James Vince’s blistering 95 and disciplined bowling helped Sydney Sixers to beat Perth Scorchers by 27 runs in the Big Bash League (BBL) final at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday to clinch their second successive title. The English gun posted the highest score by a Sixers’ batsman in the BBL final scoring 95 from 60 balls including 10 fours and three sixes. Perth posted 161/9 in their allotted 20 overs in reply to Sixers’ 188/6. However, he was not finished there as Vince took two catches, including one mid-air blinder to remove the dangerous Mitch Marsh (11).
🏆 It wasn't a dream, Sixers fans – we're back-to-back @BBL Champions!
Chasing 189, Marsh fell in the 15th over which proved crucial in the context of the match. Left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis taking 3-37 and also picked up keeper-batsman Josh Inglis for 22. Dwarshuis finished the tournament with 24 wickets. Vince’s 95 followed his magnificent 98 not out against the Scorchers in The Qualifier, against the same opposition, at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.
It was his third consecutive half-century against Perth. He finished the campaign with 537 runs at an average of 38.35, the most by any Sixers player in one BBL season. Sixers seamer Jackson Bird was outstanding upfront taking 2-14 from three overs. His two scalps were openers Cameron Bancroft (30 from 19) and Liam Livingstone (45 from 35).
This one hurts. An incredible #BBL10 Final but credit goes to the Sixers who were very strong tonight 🤝 Despite the result, we’re so proud of our BBL journey this summer and thanks to our #MADETOUGH fans for coming along with us 🧡 pic.twitter.com/jzepugPP2s
Speedster Sean Abbott finished with figures of 2-33 while all-rounder Dan Christian also bagged two scalps. Brief Scores: Sydney Sixers 188/6 in 20 overs (James Vince 95, Andrew Tye 2-29, Jhye Richardson 2-45); Perth Scorchers 161/9 in 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 45, Ben Dwarshuis 3-37).
Joe Root and Dom Sibley put England in control of the first Test, forming a stunning 200-run partnership on the opening day of the match against India here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. At stumps, England’s score read 263/3, with Root playing on 128 runs. However, India ended the day on a high as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Sibley (87) in the 90th over. Opting to bat first, Sibley and Rory Burns provided England with a good start. India did have a very good opportunity to send Burns back to the pavilion cheaply but the wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant, dropped the catch off Bumrah’s first delivery of the second over.
The duo then played cautiously to avoid any hiccups in the initial overs, taking the team over the 50-run mark. Ravichandran Ashwin handed India the first breakthrough as he got hold of Burns (33) in the 24th over. Dan Lawrence (0) then came out to bat but failed to impress as he was given LBW off Bumrah’s delivery in the 26th over, bringing Root on the field. Root, along with Sibley, steadied England’s innings and played some fine shots. Both kept the scoreboard ticking and took the team to the 100-run mark in the 44th over. Root and Sibley kept on building their partnership while Indian bowlers struggled to get a breakthrough.
Special day. Special innings. Special player.#R100T 👏
Their sublime performances saw them complete their respective half-centuries as the visitors started to take control of the game. England then went past the 200-run mark in the 74th over with Root inching closer to his century. Root, who was playing his 100th Test, got to his hundred in 164 balls. While Root and Sibley avoided risky shots, they never missed the opportunity to score a boundary on loose balls. Bumrah gave India the much-needed breakthrough after he dismissed Sibley in the 90th over. Brief scores: England 263/3 (Joe Root 128*, Dom Sibley 87, Jasprit Bumrah 2/40).
Australia’s National Cabinet met on 5 February 2021 to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and management of Australia’s borders in the context of the emergence of new variants.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There have been 28,842 confirmed cases with 909 died and currently 9 people in hospital.
It was reported that more than 13.1 million tests have been undertaken in Australia.
To date Australia’s existing systems built around social distancing, testing, tracing, local health responses and quarantine have effectively mitigated the broader spread of COVID-19 virus and new variants of COVID-19 into the Australian community.
“Australia has done well on both the health and economic fronts compared to most countries around the world. National Cabinet noted the significant increase in COVID-19 cases in many countries and the comparative strength of Australia’s effort in addressing COVID compared to most other developed economies.”
CMO 2016
Professor Brendan Murphy reiterated the latest guidance that the COVID-19 vaccination rollout is on track to commence in late February 2021.
It is hoped that the COVID-19 vaccines will further strengthen Australia’s ability to control the virus.
National Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth, states and territories in rolling out COVID-19 vaccination.
Professor Paul Kelly outlined the importance of new COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe disease and potentially transmission.
“A COVID-19 vaccination program which prevents severe diseases will ensure Australia can manage the virus in the same way as we manage other common diseases in society and will change the risk environment in Australian to COVID-19.”
National Cabinet further noted that the Commonwealth Government had entered an Advance Purchase Agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech for an additional 10 million vaccines in 2021. Australia now has access to over 150 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with spare capacity (after Australians have been offered vaccines) to be made available for partners in the Pacific and South East Asia.
It welcomed the extension of the free access to COVID-19 vaccines for all visa holders in Australia.
“It is vital that we offer vaccines to all people living in Australia in order to achieve a maximum level of coverage for all Australians.”
It was also noted that to date there have been a small number of instances of COVID-19 linked to hotel quarantine in Australia.
National Cabinet agreed that hotel quarantine will continue to be the model used to quarantine returning Australians.
Australia’s National Cabinet met on 5 February 2021 to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and management of Australia’s borders in the context of the emergence of new variants.
PM Scott Morrisson
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
Professor Paul Kelly
There have been 28,842 confirmed cases with 909 died and currently 9 people in hospital.
It was reported that more than 13.1 million tests have been undertaken in Australia.
It is hoped that the COVID-19 vaccines will further strengthen Australia’s ability to control the virus.
National Cabinet reaffirmed a shared priority to supporting Australians to return home through increased international passenger arrival caps.
From 12:01 am on 15 February, it is agreed that caps would return to pre-8 January levels in New South Wales (430 per day) and Queensland (1000 per week) as planned .
The current cap in Western Australia (512 per week) will remain in place pending further review.
The cap in Victoria will increase from 1120 to 1310 arrivals per week with additional increases to be considered, and South Australia will increase from 490 to 530 arrivals per week.
It noted that the agreed arrangements for international passenger arrival caps would continue until 11:59pm on 30 April.
National Cabinet will meet again on Friday 5 March 2021.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 100,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca anti-coronavirus vaccine.
Recently, the Barbadian singer Rihannahas tweeted about farmers’ protest in India.
Her tweet resulted in a huge outcry and backlash in India.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, prominent ministers, Bollywood stars and cricketers have tweeted supporting India.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a curt statement to tweets from Rihanna and other celebrities:
“The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible.”
“Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken”, the ministry added.
Police have detained 200 protesters following 26th January’s deadly violence in Delhi.
“We are making arrests after conducting proper verification. We are also looking into CCTVs near Red Fort, ITO, Nangloi and other areas where the violence erupted,” police officials told the Indian Express.
In January 2021, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley had requested India’s PM Modi for access to vaccines to provide immunisation coverage for their country, which has been ravaged by COVID-19.
In a letter to PM Modi sent on February 4, PM Mottley said:
“On behalf of my government and people, I wish you to express gratitude to you, your government and the people of the Republic of India for most generous donation of the Covishield vaccine (under the auspices of Oxford AstraZeneca).”
Her letter comes at a time when the international community has praised India’s support to the global COVID-19 response.
India has supplied COVID-19 vaccines to its neighbours including Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh and is working on plans to scale up vaccine manufacture to supply to 60 nations.
Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and remain isolated for 14 days.
The locations on this list are not a current risk to the public and you can visit them in line with current restrictions. DHHS is making every effort to contact businesses prior to updating the exposure sites and appreciates the ongoing assistance of Victorian businesses in managing exposures to coronavirus (COVID-19).
04/02/21 1:30am
Location
Site
Exposure period
Notes
Brighton
North Point Cafe 2B North Rd Brighton, VIC 3186
08:10-09:30 31/1/2021
Case dined outside and used bathroom
Brandon Park
Kmart, Brandon Park Shopping Centre Cnr Springvale Rd and Ferntree Gully Rd Brandon Park, VIC 3170
16:35-17:10 31/1/2021
Case attended venue
Clayton South
Nakama Workshop 85 Main Rd Clayton South, VIC 3169
11:15-12:00 1/2/2021
Case attended venue
Heatherton
Melbourne Golf Academy 385 Centre Dandenong Rd Heatherton, VIC 3202
17:19-18:35 1/2/2021
Case attended venue
Keysborough
Aces Sporting Club (Driving Range) Cnr Springvale Rd and Hutton Rd Keysborough, VIC 3173
Kebab Kingz 438 Spencer St West Melbourne, VIC 3003
23:24-00:15 29/1/2021
Case dined outside
These premises have had confirmed cases visit during their infectious period. This does not mean that there is an ongoing risk associated with the premises, and you can safely visit the site in line with current restrictions.
Have you been to an exposure site at the specified timeframe? Then you need to get tested and isolate for 14 days. Check here ⤵️https://t.co/JAVfgxmiDO
The exposure period reflects the date or time that someone with coronavirus (COVID-19) visited that location. This visit occurred during the time that person was infectious. This includes 48 hours prior to them developing symptoms.
Locations are identified during contact tracing. Contact tracing occurs after someone tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Locations stay on the list for 14 days after the last time someone with coronavirus (COVID-19) visited during the period. 14 days is the longest period of time (incubation period) that someone who visited a location and came in to contact with someone who has coronavirus (COVID-19) could have the virus before they show symptoms.
The locations listed are where there is a higher risk you may have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). It is not a complete list. The information is based on advice provided to the department by people who are confirmed cases.
Risk locations will remain on the list for 14 days from the most recent exposure.
In 2018–19, the gross value of agricultural production in South Australia alone was $6.8 billion, which was 11 per cent of the total gross value of agricultural production in Australia ($60 billion).
South Australia is in the southern central part of Australia and covers the most arid parts of Australia.
The state’s economy is dominated by the agricultural, manufacturing and mining industries.
It has a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres. Thus making it the fourth-largest of Australia’s states and territories by area, and fifth largest by population.
ABS data indicate that in 2017–18 there were 9,010 farms in South Australia with an estimated value of agricultural operations of $40,000 or more.
WATCH VIDEO: A great state
South Australia’s Skilled and Business Migration program released on 5 February 2021 provides qualified migrants a pathway to living, working or establishing their business in South Australia through the support of State Nomination.
The occupation list includes twenty types of Farmers and Farm Managers.
In addition to this South Australia is also interested in inviting Specialist Managers, Hospitality, Retail & Service Managers, Arts & Media Professionals, Business, Human Resource & Marketing Professionals, Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals, Education Professionals, Health Professionals, ICT Professionals, Legal, Social & Welfare Professionals, Engineering, ICT & Science Technicians, Automotive & Engineering Trades Workers, Construction Trades Workers, Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers, Food Trades Workers, Skilled Animal & Horticultural Workers, Other Technicians & Trades Workers, Health & Welfare Support Workers, Protective Services Workers, Sports & Personal Service Workers, Office Managers & Program Administrators, Other Clerical and Administrative Workers, and Sales Representatives & Agents.
In the 2016 census, the five largest groups of overseas-born were from England (5.8%), India (1.6%), China (1.5%), Italy (1.1%) and Vietnam (0.9%).
Interested migrants can submit their applications for state nomination are submitted online through the Skilled & Business Migration portal.
For skilled migrants, state nomination can assist you to qualify for a skilled migration visa, providing additional points towards your subclass 190 or subclass 491 application.
Once the application is submitted, it is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs against a number of visa-specific requirements.
WATCH VIDEO: The Story of Soil Conservation in South Australia
Micro-blogging site Twitter took action against Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut on Thursday by deleting some of her tweets, stating that the now-deleted posts were in violation of the platform’s guidelines.
This comes a day after Kangana reacted to international pop sensation Rihanna’s support for the ongoing farmers’ protest. And, after several Indian celebrities (film stars, cricketers) supported Rihanna’s tweet, Kangana responded to them with profanities in her tweet. This led to the twitter guidelines violation and deletion of some of her tweets.
#BREAKING: Twitter reacts on deleting tweets of Indian Actress Kangana Ranaut @KanganaTeam. Twitter Spokesperson says: ‘We have taken action on Tweets that were in violation of the Twitter Rules in line with our range of enforcement options’. @CNNnews18@news18dotcompic.twitter.com/FVxiAVLhhB
A Twitter spokesperson confirmed, “We have taken action on Tweets that were in violation of the Twitter Rules in line with our range of enforcement options.”
On Tuesday, Rihanna had taken to her Twitter handle and shared a news story by CNN on the internet shutdown in several districts of Delhi’s neighbouring state Haryana after protestors broke barricades to enter New Delhi and clashed with police in several parts of the national capital during the January 26 ‘tractor rally’ protest organised by farmers. The protestors also entered the iconic Mughal Era monument Red Fort and unfurled their flags from its ramparts.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India on Thursday said that India has issued a mutual legal assistance request to the USA for investigation in the matter of Sikhs for Justice/Referendum 2020.
“We have issued a mutual legal assistance request to the USA for investigation in the matter of Sikhs for Justice/Referendum 2020. As per procedure, the request has been sent directly by the concerned authorities to the US Department of Justice (DoJ),” MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said during the weekly virtual press conference on Khalistan linked terror groups from outside India trying to incite violence in New Delhi.
The secessionist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), formed in 2007, is a US-based group seeking a separate homeland for Sikhs — a “Khalistan” in Punjab. On January 28, Delhi Police has registered a case against the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections of IPC for provoking people for Referendum-2020, demanding a separate Sikh state.
Earlier in December 2020, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against 10 accused, including designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, at a special NIA court in Mohali in connection with a case related to violence by SFJ. The case pertains to a series of acts of violence, including arson in Punjab during 2017-18, carrying out propaganda activities, both online and on-ground, in support of the SFJ and Referendum-2020.
Cr Adele Hegedich, the Mayor of Wyndham City, recently posted on Facebook that she is taking the concerns of trucks parked in Truganina’s Allura estate seriously.
“I’ve recently heard from a number of residents concerned about trucks parking overnight and during other off-peak times along residential streets in Truganina’s Allura estate.”
She said that her team is working closely with Council officers to implement a solution.
So, what are the rules for truck drivers?
According to VicRoads, a driver of a heavy vehicle such as a truck must obey the same road rules as other drivers.
Mayor also noted that “While the practice of parking in indented spaces is not currently illegal, I understand many residents are concerned about safety and amenity impacts relating to this.”
VicRoads rules state that heavy or long vehicles cannot be parked on a road in a built-up area for longer than one hour.
But the driver of a heavy or long vehicle (7.5 metres long or longer), but not a bus, can stop on a road in a built-up area for longer than one hour provided the driver is dropping off or picking up goods.
So, a driver of a heavy vehicle must read the parking sign. And for more information see the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017 rule 200.
According to the Mayor, the council has now engaged an independent road safety auditor to investigate this issue.
The investigator will submit this report by early next week and help best address the issue.
“Please be assured that myself and my fellow Harrison Ward Councillors, Cr Susan McIntyre, Cr Jasmine Hill and Cr Sahana Ramesh take these concerns seriously and we’re working closely with Council officers to implement a solution,” she added.
University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia has been deported from Fiji to Australia.
Professor Ahluwalia and his wife, Sandra Price, were detained by Fiji Police and Immigration officials and declared Prohibited Immigrants under the Immigration Act with immediate effect.
A letter signed by Fiji’s Acting Director of Immigration Amelia Komaisavai notes that the Fijian government deemed Professor Ahluwalia to be “a person who is or has been conducting himself in a manner prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, security or good government of the Fiji Islands”.
Section 13, (2) (g) of the Immigration Act states, a person who prior to or after entry into the Fiji Islands, as a result of information received from any country through official or diplomatic channels, or from any other source the Minister considers reliable, is deemed by the Minister to be a person who is or has been conducting himself in a manner prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, security or good government of the Fiji Islands.
Last year, Fiji government had announced it was suspending its grants of more than $US10 million to the university.
The current Chancellor is the President of the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency Lionel Rouwen Aingimea is trying to call in an emergency meeting.
This move of the Fiji Government has stirred condemnation on social media from academics and local community.
Fiji Times reports that the National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad said at a time when Fiji should be supporting victims of cyclones Yasa and Ana, Government was “instead focused its own petty jealousies”.
Professor Ahluwalia says he remains the VC of USP despite being deported, and he hopes the USP Council, which has to meet tomorrow, will make further decisions.
The University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia and his wife has been taken in by Police and Immigration officials.
FIJI is expected to deport Professor Pal Ahlaluwiya later today. Ahlaluwiya was arrested at midnight with his wife and detained by immigration officers. Fiji attempted unsuccessfully to remove him through the university council last year. The detention comes less than 48 hours before a USP Council meeting.
Professor Pal Ahluwalia moved from Australia to Fiji in October 2018 to take up this position.
In his VC’s message on USP website, Professor Ahluwalia notes:
“We have great ambitions and have aspirations to grow our brand so that we are globally recognized for our excellence. Our greatest strength is our people, who are dedicated, well qualified and are world class researchers devoted to providing the best education possible. We work to advance our teaching, curriculum, and campus culture to meet the educational needs and aspirations of students in a rapidly changing world. “
Professor Ahluwalia studied for his Bachelors and Master of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and later went to get his PhD from Flinders University in Australia.
Prior his appointment as the VC&P of USP, he served as the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Portsmouth.
Professor Pal Ahluwalia began his tenure as USP vice-chancellor in January 2019.
Soon, he reported gross irregularities at USP. Professor Ahluwalia’s report sparked an independent investigation ordered by USP’s audit and risk committee.
Ahluwalia denies all allegations of misconduct and claims he has been the victim of a witch-hunt. “I have no doubt that it is a by-product of that initial report that I took. I was a whistleblower. Most places … in the world whistleblowers are protected. Here I have been thrown under the bus,” he told RNZ Pacific.
There were wide spread protests and the VC was reinstated and this was seen as a victory for good governance, activism and regional unity.
USP is jointly owned by 12 countries – with campuses in all – and 20,000 students from across the region.
Australia and New Zealand are also significant external funders of the university and are concerned about USP’s governance.
In 2019, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced:
“Today I announce a new partnership between Australia and the University of the South Pacific – see, it was worth waiting for – $84 million over the next six years. We do this because it matters and it counts and you get results. USP has a unique role in developing the skills needed to drive the region’s development and economic growth long into the future. Last year, USP – as you noted earlier – celebrated its 50th Anniversary. So did I, by the way. This is a remarkable achievement – not for me, for you … Australia is proud to have been associated with USP over the longer term. This agreement will see Australia support efforts to invest in the young people of our region, passionate people, vibrant people, intelligent people, through the focus on improving the quality of teacher education and through the education of students at the tertiary level in fields such as economics, human resource management and tourism management.”
As per local media reports. Pal and his wife were picked up from their home as Fiji’s Prime Minister participated in a Pacific Islands Forum leaders retreat that went well into the early hours of this morning and saw the election of former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna to the role of PIF Secretary General ahead of four other candidates, including Fiji’s Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
Fiji will Chair the PIF later this year, but maintaining regional unity, after the deportation of the Vice-Chancellor, particularly after the candidate endorsed by Micronesian Forum members missed out on the SG’s role, will be even more difficult now. Nauru’s President chairs the USP Council.
The University of the South pacific Students Council has published on it’s social media page that,
Victoria Covid19 Testing site; Picture Source: Twitter Vic Health
A Hotel Quarantine worker at the Grand Hyatt Hotel has tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The individual last worked at the Grand Hyatt on 29 January and was tested at the end of their shift, returning a negative result. Subsequently, he developed symptoms and was tested again on 2 February. He returned a positive result late today.
Victorian Public health teams are identifying exposure sites. Initial Tier 1 exposure sites and times are as follows:
Saturday 30th January 2021
Club Noble in Noble Park
46-56 Moodemere St Noble Park VIC 3174
14:36 – 15:30
Aces Sporting Club (Driving Range)
Cnr Springvale Rd and Hutton Rd, Keysborough, VIC 3173
22:00 – 23:15
Sunday 31st January 2021
Northpoint Café Brighton
2b North Road, Brighton VIC 3186
08:10 – 09:30
Kmart Keysborough
Parkmore Keysborough Shopping Centre, C/317 Cheltenham Rd, Keysborough VIC 3173
16:00 – 17:00
Kmart Brandon Park
Brandon Park Shopping Centre, Cnr Springvale & Ferntree Gully Rds, Brandon Park, VIC 3170
16:35 – 17:10
Coles Springvale
825 Dandenong Rd, Springvale VIC 3171
17:00 – 18:00
Monday 1 February 2021
Bunnings Springvale
849 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171
11:28 – 12:15
Melbourne Golf Academy
385 Centre Dandenong Rd, Heatherton VIC 3202
17:19 – 18:36
Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and remain isolated for 14 days.
New statewide restrictions come into effect from 11:59pm tonight, 3 February.
The limit on the number of people gathering in a household will be reduced from 30 to 15, meaning the household members plus 15 visitors (excluding children under 12 months of age).
Masks will be mandatory in public indoor spaces. If you have visitors in your home, it is strongly recommended that masks are worn during the visit. Masks must be worn in indoor public spaces apart from when eating or drinking. If you are planning to leave your home – take a mask.
The 75 per cent ‘return to work’ cap in both public and private sectors scheduled for Monday 8 February will be paused and the current Cap of 50% will remain in place.
More updates, including exposure sites and possible changes to public health directions, will be provided throughout the evening and tomorrow. Exposure sites will also be published on the Case locations and outbreaks page of DHHS.
A Hotel Quarantine worker at the Grand Hyatt Hotel has tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Anyone who has visited these exposure sites during the times below must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and remain isolated for 14 days. pic.twitter.com/BNpSOEcpHY
Health authorities are contacting all Australian Open players, officials, and support staff who were staying at the Grand Hyatt during the entire period. For now, they are considered casual contacts however, they must immediately isolate and get tested.
All Hotel staff working at the Grand Hyatt who are considered primary close contacts. They must immediately isolate and get tested and remain isolated for 14 days.
Major testing sites in Melbourne’s South East will open early tomorrow 4 February. Additional lanes will open for drive-through testing sites. Rapid Response Team sites will also be set up.
The Delhi Police has just announces a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh each for information leading to arrest of actor-activist Deep Sidhu, Jugraj Singh, Gurjot Singh and Gurjant Singh.
They also announced Rs 50,000 each for the arrest of Jajbir Singh, Buta Singh, Sukhdev Singh and Iqbal Singh for their alleged involvement in Red Fort violence on January 26.
On 26th January a group of people had hoisted the religious and farmer unions’ flags parallel to the Tricolour at the Red Fort.
Deep Sidhu, the Punjabi actor-turne-activist had gone missing after January 26. In a video footage from the incident shared on Facebook, Sidhu was caught fleeing on a motorbike from the spot as the situation aggravated. He has posted videos from hiding.
In a Facebook Live video posted on January 31, Sidhu claimed that he feels “abandoned” after the events of January 26.
“Flags were hoisted as the people wanted to show their anger to the government. But nobody took a stand. I have been deeply hurt, not because of what the government said, but what the people are saying about me,” he said.
WATCH VIDEO: Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2020
Recently, the Australian Facebook group CPR Kids, which is run by registered nurses, shared this photo and issued a stark warning to parents.
“Going for a swim this weekend? Make sure you dress the kids in bright and colourful swimwear so that they are easier to see at all times. Remember; drowning is silent, and every second counts.”
CPR Kids’ experts advise all parents that their child should be dressed in bright colours so they are visible in a swimming pool.
Look at the image below. What do you see underneath the water here?
Take a good look at the image above. Can you see anything? A child?
At first the above photo appears to show an empty swimming pool.
CPR Kids Facebook post further notes, “It’s hard to believe, we know! Following on from our post recently on the importance of fluoro and bright coloured swimwear for kids, one of the CPR Kids Educators was at a pool party with friends and noticed how cloudy the water had become after being used all day. She asked one of the children who was wearing a pale blue swimsuit, to swim to the bottom. The result shocked her – as it did everyone in the CPR Kids team!”
“Just a note- this was taken at roughly 2pm, after a few hours of use. The cloudiness was likely due to sunscreen etc. in the water as this is usually a clear pool,” the post added.
At public swimming pool, lifeguards may find it harder to see children who are wearing blue or green bathing suits especially when they are at the bottom of the pool.
Therefore bright orange, red, or neon colors. are recommended for kids.
Royal Life Saving Australia under its Keep Watch program recommends that groups of adults allocated a designated ‘pool watcher’ when around kids playing in the water.
In and around a swimming pool, adults should Supervise, Restrict, Teach and Respond to keep children safe.
‘Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to.’
In an exclusive interview for The Australia Today, Dr. Peter J. Middlebrook, a well-known Geo-strategist, Political scientist, Development economist, and Philanthropist spoke with senior journalist V. Kumar and gave vital insights into a number of global issues facing the world today. He is of the view that a crisis like Coviid-19 could bring interesting opportunities for future-ready firms.
