having around $2 billion; Western Australia with over $1 billion; South Australia with $798 million; ACT having $231 million; Tasmania with $135 million; and the Northern Territory just short $161 million.
The ATO advises that a person can check for lost super online via MyGov (Log in to your myGov account linked to the ATO and then click on Manage my super) or on the phone (by calling the automated super search line on 13 28 65) or completing a paper form.
A blistering half-century from Suryakumar Yadav, followed by a brilliant performance from the bowlers, helped India win the fourth T20I of the ongoing five-match series against England here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday evening.
With the eight-run win over England, India has levelled the series 2-2 with the series decider to be played on Saturday at the same venue. Chasing 186, Jason Roy and Jos Buttler opened the innings for the side. Bhuvneshwar Kumar started with a maiden over just the way India wanted. From the other end, skipper Virat Kohli brought Hardik Pandya into the attack. Pandya also did not concede many runs in his over.
Buttler was not able to soak the pressure and got out against Bhuvneshwar in the third over after scoring nine runs off six balls. Dawid Malan, who came in to bat at number three, along with Roy kept the scoreboard moving and made full use of the powerplay overs. The duo added 45 runs for the second wicket stand before Rahul Chahar removed Malan (14) in the eighth over. In the next over, Pandya sent Roy back to the pavilion. The right-handed batsman played a fiery knock of 40 runs off 27 balls. After Roy’s dismissal, England’s score read 66/3 in 8.5 overs.
However, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes continued scoring runs at a brisk pace and kept England in the hunt. The duo smashed the ball to all parts of the ground and added 65 off just 36 balls for the fourth wicket. In the 15th over, much to India’s respite, Washington Sundar removed Bairstow (25). Skipper Eoin Morgan joined Stokes in the middle.
Surya Kumar Yadav (Indian Batsman)
Pacer Shardul Thakur brought the hosts back in the game as he scalped two crucial wickets of Stokes and Morgan on successive balls in the 16th over. Thakur picked Stokes (46) on the first ball and on the next delivery, he removed Morgan (4) to leave the visitors reeling at 140/6. Stokes’ knock came off 23 balls, studded with three sixes and four fours. Sam Curran (3) and Chris Jordan came to rescue the side but the former failed to get going and was dismissed by Pandya in the 18th over.
In the last over, England needed 23 runs, and the visitors accumulated 11 of the first three balls but Thakur came back strong and gave three runs off the next three balls, including Jordan’s (12) wicket. Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 18 off eight balls as England reached 177/8 in their allotted 20 overs. For the hosts, Thakur bagged three wickets while Pandya and Chahar claimed two scalps each.
Earlier, batting for the first time in international cricket, Suryakumar hit a classy 31-ball 57 to ensure India posted a competitive 185/8. If Surya showed nerves of steel as he hit the first ball he faced — off Archer — for a six, Rishabh Pant (30) and Shreyas Iyer (37) played fearless cricket as the hosts looked in complete control with bat in hand. The score could have gone over the 200-run mark, but Archer’s four-wicket haul restricted the hosts from running away with the game. Put into bat, Rohit Sharma made his intentions clear from ball number one as he smashed the first ball of the match bowled by Adil Rashid for a six over the long-off boundary. The first over saw 12 runs being scored and the other batter KL Rahul also opened his mark after registering two ducks in this series.
However, Archer and Mark Wood were able to create pressure in the next two overs and this brought about Rohit’s (12) dismissal in the fourth over of the innings. Suryakumar announced his arrival in international cricket with style as he sent Archer into the stands off the very first ball. After the end of the sixth over, India’s score read 45/1. The right-hander kept on attacking from one end, but Rahul (14) stayed in his shell and this brought about his dismissal, reducing India to 63/2 in the eighth over as the opener looked to hit out. In the very next over, Rashid had Kohli (1) stumped and the situation asked for the hosts to rebuild their innings. This was the eighth time in international cricket that Rashid got the better of the talismanic Indian batsman.
The biggest turning point came in the 14th over of the innings as Surya (57) was sent back to the pavilion by Curran. The right-handed batsman tried to play a ramp shot but Malan ended up taking the catch. Replays indicated that the ball might have hit the ground when Malan was taking the catch, however, as the soft signal was out, the third umpire stayed with the on-field call citing “lack of conclusive evidence”. In the final four overs, Iyer continued to march on, but he did not find much support at the other end, and Archer showed his class and in the end, the hosts were restricted to under the 190-run mark. Brief scores: India 185/8 (Suryakumar Yadav 57, Shreyas Iyer 37; Jofra Archer 4-33); England 177/8 (Ben Stokes 46, Jason Roy 40; Shardul Thakur 3-42, Hardik Pandya 2-16).
The theme of this contest is “My Impressions of India” or “What India means to me”.
This will coincide with the celebrations of the 71st Foundation Day of ICCR.
The ICCR was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was independent India’s first Education Minister.
“Its objectives are to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations; to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries; to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people, and to develop relations with nations.”
The Video Blogging Contest is open exclusively to foreign participants residing outside India and is being organsied as part of ICCR’s Alumni Connect Programme.
Please remember that the entries should not contain any offensive or provocative language or content.
The prizes are as follows: First Prize US$ 2000; Second Prize US$ 1000; and Third Prize US$ 750.
The last date to send a video blog entry is 4th April 2021.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action in the Federal Circuit Court against the operators of an IT services business in Melbourne.
Facing court are The Backup Bloke Pty Ltd, which is based in Moorabbin, and company director Paul Loiacono.
The regulator commenced its investigation after receiving a request for assistance from an employee.
This employee had been engaged to work full time for The Back-up Bloke as a salesperson and service technician.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to The Backup Bloke in September 2020.
FWO issued this notice after forming a belief that, due to being paid only sporadically, the employee was owed 107 weeks of unpaid wages under the General Retail Industry Award 2010 for work performed between 2015 and 2019.
Annual leave entitlements were allegedly also underpaid.
The FWO alleges The Backup Bloke, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the worker’s outstanding entitlements.
Mr Loiacono was allegedly involved in the breach.
In line with the FWO’s proportionate approach to regulation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FWO made several attempts to secure voluntary compliance before commencing legal action.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
“Compliance Notices are important tools used by inspectors to deal with apparent contraventions of the Fair Work Act or industrial instruments, most typically Modern Awards. Where employers do not respond to or comply with these Notices, we will take appropriate enforcement action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties for not complying with such a Notice, in addition to back-paying workers as appropriate. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”
The FWO is seeking a penalty against The Backup Bloke Pty Ltd and Mr Loiacono.
The company faces a maximum potential penalty of up to $33,300 and Mr Loiacono faces a maximum potential penalty of up to $6,660.
The regulator is also seeking a court order for The Backup Bloke to take the action required by the Compliance Notice, which includes calculating and rectifying any underpayments in full for the employee, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne on 1 March 2021.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace.
My father worked in defence so I grew up in multiple towns in India. This meant I got to travel throughout my childhood and I think travelling is in my family genes. I started working around the age of twenty-two. However, I had already decided then that I will work till I am thirty-five, build my base and thereafter follow my passion for travel and writing. And that’s exactly what I did.
‘Travel has been the biggest University in my life’
I started discovering places, especially in India as I travelled. Initially, I used to travel simply out of curiosity probably for entertainment, just to travel, see new things. But as I started travelling more I started discovering places, got interested in knowing their history so it became a kind of a spiral. The more I travelled, the more I read, the more I explored, the more I observed. I have discovered India’s history, art history, spirituality, India’s spiritual heritage, pilgrimage heritage, everything I have discovered by travelling. So travel has been the biggest University and continues to be the biggest University in my life.
‘Yet to visit a destination that has not surprised me, every place gives you some magic!’
When I go with the intention of studying a destination, I read a lot, A lot more than most people would. I make a detailed list of all the places that I want to see. For example, when I visited Ayodhya, I spent a week or so there, I studied the whole Ayodhya Mahatmya from the Skanda Purana and I read all possible books on Ayodha to figure out the places I wanted to see, places which were written about let’s say around 2000 years ago. I structured my visit to encompass all of those ancient sites. But then for my blogs, I also do leave an unstructured space, for the place to give you some magic! No matter how much you read there is always something that no one has written about as yet, always. So you have to keep some unstructured time as well to just roam around and let the destination surprise you and I’m yet to visit a destination that has not surprised me.
‘The moment we have a rendezvous with our heritage, the rest will fall in place ’
I think it is important to tell the next generation about the breadth and depth of our heritage so that every generation does something to preserve it. Today the biggest problem is that people are not even aware of their own heritage, most of us are not aware of our own heritage. We don’t even know about the richness of our past. The moment we know it, the moment we have a one-on-one rendezvous with that, the rest of it will fall in place. Today our heritage knowledge is limited to seeing the top 20 places in India, but every part of India has so many layers of history. We need a huge effort to document that and that’s exactly what I’m doing through the blog. We are trying to document the ancient history and living history that we have and hopefully if it is documented it will be preserved.
‘India has not invested in writing its own history’
You can read what is available but it is important to note that almost 90-95% of the stuff has not yet been written about. So first of all we need to make a huge effort to document the history that remains undocumented. Thanks to technology today documentation can be done in multiple ways including making audios, videos, or using still pictures, but it needs to be done. In history, it may be difficult to ascertain facts. Even hundred-year-old things, we really don’t know what the facts were, we only know what was written about it, so to that extent we have to agree that there will be a kind of ambiguity in the historical accounts.
But having said that, India has not at all invested in writing its own history. What has been written about has been written by the Westerners primarily the British. So it’s written by somebody who has an outsider’s perspective, not an insider’s sensibility. It is not written by somebody who understands the nuances of culture or the value of that culture. And when it was written post-independence it was pretty much written by the same people. They may have had Indian names but they were pretty much trained and raised in a very western way. Also, the focus has been more on recent history (last three-four hundred years) but there again certain pockets have been written about.
Let’s say the whole Mogul rule has been covered extensively but at the same time, at the same period, Ahom’s were ruling in Assam but they have not been written about. A lot of other places and regions that were ruled by different kingdoms have also not been written about. So in space and time, both, a lot of things have not been documented and pre-Mogul history has rarely been researched or studied or written about. So we have not really invested in writing our own history. So the documentation that we refer to again goes back to Western writing of our history which is bound to be incomplete because it was not their culture, you cannot expect them to understand it the way you understand it.
‘The world is a far happier and a far nicer place than the media would like you to believe’
There has been a lot of learning. One big thing I learned is that our education is such a waste, apart from the technical things that we learn. What you learn on the road is the biggest learning. Every step on the road is learning. Also, the world is a far happier and a far nicer place than the media would like you to believe. It’s a much safer place as well. There are ample examples of kindness on the road. People who really travel on the road and especially women who travel on the road, I meet a lot of them, I am one of them, let me tell you we have one million stories of kindness on the road. The media would like us to believe that it’s a very bad place for solo women travelers but it’s not. That’s my biggest learning.
‘It’s impossible to hate the people you have visited’
Travel brings people together. It’s impossible to hate the people you have visited. It is something that brings people together, cultures together. And while you appreciate the differences between cultures, you also realise that the underlying philosophies of most ancient cultures or cultures that have existed for a long time are very similar. How you express them or how they manifest in terms of rituals or customs in the community may be different. Many times they are dependent on things like climate or what grows where, but most of the time the underlying philosophies are the same
‘Every place I have visited has been fascinating’
Someone who has travelled to five places can tell you the five best places to visit in the world but somebody who has travelled to five thousand places will never be able to point out. So I will not be able to point out one site or one place that stands out because I can see the good and bad of every site that I visit. And I can find something interesting in every place I visit. Every place, even the smallest of villages, I have found something that is fascinating.
Author:Anuradha Goyal is one of India’s best-known bloggers, Her award-winning travel blog, ‘IndiTales: Travel Blog from India’, covers Indian and International destinations and gives readers mesmerizing insights into Art, History, and Culture, often unravelling untold stories about our ancient heritage. Ms. Goyal has also worked in the IT Industry for 12 years before pursuing her passion and is also the author of the book ‘The Mouse Charmers – Digital Pioneers of India’. She recently penned three more books ‘Lotus in the Stone – Sacred journeys in Eternal India’, ‘Unusual Temples of India’, and Ayodhya Mahatmya. Ms. Goyal shared her fascinating journey with us.
