In an unbelievably public display of anti-Hindu hate, 38 universities have reportedly sponsored an anti-Hindu hate conference entitled, “Dismantling Global Hindutva” set to take place virtually September 10-12, 2021.
The Hindu American Foundation(HAF) has launched a global campaign encouraging anyone, anywhere to fight back against this bigotry festival by writing to these universities and asking them to drop their sponsorship.
The deadline to sign our letter is Thursday, August 26, 2021, at midnight ET. HAF will deliver the letter with your signature the following day directly to each university president.
Last week, HAF wrote a letter to the 41 universities that were announced as sponsors by the conference organizers. HAF also launched an email action alert last week that generated over 650,000 emails in less than 24 hours, overwhelming our system, which resulted in 3 universities officially dropping their sponsorship.
You can take action now by signing the letter to these universities demanding that they drop their sponsorship, disassociate themselves, and protect the safety and well being of any Hindu students, faculty, or staff that are on their campus.
List of Universities Allegedly Sponsoring:
Boston College
Columbia University
Concordia University
Cornell University
Dalhousie University (Dropped Sponsorship on 8/20/21)
Drew University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Lehigh University
McMaster University
New York University
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Princeton University (Sponsorship Dropped 8/22/21)
Rutgers University
Simon Fraser University
Stanford University
Stockton University
Syracuse University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Goettingen
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
University of Manitoba
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Massachusetts, Boston (Dropped Sponsorship 8/20/21)
As a supporter of the Hindu American Foundation, I am writing to you to express my serious concern regarding an event to be held September 10-12, 2021, entitled “Dismantling Global Hindutva” (DGH). This event is being promoted as co-sponsored by your institution with your institution’s name and logo appearing on the DGH website, promotional materials, and social media posts. If this event is not endorsed by your institution, or if the logo is being utilized in contravention of university policy, I respectfully request that you:
Ask the event organizers to remove your university’s name and logo from its website, promotional materials, and social media posts; and
Ensure the safety and wellbeing of Hindu students, faculty, and staff on your campus who may feel targeted, threatened, or face hostility or harassment as a result of this partisan, anti-Hindu event.
As a practitioner of Sanatana Dharma, also known as Hinduism, or friend of Hinduism and its values, you should know that free speech and academic freedom are intrinsic to this ancient faith, as followers are guided by the Hindu precepts of Satya (truthfulness), vāda and saṃvāda (debate and discussion), and Viveka (discernment). We ask that institutions of higher learning such as yours support the same pluralistic values and also privilege academic integrity by promoting open inquiry, encouraging a diversity of viewpoints, and modelling constructive disagreement.
This event, however, is the antithesis of all of these values.
The DGH organizers trade on the prestige of your institution’s name to host, not an academic conference, but a partisan event related to politics in India. The event platforms activists with extensive histories of amplifying Hinduphobic discourse even while denying the existence of Hinduphobia. Many of these activists equate the whole of Hinduism with caste bigotry and other social ills; deny the subcontinental indigeneity of Hindus and Hinduism, and support or minimize violent extremist and separatist movements and deny the resulting genocides and ethnic cleansings of Hindus.
DGH organizers describe Hindutva as a “political philosophy” in an attempt to distinguish the participants’ critique of it from criticism of Hinduism and Hindus. But then they go on to deny the existence of Hinduism by reducing it to being only “heterodox, continuously under contestation, and often contradictory,” rather than the coherent and diverse living tradition it is for its 1.2 billion adherents.
They do not acknowledge spiritual teachings and practices such as Oneness of existence, yoga, non-violence, loving devotion of God, and selfless service, all of which inform the shared values and spiritual lives of Hindus around the world and millions of seekers of all backgrounds. Instead, they problematize Hinduism, against any conceptual and emic understandings of Hindu teachings, writing that: “Hinduism has rightly been critiqued for the deep inequities in Indian society, most importantly for the caste system.”
Holding Hindus to double standards, defaming or falsely alleging dual loyalty against Indian and Hindu Americans, or dehumanizing Hindus by portraying them as inherently bigoted or dangerous crosses the fine line between legitimate criticism of policies of the Indian government and anti-Hindu hatred.
While academics at your institution may choose to personally engage in political partisan activism concerning India, we hope you would agree that your institution should not. In fact, strict neutrality and independence are critical to the integrity of academic institutions. The use of your university’s name and logo, in this regard, implies overt institutional partisanship and endorsement of the event’s political and discriminatory motives.
As such, I respectfully request you to ask for the removal of your university’s name and logo from the DGH website, promotional materials, and social media posts.
I also ask that you ensure the safety and wellbeing of Hindu students, faculty, and staff on your campus leading up to the DGH event, and provide support and protection to those who may feel targeted, threatened, or face hostility or harassment as a result of this divisive event. Hindu students are targeted and report feeling under attack for opposing Hinduphobic depictions of their religion in the classroom and for opposing anti-Hindu hate on college campuses.
Thank you for your attention and for urgently addressing this distressing matter.”
Victoria COVID 19 Vaccination; Picture Source: Twitter @VicDHS
Every Victorian aged 16 years and over will be eligible to access a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine at state-run vaccination centres from tomorrow.
The change means that from Wednesday 25 August, anyone aged 18 to 59 will be eligible to receive either Pfizer or AstraZeneca – with people aged 16 to 17 able to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Those aged 60 and over will continue to receive AstraZeneca.
Over the next four weeks, there will be over 830,000 appointments for COVID-19 vaccines at more than 55 state-run centres operating across Victoria – this includes 450,000 first dose appointments for the Pfizer vaccine.
With this new expansion, the number of Victorians eligible to receive Pfizer has increased by 2 million. Approximately 1.7 million Victorians aged 16 to 59 have already been vaccinated across general practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, community pharmacy and state vaccination centres.
The expansion follows the supply of an additional 175,000 doses of Pfizer from the Commonwealth, recently received from overseas.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “We’ve already delivered more than 230,000 doses towards our 1 million jabs target which is a mammoth effort.”
“But please, if you haven’t had your vaccination yet, just book it in today to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Anyone aged 18 to 39 who has a current booking for AstraZeneca from Wednesday 25th August who would prefer to receive Pfizer, will not need to cancel or change your booking – you will be offered Pfizer when you arrive for your appointment unless you would prefer to receive AstraZeneca.
The change in eligibility will not occur until tomorrow and the additional bookings will be available online from 7 am tomorrow.
However, with the number of Victorians aged 18 to 59 still far outweighing the Pfizer doses available from the Commonwealth, the AstraZeneca vaccine will still be available for those who choose to provide consent and discuss their vaccination with a medical professional.
“The best vaccine you can get is the one that you can get today.”
The state-run centres include three new drive-through vaccination sites, at the Former Ford Factory in Broadmeadows, at Sandown Racecourse in Springvale and at the Eagle Stadium in Werribee.
The new sites join the Melton drive-through clinic at the former Bunnings warehouse site, which saw 1,200 doses delivered in its first week of operation.
It’s important to remember Victorians can also book to get vaccinated with their local GP or selected pharmacists across the state.
Victorians are required to book their vaccination appointment by visiting coronavirus.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres for more information on Victoria’s vaccination centres, including locations and opening hours.
Manohar Lal Khattar, CM Haryana; Guru Gorakhnath; Picture Source: @ZEEonline
The Haryana government on Wednesday banned the usage of “Gorakh Dhanda.”
This colloquial expression is generally used to describe unethical practices.
Image source: Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar – Wikipedia.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar took the decision after meeting a delegation of the Gorakhnath community.
The community delegation urged him to ban the phrase as it hurts the sentiments of the followers of Saint Gorakhnath.
Image source: Gorakhnath Math – Wikipedia.
Gorakhnath was the 11th century Hindu yogi who is considered to be the founder of the Nath Hindu monastic movement in India.
The Gorakhnath Math and Gorakhpur city in Uttar Pradesh are named after him. The Nath sect was founded by Lord Shiva and his knowledge was passed to Guru Gorakhnath.
Dr Pitambar Dutt Barthwal discovered 40 books written by Gorakhnath in Sanskrit and Hindi. He compiled and edited Gorakhnath’s compositions, which were later published as ‘Gorakh Bani’.
A government spokesperson said:
“The delegation representing the Gorakhnath community met the chief minister and urged him to ban the use of the expression, saying it hurts the sentiments of the followers of Saint Gorakhnath. The CM agreed.”
Gorakhnath had a strong influence on Sant Kabir, Dadu Dayal and Malik Mohammed Jaisi.
Well-known Hindi write Hazari Prasad Dwivedi has said:
“There is very little historicity left in the description of Gorakhnath. The folklore merely propagates the teachings of the sect and no other information”.
Gorakhnath laid the foundation of Hindu-Muslim unity and opposed caste discrimination and other evils.
However, it is not clear if the word ‘Gorakh Dhanda’ actually refers to Gorakhnath and the trade practices of his followers or is a transformation of the word ‘Golak Dhanda’.
Gorakhnath used to advise his followers’ various yoga postures, mantras and treatment plans that most of the time didn’t make sense to the common folk. However, his advice was very effective in treating ailments. Thus the word ‘Gorakh Dhanda was used to explain things that gave results but was inexplicable.
Some experts feel that the origin of the words may be from ‘Golak’ which is often used to refer to a round shape like earth or the world and ‘dhanda’ is used for puzzles or mysteries. Thus referring to this world as a strange puzzle or inexplicable mystery.
Pakistani singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has even popularised this expression through his song entitled ‘Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho’ – referring to the existence of God as a complicated mystery.
WATCH VIDEO: Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho (Original Complete Version) – USTAD NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN – OFFICIAL VIDEO
Australian shares finished a tumultuous week down 2.2%, its worst week since January 29, as gold stocks and miners took a hit.
Australian miners shed 11.3% for the week, with BHP leading the losses. BHP, the world’s biggest listed miner posted a weekly loss of 16%, its worst week since March 2020 as investors digested news regarding the company’s decision to end its UK dual listing.
The sell-off in iron ore is expected to continue as concerns of steel demand from China weigh on the sentiment. The market has been hit with the closure of steel mills in China as authorities aim to reduce emissions from the sector. With steel production in July down 84% compared to the same time last year there is fear this could further accelerate the fall in mining stocks.
Iron ore is now deeply in the bear market has fallen 43% from its peak in May.
Image source: mines.gov.in
Investors have also been concerned about the rise in coronavirus cases in Australia. Australia’s third wave of COVID-19 infections shows no signs of slowing down and have pushed the world’s 13th largest economy to the brink of its second recession in as many years.
Sydney Airport’s half-yearly results were a testimony of damage done by the continuing pandemic. Australia’s biggest airport operator recorded a net loss of $97.4 million for the six months ended 30 June. This was significantly greater than the $52.6 million loss it announced last year.
The airport did not pay any dividend and as per Citi analysts, the dividend will be suspended until June 2022 due to slower than expected recovery from the pandemic. Sydney Airport’s international traffic was also down 91% in the first half of the year compared to the same time last year.
Many analysts, however, believe that the market is now desensitized to the virus woes and the attention is more focused on US Federal Reserve’s tapering talks. Minutes from the Fed’s July meeting showed officials discussing ceasing back on unprecedented economic stimulus by year’s end.
While there are some divisions among Fed officials over the economic impact of increasing coronavirus cases, the minutes solidified expectations that the Fed will step back on stimulus before year’s end barring some unpleasant economic surprise. This week investors will be keeping a keen eye on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Fed’s annual research conference for clues on Central Bank’s next steps.
Gold was little changed this week, as it battled with the rising US dollar. The economic concerns over a global pandemic slowdown due to a spike in COVID-19 infections underpinned the yellow metal’s safe-haven status, a stronger US dollar on the other hand curbed any gains in the precious metal.
With recovery from coronavirus pandemic starting to see drags as Delta cases rise globally, gold investors have underlying support. Having said that with US Dollar also rising with expectations that the Fed will move towards tapering, it has been made gold more expensive for other currency holders.
As such gold investors will be keeping an eye on Fed’s annual get together this year, which could shed further light on monetary strategy and timeline. As per analysts from Commerzbank, “As soon as Fed announces that it will start to reduce its bond purchases, an important obstacle for the gold price should disappear. During the further course of the year, it should benefit from the comparatively cheap valuation of gold and the record low real yields.”
The concern that the rising COVID-19 cases globally could handcuff international travel continued to weigh on the oil markets. Brent Crude fell by 9% for the week and US Crude oil ended the week more than 8% down. Overall, oil recorded its biggest losses in more than nine months.
Several G20 countries have now reimposed numerous measures including steep travel restrictions in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus. In addition to that China, the world’s largest importer of oil had reimposed tighter restrictions at the port as part of its zero-tolerance policy against the pandemic leading to widespread congestion, while both Australia and New Zealand have also stiffened restrictions.
With global air travel demands also reducing in tandem the black gold fell to its lowest levels since mid-April as oil investors have realised that the Delta variant is a growing problem and a potential hurdle to any recovery in oil demand.
Regarding the Australian Dollar, the rising coronavirus cases took a toll on the local currency as it fell against all major peers. In comparison to the US Dollar, the Australian Dollar fell 3% to a 10-month low of 0.71265. With lockdown further extended in Sydney and State governments in Australia keen on locking everything at the drop of a hat it continues to work against Australian growth.
With housing prices in Australia starting to suffer as a result of lockdown and the Chinese economy slowing down the Aussie is expected to fall further. Having said that there may be investors who are likely to think that the market is oversold at this stage and provide some support for the Aussie.
However, we expect that any bounce from these levels will provide further opportunities to short the Australian Dollar. As such traders are best to serve to wait for the bounce and start shorting at first signs of exhaustion as we expect the Australian dollar to suffer strongly at this point against the greenback.
Investors will keep a keen eye on the 0.70 marks as that area has provided strong support before and is regarded as big psychological importance. A break below 0.70 against the US Dollar will almost certainly result in a further collapse of the Australian Dollar shortly.
Regarding the Indian Rupee, a fall in oil prices helped stabilise the Indian currency against most major currencies. While a move towards haven resulted in the Rupee falling against the US Dollar, the Rupee rose against all other main currencies such as Euro, Pound and Aussie Dollar. Even though major INR traders are betting Rupee will fall in near future, there are stronger bets of a rise in INR against the Euro and Australian currency soon.
In the world of Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin went about its business as usual to record a fifth weekly gain. The bulls continued to rally as they look set to take over another key Fibonacci level, the 61.8% of the $64,895-$28,600 mark at $51,030.
It was however clearly the week for the altcoins. With Bitcoin rising 5.67% for the week and Ethereum rising only 0.03%, other currencies stole the show.
We have been bullish in Cardano and Polka Dot over the past two weeks and both of them did not disappoint. Cardano spiked 17.47% for the week whereas Polkadot rallied as much as 23.02%. In fact, Cardano overtook all other altcoins to now become the third highest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin and Ethereum based on market capitalisation. This is mostly thanks to its upcoming Alonzo upgrade, which will incorporate smart contracts and is expected to give stiff competition to Ethereum.
In agricultural products, the old trading saying “nothing of importance happens in the grain markets in the last in the last two weeks of August,” rang true this week with long liquidations across nearly all agricultural commodities.
With the US dollar rising strongly against all other currencies the grain markets struggled with broader profit-taking as inflation anxiety’s continued to wane. The stronger US Dollar has pressured all commodities and with China demand estimates reducing the uncertainties are working to tip the prices of agricultural products further down. Having said that the Northern Hemisphere is battling one of its worst drought conditions in a long time and with questions around production supplies anything is possible in this market environment.
Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs a business called Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone interested in starting their trading journey how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.
Disclaimer:
The opinions in the above article are the authors own and do not constitute any financial advice whatsoever. Nothing published by The Australia Today constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content publication be relied upon for any investment activities.
We strongly recommend that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.
Hinduism Vs Hindutva; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Of all the Indian words that have been misused the most in the global polity are “Hinduism” & “Hindutva”.
Even literature laureates like Mr Shashi Tharoor have murdered the basis of language to suffocate the truth of the two terms. There is a long list of people who have followed the same track. And I must mind you that most of them come from elite self-proclaimed guardians of language, literature and culture.
Where Did Term “Hindu” Come From?
Through this essay, I look forward to dislodging various myths around the terms “Hinduism” and “Hindutva” using empirical pieces of evidence. The difference between the two terms is primarily about suffix added to the word “Hindu”. Hence, to understand the two we must first understand the term “Hindu” itself. Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which means “a large body of water”, covering “river, ocean”.
It was used as the name of the Indus river and also referred to its tributaries. The actual term ‘Hindu’ first occurs as “a Persian geographical term for the people who lived beyond the river Indus (Sanskrit: Sindhu)”.
Hinduism Vs Hindutva; Picture Source: The Australia Today
It was found in the 6th-century BC inscription of Darius I. It mentions the province of Hi[n]dush, referring to northwestern India. The people of India were referred to as Hinduvān (Hindus) and hindavī has been used as the adjective for Indian in the 8th-century text Chachnama.
The term ‘Hindu’ in these ancient records is an ethno-geographical term & didn’t refer to religion.
Hindustān, Hinduism and Hindutva by Arvind Sharma & Numen Vol. 49, No. 1 (2002), pg 2-5
-Ism?
Now let us talk about the suffix of the first term “Hindu+ism”. What does -ism stand for? The first recorded usage of the suffix -ism as a separate word in its own right was in 1680. By the 19th century, it was being used by Thomas Carlyle to signify a pre-packaged ideology. The use of the phrase “the isms” as a collective derogatory term to lump together the radical social reform movements of the day (such as slavery abolitionism, feminism, alcohol prohibitionism, Fourierism, pacifism, early socialism, etc) was common in the USA of the 19th Century.
It was also added for various spiritual or religious movements considered non-mainstream by the standards of the time (such as Transcendentalism, spiritualism or “spirit rapping”, Mormonism, the Oneida movement often accused of “free love”, etc.).
I don’t know how people even believe that the “Hindu” idea is non-mainstream or just a radical social reform so how justified is the addition of “-ism” to “Hindu”? The -isms have always been about “unilateral philosophy” or “idea”. But isn’t Hindu practice all about plurality? Let me make it even simpler by taking examples of three very common -isms depicted in the respective images below:
Example of SurrealismExample of ExpressionismExample of Cubism
Can you notice, that they come with a completely distinct appearance? It’s because of the unique philosophy embedded within each of them. And that’s where the problem comes when you add “-ism” to “Hindu”. You can’t limit it to a singular idea hence in reality “Hinduism” is an oxymoron.
Like how we can’t ever say “Architecture” though “Deconstructivism” is a type of architecture. You can have “Shaivism”, “Vaishnavism” but not “Hinduism”. Despite that, we accepted this oxymoron with the time it became popular. Britishers never understood the pluralistic Hindu idea & ended up adding “-ism” as they thought it to be on par with “rigid” Abrahamic ideas which they were only aware of.
How many of you ever wondered that why “Islam” isn’t “Islamism” or “Christianity” not “Christianism”, but we have “Judaism” & “Hinduism” etc? Ism was always added to practice that seemed inferior or not mainstream. If one understands -ism & believes in a plurality of “Hindus” then Hinduism can never be “Hindu Dharma”, rather Sanātana Dharma. Plainly speaking “Sanātana Dharma” means eternal order: like “the flow of water”. It’s nature of water to flow, wind to blow & every such order is Sanātana.
Religion is institutions while Dharma is the way to “strive to be right”. Dharma tells to reject institution which shows wrong path.
Dharma signifies behaviours that are considered to be in accord with Ṛta, the order that makes life and the universe possible. It includes duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and the “right way of living”. Eg, ‘Rajadharma’ means King’s Duty, not Religion.
For Bhartiya understanding, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, Sikhism etc are various Panth which means denominations. Most fail to get it. We mustn’t confuse “dharma” with” religion.”
So to sum up the points derived out of the above discussion following becomes clear:
“Hindu”is an ethno-geographic connotation & not religious at all.
Hinduism is an oxymoron though we use it for popularity.Often addition of-ism degrades the great “values”.
Hindutva: For Beginners
Now let’s come to another sensational term, “Hindutva”. It is formed by adding -the suffix to Hindu. What do we understand by -tva? In plain language adding -tva (-ness) to a noun means: in state of being that noun. Eg. Naritva. This image would further clarify -tva:
So can any of the critics of “Hindutva” explain that how the ‘state of being “Hindu(Indian)”’ be wrong at all? Who are we to interpret “Hindu” as per our comfort if Darius-I, the first one to use the word had defined it completely another way around?
That was the period when Islam was spreading on the power of “sword” & “qital fi sabilillah” was common. The Parsis had to take refuge in Hindu Rashtra “Bhāratá”. They were persecuted the worst as Islam was set to conquer Persia. Hindus came to their refuge and, that’s exactly “Hindutva” ie “state of being Hindu” for you from that period.
Many even want to declare particular age when Hindu+Ism (Sanātana dharma) but as someone can’t trace from when the water got the trait to flow, it is impossible to claim if it originated few thousands of years ago. As per historical records “-ism” was first time added to “Hindu” around 1830 and “Hindutva” was coined in 1892 by Chandranath Basu. So people should come out of this myth even that Veer Savarkar coined the term.
I also observed an interesting point raised in this debate. They say that ‘“Hinduism” has many central texts while “Hindutva” has none’. Nothing can be more to call self-humiliation than this statement. A logical person will tell you that: Centre is always one, you don’t have multiple centres.
Things evolve with time and so has “Hindutva”. Once it was the only saviour of others but the condition demanded it adds a new feature: Resist. Now ”Hindutva” is the “Hinduism” that resists. When the whole cabal came against “Asato mā sadgamaya…” being sung in Kendriya Vidyalayas, it needed a force to preserve the echo of heritage. And the force that stood to resist was “Hindutva” for you. Hence, It will need to exist in the present form to preserve the ethos of Bhāratá till attacks keep occurring.
As, “Hindutva” is the state of being Hindu, so how can one not follow Hinduism (I have used it multiple times for popularity) if he is “in state of being Hindu?”
It’s like saying water is not in a “state of being water” though it’s flowing.
How many oxymorons?
Author: Aabhas Maldahiyar A self-professed Ex-Marxist, a practising architect and author of two fiction books— ‘Restart-An Architect’s Journey to the Parliament House’ and ‘Crossing the Line’ inspired by Marxist ideology. His latest book #ModiAgain buy at https://garudabooks.com/modi-again-1copy This article was first published on Kreately. We have republished it with his kind permission.
Disclaimer:Aabhas Maldahiyar is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. He carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing images utilised within the text. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by him, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
IFFM; Picture Source: The Australia Today via Twitter
Indian Super Star Suriya Sivakumar’s film Soorarai Pottru bagged the Best Feature Film award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in an online award ceremony on Saturday 20 August 2021.
But it was not all for him, Suriya also won the Best Actor Male for Soorarai Pottru, While Actress Vidya Balan bagged Best Actor Female for her critically acclaimed film Sherni.
— Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (@IFFMelb) August 23, 2021
For the delight of the virtual attendees of the award ceremony, Suriya was present for the whole of the two and a half hours of the online program. Vidya Balan who could not attend the function sent a heart-touching message to the organisers and her fans.
A new category of web series was introduced in this years edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards. The Family Man 2 actors Manoj Bajpayee and Samantha Akkineni were among the winners of male and female awards respectively.
Filmmaker Anurag Basu won the award for ‘Best Director’ for LUDO.
“Humbling to be part of the nominees and to be winning the best director. Thankful to Netflix and T-Series. My actors were amazing to stand by me. Such amazing people, my crew, my actors. Such a crazy bunch of people. This award shows us that despite all the situation we are in, cinema will continue to be celebrated.”
And Pankaj Tripathi starer Mirzapur Season 2 won the Best Series award for 2021.
A pleasure to speak at the @IFFMelb Virtual Awards Ceremony and present the Best Film and Best Indie Film Award categories. Great to see the agility of this festival, one of the world’s major Indian film festivals, celebrating diversity through cinema. pic.twitter.com/PWOUG3nQjT
Versatile actor Pankaj Tripathi was judged the winner of the Diversity in Cinema Award. He joined the award ceremony from the shooting location in Ladakh. Pankaj thanked Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap for rediscovering his talent via his film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’.
“The man who is here to give me this award. He is the one who discovered my talent. So thanks to Anurag Kashyap sir. He is the one who rediscovered my talent. So I’m grateful to you. I’m grateful to all my directors, writers for having me part of their projects.”
The biggest names of contemporary Indian cinema like Shoojit Sircar, Thiagarajan Kumararaja, Sriram Raghavan and Anurag Kashyap were present to support and guide the new breed of filmmakers and artists from Australia and around the world.
The outstanding list of winners of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2021.
1- Best Feature Film – Soorarai Pottru 2- Best Performance Male (Feature) – Suriya Sivakumar (Soorarai Pottru) 3- Best Performance Female (Feature) – Vidya Balan (Sherni) & Honourable mention to Nimisha Sajayan (The Great Indian Kitchen) 4- Best Director – Anurag Basu (Ludo) & Honorary Mention Prithvi Konanur (Pinki Elli?) 5- Best Series – Mirzapur Season 2 6- Best Actress in a Series – Samantha Akkineni (The Family Man 2) 7- Best Actor in a Series – Manoj Bajpayee (The Family Man 2) 8- Equality in Cinema (Short Film) – Sheer Norma 9- Equality in Cinema Award (Feature Film) – The Great Indian Kitchen 10- Best Indie Film – Fire in the Mountains 11- Diversity in Cinema Award – Pankaj Tripathi 12- Disruptor Award – Sanal Kumar Sasidharan 13- Best Documentary Film – Shut Up Sona
The IFFM 2021 had the privilege of some of the biggest Australian film talents on the jury panel. This year’s festival jury boasts names like global award-winning film editor Jill Bilcock, one of Australia’s renowned actors Vince Colosimo and multi-award-winning director Geoffrey Wright.
Beautifully bold Richa Chadha and handsomely different Onir constituted the jury in a short film competition.
Speaking at the award ceremony Suriya called Soorarai Pottru ‘a special film’. He also said it was special as it was the first movie that came to him during the pandemic and this was the first award it was receiving.
“I felt bored with what I was doing after having worked for 20 years. So thanks to my director Sudha Prasad – this film was her 10 years dream – she worked 4 years on writing for his film. The character of Maara will not be anything without her. I couldn’t ask for more.”
This tweet created a lot of burn for all sorts of regional bigots, Marxists & pseudo atheist anti-Hindu haters from a region. They all declared that Onam is not Vamana Jayanti. But they are wrong.
For once in his life, Arvind Kejriwal is right.
Onam is indeed Vamana Jayanti.
Bhagavata Purana(8.18.5) says Lord Vishnu took birth as Vamana on Shravana Dvadashi.
This is exactly the time of Uthradom (Onam Eve).
The Onam festival is celebrated for four days until Purnima. Even South Indian tradition agrees that Onam marks the birth of Lord Vishnu as Vamana.
Onam is a celebration of the birth and victory of Lord Vishnu as Vamana and the returns of his devotee king Mahabali to earth.
Mahabali comes back every year from sutala to see his land & celebrate Lord Vamana’s birth at Vamana temple in Thrikkakara (=”place of holy foot”) in Kochi.
From ancient days, Onam was celebrated in Tamilakam (Tamilnadu-Kerala) not as the festival of Bali but as the birthday of “Asura destroying” Lord Vishnu.
This is mentioned in ancient Sangam literature in a poem called Maturaikkāñci.
PS-Nairs still keep the Onam battle traditions of this poem.
This tradition of celebrating Onam as the birthday of Vishnu continued to be celebrated in the middle ages. Medieval literature like the 10th century Divya Prabandham shows Onam continued to be celebrated as a festival of Lord Vishnu.
Rice and fruits were prepared and offered to Vishnu.
That Onam was a festival of Lord Vishnu is confirmed by Independent sources. William Logan, a Scottish civil servant of the 19th cent noted in his “Malabar Manual” that Onam was the day on which Vishnu descended to make his people happy. Along with Vishnu came Vishnu’s devotee Bali.
Francis Day was a 17th century East India Company administrator who lived in Kerala and Tamilnadu.
In his book, he recorded local folklore. He writes that Keralites celebrated Onam to mark the day when Vishnu wandered around the earth. Along with Vishnu came his devotee Mahabali.
Earliest record of Onam in Kerala comes from the Thirikkara Vamana temple (861 CE). Even today, Onam is celebrated here as the birthday of Vamana. It is believed that Bali also returns to worship the Lord every year on this day. Processions of Vamana Murti(“idol”) are carried out.
Unlike Abrahamic religions, Hinduism does not have any centralizing authority like the pope.
Because of this reason, the mode of celebration of the Onam festival has diversified over centuries among various caste and communities who celebrated the festival in different ways. This does not change the fact that Onam was originally a festival that marked the birthday of Vishnu as Vamana. And traditional Onam celebrates this aspect even today.
Even today, the most important part of Onam celebrations is Thrikkakara Appan, which is a clay Pyramid representing Lord Vamana who is worshipped as the guest.
This only shows how communists and evangelists have systematically divorced Onam from its Hindu roots Onam exceptionalism is a myth.
On the same Onam day, Vamana Dwadashi or Vamana Jayanti is celebrated across several regions of India.
The liars have been pitting Vamana against Bali. But such a dichotomy cannot be supported even by the story in Bhagavata Purana According to Bhagavata, Vishnu comes to test Bali’s generosity. He becomes satisfied & grants Bali any boon he wishes.
But Bali has only one wish. To ever be with Vishnu. Vishnu grants it. He leaves Vaikunta & repairs to Bali’s new abode Sutala where there is no fear and hatred.
Srimad Bhagavata (5.24) says Lord Vamana served as a gatekeeper of Bali in Sutala which is grander than Svarga.
Vamana kicked Ravana out of Sutala when Ravana invaded Sutala. Such is the beautiful relation between Bhagavan and Bhakta.
Hateful Marxists are not sparing even that just a minor detail.
While Onam/Vamana Jayanti in ancient days was celebrated on Shravana Ekadashi, it has from medieval times to this day been celebrated during Bhadrapada Ekadashi. There have also been regional variations and some communities still prefer Shravana Ekadashi for all that nonsense about ‘Aryan’ Vamana and ‘Dravidian’ Mahabali.
Here is a pre-modern painting from Mankot (c.1700) The dark-skinned dwarf is beautiful Vamana. And the Brahmin with choti in the painting is none other than Mahabali. Mahabali was a descendant of Rishi Kashyapa.
They are now taking their propaganda to a new low by depicting Bali as a Christian Saint like Jesus.
The Bali in this painting looks absolutely nothing like how Mahabali is traditionally depicted– with a choti and a sacred thread
Note: NOBODY, absolutely NOBODY, dressed like Jesus or any Christian saint in those days in Kerala.
Even local Christians of Kerala dressed like Brahmins.
Here is a painting of a local Christian couple of 19th century The Christian man wears Choti and dhoti like Brahmins.
In fact, Mahabali in this FAKE Marxist painting looks eerily similar to the so-called “Holy Face of Jesus” which is nothing but a forgery impression on the FAKE shroud of Turin. Just that he was a little Indianised by keeping the moustache, removing the beard and darkening the skin.
Disclaimer: The Author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this Oped. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the Author, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
The word sex and gender are often used interchangeably, but it is totally incorrect.
Gender is implied when we compel the girl child to chose soft colours like pink and play with a doll and encouraging boys to opt for blue or similar dark colours and play with toys guns.
If any girl behaves like a boy, we mostly consider it as tomboy or Manish, whereas if the boy cries, society teases him to be behaving like a girl or being effeminate. The assigning of unique and separate characteristics and responsibilities to male and female sexes impose certain expectations and regulations on both sexes.
The biological difference of separate male and female genitalia and reproduction organs is undeniable and their bodies have distinct hormonal and chromosomal make-ups, but gender construction of special characteristics of expecting male characteristics to be commanding, impatient, adventurers, and macho, whereas females suppose to be kind, tolerant, obedient and patient.
Are Gender and Sex Same?; Picture Source: @CANVA
Immense pressure is implied by the norms created by society to observe them and teach them to both the sexes. This op-ed tries to examine the concept of gender and sex and its implications.
What are Gender and Sex?
‘Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, expressions and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender diverse people. It influences how people perceive themselves and each other, how they act and interact, and the distribution of power and resources in society’ where sex is defined as ‘to a set of biological attributes in humans and animals.
It is primarily associated with physical and physiological features including chromosomes, gene expression, hormone levels and function, and reproductive/sexual anatomy (https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48642.html).
Are Gender and Sex Same?; Picture Source: @CANVA
Gender implication force both sexes to behave in certain ways, that creates an immense pressure to live in a water-tight compartment of gender roles. Society determines both boys and girls behaviour, attributes, duties, roles, rights and even looks. This is a part of a wider social system.
Thus the biological determining is mainly used to justify gender stereotypes, as boys are considered better in choosing subjects like math, engineering and physics, whereas girls should choose teaching, nursing or perform domestic duties. Gender behaviour of both sexes is imposed by society as they are not inherent by sex.
Are Gender and Sex Same?; Picture Source: @CANVA
These roles are imposed by family and peers. The extension of this approach is noticed in a division of labour, distribution of power and rights. Thus different roles, relations and identities are constructed in the society that defines expectations, values, roles, rights and responsibility, distribution of resources for both sexes.
Both the sexes have to accept these norms, some try to adapt by negotiating, where others resist the social implications. It is a competition of power to sustain patriarchy and resistance shown by matriarchy. The first section expects the status quo, while the other wants to make a transformation in society.
Are Gender and Sex Same?; Picture Source: @CANVA
Gender roles are defined by parents, peers and other sources. These differences can be seen in physical behaviour, style of interaction, behaviour, academic motivation and choices. It is the family, neighbours, community and the state who has a profound influence on a child.
Gender roles are taught to both sexes since birth and these are determined by the parents and the ones to take care of kids, while during adolescence the girls been more associated with beauty and charming traits while boys are considered to be the development characteristics of masculinity.
Children are gender detectives, able to identify signals regarding gender, such as who should or should not participate in a certain activity, who may play with whom, and why girls and boys are different. During adulthood, both sexes develop work roles, as girls to raise children and do domestic jobs, whereas boys are expected to do higher studies in order to get a job and be the breadwinner of the house. Women in the role of mothers and men to protect the other sex.
Conclusion
Although the terms Gender and sex is associated as to be similar, their implications are quite different. Gender roles affect a wide variety of human behaviour, including the clothes one wears, the career one selects, and the personal relationships one joins.
But with changing society, there have been changes in these thoughts where both sexes opt for any profession, clothes moving towards unisex dress, relationship based on equality. The demand for equal rights in the power struggle of opposite sexes, and it shall continue under the equilibrium is not established.
Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University.
Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Regional Victoria will enter lockdown from 1 pm today due to the ongoing level of community transmission, a large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites outside of metropolitan Melbourne.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer says further measures will be implemented to protect children across the entire state, as the number of infections amongst kids continues to rise.
The number of coronavirus cases that have been infectious out in the community over the last few days and the number of mystery cases emerging in different areas across Victoria is extremely concerning. It shows the incredible speed at which this Delta variant is spreading.
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that all metropolitan Melbourne restrictions – except for the curfew – will be implemented across regional Victoria from 1 pm today until 11.59 pm Thursday, 2 September.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “This is not where we wanted to be as a community. It’s not a decision we wanted to make after Victorians have sacrificed so much, but we have no other option. Cases need to be lower and vaccination rates need to be higher.”
In regional Victoria there will be only five reasons to leave your home:
1- To get the food and the supplies you need, 2- To exercise for up to two hours no more than 5km from your home, 3- For care or caregiving, 4- Authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home, and 5- To get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
Face masks will still be mandatory outdoors and indoors (not at home) unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces and secondary schools.
“There’s a million things that we miss about life before the pandemic and a million things we’re looking forward to doing again once we’re through this outbreak – each of those is a reason to get vaccinated,”
added Mr Andrews.
To give the industry time to adjust, workforce permits will be required to leave the house for authorised work from 11.59 pm Monday 23 August.
Workforce limits apply to the construction industry from 1 pm today, however, authorities will be engaging with the industry about safely reducing staff numbers as they secure sites.
In addition to 61 local cases reported, there are an additional 16 local cases which were recorded on a rapid PCR testing platform and will be reported in tomorrow’s numbers. [2/3]
Remember these restrictions: Playgrounds, basketball hoops, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment will be closed. Masks will also not be able to be removed to drink alcoholic beverages. Exercise will be limited to just one other person, plus dependants if they can’t be left at home. And more than ever, it’s so important people do not have visitors to the home.
The age demographic of this outbreak is very different to what we’ve seen before, with around 80 per cent of our active cases aged below 40 and around 25 per cent under the age of nine. The cases currently in the hospital include people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s – showing just how serious this virus can be for young people as well.
Important for authorised workers: Because of the high rate of transmission in young people and the number of childcare centres now designated as exposure sites, all childcare centres across Victoria will be closed except to children whose parents are authorised workers and cannot be supervised at home. Vulnerable children can still attend. A permit system will apply, and further details will be available soon.
Victoria’s public health team are also strongly recommending that primary school-aged children, when they are not at home, also wear a mask as an extra precaution against this virus.
Picture Source: The Australia Today
Further, changes will be made to metropolitan businesses operating in high-risk industries – like abattoirs, meat, poultry and seafood processing – with additional obligations such as workforce limits and mandatory surveillance testing to be implemented.
Getting vaccinated is our way out of this pandemic. The Victorian Government is aiming to administer 1 million doses in five weeks – so far, they’ve delivered more than 168,000 doses in 5 days.
There are more than 390,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available over the next four weeks and they’re asking all eligible Victorians to book theirs today – do not wait.
While the Commonwealth has advised they will be opening Pfizer eligibility to over 18s from 30 August, Health authorities are strongly suggesting that Victorians who have already booked in for their Astra Zeneca vaccine, do not cancel that appointment.
If you have any questions or concerns you can talk to a GP, pharmacist or to a senior and experienced immunise at state-run sites.
All Victorians are encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment by visiting portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
The open warfare and targeting of Hindus under the guise of “dismantling Hindutva” is yet another wake-up call to Hindus.
Here are two things that the Hindus need to do.
Western academia has moved on from indirect Hinduphobia to open Hindumisia — full-blown Hindu hatred.
As long as Hindu hatred was restricted to some academics like Audrey Truschke, who has called Sri Rama a “chauvinist pig” and the Bhagavat Gita a manual for mass slaughter, one could ignore the rants. But now this hatred has taken on a new dimension with over 40 universities supporting a conference whose literature and publicity visual says it all: “Dismantling Global Hindutva”. It is no longer about opposing Hindutva as a political ideology, but about “dismantling” it.
Audrey Truschke, Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey; Picture Supplied by Aabhas Maldahiyar
Apparently, dismantling Hindutva is fine and non-Hinduphobic, when none of these universities would dare hold similar conferences titled “Dismantling Islamism” or “Dismantling Born Again Christianity & Evangelism”, both of which constitute huge threats to peace in the parts of the world that are not majority Muslim or Christian.
Equally clearly, political Islam, political Christianity and political Buddhism is fine, but not political Hinduism, which is what Hindutva broadly is. It is about unifying Hindus to defend their common interests even while reducing caste-based discrimination and divisiveness. But then you can’t dismantle Hindutva without dividing Hindus.
The visual material for the conference (see here), scheduled for 10-12 September, shows its real intent. It shows a row of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) figures being forcibly removed like nails from the woodwork, using the reverse side of a hammer. This is not about opposing the RSS’s ideology but targeting them just as Jews were targeted by Hitler.
It is interesting that at a Kerala procession of the Popular Front of India (PFI), an Islamist organisation, two individuals dressed in RSS uniforms paraded in chains. ‘Fact-checkers’ quickly got into the act to absolve the PFI of any hateful ideas, and said that these characters were merely role-playing RSS workers and not actual Sanghis (read here, here, here).
This assumes that the attempt to dehumanise an entire organisation as worthy of being chained is not hateful enough. A pliant mainstream media converted the story from being about the hateful depiction of a group to one of victimhood, where the PFI was wrongly accused of chaining actual RSS members.
Those ill-disposed to the Sangh will get the message: the Sangh and all its supporters are fair game for intimidatory tactics and even violence. Consider what would have been the reaction if the reverse was the case: PFI members being shown in chains in an RSS procession.
Despite formally differentiating between Hinduism and Hindutva, an unholy alliance of evangelical groups, woke liberals and Islamists is trying to label all those standing up for Hindu rights as Hindutva activists and Islamophobes.
This is how anti-Semitism begins, by de-humanising people and imagining the worst about them. The end result is often ethnic cleansing and genocide, as we saw in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and even India in Kashmir Valley. All efforts to help discriminated Hindus get labelled as Islamophobia, as we saw with the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests.
The targeting of Hindu organisations began quite soon after Hindu students at Rutgers sought action against Audrey Truschke, but the university administration did nothing of the kind. Instead, it offered some mealy-mouthed words of concern for Hindus without condemning Truschke in any way. Soon after, the Hindu American Foundation was targeted, and the latter has sued its accusers for libel in American courts, including Islamist TV channel Al Jazeera.
The speakers at the September Hindumisic conference include known Hindu haters, RSS-baiters and self-loathing Hindus and Muslims — with no speaker giving any different viewpoint. The speakers include Anand Patwardhan, Ayesha Kidwai, Christophe Jaffrelot, Kavita Krishnan, Mohammad Junaid, Nandini Sundar, Neha Dixit and Meena Kandasamy. Two of the writers are unabashed supporters of the murderous Maoists, who apparently do not deserve to be “dismantled”.
This open warfare and targeting of Hindus under the guise of “dismantling Hindutva” is yet another wake-up call to Hindus. Two things need to happen.
First, Hindus need to realise that Hindumisic forces, and academic dhimmies who whitewash every Islamist crime, are now openly gunning for them. They have no other option but to organise themselves and take the ideological war into the enemy camp.
Second, the Narendra Modi government should realise that this is not just about political opposition to it, but a wholesale assault on Hindus in the west which will soon extend to India. The massive electoral victories of three Hinduphobic forces — in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal — have given global Hindumisics new enthusiasm.
The Indian government should now actively discourage Indian Hindus from seeking admissions in universities where Hindus will be targeted by issuing an advisory in this regard. The government must seek specific guarantees from universities about fighting Hindumisia before endorsing them as safe for Hindu students to study there.
If the government does not do even this, it does not deserve to be called Hindu nationalists.
Author: R Jagannathan is Editorial Director, Swarajya. He tweets at @TheJaggi. This report was first published on https://swarajyamag.com/, We have republished it with kind permission.
Disclaimer: The Author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this Oped. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the Author, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
The 100-page report covers India’s current and future demand for critical minerals in India and potential opportunities for cooperation with Australia.
Image source:: Key Megatrends for 2030 – Austrade Report 2021.
The report observes that this partnership is possible in the following key areas:
• supply critical minerals • attract investment for Australian mining and mineral processing projects • export services and technology to process, refine, recover and recycle critical minerals • help with mineral exploration in India • support India’s mining-related environmental management • carry out joint research projects.
Image source: mines.gov.in
Australian Government has dedicated trade and investment teams in major Indian cities.
According to the report, India offers economies of scale for offtake projects and a pipeline of manufacturing-led commercial innovation opportunities.
The report lists eight critical minerals divided into three categories based on their end-use industries that matter most to Australia and India.
traditional – titanium and vanadium
sunrise – lithium
mixed use:
cobalt
nickel
graphite
light rare earth elements (LREEs)
heavy rare earth elements (HREEs).
Image source: Solar India – Wikipedia.
The Indian Government under PM Narendra Modi has implemented policy reforms to accelerate new low-carbon sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage and electric mobility.
In addition, PM Modi’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) also include production-linked incentives for multiple sunrise sectors such as advanced chemistry, cell battery storage for electric vehicles.
Image source: The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman – Wikipedia.
This was reflected in the Modi government’s 2021-22 budget, where it provided INR 1.97 lakh crore (A$38 billion) for the PLI scheme in 13 key sectors including electronics, automotive, energy storage, steel, etc telecommunications.
Australia recognises that India has a large industrial base that includes mechanical, chemical, electrical, automotive and defence production.
The report highlights that India’s projected demand for critical minerals presents significant opportunities to increase cooperation with Australia.
Reciprocally, Indian firms are also exploring investment opportunities in Australian mining and mineral processing assets.
This new report was commissioned by Austrade as part of the Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) program and has been prepared by Deloitte India (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited).
AIBX is the Australian Government’s flagship program to increase partnerships and engagement between Australian and Indian businesses.
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne; Picture Source: Twitter @IFFM
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne- IFFM has had a phenomenal online opening with thousands of people from all parts of Australia registering and watching movies on their website and App.
Despite the COVID induced restrictions and lockdowns, IFFM2021’s online avatar is proving to be most popular.
IFFM opened on 15 August at 6 pm on Indian Independence day since then within 48 hours number of registration on the IFFM website has exceeded the previous years.
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange told The Australia Today, “We are so happy that Australians are liking the lineup of more than 120 movies and short films in 27 languages.”
“I would like to encourage everyone to please drop a message on our social media pages about what they are liking most.”
When questioned about her own preference among the lineup, Ms Lange said curating the festival is like having your child and no mother can pick favourites among her kids.
She sums it by saying, “This is a celebration of diversity and the best of Indian cinema in all its forms.”
The highlight of the festival has always been the star-packed ‘IFFM Awards Ceremony’ which will also take place online on the 20th of August during the course of the festival.
IFFM2021 has broadened its horizons with new nomination titles to celebrate the Indian film industry holistically. This year the festival is launching three categories under the belt of web series on OTT platforms.