He says India has done all it could to face this unprecedented health and economic crisis and is quite bullish on India bouncing back as a world leader.
What is the impact of Covid-19 on the global economy?
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and agenda have set many economies, firms, and households back years if not decades. Of course, a crisis creates both winners and losers, and given the rise in online and automated systems, future-ready firms have already reaped the benefit. For a large range of legacy industries, however, the long term impacts are probably devastating. In terms of government fiscal futures, increasing debt levels will reduce government spending on growth and employment enabling investments. For poverty, remittances, and foreign direct investment the results are also negative; over the near term.
COVID-19 will lead to a fresh surge in digitized services. Linked to AI, the emergent problem will be how to automate services without creating a spike in unemployment. In this context, COVID-19 is in some ways linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is why the biggest impact of COVID-19 on the global economy is not health related; its digital transformation.
In dealing with what I would now call the emerging COVID-19 agenda, the impact on the global economy over the long term will be how we respond to the virus, in order to build a better future. If we can do that – for example moving towards a universal basic income – it will have been a price worth paying. For those in society who cannot adapt and innovate, this crisis will last a lifetime.
Over the last few years there seems to be a perceptible shift, if only so slightly, towards reverse globalisation and the return of some form of protectionism to local businesses. How has Covid-19 changed the world in this aspect?
I see no reverse in globalization – globalization is unstoppable and in the aggregate it is desirable. If anything, I see globalization being accelerated; depending upon how you measure it. The question is what is being globalized? Banking – yes! Telecoms- yes! Vaccination – yes! Social media – yes! Travel – yes! Food – yes! Technology – yes! Culture – yes! Sports – yes! Blockchain – yes! Music – yes. Governments?
A couple of years ago I was a key expert to the Commission on Global Security, Justice and Governance. We realized that the future of globalization will be a hybrid model; what we called a hyper global and hyper local arrangement. In other words, globalization can only succeed when global rules are adopted locally and local rules are respected globally.
A common mistake analysts often make is by asking, you know, what does the UK or the US want? What does China, or India want? The truth is that nation states are no longer the currency of transaction that they once were, and globalization is therefore being run – and organized – by capitalized interest groups; most of which are not necessarily sovereign in the way most people think. Moreover, some of these wealthy groups are not necessarily only motivated by money, but also by trying to shape society to be – for example- more respectful of natural capital.
I see the future of globalization having multi-nationals and not nation states at the forefront. Like former religious states, nation states are in decline and a vast percentage of the services they currently provide to their citizens are going to be automated. Perhaps 30-50 per cent of what governments do, could be automated. Taxes could be lower, allowing incomes and consumption also to be reduced.
If you can imagine what we call a future ready world, and project out 20-30 years, each individual will have their own digital ID and all core services will be bundled around that. This is the next generation of globalization. Your digital ID will link to healthcare, financial services, food and sustainability, travel, insurance, mobility, eCommerce, eGovernment, social media and the telecoms and perhaps even your own personal carbon footprint will be measured; and perhaps one day taxed.
How would you evaluate the Indian response to economic hardships put forth by Covid-19? Do you think the response from the government has been adequate or more needs to be done? Where do you see Indian economy in the next few years?
I did my doctorate on India and lived there for many years. I think Indian poverty is something that pre-existed COVID-19 and the question is whether the pandemic will improve government policy to overcome such challenges. The response has been fine – all governments have been unsighted – and I expect India to re-emerge as the global powerhouse that it once was. India has land, capital, integrity, diplomacy, brilliant technical imagination and is strategic well placed. India will continue to grow, and play a more vocal role on the things that matter, including mother nature.
Has the pandemic brought the world together collaborating to fight the challenge, or do we see the divide widening further?
I think at the level of global leadership there has never been greater consensus that we need to collaborate more, and that Agenda 2030 and Global Environmental Concerns can only be achieved through a common agenda; in support of a common future. The pandemic is however chipping away at the social contract between citizens and the state; but many governments are not very good; so perhaps that is about time.
What trend do you foresee in global economy in the next 3-5 years as the world navigates the long-term impact of this pandemic?
The new normal as people refer to it will in my mind be the old normal but a major shift in the way technology is used to provide services and to track human impact on the environment. I see greater integration, crypto currencies (sovereign) increasing their domination and the blockchain emerging central to smart contracts and smart consumption. Global growth will remain low, central bank interest rates will remain low and in some cases will be negative, and levels of unemployment (particularly among the youth) will likely worsen. The current model of neo-liberal economies will need to evolve to better address environmental concerns, and the new Terra Carta may form part of that solution.
How can economies look to move beyond “recovering” from the crisis, and towards “thriving” in the long run?
There are probably far too many people in the world, and in Africa – where the population is likely to increase to 4 billion by the turn of the century – countries will struggle just to maintain standards of living, before bouncing forward. Governments need to establish socio-economic recovery programs and integrate these into the national budget process; and they need to execute ‘digital-by-default’ policies across all services and to fundamentally change the way investments affect natural capital, nature and our wider ecosystem. The most progressive governments – increasingly the City and Gulf States – will lead this drive be ahead of the pack – as they are not slowed by democratic traditions that require broad consensus before actions can be taken.
About Dr. Peter J. Middlebrook: He is a well-known British geo-strategist, political scientist, development economist, philanthropist, and businessman. He has worked in Central Asia for the US government leading projects in regional economic development and cooperation. He has also worked for the World Bank and the European Union in Afghanistan for a number of years. He is the CEO of Geopolicity Inc., as well as Chairman of a number of other companies. He specialises in emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia, and the Horn of Africa and is a keen observer on issues related to globalisation. He is best known for his work as an economic, security, and political adviser to multilateral and bilateral organisations including the World Bank, European Union, United Nations, Government of the United Kingdom, as well as global corporations covering energy, infrastructure, mining, and water. Middlebrook currently resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Oxford Languages has named ‘Aatmanirbharta’ which means self-reliance as its Hindi word of the year 2020.
The word has “validated the day-to-day achievements of the countless Indians who dealt with and survived the perils of a pandemic.” An advisory panel consisting of language experts Kritika Agrawal, Poonam Nigam Sahay, and Imogen Foxell determined.
The Oxford Hindi word of the year is a word or expression that is chosen to reflect the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the passing year, and have lasting potential as a term of cultural significance.
In a written statement, Oxford Languages said in the early months of the pandemic when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s COVID-19 recovery package, he emphasised the need to become self-reliant as a country, as an economy, as a society, and as individuals, in a bid to navigate the perils of the pandemic.
There was a massive increase in the usage of ‘aatmanirbharta’ following the Indian Prime Minister’s address, highlighting its increased prominence as a phrase and concept in the public lexicon of India, it said.
One of the standout successes of the entire Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign is the large-scale manufacturing of the COVID-19 vaccine in India. During the Republic Day parade, the Department of Biotechnology highlighted the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign and showcased the COVID-19 vaccine development process in its tableau at Rajpath.
“In an unprecedented year, ‘aatmanirbharta’ found resonance with a wide cross-section of people as it is seen to be an answer to the revival of a COVID-impacted economy,” said Oxford University Press India managing director Sivaramarkrishnan Venkateswaran.
Agrawal said amid a number of interesting and topical entries received, ‘aatmanirbharta’ stood out because it validated the day-to-day achievements of the countless Indians who dealt with and survived the perils of a pandemic.
This word “gives a voice to the strength displayed by young and old alike in dealing with extended periods of isolation, lack of familial support, loss of livelihoods and other difficulties through sheer determination and self-reliance”, she said.
Previous Hindi words of the year are Aadhar (2017), Nari Shakti (2018) and Samvidhaan (2019).
While the Hindi word of the year has great resonance for the year in which it was chosen, however, it doesn’t mean that the word will automatically go into any Oxford dictionaries.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that office-based workplaces in both the public and private sectors can return to 75 percent capacity from Monday 8 February 2021.
This is the next step in Victoria’s staged return to work and will be accelerated next week with new health advice allowing office-based workers to return to three fourth capacity.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, we are here to help and support businesses to return to full capacity as soon as possible.
“Victorians have worked so hard to fight this virus. We’ve built something precious, and we need to protect it.”
“From our new permit system to hotel quarantine and workplace COVIDSafe plans – these measures are fundamentally about keeping Victoria safe and open.”
With no evidence of community transmission in Victoria for 27 days now, both public sector and private sector office-based workplaces will be able to return.
From 8 Feb, up to 75% of workers in both the public & private sector can return to on-site work.
Face masks are not required to be worn in offices. But remember to wear them on public transport and whenever you can't maintain 1.5m distance.
Record-keeping requirements for workplaces will remain unchanged, which means an employer must keep a record of all workers and all visitors who attend the premises for longer than 15 minutes.
Legislation will be introduced into the Victorian Parliament this week to ensure the public health directions protecting Victorians from coronavirus – including requiring workplaces to have a COVIDSafe Plan – can continue to be enforced.
A number of key health protections required to manage this pandemic are only available when a State of Emergency has been declared under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 – such as hotel quarantine, mandatory face coverings in certain settings, and other restrictions to help slow the spread of the virus.
It allows the Government to run Victoria’s traffic light permit system, which provides invaluable information about who has entered Victoria and from where and the ability to identify areas of risk in Australia and prevent travel from those areas when they are deemed a risk to public health.
It also ensures public health risk powers can be exercised – for example, by requiring positive cases of coronavirus to isolate.
The current State of Emergency declared in respect of the coronavirus pandemic has a maximum period of 12 months, which will expire at 11:59 pm on 15 March 2021. The new legislation will permit the Government to extend the State of Emergency for an additional nine months in four-week increments – expiring at 11.59pm on 15 December 2021.
Until the vaccine is rolled out, Victorians need to continue in the fight against coronavirus and work to keep the entire community safe – and the State of Emergency allows the government to do exactly that.
Are you ready for ‘Holiday Here This Year’? Which part of Australia would you like to visit in 2021?
A new advertisement campaign has been launched today with the purpose to drive local tourism in Australia.
A week-long tourism advertisement blitz will encourage Australians to book domestic holidays and give the local tourism industry a much-needed boost.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said the advertising blitz was the first activation of Tourism Australia’s ‘Holiday Here This Year’ campaign for 2021.
“This campaign is all about capitalising on this pent up demand by providing those people with all the content and inspiration they need to convert this desire and yearning for a holiday into actual bookings,” Ms Harrison said. “Australians looking for further inspiration to plan their next Australian holiday should visit australia.com or talk to their local travel agent.”
This $5 million marketing push will inspire Australians to holiday in Australia by highlighting destinations, tourism products and experiences.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the campaign was part of the Morrison Government’s ongoing support for the tourism industry.
Mr Tehan said, “We want Australians to get excited about holidaying in Australia. Our country is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and this year is an opportunity for Australians to discover why.”
“This nation-wide advertising blitz will inspire Australians to plan and book their next domestic getaway in the weeks and months ahead. Domestic tourism is worth $100 billion to the Australian economy and our tourism industry supports more than 621,000 local jobs. My message to every Australian is do yourself a favour and start planning your next holiday in Australia because you’ll have the time of your life and you’ll also be supporting a lot of Australian jobs and businesses,” Mr Tehan added.
These are long-term awards administered with an aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia’s partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements.
These scholarships provide opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
It is a great way to develop the skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of your home countries.
Please note that the study programs must relate to your country’s priority areas for development.
Australia Awards Scholarships cover:
full tuition fees
return air travel–payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
establishment allowance–a once only payment as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, text books, study materials
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by the department.
Introductory Academic Program (IAP)–a compulsory program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on living and studying in Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only)–provided to cover the scholar’s basic medical costs (with the exception of pre-existing conditions)
Pre-course English (PCE) fees–if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
supplementary academic support may be available to ensure a scholar’s academic success or enhance their academic experience
fieldwork (for research awards and Masters by coursework which have a research component where fieldwork is compulsory) may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia.
Please note that successful applicants will need to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship.
Scholars are required to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship. Failure to do so will result in the scholar incurring a debt for the total accrued cost of their scholarship.
A Special Investigation Team probing fake degree racket in Himachal Pradesh (India) has found out that Manav Bharti University based in Solan sold 36,000 fake degrees for over a decade.
These degrees were sold across 17 states.
The investigation team comprising of local police, Enforcement Directorate and Income-Tax Department, also found out that only 5,000 degrees issued out of 41,000 were genuine.
According to the Tribune, the police team has arrested and revoked the passport of Mr Rajkumar Rana, Manav Bharti Charitable Trust’s Chairman.
While extradition proceedings to bring back Mr Raj Kumar Ran’a wife, son and daughter who are also trustees in the trust from Australia are in progress, reports the Times of India.
According to the Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, this entire scam was run with cash transactions.
Under PMLA, the Enforcement Directorate has attached Rs 194.17-cr properties and fixed deposits of main accused Raj Kumar Rana .
The scam is set to multiply manifold as the police team are still scanning the remaining 41 hard disks out of the 55 recovered from the university campus.
University Grants Commission had alerted the relevant authorities in 2019 about the fake degree racket run by Manav Bharti University in Solan since 2009.
From today (February 1), when you receive a prescription in Australia, it will list the name of the medication’s active ingredient rather than the brand name. So, for example, instead of receiving a prescription for Ventolin, your script will say “salbutamol”.
Using the name of the drug — instead of the brand name, of which there are often many — will simplify how we talk about and use medications.
This could have a range of benefits, including fewer medication errors by both doctors and patients.
What is an active ingredient?
The active ingredient describes the main chemical compound in the medicine that affects your body. It’s the ingredient that helps control your asthma or headache, for example.
Drugs are tested to ensure they contain exactly the same active ingredients regardless of which brand you buy.
There’s only one active ingredient name for each type of medical compound, although they may come in different strengths. Some types of medications may contain multiple active ingredients, such as Panadeine Forte, which contains both paracetamol and codeine.
There can be several brand names
Until now, doctors and other prescribers have used a mixture of brand and active ingredient names when prescribing medicines. An Australian study found doctors used brand names for 80.5% of prescriptions.
Different brands are available for most medications — up to 12 for some. Combined with active ingredient names, this equates to thousands of different names — too many for any patient, doctor, nurse or pharmacist to remember.
Here’s an example of the problem.
I ask John, a patient whom I’ve just met, whether he takes cholesterol medications, commonly called statins. The active ingredient names for this group of medications all end in “statin” (for example, pravastatin, simvastatin).
“Ummm, I’m not sure, is it a blue pill?” John asks.
“It could come in many colours. It might be called atorvastatin, or Lipitor,” I reply. “Perhaps rosuvastatin, or Crestor, or Zocor?”
“Ah yes, Crestor, I am taking that,” John exclaims, after deliberating for some time.
This is a common and important conversation, but could be simpler for both of us if John was familiar with the active ingredient name.
And while we did eventually come to the answer, this medication could have easily been overlooked, by both John and myself. This may have significant implications and interact with other medicines I might prescribe.
Cause for confusion
The main problem with using brand names for medications is the potential for confusion, as we see with John.
A prescription written using a brand name doesn’t mean you can’t buy other brands. And your pharmacist may offer to substitute the brand specified for an equivalent generic drug. So, people often leave the pharmacy with a medication name or package that bears no resemblance to the prescription.
When the terms we use to describe medicines in conversation, on prescriptions and what’s written on the medication packet can all be different, patients might not understand which medications they’re taking, or why.
This often leads to doubling up (taking two brands of the same medication), or forgetting to take a certain medication because the name on the package doesn’t match what’s written on your medication list or prescription.
Confusion resulting from using brand names has been associated with serious medication errors, including overdoses. Elderly people are the most susceptible, as they’re most likely to take multiple medications.
Even when the confusion doesn’t cause harm, it can be problematic in other ways. If patients don’t understand their medicines, they may be less likely to be proactive in making decisions with their doctor or pharmacist about their health care.
Health professionals can also get confused, potentially leading to prescribing errors.
What are the benefits of active ingredient prescribing?
The main benefit of the switch is to simplify the language around medications.
Once we become accustomed to using one standardised name for each medicine, it will be easier to talk about medicines, whether with a family member, pharmacist or doctor.
The better we understand the medications we’re using, the fewer errors we make, and the more control we can take over our medication use and decisions.
This change will also serve to promote choice.
When you’re prescribed a medicine with a certain name, you’re more likely to buy that brand. In some cases there may be generic medicines that are cheaper and just as effective. Or there may be other forms of the medication that better suit your needs, such as a capsule only available in another brand.
Not too much will change
This new rule is not expected to lead to extra work for doctors, pharmacists or other health professionals who prescribe medicines, as most clinical software will make the transition automatically.
Doctors can elect to still include the brand name on the prescription, if they feel it’s important for the patient. But aside from some limited exceptions, the active ingredient name will need to be listed, and will be listed first.
Some active ingredient names may be a bit longer and more complex than certain brand names, so there might be a period of adjustment for consumers.
But in the long term, this change will streamline terminology around medicines and make things easier, and hopefully safer, for everyone.
Next time you receive your prescription, have a look at the name of the active ingredient. Remember it, and use that name when you talk to your family, doctor and pharmacist.
Farmer unions have decided to block the national highways and state highways across the country for three hours on February 6 to press their demand for the repeal of three farm laws, Bhartiya Kisan Morcha (R) president, Balbir Singh Rajewal said on Monday. “We will block both state highways and national highways for three hours from 12 noon to 3 pm on February 6. We will protest for our demand of complete rollback of farm laws, against the repressive measures being taken across Delhi, and against anti-farmer and pro-corporate budget,” he said at a press conference organised by Samyukt Kisan Morcha. He said Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SMU) has constituted a committee to provide legal assistance to 128 persons arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the tractor rally on January 26. He said the committee will have three advocates. Swaraj India President Yogendra Yadav said that there is apprehension among farmers that the government moves are aimed at closing down FCI.
Perth and the Peel and South West regions of Western Australia will go into a five-day hard lockdown from 6pm local time on Sunday, after one new local COVID-19 case was detected in the state.
The new case is a male security guard who was working on the same floor as a person in quarantine with the UK coronavirus variant.
Contact tracing is underway, and residents have been asked to get a COVID test if they visited any of several venues listed as potential exposure sites.
The lockdown is currently scheduled to last until 6pm on Friday February 5, although Premier Mark McGowan has not ruled out extending the restrictions if necessary.
What do the restrictions mean?
Residents will only be allowed to leave home for four essential reasons: work or study, exercise, to shop for essentials or to access healthcare.
Schools, many of which were scheduled to begin on February 1, will remain closed for the coming week.
Face masks will be mandatory in the state when leaving home for essential reasons.
The WA state election campaign has been suspended, and Big Bash cricket fixtures and Perth Fringe Festival events cancelled for the duration of the lockdown.
McGowan said the lockdown is “a crucial reaction to keep the community safe”.
First run during #perthlockdown ☝️ Nearly everyone wearing masks (the one dude running with no mask, I saw you 👀 If I can run with a mask on so can you) Keep up the good work WA 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/mgzwa1AegH
— Caitlin Tilsed #kindnessinscience (@caitlintilsed) February 1, 2021
Border restrictions likely
McGowan has also recommended that other states suspend travel to WA — a blunt tool for dealing with outbreaks of this size.
Restricting travel from specific hotpots can be a successful circuit-breaker to disease transmission.
But hard border closures — particularly with no evidence of widespread community transmission — seem unnecessary and counterproductive at this stage, and are associated with a host of health and economic consequences.
Face masks, meanwhile, can certainly help reduce the risk of disease transmission, and thereby help keep borders open.
The lockdown will hopefully act as a circuit-breaker, minimising community transmission and allowing health authorities to trace and test anyone who might have been infected.
Disappointingly, meanwhile, Perth supermarkets were hit with a wave of panic-buying, similar to the scenes during previous lockdowns elsewhere.
This behavior is unnecessary and counterproductive. Shops will remain open, and people will still be able to buy what they need during the lockdown. Crowding into shops (especially without wearing masks) directly before the lockdown begins actually increases the risk of infection.
Is the lockdown an overreaction?
Back on January 13, WA’s chief health officer Andy Robertson suggested the state would likely enter a short, sharp lockdown if a coronavirus outbreak was detected within the community.
Going hard and fast was effective in South Australia, and also seems to have been quite effective in Queensland.
Queensland chief health officer Jeannette Young said the January 2021 lockdown did indeed act as a circuit-breaker, similar to SA’s November 2020 response, to stop the virus spreading out of control.
“I think Adelaide managed their outbreak brilliantly … it was probably one of the best responses in the country,” she said.
Last year, at the height of Melbourne’s second COVID wave, UNSW professor and epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws suggested public health officials were likely to be criticised regardless of their strategy.
“If we call it early, then the public thinks that we’re saying the sky is falling in. If we call it late, then you’re said to not be able to handle an outbreak. So you’re not going to win,” she said.
If health authorities are going to cop criticism either way, this suggests the best strategy is to err on the side of overreacting, rather than underreacting, and aim to be safe rather than sorry.
By this logic, Perth’s five-day circuit-breaker is simple common sense.
Erin Smith, Associate Professor in Disaster and Emergency Response, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
A novel strain of coronavirus — SARS-CoV-2 — was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, a city in China’s Hubei province with a population of 11 million, after an outbreak of pneumonia without an obvious cause. The virus has now spread to over 200 countries and territories across the globe, and was characterised as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020.
As of 10 January 2021, there were 88,828,387 laboratory-confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection globally, with 1,926,625 reported deaths. The number of cases and deaths outside of China overtook those within the country on 16 March 2020.
As of 31st January 2021, there have been 28811 confirmed cases of the virus in Australia and 909 of these have died. Infographic below from Department of Health indicated situation in various states and also other trends.
This gives a brief overview of the virus, with updates and general information. It does not substitute need for a consultation/ discussion with your doctor in specific situations.
What are coronaviruses?
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to a family of single-stranded RNA viruses known as coronaviridae, a common type of virus which affects mammals, birds and reptiles.
In humans, it commonly causes mild infections, similar to the common cold, and accounts for 10–30% of upper respiratory tract infections in adults[4]. More serious infections are rare, although coronaviruses can cause enteric and neurological disease. The incubation period of a coronavirus varies but is generally up to two weeks.
Previous coronavirus outbreaks include Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), first reported in Saudi Arabia in September 2012, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), identified in southern China in 2003. MERS infected around 2,500 people and led to more than 850 deaths while SARS infected more than 8,000 people and resulted in nearly 800 deaths. The case fatality rates for these conditions were 35% and 10%, respectively.
SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Although the incubation period of this strain is currently unknown, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure[6]. Chinese researchers have indicated that SARS-CoV-2 may be infectious during its incubation period.
The number of cases and deaths outside of China overtook those within it on 16 March 2020
Where has the new coronavirus come from?
It is currently unclear where the virus has come from. Originally, the virus was understood to have originated in a food market in Wuhan and subsequently spread from animal to human. Some research has claimed that the cross-species transmission may be between snake and human; however, this claim has been contested.
Mammals such as camels and bats have been implicated in previous coronavirus outbreaks, but it is not yet clear the exact animal origin, if any, of SARS-CoV-2.
How contagious is COVID-19?
Increasing numbers of confirmed diagnoses, including in healthcare professionals, has indicated that person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2 is common and each infected individual could infect between 1.4 and 2.5 people.
Similarly to other common respiratory tract infections, MERS and SARS are spread by respiratory droplets produced by an infected person when they sneeze or cough. Measures to guard against the infection work under the current assumption that SARS-CoV-2 is spread in the same manner.
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
As this coronavirus affects the respiratory tract, common presenting symptoms include fever and dry cough, with some patients presenting with respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache and myalgia) or even struggling for breath.
In severe cases, the coronavirus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death.
The case definition for COVID-19 is based on symptoms regardless of travel history or contact with confirmed cases. Diagnosis is suspected in patients with a new, continuous cough, fever or a loss or changed sense of normal smell or taste (anosmia). A diagnostic test is required in all suspected cases, and Australia has been quarantining suspected cases.
Who qualifies as a suspected COVID-19 case?
• fever
• dry cough
Other symptoms can include:
• shortness of breath
• sputum production
• fatigue
• sore throat
• loss of taste
• loss of smell
• diarrhoea
• nausea or vomiting
Less common symptoms include:
• headache
• myalgia/arthralgia
• chills
• nasal congestion
• haemoptysis
• conjunctival congestion
Older people may also have the following symptoms:
• increased confusion
• worsening chronic conditions of the lungs
• loss of appetite
Timeline of Covid 19 containment strategies in Australia
In March 2020, Australian government announced economic stimulus packages, closed international borders and implemented lockdown restrictions.
As the”curve flattened”, restrictions were eased in May 2020 but then reinstated in Victoria from June to October 2020.
31 December 2020
By this date, Australia recorded a total of 28,381 COVID cases and 909 deaths. The most affected state was Victoria, with 20,365 cases and 820 deaths, followed by NSW with 4,906 cases and 54 deaths, Queensland with 1,250 cases and 6 deaths, Western Australia with 859 cases and 9 deaths, South Australia with 575 cases and 4 deaths, the Australian Capital Territory with 118 cases and 3 deaths and the Northern Territory with 74 cases and 0 deaths.