“I was an overweight teenager, and looking back, I can see that the reason why was that I didn’t really have a reason to follow a healthy diet. I didn’t really feel the need to do anything about my health and I never was much into sports activities or anything like that outside of what I was forced to do at school.”
After just one semester in university, he decided to start his weight loss journey to become more active and fit.
Ajay was 120kgs by the end of high school.
“When I started training, I was weighing in at 130 kilos (286 lbs.). At this point, I hadn’t ever done any sport or exercise to try to lose weight. But over the first 6-8 months, I dropped from 130 kg to about 105 (231 lbs.). This was not through diet or cardio! It was mainly just through weight training. I would lift weights for about 1.5-2 hours a day, 6-7 days a week.”
During the first semester break of university, he started going to the gym.
Ajay soon started noticing the positive effects of training and exercising on his life.
“After about a year and a half of it I was still just training and I had reached about 95-100kgs. It was good progress but I knew I could go further. So, in 2019 I started researching and experimenting with different diet plans. I formed a five month plan and was very strict in following it. I ended up losing 22kgs, reaching around 70-75kgs.”
Determined to push his limit, Ajay kept going aiming for a local competition.
“The thought of bodybuilding and weightlifting was never in my mind until then. There was this competition in April, 2020, I was interested in but that was cancelled and I kinda gave up. It was difficult to train with COVID as I had to drop training for about 12-14 weeks with gyms being closed, but I did still keep to my diet.”
When gyms reopened in NSW, he enlisted the help of a trainer at the end of June to participate in Nov. 2020 competition.
Ajay says that he ate the same meals every day.
“Starting in 2019, I began to research deeply into diet, nutrition, meal prep, and weighing my food. I’ve been vegetarian since I was 18 years old, so I wanted to be sure I was getting enough protein as a high priority.”
Ajay is solely on a vegetarian diet that also includes tofu, cottage cheeses, and yoghurt.
With this diet, he reached 74kg with about 5.5-6% body fat.
He achieved First place in the Men’s Juniors and Third place in the Novice Men’s.
“I have plans to compete for the same federation along with another federation hopefully on a yearly basis, if not twice a year. Hopefully I can get a pro card and possibly represent the Australia Federation.”
Ajay is looking forward to future competitions.
“My goal is to keep pushing past each limit, and if I get a pro card, maybe possibly come overseas to compete. That would be amazing.”
More than 3000 nurses have died after contracting COVID since March 2020 in 60 countries.
A new report by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) reveal that more than 10 percent of total case fatality globally comprises healthcare workers.
The report observes that since March 11, 2020 when World health organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, millions of nurses have been reeling under the “mass trauma”.
The report and analysis by the ICN found that the swamped hospitals, staffing shortage and onslaught of COVID-19 patients since the last year has stressed and worn out the healthcare workers.
It notes that as many as 400 incidents of pandemic related violence and threat against the healthcare worker was recorded.
This has also pushed many to quit their profession.
At least 1,172 COVID-19 related incidents against the nurses were registered during their response to the pandemic.
The ICN report found:
“COVID-19-related attacks reveal a disturbing new dimension of violence against health care, which has in the past related primarily to attacks on health care amid armed conflict or routine health services provision.”
In a statement, the ICN chief executive Howard Catton said:
“Nurses have gone through ‘mass traumatisation’ during the pandemic, as hospitals were pushed to physical and mental exhaustion. They reach a point where they’ve given everything they can.”
Catton stated that the global workforce of the nurses at the hospitals during the pandemic drastically shrank to just 6 million from the previous 27 million, this included at least 4 million that were already looking for retirement by 2030.
Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow played unbeaten knocks of 83 and 40 respectively as England secured a comfortable eight-wicket win over India in the third T20I here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday evening.
With this win, England has now gained a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Both teams will now meet in the fourth T20I on Thursday which will be played at the same venue. Chasing 157, England openers Jason Roy and Jos Buttler put on 23 runs for the first wicket, but the introduction of Yuzvendra Chahal paid off straight away when he dismissed Roy (9) in the fourth over as the right-handed batsman was trying to play a reverse-sweep. This dismissal, however, did not bring about a check in the run-flow, as Buttler went berserk and the visitors’ scored read 57/1 at the end of the powerplay. Dawid Malan and Buttler stitched together a stand of 58 runs for the second wicket, but Malan’s (18) vigil at the crease was finally cut short in the 10th over by Washington Sundar as he had the left-handed batsman stumped, reducing England to 81/2, still 76 runs away from the target.
Bairstow came out to bat at number four and he along with set Buttler ensured that England did not suffer from more hiccups and in the end, the visitors crossed the line with eight balls to spare. Buttler and Bairstow stitched an unbeaten stand of 77 runs for the third wicket. Earlier, skipper Virat Kohli’s unbeaten knock of 77 runs off just 46 balls helped India post 156/6 in the allotted 20 overs. Down and out going into the last five overs of the innings, Kohli led from the front in all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s company as the duo added 69 runs from 30 balls to take the hosts’ total past the 150-run mark.
England win the third @Paytm#INDvENG T20I & go 2-1 up in the series. #TeamIndia will look to win the next game & take the series into the decider.
Hardik had joined Kohli with the score of 86/5 in 14.3 overs and what followed was nothing short of a master-class on power-hitting. Interestingly, it was Hardik who played second-fiddle in their 70-run partnership off just 33 balls as Kohli went on a hitting spree. This was India’s highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20Is.
India’s score read 87/5 going into the last five with Kohli on 28 off 29 balls and Hardik yet to open his account. And at the end of the innings, Kohli was standing unbeaten on 77 off 46 balls with eight boundaries and four sixes. It was a complete class on batsmanship as Kohli didn’t hit a single cross-batted shot and banked on his technique to send the English bowlers on a leather hunt. Put into bat, the hosts once again had a poor start as they lost three wickets inside the powerplay. Openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were back in the hut inside the opening five overs. While Rahul departed for his third duck of the series, Rohit playing his first white-ball match for India since February last year got out after hitting two fours as Mark Wood picked his second wicket of the day.
Highs 📈 Lows 📉 Proudest moments 👏
We look back with @Eoin16 as he reaches 💯 IT20 matches
Ishan Kishan, who had a dream debut on Sunday, fell for just four runs as he skied one behind the wicket and Buttler made no mistake. Kohli and Rishabh Pant tried to rebuild the innings and stitched a 40-run stand. Just when things started to look good for the hosts, Pant got run-out trying to steal a third run. With India struggling at 86/4 in the 14th over, Wood was brought into the attack, and he removed Shreyas Iyer as the hosts lost half the side.
Brief scores: India 156/6 (Virat Kohli 77*, Rishabh Pant 25, Mark Wood 3-31); England 158/2 (Jos Buttler 83*, Jonny Bairstow 40*, Washington Sundar 1-26).
She was formally welcomed at a mihi whakatau (a welcome speech by Maori representative), following a two-year-long study and recruitment process.
Pictured with her tutor Andrew McCrory.
Ramandeep was born and raised in Punjab and moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2012.
She says her first years in New Zealand – acclimatising herself to new people, culture, and lifestyle – were challenging.
She working different jobs in orchards, hospitality, and customer service to start with.
“I have always been interested in the investigative side of police work, so joining Police seemed like an obvious career to pursue. I also found out there were no Indian female police officers in Hawke’s Bay. Yet, I had no idea where to start.”
Soon Ramandeep learned about the Services Pathway programme run by the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in Hawke’s Bay.
Raman says she had a great experience at EIT, as the programme helped her with her application to join Police.
At the mihi whakatau at Hastings Central Police Station, Raman spoke about her journey:
“I want to make my family proud to see me in my blue uniform as no one in the history of my family has ever done something as big and splendid as getting into New Zealand Police.”
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park says the team is delighted to have Raman join them.
“She is the first Indian woman police officer in the region and I am sure her ability to speak three languages – Punjabi, Hindi and English – will be extremely useful.”
Hawke’s Bay is a region on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is well-known for its beaches and wineries.
Raman says there are many Indians in the Hawke’s Bay community – and she feels she will be able to connect, gain their trust, and help make them feel safe.
“I want to be there for the wider community. I would love to make a positive difference in every aspect of people’s lives wherever I can. I want to be the best possible version of myself but also inspire more females from diverse backgrounds to join Police.”
Op-ed: A powerful misinformation campaign has always been the hallmark of the Kashmir debate, and an easy way to keep Kashmiris inextricably bound to the conflict in the region. Even a mere whisper of a small UN-sponsored project would be enough to send the newspapers in a frenzy of sensationalism, using hyperbolic phrases like “Aqwaam Mutahida ke aewaano main masala-e-Kashmir ki Baazgisth”.
Political radicalisation is not new to Jammu and Kashmir. It has a bloody history going back decades. While it had originated as an offshoot of political violence based on changes brought about by the Partition of 1947; it took on a religious character. Till as late as 2014, there were senseless killings, abductions, and hate crimes that had worn down the societal fabric of the region. All driven by fragmented groups with an extremist ideology.
The youth of Jammu and Kashmir were particularly susceptible to indoctrination because they were offered a pipe dream. They were goaded to challenge the status quo and brainwashed into extremist political ideals. In the past year, a lot of effort and focus was made to stamp out violence and this was successful to a great degree. However, the specter of another war has raised its ugly head. A battle that is not fought on the streets, but on websites and social media. This is even more insidious in its reach and its potential for collateral damage. This ‘cyber’ dimension of violence is new and just as deadly. It’s easy to glamourise things on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter. From there is a small step to enforcing this ideology through force. And that is exactly how our youth are being targeted – via an ideological war being fought in a new dimension with little oversight and almost complete impunity.
This electronic campaign promotes dangerous content that is a ticking bomb, just waiting to infect the minds of youth – provoking and exhorting them to engage in violent activities and carry out violent acts in the real world. This has caused a lot of harm to Jammu and Kashmir, and our youth have been the greatest victims of this electronic attack.
Looking at the past it is not hard to understand that this struggle was in no way related to a desire for equitable political rights. Certain sections had taken undue advantage of a precarious political system and put all their might into driving a wedge between the people of Kashmir. This created an environment that was a breeding ground for violence.
The people of Kashmir now know that no political movement can succeed in achieving its objectives unless it is capable of representing the interests of all ethnic and religious groups. The only way this is possible is by employing an inclusive approach to its political character and social base. We need to work as one – civil society, media, and political and religious leaders towards the goal of protecting our youth from the disease of information war.
There have been a number of triggers in the recent past that have backed Pakistan into a corner. It had falsely speculated that nuclear equivalence was a guarantee of India’s non-retaliation to provocative terrorist attacks. The Balakot operation destroyed that assumption. Then the return of the BJP government sent out a clear message that there were at least 5 more years of India’s strong policy of militarised action on its soil. Finally the focal point of Pakistan’s deluded nationalism – ‘Kashmir will be Pakistan’ was swiftly decimated by Article 370.
While its anti-India strategy continues, Pakistan has now shifted gears and moved the focus of its tactics – a morbid ‘digital first’ approach to violence. It promotes content that is specifically designed to attack the public perception of India, by spreading falsehoods to polarise society on a religious basis. This is done by creating a huge amount of fake profiles on major social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp Twitter, and YouTube. The posts are embellished with fake content and laced with inane facts to lend an air of credibility.
With the sheer volume of religious misinformation content, they proceed to carpet bomb Facebook groups, online forums and Twitter feeds and create a hate-based environment to try and impact India’s credentials as a secular democracy. The latest addition is the extensive use of handles and user names that are obviously identifiable as Middle Eastern. They twist and manipulate any and all news in India that they can repurpose to their benefit, whether it is a democratic protest or healthy dissent. It is all packaged into a twisted narrative designed to cause maximum damage to the social fabric of India, and suddenly we are treated to the “news” of fascist governments, disenfranchised Muslims, and Hindu supremacists. Look a little further and there is the familiar whining about Kashmir’s disputed status and the soon-to-be-announced solution by UN resolution. Human rights, Azad Kashmir, fake encounters, and imminent Muslim genocide. All this has gone to sickening lengths to further a delusional agenda. And it is no surprise that the same anecdotes are parroted on every medium and every platform. It would have been hilarious if it wasn’t so deceptive and hateful.