Keeping up with the growing trend festival will recognise Best Series, Best Performance in a series each under the Actor and Actress category. The consideration of these shows is limited to only those platforms which are available to the Australian audiences.
This list of names includes extraordinary films of 2021 such as Ludo directed by Anurag Basu, the Vidya Balan starer Sherni directed by Amit Masukar, Soorarai Pottru (Tamil) that is starred and produced by Suriya and directed by Sudha Kongara and God on the Balcony, an Assamese film starring Harish Khanna and directed by Biswajeet Bora.
This year’s Best Documentary features some of the most compelling stories including Shut Up Sona, W.O.M.B, About Mumma amongst others. Winners of Best Film, Best Indie Film and Best Documentary each won the state of the art cameras from Black Magic Design apart from the award.
Another key highlight is that the Best Film winner automatically gets a nomination nod under the Best Asian Film category at the annual prestigious AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards).
The IFFM has had the privilege of some of the biggest Australian film talents on the jury panel. This year’s festival jury boasts of jury members that will include names like global award-winning film editor Jill Bilcock, one of Australia’s renowned actors Vince Colosimo and multi-award-winning director Geoffrey Wright.
Register to watch IFFM Awards Ceremony on ZOOM: When: Aug 20, 2021, 04:30 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpc-mqqTIqGNdRyOBIY19B4B-LiSZiouRi
THE DIRECT ACTION DAY, 16 AUGUST 1946; Picture Source: @Twitter
What appears to be a communal piece of information today is in fact a part of the correct history of Modern India. Indian freedom fighter K M Munshi wrote, “Another problem that we have to consider is the persistent demand for the rewriting of history to foster communal amity. To my mind, nothing can be a greater mistake.” 1 pg iii
What is the background to Direct Action Day?
Actually Direct Action Plan started in Punjab. Here is briefly why. 4
In the 1946 Punjab Assembly elections, the Muslim League won 78 seats out of 175. The Unionist Party, Congress and the Akalis formed a coalition Ministry in March 1946 with Khizar Hayat Khan as Premier. In Bengal, the League formed its ministry with H.S.Shurawardy as Premier.
The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed three groups, 1-Bihar, Orissa, Central Provinces, U.P, Bombay and Madras, 2-Assam and Bengal and 3- Punjab, Sindh & North-West Frontier Province, to frame their provincial constitutions. Sikhs and Hindus rejected the Plan while the Congress saw through the League game.
To turn the tide against Congress, the Direct Action campaign actually started in NWFP which had a Muslim population of 91.79%. On July 28, 1946, in Hazara district where the Muslim population was 94.94%, Hindus and Sikhs were killed, their shops, Gurdwaras were looted and burnt. More violence against H&S followed. 4
Jaideep Mazumdar wrote in Swarajyamag.com, “In early 1946, British prime minister Clement Attlee sent a three-member Cabinet Mission to finalise the formalities for the transfer of power. On 16 June 1946, the Mission, under pressure from Jinnah, proposed an alternate plan for the sub-continent to be partitioned into a Hindu-majority India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan.
THE DIRECT ACTION DAY, 16 AUGUST 1946; Picture Source: @Twitter
Congress rejected the plan outright and, on 10 July, Nehru announced that while the Congress had agreed to participate in the Constituent Assembly, it would be free to change or modify the Cabinet Mission Plan as it thought best.” Source
In mid-1946 efforts were made to form an interim government to resist the formation of a separate Muslim state. On July 29, 1946, the Council of the Muslim League passed two resolutions, withdrawing its acceptance of the Cabinet Mission’s proposals and deciding to resort to direct action. 1 pg.745
The second resolution began with some premises for e.g., “now the time has come for the Muslim Nation to resort to direct action to achieve Pakistan, to assert their just rights, to vindicate their honour and to get rid of the present British slavery and the contemplated future Caste-Hindu domination.” After the second resolution was passed Jinnah said (excerpts), “Today, we have also forged a pistol and are in a position to use it.” 1 pg. 746
The Working Committee of the Muslim League followed up on the resolution by calling upon Muslims across India to observe 16 August as Direct Action Day. On that day meetings would be held all over the country to explain the resolutions passed above. 1 pg. 747 “It may be mentioned that Jinnah had, threatened a civil war if the Muslim demands were not satisfied.” Now, he launched one.
Jinnah’s statement, rejecting the May 16th British Cabinet Mission plan to form an interim government, “We shall have India, divided or India destroyed,” is well known. A Muslim League leader Sir Firoz Khan Noon warned the British Government that the destruction and havoc the Muslims would do would put into the shade what Chengizkhan had done. 7 pg. 374
THE DIRECT ACTION DAY, 16 AUGUST 1946; Picture Source: @Twitter
Was Hindu Muslim animosity of recent origin?
Actually, Hindu Muslims had been at war ever since Muslims entered India (Sindh) for e.g. Akbar’s general Abdullah Khan Uzbek had declared that he had enslaved and converted 5 lakh Hindus, who by the day of judgement would be one crore.
M Ali said during the Khilafat Movement, “However pure Gandhi’s character may be, he must appear to me from the point of view of religion inferior to any Mussalman, even though he is without character.” Or see the condition of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh today.
Said Maulana Azad Sobhani 27/1/1939 at Sylhet “Our big fight is with the 22 crore Hindus who constitute the majority. Only 4.5 crore Englishmen have practically swallowed the world by becoming powerful.” 2
In 1924 the editor of a Bengali paper had an interview with Dr Rabindranath Tagore, “another important factor which, according to the Poet, was making Hindu Muslim unity impossible was that the Muslim could not confine patriotisms to one country. When he asked Muslims whether they would defend India in the event of a Muslim invasion of India he could not be satisfied by the reply he got from them”. 2
Relations between Hindus and Muslims were very honestly outlined by R M Sayani in his Presidential Address at the 12th session of the Congress held in 1896. Excerpts “Before the advent of the British in India, the Muslims were the rulers of the country. The rulers and their chiefs were Muslims so were the great landlords and officials. The court language was their own. Every place of trust and responsibility, or carrying influence and high emoluments, was theirs by birthright.”
Sayani argued that when the British introduced English education in the country, the Hindus embraced it, but Muslims resented competing with the Hindus, whom they once regarded as their inferiors. Hence Muslims were gradually ousted from their lands and offices, while Hindus rose under the Raj (History and Culture of Indian People, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, Vol. X pg. 295)
THE DIRECT ACTION DAY, 16 AUGUST 1946; Picture Source: @Twitter
Back to Jinnah
Jinnah’s presidential address to the Muslim League in Lahore on March 23, 1940, and statements of many Muslim leaders are indicative of the Pan Islamic mission of bringing India under their green flag. Jinnah said in his March 23, 1940 address,
“Hindus fail to understand the real nature of Islam… ‘the Hindus & Muslims can evolve as a common nationality, is an impossible dream’…they belong to different philosophies & civilisations based on conflicting ideas, conceptions & social customs….they derive their inspiration from different sources of history, their epics are different, their heroes are different…Neither do they intermarry nor inter dine…”
“Their present artificial unity dates back only, to the ‘British conquest’ that is maintained by ‘British bayonet’. Muslims cannot accept any constitution which results in a Hindu majority government. ….termination of British regime will be the worst disaster that ever took place in the last one thousand years under the Muslims……”
THE DIRECT ACTION DAY, 16 AUGUST 1946; Picture Source: @Twitter
Was August 1946 violence pre-planned?
The violence of August was pre-planned as is borne out of the fact that special coupons for gallons of petrol were issued in the names of Muslim League ministers. The petrol was used to make bombs by Muslim League goons. One month’s food ration was stocked to feed Muslim League goons.
The 17th day of Ramzan i.e. 16 August 1946, was chosen for launching Direct Action Day.
“It was on that day that Prophet Muhammad waged the bloody Battle of Badr which resulted in his first decisive victory over the heathens and the subsequent conquest of Mecca.”
Muslims have a good sense of history as the attack on 2001 attack on New York’s Twin Towers bears out.
With an intent to have police on their side, they decided to hire more Muslims in Calcutta police. Suhrawardy got, “Niaz Mohammed Khan, under Suhrawardy’s orders journeyed to the Northwest to recruit Punjabi Muslim and Pathan constables for the Calcutta Police. Pathans are Pashto-speaking Muslim tribesmen inhabiting the barren hills of the frontier and are divided into a large number of tribes such as Afridi, Mohmand, Waziri, Khattak, Yusufzai etc. These tribes are by nature extremely fierce and cruel – in fact, they had been extensively used in British jails in India for application of third-degree methods.” Quote from former Governor of Tripura, Tathagata Roy’s blog.
Back to Direct Action Day, note the Government declared August 16 as a public holiday in Bengal and Sind, two provinces ruled by the Muslim League. The Bengal CM Suhrawardy threatened to declare Bengal independent in case power was transferred to the Congress at the Centre. 3 pg. 171
When asked whether his “farewell to all constitutional methods” implied being violent Jinnah replied he did not want to go into the niceties of violence and non-violence. 3 pg. 171 Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan (first Prime Minister of Pakistan) said,
“Direct Action means any action against the law. We cannot eliminate any method.”
Members of the Muslim League present at the Direct Action Day rally.
Actually, there was a deeper intent behind the August 16, 1946 violence.
The Muslim population in the Bengal province was 54%, with a Muslim League government in power under provincial autonomy, 1935. Calcutta was a Muslim majority with a population of 53%. The intent was to drive Hindus out of Calcutta so that Calcutta city, an important trading hub then, became part of Pakistan. Further, the League wanted to draw as many Bihari refugees as possible to Bengal and settle them in the bordering districts where the Hindus were in a majority. (This demographic change in some border districts has now been achieved due to Bangladeshi infiltration. See link 3).
Pamphlets were issued in Urdu and Bengali with pictures of violent scenes printed on them. 6 pg. 227 SM Usman, the Mayor of Calcutta urged the Muslims to congregate at the rally. He issued a pamphlet with a picture of Jinnah with a sword, which read, “We Muslims have ruled India. Be ready with swords and we will have a special victory..…O kafir, your doom is not far, the massacre will come.” 6 pg. 228
More than 1 lakh Muslims gathered in the mosque where a call for Jihad was read, “We are 10 crores in India but have become slaves of Hindus and British. We are starting a jihad in the month of Ramzan. May we be victorious and establish the kingdom of Islam, making India the biggest Islamic kingdom in the world.” Namaz was offered for a British free, Islamic India”. 6 pg. 228
On the morning of 16 August 1946 over one lakh, Muslims rallied the streets of Calcutta with lathis, spears, daggers, knives, firearms, empty soda bottles, kerosine, rags soaked in petrol etc. The parade ended with a gory rampage in the thickly populated Hindu areas.
Jaideep adds, “By early afternoon, Muslims armed with iron rods, sticks, swords and weapons started streaming out of the mosques in areas like Park Circus, Metiabruz, Rabindra Sarani and Garden Reach and congregating at the Ochterlony monument (the Shahid Minar now) for the Muslim League rally. The gathering, estimated variously between 60,000 and 200,000, was by far the largest assembly of Muslims in Bengal.”
Suhrawardy took charge of the control room at Calcutta Police Headquarters at Lal Bazar and instructed the police not to take any action against the Muslim rioters. Police were sent where Hindus were fighting back. Suhrawardy transferred twenty-two Hindu police officers out of twenty-four key posts in Calcutta to disable police interference. In Howrah, League rioters were supported by Sherif Khan, the Mayor of Calcutta. 3 pg. 165
Muslim shops were marked to save them from being looted. Some Muslims were seen looting Hindu shops in Red Cross uniforms. Fire Brigade had to attend 900 calls in 2 days, they were stopped from putting out the fires in Hindu areas. Even the English governor Burrows, turned a deaf ear to the wails of Hindus. 6 M.A. Khan quotes Justice Khosla’s report. Pg. 230
THE DIRECT ACTION DAY, 16 AUGUST 1946; Picture Source: @Twitter
Jinnah asked Muslims to conduct themselves peacefully “but in certain localities of Bengal, it was merely a camouflage for an anti-Hindu campaign of loot, arson, and indiscriminate murder of men, women and children, with impunity. The worst holocaust took place in Calcutta as the Muslim League government took a direct part in organising the Muslim attack and it was alleged that even the Chief Minister himself shielded notorious ruffians of Calcutta.”
“It was reported that a notorious Muslim goonda of Calcutta, responsible for murdering Hindus was caught red-handed, was released from the lock-up at the intervention of the CM.”
“The Hindus were butchered like sheep, their women were violated and their houses burnt in predominantly Muslim quarters.” 1 Pg 748. Many believe that Jinnah had full knowledge of Suhrawardy’s plans, who could not have unleashed such scale of violence without Jinnah being in the know.”
The Statesman, an English daily in Calcutta wrote, “We have already commented on the bands who found it easy to get petrol and vehicles when no others were permitted on the streets. Men were brought into Calcutta to make an impression. Thousands have been brutally burnt, smashed eyes, smashed jaws and limbs of men, women and children. For 3 days the city concentrated on unrestrained civil war. The primary blame lies with the Muslim League cabinet and particularly CM Suhrawardy.” 1 pg. 749. Neither Nehru nor Jinnah thought it fit to visit Calcutta.
Note that Suhrawardy’s are of Arab descent from a place called Suhraward in Iraq. Source
When Hindus were at the receiving end the English Governor Burrows sat like a statue in his chambers taking no action. “When it was realised by the Government that the butchery, pillage and arson were no longer one-way traffic, they cried halt and peace was restored after about a week.” 1 pg. 749 On August 21 1946 the Suhrawardy government was dismissed, and the British Army flag marched in riot-affected areas.
“The streets were strewn with dead bodies, small children were hurled down roofs, some boiled in oil, others burnt alive. Suhrawardy called in the army after two days when the Hindus started retaliating.” Stern Reckoning by Justice Khosla, Lahore High Court. 6 pg. 230
In the Metiaburz area, now known as Mini Pakistan, about 600 Oriya labourers were beheaded by League leader Syed Abdullah Farooqi and his mob inside Keshav Ram Cotton Mill. Two labourers, who had their hands chopped off, escaped.
Leonard Mosley summed up the casualties in the following words, “Between the dawn of 16/8/1946 and dusk three days later, the people of Calcutta hacked, battered, burned and short 6,000 of each other to death and raped and maimed another 20,000”. 1 pg. 749
The unabated killings resulted in over 10,000 killed in Calcutta alone, 15,000 injured. 3 pg. 172 Records say that many bodies were thrown into underground sewers, the Ganga and city canals. An actual number of casualties must be higher.
According to this article in The Hindu between 1-2 lakh were rendered homeless by the riots and the resulting exodus could result in the breakdown of economic life.
It was expected that Hindus would not fight back. However, Gopal Chandra Mukhopadhyay, Basanta a wrestler and Jugal Chandra Ghosh took the battle into the Muslim League camp.
On August 18th, Gopal Mukhopadhyay equipped his Bharat Jatiya Bahini team and commoners like milkmen, vegetable vendors, labourers with pistols, cartridges, grenades procured from the American soldiers and launched counter attacks on the League goons.
He was supported by SP Mookerjee and the Marwari community that dominated the economy of Calcutta and Bengal. Basanta’s team with his Bengalis and non-Bengali migrants from UP, Bihar and Odisha and Jugal Chandra Ghosh, owner of an akhara and of the Hindu Mahasabha fought back.
Leagues plan of draining industrialised areas of Calcutta Howrah, Hooghly, 24 Paraganas of Hindus and demand for including them in Pakistan came crashing down. Muslim League student’s wing leaders – G G Ajmiri and Sheikh Muzib Ur Rehman were sent to the Hindu groups for a truce.
“Having failed in Calcutta, League chooses to attack Hindus of Noakhali who were just 18% of the total population”, wrote P C Lahiri. The Noakali killings require a separate article.
In July 2021 Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal declared August 16 as “Khela Hobe Diwas”. How she means to justify “Khela Hobe” is open to conjecture or for her to explain, but its distinct connection to Direct Action Day is not lost on students of history.
Note:The purpose of sharing history is not to incite or provoke but to make the reader aware. Utmost care has been taken in culling out extracts. Errors if any are unintentional and without malafide intent.
References
1. History and Culture of the Indian People Volume 11 published by The Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan. 2. Thoughts on Pakistan by Dr Ambedkar chapter 13. 3. The tragic story of partition by H.V.Sheshadri 4. Muslim League Attack on Sikh & Hindus in the Punjab 1947 by S Gurbachan Singh 5. Pakistan or the Partition of India by Dr B R Ambedkar. 6. Islamic Jihad: A Legacy of Forced Conversion, Imperialism & Slavery by M. A. Khan. 7. Veer Savarkar by Dhananjay Keer.
Author:Meenakshi Sharan This article was first published on eSamskriti We have republished it with her kind permission.
Disclaimer: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The opinions and facts are presented solely by her, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
Daniel Andrew, Premier Victoria; Picture Source: The Australia Today
The lockdown across Melbourne will be extended and a curfew will be put in place across metropolitan Melbourne.
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that from tonight the lockdown restrictions will be strengthened and extended in metropolitan Melbourne, until 11.59 pm on Thursday, 2 September.
This is an additional 14 days on the previous directions.
The strengthened settings will see a curfew imposed from 9 pm to 5 am every night. This will operate as it did last year, with very limited reasons to leave the home during this time.
There will be increased police presence across metropolitan Melbourne to ensure public health measures are enforced.
While the restrictions commence from 11.59 pm tonight, Premier is asking people to respect the curfew from 9 pm.
“Permits will be required to leave the house for authorised work, consistent with the arrangements that were in place last year.”
Additional restrictions will also apply to the construction industry, again operating as it did last year with staffing reductions in place except for critical infrastructure and emergency repairs.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “These restrictions are hard work for every Victorian. Everyone wants this pandemic to be over, but the rules are in place for a reason – we know they work and if we follow them together, we’ll be able to lift them sooner.”
At large scale construction sites, staffing must reduce to 25 per cent or five workers on site, whichever is higher.
Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when travelling for work, from 11:59 pm on Tuesday, August 17. The permits need to be certified by an employer.
“Permits will be available on the coronavirus website before these directions come into effect.”
Permits will also need to be carried by higher education students who are on the Authorised Provider list.
Incidents that occurred in Melbourne over the weekend – people congregating together on pub crawls with no social distancing, different families meeting in parks together, large groups of people visiting other households– were unacceptable.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said, “At the moment we have a steady number of cases who are out in the community each day, and an increasing number of mystery cases, and we need to get ahead of that. These new measures will help us limit movement, so we can catch up and shut down this outbreak.”
Under the strengthened restrictions designed to curb potential transmission events, playgrounds, basketball hoops, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment will now be closed. People will not be able to remove their masks to drink alcoholic beverages in public.
Exercise will be limited to just you and one other person, plus dependants if they can’t be left at home. This is similar to the current rule but with a slight change,
“If you live in a larger household such as a share house, or with extended family, you can no longer exercise with all members of your household.”
Otherwise, the restrictions will remain the same – there are still only five reasons to leave your home:
1- Shopping for the things you need – One person per household per day 2- Care and caregiving, 3- Exercise, 4- Authorised work and study 5- To get a vaccine.
Exercise and shopping are still limited to 5km from your home.
If there are no shops within your 5km radius, you can travel to the ones closest to you. You are also able to travel more than 5km to get a vaccine if you need to. And more than ever, it’s critical people do not have visitors to the home.
All Victorians are encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment by visiting portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres for more information on Victoria’s vaccination centres, including locations and opening hours.
Commonwealth_Bank_branch_office; Picture Source: By Maksym Kozlenko - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
Boosted by healthcare stocks Australian shares closed the week at a record high, as investors look ahead to corporate earnings and announcements of bumper dividends from more heavyweights this week.
The stocks of export-reliant healthcare companies such as CSL Ltd continued to record impressive gains helped by a stronger US Dollar.
Financials also added 3% for the week, with the country’s top three insurers all soaring after their earnings report highlighted improving conditions.
Commonwealth Bank, however, was the only exception as it snapped out of its recent rally, soon after announcing a bumper dividend of $2 per share and a large share buyback as analysts flagged concerns around its revenue growth going forward.
Australian Insurance Companies; Picture Source: @Canva
A continued decline in iron ore prices on concerns over output controls of steel in China and signs of economic slowdown in China, the world’s largest metal consumer resulted in losses for major miners with BHP and Fortescue leading the losses.
The earnings season is set to kick into full gear this week, with BHP, Westpac and CSL Ltd all set to post their results this week.
With more bumper payments expected, analysts believe it will be about time that the payout finds its way back to the markets.
According to one of the analysts with Australian interest rates continuing to sit at near 0% and most Australians unable to travel or do much due to the pandemic related lockdowns, most of them would not want all the bumper cash announced through these dividends to sit in a bank and earn near-zero interest. It is only a matter of time this money will find its way back to the market.
ASX 200; Picture Source: @Canva
As such we believe that ASX 200 is all set to reach 8000 points shortly once all this cash finds its way back into the market. Probably the COVID lockdowns currently plaguing the nation being the main drawback for the momentum.
There were also some new record highs reached by some major Australian stocks last week.
Macquarie Bank shares touched a record $164.89, Wesfarmers hit a record $65.30 and Domino’s Pizza shares jumped to reach a high of $127.62.
A dip in gold prices to a four-month low of $1667 on Monday resulted in gold being snapped up in Asian markets, with premiums in China and Asia rebounding to a multi-month high.
Dealers in India were charging a premium of up to $5 an ounce over official domestic prices on physical gold, the highest in five months. Last week the premium on physical gold in India was only $1 per ounce.
Gold; Picture Source: @Canva
According to Harshad Ajmera from JJ Gold House in Kolkata, “Retail demand is improving because of price correction in gold. Jewellers are also making purchases for the upcoming festivals.”
With COVID cases continuing to decline in India jewellers are optimistic about the upcoming festival season in India and with a decline in gold prices across the region the demand has received a much needed new boost.
In China, the premiums on physical gold rose to their highest since the beginning of June at $5-10 per ounce over global benchmark spot gold prices. According to Ronald Leung, chief dealer for Lee Cheong Gold Dealers in Hong Kong, “Gold demand in China was a little better when prices dropped, people rushed to buy gold.”
Trade reports showed there was an increase of 60% in demand for gold in China last week compared to the week before. On Friday gold futures closed at USD 1780 per ounce after reaching a four-month low of $1667 on Monday.
Oil on the other hand was little changed last week as it weathered concerns that the spread of coronavirus variants is slowing oil demand. On Thursday the International Energy Agency said that demand for crude oil came to a ground halt in July and was set to rise at a slower rate over the rest of the year because of surging infections from various variants of coronavirus. Having said that oil has continued to find support by improved demand in the USA and other nations where the rate of vaccinations are higher.
oil price going up; Picture Source: @Canva
Moving forward the fast-spreading COVID19 Delta variant will remain the biggest challenge for oil markets with investors watching the rapidly rising infections with alarm. The situation in China, the world’s biggest oil importer, is of particular concern as China imposed lockdowns in 144 of the worst-hit areas nationwide to stop the spread.
About the Australian Dollar, it continued to drive sideways within 0.7288 and 0.7430 boundaries against the US Dollar for a third consecutive week. The Aussie dollar continues to struggle in registering any uptick above the 20-day moving average. The Technical Oscillators reflect an indecisive market as well. The RSI has failed to return above the broken tentative ascending trend line and the 50 and 200-day moving averages continue to deviate after negatively intersecting each other, keeping the bias on the bearish side.
In light of the rising numbers of Delta variant cases of coronavirus emerging in New South Wales, the investors will be keeping an eye on RBA Assistant Governor who will b speaking on Friday for further insight into the central bank’s stance.
Just like the Australian Dollar the Indian Rupee remained indecisive and range bound against the US dollar. The USDINR pair kept trading a 50-day moving average and a descending resistance line from July 21.
Even compared to the Australian Dollar the Indian Rupee remained range-bound between 54.50 and 54.80.
In the world of Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin recorded a fourth weekly gain. The bulls continued to rally as they took over the 50% Fibonacci of the $64,895-$28,600 mark at $46,747.
With Bollinger uptrend channel also holding the bulls will be targeting a price of $51,030 for the next target.
Ethereum also continued to rally before hitting resistance around the USD3250 mark. Ethereum prices have now surged 60% over the last 30 days. The redesign of Ethereum to make it ready for Ethereum 2.0 release in December have been more positive about the rally in Ethereum with calls for Ether to energize above USD 5,000 going day by day.
Last week we spoke about our bias for green coins such as Cardano, Stellar Lumens and Polkadot. All three coins rallied and outperformed Bitcoin in the previous week, indicating that the market is optimistic on alts. With the majority of the measures showing signals of good health, we continue our positive bias towards these coins.
In agricultural products, wheat prices hit an eight-year high after big cuts to wheat production in Russia and Canada. The big cuts surprised the market and raised concerns about declining food supplies.
With more hot and dry weather continuing in the Northern hemisphere soybean and corn also finished strong for the week. With dry summer expected to continue the prices for agricultural goods could be pushed farther North this week.
Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs a business called Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone interested in starting their trading journey how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.
Disclaimer:
The writers’ opinions in the above article are their own and do not constitute any financial advice whatsoever. Nothing published by The Australia Today constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content publication be relied upon for any investment activities.
We strongly recommend that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.
Indian PM Narendra Modi at Red fort unfurling Tricolour
‘Nation First, Always First’ is the theme for this year’s celebration.
On the 15th of August 1947, India declared its independence from the British Empire. Today is 2021, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the triumph of our liberation fight. Independence Day is important because it honours the valour and determination of the country’s freedom warriors who struggled for independence from British control.
This year, as a result of the epidemic, a large number of online activities are being planned at the national and international levels among Indian nationals living abroad. A popular Independence Day ritual is kite flying, with thousands of kites of all sizes, shapes, and colours filling the sky on this holiday every year.
To properly celebrate the event, let us first examine the history and importance of this day in history.
Independence Movement: A historical perspective
Beginning in 1757, Following the British victory at the Battle of Plassey, the English East India Company gained control of the nation and started to exert influence. By 1857, the British had gained full governmental control of the Indian subcontinent, which they governed either directly or via subordinate rulers.
They had created an authoritarian administration based on Mughal practice and tradition, backed up by competent civil service and a reasonably effective army. The British had reigned over India for almost two centuries, a period that included the Indian independence movement.
In the midst of World War I, the Indian independence movement was launched under the leadership of Mohandas K. Gandhi, who called for a peaceful and nonviolent end to British rule. For years, the Indian independence movement had gathered momentum, with the demand for poorna Swaraj, or complete independence from colonial authority, resonating in the streets and echoed across the country.
The rise of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose provided the independence movement with a boost in its strength and effectiveness. Finally, the British chose to withdraw from India, allowing the nation to reclaim its independence.
Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy of India, had been set a deadline of June 1948 for completing the transfer of authority in the country. Mountbatten, on the other hand, determined that the British would go early.
Retaliation and uprisings have played a prominent role in Indian history, and they were ultimately responsible for driving the British out of the country and forcing former Viceroy Lord Mountbatten to declare India free on August 15, 1947, after granting the Indians the authority to do so. On this day in 1947, British-ruled India was divided into two nations, India and Pakistan, which became independent in 1947.
The British were successful in implementing their divide and rule strategy, which resulted in bloodshed between Muslims and Hindus in the aftermath. This turmoil resulted in the formation of a new nation on the eve of August 14, 1947, after violent riots, widespread fatalities, and the relocation of almost 15 million people.
After being presented in the British House of Commons on July 4, 1947, and passing two weeks later, the Indian Independence Bill became law. As a result of the Bill, the British Empire’s authority over India came to an end on August 15, 1947. The partition of India and Pakistan also resulted in the creation of these countries as sovereign states.
The Importance of Independence Day
On 15 August 1947, as India was preparing to become an independent nation, Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister, addressed the nation and unfurled the Indian tricolour at the Red Fort, marking the beginning of the country’s transition into independence. Since then, the custom has been carried forth.
The prime minister of India Narendra Modi will continue delivering a national speech from the Red Fort. Additionally, in the Indian state capitals, a variety of cultural events are made accessible to the public.
Author:Dr Mumtaz Alam is Head of School- Arts and Humanities at the College of Humanities and Education of the Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not of this newspaper or his employer. For comments or suggestions, email: mumtazalig@gmail.com
Many know that India was once a prosperous nation with a rich heritage or else why would it attract Muslim and Christian invaders? So they believe it is inevitable before she becomes prosperous once again.
Times have changed. The path to building national power is difficult. Here are some things (not an exhaustive list) Indians must do?
They are broadly classified as thinking differently, business and policy and macro issues. Thinking Differently
1. Ignore flattery.
This requires not to gloat when praised e.g. recently former President Obama said he heard the Ramayana in his childhood. It made many proud but could actually be a ploy to promote his book. Flattery inflates the ego. If that happens it is the beginning of our downfall.
If we get taken in by flattery it implies a lack of confidence. When praised, say thank you.
2.Stop this yearning to be a superpower.
When things begin to look up, the hype about India being the next superpower is created. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Indians must put their heads down and work. When we become a power, the aware shall realize because the world will look at us differently.
3.Be inspired by and learn from India’s past but live in the present.
Swami Vivekananda said, “So long as they forgot the past, the Hindu nation remained in a state of stupor and as soon as they have begun to look into their past, there is on every side a fresh manifestation of life. It is out of this past that the future has to be moulded.”
4. How must we think?
Maharshi Aurobindo said, “Our first necessity, if India is to survive and do her appointed work in the world, is that the youth of India should learn to think, – to think on all subjects, to think independently, fruitfully, going to the heart of things, not stopped by their surface, free of prejudgments, shearing sophism and prejudice.” India’s Rebirth
5.Have an open mind and accept knowledge from all sides.
We must accept the best of the West, whilst adjusting it for our national temperament.
6.India should play to win.
And stop trying to be a good boy like Vijay Amritraj who never won a Grand Slam but was appreciated for his on-court manners.
7.Learn how to Concentrate.
If we do so, national productivity would go up.
8.Promote Curiosity.
Create a culture that encourages people to ask questions. This will also help disturb the status quo.
9.Change is essential to life, a rolling stone gathers no moss.
The government can take the lead and explain the need and benefits of change. Once people’s faith in the government is restored they will be more amenable to change.
10.Stop being over-critical.
When shortcomings in the electoral process of its President became apparent some suggested the U.S. outsource the conduct of elections to India. Yet we never cease to find fault with India’s electoral process and Chief Election Commission.
Indians criticize too much. It represents negative energy. Learn to appreciate good work and say Thank You.
11.Compassion.
Being compassionate requires us to share wealth/intelligence with the less fortunate and accept that the God within all is the same.
GOI must create a Public Trust that allows rich Indians to contribute to nation-building e.g. purchase of Covid19 vaccine and weapons.
Indira Gandhi Canal Bikaner.
12.Yoga and Ayurveda, is preventive in nature, build immunity and mental-physical-spiritual strength.
The learned can tell how to make them part of contemporary daily living. India must then selflessly share these pearls of wisdom with the world.
13.Focus on the Root of the problem.
Well-meaning institutions are taking numerous steps to control NCR pollution where rice farmers’ stubble burning is a major cause. Growing rice is attractive because of free power (encourages pumping of groundwater) and assured price.
Yet, we do not ask Punjab farmers why they grow rice or do away with free power. Instead, we spend money on buying machines to cut stubble and farmer subsidies.
Thus, we are not addressing the actual cause of the problem i.e. free power. Be it bank NPA’s or stubble burning India must not put good money after bad.
Chitrakoot Waterfalls Bastar.
Business and policy
14.Give people freedom from excessive regulation.
Over the last seventy years, Indians have become adept at how to beat the system. Create a high trust rules-based environment, with checks and balances, so that energy is used to create jobs and wealth.
Remember, “Expansion is life, contraction is death.”
Bajaj Bikes are sold globally.
15.Focus on manufacturing, scale, innovation and products for domestic and export markets.
So far India Inc. was forced to think small. However, the recent PLI (production linked incentives) scheme might change things. Anand Mahindra tweeted “This policy signals recognition that a) Scale is imperative to nurture globally competitive businesses b) Large enterprises foster a large ecosystem of small/micro enterprises.”
Companies could learn from Bajaj Auto who produce motorcycles for the domestic and export markets. Exports lower per-unit manufacturing cost.
Wish Rajiv Bajaj spoke about how BA meets consumer needs in so many markets and shares learnings with India Inc.
Cotton Ikat shirt from vinegr.in & kurta fromfabindia.com
16.Indians should be obsessed with Cost Reduction.
Government must run a national campaign कमरूपएमेंअधिकमूल्यपाओ or Get More Value for Every Rupee Spent. Consumers must demand better quality at the same price. This will force all to increase productivity. I learnt this mantra whilst working for Hindustan Lever.
17.Judicial reforms. The Executive must reform laws.
Delays in courts make it difficult to enforce contracts – this affects the ease of doing business. Read Ideas for Judiciary
18. Irrigation.
Since states have failed to substantially build canals, the Centre needs to step in. For this, the constitution must be amended by moving agriculture to the Concurrent List.
Orchha, Bundelkhand is wow.
19. Promote Handlooms.
More consumption shall increase employment and incomes at the grassroots level.
20. Promote Tourism esp. to backward areas of Bundelkhand, Bastar and Odisha.
Make Bodh Gaya a world-class pilgrimage destination with 18-hole golf courses.
More tourists mean jobs and higher incomes. When Indians interact with others it shall reduce misunderstandings and promote appreciation.
21. Export Arms.
This shall generate jobs and growth. It shall provide the necessary heft to India’s foreign policy.
Confident, a village near Barmer.
Macro issues
22.Strengthen Dharma.
Every nation has a main current of life. India’s is Dharma. If Dharma weakens India could become like Sudan where warring factions split the nation into two (Muslim north vs Christian South). Read here Remember the Supreme Court logo, Yato Dharma Tato Jaya — ‘Where there is dharma, there is victory.’
We should remember that centuries ago our forefathers allowed persecuted Jews and Parsis to settle in India. Those wanting to make India an Abhramic state must see the state of Pakistan to know its pitfalls.
23.Reduce Population.
Now suppose India’s population was 100 and not 140 crores imagine the reduced need for food grain, resources and administration.
It is also simple maths. A family of four with a monthly income of Rs 20,000/spends Rs 10,000/ per child vs. a family of 6 who spends Rs 5,000/.
24. Be Aggressive.
We must realise that military strength and spirituality are both necessary for peace and righteousness. Swami Ramdas is incomplete without Shivaji. We need not project our capabilities aggressively. The wise will understand.
Similarly, spirituality and improvement in material conditions of life of the poor can co-exist.
25.Respect Women, allow them to blossom.
Can’t say it in more simple words.
India’s future is intertwined with the respect accorded to her women. Conversely, women should not try to ape-men because then India will lose.
Before going to bed REFLECT on what you can do better.
If people do not change India shall remain a country with potential.
Author:Sanjeev Nayyar is a Corporate Trainer, Business Consultant, Chartered Accountant, Columnist since 2003, Committed Photographer & Ex HLL, Star TV.
Disclaimer: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The opinions and facts are presented solely by him, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
Educators from Fiji and the Pacific have always shown a phenomenal contribution in learning, teaching, innovation and research that has led to not just developing the human capital of Fiji/Pacific, but they have been empathetic and shown commitment towards the community, during the pandemic to come forward to appreciate Fiji’s healthcare and frontline workers by presenting a ‘basket of goodies.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Fiji is surging at a brisk pace, so is the rising responsibility on Fiji’s frontline workers and healthcare heroes who have sacrificed the comfort of their homes and taken an unimaginable risk to serve the ones in need.
These unsung heroes are the national pride for Fiji, and the initiative tagline is…
“You have given our Nation the Gift of Encouragement and Hope in a difficult time. Vinaka Vakalevu”.
The torchbearer of this humanitarian initiative is the dynamic and intellectual leader Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Dean of College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University [FNU] joined by a large number of educators in and around the Pacific.
This initiative is one of the deep commitment to achieving Fiji’s National Development Plan and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) values that aimed at developing sustainability, building resilience and helping communities, showing accountability, caring, values of service, respect and compassion, development, honesty and selflessness and nurturing the spirit of volunteerism.
This also reflects the Educators’ commitment towards Corporate Social responsibility and supporting national economic and social development. These values are aligned with national priorities that have global relevance.
Supplied: Prof. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Dean of College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University
‘Basket of Goods’ initiative is also supported by players of Fiji’s rugby 7 Olympic Gold Medalist winners who showed appreciation towards the healthcare workers and front liners, their families for their service to the nation in these hard times.
Many healthcare workers of other nations including Australia have reported increased levels of stress and anxiety, where researches have shown ‘majority of them are also concern about contracting the virus themselves and passing it on to others and urged to be considerate by doing the right things, appreciate the stress they’re under, stay connected to show affirm social bond, encourage them to seek support.
Australians have shown respect to their healthcare and frontline workers and by various campaigns like #BuyThemACoffee, helping doctors without babysitters, writing letters for the front, adopt a health care worker, and feeding the frontline.
In India, many Indian healthcare and frontline workers have also gone through emotional and mental strain when they serve the fearful public, and many have even sacrificed their lives while performing their professional duties.
The researchers have recommended that ‘The provision of psychological and financial support for health workers and their families is absolutely critical in building trust and dedicated work efforts by the health workforce for a continuous fight against the deadly disease” (Behera et al., 2020).
A letter to editor Violence among healthcare workers during COVIC-19 pandemic in India, where they have been attacked and criticised, probably due to the ‘panic and mistrust on the government steps in combating COVID-19” (Kengadaran et al., 2021).
Despite these incidences, many organisations and government have shown their insurmountable support to their health and frontline warriors. This anxiety among healthcare and frontline workers became intense where coronavirus pandemic cases are rising at an alarming rate.
Thus, this Oped displays a sense of gratitude towards Fiji’s healthcare and frontline workers and saluting all those who have been working tirelessly in this initiative for community service.
Basket of Goods by Fiji/Pacific Educators
Recognizing and Appreciating: Golden Hearts
The inspiring quote of Martin Luther King Jr. stated,
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy”
It implies most appropriately to all healthcare and frontline workers who have shown dedication in these testing times.
The health workers working in hospitals, clinics, health centres, quarantine centres, swapping teams, vaccination workers and their supporting staff; similarly, the armed forces constituting of Fiji Police Forces, Fiji Military Forces, Civil servants and other administrative workers to enforce law and curfew restriction have shown their sincere committed towards service of a nation.
Their commitment, passion and dedication deserve appreciation from the ones who they are serving. Therefore, recognition of Fiji’s healthcare and frontline workers efforts in battling against COVID-19 through gifts, flowers and goodies is the objective behind ‘Fiji/Pacific Educators Recognise & Appreciate Healthcare & Frontline workers’.
This is a College of Humanities and Education led event widely organised by FNU workers with our front liners. This initiative is to support the frontline workers, especially the nurses, doctors and members of the defence/police forces and others who are serving in hospitals, health centres, quarantine and containment centres, vaccination and checkpoints during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under this volunteer initiative, the educators from the Ministry of Education, Fiji National University, University of South Pacific, University of Fiji, Fulton College, Pacific Theological College, Fiji Teachers Union and Fiji Teachers Association, other educational union leaders, business houses, school teachers, retired teachers, voluntary donators, youth groups, NGOs, a few companies and friends, and fellow educators at all levels in the Pasifika, have united to provide their appreciation by a ‘basket of goodies.
That included providing refreshments, bouquets, hand sanitisers, cartons of water, face masks, grocery packs and other essential items, that were delivered by adhering to COVID-19 procedures and restrictions.
Melody Beattie said, ‘Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow’. Thus, showing appreciation by Pacifica educators to all frontline workers and families is a basic act of appreciation to their sacrifice of being away from their family and comfort to contain the epidemic and perform national service.
These workers put their life at risk and that of their loved ones to help to take care of their fellow citizens. It is due to their sacrifice and tirelessly working, the community at large can feel safe and secured.
They put themselves in the way of the deadly virus and provide care to a number of them who are infected, thus making a difference in the lives of many others. Their devotion, courage and commitment deserve admiration. An entire society cannot repay the efforts shown by these unsung heroes for their fellow citizens.
Fiji/Pacific Educators: Vibrant Committee Teams
This noble initiative by Fiji/Pacific Educators set up a role model reflecting active, positive and progressive commitment towards the society in uncertain times. It shall set up an example for current and future challenges to stand together to support their healthcare and frontline workers.
Thus a humanitarian effort is even supported and appreciated by Hon. Rosy Sofia Akbar, Minister of Education, Heritage and Arts, Fiji. This small appreciation gesture and support are led by different leadership committees across Fiji, as in the Central division. These teams made rational decisions on the logistics for funding, procurement and distribution, and shown a most incredible sense of sustained commitment that has eased the pressure and enhance the morale of these unsung heroes.
Vinaka Vakalevu/Thank you
Australia, India, New Zealand, United States and other nations have shown their support to provide vaccination to Fiji and many Pacific countries who are suffering from an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. They deserve a huge appreciation, but equally, the acknowledgement should be given to men/women working at ground level to deliver and administer the vaccinations to people.
Due to the commitment of the frontline and health professionals, the families of others can remain healthy, safe and protected during these trying times. Their duty of care need to be appreciated, so I take this opportunity on behalf of all those educators and sponsors to show my deepest appreciation to their commitment and salute all Healthcare & Frontline worker’s contributions towards Fiji and humanity.
I fall short of words to show my gratitude towards their endless commitment, so I would like to say one word in a nutshell, A Big Vinaka Vaka Levu/Dhanawad/Thankyou/Shukriya/Merci Beaucoup!
Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University.
Educators supporting the initiative: Prof. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Dr. Rosiana Lagi, Ms. Sereima Takiveikata, Mrs. Vidya Singh, Mr. Jerry Wong, Ms. Adi Kelera Bokini Naborisi, Mr. Matereti Sarasau, Mr. Agni Deo, Mr. Paula Manumanuitoga, Mr Mosese Natuilagilagi, Dr. Shikha Raturi, Mr. Maciu Cakaubalavu, Ms. Laisa Tifere, Dr. Joseph Veramu), Nausori (Master Viliame Mulo), Tavua/Rakiraki (Dr. Rohit Kishore), Nadi (Mrs. Rina Kumar, Dr. Sunil Kumar and Mr. Eric Jioje), Labasa (Dr. Samu Bogitini, Mrs Fereal Ibrahim, Mr. Pradeep Lal), Navua (Mrs. Sharmila Lakshman, Dr. Mosmi Bhim, Ms. Makereta Mua), Lautoka (Shabreen Khondoker [Champs International School], Mr. Perry Gabriel, Mrs Finau Voi, Dr. Kamal Naiker, Mrs Lia Bogitini, Dr. Taravini Raiula, Mrs Sangeeta Jattan, Dr. Premila Devi (USP), Prof. Tupeni L Baba (University of Fiji), Mr Aminisitai Koroi, Mr. Ravinesh Prasad) and Ba (Mr. Feroz Ali, Ms. Sofia Ali, Dr. Mumtaz Alam and Dr. Afsar Alam, Dr. Tanveer Naqvi, Mr. Salim Humayoon) and all others.
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne – IFFM’s 12th edition will be launched with a magnificent Opening Night on 15th August 2021, drawing Satyajit Ray’s classic film Mahanagar (The Big City, 1963).
Festival Director Mitu Bhaumik Lounge says, “it is an unmissable highlight of the Festival’s tribute to legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, as part of global celebrations marking his centenary birth year.”
And just to add the cherry on the top of the IFFM’s digital cake all the movies will be streaming free of charge across Australia via the festival’s website.
Coming back on the Satyajit Ray directed Mahanagar (The Big City, 1963)
Based on the short story Abataranika by Narendranath Mitra, the movie tells the story of a housewife who disconcerts her traditionalist family by getting a job as a saleswoman.
This 131 mins Ray-delight of 1963 was way ahead of its time.
Arati, a middle-class woman from Kolkata, takes her first job because of increasing financial pressure. However, her husband slowly grows insecure about her growing success.
The film examines the effects of the confident working woman on patriarchal attitudes and social dynamics.
When veteran film critic Philip French says this is one of Ray’s greatest films, you just tend to agree with him. The movie is a far cry from the loud, revolting and disrespectful deception of the modern feminist movement. However, it conveys the strongest meaning of women empowerment and equality in marriage.
The emotional roller-coaster will continue as we Celebrate the Ray Centenary with 9 more Online films: 1. Mahanagar 2. Charulata 3. Nayak 4. Mahapurush 5. Jay baba felunath 6. Ghanashatru (Enemy of the People) – Feature film 7. Ghaire Bhaire (The Home and the World)- Feature Film 8. Agantuk ( The stranger) – feature film 9. A Ray of Light- Nemian Ghosh {Documentary} 10. The Music of Satyajit Ray {Documentary- English}
As the COVID19 has disrupted our lives as much as it could, the resilient IFFM team has adopted more innovative ways to keep the entertainment to the highest possible level.
IFFM2021 team released a touching message.
Curious? Me too.
It’s as easy as going to your AppleTV and downloading the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne App, and you are ready to binge more than 120 Films in 27 languages. Remember there is no subscription fee, just register and click the movie to watch on your TV.
Oh sorry, We should have explained it before. No, it’s not an exclusive right of Apple gadgets owners to have all the fun.
We android people can simply log on to IFFM.com.au register and enjoy on phone or TV.
Reshma Azhakiya Namby is an Advocate of Migrants’ rights; Picture Source: Supplied
AUSTRALIA- A land of opportunities?
In 2018, when I first moved to Australia, everything seemed so fresh. I was the new girl in the city and enjoyed the tiniest of detail present in the country. From enjoying the lighted city during the White night to working at Nandos serving “seriously large chips” to the Aussie population, I felt extremely welcomed in the country.