The global tally reached 81, 475,053 confirmed COVID cases and 1,798,050 deaths reported to the WHO. The USA had the most confirmed cases (19,346,790), followed by India (10,266,674) and Brazil (7,563,551)
Australia’s response to Covid 19
Australia’s five-phase response to the pandemic included containment, reassurance amid uncertainty, cautious incrementalism, escalated national action and transition to a new normal.
Phase 1: Containment- mainly focussed on screening arrivals, quarantining vulnerable Australians and closing international borders.
Phase 2: Reassurance amid uncertainty- as number of cases remained low, health facilities were enhanced in preparation for increased demand.
Phase 3: Cautious incrementalism- self isolation of international arrivals, economic stimulus package and increased testing.
Phase 4: Escalated national action
As the number of cases began to increase, measures such as social distancing, canceling of elective surgery and progressive lockdown, school closures, increased testing, free childcare, increased economic support, and closure of interstate borders were initiated.
Phase 5: Transition to a new normal: measures such as social distancing, wearing of masks, contact tracing, ongoing requirements for testing, isolation, and quarantine.
The below infographic is from John Hopkins University and demonstrates quite clearly how effective Australia has been successful in containing Covid.
Testing for COVID-19
The following groups are prioritised for testing:
All people present with fever or acute respiratory illness (ARI). This represents the most important group on which to focus and increase testing.
Contacts of cases.
Asymptomatic testing in outbreak settings. There may be other circumstances where clinical and public health judgment lead to a decision to conduct asymptomatic testing. These groups include:
People at risk of exposure who present with atypical symptoms.
At-risk populations and settings where time-limited testing is used to provide an upper estimate of transmission in these groups or settings.
Economic stimulus package/ tax relief measures
Tax-free withdrawals from superannuation funds.
Tax-free payments made to certain employers (to support small and medium-sized businesses)
Tax depreciation write-off
Businesses can claim an immediate deduction for multiple assets, new or second-hand, provided each asset costs less than AU$150,000
Tasmania announced a waiver of payroll tax for the last four months of 2020
New South Wales announced AU$450 million for the waiver of payroll tax for businesses
Queensland businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak can defer their payroll tax payment for six months
Victoria- businesses with annual taxable wages up to $3 million had payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial year waived.
Jobkeeper package to support businesses who suffered the loss of income due to COVID
Jobseeker package
Landlord land tax relief
Rent deferral and rent relief
Medications – any concerns with COVID –19?
Concerns raised over use of medications for blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) and anti inflammatories (Ibuprofen) were investigated- no clear evidence that any of these should be avoided.
Guidelines for managing COVID-19 patients:
Many international resources are available – including WHO, National Institute of Health, CDC in the US, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, UK) guidelines on clinical management, treatment and use of experimental therapies. There are national guidelines developed by National Covid-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
Did the coronavirus cause any medicines shortages?
Anticipated shortages of chloroquine, azithromycin, dexamethasone, paracetamol and morphine, was managed by preventing parallel export of these medications. These were all tested as possible treatments for COVID 19. A further 150 medications, used in anaesthesia, intensive care and emergency were also banned from export. This preempted any serious drug shortages.
Are there drugs to treat COVID-19?
Information about COVID has evolved so quickly that it can be difficult for clinicians to feel confident that they are staying current.
While treatment for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting is currently limited to supportive therapy, over 1000 clinical trials are underway looking at a range of drug treatments. Here is a quick summary of the current state of evidence.
Remdesivir
Bottom line on remdesivir. Remdesivir is administered intravenously, limiting its use to hospitalized patients. However, phase 1 trials of an inhaled nebulized version were initiated in late June 2020 to determine whether remdesivir can be used on an outpatient basis and at earlier stages of disease.
Dexamethasone
Bottom line on dexamethasone. While steroids are not generally recommended for treatment of COVID-19 or any viral pneumonia, the UK RECOVERY trial changed that. IDSA guidelines include low-dose dexamethasone (6 mg orally or intravenously daily for 10 days) in patients requiring respiratory support. At present, the World Health Organization has cautioned clinicians to reserve use for severely ill patients.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
Bottom line on HCQ. While some continue to tout its benefit, particularly if given early in the course of infection, there is little evidence at this time to support its use at any stage of illness.
Other Antimicrobials
In the race to find an effective therapy, clinicians around the world have launched trials of a wide range of agents, with almost universally disappointing results.
Azithromycin: While some initial trials of azithromycin in combination with HCQ were promising, later results have not held up and major cardiology organizations now warn against the combination. There are no recommendations for use of this antimicrobial.
A Grab Bag of Other Drugs
Convalescent plasma.
Colchicine.
Nitric oxide.
Zinc.
Monoclonal antibodies.
Summary:
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread around the world, over 3500 clinical studies have been registered as per WHO database.
Such rapid development and launch of clinical trials is impressive but presents challenges, including the potential for duplication and competition.
There is currently no known effective treatment for COVID‐19.
Is there a vaccine and how do vaccines work?
There are hundreds of Covid-19 vaccines in development, and some have produced very positive results in phase III clinical trials. Some countries including USA, UK, India, Brazil and china have vaccinated millions of people and are continuing this on a war footing.
All vaccines work by teaching our bodies to recognise and fight the pathogen in a safe way. They encourage our immune system to produce antibodies, T-cells or both, so that if we encounter the infection later our immune system knows how to defend against it.
Viral vector vaccines
A harmless virus is altered by introducing part of the disease-causing virus’ genetic code, such as the code for Covid-19’s ‘spike’ protein.
The harmless virus transports the code into our cells – in a similar way to RNA vaccines – which then start to produce the protein.
This triggers an immune response, priming our immune system to attack the real virus later.
Oxford-AstraZeneca is the first viral vector vaccine to be approved for Covid-19. More are in late-stage research, such as CanSino Biologics, Gamaleya Research Institute and Janssen. They all use adenoviruses – a group of viruses that cause the common cold – as the vector or carrier.
Another example of a viral vector vaccine is the Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) Ebola vaccine – it uses the vesicular stomatitis virus as the carrier.
RNA vaccines
Messenger RNA is a sequence of genetic code which our bodies use all the time – it tells our cells what proteins to build so they can function.
To produce an RNA vaccine, scientists develop a synthetic version of the virus’ messenger RNA.
When this is injected into our bodies, cells read it as an instruction to start building the relevant viral protein, for example Covid-19’s ‘spike’ protein. This prompts our immune system to respond, and in doing so it learns how to protect against future Covid-19 infection.
Two RNA Covid-19 vaccines have been approved for use: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Both have reported high levels of vaccine efficacy – around 95%.
They are the first RNA vaccines ever to be approved for use against any disease. However, researchers have been using the technology for a while, and people have been given RNA vaccines in clinical trials for other diseases, like cancer.
‘Whole’ virus vaccines
These vaccines could be:
Inactivated – a version of the virus is inactivated by being exposed to heat, chemicals or radiation.
Virus-like particle – a version of the virus, closely resembling the real thing, is created artificially, however it doesn’t contain any genetic material, so it’s not infectious.
These vaccines cannot cause the disease, but will cause our bodies to produce an immune response which will protect against future infection.
Some of the most advanced inactivated Covid-19 vaccines in development include Sinovac, Bharat Biotech and two by Sinopharm. Examples of existing inactivated vaccines include the whooping cough, rabies and hepatitis A vaccines.
One vaccine in phase III clinical trials is virus-like particle: Medicago Inc. An example of an existing vaccine is the HPV/cervical cancer vaccine.
Protein subunit vaccines
A small piece of the virus’ genetic code is inserted into another cell – perhaps a bacterial, yeast, mammalian or insect cell. The code contains instructions for this cell to start building the virus protein, for example the Covid-19 ‘spike’ protein.
Cells like this act as factories, building large quantities of the protein – which is then extracted, purified and used as the active ingredient in the vaccine.
When it is injected, our bodies learn to recognise the viral protein so that they can mount an immune response which protects against future infection.
Some of the most advanced Covid-19 vaccines using this approach include Novavax and Chinese Academy of Sciences.
An example of an existing protein subunit vaccine is for hepatitis B, which uses yeast cells to build the virus protein.
How do the different Covid-19 vaccines compare?
The different vaccine approaches present different opportunities and challenges, which is why we’ll need a range of vaccines to get control of the pandemic.
The containment of this pandemic depends on worldwide control, through vaccines that need to be made affordable and accessible to all countries.
Low-income countries may face challenges of procurement, storage, and distribution of vaccine- equitable access needs to be ensured.
In Short: Most people are not aware that numerous Hindu deities are very actively worshipped in Japan. In fact, there are hundreds of shrines to Saraswati alone. There are innumerable representations of Lakshmi, Indra, Brahma, Ganesha, Garuda and other deities. In fact, deities we have practically forgotten in India, such as Vayu and Varuna are still worshipped in Japan. Sanskrit letters are to be found in practically every home in Japan. The ‘havan’ is conducted in more than 1,200 temples every day in Japan, with Sanskrit chanting. In many ways, Japan has preserved ancient Hindu traditions, even when they may have evolved in India
Hindu Deities
Most people are not aware that at least a score of Hindu deities are very actively worshipped in Japan. In fact, there are hundreds of shrines to Saraswati alone. There are innumerable representations of Lakshmi, Indra, Brahma, Ganesha, Garuda and other deities. In fact, even deities practically forgotten in India, such as Vayu and Varuna, are still worshipped in Japan. In many ways, Japan has preserved very ancient Indian traditions, even when they may have evolved in India. As an instance, in Japan, Saraswati is depicted and venerated not only with the Veena, but also remembered for her association with water. (One may recall that Saraswati is originally the personification of the river by that name.) Therefore, she is also worshiped in pools of water in Japan. The most important lake in Japan is named after Saraswati’s Veena, called Biwa in Japanese.
Sanskrit
The 6th-century Siddham script is preserved in Japan, though it is not in current use in India. ‘Beejaksharas’ of Sanskrit in this script is regarded as holy and is given great importance. Each deity has a ‘Beejakshara’ and these are venerated by the people, even though most of them cannot read it.
Homa
The ‘havan’ is performed in more than 1,200 Japanese temples, at least once every day, along with Sanskrit chanting. Many links in the development of Vajrayana Buddhism can be found in a study of Japanese Buddhism. The continuance of the tradition of ‘homa’ is seen in some of the most important Japanese Buddhist sects, who call it ‘goma’. Sanskrit sutras are also chanted on the occasion.
Language
Very many words in the Japanese language are from Sanskrit. Sanskrit was also the basis for the formation of the Japanese alphabet ‘Kana’. This is what makes it possible for Japanese priests to chant in Sanskrit, even if they cannot read the Sanskrit alphabet.
In the prayer books, mantras are written both in Sanskrit and in Japanese ‘Kana’. ‘Kana’ is based on the phonetics of Sanskrit and this makes it possible for the priests to chant the mantras perfectly.
Japan and India
India’s relationship with Japan is far closer than most seem to be aware. It is time to understand this and to build upon this shared culture. In fact, culture provides the discipline, meaning and concentration in life, which makes us truly successful in all that we do.
Ancient India was the originator of great ethical traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism. Japan is to be credited with the continuance of ethical values in modern times. Japan is the one country where Buddhism is flourishing in all its facets, including the widespread worship of Hindu deities and the importance given to Sanskrit.
By Benoy K Behl,Culture Historian
“He is a film-maker, art historian, and photographer who is known for his tireless and prolific output of work over the past 44 years. He has taken over 53,000 photographs of Asian monuments and art heritage and made 145 documentaries which are regularly screened at major cultural institutions worldwide. His photographic exhibitions have been warmly received in 74 countries around the world. These have been inaugurated by ministers of the governments of various countries, ambassadors, archbishops, and other dignitaries. He holds the Limca Book Record for being the most traveled photographer and art historian.”
The last 72 hours have been filled with hectic meetings full of tension, anger, resolute to fight back for a large segment of the Indian Australian community in Melbourne after threats of harm to family and property both in Australia and India from banned terrorist organisation Babber Khalsa.
Amid, allegedly disrespect shown to the Indian national flag in India’s national capital New Delhi during the “Farmers Tractor Parade” on 26th January (Indian Republic day) a group of Indian Australians decided to organise “Stand with India” flag-raising ceremony at Victoria State Parliament.
This poster was relased on 27 January morning by the organising group on multiple social media channels in Melboune.
Unsuspecting community members liked and wrote comments about joining the gathering however within few hours a lot of them started receiving threat messages allegedly from terrorist organisation Babber Khalsa.
The text of the message is in the Punjabi language, however, a rough translation was done by a community member shows the gravity of the matter.
Translation:
“Today Sikh Panth is going through very hard times. Indian govt attacked Darbar sahib on 6th June and they killed many innocents including kids and ladies. Being the leader Bhai Sukhdev Singh Ji Babbar on 23 march 1983 announced that we will get our freedom from India and will make our own country. Indian govt trying pushdown so that Punjab cant fight against them. The people who are on the side of the Indian govt. against Khalistan will be monitored. The rally which is on the side of govt (who is a murderer of innocents and bought three farmer bills again against farmers) should not have happened). Especially in Australia, the rally which is happening on 31 Jan 2021 by Modi bhagats and many more places and countries will be our target. The people who are supporting the killer Indian govt if anything happens to them then they will be responsible for their loss. For Khalsa everyone’s equal but if anyone supporting them, this is a warning to them.“
Nikhil Wadhwa* is a software engineer living in Melbourne for the last 16 years. He says, I come from Jalandhar in Punjab state and have grown up in the time of terrorism in Punjab.
“Never in my dreams I thought of getting a threat from terorist outfit ‘Babber Khalsa’ that too living in Australia.”
“It was a shock, I immediately locked all my social media accounts and informed family in India to be vigilant, said Mr. Wadhwa.
The Australia Today has talked to a number of people who have reported the matter to the authorities.
Below email is one of them shared with us.
Ravi Prakash* comes from Gujarat state in India and runs his own business.
He told The Australia Today, “I have filed a complaint with Australian Federal Police and I am writing to Victorian and Federal MP’s to inform them of this problem cropping in Australia.”
Parvinder Singh* has worked with a lot of community organisations as a social worker in the last 20 years after coming to Melbourne as an international student.
“If action is not taken by the Government today, it will be very bad for the future of Australia, as these extremists will not stop only with threats. Something needs to be done before anything happens,”
“Definitely we are worried about our family’s safety in India. Even though we have decided to register a formal complaint with Australian Federal Police, what’s most concerning is the presence of overseas terror groups in Australia. We have sought support from migrant help organisations and will be presenting a request to the Australian Government through our local MP”s to investigate the terror group supporters and sympathisers in Australia.” said Mr. Singh.
Mr. Wadhwa says, There is no place for such threats in Australian democratic society and these threats can’t scare us. We will continue to work as ambassadors of India and Australia to enhance the relationship between the two great nations.
Note: *All names have been changed to protect the identity as per the request from security agency.
A new study has discovered that mobile apps can play a vital role in helping immigrants integrate into new cultures, as well as provide physical and mental health benefits. The findings of the study were published in the journal ‘Computers in Human Behavior’. Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) surveyed new migrants and refugees undertaking free beginners’ language classes in Greece, often the first destination for people arriving into Europe from Africa and Asia, over a 10-month period.
On mobile applications, artificial intelligence and immigrants’ societal integration and overall level of integration, health and mental health. Does Artificial Intelligence Enhance Outcomes? in Computers in Human Behavior, 117(Apr…https://t.co/7HpsnfOg5chttps://t.co/DUJj3sUWb8
Professor Nick Drydakis, Director of the Centre for Pluralist Economics at ARU, said, “AI apps work by providing services like customised search results, peer-reviewed e-learning, professional coaching on pronunciation, real-time translations, and virtual communication for finding possible explanations for health conditions. Our study found these to be of significant benefit for migrants in relation to integration, health, and mental health.” “The World Health Organisation recommends the use of health apps in improving services, particularly for vulnerable populations. Mobile applications and AI, if used correctly, can clearly benefit the lives of people arriving in an unfamiliar new country – however around a third of people we surveyed did not possess a smartphone, potentially providing a barrier to these benefits,” added Drydakis.
The findings showed that those using mobile apps aided by artificial intelligence (AI), such as language assistants, customised information sites, or health symptom trackers, experienced 5.3 percent better health status, and increased social integration by 2.7 percent. Other, non-AI applications, such as those to signpost public services, improved general health status by a much smaller amount, under 1 percent.
The professor further noted that the study is the first to examine the use of mobile applications to support migrants’ needs in relation to societal integration and quantify associations between mobile applications, health, mental health, and integration for migrants, and assess the role of AI in enhancing these outcomes.
The statue of the tallest leader of India and Father of Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) was cut off at the ankles and had the head sawed in half in Davis’ Central Park, California.
It was found on Wednesday (27 January) morning toppled and lying on the grass next to its plinth. The 6-foot-tall, 950-pound bronze likeness appeared to have been sawed off at the ankles and half its face was severed and missing.
Incidently today 30 January is Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary.
As per the media reports The statue was found after a night when wind and heavy rainfall knocked out power in much of downtown Davis. “City staff discovered vandalism to the statue of ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ in Central Park this morning while surveying storm damage,” Davis City Councilman Lucas Frerichs wrote Wednesday night in a Facebook comment.
“The statue is being removed and will be stored in a safe place until it can be evaluated.”
The bronze statue was gifted by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and erected in Davis Central Park, California in 2016.
Hindu American Foundation’s (HAF) California Advocacy Director Easan Katir, a former member of the Davis Business and Finance Commission, in a statement said,
“We condemn this cowardly desecration and call upon the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to investigate this hate crime, as it was likely done with the intention of intimidating the Indian American community. We urge local police to apprehend the perpetrators and call upon the city council to resurrect the statue as a statement that such destructive acts are not in harmony with our community standards.”
This is not the first time Mahatma Gandhi’s statue is being targeted.
Last month on 12 December 2020, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Washington DC’s Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza in front of the Indian embassy was defaced.
In a viral video doing the rounds of social media, one of the ‘Anti-Adani’ and anti farm bill protestors can be seen assaulting an Indian Consulate of Melbourne official.
The incident happened on 26 January at the foray of the Indian Consulate building in Melbourne while the Indian Australian community was celebrating the 72nd Republic Day of India.
See Video:
Between the republic day function, when a consulate staff tried to take photographs of the protestors, a man allegedly ‘elbowed’ the staff making him drop his mobile. The entire incident took place in the presence of a Victoria Police officer and hundreds of Facebook Live audience.
The group lead by predominantly Anti-Adani/Anti Farm law activists can be seen shouting slogans against India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MP Amit Shah, and businessperson Gautam Adani.
“GO BACK, ADANI.”
Their banners read.
NO FARMER NO FOOD
Indian origin Tim Singh Laurence is Councillor with Darebin Council, also spoke at the protest gatthering.
However, when one of the speakers tried to incite separatist sentiment of the “Khalistan” movement some of the protesters left the gathering.
They were heard saying in the video, “We didn’t come here for this.”
A highly placed official in the Consulate has told THE AUSTRALIA TODAY, ‘No Police report’ is yet filled with Victoria Police however the whole incident happened in front of the police officers deployed at the consulate gates.
THE AUSTRALIA TODAY IS WAITING FOR A OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM THE INDIAN CONSULATE IN MELBOURNE.
Story will be updated after receving responce from anyone linked to the incidence.
Please write to admin@theaustraliatoday.com.au for any information.
Mahatma Gandhi, regarded as ‘father of the nation’ in India, was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.
He had once said, “If I’m to die by the bullet of a mad man, I must do so smiling. God must be in my heart and on my lips.”
Uttering “Hey Ram”, the 79 yo had breathed his last breath.
To pay respect to ‘Bapu’, Martyrs Day or ‘Shaheed Divas’ is observed on January 30 every year in India.
WATCH VIDEO: ‘De Di Hamen Azadi Sabarmati Ke Sant’ from Jagriti (1954)
Before suffering the final fatal blow by Nathuram Godse, Gandhiji had been subjected to five failed assassination attempts.
In the book “Beyond Doubt – A Dossier on Gandhi’s Assassination” (2015), edited by the Indian journalist and civil rights activist, Teesta Setalvad, all the five murder attempts were documented.
First attempt – 25 June 1934 – Pune – Car bomb
Second attempt – July 1944 – Panchgani – Dagger
Third attempt – September 1944 – Mumbai – Dagger
Fourth attempt – June 1946 – near Pune – Train crash
Fifth attempt – 20 January 1948 – Delhi – Bomb
On 30 June 1946, speaking at a prayer meeting in Pune, Gandhiji said:
“By the grace of God, I have escaped from the jaws of death. I have not hurt anybody. I cant understand why there are so many attempts on my life. Yesterday’s attempt to failed. I will not die yet, I aim to live till the age of 125.”
Godse assassinated Gandhiji in the compound of Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti). He was waiting in the crowd and as soon as Gandhi began to walk toward the dais, Godse stepped out flanking Gandhiji’s path and fired three bullets into his chest and abdomen at point-blank range.
Godse was immediately captured by members of the crowd and handed over to the police. He was sentenced to death on 8 November 1949 and hanged in the Ambala Jail on 15 November 1949.
Nathuram Godse
Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, speech on the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was telecasted on All India Radio on the evening of January 30, 1948.
WATCH VIDEO: “Light has gone out” by Jawaharlal Nehru on Gandhi’s death
The central government has instructed all states and union territories to observe two minutes’ silence at 11 am on January 30 to pay respect to those who lost their lives during the struggle for India’s freedom.
“In the past, it has been observed that while two minutes’ silence is observed in some offices, the general public goes about its occupation in the ordinary course, unmindful of the solemnity of the occasion. The State and Union territories governments are requested to ensure that the Martyrs’ Day is observed with due solemnity,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (India) said in its order.
March 23 is also celebrated as Martyrs Day or ‘Shaheed Divas’ to pay respect to Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, who were hanged death on this day in 1931.
On this day, let us not forget the sacrifice of all our freedom fighters.
WATCH VIDEO: Lata Mangeshkar SINGING ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo’
The hijab is now an official part of the New Zealand Police uniform with Constable Zeena Ali (30 yo) who has become the first member of NZ police to graduate wearing the hijab as part of her uniform.
Born in Fiji, Zeena Ali moved to New Zealand with her family when she was a child. She was inspired to join the NZ police to help her Muslim community after the Christchurch terror attack.
During her training, the Royal New Zealand Police College Staff arranged for her special Halal meals and made a prayer room available for her. This was revealed in a social media post of the New Zealand Police.
After receiving queries from young Muslim women as to why there was no hijab as part of the police uniform, police and design experts from Massey University developed a hijab that can be worn as part of the uniform.
“Having a police-branded hijab means women, who may not have previously considered policing can do so now. It’s great how the Police incorporated my religion and culture. … I am thrilled the Police went out of their way to make sure the hijab I have on meets health and safety requirements as well as my own personal needs,” Zeena Ali said in an Instagram post.
This new hijab has started attracting international attention with United Kingdom’s Leicestershire Muslim Police Association also trialling the new hijab.
In Australia, Maha Sukkar of Victoria Police wore a hijab in 2004 and in the UK, the Metropolitan Police in London and Police Scotland approved a uniform hijab in 2006 and 2016 respectively.
In 2020, Pc Uzma Amireddy, North Yorkshire Police’s positive action coordinator, had said that the hijab given to her by North Yorkshire Police was uncomfortable.
So, she along with Pc Arfan Rahouf, the operational lead for faith and belief in UK police, got involved in the development of a practical and comfortable hijab for UK police’s female officers.
With the success of developing and introducing hijab as part of police uniform in the UK and New Zealand, it is hoped that it would make inclusion and diversity a key agenda for the police service in non-Muslim countries.
Here are some other non-Muslim countries allowing hijab as part of female police officers’ uniform.
INZ’s two emails before Christmas (23 December 2020) were sent directly to applicants instead of their adviser or lawyer.
Who does this email error impact?
Partners and dependent children of migrant workers or student visa holders where the partner or parent (principal visa holder) does not hold one of the visas listed below (and expiring between 1 January and 30 June 2021) will not have had their visa extended.
•Essential Skills Visa •Some Work to Residence Visas •Special and Skilled work visas for China, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam •Special category work visas for Japanese Interpreters and Thai Chefs •Employer-specific work visas granted under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009 •Fishing Crew Visa •Religious Worker Visa •Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
Education New Zealand (ENZ), New Zealand’s government agency for building international education, has reported about INZ’s email error on its webpage:
“Due to an administrative error, some partners and dependents of international students with work rights may have received an email from INZ on 23 December 2020 that incorrectly stated their visas may have been eligible for a six month extension. Student visas have not been extended.
Those who received the email incorrectly will need to apply for a further visa or arrange to depart New Zealand before their current visa expires. Further information on applying for visas is available on the Immigration New Zealand website or an immigration professional can help.