So India has to keep a resolute defence and step up to battle against this new campaign. The vigil must be relentless – the damage that can be caused by these spiteful attacks can be unexpected and tactical. The greatest danger of this type of information war is its persistence and dishonesty.
Pakistan’s eagerness to capitalise on its digital media fetish doesn’t end there. While there have been disconcerting rumors about its global agenda to claim leadership of the Muslim world, there have been recent reports that lend credence to this news.
So what does the rest of the world do to mitigate this unilateral digital aggression against other nations? Based on the sheer volume and type of misinformation, there is a clear potential of this propaganda campaign causing significant harm to the peace process in multiple regions.
There should also be a strong collaboration of Philia Forum nations and the possibilities of launching a joint investigation into the actions and effects of this propaganda army. We should consider setting up a dedicated information centre to minimize the impact of such groups that are engaged in information warfare. This is a new frontier and a new war. Along with India, there should be a call for strong media oversight across all countries to evaluate and moderate the content based on their own internal guidelines, in the best interests of their citizens. There will need to be a well-thought-out plan of action, along with effective mechanisms and tools to combat this menace. Make no mistake, the truth must be spoken. A journalist who hides or misrepresents the facts is doing a great disservice to the people and dishonouring their own profession. The days of keeping our youth in the dark and using them as cannon fodder are over. They have suffered enough already, they deserve a chance at peace and progress.
Author: Emaad Makhdoomi is a Young Political Commentator, TV Panelist, and a Writer. He is one of the leading lights in the studded youth icons of India. Emaad has represented India at various Youth Leadership forums in countries including The United States of America, Germany, New Zealand, and Dubai. Emaad Makhdoomi has also been a recipient of prestigious awards worldwide.
Among the seven wonders of the world listed Taj Mahal is situated at India’s state of Uttar prasdesh.
Now, the local Agra district administration has decided to raise the entry ticket prices for both domestic and foreign tourists. The Indian tourists, who are currently paying A$1 to enter the monument, will now have to pay just over A$1.5, while foreign tourists will have to shell out A$24, instead of A$22 to enter the Taj. Apart from that, the ADA will also charge A$4 for tourists who wish to enter the main dome, which is separate from the A$4 already being charged by the ASI.
Agra Divisional Commissioner Amit Gupta told reporters, “Agra Development Authority (ADA) has proposed to charge Rs 200 to enter the main dome, separate to A$4 already charged by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).” With the new charges in place, domestic tourists wishing to enter the main dome will have to pay over A$9, while foreign tourists will be charged A$32. Responding to the new proposal of hiking entry tickets to the Taj, a tourist Saurabh Mishra said, “If prices surge, it would cause inconvenience to Indian tourists to see their own heritage. We used to pay A$1 to visit the main dome. If it increases again, footfall of Indian tourists will decrease.”
India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah tied the knot with sports presenter and anchor Sanjana Ganesan on Monday. Bumrah shared adorable pictures from the wedding ceremony and the cricketer termed the date (March 15) as one of the happiest days of their lives.
“‘Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.’ Steered by love, we have begun a new journey together. Today is one of the happiest days of our lives and we feel blessed to be able to share the news of our wedding and our joy with you. Jasprit & Sanjana,” Bumrah captioned the post on Instagram.
“Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.”
Steered by love, we have begun a new journey together. Today is one of the happiest days of our lives and we feel blessed to be able to share the news of our wedding and our joy with you.
His Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians wished the duo a happy married life. “Bumrah bowled over by Sanjana. Here’s wishing love, laughter, and a happily ever after for @Jaspritbumrah93 and @SanjanaGanesan,” Mumbai Indians tweeted.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also congratulated the couple on getting hitched.
The 27-year-old Bumrah played two Tests in the four-match series against England and he returned with four wickets. Bumrah was rested for the second Test against England in Chennai and he returned wicketless in the third Test as spinners did a majority of the work. India won the Test series 3-1.
Meanwhile, in the shortest format, Team India made a brilliant comeback in the T20I series as the team registered a comprehensive 8-wicket victory in the second T20I on Sunday after losing the first game. The third game of the series will be played on Tuesday.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leader Gurdeep Singh took oath today as a Senator.
He has become the first turban-clad Sikh representative in the upper house of Pakistan’s Parliament.
Gurdeep Singh is from Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party and a representative from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Gurdeep Singh defeated rival candidates on a minority seat by a huge margin in the election to the upper chamber of Parliament.
He secured 103 votes in the House of 145 whereas Jamiat Ulema-e Islam (Fazlur) candidate Ranjeet Singh secured just 25 votes and Asif Bhatti of the Awami National Party received 12.
In 2018, Ranjeet Singh was the first minority lawmaker to be elected MPA. The other two elected non-Muslim MPAs were Ravi Kumar, a Hindu, and Wazirzada hailing from the Kalash community in Chitral.
Gurdeep Singh, after taking oath as member of Senate, told PTI that he would work for the betterment of the minority community in the country.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action in the Federal Circuit Court against the operators of a Melbourne-based business that builds custom food trailers, vans and trucks.
Facing court are Mobile Food Vans & Trucks Pty. Ltd. and its manager Mr Yaner Gelgel.
FWO investigated after receiving a request for assistance from an employee.
This employee, a visa holder from India, had worked for the company as a sheet metal worker.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice in April 2020.
The inspector believed the employee had been underpaid his minimum wages for ordinary hours, overtime and annual leave entitlements.
This was done across two separate employment periods – between May and June 2018, and between March and August in 2019.
The FWO alleges that Mobile Food Vans & Trucks, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice.
The notice required the company to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements.
In line with the FWO’s proportionate approach to regulation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FWO made attempts to secure voluntary compliance before commencing legal action.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said that the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take companies to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
“Under the Fair Work Act, Compliance Notices are important tools used by inspectors if they form a belief that an employer has breached workplace laws. Where employers do not comply with our requests, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order the business to pay penalties in addition to back-paying workers. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties against Mobile Food Vans & Trucks Pty. Ltd. and Mr Gelgel.
The company faces a maximum penalty of up to $31,500 and Mr Gelgel faces a maximum penalty of up to $6,300.
The regulator is also seeking orders for the company to comply with the Compliance Notice, which includes rectifying any underpayments in full, plus paying applicable superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne on 28 April 2021.
In June 2020, Victoria became the first state to criminalise wage theft. This was followed by Queensland in December last year as part of its industrial relations reforms.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli led from the front while Ishan Kishan scored a magnificent half-century on debut as hosts registered a seven-wicket win over England in the second T20I here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening.
Captain @imVkohli finishes it off in style with a SIX 😎#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 beat England 🏴 by 7️⃣ wickets to level the series 1-1 👌🏻#INDvENG@Paytm
With this win, the hosts leveled the five-match series 1-1. Kohli played an unbeaten knock of 73 runs while Kishan scored 56 runs. Chasing the target of 165, India once again witnessed a poor start with KL Rahul being dismissed in the very first over of the innings. Rahul (0) was caught behind on Sam Curran’s delivery.
Opener Kishan was then joined by Kohli on the field. The duo played with an attacking mindset and the team touched the 50-run mark in the sixth over. In the 10th over, the debutant smashed two back-to-back sixes to Adil Rashid to bring his maiden international half-century.
However, in the same over, Rashid made a comeback and dismissed Kishan on the last bowl of the over which brought Rishabh Pant out in the middle. Pant scored 26 runs off just 13 balls before getting out. Kohli was then accompanied by Shreyas Iyer. Just like Kishan, Kohli also completed his half-century by hitting an impressive six as India inched closer to the target. Continuing his stunning form, Kohli easily took the team over the line in the 18th over.
Earlier, a perfect display of death bowling helped India restrict England to 164/6. Put in to bat, England didn’t have a great start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar had Jos Buttler (0) adjudged leg before wicket on just the third ball of the innings. Dawid Malan then joined Jason Roy in the middle and the duo revived the innings for the visitors, taking the score to 44/1 after the end of the powerplay.
Malan and Roy eventually stitched a 63-run stand for the second wicket which came to an end in the ninth over after leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had Malan (24) adjudged leg-before wicket, reducing England to 64/2. Roy (46), for the second time in a row, then missed out on his half-century as he was sent back to the pavilion in the 12th over by Washington Sundar. The right-handed batsman went for a big shot, but he ended up holding out to Bhuvneshwar in the deep. Jonny Bairstow (20) got a reprieve in the 14th over of the innings, but he was sent back to the dressing room in the very same over by Sundar.
💬 "He is a fearless character & should continue to back his instincts."
In the final four overs, the hosts conceded just 28 runs and as a result, England was restricted under the 170-run mark. For the hosts, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur returned with two wickets. Ben Stokes was dismissed after playing a knock of 24 while Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 6. Skipper Eoin Morgan also contributed with 28. The two teams will now take on each other in the third T20I on Tuesday.
Brief Scores: England 164/6 (Jason Roy 46, Eoin Morgan 28, Shardul Thakur 2-29) vs India 166/3 (Virat Kohli 73*, Ishan Kishan 56; Sam Curran 1-22).
“I am appalled by the ongoing acts of hate against Asian Americans and the Asian community globally. Racism, hate and violence have no place in our society. I am united with the Asian and Asian American community in standing against this injustice.”
In a statement, Microsoft said that it condemns hate, racial discrimination, and violence in all forms.
Meanwhile, prominent lawmakers have joined hands to introduce a legislation to address the rise of hate crimes and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congressman Donald M. Payne, expressed concern over an increase in such racist attacks.
“I want to condemn the abuse and assault that has happened to Asian Americans during his pandemic in the strongest words possible. Hate and violence have no place in America at all. These attacks must stop because they are cowardly attempts to scapegoat and blame Americans for a pandemic that started thousands of miles away.”
The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act would direct the US Attorney General to designate an official whose sole responsibility will be to expedite review of COVID-19 hate crimes from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Acting US Attorney Tessa M Gorman said:
“These crimes, and other acts of hate and bias, have no place in our community. I urge members of our community to report hate-based crimes to either local or federal law enforcement and to contact our office’s civil rights line with information about discrimination in areas like housing, employment, education, or public accommodations.”
President Joe Biden in his first prime-time address to the nation since assuming office in January has denounced “violent” attacks on the Asian Americans.
During the first Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), the four leaders – the US, Australia, India and Japan – stressed for a free, open and rule-based Indo-Pacific region that is “anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion”.
In a joint statement, the Quad leaders said: “We bring diverse perspectives and are united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. We strive for a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion.”
“Today, the global devastation wrought by COVID-19, the threat of climate change, and security challenges facing the region summon us with renewed purpose,” they said.
The quad leaders also committed to holding an in-person leaders’ summit by the end of 2021.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Quad countries will work together closer than ever before for promoting “a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific” and Quad will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region.
“I thank President Biden for this initiative. We are united by democratic values and our commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Our agenda today – covering areas like vaccines, climate change, and emerging technologies – makes the Quad a force for global good,” he said.
“I see this positive vision as an extension of India’s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which regards the world as one family. We will work together, closer than ever before for advancing our shared values and promoting a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Today’s meeting shows that Quad has come of age. It will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region,” he added.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the Indo-Pacific will shape the destiny of the world in the 21st century. Speaking at the first-ever Quad meet, Mr. Morrison said: “…We join together as Quad leaders of nations to welcome what I believe to be a new dawn in the Indo-Pacific. History teaches us that when nations engage together in a partnership of strategic trust, common hope and shared values, much can be achieved.”
An historic meeting for India, the United States, Japan and Australia – the first ever leaders’ meeting of the Quad.
For us, this meeting is about how we keep Australia and the Indo-Pacific region we live in safe, stable and secure.
PM Morrison called for creating a different future post-COVID recovery and for the Quad to be an enabler of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific “It is the Indo-Pacific that will now shape the destiny of our world in the 21st century. As four leaders of great liberal democracies in the Indo Pacific, let our partnership be enabler more peace, stability, and prosperity and to do so inclusively with many nations of our region,” he said.