Every day was a new opportunity for me with being able to meet tens of hundreds of people belonging to several cultures. Learning French from a European friend at University and volunteering at engineering clubs were the highlight of my Uni life. Not to forget the free beer and food every Tuesday at my Uni’s UMSU social event.
Within months of arriving in the country, I landed my first professional job. I was employed as an undergraduate structural engineer with Aurecon, one of the A-tier engineering consultancy firms in the country.
Upon graduation, I was promoted to become a Structural engineer within the same company, further rose in my career as a consultant and it’s been almost 3 years with Aurecon, and I can say I have worked with an amazing portfolio of clients including State Governments. I was beginning to enjoy the diversity within the country and the inclusiveness of the people here.
Reshma Azhakiya Namby, Advocate of Migrants’ rights; Picture Source: Supplied
Bam! Then came the international border closure and Australia’s fortress attitude
But what has changed in the past year and a half? Literally, NOTHING!
Pressing the pause button to life for a period as long as 16 months isn’t fair. Now, by definition, Life means different things to different people. To an average Aussie, having a cuppa and burger from Maccas and enjoying a nice surf at the Bay could be what Life is.
But the truth is and what I have witnessed personally is that there is no “average Aussie”. Every Australian resident always strives to excel, excel in anything and everything we do. And that my friends, is the reason why I do not want to settle for anything less.
Reshma Azhakiya Namby, Advocate of Migrants’ rights; Picture Source: Supplied
As an Australian resident, I deserve to live LIFE without having to press that pause button. If John Smith from the United Kingdom, where a total of 4,990,916 COVID19 cases and 128,301 fatalities due to the virus have been recorded to date, can have an inter-country tour to visit a dying mother or celebrate a sibling’s wedding, then why can’t I?
If Deepak Mehra from India, where a total of 30,709,557 COVID19 cases and 405,028 fatalities due to the virus have been recorded to date, can relocate to Germany, Singapore, the USA or the UK for international education, then why can’t the same person relocate to Australia?
Oh wait, I keep forgetting Australia has a “fortress attitude”.
Reshma Azhakiya Namby, Advocate of Migrants’ rights; Picture Source: Supplied
If Rosa Linda, who has been studying and working in Canada for the past 3 years, could secure her permanent visa within the country amidst the pandemic because the Justin Trudeau government decides to continue their efficiency even during the pandemic and keep their economy and thereby their migration program live, then why can’t the Scomo government do the same?
And yet I have to live in Australia, facing mini lockdowns now and then, claiming it to be way better than enjoying the freedom of movement which is now only a luxury for the rest of the world but Australian residents.
Now comes the part where Australia level up the discrimination game
On 1st May 2021, I came across a news article that elaborated on the decision of the Scomo government to ban entry of Australian residents and citizens from India due to the country facing a rise in the detrimental Delta variant COVID19 cases.
Reshma Azhakiya Namby, Advocate of Migrants’ rights; Picture Source: Supplied
I thought to myself it wasn’t the best decision or the solution, however, I had to empathise with the government at some level, right? Of course, because Australia is also home to me. I decided to stand by the government’s decision and observe how it has improved Australia’s situation.
Although there were several outbreaks and mini lockdowns within the country due to a very poor quarantine system, Australia did manage to keep the disease well under control.
Now, on 15th May 2021, the ban was lifted, (yay time for celebration? Well, not yet) and India was rated as a “high-risk category” country.
At this stage, no outbound or inbound travel exemption requests were being accepted from India. On the 7th of June, India was removed from the “high-risk category” and introduced certain criteria for accepting exemption requests. Still, exemption requests were not being processed for travel to or from the country.
“As per the ABF’s criteria on the Department of Home Affairs’ website for those seeking travel to India, visiting a close family member who is critically ill is on the list. Despite that, my requests to visit my dying mother have been rejected,” says Brisbane resident Mr Amit Jaura.
“Not once, but six times denied.”
Also noting here that Mr Jaura is not alone. Since then up until today, there has been no change to the conditions on the Department’s website.
Indian Australians at Airport, PictureSource: Twitter @RameshDutta
I understand the fear over a variant of concerns here and I re-emphasise that I totally empathise with the government in this regard. But despite these strict measures, three Australian states went into a snap lockdown fearing the spread of delta variant in the Australian community, which got “leaked” from what is now called “the worst quarantine system” in the world. That part, I really don’t understand?
Now, to provide some context and the scenario regarding the COVID surge in India and around the world, I did some research. COVID cases in India is continuously reducing now. India has around 40k cases per day and less than 500 deaths per day, which is far lesser than two months ago when the cases within the country stood at 500,000 per day.
The current rate of vaccination within the country is very high, with almost 5,000,000 doses being administered daily. The recovery rate within the country is at 96.7%. I am forced to compare these numbers with a developed economy like the United Kingdom for instance.
There is 25k plus cases per day in the UK and 92% delta variants. And cases per population in the UK is 8 times more than in India. Yet I don’t see a column or a separate heading on the Australian Border Force webpage saying, “Exemption request for travel to and from the UK”.
Author: Reshma Azhakiya Namby is an Advocate of Migrants’ rights. She works as a Consultant, at Infrastructure Advisory at Aurecon
Disclaimer: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The opinions and facts are presented solely by her, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that the lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne will be extended until at least 11:59 pm, Thursday 19 August, as health authorities are still trying to get on top of the current outbreak.
Victoria recorded 20 new locally acquired cases. The source of five of the infections is not yet known, 15 of the new cases are linked to known outbreaks, and 14 were in quarantine during their infectious periods.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there are more than 100 active cases in our community and more than 12,000 primary close contacts.
“We cannot afford to open up and let this variant run free – we need to get in front of this, just like we have done before.”
The areas of concern are Melton and Caroline springs suburbs where new cases have been identified with mystery sources.
However, health authorities are confident that today’s 5 mystery cases will be linked in the coming days. This includes 3 members of the same family from Melton, 2 cases in the city of Melbourne, A father and son. Son is a grade 1 student at St Michaels Primary School and his father is Doctor at Royal Children’s Hospital.
Anyone who has the slightest of the symptoms is urged to get tested. However, testing sites are seen to be struggling with long queues and waiting times of few hours in western suburbs.
Premier Daniel Andrews said
For the next seven days, Melbourne metro residents can still only leave home for five reasons: 1- To get the food and the supplies you need, 2- For exercise for up to two hours 3- For care or caregiving, 4- Permitted work or education if you can’t do it from home and 5- To get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
Shopping and exercise must be done within 5km of your home or the nearest location. Face masks will remain mandatory indoors (not at home) unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces and secondary schools.
Despite claiming to have controlled the spillover of the NSW outbreak last week, Victorian Premier’s press release starts with, “Due to the current level of community transmission of coronavirus in Victoria from the recent New South Wales (NSW) incursions, the current lockdown across Melbourne will be extended for another seven days.”
Residents of the cross-border community local government areas will now be required to obtain a permit to cross between Victoria and NSW from 6 pm, Friday 13 August.
This permit will improve health authorities ability to track who is entering Victoria from NSW and make it easier to rapidly get information to contact tracers and to monitor for compliance.
The reasons Cross Border Community Area residents can cross theVictorian -NSW border still include:
Necessary goods and services, including medical care
Care or other compassionate reasons
Work (whether paid or voluntary, including for charitable or religious purposes)
Education (including childcare or early childhood services)
Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination
Organised/community sport and exercise connected to or organised by a club or facility.
Residents will be able to apply for a permit from Thursday afternoon at the Service Victoria website, service.vic.gov.au and via the Service Victoria app.
Indian International Students in Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA
India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Mr Manpreet Vohra, says that Australia risks “eroding” its reputation as a welcoming place for international students.
“That is not good for the students, of course, directly affected; that is perhaps also not good for the overall image of Australia as a great place for Indian students.”
In a recent interview given to The Guardian Australia, He added that if Australia does not offer any hope soon to these enrolled students regarding the exact timeframe of when they can return to the country to study.
Image source: Manpreet Vohra – Wikipedia.
Vohra urged the Australian government to create a COVIDSafe return to on-campus studies so Indian international students had something “to look forward to.”
“But if they go on without any determination about when they are likely to end, then it leads to a lot of frustration, it leads to a lot of uncertainty, it leads to anxiety.”
He hinted that with such an attitude on the part of the Australian government, Indian students would end up turning to other countries to continue their higher studies.
“They signed up for education here in your universities, they continue to pay a substantial amount of tuition fees. They are getting online education, of course, but that really is not what they signed up for.”
About 17,008 students from Indian international student visa holders are currently outside Australia.
The Australian education minister, Alan Tudge, has said that the government was working with universities, states and territories on plans “to return international students when conditions allow.”
Mihir Sheth is CEO at Echoes Global Education specialising in the International education market.
He told The Australia Today, “Indian students have lost interest in Australian education due to restriction on entry in the country.”
“Our weekly student counselling rate has plunged 80% from what it was in January 2020.”
We had hundreds of students who were studying offshore for the last one and a half years but a large number among them is opting to go to Canada or UK for face to face education, Mr Sheth added.
He said, please understand the gravity of the situation, even international students who are here in Australia have opted for Canadian/UK Universities midway through their degrees because of the unfriendly attitude of Australian Authorities.
The reason International students stuck in India or in Australia with online studies are opting for Canada and UK is because their Universities are offering ‘Recognition of prior learning’ done at Australian education institutes.
Mr Sheth says Things can go from bad to worse if the Australian government doesn’t think pragmatically to save the education industry.
Representative picture of Sikh Kirpan; Picture Source; The Australia Today
The NSW Government has released a new schools policy to ban knives on school grounds to keeps students safe, however, it comes with a caveat to respect religious freedom.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said knives will continue to be banned on school grounds, with new strict guidance on carrying religious items that resemble a knife.
“The safety of students is my highest priority and our policy will always prohibit weapons at school,”
Ms Mitchell said.
“When parents and carers send their children to school they expect them to learn in a safe and caring environment. We have a paramount duty to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff while they’re at school.”
Ms Mitchell says the government has worked closely with community representatives, including from the Australian Sikh Association and the NSW Gurdwara Group, as well as Multicultural NSW and other government agencies, to develop these new guidelines.
“The guidelines provide for the safe carrying by students of items worn for a religious purpose.”
If a Sikh student wears a miniature Kirpan to school, the following guidelines must be followed:
1- The miniature Kirpan is of small size, i.e. 8.5cm or smaller with no sharp edges or points. 2- Worn underclothes and secured so it cannot be used; 3- Must be removed and safely stored, or secured against the body, when undertaking physical activity such as sport; and 4- When reasonably asked by the school the student must verify that these guidelines are being complied with, any safety concerns will be discussed with the student and their parents or carers.
Any student that does not comply with the above rules will have their parents notified and potentially face strong disciplinary action.
Sydney based Bawa Singh Jagdev is the secretary of the Sikh Council of Australia. He told The Australia Today, “In the given circumstances we welcome the decision fo the NSW government.”
“If community needs we can defiantly work towards procuring the agreed size ‘Kirpan’ for youngsters.”
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures from previous years have shown schools are amongst the safest places in our community, where over 818,000 students work and learn safely at over 2,200 public schools in NSW every day
Melbourne Lockdown; Picture Source: The Australia Today
20 new locally acquired coronavirus cases have been recorded in Melbourne Metro as regional Victoria wakes up to lockdown free morning.
Victorian Health Authorities announced all the new cases are linked to previously known cases, while only five were in quarantine during their infectious periods.
The real concern is that fifteen of the today announced cases were out in the community while infected with COVID19.
Premier Daniel Andrews was reluctant to commit if lockdown will be extended or not on Thursday.
“It is still too early to say whether lockdown could end as planned at 8 pm on Thursday.”
However, Health experts are of the view it will be very difficult for the Premier to ease any restrictions.
Virendra Patel is a small business owner in Melbourne’s western suburb. He told The Australia Today, “My printing business needs some sort of certainty about what’s going on with the lockdown.”
“It took me 9 years to establish my own business and now I can’t sleep at night due to fear of losing everything.”
Anyone from Melbourne metro trying to go to regional Victoria will potentially face fines of up to $5,000. Just to make sure restrictions are followed almost 200 police officers are deployed to main and back roads across Victoria.
DHHS data shows 34,892 tests were processed in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning, while 22,670 Victorians were vaccinated at a state-run hub.
NSW recorded 283 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours.
One hundred and six cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 42 were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Sixty-four cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 71 remains under investigation.
A number of contact venues have been identified in Tamworth.
As a precaution, anyone in the Tamworth area should immediately isolate and have a COVID-19 test if they have even the mildest of symptoms.
To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for the Tamworth Local Government Area, from 5 pm today until 12.01 am Tuesday 17 August.
“Stay-at-home orders will apply to all people who live in the Tamworth areas or have been there on or after 5 August 2021.”
The rules for this area will be the same as those already in place across Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Armidale, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock.
NSW Health has been notified of the death of a person with COVID-19. A woman in her 90s from northern Sydney died at Greenwich Hospital yesterday. This brings the number of COVID- related deaths to 29 during the current outbreak, and the number of lives lost to 85 since the beginning of the pandemic.
There are currently 349 COVID-19 cases admitted to the hospital, with 67 people in intensive care, 29 of whom require ventilation.
NSW has reached the major milestone of 10 million tests, with a record 133,840 COVID-19 tests reported to 8 pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 95,480.
Cases
Count
Confirmed cases (incl. interstate residents in NSW health care facilities)
11,012
Deaths (in NSW from confirmed cases)
85
Total tests carried out
10,064,212
Total vaccinations administered in NSW
4,449,056
NSW Health administered 11,327 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8 pm last night, including 2,940 at the vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 4,449,056 with 1,668,669 doses administered by NSW Health to 8 pm last night and 2,780,387 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11.59 pm on Saturday 7 August 2021.
There are six new cases in the Hunter New England Local Health District, making a total of 26 in the district. A further case has been notified overnight in a young woman who had been exposed in Newcastle and travelled to Tamworth while infectious.
A case has been notified overnight in a man in his 50s in the Byron area. Investigations are underway into the source of his infection and venues he may have visited in the area.
As a precaution, everybody who is in the following local government areas should immediately isolate and have a COVID-19 test if they have even the mildest of symptoms: Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Tweed, Lismore, Kyogle and Ballina.
Due to a notable increase in community transmission in recent days, twelve suburbs in the City of Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) are now part of areas of concern, along with the eight previously identified LGAs, and have additional restrictions in place.
These suburbs, which are adjacent to the Cumberland and Liverpool LGAs, are Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair, and St Mary’s.
In line with the restrictions currently in place for Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta LGAs, people in these 12 suburbs must only obtain food or other goods and services, and exercise, within 5km of their home.
You cannot travel to other areas for work unless you are an authorised worker. Full details of the additional restrictions are available on the NSW Government website
If you are directed to get tested for COVID‑19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.
It remains vital that anyone who has any symptoms or is close or casual contact with a person with COVID-19, isolates and is tested immediately. When testing clinics are busy, please ensure you stay in line, identify yourself to staff and tell them that you have symptoms or are a contact of a case.
Please check the NSW Government website regularly, and follow the relevant health advice if you have attended a venue of concern or travelled on a public transport route at the same time as a confirmed case of COVID-19. This list is being updated regularly as case investigations proceed.
There are more than 420 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit: COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.
Likely source of confirmed COVID-19 cases in NSW
Likely source of infection
Cases past 24 hours*
Cases past 7 days**
All cases
Overseas
2
19
3,374
Interstate
0
0
91
Locally acquired – linked to known case or cluster
113
934
5,238
Locally acquired – no links to known case or cluster
0
5
474
Locally acquired – investigation ongoing
170
861
1,835
Under initial investigation
0
0
0
Total
285
1,819
11,012
Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review. *notified from 8pm 7 August 2021 to 8pm 8 August 2021 **from 8pm 2 August 2021 to 8pm 8 August 2021
Reprentative picture of regional Victoria: Picture Source: Twitter @timbguille
Regional Victoria will be released from lockdown from tonight at 11.59 pm, and go back to the same settings as on Thursday last week.
Regional Victorians will be able to leave their homes for any reason and there will be no limit on the distance travelled from home. But people will only be able to travel to Melbourne for a permitted reason and must follow Melbourne restrictions.
Visitors to the home are still banned, however, outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people is allowed.
However, you still need to wear a mask indoor and outdoor as community sports is also back on track.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “It’s good news for regional Victoria at the same time let me tell you, No Melbourne resident is allowed to travel to regional Victoria unless they are permitted to do so.”
“We’ve always said the moment it’s safe to lift restrictions we will. While we continue to get on top of this outbreak in Melbourne, minimal primary close contacts and no new cases means we can ease setting in regional Victoria”
Food and hospitality will open for seated service only, a density requirement of 1 person per 4sqm will apply, with a maximum of 100 people per venue. Venues smaller than 100sqm can have up to 25 people before density requirements apply.
Retail can also open and personal services such as beauty and tattooing can resume. Face masks can be removed where required for the service to be performed.
Religious gatherings and ceremonies are allowed, with density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, and no more than 100 people total indoors and 300 people outdoors per venue.
Weddings and funerals are also able to have up to 50 people at a venue. This limit doesn’t include infants under 12 months of age, or the people required to conduct the service.
Community sport is open for all ages, including training and competition. Only the minimum number of participants (players, coaches, referees, officials, and carers or parents) needed to train or compete are permitted to attend, subject to a density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm. Spectators are not permitted.
Entertainment venues can have up to 300 people per outdoor space with a density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm and a cap of 100 people per space indoors. All entertainment facilities are required to have a COVID Check-in Marshal to monitor patrons checking in with the Service Victoria app.
While a stay at home orders remain in metropolitan Melbourne, we need to ensure the virus does not travel into regional Victoria. Businesses that are open in regional Victoria but closed in Melbourne – restaurants for dine-in service or beauty for example – must check the IDs of everyone they serve.
All regional Victorians need to continue with their COVIDSafe behaviours – most importantly to get tested immediately if they have any symptoms at all and get vaccinated if it’s their turn.
To book a vaccination at one of Victoria’s state-run clinics visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment.
The Australian share market finished its best week since May boosted by takeover target Afterpay and a strong set of results from Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
The market’s weekly gains of 1.9% was the strongest rise since May, with financials and technology stocks leading the gains.
Acquisitions and mergers were the big catalysts providing a boost to the markets, namely Square’s impending acquisition of buy now, pay later firm Afterpay. The company had one of its best weeks following the takeover news thus bringing its weekly gains to 36.7%.
Afterpay added more than $10 billion to its market capitalisation during the week, which in turn helped the tech sector record its biggest gains in 18 years.
As Australia entered into its reporting season a slew of strong earnings reports confirmed that the nation’s biggest companies have had a strong year, thus further helping the market sentiment.
Rupert Murdoch’s Newscorp led the earnings season with a stellar full-year result resulting in a 7.9% gain on Friday to a record high of $35.20.
Similarly, ResMed, Nick Scali, GUD Holdings, Pinnacle and REA Group all rose higher after better-than-expected results.
However, not all was bright for the Australian shares. With China ramping up efforts to reduce the impact of steel on the environment iron ore prices continued to decline which in return continued to knock the big miners. BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals all ended down during the week.
Gold stocks also declined as gold prices declined. With gold crashing late on Friday night after crucial US jobs data, the gold miners are expected to continue the decline this week.
The focus however will be on major results lined up this week from two of the nation’s largest banks Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank, Australia’s largest telecom firm Telstra Corp, and the largest Australian general insurer Insurance Australia Group Ltd.
Friday night also saw US stocks reach record highs following a positive jobs report. With Delta variant perking up around the US, the excellent payroll numbers added much more confidence building for the market. A parallel rise in Treasury yields signalled a downside: that the Federal Reserve could curtail its massive stimulus policies faster than expected.
Some investors believe that the robust job numbers could support the view that the Fed may need to unwind its ultra-easy monetary policy sooner than expected. Such a move could push yields and US Dollars higher while denting growth stocks.
As such US Dollar’s value relative to other currencies rose sharply on Friday. The stronger dollar and potential for higher yields from Bonds however hurt gold with yellow metal sliding to its lowest in a month. According to Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at OANDA said gold could fall towards $1,700 in the near term before support comes in.
Triggered by rising Coronavirus cases in the US and China oil prices declined to register their biggest weekly loss since October. With Delta variant continuing to rise globally and cases in the US climbing to a six-month high risk aversion has started to set in.
With Japan also expanding emergency restrictions to more regions of the country and China imposing curbs in some cities and cancelling flights fear have set in that travel restrictions to curb the spread of the Delta variant will derail the global recovery in energy demand.
Increased travel restrictions in China, World’s second-largest oil consumer will be under the microscope of oil traders and could become a key oil price mover in the coming weeks.
In regards to the Australian Dollar, the RBA positively surprised investors with the RBA Governor stating that Australia will avoid another recession, despite lockdowns imposed because of rising Coronavirus cases. A surge in US treasury yields also further added pressure to the Australian dollar along with other risk currencies.
However, with Australia’s three largest cities Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane all going into lockdown on Friday due to COVID-19 cases Australian dollar continues to look weak against all other major currencies.
As mentioned before last week saw the USA registered their highest number of COVID cases in 6 months, China has also had a significant increase in the rate of Coronavirus infections, while Australia also registered its highest numbers since August 2020. In addition, Central banks from the US, UK and Australia are giving some thought to concerns about the Delta variant of COVID, thus resulting in a bearish outlook for the Australian Dollar.
In terms of technical analysis, the short-term looks bearish with the price turning South of 0.7400 and sliding below the 20-day moving average on the 4 hourly charts. The 50-day moving average however continues to provide interim support for the local currency.
In comparison to Indian currency, the Australian Dollar has continued to trade below the 55 Rupee mark, ending the week at 54.58 Rupees.
The Rupee however continued to come under pressure against other major currencies. Domestic inflationary figures and high oil prices have continued to weaken the Indian currency.
A strong US Dollar has resulted in downward bias for the Rupee and all eyes will be on RBI to interfere. RBI’s reserves swelled to more than $620 billion this week after adding another $9 billion and there is a strong expectation that it will intervene to provide strength to the under-pressure Indian Rupee.
In the world of Cryptocurrencies, one of the most significant upgrades to the Ethereum network, popularly known as the London Fork happened successfully last week. The upgrade provided a much-needed boost to the Crypto market. The London fork also acts as a prelude to ETH 2.0 or ‘Serenity’, which is likely to go live by end of the year. As such even though Bitcoin finally managed to break out of its prolonged consolidation phase by reaching USD 45,000 at the time of writing the article it was Ethereum that stole the show to reach a high of USD 3,200.
Ethereum has now seen a rally for 12 consecutive days, thus signalling the form was well received.
Amongst the Top 10 Cryptocurrencies, however, it was Uniswap that had the best week rising 26% to touch the 30 dollar mark. In terms of the currencies, we expect the bullish momentum to continue and looking to add green currencies such as Polkadot, Cardano and Stellar Lumens to our portfolio.
In agricultural products, the prices rallied last week as reduced harvest expectations due to ongoing heatwaves across Northern Hemisphere continued to raise concerns about diminishing food supplies. A lower expectation of production of wheat in Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, and a downgrade by the French Ministry about wheat harvest outlook have weighed heavily on global grain supply.
A constant pandemic globally though has continued to raise a question about the grain demand and kept the price rise in check. Egypt, the world’s largest wheat importer, only booked a single grain freight on Monday, its lowest order in an entire year, Turkey has cancelled its order for 515,000 tonnes of Barley and Pakistan only purchased half the amount of wheat it purchased the weak before.
An increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide is expected to limit consumption in the coming weeks.
Having said that currently there is a drought in the Northern Plains of the USA, drought in Canada, drought in Russia and too much moisture in the European Union. With all of these factors, there are too many legitimate questions in regards to world food supplies which could see the price for agricultural commodities continue to rise this week.
Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs a business called Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone interested in starting their trading journey how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.
Disclaimer:
The writers’ opinions in the above article are their own and do not constitute any financial advice whatsoever. Nothing published by The Australia Today constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content publication be relied upon for any investment activities.
We strongly recommend that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.
Farooq Ahmed* a long term resident of Suburb Truganina-3029 in the Wyndham council area is angry and frustrated with Victorian Health Authority.
He told The Australia Today, “I and my wife stood in the queue for almost 3 hours for vaccination at Al-Taqwa walk-in centre but they refused me to provide vaccine as my kids don’t go to Al-Taqwa college.”
“I live right behind the newly placed vaccination centre, but my kids go to Westbourne Grammar School, not Al-Taqwa, I am refused vaccination.”
But my cousin who lives next door and her two daughters go to Al-Taqwa has been given Pfizer vaccine.
“I feel discriminated against just because my kids don’t attend Al-Taqwa.”
Saturday morning as Victoria recorded the highest one-day COVID19 cases, Many DHHS representatives started calling multicultural community leaders asking them to relay a message many consider discriminating.
The below message allegedly from DHHS is doing rounds in community WhatsApp groups.
On Saturday afternoon, Sakina* and her son Hamid* also went to the Al-Taqwa vaccination centre and waited in the queue for four hours.
Video Source: The Australia Today
She told The Australia Today, “It was very confronting as the heated arguments broke when many people, who were waiting for hours, were asked to leave.”
“We just got lucky, while all that confusion they let us in and get vaccinated. However, I feel for people who were refused despite waiting for hours.”
Karthik Arasu is the President of the Federation of Indian Australians, a Melbourne based community advocacy organisation.
He told The Australia Today, “Our volunteers have been working so hard to deal with the vaccine hesitancy in multilingual Indian Australian communities and bring them to the vaccination queue.”
“This new message has created a lot of confusion regarding the Al-Taqwa college walk-in vaccination centre. There is no clear direction from anyone, as some are given vaccination while many are turned back.”
“Many community representatives have received a call from some random members working for DHHS asking community representatives to share these messages with the community not to go to the Al-Taqwa vaccination centre,” added Mr Arasu.
“They are saying this is the directive from DHHS, but there is no official communication from the Government with regards to this.”
Mr Arasu says, “I understand the reason why the Department may want to avoid others going to this particular centre for vaccination, but please let’s have clarity through official communications.”
DHHS has provided a written response but has not replied to any of our specific questions.
DHHS statement says, “The Department of Health and Western Health has provided testing and vaccination services for staff and families designated as close contacts of a positive case linked with Al-Taqwa College.”
“It has been critical that all these close contacts are prioritised for testing as soon as possible to assist our contact tracers in managing this outbreak.”
“All staff and students at Al-Taqwa College have been required to test immediately and quarantine for 14 days. They have also been given an opportunity to get vaccinated at the same time as they were tested for COVID-19.”
Since then the Al-Taqwa Vaccination facility has been closed.
191 businesses are being named for breaking the United Kingdom’s national minimum wage law on Thursday 5 August.
Following investigations by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, a total of £2.1 million was found to be owed to over 34,000 workers.
The breaches took place between 2011 and 2018. Named employers have since been made to pay back what they owed, and were fined an additional £3.2 million, showing it is never acceptable to underpay workers.
The UK government recently gave millions a pay rise, by increasing National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates in April 2021. The rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage will be taking home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010.
Every single UK worker is entitled to the National Minimum Wage, no matter their age or profession.
Whilst not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, it has always been the responsibility of all employers to abide by the law.
The Government Spokesperson told Clear guidance is available on gov.uk, which all employers should check.
Minimum wage breaches can occur when workers are being paid on or just above the minimum wage rate, and then have deductions from their pay for uniform or accommodation.
The employers named today previously underpaid workers in the following ways:
47% wrongly deducted pay from workers’ wages, including for uniform and expenses
30% failed to pay workers for all the time they had worked, such as when they worked overtime
19% paid the incorrect apprenticeship rate
UK’s Business Minister Paul Scully said, “Our minimum wage laws are there to ensure a fair day’s work gets a fair day’s pay – it is unacceptable for any company to come up short.”
All employers, including those on this list, need to pay workers properly, he said
“This government will continue to protect workers’ rights vigilantly, and employers that short-change workers won’t get off lightly.”
Employers who pay workers less than the minimum wage have to pay back arrears of wages to the worker at current minimum wage rates.
They also face hefty financial penalties of up to 200% of arrears – capped at £20,000 per worker – which are paid to the government. Since 2015 the government has ordered employers to repay over £100 million to 1 million workers.
A significant number of the minimum wage breaches identified in the list affected those on apprenticeships. The government has published new guidance to ensure employers know exactly what they need to do to pay their apprentices, and all workers, correctly.
The government is committed to protecting workers’ rights and while the vast majority of businesses follow the law and uphold workers’ rights, the publication of this list serves as a reminder to employers that the government will take action against those who fail to pay their employees the minimum wage.
As well as advice for employers, HMRC offers advice for all workers on how to ensure they are being paid correctly via the Check your pay website.
Chair of the Low Pay Commission Bryan Sanderson said,
“These are very difficult times for all workers, particularly those on low pay who are often undertaking critical tasks in a variety of key sectors including care.”
The minimum wage provides a crucial level of support and compliance is essential for the benefit of both the recipients and our society as a whole.
This is the full list of employers being named and shamed for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage, with fuller detail provided in the attached spreadsheet:
With a growing concern for Melbourne’s western suburbs, Victorian Health authorities have reported 29 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases.
All new locally acquired cases are linked to previously reported cases and were not in quarantine during their infectious periods.
In the last 24 hours, Victoria has conducted 43,618 test results and has administered 22,600 vaccine doses. The state entered its sixth COVID-19 lockdown at 8 pm on August 5, which will last for at least one week.
Premier Daniel Andrews said he can’t say if the lockdown will be lifted as per schedule on Thursday.
“As of now, our main focus is on getting everyone linked to the exposed sites to get tested.”
He said, “There is a certainty that there are more cases out there, that’s why getting tested if you’ve got any symptoms at all is so, so important.”
It was clear with the interviews conducted by the contact tracers that these cases were a result of people visiting other people in their homes despite it was not permitted during the eased restrictions.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer said, “If ever there were a demonstration of the need to act immediately, this is it.”
“Amazing work yesterday and overnight to link everyone here and to quarantine contacts. We’ll get ahead of this. Check exposure sites, get tested, stay home. Support each other.”
There are five permissible reasons to leave home in Victoria: food and supplies, authorised work, medical care and caregiving, exercise within five kilometres of the home, and getting vaccinated – No visitors allowed at home – Mask must be worn indoors and outdoors except if an exception applies
However, the growing list of Tier1 and Tier2 exposed sites is raising concern for the health authorities.
Here is the list of 21 exposer sites added this morning.
Suburb
Site
Exposure period
Notes
Date added
Health advice
Taylors Hill
Liquorland – Taylors Hill Village Shopping CentreCorner Gourlay Road & Hume DriveTaylors Hill VIC 3037
31/07/2021 1:12pm – 1:52pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50 am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Taylors Hill
United Chemists – Taylors Hill Village Shopping CentreShop 8, Corner Gourlay Road & Hume DriveTaylors Hill VIC 3037
02/08/2021 3:15pm – 4:01pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Taylors Hill
The Lott – Taylors Hill Village Shopping CentreShop 13, 127 Gourlay RoadTaylors Hill VIC 3037
02/08/2021 3:32pm – 4:05pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Caroline Springs
Slices Restaurant – Caroline Springs2 Lake StreetCaroline Springs VIC 3023
03/08/2021 4:40pm – 5:15pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Taylors Hill
Shell Coles Express – Taylors Hill127 Gourlay RoadTaylors Hill VIC 3037
04/08/2021 12:20pm – 12:56pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Caroline Springs
Better Home – Caroline Springs Square Shopping Centre29-35 Lake StreetCaroline Springs VIC 3023
04/08/2021 12:41pm – 1:16pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Caroline Springs
Aldi – Caroline Springs29-35 Lake StreetCaroline Springs VIC 3023
04/08/2021 12:47pm – 1:19pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Caroline Springs
Fantastic Home and Gifts- Caroline Springs Square Shopping Centre29-35 Lake StreetCaroline Springs VIC 3023
04/08/2021 12:50pm – 1:23pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Caroline Springs
Caroline Springs Pharmacy29-35 Lake StreetCaroline Springs VIC 3023
04/08/2021 12:54pm – 1:26pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:50am
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Case attended venue. Some individuals will be Tier 1 contacts required to quarantine for 14 days and the Department will contact them directly with this advice.
07/08/2021 11:20am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Case attended venue. Some individuals will be Tier 1 contacts required to quarantine for 14 days and the Department will contact them directly with this advice.
07/08/2021 11:20am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Case attended venue. Some individuals will be Tier 1 contacts required to quarantine for 14 days and the Department will contact them directly with this advice.
07/08/2021 11:20am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Case attended venue. Some individuals will be Tier 1 contacts required to quarantine for 14 days and the Department will contact them directly with this advice.
07/08/2021 11:20am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Taylors Hill
Coles – Taylors Hill Village Shopping Centre127 Gourlay RoadTaylors Hill VIC 3037
31/07/2021 1:12pm – 1:52pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:00am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Taylors Hill
Coles – Taylors Hill Village Shopping Centre127 Gourlay RoadTaylors Hill VIC 3037
02/08/2021 3:37pm – 4:17pm
Case attended venue
07/08/2021 11:00am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tarneit
Coles – Tarneit Shopping Centre540 Derrimut RoadTarneit VIC 3029
02/08/2021 6:25pm – 6:55pm
Case attended venue
06/08/2021 10:15pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tarneit
Aldi Tarneit380 Sayers RoadTarneit VIC 3029
04/08/2021 4:45pm – 5:30pm
Case attended venue
06/08/2021 10:10pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tarneit
Western Fresh Fruit & Veg – Wyndham Village Shopping Centre12/380 Sayers RoadTarneit VIC 3029
03/08/2021 4:15pm – 4:55pm
Case attended venue
06/08/2021 9:40pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Truganina
United Petroleum Truganina451 Leakes RoadTruganina VIC 3029
02/08/2021 5:10pm – 5:40pm
Case attended venue
06/08/2021 8:35pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Caroline Springs
Active Medical Centre Caroline Springs228-232 Caroline Spring BlvdCaroline Springs VIC 3023
02/08/2021 2:15pm – 3:40pm
Case attended venue
06/08/2021 6:05pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Werribee
Heathdale Christian College (Werribee Campus)175 Derrimut RoadWerribee VIC 3030
03/08/2021 8:30am – 4:00pm
Case attended venue. Includes all staff, students, families and visitors. Some individuals will be Tier 1 contacts required to quarantine for 14 days and the Department will contact them directly with this advice.
06/08/2021 5:30pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Werribee
Heathdale Christian College (Werribee Campus)175 Derrimut RoadWerribee VIC 3030
04/08/2021 8:30am – 4:00pm
Case attended venue. Includes all staff, students, families and visitors. Some individuals will be Tier 1 contacts required to quarantine for 14 days and the Department will contact them directly with this advice.
06/08/2021 5:30pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative
Businesses that have experienced a loss in turnover of more than 30 per cent during the pandemic are now guaranteed to receive rent reductions, while separate support will be provided to landlords.
Victoria’s State Government got the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme passed in Parliament on Wednesday. This will ensure eligible tenants are provided with the rent relief they need to keep their businesses afloat.
As part of the scheme, landlords will be required to provide proportional rent relief in line with a business’ reduction in turnover. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to enter negotiations directly, with the VSBC available to provide mediation if parties can’t reach an agreement.
The protections are backdated to start from when the scheme was announced last Wednesday and it means commercial landlords can’t issue an eviction notice for eligible tenants without obtaining a direction from the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC).
Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford told The Australia Today, “This passing of this legislation provides peace of mind for small businesses who are struggling to pay the rent, giving them the security they need.”
“Tenants and landlords have already been working together really well and we’d encourage them to continue to do so to achieve fair outcomes.”
Tenants’ percentage drop in turnover will determine the amount of initial rent relief available to the tenant.
For example, a business with a turnover of 40 per cent of pre-pandemic levels can only be charged 40 per cent of its rent. Of the balance, at least half must be waived, with the remainder to be deferred.
Melbourne Lockdown; Picture Source: Twitter
Rent relief for eligible tenants will be calculated by comparing their turnover for the final quarter of the 2020/21 financial year with turnover from the final quarter of 2018/19.
The Government is also ensuring new businesses don’t miss out on the assistance. Special arrangements will be in place to assess the turnover impacts for new businesses which were not operating in 2019.
To help landlords that are doing the right thing by eligible tenants, the Government will provide land tax relief of up to 25 per cent, in addition to any previous relief, at an estimated cost of $100 million.
Small landlords who can demonstrate acute hardship will be eligible to apply for payments as part of a $20 million hardship fund.
Tenants and landlords can contact the Victorian Small Business Commission for further information on 13 87 22 or visit vsbc.vic.gov.au.
Wrestler Ravi Dahiya bitten by opponent; Picture Source; Twitter @VirenderSehwag
Indian wrestler Ravi Dahiya on Thursday settled for silver after going down against the Russian Olympic Committee’s (ROC) Zavur Uguev in the men’s 57 kg freestyle category at the Tokyo Olympics.
Uguev dominated the match and didn’t give any chance to the Indian grappler to come out with flying colours as India lost the chance to win its first gold medal in wrestling. Despite starting off cautiously Uguev got off to the mark and doubled his lead within seconds.
Earlier, Ravi Dahiya stormed into the finals of the event where the Indian grappler had to endure his semi-final opponent’s unsportsmanlike attitude.
During the final minute of the game, Dahiya was trailing 5-9 and it was then that, Kazakhstan’s Nurislam Sanayev was seen biting the Indian on his arm when the Indian grappler had pinned him down.
Wrestler Ravi Dahiya bitten by opponent; Picture Source; Twitter @VirenderSehwag
Many sportspeople including former India batsman Virender Sehwag took it to social media and Sehwag went on to label Sanayev’s act as “disgraceful”.
“How unfair is this, couldn’t hit our #RaviDahiya’s spirit, so bit his hand. Disgraceful Kazakh loser Nurislam Sanayev. Ghazab Ravi, bahut seena chaunda kiya aapne #Wrestling,” tweeted Sehwag.
Wrestler Ravi Dahiya bitten by opponent; Picture Source; Twitter @VirenderSehwag
However, in the finals, Ravi at one point in time equalled the scoreboard at 2-2 but Uguev showing off his immense power again took the lead as the Indian wrestler trailed 4-2 after the conclusion of the first period.
Uguev came firing on all cylinders and further extended his lead as he gave no chance to Ravi to dominate the game.
Wrestler Ravi Dahiya bitten by opponent; Picture Source; Twitter @VirenderSehwag
Audrey Truschke, Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey; Picture Supplied by Aabhas Maldahiyar
History owes to none but to time and people of the time.
The biases make the worst historians. Ironically biases have been finding awards for ages. Nothing is different in the time of now. We have many eminent historians around us who seem to be sculptures sculpted out of biases coated in colonial hues: Mughals, British, and more.
One such Historian from the current time is Audrey Truschke, a recruit of Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.
People may wonder that why she is being pointed as a biased crusader & a fake Historian.
The answer lies in her own works. If it has to be put in one line, “she spends time, research and efforts only to glorify everything which would affect glory to India.” It happens often that the words of professional academics are taken at face value and unfortunately her biases are shaping up into mainstream narrative.
Of all the most cynical it turns out when she begins to perform like a Darbari of Aurangzeb who himself won’t have loved the way Audrey has taken up the PR exercise for the Sufi Emperor posthumously. She always claims about the enormity of Aurangzeb and how he did more good to Hindus than doing atrocities on them.
Her one statement became quite famous that, “Aurangzeb protected more Hindu Temples than destroying them.” Even if this statement is to be considered true for a while, will any judiciary use the same logic to spare a murderer who has committed only one murder ever? Audrey would be surprised to know that not many from the Mughal Fan club would be able to digest what she states in respect to Aurangzeb.
The Mughal records state that Aurangzeb’s policy saw the demolition of Hindu Temples as the most important objective. Dara Shukoh had presented Keshava Rai Temple of Mathura with carved railings which the great Sufi Aurangzeb ordered to be removed on October 13, 1666. He had observed:
In the religion of the Musalmans it is improper even to look at a Temple’, and that it was unbecoming of a Muslim to act like Dara Shukoh
Umurat-i-Hazur Kishwar-Kashai/ October 13, 1666
Following this soon the Kalka Temple of Delhi was destroyed by Aurangzeb (Source: Siyah Waqa’i-Darbar, September 3, 1667, & Siyah Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, 12 September 1667).
Siyah Waqa’i-Darbar, September 3, 1667Siyah Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, September 12, 1667
Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amber passed away in 1669. On April 9, 1969, Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of temples and gurukuls throughout the empire. He had also ordered for the complete banning of Puja Samskaras (Source: Maasir-i-‘Alamgiri)
General Order for the destruction of Temples “The Lord Cherisher of the Faith learnt that in the provinces of Thatta, Multan and especially at Benaras, the Brahmin misbelievers used to teach their false books in their established schools, and their admirers and students, both Hindu and Muslim, used to come from great distances to these misguided men to acquire their vile learning. His Majesty, eager to establish Islam, issued orders to the governors of all the provinces to demolish the schools and temples of the infidels, and, with the utmost urgency, put down the teaching and the public practice of the religion of these unbelievers.” (Maasir-i-‘Alamgiri, p. 81, Translation: J.N. Sarkar)
Soon after these orders, the great Temple of Keshava Rai in Mathura was demolished in January 1670) (Source: Maasir-i-‘Alamgiri, p. 95-96, Translation by J.N. Sarkar). A large Mosque was erected at this place. and in its place, a lofty mosque was erected. As per the author of Maasir-i-‘Alamgiri, the murtis were carried to Agra and buried under the steps of the mosque built by Begum Sahiba, so that they could be continually trodden upon by the Musalmans, and the name of the ancient sacred town Mathura was changed to Islamabad.
Below is a painting depicting that what must have happened:
The bigotry of the Sufi Aurangzeb did not stop there. He demolished the sacred Temple of Vishwanath at Varanasi (Source: Maasir-i-‘Alamgiri, p. 88) and of Somanatha.
Likewise, Aurangzeb kept demolishing Hindu Temples and the pieces of evidence flow from the Mughal writings themselves. He destroyed the great temples of Mewar, Marwar, including two hundred other Temples in the environs of Udaipur and many more. In Chittor he ordered the demolition of more than five dozen of Temples which included the finest works of Kumbha’s time and even earlier. Only from Marwar several cart-loads of Murtis were brought which were cast in the courtyard and under the steps of Jama Masjid (Source: (Maasir-i-‘Alamgiri, p. 175, Translation: J.N. Sarkar).
And look at what kind of comical statements the historian passes. It seems that their irks are hell-bent to make historians the most mistrusted professionals ever.
June 1681, Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of the highly Jagannath Temple in Puri (Source: Siyaha Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i- Mu‘alla, June 1, 1681). September 1682, The Bindu-Madhav Temple in Varanasi was demolished as per the Aurangzeb’s orders (Source: Siyaha Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, September 13, 1682).
Interestingly, on September 1, 1681, his rebel son Akbar joined Chhatrapati Shivaji’s son, Shambhaji. This had not only created problems for Aurangzeb but he was badly furious. He was travelling to Deccan then. He ordered that all the temples on the way should be destroyed (Source: Siyaha Akhbarat-i-Darbar, September 21, 1681). Aurangzeb kept ordering the destruction of temples almost till the time he died. We find him ordering the destruction of Pandharpur Temple and sending butcher camp to slaughter the cows of Gowshala in the precinct (Source: Akhbarat 49-7).
Following the sayings of the Holy Qur’an, Aurangzeb reimposed Jizyah on the Hindus on April 2, 1679 (Source: Maasir-i-‘Alamgiri, p. 175, Translation: J.N. Sarkar). Interestingly he had exempted Muslims from paying Zakat ( Source: Siyaha Akhbart-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, April 16, 1667). Below is the list of a few bans and rules brought by Sufi Emperor Aurangzeb:
Atishbazi thereby restricting Diwali (Source: Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, April 9, 1667).
Replacement of Hindu officials by Muslims to enhance latter’s welfare & glory of Islam (Source: Siyaha Akhbarat Darbar Mu’alla, May 30, 1667 ).
Gathering of the Hindus at religious shrines (Source: Siyaha Waqai Darbar, September 26, 1667).
Travelling in Palkis, or riding elephants and Arab-Iraqi horses, as Hindus should not carry themselves with the same dignity as the Muslims (Source:).
He brought the rules to convert Hindus by persuasion, coercion or by offering Qanungo and to honor the converts in the open Court (Source: Akhbarat, November 15, 1680; June 5, 1681; Siyaha Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, May 16, 1681; Siyaha Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, June 17, 1681). Directions were that a Hindu male be given Rupees 4 and a Hindu female Rupees 2 on conversion (Source: Siyaha Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i- Mu‘alla, Julus, April 7, 1685). “Continue giving liberally”, Aurangzeb had ordered when he was told that the Faujdar of Bithur, Shaikh Abdul Momin, had converted more than a hundred Hindus and had given them cash and dresses of honor (Source: Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu‘alla, April 11, 1667).
But we have our Scholars like Audrey coming in defence of bigot Aurangzeb which is best expressed by the own writings of Mughals. Aurangzeb wasn’t shy to record these instances as they were moments of pride for him. His ultimate motto was the establishment of the Islamic State.
In the time of now, any defence of Aurangzeb is no different than fighting to validate the acts of Adolf Hitler. It only reflects upon the fact that Audrey has no sensitivity for Hindus or perhaps she has grown old only with hate injected. It is quite evident from the fact that what she is doing is only an act of showing the wrong history. Not something factual even a bit.
So what exactly is the intention of Audrey Truschke?