We acknowledge this is a stressful process for students and their families.”
INZ said about a third of the 13,000 people who were sent an email about visa extensions should not have received it. They are contacting visa holders who received these error emails to clarify eligibility and apologise for any confusion caused.
Indian Australians at Airport, PictureSource: Twitter @RameshDutta
The Government of India on Thursday extended the ban on international scheduled commercial flights to and from India till February 28 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “In partial modification of circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 28th February 2021. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA,” the government circular read.
“However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis,” it added. Earlier, the DGCA had extended the restriction on flights between India and the UK till February 14 to contain the spread of a new strain of COVID-19.
International travel of more than 5.1 million people has been facilitated since 6 May 2020, the day we launched Vande Bharat Mission to reach out to our distressed & stranded citizens around the world. Now in Phase-8, the mission continues undaunted… pic.twitter.com/kegHwRUqpw
Prior to this, several countries, including India, had suspended flight operations to the UK last month in the wake of the new mutant strain which was discovered in the United Kingdom.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, said the government intends to make changes to allow further temporary concessions for Parent visa applicants.
He said in a written statement, “Morrison Government continues to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on visa holders and is actively reviewing the settings for various visas in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 on an ongoing basis.”
Parent visa changes announced. This temporary measure will allow eligible applicants unable to travel offshore due to COVID-19 to be granted their visa here.
In November the federal government announced visa changes to support applicants in five Family visa subclasses impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“The Government is pursuing changes to allow certain Parent visa applicants who have applied for their visa outside Australia to be granted that visa while in Australia during the COVID-19 period,” Minister Hawke said.
The changes would apply to:
Parent (subclass 103) visa
Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa
Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa.
The minister said, “This temporary concession would apply to Parent visa subclasses and will allow eligible applicants who are in Australia and unable to travel offshore due to COVID-19 impacts to be granted that visa.”
The current processing arrangements and timeframes for Parent visa applications will not be impacted.
These changes are to take effect in the first quarter of 2021. Those unable to depart should refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ website for information about options for remaining lawfully in Australia.
Information about the measures the Government has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is regularly updated and available on the Department’s website at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/.
The report notes that the state’s universities enrol a majority of their international students from a small number of countries, namely China, India and Nepal.
Students from these three countries generated $2.4 billion in revenue to NSW universities.
In Chair’s foreword, the Chair Hon Mark Latham MLC has observed: “For many years they have been building up overseas student numbers and income, particularly from China, to cross-subsidise their research efforts. … Could a greater mess be constructed in modern Australia? Making our universities more reliant on China, and inevitably more exposed to Chinese political interference, while running down the quality of student teaching and undergraduate outcomes, solely for the purpose of cross-subsidising the post-modernist slosh that comes out of many faculties and research centres?” (page ix).
The NSW inquiry report observes on page 93 that during their inquiry, the committee received evidence about the risks of foreign political interference posed by foreign nationals especially from China.
The committee has received evidence of a number of other protective and risk mitigation strategies that the NSW universities have put in place against foreign political interference.
The report points out that universities with significant dependencies on students from the abovementioned countries could be vulnerable to changes in international education demand.
During the inquiry, many university representatives spoke very favourably of the financial, economic, cultural and reputational benefits of the NSW’s international student intake.
“International students represent over 38 per cent of the total tourism spend in Australia and one in four international students have family visit Australia, bringing another 300,000 visitors who spend over $1billion in Australia each year,” the report notes.
But the inquiry received conflicting evidence about where the revenue from international students was being invested.
Dr Salvatore Babones, Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, provided evidence to the committee that “over the past decade Australian universities had expanded their research capacity using international student income but had not invested the revenue into the university student experience.”
Given the challenges facing Australian universities, the report notes on page 22 that the committee is concerned with the vast disparity “between the salaries paid to senior university administrators and the casual and insecure payments made to so many of the staff who actually conduct the teaching and research in universities.”
In the current system many University Vice Chancellors are paid 25 or 30 times more than many of the people undertaking the core work of universities.
The committee has recommended that this matter should be reviewed by the Auditor-General.
Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan Indian Foreign Services officer of the 2004 batch has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Fiji.
Presently, Mr Karthigeyan is serving as Deputy High Commissioner in the High Commission of India, Australia.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, We are working on all newly appointed High Commissioners to take charge as soon as possible, however COVID19 situation in some countries will be a challenge.”
He is a Career Diplomat belonging to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS: 2004). A Post Graduate in Economics from the University of Madras, prior to joining the IFS, he worked in the Public Sector banking industry and also in the private manufacturing sector in India.
He has earlier served in Damascus (Syria) and Male (Maldives). Mr. Karthigeyan also headed the Passport Operations in Bangalore, with jurisdiction over the South Indian State of Karnataka, and was Director (North) during his stint in India. At the end of April 2018, he assumed charge as the Deputy High Commissioner in the High Commission of India to Australia. From October 2019 for few months he was also the Acting HighCommissioner.
Indian Australians will remember him for his approchability and soft mannerism. He spearheaded the “Vande Bharat Mission”, a massive repatriation process initiated by the Indian government amid COVID-19 pandamic.
In a TikTok video doing the rounds of social media, a group of young Indian men can be seen allegedly burning and then stomping a Khalistan flag.
The video is allegedly reported from Harris Park in Sydney, Australia.
The young men can be seen shouting slogans: ” Vande Maatram,” Hindustan Zindabad,” “Bharat Matram ki Jai,” “Har Har Mahadev,” and “Khalistan Murdabad.”
Few people who do not want to be named told The Australia Today these youths and community at large is dismayed by Pro-Khalistan rallies in Australia on Indian republic day 26 January.
In August 2020, a band of pro-India supporters had clashed with a group of pro-Khalistani supporters at Harris Park.
The 2020 brawl on the streets of western Sydney ensued over an argument on TikTok where pro-Khalistani and anti-India content was posted.
Two men were charged after the riot squad was called in to break up the brawl between a group of between 30 and 40 people.
WATCH VIDEO: (Profanity Alert)
Apparently, the matter has not deescalated with Framers’ tractor rally in India being hijacked by pro-Khalistan sympathisers.
A viral video was also circulated in social media groups where some men can be seen desecrating the Indian national flag while shouting slogans of “Khalistan zindabad”.
Others around the man can be heard shouting slogans such as “never forget 1984”, “Khalistan zindabad” and “India out of Khalistan”.
In their statements, the Sikhs of America (SoA) slammed the SFJ for the protest and American Hindu Coalition (AHC) expressed deep dismay at the SFJ attempt to burn the Indian flag.
Once again, Indian-origin people living in Australia have started commenting on social media by condemning the actions of the young men as “disgraceful behaviour” and called it “unacceptable.”
Many are of the opinion that such behaviour by Sikhs and Hindus will spoil the image of the community in Australia.
The protesting farmer who died at ITO during Indian Republic day’s tractor parade has been identified as Navreet Singh Hundal from the Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh.
As per media reports he had recently returned from Australia. He was camping at ‘Ghazipur border’ for around a week to participate in the tractor parade.
Navreet Singh Hundal.
A senior Delhi Police official told The Indian Express, “The family told us they didn’t know Navreet was in Delhi and protesting in Delhi. They had said Navreet had left home to meet a relative at Bajpur (located in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district).” The 27-year old protestor from Uttar Pradesh’s Bilaspur, who came to the Ghazipur border a week before the parade, was living in Australia with his wife and parents and was studying agriculture.
Video footage of the incident was circulated on social media, it shows a blue tractor crashing through yellow Delhi Police barricades at high speed before rolling over twice and coming to rest by the side of the road.
After the crash protestors draped the body in ‘Tricolour’ and kept it at the ITO crossing, not allowing the police to send it for post-mortem. The farmers kept insisting on taking back the body to the village at the earliest.
This is how the man tried to break the barricade at a high speed and crashed his Tractor. Died at the spot. pic.twitter.com/XBAtEIJfbE
Delhi Police has detained 200 people in connection with the violence that broke out in various parts of the national capital during the farmers’ tractor rally in the city on Tuesday. In a statement, the Delhi Police on Wednesday said that the “detained persons will be arrested soon.” A total of 22 FIRs have been registered regarding the violence in which over 300 police personnel were injured.
It has been brought to the media and Senator’s notice that perpetrator had been on bail when the crime occurred.
Senator Jacqui Lambie warned that more lives would be lost if there weren’t changes made to the law.
“I can tell you what the solution is … it’s time for tough love. Whether that means we put the discussion of national service back on the table. There’s some really great (boot) camps out there that have an 85 per cent success rate,” Senator Jacqui Lambie added.
National service is compulsory service in the military that involves boys from the age of 12 through to men in their mid-20s.
The last National Service Scheme was introduced in 1964 when conflicts in Southeast Asia raised fears about Australia’s security.
Between 1964 and 1972, more than 804,000 men registered for national service.
School is back for 2021, and some students will get extra help this year. Students who fell behind in their learning during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 will be eligible for extra tutoring in Victoria and New South Wales.
Governments have invested more than half a billion dollars in our two biggest states to help kids bounce back. Data released late last year showed after almost two months of learning from home, NSW students had fallen, on average, three to four months behind in year 3 reading, and two to three months behind in year 5 reading and numeracy. Year 9 students were up to four months behind in numeracy.
Disadvantaged students are likely to have been hardest hit. A Grattan Institute report estimated the achievement gap between disadvantaged students and the rest widens three times more quickly during remote schooling.
Here’s what we know about these new tutoring schemes.
The new programs should be worth it. Evidence from the UK and US suggests a good tutoring program can provide students with around four months of additional learning over one to two school terms.
BREAKING: The Victorian Government will spend $250M on 4100 tutors across all schools to make sure students won’t be left behind in 2020. 80% of the tutors are expected to be women. #SpringSt#COVID19Vic@10NewsFirstpic.twitter.com/uiJjmmrp1D
And they can help to close the pre-existing achievement gap for disadvantaged students, which is much greater than the gap caused by the losses during COVID-19 disruptions. In Australia, disadvantaged students from families where parents’ education is low are, on average, about three years behind their more privileged peers by Year 9.
How the new schemes will work
All government schools — and a small number of non-government schools — have been given funding for tutoring, with more money going to disadvantaged schools with many students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
About one in five students — targeted to those who need it most — will get tutoring.
Small groups of up to five students will work with tutors each week at school. Schools will determine whether sessions are run either in or outside of class time, and in NSW we understand there is a possibility of after-school sessions as well.
Teacherswill select the students, which means parents don’t need to think about whether their child needs the tutoring or not.
If parents have concerns about their child either missing out or not wanting to participate, they should discuss this with their school.
How to get the most out of the tutoring program
Teachers will need to accurately identify which students have been struggling and why. They will need to make judgements using a range of assessments, including student tests, classroom observations or student interviews.
Even though teachers make these assessments every day in regular teaching, it is hard to do well. Some teachers will need extra support to do this, such as guidance from expert teachers or assessment specialists. It is a key step to get right.
Next, rigorous selection of tutors, and good training for them, will be key.
Evidence shows intensive tutoringwill work best, with short (for example 30 minutes) but regular sessions (between 3-to-5 times a week), over a sustained period (between 10-to-20 weeks).
Close working relationships between tutors and teachers will help ensure students get the support they need.
And perhaps most importantly, the quality of the teaching by the teacher and tutor will be critical. Teachers are likely to be swamped this year, and education departments should provide extra support to help teachers guide tutors as needed.
Guidance could include information on structured literacy and numeracy programs to help teachers and tutors adopt good practice, especially for students who have complex learning needs.
Programs include well-specified training, materials and teaching approaches. For literacy, for example, these programs can provide extra support on proven ways of teaching oral language skills or certain aspects of reading.
Education departments will need to keep an eye on the quality of candidates coming forward for tutoring roles, given a big workforce is being recruited fast with tight constraints on who can apply. If the pool of tutor candidates needs to be made bigger, evidence shows universitygraduates from a range of fields, not just education, can be good tutors too.
Schools will also need to take care to ensure students do not feel stigma about being identified for tutoring. Teachers will need to pay attention to student confidence, and avoid negative messaging or separating students on an ongoing basis, which can have negative impacts (also known as streaming).
Parents can explain to their child that extra tutoring support will help them catch up and feel more confident at school.
The tutoring schemes are an opportunity for governments to learn
The NSW and Victorian governments have taken on a mammoth task. Almost 10,000 tutors will be mobilised at short notice. And there are still many aspects of the tutoring program design where the evidence is not clear, such as around the exact nature of tutoring training.
It will not be a failure if some of the programs don’t work well. But it will be a problem if we don’t learn why.
Australia now has an opportunity to trial a promising initiative and to understand how it can work best. The tutoring schemes of the 2021 school year should be rigorously evaluated. Where possible, education departments should also run small-scale trials which test different tutoring approaches.
South Australia has also announced a small ($3.6 million) maths tutoring program, which provides a good opportunity for teachers to compare the tuition approaches in different states.
Recently, a Delhi-based senior cardiologist and Padma Shri recipient Dr K K Aggarwal got himself vaccinated against Covid-19 alone.
He was live-streaming himself when he received a call from his wife.
On phone, Dr Aggarwal had to face the wrath of his wife.
Mrs Aggarwal was heard scolding him over a phone call that is now viral on Twitter.
Dr K K Aggarwal was being recorded when he received a call from his wife.
When he confirmed receiving a shot, Mrs Aggarwal was heard asking “Why couldn’t you take me with you?”
This video of their conversation is now going viral on Twitter.
WATCH VIDEO:
Dr. Aggarwal can be heard explaining to his wife that while he had already received the vaccine, she would be able to get it on Monday.
“Main pata karne gaya tha aap logon ka, vo keh rahe the ‘khaali hai, lagwa lo’, toh maine lagwa li [I just went to check on the vaccine. They said get it done, so I got it].”
A furious Mrs Aggarwal was heard repeatedly saying, “Why couldn’t you take me with you?” and “Don’t lie to me.”
Mrs Aggarwal was not angry about the fact that Dr Aggarwal took the COVID-19 vaccine. Her anger was arooused because she could not accompany her husband to receive the vaccine alongside.
On Facebook, Dr K. K. Aggarwal published his COVID 19 vaccine experience :
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was unaware of Queensland’s plans to reopen its border to Greater Sydney next week until she heard about it live on air with 2GB host Ben Fordham.
NSW’s Premier Gladys Berejiklian says Ms. Palaszczuk’s office did not contact her office about the changes, but this decision has come as a relief.
“What do you know that I don’t?” she asked Fordham.
“I can tell you the news now if you’d like,” Fordham said, revealing the proposed relaxations.
“Fantastic, that’s good news,” Ms Berejiklian replied.
She further added, “We haven’t had a hotspot in NSW for a while and even if we do, the whole state doesn’t need to suffer. I hope this brings a lot of joy and relief to people and that people are reunited. That’s my wish for them.”
Deep Sidhu is in the dock for having allegedly instigated farmers’ protesters and making them unfurl a religious flag thus giving communal colour to the movement.
Deep Sidhu can be clearly seen alighting from his tractor and running away from the group confronting him about his intentions and accusing him of damaging the farmers’ movement.
The actor-turned-activist then takes a bike to ride away from Red Fort.
Later, Deep Sidhu posted a video on his Facebook page defending himself.
In the video, Deep Sidhu says, “How can I instigate lakhs of farmers? I am also a part of the ‘sangat’ [a group of protesting farmers], I am one of them itself”.
WTACH VIDEO:
Prior to this well-known actor-turned-politician BJP MP Sunny Deol has clarified that he or his family members have no links with actor Deep Sidhu.
“I have already made it clear through Twitter on December 6 that I or my family have no links with Deep Sidhu,” Sunny Deol tweeted on Tuesday night.
Indian Australian Tanveer Sangha, the 19-year-old legspinner, who has been in fine form in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Thunder, was also picked in the T20Is squad.
Tim Paine received strong support to continue as captain of Australia’s Test squad for the South Africa tour while fellow wicketkeeper Matthew Wade is left out of the test squad. Wade will instead tour New Zealand for the T20I series as Australia will lock horns both with the Kiwis and South Africa in February and March. The Australian T20I squad will be captained by Aaron Finch and coached by Andrew McDonald.
Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that the Australian men’s T20I squad to tour New Zealand will not change irrespective of the outcome of discussions between Cricket South Africa and CA regarding the Australian men’s Test tour of South Africa. “In a World Cup year, it is exciting to select a squad that combines some of the biggest names in international T20 cricket with the best emerging players in the country,” said National Selector Trevor Hohns.
The National Selection Panel has today announced the Qantas Australian men’s Twenty20 International squad to tour New Zealand and the Qantas Australian men’s Test squad to tour South Africa.
“Adam Zampa has developed into one of the best spinners in international white-ball cricket and we have been most impressed by Tanveer Sangha, who has been brilliant throughout the pathways and with the Sydney Thunder this season,” he added. Meanwhile, the Australian Test squad would be captained by Paine and coached by Justin Langer. CA has previously stated its intention to complete the three-Test tour of South Africa, which forms part of the Future Tours Program and the World Test Championship. The tour is subject to final sign-off between the CSA and CA boards. “The squad is quite similar to that selected for the final two Tests of the recently-completed Border-Gavaskar series, with the exception of Matt Wade, who will join the Australian men’s T20I squad in New Zealand, and the addition of Alex Carey, who has been in strong form with both bat and gloves,” said Hohns. “Tim Paine was excellent at No.7 against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain still has much to offer in the Test arena,” he added
JUST IN: Thunder teenager Tanveer Sangha joins Philippe and Meredith as uncapped players named in Australia's 18-man squad for the upcoming T20I series across the Tasman.#NZvAUS | @Dave_Middletonhttps://t.co/aJpJr34mQx
Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, National Teams said he looked forward to Paine once again leading Australia in the Test arena. “Tim Paine has been an outstanding captain since taking over the Australian men’s Test team in incredibly difficult circumstances,” Oliver said. “Tim is in career-best form with the bat and, while the series against India was not his best with the gloves by his own admission, he remains in the top echelon of wicketkeepers globally,” he further said. “And as a leader, he has been brilliant. To captain a squad through the many challenges presented by the pandemic – not least the unique pressures of hub life – is no easy task and Tim did that with strength, humility, and good humor,” Oliver added. T20I squad Aaron Finch (capt), Matthew Wade (vc), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D’Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa
Test squad Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins (vc), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
Protesters agitating against the new farm laws entered the premises of Red Fort in the Indian national capital city and waved flags. A protestor also went up the mast on the ramparts of the historic 17th-century monument and raised a flag he was carrying. The protestors came to central Delhi deviating from the route which had been decided for the tractor march. Violence erupted near the ITO area of the Indian national capital as tractors driven by protestors tried to scare and even run over police personnel deployed in the area.
Protesting farmers reached ITO after breaking police barricades placed opposite old Delhi Police headquarters and were seen attacking police personnel and vandalising vehicles. Several people including police personnel suffered injuries during the clash between protesting farmers and police. Groups of farmers were also seen vandalizing public property and targeting police personnel deployed for Republic Day security.
Media reports of farmers breaking barricades to enter Delhi and indulging in vandalism poured from several parts of the city. Delhi Police officials sat on the road in Nangloi to block the area where farmers holding tractor parade have reached. In view of protestors entering parts of Delhi, the gates of several metro stations were closed.
Did any channel aired this? Stop blaming only farmers. This has also happened today. pic.twitter.com/TDC3FVwiFM
Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said there are people from political parties who are trying to malign the agitation against new farm laws and called upon farmers to maintain discipline. His remarks came in the wake of reports of violence after farmers did not follow the marked route for their tractor march on Republic Day and forcibly entered central Delhi by removing police barricades.
I find this MORE DISTURBING. Just ONE INSTANCE OF THESE FARMERS violence towards police. They also used tractors as weapons and injured 93 policemen. So Capitol hill is evil but when something much WORSE happens in India govt takes the fall? You are evil. pic.twitter.com/iTeq55oAzW
“We know the people who are trying to create a disturbance, they have been identified. There are people from political parties who are trying to malign the agitation,” Tikait told.
Two Delhi Police officials including a Deputy Commissioner (DCP) were injured at Delhi’s Ghazipur border while trying to stop agitating farmers from breaking the barricades. Additional DCP (East) Manjeet and a probationer IPS officer got injured while they were trying to stop farmers from breaking the barricades. The DCP had a close shave as one of the farmers tried to to hit him with his tractor.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will deploy additional paramilitary forces in the national capital amid a tense security situation following clashes between protesting farmers and Delhi Police.
A meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during which the decision was made. The meeting was attended by top officials like Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava, and the director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). “15 companies of paramilitary forces were sent to Delhi. Ten were from CRPF and the rest five were from other paramilitary forces. Similarly, five companies were on standby today,” a senior government official told.
Think about the heartbreak that family members of these bravehearts have to suffer.
— Kashmiri Pandit कश्मीरी पण्डित (@KashmiriPandit7) January 26, 2021
After clashes, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) said it was calling off the Kisan Republic Day ‘tractor rally’ “with immediate effect” but said that peaceful protests will continue. “We have appealed to all participants to immediately return back to their respective protest sites. The movement will be continued peacefully and further steps will be discussed and decided soon,” the SKM said in an official statement. SKM said it condemns and regrets the violence that took place in the national capital during the farmers’ protest today. “Anti-social elements had infiltrated the otherwise peaceful movement. We have always held that peace is our biggest strength and that any violation would hurt the movement,” it said.
83 police personnel were injured on Tuesday after intense clashes with farmers. Delhi Police had released the names of the cops who had sustained injuries in the evening.
Haryana ogovernment suspended all telecom services in districts bordering Delhi till 5 pm on January 27. The government said the decision was taken on the basis of intelligence reports on the likelihood of violence and disturbance of public peace in the national capital region districts of Haryana.
Additional chief secretary, Home, Rajeev Arora, issued the order on Tuesday evening to stall all the telecom services, including mobile internet services, SMS, and dongle services provided on mobile networks in the districts bordering Delhi Internet and SMS services will remain blocked in Sonipat, Palwal, and Jhajjar districts with immediate effect till 5 pm on Wednesday.
The centre also ordered a suspension of internet services at the national capital’s border points – Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri, Mukarba Chowk, Nangloi and areas adjoining these protest hubs due to the tense security situation in the city.
Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws – Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Sydney based film producer Ganesh Loke has produced Bollywood/Indian movies Sarfaroshi, Shoor Aamhi Sardaar, and music albums as well as the Australian short film “Let’s change the world”.
Recently, he has completed the shooting of his new Hindi song ‘Hamko Tumse’, which was released on YouTube and received more than 140,000 views within a week.
The Australia Today talked to Ganesh about his latest venture and his shooting experiences during the coronavirus pandemic:
Q:How was your experience in pandemic regarding the shoot of your song?
Ganesh: During this pandemic, due to the travel restrictions and other rules, it was very difficult to travel to India from Australia. It was hard to get any return air tickets. But I managed to get the air tickets and the travel exemption. I landed in Mumbai in early December 2020. The travel experience was not as before because there were a lot of rules such as wearing facemasks, social distancing needed to be followed. After arriving in Mumbai, it was again hard work to assemble our production team and get them ready for the shooting.
Q: What was your reason to continue with your project regardless of the pandemic?
Ganesh: This pandemic has raised a lot of challenges in front of us. Actually, I believe that one must take risks in life for progress. I can not just sit on the couch and wait for the situation to get normal rather I would prefer to make my own ways and fight through the challenges to achieve the goal. It needs a lot of determination and hard work, but it is possible. This is the message I wanted to give to my team that, regardless of any situation we can achieve our goals if we are determined.
Also, many of the production team members were out of work due to the recent lockdown and the closure of theatres in India. We have around 200 members in our staff which includes the production team, direction team, cinematographers’ team, choreographers’ team, art direction team, spot boys, make-up team, etc. They wanted the work, not charity.
Hence, I decided to face all the challenges to complete and release the song on time by 1st January 2021, and we have done it.
Q: What other preparations you needed to do for this project?
Ganesh: Of course, all projects need a lot of preparation but with my team in Sydney, we rehearsed the song couple of times before recording. Then we recorded it in the studio in Sydney. I have written its lyrics along with managing the production and acting on screen. We have spent hours on lyrics and the music composition to make it perfect.
Q: Tell us about the new talent you have intoduced in this song project?
Ganesh: Well, in this song, we have given an opportunity to a new music composer Ms. Jogal, who has done a great job in composing the music after our experienced guidance and support. Also, our singers of this song are quite new. We have always supported the new talent in Australia and India.
Presenting new Hindi song 'Hamko Tumse' produced & directed by @GaryLoke4Prmtta We have given opportunity to new talent in Australia & India in this song, who has done a great job under our guidance &direction. Watch it yourself#bollywood#BollywoodSonghttps://t.co/2GjpHZmR50
Ganesh: I am always looking for new talents for my projects but now we have launched a ‘New talent search contest’ through which we want to give opportunities to the new talent in India and Australia. Any talented person in India or Australia, who thinks they are good at singing or music composition, or acting can participate in this contest by registering. They may get an opportunity to work with us on our next project.