“To share their vision, as expressed in ASEAN, for an open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. To respect and support their sovereignty, freedom, and security, from upholding their values and supporting international law and to address the many challenges we face from COVID-19 and climate change,” he added.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that he felt “emotional” about the summit and committed to advance cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. “I do feel emotional about this summit… With the four countries working together, I wish to fully advance cooperation to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific and to make a visible and tangible contribution to the peace, prosperity, and stability in the region, including COVID-19,” said Suga, while speaking at the first meeting of the Quad today.
He also thanked the other three Quad countries for their support during the 2011 Japan earthquake, adding that he looked forward to fruitful conversations in the meet. Suga will be the first foreign leader to visit the United States since President Joe Biden took office and the global coronavirus pandemic halted much international travel, according to an announcement by the White House on Friday.
US President Joe Biden said that a free and open Indo-Pacific is essential for the future of each of the grouping’s member countries, and the US is committed to ensuring the region is governed by international law and free of coercion. “A free and open Indo Pacific is essential to each of our future of our countries. The US is committed to working with you, our partners, and all of our allies in the region to achieve stability” he said during the Quad meet.
This morning, I met virtually with the Quad in the first multilateral summit I’ve hosted as president. The United States, Japan, India, and Australia are committed to working together to tackle the shared challenges we face and to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/m0AYfsEx6z
Biden also spoke about his recently passed USD 1.9 trillion Covid-19 packages, known as the ‘American Rescue Plan’ to help Americans overcome the pandemic. Biden announced the launch of a new vaccine manufacturing pact, in which the Quad will play an important role.
“We are launching a new vaccine manufacturing pact. We will ensure that our pact is governed by universal laws. The Quad is going to be important.”
Focusing on generating domestic demand and driving sustainable growth, the US President said: “We are establishing a new mechanism to enhance our cooperation in ways that our mutual ambitions as we have addressed, accelerating climate change. We are renewing our commitment to ensure that our regions are governed by international law, committing to universal values and free from coercion.”
“The Quad is going to be a vital ingredient for cooperation in the Indo Pacific and I look forward to working closely with all of you in the coming years,” he said in his concluding remarks. Biden participated in the virtual meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in the historic summit, the first leadership-level engagement for Quad.
Pledging to strengthen cooperation towards promoting a free, rules-based order, rooted in international law to advance security and prosperity and counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the leaders committed to supporting rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values and territorial integrity.
“We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality as well as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Full of potential, the Quad looks forward to the future; it seeks to uphold peace and prosperity and strengthen democratic resilience, based on universal values,” the leaders further said.
The leaders also pledged to respond to the economic and health impacts of COVID-19, combat climate change, and address shared challenges, including in cyberspace, critical technologies, counterterrorism, quality infrastructure investment, and humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief as well as maritime domains.
“… We will join forces to expand safe, affordable, and effective vaccine production and equitable access, to speed economic recovery and benefit global health… We will, therefore, collaborate to strengthen equitable vaccine access for the Indo-Pacific, with close coordination with multilateral organizations including the World Health Organization and COVAX. We call for transparent and results-oriented reform at the World Health Organization,” the statement said. The four nations committed to keeping a Paris-aligned temperature limit within reach and prioritising the role of international law in the maritime domain and facilitate collaboration, including in maritime security, to meet challenges to the rules-based maritime order in the East and South China Seas.
On Myanmar, the leaders underscored the urgent need to restore democracy and the priority of strengthening democratic resilience. They also reaffirmed commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, and also confirm the necessity of immediate resolution of the issue of Japanese abductees.
“We will combine our nations’ medical, scientific, financing, manufacturing and delivery, and development capabilities and establish a vaccine expert working group to implement our path-breaking commitment to safe and effective vaccine distribution; we will launch a critical- and emerging-technology working group to facilitate cooperation on international standards and innovative technologies of the future; and we will establish a climate working group to strengthen climate actions globally on mitigation, adaptation, resilience, technology, capacity-building, and climate finance,” further read the joint statement.
The Quad is a strategic forum comprising India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America, held its first-ever head of states meet virtually on Friday.
An Oxford University graduate has sued his parents for a ‘lifelong maintenance grant’.
41-year-old Faiz Siddiqui has sued his “wealthy” parents in court claiming that he was a “ vulnerable grown-up” child and was entitled to lifelong claim maintenance.
Siddique who currently unemployed and also suffers from several health issues defended his case.
He stated that a denial of funds would be a direct violation of his “human rights”.
The family’s lawyer, Justin Warshaw QC, told The Sun:
‘These long-suffering parents have their own view of what is suitable provision for their ”difficult, demanding and pertinacious” son.’
As per a report by Daily Mail, Siddique bungled with a few law firms after completing graduating from the University of Oxford.
He currently lives rent-free at a £1million flat that is owned by his mother Rakshanda, 69, and father Javed, 71, near Hyde Park in central London.
In addition, Siddique gets a monthly allowance of over 400 pounds a week in an addendum to help with his other bills.
Back in 2018, Siddique tried to sue the university stating that his failure at getting a first-class degree from the university, led to failure in his career and subsequent depression.
He studied at Brasenose College.
Siddique said his 2:1 degree result meant he had not had a successful career in law and it caused him to suffer from depression.
He had then demanded compensation of $1 million from the university.
During the trial, the judge accepted that the plaintiff had suffered from depression but dismissed that it was caused due to his low ranking degree at the university.
Mr Justice Foskett said:
‘Whilst it cannot be said that some aspect of a person’s education – inadequately delivered – can never be the cause of that person’s failure to achieve some otherwise attainable objective, the hurdles in establishing a claim for compensation based upon that inadequate delivery are great and often insurmountable. In this case, I have not been satisfied that the delivery of one particular feature of the claimant’s undergraduate degree course was inadequate or, in any event, that it had the consequences claimed for it.’
The judge also found there were other reasons beyond his bouts of depression to explain his failures to hold down the various jobs he had.
India’s nationwide COVID-19 vaccination has crossed 2.56 crores coverage, the union health ministry informed on Thursday evening. “A total of 2,56,90,545 vaccine doses were administered in the country, as per the provisional report till 1 pm on Thursday.”
Health Secretary of India, Rajesh Bhushan informed during the weekly press conference of the ministry.
“Acceleration in vaccination has been achieved with the active collaboration of private facilities. 71 per cent of the total number of doses are administered in public health facilities and almost 29 per cent has been contributed by private facilities,” Bhushan said.
AEFI (Adverse event following immunisation) reported so far are 0.020 per cent of the total immunisation done. Bhushan further said, “Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Mumbai, Bengaluru urban, Ernakulam, Amravati, Jalgaon, Nasik and Aurangabad districts have the highest number of active cases.”
However on other side, Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out is hitting roadblocks because of supply issues. Health secretary Brendan Murphy told a Senate committee that 125,000 people, including 30,000 in aged care, had been vaccinated since the rollout began in the last week of February, leaving the government likely to fall short of the target.
The Australian government wanted to vaccinate 4 million Australians by April and the entire country by October which is very unlikly as per government statement in Senate committe.
The Commonwealth Government has allocated over $6 billion to support the vaccine rollout with contracts for over 150 million COVID-19 vaccines, through a diverse vaccine portfolio. Since the last meeting of the National Cabinet, the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine commenced on 22 February 2020, with the first vaccinations of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine starting today in South Australia. Onshore supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine is on track to commence during the week commencing 22 March 2021.
India reported 22,854 new COVID-19 cases, 18,100 recoveries, and 126 deaths in the last 24 hours. The cumulative cases in the country reached 1,12,85,561 including 1,89,226 active cases and 1,09,38,146 recoveries. The death toll due to COVID-19 has mounted to 1,58,189, the health ministry said on Thursday morning.
The southern purple-spotted gudgeon, also known as ‘zombie fish’, which was declared extinct nearly 20 years ago has made a surprising comeback.
This small colourful native fish was considered wiped out completely in 1998.
It was recently discovered swimming in Third Reedy lake in Australia.
Australia’s North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) said in an update:
“Scientists were astonished after at least two such fish were brought out of the lake during a survey that was aimed at ‘generating water savings for the environment.”
After the rare fish was identified as ‘Zombie Fish’, an appointed team foraged the lakes and found at least 80 more, of which 66 were found in Middle Reedy Lake alone.
Head of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning, Adrian Martins said:
“We couldn’t believe it when we started finding so many at Middle Reedy. Most of our team have worked their whole lives dealing with the decline of threatened or endangered species, so to have an opportunity to be witnessing the opposite is something special.”
The experts believe that it’s a great chance to bring the southern purple-spotted gudgeon back from the brink.
South Australia Police’s Major Crime unit are continuing their investigation into the suspected murder of Jasmeen Kaur.
SA Police are appealing to anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
This information may be critical to the investigation.
According to SA Police, about 9.56pm on Friday 5 March 21-year-old Jasmeen Kaur finished her shift at Southern Cross Homes, Marion Road, Plympton North.
She was expected to return to her Flinders Park home that night in her green Toyota Camry, SA registration S836 BFI.
The alarm was raised by concerned family members the next morning, Saturday 6 March, after Jasmeen did not come home.
SA Police located her Camry still parked at her work place.
Police are now appealing for anyone that may have seen a young Indian man loitering in the car park or waiting for Jasmeen on Friday night, or in the weeks leading up to the incident.
Police believe about 9.56pm on Friday night the man drove Jasmeen from her work in the pictured metallic blue Holden Commodore, SA registration S267CJD.
The car was captured on camera travelling on the Northern Expressway north through Willaston at 10.58pm on Friday 5 March.
Then at 11.30pm the car travelled south through Willaston and back to the Princes Highway/Pt Wakefield Road. Police think the car accidentally took a wrong turn to Willaston.
Later, about 12.09am Saturday 6 March, the car was detected by safety cameras travelling north on the Princes Highway, Two Wells.
It’s believed the car travelled north along the Princes Highway from 12.09am to 3.07am when it was detected by cameras at Stirling North (just south of Port Augusta).
Between 3.07am and 2.27pm (Saturday 6), a period of 11.5hours, it is believed the car turned off the Princes Highway and onto Flinders Ranges Way toward Quorn, Hawker and Morolana Creek. Police are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage in this area between these times to come forward. Information on the car’s whereabouts during this time is critical.
Between 2.27pm and 5.09pm Saturday 6 March the metallic blue Commodore was detected on the Stirling North camera and travelled south back to Adelaide along the Princes Highway.
Anyone who saw the metallic blue coloured Commodore with a young Indian male driver, about 20-years-old with a neatly trimmed beard and moustache and neatly dressed, at any stage between 9.56pm Friday 5 and 5.27pm Saturday 6 March, possibly at any service stations or shops, or anyone with dashcam footage between these times is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.
Detectives are also trying to locate some missing property owned by Jasmeen. A brown hand bag, her black slip on shoes and work ID and key fob. These items may be in a parking bay, on the road side, at a service station or rest stop.
Police are also looking for a plate and a knife. The public should not assume the knife was involved in Jasmeen’s death but both are valuable to the investigation and need to be located.
On Sunday 7 March, Southern District CIB and Major Crime Detectives spoke to a 20-year-old Kurralta Park man and flew with him to Port Augusta where he directed them to an area at Moralana Creek, about 40 kilometres north of Hawker where officers located a shallow grave.
On Monday 8 March Major Crime Detectives and the police Forensic Response Section located the deceased woman in the grave site.
The 20-year-old man was charged with failing to report a death and murder. He appear in the Port Augusta Magistrates on Tuesday 9 March and was remanded in custody.
Billboards have come up in the Greater Toronto area thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing COVID-19 vaccines to Canada. The billboard read, “Thank You India and PM Narendra Modi for providing COVID vaccines to Canada. Long Live Canada-India Friendship.” The billboard also mentions the Hindu Forum, Canada. Canada received the first consignment of 500,000 AstraZeneca’s “Made-in-India” CoviShield COVID-19 vaccines on March 4. It is produced at the Pune-based Serum Institute of India. India will be sending a tranche of 1.5 million more doses to Canada.
Canada receiving COVID vaccine from India
Prime Minister Modi earlier this month spoke to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau and assured him that India will do its best to support Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Expressing his appreciation, the Canadian Prime Minister said that if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, “it would be significant because of India’s tremendous pharmaceutical capacity, and Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in sharing this capacity with the world” The Prime Minister thanked PM Trudeau for his sentiments. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India earlier this month said that “Dear Hon’ble PM @JustinTrudeau, I thank you for your warm words towards India and its vaccine industry. As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, @SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; I’m on it!”
Indian Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur on Wednesday became the first serving union minister to be promoted as Captain in the Territorial Army as a regular commissioned officer.
Thakur has been promoted to the rank of Captain at 124 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (Sikh). “It is an honour and pride to be part of the Territorial Army and a part of 124 Sikh Regiment,” Thakur told media.
— Dushyant Kumar Gautam (@dushyanttgautam) March 10, 2021
“This is the third generation from my family who is serving in the armed forces. It is an honour to be part of both army and the Parliament. I come from a constituency and state where people from every third house serve in the army. The first army officer to be honoured by the Param Vir Chakra was from Himachal Pradesh only,” he added.
“I was commissioned as a regular officer into the Territorial Army in July 2016 as a Lieutenant. Today I am honoured to share, I have been promoted to the rank of Captain. I reaffirm my commitment for serving the people and the call of duty towards mother India,” he had tweeted earlier in the day.
I was commissioned as a regular officer into the Territorial Army in July 2016 as a Lieutenant.
Today I am honoured to share, I have been promoted to the rank of Captain.
I reaffirm my commitment for serving the people and the call of duty towards mother India 🇮🇳.
Mr Thakur is a member of the Lower House of Parliament in India from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh.
He assumed charge of office as the MoS Finance & Corporate Affairs in 2019. He was first elected to Lok Sabha in May 2008 in a by-poll as a candidate of BJP. He was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009, 16th Loksabha in 2014, and 17th Loksabha in 2019. Later, Thakur was appointed the president of the All India Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.
In July 2016, he became a part of the territorial army, becoming the first serving BJP MP to become a regular commissioned officer in the Territorial Army.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull bolstered his argument for Australia severing its constitutional ties with the UK monarchy.
This was over the controversial interview of Prince Harry and Meghan with Oprah Winfrey that aired on CBS recently.
Prince Harry and Meghan reached an estimated viewership of 17.1 million in the United States.
Turnbull has met Prince Harry and Meghan in April 2018.
Four months later he was replaced by the current Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
He told the ABC:
“It’s clearly an unhappy family or at least Meghan and Harry are unhappy. It seems very sad.”
The former Australian PM added:
“After the end of the queen’s reign, that is the time for us to say: OK, we’ve passed that watershed. Do we really want to have whoever happens to be the head of state of – the king or queen of the UK, automatically our head of state?”
Britain’s monarch is Australia’s head of state.
Turnbull was the chairman of the Australian Republican Movement from 1993 to 2000.
ARM has been an advocate for Australia selecting an Australian citizen as its head of state.
A nation-wide referendum on Australia becoming a republic was defeated in 1999.
“Every birth for this critically endangered species is so important with fewer than 6,000 remaining in the wild. So whilst this is incredible news for Taronga Western Plains Zoo, this is also incredibly important news for the species as a whole.”
There are only a few thousand Black Rhinos left in the wild.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she has suffered an injury in her leg after a few people “pushed” her when she was near her car. “Few people pushed me when I was near my car. I suffered an injury in my leg,” Banerjee told ANI.
“No police official was present. Four-five people intentionally manhandled me in presence of the public. There were no police officials for 4-5 hrs in such a huge public gathering, not even the SP. It was definitely a conspiracy,” she added Banerjee left for Kolkata today.
Earlier today, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee filed her nomination from the Nandigram seat for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Following this, she visited the Durga Mandir in Shibrampur village.
However, eyewitnesses have denied West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claims that she was pushed by a few people in Nandigram on Wednesday. “People gathered to see her. When she was about to leave, there were people around there. But nobody pushed her. I am a student. I am not associated with any political party,” Soumen Maity, an eyewitness told ANI. Another eyewitness Chittaranjan Das told ANI, “I was there. She was sitting inside the moving car and the door was open. The door closed after it touched a poster. Nobody pushed and hit her. There was no one near the door.”
The incident happened at Birulia when Banerjee after her scheduled program in Nandigram was returning back to Reyapara, where she stayed last night.
The Congress’ West Bengal chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Wednesday accused her of resorting to ‘siyasi pakhand’ (hypocrisy) and theatrics to gain public sympathy ahead of assembly polls in the state. Speaking to media, Chowdhury said, “This is ‘siyasi pakhand’ to gain sympathy. Before polls, she (Mamata Banerjee) planned this ‘nautanki’ (drama) after sensing difficulties in Nandigram.”
He said it is strange that during the time when she was allegedly attacked there were no policemen around her. “She is not just the chief minister, she is the Police Mantri’ too. No one can believe that there was no police with Bengal’s ‘police mantri’. When the police have thrown a security cordon in Nandigram, some youth pushing the chief minister is unbelievable,” Chowdhury added.
#WATCH | TIMES NOW's Siddhant speaks to locals who claim to be eyewitnesses of the incident where Mamata Banerjee got injured. According to them, Mamata Banerjee's car's door hit a pillar & she was not attacked. | #MamataAttackCharge | @thenewshour AGENDA with Padmaja Joshi. pic.twitter.com/4CBFCAJL4k
On March 6, the BJP fielded former TMC leader Suvendu Adhikari from Nandigram against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, setting the stage for a high-profile contest from the seat in the state assembly elections. Adhikari, a former minister in the Trinamool Congress government, had joined the BJP in December last year. He had earlier said that BJP will defeat TMC by over 50,000 votes from Nandigram. West Bengal will witness eight-phased Assembly polls beginning March 27. The tenure of the 16th Legislative Assembly of West Bengal will end on May 30 this year. A total of 7,34,07,832 voters will choose their representative for the 17th Legislative Assembly of West Bengal.
Pakistan is likely to receive 45 million Indian manufactured doses of COVID-19 vaccine in March.
This was reported by National Health Service (NHS) Secretary Amir Ashraf Khawaja while briefing the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
He said that the doses would be received under an agreement with Vaccine alliance Gavi.
Gavi is a public-private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunisation in poor countries.
Pakistan will get free doses of India-made Oxford-AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine, which would give cover to 20 per cent of the population of the country.
Till now, India has supplied 464.29 lakh made-in-India Covid vaccines to 47 countries.
All of India’s neighbors, barring Pakistan, have been supplied with vaccines by New Delhi.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (ANI): Farmers shout slogans on a tractor during their ongoing protest against new farm laws at the Delhi-Gazipur border, in Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI photo)
India government called in the British High Commissioner to express its disapproval of the discussions on farmers’ protest and press freedom in the British parliament.
A career diplomat Alexander Ellis has recently been appointed British high commissioner to India.
The debate in the UK parliament had evoked a sharp response from the Indian High Commission in London.
The High Commission said in a statement:
“We deeply regret that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions – without substantiation or facts – were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions.”
Recently, the UK government officially conducted a debate on the protests in India.
During this 90-minutes debate several MPs of the Labour party, Liberal democrats and the Scottish National Party participated.
These members raised concern over the Indian government’s reaction to the protests.
The UK government had responded that concerns will be raised with India when both Prime Ministers meet in person.
The Indian government had summoned the British envoy and conveyed “strong opposition to unwarranted and tendentious discussion on agricultural reforms in India in the British Parliament”.
The Foreign Secretary has made it clear that this debate represented a gross interference in politics of another democratic country.
The foreign ministry said in a statement:
“He advised that British MPs should refrain from practicing votebank politics by misrepresenting events, especially in relation to another fellow democracy.”
Hairdressers in Australia will receive domestic violence awareness training.
This is to ensure that they’re better prepared if a client discloses abuse when attending their salon.
The Australia-first program will be rolled out to the nation’s 67,000 hairdressers and barbers by Hairdressers with Hearts (HWH).
In August 2020 when a similar program was proposed in NSW, Australian Hairdressing Council CEO Sandy Chong said hairdressers often offer a sympathetic ear to a customer’s problems.
“It comes with the job, so the workshops can help them know what to do if a client does disclose to them that they are experiencing domestic violence. We encourage hairdressers to take up the opportunity to attend these workshops.”
These hairdressers and barbers will use the sanctity of their client-hairdresser relationship to potentially save lives from domestic abuse.
She has developed an online training course aimed at teaching hairdressers to help clients in the right direction for support.
Sonia Colvin, a hairdresser for more than 35 years on Bribie Island north of Brisbane, told ABC:
“Our industry can make a huge difference to some of the nation’s most vulnerable, whether we are hairdressers and barbers based in a salon, working remotely or in rural areas, in multicultural or aged-care communities, or providing mobile services in people’s homes.”
These organisations will help train hairdressers and barbers in metro and regional hair salons to contribute to the prevention of domestic and family violence in the Australian community.
HWH ambassador and domestic violence survivor Simone O’Brien has devoted her life to helping other victims.
Simone was savagely bashed with a baseball bat by her fiancee in September 2012.
[WARNING: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence and abuse that viewers may find distressing.]
“Salon professionals are also a female dominated workforce, so we’re confident this training can help with broader community awareness too, given the tragically disproportionate impact of domestic and family violence on women and children.”
“The easier it becomes for women and children to gain the full protection of the law, the greater progress we will make in eradicating violence in families.”
Remember that “any behaviour that is violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe” is termed as family and domestic violence.
It can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background.
In May 2020, while relaunching No Excuse for Abuse campaign to raise awareness of non-physical forms of abuse, Tarang recounted how his sister’s death could have been prevented “if we all had a better understanding of how to ascertain non-physical forms of abuse before it escalates.”
“Looking back, for my sister Nikita, who was violently murdered by her partner in 2015, her killer was one of those men. It didn’t start with him hitting her. It rarely does. It started with him trying to control how she spent money, snooping through her phone and even telling her who she was “allowed” to be friends with or how often she could see us – her family.”
Family and domestic violence is unacceptable behaviour and help is at hand for those affected by it in Australia.
For confidential advice, support and referrals related to domestic and family violence, contact: Police (000), 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Kids Helpline (1800 551 800), No to Violence (1300 766 491) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).
An Indian-origin aged care worker’s body was discovered in a grave almost 400 kilometers away from South Australia’s capital Adelaide.
A 20-year-old man of Indian origin was produced in front of Port Augusta Magistrates court via videolink charged with Jasmeen Kaur’s murder. For legal reasons, he can’t be named at the moment.
As per SA Police, this man led local detectives to the spot where Ms Kaur’s body was buried.
21 year old, Jasmeen Kaur was reported missing by her relatives, after last seen when she left her workplace on Friday night.
Jasmeen Kaur’s employer, Southern Cross Care, has released a heartbreaking statement after she was identified as the woman found in the Flinders Ranges.
“Jasmeen was a beautiful soul and was always so kind and sweet to residents. She will be sorely missed.”
Police has said the inquiry into circumstances of her death are yet to be determined.
On Saturday 6 March, a 21-year-old woman was reported missing at the Hindley Street Police Station.
She was last seen at Southern Cross Homes on Marion Road at Plympton North about 10pm on Friday 5 March.
On Sunday 7 March, Southern District CIB and Major Crime Detectives interviewed a 20-year-old man who was known to the woman. He has then taken Detectives to an area at Moralana Creek, about 40 kilometers north of Hawker where officers located a shallow grave.
Today, Major Crime Detectives with the assistance of the Forensic Response Section and a pathologist attended and located the deceased woman.
A 20-year-old Kurralta Park man was arrested yesterday for failing to report a death to the Coroner.
Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au/
Indian Parliament has delegated to the Government of India via Section 7 B of the Citizenship Act, the power to decide the rights of OCIs through notifications.
All earlier notifications laid down the rights of the OCIs with reference to the Indian state.
The Indian Government has specified the following rights to the OCI cardholder:
grant of multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose – Provided that for undertaking the following activities, the OCI cardholder shall be required to obtain a special permission or a Special Permit, as the case may be, from the competent authority or the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Indian Mission concerned, namely:- (i) to undertake research; (ii) to undertake any Missionary or Tabligh or Mountaineering or Journalistic activities; (iii) to undertake internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or foreign Government organisations in India or to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India; (iv) to visit any place which falls within the Protected or Restricted or prohibited areas as notified by the Central Government or competent authority;;
exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer for any length of stay in India – Provided that the OCI cardholders who are normally resident in India shall intimate the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Foreigners Registration Officer by email whenever there is a change in permanent residential address and in their occupation;
parity with Indian nationals in the matter of (i) tariffs in air fares in domestic sectors in India; and (ii) entry fees to be charged for visiting national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, the national monuments, historical sites and museums in India;
parity with Non-Resident Indians in the matter of (i) inter-country adoption of Indian children and appearing for the all India entrance tests;
purchase or sale of immovable properties other than agricultural land or farm house or plantation property; and
pursuing the following professions in India (a) doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists; (b) advocates; (c) architects; (d) chartered accountants.
In addition, the notification now equates OCIs to “foreign nationals.”
This is mainly in respect of “all other economic, financial and educational fields” for the purposes of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 2003 although past circulars by the Reserve Bank of India under FEMA will hold ground.
Do you think declaring OCIs as “foreign nationals,” is in the best interest of the Narendra Modi led Indian Government?
The report was Commissioned by the Department of Education and Training after a series of race-related incidents.
Surprisingly, a very similar recommendation was made to the school in a report written by cross-cultural consultant Georgia Birch.
According to the ABC, this report was presented to the school in November last year but has not been publicly released.
David Howes, the Deputy Secretary of Schools and Regional Services, said:
“The challenges that the school faces are the challenges that the broader community faces and what is happening outside the school does impact what does happen inside the school.”
Despite its diverse cultural mix of students and people living in the area, GSSC has ‘an all-white leadership and all-white teaching teams.’
Meredith Peace, the President of the Victorian branch of the Australian Education Union, said in a statement:
“Media reports in relation to the Department of Education’s report suggest there are significant issues that would concern our members and the school community.”
According to the Age, the school’s acting executive principal Barbara O’Brien has addressed the report’s “confronting” findings in a note to staff and also written to parents requesting them not to inflame tensions or spread misinformation on social media.
This multicultural school has more than 2000 students which include almost 600 students from multicultural or Aboriginal backgrounds.
Shepparton, a city located on the floodplain of the Goulburn River in northern Victoria, has a good number of Indians living in the area from both North and South India.
Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same but that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.
Gender equality implies that the interests, needs, and priorities of both women and men are taken into consideration, recognising the diversity of different groups of women and men.
Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should concern and fully engage men as well as women. Equality between women and men is seen both as a human rights issue and as a precondition for, and indicator of, sustainable people-centered development.
Top 10 countries that have achieved gender equality:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
There are none.
Will you join us and step up for a better future? #IWD2021
Gender equality helps prevent violence against women and girls and makes our communities safer and healthier. It is a human right and it is the primary requisite for any civilised society.
Countries with greater gender equality are more connected, their people are healthier and have better wellbeing.
Can you help put your country to be on that list of achiving “Gender Equality.”
Well-known actor-politician Kamal Haasan took the first vaccine dose against the coronavirus.
While doing so, Hassan launched a sharp attack at the AIADMK.
“Immunisation of the body immediately (and) vaccination against corruption next month. Get ready.”
Hassan was referring to the April 6 Tamil Nadu assembly polls where his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), will contest its first-ever assembly election.
He tweeted in Tamil:
“I took the coronavirus vaccine at Sri Ramachandra Hospital. Those who care not only for themselves but also for others should get vaccinated. Immunisation of the body immediately (and) vaccination against corruption next month. Get ready.”
In February, Hassan’s party said it was accepting online applications for selecting candidates.
Potential candidates must pay ₹ 25,000 and added that non-party members could also apply or be nominated.
The biggest and brightest name among many many superwomen of Indian origin in Australia is Kaushaliya Vaghela. The first India-born elected Member of Victorian state parliament.
She wasn’t all for politics, before being elected as an MP, Kaushaliya was working as a Risk and Compliance Manager and prior to that as a scientist in research and diagnostic laboratory.
She says, “I came to Australia as an international student to study a master’s of applied science at RMIT in 1998.”
“We Indians form a sizeable community in Victoria, and we felt that the need for our representation in Parliament is imperative.”
“I encourage more and more women to step forward with confidence to join politics and lead the communities with their indepth knowldge and understandings.”
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2021 :
It is time to celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.
Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
International Women’s Day is also a chance to look to the ways we can make the world a better, more equitable, place for everyone.
So, as we celebrate the amazing women in our lives, we should call out gender bias and inequality in all its forms.
Kaushaliya is a firm believer in family values and stands for the development of the people and their skills. She believes that quality education and healthcare are the keys to bringing more prosperity to the migrant communities specially women of colour.
2- Mitu Bhowmick Lange
If you live in Australia and any part of you says, I love bollywood, you have to know this name Mitu Bhowmick Lange..
She is one of the most significant contributors to the global outreach of Indian cinema in the past decade, Mitu is Festival Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) which was established in 2010.
IFFM is one of the biggest and most successful Indian film festivals held outside of India. She has also produced Spice Girls of India, which was screened at the London Feminist Film Festival.
Mitu is the Director of Mind Blowing Films a film production and distribution company that specialises in the distribution of Indian films in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
3- Ravneet Pawha
Ravneet is elected President of Australia India Business Council (AIBC), Victoria.
She is currently the Global Deputy Vice President and CEO (South Asia) – Deakin University Australia and is an award winner for the prestigious Business Leader of the Year at the India Australia Business and Community Awards 2018.
She has a Master in Education and Training and a Master in Business Administration, a gold medalist in her postgraduate studies.
With over 27 years of experience in the international education sector, Ravneet has been instrumental in establishing global collaborations and strategic partnerships. She has developed Australian Education collaborations specifically for Deakin University in India / South Asia and has contributed to the immense success globally. She is an inspirational leader and a passionate entrepreneur.
4- Pallavi Sharda
Pallavi Sharda is an international film and theatre actress and classical Indian (Bharatha Natyam) dancer. Her film credits include Oscar-nominated film Lion (2016), Bollywood films Begum Jaan (2017) and Hawaizaada (2015), and comedy Australian film Save Your Legs! (2012). She joins the lead cast in the highly anticipated ABC drama Pulse (2017).
She knows what chasing your dreams is all about. Born March 5 1990, and growing up in Suburban Melbourne Australia, she knew from a very young age she wanted to become a Bollywood actress.
Having trained in the classical dance form of Bharatha Natyam since the age of three, movement is a large part of her performing arts repertoire, particularly her free form fusion dance style which she showcases in her live performances.
Pallavi is the first Australian to break into Bollywood and become a leading lady in the Indian film industry. She is also one of the first Indian-origin Australian actresses to foray into the mainstream Australian film industry and has been a pioneer in the realm of multicultural representation on Australian screens. She is a cultural ambassador when it comes to India-Australia relations, having curated Indian content in Australia for festivals such as White Night, MIFF, and Oz Fest Australia. In 2015 she was the figurehead of Melbourne’s prestigious cultural festival “Moomba”.
5- Seema Chauhan
Seema is your quintessential Super-connector, a seasoned Community and Multicultural champion and an experienced Registered Migration agent ably rolled into one.
She has a real passion for community service. In the COVID19 pandemic, her free visa help service to international students and other temporary workers is recognised widely by the community.
Seema holds an MBA from Griffith University, a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of South Australia, and a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice. Having migrated to Australia from India over two decades ago, Seema now proudly calls Australia her home. As a Founder and Co-Dreamer of ‘Abode Australia Migration’, Seema provides migration solutions for potential migrants and helping them fulfill their dreams. To her credit, she has been a featured Migration Expert for SBS Radio – Hindi – an immensely popular radio channel for the Indian diaspora. See, a was appointed Multicultural Ambassador for the Gold Coast -Commonwealth Games in 2018 More recently in 2020, she was appointed Multicultural Ambassador for the Gold Coast Titans.
What sets Seema apart is her genuine desire to help her network with a Midas touch in a growingly impersonal world. To this effect she served as a 2nd Vice President – GOPIO (Global Organisation People of Indian Origin)- Gold Coast chapter 2019-2020; A non-partisan, secular organization promoting the well-being of the Indian Diaspora around the world.
6-Sheba Nandkeolyar
Sheba is a proud 1st generation migrant entrepreneur, a brand diversity leader & marketer.
She is a passionate champion for Women’s empowerment. A Board Director on Industry and Government Boards, the 1st Woman National Chair of the Australia India Business Council ( 2016-2018) in its 34 years history & the current National Chair of Women in Business AIBC.
Sheba lives her dream assisting marketers to brand affiliate with diverse & multicultural audiences. Sheba is the founder of MultiConnexions Group which focuses on Brand Diversity through integrated marketing communication, advertising & digital marketing.
Sheba founded Global Connexions a company that assists Australian companies with their international market expansion plans and Multicultural & Diversity Audits.
She loves mentoring young people & sharing industry experience at Business schools.
7- Tara RajKumar
Tara is the director of the Natya Sudha Dance Company and School that she established in 1986 in Melbourne.
She has a distinguished international reputation as a brilliant performer, choreographer, artistic director, and teacher of Mohiniattam and Kathakali Indian classical dance styles. Tara has taken her collaborative cross-cultural works from traditional temple venues to prestigious theatres across the world.
In 2009, Tara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to performing arts. She is included in the inaugural Victorian Honour Roll of Women Shaping the Nation for her contribution to Victoria and the country.
8- Puja Nambiar
Puja Nambiar is currently a Director, Engagement and Assurance at an agency of the Australian Public service, with over 18 years of experience in the organization. She says to be successful, the key is finding the synergy between your Indian and Australian identity.
Born in the beautiful state of Kerala, being the daughter of Indian army personnel gave her ample opportunities to live across the length and breadth of India.
Pooja joined the federal government department in 1998 and has been part of the change that has undergone in the cultural setup. She started as part of a team heavily male-dominated, where the meetings would often start with “Hey guys… ” From there she has now reached a stage where she is managing a team. Although still dominated by males in number, she says her workplace is very inclusive towards women.
A practicing Hindu, she is an ardent believer of female energy. “Devi”, she says exists in many forms – Lakshmi for wealth, Sarasvati for knowledge, Rudra when angry. This she says underpins the fact woman plays several roles within society.
She invites everyone to think about not just their educational qualification but all the beautiful things which you bring from India. Understanding to cope up with different skills is a huge advantage for Indians and employers are looking for such skills.
9-Dr Astha Singh
Dr. Astha Singh is a Science Communication and Marketing professional with over 14 years of experience specialising in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) and has shared her innovative ideas at TEDx Sydney 2017.
She is currently the Managing Editor at Refraction Media where careerswithstem is an inspiration hub for young people in STEM.
Astha led a nation-wide campaign in 2019 to raise awareness for Diversity in STEM with over 30 leading scientists & innovators around Australia featured on Australia’s Science Channel. As an avid advocate of diversity & equity, Astha has served as the advisory board member at Multicultural NSW, Australian Football League, NSW and has promoted over 100 stories of Australian scientists from multicultural backgrounds.
Currently, Astha serves as the mentor for commercial research at the CSIRO’s ON Accelerator program and as the President for two not-for-profit bodies: the Australian Science Communicators, NSW and Yuva Australia.
10- Sahana Ramesh
She is the first India born elected Councillor of Wyndham City Council in Melbourne.
An advocate for diversity & inclusivity in the community Sahana was elected to Wyndham council in 2020.
“Today’s challenges of gender equality ride on the back of decades of people raising their voices for change. Ours is now the challenge of looking forward and being the change that our forebearers dreamt of. International Women’s Day for me is a reminder that the opportunities that I have inherited in my life have not been earned easily, but rather paid for by my parents and their generation. We should use every opportunity that they have given to us wisely and with respect. And in doing so, let go of the fear, the anger that initiated the change, and imagines and build the society that has true equality and respect for all.”
Cr Ramesh migrated from India shortly after obtaining her Bachelor of Engineering and became an Australian citizen after settling down in Melbourne.
She went on to study a Master of Business Administration at Melbourne University, and start-up her own company to manufacture Lithium-Ion batteries through which she is actively driving change in our energy, transportation, and liveability industries.
NSW Health officials agreed to make an exception to the 500-person limit on public gatherings after organizers agreed to enhanced contact-tracing processes.
This year’s theme was ‘Rise’ and centered on the message that love, compassion, respect and understanding can help make the world a better place.
“Our community understands the pain many people have gone through and stands alongside them in support. We know and love the power of people and communities that rise together to support others to overcome adversity and inequality. It’s time we rise together again.”
However, there was a different format due to coronavirus restrictions in place at the moment.
Rather than going on the traditional route down Oxford Street where the Mardi Gras has been held for the past 43 years, the event took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
At SCG, people could socially distance themselves in their seats and up to 23,000 spectators were allowed in the stands.
Singers Rita Ora and G Flip were two of the main stars performing at this year’s event.
The performers were on the pitch and the Mardi Gras focused on the pageantry of costumes.
The Dykes on Bikes opened the Mardi Gras parade on their motorcycles.
Numerous groups walked in front of the seated revelers.
The marchers also protested on various issues including transphobia and detention of asylum-seekers.
She was presented with the star on her shoulders by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster at a ceremony in Wellington.
Mandeep is the first female Indian-born officer in the New Zealand Police.
She joined the New Zealand Police in 2004 and has since then worked as a Frontline Officer, in Road Policing, Family Violence, the Investigation Support Unit, Neighbourhood Policing and Community Policing.
Her journey to become a police officer came with many personal and cultural barriers.
Mandeep has raised her two children on her own.
She also formed a New Zealand Police Bhangra-dancing group and they performed in their Police uniforms at Aotea Square’s Diwali Festival last year.
Currently Mandeep works as an Ethnic Peoples Community Relations Officer, based at Henderson Police Station in Waitemata.
Police officer, Mandeep Kaur, for Canvas Mag The Confession Box
12 March 2019 New Zealand Herald photograph by Michael Craig.
Her role involves attending community meetings, hosting media programmes, visiting family violence victims and attending to any other matters where there is a need for ethnic or cultural advice.
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, who announced he’s looking for eight people to join him for a free trip around the Moon on Elon Musk’s SpaceX flight, has said that he has received more than 5 lakh applications within four days.
He named India on top of the list of 15 countries from where he received the most number of applications.
#dearMoonCrew applications are now more than 500K and from 239 countries + areas.
There are few countries who didn’t bother to respond to Mr Yusaku’s call to join his hunt for suitable candidates.
The “DearMoon Project was launched on March 3, 2021 to find 8 crew member. This almost a week long trip will be launched in 2023 and will be free for the lucky talented individuals.
Final out come will be announced in late May 2021 after interviews and medical checkups.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel shut critical former English cricketers with a top-class display on a regular Indian wicket in the fourth Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium as India win by an innings and 25 runs. While Ashwin picked his 30th five-wicket haul during the course of the England innings on Saturday, Axar picked his fourth as India stormed into the final of the World Test Championship after sealing the series 3-1 on the third day of the Test.
He might not have impressed with his batting but Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane was spot on with his low catches. If Axar and Ashwin starred with the ball, it was a masterclass display of slip catching by Rahane. It was a no-show from the English batsmen once again as they looked completely clueless after walking into the middle in the post-lunch session with the score of 6/0. Dan Lawrence (50) was the only player who had some answer to the duo of Ashwin and Axar as none of the other batsmen seemed to have the technical acumen to dig in, barring skipper Joe Root (30).
But once Ashwin sent back Root, it was all about delaying the humiliation for the English batsmen. Ashwin picking up Jonny Bairstow for a golden duck only added to England’s misery. All-rounder Ben Stokes, who had scored a gritty half-century in the first innings, came in with a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, but he could manage just 2 before Axar had his number.
Earlier, resuming the third day on 294/7, India managed to pick a substantial 160-run lead as they scored 365. Rishabh Pant (101) and Washington Sundar (96 not out) were the top scorers while Rohit Sharma and Axar made useful contributions of 49 and 43 each. Brief Scores: England 205 and 135 (Daniel Lawrence 50, Ravichandran Ashwin 5-47, Axar Patel 5-48); India 365 (Rishabh Pant 101, Washington Sundar 96*)
The report notes that the fall of India could have a damaging impact on world democratic standards.
The report highlights:
“Modi and his party are tragically driving India itself toward authoritarianism.”
The United States government-funded non-governmental organization released its annual Freedom in the World rankings.
Freedom House rates people’s access to political rights and civil liberties in 210 countries and territories.
It recognises that individual freedoms—ranging from the right to vote to freedom of expression and equality before the law—can be affected by state or non-state actors.
“Political rights and civil liberties in the country have deteriorated since Narendra Modi became prime minister.”
The 2021 report highlights that the Narendra Modi-led Indian government has continued to crack down on dissent during 2020.
The report notes that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India appears to have lost its potential to serve as a democratic leader. It observes that Modi has been:
“elevating narrow Hindu nationalist interests at the expense of its founding values of inclusion and equal rights for all.”
With India’s decline to “partly free” nation, less than 20 percent of the world’s population now lives in a Free country.
The NGO in its mapping showed Jammu and Kashmir separate from India, which is an unacceptable portrayal to the Indian Government.
The highly placed officer in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs told The Australia Today, “The NGOs have no idea about local realities and there is no relevance of this theory to on the ground situations.”
“We don’t pay attention to these reports which are published with ulterior motives. We are busy in helping and supporting the rest of the world fighting COVID 19 pandemic with the early availability of vaccines.”
Till now, India has supplied 464.29 lakh Made-in-India COVID vaccines to 47 countries.
Out of these vaccine doses, 71.25 lakh has been supplied as a gift, and 393.04 lakh commercially.
India-made vaccines (5,00,000 doses) have reached Canada.
The Pune-based Serum Institute of India will be sending 1.5 million more doses of Covishield vaccine.
In a tweet, India’s envoy to Canada Ajay Bisaria said,
“India is proud to support Canada’s vaccination programme as a strategic partner.”
The countries range from developed and developing countries.
11 countries–10 from Africa, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Congo, Angola, Nigeria, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan and one from ASEAN–Cambodia have got India-made vaccine under the COVAX facility.
All of India’s neighbors barring Pakistan have been supplied with vaccines by New Delhi.
Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh began their vaccination drive using India-made vaccines.
COVID-19 has disrupted the educational system due to the closure of schools, universities, and other educational institutions. This becomes even worse with vulnerable students belonging to low and middle-income groups and inclusive students. Under the impact of COVID-19, teaching becomes even more challenging, especially in relation to teaching practical components and philosophical themes. However, the teaching methodology has been forced to adopt a Global change.
Many schools and universities are forced to go for online or blended mode or distance learning, which comes with its peculiar difficulties. This article explores these problems and suggests possible solutions to achieve success with respect to teaching methodology.
‘New Normal’ for Sustainable teaching and learning
Inability to afford the computer, smartphones, high-speed internet plans and connectivity gadget is a significant hurdle to make online mode successful. The majority of students in developing nations come from a low and medium-income group, as they face difficulty under COVID-19 to procure these gadgets. Universities, schools, and other educational institutions also feel the pressure to make these devices available to the students and sustain learning. The government’s educational budget is strained under these circumstances. However, teaching methodology noticed a significant transformation. As short lessons with minimum slides are inserted, as maximum oral presentations can convey the motto of courses. In applying this pedagogy, many subjects need to overcome theoretical traditional subject teaching methodology.
The new methodology reflects more videos, speeches, pictures, oral accounts, and multimedia technology. This support attracts the student’s concentration and creates curiosity to explore the subject. The number of additional material or supplementary readings has increased where students need to read more to imply the theoretical knowledge of practical implications. Teachers have to take care of copywriter clauses while given the resource material (YouTube videos, books, articles, reports, speeches, documentaries, and other tools), as links are provided to download the resources from the original resource provider. Many educators have faced hurdles with conducting web-based classroom teaching, having online meetings, working from home, enhancing their digital skills, and communicating to students who have left behind.
For Example, History is a fascinating subject if made interactive, but it may also become dull if not taught correctly. The curiosity of the students is ignited by citing contemporary examples, as students are learning about the past in the present for the future. Teachers have adopted a student-centric approach by adopting new technology that is familiar and easy to use; giving time to students to work offline; showing flexibility to submit assignments, empathy towards students; provide a second chance to genuine cases. Teachers adopted innovative means to maintain connectivity by including discussion forums, quizzes, chat sessions, surveys, feedbacks, and online tutorials/workshops.
Moreover, students and teachers face the technical glitches of an internet connectivity problem, online video call drop, slow internet speed, and updating of software errors. Free internet providing is an enormous challenge for schools, universities, and private institutions. Teachers have learned a wide range of online learning tools, and some nations also adopted educational television and radio programs to continue the teaching and learning process.
Promising Future
Despite these challenges, one has to move towards a “New Normal” in education to teach in online or blended mode, as education cannot take a back seat. The new teaching methodology seems to have a promising future for learning, as it is based on delivering online quality education. There may be a debate or even contestation to conduct online exams, but under these unprecedented circumstances, the physical health of all educational stakeholders cannot be put at risk. Education creates human capital, and safeguarding their health is the topmost priority. Thus, educational planning and policy-making become highly significant as no child should be left behind.
Education stakeholders have proved resilient to maintain sustainable learning and teaching and achieve their academic goals. Pandemic reminds about the forces that are beyond the control of humans. Successful teaching requires coordination between all educational stakeholders, i.e. students-teachers, parents-students, teachers-parents, government-schools/universities, policymakers-policy enforcers. Researches have begun to analyse the impact of this teaching methodology due to COVID-19 on the educational system and its ramifications that have forced us to move towards the innovation of digital teaching and learning methodology.
Therefore, teaching practical and highly complicated philosophical themes will be a challenge and goals will be made to achieve quality education to achieve sustainability; in a similar vein, students are trying their best to adjust to this new digital model. After coming of COVID-19, the Universities will certainly try to return to pre-Covid-19 teaching methodology, but one has to take positives out of digital pedagogy to combine them for the best possible mode.
Universities in the Pacific Islands carry an immense reputation and consider has a hub of tertiary education that give knowledge to thousands of students and develop the nation’s human capital.
Disclaimer: Dr. Sakul Kundra is an assistant professor in history, Acting Head of the Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, at Fiji National University. Ph.D. History, M.Phil History; and Gold Medalist in PGD in Education, USP. The views expressed are his own and not of this newspaper or his employer.
“If one person is shedding the virus in a catchment of a 20,000-30,000 population, we will be able to pick it (virus) up in the treatment plant. It has a huge economic potential as it is equivalent to monitoring that many people. It has helped in containing the spread of the infection.”
He has been working as a technical specialist with Sydney Water for the past 20 years.
He adds:
“Once you get the virus, you may show symptoms only from 6 or 7 days onwards, or you may be an asymptomatic carrier. But you start shedding the virus within three days. That gives us plenty of time to arrest the spread of infection.”
Last year, after his return to Australia from India, Payyappat heard that a percentage of people infected with the virus shed it though their stools ending up in the sewage system:
“When I got the early successful detection, I passed on the information to other partners. They adopted my method which is being run across the country now.”
NSW Health uses the data to identify smaller catchments areas.
Payyappat further adds:
“Since we don’t have as many cases in Australia as other countries, one of the challenges was when the waste water comes to the treatment plant, there’s massive dilution happening. Obviously, the virus gets diluted that way so we needed to have a sensitive method that will pick up very low numbers.”
Payyapat’s success in Sydney has made the Australian government to expand it to other states.
US President Joe Biden on Thursday said “Indian-Americans are taking over the country.”
He made these comments while congratulating the team of NASAscientists over a virtual interaction.
Biden made reference to a large number of people from the Indian-Americancommunity working in his administration.
The President was speaking to Indian-American scientist Swati Mohan.
Swati Mohan had led the guidance, navigation and control operations of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission.
Swati Mohan told Biden:
“I’m doing very well, Mr President thank you for taking the time to speak with us.”
The US president responded:
“Are you kidding me? what an honour this is. This is an incredible honour and it’s amazing. Indian-Americans are taking over the country: you, my vice president, my speechwriter Vinay [White House director of speechwriting Vinay Reddy], I tell you what but thank you, you guys are incredible.”
India's Rishabh Pant plays a shot during the fourth test match between India and England at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. (BCCI)
7000 miles apart two different formats of cricket delighted spectators worldwide.
In the southern hemisphere, Australian skipper Aaron Finch smashed 79 off 55 balls before the bowlers put on an all-round show to help Australia seal a comfortable 50-run win over New Zealand in the fourth T20I on Friday. It was a clinical performance from Australia in a must-win match as they bowled out New Zealand for 106 to set up a series decider on Sunday. While Finch led from the front and took Australia to a competitive 156/6 almost single-handedly, it was an all-around performance from the visitors’ bowlers as Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, and Glenn Maxwell all picked wickets. Chasing a decent 157, New Zealand suffered an early jolt as Agar removed the in-form Martin Guptill in the fifth over with just 21 runs on board. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals as New Zealand struggled to get a partnership going. Tim Seifert, skipper Kane Williamson, and Glenn Phillips all went cheaply as hosts scored just 41 runs in the first 10 overs. It seemed like New Zealand was never really interested in the chase as they lost James Neesham and Mitchell Santner in the next two overs. With seven down for 64 runs, the chase was almost over as New Zealand required more than 90 runs in the last six.
Our boys in New Zealand are enjoying their time in Wellington!
A big 50-run win means the #NZvAUS series is level at 2-2 with one game to play on Sunday. Bring it home Aussies! pic.twitter.com/q1PMqm7tga
Kyle Jamieson scored 30 off 18 balls but it wasn’t enough to repair the damage as the Kiwis were bundled out for 106 in the 19th over. Earlier, opting to bat first, Australia got off to a bad start as Mitchell Santner struck in the first over. Opener Matthew Wade after hitting a four and six cut the ball into the hands of Ish Sodhi at short third man. Josh Philippe then joined skipper Aaron Finch and played a sluggish inning while Finch continued to score at a run a ball. Philippe survived a close LBW call in the sixth over as Australia scored 37/1 after the completion of powerplay. But Philippe wasn’t able to make the most of reprieve as he was sent back to the dugout in the next over by Sodhi. Last match’s hero Glenn Maxwell was looking dangerous but he too went back after Trent Boult ended his cameo. Marcus Stoinis and Finch stitched a 25-run stand but Kane Williamson’s sensational catch ended the all-rounder’s innings in the 13th over. Boult in the next over dismissed Ashton Agar as Australia was reduced to 97/5 with skipper Finch looking for a company. Wickets kept falling at one end while Finch continued scoring at a brisk rate. Australia was 130 for the loss of six wickets after the 19th over and Finch switched gear in the final five balls and whacked four sixes off Kyle Jamieson. Brief Scores: Australia 156/6 (Aaron Finch 79*; Ish Sodhi 3-32); New Zealand 106 (Kyle Jamieson 30; Kane Richardson 3-19)
On the other hand in the northern hemisphere, Reverse sweeping James Anderson to pick a boundary on the second day of a Test match perfectly summed up Rishabh Pant’s belligerent knock at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday. The swashbuckling wicket-keeper batsman single-handedly put India in command on the second day of the fourth Test against England with his third century in Test cricket. Having started cautiously, Pant took the English bowlers to the cleaners in the final session to take the game away from the visitors and put the hosts in the driver’s seat. At stumps, India’s score read 294/7 with Washington Sundar (60) and Axar Patel (11) at the crease — leading the visitors by 89 runs in the first innings. India scored 141 runs in 32 overs in the final session of the second day. With wickets tumbling around him, Pant took 82 balls to reach his first fifty runs. But the next 50 came off just 33 balls as he decided to send the English bowlers on a leather hunt. The second new ball turned to be a blessing in disguise for the batsman as the ball started coming onto the bat beautifully and he was more than happy to bring out the unorthodox shots from the kitty.
Gujarat, March 05 (ANI): India’s Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar during the fourth test match between India and England at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. (BCCI/ANI Photo)
He found a perfect company in Sundar as the bowling all-rounder held one end up and gave Pant the freedom to wield the willow. To reverse sweep Anderson is audacious, to say the least, and to think the legend was bowling with the new ball makes it even braver. Batting risk-free in the second session, Pant put on his dancing shoes post-tea and creamed a flurry of boundaries post the drinks break. A top-quality knock from Pant saw him receiving a standing ovation from the Ahmedabad crowd. While Pant looked in sublime form as he smashed two consecutive boundaries off Anderson’s over just after the drinks break, Washington joined the party as he first hit a superb backfoot drive and then flashed hard at the ball for a four. Having lost six wickets in the first two sessions, Pant and Washington started the final session cautiously but the wicket-keeper batsman soon changed gears. Minutes into the final session, Pant completed his seventh half-century in the longest format of the game. There was no looking back after that. In fact, the wicket-keeper brought up his third Test century with a six as he kept swatting the ball.
But Anderson broke the deadlock as Pant departed soon after his ton. Washinton continued his fine form and completed a well-made fifty with Axar Patel giving him company. In the second session, Pant and Washington had taken India to 153/6 after losing Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. A disciplined effort from the English bowlers saw the visitors taking the honors in the session. Rohit and Pant had started well in the post-lunch session as they looked to defend the good balls and score of the rare bad deliveries. But just when the two started to look good, Stokes sent back Rohit, one short of a much-deserved fifty Ashwin joined Pant in the middle and tried to accumulate runs to reduce the deficit. The duo had a brief 25-run partnership for the sixth wicket until Jack Leach sent Ashwin (13) back in the concluding minutes of the session. In the first session, Anderson had claimed the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane at the stroke of lunch as England bowlers led the fightback for the visitors. Going into the morning session with the score of 24/1 and with Rohit and Pujara at the crease, the hosts would have liked to get closer to the visitors’ total without losing a wicket. But it wasn’t to be as Leach struck first to send back Pujara, leg before. Virat Kohli too failed to leave a mark as Stokes produced a nothing shot to a ball that got big on the India skipper and ended up giving keeper Foakes an easy catch. India went to lunch with a scorecard of 80/4. Brief Scores: England 205; India 294/7 (Rishabh Pant 101, Washington Sundar 60*; James Anderson 3-40)
International passenger flights have not arrived in Melbourne since February 14.
On Friday, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that he expected the Victorian Government to announce a date.
Through this announcement approximately 10,000 stranded Victorians could start to return home.
The Prime Minister told media:
“The second-highest number of Australians on are from Victoria – over 10,000 Victorians are wanting to come home.”
The Age reports that anonymous sources at Healthcare Australia said staff had been told flights would probably resume on March 13.
Further, The Age has seen internal correspondence from senior Healthcare Australia staff.
This confirms operational changes are being made to accommodate flights.
Another senior hotel quarantine source said that international arrivals would probably begin within weeks.
However, the Victorian Premier said that he was not in a position to confirm the arrival of international flights in Melbourne.
“We’ve asked our medical experts to look at what the impacts of variants of concern are on the risk profile in our hotels. When … they can satisfy me that we can have a system where we have the lowest possible risk, then flights will start.”
Victorian federal Liberal MP Tim Wilson has criticised Andrews’ decision to reopen quarantine hotels.
“Any politician that is prepared to actively deny citizens access to their own country has shown they are prepared to put unconscionable and naked populism ahead of the rights of Australians and demonstrated they are not a leader.”
Till now, no official advice has been provided to staff on the resumption of flights.
It is clear that pressure to open international flights is mounting on Andrews government.
The Victorian Government is also planning to build a quarantine facility outside the city.
The aim of this move is reduce the risk of COVID-19 seeping into metro communities.
Gurdeep Pandher, a resident of Whitehorse in Canada, performed Bhangra on a frozen lake to celebrate his vaccination against Covid-19.
In a tweet accompanying the video, he said:
“Yesterday evening I received my Covid-19 vaccine. Then I went to a frozen lake to dance Bhangra on it for joy, hope and positivity, which I’m forwarding across Canada and beyond for everyone’s health and wellbeing”.
Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara showed great application as India ended the opening day of the fourth and final Test against England in the driver’s seat despite losing opener Shubman Gill at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. 11 wickets fell on the day as England was bundled out for 205 after skipper Joe Root won the toss and decided to bat first.
At stumps, India’s score read 24/1 with Rohit (8*) and Pujara (15*) at the crease — trailing the visitors by 181 runs in the first innings. After a disappointing show with the bat, England got off to a flying start with the ball as James Anderson struck with the third ball of the innings. The pace spearhead trapped Gill (0) in front of the stumps as India lost a wicket with no run on the board. But Rohit and Pujara ensured that was the end of the visitors’ joy on the day as they played out the remaining 11.3 overs without losing any wicket.
Earlier, Axar once again hogged the limelight with his four-wicket haul while Ravichandran Ashwin scalped three as England was bundled out for 205. While it was Mohammed Siraj who picked the all-important wicket of Root in the first session, Ashwin broke the deadlock in the third session as he dismissed Ollie Pope.
Pope’s wicket sparked a collapse from which England couldn’t really recover. The visitors went down from 166/5 to 205 all out within 14.3 overs, losing half of their side for 39 runs as Axar struck twice in one over. Ashwin dismissed Pope a few minutes into the third session. Pope got unlucky as the inside edge hit the back pad and popped to short-leg fielder Shubman Gill. India’s senior off-spinner then dismissed Ben Foakes in the 66th over to reduce the visitors to 170/7. Minutes later Axar dismissed Daniel Lawrence and Dominic Bess to leave England reeling at 189/9. It looked as the visiting side would get bundled out soon, but Jack Leach and James Anderson took England over the 200-run mark.
Earlier, electing to bat first, England openers Dominic Sibley and Zak Crawley saw off the first five overs bowled by the Indian pacers — Ishant Sharma and Siraj, who has come into the side in place of Jasprit Bumrah. However, the introduction of Axar in the sixth over brought immediate reward for the hosts as the spinner clean-bowled Sibley (2), reducing England to 10/1. The 27-year-old struck again in his second over as he had Crawley (9) caught at mid-off. The right-handed batsman tried to go over the top to create more pressure on the bowler, but ended up mistiming the ball and handed a simple catch to Siraj. Immediately after the first drinks break, England skipper Root (5) was trapped in front by Siraj and the visitors got reduced to 30/3 in the 13th over. The visitors ended the opening session on 74/3. Brief Scores: England 205 (Ben Stokes 55; Axar Patel 4-68, Ravichandran Ashwin 3-47); India 24/1 (Cheteshwar Pujara 15*; James Anderson 1-0)
Canada thanked India for sending coronavirus vaccines, of which 500,000 doses reached on March 4, a week after the AstraZeneca vaccine was approved. Anita Anand, MP for Oakville and Minister of Public Services and Procurement, said in a tweet, “The AZ/CoviShield vaccine is now in Canada. The first tranche of 500,000 doses arrived this morning from Serum Institute of India with 1.5 million more doses to follow. Thank you to all whose hard work made this happen. We look forward to future collaboration.”
The AZ/CoviShield vaccine is now in 🇨🇦. The first tranche of 500k doses arrived this morning from @SerumInstIndia with 1.5 million more doses to follow. Thank you to all whose hard work made this happen. We look forward to future collaboration. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/OL4s0vlcdU
She had earlier said that another 944,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be reaching Canada this week, of which 444,600 doses are of Pfizer and 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca. While lauding the efforts made by Anand and her team to procure the coronavirus vaccines, Jennifer O’Connell, MP for Pickering-Uxbridge, said, “This is incredible work – AstraZeneca was approved this past Friday and thanks to Minister Anita, her team, and the many others involved, 5 days later we have received 500,000 doses with 1.5 million more on the way! We’re now set to receive more than 6.5M doses by the end of March!”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month spoke to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau and assured him that India will do its best to support Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Expressing his appreciation, the Canadian Prime Minister said that if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, “it would be significant because of India’s tremendous pharmaceutical capacity, and Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in sharing this capacity with the world”. The Prime Minister thanked PM Trudeau for his sentiments. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India earlier this month said that “Dear Hon’ble PM @JustinTrudeau, I thank you for your warm words towards India and its vaccine industry. As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, @SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; I’m on it!”