Anyone who claims to have researched Aurangzeb would know the complete details of Fatawa-e-Alamgiri. It had provisions for slavery (including sex slavery ) as mentioned under (source: Fatawa i-Alamgiri, Sheikh Nizam, al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 6 vols):
The right of Muslims to purchase and own slaves
Muslim man’s right to have sex with slave girl he owns or owned by another Muslim (with master’s consent).
No inheritance rights for slaves.
The testimony of all slaves was inadmissible in a court of law.
Slaves require permission of the master before they can marry
An unmarried Muslim may marry a slave he owns but a Muslim married to a Muslim woman may not marry a slave
Conditions under which the slaves may be emancipated partially or fully
I wonder that how a man or woman or earth can ever be an advocate from misogynists and slavery supporting an emperor like Sufi Aurangzeb? In my opinion, it is the biggest low for Audrey.
Well, it is not only about romanticizing one of the biggest religious bigots ever but Audrey’s biases become way more evident when she gets into misquoting and passing wrong information about Hindu Shastras. While she cozies the character of Aurangzeb, she has never stopped to reflect wrongly how Mahabharata and Ramayana have been books of misogyny, unethical acts and more. She goes on to compare Nirbhaya’s situation with that of “Draupadi” and mentions that how perhaps India has not changed in ages?
She fails to understand the character of Draupadi and many other in Mahabharata, but it is hilarious how sex-slavery supporter Aurangzeb appeared like a hero to her. The wrongdoers in each case, whether it was Nirbahaya or Asifa were brutal marauders; no less than filthy Aurangzeb. It is disgusting that Rutgers University has to defend such a fake Hindu-hating scholar day and night.
While she demonizes every Hindu Shastras, she is quite vocal about “how Hinduism is good and Hindutva bad.” But by doing so does she not appear a hypocrite of the highest order? I mean, how can she demonize all Hindu Shastras and then claim that “Hinduism” is good? She even goes on to talk that how no manuscripts of Mahabharata are the same but would never tell you about decades of versions of the Holy Qur’an. Will she ever stand with Wasim Rizvi, who has called for the removal of hateful verses from the Qur’an? Will she call out the Maulvis who are passing fatwas to have him killed? Needless to say but Osama Bin Laden did cite from the Holy Book while declaring the Jihad against the United States of America. Why such biases? There have been multiple killings in the name of Muhammad, the Qur’an and Allah. All the top terrorist organisations recognized by international agencies do swear by Allah and Qur’an. But will she ever speak? Can she find us a single terrorist organisation that cites Bhagwad Gita or Mahabharata while assaulting people? Will she ever tell that “Muslims need to launch their own ‘Not in my name’ protests against cartoon beheadings?”
On the other hand, she always keeps misinforming people that Hindutva. According to Audrey, ” The Hindutva was born in the era of fascism when Europe witnessed the rise of Hitler and Mussolini.” How misinformed Associate Professor does Rutgers University recruits?
Interestingly, Hitler was three years old and Mussolini nine years old when the term Hindutva was coined by Chandranath Basu in 1892.
Her understanding of Hindutva is highly flawed and she pointlessly keeps vilifying Savarkar, Golwalkar etc. Perhaps she is not aware of the scenarios which were popping in the early twentieth century in India. She needs to be told how Hindu Genocide was planned during the Mopllah riots, how an Islamic Invasion over India was planned during the Khilafat Movement and why the idea of “Hindutva” evolved a bit differently. It is indeed a disgusting situation to see someone teaching the oppressed ones “how not to call out oppression and keep turning more victims.”
It was a couple of years back when I for the first time countered her nasty views about Hindutva, but I see no growth in merit from her side. I did corroborate the thorough understanding of “Hindu, Hinduism and Hindutva” in the essay Hindu Accepts, Hindutva Resists.
It is high time that the west and its scholars stay away from summonsing Indians. While white supremacist, Islamic State sympathisers set a hawkeye to jeopardize Indian interests every possible way we have supplied vaccines to a large chunk of the globe. We, the hunted ones, are out there to write our tales and hunters must vanish now.
Author: Aabhas Maldahiyar A self-professed Ex-Marxist, a practising architect and author of two fiction books— ‘Restart-An Architect’s Journey to the Parliament House’ and ‘Crossing the Line’ inspired by Marxist ideology. His latest book #ModiAgain buy at https://garudabooks.com/modi-again-1copy This article was first published on Kreately. We have republished it with her kind permission.
Disclaimer:Aabhas Maldahiyar is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. He carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing images utilised within the text. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by him, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Due to the COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours – suspected to be the highly infectious Delta variant – Victoria will enter a state-wide lockdown for seven days from 8:00 pm tonight, Thursday 5 August.
This means from 8:00 pm tonight, there are only five reasons to leave home:
1- Getting the food and the supplies you need,
2- Exercising for up to two hours,
3- Care or caregiving,
4- Authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home, or
5- To get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “No Victorian wants to be in this position. We know that the Delta variant moves faster than anything our public health experts have seen before – and we know what we need to do to drive it down once again.”
Shopping and exercise must be done within 5km of your home or the nearest location.
Face masks will remain mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces and secondary schools.
Private gatherings are not permitted except for an intimate partner or nominated person visits. Public gatherings are not permitted. Exercise is limited to two people.
Childcare and Early Childhood Care will remain open.
Schools will close, with primary and secondary school students returning to remote learning – except for vulnerable children, and the children of authorised workers who can learn on-site.
Minister for Health Martin Foley stressed, “Given these new cases we’ve seen over the last 24 hours, we need to put these restrictions in place and follow the rules to drive down the spread of the virus.”
Where a parent or carer indicates that a student with a disability cannot learn from home due to vulnerability or family stress, the school must provide on-site learning for that student. This will apply to students enrolled in specialist schools and students with a disability enrolled in mainstream schools.
Higher education students will also return to remote learning, except for learning programs allowed on the Authorised Premises and Authorised Workers (APAW) List.
List of authorised premises and authorised workers.
With the Wangaratta wastewater detection and the potential that regional Victorians have been exposed to COVID-19 linked to the current outbreak, restrictions will apply state-wide to keep regional Victoria safe.
There are no changes to the current arrangements for border communities.
Indian men's hockey team clinch bronze, win medal after 41 years; Picture Source: Hockey India
It took 41 years, but the dream of every Indian was finally realised on Thursday as the men’s hockey team beat Germany 5-4 to win the bronze medal here at the Oi Hockey Stadium — North Pitch.
The Men in Blue showed absolute resilience, strength, and winning spirit to register a remarkable comeback win against a strong German team. The German team got off the block very quickly in the first quarter after the Indian defence was caught napping.
Indian men’s hockey team clinch bronze, win medal after 41 years; Picture Source: Hockey India
Timur Oruz scored past Sreejesh from the scramble in the D. The European team continued with their relentless pressure and got series of penalty corners which the Indian defence withheld brilliantly during the dying moments of the first fifteen minutes.
Graham Reid’s men responded well in the second quarter as the team scored a brilliant field goal from the counterattack. Nilakanta found Simranjeet with a long ball into the D and he finished the move brilliantly on the turn.
Germany soon regained their lead from the goal by Wellen on the counter. After that, the floodgates of goals opened for both teams as Furk capitalised on the error of Surender to give Germany a 3-1 lead in the game.
Indian men’s hockey team clinch bronze, win medal after 41 years; Picture Source: Hockey India
India again came back in the game as Hardik Singh pounced on Harmanpreet’s drag-flick to peg the Germans one back.
In the dying moments of the first half, Harmanpreet Singh again came clutch for India with his superb drag-flick to level the match 3-3.
Indian men’s hockey team clinch bronze, win medal after 41 years; Picture Source: Hockey India
The second half started with a bang for the Men in Blue as Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty stroke and in the preceding phase, Germany lost their referral too.
For the fifth goal for India, Gurjant beautifully outran the German defender on the right flank to find Simranjeet in the center as he scored his second of the match.
In the fourth quarter of the match, Windfeder converted the PC as he smashed the ball through the legs of Sreejesh and reduced the lead of India by one goal. But Indian defenders made sure to give no chance to the German team to create any upset as they saw the match through with that one-goal lead.
Indian men’s hockey team clinch bronze, win medal after 41 years; Picture Source: Hockey India
The Indian men’s hockey team have now won three bronze medals, one silver medal and eight gold medals in the history of the Olympics. Overall, India has now won four medals at Tokyo Olympics
Image source: Amit Miglani - MIG Real Estae website.
Melbourne-based 43-year old Indian origin Real Estate Agent Amit Miglani has narrowly avoided jail time for fraud.
Amit Miglani who studied marketing in Australia, an MBA and a masters degree in information technology, gained permanent residency and became a real estate agent.
It was revealed in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that Amit Miglani took nearly $100,000 out of his agency’s trust account and used it on luxury cars and private school fees.
He has pleaded guilty through his lawyer, Theo Alexander, to causing a deficiency of trust money of $55,500 and fraudulently converting to his own use $42,648.98 from the trust account.
Between 14 November 2017 and 26 July 2018, he withdrew money from SNM’s trust account, causing a deficiency of $55,000.
Between 13 November 2017 and 19 July 2018, he fraudulently converted $42,649 of trust money to his own use.
Image source: Amit Miglani – MIG Real Estate.
It is an offence under the Estate Agents Act 1980 to fraudulently convert to one’s own use any money held on behalf of another for any transaction in one’s capacity as an estate agent.
The maximum penalty is 10 years in jail or 500 penalty units ($82,610)
However, Amit Miglani who was the Officer in Effective Control of the now defunct MIG Real Estate was sentenced to a community corrections order with conviction for 18 months.
This requires 300 hours of unpaid community work.
Magistrate Tara Hartnett noted in her order that she would have sent Miglani to jail.
However, she added that since he pleaded guilty which entitled him to a lower penalty.
“This is serious offending. It was not offending motivated by need. You offended because you could. Your conduct is a gross departure from your obligations as officer in effective control [of the real estate agency].”
It was reported that Amit Miglani’s lawyer told the court the former real estate agent had come from “fairly humble beginnings” to Australia.
However, this was debunked by the prosecutor for Consumer Affairs, James Baker, who clarified in the court that Amit Miglani came to Australia on a student visa as a full-fee-paying student, funded by his parents.
Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Nicole Rich, said:
“The outcome served as a strong reminder that money in an agent’s trust account belongs to other people, not the agent, and Consumer Affairs Victoria will take action against agents who misuse client funds.”
SNM Properties’ corporate estate agent’s licence and Amit Miglani’s individual licence have both been cancelled.
The court has noted that if Amit Miglani breaches the order in the next 18 months by offending further or not completing the work, he can be re-sentenced.
Victorians celebrating zero COVID 19 case day were shocked to receive news of a new case in Melbourne’s Western suburb.
The Victorian health department confirmed the positive case is a teacher at Al-Taqwa College in Melbourne’s west.
The Department of Health on Wednesday afternoon said it was investigating a confirmed case and would provide more information shortly.
The urgent testing of the household contacts of the positive case is being organised, however, contact tracers are still tracking how the person caught the virus.
Al-Taqwa College in Truganina will close and all staff and students are being advised to isolate and get tested.
A new tier 2 exposure site is added to the list this afternoon — the first site added since July 31.
Suburb
Site
Exposure period
Notes
Date added
Health advice
Yarraville
Coles (Yarraville)Williamstown Road and High StreetYarraville VIC 3103
29/07/2021 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Case attended venue
04/08/2021 3:38pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result
People who have visited this exposure site during that time period are advised to get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.
In the morning Premier Daniel Andrews took to social media to express his happiness at Zero locally acquired case number for Victoria in more than three weeks.
COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said it was cause for quiet celebration and satisfaction.
“It’s a symbolic marking of a point where there are no more COVID cases,” he told reporters.
“It means we’re on track with the strategy that we set three or four weeks ago.”
Nine people with COVID-19 remain in Victorian hospitals, including two in intensive care who are both on ventilators.
Most of the more than 40,000 primary and secondary close contacts who were ordered to quarantine during the outbreak have been released. Fewer than 3,000 people remain in isolation.
The number of exposure sites visited by a positive case in the past 14 days has dropped from a peak of about 400 to about 40 today.
The state is now in its second week out of lockdown.
The current restrictions, which include a ban on home visits and a mask mandate, are set to stay in place until 11:59 pm next Tuesday 10 August 2021.
Indian Boxer Lovlina Borgohain; Picture Source: Twitter @TeamIndia
Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain took the bronze medal after she lost the women’s welterweight (64-69kg) semi-final bout to Turkey’s Busenaz Surmeneli in the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday.
Busenaz Surmeneli defeated Borgohain by a unanimous decision of 5-0. All five judges gave decisions in the favour of Turkish pugilist as she stamped her dominance.
Indian Boxer Lovlina Borgohain; Picture Source: Twitter @TeamIndia
Lovlina started round one with a good strategy as she didn’t let the Turkish boxer take charge. But soon, Busenaz showed her class and demolished the defence of the Indian as judges ruled the round in her favour.
The second round started just where the first one left as Surmeneli dominated all the way through it. And to make it worse for Borgohain, she sustained a penalty in that round.
The last round was more ruthless and clinical from Busenaz as she brutally buried any chances the 23-year-old Indian had of making a comeback.
The top-seed from Turkey will now face either USA’s Oshae Jones or China’s Hong Gu in the final.
Earlier on Friday, Borgohain defeated Nien-Chin Chen by a split decision of 4-1.
Five judges gave split decisions in the first round but following two rounds, all judges anonymously stamped Lovlina’s dominance as she reached the semis.
Australia Vs Bangladesh T20I; Picture Source: Twitter @Cricket Australia
A spirited bowling performance helped Bangladesh stun Australia in the first T20I of the five-match series here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.
Bangladesh defeated Australia by 23 runs in the first T20I and with this win, the hosts have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The next match will be played at the same venue on Wednesday. Chasing 132, Australia got off to the worst start possible as the side lost Alex Carey (0) on the very first ball of the innings as he was clean bowled by Alex Carey.
Soon after, Josh Philippe (9) and Moises Henriques (1) were also dismissed as Australia was reduced to 11/3 in the third over. Skipper Matthew Wade (13) struggled at the crease and his vigil finally came to an end in the 10th over as he was dismissed by Nasum Ahmed, and Australia was reduced to 49/4, still, 83 runs away from the target.
Australia Vs Bangladesh T20I; Picture Source: Twitter @Cricket Australia
Wickets kept falling at the other end, and it all boiled down to Mitchell Marsh to take Australia over the line.
However, Marsh (45) perished in the 16th over and in the end, Australia stumbled to a 23-run loss in the first T20I. Nasum Ahmed was the star for Bangladesh as he scalped four wickets.
Australia Vs Bangladesh T20I; Picture Source: Twitter @Cricket Australia
Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan (36) played an anchor role as Bangladesh posted a total of in the allotted twenty overs. Sent into bat first, Bangladesh got off to a bad start as the side lost both its openers inside the powerplay. Soumya Sarkar (2) and Mohammad Naim (30) both failed to stay at the crease for a long haul.
Mahmudullah (20) and Nurul Hasan (3) also departed cheaply and it all boiled down to Shakib to guide Bangladesh to a defendable total. However, in the 17th over, Josh Hazlewood got the prized scalp of Shakib and Bangladesh was reduced to 104/5.
Australia Vs Bangladesh T20I; Picture Source: Twitter @Cricket Australia
In the final three overs, Bangladesh managed to add 27 more runs, taking the total past the 130-run mark. For Australia, Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with three wickets.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 131/7 (Shakib Al Hasan 36, Mohammad Naim 30, Josh Hazlewood 3-24); Australia 108 all out (Mitchell Marsh 45, Mitchell Starc 14, Nasum Ahmed 4-19).
Manpreet Singh-led Indian men’s hockey team suffered a defeat at the hands of Belgium in the first semi-final of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics here at Oi Hockey Stadium North Pitch on Tuesday.
Belgium defeated India 5-2 in the semi-final and they will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and Germany in the gold medal match on Thursday.
On the other hand, India will lock horns in the bronze medal match on Thursday with the loser of the game Australia and Germany. The Indian boys started well and looked to keep up the good work, but lost the tempo slightly in the last quarter and that is where the boys from Belgium capitalised.
In fact, the last goal was a case of the Belgium players taking advantage as India withdrew goalie Sreejesh and brought in a field player. Loick Luypaert gave Belgium an early lead in the match as he registered a goal in the starting minutes of the first quarter and as a result, India was put on the back foot straight away.
However, India struck back as Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh scored goals in quick succession, and as a result, India gained a 2-1 lead in the first quarter.
Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020 gave their best and that is what counts. Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavours. India is proud of our players.
In the second quarter, Belgium got the equaliser as Alexander Hendrickx successfully converted a penalty corner, and it brought the scoreline level to 2-2. No more goals were scored in the second quarter, and the scoreline remained level.
The deadlock was not broken in the third quarter as well, and as a result, heading into the last 15 minutes of the game, both India and Belgium were highly tensed.
In the fourth quarter, it was Belgium who struck first as Hendrickx scored his second goal of the match, giving Belgium a 3-2 lead with more than 11 minutes still left to play.
A few minutes later, Hendrickx got his hat-trick as he converted from a penalty and hence, Belgium gained a 4-2 lead. In the end, Belgium managed to hang on and the side registered a victory, progressing ahead to the finals, their second successive final appearance.
Earlier, India had defeated Great Britain 3-1 in the quarterfinals on Sunday to enter the last four stage.
Rani Rampal India's Women Hockey team Captain; Picture Source: Twitter @HockeyIndia
“I wanted an escape from my life; from the electricity shortages to the mosquitoes buzzing in our ear when we slept, from barely having two square meals to seeing our home getting flooded when it rained.
My parents tried their best, but there was only so much they could do–Papa was a cart puller and Maa worked as a maid.
There was a hockey academy near my home, so I’d spend hours watching players practise–I really wanted to play. Papa would earn Rs.80 a day and couldn’t afford to buy me a stick.
Every day, I’d ask the coach to teach me too. He’d reject me because I was malnourished.
He’d say, ‘You aren’t strong enough to pull through a practice session.’
Rani Rampal India’s Women Hockey team Captain; Picture Source: Twitter @HockeyIndia
So, I found a broken hockey stick on the field and began practising with that– I didn’t have training clothes, so I was running around in a salwar kameez.
But I was determined to prove myself. I begged the coach for a chance– Maine bahut mushkil se convince Kiya unko finally!
But when I told my family, they said, ‘Ladkiya Ghar ka kaam hi karti hai,’ and ‘Hum tumhe skirt pehen Kar khelne Nahi denge.’
I’d plead with them saying, ‘Please mujhe Jaane do (Please let me go). If I fail, I’ll do whatever you want.’ My family reluctantly gave in.
Training would start early in the morning. We didn’t even have a clock, so mom would stay up and look at the sky to check if it was the right time to wake me.
At the academy, each player needed to bring 500 ml of milk. My family could only afford milk worth 200 ml; without telling anyone, I’d mix the milk with water and drink it because I wanted to play.
My coach supported me through thick and thin; he’d buy me hockey kits and shoes. He even allowed me to live with his family and took care of my dietary needs. I’d train hard and wouldn’t miss a single day of practice.
I remember earning my first salary; I won Rs.500 after winning a tournament and gave the money to Papa. He hadn’t ever held so much money in his hands before. I promised my family, ‘One day, we’re going to have our own home’; I did everything in my power to work towards that.
After representing my state and playing in several championships, I finally got a national call up at the age of 15! Still, my relatives would only ask me when I was planning on getting married. But Papa told me, ‘Play until your heart’s content.’ With my family’s support, I focused on doing my best for India and eventually, I became captain of the Indian hockey team!
Soon after, while I was at home, a friend papa used to work with visited us. He brought along his granddaughter and told me, ‘She’s inspired by you and wants to become a hockey player!’ I was so happy; I just started crying.
And then in 2017, I finally fulfilled the promise I made to my family and bought them home.
We cried together and held each other tightly! And I’m not done yet; this year, I’m determined to repay them and Coach with something they’ve always dreamed of– a gold medal from Tokyo.”
Queensland's Deputy Premier Steven Miles; Picture Source: Twitter @QueenslandHealth
Queensland’s snap lockdown will be extended until 4 pm on August 8 after 13 locally acquired COVID-19 cases were reported on Monday.
“It’s starting to become clear that the initial 3-day lockdown will be insufficient,”
Queensland’s Deputy Premier Steven Miles stated.
The new cases are all linked to an Indooroopilly high school student who tested positive on Friday, bringing the cluster to 31 cases.
What you need to know:–
Local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim will remain in lockdown until at least August 8
Reasons to leave home include for essential goods, essential work, exercise, healthcare, to care for someone, and get vaccinated.
No visitors to homes.
10 km travel restriction in place.
Funerals and weddings limited to 10 people – Schools will be shut on Monday and Tuesday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk tweeted, Anyone who has been in an impacted local government area since 1 am Saturday 31 July must observe the same lockdown conditions wherever you are in Queensland.
These measures are critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in the Queensland community.
Lockdown support for Queensland businesses
Queensland Government will provide $5,000 payments to small and medium businesses across the state affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown and lockdowns in other states.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the $260 million 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant program would help small businesses through the current three-day lockdown.
“We know Queensland’s health response to COVID-19 has put us in the best possible position to recover from the pandemic, with nation-leading economic, jobs and retail sales growth,”
the Treasurer said.
“That’s why we were the first jurisdiction to declare a public health emergency and the first jurisdiction to announce business support measures for affected businesses, including tourism businesses,’ he added
2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants of $5,000 will be available to eligible small and medium businesses across all industries across the state.
The state government will also be providing support payments to eligible impacted large businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector in the 11 local government areas currently locked down.
This $5,000 payment is higher than most other states, recognising the short interval between lockdowns in South East Queensland, and the unique circumstances faced by regional economies that are impacted by multiple border closures.
The Federal Government’s declaration of a hotspot in the 11 local government areas has enabled individuals living in these LGA’s to receive support payments.
Queensland Treasurer urged all councils in the 11 affected local government areas, and across other impacted parts of Queensland, to implement their own assistance measures for affected businesses.
”This could include Councils contributing to supporting business cash flows and viability through the waiving of rates, fees and charges paid by small businesses, or by providing a co-contribution towards the Queensland Government’s business support grant program,” he said.
Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey team make history, beat Australia 1-0; Picture Source: Twitter @HockeyIndia
The Indian women’s hockey team created history on Monday here at Oi Hockey Stadium — North Pitch — as they qualified for the semi-finals of the Olympics for the very first time after defeating Australia 1-0.
In what comes as a historic day and possibly the greatest moment for women’s hockey in India, Gurjit Kaur scored the lone goal in the match during the first half through a penalty corner in a very tightly contested match.
The Indian players looked to give it their all as they ensured Gurjit’s effort didn’t go in vain.
The Australians threw at it all they had, but the Indian women refused to buckle even though the Aussies kept piling the pressure with each passing minute.
The first quarter started at a great pace as both teams put their foot on the accelerator and the forwards from both teams came very close to finding the back of the net. But none succeeded in scoring after the first fifteen minutes.
After saving a penalty corner on another end, India soon got the second PC of the match in the second quarter. India’s star drag-flicker Gurjit made sure that she made the opportunity count as she gave the Women in Blue a crucial lead against the mighty Aussies.
Indians went for a direct PC and after hitting the legs, the ball hit a stick and found a way into the goal. Notably, Australia had conceded just one goal in the tournament so far.
In the second half, Hockeyroos as expected came in waves as they looked for the goal. But India goalie Savita and the defence stood firm. The Indian team made sure they did not give any space to the Aussies as chances became rarer and rarer for their forwards as the game progressed.
India again kept Australia at bay with some smart defence in the last quarter as they made sure they didn’t let Hockeyroos spoil the dream of making it to the semi-final.
Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team make history, beat Australia 1-0; Picture Source: Twitter @HockeyIndia
Earlier on Sunday, the Indian men’s hockey team reached the last four of the Olympics for the first time in 41 years as the team defeated Great Britain 3-1.
The last four berths had eluded the Indian men’s hockey team since the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games where the team led by V Baskaran won the eighth Gold medal for India.
Australian investors closed the week marginally lower after technology and energy stocks declined. Origin energy dropped as much as 7% on Friday alone after warning of a steep fall in earnings over the next two financial years.
However, the index gained more than 1% in July, thus recording its 10th straight monthly advance, a winning streak not seen since 2007. Even a continuous rise in COVID cases in Australia did little to dent steady gains in Australian share as investors were buoyed by strong earnings in the US. The monthly gains exhibit a good track record for the Australian market.
The tech and energy stocks however soured the mood on Friday with Afterpay and Origin leading the charge. Origin Energy saw its worst in over a year after it flagged a $2.2 billion hit due to the rapid influx of renewables.
Even though Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has warned of another recession’s risk in Australia, NSW does not get on top of the latest outbreak. This lead to a muddied week for Australian stocks, however a blowout quarter in the US compared to a year ago helped control the losses as traders continued to find positives in the market.
A tighter lockdown in Sydney due to an increase in cases and relentless rise in infections in Australia’s most populous state will however be the focus as Australia enters its earnings season. It will be interesting to see if the COVID lockdowns will overshadow the recent profit surge rally.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
With Australia about to enter the end of the financial year reporting period, the focus in local markets will mainly be on lockdowns across the nation and rising COVID19 cases in NSW. The situation in NSW is setting Australia for a prolonged lockdown which is expected to move the Australian economy into negative growth in the coming quarter. With economists warning Australia can enter its second recession in as many years, the lockdown numbers will impact the mood in Australia.
A bumper dividend and earnings season however is expected to keep Australian markets continue with their gains. NAB has given investors enough reasons to believe bumper dividends are in store next month after it chose to buy back 2.5 billion dollars in shares. A similar move was also announced by ANZ earlier in July. According to leading banking analyst Brett Le Mesurier there may be a $30 billion bank buyback bonanza in store for investors.
Gold prices continued to rise last week in hopes that bullion would be a good hedge against inflation. US Federal Reserve has continued to buy bonds in large volumes for an economy overcoming pandemic troubles. Australian Reserve Bank has done similarly.
As such, there is a risk in the market when all this stimulus will be taken away? It might not happen anytime soon given the pandemic troubles that remain, however it does make gold an important asset to cover the risk of inflation.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
Gold hit a two-week peak on Thursday after US Fed reassured that a rate hike in the US was not on the cards for the time being. The rally was dented a bit by some profit-taking on Friday, however, lower government bond yields continue to decrease the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no dividend, hence making it an attractive investment.
Oil prices kept their march higher as investors continue to bet that vaccinations would alleviate the impact of a resurgence of COVID infections across the globe and keep oil demand growing faster than supply.
An increase in daily gasoline consumption in India exceeding pre-pandemic levels in July also boosted oil prices. Rising fuel sales in India, the world’s second-biggest consumer and importer of oil is a positive development for global oil markets.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
Even though the Industrial oil consumption was below the consumption around the same period in 2019 in India, an easing of restrictions by some states saw motorists flocking to tourist destinations and markets to boost oil consumption. This also resulted in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warning against overcrowding.
The Australian dollar declined for the fifth week in a row against the US Dollar as rising Coronavirus cases continue to weaken the Australian economy.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
Even though the US Dollar remained weak against other currencies following the Fed’s announcement Australian Dollar could not benefit due to the precarious economic situation caused by growing Delta strain cases in Australia.
The year 2020 was not a particularly bad year for the Australian economy as compared to the rest of the world as Australia closed its borders quickly and avoided the pandemic. Nevertheless, the virus has managed to enter the country again and currently the daily cases of COVID exceed 200 in NSW.
A low immunisation of Australian people means that the regional blockades need to continue, which seriously affects the economy and, in turn, the Australian dollar’s price.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
It is no surprise as such that the Australian Dollar is in a downtrend. Against the Greenback the price level develops below the 20- day moving average while the technical indicators remain at negative levels.
With both the weekly and monthly moving averages maintaining their strong bearish momentum the prices may continue to decline further. The Australian dollar is expected to close near 0.7335 next week with traders aiming at support levels around 0.7290 and 0.7220.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
In comparison to Indian currency, the Australian Dollar rose 30% since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, which was welcome news for Indian ex-pat workers in Australia. By April 2021 Australian Dollar was above INR 58.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
However, since the start of the Delta outbreak in Australia the Rupee has steadily recovered against the Australian Dollar. AUD/INR is now well below its 90-day average below 55 Rupee to the Dollar.
The Indian Rupee, however, continue to remain under pressure from the US Dollar amid COVID 19 woes in India, which could be cited as the key catalyst. In a wake-up call for the policymakers, India continues to record more than 40,000 daily cases and 500 plus virus-related deaths.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
In the world of Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin is gearing up for a comeback which according to analysts could lead to a repeat of the classic bull run it showcased in 2013 and 2017.
Bitcoin has been trying to repair the rout led by China’s mining ban in mid-May. The last week gains in Cryptocurrencies, however, were stronger than most anticipated.
Last week BTC prices gained a total of 23% at the time of writing this article. It was a reaction similar to 2013 when following a troubling three months of news and price action, Bitcoin rebounded to record 5 green monthly green candles in a row to rise 10x times during the second half of 2013.
Investor behaviour further mimics the change in sentiment. Strong holders with little or no history of selling their BTC are back in control at levels never seen before and absent since Bitcoin’s current all-time high of USD 54,500 in April.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
The best games last week however were reserved for Ethereum, with traders now eyeing $3,000 per Ether token.
Having said that many traders are feeling increasingly nervous due to the Bipartisan Legislative Bill that is currently making its way through the US Legislature and includes a provision to raise $28 Billion in taxes from crypto investors, a move which many believe could kill the crypto market.
In agricultural products weather corn and soybean slipped in prices, pressured by extended forecasts announcing cooler weather in August. Even though the conditions in the US remain hot and dry an indication of a change in the next 11 to 14 days improved the likelihood of increased supply.
In regards to wheat, dry weather has continued to impact Russia, World’s largest wheat exporter. However, a reduction in wheat supply still could not boost the wheat price as livestock producers considered ration changes from wheat to corn.
Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone interested in starting on their trading journey on how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.
Disclaimer:
The writers’ opinions in the above article are their own and do not constitute any financial advice whatsoever. Nothing published by The Australia Today constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content publication be relied upon for any investment activities.
We strongly recommend that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.
'Lata' a short film by Alisha Tejpal; Picture Source: Supplied
Every year month of August brings lots of joy to Melbourne’s Bollywood fans and it’s not a secret why it happens. Indian Film Festival of Melbourne popularly knows as IFFM is the heart and soul of cities yearly calendar. This year despite lockdowns and restrictions they are back with the same zeal and more focused list of films on topics that we often shy away to talk about.
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange told The Australia Today, “I am so proud of the theme and the multilingual movie lineup which we have been able to curate for our audience this year.”
“As we were exploring the subject of Modern Slavery, we realised how deeply rooted it is in our daily lives, and how blissfully unaware we are. Most times we don’t even realise the role we play in it, but the system makes us a part of it.”
Most of us will say, What? ‘Modern Slavery’ as film festival subject. It’s so bizarre, dude slavery ended decades ago, why are we talking about it now?
Oh, let us explain the definition of Modern Slavery, then maybe you can see the victims right here in Australia.
Modern Slavery offences include Human trafficking, Slavery, Servitude, forced labour, Deceptive recruiting, Debt bondage, and forced marriage. It also includes the worst forms of child labour.
Ms Lange says, “This was one of the key reasons we thought it is time to address this issue, and what better way than the platform of ‘Cinema.”
“Lata” a short film by Alisha Tejpal is set to screen its Australian Premiere in cinema at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2021.
‘Lata’ a short film by Alisha Tejpal; Picture Source: Supplied
The storyline will remind you that we all have seen Lata sometime in our life. A 22-year-old domestic worker (That Kaamwali bai, Jhadu Katka wali Mausi or Domestic Help as more hip people like us want to call her) navigates her way through an upper-class home in South Mumbai.
The film leaves you with profound questions of her existence often unnoticed by the people she works for. She is not alone in this journey others like her also exist, a milieu of drivers, delivery men, other maids and watchmen that support and maintain the apartment buildings and the people who call it home.
No, We will not tell you the whole story. From 12 August 2021 login to IFFM’s website for free or go to Cinema to navigate with Lata the architectural blueprint of her life in which space divides and restricts access.
And before we forget, watch out for local filmmakers because IFFM2021 is also running a short film competition with the central theme of Modern Slavery.
India’s award-winning filmmaker Onir and Bollywood actor Richa Chadha will be the esteemed judges for this year’s short film competition.
Bollywood actor Richa Chadha
Onir told an Indian newspaper, “I am rather looking at the list of beautiful stories, empowering one of the filmmakers whose story would make an impact.”
Festival’s subject Modern Slavery and Equality is very close to his heart as he advocates equality for those left behind in society.
“It’s a problem of the world, not just one country. The humiliation, prosecution, exploitation and oppression we suffer are often derivatives of some or the other kind of inequality, namely gender, caste or sexual preferences. And talking about it through any medium is the first step towards change,”
Onir says.
Award-winning filmmaker Onir
Australia’s Federal Assistant Minister for Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood understands the critical role played by the community in working together to combat modern slavery.
“Events like The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne provide a valuable forum to raise awareness about vulnerable groups and the human experience of modern slavery practices,”
Assistant Minister Wood said.
“Most movies on the program list for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2021 decode the various facets of modern slavery showcased in different scenarios, creating consciousness and awareness,” added Mitu Bhowmick Lange.
“Another effective strategy to prevent and address modern slavery is community partnerships with civil society, non-government organisations (NGOs), business and industry, academics and unions,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
Federal Assistant Minister for Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood
In Australia, modern slavery describes all human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like offences in Divisions 270 and 271 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) (Criminal Code).
If you have immediate concerns for your safety or the safety of another person please dial Triple Zero (000). If you suspect something is wrong, you can contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or go to the AFP website.”
The Australian government is committed to addressing the full cycle of modern slavery, including by supporting, protecting and empowering victims and survivors of this crime.
More information about the Australian Government’s efforts to combat human trafficking and slavery is available online: Modern slavery (homeaffairs.gov.au)
Each nation is cheering for sportsmen/women of their nation in the Tokyo Olympics and expecting them to bring glory and pride to their respective nation.
The terms of nation, nationalism and patriotism, look similar for many, but they have differences and a great sense of debate in the academic world.
Nationalism and patriotism have a similar kind of logic and motivation, where nationalism reflects loyalty and love towards a nation as a positive feeling where competition is nature (sense of better than the rest), whereas patriotism is associated with love for the country and pride of it for what it does, but not necessarily competitive.
In simple terms, patriotism is a love of country, while nationalism is a belief that one’s country is superior to all others. Some believe nationalism is a kind of excessive, aggressive patriotism. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the concepts of nation and nationalism, that are discussed in this article.
Nationalism: Primordialism and Modernization
Different paradigms of nationalism exist, beginning from primordialism scholars believe that nationality is an inherent character of people that existed from the beginning based on irrational attachments like blood, language, region, religion, race etc., thus ethnic identity is deeply rooted in the historical experience of humans.
They believe nation as ‘forever there’ entitles that have been existed for many centuries, and especially ‘nations come before nationalism’; another theory is socio-biological that believes that nationalism is the outcome of the extension of kin selection from common descent that includes both elements of rational and irrational concepts.
'Ek India Team India' – Celebrating 100 years of our athletes at the Olympic Games. We are delighted to present the new identity of the Indian Olympic Association and #TeamIndia🇮🇳
Modernization theories relate nationalism with modernism, democracy, industrialisation, urbanization and capitalism, that nations are not the fundamentally natural or biological inclination. Nationalism emerged as a modern phenomenon as a consequence of the shift from traditional to modern society.
Nation and Nationalism
Ernest Gellner (1925-1995)’s work Nation and Nationalism (1983) stated “Nationalism is primarily a political principle, which holds that the political and the national unit should be congruent. Nationalism as a sentiment, or as a movement, can best be defined in terms of this principle.
Nationalist sentiment is the feeling of anger aroused by the violation of the principle or the feeling of satisfaction aroused by its fulfilment. A nationalist movement is one actuated by a sentiment of this kind” (Gellner, 1983). For him the nation general consist of the same ‘culture’ and ‘will’. He believes that ‘nations are made by nationalism’ (Gellner, 1983).
For him, nationalism is a product of Modernity, as this concept is continuously produced and re-established, and it creates a sense of ‘us’ belonging to a certain nation. This belief that modern nationalism is the result of western industrialisation in the 19th century, as human history can be believed to go through hunting history, agrarian and lastly industrial age.
He believed nationalism is imposed by high culture and society to replace low, local cultures, and society, as before industrialism consisted of mostly peasant farmers. Thus the peasants or farmers had no opportunity for economic mobility or social advancement and lack of standardised education.
Thus before industrialisation, there existed tight water compartments of communities and between classes. He believes nationalism is a product of a function of new material or economic forces. This industrial economy is bound to grow and dismantle the stability of the old order. This old high culture and multiple local folk culture was replaced by a shared high culture.
Modern science and technology helped this new economy to replace the old order with new social order and that was based on culture. It also witnessed large scale mobility in terms of occupation and spatial, as people were moved from their own favourable settings to unfamiliar situations.
His idea states nation and nationalism are not natural because they are not a constant part of the human experience but arose only through a shift towards industrialisation. It led to the coming up of the industrial economy. Under industrialisation, society breaks the barriers between communities due to education that led to economic and social mobility.
Industrialisation does not spread equally among the communities within the state, where some are left behind in comparison to those who were in industrial society. The assimilation between these individuals may not take place due to differences in the language, culture or ethnicity, thus nationalism will develop as the excluded ethnicity will seek political sovereignty.
This new economy becomes large and is only managed by the state that needs the support and allegiance of the people. This state-society partnership can only work when the members belong to the same culture.
Therefore, nationalism strives for one culture or ethnicity under one state. An egalitarianism was established in this new modern economy that had eradicated the old traditional hierarchies and old community isolation. Thus, nationalism becomes a mandatory mechanism in the process of modernization.
That implies nationalism is not a feeling expressed by the pre-existing nations, but it creates nations where none previously existed. It is nationalism that gives rise to a nation, where nationalism tries to use historical-cultural wealth and transforms them.
Thus the revival of culture is claimed under the process of nationalism, but in fact, nationalism is a theory of political legitimacy, and it tries to assume legitimacy and claims authority over a territory. ‘Nationalism is an ideology suffers from pervasive false consciousness’ (Gellner, 1983), national identity is essential in modern industrial society.
Critics
The theory of nationalism of Gellner fall short of implications concerning India and other colonies, primarily it did not explain the nationalist experience of colonial societies of Africa and Asia. Thus, blamed to be made on the basis of western European experiences. Scholars believed that nationalism did not emerge in industrialised European societies but in the colonial societies due to the capitalist transformation of the world and unequal development that happened due to capitalism.
As capitalism is believed to create a system of imperialism and colonialism that was challenged through a form of resistance by the colonised world through a national struggle.
Conclusion
Sense of competition exists between every nation and nationalism in every sphere; the Olympics is not an exception. The concepts of nation and nationalism are Primordialism and Modernization construction. But competition is present in every scenario, in some prospects, it can be healthy, while in others, it can be competitive.
Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University.
An Indian temporary resident has died at his workplace in Auckland, New Zealand.
31-year-old Siddharth Dasson, originally from Batala in Punjab, has left behind his wife, Shreejana Kadel, and nine-month-old kid, Zayden.
Image Source: Shreejana Kadel – Facebook.
According to Shreejana’s post, her husband died of “subarachnoid haemorrhage” while at work in the BP gas station in Weymouth.
Shreejana is still in utter disbelief and shock from the news. In a Facebook post, she said:
“I still have not come to terms with it fully but I keep getting reminded of the fact which I also understand cannot be changed. My whole foundation has been turned upside down, uprooted.
I find myself unable to comprehend this truth. And when the cold truth about none of my family members being able to come to my aid due to the lockdown makes me sink even further.”
Sidharth’s wife is from Nepal and they got married in 2013.
They had first met in Brisbane, Australia, in 2009 where both of them were pursuing international education.
In Australia, Siddharth studied hospitality to become a chef and Shreejana studied hairdressing.
“I am very close to Sidharth’s mum and dad, and they have left it on me to decide on how best to manage the funeral [or repatriation]. Papa is retired from insurance firm and his brother works in an insurance firm in Punjab.”
Siddharth also worked at QUEST Highbrook as a duty manager apart from his job in BP Weymouth as a customer service representative.
Image source: Shreejana Kadel – Facebook.
The couple had recently applied for Essential Skills Work Visa in New Zealand and were confident of a favourable outcome.
However, given the unexpected and unfortunate tragedy, Shreejana has requested the community to help her:
“At this time, I would like to make an appeal to everyone that might be in a position to help me and my child in any way they can. Thank you for your consideration.”
Image source: Dinesh Khadka.
Dinesh Khadka of Nepal Society of New Zealand told the Indian Weekender that a help page has been created for Siddharth’s family.
“We are requesting our communities to continue to shower love, kindness and compassion to support Shreena and her infant child in this distressful time.”
He added that the page has already started getting support from the Nepalese and Indian communities of New Zealand.
Shreejana plans to stay in New Zealand, a place that her husband loved and dreamt of creating a future for his family.
Mary Kom, Indian Boxer; Picture Source: Twitter @MCMaryKom
Boxing legend Mary Kom has revealed she was surprised after being asked to change her jersey by the organisers just a minute before her bout against Colombia’s Ingrit Valencia at Kokugikan Arena on Thursday.
“Surprising..can anyone explain what will be a ring dress. I was asked to change my ring dress just a minute before my pre qtr bout can anyone explain. @PMOIndia @ianuragthakur @KirenRijiju @iocmedia @Olympics,”
Mary Kom tweeted.
Mary was asked to change her jersey right before the bout. The jersey said ‘Mary Kom’ but the organisers said only the first name is to be there and she was given a blank jersey.
In the bout, Mary Kom faced a shocking defeat — split decision — at the hands of Colombia’s Ingrit Valencia to bow out from the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. Valencia won the match 3-2.
Mary Kom, Indian Boxer; Picture Source: Twitter @MCMaryKom
Colombia’s pugilist advanced to the quarter-finals of the showpiece event after defeating Mary Kom in the women’s flyweight (48-51kg) category event.
However, Mary Kom thought she had won since the ace boxer had clinched two rounds after going down in the first essay.
“I thought I have won but after some time I saw Kiren Rijiju’s tweet, I was shocked and upset at the same time (to know that I have lost the match),” Mary Kom told reporters two hours after the bout.
Indian International Students in Australia; Picture Source: Twitter @CGIPerth
Covid-19-related travel restrictions have been eased for Indian international students by many countries.
At this stage, these include the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Georgia, and the Netherlands.
Image source: Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan – Wikipedia.
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan informed the parliament that some more countries are expected to open up when the situation improves.
Muraleedharan added that MEA has been working with many countries to help ease travel restrictions for Indians enrolled in their universities.
The minister was replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha on Indians studying abroad and the impact of the Covid-19-related restrictions on them.
He said:
“Our missions abroad have been actively taking up these issues with the respective governments and have been impressing upon those governments to ease the travel restrictions. Also the issue of travel restrictions has been taken up at the ministerial level with several countries.”
Australian Federal government has not changed its India travel advice despite COVID19 cases being subsided to one-tenth of its peak in May 2021.
This travel advice is current as of today 30th July 2021
However, there are some exemptions for people who are in one of the following categories.
providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies
a foreign national with critical skills or working in a critical sector in Australia
Federal Government Ministers had multiple meetings with community leaders and organisations. Several people who have attended these meetings have told The Australia Today that travel restrictions are not going away until this year ends.
One of the Indian community leaders (Name withheld on request) present in meetings said, “Minister made it very clear he doesn’t see travel ban lifted till Christmas.”
On the other side next year the Indian government will launch a “Global Indian Students Portal (GISP)” for Indian students who want to go abroad for studies.
This portal will have information on courses, foreign universities, nodal officers and accreditation requirements.
Minister Muraleedharan added that the Sucha portal will help students and parents make informed decisions.
As per MEA’s data, a total of 1,133,749 Indians study in 99 countries around the world.
Among the countries with large numbers of Indian students are United Arab Emirates (219,000), Canada (215,720), the US (211,930), Australia (92,383), Saudi Arabia (80,800), the UK (55,465), Oman (43,600), New Zealand (30,000), China (23,000), Germany (20,810), Russia (16,500), the Philippines (15,000), and Kyrgyzstan and France (10,000 each).
For the 2021 intake, apart from the traditional destinations, countries such as Sweden and Israel have also seen a rise in the number of applications from Indian students.
These countries are working with the relevant government ministries to make available the post-study visa option for Indian students.
Rithish Kirushnaneethan, a four-year-old Melbourne boy, died in the Dandenong blaze despite his mother and a family friend desperately attempting to save him.
Riteish’s distraught father who returned to the scene told Nine News:
“I miss him.”
Image source: Nine News.
It is reported that Rithish’s mother was cooking in the kitchen when she walked into her lounge room to find it ablaze just before 10 pm.
The mother-of-three rushed to rescue her children from the burning blaze, alongside a family friend who was boarding at their home.
Image source: Commander Peter Koger – Victoria Police.
Victoria Police’s Dandenong Local Area Commander Peter Koger told media:
“Could you imagine it, it’s your worst nightmare. Unfortunately, they’ve had to try and get the three children out of the house. They’ve managed to get an eight-year-old male and a three-year-old female out of the house.’
“They have gone to try and get the four-year-old out of the house and unfortunately, the flames were too great at that stage and they weren’t able to get the four-year-old out.”
Two children, aged nine and three, were rescued. While Rithish who had been asleep inside his bedroom at the time perished in the fire.
The family friend tried to save Rithish but the blaze was too strong and he was himself injured with serious burns during this process.
Commander Koger said:
“He managed to save the first child, and then he’s tried to go back in and he’s suffered significant injuries as a result, so he’s really tried really hard.”
Commander Koger added:
“The mother has also tried hard by breaking the glass once she was outside so she’s got lacerations on her hands but unfortunately by that stage, the house was engulfed.”
Image source: 7News.
The mother and her two children were taken to Dandenong Public Hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.
The father of the three children was out running errands at the time. He came home to find police and fire crews outside his gutted Dandenong home.
Commander Koger said a gas heater in the lounge room likely sparked the blaze, which had been deemed non-suspicious.
“I just ask the community to be really diligent about their heaters, especially in the colder months of winter. We’re a bit worried about the number of fires, particularly these non-suspicious type fires that have been started by gas heaters and articles of clothing that have been close to the heater or close to the flames.”
Image source: Nine News.
Barathan Vidhyapathy,a friend of the Tamil refugee family, has organised a GoFundMe to bear the cost of Rithish’s funeral.
The family first arrived in Australia in 2012 and were first detained in Christmas Island and then Adelaide. They have been on a bridging visa for 9 years.
The family was most recently in Perth until arriving in Melbourne just a month ago.
The page notes:
“Their entire savings and belongings are gone, as well as their loss of their dear son Rithish. They barely escaped with the clothes on their back. We are fundraising for Rithish’s funeral expenses, as well as immediate accommodation, furniture, clothing, and food for the family. All proceeds go directly to the family.”
Image source: Gujarati family group portrait, purchased 2009 by the National Gallery of Australia / National Gallery of Australia.
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) has decided to return 13 artworks it purchased from dealer Subhash Kapoor.
It is reported that the NGA spent $10.7 million on 22 works from Mr Kapoor’s “Art of the Past” gallery over several years.
Image source: Arch for a Jain shrine and Seated Jina from the Mount Abu region in Rajasthan, India from the 11th-12th century – National Gallery of Australia.
This includes 11th century Chola bronze sculpture, Shiva Nataraja, which the NGA purchased for more than $5 million in 2008.
The NGA has decided that many of these items were likely looted or stolen in India.
Image source: NGA director Nick Mitzevich – NGA
NGA director Nick Mitzevich told ABC that the gallery believed six of the artworks were likely stolen or illegally removed from India.
“We have strengthened our processes and have zero tolerance now for any inconsistencies in the provenance of a work of art.”
Image source: Subhash Kapoor – Wikipedia.
Subhash Kapoor is awaiting trial in India after being accused of running a global smuggling ring for looted or stolen artefacts.
NGA will repatriate six sculptures, six photographs, a painted scroll and a processional standard.
Image source: ‘Manorath’ portrait of donor and priests before Shri Nathji, purchased in 2009 / National Gallery of Australia
Thirteen of those items were purchased from Mr Kapoor while another was acquired from a separate dealer.
Image source: Untitled portrait from Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. Purchased in 2009 – National Gallery of Australia.
NGA director Nick Mitzevich added:
“This is another step towards us building an ethical approach to managing our collections.”
Image source: PM Tony Abbott and PM Narendra Modi – Wikipedia.
This is the fourth time the NGA has handed the Indian government antiquities it bought from Subhash Kapoor.
In 2014, Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott handed the Dancing Shiva to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to New Delhi.
The NGA’s announcement has been welcomed by India’s government.
Image source: Manpreet Vohra, India’s High Commissioner to Australia – Twitter.
Manpreet Vohra, India’s High Commissioner to Australia, praised the decision:
“These are outstanding pieces. Their return will be extremely well received by the government and people of India.”
After the 2021 repatriation of artefacts, NGA will only hold three of the 22 works it has purchased from Subhash Kapoor.
The recent controversy over the fine imposed on the Norwegian women’s beach handball team has brought a peculiar situation to the modern world — what I call the result of the destruction of ancient cultures such as the Hindu and the pagan.
The code requires that the beach handball women’s team wears bikini bottoms showing most of the buttocks. Here is a picture of what the Norwegian women’s team wore in 2017, which was as per regulations.
Photo: PA Images
This year at the Euro 2021, the ladies of the Norway team decided to wear what they felt comfortable in — but the authorities were not pleased; they imposed a 150 Euro fine on each player. Even before this incident, in April 2021, Sarah Voss had worn a full-body suit at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in order to defy convention.
The German federation (DTB) had said its gymnasts were taking a stand against “sexualisation in gymnastics”, which they felt was also important to prevent sexual abuse.
The Norwegian Women’s Beach Handball Team at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 (Photo: Instagram)
Until now, I had no idea that the revealing all-butt costumes worn by women players on the beach had actually been mandated by the sports authorities! I thought the women chose to highlight their curves and selected this style of uniform amongst other choices. But I wondered how it could be comfortable.
The others I spoke to thought the same. Meanwhile, the comments of the men on social media posts were on the lines of;
“Man, who will watch beach handball if women stop wearing bikini bottoms?”
It becomes evident that these tournaments were drawing male audiences for reasons not related to the sport. Perhaps that is why the authorities decided to capitalise on the titillation factor and ruled that costumes were to strictly reveal the whole butt and not a part of it?
Meanwhile, if you are wondering what the men wear for beach handball, here you go. Yes, I know some of you will definitely say they need to wear Speedos to bring gender balance, and you are entitled to your views.
So that brings me to the real subject — the clothes worn by women (and men) in Ancient India. For thousands of years, the attire worn by women and men in India had similar designs — a lower garment (antariya), an upper garment (uttariya) and a kayabandh (cloth tied around the waist).
All these were single pieces and unstitched. The breasts were exposed for both men and women but women often chose to tie the uttariya tightly around their breasts (perhaps the ones with bigger breasts) while others threw it loosely over their chests. There was absolutely no shame associated with displaying one’s breasts or cleavage.
Dressing styles in Ancient India (Photos: Swarajya Magazine article ‘Fashions of the Past: Haute Couture and more from Ancient India’)
This is why mothers breastfed their babies without worrying about being judged. The loose and flexible styles of dressing were suited to the warm and wet climates of India. In colder weather, heavier fabrics were used.
Cover picture of a book in the Amar Chitra Katha series on Ancient Indian plays
Men often put their antariya around their necks or even tied it across their chest; a style that was followed amongst the ancient Greeks too. All over India, hundreds of temples show this style of dressing; not to forget the descriptions in texts. Both women and men wore plenty of jewellery to accessorise their clothes.
Sculpture in the temple at Lepakshi in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh
Both women and men, however, covered the pubic area quite carefully even if the clothes were worn loosely. It was important to protect the openings that led to important organs of the body. However, tight undergarments were a no-no. The recent studies indicating that tight pants lead to lower sperm counts validate the knowledge of ancient times. Some of the finely woven fabrics used in ancient India were quite transparent but that does not seem to have been an issue until the Muslim period of history.
Sumedha Verma Ojha speaks about the attires in Ancient India
At a later period in history, the antariya and uttariya garments got combined into one piece of cloth called the saree. Every kind of skill and creativity was poured into the sarees to produce outstanding works of art that could suit any occasion — formal or informal, festive or routine. The textile industry put India amongst the topmost economies of the world — it was home to the fine skills of weaving, dyeing, embroidery, printing, and innumerable other secondary and tertiary skills.
Unfortunately, the entry of invaders, colonisers and proselytizers into India struck a hard blow to Hindu women’s freedom of dressing.
No longer could women be unselfconscious about their breasts like before. From the 11th century onwards, hordes of Islamic invaders began to capture Indian territory and destroy its famous temples and universities.
The women suffered the worst excesses with kidnappings, rapes, conversions and open sales in slave markets. Practices such as Jauhar-Shaka became common, where women jumped into the fire rather than allow themselves to be raped and sold by barbarians. Society was in turmoil.
Women were the easiest targets to inflict humiliation on entire communities. The natural tendency in such situations is for male members in families to cast a protective net around the females. Women’s clothing became more conservative. Covering the head became more common especially in northern India.
The Islamic era was followed by European colonization, the influx of Victorian ideas and Christian proselytization which led to an even greater stifling of the original open dressing styles of Hindus. Without any regard to the climate, full-sleeved blouses and voluminous petticoats were introduced, which Indian women wore along with their sarees. The poor men wore collared shirts, trousers, and even ties.
Excerpt from ‘Chandrahasa’ from Amar Chitra Katha, an illustrated book series.
After Independence, the movie industry began to exert great influence on dressing styles. Today, there is a mish-mash of dressing styles, but the ubiquitous T-shirt- jeans have become the refuge of sedentary Indians.
In the past few decades, Indian women are experimenting with different kinds of saree blouses — sleeveless, strapless, and noodle straps. Very few have tried to emulate their ancestors by doing away with blouses and petticoats.
However, we have also entered the era of beautifully embellished designer blouses that showcase the talents of indigenous artisans. The Indian men continue to stick to trousers and shorts as if their lives depend on them. The antariya or dhoti is fast disappearing.
But the point remains — the modern world is a far cry from Ancient India where the rules for covering breasts and butts were not too different for men and women. The assault on ancient civilizations has not helped us in becoming more modern; in many ways, it has made us more regressive.
Author: Sahana Singh is an author and commentator who writes on various issues, including water management, environment, and Indian history. Her book “The Educational Heritage of Ancient India – How an Ecosystem of Learning was Laid to Waste” has been appreciated for awakening Indians to the role played by India in spreading knowledge around the world. Her second book on the same subject is awaiting publication. She is passionate about travelling and connecting the dots across different societies, civilizations and disciplines. This article was first published on Medium. We have republished it with her kind permission.
Disclaimer: Sahana Singh is solely responsible for the views expressed in this report. She carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing images utilised within the text. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the Sahana Singh, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
A new jointly funded package from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments will give Victorian small and medium businesses the extra support and confidence they need to recover from the recent lockdown.
The new Victorian Business Support Package will deliver an additional $400 million in support to thousands of businesses, with funding to be split 50/50 between the Commonwealth and Victorian Government.
The package includes a new $85 million Small Business COVID Hardship Fund and $156 million Business Continuity Fund, as well as delivering support for commercial tenants and landlords.
Daniel Andrews and PM Scott Morrison; Picture Source: The Australia Today
It will also build on Victorian Government support for licenced hospitality and alpine venues, with $70 million for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 and $9.8 million for Alpine Business Support.
The programs will be administered by the Victorian Government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Victorian businesses had borne the brunt of the heavy cost of lockdowns that kept the state and Australia safe.
“Together we can and we will recover from this, “We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again,”
Prime Minister Morrison said.
“We will continue to do what is necessary to support Victorian businesses as we face the evolving challenges of COVID-19.”
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said, “This package is all about jobs – protecting and growing jobs to support Victoria’s economic recovery.”
“With this funding, we’ll continue driving jobs and economic recovery here in Victoria, and for the nation.”
Five key elements make up the support package to help businesses deal with ongoing public health restrictions.
Business continuity fund
A $156 million Business Continuity Fund will be established to deliver $5,000 grants to up to around 30,000 businesses that remain impacted by capacity limits placed on businesses by necessary public health restrictions.
Twenty-four eligible sectors are covered by the fund including gyms, cafes, restaurants, catering services and hairdressers.
Recognising businesses located in the CBD will continue to be impacted due to restrictions on the number of staff allowed in office buildings, they will be eligible to receive an additional $2,000 recognising reduced foot traffic due to office density limits.
All recipients must have received or been eligible for the previous Business Cost Assistance Program.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Morrison Government supported Victorians during the crisis and will continue to support them to the end of this crisis.
“Having battled five lockdowns Victorian businesses have been amongst the hardest hit in the nation,”
the Treasurer said.
“No amount of support can make up for what business owners have experienced over the last year and a half, but this latest package will support them as they reopen after this latest lockdown.”
The Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said, “We’re supporting Victorian businesses each step of the way as we continue to fight this pandemic.”
“We know small businesses have been doing it tough and this new fund will give them the support they need to recover.”
Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021
The Licenced Hospitality Venue Fund will receive a $70 million boost, with grants of up to $20,000 to be made available to support licensed venues as their operations continue to be impacted by current restrictions.
These grants recognise that larger venues depend more on dine-in and have higher operating costs, so need more support than smaller operations.
Again an additional $2,000 will also be made available to the business if it is located within the CBD.
To receive this funding, venues will need to have received or been eligible for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021.
Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme and Landlord Hardship Fund
The package, to be fully funded by the Victorian Government, will deliver $80 million to provide support to landlords that provide rent relief to their tenants.
The Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme will be reinstated to provide much-needed rent relief to small to medium commercial tenants and their landlords with more details on the rollout to be provided by the Victorian Government soon.
Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
A new $85 million fund will be established to support small businesses that have not been eligible under existing business support funds.
Small businesses with a payroll of up to $10 million who have experienced a 70 per cent or greater reduction in revenue will be eligible for grants of up to $5,000.
Alpine Business Support Program
Alpine Business Support will receive a further $9.8 million to deliver grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 to 430 Alpine based businesses in recognition of restricted inter and intra-state travel during the peak winter season.
The funding also includes an additional $5 million support to alpine resort operators and management boards.
The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments continue to work together to support Victorians through this challenging time.
UNSW Sydney President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs and the Director of the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE), Shri Sanjeev Kumar, have signed an agreement at a virtual ceremony to establish the Centre for Advanced Transportation Technology and Systems (CATTS).
Image source: Shri Nitin Gadkari – Wikipedia.
The ceremony was attended by Hon. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon. Minister of State for Road, Transport, Highways and Civil Aviation Shri V. K. Singh and other dignitaries from the Government of India.
This agreement is for a project for capacity building, technology transfer and the creation of an environment to establish a centre of excellence.
Image source: Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs – UNSW.
“I hope, this only marks the beginning of a long and rewarding collaborative relationship between our two institutions – an extension of the long and enduring friendship between India and Australia.”
The scope of this project involves research and development for a national economic and a local transport model to help inform decision-making to reduce congestion and investment to improve accessibility.
Image source: Wikipedia.
The project also involves a substantial educational element to train future engineers in India employed by the government.
Image source: Prof. Dixit – UNSW.
Professor Vinayak Dixit at UNSW Engineering will lead the UNSW project team. He has in the past worked closely with the Government of India.
Prof. Dixit says:
“The Centre will be a collaboration between industry, international and Indian academics and the Government of India to help fast track new technologies, new models and new simulations into the field, to facilitate field trials.”
Shri Nitin Gadkari acknowledged Prof. Dixit’s leadership on the project and highlighted the need to swiftly deliver on the project towards India’s aspirations.
Representative picture of Pharmacist; Picture Source: @CANVA
The Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services Alex Hawke has announced that pharmacists will be included on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).
This list outlines the priority visa processing for a number of occupations. The decision to fast track the visas for the pharmacists is taken to support the Australian COVID19 vaccine rollout.
“Priority visa processing will be given to those occupations on the PMSOL,”
Minister Hawke said
Earlier, the Federal government announced that all Australian pharmacies are invited to do their part in the vaccine rollout.
Representative picture of Pharmacist; Picture Source: @CANVA
“With thousands of community pharmacies across Australia being invited to join the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, it’s all hands to the pump as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues,”
Minister Hawke said.
The new occupations added to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (including ANZSCO codes) are as following :
Hospital Pharmacist (251511)
Retail Pharmacist (251513)
Industrial Pharmacist (251512)
Wade Ramsay is a pharmacist and runs his own pharmacy in regional victoria.
He told The Australia Today, “Retaining talent in regional areas is very hard, I have been struggling to fill permanent positions at two of my pharmacies.”
“It is a great decision for the industry and Australia.”
Representative picture of Pharmacist; Picture Source: @CANVA
However, Mr Ramsay doesn’t forget to mention that regional areas should be given priority when decisions are made.
Mr Hawke added, “The Morrison Government will support pharmacies across Australia, including through skilled migration, as the supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses increases over the coming weeks.”
Seema Chauhan is a Gold Coast-based Registered migration agent with Abode Australia Migration. She told The Australia Today, “Federal government seems to be very serious to fast-track the vaccination program and for that, they need skilled pharmacists.”
“I believe if your paperwork is in good shape, you could be in Australia within months,”
said Ms Chauhan
This addition of three occupations brings the PMSOL to 44 in total.
Existing skilled migration occupation lists remain active, and all skilled migrants are subject to quarantine arrangements at their own expense.
South Australia Premier Steven Marshall; Picture Source: Twitter @SAHealth
South Australians will wake up on Wednesday morning with no lockdown affecting their daily life as there has been no new COVID-19 case reported today.
State Premier Steven Marshall was relieved while announcing the lockdown ending at 12.01 am Wednesday morning.
So a massive thank you to everybody. We acknowledge how tough this week has been,”
said Premier Marshall
“We don’t put these restrictions in place lightly, but if we didn’t we would be in a very different situation. The Stay at Home orders for South Australia will be lifted from 12:01 am on Wednesday 28 July 2021.”
A man in his 80s and a woman in her 80s remain in the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a stable condition.
While some restrictions will ease across the state from tomorrow, those who have visited an exposure site or have been directed by SA Health to quarantine will need to stay in quarantine for the required period.
Stay at Home orders will be rescinded at 12:01 am tomorrow, Wednesday 28 July 2021.
Level 3 Activity restrictions will be in place for businesses and individuals:
1/4 density (1 person per 4 square metres)
No communal consumption facilities
Seated food and beverage consumption only
CMP: events of more than 1 000 people and outdoors only
Shisha ban
Masks for high risk settings
Masks for personal care services
Masks for health care services
Masks for passenger transport services
Masks for indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
Restrictions on dancing and singing
Sports spectator restrictions
The following additional restrictions will also be in place:
Private activity cap: 10 (including residents of residential premises)
Private activity cap: 50 (only for Weddings and Funerals outside residential premises)
Masks for shared indoor public places
1/8 density (indoor fitness facilities)
No team, club or competitive sport except training
All exposure locations and associated advice on quarantine and testing requirements relating to the Modbury Cluster can be found at: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDcontacttracing.
Victoria will come out of the lockdown from 11.59 pm tonight (Tuesday 27 July). However, you still need to wear a mask indoor and outdoor for the next two weeks and no home visitors are allowed yet.
Victorians will be able to leave their homes for any reason. Restaurants and cafes can also reopen for seated service. Retail and beauty and personal care will open in line with density limits, as will entertainment venues and community facilities.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “To every Victorian who checked in with our QR system, who got tested and quarantined, and stayed home to slow the spread of this virus, thank you – it’s because of you we’ve able to get on top of this Delta outbreak and open up our state”
The Authorised Worker List will no longer apply, meaning businesses and venues can reopen with capacity and density limits of 1 person per 4sqm.
“Victoria will return to the rule that ‘if you can work from home, you should work from home’ but office workers will be able to return up to 25 per cent or up to 10 people, whichever is greater.”
Highlights:
1- School kids can get back to the classroom with schools reopening for onsite learning to all students from tomorrow.
2- Public gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months not included in the cap.
3- Gatherings in the home are still not permitted. People will only be able to book accommodation with their household, intimate partner or single bubble person.
4- People will be free to visit ski fields again, but due to the higher risk in these settings entry to Victoria’s alpine resorts will require a COVID test and receipt of a negative result within 72 hours prior to visiting. Children under 12 years of age are not required to be tested.
5- Live music venues, dance classes and physical recreation facilities, including gyms, will all open with density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.
6- A maximum of 50 people will be permitted at weddings. Funerals will also have a cap of 50 mourners, plus those conducting the funeral. Infants under 12 months are not included in the cap for either.
Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences) unless an exception applies.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced, “Changes will also be made to tighten our cross-border bubble with NSW.”
“The City of Wagga Wagga, Hay Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Council will no longer be included in the cross border bubble.”
These local government areas will be included under the Extreme Risk Zone from 11:59 pm tonight, in line with the rest of NSW and residents will need a Specified Worker Permit, transit permit, or an exemption to enter Victoria. For more information on the latest
Ending the lockdown announcement came as Victoria reported 10 new local COVID-19 cases.
Health Minister Martin Foley said, “All the new locally acquired cases announced on Tuesday have been linked to Victoria’s current outbreaks and were in isolation for their entire infectious period.”
BS Yediyurappa, CM Karnataka: Picture Source: @PIB
Ending months of speculation, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday announced his decision of stepping down from the position.
His announcement came at a special event organised to present the government’s report card on the occasion of the completion of two years of the BJP-led state government in the current term, at Vidhana Soudha.
“I have decided to resign. I will meet the Governor after lunch,”
said Yediyurappa today.
Meanwhile, the names of several leaders have been doing the rounds for the key post. The Panchamasali Lingayat community has been demanding the chief ministerial post for several months.
BJP leaders from the community including Basangouda Ramangouda Patil Yatnal, Arvind Bellad and Murugesh Nirani are believed to be the front runners in the race. Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s name is also being mentioned.
BS Yediyurappa, CM Karnataka: Picture Source: @PIB
Former union minister DV Sadananda Gowda and BJP general secretary CT Ravi could also be the next chief minister if the party high command gives priority to the Gowda community.
Also, R Ashok and CN Ashwathnarayan are the other popular figures from the community. Several conventions and meetings are being held in Bengaluru and other places of Karnataka in different mutts to ensure Yediyurappa stays as the chief minister.
On Sunday, seers of different Lingayat mutts held a convention in Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds and extended their support to Yediyurappa.
Earlier, on Thursday, speaking to media persons, Chief Minister Yediyurappa made it clear that the final decision will be taken by the BJP high command.
“I will obey the suggestions given by them and I am no way concerned about the next chief minister, whether he comes from the Dalit community or any other community. I will accept the decision.”
Last month, some BJP MLA’s had demanded that Yediyurappa must step down as chief minister. State Tourism Minister CP Yogeeshwara in a statement had said that instead of the Chief Minister, his son has been ruling and controlling the Ministries of Karnataka.
Kabul Streets, Afghanistan; Picture Source: @CANVA
In 1911 when the British shifted India’s capital from Kolkata to Delhi, the new capital had a lot of snakes. The British government offered a scheme to the people. Whoever submits a dead snake gets some money. In no time people started rearing snakes in their backyard, kill them and started making money. The British government got exactly what it asked for – dead snakes.
Once the government realised the mistake, it stopped the scheme. Due to lack of any incentive, the people released all the snakes they were reared on the streets in the open. The problem of snakes at the end multiplied several times than before.
Kabul Streets, Afghanistan; Picture Source: @CANVA
War on Terror
The war on terror was a complete sham. Pakistan kept on earning blank cheques from the west and the financial institutions worldwide by producing more terrorists from their madrassas. There was no real war on terror going on until US forces were in Afghanistan.
Pushing the USSR out of Afghanistan and pin-pricking India continuously with terror attacks for decades were the two main objectives of anti-India countries which sponsored Pakistan. Balakot strikes by India ended the utility of Pakistani nuisance completely. Now it made no sense for any countries to fund the terror state.
Kabul Streets, Afghanistan; Picture Source: @CANVA
The real war has begun now as the rogue state has released the snakes on Afghanistan as the free money for catching terrorists stopped. The US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan to actually kick-start the war we are seeing.
This time around it seems the expenditure of Jihad will dry Pakistani cash to rock bottom. The US is waiting in the periphery to enter and interfere at the time and place of its choosing. A step back can turn into a big comeback in no time if the US chooses to. Withdrawal of US forces also means that it didn’t want any casualties for the time being.
Kabul Streets, Afghanistan; Picture Source: @CANVA
Coming back to the snakes’ story –
Was the prize money offered for catching the terrorists actually for grooming new madrassa graduates for terror?
Hillary Clinton once said, “You can’t keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours”.
The ongoing war in Afghanistan will eventually test Hillary Clinton’s assertion about the behaviour of snakes.
Author: Ankit Shah, A South-Asia Security & Foreign Policy Analyst, PhD scholar & Past Academic & Research Associate of IIM Ahmedabad. He also runs “The BHAARAT KSHETRA” YouTube Channel. Tweets @ankitatIIMA.
Australian investors continued to ignore lockdown concerns as Australian shares closed the last week at a record high on healthcare and tech stocks boost.
Healthcare stocks continued to rally all through the week with another strong performance from CSL, helped by a firmer US Dollar. Australian Tech stocks followed suit with buy now pay later juggernaut Afterpay and Nuix Ltd leading the charge.
A strong US earnings season has helped the stock market across the globe to rally and Australia is no different, however, the gain in the Australian equity market was capped by worries about rising cases of Delta variant of Coronavirus.
Market-Mantra-Stocks; Picture Source: @CANVA
A tighter lockdown in Sydney due to an increase in cases and a relentless rise in infections in Australia’s most populous state casts serious doubt on whether the economic outperformance of Australia can continue.
With Australia about to enter the end of the financial year reporting period, the focus in local markets will mainly be on lockdowns across the nation and rising COVID19 cases in NSW. The situation in NSW is setting Australia for a prolonged lockdown which is expected to move the Australian economy into negative growth in the coming quarters. With economists warning Australia can enter its second recession in as many years, the lockdown numbers will impact the mood in Australia.
Last week also saw bearish sentiment rise above the historical average for the first time in 24 weeks, while bullish sentiment declined to a 10 month low. Bearish sentiment indicates an expectation that stock prices will over the next six months, whereas bullish sentiment provides information on optimism regarding rising in share markets over the next six months.
Market-Mantra-Nasdaq; Picture Source: @CANVA
About 25% of the traders who responded cited the Coronavirus pandemic as the factor that was most influencing in their six-month outlook for stocks.
A strong earnings season in the US meant that risk was back on the table. With risk appetite running wild last week traders moved away from safe assets such as gold, resulting in gold recording its first weekly loss in five weeks.
The yellow metal is expected to continue to trade around the US $1800 mark till Wednesday when US Federal Reserve policy is announced.
The dip in gold prices was not surprising given an increase in risk appetite. Having said that with bearish sentiment running low and long-dated Treasury bond yields running low is a bullish sign for the yellow metal.
Australian Gold; Picture Source: @CANVA
Economic data, Fed policy expectations and news around current COVID strains though is expected to dominate the news in the coming weeks and as such may add to choppiness in both equities and gold.
Oil prices closed the week higher after a strong recovery from Monday’s steep slide. The price of oil tumbled by about 7% on Monday on concerns about the impact on the World economy and demand for oil with rising COVID19 cases in the US, Europe, Japan and Australia.
However as strong economic reports started to come from the US, oil traders realised some of the fears were exaggerated thus resulting in a recovery in oil prices. Even with OPEC+ nations agreeing to increase the supply of all, the latest economic growth numbers worldwide suggest the demand growth in oil is expected to outpace supply. As such we believe any dips in oil due to action by OPEC+ nations will be an opportunity for traders to buy and Brent oil should hit $100 per barrel next year with Crude oil tagging along the ride.
The Australian dollar continued to decline against the US dollar and the outlook for local currency looks darker as service sector contracts reduced for July.
Market-Mantra- Australian Dollar; Picture Source: @CANVA
There have been some downbeat economic data from Australia with manufacturing growth slowed according to PMI data, a plunge in business activity due to extended lockdowns in NSW and sharp services contraction.
Until recently, the Australian economic recovery was firing on all cylinders, a new wave of COVID 19 Delta variant however put brakes on all economic recovery. As per Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the lockdown is costing the economy nearly $300 million per day and will likely impact the local currency going forward.
Having said that, looking at the technical outlook an uptick in the RSI hints that the downward slide in the Australian dollar may have been exhausted in the short term. This view will be validated if the MACD line crossing above the oscillator’s signal line, which looks likely to happen.
A break above USD 0.7413 can amplify the move upwards, however, with the long term trends remaining down there is a strong chance that traders will be looking for sell opportunities in rallies.
Market-Mantra- Indian Rupee; Picture Source: @CANVA
In regards to the Indian rupee, the Indian currency rallied early in the week as oil prices tumbled. However, as oil prices began to rise again the rupee started to tumble again against most currencies. With India being the second highest importer of oil, any rise in oil prices hurt Indian currency. Last year worked to contain USD/INR within the 72-75 range. Rising inflation and continuously increasing oil prices though are adding to growing problems for RBI.
Usually, a rise in oil prices and equity markets tend to make other risk currencies move higher, however, it seems currency traders are not losing sight of the overriding trend fuelled by stimulus packages and looking to diversify.
This can be seen across all financial markets, with the US, German and Australian equities trading at record peaks. China consolidating from their peaks.
Oil rebounding after a 7% fall on Monday, palm oil rocketing towards record highs and LNG surging.
oil price going up; Picture Source: @Canva
A rise in COVID19 cases though has resulted in traders selling risky currencies, shorting Asian currencies, slashing bullish bets on the Canadian Dollar, and shorting commodity-based currencies such as the Australian dollar and Mexican Peso.
The Turkish Lira is remarkably stable and the Russian Ruble and Chinese Yuan doing well especially against funding currencies such as Euro and Japanese yen.
All these factors indicate that the traders are diversifying their portfolios and keeping a close eye on pandemic crises and using periods of doubt by high-yield currencies to take advantage of quiet periods when there is a drop in volatility.
In the world of Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin rallied strongly after Elon Mus said Tesla is most likely to start accepting it as payment again. Elon Musk also addressed concerns that he had helped to artificially increase the price of cryptocurrencies before selling them.
The strong bounce meant that Bitcoin is out of the Bollinger downward channel we spoke about previously with support now sitting at $31,464. Technically, a close above USD 34,182 on Thursday engaged the Bollinger uptrend channel while also clearing the Ichomoku cloud base at $33,745.
Market-Mantra-Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
Ethereum also jumped off allow of $1,717 on Wednesday to a peak of USD2180, up 25% in 4 days. If the buying pressure persists the bulls can aim for a June 29 high of $36,600 for Bitcoin, with some resistance provided at a 50% retracement level of $35,618.
However, with the long term trends still looking flat to down it will be interesting to see if this run-up will be an explosive rally like yearly this year or will fizzle and burn.
In agricultural products, we have been talking about the impact of weather events and how traders will be keeping an eye on it.
Our last report talked about how a drier and hotter than normal summer resulted in reduced supplies and a rally in corn, wheat, and soybean prices.
However, this week, a change in weather forecast on Friday that the heat is not staying for long and there are chances of extended rains in August resulted in farm markets trading lower on Friday. Dry weather in Russia, largest exporter of wheat in the world and, continued to support agricultural goods priesthoods.
As per Al Kluis, Kluis Advisors, “Investors are keeping a close eye on every updated weather forecast.”
Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone interested in starting on their trading journey on how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.
Disclaimer:
The writers’ opinions in the above article are their own and do not constitute any financial advice whatsoever. Nothing published by The Australia Today constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content publication be relied upon for any investment activities.
We strongly recommend that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.
According to a recent survey, 9 in 10 (92 per cent) respondents thought their experiences of racism in Australia were related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 Racism Incident Report Survey 2021, conducted by advocacy group the Asian Australian Alliance (AAA) and Osmond Chiu from think tank Per Capita, recorded 541 racist incidents in the past 15 months.
AAA’s first Preliminary COVID-19 Racism Incident Report covered 377 incidents for the period April 02, 2020 – June 02, 2020.
Image source: Molina Swarup Asthana – Facebook.
Melbourne-based lawyer and activist Molina Swarup Asthana says:
“Racism against Asians has manifested in various ways during the pandemic, initially with people of Chinese origin blamed and abused for spreading the virus, to other Asian communities, including South Asians targeted during subsequent waves both in Melbourne and Sydney.”
The report says that respondents who identified as having a Chinese cultural background (52 per cent) reported more incidents than other races or ethnic groups.
This was followed by Vietnamese (8.38 per cent), Malaysian (4.5 per cent), Korean (6.5 per cent), Singaporean (2.1 per cent) and Filipino (3.2 per cent).
Sadly, in terms of reporting to the authorities such as the local police, 84.8 per cent reported that they did not report their incident.
In the report, respondents noted the following locations of the race hatred incidents:
Public street/sidewalk (27.1 per cent)
Business: supermarket/grocery store/general stores (15.1 per cent)
Public Transport (9.6 per cent)
Shopping centres (8.7 per cent)
Public park/community areas (6.2 per cent)
Restaurants/bars/public food areas (5.4 per cent).
Image source: Dr Rahul K. Gairola – Facebook.
85.9 per cent respondents reported that they did not know the perpetrator.
Indian-origin academic Dr Rahul K. Gairola told the ABC that as he waited at a bus stop in Fremantle, south-west of Perth, a total stranger attacked him.
“I took my headphones off, and he basically began yelling and calling me a ‘terrorist’ with some colourful four-letter expletives before and after. I just shrugged and started walking off and he came up behind me … I mean, he was so close to me that there was the spit from his mouth hitting the side of my lenses.”
Dr Gairola added that the intoxicated man followed him to a nearby cafe and knocked him into a bunch of chairs and tables.
Initially the bystanders seemed apathetic to the incident and later someone called police.
“So I was a bit surprised that people were even watching, but they weren’t saying anything.”
The man eventually apologised to Dr Gairola who says that this was a “traumatic” and “intense” experience.
Dr Gairola recalls how in March 2020 a woman called him a “disease-ridden Punjabi” at a metro station in Perth.
“‘Go back to whereyou comefrom. We don’t want you. You’re not wanted around here’.”
Dr Gairola is an Indian-American who has been living in Australia for more than three years and teaches at Murdoch University.
“There is a way that even speaking and treating people based on colour is more casual, and even polite here, in ways that I had never in my life experienced before in the United States or in India.”
The federal government has condemned racist behaviour against Asian communities.
Image source: Erin Chew, national convener of the AAA – screenshot ABC.
However, Erin Chew, national convener of the AAA, told the ABC that is not enough.
“That is extremely concerning that this COVID racism is not just impacting on those who look East Asian or South-East Asian, but also impacts on those who are of South Asian background and those of different migrant backgrounds.”
AAA’s launch was attended by celebrity ambassador’s Pallavi Sharda and Arka Das.
WATCH VIDEO: Launch of the COVID-19 Racism Incident Report Survey Comprehensive Report 2021
Crying-Hindutva-The-Hindutva-Harassment-Field-Manual-and-a-Gagging of Hindu Voices; Picture Source: CoHNA
On July 6, 2021, the South Asia Scholar Activist Collective (SASAC) released a website called The Hindutva Harassment Field Manual, along with the formation of the group. SASAC alleges that they have been targets of attacks and harassment by “Hindu nationalists” while pursuing an “academic” study of Hinduism and expressing diverse opinions about the religion.
The site claims to provide resources to those who have been targeted and equip them with ways to respond to such “attacks.” And it claims that the alleged attacks are coming from “Hindutva ideologues” as well as “BJP IT Cell” who highly exaggerate the sentiments felt by most Hindus.
Unfortunately, as we illustrate in this report, this is an ongoing pattern to silence Hindu voices and deflect attention from the very real concerns of Hinduphobia and bigotry. Examples of such bigotry have been brought up by numerous Hindus (including scholars, students, and parents) as well as their non-Hindu allies from all walks of life over the past several years.
Hindu scholars have written extensively on these issues and recently held a conference that provided a framework to understand Hinduphobia for those who are unfamiliar with the phenomenon. On July 9, 2021, a young Hindu girl from the United States was subjected to Hinduphobia and hatred when she posed in a picture for NASA with images of Hindu deities on her desk. Ironically, one of the first to attack this young intern for her religion was a professor of Indian and Hindu origin at a leading European university.
According to the manual and SASAC, anyone who questions the methods and professional privilegeused by the group is automatically demonized as “Hindutva.” It is a charged term used to silence dissent from Hindus or indeed any criticism at all.
It is a cover to continue spreading Hinduphobia under the garb of “scholarly pursuit” and “academic freedom.” As Professor Vishwa Adluri and Dr Joydeep Bagchee aptly put it in their paperCry Hindutva: How Rhetoric Trumps Intellect in South Asian Studies: “In response to criticisms of the so-called text-historical method in Indology, the old guard of academia raises the spectre of Hindutva to scare off critics. With such anti-intellectual tactics, Indologists have betrayed liberal ideals.”
However, what makes the manual and SASAC even more problematic is the usage of sources and allies who are openly anti-Hindu something we detail in the last section of this report.
These sources subscribe to a certain political agenda in the name of “diverse opinions” while gagging those who differ from their biased views. This open association with bigotry should ring alarm bells for anyone serious about scholarly pursuits, diversity, and inclusion.
Allegations of harassment
SASAC members such as Professor Audrey Truschke continue to allege harassment by “Hindutva” organisations and individuals. Yet, without provocation, she has blocked the Twitter handles of numerous individuals, scholars, and organisations (including that of CoHNA) who have raised genuine concerns about her bigoted take on Hinduism.
Recently, she called CoHNA’s leadership as long-time harassers when no one from the leadership has ever sent her any direct email or message that would be deemed as harassment. Rather than engaging on specific points raised by individuals or organisations, she resorts to vicious ad hominem attacks even while claiming to be a victim of such attacks herself. Such behaviour belies scholarship and illustrates the emptiness of her claims about harassment and diversity of opinions.
We fail to see how the recent letter sent to Rutgers and signed by 75 American Hindu temples and spiritual organisations from 20 different states expressing legitimate concerns is harassment. The letter clearly states its support for academic freedom and condemns any attacks on anyone while raising concerns about Professor Truschke’s attempts to twist facts to promote bigoted views on Hinduism.
In the same vein, letters from students and alumni – both Hindu and non-Hindu – clearly outlining the problematic nature of Professor Truschke’s comments and “scholarship” are denounced as harassment.
Far from being about harassment of any academic, the manual is an attempt to shut down the voices of Hindus – especially Hindu students on campus – who face the direct brunt of the hurtful and Hinduphobic remarks of their professors.
In the words of Aishwarya, a graduate student at Rutgers University (full name withheld for safety reasons):
I joined Rutgers with the impression that it’s a very reputed university and will give me the perfect environment to grow. However, when I heard the comments of Professor Truschke about my faith, my scriptures and my Gods, it broke my confidence. I felt scared about mentioning my faith, that students will judge me and might hate me because that is what they are learning in the class or on social media. The kind of statements Professor Truschke gives on social media makes me feel scared. I hope professors like her and incidents like this are outliers.
The problem is echoed by a rising Rutgers sophomore who also did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals:
Being a part of a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, it’s painful to hear my religion being slandered in the name of ‘scholarship.’ In the past few years, society has come far in terms of fighting for social justice. But I feel Hindus are excluded from this trend. The wise words of Gita and the enlightening lessons from the Mahabharata have guided several of my young Hindu peers and I during tough times. To have professors parse through our sacred texts and draw vile conclusions is not only an attack on our religion, but an attack on us. I feel unsafe, hurt, and unheard. As a student at Rutgers, I deserve better, as does my Hindu community.
Dr Sheenie Ambardar, an adult psychiatrist and psychotherapist and the founder of The Hindu Community Forum concurred:
It takes a tremendous amount of courage for minority college students, especially Hindu-American students, to speak out against a tenured professor who has belittled and maligned their faith. The students, some of whom have reached out to me for help, have chosen not to reveal their identities because this professor has stalked them online and they are afraid of retaliation. As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, I am deeply concerned about the impact this ordeal is having on their mental health, self-esteem, and confidence.
It is always intimidating for students to raise concerns against tenured academics who occupy positions of power over them. In the case of Hindu students, this power imbalance is compounded because some of them are not even US citizens and are thus even more vulnerable. It is particularly shocking to see this type of targeting, including stalking the parents of some students, by privileged academics, at a time when universities are striving to make campuses a safe space for students of all backgrounds and religious traditions.
The Hindu community has tried to engage with and raise reasonable concerns to the academics in question several times for the past few years, but all attempts have been shut down. The students on campuses have tried to engage university administrations to express their concerns and trauma using rational approaches but have largely been ignored.
While there will always be individual actors and outliers (just like in every community), the Hindu community in the United States has not done anything that would be considered harassment. Flagging factual errors and misinformation or asking for a correction of a fake narrative are all perfectly reasonable and legitimate actions.
A note on the Hindu scholars of SASAC
Professor Truschke and SASAC dismiss the Hindu community’s concerns as a “bad-faith argument” by adding that there are Hindu scholars within the group who have actively contributed to the manual. Thus, any voice which does not toe the line of the SASAC scholars is deemed invalid. However, claiming to be a Hindu scholar cannot absolve one from peddling Hinduphobia and hatred.
SASAC’s argument also flies in the face of two high profile incidents that have occurred in just the past six months. In February 2021, Rashmi Samant, a 22-year-old Indian student at Oxford, was bullied for her Hindu background by an Oxford postdoctoral fellow of Indian and Hindu origin, who went so far as to dig into her parents’ social media profiles and post their pictures online.
In Samant’s case, Oxford investigated and concluded that she was indeed harassed by the type of academic that SASAC wants to protect by “crying Hindutva.” And as mentioned above, in July 2021, a young Hindu intern from the United States was attacked by another professor of Indian and Hindu origin at a leading Swedish University.
SASAC’s arguments reinforce the group’s exclusionary and elitist attitude – that it reserves the to pronounce judgments about Hinduism and the Hindu community while tens of thousands of individuals, organisations and even equally qualified scholars do not matter. Not only is this an active silencing of dissent and goes against the very academic freedom that SASAC claims to be defending, but it also attempts to reframe Hinduism, which has never had a centrally “approved” list of scholars or practitioners, unlike the larger Abrahamic traditions.
But, more perniciously, do the Hindu scholars of SASAC support a mistranslation of Sita Devi’s views on Rama, even when a reputed scholar like Professor Goldman has clarified that no such words have been uttered? Do these scholars agree that the Bhagavad Gita endorses mass slaughter, and the Mahabharata endorses social evils like gangrapes?
Now let us consider the issue of Hinduphobia among Hindu scholars themselves. On June 10, 2019, while commenting on the conviction of a Hindu priest and five others in the rape of an 8-year-old girl in India, Professor Ananya Chakravarti, one of the SASAC members, remarked: “…if these monsters are Hindu then Hindus are the worst scum on earth. I hope they never see daylight again.”
This is yet another example of how a horrific crime is projected upon an entire community, deeming them savages and “scum.” Such crimes, while horrific, happen across all religious communities around the world. For instance, on June 2, 2021, a Muslim cleric was arrested for raping a 12-year-old girl inside a mosque in New Delhi when she came to drink water. Yet, SASAC would not jump to make such broad-brush assumptions about the Muslim community – further evidence of Hinduphobia and the hypocrisy of SASAC.
More recently, Professor Chakravarti poked fun at Hindus who use the word “Hinduphobia” by saying that “If you whisper Hinduphobia into a mirror three times, Pragya Thakur shows up with a basketball and a sharp [curse] to destroy any non-Hindu in a three-mile radius. True story.”
Also note the deliberate spelling of Hindutva as Hindootva, a pejorative reference first coined by the colonialists in the 18th century by calling a Hindu a “Hindoo.” As a scholar, she certainly knows better but is hoping the inside joke would not be noticed.
SASAC demeans Hindus who raise concerns as “Hindutva ideologues” and as “long time, known harassers” and declares: “They invoke the language of diversity and inclusion to achieve the opposite —quell critical inquiry, undermine the academic study of religion, and advance a narrow, limited idea of Hinduism that leaves no room for diverse voices.”
Yet, the group behaves exactly that it advocates against and betrays the ideas of providing room for diverse voices and critical inquiry of the academy from scholars and practitioners alike.
Actively denying Hinduphobia and calling genuine Hindu concerns as fake
Perhaps more than any other religion, Hinduism encourages the pursuit of knowledge through inquiry and reasoned debate. However, when Hindu deities and festivals are disparaged and sacred texts are mistranslated to suit certain agendas, the argument of academic freedom is a mere fig leaf for bigotry. In fact, such an argument explicitly peddles Hinduphobia and hatred and puts students and community members at risk of bullying, harassment, and trauma.
The SASAC actively denies Hindus (including scholars) the right to define or even opine on what Hinduphobia is and how it impacts us as a people, by dismissing the term as something coined recently by the “Hindu Right.” The group even goes as far as calling the term a “flawed analogy” and “smokescreen for casteism and anti-Muslim prejudice.” Anyone who challenges such a premise is swiftly dismissed as engaging in a “bad faith argument.”
For SASAC, anti-Semitism is a real phenomenon due to the horrors inflicted by the Nazis. Similarly, according to them, Islamophobia is real, due to American foreign policies which resulted in the killings of civilians in the Middle East as well as the immigration policies of the Trump administration. However, Hinduphobia “…cannot be easily linked to casualties on such horrific scales.” In this monstrous admission, SASAC claims Hinduphobia is not real because not enough Hindus have died.
Their intergenerational trauma, resulting from systemic targeting and oppression in Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh, does not count. If body count is to be the metric for -phobia, would SASAC claim that homophobia is not real?
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Bangladeshi Genocide, in which nearly 400,000 women were raped and close to 3 million people killed. The Pakistani army specifically targeted Hindu men, women and children and went on a rampage of mass murders, rapes, and brutalization. Gary Bass, professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University, has described the ordeal in painstaking detail in his book The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger, and a Forgotten Genocide. Speaking on the Senate floor on November 1, 1971, the late Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy described the dire situation of the Hindus as follows:
Field reports to the U.S. government, countless eye-witness journalistic accounts, reports of international agencies such as the World Bank, and additional information available to the Subcommittee document the reign of terror which grips East Bengal [East Pakistan]. Hardest hit have been members of the Hindu community who have been robbed of their lands and shops, systematically slaughtered, and in some places, painted with yellow patches marked ‘H’. All of this has been officially sanctioned, ordered and implemented under martial law from Islamabad.
SASAC does not find such horrors of history as worthy of inclusion under any anti-Hindu bias. This illustrates an overtly prejudiced take on matters related to Hindus.