Q:Are you still persuing some political activities? Are elections still on your mind?
Ganesh: Yes, of course. I have been working with organisations in Western Sydney as well as in India for the last 15- 20 years. I have supported the homeless people in Parramatta and provided them food and clothes.
In rural India, I work with an NGO for sponsoring the education of poor kids to support their aspirations, so that they can get higher education and achieve their dreams. I will continue with my social work & other projects and will try to ‘Make a difference’ and inspire millions of people around the world.
Australia has approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech, announced Prime Minister Scott Morrison. “The Therapeutic Goods Administration has today provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. This is an important step in our fight against this terrible virus,” Morrison wrote in a tweet.
The TGA has today provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech #COVID19 vaccine for use in Australia. This is an important step in our fight against this terrible virus. Read more: https://t.co/Mjkzhj7RUy
According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s office, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has today provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. “The Pfizer vaccine has met strict standards for safety, quality, and efficacy. The TGA provisional approval is for individuals 16 years of age and older. Two doses will be required – at least 21 days apart,” the statement read. A priority group of Australians is expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as it can be received from Pfizer and the necessary checks are undertaken by the TGA, prior to its distribution. If there are delays in shipping or production, the possibility remains that commencement could be in early March, however, guidance remains for late February, the statement read further. Morrison said the TGA approval was an important step in the fight against COVID-19.
Now that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia, find out what happens next before the vaccine is made available to our priority groups: https://t.co/MOM9rvrq8S@TGAgovaupic.twitter.com/xzEVv0J8ik
— Australian Government Department of Health (@healthgovau) January 25, 2021
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the-world class regulators at the TGA have been working tirelessly to introduce a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. “The TGA’s processes are I believe the best in the world and we have ensured that they are thorough,” Hunt said. “The TGA has placed safety above all else…. Australia’s high bar has been met; the vaccine has been approved as effective in stopping severe disease. I thank all those involved in the development and assessment of this COVID-19 vaccine, including the researchers, Pfizer, BioNTech, and the medical experts at the TGA who have worked around the clock and over Christmas,” he added.
Zero cases of community transmission Australia wide today for the 6th day in the last 7. We know this has occurred on a day when there has been, agonisingly, a record global loss of life in one day with over 17,500 deaths and 675,000 cases. Take care and please keep being tested
“I welcome the TGA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine, with our own Australian experts finding it is safe, effective and of a high standard,” the Prime Minister said. “Australians should take confidence in the thorough and careful approach taken by our world-class safety regulator. Our priority has always been to keep Australians safe and protect lives and livelihoods. Today’s approval is another big step forward for our community, particularly in the protection of our most vulnerable people,” he said
The statement said that the government continues to work with Pfizer on the final date of delivery of vaccines, noting that Pfizer has experienced some temporary production delays from its European manufacturing plant as it ramps up production to meet extraordinary global demand. The Government’s latest advice remains that the first doses of Pfizer are expected to arrive and be rolled out in late February. Final dates will be confirmed by Pfizer shortly and are subject to shipping and distribution. In Australia the vaccine will be rolled out in five phases over the coming months and, over time, will involve more than 1,000 vaccination administration sites. As per the latest updates by Johns Hopkins University, Australia has reported 28,777 COVID-19 cases so far.
For the Indian Australian diaspora, Australia Day and the Indian Republic day in the first month of the year brings double celebrations.
This year in line with COVID safety restrictions, the Indian Australians have decided to celebrate it in a unique way by displaying the stickers of #friendship on their cars, stores, small businesses, and other suitable places.
Devang Upadhaya is president of Albury Wodonga Indian Australian Association.
He told The Australia Today, “This is a small gesture to demonstrate the support of rapidly growing and strengthening of friendship between the two nations. However, this doesn’t change anything on the cricket field.”
Almost seven thousand friendship stickers will be displayed on Australia day in all major cities country-wide where the Indian Australian population has a sizeable share.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement, “I am delighted to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating India’s Republic Day.”
He also assured Indian Australians and international students struck in India amid coronavirus pandemic.
“I want to assure you that Australia longs for when we can welcome our Indian friends, family, and students back to our shores. Like you, we look forward to the day when we can move more freely and we are safely on the other side of the pandemic.
Gayatri Sabberwal is coordinator Indian International Students Fourm.
She said, “It is important to understand how crucial both countries are for each other not only in terms of social-cultural ties but also defense-economic relationships.”
India and Australia both celebrate 26 January as their national day.
Hindu Council of Australia’s Victoria chapter head Makrand Bhagwat told The Australia Today, “Australia is home to over half a million Hindus who continue to contribute their talents and skills to this country. Hinduism is the fastest-growing faith now in Australia. So here it is, a glimpse of the Hindu Community and their wishes to a Happy Australia Day.”
Dr Ruchika Gupta is a dentist in Melbourne. She is also part of this video initiative by HCA.
Ruchika says, “Australian Hindu community is one of the most vibrant ethnic groups. We celebrate Australia day by understanding, exchanging, conversing, and learning different ideas and our differences.”
Mr. Bhagwat said, “In its various cultures, ethnicities, religions, and in its various art forms, Australia around us gives us plenty to celebrate, so we must celebrate our diversity.”
He says, “Celebration finds itself in smiles. Passing on those smiles to everyone we know, learning what that same smile could mean to a person who comes from a background different from our own.”
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan and his wife Natasha Dalal made their first appearance in front of the media post their marriage on Sunday.
After the newly-wedded couple’s marriage ceremony, Varun and Natasha came outside their wedding venue and posed in front of the cameras. The duo complimented each other’s look in sparkly wedding attires. While Varun wore a blue-tinted white sparkly Sherwani, Natasha looked beautiful in her sparkling white Lehenga. The private wedding which took place at Alibaug’s Mansion House Resort included the couple’s close family and friends along with several big names of the Indian film industry like Manish Malhotra, Kunal Kohli, Karan Johar, among several others.
Varun and Natasha, have reportedly known each other since their school days. The two fell in love when they met at a music concert years later. However, the duo has always kept their relationship low-key. Varun publicly acknowledged that he is dating Natasha when he posted a photo featuring himself with his girlfriend on her birthday in 2019.
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his desire to connect with the Indian fan Krishna Kumar, who was allegedly racially profiled and abused by a mid-ranking security officer at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) stands during the third Test between Ajinkya Rahane-led side and Australia. On Tuesday, India had won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series 2-1. For the first time in 32 years, Australia was defeated at the Gabba, Brisbane. Taking to Twitter Ashwin replied on Wide World of Sport’s tweet and wrote, “How can I reach you Krishna kumar?? Well done.”
The operators of the SCG have already launched an investigation into claims by an Indian cricket supporter who was told by the security officer to “go back to where you belong”. According to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Krishna Kumar, who lives in Sydney, was accompanied by a solicitor as he met Venues NSW legal personnel to lodge an official complaint, telling them he felt “stripped and naked” by the treatment — on the fifth and final day of the match. Kumar further alleged a group of spectators called him and members of the Indian team “curry munchers” on Saturday — the third day of the match — 24 hours before six men were ejected by police when Mohammed Siraj stopped play and complained to umpires.
Cricket Australia is continuing an investigation into reports by the Indian team that fast bowlers Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were subject to racial taunts by crowd members in Sydney. The Indian supporter Kumar, who attended three days of the third Test, has told Venues NSW that he was targeted after attempting to bring four banners into the ground on the final day of the Pink Test. Written on paper roll, they said: “Rivalry is good, racism is not”, “No racism mate”, “Brown inclusion matters”, and “Cricket Australia — more diversity please”. “He told me, ‘If you need to address this matter, go back to where you belong. It was a very small banner. I made it out of my kids’ paper roll,” Krishna Kumar mentioned. Kumar left to return the banners to his car, he said the same official then told more junior guards to “make sure we give him a complete frisking when he gets back”.
We have launched an investigation in parallel with NSW Police following a crowd incident at the SCG today. Full statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/D7Qu3SenHo
“To me, this is a pure case of profiling. They changed their entire formation so the guy next to the boundary is standing right in front of me and facing me,” he had said. “I’m not looking for compensation, I’m not looking for free tickets, I’m not looking for a membership. I want justice. I want accountability. I was feeling stripped, feeling watched and I went there to fight racism. Why should I be stopped from addressing racism, especially at a ground where it was debatable whether it was happening or not?” Kumar had said. A Venues NSW had said it was “aware of the matter and has met with the complainant”. “We are investigating the complainant’s allegations and we’ll make no further comment until our investigation is complete,” a spokesperson had said.
A year ago, in late January 2020, Australia reported its first cases of COVID-19. Since then, we have seen almost 29,000 confirmed cases and 909 deaths.
As cases climbed in Australian cities in 2020, many students did their schoolwork from home. Australia, including Victoria, came out of lockdowns at the end of last year. But due to outbreaks in New South Wales and Queensland over Christmas and New Year, that impacted on Victoria, restrictions remain in some places.
So what now, for the new school year? Is it safe for students to go back to school?
What we learnt in 2020
Australian health officials, paediatricians, and federal and state education departments worked together to understand how SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — is transmitted in Australian schools.
They also kept updating, as more information came to light, what schools can do to provide a safe learning environment for children and staff.
Up to the end of term 3 in New South Wales, 49 student- and 24 staff- cases were linked to schools and early learning centres. Each of these cases, and their contacts, were followed since the pandemic began. Schools had low rates of transmission — with 51 transmission events (38 students, 13 staff) out of 5,793 contacts traced (<1%) — in terms 1, 2, and 3 when COVID-19 safe measures were in place.
Key measures were:
limiting adults in the school and early learning centre grounds
staying home when unwell with cold-like symptoms
getting tested early.
Most schools and early learning centres in NSW reopened after only a few days.
In Victoria, up until the end of August 2020, 1,635 cases were associated with early learning centres and schools. These consisted of 254 staff, 599 students and 753 household members, out of a total of 19,109 cases in Victoria during their second wave.
Two-thirds of infections in early learning centres and schools did not progress to outbreaks (two or more cases) and more than 90% were small outbreaks (fewer than ten cases).
While transmission has been connected with a Victorian school in the media, transmission events often have a more complex basis than just occurring in the classroom. Schools are often located in a multi-generational community and cases in this large school cluster were linked to high community transmission rates rather than infection in the school.
These studies confirm that when SARS-CoV-2 is detected in a student or staff member, it is very unlikely for other students or staff to be infected at school with the processes put in place in 2020 to provide a safe learning environment.
In Western Australia, almost 14,000 asymptomatic staff and students were swabbed at the school in terms 2 and 3. No cases of SARS-CoV-2 were detected, consistent with the absence of community transmission in that state.
But why are other countries closing schools?
Overseas, studies have shown schools can implement health strategies to safely keep schools open and minimise SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks.
In the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention noted that: “trends among children and adolescents aged 0–17 years paralleled those among adults”. However, the organisation also reported:
as of the week beginning December 6, aggregate COVID-19 incidence among the general population in counties where K–12 schools offer in-person education (401.2 per 100,000) was similar to that in counties offering only virtual/online education (418.2 per 100,000).
Other countries have chosen to close schools as a last resort in national lockdowns in the face of extremely high rates of community transmission and daily case numbers, which meant only widespread reductions in population movements could be effective. This is not the case in Australia at the start of term 1, 2021.
It is common for viruses to evolve and there have now been several new variants of concern such as those identified in the UK, South Africa and Brazil which are more transmissible. The potential of such variants entering Australia is uncertain, and so is the risk of transmission in schools.
Reassuringly, if community transmission of such a variant occurs in Australia, we have established experience to monitor, and hopefully halt, its spread.
So, what should Australia do?
Remote learning provides considerable challenges to keep students engaged, reduces the close supervision and support in the classroom, and provides an added disadvantage for children with mental-health conditions, disabilities or special needs.
For parents, it is difficult to work effectively, provide for the family and maintain their well-being when their child is learning from home.
Based on the above evidence, schools are safe to open. But states should adopt mitigation measures — including when to add masks, reduce attendance or close schools — according to a traffic light system from green (standard measures) to red (close schools) based on the degree of community transmission. The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has recommended this approach for Victoria. Education departments around Australia can consider a similar approach.
It is important schools and early learning centres continue to adhere to their local COVID advice. Parents and guardians should check their contact details are up to date so they can be contacted easily, regularly check what restrictions are in place and, when unwell, get their child tested and stay at home.
In 2020, students and staff rapidly learned to regularly wash their hands, adapt to cleaners in the school throughout the day, socially distance and wear masks when required. These public health interventions, vaccination, and testing and tracing will remain the mainstay for the year ahead in Australia.
Monitoring well-being and building resilience will also be core educational activities in the months ahead.
After India dispatched two million doses of Covishield vaccines to Brazil on Friday, Brazilian President Jair M. Bolosonaro has thanked India for the vaccines and the “great partnership” during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil. Dhanyavaad! धनयवाद”
Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy in New Delhi, had made arrangements with India and SII for the transportation of the COVID-19 vaccines, following up on a letter from President Jair Bolsonaro to Prime Minister Narendra Modi dated January 8.
India is also supplying COVID-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country to neighbouring countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh but has not received any request from Pakistan. Addressing the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said there is an interest in accessing vaccines from India, which is the global hub of vaccine production. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated that India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used for the benefit of all humanity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you PM @kpsharmaoli. India remains committed to assist the people of Nepal in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The vaccines being made in India will also contribute to the global efforts to contain the pandemic. https://t.co/d6LpcbvKHg
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated that India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used for the benefit of all humanity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. On January 19, New Delhi announced its grant assistance of vaccines to the neighbouring countries. On January 20, 1.5 lakh doses of vaccines were supplied to Bhutan and one lakh doses to the Maldives as grant assistance. On Thursday, New Delhi supplied 10 lakh doses to Nepal and 20 lakh doses to Bangladesh. Large consignments of Covishield vaccine doses were flown in special Indian aircraft to Seychelles, Mauritius, and Myanmar on Friday.
We applaud India’s role in global health, sharing millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine in South Asia. India's free shipments of vaccine began w/Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh & Nepal & will extend to others. India's a true friend using its pharma to help the global community.
The United States on Friday “applauded” India for gifting COVID-19 vaccines to several countries including the Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, saying New Delhi is a “true friend” which is using its pharma industry to help the global community.
An official statement from Brazil’s Health Ministry said that the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine will be distributed to the Brazilian states within five days after the approval of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). “Immunization all over the country will be carried out simultaneously and free of charge,” it added. Speaking on the India-Brazil relations, the Ministry said, “The successful acquisition of doses from the British parent company and the Indian vaccine producer demonstrates the excellent state of Brazil-United Kingdom and Brazil-India relations and the strength of the strategic relationships we have with both countries.”
A proposal to rename a street in Andrews Ganj area after Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been approved, said Abhishek Dutt, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s (SDMC) Congress councillor, on the 35th birth anniversary of the late star on Thursday.
“Six months ago I received a request to rename a street in Andrews Ganj area after Sushant Singh Rajput. The proposal has finally been approved,” Dutt told ANI.
“We will soon be inaugurating this street. It is very important to give him the respect he deserves,” he added.
Remembering the late actor on his 35th birth anniversary, many Bollywood celebrities took to social media to pay their tributes to him.
While the star’s celebrity friends shared heartfelt messages on social media, his sister Shweta Singh Kirti announced a special scholarship fund in his memory.
Sushant died by alleged suicide in his apartment on June 14, 2020.
His passing away triggered a massive controversy, with his family alleging foul play and leveling several allegations on his girlfriend and actor Rhea Chakraborty.
Currently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the matter surrounding SSR’s death.
The Partnership’s 2020 grant program (Grant Round 1) will consider proposals for practical cooperation and collaboration on cyber and critical technology, which will help shape a global technology environment that meets Australia and India’s shared vision of an open, free, rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
The AICCTP was signed by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Marise Payne and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar as part of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced during the Leaders’ Virtual Summit on 4 June 2020.
According to the grant framework, “India and Australia have a key role to play in contributing to the global development of critical and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), next generation telecommunications (5G/6G), Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, synthetic biology, blockchain and big data.”
For any single grant proposal, the minimum is $150,000 per year and the maximum amount is $500,000 per year. Multiyear grants will be considered up to a maximum of $500,000 per year for up to two years from 2020-21 to 2021‑22. Grant funding for activities in 2021-22 will be contingent on funding becoming available to DFAT under the AICCPT.
Prospective grantees cannot use funding from other Commonwealth, state, territory or local government sources to fund your share of eligible expenditure. DFAT reserves the right to offer less funding than that requested by the applicant.
All AICCTP grant applications must be submitted through our online grants management systemSmartyGrants.
To apply you must:
have read and understand the AICCTP grant guidelines (docx/pdf)
complete the online application form on DFAT’s online grant application system SmartyGrants and provide all the information requested
submit your application/s by 3.00pm AEDT on Friday 5 February 2021.
The Passport Index, created by Arton Capital, has released a list of which passports are the most powerful in 2021.
According to Arton Capital, a passport is ranked as more or less powerful based on the freedom it grants its holders to travel and move around the world, called its “global mobility.”
The world map above shows geographically where the more powerful passports are located in 2021.
European passports remain the most powerful in the world, with Germany taking first place. Second place is shared between Sweden, Finland, and Spain.
Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and New Zealand are tied for third place.
Afghanistan and Iraq are tied for the last place, with visa-free scores of four and three, respectively.
According to Passport Index, this is based on the number of countries that grant visa-free access to each passport holder. The average mobility score globally is 77.
In 2021, Australia ranks 9th with a score of 127, with 84 visa-free countries and 43 offering visa on arrival.
Western Australia’s Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the development of three new languages for WA schools.
Pre-primary to Year 10 syllabuses for both Hindi and Korean will be adapted from the curriculum developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Year 11 and 12 syllabuses for these two languages will be developed in Western Australia.
In 2021 every student in Year 3-6 at a Western Australian public school will learn a language.
The Year 3 syllabuses for Hindi, Korean and Tamil will be available from 2023, with transitional implementation through the academic years.
It is anticipated that Year 11 courses for these three languages will be available to students in 2023.
“I am very pleased to announce the development of these three new language courses for Western Australian students. Language and culture play an important role in a child’s development. We have an internationally diverse culture in Western Australia and these new subjects will give schools the opportunity to offer a broader choice to students in their local area. Western Australia’s engagement with Asia is a State priority, and giving students the opportunity to engage with these additional languages will set them up for jobs for the future. Parents often raise with me the choice of languages in WA schools so I am thrilled to be able to announce this today,” said Minister Ellery in her media release.
While, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia noted: “With more than 190 languages spoken throughout the State, linguistic diversity is one of Western Australia’s greatest strengths and provides social, cultural and economic benefits. The addition of Hindi, Korean and Tamil to languages taught at Western Australian public schools will work with the Government’s Community Languages Program. Community Languages Program, administered by the Office of Multicultural Interests, provides support and funding for language programs in the community. These programs are often staffed by volunteers and provide language and cultural maintenance programs. Today’s announcement means dedicated students of these programs will now have an opportunity to expand their learning in a school environment.”
Mr Anurag Saxena, the President of Hindi Samaj of WA said, “The initiative led by Hindi Samaj in last one year to include Hindi in state curriculum received wholehearted support from Consul General of India, Madam Dantu Charandasi ji and Mr Yaz Mubarakai, MLA for Jandakot. Achieving this significant milestone for our future generations is a proud moment for Hindi Samaj and all Indians in WA. I congratulate all Council members on this achievement and my personal thanks to all of you for your support to me.”
A sixth man is about to be charged with the alleged attempted murder of 53-year-old popular Punjabi radio host Harnek Singh in New Zealand.
Mr Singh was attacked in the driveway of his home on December 23, 2020.
It was the second attack on Mr Singh who was earlier assaulted in a restaurant on his birthday in July 2020.
According to New Zealand Herald, his friends told said that it was religiously motivated attack.
Harnek Singh is part of the team at Radio Virsa popular amongst the Auckland’s Sikh community.
In fact, till last year the Papatoetoe based station boasted of having more than 350k YouTube subscribers that at present stand at 397k.
(Source: Radio Visa Facebook page)
Detective Inspector Chris Barry told New Zealand Herald that five men, aged between 24 and 39, were arrested after police searched multiple addresses in Flat Bush and Papatoetoe.
Radio Virsa Facebook page had earlier confirmed that Mr Singh is recovering well.
In June 2020, Mr. Singh was ticked off by Broadcasting Standards Authority for calling for “collective violent action” against members of a community in India.
The BSA had upheld a complaint that Mr Singh’s comments made on Radio Virsa in 2019 breached broadcasting standards on violence, law and order and good taste and decency.
According to New Zealand Herald, a translation provided to the members of the BSA panel quoted Mr Singh as allegedly saying: “It is a request to Orthodox Sikhs, actually it is a threat but I would call it a request. Wait for a year friends. The day when we resolve to have a direct fight, the day we prepare our team by organising 500 people in Punjab …we know the Police officials, the people with sticks also know us, the rogues also know us, the goons also know us. They know how to infiltrate the houses and they also know how to (forcibly) pick-up people from their houses, if one day we resolve to fight and start to thrust ourselves by preparing 500-goons’ brigade in Punjab, life would be difficult. Be careful.”
Against this complaint, it was reported that Radio Virsa submitted that Mr Singh “did not threaten anyone but he used the word ‘we’ which was on behalf of all the innocent people and gave them a warning message.”
However the authority found that Mr Singh’s comments “called for collective violent action from his community in response to recent events” and “a segment of Punjabi talkback programme, Dasam Granth Da Sach breached the good taste and decency, violence and law and order standards.”
BSA noted in its judgement: “We find these comments, considering their specific and serious nature and the context in which they were made, were likely to incite or encourage violence or brutality and that Mr Singh and Radio Virsa did not exercise caution by broadcasting them” (SINGH AND RADIO VIRSA – 2019-081, 27 MAY 2020).
The BSA also noted that it recognises the value of Radio Virsa’s ‘right to freedom of expression’ but found the potential for harm justified a restriction of this right.
Did you know you could be charged with spying if you connect with someone who turns out to be a foreign spy on LinkedIn?
Apparently, not enough of us do. Australia’s domestic spy agency ASIO recently launched its first public awareness campaign, warning foreign spies are using social media and professional networking sites to recruit Australians as unwitting agents.
So, how easy is it to commit espionage by simply making connections on social media? How do we know when a line has been crossed between innocent social networking and a national security offence?
#ThinkBeforeYouLink before posting professional and personal information online. Remember the four Rs – Recognise, Realise, Report and Remove. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. #ASIO#YourSecurityService
ASIO warns foreign spies are targeting Australians who have access to sensitive or valuable information, such as national security, government, intellectual property and commercial information.
This could potentially involve public servants, or others with a government security clearance, academics and researchers, and those in sectors like banking and commerce.
If you have access to this kind of information and/or work in one of these professions, then you are at greater risk of committing an espionage offence. But ASIO warns it is not just these professions at risk — everyone must be cautious about what they share online.
Australia’s espionage laws
The United Kingdom’s domestic spy agency, MI5, provides a good explanation of espionage as,
the process of obtaining information that is not normally publicly available, using human sources (agents) or technical means (like hacking into computer systems). It may also involve seeking to influence decision-makers and opinion-formers to benefit the interests of a foreign power.
In 2018, following revelations by ASIO about an “unprecedented” threat of espionage and foreign interference, the federal government introduced a complex scheme of 27 espionage offences. Penalties for these range from 15 years to life in jail.
Australia’s laws include an offence of “preparing for espionage” which makes it a crime to do something which could later result in espionage, such as buying a laptop that could be used for cyber hacking. So this offence could capture conduct with an innocent explanation, provided it could be shown from surrounding circumstances the person intends to later engage in espionage.
strong new laws against those who seek to undermine our national security and our democratic institutions and processes.
But they have been criticised by academics for their complexity and over-reach. For example, they can criminalise the legitimate conduct of journalists and whistleblowers, and rely on a definition of “national security” that not only includes traditional defence matters, but Australia’s diplomatic relations too.
How could you commit an espionage offence?
Unsurprisingly, you would commit espionage if you work for the government and knowingly revealed classified information to a foreign agent via a site such as LinkedIn.
You would also be committing espionage if you shared your employer’s trade secrets with a foreign spy via Facebook or WeChat — even if you didn’t think the recipient was a foreign agent.
This is the kind of conduct former CIA officer Kevin Mallory was convicted for in the United States in 2019. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison after selling classified US defence information to someone who messaged him on LinkedIn claiming to be a think tank representative. The representative was actually a Chinese intelligence officer.
Less obvious acts are also a problem
“Preparing for espionage” criminalises a much wider range of conduct. Its purpose is to give law enforcement the power to stop espionage before it occurs. This is the offence you are most likely to break unwittingly on social media.
Connecting with a foreign spy on any social media site opens the door for you to potentially reveal sensitive information to the spy in the future. This could be seen as doing an act in preparation for espionage.
"The Nevernight Connection" shows how foreign intelligence groups recruit former clearance holders through social media in order to obtain classified U.S. information. You can watch the film at https://t.co/1W97QXEEdN. #NatSecpic.twitter.com/KLoVHSxpjp
These offers usually seem too good to be true, lack detail, and are emphasised as time-sensitive or one-off opportunities. The “recruiter” may also be excessively flattering and focus on the role instead of scrutinising you as a candidate. This may involve emphasising the perks of the job rather than asking for referees to check your background.
Meanwhile, their real purpose is to gain as much information from you as possible.
They do this by requesting further information about you and your experience, and asking seemingly benign questions. Then they escalate to requests for more sensitive information. They will usually attempt to move you to a different communication platform or set up face-to-face meetings.
#ThinkBeforeYouLink, and before you post professional and personal information online. Foreign spies may be able to use it to identify and then target you. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. #ASIO#YourSecurityService
If a stranger reaches out online, ask yourself if you really know who you are talking to.
How can you protect yourself?
To protect yourself from becoming a target in the first place, there are some simple steps you can follow:
include only the lowest level of detail necessary on your online profile
only share your CV or details of specific projects with trusted and verified contacts
use website settings to control who can view your profile
if you have access to sensitive information, don’t make details of your sensitive job roles or employers public.
And if you are contacted by an online profile you suspect may be trying to get sensitive information from you, do not respond. Instead, report the contact to your company’s security adviser or ASIO, then remove them from your network. You cannot “prepare for espionage” if you are not connected to the spy and have not communicated with them.
Ultimately, the message is one of caution. Because the consequences of brief recklessness could include prosecution for a serious national security offence.
After the conclusion of an eventful Test series, Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday penned an open letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) thanking them for a memorable tour. “Australian cricket will forever be grateful to the BCCI for their friendship, trust and commitment in helping to deliver a series that has brought joy to many millions of people around the world at a time they needed it most,” CA said in the letter. “The unique challenges of international touring during a global pandemic are considerable and we thank India’s players, coaches and support staff for all they have given,” it added.
An open letter to our friends in Indian Cricket, and to everyone who played their part to help deliver this memorable series! 🤜🤛 @BCCIpic.twitter.com/rk4cluCjEz
Australia clinched the ODI series, but India came out all guns blazing to seal the T20I and Test series. “Over the past nine weeks, the Indian and Australian men’s teams completed outstanding One-Day International and Twenty2O International series, followed by one of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test series ever contested,” CA said. Cricket Australia thanked BCCI for the cooperation India’s cricket governing body showed amid the coronavirus scare. “Despite the many public health and logistical challenges, the BCCI engaged with a spirit of cooperation befitting their status as one of the international sport’s greatest ambassadors. We will never forget the sacrifices made by our friends at the BCCI that made all this possible,” CA further said.
The tour witnessed some enthralling performances from players of both teams. From the sublime fast bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins to the wonderful batting of Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith to the exciting debuts of Shubman Gill and Cameron Green.
This is a win we’re never forgetting, this is a win for the ages! So proud of this team, Jai Hind 🇮🇳 CHAMPIONS🏆 pic.twitter.com/9KzLG28QaJ
India beat Australia by three wickets against all odds in the final Test at The Gabba on Tuesday to take the series 2-1. “On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia, we congratulate Team India for the resilience. courage and skill demonstrated in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a series that will be talked about for generations to come,” CA said. India’s historic win has also ensured they toppled Australia in the ICC Test Team Rankings to claim the second spot.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has said that the return of international students in large numbers in 2021 would be “incredibly challenging”.
Recently, Mr Andrews has said that Victoria wouldn’t be able to help facilitate the arrival of international students stuck overseas.
Mr Andrews told a press conference, “We’ve still got people struggling to get home, or even if every Aussie who wanted to come home had already made it home, there is a huge capacity issue here.”
Many have considered this Mr Andrews’ blunt message to international students who have generated up to AUD10 billion/year for the higher education sector in fee.
Returning students and the sector have been let down by Premier Andrew’s statement yesterday that he “can’t see international students coming back to Victoria in 2021”. Compared to any other state, we are Victoria’s biggest industry!
“I’m not pleased about that – international education is our biggest export. But … the government is not spending hours and hours trying to make something that I think is, frankly, not possible, possible. Tens and tens of thousands of international students coming back here is going to be incredibly challenging, if not impossible, during this year,” he added.
It is important to note here that roughly 40,000 Australian citizens and permanent residents still stranded overseas.
According to Universities Australia, more than 140,000 international university-level students are unable to study domestically after borders were shut to them.
Meanwhile, a petition asking the Government for a travel ban exemption for international students has gained more than 12,000 signatures.
“International students contribute millions of dollars to [the Australian] community and benefit Aussie society in various areas … We appeal [for] exemptions for international students, not only for [the] student’s future and human right, but also for the recovery of [Australia’s] economy,” the petition notes.
Later, in another press conference Mr Andrews said, “I made some comments about international students [on Monday] and I’m sure some in that sector have not liked me being pretty frank and honest about this.”
The report has been prepared as a response to the India Economic Strategy Report, 2035, released by Australia in July 2018.
It has been put together by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) team, led by Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, Former Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, with contribution from KPMG in India.
Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell with Ambassador Anil Wadhwa (Source: Australia in India Facebook page)
The report notes that “The current economic, political and business environment in India and Australia has created a platform to supplement collaborative efforts to give an impetus to trade and investment between the two countries.”
The report establishes that India has the potential to increase its exports of goods and services to Australia from USD 5 billion in 2018 to USD 15 billion in 2025 to USD 35 billion in 2035. This would mean that India’s goods exports to Australia could grow from USD 3.7 billion in 2018 to USD 10 billion in 2025 to USD 20 billion in 2035. This would also mean that India’s service exports to Australia could grow from USD 1.7 billion in 2018 to USD 5 billion in 2025 to USD 15 billion in 2035.
With successful programs such as ‘Make in India’ and focus on ‘Ease of Doing Business’ offered along with a strong track record of both economic growth by the Narendra Modi led government in its second term can boost the two nations’ future growth plans especially in natural and mineral resources, innovative technologies, agribusiness, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, IT, infrastructure, defence, space, tourism, etc.
Apart from these abovementioned areas, the AES report also looks at opportunities across certain emerging areas such as labour intensive services, defence, sports, textiles, digital gaming, water management, space collaborations and education technologies, which may have a definite relevance in the future aspirations of both countries.
It is hoped that this report would serve as critical action points for policymakers and governments of the world’s two leading liberal democracies by fostering growth and development of closer ties.
This fortress overcome as Pant, Pujara and Gill combine to complete one of India’s most remarkable Test and series victories.
Rishabh Pant’s incredible 89 not out was the decisive hand as India secured a record-breaking three-wicket win over Australia. The tourists chasing down 328 to earn an unforgettable 2-1 Vodafone Test Series triumph and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Heading into the final hour, India required a further 59 runs to complete what would be a record-breaking chase of 328 at the venue, while Australia was hunting the wickets of Rishabh Pant and Sundar Washington after Pat Cummins had Cheteshwar Pujara (56) lbw with his second delivery of the second new ball, then removed Mayank Agarwal for nine a short time later.
Shubman Gill fell nine runs short of his maiden Test hundred, skipper Ajinkya Rahane departed after a brisk 24 but Cheteshwar Pujara endured blows to the body and fought on with Rishabh Pant for company to keep India in the hunt to register back-to-back series wins on Australian soil at The Gabba on Tuesday.
India on 🔝
After the hard-fought win at The Gabba, India move to the No.1 spot in ICC World Test Championship standings 💥
Surviving the fiery spells of the Australian pace attack was the biggest highlight of the session. Pujara was hit not once but twice on the helmet on the fifth day but the warrior batsman stood tall like a rock. At the tea break, India’s score reads 183/3, still needing 145 runs to seal the tantalising poised match. Pujara and Pant are currently unbeaten on 43 and 10 runs respectively. While the session saw India score 100 runs from 25 overs, the hosts picked two important wickets.
Starting the session with the game evenly poised, Gill and Pujara added 49 runs in the second session before the opener fell short of what would have been a sensational hundred. Gill had taken on the Australian bowlers smashing 20 runs off a Mitchell Starc over, hitting three consecutive boundaries but Nathan Lyon got the big breakthrough. Pujara got his first boundary off the 103rd ball he’s faced in the innings. Rahane’s stroke play clearly indicated that India is not looking for a draw but the skipper departed after making a quick 24 off 22 balls. In what was not a surprising move, Pant was sent ahead of Mayank Agarwal with India requiring 161 runs to win the match. Pant became the fastest Indian wicket-keeper to 1000 Test runs when he hit the first runs of the bat on the fifth day of the series decider.
We are all overjoyed at the success of the Indian Cricket Team in Australia. Their remarkable energy and passion was visible throughout. So was their stellar intent, remarkable grit and determination. Congratulations to the team! Best wishes for your future endeavours.
Resuming the day from 4/0, Indian suffered an early blow as Rohit Sharma (7) was dismissed by Pat Cummins in the ninth over. Opener Gill was then joined by Pujara on the field. The duo played defensively and slow-paced innings. Gill looked in no trouble facing the hosts’ dangerous bowling attack and went on to complete his half-century before the lunch. On Monday, Australia was bundled out for 294, setting a target of 328 in front of India. For the visitors, Mohammad Siraj scalped five wickets in the second innings while Steve Smith top-scored for the hosts.
Starting school is an important event for children and a positive experience can set the tone for the rest of their school experience.
Some children are excited to attend school for the first time, yet others feel anxious. Back to school anxiety is a widely accepted phenomenon, but there is no data on exactly how many children feel anxious prior to starting school.
The data available indicates 6.9% of 4-11 year olds (278,000 children) have a diagnosed anxiety disorder in Australia.
Children who experience anxiety are more likely to have worse academic outcomes if it is not addressed. Therefore, it is critical to manage feelings of anxiety effectively to ensure children experience success in school. Parents can be comforted by the fact research shows exposure to our fears helps to reduce anxiety.
Fear of the unknown
Children can feel anxious about starting school due to uncertainty and a perceived lack of control. In one study, children said they felt shy or scared when they were starting school because they were unsure of their teacher, what was going to happen and where they would put their things.
Children also reported making friends and meeting “scary big kids” as a worry when they were starting school. However, some children were also excited about the possibility of making new friends.
This shows if children perceived the experience as a threat rather than an opportunity, they experienced anxiety.
The stories we tell
When children have not attended school before they rely on their parents’ stories to help them frame their expectations. Research indicates children have increased social anxiety when parents’ stories include a threat in the environment or suggest the child is vulnerable.
Conversely, when parents’ stories include encouragement and suggest the child is competent and can cope, the children have less anxiety.
Related to that is research showing children can experience anxiety due to either excessive reassurance from their parents or overprotectiveness. While excessive reassurance is done to encourage children, it can also communicate to them there is a threat. It can cause children to become reliant on their parents for comfort when they are stressed and believe they are unable to cope alone.
Separation from parents can cause anxiety too. The diagnosis of separation anxiety is characterised by excessive anxiety concerning separation from the home or from those to whom the child is attached. Separation anxiety is normal in children but can be exacerbated by divorce, stress, or the child’s temperament.
What helps children feel less anxious about starting school?
There are several things that can help children — and their parents — feel less anxious about starting school.
Schools can communicate well with parents so they have knowledge about the upcoming processes. When parents know how things work they have reduced anxiety, therefore their child also has less anxiety. Schools can explain where children are dropped off, how long parents can stay, and how they arrange meetings with teachers. If you are a parent, ask for this information if it is not provided
Parents and schools can provide children with skills and information. This can include positive advice on making friends, where things are located (such as the toilet), and how to access support. Some certainty and control can alleviate feelings of anxiety.
Research shows talking to children about future events and listening to their concerns can alleviate anxiety. This doesn’t mean you bring up potential threats, but address concerns on the children’s mind.
When parents make links between previous positive experiences and starting school, children are less anxious. Parents can remind children of the time they succeeded at swimming when they were nervous, or how they learned their alphabet. These small successes can provide a foundation for children’s school success.
Parents can also provide their child with some control and certainty over starting school. Let children select their bag and stationery. Walk around the school grounds with them. Introduce them to a child in the same year. Some certainty within uncertainty is healthy.
Finally, tell a good story. School can be exciting and filled with great experiences. Frame school as a potentially positive experience and one to look forward to. They may be nervous but they can overcome it.
Taking cognisance of the concerns expressed by viewers against his Amazon Prime Video-based show ‘Tandav,’ filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar on Monday extended apologies through an official statement. Zafar’s debut web-series ‘Tandav’ had been mired in controversy since its release as several viewers said the content hurt religious sentiments. The ‘Sultan’ filmmaker shared the official statement from the “cast and crew of Tandav” on Twitter and wrote, “Our sincere apologies” along with it.
Through the statement, Zafar shared that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had informed him about a large number of viewers filing petitions against the show. “Official statement from the Cast & Crew of Tandav. We have been closely monitoring viewer reactions to the web series ‘Tandav’ and today during a discussion,” the statement read. “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has informed us regarding a large number of grievances and petitions received on various facets of the web series with serious concerns and apprehensions regarding its content hurting the sentiments of the people,” the statement further read.
The OTT platform is doing great damage to our country, Hindu culture.@PrakashJavdekar to regulate and implement censorship policy without further delay pic.twitter.com/oHAIueqGzJ
He also clarified that the web series is a “work of fiction” and that the cast and crew of ‘Tandav’ did not have any intentions of hurting sentiments of any community, caste, or religion.
“The web series ‘Tandav’ is a work of fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental,” the statement read. “The cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead,” the statement further read. Zafar ended the statement by taking cognizance of the concerns expressed by people and apologizing if the show “unintentionally” caused any hurt to the viewers.
“The cast and crew of ‘Tandav’ take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologize if it has unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments,” the statement read. Earlier in the day, an FIR was registered at Lucknow’s Hazratganj Kotwali against Amazon Prime’s India head of original content Aparna Purohit, Zafar, producer of the show Himanshu Krishna Mehra, writer Gaurav Solanki and others for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Your apology is NOT accepted. It will be accepted only after you delete all the offending scenes and spend 1 year doing seva in a Shiv mandir.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has summoned Amazon Prime Video officials in India in connection with the controversy around the web series ‘Tandav’, sources had said on Sunday. This comes after two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Saif Ali Khan-starrer web series ‘Tandav’ hurts Hindu religious sentiments.
Are you planning to return to Australia? Do you know the steps involved in preparing a safe travel itinerary?
Before you travel to Australia, please complete the Australia Travel Declaration. This should be done at least 72 hours before your departure for Australia. According to the Department of Home Affairs, this information helps the Australian Government determine your quarantine arrangements.
The Australia Travel Declaration is for all travellers entering Australia, including:
people who have been granted an individual exemption to the current travel restrictions.
Before you commence the declaration you will need to have the following information ready:
Passport details
Trip information
Destination details
Contact details.
You will need to create an account, which will allow you to manage your current and future declarations in one place.
If you do not complete the declaration you may not be able to board your flight, or you may experience delays when you arrive in Australia.
Besides your passport, other documentation such as Medicare details, driver licence, and bank cards and statements will help if you need to set up accounts and access Government services.
Some of these documents must be presented at the airport when you check-in and when you arrive in Australia.
From 22 January 2021, if you are travelling to or transiting through Australia you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to your airline, taken 72 hours or less before your scheduled departure.
If you do not have evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test, you should not go to the airport as your airline will not allow you to board the aircraft.
Masks must be worn on all international flights, including at airports.
Australian Government has created Green and red zones at airports to ensure the separation of passengers arriving on ‘quarantine-free’ flights, from other passengers who are required to enter 14 days mandatory quarantine.
Travellers to Australia must complete all relevant declarations and forms so we can arrange quarantine, if needed and undertake contact tracing, in the event of a positive COVID-19 case.
When the plane lands, border officials will board the plane and give you instructions. You’ll be guided through the airport and won’t have the opportunity to shop.
When you go through customs, you’ll receive a health screen, including a temperature check, to see whether you have symptoms of COVID-19. You should tell an official if you’re feeling unwell. They are there to look after you.
Transport to the quarantine facility will be arranged for you. You may not know which facility you’ll be quarantining in until you arrive there.
It can help to bring snacks and water with you (check what’s allowed by customs). You won’t be able to buy food in the airport and it may be some time before your first meal at the hotel.
Quarantine involves staying in a room for 14 days with no visitors. There will be other measures in place to keep you safe and prevent COVID-19 spreading.
Someone may contact you each day to check your health and wellbeing – but don’t wait if you need help. You’ll have access to various health services if you need them.
Also note, you might not be able to bring in or have alcohol delivered from elsewhere. There may be a limit on the amount of alcohol you can order from the hotel.
You can contact the hotel reception for matters related to the facility you are in.
Do gather all the information and write down your medical history ahead of time. Please keep your medications and other essential items necessary for your health in the handbag with prescriptions.
An Australian citizen or permanent resident who has been trying to return to Australia and have been unable to do so, can register his/her details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT): https://covid19.dfat.gov.au/citizeninformation/s/
Austrlia's Josh Hazlewood bowls during a fourth test match between India and Austrlaia, in Gabba on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy: ICC Twitter)
India need 328 runs to win the fourth Test against Australia after Mohammed Siraj picked his first five-wicket haul to end the hosts’ second inning on 294 runs here at the Gabba on Monday. Australia began the third session from 243/7, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc on the field. However, India did not take much time to get the first breakthrough of the session as Siraj dismissed Starc (1), bringing Nathan Lyon out on the field. Indian bowlers kept a tight rein on the tailenders, not allowing them to cause much trouble. The visitors took wickets at regular intervals and ended Australia’s second inning on 294. Siraj picked the final wicket, removing Josh Hazlewood, and took his tally to five. Shardul Thakur picked four wickets while Washington Sundar scalped one wicket.
Earlier, starting the second session with the game evenly poised, Steve Smith and Cameron Green played contrasting knocks. Smith looked brutal and went for anything that was in his slot. The right-handed batsman hit a quickfire half-century as Australia’s lead went over 200, bringing up the fifty-run partnership between Smith and Green. However, Siraj made up for the dropped catch and picked an important wicket Smith. Paine and Green then stitched a brief 31-run partnership before Shardul removed the all-rounder in the 61st over. Meanwhile, Paine kept ticking the scoreboard and took a calculative risk in order to score quick runs. Shardul dismissed Paine as Rishabh Pant took a sharp catch to reduce Australia to 242/7.
In the first session, Siraj struck two in one over while debutants Shardul and Sundar picked a wicket each as Australia faltered after a good start. Australia were ahead in the game with the lead of over 120 runs with 10 wickets in the bag after a couple of expensive overs from the visitors but a flurry of wickets after the first hour of play saw the hosts on the backfoot. Resuming day four at 21/0, Marcus Harris and David Warner added 68 runs to the overnight score before Shardul Thakur sent Harris back. Sundar trapped Warner in front of the stumps to reduce Australia to 91/2. Runs kept coming at a rapid pace and the departure of Aussie openers didn’t have any impact on the scoring rate. However, Mohammed Siraj struck two wickets in the first over of the new spell, dismissing both Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Wade. While Labuschagne scored a brisk 25 off 22 balls, Wade departed without troubling the scoreboard. On day three, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur showed grit and determination to keep India in the game before Australia bundled out India for 336 in the first innings courtesy of a five-wicket haul by Josh Hazlewood. Brief scores: Australia 369 and 294 (David Warner 48, Steven Smith 55; Mohammed Siraj 5/73) vs India 336 (Shardul Thakur 67, Washinton Sundar 62; Josh Hazlewood 5-57).
India's Washington Sundar bats during a fourth test match between India and Austrlaia, in Gabba on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy: BCCI twitter)
After heroics against Australia on day three of the fourth Test, India’s Washington Sundar said it was a very special day and thanked his fans for all the love and wishes. The record-breaking partnership between Shardul Thakur and Sundar pulled India back in the contest on day three of the fourth Test against Australia at The Gabba on Sunday. “Thank you so much for all the love, prayers, and wishes. It was indeed a very special day that I will remember always! #TeamIndia @BCCI,” Sundar tweeted.
India was bundled out for 336, falling 33 runs short of the hosts’ first-innings total. Thakur top-scored for India as he made 67 runs while Sundar accumulated 62 runs. Thakur and Sundar’s 123-run resilient partnership enabled visitors to reach the 300-run mark after losing six wickets under 190 runs in the first innings. The duo also registered the highest seventh-wicket partnership for India at The Gabba, Brisbane. Thakur and Sundar broke Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar’s 58-run partnership record for the seventh-wicket set in 1991.
At stumps, Australia was at 21/0 in their second innings. The hosts are leading by 54 runs. David Warner is unbeaten on 20 runs while Marcus Harris is not out on one run.
Noor Khan was born on January 1, 1914, in the Russian capital Moscow.
Her father, Inayat Khan, a musician and Sufi preacher, and mother, Amina Begum (aka Ora Ray Baker).
Indian princess Noor Inayat Khan was captured by the Gestapo – the official secret police of Nazi Germany – and executed in the Dachau concentration camp.
Noor Inayat Khan (Source: Wikipedia)
She was aged 29 when captured in 1943.
Her life will be made into a TV drama series where Freida Pinto, star of the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, will play Noor, the spy princess.
Freida Pinto
The series, Spy Princess, will be directed by Anand Tucker and produced by Andy Paterson. It is based on Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan by Shrabani Basu.
Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan by Shrabani Basu
Her contribution to the war came to light after Basu wrote Noor’s biography.
Noor Khan, codenamed Madeleine, became a significant target for the Nazi because of her work for the British.
Noor’s job was to send vital coded messages to London from Nazi-occupied France.
She was tortured before being shot in the head the following year, having revealed nothing to her captors.
In 2020, a biopic titled A Call To Spy paid tribute to the work of Khan where well-known Indian actress Radhika Apte portrayed khan in the film.
According to Noor Khan’s biography, she was a firm believer in non-violence and the oneness of all religions.
She was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the United Kingdom’s highest civilian award, in 1949, the French Croix de Guerre, a military honour awarded by France in 1946, and in 2014, a stamp was issued in her honour.
Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has appealed to Bihari entrepreneurs settled abroad.
Mr Kumar has offered a hassle-free experience if the diaspora chooses to set up a venture in their home state.
“You are like members of our family. If you choose to set up an industry here, you will be provided with all necessary assistance from our government. We will facilitate availability of land.” he said.
Bihar Government has also released an appeal to this effect.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (Source: http://cm.bihar.gov.in/users/home.aspx)
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar briefed about this initiative while taking part in a webinar organized by BJANA (Bihar- Jharkhand Association of North America), as part of which he interacted with U.S.-based delegates with roots in the state.
“He (Mr Bill Gates) came and saw our efforts and, at a media interaction outside the state, expressed his profuse admiration.” Mr Kumar said.
The chief minister also updated the delegates about efforts in making local tourist spots safe and attractive.
“Please do plan a tour. We will be delighted to host you. You will return with memories to cherish,” Mr Kumar added.
The Chief Minister said that he believes in interacting with members of the Bihari diaspora. He values their contibution to the state since they brought with them a wealth of experience.
“I would like to listen to your suggestions even when it might not be possible (for me) to take active part,” Mr Kumar said during the interaction.
GDP of Bihar (Source: http://cm.bihar.gov.in/users/home.aspx)
Mr Kumar highlighted the fact that despite progress made in the areas of health, education and infrastructure, the state still lagged behind in key industries.
“In Bihar, everything is available but what is lacking is industries. After speaking to all of you, I’m now convinced that you will be helping in industrialization of the state,” he said.
Mr Kumar informed the Bihari diaspora that more than 450 acre of land is available at 68 key locations in the state to be used for industrial growth.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not rule out the introduction of immunisation passports for international travel if the situation with Covid-19 changes, Michael Ryan, director of the WHO health emergencies program, said on Friday.
Statement on the 6th meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee on #COVID19https://t.co/bBSBMMOorR
“If you look at the recommendation made by the committee on vaccination for travelers, it says “at the present time.” … Not because that won’t be a good idea in the future, but because we are lacking critical evidence regarding whether or not persons who are vaccinated could continue to transmit disease, and whether they can get sick again. … Nobody in the world, beyond health workers and very vulnerable people have access to vaccines,” Ryan said at a briefing.
OH NO!! Health passports! They knew it!! It’s an AGENDA!! Only kidding…I have to provide yellow fever immunisation proof for countries who specify it. So do you. 22 years I’ve had to keep my proof of immunity. #COVIDIDIOTS are easily triggered. https://t.co/TM9nZm9shU
He stressed that the emergency committee, therefore, does not currently consider it necessary to introduce additional barriers to the movement of people, at least until more data and more vaccines become available. “That will change over time, and there may be different reasons in the future to do this [to introduce immunization passports],” the expert added.