The group strongly condemns peaceful petitions, letters and organizing efforts by the Hindu community (including students), by deeming these to be a “coordinated swarm” of the “Hindu Right.” For example, in the manual’s section on “Organized Harassment”, SASAC declares: “When an online, coordinated swarm goes after an academic, it can create the appearance of widespread discontent against that academic even if no such discontent actually exists among the students or colleagues of the academic in question. Bear in mind that many of these accounts are likely fake and are not associated with a real person.”
In essence, the tens of thousands of people and organisations who have signed petitions or sent letters to university administrations or have called or met these officials personally are erased as “fake.”
As mentioned earlier, recently, 75 temples and spiritual organisations from across the United States wrote a letter to Rutgers University calling out the agenda-driven mistranslation of Hindu literature. The letter pointed out the problem with those who falsely attribute words to some of Hinduism’s most cherished deities such as Devi Sita.
In it, they pointed out that Professor Truschke had misattributed a quote from another scholar to claim that Sita Devi called her beloved husband Shri Rama, “a misogynistic pig.” This attempted attribution was swiftly contradicted by Professor Robert Goldman, whose work was being referenced as the source.
I find it extremely disturbing but perhaps not unexpected to learn that AT (Audrey Trushcke) has used such inappropriate language and passed it off as coming from Valmiki. Neither the great poet nor we used such a vulgar diction and certainly Sita would never have used such language to her husband even in the midst of emotional distress. Nowhere in our translation of the passage do we use words you mention AT as using… she is in no way quoting our translation but giving her own reading of the passage in her own highly inappropriate language.
We can see here the issue is not an academic’s right to an opinion, but one of plain and simple mistranslation and twisting of facts.
The letter also pointed to Professor Truschke calling the Bhagavad Gita a book that endorses mass slaughter and arguing that an episode from the Mahabharata somehow endorses evils like modern-day gangrapes. As the temple letter had remarked, the dishonouring of Draupadi was condemned by important figures within the Mahabharata and was considered against dharma (righteousness) – not an endorsement of gang rape or other social evils. We fail to see how any of the above concerns equate to “casteism and anti-Muslim prejudice.”
Professor Truschke has attacked Hindu groups (including CoHNA) by saying that they are using selective quotes to target and harass her. However, consider the following example: On March 6, 2021, while discussing a #MeToo incident involving a high profile Indian Muslim politician, Professor Truschke shared a completely unrelated “edgy” comparison of the dishonouring of Draupadi to allegations of rape by noting an article where an Indian judge had made references to Hindu epics while discussing modern sexual harassment.
In essence, Professor Truschke goes on to claim that she is merely following such a practice when referring to the Mahabharata and other Hindu texts. Here too,we find Professor Truschke twisting facts to suit her bigotry – The Indian judge and the article made references to show how the epics and their characters respect women and thus everyone should do the same, not to indicate that Hindu epics endorse rapes and social evils!
This is yet another excellent example of how a professor in a privileged position advances Hinduphobia by twisting facts in the name of “scholarship.”
Various scholars including Jeffrey Long, Stephen Prothero and Vamsee Juluri have written extensively on the topic of Hinduphobia and shown the long history of the phenomenon in the United States and beyond. Others such as Vishwa Adluri and Arvind Sharma have critiqued academia’s silencing of scholars who provide differing viewpoints than those in power.
Additionally, Hindu groups such as Hindu Human Rights of UK have traced the usage of the term “Hinduphobia” going back to the late 19th century and into the early 20th century (e.g., a snapshot from York Newspaper March 20, 1883. Source: Hindu Human Rights).
According to the group’s research, modern cases of Hinduphobia coincided with Indian migration into the United States and the UK. In Hinduphobia (1914) Dr Sudhindra Bose recalls a House Committee hearing of an exclusion bill which would impact 4,974 Hindus from the United States “…over fears they might compete for both education and [labour] with the American colonial class.”
Numerous instances of Hinduphobia are prevalent today – in academia, media, and popular culture. As mentioned previously, a young Hindu girl from the United States was recently subjected to Hinduphobia and hatred when she posed in a picture for NASA with images of Hindu deities on her desk.
She was attacked for merely expressing her heritage, with comments such as: “Wtf! Is that really her room?!” or “I see a right-wing Hindu kid with right-wing Hindu gods in a pic” or “Wherever Hindus (Brahmins) will go they will divide the nation into caste” or “NASA and gods don’t mix. The Indian kid seems to have some kind of an obsession with gods.”
Yet, the SASAC dismisses the term Hinduphobia because it “…cannot be easily linked to casualties on such horrific scales.”
In essence, the group acts like a gated club allowing only its own members to define the terms of engagement and control the discourse as far as Hinduism and India are concerned. The club deliberately excludes South Asian scholars who support an alternative point of view or make an argument that Hindus have legitimate concerns.
Interestingly, the group argues for academic freedom, critical inquiry and diverse voices and yet uses the epithet of “Hindutva” to gag voices that do not agree with them. Such behaviour is a perfect example of peddling Hinduphobia and a betrayal of liberal ideals, academic process, diversity, and critical inquiry.
Some of the anti-Hindu sources used in the Field Manual
Equality Labs
The manual extensively quotes and directs readers to sources and groups which have made it their business to denigrate Hinduism, its sacred texts and its deities and even call for its complete dismantling. For example, the Resource Page on “Intersectional Hate” quotes Equality Labs as an expert on “caste” related issues in numerous instances – ignoring the group’s public calls for dismantling Hinduism.
The page cites the 2018 Survey by Equality Labs that has become the standard yardstick to metaphorically lynch Hindus as “serial caste abusers,” in disregard of longstanding complaints about the survey’s quality. It even ignores how the Equality Labs survey was discredited by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in their recent survey of Indian Americans.
In January 2020, Sharmin Hossain, the former Political Director of Equality Labs publicly claimed that “arguing to salvage Hinduism is dominant caste rhetoric” and that “Brahmins have appropriated all their Gods from Dalits & Adivasis. Brahmins have stolen the Buddha, the hand of Fatima & other Islamic relics. Hinduism cannot be [a part] of progressive discourse until we dismantle Brahminism.” The tweets have since been deleted.
Similarly, in March 2020, Equality Labs published an article (and recently tried to delete it from existence) and social media messages calling Holi a “casteist” festival with a “violent history” where a “lower caste” female was immolated and claiming that a dispute involving a father, his son and his aunt, is somehow evidence of casteism. Various scholarly writers have debunked the claimed history. However, this incident illustrates the anti-Hindu agenda of Equality Labs.
In October 2019, Equality Labs’ Thenmozhi Soundararajan participated in a symposium on the “elimination of casteism” at the University of Michigan, where fellow panellist Kancha Ilaiah remarked that the annihilation of caste is not possible “without dismantling or destroying Hinduism as a religion…Hinduism does not reform, does not change because of the structural problems in the religion…” It should be no surprise that Professor Truschke includes Equality Labs and Ilaiah in her teaching materials and as resources.
Ilaiah’s book Why I am not a Hindu is full of hateful and misplaced information about Hinduism and a textbook example of Hinduphobia.
In Chapter 5 (p. 71), while discussing Hinduism and its deities, Ilaiah goes on to say that “…violence has been Hinduism’s principal mechanism of control. That is the reason why many Hindu Gods were weapon-wielders in distinct contrast to the Gods of all other religions.” And, while continuing the discussion on how Hinduism is different from other religions, Ilaiah concludes (p.72) that Hinduism “…from its very inception, has a fascist nature…”
Equality Labs also recommends Ilaiah as a resource on caste.
Dr Suraj Yengde
The manual also refers to Dr Suraj Yengde, a post-doctoral research associate at Harvard University, as an expert source on caste. On December 11, 2020, Dr Yengde called Hindus “…the sick people of India,” and that “…it is their religious books who train the mind.” The extremely bigoted tweet vilified an entire religious community of close to one billion based on incidents that occurred in India – incidents in which most Hindus in India and around the world had no hand in. It also implied that Hindus are brainwashed by their religious books, which teach them to be inherently violent and oppressive. Or, that Hinduism itself is incapable of promoting a positive outlook towards other communities, classes, or groups.
Similarly, on May 12, 2021, while remarking on a recent incident involving alleged caste discrimination at a Hindu temple in New Jersey, Dr Yengde stated that “Hinduism is exploitation & murder of Dalits anywhere.” And, on May 13, 2021, Dr Yengde added that “Hindu temples are monuments of Dalit slavery.
In another tweet, on March 22, 2021, Dr Yengde posed a question to his followers, asking “Can one be a Hindu. WITHOUT torturing Dalits, Muslims, Christians??”
Here, it is worth pausing to consider – would these academics similarly quote texts from other religions or endorse groups or people who use individual criminal acts to target and paint other religious communities as guilty?
Students Against Hindutva Ideology (SAHI, Formerly Known As Holi Against Hindutva)
In the manual’s section for students, SASAC asks them to ponder upon questions such as “Do you have a place on campus where ALL aspects of your South Asian American identities are respected and acknowledged?” Yet, the group proceeds to provide an overtly prejudiced view of “identity” by directing students towards Students Against Hindutva Ideology (SAHI).
As some have demonstrated, SAHI started as “Holi Against Hindutva,” a fringe group that has also gone on record to call the Hindu festival of Holi “casteist.” Not to mention, SAHI works for hand in glove with Equality Labs. A snapshot from SAHI’s “campaigns” page is produced below to illustrate the Hinduphobic overtones that prevail within the group’s activism (notice also the red poster with the word “Azaadi,” which translates to freedom and argues for the freedom of Kashmir from India).
It is important to note that Professor Truschke, one of the main forces behind SASAC, is also on the Advisory Board of SAHI.
The same section of the manual overtly argues for “Kashmir’s sovereignty,” which is essentially a call for breaking Kashmir away from India and into a separate territory while actively suppressing the voices of indigenous Kashmiri Hindus and downplaying the atrocities faced by them. In doing so, SAHI supports regressive laws that had curtailed the marital and property rights of Kashmiri women and kept Kashmiri Dalits in a state of semi-bonded labour.
The SASAC section on students then ends with links to Equality Labs’ Caste Survey and the latter’s report on Facebook India Religious Hate Speech, thus reinforcing the linkages to anti-Hindu sources as “experts.”
The above information demonstrates the SASAC’s extreme ideological leanings. Scholarly works cannot be used as a smokescreen to support those with a history of hatred against an entire community. We would not want this type of treatment for any religious community or group, nor would such bigotry be tolerated by any other minority group.
To conclude, SASAC has been formed with the express purpose of gaslighting dissenting voices. These voices are pre-declared to be “far-right,” conjuring up similarities with popular images of people in white sheets burning crosses on the lawns of these professors and scholars. Nothing could be further from the truth. As concerned Hindus, we will continue to voice our outrage when academic freedom is used as a cover for bigotry by these professors and scholars. And, if voicing our concerns is deemed as harassment to shield their own bigotry and Hinduphobia, that is on their fragile but monumental egos, which seem to be allergic to the truth.
When professors who sit in privileged positions and have a large social media megaphone, decide to peddle such falsehoods, Hindus are fully within their rights to raise concerns in a just and uncompromising manner. Not doing so goes against the very teachings which pervade our sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita.
Author: This report was first published on https://cohna.org/, We have republished it with kind permission from the CoHNA.
Disclaimer: The CoHNA is solely responsible for the views expressed in this report. The CoHNA carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing images utilised within the text. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the CoHNA, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Sustainability; Picture Source: @CANVA
If we do not take care of nature, nature will not take care of us.
Researches show the under global pandemic of COVID -19; humans are restricted inside the houses that resulted in a positive outcome on nature, as it led to temporarily constraining human’s exploitation of nature.
Is this blessing in disguise? If yes, do we need to wait for such a crisis in the future or we can learn lessons to unit together to respect nature and safeguard the environment for our future generations. Pacific nations had been seriously raising climatic change issues in the developing states, especially of the Pacific Islands in all international platforms.
5th June 2021 is the most anticipated day to create awareness about protecting, preserving and enhancing the environment through World Environment Day (WED) on a global platform for the widest public outreach. Many initiatives are started at various fronts as a compost awareness program, planting of sea meadows/salt marsh plants and marine protected area mapping and surveillance. This article highlights the historical importance of this green day and the 3 R’s of sustainability.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Sustainability; Picture Source: @CANVA
History of World Environment Day
This year the theme is “Biodiversity” where “a call to action to combat the accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world”, will be hosted in Colombia in partnership with Germany. This will be celebrated in more than 143 countries.
As per UN, on 15 December 1972, UN General assembly adopted a resolution of designating 5th June as World Environment Day by urging “Governments and the organisations in the United Nations system to undertake on that day every year worldwide activities reaffirming their concern for the preservation and enhancement of the environment.” In 1974, the first WED was celebrated with the slogan of “Only One Earth”.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Sustainability; Picture Source: @CANVA
Since then it is celebrated annually to raise environmental issues of depletion of the ozone layer, desertification, toxic chemicals, marine pollution, global warming, sustainable consumption, raising population growth, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. This has become the need of the hour to reduce human being infiltration in the nature cycle leading to contamination of environments like polluting earth, water and air; disrupting ecosystems; deforestation; soil erosion; rising global temperature and climatic crisis issues. Mankind’s role and duties need to be recapitulated if forgotten and move towards an eco-conscious society.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Sustainability; Picture Source: @CANVA
Environmental problems of Pacific
Many Pacific Islands are facing environmental challenges include unstainable fishing practices and use of marine resources, destruction of coral reefs, rising sea levels, erosion of coastal areas, destruction of mangroves, rising temperature and sea levels; high destructive winds, degradation of land resources; loss of biodiversity in many areas; risk of loss of coastal resources; frequent large scale flooding and flash flooding; waste disposal and deforestation; and vulnerability due to cyclones. One need to work together to conserve the fragile island ecosystems; protect marine life, reduce deforestation and curb the rising variety of pollution. These hazards need to be resolve to have a sustainable environment for future generations.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Sustainability; Picture Source: @CANVA
Virtual Celebrations
Several tree-planting activities and clean up campaigns, lectures, concerts, parades organized were celebrated in previous years. Due to COVID-19 prevention restrictions and social distancing measures, one can celebrate in diverse ways through virtual mode and practising in one own small bubble.
There can be different innovative means to raise digital awareness of the environment by individual/family posting about one’s contribution to safeguarding the environment on social media outlets; highlighting the theme to be conscious consumers in order to conserve biodiversity and preserve nature; organising a free webinar on environmental issues; an online campaign to discuss issues of environmental conservation; make self-commitment to recycle and avoid usage of the non-degradable products; learn to reduce the plastic waste and carbon footprint. One has to relook to develop sustainable habits to conserve our environment.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Sustainability; Picture Source: @CANVA
After taking social distancing measures, these steps can be supplemented by planting trees at home, wearing clothes of colour like green to show their support; messaging to create environmental awareness among friends, family, neighbours and community members; posting selfies and videos messages through online mode. It is an opportunity to inspire others to be more rational in curbing plastic pollution, safeguarding endangered species,
3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
The basic principle of earth needs to be taken care of,as to reduce the waste so the burden to recycle and reuse can be decreased. Buying as per need because the best way to reduce waste is by not creating it. Buying environmentally friendly products will bring sustainability. A study highlighted “reducing the amount you buy can help reduce waste in surprising ways: Phone books, Disposable razors, Disposable diapers, cell phones and light bulbs” (Abdul-Rahman, Guide G-314, 2014). Suggestions to reduce waste produce by ordering minimum packing and using local produced producing.
Reuse meaning the rule of using something again in its original purpose or to perform a different function. It should be differentiated from recycling, which involves the process of converting discarded objects into raw materials for the production of new things. Reusing should involve reusing newspaper and paper products for making art and craft and wrapping paper; donating old books, outgrown clothes, old furniture, or household items to other users rather than discarding them. Taking reusable bags for shopping and using old tires for gardening, are simple reusable means. Recycling generates more industry, jobs and it is a cost-effective disposal means.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Sustainability; Picture Source: @CANVA
At home, we tend to follow basic things to maintain a small garden and planting seedlings, rationally use water, reduce energy consumption and carbon wastage; using eco-friendly means to reduce carbon footprints; recycle basic wastage where possible; avoid plastic usage and move towards using material that is environmentally decomposable; move towards using solar lights and sunlight by opening curtains in the day time. Recycling strives for environmental sustainability with the objective of replacing raw material input and diverting waste to produce new products. Such as recycling crayons, water bottles, paperboards, recycle metals.
I have taken the pledge to move towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly by making subtle changes in my lifestyle and motivate people around me to do the same. I am doing my bit and hope the readers shall do the same.
Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University.
Four Geelong taxi drivers have come up with the idea to help others during the ongoing lockdown and that too is free of charge!
These taxi drivers have lost work as fewer people need a taxi to get places.
However, they have been offering a free delivery service to vulnerable people who are unable to leave their homes.
34-year-old Lovepreet Sharma told the ABC that he was talking to an elderly customer whose family lived an hour away in Melbourne.
She mentioned that what worried her the most was how she would get through the ‘stay-at-home period.’
Lovepreet, popularly known as Harry, says:
“That’s why we thought it would be a good time to do this service and help people out. So that’s when I thought, maybe there’s a lot more people like that who may be needing help.”
Lovepreet discussed the idea of helping others with his three friends.
He asked them if it was possible that they could do free deliveries for vulnerable people in the area.
Image source: Lovepreet Sharma – Facebook
The four taxi drivers pick up and drop off, collect orders, deliver medication and groceries, etc without charging anything.
Not just the elderly, Lovepreet and his friends have been contacted by local charities to organise the delivery and collection of donated goods.
Lovepreet who has no plans to stop the good work that the friends have started adds:
“We are also happy to supply some food if you are in need. If you are struggling, don’t be shy, now is the time for helping each other.”
Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide; Picture Source: @CANVA
A lot of social media and mainstream media commentary went on to debate and on few occasions accuse state governments about the decisions they took.
Because of all this information flying around you might be wondering why sometimes the extraordinary emphasis is put on some council areas when lockdowns and restrictions are imposed.
To ease that sense of anxiety here is some data to help you understand.
New South Wales:
Locally acquired COVID-19 cases and tests in the last four weeks – up to 8pm 22 July 2021
NSW saw 136 locally acquired cases reported to 8 pm last night, 62 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 29 are from Western Sydney LHD, 28 are from Sydney LHD, 14 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD.
COVID-19 cases and tests by local government area-
Local Government Area
Cases*
Cases with unknown source
Total tests
Test rate (per 1000)
Albury
0
0
5,037
93
Armidale Regional
0
0
2,267
74
Ballina
0
0
2,768
62
Balranald
0
0
202
86
Bathurst Regional
0
0
5,001
115
Bayside
49
5
42,923
241
Bega Valley
0
0
2,277
66
Bellingen
0
0
1,077
83
Berrigan
0
0
291
33
Blacktown
54
22
69,001
184
Bland
0
0
312
52
Blayney
0
0
1,311
178
Blue Mountains
2
0
16,835
213
Bogan
0
0
122
47
Bourke
0
0
343
132
Brewarrina
0
0
69
43
Broken Hill
0
0
1,185
68
Burwood
9
3
6,953
171
Byron
0
0
2,744
78
Cabonne
1
0
1,118
82
Camden
3
2
30,790
304
Campbelltown
14
3
36,965
216
Canada Bay
6
0
20,444
213
Canterbury-Bankstown
224
61
99,956
264
Carrathool
0
0
141
50
Central Coast
3
0
50,780
148
Central Darling
0
0
97
53
Cessnock
0
0
3,639
61
Clarence Valley
0
0
2,641
51
Cobar
0
0
218
47
Coffs Harbour
0
0
7,285
94
Coolamon
0
0
303
70
Coonamble
0
0
261
66
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional
0
0
1,161
103
Cowra
0
0
836
66
Cumberland
111
32
57,152
237
Dubbo Regional
0
0
4,422
82
Dungog
0
0
602
64
Edward River
0
0
463
51
Eurobodalla
0
0
2,780
72
Fairfield
677
160
112,282
530
Federation
0
0
799
64
Forbes
0
0
496
50
Georges River
64
14
39,230
246
Gilgandra
0
0
215
51
Glen Innes Severn
0
0
366
41
Goulburn Mulwaree
0
0
3,439
110
Greater Hume Shire
0
0
1,268
118
Griffith
0
0
2,206
82
Gunnedah
0
0
747
59
Gwydir
0
0
167
31
Hawkesbury
6
0
13,404
199
Hay
0
0
182
62
Hilltops
0
0
1,276
68
Hornsby
4
0
22,103
145
Hunters Hill
1
0
5,972
399
Inner West
10
3
45,806
228
Inverell
0
0
851
50
Junee
0
0
313
47
Kempsey
0
0
2,194
74
Kiama
0
0
3,398
145
Ku-ring-gai
0
0
27,426
216
Kyogle
0
0
369
42
Lachlan
0
0
277
46
Lake Macquarie
0
0
24,315
118
Lane Cove
1
1
14,559
363
Leeton
0
0
701
61
Lismore
0
0
2,895
66
Lithgow
0
0
1,574
73
Liverpool
126
31
66,543
292
Liverpool Plains
0
0
408
52
Lockhart
0
0
225
68
Maitland
0
0
11,277
132
Mid-Coast
0
0
5,530
59
Mid-Western Regional
0
0
2,205
87
Moree Plains
0
0
539
41
Mosman
0
0
6,062
196
Murray River
0
0
232
19
Murrumbidgee
0
0
224
57
Muswellbrook
0
0
1,137
69
Nambucca
0
0
1,412
71
Narrabri
0
0
528
40
Narrandera
0
0
238
40
Narromine
0
0
402
62
Newcastle
0
0
20,054
121
North Sydney
3
0
12,071
161
Northern Beaches
9
0
64,121
234
Oberon
0
0
396
73
Orange
0
0
5,932
140
Parkes
0
0
1,267
85
Parramatta
41
15
45,648
177
Penrith
13
2
39,768
187
Port Macquarie-Hastings
0
0
6,822
81
Port Stephens
0
0
6,007
82
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional
0
0
3,645
60
Randwick
54
4
66,972
430
Richmond Valley
0
0
1,522
65
Ryde
1
0
28,592
218
Shellharbour
0
0
11,497
157
Shoalhaven
0
0
10,054
95
Singleton
0
0
2,167
92
Snowy Monaro Regional
0
0
1,779
86
Snowy Valleys
0
0
868
60
Strathfield
15
1
13,017
277
Sutherland Shire
24
8
57,247
248
Sydney
31
11
70,434
286
Tamworth Regional
0
0
5,335
85
Temora
0
0
250
40
Tenterfield
0
0
166
25
The Hills Shire
15
1
41,897
235
Tweed
0
0
5,638
58
Unincorporated NSW
0
0
0
0
Upper Hunter Shire
0
0
929
66
Upper Lachlan Shire
0
0
680
84
Uralla
0
0
301
50
Wagga Wagga
0
0
6,597
101
Walcha
0
0
224
71
Walgett
0
0
317
53
Warren
0
0
275
102
Warrumbungle Shire
0
0
545
59
Waverley
68
4
31,178
420
Weddin
0
0
229
63
Wentworth
0
0
811
115
Willoughby
4
1
11,703
144
Wingecarribee
1
0
7,916
155
Wollondilly
1
1
6,745
127
Wollongong
6
3
33,931
156
Woollahra
16
3
22,373
377
Yass Valley
0
0
937
55
NSW Total**
1,674
394
1,604,329
196
*Includes all locally acquired cases (known and unknown source)
The tables show the location of residence by Local Government Area (LGA) of locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the last four weeks. It is based on the date the person first developed symptoms.
When no date of symptom onset is available (it is either under investigation by public health staff or the person tested positive without showing symptoms), the positive test date is used. Infections are not always acquired in the place of residence as people often travel outside their area for many reasons (e.g. work, school and shopping).
Cases without an NSW residential address and people who were exposed interstate or overseas are not shown. Case counts may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case reviews.
Today, there are 14 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases which are all linked to the current outbreaks. 10 of the 14 cases were in quarantine throughout their entire infectious period with 1 of the other 4 cases still to be interviewed.
Statewide case numbers are subject to change as cases are reviewed and reclassified. Some postcode and local government information require to follow up and confirmation with a confirmed case and so is not added to the map until this process is completed by Victorian Public Health team.
Data on the table is presented by local government area active cases.
LGA
lga_pid
Active
Total Cases
rate
new
Alpine (S)
VIC242
0
1
0
0
Ararat (RC)
VIC220
0
6
0
0
Ballarat (C)
VIC241
0
58
0
0
Banyule (C)
VIC188
4
455
3
0
Bass Coast (S)
VIC173
0
10
0
0
Baw Baw (S)
VIC194
0
16
0
0
Bayside (C)
VIC182
3
269
2.8
0
Benalla (RC)
VIC199
0
4
0
0
Boroondara (C)
VIC201
21
292
11.5
4
Brimbank (C)
VIC189
9
2049
4.3
0
Buloke (S)
VIC183
0
0
0
0
Campaspe (S)
VIC239
0
10
0
0
Cardinia (S)
VIC212
0
201
0
0
Casey (C)
VIC213
3
1073
0.8
1
Central Goldfields (S)
VIC169
0
2
0
0
Colac-Otway (S)
VIC224
0
136
0
0
Corangamite (S)
VIC231
0
4
0
0
Darebin (C)
VIC205
2
693
1.2
1
East Gippsland (S)
VIC243
0
8
0
0
Frankston (C)
VIC227
1
243
0.7
1
Gannawarra (S)
VIC214
0
2
0
0
Glen Eira (C)
VIC177
15
249
9.6
2
Glenelg (S)
VIC223
0
19
0
0
Golden Plains (S)
VIC230
0
19
0
0
Greater Bendigo (C)
VIC193
1
102
0.8
0
Greater Dandenong (C)
VIC247
0
547
0
0
Greater Geelong (C)
VIC215
4
372
1.5
0
Greater Shepparton (C)
VIC93
0
53
0
0
Hepburn (S)
VIC94
0
2
0
0
Hindmarsh (S)
VIC152
0
0
0
0
Hobsons Bay (C)
VIC235
0
516
0
0
Horsham (RC)
VIC153
0
14
0
0
Hume (C)
VIC198
17
1679
7.3
1
Indigo (S)
VIC191
0
1
0
0
Kingston (C)
VIC226
2
305
1.2
0
Knox (C)
VIC209
0
165
0
0
Latrobe (C)
VIC219
0
53
0
0
Loddon (S)
VIC185
0
5
0
0
Macedon Ranges (S)
VIC228
0
58
0
0
Manningham (C)
VIC195
1
164
0.8
0
Mansfield (S)
VIC244
0
10
0
0
Maribyrnong (C)
VIC234
5
588
5.4
0
Maroondah (C)
VIC207
1
114
0.8
0
Melbourne (C)
VIC132
2
917
1.1
1
Melton (C)
VIC237
0
1146
0
0
Mildura (RC)
VIC222
4
10
7.2
0
Mitchell (S)
VIC211
0
90
0
0
Moira (S)
VIC190
0
11
0
0
Monash (C)
VIC210
7
352
3.5
1
Moonee Valley (C)
VIC121
5
831
3.8
0
Moorabool (S)
VIC236
6
43
17.1
0
Moreland (C)
VIC131
0
1061
0
0
Mornington Peninsula (S)
VIC204
1
183
0.6
0
Mount Alexander (S)
VIC105
0
9
0
0
Moyne (S)
VIC229
0
2
0
0
Murrindindi (S)
VIC250
0
9
0
0
Nillumbik (S)
VIC216
1
144
1.5
0
Northern Grampians (S)
VIC166
0
3
0
0
Other
2
192
0
0
Overseas Traveller
12
226
0
0
Port Phillip (C)
VIC208
3
315
2.6
0
Pyrenees (S)
VIC217
0
3
0
0
Queenscliffe (B)
VIC238
0
1
0
0
South Gippsland (S)
VIC178
0
14
0
0
Southern Grampians (S)
VIC233
0
2
0
0
Stonnington (C)
VIC203
3
264
2.5
0
Strathbogie (S)
VIC110
0
2
0
0
Surf Coast (S)
VIC225
0
13
0
0
Swan Hill (RC)
VIC180
0
6
0
0
Towong (S)
VIC187
0
0
0
0
Wangaratta (RC)
VIC186
0
2
0
0
Warrnambool (C)
VIC179
0
13
0
0
Wellington (S)
VIC218
1
18
2.3
0
West Wimmera (S)
VIC232
0
1
0
0
Whitehorse (C)
VIC196
2
220
1.1
1
Whittlesea (C)
VIC197
0
1227
0
0
Wodonga (RC)
VIC192
0
0
0
0
Wyndham (C)
VIC221
11
2265
4.1
1
Yarra (C)
VIC202
9
469
8.9
0
Yarra Ranges (S)
VIC206
0
247
0
0
Yarriambiack (S)
VIC200
0
1
0
0
Cases that are acquired overseas after December 1st, 2020 are recorded as residing in a default postcode of 9998 and Local Government Area of “Travel Overseas”. These entries are not displayed in the maps however are contained in the datasets.
South Australia Case numbers by location:
LGA Active Cases
Barossa 2 Playford 1 Salisbury 2 Tea Tree Gully 3 Adelaide 14 Burnside 1 Holdfast Bay 1 Onkaparinga 1 Total Active cases in South Australia are
"Pregnancy Bible," authored by Kareena Kapoor; Picture Source: Instagram @kareenaKapoorKhan
A Christian group has taken objection to the title of a book written by actress Kareena Kapoor and filed a police complaint in Beed city of Maharashtra, India. This right-wing Christian group is accusing her of hurting the religious sentiments of the community.
Alpha Omega Christian Mahasangh President Ashish Shinde submitted the complaint at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Beed over the book, which has a second author.
In the complaint, Shinde has referred to the title of the book, “Pregnancy Bible,” authored by Kareena Kapoor and Aditi Shah Bhimjani, and published by Juggernaut Books.
“The holy word ‘Bible’ has been used in the book’s title and this has hurt the religious sentiments of Christians,”
he has said.
Shinde has sought registration of a case under IPC section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) against the actress and the two others.
“Pregnancy Bible,” authored by Kareena Kapoor; Picture Source: Instagram @kareenaKapoorKhan
A police official confirmed receiving the complaint but said no FIR has been filed. Shivaji Nagar Police Station in charge Inspector Sainath Thombre told the media.
“We have received the complaint but no case can be registered here as the incident has not happened here (in Beed). I have advised him to file a complaint in Mumbai.”
Kareena launched her book on July 9, Calling it her third child. The 40-year-old actress, who gave birth to her second child, a boy, in February this year, shared a series of posts to promote the book on social media.
“Pregnancy Bible,” authored by Kareena Kapoor; Picture Source: Instagram @kareenaKapoorKhan
According to the actress, the book is a personal account of what she experienced physically and emotionally through both her pregnancies.
Australian researchers World-first needle-free diabetes test; Picture Source: Supplied
A world-first, pain-free diabetes test developed at the University of Newcastle could be in the hands of consumers following $6.3 million in funding to establish the first manufacturing facility for the device.
Funded under the Medical Products priority of the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative, the world-class facility will help to transition twenty years of research from the lab to retail shelves to benefit more than 460 million people living with diabetes globally.
University of Newcastle physicist and research leader, Professor Paul Dastoor said his team at the Centre for Organic Electronics (COE) were working closely with their commercial partner and grant recipient – GBS, on a purpose-built manufacturing facility to be located in the Hunter.
“Construction will begin on the facility this year, with the first devices due to roll off the production line by 2023,” Professor Dastoor said.
Video: World-first needle-free diabetes test
“With more than 460 million people testing their glucose levels regularly, this is a technology with huge demand, and the potential to create significant high-tech jobs growth in our region and beyond.”
Dr George Syrmalis, Group Chief Executive Officer of The iQ Group Global added, “Our entire business model is all about the translation of discovery into a product that fills an unmet medical need.”
“Creating a dedicated high tech manufacturing facility to commence production for our Glucose Biosensor will benefit the local society by creating jobs, but most importantly the patients afflicted with diabetes, who have up till now had to finger prick multiple times a day in order to monitor their glucose levels. This grant could not have come at a more appropriate time, as we prepare for clinical testing,” said Dr Syrmalis.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the project was a powerful example of the direction the University was taking under its Looking Ahead Strategic Plan, launched last year.
“Through our strategic plan, which was shaped by our students, staff and our communities, we committed to establishing the Hunter as the ultimate test bed for innovation and to drive investment in the new industries that are needed to generate the job opportunities of the future. This project is a tangible example of that plan coming to fruition and another proud moment for our region,” said Professor Zelinsky.
Meet the University team: (L-R) Dr Daniel Elkington, Prof Paul Dastoor, Dr Nathan Cooling, Dr Pankaj Kumar, Dr Swee Lu Lim
Saliva glucose biosensor: How it works
The saliva test makes painful finger-prick testing for type 1 and type 2 diabetes obsolete, representing the first major innovation since the blood glucose test was developed in the 1960s.
Professor Dastoor attributes this, in part, to inspiration from his wife, who as a primary school teacher helped young children in her care to monitor their blood glucose levels.
“It’s a heartbreaking scenario when the lunch bell rings and everyone runs to the playground, bar an unfortunate few who stay back to surrender their finger for blood testing at every mealtime,” Professor Dastoor said.
“Our vision was to create a world where no one needs to bleed in order to eat.”
With saliva glucose concentrations 100 times lower than in blood, this was easier said than done.
“One of our key challenges was the sheer unavailability of glucose in saliva. It exists in minute concentrations, so you need to develop an incredibly powerful platform to detect it. Saliva also contains a plethora of other substances, so you’ve then got to tune out a lot of ‘noise’ to ensure results are accurate,” Professor Dastoor said.
Professor Dastoor said the sensor, similar in size to a stick of chewing gum and considerably thinner, was incredibly powerful, detecting substances that exist in saliva in minute concentrations.
“With this highly sensitive platform, we can now detect glucose at the levels found in saliva, for the first time,” Professor Dastoor said.
Coated with a natural enzyme – Glucose Oxidase – the biosensor interacts with saliva, producing a reaction that generates an electrical current. This current can be detected and measured to reveal highly accurate glucose levels which could be delivered via a smartphone app and the data stored in the cloud.
Other applications
Professor Dastoor said the sensor could be developed for application across 130 indications including tumour markers, hormones and allergens.
“The biosensor is a ‘platform technology, which means it will be widely applicable to detect a variety of substances that identify a range of diseases. We’re already looking for the substances that identify cancer, hormones and allergies,” Professor Dastoor said.
Professor Paul Dastoor said the sensor could help with new diagnostic tests urgently needed to help eradicate COVID-19. His team are partnering with the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University to help develop the sensor platform as a non-invasive COVID test.
“The Wyss Institute have developed a clever antifouling coating that can be incorporated into the biosensor platform, offering a new diagnostic tool for COVID-19 that can be printed onto plastic strips at massive scale,” Professor Dastoor said.
How it’s made
Professor Dastoor and his team have already developed a small-scale ‘factory on campus’ at the University’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), including ink synthesis, custom printing and equipment fabrication.
“We’ve built a commercial-scale facility in our lab, however, this is a shared resource used to advance some of our other technologies including our printed solar panels (pictured below), which there is also huge demand for. A dedicated manufacturing facility for biosensors in the Hunter will enable us to dramatically ramp up production of the saliva biosensor to meet global demand,” Professor Dastoor said.
The ‘factory on campus’, which is supported by the Australian National Fabrication Facilities (ANFF) Materials Node, is at the cutting edge of an emerging industry known as ‘functional printing’, where instead of producing text and images, printers are producing printed electronic or ‘functional’ devices.
The reel-to-reel printer in Professor Dastoor’s lab previously printed wine labels.
With functional printing, Professor Dastoor’s team marry the old and the new, using conventional printers combined with proprietary electronic inks, to achieve low-cost production of advanced materials.
“What we’ve been able to do for the first time is combine printed electronics with biological sensing. That means we’re able to detect molecules like glucose, using sensors we can print hundreds of millions of, using really low-cost printing equipment,” Professor Dastoor said.
Professor Dastoor said functional printing could help reignite the shrinking traditional print manufacturing sector.
“Disruption in the traditional print industry has left a great deal of useful equipment stranded. Functional printing of electronic devices such as the saliva glucose biosensor is an opportunity to recommission this idle equipment, resuscitating onshore manufacturing industries and creating jobs for skilled workers,” Professor Dastoor said.
NASDAQ listing
Initially licensed in 2016 to commercial research partner, The iQ Group Global – a life sciences company developing non-invasive, real-time diagnostic testing for patients, the saliva glucose biosensor was listed on the NASDAQ on Christmas Eve in 2020 under GBS Inc. It raised US$21.6 million (AU$27.4 million) at its Initial Public Offering (IPO).
It’s the first University of Newcastle innovation to appear on an international stock exchange and has been on a rapid commercialisation trajectory ever since.
“To see the biosensor on shelves, changing lives will be immensely satisfying, it’s why we do the work we do,” Professor Dastoor said.
Muhammad “Bilal” Khan, aged 40 and father of two, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court tp plead guilty to indecent assault and three counts of sexual touching women.
His lawyer, Amelia Beech, said he had been terminated from his high paying job as a financial services employee after media reporting on his sex crimes.
According to news.com, his lawyer said the “breadwinner” was feeling “enormous stress and distress” after he was given the sack and the charges had a “huge impact on him”.
Khan was a senior employee at AB Phillips where he earned $120,000 a year, the court heard.
Image source: Victoria Police.
Khan, a serial public masturbator, ejaculated on women at music festivals and on public transport.
A police statement of facts reads that he left his DNA behind when he masturbated onto three women from behind in three separate incidents over four years.
On 8 February 2015, a woman at the St Kilda Festival felt something warm on her back and turned around to see Khan buttoning up his pants. She felt something wet and realised he had ejaculated onto her top and jeans.
On 8 February 2017, another woman was catching a tram from Flinders Street to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in the CBD when Khan touched her leg and ejaculated onto her dress.
On 4 March 2018, Khan again ejaculated onto a woman, this time at the Brunswick Festival.
On 18 October 2019, Khan was caught on CCTV approaching a woman from behind at the bar of the Carlton Club and grabbing her buttocks, dragging a finger up her legs.
Khan’s lawyer told the court that her client moved to Australia from Pakistan in 2009. She added that Khan found it “overwhelming” and had anxiety over women in Melbourne.
Magistrate Hartnett said she intends to sentence Khan to a community corrections order with the condition he undertakes an offence-specific treatment program. She added that Khan needed treatment for his own benefit and for the benefit of the community.
A 53-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man received jail sentences today after being convicted of keeping a woman in forced labour at their Mount Waverley home for nearly nine years.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) began investigating the matter in September 2015 after receiving a referral from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (now the Australian Border Force), regarding a woman from India who travelled to Australia on a Tourist visa.
The AFP Human Trafficking Team commenced an investigation, which resulted in slavery charges being laid in June 2016
A comprehensive nine-month investigation by the AFP resulted in the 53-year-old woman and 57-year-old man being charged in June 2016 with possessing a slave, contrary to s270.3(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth) and exercises over a slave any right of ownership, contrary to s270.3(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth)
On Friday, 23 April 2021, a jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges. Today, 21 July 2021, the 53-year-old woman was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, with parole eligibility in four years.
The 57-year-old man was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, with parole eligibility in three years.
The court heard the couple kept the Indian woman in squalid conditions where she was forced to cook, clean, and care for the couple’s children over an eight-year period before she collapsed and was taken to hospital, weighing just 40 kilograms.
AFP Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling said the offending was hidden in plain sight.
“The AFP is appealing to any victims, potential witnesses, or communities impacted by human trafficking to know there are pathways to support,”
D/Supt Crossling said.
“We want the public to be aware that human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices are happening here in Australia, all too often without anyone in the community know about it.
“Our hope is for every case we investigate, it helps others experiencing similar conditions to speak up and seek our help.
“It is up to all of us to work together to protect people who are vulnerable to the exploitative crimes of modern slavery.”
The Support for Trafficked People Program is a key component of Australia’s response to support victims of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, and is delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross.
If you or someone you know is being exploited, help is available. For information and confidential advice please contact Australian Red Cross. Call (03) 9345 1800 or visit redcross.org.au/stpp.
Australia’s higher education workforce has literally been decimated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mass forced redundancies and non-renewal of casual contracts were highly stressful. And now some disciplines and academics who committed their lives to teach feel publicly invalidated as unnecessary in the reconstruction of the sector to produce what the government deems to be “job-ready graduates”.
Our recent review finds academics in Australia and New Zealand were suffering high levels of occupational stress well before COVID-19. Recent upheavals only added to existing problems. This is likely to jeopardise recruitment and retention of staff even in the very areas, such as health, teaching and medicine, where the government expects high future demand.
Our research team members are now turning their attention to the impacts of anonymous student feedback on academics’ well-being. Preliminary findings suggest it’s having extreme impacts on the mental health of some of the workforces that remain, especially early career academics. We are also investigating their perceptions of the impacts of this feedback on teaching quality and academic standards.
What are the main sources of stress?
The review of university teaching staff over the past 20 years found five key factors that contributed to stress and distress:
Representative picture of University Teachers; Picture Source: @CANVA
the role transition from professional to academic practice in applied disciplines — for example, a shift-working nurse moving from a hospital setting to teaching in a university
role differences for academics compared to other university staff such as administrative and IT staff as most academics have to work after hours and on weekends to manage their workload and meet performance indicators for research and teaching (including student feedback scores)
Representative picture of University Teachers; Picture Source: @CANVA
Academics are facing tighter managerial control and greater surveillance. Every facet of their role is subject to oversight and regulation.
The great changes in technology have contributed to this situation. While technology may enable and enhance the educational experience online, it’s also increasingly used to monitor and manage performance.
Universities that have embraced performance management, reduced the professional autonomy of teaching staff and demanded increased productivity have the lowest rates of job satisfaction. Australian academics’ satisfaction with their jobs and their institutions’ management is very low compared to other countries.
Representative picture of University Teachers; Picture Source: @CANVA
What about the students?
Ultimately, overworking and micro-managing teaching staff may lead to burnout and reduced enthusiasm for teaching. Additionally, an overemphasis on student retention and happiness may contribute to an erosion of academic standards.
This means many academics must struggle to balance keeping students happy, ensuring they succeed, while trying to maintain professional and academic standards. Many must also find the time to produce “quality” research outputs in an increasingly competitive environment.
So far, several hundred academics have completed our research team’s voluntary survey. The majority report receiving comments that were distressing, offensive or disrespectful. Even though these student comments are personally hurtful, many report that such comments are not redacted before being distributed, sometimes widely, within the university.
Representative picture of University Teachers; Picture Source: @CANVA
Universities appear to neglect the impacts of this feedback on academic well-being and reputation. One respondent wrote:
“I have watched colleagues go through a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of sorts when evaluation swings around. They have a physiological response: sweaty palms and rapid heart rate.”
It remains to be seen how extensive this experience is and how the problem can be managed so an experienced, qualified and enthusiastic workforce is maintained.
Representative picture of University Teachers; Picture Source: @CANVA
If you are an Australian health academic who would like to be involved in this research on the influence of anonymous narrative student feedback, please consider completing this ten-minute survey.
Deepak Chahar's heroics guide India to thrilling win; Picture Source: Twitter @BCCI
Deepak Chahar played one of the most memorable knocks to steer India to a thrilling win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI here at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.
Chahar (69*) smashed a gusty fifty and stitched an unbeaten 84-run stand with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (19*) to take India home after the visitors were reduced to 193/7 in the second ODI.
India was down and almost out in their chase but Chahar made sure India get home in the final over. India needed 16 runs to win in the last three overs and the duo ensured the visitors do not lose any wickets and then guided the Shikhar Dhawan-led side to win with five balls to spare. With this victory, India has taken an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Chasing 276, India got off to flying start but were soon put on the back foot as opener Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan departed in quick successions to reduce visitors at 39/2.
Skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Manish Pandey stitched a 26-run stand but Wanindu Hasaranga trapped the opening batsman in front of the stumps in the 12th over.
India breath on short partnerships as Suryakumar Yadav gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. However, the right-handed batsman departed after scoring his half-century as India got reduced to 160/6.
After losing Hardik and Krunal Pandya India were in a spot of bother before Deepak Chahar revived the visitors’ innings.
Chahar slammed a magnificent fifty and took India close to the target along with vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Chahar and Bhuvneshwar then did the honours as India sealed the series 2-0 with one match to go.
Earlier opting to bat first, Charith Asalanka (65) and Chamika Karunaratne (44*) played fighting knocks as Sri Lanka scored 275/9 in the allotted 50 overs.
Sri Lanka was in a spot of bother at 194/6 before Asalanka’s gutsy fifty and Karunaratne’s late cameo took the hosts over the 250-run mark. For India, Deepak Chahar backed Chahal and Bhuvneshwar as he scalped two wickets.
Sri Lanka began well as they scored 59 in the first 10 overs. Openers Minod Bhanuka (36) and Avishka Fernando (50) got Sri Lanka off to a solid start.
However, twin strikes from Yuzvendra Chahal in the 14th over put the hosts on the backfoot. Chahal got the wickets of opener Bhanuka and Bhanuka Rajapakasa in back-to-back deliveries to put India in the driver’s seat.
Fernando steadied the innings as the hosts went past the hundred-run mark, but Bhuvneshwar sent him back as soon as the batsman completed his fifty.
Two overs later Deepak Chahar struck for India as Dhananjaya de Silva failed to convert his good start into a big score as Sri Lanka got reduced to 134/4. Every time Sri Lanka steadied the ship a wicket fell as Chahar and Chahal kept the length tight.
Deepak Chahar’s heroics guide India to thrilling win; Picture Source: Twitter @BCCI
Sri Lanka was on 194/6 in the 40th over when Charith Asalanka revived the hosts’ innings. Asalanka’s fighting fifty kept Sri Lanka ticking the scoreboard as the hosts reached 244 before he got out.
In the last two overs, Sri Lanka scored 23 runs to reach 275 despite losing two wickets in the final six balls.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 275/9 (Charith Asalanka 65; Yuzvendra Chahal 3-50) vs India 277/7 (Suryakumar Yadav 53, Deepak Chahar 69*; Wanindu Hasaranga 3-37)
City of Melbourne, Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA
A study of the 75 cities about working digitally (work from home) has put Melbourne on top.
However, Melbourne is not the only Australian city in the top ten. Dubai beat Sydney to be on number two and Tallinn in Estonia follows it on number four.
Multiple lockdowns and restrictions suggest that remote working is to rise despite travel curbs ease with the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic over.
Working from home is not new to a lot of sectors including Information technology and Banking, however, Covid-19 restrictions have certainly forced many more people to work from home, which has raised questions around the location-centric approach to working.
City of Sydney, Australia; Picture Source: @CANVA
A lot of so-called ‘digital nomads’ are choosing great locations in the far-flung suburbs of Melbourne and Sydney due to their low cost of living and lifestyle opportunities.
As soon as the vaccination process will speed up globally international travel will slowly but surely start opening back. It will be an opportunity for these global ‘digital nomads’ to choose the best city which is best equipped for remote working.
City of Dubai; Picture Source: @CANVA
According to a new study done by Nestpick.com, a Berlin-based furnished housing platform Melbourne is the best city in the world for ‘Digital Nomads.’
The study assessed 75 of the world’s “most liveable” cities for their suitability when it comes to remote work, taking into account 16 factors under the group headings “costs and infrastructure”, “legislation and freedoms” and “liveability”.
Survey website says, “We decided to investigate which cities are not only the most attractive and welcoming to foreigners but also have the infrastructure and legislation in place to make it easy for remote employees [domestic and/or foreign] to live and work there.”
Melbourne, known for its cafes, ranked No 1 overall despite coming in the top three for just two individual factors (“gender quality” and “culture and leisure”).
Tallinn, in Estonia; Picture Source: @CANVA
Dubai, Sydney, also in Australia, and Tallinn, in Estonia, placed second, third and fourth in the study, and also benefit from visa conditions that allow foreigners to work remotely without additional permits.
However, of the 75 cities ranked in the “Work-from-Anywhere Index”, only 10 are covered by specific digital nomad visas (including Australia’s working holiday visas) –
Omer Kucukdere, founder and CEO of Nestpick says, “High earners are leaving business-focused cities to live in places that offer better day-to-day lifestyles, taking their purchasing power with them.”
“What we’ve seen through our study is that technology and employers have moved faster than infrastructure, with many legal barriers still in place for migrants who want to bring their job with them.”
City of Londn; Picture Source: @CANVA
Post-pandemic, governments who move quickly to offer digital-nomad-friendly visas may receive early-mover benefits.
“We will see more cities adapting to these new working conditions, and benefiting from the economic boost that these workers inject into their economies,” said Kucukdere.
SA Premier Steven Marshall and Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Due to the current level of community transmission of coronavirus in Victoria, the current lockdown is extended for seven more days till 11:59 pm July 27, 2021.
Travel to Victoria using Red Zone Permits is also temporarily paused, which will potentially lock out hundreds of Victorians wanting to return from interstate.
“It is to ensure we run this Delta outbreak to the ground.”
said Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews.
“We cannot put Victoria’s hard-earned gains at risk by letting this Delta variant run free. We want Victoria back open as soon as possible – and we’ll do everything in our power to get us there safely and quickly,” stressed Premier Andrews.
This means that current settings will continue for the next seven days until Tuesday, 27 July at 11.59 pm.
There are only five reasons to leave home:
1- Getting the food and the supplies you need, 2- Exercising for up to two hours, 3- Care or caregiving, 4- Work or education if you can’t do it from home, 5- To get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
Victoria’s total number of active cases stands at 85.
Highlights:
More than 15,000 primary close contacts in quarantine
More than 250 exposure sites online stretching from Phillip Island to the Mallee; and
Daily cases in double figures.
Shopping and exercise must be done within 5kms of your home or the nearest location.
It also means face masks will remain mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces and secondary schools.
Minor changes are made to the Authorised Premises and Authorised Worker List to include services that operate solely outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained at all times, pet grooming mobile services and pamphlet delivery services.
From Wednesday 21 July more students with disabilities will be able to return to on-site learning. Where a parent or carer indicates that a student with a disability cannot learn from home due to vulnerability or family stress, the school must provide on-site learning for that student. This change will apply to students enrolled in specialist schools and students with a disability enrolled in mainstream schools.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said, “We’ve had thousands of Victorians return from New South Wales in recent weeks, but with the situation escalating, the recent incursions and the increased infectiousness of the Delta variant, we must act to protect Victoria and temporarily pause Red Zone Permits.”
He claims, since the beginning of the second wave in Sydney, the Victorian Government has supported around 10,000 Victorians to return home from orange and red zone areas and health authorities have provided clear warnings that Victorians in NSW should get home as quickly as possible because of the escalating situation there.
“Due to the serious and persistent nature of the risk in NSW, we cannot continue to have hundreds of people coming to Victoria from the red zone every day.”
For this reason, the Chief Health Officer will temporarily pause the issuing of Red Zone Permits from 11:59 pm on Tuesday 20 July – pending a further review in a fortnight.
For at least the next two weeks, Victorian residents in red zones will require an exemption to enter the state – and these will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
If people enter Victoria from New South Wales without an exemption, they will be put on a return flight or placed in 14 days mandatory quarantine under the COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria (CQV) program.
Fines of $5,452 may be imposed if a person is found to have entered Victoria from a red zone without a permit.
A person will still be able to enter Victoria from a red zone if they are aircrew, listed on the Specified Worker List, or transiting through Victoria to another jurisdiction – e.g. travelling from regional NSW through Mildura to get home to South Australia.
The CHO will continue to consider the status of the Australian Capital Territory, but the pause of Red Zone Permits also applies to that jurisdiction while it is classified as a red zone.
There are no changes to the current arrangements for border communities.
South Australia Update
20 July 2021
An announcement has been made regarding changes to public activity restrictions. Level 5 restrictions will be in place from 6:00 pm in the whole of South Australia.
South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall told, “The lockdown will be for seven days due to confirmation that the outbreak is the highly transmissible Delta strain.”
“This is a highly infectious strain and that is why we are taking these extreme precautions.”
From 6 pm, there are just five reasons South Australians can leave their home:
Care and compassion reasons
Essential work
Medical reasons including vaccination and testing
Purchase of essential goods, such as a food
Exercise limited to those from the same household
Level four restrictions were brought back into effect at midnight after three new cases were detected in the community yesterday. One of the positive cases is the daughter of an 81-year-old man who returned from Argentina and also tested positive. The other two include a man and woman in their 50s.
Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said the new case linked to the Greek on Halifax restaurant is concerning authorities as more people could have been infected at that venue.”I want to get the message out if anyone has been to the Greek on Halifax – you need to get into quarantine and get tested,” Professor Spurrier said.
“If we have more and more people continuing to move, this virus will spread – we’ve seen how quickly things can get out of control in NSW and Victoria.”
From 20 July 2021 masks are required in enclosed public places where people are present with people from different households. This includes shared indoor public places (eg. shops), passenger transport services, health care services, high-risk settings.
Nepal parliament, newly-appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba; Picture Source: Twitter
With a 66 per cent majority in the Nepal parliament, newly-appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will now lead the country’s government till the next general elections.
Deuba, who garnered a total of 165 votes out of 249 votes cast on Sunday during a vote of confidence in Nepal’s Parliament late evening, would now remain the prime minister until the next general elections which are expected to be held in 2022.
“Members of the house, the total number of present members of the house during the voting was 249. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who tabled a motion of confidence as per Article 76 (6) of the Constitution of Nepal to show floor is on his support, garnered a total of 165 votes. A total of 83 votes has been cast against the motion and one vote has gone to neutral,”
House Speaker Agni Sapkota announced.
With a clear majority, Mr Deuba will be chairing as Prime Minister until the next general elections, which as per Nepal’s latest Constitution of 2015 should be held at an interval of every five years.
Mr Deuba, who also is president of the ruling Nepali Congress, had been appointed as prime minister as per Article 76(5) of the constitution on Tuesday, following Supreme Court’s mandamus.
A simple majority of 138 votes was required for Deuba to continue as Prime Minister out of 271 member House of Representatives.
Lawmakers belonging to CPN (Maoist Center), Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) factions led by both Upendra Yadav and Mahantha Thakur, Rastriya Janamorcha Party and a section of lawmakers of CPN-UML had voted in favour of Deuba during the floor test.
Earlier, the apex court in its verdict ordered President Bidya Devi Bhandari to appoint Deuba as the successor of KP Sharma Oli, former Nepal PM.
Congratulations Prime Minister @DeubaSherbdr and best wishes for a successful tenure. I look forward to working with you to further enhance our unique partnership in all sectors, and strengthen our deep-rooted people-to-people ties.
A total of 146 members of the House of Representatives (HoR) had reached out to apex court with a writ petition to demand the restoration of the house and appoint Sher Bahadur Deuba, as the next prime minister on May 24.
This was after the Nepal President had refused to allow Deuba to form a new government as per Article 76 (5) and dissolution of the House.
With Oli failing to secure the vote of confidence on May 10, Bhandari on May 13 had appointed Oli as prime minister under Article 76 (3) of the constitution as the leader of the party with the highest number of members in the House.
A week after his appointment, Oli on May 20 in a sudden move recommended that the President invoked Article 76 (5) to choose a new prime minister.
Thank you very much, Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji, for your congratulatory note. I look forward to closely working with you to strengthen the relationship between our two countries and people. https://t.co/rJIElX1ytY
It is the President who initiates Article 76 (5) when a prime minister appointed under Article 76 (3) fails the trust vote.
Mr Oli, however, neither sought the trust vote nor resigned, thereby creating a situation in which a prime minister was asking the President to appoint a prime minister.
Victoria has entered a five-day lockdown to control its growing outbreak of the more infectious Delta variant.
Until midnight on Tuesdayrestrictions mean residents are only allowed to leave home for essential reasons, can only travel five kilometres away from home, and need to wear masks outside the home, among other measures.
We consider the lockdown essential and we strongly support this rapid action. However, our modelling predicts a five-day lockdown may not be enough.
Instead, we predict at least 30 days of restrictions will be needed before Victoria reaches three days without community transmission.
That’s if we take into account current and predicted case numbers, the fact we’re dealing with the more infectious Delta variant, and with current levels of vaccination.
The good news is Victoria is more likely to reach these three “donut days” sooner if vaccination rates pick up, even modestly.
We built a mathematical model based on nine COVID-19 outbreaks across four Australian states (including Victoria) since the start of the pandemic. We posted details online as a pre-print. So our model has yet to be independently verified (peer-reviewed).
Our model allows us to predict — given current case numbers, the particular variant in circulation and vaccination rates, among other variables — how long public health restrictions such as lockdowns need to last to achieve particular outcomes. Our model also allows us to predict how many cases an outbreak has at its peak.
Models are mathematical tools to predict the future, something, of course, no one can do with 100% certainty.
However, our model differs from others because it considers the difference between mystery cases and cases linked to a known case.
It also comprehensively integrates the effects of various public health measures, such as social distancing, wearing masks, contact tracing and vaccination.
What did we find about Victoria?
When we plug data about Victoria’s current outbreak into our model, this is what we find.
Our model predicts the number of daily reported cases of community transmission will continue to climb over the next week or so. Even with the current lockdown, we predict a peak of at least 30 cases a day over the next 7-14 days.
We predict the current outbreak will last for at least 30-45 days before Victoria can return to three days of zero community transmission.
Measured easing of restrictions can occur before this time, which Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews flagged might be possible for regional Victoria.
However, given the fact Delta is more transmissible than the original Wuhan version of the virus, controlling Victoria’s outbreak will inevitably be more difficult and take longer than dealing with an earlier outbreak of similar size.
New South Wales knows too well how hard it is to get a Delta outbreak under control, something our model predicted.
Back to Victoria, our model supports a hard lockdown that minimises the chance of ongoing transmission.
Strict lockdown (80% reduction in social activities) and mandatory mask use in public spaces and workplaces (90% coverage) — equivalent to what’s expected in Victoria’s current lockdown — have been effective in previous outbreaks in Victoria and other states.
However, we predict the same approaches may only have a 50:50 chance to contain the current Delta outbreak in Victoria.
This means the Delta variant is likely to linger, bouncing at a level of a dozen cases for weeks. This means public health authorities will find it hard to decide how and when to lift restrictions.
Our model suggests even modest rises in the vaccination coverage in Victoria, by an additional 5% for example, would dramatically increase the chance of controlling the outbreak from 50% to over 80%. If an extra 10% were vaccinated the chance of controlling the outbreak is 94%.
This is because the evidence is mounting vaccinated people are less likely to transmit the virus to others. That’s in addition to the vaccines’ well-known benefits in reducing your chance of severe disease.
So getting as many Victorians vaccinated as quickly as possible is critical.
What do we make of all this?
Our study conveys a simple message. The battle against the Delta variant in the latest outbreak in Victoria will likely be tough but going early has given us the best chance.
This lockdown will not be as effective as earlier ones in Victoria and coming out of this will need to be carefully managed.
So keeping to the health advice, and vaccinating more Victorians as soon as possible even over the next few weeks, are key to handling this outbreak.
Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Victoria’s lockdown will be most certainly extended after the state recorded 12 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases today (Monday), However, all the cases are linked to the current outbreak.
Premier Daniel Andrews told themedia, “These restrictions simply cannot end at midnight tomorrow night. That would not be the responsible thing to do.”
As per the announcement made by the Premier on Thursday evening, Victoria’s lockdown was supposed to end on midnight Tuesday. Due to a large number of close contests of COVID positive cases still to be tested Mr Andrews is not confirming how long the current lockdown will last.
“For as long as it need to … not a moment longer,”
” Premier Daniel Andrews added.
The Victorian health department confirmed it recorded 13 new local infections in the 24 hours to Monday morning, among these numbers is one case from the regional Victorian town of Mildura which is of great concern to authorities.
It is also advised by health authorities that all the new locally acquired cases are linked to the current outbreaks and of Delta variant.
Victoria’s total number of active cases is now 81. There are currently 15,800 primary close contacts in quarantine or isolation.
Premier Daniel Andrews again stressed that the Delta variant of COVID19 is a “great challenge” and his decision to take Victorians to snap lockdown was correct.
“If we had stayed open, we would be just like Sydney … with hundreds and hundreds of cases,” he summarised.
Australian shares ended higher last week to log their best week in six. Investors looked past lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney as mining and healthcare rallied strongly.
The Australian healthcare sector, which makes a bulk of its earnings in US Dollars, was the top gainer on the index as the US dollar gained against the Australian dollar.
Major mining stocks also rallied higher with BHP reaching a new all-time high as iron ore prices ticked higher and as brokerages expect the iron miners to gain from increased iron ore shipments and higher prices.
The news, however, was not all rosy with the Australian state of Victoria ordered into lockdown from Friday 16 July following a spike in Covid19 cases, joining Sydney as they battle an outbreak of highly infectious Delta variant.
Market Mantra representative picture via @CANVA
A worldwide surge in fast-spreading Delta variant also revived fears across the World markets that the global health crisis is far from over and resulted in US markets going into a nosedive. Mounting infections of Coronavirus globally and persistent inflation fears in the USA have renewed investors’ worries and should reflect in Australian markets as they enter into next week.
The bullish investor sentiment also dipped last week to its lowest level since October 2020, signalling a rise in bearish sentiment with investors concerned about inflation, low growth, low bond yields and revived global health crisis fears.
To put it in perspective there have already been more COVID related deaths in just six months of 2021 than the entire 2020 globally. In addition, last week saw a 12% increase in coronavirus cases worldwide with the Delta variant now being the dominant variant and responsible for a worldwide surge in cases.
Gold prices fell on Friday as a strong US dollar weighed in, however, ended the week higher for a fourth week in a row.
A stronger US dollar and perkier yields on Government treasury bonds are beginning to undercut some buying appetite for the yellow metal. Higher strong US treasury yields will likely be a catalyst in a dip in gold prices next week. However, the good news is that gold’s fundamental and technical setups are both much more bullish now. As such we have now switched our opinion from selling into rallies to buy into any dips below USD 1800.
Market Mantra representative picture via @CANVA
Having said that, as investors begin to fret about the spread of the COVID19 Delta variant and the fitful reopening of the global economy, as well as concerns US markets are topping out, it may impact gold bugs negatively.
Oil prices ended the week lower as investor sentiment was sapped by expectations of increased supplies and concerns that arise in global coronavirus cases, leading to more lockdown restrictions and depressing demands.
OPEC nations on Thursday said that it expected world oil demand to go up next year to be around levels seen before the pandemic, led by demands in the US, China and India. However, the rise of the highly infectious Delta variant raised concerns about triggering new lockdowns that would likely reduce recent bullish oil demands. Britain reported its highest number of new COVID19 cases in more than six months on Friday and in the USA, Los Angeles County reimposed its mask mandate over the past weekend. Both this news have added to concerns that the pandemic is far from over and there may be more lockdowns to come, thus impacting oil demand.
Market Mantra representative picture via @CANVA
The Australian dollar continued to decline against the US dollar and continues to look very threatened. With no reprieve from COVID cases in NSW and Victoria joining the lockdown the Australian dollar looks like will probably break down again.
The 50 days EMA for the Australian dollar is also moving towards the 200 days EMA to form the death cross which long term traders pay close attention to. As Australia continues to lock areas of the country down and with lockdown set to extend next week, this can be no good news for the economy.
As such a break below the 0.7400 level may see the Australian dollar much quicker again towards the USD0.70 mark as it will be a break of significant support.
Indians in Australia planning to send money home can expect exchange rates Australian Dollar against the Indian Rupee continues to trade between a tight range of 55.20 and 55.60. The expectation is that an increase in high imported commodity prices may weaken the Indian currency, however, an intervention from the Central Bank in India and lockdown in Australia will limit any rise in Australian currency.
Market Mantra representative picture via @CANVA
In the world of Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin lost close to 10% in value against the US dollar. While the support around USD 30,000 remained intact a bear crosses between the 50/200 moving averages and 100/200 moving averages signal bears taking strong control.
A break below USD 30,000 is expected to result in a drop to the Fibonacci level of 61.8% from its peak at $27,169 followed by a retracement to a viable target of Fibonacci 76.4% at USD 18,256.
China’s crackdown on Bitcoin have also resulted in very low trading volume in cryptocurrencies and there does not seem to be enough fiat currency to boost the crypto market in the near short term.
Market Mantra representative picture via @CANVA
In agricultural products, corn futures recorded their biggest weekly climb in 10 years as prices extended after a US government report showed lower than expected plantings and dry weather shrinking world supplies. Wheat and soybean also rallied to end the week higher for the first time in four weeks.
This week the traders will be keeping a close eye on weather forecasts for direction. The dry season has raised concerns in regards to food supplies globally. There are a couple of rain events likely next week which may help the farmers globally however the weather forecast is offering no comfort that the rain will arrest a drop in yield in dry farmlands.
As such the traders shall be closely watching the amount of rain from these rain events.
Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone interested in starting on their trading journey on how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.
Disclaimer:
The writers’ opinions in the above article are their own and do not constitute any financial advice whatsoever. Nothing published by The Australia Today constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content publication be relied upon for any investment activities.
We strongly recommend that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.
Rejith Kumar from Thrissur, Kerala in India is a Spiritualist, Healer; Picture: Supplied
Rejith Kumar from Thrissur, Kerala in India is a Spiritualist, Healer, Geomancer, and a Mystic traveller who apart from spiritually healing people, has the ability to balance energies of homes and work-areas both directly as well as remotely.
He has benefited many people worldwide with his abilities which he received as blessings from his spiritual guides who have guided him to serve humanity in this way. In the course of his spiritual quest, he has been guided to visit many energy points which are related to the lost continent of Lemuria or Kumari Kandam.
The words “Kumari Kandam” first appear in Kandha Puranam, the Tamil version of Skanda Purana written by Sri. Kachiappa Sivachariar of Kumara Kottam, Kanchipuram. The ‘Andakosam Padalam’ (Andakosam Section) of KandhaPuranam describes the following cosmological model of the Universe:
There are many worlds, each having several continents, which in turn, have several kingdoms. The ruler of one such kingdom, King Bharata (Bharathan in Tamil) had eight sons and one daughter. He divided his kingdom into nine parts, and the Kingdom ruled by his daughter Kumari came to be known as Kumari Kandam after her. Kumari Kandam is described here as ‘The Kingdom of Earth’.
The commentary was written by Saint Nakkīrar for the Tamil literary work Iraiyanar Akapporul further gives information about the three Tamil Sangams which existed during the Kumari Kandam period. These assemblies consisted of Tamil scholars and poets who researched the Tamil language and created many literary works. They considered Kumari Kandam to be the cradle of the Tamil civilization.
Rejith Kumar says he was intuitively guided to visit many energy points in various countries through visions. These would give him the necessary clues as to the identity of the location. Some of which include – Russia, China, Thailand, the Mac Ritchie Reservoir (Singapore), Blue Mountains and Lion Island (Australia), Dragon Hill and Silbury Hills (U.K.), Plaine de Sables and Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion Island), Khamrin Khiid Monastery (Mongolia), Fushimi Inari Temple (Japan), Kathirkamam (Sri Lanka), Tiger Nest (Bhutan), Pura Besakih Temple (Bali), Aivar Malai, Anjaneyar Malai, Kannivadi Hills, Poombarai, and Ujjain (India).
Rejith Kumar claims that he was divinely guided to receive specific energies such as the Panchabootha Energy, Sapta Rishi Mandalam or (Big Dipper) Energy, Pleiades or (Karthika) Constellation Star Energy, Swastika Energy, and Mother Tao Energy from the various energy points to facilitate in his performing future duties.
Rejith Kumar shared some of the interesting revelations he had received during his visit to the energy points. They include:
The Mac Ritchie Reservoir (Singapore) – He says that this is a sacred energy point that existed during the Kumari Kandam period and possesses Lord Shiva’s energy i.e. the Divine Masculine or ‘Yang’ energy is represented here as the Formless energy of the Universe -. The Pancha Bhootha Energies i.e. the power of all the 5 elements – Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Sky are present here). The Divine Feminine Energy or the ‘Yin’ Energy is represented here as Divine Mother Tao in Her manifested form. The two powerful energies connect at the Mac Ritchie Reservoir and the Swastika Energies can be found at their center point. It was revealed to him that ‘Swastika Energy’ had been used by the Kumari Kandam ancients for time travel. Lord Nandikeshvar is the guardian of this sacred place and if one were to pray to him and then visit and meditate they would receive sufficient blessings that would enable them to advance in both material as well as spiritual aspects.
The Silbury Hill in the U.K. has a Muruga Yantra. This was placed there by Sage Agasthiyar.
Dragon Hill in the U.K. is considered to be a gateway to the other worlds
Lion Island at New South Wales, Australia, holds information regarding Kumari Kandam and Mars
The sand present in Kathirkamam (Sri Lanka) is not from Earth but outer space.
The Karthika or Pleiadian energy is present especially in Blue Mountains, Australia.
Anjaneyar Malai near Pazhani in India is said to possess abundant Karthika or Pleiadian energy.
According to Rejith Kumar, the Pleiadian or Karthigai energies have been flowing in full abundance on Earth since the year 2013 and this being a preparation for the shift in energy consciousness on Earth. He further shares that the Earth has an astral or energy body and changes have to be first made to it before it can manifest positive changes at a physical level and it was for this reason he was directed to go to specific energy points.
He concludes by sharing his spiritual journey is closely related to the sacred place Pazhani in India and reveals that it was Lord Muruga who directed him in his travel to the energy points and revealed their spiritual significance.
In 2017, he was guided by Lord Muruga to start a spiritual mission called the ‘Lion Mayura Royal Kingdom’ (LMRK) which would serve as a global platform to carry out future duties.
Rejith Kumar is blessed by Lord Muruga that the souls who carry the Kartika or Pleiadian Energy would automatically be drawn to the mission to help effect positive changes in the world under His divine direction. It is significant to note that 1500 members from 15 countries have voluntarily come together for this sacred cause.
To know more about the LMRK Mission, you can visit their website – www.lionmayura.org.
Author: – Mrs Sowmya Nikhil
Disclaimer: The views expressed are of the authors own and not of The Australia Today or her employer.
Supermarkets in States and Territories subject to COVID-19 lockdowns will be able to employ international students in excess of the 40 hours per fortnight cap to deal with the worker shortage.
This will help struggling businesses with staff shortages to remain open to provide their essential services to the community.
Temporary measures will allow international students to work uncapped hours per fortnight in all New South Wales and Victorian supermarkets and associated distribution facilities for the duration of their respective lockdown periods.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said, “These temporary arrangements would help supermarkets meet the high customer demand for critical goods during lockdowns.”
“Supermarket workers have been unsung heroes of the pandemic. They stepped up to ensure Australians have access to essential items, and they have kept doing so during the pandemic’s darkest days,”
Minister Hawke said.
“This temporary measure ensures that supermarkets can continue to provide their critical services to the community and it provides essential workers themselves with added income flexibility during lockdowns,” he said.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke
This decision follows a request for urgent relief by the supermarket sector, as many staff are subject to self-isolation orders.
Why did a lot of Hollywood movies represent the Pacific as an exotic place, the Middle east as of political unrest, Asia/Africa and especially India as primitive nations?
These notions are constructed by western movie makers for a large world population to make their opinion. A popular poem of Rudyard Kipling stated “East is East and West is West, and never shall the twain meet’ in The Ballad of East and West (1869).
Although East and West may not meet, however, West has dominated over East. The superiority of the ‘West over ‘East’ as a part of orientalism is noticed in many movies, literature, public opinion, foreign and government policies, academia and in the mind of scholars. Every Pacific Islander needs to comprehend the concept of Orientalism and its ramifications in the colonial and post-colonial world.
Here we attempt to explain the seminal work of Edward W. Said (1935-2003) Orientalism (1978) that explained these binary constructions.
He examines the connection between East and West, particularly how the Western supremacy in academics, academic and political representation has influenced/dominate the public policy towards Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. This is done in cultural concept/representation to form Orientalist paradigm as Orientalizing the Orient.
Said defines Orientalism as an academic discipline, style of thought and a corporate institution. Said’s work is considered the founder of post-colonial intellectual discourse, as these works combat the cultural legacies of colonialism on cultures in order to find ways that shall create a space based on mutual respect.
Power and Knowledge Relationship
The European nations had distinct cultural and political interests in the Orient when they came to study it. Academically, from the 18th century onwards, the western hegemony over the Orient was constructed by various disciplines and represented; European academics showed immense interest in East and different forms of Oriental Studies. That helped to create certain western stereotypes about the Orient that coincided with a period of European imperial expansion between 1815-1914.
It is a relationship of power and knowledge influence of Western countries (the Occident) over the non-Western Countries (the Orient); or in simple terms, the model that used varied ways by Europe for knowing the colonised world and became the means to dominate them.
The West’s claim to knowledge of the East gives the West authority to identify and govern. West is considered to have created the binary division (Self/West vs Others/East) of the East and West that is the polar opposite to each other in terms of historic, cultural, social, political and intellectual.
This binary was created in colonial times and continued in the post-colonial era. Occident cannot exist without the Orient and vice versa, as they are mutually constitutive, as per Said.
He shows that how the Orient is regarded by Occident as a place of mystery and danger, that need to be controlled. The image of the Orient was created as passive while the west was active, where imperialism motivates Orientalism.
This negative image of the Orient is not true, as per Said, Orientalism dates from the period of European enlightenment and colonisation of the Arab world. The book describes the way the historical process of concentrating knowledge about the Orient into forms that can be studied and communicated, and further presented by western people.
The idea of Orientalism was created historically to suit European (especially French and British imperialist agendas), and the concept is created through the domination of Occident culture over the Orient.
In his term Orientalism is “Western style for dominating, restructuring, and having authority over the Orient” (Said, 1978), that provide the rationalization for European colonization where the West constructed the East as inferior/different that requires western interventions to rescue or civilised.
That is the white man’s burden, and it is the duty of the white man to make him civilised. Therefore, Said’s Orientalism has challenged the bias embedded in the western consciousness.
It also attempts to analyze how the philological, literary and historical writers of the 19th century understand Oriental structures. A section of the book understand modern Orientalism and locates the continuity of the practices of British and French Orientalism in the contemporary American discourses of Orient.
Orientalism Construction
The concept of Orientalism is a way to know the ‘other’ or construction of ‘other’ (someone who is not you Or the Opposite of yourself), where, “the Orient is not an inert the fact of nature, but a phenomenon constructed by generations of intellectuals, artists, commentators, writers, politicians, and more importantly, constructed by the naturalization of the wide range of Orientalist assumptions and stereotypes”.
This relationship between Occident and Orient is based on power, domination and varying degrees of a complex hegemony. Orientalism is locating Europe’s others created the issue of national distinctiveness, racial and linguistic origins, a culture where European civilization is considered supreme. Orient is considered to be western fantasy, although it was away from the truth, it remains constant over time.
Orientalism examines various cultural works that demonstrate how western authors have explored Islam as a science of observation through various methodologies in order to present it to a western audience. The Islamic beliefs filled many western cultural words that consist of Arab and Islamic stereotypes that depicted Arabs as inferior, backward, uncivilized, exotic at times dangerous immoral to Europeans.
Orient has been described as unchanging, static, free from history or primitive, irrational, where this Orient/East is considered as an object of knowledge and passive for the West or Occident that became the realm of the subject, who knows and represents. Orientalism helps to deconstruct the multiple relationships of West domination and subordination over East. It gave voice to hegemonic practices and Western cultural supremacy.
Conclusion: Holy Trinity of Post-Colonial Studies
Said’s work has been critically worked on and extended by Homi. K. Bhabha and Gayatri Spivak. Many criticised Said’s homogenous dichotomy of Orient and Occident; provides no alternative to Orientalism; ignore gender and class differences; provide the monolithic perception of this binary; ignores resistance within the West.
Post Colonial Studies have decolonised social, political and economic domains and demanded a relationship based on equality between West and East. Now, whenever readers watch their next movie flick reflecting their identity and home destination, they probably look through the prism of stereotypes and decolonise the mind to eradicate the imposition of these ideas to make their objective understanding.
Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University.
Victoria Small business; Representative picture @CANVA
The Victorian Government will provide new cash grants for businesses affected by the short lockdown necessary to get ahead of the Delta strain, so they can have a strong recovery on the other side of the public health restrictions.
Automatic payments will be made to eligible businesses and sole traders across the state to minimise delays and swiftly get money into the pockets of businesses that need it most.
Up to 90,000 businesses that have and will receive payments through theLicensed Hospitality Venue Fund and Business Costs Assistance Programrelating to the May-June lockdown will receive the Victorian Government’s new support payments of $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.
Payments are due to commence over the course of next week – with total funding of $201.8 million.
Victoria Small business; Representative picture @CANVA
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews said, “No one wanted to be here, but Victorians know we must take decisive action to drive this virus down – so we’re in this situation for days, not months.”
“People start needing support from day one – hour one – of a lockdown. We know this is tough on Victorian businesses and we’re standing with them, just as we’ve done from the very start of the pandemic.”
Eligible businesses will include restaurants, cafes bars, event suppliers, tourism and accommodation providers and non-essential retailers.
Victoria Small business; Representative picture @CANVA
The Victorian Government has also reached an agreement with the Commonwealth Government to fund income support payments from day one of the lockdown.
Workers affected by the public health restrictions are now eligible for the same payments afforded by the Commonwealth to New South Wales workers:
Payments of $600 will be made to Victorians that lose 20 hours or more of work during the period of the lockdown
Payments of $375 will be made to individuals that lose between 8-20 hours of work during the period of the lockdown
There is no liquid assets test applied to receive these payments
The Federal Government will fund payments for those Victorians who work or live in a COVID-19 Hotspot declared by the Commonwealth – that includes Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe and the Surf Coast Shire.
The Victorian Government will fund payments for Victorians who live outside of these areas but are still subject to the lockdown.
The Victorian Government’s direct economic support for businesses has topped $6 billion over the course of the pandemic, including more than $500 million through the last restrictions period with $461.2 million allocated for the Business Costs Assistance Program and Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund.
Victoria Small business; Representative picture @CANVA
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula said, “Local businesses across Victoria are the backbone of our economy. This critical support will make sure business owners can weather this new challenge and recover strongly.”
Some 90 per cent of those program allocations have been delivered to date – $413 million in grants to more than 86,000 small and medium-sized businesses and sole traders.
The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions is working with 22,000 applicants to the Business Costs Assistance Program to finalise those applications where information has been missing or further detail has been requested to confirm eligibility.
It is expected thousands of these applicants will be successful and paid by the end of next week.
The May/June support package also included the $20 million Victorian Events Support Package, $16 million for 80,000 regional travel vouchers and $4.4 million for the Alpine Support Program providing businesses in the alpine resorts with grants of up to $15,000.
US-Australia military drills; Representative picture Source: @CANVA
The US, Australia and Japan, along with eight other countries, have begun a joint exercise in Australia and nearby waters as tensions simmer in the Indo Pacific region.
The US and Australia kicked off their biennial Exercise Talisman Sabre on Wednesday. Defence forces from Japan, the UK, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand are also taking part in the drills, while India, Indonesia, Germany and France will participate as observers.
“The exercise will further strengthen our cooperation towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,”
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters Thursday.
The U.S., Japan, India and Australia have been promoting a rules-based order in the region through their Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or QUAD.
US-Australia military drills; Representative picture Source: @CANVA
Japan is sending a Ground Self-defence Force unit specialising in remote island defence and tasked with the initial response to a contingency in the Nansei Islands, which include the Japan-administered Senkakus that are claimed by China as the Dioayu.
The GSDF will participate in a landing drill with U.S. and British marines and the Royal Australian Army.
“Amphibious manoeuvres are critical to defending the Nansei Islands, which is one of Japan’s top defence priorities,” GSDF Chief of Staff Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida said.
“Bolstering our tactical skills will strengthen our defence capabilities.”
The drills come at a time when the international focus is growing in Indo Pacific. Tensions are also escalating in Taiwan Strait.
Japan’s Defence Ministry called the Taiwan situation one of its top challenges, saying it must “pay close attention” to the Taiwan Strait “with a sense of crisis more than ever before,” in a white paper this week.
US-Australia military drills; Representative picture Source: @CANVA
Meanwhile, a Chinese surveillance ship began sailing towards Australian waters ahead of the exercise, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.
“We have been monitoring its approach to Australia for several days as part of Australia’s broader surveillance effort,”
Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said of the ship.
Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.
China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system.
The Taiwan Strait is a 180-kilometre-wide strait separating the island of Taiwan and continental Asia. It is one of the most heavily policed strips of water in the world.
The strait is in international waters, however, China claims Taiwan as its own territory and regards the US Navy’s presence in the area as a show of support for the island’s democratic government.
As new COVID19 cases start emerging in Melbourne due to new exposure sites and a strain of this virus that is wildly infectious.
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has decided not to wait to act. Mr Andrews says waiting could see more people infected and the number of exposure sites explode.
On the advice of the Acting Chief Health Officer, Victoria will go into lockdown tonight.
There are only five reasons to leave home from 11:59 pm on Thursday 15 July 2021.
That means Victorians can only leave home
1- To get the food and the supplies needed
2- For exercise for up to two hours and no more than 5kms from home
3- For care or caregiving
4- Work or education if you can’t do it from home
5- To get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
These restrictions will be in place for five days, till 11;59 pm on Tuesday 20th July.
A list of authorised work and workers is available here.
Mr Andrews said, “If you were an authorised worker during the last lockdown, you’ll be an authorised worker this time around. Everyone else must work from home.”
Last night it was announced by Victorian health authorities that face masks must be worn indoors at all times (except at home) and outdoors when it’s not possible to physically distance.
However, under today’s announcement, face masks must also be worn outdoors at all times, as it is understood that wearing face masks can keep people safe and stop the spread.
“So please, follow the rules and wear a face mask at all times,” requested Mr Andrews
Covid-19 Outbreak Mask up Melbourne
Anyone who has returned from a red zone on a permit – They must follow the requirements of their permit. That means going straight home to quarantine for 14 days and only leaving to get tested.
And we must be clear. Quarantining means staying at home, Mr Andrews added.
Anyone who needs help getting the food and supplies while they need to quarantine at home – can call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
Premier Andrews says, “For our families, our businesses and our state – stay at home and keep everyone safe.”
From 11.59 pm Wednesday 14 July, face masks are mandatory indoors (not at home) for anyone aged 12 and above if you live in Victoria unless an exception applies.
This includes all workplaces and secondary schools.
Face masks must be carried at all times and must be worn indoors, by anyone aged 12 years and over.
Face masks must be worn outdoors where physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres cannot be maintained from others (except household members or intimate partners), for example, at a busy open-air market or a bus stop.
You do not need to wear a mask in your own home, or if a lawful exception applies.
There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home or the distance you can travel, but staying COVIDSafe remains important.
Stay safe by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask outside the home, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell or taste. If you have symptoms, get tested as soon as possible.
Stay at home until you receive your test result.
Anyone who tests positive to COVID-19 and their close contacts must isolate for 14 days. Stay home. Don’t go to work, school or shopping.
COVID-19 vaccination
Vaccination centres are open to people who are eligible.
To book an appointment, visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment
Stay informed:
Call the Coronavirus Hotline if you suspect you have COVID-19 on 1800 675 398.
Accessibility: The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (free call) and ask them to call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline.
Translated coronavirus (COVID-19) resources are available here.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the coronavirus hotline.
When do I need to wear a face mask?
You must wear a face mask indoors including at supermarkets, shops, cafes, on public transport, in taxis and rideshare vehicles, on planes and at the airport (unless an exception applies).
You must carry a face mask at all times.
You also must wear a face mask outdoors when you cannot maintain a 1.5-metre distance from all others (except your household members or intimate partner).
Do I need to wear a face mask if I am a permitted visitor at a private home?
Face masks are strongly recommended if you are visiting someone in their home or having visitors to your home.
If someone is attending the home for work purposes, they must wear a face mask.
Do students at schools need to wear a face mask?
Students aged 12 and over who are learning on-site at a secondary school must wear face masks indoors unless a lawful exception applies.
Children who are attending on-site primary school or outside school hours care, including children who are aged 12 or over, do not need to wear a face mask.
Primary and secondary students are not required to wear a face mask if they have an illness, condition or disability that means it would not be suitable to wear one.
You must carry a face mask at all times and wear a face mask indoors. You must also wear a face mask outdoors where you cannot maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres from all others (unless they are your household members or intimate partner).
You can remove your face mask when eating and drinking.
I work in an office. Do I have to wear a face mask at the office?
Yes. However, if you are working alone, you do not need to wear a face mask unless someone else enters the room.
Do I have to wear a mask when attending business meetings and events within office towers?
Yes. All people within offices are required to wear masks during normal operations, this includes members of the public attending business meetings and events. Both the members and the public and any workers sharing a workspace with them must wear a mask. ‘Member of the public’ means anyone who isn’t a worker at the workplace.
This Advice message is issued for Victoria, replacing the Advice message from Sunday 11 July.
From 11:59 pm Sunday 11 July, the Acting Chief Health Officer declared all of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory as red zones under Victoria’s travel permit system.
This means the Victorian border is now effectively closed to New South Wales and the ACT – except for Victorian residents returning on a red zone permit for 14 days of quarantine, and for people with exemptions or other valid permits (such as specified workers and cross-border residents).
Amnesty, the fourth novel from Booker Prize winner Aravind Adiga, has been shortlisted for Australia’s most prestigious literary prize – Miles Franklin Award 2021.
Image source: Wikipedia.
Adiga was born in Chennai, grew up in Mangalore and later the family migrated to Sydney in Australia. His debut novel, The White Tiger, won the 2008 Booker Prize and has been adapted into a Netflix original movie The White Tiger.
Image source: Wikipedia.
Announced at the State Library of NSW, six novels by Australian writers that are deemed by the judges to be of high literary merit in representing “Australian life in any of its phases”.
Image source: Perpetual.
The Copyright Agency’s CEO, Adam Suckling, said,
“The Copyright Agency is once again proud to be showcasing the vibrant voices of some of the country’s newest and most talented authors. This year’s announcement was both live and streamed online as part of our ongoing support of, and investment in, Australia’s creative writing industry. The inclusion of the online event gives greater access to those who inspire and challenge our views of Australian life while widely celebrating the authors’ dedication in bringing these stories to life.”
Image source: Twitter.
Adiga’s Amnesty is a tale about a Sri Lankan man Danny (Dhananjaya Rajaratnam), a cleaner, living in Sydney. The status of this man is of an “illegal immigrant” who risks being exposed and deported after he becomes entangled in a murder investigation of a client.
Over the course of a single day Danny must fight with his conscience and decide if a person without rights still has responsibilities. Adiga manages to combine humour, satire, tragedy and a critique of contemporary Australia.
Image source: Twitter.
Richard Neville, State Library of NSW Mitchell Librarian and Chair of the judging panel.
“In various ways each of this year’s shortlisted books investigate destructive loss: of loved ones, freedom, self and the environment. There is, of course, beauty and joy to be found, and decency and hope, largely through the embrace of community but, as the shortlist reminds us, often community is no match for more powerful forces.”
Each shortlisted author receive $5,000 and the winner gets $60,000 in prize money for the novel judged as being “of the highest literary merit” and which presents “Australian life in any of its phases.”
Victoria has recorded seven new locally acquired COVID-19 cases as health authorities race to get on top of the movements of three furniture removalists who made their way across the state.
Victorian Health authorities have confirmed another seven cases have emerged after last nights deadline, as just one case was reported until Tuesday midnight.
These new cases have stemmed from the three removalists and a Hume family who had earlier returned from NSW.
As per the ABC report, among the seven new community cases, one 30-year-old man visited a Coles supermarket in Craigieburn.
Four of the new cases are residents on the third floor of the Ariele Apartments in Maribyrnong, which has been in lockdown since Monday evening.
Among them is a man in his 60s who subsequently infected his parents, who are aged in their 80s and live in Craigieburn.
The man attended an AFL match between Carlton and Geelong on Saturday and was seated in level two of the MCC section of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Up to 2000 people have been contacted.
He also visited Highpoint shopping centre.
Besides, there is a list of all premises which have either had confirmed cases visit during their infectious period or are sites where a confirmed case may have acquired their infection.
If you have been to any of the locations below during the specified times:
Follow the specific advice listed for that exposure site
Tiers 1, 2, and 3 explained
Tier 1 exposure sites
Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure. You should also contact the Department of Health on 1300 651 160.
Tier 2 exposure sites
Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during times listed should urgently get a COVID-19 test and isolate until they receive a negative result. You should also contact the Department of Health on 1300 651 160.
Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Tier 3 exposure sites
Anyone who has visited a Tier 3 exposure site during times listed should monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, immediately get a COVID-19 test and isolate until you receive a negative result.
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Oakleigh
Vanilla Lounge17-21 Eaton MallOakleigh VIC 3166
09/07/2021 2:45pm – 4:30pm
Case attended venue
14/07/2021 12:30pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Melbourne
Young & Jackson1 Swanston StreetMelbourne VIC 3000
10/07/2021 2:40pm – 4:10pm
Case attended venue
14/07/2021 12:30pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong
The Reject Shop Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2120-200 Rosamond RoadMaribyrnong VIC 3032
09/07/2021 11:30am – 12:10pm
Case attended venue
14/07/2021 12:20pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong
SkinKandy Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 1120-200 Rosamond RoadMaribyrnong VIC 3032
09/07/2021 11:15am – 12:35pm
Case attended venue
14/07/2021 12:20pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong
Highpoint Shopping Centre North Carpark Level 1120-200 Rosamond RoadMaribyrnong VIC 3032
09/07/2021 11:10am – 11:40am
Case parked vehicle and entered via the same level
14/07/2021 12:15pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Maribyrnong
Highpoint Shopping Centre North Carpark Level 1120-200 Rosamond RoadMaribyrnong VIC 3032
09/07/2021 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Case parked vehicle and entered via same level
14/07/2021 12:15pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Maribyrnong
ALDI Maribyrnong11 Edgewater BoulevardMaribyrnong VIC 3032
09/07/2021 5:30pm – 6:10pm
Case attended venue
14/07/2021 12:05pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Richmond
Level 2 of MCC Members’ Reserve, Carlton v Geelong game Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Ave, Richmond Richmond VIC 3002
10/07/2021 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Case attended the game. Some staff and patrons present will be made Tier 1 primary close contacts and will be directly contacted by the Department of Health.
14/07/2021 11:00 am
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Richmond
MCG, Carlton v Geelong game (excluding Level 2 of MCC Members’ Reserve)Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002
10/07/2021 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Case attended game
14/07/2021 11:00 am
Tier 3 – Monitor for symptoms Anyone who has visited this location during these times should monitor for symptoms – If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.
Kalkallo
Caltex Kalkallo1340 Hume HighwayKalkallo VIC 3064
08/07/2021 9:07am – 10:06am
Case attended venue. The exposure site includes a petrol pump area and toilets.
13/07/2021 10:00pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Ballan
Mobil Ballan – Westbound6511 Western FreewayBallan VIC 3342
08/07/2021 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Case attended venue. The exposure site includes shower/bathroom facilities.
12/07/2021 10:30 pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Ballan
McDonalds Ballan – Westbound6511 Western FreewayBallan VIC 3342
08/07/2021 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Case attended venue
12/07/2021 10:30 pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong
Ariele Apartments7 Thomas Holmes StMaribyrnong VIC 3032
08/07/2021 1:00pm – 11:59pm
This applies to any person who was present in or who entered the residential part of 7 Thomas Holmes St between 1:00pm until 11:59pm on 8 July. This includes any access to the residential foyer, stairwells, lift, residential floors and carpark. This excludes people whose only exposure to the building was to enter a commercial space on the ground floor and who did not enter any residential space. Note: cases attended complex.
12/07/2021 8:30pm
Tier 1 – Get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong
Ariele Apartments7 Thomas Holmes StMaribyrnong VIC 3032
09/07/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm
This applies to any person who was present in or who entered the residential part of 7 Thomas Holmes St from 12:00am on 9 July. This includes any access to the residential foyer, stairwells, lift, residential floors and carpark. This excludes people whose only exposure to the building was to enter a commercial space on the ground floor and who did not enter any residential space.
12/07/2021 8:30pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Maribyrnong
Ariele Apartments7 Thomas Holmes StMaribyrnong VIC 3032
10/07/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm
This applies to any person who was present in or who entered the residential part of 7 Thomas Holmes St from 12:00am on 10 July. This includes any access to the residential foyer, stairwells, lift, residential floors and carpark. This excludes people whose only exposure to the building was to enter a commercial space on the ground floor and who did not enter any residential space.
12/07/2021 8:30pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. Continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested again if symptoms appear.
Maribyrnong
Ariele Apartments7 Thomas Holmes StMaribyrnong VIC 3032
11/07/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm
This applies to any person who was present in or who entered the residential part of 7 Thomas Holmes St from 12:00am on 11 July. This includes any access to the residential foyer, stairwells, lift, residential floors and carpark. This excludes people whose only exposure to the building was to enter a commercial space on the ground floor and who did not enter any residential space.
12/07/2021 8:30 pm
Tier 2 – Get tested urgently and isolate until you have a negative result
This does not mean that there is an ongoing risk associated with the premises. You can safely visit the site in line with current restrictions.
Dinesh Gourisetty Candidate for Victorian Liberal Party President; Picture Source: Facebook
Multimillionaire entrepreneur of Indian origin Dinesh Gourisetty has put his hand up to contest for Victoria’s Liberal Party’s presidential election against the high-profile incumbent.
Who is Dinesh Gourisetty
This story is no less than any Bollywood movie. Two decades ago, A young international student lands in Melbourne Airport from India knowing no one in Australia.
Coming from a farmers family in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Dinesh’s life grind started very early from his school time.
A one and a half-hour daily trip to and from his primary school made Dinesh understand education is the only thing that can help his family from hardships. As a good student, he received scholarships to study undergraduate level in Business Management. To meet his expenses Dinesh used to give tuitions to local students.
Picture Source: Facebook
However, after working for two years in India, in the year 2001, Dinesh decided to go for higher studies in Australia. He came to Melbourne to do his Masters in Information Systems from Victoria University and achieve better prospects in his work life after returning to India.
Arvind Shanghais is General Manager with a multinational IT company in Sydney and had studied with Dinesh in his college days. He told The Australia Today, “There was something different with Dinesh, his ideas were always ahead of what others used to think.”
“Dinesh always used to say I want to work for the community, not any company.”
After coming to Melbourne life was as usual as it is for any international student. He worked as a kitchen hand, cleaner, and petrol station worker while at University.
The migrant-friendly residency policies at that point in time gave wings to his plans. He became Australian Permanent Resident soon after finishing his degree.
Picture Source: Facebook
Kapil Katpelly has been Dinesh’s Flatmate and friend since both of them moved to Melbourne as international students. He says, “We used to talk and plan about starting a lot of business while travelling on bus, train and trams in those days.”
“Dinesh asked me if I would like to be business partner with him, I just said sure.”
Dinesh and Kapil ended up launching ‘Spice -Zone’ the first South Indian grocery shop in Melbourne.
For Dinesh, Melbourne was like a place where dreams come true. Within two years, one after another, He started three restaurants ‘Indi Chillies’, ‘Alankrita’ and ‘Indi Hots’ to cater for the needs of the growing South Asian community.
Picture Source: Facebook
Within few months he understood sourcing food items for Indian restaurants was an issue. He quickly decided to start a frozen food items company ‘Indi- touch’ that would source specific Indian food items from India and supply them to restaurants and retails.
Well, after food and work sorted one thing an Indian migrant can’t live without is Indian movies. Kapil and Dinesh used to buy CD’s of their favourite actors but missed watching “Telugu movies” on the big screen.
Kapil Katpelly told The Australia Today, “The idea of ‘KD Entertainment’ started over few beers.”
“We were really sick of watching movies on low-quality CD’s, and decided to start our own movie distribution business.”
“We ended up distributing more than 50 movies in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages but that business ended all the fun we had because Dinesh got married that year in 2005, and he became a family man,” laughingly says Mr Katpelly.
Picture Source: Facebook
“I think it was 2006, One day I received a call from Dinesh who asked me to gather all our friends at our restaurant in Footscray, I even asked him what happened but he just said be there at 6 pm after work.”
I didn’t know that meeting was going to change the direction of Dinesh’s life or maybe our life added Mr Katpelly.
“Dinesh told us, see as it was PM John Howard’s policies which helped us to be citizens and be part of Australian society, I am going to support Liberal Party in the election.”
“I told him, that’s not a big deal we can donate a few thousand dollars to the Liberal party fund if you want. But he had something else in his mind, he told us I need your time not money to support the election campaign.”
Kapil said, “Dinesh used to take one or two of us and sometimes used to go alone to distribute election material as Liberal Party volunteer.”
Picture Source: Facebook
Dinesh Gourisetty kept working as a volunteer for Liberal Party for the next six years before becoming a member in 2012-13.
By this time Dinesh became a very successful businessman of Indian origin in Melbourne with diverse interests in Restaurants, Petrol stations, Grocery Shops, Function Centers. And at present into business consulting services by the name DG business Consulting.
His Restaurants at Footscray, Docklands, Melbourne CBD were known for backdoor food tables for homeless people. Kapil Katpelly says, “Our belief is if possible, anyone hungry should not go without food from our doors.”
The businessman Dinesh was converting into a community worker. He became the youngest President of the Telugu Association of Australia (TAAI) in its 25 years of journey in the year 2014. He was also International Director of Wyndham Rotary for 2015-16.
Seeing his community work and leadership skills Liberal Party offered Dinesh Gourisetty to contest the 2014 Victoria state election from the Tarneit electorate in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Dinesh did make a strong impression on this safe Labor seat but lost the election.
Dinesh was also a candidate in the 2018 State elections for the number two spot in the western metropolitan region. The difficult second position on the Liberal ticket was a long shot to win.
Picture Source: Facebook
In the last seven years, he has been to different party positions as Chairmen, Vice-chair, Treasurer in Liberal Party’s Lalor, Tarneit and Altona districts branches.
Currently, Dinesh is Chair of the Western Metro Regional Electorate Conference (WMREC), a powerful Liberal party body for the western region.
Now, Mr Gourisetty has thrown his hat in the ring for the election of Liberal Party President in Victoria. The vote will be held at the Liberal’s annual state council meeting next month.
One of the high-profile leaders of Victoria’s Liberal party wrote a personal message to party members requesting to support Dinesh.
He wrote, “Dinesh Gourissety rang me this afternoon to inform me he has nominated for President. I am surprised but he is a very credible candidate and easy to vote for. You may not know him but he is the most high profile party member of Indian background.”
“He will garner a lot of support. Two Big Party leaders are now openly supporting him. Many others will follow.”
Party insiders have multiple opinions about his decision few even say it is a sign of protest vote against the targeting of people of Indian origin by the party.
Picture Source: Facebook
One of the Liberal Party members who doesn’t want to be named told The Australia Today, “I know Dinesh and seen his courage and resilience when he used to go for door-knocking in his election.”
“A lot of time people would target him by saying, go back to your country, you took our jobs and now you want to sit in parliament.”
Dogs were left on us, stones were thrown, and after threatening phone calls Dinesh had to change his mobile number, I started picking his phones just to protect him from abuse, he added.
“I think all this made him strong, perhaps stronger and focused then we can imagine.”
David Wood is a former party member in Liberal Party’s western districts. He told The Australia Today, “We all are Australians but come from different backgrounds. When it comes to Party elections, people are elected on merit and capability, and the Party has a long history of electing women, men and people of multicultural backgrounds.”
Picture Source: Facebook
“Candidates merit, qualification and ability to do the job should be the primary markers.”
“Dinesh Gourisetty has strong competition, and I wish him well,” added Mr Wood.
It will be decided within the next few weeks whether Dinesh Gourisetty can succeed against incumbent heavyweight Robert Clark. But he will definitely give a good shakeup to the internal politics of the Victorian Liberal Party.
Representative picture of post worker; Source: @CANVA
A traumatised Post worker had to take a day off work after a racist message appeared on his scanner.
The Indian-origin post worker was delivering a parcel on a street in Halswell, Christchurch. He told 1 News that the racist message just popped up on his screen when he scanned the parcel’s barcode.
This is the section where post customers normally leave delivery instructions.
The abusive racist message called for the post worker to go back to India.
Image source: NZ Post
He didn’t deliver the parcel but took a photo and reported the incident to his manager.
The post worker told 1 News:
“I’m living here in New Zealand since the last 10 years and never heard a single thing like that. I was really shocked at what happened.”
The scared post worker even had to take a day off work.
“I’m a bit worried and scared … if the customer is racist and if the customer can hate me or do something to me, where is the security [for us]?”
Representative picture of post worker; Source: @CANVA
The worker said the behaviour was not okay and he hoped the offender would not get away with it.
“Yesterday [Wednesday] was me and another day it could be anyone else. That’s why we just want to try to make a strict action against that so that wouldn’t happen in the future.”
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon told 1 News that workers’ safety must come first.
“We receive them in the service industries and schools and hospitals and the public, there’s a lot of casual racism around.”
Image source: NZ Post.
An NZ Post spokesperson said the incident was appalling.
“NZ Post does not stand for any form of racism. The safety and wellbeing of our people is paramount. This incident is abhorrent and unacceptable. We are taking this extremely seriously – the matter is currently with the police for investigation, and we are also carrying out our own investigation.”
NZ police have also confirmed to the media that they had received a report on the matter which was being assessed.
Chris Gayle in 3rd T20 against Australia; Picture Source: Twitter @ICC
A vintage knock from Chris Gayle aided with skipper Nicholas Pooran’s calm approach helped West Indies thrash Australia by six wickets in the third T20I on Tuesday morning.
With this win, West Indies secured a T20I series victory over Australia with two more games to go. A quality death bowling from West Indies had restricted Australia to 141/6 before the hosts chased down the total comfortably with 31 balls to spare.
During the run chase, Gayle also became the first player to smash 14000 runs in the shortest format of the game.
Chasing 142, West Indies got off to a bad start as Mitchell Starc struck in the first over dismissing Andre Fletcher for four runs.
Chris Gayle in 3rd T20 against Australia; Picture Source: Twitter @ICC
Lendl Simmons and Chris Gayle then stitched a 38-run stand for the second wicket before Riley Meredith removed the opener reducing West Indies to 42/2 inside the power play.
However, Gayle continued smashing the ball as he found his form to bring up his first T20I fifty since 2016. He smashed three consecutive sixes to get to his half-century.
Meredith dismissed Gayle in the 12th over but the damage was done as West Indies just needed 33 runs in eight overs. Pooran and Andre Russell in end guided the hosts to a series-clinching win over Australia in the 15th over.
Earlier opting to bat first, Australia scored just 141 runs despite a good start. Matthew Wade and skipper Aaron Finch stitched a 41-run stand for the first wicket in five overs. However, the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals as the batsmen never really looked comfortable during the innings.
West Indies in 3rd T20 against Australia; Picture Source: Twitter @ICC
Australia were 80/4 in 12 overs and Moises Henriques (33) and Ashton Turn (24) revived the visitors’ innings but failed to get to a decent total.
Brief Scores: Australia 141/6 (Moises Henriques 33, Aaron Finch 30; Hayden Walsh 2-18); West Indies 142/4 (Chris Gayle 67, Nicholas Pooran 32; Riley Meredith 3-48)
“I really just wanted to win a round, I didn’t expect this. I had a tough French Open, lost to a good player, so here I just wanted to keep my expectations low so that if I passed them, then I’d be happy. But this was way beyond my wildest dreams.”
Samir’s parents had moved to America in 1980s. He has committed to joining Columbia University in the autumn.
At Columbia, Samir will continue to play college tennis.
“It’s going to be amazing, this trophy is going to be my centrepiece, I’m going to look at this and be inspired to keep playing and hopefully come back here as a pro.”
Image source: Twitter.
Samir’s coach couldn’t travel with him to the stadium. So, he had to travel to Wimbledon with his uncle Kanad.
Samir joked:
“My uncle is here, he’s not technically a tennis coach, but if these results keep happening then I should start travelling with him more.”
Samir and Victor were contesting the third all-American boys’ singles final in Wimbledon history.
The 17-year-old was previously ranked 19 in the world.
Indian American NASA intern Pratima Roy; Picture Source: Twitter @NASA
Social media went on for a hate trade after the USA’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared photographs of four young individuals who had received an internship with them.
Actually, NASA’s post was to remind people interested in the summer internship program about the last date to apply. In this post, four pictures of diverse background interns were shared.
Among them was a beautiful photograph of Indian American intern Pratima Roy. The photograph showed Ms Roy with idols of Hindu Goddesses and photographs stuck on the wall.
Today's the day: applications for fall NASA internships are due!
Her picture displaying Hindu-goddesses brought the worst out of a lot of people who claim to be academic, liberal and secular.
Ashok Swain, whose Twitter profile says a Professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University even questioned NASA, “Why do Hindus need to surround themselves with Gods and Goddesses.”
He further added to his tweet and questioned the judgement of NASA for selecting that particular image. After Twitterati raised the issue of Hinduphobia Ashok Swain appears to have deleted his quoted tweet since then.
Hindu hate kept going to the lowest level and one Twitter handle Mission Ambedkar even accused NASA of killing ‘Science’.
Even in this wonderful moment where they should be celebrating Pratima Roy, they could not let go of the hate towards Hindus, said Yadu Singh, Sydney based President of Federation of Indian Associations in NSW.
He wrote on Twitter,
“The mocking of #PratimaRoy for her religious beliefs (Hinduism) is Hinduphobia.”
Mocking of #PratimaRoy for her religious beliefs (Hinduism) is Hinduphobia. Hinduphobe scumbags support other religions’ practices & beliefs under the concept of choice & diversity, but a Hindu woman practicing her faith is ridiculed. That’s religious bigotry & hatred! @NASAhttps://t.co/lqgBs1FTsw
Rashmi Swant, former President-elect of the University of Oxford who was last year targeted by the Hinduphobic mob said, I’m so proud of each person in this picture and more so of a fellow sanatani woman.
“What a beautiful ensemble of photos. More power to each of them and a shout out to the beautiful Hindu woman for proudly representing her culture.”
I'm so proud of each person in this picture and more so of a fellow sanatani woman. However, it is disheartening to see a Hinduphobic meltdown in comments section targetting her.
Support also poured in to counter the blatant Hinduphobia.
This episode demonstrates widespread Hinduphobia in social media narratives. A lot of people raised the question, will women from other religions be targeted in the same way if they would have shared pictures with their religious symbols.
This brings the debate of ignorant institutionalised Hinduphobia to the forefront. Hinduphobia deniers are the actual Hinduphobic who target even the young women achievers of Hindu faith, said Yadu Singh.
Gokul Prasad is a Dalit Social Scientist. He told The Australia Today, “There seemed to be more tweets about Pratima Roy and how dare she be there … and what right has she got to be there.”
“Even in this jubilant moment, the hate is what just dominates their thinking.”
“Their brain is now based on the absolute hate and hysteria of the Hinduphobia,” added Mr Prasad
Image source: Craig Kelly and Yogi Adityanath - Wikipedia.
The Indian state of the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of BJP, is earning praises for its effective management of the Covid-19 situation from most unexpected quarters.
Craig Kelly, an Australian Member of the Federal Parliament has praised the effective leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath in crushing the second wave.
The Uttar Pradesh Health Department had introduced ‘Ivermectin’ as a preventive measure for people who came in contact with COVID patients, health workers, and the treatment of the patients themselves.
‘Ivermectin’ is an oral treatment normally used to treat lice and other parasitic infections, to save the lives of its critical COVID patients.
Recognising these efforts, Craig Kelly hailed the pre-emptive steps taken by Yogi Adityanath and wished similar efforts were made in Australia.
To support his views, Craig Kelly even put out data to prove why the usage of Ivermectin was a productive way to curb the pandemic.
In another tweet, Craig Kelly had said:
“The Indian State of Uttar Pradesh is crushing COVID – but the world’s media and W.H.O refuse to tell the truth of how they are doing it”.
This didn’t go unnoticed by Indian Australians. Sydney based Dr Yadu Singh wrote on social media, “Yogi Ji’s high reputation as an administrator is reaching far and wide.”
Interesting! Australian federal MP @CraigKellyMP, irrespective of what you think of the MP & his views, wants Uttar Pradesh CM @myogiadityanath on loan to manage COVID in Australia. Just shows Yogi Ji’s high reputation as an administrator is reaching far & wide. 🙏🇮🇳🇦🇺🙏 pic.twitter.com/G594U1Wngc
Australian shares recorded a weekly loss last week as the nation stared at an extension of lockdown in NSW, the most populous state of Australia, due to a continuous surge in virus cases.
The authorities warned on Friday that the three-week lockdown in NSW could be extended to provide more time to contact tracer to get on top as Sydney continues to record a huge rise in locally acquired cases.
The announcement immediately battered the already beaten travel stocks with Flight Centre and Webjet bearing the major brunt of investors. Corporate Travel, Qantas and Sydney Airport also extended the decline.
The technology sub-index also recorded its second consecutive weekly loss after Afterpay shed 5.2% on Friday.
Market-Mantra-Nasdaq; Picture Source: @CANVA
The financials were not much better with all major banks down. The finance sector fell by 1.2% for the week, ending down for two of the last three weeks.
Miners and energy stocks were the only ones that provided some boost to the investors as strong commodity prices and a weak Australian dollar boosted the sentiment. Miners were up for a third week running and the energy sector recorded gains for the second week in a row even though the oil prices remained under pressure most of last week.
While investors had been factoring in Sydney lockdown as a transitory stage the surge in cases has changed the equation with investors now unsure if Sydney will be locked down for a month or even longer. While there is some bullish sentiment to start the week on Monday following the US share rally last Friday that could soon fade if cases in Sydney continue to increase.
Apart from numbers in Sydney investors will also be keeping a close eye on June jobs data due later this week. Consumer and producer sentiment will be another data that investors will watch closely this week as they tend to provide clues about how people are reacting to the highly uncertain economic conditions.
Gold prices recorded their sharpest weekly rise in seven weeks to mark a third straight weekly advance. The move-in Gold bullion came as trade in the US subdued and US long-dated Treasury yields touched their lowest levels since February.
From US tapering worries to virus cases picking up in Asia and Europe again, from economies opening up to lockdown in Australia, there is still plenty of uncertainty as to where the world economy is heading and that uncertainty is expected to show in Gold prices.
Australian Gold; Picture Source: @CANVA
This uncertainty also means there is still a lot of wait-and-see approaches amongst gold traders. As such based on the technical analysis it seems gold would either need to clear resistance at the $1814 level or break the support around $1790 to provide trend directionality.
Oil prices were under pressure most of the week last week, however, Friday provided a big boost after a US government report showed rapidly declining stockpiles of Oil in the US and record-high fuel demand in the middle of peak travel season. Oil prices have been volatile recently due to the ongoing impasse among OPEC+ countries overproduction hikes. In the meanwhile, the WHO has urged caution on reopening worldwide as Delta variant spreads.
The Australian dollar continued to decline against all major currencies last week as the Delta variant takes firm hold over NSW. Against the USD further confirmed its break below the 200-day moving average. A bearish crossover between 20 and 50-day SMAs also offers a strong bearish trend for the Aussie against the greenback. Even though the RBA surprised the market with dovish statements about the economy last week and a change of stance to full employment in Australia, the Aussie dollar capitulated to the dismal market mood as the economic impact of continued lockdown in Sydney dragged the mood lower.
In other words, the traders looked disappointed with Reserve Bank continuing to maintain a dovish stance as traders focus firmly on lockdowns amidst increasing CoVid cases. The slow vaccination rate in Australia also continues to add to the negative sentiment and hence provided more control to the Bears.
Australian Dollar; Picture Source: @CANVA
The Indian Rupee also continued to drop as increased oil prices continue to impact the local economy negatively. A continued rise in oil prices is expected to edge India’s inflation to a seven-month high.
After terrible PMI data last week showing India’s service activity shrinking at the fastest rate in 11-months the investors will be looking at the Reserve Bank of India to stabilise the economy and provide intervention to curb an INR drop that India can’t afford.
In the world of Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ether cower under fire by global regulators again. Thailand joined China and Iran to ban cryptocurrencies while top US diplomats hoped El Salvador will complete a financing agreement with IMF after a dramatic move by El Salvador to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender from September 7.
The new law would mean Bitcoin will be on an equal footing with the dollar which became El Salvador’s official currency 20 years ago. US is hoping a financing agreement between El Salvador and IMF will help change its mind.
With 90% of all mining in China going offline a downside breakout is making it harder for Bitcoin to get a price recovery.
Bitcoin; Picture Source: @CANVA
With Bitcoin on verge of entering Bollinger downward channel, it seems in terms of cryptocurrency the Bears shall rule for now.
In agricultural products, the price of most grains hard a sharp fall as a drier than average summer reduced the yield potential. News from India especially that Indian farmers planted 10.43% fewer summer crops than the same time last year. Farmers in India typically start planting summer-sown crops on June 1 when monsoon rains usually reach India.
India, one of the world’s top agriculture producers, received 5% below average rainfall in June when the four-month monsoon season began. As per data released by Central Ministry in India, the rains were 46% below average last week.
Nearly half of India’s farmland is dependant on monsoon rains that provide 70%-90% of annual rainfall to these regions.
The market is at the crossroads though at this stage to see if we will get the rain to revive the yield potential for the summer crops or will the lack of rains continues to decline yield.
To be honest a lack of rain usually result in crops deteriorating and despite worries of grain shortage while rains remain elusive the prices will continue dropping.
Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone who is interested in starting on their trading journey on how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.
Disclaimer:
The writers’ opinions in the above article are their own and do not constitute any financial advice whatsoever. Nothing published by The Australia Today constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content publication be relied upon for any investment activities.
We strongly recommend that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.
Some scholars believed Indigenous Australian Aborigines had settled around 40,000 to 65,000 years ago. They consist of many different tribes with diverse traditional languages, cultures and history that considered land as sacred.
They had faced immense discrimination and mistreatment due to British colonization, which led to cultural loss through violent encounters, diseases, sexual abuses, dislocation and destruction of their sites.
In 1788, the British established their sovereignty by declaring legal Australia as terra nullius, meaning the ‘land belongs to no one. Aboriginal land rights were not recognised by the British and even not given equal rights to British settlers.
This resulted in violent conflicts and resistance shown in an invasion of their land. During this time these indigenous groups were affected by forcible removal, i.e. taking children by force and separating them from their families that led to cultural deprivation.
The legacy of the Colonial era has been racism, injustice and inequality for Aboriginal people. Their resistance and revolts were subsided by the British by adopting a policy of ‘disperse and dispatch’, violent massacres and many others. The colonisers using white racial superior theories of considering aboriginals as ‘doomed race’ gave justification for their ‘civilising mission’.
These Aboriginals saw the colonisation of language and their tradition, compel them to work as forced labour and hardships. They had to go through a government policy between 1869 and 1969 to ‘separate their children from their families and cultures through forced removal, fostering, adoption and institutionalisation to assist with ‘assimilation’’ created a ‘stolen generations’; and faced financial injustice of unequal wages called ‘stolen wages’ and confiscation of their land since the early 1900s (Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, 2017). These indigenous people have shown their resistance to get their rights.
Protests of Australian Aboriginals
Many Australian Aboriginal groups had boycotted the 26 January (Australia Day) before the 1920s in order to protest the position and treatment of indigenous Australians. Gradually, they became more conscious about the general Australians were unaware of their protest, so they need to show some active action to get the attention. This led to rising of several organisations notably the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association (AAPA, in 1924) and the Australian Aborigines League (AAL in 1932), to give voice to indigenous rights.
Day of Mourning: 1938
Aboriginal Australians demanded equal treatment, rights and status by rallying a protest march through the streets of Sydney in 1938, and this became iconic as it was the world’s first civil rights rallies where thousands of people participated.
They submitted a proposed national policy for Aboriginal people to the Prime Minister, but it was denied again as the government lacked constitutional authority over Aboriginal people. The day became a landmark and inspiration for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders activism that continued to call for a constitutional referendum.
Between 1940 to 1955, the Day of Mourning was known as Aborigines Day and was celebrated annually on the Sunday before Australia Day. This day moved to the first Sunday in July in 1955 that signify a day more than mere protest day but also as a celebration of Aboriginal cultures and histories.
The establishment of the National Aboriginal Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) was backed by many Aboriginal organisations and members of other religious groups and governments.
The second Sunday of July was designated as a day of commemoration of Aboriginal people, their history and their culture.
The referendum came in 1967 and the department of Aboriginal affairs was established in 1972. Later this celebration was extended over from the first to the second Sunday of July.
Gradually, with the rising awareness of different cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their committee was renamed as ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) in 1991.
Since the 1990s, a theme was selected to represent the significant issues that were taken up for the entire week as a part of NAIDOC week.
NAIDOC Week 4-11 July 2021
Observed to celebrate the Aboriginal history, culture and achievements, and reflect the protection of Aboriginal rights, sites and cultural heritage.
This week is a popular event to commemorate Aboriginal dance, traditional music, ceremonies, artwork across many cities of Australia.
NAIDOC National Award Ceremony recognise and celebrate the contribution made by indigenous people of Australia; additional, flag hosting of Aboriginals and Torres Strait is also a symbol of unity and diversity.
Contemporary Rights in Question?
Despite formal recognition of their past hurts in the form of ‘Sorry Day’ and ‘National Apology’; are these aboriginals got their deserving rights at ground level? It is a question of research, as many media news has raised issues of continues poverty, inequality and mistreatment of aboriginal Australians in the contemporary world, ‘Australia’s White Media Against People’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb-GJhEtSps); ‘This Is Our Country Too!~Documentary On Injustice Of the Aboriginal Australians’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UPn_1XOxd0).
Despite these odds, NAIDOC Week is a welcome initiative to commemorate Aboriginal’s heritage and culture to establish unity in a multicultural society that leads to peace, unity and harmony.
Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University.
West versus the Rest/East: Post-colonialism; Representative picture from @CANVA
Are you still living in colonised World? Has your nation decolonised? Is it a post-colonial world? Why do the neo-colonial ideas are challenging to eradicate?
These questions may not be simple to explain, but it needs elaboration to decipher our own identity and our existing World, especially people of Asian, South American and African continents and Pacific.
Let us begin to explain ‘Post-colonialism that simply meaning ‘after the colonial’ while another similar ambiguous term ‘postcolonialism’ is referred to as re-reading of colonisation writings and literature that has questioned the production of knowledge and discourse in terms of combined social, economic, cultural and political changes brought by the impact of colonialism.
Some scholars understand the end of colonialism that gave way the essential authority, cultural and political freedom, and independence to the indigenous people by removing the political and cultural imperialism.
West versus the Rest/East: Post-colonialism; Representative picture from @CANVA
Postcolonialism is a critical theoretical movement that has interpreted and critically analysed the culture of colonialism and imperialism and the cultural impact of colonialism. It tried to eradicate colonial culture influence and created/realise a sense of self-identity of colonised.
These postcolonial scholars emphasised interpreting the contestation of colonial domination and legacies of colonialism. This critical thought movement emerged in various disciplines like history, philosophy, literature, cultural studies and sociology etc.
let’s summarises the evolution of postcolonialism, relating terminologies and their discourse.
West versus the Rest/East: Post-colonialism; Representative picture from @CANVA
Post-Colonialism or Postcolonialism
There is a debate over defining the terms ‘post-colonialism and ‘postcolonialism’.
Post-colonialism refer to ‘the period after any formerly colonised country took its independence’ or the period that follows after political independence.
In contrast, postcolonialism means the ‘effects and results of any sort of intervention or domination over a country across the time period’ or induce all the complex history and irreversible change suffered by the colonised nation and culture.
Removing of hyphen ‘creates a comparative framework by which to understand the varieties of local resistance to colonial impact’.
Concepts of Postcolonialism
To understand the concept of postcolonialism, one needs to comprehend the terms ‘colonialism’ and ‘imperialism’, although both terms are related to political, power-orientation and suppression of the other.
Colonialism is related to the mission of European political domination over the last 400 years where coloniser involves settlement of colonies and rules over the other regions; whereas Imperialism is related to a system of military domination and sovereignty over other nations without actually any settlement.
West versus the Rest/East: Post-colonialism; Representative picture from @CANVA
It can be understood as a practice where the colonisers establish colonies and settlements for the political and economic benefit of the colonizing country, whereas under imperialism the one country establish influence over the other by military force and power either formally or informally, primarily related to creating an empire and expanding its dominance over other regions.
Edward Said stated ‘“imperialism” means the practice, the theory, and the attitudes of a dominating metropolitan centre ruling a distant territory; “colonialism”, which is almost always a consequence of imperialism, is the implanting of settlements on distant territory’ (Said, 1993). Besides military domination of physical conquest under colonialism, it involves the conquest and occupation of mind, selves and culture.
Similarly, the term is ‘neo-colonialism, which is a new kind of colonialism that supports colonial domination by indirect domination or controlling once colonised nations by implying new kinds of economic, social, political and military systems.
West versus the Rest/East: Post-colonialism; Representative picture from @CANVA
It is believed that neo-colonialism is more difficult to deduct and resist in comparison to traditional colonialism. This indicates all forms of control of former colonies after political independence.
The next term is ‘Decolonization’ simply means a process of getting political-legal freedom from the colonisers, but it also signifies the denial of all imperial impact related to economic, social, political or cultural.
Decolonisation is achieved by different means like revolution, violence and sometimes nonviolence ways.
Another similar term needs explanation is ‘anti-colonialism refers to a ‘political struggle of colonised peoples against the ideology and practice of colonialism’, that was reflected in the diverse way of resistance or opposition to the political, cultural and economic institutions of colonialism in order to restore local control.
Historical discourse: Postcolonialism
This study analyses the manner in which the colonial European powers established control over indigenously developed cultures, and the postcolonialist have equally reacted to and opposed such intrusion.
In other words, it is in a way rejecting the narratives of the West and looking to replace them with counter-narratives to get their own space. This is challenging the Eurocentric norms of literary and artistic values.
This shift in the academia of post-colonial thoughts ranged over four decades from the 1950s till the 1990s that enables the reading of ‘own text on our own terms.’
Historical demarcation of an exact time frame of the postcolonial period is a tedious task. But during the colonial phase, the West distinguishes itself as biologically superior to any other race, which reflected the manner in which colonisers treated the colonised, i.e. forced labour, indentured labour and even slavery.
This established a hegemony where ‘White’ was considered superior to others as subhuman or inferior. The inferiority enforced by the colonisers on colonised in terms of cultural inferiority, identity, social values and psychology.
West versus the Rest/East: Post-colonialism; Representative picture from @CANVA
Gradually, colonised began to get aware of this binary. This led to demand for political, cultural, ethnic freedom and autonomy. This process aggravated when colonisers dominations in all prospective began to disappear in the early phase of the 20th century and gradually, many nations got independence that gave momentum to writings from the third-world countries.
These thoughts majorly came from the formerly colonised nations, especially continents like Asia, Africa and South America; from where mainly the literature produced in the postcolonial world as a literary theory or movement.
These continents went through an anti-colonial struggle and achieved independence. The literature emerging from these former colonies nations is termed postcolonial. Postcolonialism has revived the discourse of nation and nationalism that led to two categorisations the colonisers referred to as ‘West’ whereas the colonised termed as ‘Rest’/’East’.
The postcolonialist coming from former colonies that intent to study the literature of their own nation into the discourse of western academic study. This was a kind of critical reaction to the hierarchy of westerns academia and questions the universal claims of western knowledge and experiences as representatives of mankind.
They highlighted the use of language by the West to establish hegemony and power relations, which helped create a binary ‘we’ vs ‘others’ or ‘us’ vs. ‘them’.
Similarly, various questions are raised by postcolonialist in terms of identity, race, class, ethnicity, gender, discourse, politics, exploitation and resistance against the Western World.
They attempt to represent themselves as an individual in itself rather than ‘white man’s burden’ by identifying the value of their own community or national culture against the foreign hegemony.
Conclusion Postcolonialism provided a counter-narrative to the European imperial narrative, emerging primarily from the formerly colonised countries scholars.
These scholars re-examine the colonial and post-colonial literature, with a prime focus on the social discourse between the coloniser and the colonised that led to the emergence of these writings.
This is our attempt to removed many conceptual errors about these ambiguous terminologies and enlighten the people of the postcolonial World to realise their own identity.
Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science, College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University.
Representative picture of multicultural workers; Picture Source: @CANVA
The Victorian Government has launched a new initiative to help young and multicultural Victorians overcome barriers in the job market.
The government has set up a team of 27 new dedicated staff to link up culturally diverse job seekers with employers.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence announced $3.9 million for this scheme.
According to Minister Spence, Eleven organisations will be supporting Victorians to provide culturally appropriate and individualised support to jobseekers.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence; Picture Source: Facebook @RosSpence
This will be done through a network of Community Employment Connectors.
These Community Employment Connectors will start their work supporting jobseekers from July and will help them navigate and connect with employment and training services.
Minister Spence said,
“The Community Employment Connectors will work directly with job-seekers and employers to build the local networks we know are vital to finding sustainable employment.We’re supporting more Victorians into the dignity of a job, while also boosting the pandemic recovery for our whole state.”
This program has a specific focus on young people aged 16-25.
In addition, adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who face barriers to securing sustainable employment can also benefit from this initiative.
Representative picture of multicultural workers; Picture Source: @CANVA
The Minister adds:
“Having a job is so important for wellbeing, and the pandemic has increased the barriers already faced by many young and diverse Victorians – so we’re helping them to make those connections.”
The program will provide local solutions to the needs of jobseekers and support the economic recovery for all Victorians going through the pandemic.
Representative picture of multicultural workers; Picture Source: @CANVA
Key organisations include MiCare working in partnership with the Wyndham Community and Education Centre; the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District; and WEstjustice.
This program will also work in collaboration with the Jobs Victoria Advocates Program to address barriers for jobseekers in local areas.
Indian Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya an Tennis Star Roger Federer
BJP MP Mansukh Mandaviya who has taken over the post of IndianUnion Health Minister in the recent cabinet reshuffle PM Narendra Modi was trolled on social media for his old tweets dating back to 2013-2014.
These trolls flooded the social media platforms, especially Twitter and Facebook, with memes where they attacked and mocked Minister Mandaviya.
On being asked what he thought of people who trolled him on Twitter all day today over his “articulation and language skills,” Minister Mandaviya said:
“I have no comments on that.”
Many prominent netizens and politicians have also come out in support.
Image source: Congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla – Wikipedia
Congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla said:
“Unfortunate to see so many fellow citizens trolling Mansukh Mandaviya ji for his lack of proficiency in English. Critic him on faults wrt his work & Ministry (sic)”.
Image source: MP Priyanka Chaturvedi – Wikipedia.
Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted:
“If the only criticism you hold against a minister is his proficiency in English rather than his work, it only reflects your shallowness. Just saying.”
Minister Mandaviya belongs to a farming family in Hanol village in Bhavnagar district. He was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2012 and re-elected in 2018.
Image source: Prof. Anand Ranganathan – Twitter.
To all those trolls who think it is alright to mock others for proficiency in a language, Prof. Anand Ranganathan’s advice is to leave their colonial mindset and judge people by their work rather than speech.
A few days back tennis great Roger Federer admitted at Wimbledon Tennis press meet that his English is poor.
Noted Indian journalist Aditya Raj Kaul challenged the trolls to attempt reading just five sentences in Hindi.
Those mocking English writing, speaking ability or accent of any Indian should be asked to write five sentences in Hindi and then read them aloud. Or just read a story from Nirmal Verma’s book. Most would give up without even attempting. Get rid of this British colonial baggage.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that COVID-19 lockdown restrictions will be tightened after the state recorded 44 new infections.
This is the highest daily number recorded in the latest outbreak.
Premier says, given the growing number of infectious cases in the community and unlinked cases of community transmission, COVID-19 restrictions will be tightened across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.
From 5 pm today (Friday, 9 July) following additional restrictions will be in place:
Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household);
People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members;
Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping;
Funerals limited to ten people in total (this will take effect from Sunday, 11 July).
However, the four reasons to leave home remain in place:
Shopping for food or other essential goods and services (one person only);
Medical care or compassionate needs (only one visitor can enter another residence to fulfil carers’ responsibilities or provide care or assistance, or for compassionate reasons);
Exercise with no more than 2 (unless members of the same household);
Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home.
Sydney Lockdown; Picture Source: Twitter
Restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged.
These tightened restrictions are based on health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant. They are necessary due to the increasing number of unlinked cases in the community.
High testing numbers are key to finding unrecognised chains of transmission in the community, so please continue to come forward for a COVID-19 test, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
Rashpal Gathwal, the grieving mother of Jasmeen kaur, the young murder victim, has broken her silence three months after her daughter’s death.
Jasmeen originally from Punjab in India, had been living with her aunt and uncle in Adelaide, South Australia, and working as an aged care worker as she studied to become a nurse.
Police allege Jasmeen was “taken by force” by a man after finishing her shift at Southern Cross Homes in North Plympton just before 10pm on March 5.
Jasmeen’s body was found buried in a shallow grave in the Flinders Ranges, 430km from Adelaide. Her ID and shoes were found stuffed in an outback bin.
Image source: Supplied
After three months, Rashpal Gathwal who resides in India has felt strong enough to release a media statement and appeal to the public.
“I regret the day I said yes to sending my daughter to Australia. I didn’t know dropping her at the airport would be the last time I gave her a hug. I miss my daughter everyday.”
Image source: 7NEWS.
South Australia’s Major Crime Detectives are working on the theory that the 21-year-old was kidnapped from her workplace and driven five hours to her gravesite.
Image source: Tarikjot Singh – SA Police
21-year-old Tarikjot Singh, an Indian student, has been charged with her murder.
Tarikjot denies being involved in her death.
Jasmeen’s family has made a fresh plea for witnesses to come forward.
Image source: 9NEWS.
In March, Jasmeen’s family visited the shallow grave where she was buried.
They planted native plants, laid teddies and flowers and prayed.
Her aunt Ramandeep Kharoud told 7NEWS:
“Every detail matters, and it’s going to be helpful to resolve this case.”
Her family now want to be a voice for other victims of violence.
Jasmeen’s aunt Gurjit Bhardwaj told 7NEWS:
“Girls and woman are not safe, we’re not safe out there. We have a right to be out on the street no matter what time it is. Be safe, keep your loved ones close.”
Image source: Jasmeen Kaur – Supplied
Detectives are still hunting for crucial pieces of evidence – Jasmeen’s cream handbag that still remains missing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expands and reshuffles his council of ministers; Picture Source: PIB
India’s PM Narendra Modi expanded and reshuffled his council of ministers on Wednesday with some ministers dropped and several new faces inducted. The new-look government now has 78 ministers.
This includes 30 cabinet ministers, 2 Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 45 Ministers of State, apart from the PM himself. The number of MOS with Independent Charge has come down significantly, as most of them have been promoted to cabinet ranks.
Ahead of Union Cabinet expansion, 12 Indian Union Ministers including Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Prakash Javadekar and D.V. Sadananda Gowda have resigned from their posts of Council of Ministers.
As advised by the prime minister, India’s President Ram Nath Kovind has accepted the resignation of 12 ministers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expands and reshuffles his council of ministers; Picture Source: PIB
According to a release by the President’s Office, among 12 ministers who resigned include Thaawarchand Gehlot, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Babul Supriyo, Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao, Rattan Lal Kataria, Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Sushri Debasree Chaudhuri.
It was the first expansion of the union council of ministers by PM Modi in his second term as Prime Minister.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan amid COVID-19 protocols, came days ahead of the monsoon session of parliament.
The seven women MP who took an oath of office on Wednesday are Anupriya Patel, Shobha Karandlaje, Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Meenakshi Lekhi, Annpurna Devi, Pratima Bhoumik and Bharati Pravin Pawar.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expands and reshuffles his council of ministers with Women Ministers; Picture Source: PIB
Forty-three leaders took oath in the first union cabinet expansion and reshuffle of the Modi government in its second term. The rejig saw OBCs, SCs and youth getting more representation.
Senior BJP leaders say an attempt is being made to accommodate various castes and communities in wake of impending assembly elections in crucial states including Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Here is the full list of ministers in the union council of ministers, along with their ministries.
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister and also in-charge of: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; All important policy issues; and All other portfolios not allocated to any Minister
CABINET MINISTERS
1.
Raj Nath Singh
Minister of Defence
2.
Amit Shah
Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation
3.
Nitin Jairam Gadkari
Minister of Road Transport and Highways
4.
Nirmala Sitharaman
Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs
5.
Narendra Singh Tomar
Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
6.
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Minister of External Affairs
7.
Arjun Munda
Minister of Tribal Affairs
8.
Smriti Zubin Irani
Minister of Women and Child Development
9.
Piyush Goyal
Minister of Commerce and Industry; Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of Textiles
10.
Dharmendra Pradhan
Minister of Education; and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
11.
Pralhad Joshi
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Minister of Coal; and Minister of Mines
12.
Narayan Tatu Rane
Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
13.
Sarbananda Sonowal
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and Minister of AYUSH
14.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Minister of Minority Affairs
15.
Dr Virendra Kumar
Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment
16.
Giriraj Singh
Minister of Rural Development; and Minister of Panchayati Raj
17.
Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
Minister of Civil Aviation
18.
Ramchandra Prasad Singh
Minister of Steel
19.
Ashwini Vaishnaw
Minister of Railways; Minister of Communications; and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology
20.
Pashu Pati Kumar Paras
Minister of Food Processing Industries
21.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Minister of Jal Shakti
22.
Kiren Rijiju
Minister of Law and Justice
23.
Raj Kumar Singh
Minister of Power; and Minister of New and Renewable Energy
24.
Hardeep Singh Puri
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs
25.
Mansukh Mandaviya
Minister of Health and Family Welfare; and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers
26.
Bhupender Yadav
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Minister of Labour and Employment
27.
Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey
Minister of Heavy Industries
28.
Parshottam Rupala
Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
29.
G. Kishan Reddy
Minister of Culture; Minister of Tourism; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region
30.
Anurag Singh Thakur
Minister of Information and Broadcasting; and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
MINISTERS OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
1.
Rao Inderjit Singh
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
2.
Dr Jitendra Singh
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy; and Minister of State in the Department of Space
MINISTERS OF STATE
1.
Shripad Yesso Naik
Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism
2.
Faggansingh Kulaste
Minister of State in the Ministry of Steel; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development
3.
Prahalad Singh Patel
Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries
4.
Ashwini Kumar Choubey
Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
5.
Arjun Ram Meghwal
Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture
6.
General (Retd.) V. K. Singh
Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation
7.
Krishan Pal
Minister of State in the Ministry of Power; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries
8.
Danve Raosaheb Dadarao
Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways; Minister of State in the Ministry of Coal; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Mines
9.
Ramdas Athawale
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
10.
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti
Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development
11.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan
Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
12.
Nityanand Rai
Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs
13.
Pankaj Chaowdhary
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
14.
Anupriya Singh Patel
Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
15.
Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel
Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice
16.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Minister of State in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
17.
Su Shobha Karandlaje
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
18.
Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma
Minister of State in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
19.
Darshana Vikram Jardosh
Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways
20.
V. Muraleedharan
Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
21.
Meenakashi Lekhi
Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture
22.
Som Parkash
Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
23.
Renuka Singh Saruta
Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
24.
Rameswar Teli
Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment
25.
Kailash Choudhary
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
26.
Annpurna Devi
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education
27.
A. Narayanaswamy
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
28.
Kaushal Kishore
Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
29.
Ajay Bhatt
Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism
30.
B. L. Verma
Minister of State in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Cooperation
31.
Ajay Kumar
Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs
32.
Devusinh Chauhan
Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications
33.
Bhagwanth Khuba
Minister of State in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
34.
Kapil Moreshwar Patil
Minister of State in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj
35.
Su Pratima Bhoumik
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
36.
Dr Subhas Sarkar
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education
37.
Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
38.
Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh
Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education
39.
Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
40.
Bishweswar Tudu
Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti
41.
Shantanu Thakur
Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
42.
Dr. Munjapara Mahendrabhai
Minister of State in the Ministry of Women and Child Development; and Minister of State in the Ministry of AYUSH
43.
John Barla
Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs
44.
Dr L. Murugan
Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
45.
Nisith Pramanik
Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Members of the Muslim League present at the Direct Action Day rally.
Indira Gandhi Canal Bikaner.
Chitrakoot Waterfalls Bastar.
Bajaj Bikes are sold globally.
Cotton Ikat shirt from vinegr.in & kurta from
Orchha, Bundelkhand is wow.