India's Shubhman Gill and Rohit Sharma running between the wickets on the second day of the Third Test Match at Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney on Friday. (Photo Courtesy: ICC Twitter)
The third session on the second day of the final Test between Australia and India was lost to rain at The Gabba on Saturday. The eagerness of the hosts to get back on the field was visible with skipper Tim Paine constantly speaking to the match officials, but it wasn’t to be as a wet outfield saw the umpires call for an early end to the day’s proceedings.
Update: Play on Day 2 has been abandoned due to wet outfield. Play on Day 3 will resume at 9.30AM local time. #AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/dN2bt53lcf
At stumps, India’s score read 62/2 and the visitors still trail by 307 runs with eight wickets in the bag. Cheteshwar Pujara (8) and Ajinkya Rahane (2) will need to start afresh on Sunday and with Nathan Lyon sending the dangerous-looking Rohit Sharma (44) back to the hut before the tea break, the hosts definitely hold a slight edge.
The second session saw India score 62 runs, but they lost both the openers with Shubman Gill (7) being sent back first by Pat Cummins. The ball hit that corridor of uncertainty outside the off-stump and Gill had no answers as he edged it to Steve Smith at second slip. While Rohit looked like he had the game covered, he was dismissed against the run of play by Lyon as the off-spinner lured him to dance down the track and the opener did just that. Unfortunately, he didn’t reach the pitch of the ball and his attempted hit found Mitchell Starc at long-on.
Earlier, the Indian bowlers toiled hard to dismiss Australia for 369 in their first innings. Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan, and Washington Sundar picked nine of the ten wickets while Mohammed Siraj finished with one wicket. Unfortunately, the Aussie tail once again troubled the Indians as they added 56 runs for the last three wickets. While Starc was unbeaten on 20, Lyon used the long handle to good effect to hit a 22-ball 24.
Innings Break: Australia have been bowled out for 369. This morning, #TeamIndia picked up 5 wickets for 95 runs. #AUSvIND
Josh Hazlewood too tried his luck to manage 11 with two boundaries. Marnus Labuschagne top-scored for Australia as his fifth Test ton on opening day. Brief Scores: Australia 369 (Labuschagne 108; Natarajan 3/78); India 62/2 (Rohit 44; Lyon 1/10).
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the country’s vaccination drive against the novel coronavirus via video conferencing. Billed as the world’s largest vaccination program, covering the entire length and breadth of the country, the drive aims to first inoculate millions of its healthcare and frontline workers and reach an estimated 3 crore people by the end of its first phase. A total of 3006 session sites across all states and union territories will be virtually connected during the launch. Around 100 beneficiaries will be vaccinated at each session site on an inaugural day, the union health ministry has said.
India begins the world’s #LargestVaccineDrive. This is a day of pride, a celebration of the prowess of our scientists and hardwork of our medical fraternity, nursing staff, police personnel and sanitation workers.
In the first phase government and private-sector health care workers, including Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) workers, will receive the vaccine. Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Friday termed the country’s vaccination drive as the “beginning of the end of Covid-19.” He also urged people to trust the indigenously manufactured vaccine, saying the government has given emergency use approval after proper scientific scrutiny.
In the next phases of the vaccination drive, people aged over 50, and those who are below 50 years but have serious health conditions or co-morbidities will be vaccinated, according to the health ministry. Dry-runs at vaccination centres across the country have been held with lakhs of healthcare staff across districts being trained. The drugs regulatory body of India has currently approved two vaccines. Pune-based Serum Institute of India has developed the Covishield vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University while the Covaxin has been developed by Hyderabad’s Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Medical Council of research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology. The vaccination programme in the country will use Co-WIN (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Work), an online digital platform developed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which will facilitate real-time information of vaccine stocks, storage temperature and individualized tracking of beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccine. This digital platform will assist programme managers across all levels while conducting vaccination sessions. A dedicated 24×7 call centre – 1075 – has also been established for addressing the queries related to Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine rollout and the Co-WIN software.
The full initial procurement amount of 1.65 crore doses of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines against Covid-19 have been allocated to all States/UTs in the proportion of Health Care Workers database, Union Health Ministry stated. India reported 15,158 new COVID-19 cases, 16,977 discharges and 175 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry’s data on Saturday. The cumulative caseload in the country reached 1,05,42,841 including 2,11,033 active infections and 1,01,79715 recoveries. The death toll has climbed to 1,52,093.
In the national capital Delhi, the drive is launched from the state-run LNJP Hospital by Chief Minister Kejriwal and Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain. Healthcare workers will get the jab in a total of 81 centres. The Union health minister will visit the new OPD Wing of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi to witness the launch of the inoculation drive. He will join doctors and around 100 potential vaccine beneficiaries at the centre.
— Prasar Bharati News Services पी.बी.एन.एस. (@PBNS_India) January 16, 2021
Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday received the first batch of Covishield from Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune. As many as 1,46,500 doses of the Covishield vaccine have been received out of which 79,000 are for the Kashmir division and 67,500 are for the Jammu division. Choppers were used to transport the vaccines to far-flung snow-capped areas. The vaccine is being stored at the Divisional cold chain stores at Jammu and Kashmir divisions from where it will be distributed to all districts maintaining the cold chain at all levels. Vaccination would begin today at 30 centres across the Union territory.
WhatsApp on Friday announced that it has postponed its planned privacy update, which will give users more time to review the policy and accept the terms of the Facebook-owned messaging app.
The decision to postpone the privacy update has been taken due to “misinformation causing concern” among people, the company said. “We’re now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms. No one will have their account suspended or deleted on February 8. We’re also going to do a lot more to clear up the misinformation around how privacy and security works on WhatsApp. We’ll then go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15,” the blog post reads.
Thank you to everyone who’s reached out. We're still working to counter any confusion by communicating directly with @WhatsApp users. No one will have their account suspended or deleted on Feb 8 and we’ll be moving back our business plans until after May – https://t.co/H3DeSS0QfO
Media reports say that since the announcement of the privacy update many users and some media outlets interpreted the notification as a marked shift in WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices, mistakenly believing that the company could now read people’s conversations and other personal data.
The concerns resulted in people switching to other messaging services such as Signal and Telegram. This week, Signal became the No. 1 app in India, one of WhatsApp’s biggest markets, on Apple and Android phones, the NYT said.
Reassuring people on these concerns, the company said, “the update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data. While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we think that more people will choose to do so in the future and it’s important people are aware of these services. This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.”
An Indian fast-food restaurant owner in Bath called Neeraj Gadher tried to send samosa and a wrap in space.
However, the package landed in France.
Gadher, the owner of Chai Walla Street Food, packed the snacks in a box and attached it to helium weather balloon along with GoPro camera and a GPS tracker.
His method to document the flight of the samosa malfunctioned when the GPS tracker stopped working.
A video of the entire experience of the humble samosa is now making global headlines.
After watching Gadher’s video, a viewer commented, “Guys in Other Nations: Sending explosive missiles to their neighbours This guy: Sending Samosa, to their neighbours!”
It hasn’t been the start to 2021 many of us wanted. In the past three weeks Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales have dealt with fresh COVID outbreaks, but it’s worth remembering each have faced unique challenges, and tackled them in different ways.
Despite their differences, however, all three have been clear about their intention to aggressively suppress transmission, and all have been effective in their responses.
Significant challenges remain, including the vexed issues of how we define hotspots, manage state borders and deal with threats posed by new COVID strains. And of course, how we deliver the vaccine en masse.
But triumphing over the challenges we’ve faced over the past few weeks should give us confidence as we move to the next phase of the pandemic.
Queensland’s precautionary approach
Queensland’s strategy was clear, decisive, and well articulated. As health authorities explained, the Greater Brisbane lockdown was a circuit breaker aimed at limiting interaction and buying time. This allowed contact tracers to do their job and authorities to learn more about the nature of the outbreak.
The fact it involved a new, more transmissible strain posed a significant threat. And it wasn’t clear, at first, how many chains of transmission had been initiated by the hotel quarantine cleaner who tested positive for it.
This was no doubt a cautious response informed by the precautionary principle. Given what was at stake, it was justified.
Masks 😷 are mandatory in certain premises in Greater Brisbane.
If you are in an impacted area or have been in an impacted area at any time since 2 January, you must carry a face mask with you at all times. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, except in your home. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/jLSmxWS056
Greater Brisbane’s three-day lockdown ended at 6pm Monday night, and Queensland has recorded just one case of community transmission in the last four days — the partner of the cleaner, who has been in quarantine since January 7 (though could have been infectious in the community for two days prior).
The threat seems to have been averted for now.
We need to wait out the full incubation period for the cleaner’s more than 350 close contacts to see if there are any more cases connected to her, though all of these contacts are in quarantine, and so pose no threat to the broader community.
Victoria showcased its improvement
The Black Rock cluster in Victoria posed a significant risk and required an equally decisive response. It didn’t represent the level of threat Victorians faced at the beginning of its second wave, but given it occurred during Christmas and New Year’s plus the scars Victorians carried from the second wave, the threat couldn’t be underestimated.
The response to this cluster was rapid and decisive. It allowed the Victorian health department to showcase just how much their response capacities had improved in the previous six months. It was incredibly reassuring to see how quickly the public health team was able to establish links, and how quickly they were able to identify contacts of contacts in order to block chains of transmission.
Every test helps us protect everything we’ve achieved.
Keep catching up with mates. And keep doing the things we love.
It was a test they passed, and with six consecutive days of no locally acquired COVID cases, Victorians can breathe a collective sigh of relief — for now at least.
While the rapid closing of the border to NSW was an important element of the response, I remain uncomfortable with the scenes we witnessed at the borders, and the notion of Victorian residents being locked out of their homes. I hope that, as we have seen over the previous 24 hours with the new “traffic light” travel system, the government can continue to refine the way it handles this issue.
New South Wales less risk-averse
New South Wales has always appeared to have a greater tolerance for risk when it comes to COVID than other states. Its response has been characterised by a “test, trace and isolate” approach and a reticence to lock down huge areas of Sydney. Lockdowns have been localised and relatively brief.
Many restrictions, however, are still in place — residents of Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong, for example, can still only have five visitors to the home, including children, and masks are now compulsory in many places. Hotel quarantine remains a vulnerability and refinements continue to be made, in NSW and elsewhere.
Despite its challenges, time and time again the state has shown it can keep virus transmission under control.
The situation it faced with multiple new clusters over the past three weeks could be considered one of its biggest tests. And for the most part, the state seemed to have a reasonable understanding of chains of transmission.
Keep loved ones safe. If you feel unwell #GetTested for #COVID19 immediately.
— NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (@mhcsnsw) January 10, 2021
The way authorities respond to threats must be proportionate, but it’s as much an art as it is a science. Judgement calls must be made, and striking the right balance is not easy when uncertainty is high and luck plays such a huge part.
NSW has seemed to walk this line successfully so far. The latest outbreak did call for more aggressive measures such as a targeted lockdown in the Northern Beaches and the introduction of mandatory mask wearing. Along with testing, tracing and isolating, this has helped bring transmission rates under control.
On the downhill run to the end of this pandemic
There’s still a way to go in the fight against COVID. But unlike other parts of the world, Australia is on the downhill run to the end.
As much as we should be thankful for the good leadership shown by those making decisions, the real thanks is to the community, who have followed the rules and made huge sacrifices to get us where we are now.
Although we will face many challenges over the next year, Australia remains one of the shining lights in the fight against COVID. We are seeing the benefits of our sacrifices now, and will continue to see them for many years to come.
Indian Australians at Airport, Picture Source: @CANVA
Australia has strengthened its biosecurity laws with new increased penalties.
This applies to travellers who fail to declare high risk biosecurity goods at the Australian border.
“It is important for all incoming travellers to correctly declare food, plant material and animal items on their incoming passenger card,” notes the Department of Home Affairs webpage.
People must remember that these biosecurity laws protect Australia from overseas pests and diseases that threaten the environment and local industries.
What diseases are we talking about?
Diseases like African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease are highly contagious and would have severe consequences if introduced into Australia.
Biosecurity controls at Australia’s borders minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia and protect our $32 billion agriculture export industries as well as our unique environment, native flora and fauna, our tourism industries and lifestyle.
From 1 January 2021, according to the Department of Home Affairs, the following visa holders may be liable for cancellation of their visa if they breach the Biosecurity Act:
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (subclass 400)
Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403)
Training (subclass 407)
Temporary activity (subclass 408)
Working Holiday (temporary) (subclass 417)
Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) (closed to new applications)
Work and Holiday (temporary) (subclass 462)
Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476)
Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
Student (subclass 500)
Student Guardian (subclass 590)
Maritime Crew (subclass 988).
These rules already apply to Visitor visas holders.
DIBP may cancel your visa if you have:
knowingly provided false or misleading biosecurity-related information on incoming passenger cards;
knowingly provided a biosecurity officer with false or misleading documents;
failed to answer a biosecurity officer’s questions about goods or provide written information about goods requested by a biosecurity officer; or
failed to comply with the directions of a biosecurity officer in relation to the movement of goods.
DIBP notes that a decision to cancel a temporary visa on a biosecurity ground will take into consideration:
the seriousness of the breach,
the potential impact on Australian business and agriculture, and
According to WWF Australia, on average, Australians use 130 kg of plastic per person each year. And only 9% of this usage goes into recycling. That means up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic would find its way into a our foodchain, landfill or the ocean.
One man has started to change this and expects that others would follow in saving our environment.
His name is Ravi who runs a small seaside cafe called Chain of Fools in Mentone, Victoria.
Ravi says, “In 2017, over a Christmas dinner spent in the Gippsland bush, I was dismayed by the number of plastic bags we had packed. Chatting with Paul Rowlands and friends by the campfire I decided to stop using single use plastic bags at home and at the cafe.”
Ravi noticed that surprisingly on an average he was using “5 or 6 plastic bags a day for my supermarket shopping.”
“We organised a batch of light muslin cloth produce bags as a substitute. They’re strong and breathable and can be washed in the washing machine.,” adds Ravi.
Was this change helpful?
“I’ve reduced our plastic bag use to almost zero. Which means I have saved something like 5000 plastic bags since that 2017 Christmas dinner. I really feel great about it. It is it’s so easy to use plastic produce bags from the supermarket but equally, it is very easy to use your own cloth bags and reuse them” says a proud Ravi.
Let us all pledge that in 2021, we will do more to save our environment and fix this problem with small individual initiatives.
Ahead of the inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention today on January 9, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that event will be a ”great opportunity” to interact with the Indian diaspora around the world. “On 9th January will address the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. This is a great opportunity to interact with our vibrant diaspora,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted. PBD convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians, according to an official release.
At 10:30 AM tomorrow, 9th January, will address the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. This is a great opportunity to interact with our vibrant diaspora. https://t.co/ZngBoH2ZKC
In view of the sentiments of our vibrant diaspora community, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organised on January 9, despite the ongoing covid pandemic. The Convention will be held in a virtual format, as were the PBD Conferences held recently in the run-up to the Convention. The theme of the 16th PBD Convention 2021 is “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
The PBD Convention will feature a keynote address by the Chief Guest, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname. The winners of the online Bharat ko Janiye Quiz for the youth will also be announced, the release said. The inaugural session will be followed by the two plenary sessions. The first plenary on Role of Diaspora in Aatmanirbhar Bharat will feature addresses by External Affairs Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister while the second plenary on Facing Post covid Challenges – Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations, will be addressed by Minister of Health and Minister of State for External Affairs. Both Plenaries will feature panel discussions inviting eminent diaspora experts. The finale would be the valedictory session where President Ram Nath Kovind will deliver his valedictory address to mark the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The names of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees for 2020-21 will also be announced. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are conferred to select Indian diaspora members to recognize their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and abroad.
1/2 Minister @priyancanzlp, New Zealand’s first Indian-origin Minister, was the Special Guest at the 5th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference today, speaking on 'Bringing Together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora'. #NZIndia#PBD2021@MEAIndiapic.twitter.com/NDPui5bDz9
The youth PBD will also be celebrated virtually on the theme “Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora” on January 8, 2021, and will be anchored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Special Guest for the event is Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Community and Voluntary Sector of New Zealand.
Distressed over the “torture” she has been receiving after her comments on the ongoing farmers’ protest, Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut on Thursday urged the nation to stand in her support. The ‘Queen’ star took to her social media handles and shared a video clip expressing her annoyance at the legal cases being filed against her for her social media activities. “WHY am I being mentally, emotionally, and now physically tortured? I need answers from this nation … I stood for you it’s time you stand for me … Jai Hind,” Ranaut wrote on Twitter.
Why am I being mentally, emotionally and now physically tortured? I need answers from this nation…. I stood for you it’s time you stand for me …Jai Hind 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qqpojZWfCx
The ‘Panga’ actor also shared a clip, wherein she said (roughly translated from Hindi), “Ever since I have spoken in the interest of the country, I am being tortured, that whole country is watching. My house was broken. For talking in the interest of farmers, numerous cases are being filed against me every day. I have also had a case for laughing.” She also defended her sister, Rangoli.
Revealing about the ‘torture’ she has been facing, the 33-year-old actor said, “…came an order that I have to go to the police station. And I have also been told that I cannot talk about the atrocities I have been facing.” Concluding the video, Ranaut questioned Supreme Court about the torture being faced by the women in the nation. “…the kind of tears of blood that the nation suffered during 100 years of slavery will have to be dealt with again if nationalist voices are asked to shut up,” she added. Meanwhile, Ranaut and her sister were recently spotted at the Bandra police station in Mumbai in connection to a case filed against them.
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) on Friday announced that it will offer a free Internationalised Domain Name (IDN) in any of their preferred 22 official Indian languages along with every IN domain booked by the registrant. The applicant will also get a free email in the local language.
NIXI Offers free Domain in Local Indian Languages; the offer is valid for new .in users who register up to 31st January 2021.@rsprasad@SanjayDhotreMP
This offer has been created to stimulate the adoption of Bharat (IDN) domain name and proliferation of local language content, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said in a release. This offer is valid for new .in users who register up to January 31, 2021. This offer is also extended to those existing .in users who renew their domain in the month of January 2021. National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not for profit organization working since 2003 for spreading internet technology to the citizens of India through – Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is exchanged amongst Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and between ISPs and Content Delivery Network (CDNs), IN Registry, managing and operation of IN country-code domain and Bharat IDN domain for India and Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN), managing and operating internet protocol (IPv4/IPv6).
Australia's Steven Smith plays a shot during a 3rd test cricket match between India and Australia, in Sydney on Thursday. (Photo Courtesy: ICCTwitter)
Steve Smith’s half-century enabled Australia to cross the 200-run mark despite losing three wickets on the opening session of day two of the third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday. Australia is 7-280 after 96.4 Overs. Resuming the day from 166/2, Labuschagne and Smith added runs to their overnight partnership and helped the side to cross the 200-run mark. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja broke the 100-run stand for the third wicket as he bagged Labuschagne on 91. This is the first time that Labuschagne was dismissed between the scores of 81 and 143 in Tests. Matthew Wade joined Smith on the crease. The former took charge of the bowlers in pursuit of quick runs. meanwhile, Smith completed his half-century and marked his comeback to the form after flop shows in the first two Tests.
Wonderful shot from Smith! And he moves into the 90s.
While trying to chip the ball over midwicket off Jadeja, Wade found Bumrah at mid-on and walked back to the pavilion after scoring 13 runs. All-rounder Cameron Green came in to bat at number six. Smith held the end strong and kept the scoreboard moving. Green failed to open the scoring and finally Bumrah with the new ball ended his innings on a duck.
Nine short of a century, Marnus Labuschagne is OUT.
Umpires called the lunch after Green’s dismissal and Australia’s score reads as 249/5 in 84.5 overs. The first session also saw rain playing a spoilsport and interrupting the play two times but for the short period. Smith is unbeaten at 76 runs. Earlier, at stumps on day one, Australia’s score read 166/2 in 55 overs with Labuschagne and Smith unbeaten on 67 and 31 runs respectively. On a day when the Indian bowlers had to toil hard — for the first time in the Test series — 35 overs were lost due to rain. Brief Scores: 249/5 (Marnus Labuschagne 91, Steve Smith 76*; Ravindra Jadeja 2-43)
HC Barry O'Farrell: Lithium can Powering a new Australia-India Partnership
Australia and India both gain from the promise of expanding trade in lithium resources, said the Australian High Commissioner, Barry O’Farrell on Thursday. While speaking at a session of the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce on ‘Lithium: Powering a New Australia-India Partnership’, he said both the countries stand to gain from the promise of expanding trade in lithium resources. “Lithium, and Li-ion and other technologies, will play a key role. Indeed, India’s ambitious renewable energy targets have led to an expansion of its clean energy commitments,” he said.
Lithium, incl. other critical minerals, will play a key role in helping meet 🇮🇳’s EV and energy ambitions. This offers significant commercial potential for 🇦🇺 and 🇮🇳 firms. Was pleased to speak on this and WA’s great relationship with 🇮🇳 at the @IndoAustChamber Virtual Summit. pic.twitter.com/ELIVZdfewR
O’Farrell added, “Lithium metal-based battery technologies will form the key component of the push for the rollout of EV and hybrid vehicle–and Australia and India both stand to gain from the promise of expanding trade in lithium resources. “As many of you are already aware, Australia is a reliable and cost-competitive supplier of resource and energy commodities. Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium–and has the second-largest lithium reserves in the world. And, as a market leader in Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS), our firms can contribute to the development of India’s own lithium resources,” he said. The Australian High Commissioner mentioned that India’s ambitious renewable energy targets have led to an expansion of its clean energy commitments, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition to achieving 450-gigawatt renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, at the 4th India Energy Forum on 26 October last year.
“Australia’s resource endowment, and our mining capabilities and expertise, well place us to support Prime Minister Modi’s ambitions around the development of India’s new economy sectors,” he opined. He also said that there couldn’t be better timing for lithium-related trade and investment, in view of the need for both nations to diversify and strengthen the supply chain, and in recognition of India’s drive toward self-sufficiency and the remarkable growth of its new economy sectors.
In a bid to conduct the smooth implementation of a second dry run on the COVID-19 vaccination on Friday, Indian Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has directed all States/Union Territories to be vigilant against rumours and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Vardhan chaired a high-level meeting with the entire health ministers of the states including UTs via video conferencing to review the preparedness for the nationwide mock drill on the COVID vaccination scheduled for Friday. The second nationwide mock drill on the COVID-19 vaccination will be held at three-session sites of 736 districts across 33 States/UTs. According to the Indian health ministry, the objective of the mock drill on COVID-19 vaccination is to simulate the actual vaccine administration event.
Watch Now! Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan holds a VC with Health Ministers of all States & UTs to review preparedness for nationwide dry run of administering #COVID19Vaccine to be conducted on Jan 8. @PMOIndia@MoHFW_INDIAhttps://t.co/5FBegk5Yns
There have been some rubbish and rumours being propagated on social media which are raising doubts in the mind of the public regarding the covid vaccine side-effects, Vardhan said. “These miscreants might derail the whole exercise, set the clock back by years.” Last week, the Drugs Controller General of India announced “restricted emergency use” for Bharat Biotech’s ‘Covaxin’ and Serum Institute of India’s ‘Covishield’, which has been developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. The Minister urged the State health authorities to work with the multiple stakeholders and the youth to spread the right information and dispel rumours and mistruths being spread about the COVID-19. “The dry run will also familiarise the state, district, block, and hospital-level officers on all aspects of COVID-19 roll out. This activity will help administrators in strengthening the linkages between planning, implementation and reporting mechanisms, identification of any residual challenges prior to the actual implementation and to provide confidence to the programme managers at all levels to carry out a smooth implementation of the vaccination drive,” said the health ministry in a statement.
Putting all hands on deck!
Held a resourceful VC with Health Ministers of States & UTs to review preparedness for the nationwide dry run of administering #COVID19vaccine to be conducted tomorrow.
Vardhan directed his state counterparts to ensure that the National Immunisation Day (NID) scheduled on Jan 17 should also be given due importance and non-COVID essential services are not adversely impacted. The Health Minister informed about the Co-WIN platform that will provide real-time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature, and individualised tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine. “This platform will assist the program managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification, and for generating a digital certificate upon successful completion of the vaccine schedule. More than 78 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform,” he said. Meanwhile, the health minister reassured all his State counterparts that the country’s cold chain infrastructure has been sufficiently upgraded to ensure last-mile delivery and that adequate supplies of syringes and other logistics have also been provided. The earlier national mock drill on January 2 helped to iron out any glitches in the final execution and further refinement of the operational procedures. The feedback from most of the States/UTs was satisfactory conduct of the dry run.
Bollywood star and global icon Priyanka Chopra Jones was allegedly caught flouting COVID-19 lockdown rules in London. Miss Chopra is in the UK for the shooting of her upcoming film “Text For You.” Priyanka was snapped while visiting a salon owned by celebrity stylist Josh wood alongside her mother Dr. Madhu Chopra, and pet dog Dianna.
Priyanka Chopra insists she WAS following the rules after going for hair cut at Notting Hill salon for film shoot
Police arrived and pressed on the buzzer while Priyanka was inside peering through the letterbox
As per media reports, local citizens who are under strict lockdown for few months informed police, who were quick to react and attend the salon. Owner Josh Wood was given a ‘verbal warning’ however was left without a fine for this breach of COVID-19 protocol.
So Priyanka chopra is being clowned for taking an appointment at a hair salon that was "taking appointments" while a bunch of paparazzi click picture of her breaking law by stepping outside? #priyankachopra#london
As per Priyanka Chopra’s version, she needed her hair to be coloured for her next film, and salon was opened privately for the production with everyone present being tesed for coronavirus. The visit had been done following the DCMS guidelines for film production regulations.
London has allowed some activities including Film and Tv production in line with COVID-19 guidelines.
Australia, Jan 07 : Australia's Will Pucovski and Marnus Labuschagne during a 3rd test cricket match between India and Australia, in Sydney on Thursday. (Photo Courtesy: ICC Twitter
Riding his luck, debutant Will Pucovski combined with Marnus Labuschagne to put Australia on top on the first day of the Pink Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
In the second session, 23.5 overs were bowled and Australia’s score reads 93/1. Pucovski and Labuschagne were unbeaten on 54 and 34 respectively when the umpires called for the tea break. While Pucovski did bring up a fifty on debut, he did get a few chances to help prolong his stay in the middle.
In the 21st over of the innings, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant dropped a regulation chance off the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin and India lost an opportunity to put the hosts in a spot of bother. The misery for Pant did not end there, as he dropped another catch off the bowling of Mohammad Siraj, and as a result, Pucovski got his second reprieve of the day. The opener kept riding his luck and after a couple of catching chances, he looked ready to get run out after a miscommunication with Labuschagne. But a poor throw from Jasprit Bumrah saved him again.
The second session also saw Indian pacers bowling on the shorter side, and as a result, Pucovski and Labuschagne had no problems in either leaving the ball or getting behind the line to defend it. Earlier, rain had forced an early lunch and David Warner’s wicket was the only gain for India after Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat at the historic SCG. Brief Scores: Australia 93/1 (Will Pucovski 54*, Marnus Labuschagne 34*, Mohammad Siraj 1-33)
New season of Manoj Bajpayee's 'The Family Man' to release on Feb 12
After announcing the second season of his much-loved Amazon Prime Video-based show ‘The Family Man’ as a New Year gift to fans, actor Manoj Bajpayee on Thursday announced that the fresh season of the show will premiere on February 12. The Padma Shri award-winning actor who is seen playing the role of a middle-class man serving as a world-class spy in the show made the announcement by sharing a teaser of the new season on Twitter.
The teaser sees Bajpayee seated on a chair as a board behind his back holds several photographs and the face of an individual which is formed by connecting several bits and pieces together of several other pictures. ‘The Family Man’ is an edgy, action-drama series, which tells the story of a middle-class man, Srikant Tiwari, who works for a special cell of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The series plots Srikant’s tight-rope walk as he struggles to strike a balance between his secretive low paying, high-pressure, high-stakes job and being a husband and father or a ‘family man.’
The new season of the show will see Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee) and Sharib Hashmi (JK Talpade) taking on a bigger and deadlier mission. The series has been created and directed by Raj and DK and will see Bajpayee and Talpade reprising their roles along with Priya Mani and Sharad Kelkar. The series also marks the digital debut of southern superstar Samantha Akkineni in a never-seen-before avatar.
In 2018, of the 699 governing council roles across Australia’s 41 universities, 94% of the incumbents had Caucasian and British backgrounds. The top tiers of senior executives were 94% Caucasian and British in the background, as were 96% of vice-chancellors.
What are the risks of homogenous leadership?
When top leadership are strikingly WEIRD, the culture of their institutions is too. This reproduces curriculum, library systems, research and thought paradigms that are also WEIRD. This kind of sameness across universities has consequences.
Australian higher education has not been immune to tunnel vision. We see it in the discourse of “internationalisation” policy in Australian universities. There has been a lack of global vision in the construction of many university strategies.
The structural issues in Australia and Australian universities are entrenched, yet have been denied for decades, if not centuries. If we want Australian higher education to meet our aspirations and to prepare future generations, we need to confront this elephant in the room.
A deterioration of public trust in universities and expertise has forced many universities in the Western world to the brink of existential crises. WEIRD leaders are struggling to redefine what the purpose of the university should be.
Diverse leadership has many benefits
Diversity delivers a wide range of social, economic and policy benefits. Higher education needs diversity to continue to thrive, to open mindsets, to gain new viewpoints, to broaden paradigms and to widen ranges of solutions.
Research shows diverse groups outperform homogeneous groups in productivity and innovation over the long term. Universities need to play a long game too.
The pandemic is forcing Australian universities to transform. But if this transformation is to be successful, the voices of young people, women, Indigenous people, diasporas, and people of diverse abilities need to be heard across all levels. The sector needs to enable talents with all perspectives to co-create new insights and ideas to move forward.
Practical steps to diversify leadership
Beyond setting goals and informed targets, we can achieve a more diverse leadership with a few practical measures.
We can establish mentoring strategies and policies. These help ensure a more diverse range of people are in the leadership pipeline and have exposure to executive meetings.
We can create open and safe forums that promote dialogue about leadership issues. Universities need to have honest conversations about the complexities, challenges and barriers to achieving greater diversity in leadership. This includes being able to examine contested ideas such as decolonisation, quotas, and meritocracy within the university system.
We can engage young people and diverse groups using non-English media platforms to communicate key ideas to a wider and more diverse audience. This could shift attitudes toward the Anglophone-dominated status quo and create space for greater inclusion, both physically and intellectually.
The key to success will be empowering the “other” to advise leaders, become leaders and participate in problem-solving and decision-making.
We need to democratise workplaces through participation, to shift workplace relations and power dynamics. A mobilised and diverse university community could come up with more holistic, innovative and transformative solutions.
Diversity is integral to sustainability
More than ever, Australia’s higher education sector needs an intersectional lens, where leaders see the world through multiple perspectives and through the experiences of students and staff from different backgrounds.
Diversity in senior leadership is essential to give meaning to the assertion “we are all in it together” and to sustainable development. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of our society, universities need to reflect the ecology of knowledge that is integral to driving sustainable socio-cultural, environmental, economic and technological development.
Diverse leadership should be the norm as we imagine the “new normal”.
Condemning the violent situation that unfolded at the US Capitol in Washington, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday morning said the democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests and called for an orderly and peaceful transfer of power.
Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.
“Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. An orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests,” he tweeted.
A chaotic scene unfolded at the Capitol as supporters of President Trump swarmed the building to protest the Electoral College vote, forcing a lockdown and various confrontations with police.
Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison issued a statement on social media condemning the violence and called for a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.
Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.
US President Donald Trump’s supporters, who marched at the Capitol, reiterated his claims that the recently-concluded presidential election was ‘stolen’, and demanded their ‘voices be heard’. Several police officers sustained injuries, while one woman was confirmed dead after being shot in the chest.
The protesters managed to overpower the law enforcement officers and swarmed the House and Senate chambers, leading to the evacuation of several Congressional buildings. Several lawmakers slammed Trump for inciting violence, with some calling for his immediate impeachment and remo
Rain forced an early lunch on the first day of the third Test between India and Australia on Thursday here at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Mohammad Siraj sent the comeback man David Warner (5) back to the pavilion in just the fourth over of the innings and the hosts once again got off to a bad start in the ongoing series against India. But after this dismissal, Will Pucovski (14*) and Marnus Labuschagne (2*) ensured that the side does not suffer from hiccups in the first session.
The first session saw just 7.1 over being bowled and the persistent drizzle brought about an early call for lunch. Tim Paine-led Australia won the toss and elected to bat first against India in the third Test of the four-match series on Thursday here at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Rohit Sharma is finally back for the Indian side and he replaces Mayank Agarwal in the opening slot. Umesh Yadav, who was ruled out of the Test series after getting injured in the Boxing Day Test, has been replaced by Navdeep Saini in the playing XI. This will be the debut Test for Navdeep Saini. The pacer was handed the Blue cap from Jasprit Bumrah and as a result, Saini has become the 299th Test cricketer for India.
India got off to a perfect start as Mohammad Siraj dismissed David Warner (5) in the fourth over of the innings. Warner went for a drive, but he only managed to get an outside edge and a simple catch was given to Cheteshwar Pujara at first slip. This is the first time in four years that Warner has been dismissed for less than 10 runs in a home Test. With Australia’s score at 21/1 in the eighth over, rain played spoilsport and the play had to be halted and as a result, early lunch was called.
It continues to rain in Sydney!
Australia 21/1 after 7.1 overs after early Lunch was taken. #TeamIndia
For India, Navdeep Saini is playing his first Test while Pucovski is playing his first Test for Australia. India playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini. Australia playing XI: David Warner, Will Pucovski, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (c), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. Brief Scores: Australia 21/1 (Will Pucovski 14*, David Warner 5, Mohammad Siraj 1-14).
Whether it’s purchasing power parity or the Happiness Index, global comparisons require benchmarking. Sport does this well with World Cups and the Olympics, or better still the single ranking familiar to tennis and golf aficionados.
The problem with universities is there are around a dozen rankings. Each is a variable mix of research, reputation and teaching metrics, leading to quite different and confusing results.
University rankings certainly have their critics, who point to the potential to mislead students and distort research priorities. Our newly developed Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities (ARTU) overcomes the flaws of singling outperformance in any one ranking.
This aggregated ranking helps to broaden the range of assessment — from research citations (frequency referred to in the academic literature) and impact, through to reputation, and qualitative as well as quantitative measures. It also helps address the inherent imperfections of any one of the individual ranking systems, when seen on their own.
The ARTU orders universities by cumulative performance over the mainstream scoring systems. Condensing the three most influential — the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) — gives a single broad overview of a university’s position.
How does Australia fare?
Australia now has 13 universities in the global top 200. That’s an increase from just eight two years ago.
Australia ranks fourth in the world in 2020, after the US, UK and Germany. Indeed per head of population, Australia is well ahead of these nations, and second behind the Netherlands for nations of more than 10 million.
This is no new entrant fluke, as Australia has seven universities in the top 100. That’s 7% of the best universities for 0.3% of the world’s population (or 1.6% of global GDP). Two Australian institutions, Monash and UNSW, are among the five that jumped more than 20 places within the top 100 between 2012 and 2020.
Asia on the rise
Although rankings are compiled annually, performance is a lagging indicator assessed over severalyears. For instance, research citations can be judged between five to 11 years later.
On the one hand, this should help cushion our pandemic-affected universities from precipitous falls over the next few years. On the other, it conspires against rapid rises up the global ladder.
This makes the ascendancy of East Asian universities, and in particular those from China, all the more remarkable. The top two Chinese universities now come in at 18th and 27th internationally, ahead of Australia’s lead, the University of Melbourne at 29th. The next four Chinese universities have risen more than 100 spots since 2012 to crack the top 75. This is especially impressive given that research is largely judged on English-language outputs.
Australia has fared well in this battle of the old versus new order. Long-established universities benefit from major endowments, philanthropy and long-run reputation. Australia’s universities in the top 200 have an average age of 78, compared to over two centuries for overseas unis in top 200.
China has this disadvantage too. But China does have the benefit of a booming economy, which drives top-down investment in cutting-edge technologies and academic excellence through STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) research at scale.
A measure of the value of international students
It can be argued that Australian universities thrived on the back of 28 years of growth, a desirable location, political stability and relatively open borders to knowledge-based entrants. But the standout contribution has been from international students. In absolute terms universities in Australia have the second-highest number after the US.
Simply put, the margin between international and domestic student income covers the indirect costs of strategic investment in research, teaching, and other areas. Australian universities need to raise around an additional dollar in support and infrastructure spending for every dollar won in grant income. And all this while fulfilling the core mission of educating local students, with 43% of 25-to-34-year-olds now having a bachelor degree, up from 34% in 2010.
But coronavirus has laid bare the Achilles heel in this business model. Closed borders and geopolitical shifts have delivered a major blow to cross-subsidization, as well as to international collaboration so crucial for team-based research addressing the world’s grand challenges.
Vaccines now offer some light at the end of the tunnel, but it will be many years before the world resembles its former self, if ever. Trust in science and an R&D-led economy argue for a major role for universities in the recovery from COVID-19. But the only certainty is uncertainty.
So expect considerable volatility in higher education. How well our universities stack up will depend in part on how international competitors fare, and in particular their relative economies and resourcefulness. Australia looks well positioned here, but will need to weather the threats posed by contraction, domestic constraints and a challenging business model.
Rankings are not perfect. They do not assess all aspects of the mission of Australian universities and are rightly subject to criticism, often from institutions not doing so well. But rankings are the best surrogate measure of global standing that we have and they are here to stay, whether we like them or loathe them.
As the aggregate scoreboard for top universities around the globe, ARTU is well placed to track the shake-up from COVID-19 as it plays out in our universities over the next five to ten years.
In a big move, the microblogging site Twitter on Wednesday (local time) decided to lock US President Donald Trump’s account in wake of the violent situation at the US Capitol in Washington. Citing violation of its Civic Integrity Policy, Twitter said that it had required the removal of at least three of Trump’s tweets that were posted earlier regarding the situation in Washington, adding that his account will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these tweets.
As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM
And for the first time, the microblogging site Twitter on Wednesday (local time) officially removed several tweets from US President Donald Trump, where he spoke on the violent protests at the US Capitol. One of the deleted tweets was a video where Trump addressed his supporters, telling them to ‘go home’ while reiterating allegations of voter fraud, while another deleted tweet had him saying Vice President Mike Pence lacked the “courage” to do what was necessary. The removal comes after Facebook and YouTube removed Trump’s video to supporters, and amid calls by the Anti-Defamation League and the NAACP for Trump’s social media accounts to be suspended outright, reported CNN. In a tweet, Facebook’s VP of integrity Guy Rosen called this ‘an emergency situation’, and said that the video contributes to the risk of ongoing violence.
We've assessed two policy violations against President Trump's Page which will result in a 24-hour feature block, meaning he will lose the ability to post on the platform during that time.
“This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump’s video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence,” tweeted Rosen. In the one-minute video on Twitter, Trump said: “I know you are pained, I know you are hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. That was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We’ve to have law and order. We don’t want anybody hurt.” “This was a fraudulent election, but we can’t play in the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You’re very special. You’ve seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace,” he added.
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
The tweet was immediately flagged by the microblogging site as the claim of election fraud was disputed. Twitter also restricted the post from being liked, retweeted or replied to, due to a risk of stoking violence. Trump later tweeted: “These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!”. This tweet was also deleted.
A chaotic and violent scene unfolded at the Capitol on Wednesday as supporters of Trump swarmed the building to protest the Electoral College vote, forcing a lockdown and various confrontations with police-reported The Hill. Rioters overpowered police and broke into the Capitol to protest as a joint session of Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win. The incident led to several condemnations of Trump for inciting the riots, with some calling for his immediate impeachment and removal.
Despite the extremely chaotic situation at the US Capitol on Wednesday following violent protests by supporters of President Donald Trump, lawmakers in both parties and chambers said that Congress will continue the work of certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral victory in the evening. “I have faced violent hatred before. I was not deterred then, and I will not be deterred now. Tonight, Congress will continue the business of certifying the electoral college votes,” House Majority Whip James Clyburn said in a tweet. In the upper chamber, Senator Kevin Cramer said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is also telling senators to expect the process to continue Wednesday night, reported The Hill.
States want to correct their votes, which they now know were based on irregularities and fraud, plus corrupt process never received legislative approval. All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!
“We’re going to finish tonight. Everyone is committed to staying whatever it takes to get our job done,” said Senator Joe Manchin. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed the decision, describing what happened at the Capitol as “a shameful assault” on democracy. “Today’s shameful assault on our democracy — anointed at the highest level of government — must not deter us from our responsibility to the Constitution. Tonight, we will move forward with the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s election,” she tweeted.
We’re 30 mins past curfew and police are working to move back protesters even further from the US Capitol. Some protesters put up the barricades, which were there originally to keep them out, to block the police. pic.twitter.com/9F08vYilZS
A chaotic and violent scene unfolded at the Capitol on Wednesday as supporters of Trump swarmed the building to protest the Electoral College vote, forcing a lockdown and various confrontations with police reported The Hill. Rioters overpowered police and broke into the Capitol to protest as a joint session of Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win. The incident led to several condemnations of Trump for inciting the riots, with some calling for his immediate impeachment and removal.
CNN reported that the Sergeant-at-Arms later announced that the US Capitol building was secure, as the National Guard was called in to disperse the rioters. The development comes as scores of Republicans had pledged to challenge the Electoral College’s vote for Biden when Congress convenes for a joint session on Wednesday.
Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif on Wednesday shared a power-packed video of her leg workout session, inspiring her fans to workout in order to stay fit. The ‘Namaste London’ star hopped on to Instagram and shared a video in which the actor is seen concentrating on her workout session in the gym.
Holding dumbbells in hands, the ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ star was seen dressed in a black T-shirt and matching shorts, which she paired with pink sports shoes. Of late, the ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ star has been quite active on social media and keeps on updating her fans on her activities by posting pictures and videos. Earlier, Kaif treated her fans with some refreshing pictures of herself as she spent the first day of the year with her sister Isabelle Kaif.
COVID-19 vaccines of Serum Institue of India and Bharat Biotech have been granted permission for restricted use in emergency situation, said Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Sunday.
“After adequate examination, CDSCO has decided to accept the recommendations of the Expert Committee and accordingly, vaccines of M/s Serum and M/s Bharat Biotech are being approved for restricted use in emergency situation and permission is being granted to M/s Cadila Healthcare for the conduct of the Phase III clinical trial,” said VG Somani, DCGI, during a media briefing today.
“We’ll never approve anything if there is slightest of safety concern. The vaccines are 100 per cent safe. Some side effects like mild fever, pain, and allergy are common for every vaccine. It (people may get impotent) is absolute rubbish,” he added. The SEC of Standard Drug Organisation met on 1st and 2nd Jan and made recommendations in respect of proposal of restricted emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccine of SII, according to DCGI.
COVID-19 vaccine administration dry run is being conducted, at a health care centre in Chennai on Saturday.
SII Pune has submitted safety immunogenicity and efficacy data generated on 23,745 participants aged more than or equal to 18 years or older from overseas clinical studies, he added. The overall vaccine efficacy was found to be 70.42 per cent. Further SII was granted permission to conduct phase 2/phase 3 clinical trial on 1,600 participants within the country, according to DCGI. “The firm also submitted the interim safety and immunogenicity data generated from this trial and the data was found comparable from the data from overseas clinical studies,” said Somani.
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan visiting the GTB Hospital, Shahdara for reviewing the preparedness of Dry Run of Administering the COVID-19 vaccine, in New Delhi on Saturday.
“After detailed deliberations, SEC has recommended for grant of permission for restricted use in an emergency situation subject to certain regulatory conditions. The clinical trial ongoing the country by the firm will continue,” he added. Bharat Biotech has developed a vaccine named covaxin in collaboration with ICMR and the National Institute of Virology, from where they received the virus seed strains. This vaccine is developed on the Vero cell platform, which has a well-established track record of safety and efficacy in the country and globally.
Indin Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the country as Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted emergency use approval to Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech for their COVID-19 vaccines.
A decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight!
DCGI granting approval to vaccines of @SerumInstIndia and @BharatBiotech accelerates the road to a healthier and COVID-free nation.
Congratulations India.
Congratulations to our hardworking scientists and innovators.
The firm has generated safety and immunogenicity data in various animal species such as mice, rats, rabbits, Syrian hamster, and also conducted challenge studies on non-human primates (Rhesus macaques) and hamsters. All these data have been shared by the firm with CDSCO. Phase I and Phase II clinical trials were conducted in approx.800 subjects and the results have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and provides a robust immune response. The Phase III efficacy trial was initiated in India in 25,800 volunteers and to date, 22,500 participants have been vaccinated across the country and the vaccine has been found to be safe as per the data available to date. The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has reviewed the data on safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine and recommended for grant of permission for restricted use in an emergency situation in the public interest as an abundant precaution, in clinical trial mode, to have more options for vaccinations, especially in case of infection by mutant strains. The clinical trial ongoing within the country by the firm will continue, according to DCGI. Accordingly, the firm has sought permission to conduct a Phase-III clinical trial in 26,000 Indian participants, which has been recommended by the Subject Expert Committee. M/s Serum and M/s Bharat Biotech vaccines have to be administered in two doses. All the three vaccines have to be stored at 2-8° C, said DCGI.
Shrutika Mane, 20 years student of Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide has been announced as the Raj SuriMiss India Australia 2020 winner.
Born in the UK and brought up in India and Australia, Shrutika has a unique understanding of people and cultures from across the globe. In addition to English, Shrutika can speak Hindi and Marathi. A National Award-winning debater, aspiring actor and dancer, and selected TEDx speaker all by the age of 20.
Due to Covid 19, the 2020 Miss India Australia winner and the 7 finalists were selected via online auditions and interview process on the basis of their overall personality and talent performances with real casting experience and group training and mentoring session by Australian Indian talent mentor Raj Suri.
Miss India Australia 2020 will officially represent Australia in the 29th Miss India Australia Worldwide 2021 week at The Lalit Hotel, Mumbai, India in October 2021 (subject to covid restrictions at the time). The grand finale is on Sunday, 3 October 2021 in the same hotel in Mumbai.
Indian entertainment industry professionals are expected to attend including many Bollywood celebrities.
Also representing at the same time will be the 4th Mrs India Worldwide 2020.
The Mrs India Worldwide Australia 2020 was taken out by Mrs Anumeha Tomar, 29 years old post graduate in management and a working professional and content creator from Melbourne.
The 7 Miss India Australia 2020 Finalists, represented from around Australia are: RABIA Gill (NSW), RADHE Bavada – (NSW) AMANDA Shalau (NSW), NANSITA Charan (NSW), SHRUTIKA Mane (SA ), RADHIKA Botre (NSW), KIRTHI Dodla (VIC)
The Miss India Australia 2020 finalists showcased their talent ranging from dancing and public speaking.
The Miss India Australia 2020 titles announced are:
SHRUTIKA MANE – Miss India Australia 2020
RADHE BAVADA – Miss India Australia 2020 Photogenic and Best Talent
RABIA GILL – Miss India Australia 2020 Professional
AMANDA SHALAU – Miss India Australia 2020 – Social Impact
RADHIKA BOTRE – Miss India Australia 2020 Popular Choice
NANSITA CHARAN – Miss India Australia 2020 – Best Student
KIRTHI DODLA – Miss India Australia 2020 International Student (impact)
The Miss India Australia 2020 Winner will be trained, mentored by Sydney based image and personal development mentor Raj Suri and will be exclusively represented via Raj Suri associate talent office globally with the media firm, Karigar Australia.
Founded in 2001 by photographer/media/film producer Raj Suri, the Original Miss India Australia is the first ever-national talent search in Australia for women of Indian origin, affiliated to the Miss India Worldwide which will be celebrating its 29th year in 2021 represented by over 20 countries. “Miss India Australia embraces the best of Australian and Indian culture presenting a unique opportunity for Australian women to engage with and celebrate rich heritage with contemporary Australian identity. Miss India Australia does not follow a minimum height or weight criteria in women. It truly celebrates the “real woman” – the Indian Australian diversity.
The Miss India Australia by Raj Suri is now evolved into the platform of choice for the young culturally aware Australian women especially to make inroads into the Indian Films (Bollywood), Fashion industries and most importantly to cultivate role models to inspire diverse young women of Indian original in Australia and across the globe.
Over the years below are some of the known Miss India Australia WINNERS and Finalists in the Indian Australian Film and TV and Modelling Industries:
There are many other former Miss India Australia finalists and or subtitle winners who are pursuing successful careers in varied fields and professions and continue to inspire Indian Australian women from all walks of life.
Australia, Dec 28 (ANI): India's Umesh Yadav leaves the field injured during day three of the Second Test match between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Monday. (Photo Courtesy: BCCI Twitter/ ANI Photo)
India fast bowler T Natarajan has been added to the Test squad for the remaining two Test matches against Australia. The left-arm pacer has replaced Umesh Yadav, who sustained a strain in his left calf muscle on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named T Natarajan as Yadav’s replacement. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Shardul Thakur was added to the Test squad as Mohd. Shami’s replacement after the senior fast bowler suffered a hairline fracture in his right forearm. Both Shami and Umesh Yadav will head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation of their injuries,” the BCCI said in an official statement.
NEWS: T Natarajan to replace Umesh Yadav in India’s Test squad. #TeamIndia#AUSvIND
Earlier Indian media reported that Natarajan was the likely replacement for Umesh. “With limited options available, the team management can ask for Natarajan to be added to the squad,” the sources in the know of developments in the Indian camp had said.
Umesh left for India on Wednesday night and will now look to get fit in time for the home series against England.
Congratulations to @y_umesh on the birth of a baby girl today.
Team India Test squad: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan.
Cricket Australia on Wednesday informed that the hosts will train in Melbourne on January 2 and 3 before moving to Sydney on January 4. India will also arrive in Sydney on the same day. The third Test between both teams will begin on January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground
