Melbourne’s Dawaoodi Bohra community hosts multicultural Eid

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28 May 2021 8:47 AM

New changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.
This means that you cannot leave your home unless you are doing it for one of the five following reasons:

shopping for necessary goods and services
care and caregiving
exercise
authorised work and permitted study
to get a COVID-19 vaccination

Victorians may also leave home to visit their intimate partner, their single social bubble buddy, or in an emergency – including those at risk of family violence.

Reported yesterday: 4 new local cases and 2 new cases acquired overseas (currently in HQ).
– 17,223 vaccine doses were administered
– 47,462 test results were received

More later: https://t.co/lIUrl0ZEco #COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/9TJ9Iphw0e
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) May 27, 2021

As of 11:59pm Thursday 27 May, you will be required to remain wherever you stay that night. There will be exemptions for some situations, including authorised work, medical care and compassionate reasons.
You must stay within 5km of your home for shopping and exercise. This limit does not apply to authorised work, when giving or receiving care, getting a COVID-19 vaccination or visiting an intimate partner or your single social bubble buddy.
Face masks must be worn indoors and outdoors whenever you leave your home. Face masks do not need to be worn indoors or outdoors if you are working alone.
You can leave your home in an emergency or if there is family violence. These actions will protect our loved ones, friends, colleagues, health care workers and the community.

This means that you cannot leave your home unless you are doing it for one of the five following reasons:

shopping for necessary goods and services
care and caregiving
exercise
authorised work and permitted study
to get a COVID-19 vaccination

Necessary goods and services:

Necessary goods and services include supermarkets, pharmacies, butchers, bottle shops, petrol stations, post offices, banks, food stores, newsagents, liquor stores, and pet stores. Supermarkets will continue to stay open to allow people to buy food, so there is no need to stock up on groceries. Other retail shops will only be available for delivery or contactless click and collect, and workers may attend onsite to facilitate these orders.
Cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer take-away and delivery services.
You can only travel up to 5km from your home for shopping and exercising. You should stay as close to your home as possible, for example, shopping at the nearest supermarket.
For some people, the nearest essential goods and services will be more than 5km away. In this situation, you may travel beyond 5km to the nearest provider.
A person is permitted to drive a person with whom they reside, if it is not otherwise practical for that person to drive themselves and they are leaving the house for a permitted reason.
Only one person per household can leave home to get necessary goods and services. They can leave once a day, which means people can’t make multiple shopping trips. You should limit the time you spend away from home. If you are unable to leave a child, children or a person in your care unattended, they may accompany you. You may accompany someone to shop for support, if necessary, for example, an elderly relative.
If you are taking a child, children or a person in your care with you when you shop you should not leave them in the car unattended while you shop. Leaving children unaccompanied in a vehicle is an offence in Victoria.
Hotel and accommodation providers will be able to stay open to support guests already staying onsite. No new bookings can be made, unless for a permitted reason – for example someone who requires accommodation as an authorised worker.
If you are not at your principal place of residence at 11:59pm Thursday 27 May, you must stay where you are for the duration of the circuit breaker period unless the place where you are staying becomes unavailable.
Funerals will be able to go ahead indoors and outdoors with up to ten people, plus those required to conduct the funeral. Weddings will need to be postponed, except in exceptional circumstances.

Social interaction (single social bubble)

If you live alone or are a single parent you can create a ‘single social bubble’ by nominating one other person to be a part of your bubble.
You can have the person you form a bubble with visit your home.
Your nominated person can be from a household or share house, and you are also able to visit them in their home, but only when they are alone. If you and / or your single social buddy are single parents, your children can be a part of your bubble.

Exercise: You can leave home to exercise, but there are limits:

You must not travel more than 5km from where you live to exercise. You must limit your outdoor exercise to no more than 2 hours per day.
Gyms, pools, community centres, entertainment venues and libraries will all be closed.
You can exercise with the members of your household or one other friend or family member as long as you both do not travel more than 5km.
Please use common sense and limit the number of people you see in person right now. It is safer to connect with friends and family using phone calls, social media and video calls.
If you are exercising with someone else, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance between you. Don’t hug, kiss or shake hands.
If you are a parent or guardian who is caring for a child or someone who cannot be left unattended, then they may go with you.
Recreational activities that require the use of a facility will not be allowed. Facilities such as tennis clubs, bowls clubs, shooting ranges and golf clubs will close.
Outdoor activities that can be undertaken without accessing a facility, such as hunting, are permitted within the 5km and 2 hour limits.

Health care:

You can leave home to receive health care or attend medical appointments (including COVID-19 vaccination appointments).
If you need to see a doctor or health care professional, you should do so. Do not put off getting medical care. Your doctor or health care professional can provide advice on how to stay safe.
You can leave home to care for a sick or elderly relative. If you provide care for someone, you should try to keep 1.5 metres between you when you can.
Wear a face mask.
You can leave home to accompany someone for essential medical treatment if you are a parent, guardian or necessary support person.
You can take a pet to the vet.
The 5km limit does not apply to care and health care.

Work and education:

A list of who is considered an authorised provider or an authorised worker is available here.
If you can work from home – you must work from home.
The 5km limit does not apply to work.
All schools will close, except for vulnerable children and children of authorised workers or authorised providers who are working outside of the home, who can attend for onsite supervision. Both parents or carers must be working outside of the home as authorised workers or at authorised providers to send their child to school, other than in single parent / carer households. Schools will continue to support students through remote learning or providing learning materials for use at home.
Universities and TAFEs will close or move to remote learning.
Childcare, family day care, early learning centres and kinders will remain open. A permit is not required.
Victorians may work interstate (where permitted by the state you are working in)
Removalists are authorised workers and allowed to move furniture to support people moving homes. However, friends and family are not allowed to support these activities.
Retail goods workers supporting the operation of fulfilling online orders, click and collect or click and deliver orders can go to work.

Additionally:

You can move homes if you are moving to a property that will be your ordinary and ongoing residence. Removalists may assist you to move, but family and friends cannot.
You can leave home if there is an emergency.
You can leave home if there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you. Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you need to leave home, you must wear a face mask, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.
Other ways to stay safe:

Always wash your hands before you leave, and when you return home.
Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
Never, ever go out if you are unwell unless it is to get tested.
After you get tested, you must go straight home.
Remember that the most important thing you can do is get tested, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
Get vaccinated if you are eligible.

This message was issued by Department of Health.
The next update is expected by 5/06/2021 or as the situation changes.Stay informed:

Visit the Department of Health website dedicated to coronavirus (COVID-19): www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline if you suspect you have coronavirus (COVID-19) on 1800 675 398.
VicEmergency website and app.
Department of Health Facebook and Twitter.
VicEmergency Facebook and Twitter.

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 (freecall) 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 (COVID-19) hotline.

Victoria goes to 7 days lockdown starting tonight, Check what you can or can’t do

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27 May 2021 11:59 AM

The Acting Premier of Victoria James Merlino announced that on the advice of the public health team, Victoria will move to circuit breaker restrictions from 11:59 pm tonight.

These settings will remain in place until 11:59 pm on 3 June.
Mr Merlino also said that “if we can end that sooner, we will.”

Acting premier says as seen in Victoria, and across Australia, this kind of short, sharp action is effective in stopping this thing in its tracks.

Victorian public health experts are concerned about just how fast the B1.617.1 variant is moving.

“Overseas, they haven’t been able to track how quickly this version of the virus can move. Here in Victoria, though, we’re seeing not only how quick it is – but how contagious it is too.”

Victorian contract tracers are identifying and locking down the first ring, second ring and third ring contacts within 24 hours. That’s faster than ever. And yet this variant is still moving faster.

The time between catching the virus and passing it on is tighter than ever. The ‘serial interval’ – how long it takes between the onset of symptoms in the first and secondary case – is in many cases just over a day.

And in just 24 hours, the number of cases has doubled.

It means that although these cases are all connected, this variant of the virus is making people more infectious, more quickly.

Mr Merlino said, “We’ve seen other countries come up against these variants and lose. Badly. Places like Taiwan that have gone from no or very low cases to skyrocketing numbers in the space of just days and weeks – and now are struggling to get it under control.”

“We also know our nation’s vaccine roll-out has been slower than we’d hoped. And if more people were vaccinated, we might be facing a different set of circumstances. Sadly, we’re not.”

“If we make the wrong choice now, if we wait too long, if we hesitate too much, this thing will get away from us. And lives will be at risk,” warned Mr Merlino.

There will be five reasons to leave home from 11:59pm tonight;

Food and supplies. Authorised work. Care and caregiving. Exercise, for up to two hours and with one other person. And getting vaccinated.
Exercise and shopping will be limited to five kilometres from home. If there are no shops within your 5km radius, you can travel to the ones closest to you. Shopping is also limited to one person per day, per household.
Face masks will also need to be worn inside and outdoors – everywhere except your own home.
Private and public gatherings will not be permitted, although visiting your intimate partner continues to be okay. Single person bubbles will also be allowed.
Childcare and kinder will remain open, but schools will need to close other than for the children of authorised workers and vulnerable kids.

Few other important changes to understand;

A- Shops like supermarkets, food stores, bottle shops, banks, petrol stations and pharmacies will also remain open.
B- Cafes and restaurants will be able to offer takeaway only.
C- Gyms, hairdressers, community facilities and entertainment venues will all close.
D- Non-essential retail may only open for click and collect.
E- Hotels and accommodation can only stay open to support guests already staying onsite. No new bookings can be made – unless it’s for one a permitted purpose, like authorised work.

Advice on who can open, and who can’t, will be made available online ahead of directions coming into place – as will the full list of authorised workers and workplaces.

Acting Premier said, “It’s clear more than ever that this virus isn’t going away. And vaccines are the only way we’ll ever get back to normal.”

“Without full vaccination, this virus will just keep mutating – and just keep making its way back in.”

From tomorrow and dependent upon supply from the Federal Government, all Victorians over the age of 40 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Mr Merlino had a clear message for Victorians, “if you’re eligible, get vaccinated. Make your plan today.”

“If someone you love is eligible, make a plan together.”
“Do it for yourself. Your family. Your friends. Your community. Whatever your motivation – please do it.”

Because vaccination is our only real ticket out of this pandemic.

Did you visit any of COVID-19 exposure sites in Victoria?

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27 May 2021 11:02 AM

Here are the current coronavirus hotspots and Covid-19 exposure sites in Victoria and Melbourne.

Suburb	Site	Street address	Exposure period	Notes
Abbotsford	Dukes Gym Abbotsford 571-573 Victoria Street Abbotsford VIC 3067	24/05/2021 6:15pm – 8:15pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Axedale	Axedale Tavern 105 High Street Axedale VIC 3551	23/05/2021 11:45am – 1:30pm	Case attended function	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Balwyn	Endless Lifestyle Studio Shop 3/188 Whitehorse Road Balwyn VIC 3103	23/05/2021 9:45am – 12:40pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Bayswater North	Mcdonalds Bayswater North 296 Canterbury Road Bayswater North VIC 3153	21/05/2021 11:00pm – 12:00am	Case dined in restaurant	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Bendigo	Hairfolk 33 Williamson Street Bendigo VIC 3550	22/05/2021 9:40am – 10:10am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Brunswick	Futsal Brunswick 409 Victoria Street Brunswick VIC 3056	23/05/2021 9:00am – 10:00am	Case attended venue. The Department may provide you with specific advice depending on what activity you participated in at this exposure site.	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Brunswick	Barkly Square: Priceline, Kmart, Woolworths, OPSM 90-106 Sydney Road Brunswick VIC 3056	22/05/2021 1:15pm – 2:30pm	Case attended venue, walked around the centre and into some shops with limited purchases	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Bundoora	Jump! Swim Schools Bundoora 4/37 The Concord Bundoora VIC 3083	21/05/2021 8:55am – 10:15am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Bundoora	Anytime Fitness Shop TG-01, Uni Hill Town Centre, 1-3 Janefield Drive Bundoora VIC 3083	23/05/2021 3:40pm – 5:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Bundoora	Anytime Fitness Shop TG-01, Uni Hill Town Centre, 1-3 Janefield Drive Bundoora VIC 3083	24/05/2021 4:50pm – 5:50pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Burwood East	Burwood Teppanyaki House 145 Burwood Highway Burwood East VIC 3151	22/05/2021 7:30pm – 9:40pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Carlton	RMIT Campus, Building 56 115 Queensberry Street Carlton VIC 3053	21/05/2021 8:00am – 10:30am	Case attended Building 56	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Carnegie	Bicycle Superstore 1030 Dandenong Road Carnegie VIC 3163	23/05/2021 3:33pm – 4:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Clifton Hill	McDonald’s Clifton Hill – Dine-in Only 199 Queens Parade Clifton Hill VIC 3068	22/05/2021 6:00pm – 7:00pm	Case dined inside venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Coburg	BP Southvale 303 Bell Street Coburg VIC 3058	22/05/2021 8:10am – 8:30am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Coburg	The Nicholson Coffee House 6/14-20 Nicholson Street Coburg VIC 3058	22/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pm	Case sat inside cafe	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Coburg	Ritchies IGA Pentridge 1 Champ Street Coburg VIC 3058	24/05/2021 6:45pm – 7:25pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Coburg	IGA Coburg 12-20 Nicholson Street Coburg VIC 3058	22/05/2021 2:30pm – 2:50pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Cohuna	Cohuna Football and Netball Club, Cohuna Recreation Reserve Island Road Cohuna VIC 3568	22/05/2021 12:00pm – 5:00pm	Case watched multiple netball games, visited canteen (inside) and used outdoor public toilets	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Docklands	Marvel Stadium – (Level 1 Aisles 5-28 and Level 3 Aisles 6-29) 740 Bourke St Docklands VIC 3008	23/05/2021 4:30pm – 7:30pm	Case attended facility	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Docklands	Marvel Stadium – all other zones not individually listed 740 Bourke St Docklands VIC 3008	23/05/2021 4:30pm – 7:30pm	Case attended venue	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.
Epping	ALDI Epping 347-371 Dalton Road Epping VIC 3076	23/05/2021 6:00pm – 7:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Epping	Chemist Depot Epping, Pacific Epping Shoping Centre 571-583 High Street Epping VIC 3076	23/05/2021 11:15am – 12:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Epping	Chemist Warehouse Shop 15, Dalton Village, 351-371 Dalton Road Epping VIC 3076	19/05/2021 6:45pm – 8:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Epping	Coles Epping Shop Number Q002. Pacific Epping Cooper Street & High street Epping VIC 3076	20/05/2021 6:45pm – 7:35pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Epping	Epping North Shopping Centre 2 Lyndarum Drive Epping VIC 3076	22/05/2021 4:45pm – 5:50pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Epping	House and Party (store) 2 Lyndarum Drive Epping VIC 3076	22/05/2021 5:15pm – 5:50pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Epping	JMD Grocers & Sweets 768 High Street Epping VIC 3076	17/05/2021 10:30am – 1:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Epping	Nando’s Epping (Dalton Rd) Shop 17 Dalton Village, 351-371 Dalton Road Epping VIC 3076	19/05/2021 8:30pm – 9:20pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Epping	The Furniture Trader 102-120 Cooper Street Epping VIC 3076	18/05/2021 12:00pm – 12:50pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Epping	Urban Diner Food Court, Pacific Epping Shopping Centre 571-583 High Street Epping VIC 3076	23/05/2021 1:15pm – 2:30pm	Case attended Urban Diner Food Court – inside location (not outside dining precinct with individual restaurants)	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Epping	Woolworths Epping Shop Number Q003. Pacific Epping Cooper Street & High street Epping VIC 3076	20/05/2021 6:25pm – 7:15pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Epping	Woolworths Epping North Shop 13, 2 Lyndarum Drive Epping VIC 3076	22/05/2021 4:45pm – 5:45pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Fairfield	7-Eleven Fairfield East 324 Station street Fairfield VIC 3078	23/05/2021 7:45pm – 8:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Fitzroy North	Secco and Co 414 Nicholson Street Fitzroy North VIC 3068	22/05/2021 7:35pm – 8:55pm	Case attended party	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Lalor	Deep Indian Supermarket 3/494 High Street Lalor VIC 3075	20/05/2021 7:00pm – 8:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Lalor	Everfresh Fruit Market 346 Station Street Lalor VIC 3075	19/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Lalor	Fruits of Lalor 328 Station Street Lalor VIC 3075	19/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Lalor	No. 1 Fruit Market 37 May Road Lalor VIC 3075	19/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Maribyrnong	Highpoint Shopping Centre, all other areas on Levels 2 and 3 excluding specific shops listed as Tier 1 sites Levels 2 & 3, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 3032	20/05/2021 5:15pm – 6:35pm	Case attended venue. If you attended one of the shops listed as Tier 1 (Lush Cosmetics, Toyworld, Smiggle, Kidstuff, Ishka), see specific shop instructions	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Maribyrnong	Ishka, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 3032	20/05/2021 5:45pm – 6:20pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong	Kidstuff, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 3032	20/05/2021 5:20pm – 5:55pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong	Lush Cosmetics, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 3032	20/05/2021 6:05pm – 6:35pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong	Smiggle, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 3, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 3032	20/05/2021 5:55pm – 6:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Maribyrnong	Toyworld, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 3032	20/05/2021 5:30pm – 6:20pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Melbourne	Bamboo House 47 Little Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000	21/05/2021 11:00am – 11:50am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Mill Park	Bunnings Warehouse 761 Plenty Road Mill Park VIC 3082	20/05/2021 4:00pm – 6:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Mill Park	Degani, Westfield Plenty Valley 415 Mcdonalds Road Mill Park VIC 3082	23/05/2021 11:30am – 2:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Mordialloc	The Sporting Globe Mordialloc 590 Main Street Mordialloc VIC 3195	23/05/2021 6:17pm – 9:43pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Parkville	Melbourne Swordcraft Ransford Oval, Park Street Parkville VIC 3052	21/05/2021 5:45pm – 10:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Bay 101 Cafe 7/101 Bay Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207	24/05/2021 7:30am – 8:20am	Case sat inside venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Port Park Cafe 7/484 Graham St Port Melbourne VIC 3207	24/05/2021 12:30pm – 1:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	The Local, Port Melbourne 22-24 Bay Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207	21/05/2021 1:40pm – 3:30pm	Case dined inside venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	The Local, Port Melbourne 22-24 Bay Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207	21/05/2021 1:30pm – 3:30pm	Case dined inside venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Stratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 3207	20/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Stratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 3207	21/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Stratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 3207	22/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Stratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 3207	23/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Stratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 3207	24/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port Melbourne	Stratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 3207	25/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Prahran	Somewhere Bar 181 Chapel Street Prahran VIC 3181	22/05/2021 10:30pm – 1:00am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Prahran	Three Monkeys 210 Chapel Street Prahran VIC 3181	22/05/2021 9:10pm – 11:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Prahran	Three Monkeys 210 Chapel Street Prahran VIC 3181	23/05/2021 12.30am – 2:00am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Preston	Adams Reserve Playground Milton Crescent Preston VIC 3072	23/05/2021 2:15pm – 3:45pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Preston	ALDI Preston South 15 Dundas Street Preston VIC 3072	23/05/2021 3:45pm – 4:25pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Red Hill	Nordie Cafe 1008 Mornington-Flinders Road Red Hill VIC 3937	22/05/2021 9:09am – 9:34am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Reservoir	B.T. Connor Reserve 200 Broadhurst Avenue Reservoir VIC 3073	21/05/2021 8:00pm – 11:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Reservoir	P & C Indian Grocery & Convenience Store 246 Broadway Reservoir VIC 3073	22/05/2021 6:00pm – 7:00pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Reservoir	Shell Coles Express Reservoir 192-202 Broadway & Whitelaw Street Reservoir VIC 3073	18/05/2021 3:15pm – 4:15pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Reservoir	Doctors on Broadway 210A Broadway Reservoir VIC 3073	18/05/2021 2:00pm – 3:45pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Richmond	Melbourne Cricket Ground – Zone 4, Level 1 Brunton Avenue Richmond VIC 3002	23/05/2021 2:50pm – 6:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Richmond	Melbourne Cricket Ground – All of the Stadium, other than Zone 4, Level 1 Brunton Avenue Richmond VIC 3002	23/05/2021 2:50pm – 6:30pm	Case attended venue	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.
South Melbourne	The Palace Hotel 505-507 City Road South Melbourne VIC 3205	21/05/2021 5:45pm – 6:45pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
South Yarra	Circus Bar 199 Commercial Road South Yarra VIC 3181	23/05/2021 1:30am – 4:15am	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Southbank	Criniti’s Southbank 645 Freshwater Place Southbank VIC 3006	23/05/2021 6:00pm – 9:30pm	Case attended venue	Anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.

If you have any symptoms please get tested.

“It’s not ‘India Variant’, stupid”

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26 May 2021 3:48 PM

Pray for India Vigil at Federation Square; Picture Siurce: Senthill Sundram

Thomas Isaac (Name Changed to protect his identity) is a healthcare worker of Indian origin.
He works in a busy public health setting in Melbourne.

Mr Isaac told The Australia Today, “One of my clients asked me, Are you carrying the India Variant, Did you come from India recently.”

“What do you expect me to say, I smiled and politely said, No. I understand his concerns but you know it feels a little racist.”

He is not alone in having to cope with such remarks.

Dear Journalists, it’s not the Indian Strain. It’s the B1.617 variant of the virus – it was first detected in India. Language matters. #COVID19Vic
— Jamal Hakim (he/him/his) (@thejamalhakim) May 26, 2021

Ravi Vijayratne is a Melbourne based IT consultant (Name and profession changed) of Sri Lankan origin.
His son goes to public school in a southeastern suburb of Melbourne.

He told The Australia Today, “My son was asked by one of his friends in the school, did you bring ‘Indian variant’ of coronavirus.”

Of course, we all Indian subcontinent people look alike and can be mistaken as the same. I am really concerned about this narrative paddled because this can really hurt, said Mr Vijayratne.

“I would say whosoever is calling it India variant is stupid”

But, Why this narrative of ‘India Variant‘ is taking shape in the community

Last year about the same time when COVID19 was reported a lot of concerns were raised about associating it with China or Wuhan city of China.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-26-at-1.55.38-PM-590x1024.jpeg

People of Asian origin were being targeted and called ‘Wuhan Virus’ on the streets of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
In January 2020, Dr Rhea Liang wrote about her experience on social media.
“Today my patient made jokes about not shaking my hand because of #coronavirus in front of my team. This is not sensible public health precautions. This is #racism.”

However, Australian Media, Politicians and Academics have not learned any lessons. This time around also Media outlets are the first to put it in their headlines.

The Guardian which is considered to be sensitive towards multicultural communities didn’t think twice before splashing the term India Covid variant in the headline.

This trend is followed by academicians.

Hassan Vally is an Associate Professor with the School of Psychology & Public Health at La Trobe University.

He told in a media statement, “The news of community transmission involving the Indian variant reinforces that the freedoms we have right now in Victoria and in Australia are built on precarious foundations, and things could change at any time.”

When questioned about the use of the term India Variant by The Australia Today Mr Vally said, “One of the difficulties in science communication is making sure that you are understood and that your communication does not involve too much jargon or technical language, and I think while most of the community are aware that more dangerous variants emerged in India not many would recognise what you are referring to when you refer to the B.1.617 variant. It’s a shorthand that allows you to communicate what you need to say as effectively as possible. Its similar logic for referring to the Brazilian variant and UK variant and South African variant.“

He categorically said that the use of any such terms will not have any detrimental effect on people of Indian origin.

“No, I actually don’t, just like I don’t think the use of the term the South African variant nor the Brazilian variant has any detrimental affects on people from these countries. I think people’s understanding of the pandemic and the way these variants emerge is sophisticated enough that this does not enter into the equation. No one has mentioned this issue previously to me and I haven’t seen any evidence of the presence of a variant that emerged in India being held against Indians. I only see a lot of compassion for the plight of India in the people that I have encountered.“

However, Mr Vally should realise the fact that things can really happen in the community without them being mentioned to him.

When questioned about the use of the term China Virus or Wuhan Virus by some he replied,
“I think this is an entirely different issue. There is certainly stigma associated with where a virus originally emerged that is quite different from the emergence of variants. The former had become politicised particularly given the strained relations between China and the US. Having said that I generally refer to original strain as the strain that emerged from Wuhan. So I think it is the way you refer to these variants that is important and not the use of the terms themselves that is the issue.“

Melbourne based Karthik Arasu wrote on a social media post, “Many Indian Australians are serving in the frontline battling this deadly virus, we are concerned about their safety for any backlash or hate, which the Chinese community faced last year across the world.”

Deputy leader of opposition Richard Marles a Labor MP in Australian Federal Parliament used the term ‘India Variant’ to describe the outbreak in Victoria.

This didn’t go well with the Indian Australian community.
Federation of Indian Australians released a statement asking Richard Marles not to associate the COVID19 virus variant with India or any other country.
“We are appalled and disappointed by the speech of Hon Richard Marles MP in the Parliament today mentioning it as an Indian variant and associating the Victoria Covid19 outbreak with Indian Australians.”

“We appeal to him to immediately withdraw his comments and delete the video of his speech in Parliament today with reference to the Indian variant, which he has shared on his social media platform. In the future, we request all the Members of the Parliament to be more considerate about the community and their wellbeing before making any irresponsible comments which will subject the community to backlash for no fault of their own,” read the statement.

Molina Swaroop Asthana is Co-Founder and Convenor of the Asian Australian Alliance.
She was a vocal advocate for Asian Australians when they faced discrimination last year.

Ms Asthana told The Australia Today, “Calling the strain an Indian variant is not necessarily racist on the face of it as other strains have previously been identified by the country’s name such as the US or Brazil.”

“However, it may have a discriminatory effect as Indians being a minority with different skin colour may be identified as such and also because of the perception created by the earlier India travel ban. If they had called it the Indian Virus, it would have been a different matter and it would have been discriminatory on the face of it too,” she added.

Earlier, the Government of India issued an urgent advisory to all social media platforms asking them to immediately remove any & every content that names, refers to or even implies ‘Indian variant’ of coronavirus as there is no such variant scientifically cited as such by World Health Organization.

World Health organisation have made a statement that virus or variants are not identified by the country they are first reported from.

WHO does not identify viruses or variants with names of countries they are first reported from. We refer to them by their scientific names and request all to do the same for consistency. @PTI_News @PIB_India @ANI @timesofindia @htTweets @IndianExpress @the_hindu @MoHFW_INDIA
— WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) May 12, 2021

Australian Aquifers help recharge and reuse India’s groundwater

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26 May 2021 11:45 AM

Indian Tube well: Picture Source; @CANVA

An ACIAR-supported project led by Dr Robyn Johnston and Dr Prabhakar Sharma has successfully developed a system to store more groundwater in the southern part of the Indian state of Bihar to help alleviate water scarcity.

This project is part of the Sustainable Development Investment Portfolio (SDIP) program, which is jointly funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ACIAR.

This Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system has put more water into an aquifer located at a pilot site which is one of the most water-challenged regions in India.

AT this site there is often not enough water for essential needs of the villagers during the dry season.

Image source: *A diagram of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery system – Nalanda University*

The system comprising of a deep recharge pit connected to a borewell allows the aquifer to be recharged in the wet season.

Dr Robyn Johnston who manages the ACIAR Water Research Program said:

“This project aims to demonstrate small-scale, simple technology that allows excess rainfall during the monsoon to be retained and stored as shallow groundwater, then recovered during the dry season for domestic use or irrigation.”

The Australian system is low cost and built with locally available materials.

Farmers were trained to take collective action to maintain the recharge pit of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery system.

Image source: Nalanda University – Twitter

The project team will continue to refine the system through PhD and Masters students at Nalanda University.

Image source: Dr Prabhakar Sharma – Nalanda University

Dr Prabhakar Sharma, Assistant Professor from Nalanda University, who led the project said:

“We are committed to long-term, multidisciplinary studies on the food systems of the region, and aquifer storage and recovery forms a key component in this endeavour. Water quality, ecosystem services, and institutional sustainability are some of the future areas of research.”

The students also utilise the database created by the project team, which captured water level, water quality, groundwater usage, farming practices and more.

Image source: Dr Kuhu Chatterjee – ACIAR SDIP

Dr Kuhu Chatterjee, ACIAR SDIP Program Coordinator, who is based in India said:

“We’re really impressed with the results so far and are pleased to see local farming communities buying-in to the new approach.”

In the long run, such Australia-led projects could be a way to help store valuable water, revive failed bore wells and protect farmers in India.

Indian Australian offers $2 million scholarship for Nurses

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26 May 2021 9:16 AM

Australia-based Institute of Health & Management (IHM) founded by a Malayali is planning to offer Rs 10 crore worth (A$2million) scholarships to nurses in India.

This is to show recognition for the nurses’ commitment and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic.

*Bijo Kunnumpurath*; *Image source:* Linkedin

In a media statement, IHM founder and Managing Director Mr Bijo Kunnumpurath said that the dedication shown by the nurses and other health professionals despite life-threatening hardships needed recognition and support from all sections of society.

The scholarships will be offered to those undertaking the ‘Gateway to Global Nursing Programme’ with three pathway options.

“… this program also equips the overseas nurses with skills needed to prepare themselves to work as a nurse in the gulf countries and European countries like Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.”

IHM is the only private higher-education provider in Australia to offer a Master of Nursing programme at its Melbourne, Sydney and Perth campuses.

The details of the scholarships including the eligibility and qualification would be announced by IHM shortly.

Each scholarship would be worth 2,000 Australian dollars and helps promote IHM’s purpose – “to enhance lives through healthcare and education”.

Nurses aspiring for a PG programme in Australia can get a student visa that allows them to work for 40 hours per fortnight.

Nurses undertaking the ‘Gateway to Global Nursing Programme’ can gain job opportunities in the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.

Pharmaceutical tycoon compares COVID vaccination confusion to Indian arranged marriage

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25 May 2021 3:06 PM

arranged marriage Image source: Wikipedia

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has compared the COVID-19 vaccination situation in the India to an arranged marriage.

Australia-educated Mazumdar-Shaw is presently the Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited – Asia’s leading Biopharmaceuticals enterprise.

Image source: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – Biocon.

She compared the two while highlighting the confusion that has surrounded the entire vaccination process in India.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw tweeted:

“The vaccine situation in India is like arranged marriage. First u r not ready, then u don’t like any, then u don’t get any!! Those who got are unhappy thinking may be the other one would have been better. Those who did not get any are willing to get any one.”

Vaccination hesitancy and technology have speed-bumped India’s inoculation drive right from the start. The history of vaccines is replete with stories of fear and misgivings on their side-effects or inefficacy of a new vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines experienced nothing different.

Experts say that an open and congruous approach is essential for mitigating myths and fears around Covid-19 vaccines.

Indian media has earlier reported that there are many reasons that are impacting people’s trust in the vaccine. A few cases of fully vaccinated people contracting the infection is one of them.

Medical experts explain that we should not forget that no single vaccine can provide 100% protection.
For example, the annual influenza vaccine offers only 40% to 60% protection, and a measles vaccine offers only 97% protection. Similarly, no Covid-19 developed in India or outside, offer 100% protection.

However, this cannot negate the benefits of the vaccine, which significantly lowers the level of the infection, and even if contracted after getting fully vaccinated will always protect from a fatal infection. Indian Council of Medical Research in a report recently shared said that only 2-4 people in 10,000 were found to get infected after getting both doses.

So they are requesting people to go out and get COVID19 vaccine as soon as possible.

Here are details of COVID19 restrictions for Melbourne starting at 6 pm

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25 May 2021 1:44 PM

Victoria’s acting Premier James Merlino has announced new restrictions which will come into effect from 6 pm today and will last till June 4.

Following restrictions will return to Melbourne after a fifth new locally acquired case of coronavirus confirmed last night by the Victorian medical officer.

Masks will be mandatory for those over the age of 12 in indoor settings. This requirement includes workplaces within Metropolitan Melbourne.
Private in-home gatherings are limited to five visitors per day.
Public outdoor gatherings are restricted to 30 people.

This means people will be restricted to 5 visitors per day to their homes, and private gatherings in public, like a barbecue or picnic, will be restricted to 30 people.

Residents of Melbourne metro will be able to travel to regional Victoria. However, the restrictions in place will travel with them, which means they would require to continue to wear masks.

These additional measures are an important extra precaution while the health authorities await the results of testing and undertake widespread contact tracing to stamp out the virus.

Schools and workplaces will remain open with the current restrictions that are in place. Depending on the workplace, this includes COVID Safe measures and in some cases, a density requirement. There are no changes to existing density rules.

If you attend a public gathering outside of Greater Melbourne, it must not be bigger than 30 people.

Victorians visiting regional Victoria from Melbourne will also need to wear a face mask when indoors even when outside of metropolitan Melbourne, unless an exemption applies.

In view of vulnerable community members safety hospital and aged care visitor restrictions will also now apply state-wide.

Use of the Service Victoria QR code service will still be mandatory in all venues and facilities required to have mandatory electronic record-keeping from Friday, 28 May.

However, due to the current circumstances, the Victorian government will pause on the move to remove the density quotient in outdoor spaces and venues to a maximum of 200 people in spaces smaller than 400 sqm. Timing for this easing will be reassessed when public health advice indicates it is appropriate to do so.

The Public Health Advisory Panel will provide advice as soon as possible to upcoming Tier 1 and Tier 2 events if any modifications will be required for the event to proceed.

Acting Premier Merlino said, “This is about giving our contact tracers the time they need to track this matter down and get on top of it.”

“Face masks, private and informal gatherings – a reason why we’ve focused in these areas as opposed to businesses and workplaces that will continue under the existing arrangements – it is harder to contact trace in those private and informal settings.”

This comes after Victorian health authorities could not trace the source of four new locally acquired cases which were reported on Monday. These cases were all from the same family across two households.

The total number of COVID positive people in Victoria is 9 as per notification by the Victorian Department of Health.

Mid-air Indian wedding: Bride and Groom will be charged for flouting COVID-19 norms

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25 May 2021 10:47 AM

Indian Wedding mid-air in a plane; Picture Source: Twitter

After the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took cognisance of the COVID-19 rules violation during a mid-air marriage on a SpiceJet chartered flight, the airline on Monday informed that it has initiated appropriate action against the passengers.

“A SpiceJet Boeing 737 was chartered by a travel agent in Madurai on May 23, 2021, for a group of passengers for a joy ride post their wedding. The client was clearly briefed on COVID-19 guidelines to be followed and denied permission for any activity to be performed on board. The approval for this flight was taken as a joy ride for the wedding group,” SpiceJet said in a statement.

The airline clarified that the agent and the guest passengers were briefed in detail, both in writing as well as verbally, on social distancing and safety norms to be followed as per COVID guidelines both at the airport and on board the aircraft throughout the journey.

“The group was repeatedly briefed on the safety norms to be followed by the operating cabin crew and advised to follow the protocols laid down by DGCA including restrictions on photography and videography. Despite repeated requests and reminders, the passengers did not follow COVID-19 guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action as per rules,” it added.

India’s aviation watchdog, DGCA on Monday initiated an investigation over reports of mid-air marriage ceremony and has ordered taking the crew off duty.

The DGCA has asked for registering a complaint against all passengers who were part of the onboard marriage celebration and violated COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

“Crew members are off rostered. Airline directed to lodge a complaint against those not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour with relevant authorities,” a DGCA official told Indian media.

A couple tied the knot on-board a chartered flight from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Their relatives and guests were on the same flight. On Sunday, a SpiceJet aircraft had booked a charter flight by a Madurai- based private person for the mid-air marriage ceremony but authorities were not informed regarding the marriage on board.

“A SpiceJet chartered flight was booked yesterday from Madurai. Airport Authority officials unaware of the mid-air marriage ceremony,” said Madurai Airport Director, S Senthil Valavan.

Earlier, DGCA had issued guidelines for air travellers and clearly mentioned to de-board passengers who are ‘wearing mask incorrectly’ from the plane.

“Upon boarding the aircraft, in case any passenger does not adhere to wearing of mask properly even after repeated warnings, he/she should be de-boarded, if need be, before departure. In case, any passenger onboard an aircraft refuses to wear a mask or violates the ‘COVID-19 protocol for passengers’ even after repeated warnings, during the course of the flight, such passenger may be treated as ‘Unruly Passenger’,” its guideline said.

The DGCA sought a full report from the airline company and the Airport Authority regarding the said incident.

“The adherence to above directions shall be ensured by all concerned with immediate effect. Strict action shall be taken in case of any violation,” it added.

Indian car giant Mahindra will not import ‘Thar’ 4WD to Australia, here is why

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24 May 2021 3:29 PM

thar vs wrangler — Image source: YouTube

Car Advice has recently reported that Indian car giant Mahindra’s Thar four-wheel-drive has effectively been banned from being sold in the Australian market in its current design.

It is alleged that Mahindra’s Thar is a similar version or look-a-like of Jeep Wrangler.

Image source: Jeep Wrangler – Wikipedia.

According to the report, Mahindra has given an undertaking to the Federal Court of Australia to not import Thar.

Image source: Federal Court of Australia – Wikipedia.

Earlier this year Mahindra’s Australian website had published an “expressions of interest” page.

Later, it had also emailed potential buyers about the release of Thar in Australia: “As we get closer to launching this exciting new vehicle in Australia, we will communicate with you via this email address.”

However, recently the Federal Court heard one Mahindra Thar vehicle “has been imported into Australia for testing.”

The court also heard that the certification process known as homologation “has not commenced and no vehicles are available … in Australia”.

The lawyers representing Mahindra in Australia agreed that the manufacturer would “not import, market or sell in Australia the model of the Thar vehicle” released in India in 2020.

The lawyers also agreed to certain conditions if Mahindra planned to import a possible future variant of the Mahindra Thar vehicle to Australia.

A statement from representatives for Mahindra Australia – sent after yesterday’s Federal Court hearing – said: “Mahindra’s undertaking to the Federal Court means that there will not be any needless litigation in relation to the case filed by (Jeep) in Australia for a model of the Thar that is available in India. When we develop a model specific to (the Australian) market, we will provide the required notice to (Jeep).”

A statement issued by Jeep after yesterday’s Federal Court hearing said the company is “pleased that Mahindra has conceded and undertaken that they will not import, market or sell the current Thar vehicle in Australia and will provide prior notice to (Jeep) before bringing any future model or variant of the Thar into Australia”.

Market Mantra: Cryptocurrency correction we ought to have

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24 May 2021 10:14 AM

What a change one week can bring.
The Cryptocurrencies came crashing down after a crackdown in China. The correction was much needed as unlimited growth is never sustainable. Bitcoin, altcoins all suffered right through the week.

Last week we talked about how Bitcoin is finding it hard to break back above USD 50,000, the bears finally took control as China banned cryptocurrencies resulting n it falling to as low as $30,000.00 at one time. Etherium was the worst to suffer however as other altcoins followed suit.

The short and medium-term trend for Bitcoin is now firmly down, the long term trend however is still up. Having said that Bitcoin may find it hard to bounce back if it does not recover to USD 44,000,00 soon.

In other financial markets, Australia had a minute gain during the week ending the week 0.23% higher. We saw Commonwealth Bank flattening out, as people decided to buy technology stocks at a bargain. We still think that this week there will be a bit of pressure on technology stocks and wouldn’t be surprised if they get dumped and investors rush back from Technology stocks such as Afterpay and Zippay to commodity and financial stocks again during mid-week.

Weak iron ore prices weighed in on BHP and RIO which shed about 1%. With Iron ore prices
shedding another 2% on Friday we expect the prices in BHP and Rio to come under some pressure this week. Falling oil prices may impact energy stocks too.

All in all, as mentioned above commodity and financial stocks are where we see investors heading towards this week.

Australian Dollar: Picture Source; @Canva

Australian dollar which is highly correlated to prices of Gold and Iron saw retreating 0.5% on Friday as commodity prices took a hit. Falling iron ore prices, retreating Copper prices on China price crackdown fears all weighing in on the Australian Dollar. It will be testing support around 0.7710 and 0.7690 against the US Dollar this week.

The Australian Dollar as mentioned last week continued its decline against the Indian Rupee too last week. Currently, 1 AUD is buying around INR 56.36, we expect the weakness to continue this week as Corona numbers in India improve and commodity prices reduce. There is however major support around Rs 55.50 and the dollar may bounce back from there.

Author: Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs his own business Glow trades Pty Ltd. Here, he teaches anyone who is interested in starting on their trading journey how to trade. He can be contacted at adang@glowtrades.com.au.

Disclaimer: The writers’ opinion 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.

Australian Haryanvis send medical supplies under ‘Operation Sanjeevani’ to India

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Association of Haryanvis in Australia (AHA) has donated essential medical supplies including 110 oxygen concentrators, 3,000 pulse oximeters and 2,500 thermal scanners through its community-backed fundraising campaign.

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24 May 2021 8:07 AM

Oxygen Concentrator donated by Association of Haryanvis in Australia: Picture Source; AHA

While the Australian government is doing all it can to support India, the Haryanvi Diaspora living in Australia too have recently come forward to extend help amid the surge in Covid19 cases in India.

Mr Satpal Chahal, AHA’s representative from Melbourne, has shared that the organisation has set an ambitious target of raising at least A$200,000 as a part of this operation.

AHA trustee Mr Ashok Kundu who resides in Adelaide said that Haryanvis across Australia have donated funds for these lifesaving machines.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2-1-1024x768.jpg

“Our team is not only limited to providing medical equipment. As there was an acute shortage of wood for performing the last rites of patients, our team supported Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal (SBSSD) in their duties of performing the last rites of patients succumbed to COVID at Seema Puri (Delhi) cremation ground. We provided them with two trucks of dry wood to fulfill their duties and we will continue to assist them in future as per their requirements.”

The Chief Minister of Haryana has thanked the AHA for remembering their motherland and providing a helping hand to fight COVID-19:

“Thanking Association of Haryanvis in Australia (AHA) for supporting Government of Haryana’s efforts in combating COVID-19 by donating 100 Oxygen Concentrators.”

Barry O’Farrell, Australia’s High Commissioner to Australia, tweeted praising the AHA’s gesture:

“Wonderful gesture by the Association of Haryanvis in Australia (AHA) who have donated essential medical supplies including oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters & thermal scanners to support Haryana & NCR during this pandemic.”

AHA’s medical supplies have been delivered to Haryana Government, PGIMS – Rohtak and GIEO Geetha Sansthan.

Mr Sewa Redhu, a member of AHA core team who lives in Sydney said that the equipment is being channelled to various healthcare institutions in Haryana and NCR.

This is done based on need and urgency under the aegis of nodal officers appointed by the government.

As per the details shared by the AHA team with The Australia Today, the equipment has been shipped to India in two phases.

The first shipment comprising 10 units of Oxygen Concentrator was duly received by the Vice-Chancellor, PGIMS Rohtak, Haryana on 13th May and 1000 Oximeters were delivered to Govt of Haryana and GIEO Gita Sansthan. Shipment of another 100 Oxygen Concentrators and 2000 oximeters, as well as 2500 thermal sensors, were delivered yesterday, to Government for distribution to the Govt hospitals and other COVID-19 centres.

Mr Navneet Chaudhary, on behalf of Association of Haryanvis in Australia, believes:

“We shall surely overcome the ravages of the pandemic with the blessings of the almighty and multi-faceted support pouring from within and without.”

Does Pacific have right to decolonize its History?

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22 May 2021 11:13 AM

‘Indians’ who came to the Pacific islands are studied in Diaspora studies but do these indentured labourers narratives in general and Pacific History in specific have any voice in the imperial history writings.
How were Pacific people presented in the narratives of colonial history writings? This is a question of debate as many are still unaware of the truth.

Imperial history writing considers ‘Pacific History’ worthless during their era. The Pacific history was presented in the footnotes of the Imperial history intellectuals before the 1950s. This article enlightens the discourse of the emergence of Pacific Historiography for mass readers.

What is History or Historian Craft

E.H. Carr in his famous book “What is History” said, “it is a continuous process of interaction between the historian and his facts, an unending dialogue between the present and the past”.

The historian craft means how the historian analyzes the past based on selecting present surviving records and then finally giving his authentication.
So, Carr has compared historian to a cook, as “the historian collects them (facts), takes them home, and cooks and serves them in whatever style appeals to him”.

Hereafter, I explain the meaning of objectivity and subjectivity as basic traits of history writing, where objectivity means existing independently of perception or an individual’s conception, Subjectivity is related to a person’s emotions and prejudices.

The next question that comes to mind is, Can History be Objective?
A historian cannot be objective as facts do not speak for themselves and no two historians will have a completely identical imaginative response to any hypothesis.
Carr recommended that before reading history the reader should first study the historian and find out the author’s mind of expressing history.

Imperial History Writing: “Historyless” Pacific

Colonial agenda was aligned to imperial processes to explain their dominance over most parts of the world, including the Pacific Islands from mid- 1800.
Imperial Historians’ writings raised the world view and ambitions of the policymakers and politicians of the white west. Imperial history writers tried to use history as a tool to validate their colonial projects.
They considered Pacific Islanders and their history as completely irrelevant through an imperial Euro-centric position. The claim was history writing only began with the coming of Europeans as Pacific Islanders were ‘Historyless.’ They considered the Pacific as primitive that does not have any history of its own and only referred to it in footnotes or marginal references.

Islander Festival; Picture Source: Supplied

J.W. Davidson founder of Pacific History (Australia National University): Island Oriented History

After the end second World War, many colonised nations began to demand independence in Asia and Africa, which also included Pacific nations.
This decolonization movement was also noticed in the Pacific History writing in the academic world.

James Wightman Davidson in 1955’s inaugural lecture highlighted serious limitations of using imperial-oriented history when attempting to understand events on Pacific islands.
He gave the proposition of ‘Island Oriented History’ which stresses the need to shift the focus of interest from metropolitan capital to the Island themselves. Concentration should be made on evaluation local native history and societies where practitioners had to engage in the participant of history. Davidson also suggested concentrating on a source other than archives to write Pacific History.

The foundation journal of Pacific History under the joint editorship of J.W. Davidson and H.E. Maude (a historian who supported Davidson views) became the vehicle of Pacific history research. Some claimed this is a new vision to write a history of the Pacific but some disagree.

H.E. Maude highlights the early problem faced by Pacific historians regarding historical “sources were almost entirely written by Europeans and often have both ethnocentric bias and inaccuracies”.
He suggested, “Oral sources and oral traditions were encouraged rather than written and archival sources”. Mr Munde wanted Pacific Island historians to write local historical material, leading to local histories for school and popular use. This could help them to play an important part in assisting genuine cultural development and later economic development. Studying in a regional laboratory of historical variables in miniature and will help to contribute to the discipline as a whole.

A critic of Island Oriented History

Kerry. R. Howe posits that Pacific islands’ history is a breeding ground for more and more highly specialised articles, monographs, and symposia.
Howe said, today, historians of the Pacific islands seem to be heading rapidly towards a state of monograph myopia.

“We are finding out more and more about less and less. Relatively little consideration seems to be given to any overall purpose or direction” (Howe, 1979).

Pacific historians adopting a pinpoint focus study due to the small size of Pacific History. Pacific History is seldom tested and modify generalizations.

He suggested six new ways to approach Pacific History writing.
1- More effort needs to be placed on writing the histories of specific islands and groups from an overall perspective. Micro-level findings should be implied in a broader perspective.
2- Concise histories of the Pacific islands should be written. An overview provides a new frame of reference or a new yardstick against which all sorts of information can be measured and tested.
3- Return to those topics which can be approached in terms of thematic and/or regional systems.
4- Need to see the Pacific islands within the much broader geographic, economic and political framework of the Pacific Ocean involving, as it must, its adjacent shores.
5- There should be a comparative study of the islands on elements/themes of commonality.
6- Demand for Inter-disciplinary investigation.

David Routledge has challenged the foundation of ‘Island-Oriented History’ school as it did not show any new vision.
He demanded not for ‘Island-oriented’ but also ‘Islander-oriented’ Pacific history. His focus was on comprehensive history writing without overstressing a particular theme. He stated, “all resources should be used in an integrated fashion and that the special insights of islander and non-islander alike should be combined together rather than opposed to one another”.

Conclusion

Indians coming to the Pacific and across the world have decolonized the academia of imperial hegemony in the post-colonial period. Pacific history can never be worthless and ‘historyless’, but it is the imperial mind having colonial motives presented Pacific history in their own narrative.

Author: Dr Sakul Kundra, A.HOD Department of Social Science at Fiji National University.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are his own and not of The Australia Today or his employer. For comments or suggestions, email. dr.sakulkundra@gmail.com

PM Morrison charms Indian-Australians by Dosa making skills

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21 May 2021 5:22 PM

PM Scott Morrison at Siva Vishnu Temple, Melbourne; Picture Source: Facebook @SCOMO

“Namaste, Namaskaram, Vanakam & Sat Sri Akaal, I will never forget the welcome I received today from the priests and Temple members,” said PM Scott Morrison.

Mr Morrison’s Siva Vishnu Hindu Temple visit in Melbourne came with the background of a second Australian plane of medical supplies reaching New Delhi and just four days after the India travel ban ended.

PM Scott Morrison and Assistant Minister Jason Wood at Siva Vishnu Temple, Melbourne; Picture Source:The Australia Today

Reassurance was the theme of the whole afternoon. Prime Minister Morrison and Assistant Minister for Multicultural affairs Jason Wood were busy explaining and assuring the Indian Australian community members that they will do everything to bring back 11,000 Australians stuck in India.

The program started with religious prayers for India and its people in this difficult time of the COVID19 surge. There is a cultural Hindu belief that collective prayers have a miraculous effect.

*PM Scott Morrison and Assistant Minister Jason Wood at Siva Vishnu Temple, Melbourne; Picture Source: FACEBOOK @Scomo*

PM Morrison said, “If I could ask for one thing from God it would be bringing each and every Australian back to the safety of their homes.”

Even though a lot of people in the Indian Australian community are facing some COVID-19 issues with family or friends they still made the reception of their guests to be special.

Hindu temple committee invited PM Morrison to thank him and his Assistant Minister Jason Wood who was instrumental in providing ‘Safer community grant’ to secure the premises of the temple for its devotes.

Mr Morrison said, “It is great pleasure to be here with not only the Hindu community but also other multicultural groups.”

“Assistant Minister Jason Wood is a great friend and supporter of the multicultural communities across the country, he is doing outstanding work, that’s why I gave him this job.”

The crowd acknowledged it with the thunderous applause.

When quizzed about his culinary skills and Saturday curry nights Prime Minister didn’t leave anything to chance. He readily agreed to show his skills in front of almost 250 guests.
However, it was not Samosa but Dosa which he tried this time.
Mr Morrison said, “I am always ready to learn new things and let it be Dosa this time.”

Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP showing his cooking skills #Dosa rocks #IndianAustralian @JasonWood_MP
From #Sco_mosa to #Sco_dosa pic.twitter.com/sRnsLoU2LO
— The Australia Today (@TheAustoday) May 19, 2021

Under the strict direction of Temple Chef Narendra Mr Morrison successfully made yummy Dosa.
He didn’t forget to remind the chef that he has a “Good Indian friend” ( Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi) with the same name.

Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood also addressed the gathering.
He said, “I am very proud to provide funding to make places of worship and faith a safer place.”

I also thank Prime Minister for his dedication and passion for the multicultural communities,” said Mr Wood.

Senator David Van who was also present told The Australia Today, “We stand with the Indian community, and we know they are doing it tough in India, there is aid being sent, and will be happy to give any support.”

Rangarajan Balasubramaniam is president of the Shiva Vishnu Temple management committee.
He explained how the safer communities grant has helped them to install security lighting and other security infrastructure and make the Temple a secure place for its devotees.

PM Scott Morrison presented ‘Holy Bhagwat Geeta’ at Siva Vishnu Temple, Melbourne; Picture Source:The Australia Today

PM Morrison was also presented ‘Holy Bhagavad Gita’ by Karthik Arasu, President of Federation of Indian Australians. Mr Arasu thanked the Prime minister for the timely support with medical supplies to India.

90-minute long cultural extravaganza concluded with a special feast for everyone present. The event was attended by not only Hindu community members but also Sikh, Muslim, and Christian faith leaders.

Alarmist media reporting on COVID-19 will raise anxiety and vaccine hesitancy

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Denis Muller, The University of Melbourne

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21 May 2021 11:27 AM

Victoria Covid19 Testing site; Picture Source: Twitter Vic Health

From an ethics perspective, it has been a bad couple of weeks for media coverage of COVID-19.

First, there was a highly questionable story in The Australian about China allegedly weaponising coronavirus, with the headline “‘Virus warfare’ in China files” splashed across the front page.

The author of the article, Sharri Markson, claims a document written by Chinese scientists and Chinese public health officials in 2015 discussed the weaponisation of a SARS coronavirus.

According to the article, the document was headed “The Unnatural Origin of SARS and New Species of Man-Made Viruses as Genetic Bioweapons”.

Markson reported the US State Department had obtained the document in the course of investigating the origin of COVID-19. In her article and others that followed, there was talk of a third world war in which biological weapons would be deployed.

However, Chengxin Pan, an associate professor at Deakin University, offered a different explanation for the document’s origins. He said in a tweet the document Markson cited was in fact a book, the contents of which could be found on the internet or at a Chinese online bookstore.

Dominic Meagher, an economist at the Lowy Institute with an extensive China background, tweeted the book was

The Chinese 'paper' or 'document' referred to in this report may lead the reader to think this is a leaked document from Chinese military, but in fact it's a published book and here is its full text if ANYONE is interested to know about this 'secret'. https://t.co/miuXM1iNQg https://t.co/r08b0geXw3
— Chengxin Pan (@ChengxinPan) May 8, 2021

pretty clearly an idiotic conspiracy theory about how the US and Japan had introduced SARS to China.

The ABC program Media Watch raised these questions and more about the article’s credibility.

Markson has replied that the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Global Times newspaper viewed the document as legitimate and not a conspiracy theory. She said while none of the critics quoted by Media Watch were bioweapons experts, she had interviewed multiple high-level specialists in biological weapons compliance.

The ethical problems here are twofold. First, there are clearly questions about the provenance of the document. Was the document uncovered by a US State Department investigation or is it a book available for public sale?

1. The “exclusive” completely misinterpreted the sole “document” it relied on

2. It is lying to authenticate a secret doc that is actually sold on Amazon

3. It is laughable to dismiss criticism as shallow/partisan when the reporting itself has 0 depth https://t.co/3Te0KyGxX9
— Vicky Xu / 许秀中 (@xu_xiuzhong) May 14, 2021

It is a basic fact that colours the entire article, and the questions are not resolved by Markson’s response.

Second, the way the story is framed as revealing Chinese weaponising of biological material is highly alarmist. This generates further public anxiety about COVID-19 and adds to the climate of Sinophobia in Australia. The justification for doing so is, on the available evidence, highly questionable.

In a pandemic or any other emergency, the first ethical duty of the media is to report accurately and soberly, and specifically not to induce unjustified anxiety or panic.

Naming and shaming

In another major ethical lapse, the Australian Financial Review ran a story that named and shamed a Sydney man who had tested positive for the virus. To make it worse, the newspaper put his photo on the front page.

This was wrong and irresponsible for several reasons.

The man had visited several barbecue shops across Sydney while unknowingly positive. When this became known as part of the media’s general contact-tracing publicity, he was dubbed “Barbecue Man” by the Sydney media.

So he was already a figure of fun when the Financial Review identified him. Its excuse for naming him? He was a financial analyst doing due diligence on the Barbecues Galore chain. The AFR’s editor-in-chief, Michael Stutchbury, claimed this meant it was in the public interest to identify him as carrying COVID.

That is absolute drivel. There is no rational connection between the man’s health and the health of the barbecue business.

Other media, including the Daily Mail and news.com, jumped on the bandwagon and named him, too. Both outlets even ran a photo grabbed from Facebook of the man and his wife. No moral compass whatever.

“So, the million-dollar question: did Barbecue Man consent to being named by the AFR and other media?

No, he did not …

And what does Barbecue Man think? Seems he’s too sick, or too sick of it all, to comment.” #MediaWatch pic.twitter.com/M6FzmAELWJ
— Media Watch (@ABCmediawatch) May 17, 2021

If the media go on doing this, it will discourage people from coming forward for testing. Who wants to see themselves plastered over the front page and given names like Barbecue Man? That is where the irresponsibility lies.

The Age was guilty of something similar a couple of months ago when it published a map of the weekend movements of a young man who was unwittingly COVID-positive and wrote an article holding him up to ridicule.

This kind of media behaviour is mediaeval: like putting people in the stocks and chucking rotten tomatoes at them. And it is a gross breach of privacy. A person’s health is among the most private classes of information that exists. To breach it for the sake of a cheap laugh is indefensible.

Avoiding misleading information These weren’t the only problematic reports. On May 13, the Australian Press Council found a subhead in the Herald Sun saying “Six People Died During Pfizer Trial” was misleading because it implied the vaccine caused the deaths, when in fact the deaths were not related to the vaccine.

Four of the six deceased had been given a placebo during the trial, and the other two deaths were not related to the vaccine.

The Herald Sun defended the subhead on the basis the story said the US Food and Drug Administration had been told about these deaths because they occurred during the period of the trial.

Herald Sun posted this on Facebook without mentioning that four of the six people who died were given the placebo. Wonder why 30% of Australians are hesitant about getting the vaccine pic.twitter.com/ZWOuLewlEd
— Denham Sadler (@denhamsadler) May 19, 2021

That is materially different from implying – as the headline clearly did – that the vaccine caused the deaths.

The press council said that newspapers needed to take more than usual care to avoid misleading the public in the midst of a pandemic. And by failing to do so, the Herald Sun had breached two of the council’s principles — one concerning the accuracy and the other concerning fairness and balance.

In an atmosphere where there is already a degree of resistance to being vaccinated, the Herald Sun subhead was clearly a beat-up with the potential to harm the public interest.

So, in the space of a couple of weeks elements of the print media have sought to capitalise without justification on public anxieties about China and the safety of COVID vaccines, and have pilloried an innocent man while at the same time committing a gross breach of his personal privacy.

In an age when the public must rely increasingly on the mass media for reliable and responsible information — since social media has shown itself to be unreliable and irresponsible — these newspapers have abrogated their first duty to the public.

Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Embarrassment for Delhi CM Kejriwal, Singapore invokes anti-fake-news law

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21 May 2021 9:26 AM

Arvind kejriwal, CM, Indian National Capital Delhi, Picture Source: Twitter

On Thursday, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) invoked its anti-misinformation law, Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act (POFMA) against Indian national capital territory Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Mr Kejriwal allegedly spread “fake news’ by tweeting about the coronavirus variant from Singapore.

The Singapore MOH instructed the POFMA Office to issue General Correction Directions to Facebook, Twitter and SPH Magazines Pte Ltd (HardwareZone forum), read MOH statement.

Facebook, Twitter and SPH Magazines are required to carry the Correction Notice to all end-users in Singapore who use Facebook, Twitter and HardwareZone.com. Under this, the social media giants will be required to make corrections and clarifications are regarding falsehoods on the “Singapore” strain.

The correction notice of Singapore Minstry of Health reads,

“There is no new “Singapore” variant of COVID 19. Neither there is evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is ‘extremely dangerous for kids.”

It further reads that “the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India. The existence and spread of the B.1.617.2 variant within India predate the detection of the variant in Singapore, and this has been publicly known and reported by various media sources from as early as 5 May 2021.”

Earlier Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal had posted a tweet in Hindi (Indian Language) on Tuesday about an alleged “new form” of COVID-19 in Singapore and claimed it is very dangerous for children.

“NEW FORM OF CORONAVIRUS IN SINGAPORE IS SAID TO BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR CHILDREN. IT COULD REACH DELHI IN THE FORM OF A THIRD WAVE.”

सिंगापुर में आया कोरोना का नया रूप बच्चों के लिए बेहद ख़तरनाक बताया जा रहा है, भारत में ये तीसरी लहर के रूप में आ सकता है।

केंद्र सरकार से मेरी अपील:
1. सिंगापुर के साथ हवाई सेवाएं तत्काल प्रभाव से रद्द हों
2. बच्चों के लिए भी वैक्सीन के विकल्पों पर प्राथमिकता के आधार पर काम हो
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 18, 2021

Mr Kejriwal appealed to the Indian central government:

1. “Cancel all air services with Singapore with immediate effect.”
2. “Work on vaccine alternatives for children on a priority basis.”

Delhi CM Kejriwal’s remarks evoked responses and caused some alarm.

On Wednesday, Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong came down heavily on Arvind Kejriwal for his tweet on an alleged dangerous variant of COVID-19, saying that Singapore reserves the right to invoke his country’s online fake news Act on the Delhi Chief Minister’s assertions.

He also said that a person holding government office “must not promote fake news”.

“In Singapore, we have Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) to mitigate misinformation and we reserve the right to invoke POFMA on assertions made by CM (Delhi),” said Simon Wong.

The Indian envoy to Singapore was also summoned by the country’s foreign ministry after which he clarified that Delhi CM has no competence to pronounce on COVID variants or civil aviation policy.

Later, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi commented on the matter.

However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships.

So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal doesn’t speak for India.
He said Kejriwal’s remarks will not impact the bilateral cooperation and “the unfortunate episode should be put behind and we must focus and help each other in the fight against COVID-19 in both countries”.

Exchanges between both countries' foreign ministers, I would say that we would wish to put an end to this episode because authorities representing Government of India had spoken and we are heartened by those assurances: Simon Wong, Singapore High Commissioner to India pic.twitter.com/nn21b9rJ0B
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2021

Simon Wong said he felt reassured by the remarks of MEA and the Indian External Affairs Minister.

“I think it is incumbent on Delhi government if they want to talk about more things dealing with domestic politics. I feel that as a Singapore High Commissioner here, my task is to deal with bilateral relationship. We don’t dabble in domestic politics so I leave it to the Government of India and political parties to sort it out. I am heartened and very assured by clarification made by MEA and also the External Affairs Minister.”

“It (Delhi CM’s remarks) would not impact our (India-Singapore) hand-in-hand fight against COVID. As witnessed yesterday and today with transportation of medical aid, we’re working together. Pandemic knows no boundary or political colour,” he said.

Note from Editor: Do you want to share a story, write to us at admin@theaustraliatoday.com.au

Does India need a ‘Central Vista Project’ in this pandemic?

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20 May 2021 11:30 AM

Should Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Central Vista Project’ be stopped?

This is a big question on everyone’s mind and people want an answer.

The new Parliament of India and the Prime Minister’s House is not ‘Modi’s palace’. However, vested interests are busy promoting this idea.

I believe that this is the biggest lie being spread in India at this moment.

Image Source: Rashtrapati Bhavan – Wikipedia.

PMO India and the Vice President’s residence will be built along with Rashtrapati Bhavan to do administrative tasks better.

Employees of the Central Secretariat will get an office with modern facilities. Right now, the PMO staff sits at the outskirts of Delhi.

Under the new plan, all central government offices will come together and about Rs 1000 crore of rent can also be saved by the nation every year.

Image source: Parliament of India – Wikipedia.

The Parliament of India is almost 100 years old. And a proposal to create the new parliament building came during the Congress rule itself. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar (Congress Party) and Sumitra Mahajan (BJP) both took it forward.

Right now, the goal is to prepare Parliament by the time the independence completes 75 years.

As per the plan, an area of more than 3 kilometres from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate will be developed along with the Parliament House with modern facilities, offices and other buildings will also be built.

It has been ensured that the open and green space is not reduced at any cost.

The open space that the people of Delhi enjoy will be snuffed out is a rumour spread on the same lines when the National War Memorial was built along India Gate.

Image source: National War Memorial – Wikipedia.

Today, visitors to India Gate feel proud.

The work of the National War Memorial was completed in record time. With the goal of completing the Parliament House and the entire Central Vista project on schedule, the Narendra Modi government has started work from January.

Before the commencement of work, the decision in the court on everything from the environment to open space has come in favour of the project.

The construction of the Parliament House is being done by the company part of the prestigious Tata group of India.

This company bid to build the Parliament House in an open tender process by quoting less than Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The estimated cost of the entire Central Vista project is Rs 20,000 crore.

Will it cost the tax payers any extra?

There is already a provision in the budget for the Central Vista project. Those who want to stop Central Vista are saying that it is not right to spend Rs 20,000 crore on this project during this pandemic.

It is important to note here that in the current budget of the Government of India, a provision of Rs 5.54 lakh crore has been made for capital expenditure.

Capital expenditure in the previous year was Rs 4.39 lakh crore. It is very important to understand the capital expenditure in the discussion of stopping the Central Vista Project during the time of pandemic.

Capital expenditure means when the government invests in construction works such as hospitals, railways, bridges, roads, schools, dams, airports, ports. Understand this in simple terms that a government calls investment as capital expenditure in preparing the basic infrastructure.

Image source: Mumbai-Delhi Expressway – Wikipedia.

Bharatmala, Sagarmala, Water Transport, National Highway, Mumbai-Delhi Expressway and many such projects are being completed in the time of pandemic.

At the same time, a maximum number of houses should be constructed under PM Urban/Rural Housing Scheme.

In the housing scheme, those working in it are the people who are being suggested to give some money.

Image source: Chenab Bridge – Wikipedia.

The Chenab Bridge connecting Kashmir to the rest of India is progressing rapidly.

Government spending and especially the expenditure incurred in infrastructure can be helpful in improving the economic condition of the country.

According to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Why infrastructure is the only way to fight a COVID-19 recession in the US report’ says, the US should invest heavily in infrastructure especially roads and bridges to save the country from recession.

In 2020-21, even a small country like Fiji is going ahead with its plan of constructing a FJ$7 million office for the Prime Minister.

Fiji government’s expression of interest states:

“The beneficiaries of the project are first and foremost the people of Fiji and secondly the staff in terms of better working environment and conditions.”

Similarly, the biggest beneficiary of the new Central Vista Project are the people of India not Narendra Modi.

The Parliament and Central Vista project are being completed in record time with the support of the Indian companies, machinery, and labourers.

Maybe this is the reason why those who want to weaken India’s confidence by telling miraculous stories of China want to stop the Central Vista project.

Image source: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel – Wikipedia.

Perhaps, that is why Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has tried to put indirect pressure on PM Narendra Modi.

It is alleged that CM Baghel has stopped the construction work in Chhattisgarh under pressure from party supremo Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

It would have been better if CM Bhupesh had focussed on completing the projects in the state. An additional and long-term benefit is preparing the state’s readiness to fight the present and future pandemic like situations.

CM Baghel and Modi’s opponents believe that the money saved by stopping infrastructure projects should be used to buy oxygen, medicine, and improve health facilities.

However, the money for health comes from a separate budget and the Government of India is fighting the virus that has devastated and overwhelmed the whole world.

I agree that health facilities should be a priority but stopping all other infrastructure work that is inherently integrated with it will definitely stop the progress of India.

Author:
HarshVardhan Tripathi is a senior Indian journalist and Political Analyst with over 20 years of experience. He regularly appears on News Channel debates on CNBC Awaaz, TV9-Bharatvarsh, India-TV, Lok-Sabha TV, Times-Now, among others.
Writes articles for Newspapers such as Dainik Jagran, the largest Hindi Newspaper of India. Known for speaking with Logical reasoning, he is one of the rare Indian Journalists who holds good command on both Politics and Economics.
YouTube Channel: Harshvardhan Tripathi
Twitter: MediaHarshVT

Indian-Australian story ‘Namaste Yoga’ to be made into a feature film

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20 May 2021 10:03 AM

After an extensive, nation-wide call out, ABC and Screen Australia are pleased to announce that the first recipients chosen to take part in The Kaleidoscope Project have been selected.

The Kaleidoscope Project was launched last year to support and showcase the best of Australia’s next generation of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) filmmakers.

ABC and Screen Australia will offer career changing opportunities and mentorship to CALD filmmakers.

Image source: Amanda Isdale, ABC Executive Producer – ABC

Amanda Isdale, ABC Executive Producer says,

“These exciting films explore themes familiar to young Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people – identity, belonging, expectations, sense of agency and connection to culture – with heart, humour and authenticity.”

The judges have selected Lara Köse, Mary Duong, Rachel Choi, Taku Mbudzi and Ravi Chand to showcase their talent.

With the support and guidance of ABC and Screen Australia executives, these talented, young filmmakers will have the opportunity to create a standalone film.

Their films will reflect and captures the experience of young Australians from a CALD person living in Australia today.

Image source: Jenevieve Chang, Development Executive at Screen Australia – www.jenevievechang.com

Jenevieve Chang, Development Executive at Screen Australia says,

“Representation is more than skin deep, and we’re committed to celebrating the creativity of storytellers who reflect the cultural richness of children and young people in Australia today.”

Image source: Ravi Chand – Warrior Tribe Films.

One of the lucky winners, is Indo-Fijian creator Ravi Chand well-known for his short film – Five Year Grandma.

He draws on his experiences with Namaste Yoga.

His film is about Shiv, a 12-year-old Indian-Australian boy who hates being Indian.

While Shiv struggles with internalised oppression, his 8-year-old sister Kaali is proud of her Indian heritage and culture. She immerses herself in it.

Chand makes Shiv experience his culture and learn to reclaim it on his own terms through his practice and connection with the true essence of yoga.

All these selected films will premiere on ABC ME, the ABC ME app and ABC iview in March 2022 as part of Harmony Day.

WATCH VIDEO: Five Year Grandma

One more Indian-Australian dies from COVID-19 in India

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19 May 2021 7:26 PM

Social_Distancing_in_India_during_Covid19_pandemic — Image Source: Phadke09 - Wikipedia.

A 51-year-old Indian-Australian man has died in India from COVID-19.

Sydney-based Mr Sunil Khanna travelled to visit his elderly parents before becoming sick with the virus.

Mr Khanna was planning on bringing his aged parents to Australia but unfortunately his whole family contracted the COVID virus.

Mr Khanna’s brother Mr Sanjay Khanna, who lives in Kellyville in Sydney’s west, told SMH:

“I tried all my contacts to get help, trying to get an ambulance for my brother – I called 28 ambulances. Finally when I was able to get a bed for my brother on the 29th [of April]. But it had just reached the hospital and he suffered a cardiac pulmonary arrest and died.”

Syfney-based migration agent and President of the Little India Harris Park Business Association, Mr Sanjay Deshwal, told ABC:

“Both the mother and father had new [Indian] passports, and Sunil himself was trying to get back this June. The plan was, if everything was alright, they’d all get back to Australia.”

Image source: Rishi Prabhakar – Facebook.

During his visit to Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne today the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison confirmed to the gathering that number of Indian-Australians wanting to return home from India are growing day-by-day.

“Our consular staff are providing support right now to roughly 11,000 Australians who are registered to return to Australia, including 970 who we know are particularly vulnerable.”

This also includes a number of children whose parents or legal guardians are in Australia.

Deepak is facing $315,000 fine for a one-meter mistake done in construction

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19 May 2021 9:12 AM

The Local Democracy service of the TVNZ has reported that Mr Deepak Lal is facing a huge fine for building his house in the wrong place.

A mere one metre difference between where Mr Lal’s house was built and where it should have actually been located could now cost him a huge sum to fix.

It is reported that Mr Lal had contracted Auckland construction company Pinnacle Homes to design and build the home.

The the three-bedroom house was to be built in Papakura by mid-2020.

However, Mr Lal was surprised when he got a call from the construction company.

They told him that the work has been stopped as there was a boundary mix-up with the neighbours.

Image source: NZ Herald – supplied Mr Lal.

The neighbouring property is owned by C94 Development.

C94 is now taking legal action against Mr Lal over the boundary mix-up.

The company wants Mr Lal to move the house or pay $315,000 in damages.

Mr Lal told Local Democracy:

“It’s a nightmare for me. I wake up in the middle of the night and think ‘how am I going to solve this?’”

had hired Hamilton-based company HQ Designs to come up with the plans and file the building consent for the house.

Mr Lal adds that HQ Designs, hired by Pinnacle Homes, filed the building consent and Auckland Council approved it.

Nitin Kumar of HQ Designs believes that the local council is ultimately responsible for this mix-up.

Mr Kumar said when he filed the building consent he asked the council to cross-check it against the resource consent for the site.

“I clearly noted it in the building consent and said they needed to read it in conjunction with the resource consent. It’s the council’s responsibility to check it.”

Mr Lal’s lawyer Matt Taylor wrote to Pinnacle Homes and HQ Designs in September 2020:

“It seems likely that the issue has arisen as a result of an error made at the design stage likely to have occurred when the resource consent information was transferred by the designer to the plans submitted for building consent.”

Pinnacle Homes’ project manager Johnny Bhatti told Local Democracy that he realised there was something wrong and found the error.

“The first person I called was the surveyor. But he had actually marked the house in the right place according to the building consent. I notified Mr Lal and that’s when everything stopped.”

He added that he is willing to help Mr Lal move the house at a cost of about $150,000.

NZ Herald reports that Auckland Council spokesperson has confirmed they have been notified of the issue and are looking into it.

Mr Lal is looking forward to an amicable solution and hopes that he will get out of this nightmarish situation soon.

Do you know about this new law for all Australian truck drivers?

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18 May 2021 1:34 PM

According to the Victoria Police, from April 1, all heavy vehicle drivers are required to have a zero BAC – Blood Alcohol Calculation.

“At a BAC of .05, the risk of being involved in a road crash is about double compared with a BAC of zero. Studies show some drivers can be impaired from as little as 0.02 BAC.”

Previously in Victoria, the zero BAC requirement only applied to drivers of ‘larger vehicles’.

Image source: Victoria Police – Facebook.

These included vehicles with a GVM greater than 15 tonnes.

From 1 April 2021, the zero BAC requirement will apply to drivers of all heavy vehicles which are defined as vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 4.5 tonnes.

Victoria Police said in a statement:

“We know that driving is a complex task, requiring concentration, judgement and skill. Some drivers can be impaired with as little as 0.02 BAC and crashes involving heavy vehicles are often serious regardless of who is at fault. That’s why the zero BAC statutory requirement has been extended to all drivers of heavy vehicles greater than 4.5 tonne (GVM) from 1 April, 2021.”

Alcohol and drug issues are a serious health and safety risk on Australian roads.

VicRoads has developed a toolkit to help businesses manage the risks of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in the workplace.

VicRoads free toolkit includes an online policy builder, an employer’s guide , Online education for employees and other Resources to help you identify and manage alcohol and drug problems in the workplace.

According to VicRoads, the penalty will differ depending on the BAC reading and other factors.

However, all offences will incur loss of licence, a mandatory behaviour change program and an alcohol interlock.

WATCH VIDEO: Create your own heavy vehicle alcohol and other drug policy

Indian-Australian solar businessman dies in India after contracting COVID-19

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18 May 2021 1:18 PM

A Sydney-based Indian-Australian father-of-two has died in India.

Govind Kant, 47 yo, travelled to India in April for personal reasons.

Mr Kant was Assistant Director at the energy company Trina Solar Australia Pty Ltd.

According to his employer, Mr Kant passed away at a hospital in Delhi after contracting COVID-19.

Mr Kant’s employer, Trina Solar, confirmed the death in a statement posted on LinkedIn.

“We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague. Trina Solar Australia assistant director, Govind Kant, has passed away after contracting the coronavirus in India. Govind, who was based in Sydney for Trina Solar, had returned to India for personal reasons. Unfortunately, Govind contracted the virus in India and has passed away. He was 47 years of age. Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that the team at Trina Solar feels for the passing of our exceptional colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Govind and his family, including his wife and two daughters.”

Mr Kant had been mourning the loss of his mother, Rekha Gupta.

In a Facebook post written on March 31 : “I am so sorry Mummy – I was not with you.”

The Smart Energy Council said in a Facebook post:

“Govind was a humble man, who made a significant contribution to the solar industry in Australia. He will be sorely missed by so many. Our hearts go out to his wife and two daughters and to his extended family, to his colleagues at Trina Solar and to his many, many friends throughout the industry. Govind’s death is a reminder of the devastation being wrought across India and across the world by COVID-19. Rest in Peace.”

‘Kirpan’ banned in NSW schools, Sikh community disappointed

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18 May 2021 10:04 AM

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell has told the media that from Wednesday 19 May 2021 all school students will be banned from bringing knives to school, even for religious reasons.

“Weapons are not permitted at NSW public schools.”

Image source: Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell – NSW Nationals.

She added that “there are discrepancies in the act permitting the carrying of knives for religious purposes on school grounds.” and this “not necessary in our schools.”

“Today the Department of Education has issued advice to public schools banning students, staff and visitors from carrying knives for religious purposes on school grounds. This advice will be communicated to families and the wider school community during the course of today with the expectation it will take effect from tomorrow. This ban is in place while review and consider options for communities who carry a knife for genuine religious purposes.”

The NSW Police has earlier charged a 14-year-old boy with two counts of wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

It is understood that on 6 May 2021, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed during lunchtime at Glenwood High School in Sydney’s north-west.

It is understood that a ‘religious knife’ was used in the stabbing.

According to the ABC, mobile phone footage shows the victim holding his stomach as friends helped him through the playground after the attack.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said at a press conference that she was “taken back”.

The Premier added that she doesn’t believe that under no circumstances students can bring a knife on to school grounds.

“I will be speaking to the Education Minister about it. My strong view is that no student should be allowed to take a weapon to school, full stop.”

She has further promised to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, Principal Sonja Anderson of the Glenwood High School has senta letter to the school community.

In her letter, obtained by the media, the Principal has assured parents that the school is safe and they are looking into the matter.

“working with the Department and community representatives to discuss how best to enable students to meet aspects of their religious faith and, at the same time, ensure our school remains a safe place for students and staff.”

The Daily Telegraph reported that the Chief Executive of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Keysar Trad urged the Sikh community in Australia to review at what age children should carry the knives.

He said:

“There is a huge difference between a knife and a turban. I do understand the ceremonial nature of the little dagger … but in view of that stabbing, it might be something their own elders need to look into.”

Parramatta Mosque Chairman Neil El-Kadomi told The Daily Telegraph that schools should not have knives whatsoever.

“We condemn anybody carrying weapons into school … There is no need to carry knives. It is not about respect for religion, nobody is above the law. If you want to carry a knife, don’t come here. The safest country in the world is Australia.”

According to the the NSW Summary Offences Act, a person is allowed to carry a knife in public, provided he or she has a “reasonable excuse” to do so.

The kirpan is one of five implements baptised Sikhs are required to carry.

The Principal further added:

“The possession of a knife for genuine religious reasons is specified as a reasonable excuse under the act. However, any knife or implement used as a weapon in a dangerous, violent or threatening way is never acceptable.”

Image Source: Ben Fordham – 2GB – Facebook.

2GB host and media personality Ben Fordham said on his show Ben Fordham Live:

“I don’t care what your religion is. And the NSW Police and Department of Education should make this crystal clear. Queensland’s got it in black and white. The law states that it’s not a reasonable excuse to possess a knife in a school for genuine religious purposes.”

Image source: Glenwood High School – Google Images.

Meanwhile, the members of Sydney’s Sikh community have defended their children’s right to bring ceremonial daggers to school.

Image source: Ravinderjit Singh – Facebook.

Australian Sikh Association chairman Ravinderjit Singh told the Sydney Morning Herald that a ban would compromise their ability to observe their faith and the recent stabbing incident was caused by bullying.

“It is a big responsibility given to kids when they partake in a baptism. We talk to them about the importance of items and how the kirpan should be worn and used. It is not projected as a weapon – that is not what it is meant to be used for.”

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell has said that she is in touch with the “impacted communities about this action, and will continue to work with them as we find a solution.”

Read the full letter by Glenwood High School Principal:

Market Mantra: Is this a good time to invest, here are some answers

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18 May 2021 9:00 AM

Australian shares showed signs of recovery on Friday and moved higher, the benchmark index posted its biggest weekly drop in 11 weeks. The three days of heavy losses on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday meant the ASX 200 ended the week lower by 0.9%, its biggest weekly fall since Feb 26.

There is high volatility in markets due to inflation fears.
But, even though the inflation issues are there, we do see financials still doing good. This was reflected in Commonwealth Bank (CBA) hitting a new record high on Friday. We expect CBA to continue its strength and reach the $100 mark soon.

The week also saw energy stocks go up as Oil/Gas prices rallied. The opening of Colonial Pipeline, however, could reduce the gasoline prices situation thus bringing the price down Also there are still concerns about the increasing number of Coronavirus cases in India (the World’s third-largest importer of Petrol) and with India going into lockdown this may impact oil prices and in turn energy shares negatively.
As Iron prices stabilised and went down over the last week the share prices of BHP, RIO and FMG took a hit.

Technology stocks, however, were worst hit, the financials and materials sectors however outperformed the index. While we expect the market to open higher on Monday following positive movements in Wall Street, there is a lot of data that may impact trading in Australia.

1- Monday, Agribusiness Elders gave its first half earning figures.
2- Tuesday, we have RBA minutes from the May meeting published. The minutes may impact the movement in the Australian Dollar and give direction in which way RBA thinks the economy is headed.
3- Thursday, we have employment data coming out. This employment data will be looked at very closely by the investors as it will give an indication if the end of wage keeper is contributing to unemployment. The market is expecting a small rise in the unemployment rate to 5.7%. An increase above that may have a negative impact on the markets.
4- Friday, Australian retail figures are due which is important to know how the economic recovery is shaping.

Coming on to the currency markets, the Australian dollar had a heavy selldown mid-week against the US dollar. However, as sentiments improved it gained strength against the greenback.

As of the close of the market on Friday, 1 Australian Dollar was buying 77.86 US Cents. We expect the Australian dollar to gain strength with positive momentum on its side, however, the RBA minutes, Employment data and retail figures all coming next week could make the next week very volatile for the local currency.

The Australian Dollar also had a fall against the Indian Currency, going down from buying Rs 57.55 to end on buying Rs 56.98 on Friday. Looking at historical movements we expect the Australian dollar to decline against the INR for next week, however, the crucial Rs 55.97 support may be hard to breach. If you are looking to send money home to India it would be a good idea to send around this mark.

In the Crypto World, Elon Musk sent the price of Bitcoin crashing after confirming they would not be accepting Bitcoin as a payment method for Tesla. While Bitcoin finds it hard to break the USD 50,000 mark since, some of the other altcoins such as Cardano, Polka Dot, Stellar Lumens continued their momentum higher. We in particular like Cardano and expect it to continue with the momentum up.

Disclaimer: The writers’ opinion 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.

Police searching Indian-origin man who impersonated ‘AFP’ to steal money

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17 May 2021 2:07 PM

safe_image — Image source: Victoria Police.

Victoria Police are investigating a case where a woman had a large amount of money stolen fraudulently in February 2021.

Police Investigators have been told the 25-year-old woman was contacted by phone on 17 February 2021 by a man claiming to be from Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The man claimed that the woman had a tax debt.

According to the Victoria Police, the man allegedly told her to withdraw $15,500 from her personal savings account.

The woman was then told to take the money to Blackwood Street in North Melbourne on 18 February where she was met by an unknown male.

The male took the money and immediately left the area.

The woman contacted police on the same day.

She was suspicious about the legitimacy of the transaction of cash.

Victoria Police are now looking for an Indian-origin young man:

“The man that took the money is perceived to be of Indian descent, approximately 170-180cm tall with short black hair and a floppy fringe. He was wearing a red top underneath a suit blazer.”

Investigators have released images of a man they believe will be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone who recognises the male is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Australian Cricketers are back home from Maldives as India travel ban ends

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17 May 2021 10:22 AM

Thirty-eight members of the Australian cricketers, coaches and comentrators group stranded in the Maldives have reached back home in Sydney.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season was postponed on May 4 due to a rising number of Covid-19 cases and the entire Australian contingent had travelled to the Maldives due to an Australian travel ban from India.

The 38-member Australian contingent which was stranded in the Maldives includes the likes of Pat Cummins, David Warner, Steve Smith and Michael Slater.
They travelled on an AirSycheles flight chartered by BCCI and touched on Sydney Airport on Monday morning.

The group was taken in buses to Sydney hotels to undergo mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine for return travellers.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey who had earlier tested positive for Covid-19 in India is awaiting a negative test result to be able to return.

Earlier, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO Nick Hockley had praised the BCCI and the Indian board’s effort to get the Australian players back to their homes.

“I would say the BCCI has been absolutely fantastic. So they’re committed to not only the first movement to either the Maldives or Sri Lanka but they’re also then committed to putting on a charter to bring them back to Australia,” he had said.

THIS MORNING: A plane carrying Australian Cricketers, support staff and commentators touched down in Sydney. They had spent time in the Maldives after fleeing covid-ravaged India, following the suspension of #IPL2021, their return delayed by the travel ban. #Auspol @SBSNews pic.twitter.com/TbOzCvwbO3
— 𝙉𝘼𝙑𝙀𝙀𝙉 𝙍𝘼𝙕𝙄𝙆 📰 (@naveenjrazik) May 16, 2021

Mr Hockley also emphasised that no special treatment has been given to the Australian cricketing group in their quick return from the Maldives.

Australian government’s pause on the return of Australians from India concluded on Saturday, May 15.

Almost 9,000 Australians are still waiting for their turn to return back from India as the number of daily returnees is caped by the government due to lack of quarantine spots.

Girl with “Kangan and Jhumka” wins 2 Gold at Australian fitness event

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17 May 2021 7:26 AM

Indian-origin Neeru Samota has won 2 Gold medals in addition to scoring 2 third places and 3 fourth places at the I Compete Natural (ICN) event held on 16 May 2021 at the Moonee Valley Race Club in Victoria.

ICN is a professional organisation that promotes best practices and innovation “to protect and serve the drug-free competitor, on a truly level playing field.”

“Our Motto has always been to “Serve and protect the Natural athlete”. We hope to do this while providing every competitor with a world-class and unique experience so you will remember and cherish your time with us. As part of our commitment to you.”

Neeru wrote in a Facebook post: “

What an amazing and unforgettable day I had…all the hard work, sacrifices, self discipline…everything has paid off. As always I’m so grateful to my amazing husband, my baby gal, my coaches @beyondhealth.au @vicstar_11posingcoach for making my dream come true.”

At the All Female Classic 2021, Neeru won Ms Runway (1st), Angels – Class 1 (1st), Ms Sports Model Rookie – Class 2 (3rd), Ms Sports Model Novice (4th), Ms Bikini Rookie – Class 1 (4th), Ms Bikini 30+ (4th), and Ms Bikini Momma (3rd).

Greens MLC David Shoebridge should apologise for Hinduphobia, says NSW Senate

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16 May 2021 1:36 PM

The NSW Senate has passed a motion asking Greens MLC David Shoebridge to apologise to the Hindu community for his Hinduphobic comments.

MLC Shoebridge has also been advised to withdraw comments made by him against a Hindu religious organisation.

MLC Shoebridge made such comments during a Budgets estimate hearing in NSW Senate on 5 March. At this particular session, some questions were raised regarding social disturbances amongst the members of the Indian-Australian community.

MLC Shoebridge had accused VHP Australia of being an organisation banned by the CIA and insinuating that VHP was responsible for a fight between two communities in Sydney.

His comments are recorded in the Legislative Council Hansard – 12 May 2021 – Proof:

“My office has had repeated concerns raised with it from across the Indian diaspora about the rise of right‑wing extremism in the community directly connected to extremist nationalist political movements in India. One of those organisations from India is Vishva Hindu Parishad [VHP]. So extreme are those concerns that VHP was recognised as a military extremist religious organisation in the CIA’s 2018 World Factbook.
…I also note the recent arrest and charging by the NSW Police Force of a suspect in relation to an attack on young Sikh Australians in Harris Park and the concerns that the violence was related to extremist nationalist and sectarian politics. “

Mr Mark Latham is a One Nation MLC in NSW Senate. He is also the chairman of the Education committee where Mr Shoebridge had raised this false accusation.

Mr Latham proposed a motion in NSW Parliament asking “Mr David Shoebridge to withdraw his comments and apologise to the Hindu community.”

"IT IS NOT THAT HARD TO SAY, "I GOT THIS WRONG. I AM SORRY." I ... I SAY TO MR DAVID SHOEBRIDGE THAT IT IS NOT THAT HARD TO SAY YOU HAVE GOT THIS WRONG AND APOLOGISE TO A COMMUNITY WHO CLEARLY DESERVE THAT APOLOGY IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES. BE A PERSON OF HONOUR. BE A MAN. STEP UP AND SAY YOU ARE SORRY."

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mark.jpg — Hon. Mark Latham

Jay Shah, the President of OFBJP Australia, was shocked at Greens MLC David Shoebridge”s Hinduphobic comments.

His opinion piece was published in The Australia Today earlier.

Image source: Jay Shah – Facebook., he wrote:

“I was shocked to see how for short-term political gains Greens MLC in New South Wales Parliament, David Shoebridge vilified the entire Hindu community who now live with fear and disgust even while walking on suburban streets.”

The Hindu Council of Australia and VHP Australia with the support of the Hindu community took notice of such Hinduphobic comments and started a petition against deposition made by Greens MLC David Shoebridge.

Daniel Mookhey is a labor MLC and only Hindu member in NSW Upper House.

Mr Mookhey said in the NSW Senate “when I finished the schooling I had never, ever attended a Hindu scripture class. Today a Hindu child can learn in a New South Wales school that Hinduism as faith is no less than Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism or the world’s other great religions.“

Mr Mookhey also said that there is no evidence that the VHP in Australia is anything other than a voluntary organisation of men and women who teach Hindu children about their religion. So says the NSW Police Force; so says the Department of Education.

“The allegations that were made at budget estimates have hurt many people in the Hindu community. I and the Labor Party urge the member who made those allegations to reconsider making such remarks. Budget estimates are there to hold the Government accountable; it is not there to slur a peace-loving community with false allegations.”

Mr Shah believed that in the process to “vilify and blame a peaceful community with the lowest crime rates and high economic and social contribution in Australia”, MLC Shoebridge managed to “tarnish the hard work of a Hindu organisation that has worked for over 30 years and contributed positively to the Australian community.”

He further added:

“VHP Australia and Hindu Community are owed an unreserved public apology by Dr Shoebridge.”

At the Budget Estimates hearing, MLC Scott Farlow told the NSW Parliament that Mr Shoebridge has not put any evidence supporting his claims.

“VHP is a registered incorporated charity in NSW with no paid staff but over 250 volunteers who dedicate themselves to supporting the community and, in particular, special religious education [SRE]. VHP is not listed in the current edition of the CIA World Factbook, and Mr Shoebridge has not put forward any allegations or evidence of any illegal actions, extremist positions or issues with them.”

While ALP’s MP Dr Hugh McDermott said Mr Showbridge’s comments were an attack on multicultural community organisations.

He said “It is clear that any adverse claims made against the VHP are incorrect.”

“Mr Ramamoorthi has received confirmation from the NSW Police Force Terrorism Investigation Squad that Vishva Hindu Parishad is not a proscribed terrorist organisation in Australia. The harm that such allegations can cause to our community is immeasurable. The allegations are an attack on not just VHP Australia but all multicultural community organisations.”

The motion proposed by Mr Latham asking David Shoebridge to “withdraw his comments and apologise to the Hindu community” was passed by voice vote.

The Hindu Council of Australia in a Facebook post thanked everyone involved in supporting Hindus:

“Australian Hindus are very happy that Members in the governing party as well as opposition support Australian Hindus equally. Thank you all very much for speaking in the parliament in support and big thanks to Mark Latham’s Outsiders for bringing the motion against David Shoebridge who has allegated VHP, Hindu SRE and SRE volunteers as right wing extremists.”

The whole debate in NSW Parliament can be heard in following video.

WATCH VIDEO: ‘Parliament NSW on VHP Shoebridge 12th May 2021‘

NOTE: The Australia Today has reached out to Mr David Shoebridge, Greens MLC, NSW Senate. We will update the story as soon as we hear from him.

This trick by an Indian Australian can save you from scam calls

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16 May 2021 10:19 AM

scam telstra — Image source: YouTube screenshot.

Recently, a member of Indians in Perth social media group shared his experience with a scam caller probably from India.

The scam caller identified himself from Telstra and told the man that someone was trying to access his internet.

“Just got of a call from a guy pretending to be from Telstra. Thought of checking what they really are after. This guy told me that some people are trying to access my internet and I could go to jail as a result for their actions. Further asked me to go to event viewer on my laptop and showed some events and then started asking for IP address etc.”

The man immediately recognised that this was a scam call.

Such callers often claim to be from well-known organisations and try to convince you of the urgent need to follow their instructions.

People are requested to not give any information and always think twice before giving away personal details to such unknown callers.

The person further shared that the caller, a young man from India, was fluent in English and also a fake Australian accent.

“The guy was from India and used a private number to contact me on my cell phone. He was fluent in speaking English and had put on an accent. When I grilled him I got to know that he is an undergraduate and is working at some agency to get quick money. He agreed that he is just a scam.”

According to Telstra, customers should look out for the following to recognise a scam:

Calls from people impersonating representatives from well-known organisations, such as the Government, or familiar brands and companies.
Calls seeking financial details (such as your credit card or banking details) in order to process a refund or other “overpayment”.
Callers which attempt to apply a lot of pressure, urging you to take immediate action to address a problem.
Callers advising that your computer has a virus or is attacking others.

If you receive any such call, please follow these steps immediately:

If you’re not sure that the person on the other end of the phone actually is who they say they are, hang up and call the organisation by using their official published contact details.
If the caller is claiming to represent Telstra, do not share your personal information, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number you called came from a trusted source, such as contact details obtained from your physical bill.
Don’t respond to missed calls that come from numbers you don’t recognise. Calling back may result in instant charges in excess of $20.
Be careful of phone numbers beginning with “190”. These are charged at a premium rate and can be expensive.
Be careful of being tricked into calling expensive international phone numbers.
If you think something’s not quite right, just hang up. If it’s an SMS, delete it and don’t reply.

‘False and defamatory’ Facebook post costs $200,000 to Indian Australian

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15 May 2021 9:00 AM

Picture Source: Facebook Ravi raghupathy

Here is a reminder for everyone who thinks they can write whatever they feel like on social media. A Victorian court has ordered an aspiring councillor of Hume City Council Ravi Ragupathy to pay $200,000 in damages for his Facebook rant.

A few months back when Melbourne based Indian origin brothers, Aloke Kumar and Akash Kumar started receiving “false and defamatory” comments on Facebook they didn’t know what to do.

Aloke Kumar and Akash Kumar are awarded damaged worth $200,000 by a Victorian Court; Picture Source: Supplied

“We were shocked to see that someone is trying to destroy our reputation which we have build in the last so many years after migrating from India,” said Aloke Kumar.

According to the documents submitted in the court as a statement of claim, Mr Ravi Ragupathy wrote on a Facebook post: “The Age tried to contact both brothers and made several attempts. Why are you both absconding? What are you hiding?”

The court document further states that, Mr Ragupathy’s post said: “How many fake members fees & fundraising monies were diverted to this membership drive and for your own benefits?“ (It was about Labor Party membership fees and fundraising activities)

It was alleged that Mr Ragupathy’s post was referring to a political scandal in news at that point in time within the Victorian Labor Party.

Ravi Raghupathy was a council candidate for Hume City Council; Picture Source: Facebook @*Ravi Raghupathy*

Kumar brothers (Aloke and Akash) are successful businessmen and own the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourn’s north.

Aloke Kumar told The Australia Today, “It is very unfortunate that some people use social media for wrongdoings. It is growing in our community very fast. You would see people use these social media platform to threaten, abuse, bully, intimidate, harass and whatnot.”

“Some people also use social media to create religious disharmony in our community. This needs to stop because it takes years to build your reputation in society but someone can destroy it just by a click of a button,” said Mr Kumar.

After losing the court case, Mr Ravi Raghupathy told The Australia Today over the phone, “It is not fair, there is no defamation, he is doing great business.”

Talking to The Age Mr Ragupathy said, “he could not afford the pay-out and he was not aware before he made his social media comments that they could attract a defamation lawsuit in Australia, a country he migrated to from India in the 1990s and one he regarded as free.”

Mr Ragupathy did not file his defence and was not formally represented by a lawyer.

Mark Stranarevic from Matrix Legal represented the Kumar brothers in the court.
He told The Australia Today, “My clients are happy with the judgement by the Court and feel they have been vindicated. Social media defamation is very common these days and everyone has a legal right to protect their reputation online in Australia.”

“If the defendant wishes to appeal that is his legal right,” said Mr Stranarevic.

Aloke Kumar said, “Such defamation can sometimes destroy lives, business, families, mental health etc. I would also appeal to the community to stop spreading hate on social media. Stop bullying people and also stop crying a victim. Stand up for yourself, your family and your dear ones.”

Molina Swaroop Asthana, Principal Lawyer, Swaroop Asthana Lawyers

Molina Swaroop Asthana is Vice President of the Law Institute of Victoria.
She told The Australia Today, “The ruling of the County Court in this matter has proven that there can be serious repercussions for people making accusations against other people on social media without verifying or authenticating the facts. This will set the precedent for further similar judgments to be made when comments made by one person have a ‘significant grapevine effect’.”

“The best policy I tell my client’s about the use of social media is to imagine what you say could be admitted as evidence in a Court of law. Australia has very strict laws pertaining to defamation and the problem with social media is that comments can spread like tentacles and damage people’s reputation very easily. That is why the Court’s take a tough stance on it based on recent and historical judgements,” said Mr Stranarevic.

Also, try and treat people as you want to be treated online. The internet is a cesspool of venom at times, particularly with social media. At the same time, you have legal rights and if what others are saying about you is not true online and caused you damage to your reputation you may have a case if it has been published within the last 12 months, he further added

Ms Asthana said, “Defamation on social media will become a bigger issue in the coming times and if you want to avoid being sued and pay hefty damages, then avoid posting anything unless you have verified the authenticity of the information. If for any reason your post is considered defamatory, you should withdraw/delete the post as soon as possible, apologise to the person concerned and pay any legal fee that they may have incurred.”

One takeaway which Mr Aloke Kumar pointed out from this episode is “Neither bully nor let anyone bully. Never get scared of such people. Teach them the lesson that they will remember for life.”

Talking to The Australia Today Mr Raghupathy alleged, “He did not receive any hearing date notice. How could I know when to go and defend myself.”

He claims to be a former employee of Indian national newspapers and said “I fight for the truth and now I will fight for myself.”

“I have faith and trust on court system in Australia and I am sure I will get justice.”

NOTE: This story will be update as and when we hear more.

Qantas sells out Supermoon Scenic Flight tickets in just 2.5 minutes

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15 May 2021 6:08 AM

Image source: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA - Wikipedia

A Qantas “flight to nowhere” – the Supermoon Scenic Flight – has sold out in just under three minutes – a record for the airline.

Qantas has earlier announced that this special flight will take passengers to view the supermoon and lunar eclipse occurring on Wednesday, 26 May 2021.

Representative Picture: Qantas Airline; Picture Source: Canva

Qantas said in a press release:

“CSIRO astronomer Dr Vanessa Moss will work with our pilots to design the optimal flight path and also join the flight to provide insights into supermoons and all things space and astronomy.”

On 26 May, the moon will appear to take on a reddish hue due to the total lunar eclipse.

According to NASA’s website:

“The red color comes from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere — a ring of light created by all the sunrises and sunsets happening around our planet at that time.”

This will be the phase in moon’s cycle when it will appear full and near its closest orbital position to Earth thus rendering it really larger and brighter.

Now, as per NASA, how red the moon will appear in Australia is “hard to predict” as this can also be impacted by dust in the atmosphere.

But this is sure that this flight will give passengers the best possible view of the event from a seat on Qantas’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner from over 40,000 feet in the sky.

Image source: Boeing 787 Dreamliner – YouTube.

Surprisingly, Qantas sold all the tickets Under just three minutes of online sales on Wednesday.

Economy fares on the flight were $499, $899 for premium economy and $1499 for business class seat.

For this price, the passengers will be able to enjoy the following:

private charter Qantas B787 Dreamliner flight with large windows ideal for viewing,
inflight commentary by expert CSIRO astronomer, Dr Vanessa Moss,
guaranteed to get above any cloud cover for supermoon viewing,
exclusive merchandise,
inflight food and beverages,
gift bag for all passengers, and
a commemorative certificate.

While the risk of COVID-19 inflight transmission in Australia remains extremely low, Qantas is taking all the measures and has advised the passengers:

“If you’re feeling unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the week leading up to your flight, you should defer your travel plans. If you need to defer your plans, contact us on 13 13 13 before departure to discuss your options.”

Qantas pilots will fly over the Pacific Ocean to catch the supermoon in all its glory.

The total lunar eclipse, will be visible from Australia, New Zealand, some Pacific territories and the US west coast.

More than 70 Australians barred from the first repatriation flight from India

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14 May 2021 3:37 PM

quantas - facebook 2 — Representative image - source: Quantas - Facebook.

More than 70 Australians have been barred from returning home from India on a repatriation flight.

According to 9 News, this step was taken after 40 people tested positive to coronavirus.

Doctor's hand in blue gloves Working with test tubes at virus analysis in a medical lab; Picture Source; MHA — Picture Source; MHA

These include 12 close contacts of the COVID positive cases who have have been barred from the first repatriation flight.

Image Source: PM Scott Morrison – Facebook.

The Qantas flight that delivered 1056 ventilators, 60 oxygen concentrators and other essential supplies is being used to pick up the most vulnerable Australians from India.

The flight was due to leave New Dehli after the ban on returned travellers was lifted today, 15th May 2021, by the Australian government.

Picture Source: Twitter@Scott Morrison-Marise Payne

This repatriation flight, a Qantas plane, had a capacity of just 150 passengers and is due to leave New Delhi on Friday night.

The flight will arrive with Australian citizens and permanent residents in Darwin on Saturday morning after 9:00am.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell told the ABC.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed, as are those Australians who will not be on today’s flight. My team has worked hard across India to get them bookings on this flight because they are vulnerable.”

Image source: HC Barry O’Farrell – Twitter.

The High Commissioner further added that these people will now return to their respective homes in India and can only fly when they have a negative test result.

Image Source: Prime Minister Scott Morrison -Twitter

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison had earlier written in a Facebook post:

“Passengers will have to return both a negative COVID-19 PCR test result and a negative rapid antigen test result prior to departure.”

Image Source: Erin Watson-Lynn – Twitter.

International relations consultant and media personality, Erin Watson-Lynn wrote on Twitter:

“A friend of mine was on this flight. They’re negative and will fly.”

There are more than 9,000 Australian citizens and permanent residents seeking to return home from India.

Women Big Bash League: Indian batter Shafali signs contract with Sydney Sixers

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14 May 2021 12:29 PM

Shafali Verma, Picture Source, Twitter @BCCI

Indian cricket sensation Shafali Verma is set to have a rollicking year ahead as the star batter who is set to make her debut in the inaugural edition of The Hundred will also be a part of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the Indian opener has penned a contract with Sydney Sixers.
Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav is also set to play in the women’s showpiece event as she is on the verge of signing the contract with one of two Sydney-based teams.

“Yes, Shafali has signed the contract with Sydney Sixers, and given she is a minor, I have had to give my consent, too,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Shafali’s father, Sanjeev, as saying.

“I would like to thank the BCCI and Haryana Cricket Association [HCA] for giving my daughter the permission and support to play in the WBBL. Without the guidance of the HCA, whatever Shafali is doing in her career wouldn’t have been possible,” he added.

Earlier this week it was reported in Indian media that Shafali is set to join India’s T20I skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, deputy Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma in the inaugural edition of The Hundred.

Sydney Sixers, Picture Source, Twitter @WBBL

The swashbuckling opener will play for Birmingham Phoenix. Moreover, India’s T20I skipper Harmanpreet and deputy Mandhana will be representing Manchester Originals and Southern Brave respectively in the upcoming edition of The Hundred.

With the BCCI granting NOCs, the stay of the Indian women players will be extended in the UK as the national team is scheduled to play one Test, three ODIs, and as many T20Is in June-July this year.

Harmanpreet, Smriti, Jemimah, and Deepti were the Indian players who had played in the now-defunct Kia Super League (KSL), ECB’s domestic T20 tournament. The inaugural season of The Hundred was set to be played last year, but it got postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Have you booked International travel between October to December, here is an update

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13 May 2021 1:37 PM

Scott Morrison-led Federal Government has revised its anticipated timeline for significantly reopening international borders to mid-2022.

Australia’s national carrier in a statement posted on its website has notified that it would “adjust” its planned international flight schedule.

“This means it will be pushing think of flying by late December.

The Federal Government has revised its anticipated timeline for the completion of Australia’s vaccine rollout to end-2021 and its timeline for significantly reopening our international borders to mid-2022.

In light of these two dates, we’ll adjust our planned international flights from end-October to late December 2021. Our flights between Australia and New Zealand are unchanged. We remain optimistic that additional bubbles will open once Australia’s vaccine rollout is complete to countries who, by then, are in a similar position, but it’s difficult to predict which ones at this stage.

We will keep reviewing these plans as we move towards December and circumstances evolve.

If you’re booked to travel internationally between 31 October and 19 December 2021, don’t take any action and wait to hear from us with the options available to you. You can choose to cancel your flight yourself. However, if you do, you may be charged a cancellation fee in accordance with your fare rules.”

Indian woman killed as violence escalates between Hamas and Israeli forces

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13 May 2021 12:20 PM

Soumya Santosh Indian Nurse killed in Israel; Picture Source: Twitter @drRonMalka

At least five people, including an Indian nurse, were killed and dozens were injured after the Hamas Islamist movement in Gaza fired massive barrages of rockets at southern Israel, which prompted retaliatory airstrikes from Israeli forces.

Among the deceased was a 32-year-old Indian caregiver, Soumya Santosh. Soumya was killed while her elderly charge, 80, was hospitalised in serious condition after one of the rockets struck her home, The Times of Israel reported citing local media. Santosh is survived by her husband and nine-year-old daughter.

The deaths marked the first fatalities in Israel in the round of fighting with Gaza terrorist groups that began Monday evening, which has seen hundreds of rockets fired at Israeli territory and retaliatory airstrikes from Jerusalem.

Indian Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said he spoke to Santosh’s family to convey his condolences while condemning the attack and urging restraint from both sides.

Following the tragic demise of Ms Soumya Santhosh in Israel, all efforts are being made to bring her mortal remains to Kerala at the earliest.

I am in constant touch with the bereaved family. My heart goes out to her family at this time of grief.
— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) May 12, 2021

“Spoke with the family of Ms Soumya Santhosh to convey my deep condolences at her tragic demise during the rocket attacks from Gaza today. Assured all possible assistance. We have condemned these attacks and the violence in Jerusalem, and urged restraint by both sides,” he tweeted.

Israeli ambassador Ron Malka on Wednesday said he has spoken to the family of Soumya Santosh, a Kerala woman who was killed in a rocket attack on Israel and extended his condolences on behalf of the state of Israel.

On behalf of the state of #Israel, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, murdered by Hamas indiscriminate terror attack on innocent lives.
Our hearts are crying with her 9 years old son that lost his mother in this cruel Terrorist attack.
— Ron Malka 🇮🇱 (@DrRonMalka) May 11, 2021

Malka said in a post on social media his heart goes out to Santosh’s nine-year-old son, who lost his mother at such a young age.
“I just spoke to the family of Ms Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss & extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss & we are here for them,” Malka tweeted.

“My heart goes out to her 9-year-old son, Adon, who has lost his mother at such a young age and will have to grow up without her. This evil attack reminds me of little Moses, who also lost his parents during the 2008 #Mumbaiattacks. May God give them strength and courage,” he added.

According to her family, she was living in Israel for the last seven years. Her husband and nine-year-old son are living in Kerala. She is the daughter of Kanjikuzhy panchayat member Satish and Savithri.

BIG: US President Joe Biden says, "Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory."
pic.twitter.com/OPZYlWOEGA
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 12, 2021

The Israeli Army on Wednesday said over 1,050 rockets and mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel since the violence broke out on Monday evening.

Israel defence forces (IDF) Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman said the Iron Dome air defence system had an interception rate between 85 and 90 per cent of rockets heading toward populated areas, The Times of Israel reported.

BREAKING: The Al Sharuk tower was just destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. pic.twitter.com/LbRKkP45Zd
— Conflict News (@Conflicts) May 12, 2021

In response, the IDF launched strikes on upwards of 500 targets in the Gaza Strip, aimed at Hamas personnel, weaponry and infrastructure, Zilberman says.

The Israeli Air Force carried out a series of early morning airstrikes early on Wednesday on the Gaza Strip, destroying dozens of police and security installations, witnesses say.
A wall of dark grey smoke rose over Gaza City and observers in Gaza said that it is one of the heaviest Israeli strikes ever.

The ongoing violence marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

When did the protests start?

From the beginning of Ramadan in mid-April, Palestinians have clashed with Israeli police, who put up barriers to stop evening gatherings at the walled Old City's Damascus Gate after iftar, the breaking of the daytime fast 3/5 pic.twitter.com/YCUPCYxUMe
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 10, 2021

The confrontation intensified in recent days as Ramzan brought large crowds to al-Aqsa and clashes broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police. More than 300 Palestinians were injured on Monday.

The protests spread to other Arab areas inside Israel. In the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod, Arab protesters threw stones and fireworks at passersby and police early Tuesday. And a man whose identity has not been disclosed opened fire on a group of Arab protesters carrying Palestinian flags, The Washington Post reported.

More than 1,100 Palestinians were injured in clashes with the Israeli military on May 7-10, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Israel launched deadly air strikes on Gaza Monday in response to a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, amid spiralling violence sparked by unrest at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound https://t.co/Pdan6ajXsA pic.twitter.com/3tzspiL0lm
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 10, 2021

Health authorities in Gaza said at least 36 Palestinians – including 10 children – were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Strip since late on Monday after Hamas launched rockets from the coastal territory towards Israel.
The security forces in Israel are bracing up for further violence. Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai ordered a “significant” bolstering of police presence in the city of Lod and a number of other locations after Public Security Minister Amir Ohana declared a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) urged Israel to exercise maximum restraint and calibrate the use of force in Gaza.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “is deeply saddened to learn of increasingly large numbers of casualties, including children, from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and of Israeli fatalities from rockets launched from Gaza,” according to a statement.
Earlier on Monday, at least 20 people were killed in Palestine after Israeli forces launched retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The country has been embroiled in conflict over the impending eviction of dozens of Palestinians from East Jerusalem’s neighbourhood.

Over 70 Palestinians in total are set to be evicted from Sheikh Jarrah in the coming weeks to be replaced by right-wing Jewish Israelis. The Palestinians live in houses built on land that courts have ruled were owned by Jewish religious associations before the establishment of Israel in 1948, reported The Times of Israel.

Should Australia donate soon to expire 2 million COVID test kits to India

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13 May 2021 10:04 AM

Almost two million COVID test kits bought by the Australian government from billionaire Andrew Forrest are set to expire by the end of this month.

Image source: Andrew Forrest – Wikipedia.

The federal government placed an order for 4.89 million COVID test kits and distributed 3 million to states.

Image source: Labor’s Shadow Minister for Government Accountability Pat Conroy – Labor.

Labor’s Shadow Minister for Government Accountability Pat Conroy told 9News:

“It’s an incredible waste of money. This government has been addicted to announcements with no follow-through. To see two million of them reach their expiry is an appalling waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Image Source: Greg Hunt – Australian Government.

Australia’s Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Greg Hunt has defended the expenditure.

He told 9 News that at the time the test kits were purchased it was “absolutely vital”.

“It’s been a critical part of our national testing program, it’s helped save lives and protect lives.”

Shashi Tharoor, a well-known writer and Indian opposition party Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, agrees with Labor.

Tharoor posted on social media: “Interesting: Australia has 2 million #Covid testing kits that will expire this month if not used. India needs to test far more people than we have kits for. Sounds like the perfect match, if GOI is quick enough on its feet to get them in time! @AusHCIndia“

Sydney based Indian origin Doctor Yadu Singh says If Australian and Indian government could work together to best utilise the available resources will be great for both countries.”

He told The Australia Today, “This is a global pandemic and world leaders have to come together to help each other to counter the surge of COVID19 as it occurs in different parts of the world.”

Hold the celebrations — the budget’s supposed focus on women is no game-changer

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13 May 2021 9:17 AM

PM Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg, Treasurer; Picture Source: Twitter @JoshFrydenberg

Elizabeth Hill, University of Sydney

One of the major planks of the budget was a pitch to women.

This included an 80-plus page women’s budget statement — the first since 2013 — with an overall figure of A$3.4 billion for women’s safety, economic security and health.

After the “hard hat” budget in October 2020 that was criticised for its “blokey” focus, the government was under pressure to deliver more for women.

This also comes as polling data show support for the Coalition among female voters is slipping, following months of scandals about the treatment of women in politics.

Now we have the detail, is this budget as “women friendly” as the Morrison government would like us to believe?

The short answer

This budget is not a game-changer for women’s economic security.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg included a section on women in his budget speech, but the highly targeted and modest nature of the relevant initiatives, combined with a lack of action in critical gender equality policy areas, has left women’s opportunities for economic security largely unchanged.

Let’s examine some of the specific policy areas.

The childcare subsidy

The $1.7 billion in extra funding for childcare subsidies was announced pre-budget and is a modest addition to the more than $10 billion spent each year on early childhood education and care. The new money is spread over three years and is tightly targeted, aimed at reducing the out of pocket expenses of families with two or more children under six years in approved services.

The government estimates the change will benefit around 250,000 or one quarter of families who use early childhood services, and is expected to have only a modest impact on women’s labour supply. Families with one child in a service are not eligible for the reduction.

Removal of the annual $10,560 cap on the total subsidy available to higher income families is forecast to benefit around 18,000 families and reduce the disincentive for women in these households to work an extra day or two.

These changes will be good for those who qualify, but they inexplicably don’t apply until July 2022. They also make an already complex system even more complex.

The highly-targeted measures do not move Australia closer to the universal system of low-cost or free high-quality childcare that will deliver maximum benefit to children, women’s labour force supply and economic prosperity.

There is also no change to the work test and the reduction in subsidised access for children from vulnerable families. Both of these are unfortunate features of the existing scheme and disadvantage children who need early learning and care the most.

Superannuation

Another key measure was the abolition of the $450 per month income threshold under which employers do not have to pay the superannuation guarantee. This is estimated to affect around 200,000 women, especially those holding multiple short hours and low paid jobs.

But while payment of the superannuation guarantee will boost retirement savings, it won’t make a substantial difference to women’s retirement income and security.

Superannuation is a workplace entitlement that directly reflects women’s employment history.

Women’s disproportionate employment in part-time, low wage and insecure work, compared with men, means the most direct way to fix inequalities in superannuation balances is to support men and women to share care responsibilities for young children, the ill, disabled and elderly family, while also bolstering the quality of essential care services.

This will reduce the time women spend out of the labour market doing unpaid care. Improving wages in feminised sectors and closing the gender pay gap across the economy is also critical to growing women’s retirement incomes.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Snacks-6-1-1024x493.png

Missed opportunities

What is not in a budget can be as important as what is.

Failure to improve the national paid parental leave system — now ten years old — is a significant missed opportunity. Women’s economic security depends upon a robust system of properly funded, gender neutral paid parental leave. My recent research shows young Australian men want to share the care of children with their partner and value gender equality at home.

The current national system entitles the primary carer to 18 weeks of paid parental leave at the minimum wage. This needs to be expanded to at least 26 weeks, with the ability to share it easily between parents, paid at a rate closer to wage-replacement and include superannuation. This will support gender equality in the home and the workplace, and substantially improve women’s economic security in both the short and long term.

Lack of attention to improving wages for the mostly female care workforce is another missed opportunity.

The $17.7 billion allocated to the aged care sector includes money for workforce training and expansion. However, there are no measures to address the very low wages and insecure employment conditions of the predominantly women who work in the care economy. Until wages and conditions in the care sector are addressed, economic security for many Australian women will remain out of reach.

This isn’t the reform we need

The persistent gender inequalities embedded in Australia’s labour market, tax system and social policies were never going to be resolved in a single budget. And this budget is better than what was on offer last year.

But recognising women and providing a number of modest, worthy initiatives isn’t the same as delivering the structural reform in childcare, paid parental leave and insecure and low paid work that is urgently required to shift the dial on the gender pay gap and women’s economic security.

There is much work to be done to promote women’s economic security and deliver a prosperous and inclusive economy. We can’t afford to keep missing opportunities for change.

Elizabeth Hill, Associate professor, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Indian Australians targeted by dumping beef on cricket pitch in a Hinduphobic racist attack

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12 May 2021 2:19 PM

Hargrave-Reserve-Modbury-North6 — Image source: SA government website.

A group of Hindu community cricket players have been targeted by Hinduphobic racist thugs in South Australian capital Adelaide’s northern suburb Modbury Heights.

As per local media reports, the Hindu group used to play cricket at Hargrave Reserve Pitch every weekend which has upset some residents. These locals allegedly think the Indian community players have taken over the Reserve.

According to 7News, 2 kgs of minced beef was found dumped on the community cricket pitch on a weekend when Hindu cricket players came to start their match.

One of the cricket players Nupur Shah told 7NEWS that whosoever has done this knew that we as Hindus worship cow as mother.”

“I would describe it as a racist attack because we believe the cow is a motherly figure. So it’s like a holy thing for us.”

Image source: Nupur Shah – 7News – screengrab.

This sickening targeted attack has left local residents Modbury Heights disgusted.
Peter* who lives close to the reserve told The Australia Today, “We are ashamed of such an incident happened in our suburb, we welcome all communities and will not let these thugs destroy the fabric of being inclusive Australia.”

Rajendra Pandey is presiedent of Vishva Hindu Praishad in South Australia.

He told The Australia Today:

“The government of South Australia should intervene and investigate this Hinduphobic racist attack.”

We categorically condemn this Hinduphobic act (A hateful act against Hindus) of dumping Beef on a cricket pitch to ward off a group of Hindus from playing cricket, said Mr Pandey.

Cricketer Nupur Shah says, As per my understanding ripping off the cricket pitch will cost more than $20,000 and affect the local community.

“I think police need to intervene. If they found a responsible person I think a fine is an appropriate thing to be done.”

Image source: Tea Tree Gully Council Deputy Mayor Lucas Jones – Facebook.

In a statement, Tea Tree Gully Council Deputy Mayor Lucas Jones said:

“council strongly condemns all acts of racism and damage to public property, which are not only unacceptable but illegal.”

Chirag Trivedi is a member of the Hindu Council of Australia’s South Australia.
Mr Trivedi says the council’s decision to rip the pitch is also part of the racism problem with in the administration.

VHP’s Rajendra Pandey further added:

“When you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the council, rather than brokering a solution, responded by deciding to remove the pitch, which directly penalises the group which faced the attack.”

While most non-Hindu Australians are respectful towards our beliefs yet almost all Hindus have faced innuendos and offensive statements against our Gods, practices or traditions, Mr Pandey explained.

“It is important for all Hindu community groups to take responsibility of standing up to such attacks on our faith but also to respectfully engage with the local community and councils to resolve differences before it escalates to intolerable heights.”

Note: If you have any information like this to report please write to us on admin@theaustraliatoday.com.au

Give permanent residency to long-term migrants and over-stayers: 15,000 New Zealanders sign the petition

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12 May 2021 10:02 AM

Two unions in New Zealand have given a representation with more than 15,000 signatures, collected both online and at community events, to two MPs – Labour’s MP Marja Lubeck and Green’s MP Ricardo Menéndez.

According to RNZ, Unite Union and the Migrant Workers Association are calling for the New Zealand government to give permanent residency to long-term migrant workers and over-stayers in the country.

Image source: Mike Treen, Advocate of the Unite Union – Twitter.

Mike Treen, Advocate of the Unite Union, told RNZ that the petition calls on the government to use the Covid-19 crisis as an opportunity to fix problems associated with the country’s migration system.

“Pre-Covid, New Zealand had over 300,000 people here on temporary work visas. But many of these visa holders had been sold a promise, that they would get residency eventually, that New Zealand had failed to follow through on. In fact, in the last three years it has been made much more difficult.”

Image source: Anu Kaloti, President of Migrant Workers Association

Anu Kaloti, President of the Migrant Workers Association, told RNZ that migrant workers’ visas should be detached from a single employer to prevent exploitation.

“We know that we have a government in place that has an international reputation and image of being very kind and compassionate, so we just request that the migrants are also given a small percentage of that compassion.”

Image source: Green MP and immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March – Parliament.nz

Green MP and immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March said that the immigration minister should take some immediate action.

“With the powers that the minister is being granted as a result of the immigration Covid-19 response Bill, he should recognise that the pandemic is still raging and our migrant communities need support to create a pathway to residency program, so our migrant communities can fully participate in society.”

Image source: Labour MP Marja Lubeck – Facebook.

While, Labour MP Marja Lubeck who also chairs the Education and Workforce Select Committee of Parliament was of the opinion that it was not an easy answer as whether to grant everyone residency.

“You really have to look across the board, and the context, to also acknowledge that there are so many issues that have arisen because of the fact that there was so much exploitation, so I do believe that there are multiple things that need to be considered.”

Federal Minister Jason Wood prays for India with hundreds of people Australia wide

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11 May 2021 7:00 PM

Federal Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood; Picture Source The Australia Today

Amid the devastating COVID19 situation in India, Australian people, business and governments are extending their support and prayers to the people of India.

Melbourne based advocacy organisation Federation of Indian Australians made a call to Australian communities to pray for India in this difficult time of the COVID19 crisis.

“India is facing one of the toughest battles with Covid19. We request everyone from all Faiths to “Pray for India” in their respective places of worship or at their homes on Saturday 8th May from 12 pm to 4 pm, and share the positivity with the people of India.”
“Let us make it Australia’s National Day of Prayers for India to help overcome the Covid19. Please Pray in your Temple, Church, Mosque, Gurudwara or at Home.”

The call was immediately responded to by multiple Hindu Temples under the Australian Hindu Temples council.

Federal Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood reached out to the Ganesh Temple based in the Victorian suburb of Basin to pray for India.

He posted a touching message on social media after attending the prayers.

Federal Assistant Minister for Multicutural Affairs Jason Wood; Picture Source: The Australia Today

Mr Wood said in the post, “It was a solemn moment as Temples, Mosques and Churches around Australia prayed together at the same time.”

“India, we are with you and always will be. Indian Australians in India of course we will bring you back, The Morrison government will never let you down. I say to all our Indian community we are with you and together we will win this battle.”

Muslim community under the Islamic Council of Victoria came forward to lend a supportive hand for collective prayers in the holy month of Ramjan.

Islamic Council of Victoria said in a statement, “We are reaching out to all communities and faiths to support this initiative and give comfort to all those in need.”

“As people of faith, our main hope is to reach out to Almighty God in prayer and seek his mercy and love to bring relief and ease the suffering of the people in India.”

Australian Sikh community is also anxiously worried about their loved ones in India.
Gurudwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar based in suburb Officer also joined the collective prayers of India.

Gurpreet Singh Dhaliwal has family members in India who have tested positive of coronavirus.
He told The Australia today, “I attended the Sangat to pray for everyone else who is in the same situation as me.”

“Guru maharaj will bless us and give strength to over come this difficult time too.”

SMVS Swaminarayan Temple based at Tarneit did prayers in three languages Gujrati, Hindi and English.

Temple committee member Biren Joshi told The Australia Today, “Hundreds of devotees joined the prayers online. We shall be doing these special prayers through out the week for India.”

Sri Durga Temple based in the Victoria suburb of rock bank also participated in prayers for India.

Gary Verma, Vice President of the management committee said, ” Temple is committed to providing any support it can to its devotees in this testing time.”

Karthik Arasu is the President of the Federation of Indian Australians.
He said, “We want to have some positive energy for the people of India as well as those who are here and feel unable to help or support their loved ones back home. These prayers are not for one but it is the start of change which can be bought by collective spiritual power.”

“On behalf of Federation of Indian Australians, I thank all the faith communities and the religious places for standing with Indian Australian comunity.”

India to tour Sri Lanka for three ODIs and three T20Is without Virat and Rohit

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11 May 2021 10:30 AM

Virat Kohli, Indian Cricket Captain; Picture Source: Twitter @BCCI

India will be touring Sri Lanka in July for a white-ball series comprising of three ODIs and three T20Is.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has proposed an itinerary to the BCCI and it sees both teams locking horns in three ODIs first and it is followed by the T20I matches, reported ESPNcricinfo. The three ODIs will be played on July 13, 16, 19 and it will be followed by the T20I series running from July 22-27.

Big names such as skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma will not be part of the tour as they will be engaged in a marquee five-match Test series in England.

Saurav Ganguly, BCCI President; Picture Source: Twitter @BCCI

“We have planned a white ball series for the senior men’s team during the month of July where they will play T20 Internationals and ODIs in Sri Lanka,” BCCI president Saurav Ganguly told Indian media in an interaction.

As per the itinerary, India’s white-ball team will be arriving in Sri Lanka on July 5 and they will head back home on July 28. After arriving in Sri Lanka, the side will have to serve out a week-long quarantine which will be split into two sets, stated the report.
The first set will comprise of three days of hard quarantine inside their rooms and it will be followed by four days where the squad can train but their movement will be strictly restricted to just the hotel and the ground.

None of India’s players who are a part of the travelling group for the World Test Championship final and the England Test series will be part of the Sri Lanka series.
Virat Kohli and boys’ preparation for the upcoming World Test Championship final against New Zealand in the UK — from June 18 — will start on May 25 when they enter the bio-bubble created for them here in India itself. The 8-day bubble will be followed by another 10-day quarantine in the UK before the boys take on the Kiwis in Southampton.

Speaking to the media, a BCCI official in the know of the roadmap drawn for the WTC final and the five-match Test series against England had said that it will be a case of breaking the quarantine period into two parts so that players can start training once in the UK on June 2.

“You can expect the team to come into the bubble on May 25 as it will be an 8-day quarantine period which will not just involve testing against COVID-19, but also there will not be any movement as the boys prepare for the UK schedule.”

“Once in the UK on June 2, the boys will go for another 10-day quarantine. But this time the cricketers can train as they are moving from the bubble in India to the bubble in England in a charter plane. A bubble to bubble move lets them train even though there will be continuous testing at all times and no further movement,” the official explained.

Part of the legal challenge to the Australia-India travel ban has been comprehensively defeated — here’s why

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11 May 2021 7:36 AM

Anne Twomey, University of Sydney

One part of a legal challenge to the Commonwealth’s India travel ban was comprehensively defeated in the Federal Court on Monday evening.

Justice Thawley rejected all the arguments made by the applicant, Gary Newman, a 73-year-old Australian citizen who has been in India since March 2020.

Newman’s challenge was divided into two stages.

The first stage was heard and dismissed by the Federal Court on Monday. This leaves open the possibility Newman will proceed with the second stage, which is a constitutional challenge. However, there may be no time to do so, assuming that the ban is lifted on Friday 15 May, as proposed.

What arguments did Newman make and on what grounds did the judge find that they failed?

Did the minister fail to satisfy the requirements of the Act?

Newman’s first argument was the health minister (in this case, Greg Hunt) had failed to satisfy the conditions imposed in section 477 of the Biosecurity Act on the exercise of his power. It was argued Hunt had failed to consider the impact of the potential spread of COVID throughout prisons if people breached the travel ban and returned from India with COVID and were immediately placed in prison, without bail or quarantine.

Justice Thawley was quite dismissive of this argument suggesting there was no serious possibility this would occur.

Newman also argued the minister had not considered other less intrusive and restrictive measures. However, Justice Thawley pointed out the minister had set out some exceptions to the ban in his determination, including for medical evacuation flights and for members of Australian medical assistance teams. The minister had therefore turned his mind to how he could reduce the intrusive effect of the ban.

Another technical argument was that the law was “extraterritorial” in its application because it operated outside Australia and this was not permitted under the Biosecurity Act. But Justice Thawley rejected this, noting no offence occurred under the minister’s determination until a person actually entered into Australian territory. So it was not extraterritorial in its application.

Was there a breach of a fundamental common law right?

The second main argument by Newman was that the right of an Australian citizen to enter Australia is a fundamental common law right. This was accepted by the Commonwealth government.

It was also accepted that fundamental common law rights cannot be limited by legislation unless the parliament does so with “irresistible clearness”. This is known as the “principle of legality”. It means parliament has to take full responsibility for any restriction on fundamental common law rights, and this can only be done if it acknowledges clearly in its legislation what it is doing.

While Justice Thawley agreed this was the relevant principle, he thought it was clear the Biosecurity Act was intended to permit the restriction of fundamental common law rights, including the movement of citizens in and out of Australia. He reached this conclusion by looking at various other provisions in the Act which showed an intention to limit the movement of people into and out of Australia.

India COVID Vaccine drive: Picture Source: Twitter @MHA

Justice Thawley also noted section 477 of the Act is deliberately drafted broadly because it was intended to deal with emergencies that could not be anticipated in their scale and effect. He noted that even though it gave very broad power to the health minister, it could only be exercised when certain conditions were satisfied.

First, there needed to be a “human biosecurity emergency” — which requires an assessment of a severe and immediate threat or harm to human health on a nationally significant scale.

Second, section 477 includes detailed matters of which the minister must be satisfied before making a determination. This includes that it is no more restrictive or intrusive than necessary. These limitations were included to ensure that the minister’s very broad power, which included the potential to limit fundamental common law rights, is not exercised in an abusive manner.

Newman’s argument therefore failed.

Australian Passport; Picture Source: Canva

What happens now?

The failure of Newman’s arguments means there are really only two practical courses left. First, there could be a separate hearing of the constitutional points. They are that (a) there is an implied constitutional right of a citizen to enter Australia; and (b) there was no constitutional power to enact section 477.

Second, there could be an appeal from Justice Thawley’s judgment on the first part of the case to the Full Federal Court.

Indian Passport and OCI Card, Picture Source: Canva

The difficulty, however, is timing. If the minister’s determination ceases to operate on May 15, as planned, then there would be no “matter” to be determined by a court, leaving the issue moot.

So it is unlikely, at this stage, that the proceedings will continue, unless the travel ban affecting citizens is extended, or a new travel ban is implemented.

Anne Twomey, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Ian Chappell questions India’s ability to host T20 World Cup

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10 May 2021 1:46 PM

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has opined that the COVID-19 pandemic could cost India the upcoming T20 World Cup.

He believes that either the world event will be postponed or moved to another country.

Writing in his column at the ESPNcricinfo, Chappell said that the suspension of IPL 2021 due to the Coronavirus is a reminder of cricket’s vulnerability.

“In the current disastrous climate, the suspension of the IPL could also produce a precedent. It may lead to the World T20 event, programmed for India later in the year, either being postponed or moved.”

Image source: @SGanguly99/Twitter/Cricket.COM.AU

BCCI and the IPL Governing Council postponed the IPL 2021 after various COVID-19 infiltrated the secure bio-bubble of various IPL teams.

“The suspension of the 2021 IPL tournament because of surging COVID infections and deaths among the public, and a number of participants testing positive, was a reminder of the game’s vulnerability.”

Australian pacer Pat Cummins feels that the ICC T20 World Cup should be shifted to the UAE amid the COVID-19 crisis in India.

He told the Age that if conducting the T20 World Cup in India is going to “drain resources” or “not going to be safe” then the marquee event should be shifted to the United Arab Emirates.

India has given me so much, hope COVID-19 situation improves soon, says Trent Boult

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10 May 2021 11:36 AM

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, Picture Source: Instagram

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult on Sunday said that India has given him so much both as a cricketer and a person, and it is sad to see India suffering so much due to the second Covid-19 wave.

On Tuesday, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season was suspended indefinitely due to a rising number of Covid-19 cases and now the Mumbai Indians pacer has returned home.

“My heart goes out to the people of India, while I am sad to be leaving the @mumbaiindians family and see the IPL come to an end, none of that compares to the suffering many people are going through right now. India is a place that has given me so much as a cricketer and person. I have always deeply appreciated the support that I’ve received from my Indian fans. This is a tragic time and I hope things can improve soon. I look forward to returning to this beautiful country when I can,” Boult wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you again to the @mumbaiindians for getting us all home and going above and beyond to ensure health and safety was the priority for all of the players and families. Please take care, look after one another and stay strong,” he added.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Brendon McCullum was among the second lot of cricketers that arrived in New Zealand following the postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

According to stuff.co.nz, McCullum and Fleming along with Lockie Ferguson, umpire Chris Gaffaney and commentators Simon Doull and Scott Styris, arrived in Auckland at around 6 pm on Sunday (local time).

The New Zealand contingent came via Tokyo after IPL 2021 was suspended on Tuesday amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in India. On Saturday, pacer Trent Boult, Adam Milne, Finn Allen, and Jimmy Neesham were part of the first lot of cricketers that arrived in New Zealand.

With 4,03,738 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours, India continued to report more than four lakh daily coronavirus infections for the fourth day on the trot. With this, the cumulative national tally of the infection went up to 2,22,96,414, the union health ministry informed on Sunday morning.

Himanta Biswa Sarma to be next Assam CM, Cabinet to take oath at 12 noon on Monday 10 May

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9 May 2021 9:40 PM

CM designate Himanta Biswa Sarma (left) and sarbananda sonowal outgoing CM of Assam, Picture Source: Twitter

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma was elected as the leader of its legislative party in the Indian state of Assam. The announcement came after a legislative party meeting held today to decide the next chief minister of the state.
Yesterday, a crucial meeting was chaired in Delhi by BJP national chief JP Nadda in this connection.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, said that the state’s new Cabinet will take oath at 12 noon on Monday 10 May.

Himanta Biswa Sarma to be next Assam CM; Picture Source: Twitter

Outgoing Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday tendered his resignation to Assam Governor Jagdish Chandra Mukhi at the Raj Bhavan.
The BJP has stormed back to power in the crucial Northeastern state retaining its hold on the government.

However, it is understood that the party was facing issues over the selection of the Chief Minister. Sonowal is considered a leader with a clean image and belongs to Assam’s indigenous tribal community. However, a section of the party feels that Himanta would be a better choice considering his strong organisational skills and appeal to the masses.

With fragrance of Assam in my heart & love of my wonderful people in my veins, I offer my deepest gratitude to you all. I would not have been what I am had it not been for your pious faith in me.

On this Day, I vow to work with & for each one of you with greater passion Assam. pic.twitter.com/VyG24TucPl
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 9, 2021

BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a comfortable majority in Assam winning 75 seats of the total 126 constituencies. While BJP secured 60 seats, about 33 per cent, its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party, Liberal (UPPL) bagged nine and six seats respectively
Its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party, Liberal (UPPL) bagged nine and six seats respectively.

COVID-19 positive traveller who returned from India taken to a hospital in Perth

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8 May 2021 7:45 PM

Fiona-Stanley-Hospial — Image Source: Wikipedia.

The Perth Now has just reported that a traveller from India who tested positive for COVID-19 has been rushed to a hospital in Perth, Western Australia.

The man in his 30s has been isolating in hotel quarantine.

He was taken to the intensive care unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital today after his condition deteriorated.

The report states that the man is presently in a stable condition and is one of 22 active cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia.

‘Abandoned’ Australian permanent resident dies in India, daughter writes scathing open letter to PM

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8 May 2021 11:24 AM

An Indian-origin Australian citizen, Sonali Ralhan, has written an open letter accusing the Australian government of “abandoning” a permanent resident to die of coronavirus in India.

Sonali’s father, 59, a permanent resident for more than 10 years, often travelled back to India where he managed a hotel in New Delhi.

Sonali wrote in her open letter posted to Facebook on May 6:

“I write to you with so much anger brewing inside me. I am an Australian citizen and highly disappointed to be one today. What nation disowns their own citizens? (It) is a matter of wonder for the entire world.”

In her open letter to the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Sonali said she contacted embassy officials in India.

She says her pleas for help were largely ignored and consular officials only called her mother periodically.

“My mum had talked to them a few times, to ask if there’s anything that they can do, because at one point my father really needed a ventilator and we couldn’t find it anywhere…We contacted the embassy in a desperate situation, but all they could say was ‘we’re really sorry, but we cannot do anything’. They just said they could keep checking on my mum and informing me.”

Image source: Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne – Twitter.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne has extended her sympathies to the family, who she did not identify. She told 2GB radio:

“Let me extend my sympathy, and that of the government, to the family of this person and to so many families that we know are dealing with what is an extraordinary challenge, with infection rates surging. There are very many families dealing with this challenge.”

Sonali says that she had “great hopes” that Australian officials would help her parents return safely home to Australia.

Instead, she was left divested with the news of her father’s death.

Image Source: HC Barry O’Farrell – Facebook.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell recently told a senate committee that DFAT was providing assistance to the family of a permanent resident who had died in India but had not yet confirmed the cause.

“The department’s aware and providing consular assistance in accordance with its charter to the family of an Australian permanent resident who reportedly has died in India, and I’m advised that owing to our privacy obligations we won’t be providing any further comment.”

Sonali Ralhan is now calling for the federal government to intervene and bring home her mother.

She says that her mother is dealing with her grief alone and completely isolated from her children and her community in Australia.

“All I have left is my mother, who has been abandoned by her own government of Australia, with no way to come back to her children. We all want to cry our hearts out, but we are saving them for when we are all together again. With your current actions, there is not much to expect, but all I ask is to bring my mother home and gather the broken pieces of our souls together.”

As a result of the escalating COVID19 cases in India, the Australian government has recently banned all flights from India .

The PM has even announced anyone – including citizens – who attempted to defy the new rules would be hit with fines of up to $66,600 or five years in prison, or both.

It is estimated that more than 9000 Australians are in India registered as wanting to return home.

“Let us bring back Aussies from India” appeals travel industry to PM Morrison as travel ban ends on 15 May

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7 May 2021 4:10 PM

Indian Australians at airport, Picture Source: Gaura Travels

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed that the India travel ban will not be extended and the repatriation flights to bring back Australian citizens and permanent residents will start immediately as the ban ends on 15 May.

This announcement came after the national security meeting on Thursday and the national cabinet meeting on Friday morning. The first of the three repatriation flights planned is expected to carry up to 200 people stuck in India.

The Federal government has prepared Darwin’s Howard Springs facility to quarantine the returning travellers from India.
As per protocol laid all passengers from India will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 test, and a negative result will necessary to board the repatriation flight.

The Australia Today understands that before the end of the month at least six repatriation flights from India are set to arrive in Australia including three in Darwin and the other three at NSW, Victoria and Queensland airports as they have expressed they would be open to accepting additional flights.

One repatriation flight per week, no word yet on commercial flights, and pre-flight testing so Covid-19 positive people can't come back.

This isn't prioritising the vulnerable – this is fortress Australia, and returning the bare minimum of citizens to calm backlash.#auspol
— Paul Karp (@Paul_Karp) May 6, 2021

While South Australia is actively considering accepting flights, the fate of a scheduled private chartered flight planned to arrive at Adelaide airport on May 15 is not clear. This flight has the potential to bring back 70 Australian citizens.

Ashwini Sonthalia is the Managing Director of Gaura Travels, headquartered in Melbourne.
He told The Australia today, “I welcome the announcement by PM Scott Morrison, but more should and can be done and done very quickly to help more people to return from India.”

There is a proven model of government and private travel agency partnership, which was utilised by the Indian government in the year 2020 to repatriate their citizens from Australia, said Mr Sonthalia.

“We helped the Indian government via 50 charter flights and repatriated 12,000 people to multiple cities of India.:

Right now, Gaura Travels have eight flights scheduled in the next thirty days but they need a green signal from state and federal governments.

These flights are scheduled on 15th May, 28th May, 4th June and 11th June, bound for Adelaide and Perth (Both South Australia and West Australia are yet to give permission for flights).

Ashwini Sonthalia says, “There is no issue about the number of flights available for bringing back passengers from India but the handicap is around the limitation of quarantine facilities in Australia.”

He appeals to the Prime Minister Morrison, “Please let us help in bringing back Aussies to the safety of their homes.”

Safe travel will resume from the 15th of May and we will continue sending support and prayers for all the families and loved ones of so many people who have lost someone. 🇦🇺🇮🇳
— Alex Hawke MP (@AlexHawkeMP) May 7, 2021

Almost 9,000 Australian citizens or permanent residents are currently stranded in India and have registered to return home with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

However, PM Morrison didn’t commit to a timeline for how quickly these Australians stuck in India would be able to return.

“People want to know those flights are still going to be there a month from now, two months from now, and that they can make those arrangements,” he said.

“That is why we are working hard to ensure we do it in a sustainable and safe way.”

Are you looking for student accommodation? 2,000 newly built international student rooms lying empty in Melbourne

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7 May 2021 11:48 AM

International students - ufv Image source: Wikipedia

A recent media report has revealed that more than 2,000 brand new student rooms are lying empty in Melbourne’s CBD.

Given the COVID19 travel ban from India and other countries, experts feel that there is no indication if these newly built rooms will be used.

These rooms were built on a concept that has been spearheaded by New South Wales.

The purpose was to use these rooms as quarantine facility for international students.

However, experts active in the international education industry told Sky News that they are disappointed as this concept is not at all being pursued in Victoria.

Scape, Australia’s largest student accommodation provider, was supposed to open its new Carlton facility for international students.

The company then offered its newly built rooms to the Victorian government to help quarantine international students.

But Victorian government did not approve of the idea as it wants to quarantine international students in an approved COVID hotel.

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher bags Best Actor Award at New York City International Film Festival

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7 May 2021 10:26 AM

Veteran Bollywood star Anupam Kher won the Best Actor award at the New York City International Film Festival for the short film titled ‘Happy Birthday.’ The film also bagged the Best Short Film award at the prestigious film festival.

‘Happy Birthday,’ was one of the highly anticipated short films of the year, starring actor Anupam and Aahana Kumra was directed by Prasad Kadam and produced by FNP Media.

Talking about this win, Anupam said, “Thank you New York City International Film Festival (NYCIFF) for this great honour. It’s humbling to be declared the Best Actor in this prestigious film festival. The credit goes to the whole young team of ‘Happy Birthday’ and my co-actor Aahana Kumra, thanks to the director Prasad Kadam, and rest team.”

The movie’s co-producer Girish Johar said, “It’s really overwhelming to receive these two awards at an International Film Festival!! Anupam Sir is a global icon, the more we say, it always falls short. He is pure GENIUS. Ahaana, a nominee for the best actress did exceptionally well.

He further continued, “Also Prasad is an extremely talented Director and was also nominated for best director! He knows his craft fully & has a great future. He has done wonders & will go places. So excited for receiving this honour with the well-knitted Happy Birthday team.”

Extremely happy to have won the #BestActor award at the #NYCIFF (New York City International Film Festival) for my short film #HappyBirthday. Also thrilled that it got the #BestFilm award too!! Thank you to the entire unit especially @AahanaKumra for their support!! Jai Ho!! 🙏🌺 pic.twitter.com/tmMm3z2QYp
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) May 6, 2021

“This has been a piece of overwhelming news for all of us at FNP Media. Winning 2 awards at a prestigious film festival is a milestone. This is due to the collective efforts of the whole team behind this film and indeed this film deserved the award. I am glad to be part of this and we hope to come up with more such films and better films soon. Congratulations to everyone involved.” said Ahmad Faraz, Content Head, FNP Media.

‘Happy Birthday’ marked Anupam and Aahana’s second collaboration after featuring in the 2019 critically acclaimed movie ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’.

Apart from ‘Happy Birthday’, Anupam has several other projects in the pipeline including ‘The Last Show’, ‘Mungilal Rocks’, and ‘The Kashmir Files’.

IPL 2021: Aussie cricket contingent reaches Maldives, Hussey in medical care in Chennai

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7 May 2021 10:06 AM

Picture Source: Instagram: Neroli Meadows

Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association on Thursday confirmed that the Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators have been safely transported from India to the Maldives.

The Australian players and support staff will remain in the Maldives until the conclusion of the travel pause pertaining to flights from India to Australia. As previously stated, CA and the ACA are not seeking an exemption from the Australian Government.

The BCCI would like to thank everyone involved in organising IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times.

A special thanks to our fans without whom this would not have been possible.

We urge everyone to stay safe and take care. 🙏🙏#VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/4Uh1zOAIjn
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 5, 2021

“CA and the ACA extend their sincere thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India for their responsiveness in moving the Australians from India to the Maldives less than two days after the decision to indefinitely postpone the Indian Premier League,” CA said in an official statement.

Mike Hussey remains in India having tested positive for COVID-19. Mike is experiencing mild symptoms and is in the care of his IPL franchise, the Chennai Super Kings. CA and the ACA will work closely with the BCCI to ensure Mike’s safe return to Australia when it is safe to do so.

Official Update | We can confirm that Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators have been safely transported from India and are en route to the Maldives. pic.twitter.com/mZQT2RlvBv
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) May 6, 2021

The safety of every individual involved in the IPL was one of the major reasons for the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council to unanimously decide on the postponement of the league on Tuesday.

“The BCCI and the IPL GC have unanimously decided to postpone the 2021 season till further notice. We don’t wish to compromise the safety of the players, the people involved, the employees, the groundsmen, the match officials, every single person involved,” Jay Shah told Indian media.

Thinking of my Indian friends at this horrific time. Please be safe and look after yourself and your families, so sad what’s happening in your wonderful country. Sending love and support ❤️
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) May 6, 2021

On Tuesday, SunRisers Hyderabad wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha tested positive after there were COVID-19 cases in two franchises on Monday. While two of the members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent tested positive, two Kolkata Knight Riders players tested positive — Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier — forcing the BCCI to postpone the KKR-RCB game in Ahmedabad.

With Saha testing positive, the game on Tuesday evening between SRH and defending champions Mumbai Indians also needed to be postponed. This made matters worse as the game between RCB and KKR had already been postponed and the game between CSK and Rajasthan Royals was also set to be called off as the Chennai unit was in strict quarantine. This finally saw the BCCI postpone the IPL.

India reports the highest-ever single-day spike with 4,12,262 new COVID-19 cases, 3,980 deaths

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6 May 2021 4:21 PM

COVID 19 India, Picture Source: Twitter @Amitsingh

India on Thursday reported 4,12,262 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.

With this, the cumulative count of COVID-19 cases in the country has gone up to 2,10,77,410, informed the Union Health Ministry on Thursday. As many as 3,980 patients succumbed to the infection during the last 24 hours, taking the total COVID-related death toll to 2,30,168.

India registered a total of 3,29,113 recoveries in the last 24 hours. The total number of recoveries in the country now stands at 1,72,80,844.

At present, India has 35,66,398 active coronavirus cases.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 29,67,75,209 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to May 5. Of these 19,23,131 samples were tested on Wednesday.

The total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered stands at 16,25,13,339, according to the Union Health Ministry.

India is currently dealing with a devastating second COVID-19 wave that has swept through the nation, straining the country’s health infrastructure and overburdening frontline medical workers.

Australian cricketer lashes out at PM Scott Morrison over India travel ban

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6 May 2021 3:27 PM

Australian cricketer turned commentator Michael Slater has yet again lashed out at Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison over his decision on a travel ban from India due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image Source: Michael Slater – Screengrab – YouTube.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had recently announced a ban on passenger flights from India till May 15.

Further, according to the Australian government no special privileges will be given to the Australian players playing in the IPL.

Michael Slater took to his Twitter handle and outlined the fear of the Australian contingent stranded in India following the suspension of the Indian Premier League.

Slater asked PM Morrison to travel to India in his ‘private jet’ and observe the situation in order to understand the fear of Australians stranded in India is real.

He also hailed the people of India for being so welcoming every time he visited the country.

Meanwhile, Morrison had reacted to Michael Slater’s “Blood On Your Hands” comment.

He told Nine News that Slater’s comments were ‘absurd’ and said fining or jailing those who make their way back from India to Australia somehow was highly unlikely.

“This is about getting more people home safely, preventing the third wave here in Australia. I think the likelihood of any of that (jail term for those not abiding by the travel ban) occurring is pretty much zero.”

Hindu community petition against Australian newspaper’s ‘blatant insult of Hindu God Ganesha’

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6 May 2021 12:44 PM

Hindu community in Australia has started a petition against the recent representation of Hindu God Ganesha in a cartoon that appeared in the Daily Telegraph on 4th May 2021.

According to the petition by Gaurav Chauhan, “Australia is a multi-cultural society, and no one has the right to disrespect any faith or religion.”

It further says that “The Daily Telegraph have insulted Hindu God (Ganesha) which is utterly disrespectful to the faith of Hindus living in Australia and abroad. There are many ways to depict something but why insult someone’s faith?”

This cartoon appears with an article titled ‘Get our friends home’ (and has been republished elsewhere as ‘The government is preventing its citizens escaping India’s hellhole‘) authored by Louise Roberts.

Image source: Louise Roberts – The Daily Telegraph – website.

The article highlights the plight of Indian-Australians stuck in India due to COVID19 pandemic.

“We need to stop the zero risk mentality. We are stuck on an elimination track, like a needle in the grove of an LP record.”

The petitioners have demanded an apology on the insensitive cartoon that accompanies this piece in the Daily Telegraph.

They have also requested all Australian media houses “to educate their staff about Hindu faith to avoid such things in the future.”

They have also request the Australian Press Council to intervene that such cartoons and articles are not published in future.

The petitioners feel that the APC needs to “et clear guidelines to ban the publishing of Hindu God/Goddess imagery in the wrong way which is insulting to the Hindus around the globe.”

The petition has set a target of 1,500 signatures and has reached 1,014.

Adelaide based Rajendra Pandey is the President of Vishva Hindu Parishad in South Australia.

He told The Australia Today, “While the article written by Louise Roberts is by itself fine the editor who put it together with the crass sense of humour has hurt the sentiments of close to a million people in Australia who pray to Bhagwan Ganesha.”

Government is willing to jail people coming from India, the media is calling India Hell and showing our most important god being whacked on the head – I wonder what’s next, said Mr Pandey

“This is a great example of how lack of cultural awareness of Hindu beliefs can hurt the sentiments of our community, I am offering our services to Daily Telegraph in giving them free cultural awareness training to educate their journalists about the Hindu perspective and beliefs.”

People have reacted strongly to this cartoon and commented the following:

The petitioners have requested the Indian community in Australia to sign and forward the petition to local MPs for immediate action.

Australian Hindu Temples Council’s convenor Karthik Arasu says this cartoon is the best example of Hinduphobic, ignorant and culturally insensitive Australian media.

Karthik Arasu, *Convenor*, Australian Hindu Temples Council

“It’s deeply disturbing to see time and again Hindu God Ganesha being mocked or used in a derogatory manner. This can’t be brushed under as humour or ignorance, we condemn this very strongly and call upon the Author and the Newspaper to immediately withdraw from all platforms its posted this article and apologise to the community.”

Mr Arasu further explained, “This Hinduphobia or Hindu bashing cannot continue, we request the Press Council to intervene and impose mandatory training programs to understand cultural and religious sensitivities.”

Yadu Singh is the President of the Federation of Indian Associations of NSW.
He took it to social media to express his displeasure with the cartoon.

“The cartoon, depicted in your article, is about Hiundus’ revered deity Ganesh. It appears to be inappropriate, insensitive, hurtful & out of place under the current distressful situation in India, which also affects the Indian Australian community”

@whatlouthinks, the cartoon, depicted in your article, is about Hiundus' revered deity Ganesh. It appears to be inappropriate, insensitive, hurtful & out of place under the current distressful situation in India, which also affects the Indian Australian community. @dailytelegraph pic.twitter.com/o2uOo4PlNJ
— Yadu Singh (@dryadusingh) May 6, 2021

Delhi civic bodies approve cow dung for cremation amid increase in Covid deaths

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6 May 2021 9:10 AM

cowdung cakess — Image Source: Wikipedia.

With an increase in the number of Covid-19 deaths, Delhi is seeing a shortage of wood that is used in cremation.

To tackle this problem, the Times of India reports, two civic bodies have given its approval to the use of cow dung and stubble mixture for cremation of bodies.

Image Source: North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) mayor, Jai Prakash – Facebook.

North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) mayor, Jai Prakash has said via a circular that all cow sheds under NDMC’s jurisdiction have been asked to install machines, using CSR funds, that will convert cow dung into dung cakes.

Image Source: National Innovation Foundation.

A circular said that cow dung should be supplemented to fuel wood for cremation of dead bodies in various cremation grounds under its jurisdiction.

“The Public Health Department has been getting suggestion through various public representatives and members of Deliberative Wing for use of fuel manufactured from cultivation refuse that will reduce the consumption of wood resulting into lesser cutting of trees and finally will protect environment. Further , promotion of use of Parali will motivate the farmers to not burn it and instead sell it to cremation ground.”

East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) mayor Nirmal Jain also said they have approved the proposal seven-eight days ago.

Image Source: East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) mayor Nirmal Jain – Facebook.

On April 28, NDMC Mayor Jai Prakash had urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to direct the forest department to ensure smooth supply of firewood to these facilities.

Image Source: chief minister Arvind Kejriwal – YouTube screnshot.

Delhi’s government has requested that the Indian army should help run Covid care facilities and intensive care units in the state.

Image Source: Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia – Twitter.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told media that with healthcare “overwhelmed.”

“It will be a timely help to the people of Delhi if the Ministry of Defence, with the considerable resources at its command, is tasked with the responsibility to provide and man the additional Covid health facilities”.

According to a bulletin issued by the Delhi health department on Monday, Delhi logged a record 448 COVID-19 deaths in a day and 18,043 cases, the lowest since April 15, with a positivity rate of 29.56 percent.

Australia sends 1000 ventilators and Oxygen concentrators as first package of support to India

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5 May 2021 11:52 AM

Australia Support Package to India; Picture Source- Facebook @ScottMorrison

Australian Prime Minister took it to social media to inform about countries efforts to help India amid the COVID crisis.
Mr Morrison said Australia is stepping up to support our good friends in India as they manage a difficult COVID-19 outbreak and growing humanitarian crisis.

On Wednesday morning a Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Sydney Airport carrying medical supplies, including over 1000 non-invasive ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other supplies. This supply is sent in consultation with the Indian Government as per their needs.

“This is just the first package of support Australia will provide and we are working as quickly as possible in partnership with India to meet urgent needs. This is a difficult time for our friends in India and Australians still in India or with loved ones over there. We will stand with our Indian friends providing medical supplies and needed assistance,” explained PM Morrison.

He further talked about the India travel ban and its necessity for Australia to prepare for receiving its citizens from India.

Mr Morrison said, “Our temporary pause on Australians returning from India is only until 15 May. This pause is just temporary while we get other measures in place to support those coming from India to be able to travel safely home and to ensure they can be accommodated here in Australia.”

“We will restore our repatriation flights from India and bring Australians, who are in India now, home but we must do it safely. That’s why we have put this temporary pause in place so we can get the extra measures in place so we don’t end up with the third wave of COVID in Australia,” said Mr Morrison

It has been outlined that all passengers on future flights from India will be required to have both a negative COVID-19 PCR test result and a negative Rapid Antigen test result prior to departure.
Australian government via its High Commission in the Indian capital New Delhi and Consulates in Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai is putting those arrangements in place.

PM Morrison ended by saying, “I want to thank everyone for your patience and your understanding. This is a raging global pandemic and we are determined to do everything we can to keep Australians and their families safe.”

IPL 2021: Former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey tests COVID-19 positive in India

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5 May 2021 11:02 AM

While the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been postponed, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has now tested positive for COVID-19. This after bowling coach L Balaji tested positive on Monday.

UPDATE: The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season with immediate effect.

Details – https://t.co/OgYXPj9FQy pic.twitter.com/lYmjBId8gL
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2021

Speaking with the media, a senior CSK official said that the sample has gone for a re-test. “His sample came positive and has gone for a retest and we can know only confirm after that report comes,” the official said.

Asked about the other players, the official said they have started heading out with Balaji in isolation as he tested positive.

“The players have started moving with Balaji staying in isolation as he tested positive. The foreign players are awaiting confirmation from BCCI on the route of travel while the Indian players are heading home.”

On Monday, Balaji and a bus cleaner had tested positive for Covid-19.

Official Announcement!#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/45mWyu8ySn
— Chennai Super Kings – Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) May 4, 2021

The Indian Premier League Governing Council (GC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday, in an emergency meeting unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect.
The BCCI also said that it will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.

The BCCI also thanked all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchisees, sponsors, partners, and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times.

There are close to 40 Australians currently inside the IPL bio-secure bubble spread over multiple cities.

Picture Source: Twitter @CricketAustralia

As per the reports of ESPNcricinfo, more than 30 Australian players and support staff will head to the Maldives where they are set to remain for 14 days following the Australian government’s refusal to allow our own citizens to enter the country’s borders for being in India.
Cricket Australia also released its official statement and assured the players, support staff of working closely with BCCI to get them back to their home. However, they also stated that it will not seek travel exemption for players repatriation.

Don’t forget to mention your language and cultural background in Australia’s census, find out why it’s important

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5 May 2021 11:00 AM

census-collectors-784x495 — Image Source: ABS.

Australia’s census night is on Tuesday 10 August 2021.

It will tell us about the latest economic, social and cultural make-up of Australia.

Image Source: Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson, ABS.

Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said:

“With exactly 100 days to go it’s a good time to reflect on the enormous value the Census provides. It’s not just about counting people and households.”

Every census tells a story about Australia – its past, present and future.

The census stats show various communities growth and things that are needed to help them continue to grow.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has been preparing to deliver a Census that helps ensure everyone in Australia has an opportunity to participate.

ABS is providing more options for people to complete their Census this year.

People will be able to fill in their forms online, on phone, tablet, or laptop, or use the traditional paper form if they prefer.

This will provide the much needed flexibility to understand and fill a form at a time that best suits a person.

Mr Henderson adds:

“We also have a lot of support in place to provide people with any extra help they need. This includes our Census field staff, phone and online services, Census information hubs in public places to answer peoples’ questions and translated material.”

The Census is obviously a very big job for ABS and they are as always ready for it.

Two Brisbane train cleaners fired after CCTV catches them doing nothing

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5 May 2021 10:00 AM

Two Brisbane train cleaners have been stood down after being caught on CCTV not doing their duties.

This was revealed by Transport Minister Mark Bailey.

Image Source: Transport Minister Mark Bailey – Twitter.

Two workers employed by a subcontractor to rail company Alstom could be seen slacking off.

Alstom is the contractor who manages the TransLink rail network.

Mr Bailey told media:

“The conduct is obviously disappointing, and the contractor – Alstom – is investigating.”

Mr Bailey further added that after Alstom reviewed CCTV footage, they identified seven instances of staff not performing the cleaning as required.

“To be very clear — the majority of the workers as we understand are doing the right thing and working very well.”

Image Source: Matt Longland – TansLink Facebook.

Matt Longland of TransLink told media that Alstom is still investigating to make sure there were not any other cases.

“Hopefully this is an isolated instance of a few workers not having their minds on the job.”

These actions – inadequate cleaning – were serious given that due to COVID19, frontline cleaning persons have the extra responsibility and part in ensuring fellow Australians are safe.

First Australia-India-France trilateral ministerial dialogue discusses the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape

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5 May 2021 9:30 AM

G7 Ministers meet, London; Picture Source: Twitter @JY_LeDrian

Foreign Minister Marise Payne on Tuesday held discussions with her Indian and French counterparts S Jaishankar and Jean-Yves Le Drian respectively and also discussed the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape.

After the meeting Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted, “Substantive discussions with my colleagues FM @JY_LeDrian and FM @MarisePayne at the first India-France-Australia Trilateral Ministerial Dialogue. Thanked them both for their strong support in meeting the Covid challenge.”

Discussed the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape and agreed on the importance of enhancing our cooperation.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 4, 2021

“Discussed the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape and agreed on the importance of enhancing our cooperation,” added Mr Jaishankar.

These discussions took place at the first India-France-Australia Trilateral Ministerial Dialogue, held on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

#COVID19 Solidarité avec l’#Inde

La France🇫🇷 déploie une opération exceptionnelle de solidarité avec l’Inde🇮🇳

➡️ 8 unités de production d’oxygène médical
➡️ matériel médical
➡️ conteneurs d’oxygène liquéfié

Cette opération allie des moyens publics et privés@JBLemoyne @CdCMAE pic.twitter.com/diTBiLNccz
— France Diplomatie🇫🇷 (@francediplo) May 1, 2021

Marise Payne and S Jaishankar are currently in the UK for the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting on the invitation of UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

IPL 2021 suspended for this season by BCCI after many players test positive

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4 May 2021 5:35 PM

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has told Indian media that the Indian Premier League’s this years season is suspended with immediate effect.
With Chennai Super Kings bowling coach L Balaji once again testing positive for COVID-19, the team is set to isolate and Wednesday’s game between CSK and Rajasthan Royals is set to be postponed in the national capital. As for the Indian Premier League itself, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is awaiting permission from the government to move the league to Mumbai.

Speaking to ANI, a BCCI official in the know of developments said while the CSK-RR game is under the cloud with Balaji testing positive for COVID-19, the board is also looking to move base to Mumbai keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation in Kolkata and Bengaluru — the next stop.

🤩 UNLIMITED TRANSFERS ALERT 🤩

Yes, you read it right! Due to the postponement of the #KKRvRCB match, you can now make unlimited transfers for the #SRHvMI match. Please note that this is a one-time opportunity!

To make your team, visit 👇https://t.co/V4VBrgMeX8 pic.twitter.com/4R66trjQLD
— IPL Fantasy League (@IPLFantasy) May 4, 2021

“As of now, the Delhi game between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad is on. But tomorrow’s game is likely to get postponed as Balaji has again tested positive for COVID-19. So we have two teams down, Kolkata Knight Riders and CSK.

“Coming to the league itself, we are looking at moving base to Mumbai, but are awaiting clearance from the Maharashtra government and once that is done, we will be good to go. Should take us another couple of days to get the clearance,” the official explained.

Explaining the reason behind not going ahead with the Kolkata and Bengaluru leg, the official said: “It is better to avoid a situation than to think of a substitute once you land in a problem is all I will say.”

Earlier on Monday, there were COVID-19 cases in two franchises. While two of the members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent tested positive, two Kolkata Knight Riders players tested positive — Varun Chakaravarthy and Sandeep Warrier — forcing the BCCI to postpone the KKR-RCB game in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to ANI, a BCCI official confirmed the development in the CSK camp and said: “The contingent has two COVID-19 positive cases. A support staff member has tested positive and a bus cleaner. Cannot give you the name of the support staff. The team’s training session has been cancelled as a precautionary measure,” the official said.

CSK last played a game on Saturday against Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The side was slated to square off against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.

The BCCI issued a release on the twin cases in KKR and said: “Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier were found to be positive in the third round of testing in the last four days. All other team members have tested negative for COVID-19.”

Both the players have isolated themselves from the rest of the squad. The medical team is in continuous touch with the duo and are monitoring their health. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders have now moved towards a daily testing routine to identify any other possible cases and treat them at the earliest.”

Guru Nanak Dev University launches online courses for the worldwide Punjabi diaspora

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4 May 2021 3:34 PM

Indian State of Punjab’s Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday digitally launched online language programmes started by Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Amritsar for the Punjabi diaspora settled across the globe.

Reviewing the functioning of the Higher Education and Languages department, the Chief Minister also ordered the immediate release of Rs 5 crore for establishing a language award to promote Punjabi.
He said the online courses would go a long way in helping youngsters learn the Punjabi language, and imbue them with the spirit of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Picture Source: Twitter

“This endeavour would also keep Punjabi youth abreast of Punjab’s rich and glorious cultural heritage, thus connecting them with their ancestral roots.”

GNDU Vice-Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh Sandhu said that University Grants Commission (UGC) had granted permission to start courses to 37 Universities out of the 981 Universities of the country.

The GNDU is the only State Public University in Punjab to have been given this honour by UGC, to cater to the constant demand of the Punjabi Diaspora in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and parts of Africa, and Europe, to provide the education of Punjabi language to the younger generation, he said.

Guru Nanak Dev University launches online courses for the worldwide Punjabi diaspora

Crude bombs hurdled, poll office, shops vandalised- burned and 9 including a woman lynched in Bengal allegedly by ‘TMC miscreants’

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4 May 2021 12:33 PM

Bengal violence Picture Source: Twitter @@srinikethan_

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and some shops in the Indian state of West Bengal were allegedly vandalised by miscreants and at least 13 crude bombs were hurled in the area on Monday.

The shopkeepers alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) is behind the attack as the area is known to be of BJP supporters. However, local TMC leader denied the allegations and said BJP’s insiders were behind the incident.
BJP office and some shops in Ghoshpara road of Bhatpara were vandalized by unidentified people, earlier today. Bombs were also hurled in the area.
“TMC miscreants looted my shop. At least 10 bombs were hurled here,” says a local.

The TMC goons vandalised the BJP office. They ransacked my shop and looted the cash and the articles. 12-13 crude bombs were hurdled. Two live bombs were also there that damaged many motorcycles,” Rahul Kumar Shaw, a shopkeeper told ANI.

“They destroyed my house, right in presence of Narkeldanga police officials. They thrashed my innocent puppies to death. Aara ki Manush? (Are they even humans?) Why are they committing atrocities on me?” said BJP’s worker Avijit Sarkar before he was thrashed to death by alleged TMC goons

“They destroyed my house, right in presence of Narkeldanga police officials. They thrashed my innocent puppies to death. Aara ki Manush? (Are they even humans?) Why are they committing atrocities on me?” said BJP’s worker Avijit Sarkar before he was thrashed to death by TMC goons pic.twitter.com/4fp6MmXGs2
— Know The Nation (@knowthenation) May 3, 2021

“A bomb was hurdled on the roof of my house. we were sleeping. I anyhow ran out to save the kids. Three bombs were hurdled on our lane.” a resident Shakeel Ahmed told ANI.

“A bomb was hurled in front of our house. We are scared. we do not know who they were as they were masked,” a resident Manju Devi said.

BJP, ABVP offices in Bengal allegedly vandalised by TMC workers

Meanwhile, BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said that BJP offices were vandalised in Howrah.

“TMC goons and workers have vandalised BJP offices in Howrah. The goods have been stolen from there. BJP workers are being beaten into their homes,” tweeted Kailash Vijayvargiya in Hindi.
“After Mamata ji’s victory, her workers are celebrating and vandalising the houses of BJP workers. More than nine BJP workers have been killed so far,” he said.

ममता जी की जीत के बाद उनके कार्यकर्ता जश्न मना रहे है और भाजपा कार्यकर्ताओं के घर तोड़ रहे है ।
अब तक 9 से ज़्यादा भाजपा कार्यकर्ताओं की हत्या हो चुकी है । pic.twitter.com/sMDpX4qu61
— Kailash Vijayvargiya (@KailashOnline) May 3, 2021

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Asansol was also allegedly vandalised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged that 15-20 party goons of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked ABVP West Bengal’s Kolkata office and engaged in an altercation with the activists, assaulted them and vandalised the organization’s state office. They further alleged that TMC party goons deliberately vandalised the idols of Hindu deities and freedom fighters.

"Idea of India" in West Bengal pic.twitter.com/fdXfYNNLOv
— Rishi Bagree 🇮🇳 (@rishibagree) May 4, 2021

“Mamata Banerjee’s defeat in Nandigram had made the TMC cadres very resentful of those responsible for her loss and that such ‘traitors’ would not be allowed to live in Bengal for long,” ABVP said.

BJP announces nationwide dharna on May 5 against alleged violence by ‘TMC workers’, BJP National President JP Nadda to visit Bengal

Meanwhile, the BJP announced the party will also hold a nationwide dharna (Sit-in protest) on May 5 against the widespread violence unleashed by TMC workers post declaration of the West Bengal Assembly Elections results. The protest will be held following all COVID protocols across all organisational mandals of the BJP.

BJP National President Shri @JPNadda will be visiting West Bengal on 4-5May, in view of the wide spread post results retributive violence unleashed on BJP workers and supporters by criminal elements in the TMC cadre.

He will be visiting families of the affected karyakartas.
— BJP (@BJP4India) May 3, 2021

BJP president JP Nadda will be on a two-day visit to West Bengal starting from Tuesday to hold a protest against the alleged atrocities on party workers in the state by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

BJP MP Babul Supriyo posted a video on social media where allegedly TMC workers can be seen throughing crude bombs, looting the shops.

He wrote, ” More from @MamataOfficial & @AITCofficial ‘s VictoryCelebrations or #TMC PostPollViolence, as u may choose to call it. Lets see Didi’s VIP friends condemn this cowardly act. Sadly, 4 @BJP4Bengal members have lost their lives to Didi’s celebrations #ShameOnTMC“

More frm @MamataOfficial & @AITCofficial 's VictoryCelebrations or #TMC PostPollViolence, as u may choose to call it•Lets see Didi's VIP friends condemn this cowardly act• Sadly, 4 @BJP4Bengal members hv lost their lives to Didi's celebrations #ShameOnTMC pic.twitter.com/jijlt1vKPe
— Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) May 3, 2021

Mr Nadda will meet the BJP workers and their families affected by the violence and will hold protests in a democratic manner.

“Within 24 hours of election results, many BJP workers have been murdered. Many workers are seriously injured. The house and shops of many party workers have also been burnt. After Mamata Banerjee’s defeat and Trinamool Congress’ victory in the election results yesterday, the TMC hooligans started celebrating the victory with violence and blood. BJP condemns this,” BJP statement said.

.@BJP4Bengal allege some of their female party workers have been gangraped and murdered!!! Is this what politics of the day is coming to???? #BengalViolence
— Payal Mehta/પાયલ મેહતા/ पायल मेहता/ পাযেল মেহতা (@payalmehta100) May 4, 2021

Bengal Governor raises concern over post-poll violence, summons top police officials of the state

In wake of rising post-poll incidents of arson, looting and violence in West Bengal, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday summoned the state Director of General Police (DGP) and Kolkata Police Commissioner to discuss the law and order situation.
“DGP, West Bengal and Kolkata Police Commissioner summoned by me in the wake of continually rising post-poll incidents of arson, looting and violence as also killings in the State were indicated of alarming scenario. Called upon them to take all steps to restore law and order,” tweeted the Governor’s office.

Sad also to gather that nine persons have lost their lives and many injured in post poll political violence.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) May 3, 2021

The Governor further said it is sad that nine persons have lost their lives and many injured in post-poll political violence.
“Sad also to gather that nine persons have lost their lives and many injured in post-poll political violence. Such political violence and lawlessness cannot be overlooked as this taints the essence of the democratic fabric. Call upon people to maintain calm and peace and promote harmony,” he said.

DGP @WBPolice and Commissioner @CPKolkata summoned by me in the wake of continually rising post poll incidents of arson, looting and violence as also killings in the State were indicated of alarming scenario.

Called upon them to take all steps to restore law and order. pic.twitter.com/BcblaimLeO
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) May 3, 2021

Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 213 seats in the just concluded West Bengal assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party garnered 77 seats in the 294-seat state assembly. However, elections for two seats in Murshidabad are postponed due to the demise of candidates due to COVID.

Covid-19: Cricket Australia donates $50,000 to help India fight pandemic

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3 May 2021 3:54 PM

Australian Cricket will be throwing its support behind the India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal, with Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricketers’ Association and UNICEF Australia partnering to raise much-needed funds.

Australian Cricket has been deeply saddened by the devastation caused by this second coronavirus wave to hit India, a country with which Australians share a strong friendship and connection. UNICEF Australia’s India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal is procuring and installing oxygen generation plants in hospitals to treat seriously ill patients, providing testing equipment in heavily impacted districts, and supporting the acceleration of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

Cricket Australia will make an initial donation of $50,000 and encourage Australians everywhere to give generously at this critical time in India’s COVID-19 response.
“Australians and Indians share a special bond and, for many, our mutual love of cricket is central to that friendship. It has been distressing and saddening to learn of the suffering of so many of our Indian sisters and brothers during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and our hearts go out to everyone impacted,” Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO said in an official statement.

Amazing work @patcummins30! https://t.co/PtmrqfsnfX
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) April 26, 2021

“We were all deeply moved by the sentiments expressed and donations given by Pat Cummins and Brett Lee over the past week. In that same spirit, we are proud to partner with UNICEF Australia to raise funds that will help the people of India by providing the health system with much-needed oxygen, testing equipment and vaccines,” he added.
Earlier, Pat Cummins and Brett Lee had also donated their share to help India fight the pandemic.

In welcoming the partnership with Australian Cricket, UNICEF Australia CEO Tony Stuart said he was heartened that a major sport such as cricket, and its players, who have had a long relationship with India, and its people, recognised this urgent need to act now.
“We know that sport has the power to bring people together and there has never been a more important time,” Stuart said.

Hockley: "We want to encourage the cricket family across Australia to get behind this UNICEF appeal. All of the proceeds go directly to getting oxygen to areas of greatest need."

You can donate to the India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal here: https://t.co/ZVNBcRcLI8
— Whateley (@WhateleySEN) May 3, 2021

“UNICEF has been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic and as the world’s largest children’s charity we know the devastating and life-long consequences this emergency will have, in particular, on children and young people,” he added.

The COVID-19 pandemic has gripped India and the country has been reporting more than 3,00,000 new cases every day. This is the most number of cases being reported since the pandemic broke out in 2020.

India travel ban is ‘not racist’: FM Marise Payne, but do you agree?

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3 May 2021 2:48 PM

Picture Source: Facebook page Sydney Airport

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has categorically denied that the decision on a travel ban from Inda was racist, but many human rights activists and legal experts are still raising their concerns over fine and jail terms for returning Australians.

Talking to the media on Sunday Ms Payne said, “The decision which has been made under the biosecurity act on the basis of the advice of the Chief Medical Officer is a temporary pause on returns. And is entirely founded on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.”

The Australian Government has introduced short-term measures regarding travel from 🇮🇳 to 🇦🇺. The Australian High Commission in #NewDelhi & our other posts in 🇮🇳, remain fully operational & ready to provide support to Australians in India. @AusCGChennai @AusCG_Mumbai @AusCGKolkata
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) May 1, 2021

When asked if the decision is immoral or even racist, Ms Payne said, “Absolutely not in any way.”
“What is most important is that it is temporary. We absolutely recognised the very, very difficult circumstances occurring in India right now. Absolutely recognise that She further explained.

Molina Swaroop Asthana is Principal at Swaroop Asthana Lawyers and Co-Founder and Convenor of the Asian Australian Alliance, National Vice President of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and Vice President of the Law Institute of Victoria.

Ms Asthana told The Australia Today, “The unjustified and harsh penalties imposed on the return of Australians from India is an unprecedented Act to target particular communities and is racial in nature. No such ban, let alone penalties were imposed on returning Australians from any other country. This is nothing new. Systemic racism has been the fabric of Australia.”

However, Ms Payne claimed the COVID19 positivity rate of arrivals from India was 57 per cent, which was placing a significant burden on health and medical services in the states and territories and through the quarantine program.

“So it is a very targeted temporary period of time, it will be reviewed on 15 May and In fact, we had eight flights booked to return Australians from India. That has been a very important part of returning Australian process. Once the 15 May review occurs, we will then plan what the resumption of those flights looks like and if we are able to increase them.”

Molina Swaroop Asthana, Co-Founder and Convenor of the **Asian Australian Alliance**

Molina Swaroop Asthana refutes, “The ban and the penalties must also satisfy section 477 of the Biosecurity Act under which the ban has been enacted. The section states that the measure has to be ‘appropriate’ and ‘no more restrictive or instructive than is required in the circumstances. The current ban is neither appropriate nor required in the circumstances.”

Dr Vyom Sharma is a GP in Melbourne.
He called these travel ban from India as disproportionate, hurtful and unethical.

Australia's flight ban on citizens stranded in India is now making news around the world.
BBC World was kind enough to let me share my views – my most, and least charitable interpretations – on the disproportionate, hurtful and unethical bans.#covid19aus https://t.co/P0osxhpV06
— Dr Vyom Sharma (@drvyom) May 2, 2021

“The Chief Medical Officer will provide us with updated advice and the government will review that in accordance with the commitment that we’ve made, Said Ms Payne.

Australia did not put such ban and threats to jail on the UK, US and South African travellers when the infection rate of returning travellers from these countries was more than 20-30 per cent. Some health experts also suggest that the South African variant, UK variant, the Brazilian variant are all incredibly infectious arguably more than the Indian variant.

Well, 57 per cent of the infections in quarantine had come from returned travellers from India. In contrast to just the month before, 10 per cent of infections. The burden that has placed on the health systems in the states and territories, including through particularly Howard Springs, is a very significant one. And the decision to place a temporary pause, a temporary review on returning travellers from India has been to enable our systems to deal with that and then once we review that on May 15, we’ll make further decisions, said Ms Payne.

Ms Asthana says We have started an online petition to urge the Federal government to withdraw the arbitrary decision to impose penalties on Australians returning from India.

Minister Payne refused to concede that the governement is not confident of it’s hotel quarintine arrangements.

“I think that the hotel quarantine arrangements as the Prime Minister said the other day has been operating at around 99 per cent efficacy. It absolutely does not prove that we are not confident about the hotel quarantine arrangements, She replied.”

“Let me say, again, that the burden that such a high infection rate was placing on the states and territories’ medical systems and health system tolls address such a high positivity rate was one which had become difficult for them to deal with. So pausing the returns process allows the system to manage those infections. To reduce those numbers and then we can review the process again on May 15.”

Ms Payne specifically clarified that the federal government is not considering using the Christmas Island detention facility as a quarantine centre for returned travellers from India.

IPL 2021: Dhawan’s composure guides DC to a seven-wicket win over Punjab Kings

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3 May 2021 11:08 AM

Shikhar Dhawan played a knock of 69 runs as Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings by seven wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Along with Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw also played a quickfire knock of 39 runs. For Punjab Kings, Chris Jordon, Harpreet Brar, and Riley Meredith returned with one wicket each. With this win, Delhi Capitals has moved to the first spot in the points table with 12 points from 8 games while Punjab Kings remain in sixth place with six points. Chasing 167, Delhi Capitals got off to a flying start as openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan put on 63 runs inside the first six overs. The introduction of Harpreet Brar paid off immediately as he clean bowled Prithvi (39) in the seventh over of the innings.

All Over: @DelhiCapitals beat #PBKS by 7 wickets and with 14 balls to spare to register their 2nd consecutive win. Opener @SDhawan25 finishes unbeaten on 69. #DC have lost only 1 of their last 5 games. https://t.co/Rm0jfZKXXT #PBKSvDC #VIVOIPL #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/apKB5wS3X7
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 2, 2021

Steve Smith then joined Dhawan in the middle and the duo put on 47 runs for the second wicket but with just 50 runs away from the target, Delhi ended up losing the wicket of Smith (24) in the 13th over. Rishabh Pant then came to the middle and he played a useful 14-run cameo. In the end, Dhawan along with Shimron Hetmyer (16*) took Delhi over the line with seven wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare.

Earlier, Mayank Agarwal played an unbeaten knock of 99 runs as Punjab Kings posted a score of 166/6 in the allotted twenty overs. Along with Agarwal, Dawid Malan also chipped in with a knock of 26 runs. For Delhi Capitals, Kagiso Rabada returned with three wickets.
Asked to bat first, Punjab Kings got off to a bad start as the side lost Prabhsimran Singh (12) and Chris Gayle (13) inside the first six overs and the side’s powerplay score read 39/2. Kagiso Rabada took the first two wickets for the Delhi Capitals.

Shikhar Dhawan, Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

Dawid Malan then joined Mayank Agarwal in the middle and the duo mixed caution with aggression to revive the innings for Punjab. Both batsmen put on 52 runs for the third wicket, but as soon as Punjab started to gain an upper hand, Delhi stormed right back as Axar Patel bowled Malan (26). In the very next over, Deepak Hooda (1) was run-out and as a result, Punjab was reduced to 88/4 in the 14th over.

Here's the Points Table after Match 29 of #VIVOIPL. @DelhiCapitals take the top spot, @PunjabKingsIPL are 6th. #PBKSvDC #VIVOIPL #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/OhVMpze5VD
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 2, 2021

After Hooda’s dismissal, Mayank took on the mantle of being the aggressor and he even dispatched Ishant Sharma for 15 runs in the 16th over. Shahrukh Khan (4) and Chris Jordon (2) disappointed with the bat, but Mayank ensured that Punjab posts a score of more than the 160-run mark.

Brief Scores: Punjab Kings 166/6 (Mayank Agarwal 99*, Dawid Malan 26, Kagiso Rabada 3-36) vs Delhi Capitals 167/3 (Shikhar Dhawan 69*, Prithvi Shaw 39, Harpreet Brar 1-19).

Trinamool scores hat-trick in Bengal, BJP retains Assam, LDF Kerala; DMK in Tamil Nadu

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3 May 2021 10:44 AM

TMC celebration after massive victory, Picture Source: Twitter @AITCofficial

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of the stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.

While the BJP-led NDA retained Assam, the ruling LDF created history by retaining Kerala. DMK is poised to oust AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, where Congress chief minister V Naryanasamy had resigned earlier this year, NR Congress-led NDA came to power. The counting was held amid COVID-19 protocols. With a surge in cases in the country, no victory processions were allowed.

In West Bengal, TMC has already won 198 seats and is leading on another 16 out of the total 292 seats for which elections were held. The party is poised to improve its 2016 tally of 2011 seats.

Mamta Benerjee, CM Bengal, Picture Source: Twitter @TMC

‘Khela shesh’ for Mamata in Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari wins by margin of 1,956 votes

Mamata Banerjee was defeated in Nandigram by her former ministerial colleague and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. Adhikari, who was once a close aide of Banerjee, joined the BJP just a few months ahead of the state assembly elections. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Adhikari won with a margin of 1,956 votes in Nandigram.
BJP, which had only three MLAs in the outgoing assembly, has won 48 seats and is leading on eight more. The party has major inroads in the state.
One Independent candidate has also won in West Bengal while Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party is leading on one seat.

Left-Congress alliance fails to win a single seat in WB
The Samyukta alliance comprising Congress, Left parties and ISF failed to open its account.

In the 126-member Assam assembly, BJP has won 47 seats and is leading on 12. Its alliance partner AGP has won nine seats and UPPL six seats.

In the Mahajot alliance, Congress won 21 seats and is leading on eight, AIUDF won ten seats and is leading on six, CPI-M won one seat and BPF won three seats and is leading on one. Independents won one seat and are leading on another.

PM Modi thanks the people of Puducherry for blessing NDA
In the 30-member Puducherry assembly, NR Congress won 10 seats and BJP six. DMK has won five seats and is leading on one, Congress won two seats and independents six seats. AIADMK failed to open its account.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah among other leaders thanked the people of Puducherry after the NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK alliance headed for a majority in assembly elections.

I thank the people of Puducherry for blessing NDA. We are humbled to serve the people and fulfil their dreams. Our Karyakartas made outstanding efforts to work among the people and elaborate on our agenda of good governance.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2021

“I thank the people of Puducherry for blessing NDA. We are humbled to serve the people and fulfill their dreams. Our Karyakartas made outstanding efforts to work among the people and elaborate on our agenda of good governance,” tweeted PM Modi.

The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu.
According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, DMK has already won 62 seats and is leading on 71 in the 234-member assembly.

DMK chief MK Stalin on Sunday thanked the people of Tamil Nadu after his party-led alliance emerged victorious in the Assembly polls and informed his swearing-in ceremony would be organised in a simple way due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu for giving the coalition a huge victory in the election. We will gradually fulfill our specific election promises,” Stalin said.

DMK chief MK Stalin, To be CM Tamil Nadu

Congress, which is an ally of DMK has won 3 seats and is leading on 13 more. DMK’s other allies CPI and CPI (M) have won one seat each and is leading on one seat each and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two and is leading on two more.
AIADMK also won 26 seats and is leading on 43 while its ally BJP won on one seat and is leading on three seats. Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has won one seat and is leading on three others.

Kamal Hasaan loses Coimbatore South seat to BJP candidate
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan who was contesting from the Coimbatore (South) constituency in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections lost the seat in a close fight with BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan on Sunday.
Early trends had shown the Haasan leading from the constituency, but the BJP candidate won pulled ahead with a margin of 1,540 votes.
Taking to Twitter, the actor-turned-politician thanked all the people who voted and said that he would continue to protect the state’s soil, land, and people.

He also congratulated DMK chief MK Stalin for his victory in the polls.
“Heartfelt congratulations to the big success MK Stalin. You are taking charge as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in this time of crisis. My congratulations to perform well and taking Tamil Nadu on the path of development,” Haasan tweeted.

In Kerala, all results have been declared with CPI-M winning 62 seats.
Among the other constituents of LDF, CPI has won 17 seats, Kerala Congress (M) has won five seats, NCP and Janata Dal (Secular) both won two seats each, and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress also won one seat.

LDF allies Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), Indian National League (INL), and Kerala Congress (B) also won one seat each.
In the UDF’s pavilion, Congress has won 21 seats, IUML won 15, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.
West Bengal saw eight-phase polling, Assam went for a three-phased election while Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu went for a single-phase election on April 6.

Angry and dismayed Australians urge PM Morrison to remove criminalisation clause from India travel ban

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2 May 2021 12:17 PM

Indian Australians at a citizenship ceremony

As soon as the details of India travel ban and order saying “anyone who tries to enter Australia from India will be fined and/or jailed for up to 5 years” reached Australian community social media is abuz with angry posts.

Not only social commentators, politicians, and community leaders but also the Indian Australian community, in general, have expressed their displeasure about the tone and tanner of the Federal government’s order.

Yadu Singh is the President of the Federation of Indian Associations of NSW.
He told The Australia Today, “Indian Australian community is unsure how anybody from India will be able to come to Australia presently when there is no flight to Australia from India either directly or via a 3rd country. Our community is unable to see the logic behind this announcement.”

“We urge the government to put extra efforts to repatriate 9000 stranded Australians in India when it is safe to do so. They are our people. Extra quarantine facilities may need to be created to bring these stranded Australians home. Australia has a moral obligation to look after these stranded Australians in every way possible,” Mr. Singh further explained.

Melbourne has the largest number of Indian Australians living in any city of Australia.

Melbourne-based Karthik Arasu, President of Federation of Indian Australians says, “I have written a letter to the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt and Assistant Minister of Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood requesting them to address the community concerns over the criminalisation of India travel ban.”

“While we do understand the temporary pause in travel from India to Australia, making it a criminal offense is deeply concerning.”

He told The Australia Today, “Indian Australians have been contributing in numerous ways to support the Government efforts with their fight against Covid19. This order has brought in great anguish and frustration amongst community members.”

“We hope the Hon Minister will consider other measures such as imposing strict guidelines for an airline not to board anyone with departure stamp originating from India within 15 days or more, having extended quarantine with costs charged to the person traveling, offshore quarantine, etc.”

Ravi Kant Bhatnagar is an IT consultant in Melbourne.

He told The Australia Today, “This order by Health Minister has created a lot of anguish and panic among the Indian Australian community. A lot of people feel this is discrimination against the community, as it was never done before in the history of Australia.”

Australian Human Rights Commission has also released a statement saying India travel ban raises serious human rights concerns.

“The need for such restrictions must be publicly justified. The Government must show that these measures are not discriminatory and the only suitable way of dealing with the threat to public health.”

The Commission also urged Parliament’s Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 to review these new restrictions immediately.

Picture Source: Twitter @AustralianHumanRightsCommission

Nick Talley, is Editor-in-Chief, Medical Journal Australia.
He wrote on social media, “A travel ban for Australian citizens from India will come into effect with criminal sanctions. I read this was based on “expert medical advice”. If so, I’d like to see the advice and evidence that justifies placing these Australians in harms way. And what about the rest of the world?”

A travel ban for Australian citizens from India will come into effect with criminal sanctions. I read this was based on “expert medical advice”. If so, I’d like to see the advice and evidence that justifies placing these Australians in harms way. And what about rest of the world? https://t.co/XVh9BoWCPD
— MJA Editor in Chief (@MJA_Editor) May 1, 2021

Osman Faruqi is Melbourne based social comentrator.
He say, “The path to this India travel ban insanity was paved by the same people who are now losing their minds about it imo. You can’t spend a year celebrating the government’s border policies, staying quiet on how they’ve been racially based, and then yell out about at the very end.”

It’s been a weird time to criticise governments on this stuff, because even though you could see where it was going from day one (Chinese-Australians detained on Christmas Island) progressives screamed at you for talking about it. Labor Premiers literally begged for this!
— Osman Faruqi (@oz_f) May 1, 2021

IPL 2021: Pollard blitz takes game away from CSK as MI register memorable win

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2 May 2021 10:10 AM

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

Kieron Pollard played one of the most memorable innings in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.

Pollard remained unbeaten on 87 off just 34 balls as Mumbai gained a four-wicket victory. With this win, MI remains at the fourth spot with 8 points. On the other hand, CSK also remains static at the first spot with 10 points. Chasing 219, MI got off to a steady start as openers Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock put on 58 runs inside the first six overs. The 71-run opening stand finally came to an end in the 8th over as Shardul Thakur dismissed Rohit (35). In the very next over, Ravindra Jadeja removed Suryakumar Yadav (3), reducing Mumbai Indians to 77/2.

Kieron Pollard, Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

Mumbai fell further into a slump in the 10th over as Moeen Ali sent de Kock (38) back to the pavilion and as a result, CSK marched ahead in the match. Krunal Pandya and Kieron Pollard next joined forces in the middle and the duo kept Mumbai in the match with their partnership. Pollard took the role of being the aggressor and he dispatched sixes with ease.
Pollard continued on with his carnage and he brought up his fifty off just 17 balls. With 49 needed more for the win, Mumbai ended up losing the wicket of Krunal (32) and this put an end to the 89-run stand for the fourth wicket. With 31 runs needed off the final two overs, Pollard (87*) and Hardik Pandya (16) did not mess around and they guided Mumbai to a memorable victory.

Earlier, Moeen Ali and Faf du Plessis played quickfire knocks of 58 and 50 as CSK posted a score of 218/4 in the allotted twenty overs. Along with Faf and Moeen, Ambati Rayudu provided the much-needed boost to the CSK lineup as he played a quickfire knock of 72 runs off just 27 balls. Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an innings of 22 runs. For Mumbai, Kieron Pollard returned with two wickets.
Asked to bat first, CSK got off to the worst start possible as the side lost its in-form opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (4) in the very first over as he was sent back to the pavilion by Trent Boult. Moeen then joined du Plessis in the middle and the duo took CSK’s score to 49/1 at the end of the sixth over. Moeen and Faf put together 108 runs for the second wicket and this stand saw CSK scoring runs at a brisk pace. The left-handed Moeen (58) was finally sent back to the pavilion by Jasprit Bumrah in the 11th over. In the very next over bowled by Pollard, CSK lost the wickets of du Plessis (50) and Suresh Raina (2), and the side was reduced to 116/4.

WHAT. A. WIN for the @mipaltan 🔥🔥

Some serious hitting from @KieronPollard55 ( 87* off 34) as #MumbaiIndians win by 4 wickets.

Scorecard – https://t.co/NQjEDM2zGX #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/UAb6SYCMQz
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 1, 2021

Rayudu and Jadeja joined forces in the middle and the duo did not let the momentum drop for CSK. The right-handed Rayudu took on the mantle of being aggressive and he kept dispatching Mumbai bowlers for constant boundaries and sixes. Both batsmen formed an unbeaten stand of 102 runs for the fifth wicket, and this also saw Bumrah conceding the most runs in his four-over spell in the IPL. Bumrah went for 56 runs in his four overs. In the end, CSK posted a score of more than the 210-run mark. Rayudu’s innings was studded with 4 fours and seven 6s.

Brief Scores: CSK 218/4 (Ambati Rayudu 72*, Moeen Ali 58, Kieron Pollard 2-12) vs Mumbai Indians 219/6 (Kieron Pollard 87*, Quinton de Kock 38, Sam Curran 3-34).

Australia returned business graduate becomes successful actor in Indian Films and TV

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1 May 2021 10:00 AM

Recently, Amit Sial, who can be seen in Sony LIV’s new show Kathmandu Connection shared his story with Humans of Bombay.

Amit Sial grew up in a middle class family in Kanpur. His dad manufactured shoes and mother was a librarian.

Being born into middle-class increased Amit’s desire to perform well in school.

“I tried to do my best in school; in the 5th grade, I acted in a play for the first time. The applause I got was something else; so I continued acting in plays. Once our teacher Mishraji even pushed for me to get the lead role! I wanted to pursue acting, but giving up my studies wasn’t an option. So I went to Delhi for my B.Com.”

Image Source: Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Wikipedia.

At Delhi University, while studying at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Amit came across an ad for an English musical.

“I auditioned and got a role; I was 18. But my parents weren’t confident I could make it as an actor. Mom said, ‘Have a backup plan.’”

Soon, his parents started discussing the option of further studies. They took out a loan to send him to Australia.

Image Source: Swinburne University of Technology, Website.

Amit landed in Melbourne to obtain his Post-Graduation diploma in International Business from Swinburne University of Technology.

“I was studying and working two jobs to make ends meet. Despite that, on the weekends, I did theatre.”

After graduation, when Amit came back to India he began working with his uncle in Delhi on a decent salary.

Soon after, he bumped into someone from his theatre days.

“It felt like a sign, you know? So I got back to acting. With each performance, something in me kept shifting – it was as if my heart was filling up. So I decided to act full time.”

Amit was then 29 yo and his parents “freaked out” at his decison to change career.

“I told them, ‘Aap itni chinta kyun kar rahe ho? Aap ko kya darr hai?’ I was done being afraid of the uncertainty.”

In 2003, Randeep Hooda who was working on a Ram Gopal Verma film, called and advised Amit to audition for a role.

“I came to Bombay. Even though I didn’t get that role, I stayed back. Then began the rigmarole of auditions.”

For one such audition, Amit even reached 20 minutes late.

“Everyone was furious. But before I left, they said, ‘Thoda weight kam kar lena.’ I was confused, but later I found out that I’d got the role!”

Amit got Rs 50,000 for that film and by the time the shooting finished he thought that this was it!”

“I’d made it. Maybe it was ego, but I kept rejecting all the supporting role offers I got – mujhe hero banna tha!”

But unfortunately that film didn’t release for 4 years and soon the supporting role also stopped coming.

“So I started from scratch – I did theatre, small roles…I destroyed my ego. That’s when web series like A Simple Murder, Kathmandu Connection and Maharani, came my way. It took years, but I found my place in OTT. I realised ki hero nahi banna, stardom bhi nahi chahiye, bas acting karni hai.”

Image Source: Amit Sial in Mirzapur, Screenshot.

Today, Amit Sial is a successful actor in Indian film and TV industry. His parents are also happy with his decision to change his career.

“I’ve made them retire in Goa! So now, every time a role comes my way, I’m thankful. I’ve realised that when you find your purpose in life, you can’t let your ego get the better of you. You only get so many chances to turn your dreams into reality– so when you get that chance, grab onto it and…don’t let go.”

Amit has appeared in films and series such as Jamtara, Mirzapur, Sonchiriya, Bombairiya, Titli, and Love Sex aur Dhokha.

Image Source: Amit Sial in Jamtara, Netflix, screenshot.

Morrison government will ‘jail’ people who enter the country from India

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1 May 2021 8:30 AM

The Morrison government has issued an order saying anyone who tries to enter Australia from India will be fined and/or jailed for up to 5 years.

This is happening first time in the history of Australia that it has made it a criminal offense to come back home for Australian citizens. The government claims this action is based on medical advice, however, a number of commentators say this due to the “fear factor” that India’s COVID-19 crisis is getting worse day by day.

This is really shocking and I completely disagree with it. We should take Australians home because a. They’re citizens and B. It will relieve resources that should be dedicated for Indians that need it, not Australians who have an alternative option. I’m deeply ashamed of this. https://t.co/LFTKrtdWlH
— Erin Watson-Lynn (@erinwatsonlynn) April 30, 2021

The statement by Health Minister Greg Hunt says, “The risk assessment that informed the decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia who have acquired a COVID-19 infection in India.”

“Failure to comply with an emergency determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may incur a civil penalty of 300 penalty units, five years’ imprisonment, or both.“

“The temporary pause will be reconsidered on 15 May by the Government following advice from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The CMO will consider the epidemiology in India and likely impacts on Australia’s quarantine capacity, and provide a further expert assessment of the public health risk to Australia to inform a proportionate response,” explains the statement.

Mr. Hunt further said, “The Government does not make these decisions lightly. However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level.”

Australian government’s travel ban will come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, 3 May 2021.

There are at least 9,000 Australian citizens and permanent residents stuck in India.

India has been reporting more than 300,000 new cases of COVID-19 every day for the past week. The total number of cases in India is now close to 19 million and more than 200,000 people have died.

Image Source: Health Minister Greg Hunt, Twitter.

The government statement says, “Our hearts go out to the people of India – and our Indian-Australian community. The friends and family of those in Australia are at extreme risk. Tragically, many are contracting COVID-19 and many, sadly, are dying every day.”

Image Source: Priyanka Chaturvedi, Twitter.

Member of Indian Parliament and Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has tweeted to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, PMO India, and Scott Morrison to urgently look into this matter.

Constitutional law expert George Williams told SMH that the move was “very likely to be constitutional”.

“The only impediment would be if the High Court discovered some form of constitutional protection for returning citizens, but that would be a long shot.”

Image Source: Bill Shorten, personal website.

In an exclusive interview to the Australia Today, Labor leader Bill Shorten said:

“We should treat people the same whatever country they come from.”

Image Source: Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, CricketInfo.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that such measures and restrictions are to deter people from exploiting the system.

Recently, Australian cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson took advantage of a loophole and came back to Australia via commercial flights from a non-restricted country.

The government has also said that they would explore all options of bringing back stranded citizens in India and other countries, on which it has imposed a travel ban.

Indian-Australians start petition urging Australian Government to stand by its “friend India”

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30 April 2021 12:29 PM

Indian-Australians have started a petition urging the Australian Government and Hon Prime Minister Scott Morrison “to stand by its strategic partner and friend India in this hour of desperate need and provide urgent relief.”

The petitioners argue that “India is in crisis, the situation on the ground is dire and her health system has collapsed under the weight of an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 case numbers. The mutant, more virulent form of the virus is causing havoc. Hospitals have run out of beds, oxygen, other basic equipment and they haven’t peaked in terms of case numbers yet. The furnaces in crematoriums are melting and the images of mass funerals are heart breaking. It is estimated that up to 4 million people could die in a worst case scenario by August this year. A country of 1.3 billion people caught between the conundrum of “lives versus livelihoods” can only do so much on her own.”

The petition further says that “Indian diaspora in Australia and in many other countries are distraught and are doing their best to help their homeland.”

This change.org petition titled “Australia – it is time to stand up for India, your friend in need” by Kiren Sekhar has received more than 11,000 signatures from the targeted 15,000 signatures.

India tells its diplomats – counter ‘one-sided’ world media narrative

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30 April 2021 12:21 PM

In a virtual meeting with Indian ambassadors and high commissioners posted across the world, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed the message that the “one-sided” narrative in international media must be countered.

Image Source: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar – Twitter.

Officials present told the Indian Express that two themes were discussed.

One was about efforts being made to procure all the material that India needs to overcome the surge and second was taking control of the international media narrative.

This meeting was important keeping in mind the recent rebuttal written by the Deputy High Commissioner to Australia in response to ‘The Australian’ report.

The editorials, commentary and reports in some newspapers and on TV channels have blamed the Modi government for India’s COVID plight.

They are of the opinion that Modi ignored all warning signs, holding an extended election in West Bengal.

To prove this they have been running visuals of ambulances, patients sitting outside hospitals, and Hindu cremation ceremonies.

While India’s efforts to mobilise resources, such as oxygen container, concentrators, ventilators, drugs and vaccines, from friendly countries that been largely overlooked.

On this, Jaishankar was clear that envoys should not to get overpowered by the “negative” media reports in biased media outlets but to take charge and project the government’s work.

Is Australia’s India flight ban based on ‘fear factor’?

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30 April 2021 12:07 PM

With the suspension of direct flights from India – until at least 15 May – all Australian citizens have essentially been banned from entering their own country for the first time.

A Guardian analysis has revealed that India has fewer coronavirus cases per capita than either the United States or the United Kingdom during their respective Covid peaks.

This has given rise to epidemiologists questioning of why Australia has banned all flights from India?

The experts are pointing out that Australian government did not suspend flights from the UK and USA when they were going through their worst phase.

According to data released by the New South Wales health department, the UK and US were responsible for a greater share of overseas acquired cases in Australia.

The Guardian observes that epidemiology experts think that the ‘Indian variant’ of coronavirus has not yet been deemed as concerning as the ‘UK strain’.

Image Source: Prof. Peter Collignon, ANU

Prof. Peter Collignon of the Australian National University told the Guardian that Australia “needs to rethink blanket bans”.

“I look at the numbers and I’m not sure the rates are higher in India, that the risk is all that different. We need to rethink blanket bans because I’m not sure it’s being done on a consistent basis.”

Image Source: Prof. Mary-Louise McLaws, UNSW

Further, a comparison of infection data has led Prof. Mary-Louise McLaws at the University of New South Wales to argue the government’s ban on flights from India is likely “an act out of fear”.

According to data released by the New South Wales health department, in the four-week period ending 24 April 2021, 46% (63/137) of overseas acquired cases have been identified as having COVID-19 variants of concern (B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and P1).

Prof. McLaws has also questioned why a flight ban was not put in place when larger spikes were recorded in other countries.

“As a multicultural country that loves their multicultural community, it is beholden to the authorities to care for that multicultural community that needs to come home and for them to come home safely.”

Meanwhile, Melbourne’s Indian community gathered at Federation Square to hold a candlelight vigil.

Indians from all faiths gathered to pray for India and safe return of Australian permanent residents and citizens from India.

IPL 2021: Shaw, Dhawan shine as DC gain comprehensive seven-wicket over KKR

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30 April 2021 9:41 AM

DK tries a reverse sweep but is hit on the pad. Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan starred with the bat as Delhi Capitals defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

Shaw and Dhawan played knocks of 82 and 46 respectively as Delhi Capitals registered a win with 21 balls to spare. With this win, Delhi has moved to the second spot in the points table with 10 points. Chasing 155, Delhi Capitals got off to a flying start as Prithvi Shaw smashed six boundaries in the very first over bowled by Shivam Mavi. Shaw along with Dhawan continued the carnage and Delhi’s score read 67/0 after the end of the sixth over.

Never a dull moment when @SDhawan25 is on the field. 😂 @DineshKarthik 🤜🏽🤛🏽https://t.co/GDR4bTRtlQ #DCvKKR #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/lwohB8NNou
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 29, 2021

Dhawan and Shaw continued with their momentum and KKR had no answers on how to stop both the batters. With just 23 runs needed for the win, KKR finally managed to get a breakthrough as Pat Cummins had Dhawan (46) adjudged leg-before wicket, ending the first-wicket partnership of 132 runs.
Cummins also removed Shaw (82) and Rishabh Pant (16) in the 16th over, but in the end, Delhi Capitals registered an easy victory to move to second place in the points table.

Earlier, Axar Patel and Lalit Yadav scalped two wickets each as Delhi Capitals restricted KKR to a score of 154/6 in the allotted 20 overs. For KKR, Shubman Gill got going with the bat as he played a knock of 43 runs. Andre Russell and Pat Cummins also played useful knocks of 45 and 11 respectively but KKR had to settle with a below-par score.

A morale-boosting win for @DelhiCapitals as they outplay #KKR to register a big 7-wicket win and they do so with 21 balls to spare. KKR could never recover after the early onslaught from @PrithviShaw. https://t.co/GDR4bTRtlQ #DCvKKR #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/fSBxxVkUBD
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 29, 2021

Asked to bat first, KKR did not get off to an ideal start as the side lost its opener Nitish Rana (15) in the fourth over. Patel had the left-handed batsman stumped and this brought Rahul Tripathi to the middle. Tripathi and Gill took KKR’s score to 45/1 after the end of the sixth over. Tripathi and Gill stitched together a 44-run partnership for the second wicket, but as soon as KKR started to dominate, Delhi Capitals stormed right back as Marcus Stoinis dismissed Tripathi (19). Skipper Eoin Morgan (0) and Sunil Narine (0) disappointed with the bat and as a result, KKR was reduced to 74/4 in the 11th over.

5️⃣0️⃣🔥

There is no stopping @PrithviShaw. This is sensational batting. He brings up his half-century in 18 balls flat. It is the fastest in #IPL2021. 🙌🏾https://t.co/iEiKUVwBoy #DCvKKR #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/jj6ZKFw2s8
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 29, 2021

KKR’s innings fell further into a slump in the 13th over as the set batsman Gill (43) handed a simple catch to Steve Smith at wide long-on off the bowling of Avesh Khan, reducing the side to 82/5. Dinesh Karthik next joined Andre Russell in the middle and the duo put on 27 runs for the sixth wicket. However, in trying to increase the tempo of run-scoring, Karthik (14) ended up losing his wicket to Patel in the 17th over. In the final two overs, Russell and Cummins managed to add 31 more runs to the total, and as a result, KKR posted a score of more than the 150-run mark.

Brief scores: KKR 154/6 (Shubman Gill 43, Andre Russell 45*, Lalit Yadav 2-13) vs Delhi Capitals 156/3 (Prithvi Shaw 82, Shikhar Dhawan 46, Pat Cummins 3-24).

India: Exit polls predict tight contest in Bengal, but Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry could see a clear majority

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30 April 2021 8:22 AM

Indian Voter posing after casting ballot, Picture Source: Twitter

The exit polls of this round of assembly polls on Thursday predicted a clear victory for DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, LDF retaining power in Kerala and BJP-led NDA in Assam, and a tight contest in Bengal with several surveys giving an edge to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). In Puducherry, the polls predicted victory for NDA.
In West Bengal, all exit polls predicted BJP making major inroads and a few also said that the party will emerge victoriously. Times Now-C voter exit poll predicted 158 seats for TMC, 115 for BJP, and 19 for others. ABP-C Voter predicted TMC to get 152-164 seats, BJP 109-121 seats, and Left-Congress alliance 14-25 seats.
According to the Republic-CNX exit poll, BJP with 138-148 seats has an edge over TMC which is predicted to get 128-138 seats.

Exit Polls by @jankibaat1 in one tweet.

Wish u all the best @pradip103 bhai. pic.twitter.com/OBTzQ55PlV
— Suresh Nakhua ( सुरेश नाखुआ ) (@SureshNakhua) April 29, 2021

As per India TV- People’s Pulse, BJP is expected to get 173-192 seats while TMC will be reduced to 64-88 sets and the Left-Congress alliance will get 7-12 seats.
Axis My India predicted a hung assembly in Bengal with the ruling TMC expected to get 130-156 seats and BJP 134-160 seats.

TMC to retain #WestBengal with thin margin: Poll of polls #ExitPolls Live updates: https://t.co/ZuuNX4Zlup pic.twitter.com/ahpYcpOD1n
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) April 29, 2021

In Assam, India Today-Axis My India exit poll said the BJP-led NDA is likely to get 75-85 seats out of 126 seats. The BJP may get 61-65 seats, AGP 9-13, and UPPL 5-7. The Congress-led ‘Mahajath’ is expected to garner 40-50 seats and others may get 1-4 seats. Congress may get 24-30 seats, AIUDF 13-16, and BPF 3-4.
ABP News-CVoter exit poll said that BJP-led NDA is predicted to get 58-71 seats and Congress-led ‘Mahajath’ 53-66 seats and others 0-3 seats.

Republic-CNX exit poll predicted 74-84 seats for BJP+, 40-50 for Congress+, and 1-2 for others.
According to Today’s Chanakya, BJP+ is expected to win 61-79 seats, Congress+ 47-65, and others 0-3 seats.
In Tamil Nadu, Today’s Chanakya predicted 164-186 seats for DMK and 46-68 for the ruling AIADMK-led alliance. According to the ABP-CVoter exit poll, AIADMK is expected to get 58-70 seats, DMK 160-172 seats, and others 0-7. Republic-CNX poll said that DMK is expected to win 160-170 seats whereas AIADMK may get 58-68 seats.
In Kerala, the ABP-CVoter exit poll predicted LDF to get 71-77 seats, UDF 62-68 seats, and BJP 0-2 seats. India Today-Axis My India exit poll said LDF is predicted to get 104-120 seats, UDF 20-36 seats, BJP+ 0-2 seats, and others 0-2 seats.
According to Today’s Chanakya, LDF is likely to win 93-111 seats, UDF 26-44 seats, BJP+ 0-6 seats, and others 0-3 seats.
Republic-CNX predicted LDF to win 72-80 seats, UDF 58-64 seats, BJP+ 1-5 seats. Jan Ki Baat’s exit poll predicted 64-76 seats for LDF, 61-71 for BJP+, and 2-4 for others.
In the Puducherry, ABP-CVoter exit poll predicted NDA to win 19-23 seats, UPA 6-10 seats, and others 1-2 seats. As per the India Today-Axis My India exit poll, NDA is expected to garner 20-24 seats, UPA 6-10 seats, and others 0-1 seats. Jan Ki Baat exit polls predicted 19-24 seats for NDA and 6-11 seats for UPA. Republic-CNX exit poll predicted 16-20 seats for the NDA and 11-13 seats for the UPA.

The crisis in India is an example of why we need a better way to get Australians home

By

Liz Hicks, The University of Melbourne

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29 April 2021 7:35 PM

The federal government’s suspension of flights from India leaves some 9,000 Australian citizens stranded, 650 of whom are registered as financially or medically vulnerable. They are trapped in a country where hospitals are running out of oxygen, and where the number of new infections is more than 300,000 per day.

Along with the unfolding humanitarian disaster, the suspension of flights is yet another example of the ongoing dysfunction of Australia’s repatriation system.

As I have explained in my recent research, the pandemic has created a temporary, but desperate minority in Australia. These are the roughly 34,000 citizens abroad who are currently registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs as wanting help to get home, though the true number is likely far higher.

Australia continues to have a large diaspora living and working abroad, who cannot register with the government until they have attempted to return home of their own accord.

Indian Covid, Picture Source: Twitter MHA

So how did we end up here?

A consistent theme of Australia’s response to COVID-19 — including leaks in hotel quarantine — has been to blame individuals (be they guards or travellers), rather than the way the system is designed.

At the time of writing, Australia’s hotel quarantine programs have “leaked” 16 times. Many have come from poor ventilation and inadequate protocol for personal protective equipment. Experts say more must be done to prevent aerosol transmission of the virus.

When leaks have occurred, the political instinct of Australian governments has been to reduce the caps on overseas arrivals and — increasingly — point the finger at members of the public who have left Australia on federal government-approved exemptions.

The West Australian government’s response to its most recent leak is a useful case study. Despite warnings in March the Mercure hotel was “high risk”, it was not pulled from operation. Amid Premier Mark McGowan’s criticism of people travelling to India for family events, Western Australia has now halved its cap.

But a defective system not designed to accommodate aerosol transmission will continue to leak even with the reduced cap. It will merely do so at a lower rate.

Banning flights from India follows this logic. Australian governments have argued it is necessary to reduce the number of positive cases in quarantine. This implicitly acknowledges fundamental flaws in Australia’s hotel quarantine programs.

No constitutional right to return

Australians abroad have limited protection in this situation.

Australia is one of the only liberal democracies in the world without a bill of rights. Minority rights were explicitly rejected during the constitutional conventions during the 1890s, with a view that minorities

must trust to the sense of justice of the majority.

The lack of a rights framework creates particular problems during crises, when popular responses emerge in an atmosphere of fear and urgency. For a majority unaffected by travel bans, halving caps and suspending flights is an easy solution in the face of government failures. It also appeals to Australia’s cultural and historical reflexes regarding border control.

It also means Australia doesn’t necessarily prioritise its citizens or residents amongst arrivals. In February, only 44% of Australian arrivals were citizens. Victoria has now proposed introducing a separate stream for “economic cohorts”, even as it insists members of the public should only be allowed to leave and return for “genuinely urgent or compassionate reasons”.

Quarantine confusion

To make matters more complicated (and tougher for Australians trying to get home), we have a federal framework for quarantine. Quarantine is a “concurrent legislative power”. This means the federal government may assume responsibility for running quarantine, or it may leave it to the states. Ideally, the federal and state governments would work together and pool resources based on their respective strengths to maximise capacity and safety.

At an initial National Cabinet meeting, it was agreed the states would assume responsibility for running quarantine. The public has no insight into the reason for this decision, with National Cabinet deliberations remaining secret. It is likely the Commonwealth lacked short-term capacity, having dismantled quarantine infrastructure over many decades.

But with little public understanding of the complexities of federalism, governments of all levels have deflected responsibility to one another. Labor governments and oppositions at state and federal level claim quarantine is a “federal constitutional responsibility”. The federal Coalition claims responsibility lies with the states.

A need for leadership

As we move into the second year of travel bans, there are real questions about Australia’s longer-term strategy for facilitating essential travel in and out of the country — particularly for the 30% of Australians born overseas with family and significant ties elsewhere.

Within this are questions about how sustainable flight suspensions will be over coming years, with many developing countries unlikely to be vaccinated until 2024.

As the situation in India shows, there is a desperate need for leadership at both state and federal level to design systems that can facilitate essential travel until borders can safely reopen.

Unfortunately, this is unlikely to occur until voters insist political leaders step up.

Liz Hicks, PhD / Dr. iur. candidate, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

IPL 2021: Gaikwad, Du Plessis shine in CSK’s seven-wicket win over SRH

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29 April 2021 1:25 PM

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s blistering 75-run knock and a fifty from Faf du Plessis helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to defeat SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven-wicket here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

With this win, CSK moved at the top of the table with its fifth consecutive wins. Chasing 172, Gaikwad and Du Plessis gave a flying start to CSK. The openers showed their intentions from the beginning of the run-chase.
Both the openers started taking on SRH bowlers and smashed them all around the park. The duo added 54 runs in the Powerplay overs. The openers continued the carnage and went on to take the side to the three-figure mark in the 11th over.

All Over: In the first game of #IPL2021 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, @ChennaiIPL emerge victorious by 7 wickets as they outplay #SRH in all three departments of the game. https://t.co/dvbR7X1Kzc #VIVOIPL #CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/JVa1vxhUg8
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 28, 2021

Meanwhile, Du Plessis completed his fifty off 32 balls. In the 12th over, Gaikwad also smashed his fifth IPL half-century. The 129-run opening partnership was put to an end by Rashid Khan in the 13th over as he dismissed bowled out Gaikwad after scoring 75 off 44. His knock was studded with 12 fours.
Rashid in his last over gave a double blow to CSK as he picked Du Plessis (56) and Moeen Ali (15) on successive balls. Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina remained unbeaten on seven and 17 runs respectively as CSK won the game with nine balls to spare.

For SRH, Rashid returned with the figures of 3-36 in his four overs.
Earlier, a late onslaught from Kane Williamson and fifties from Manish Pandey and skipper David Warner guided SRH to 171/3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opting to bat first, openers failed to give the side the desired start as Jonny Bairstow (7) was picked by pacer Sam Curran in the fourth over.

Manish Pandey, brought in the playing XI, joined Warner in the middle. The duo after setting their eyes on the ball played furiously and increased the run-rate as they smashed boundaries at regular intervals.
Pandey and Warner knitted a 106-run partnership off 87 balls. Meanwhile, Pandey completed his half-century in 35 balls. Warner also completed his fifty in the 16th over.

Five wins in a row and @ChennaiIPL sit atop the table. #SRH are at No. 8. https://t.co/dvbR7X1Kzc #VIVOIPL #CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/azvYnZOL8E
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 28, 2021

Warner smashed his 50th fifty and 200 sixes in the IPL. He also completed 10,000 runs in T20 cricket.
In the 18th over, Lungi Ngidi bagged both Warner (57) and Pandey (61) and left the side reeling at 134/3.
Williamson and Kedar Jadhav took the charge of moving the scoreboard. Williamson’s hitting enables SRH to accumulated 20 runs from Shardul Thakur’s 19th over. In the last over, the duo added 13 runs and took the total to 171/3 in 20 overs.

Williamson’s 26-run knock was studded with a six and four 4s while Jadhav scored 12 off four balls.
For CSK, Ngidi bagged two scalps while Chahar took one wicket.

Brief Scores: SRH 171/3 in 20 overs (Manish Pandey 61, David Warner 57, Kane Williamson 26*; Ngidi 2-35); CSK 173/3 in 18.3 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 75, Faf du Plessis 56; Rashid Khan 3-36).

Indian community demands apology from Australian newspaper for calling India “hell”

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29 April 2021 9:28 AM

Indian Corona Wariors, Picture Source: Twitter

Indian community in Australia has demanded apology from the West Australian for calling India a “hell” in their latest piece titled “Ban on trips from Indian hell.”

The letter written by President of the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA), a peak body that represents more than 80 Indian origin associations with 30,000 members says that the community is “disappointed with the style of journalism that is devoid of ethics and humanity.”

Supriya Guha, President of ISWA, further adds that the published article is “full of sensational and biased language – describing India and ‘Indians’ – in the utmost derogatory and discriminatory fashion.”

Recently, many Indian community members have voiced their concerns in relation to the coverage of events in newspapers abroad that may give rise to racism and Hinduphobia.

Prominent members of Indian diaspora in Australia have also tweeted against the West Australian’s coverage at a time when diaspora is worried about the safety of their loved ones in India.

The Indian diaspora in Australia is ware of the seriousness of the situation in India and has requested all local newspapers to show some compassion to a country that went out of its way to help 95 countries with timely supply of COVID vaccine.

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned media against jumping to conclusions about the new coronavirus variant discovered in India, saying it had not yet classified it as worrying.

WHO believes it is possible that the British coronavirus variant may have affected India’s epidemiological situation.

The British, South African and Brazilian variants of Covid-19 have all been classified by the WHO as “variants of concern.”

Australia, India and Japan launch Supply Chain Resilience Initiative

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28 April 2021 12:44 PM

shipping — Image Source: Shipping - Wikipedia.

The Trade Ministers of Australia, India and Japan have formally launched the Supply Chain Resilience initiative.

“The SCRI aims to create a virtuous cycle of enhancing supply chain resilience with a view to eventually attaining strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth in the region. The Ministers consented that expansion of the SCRI may be considered based on consensus, if needed, in due course.”

This was launched in a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting held virtually on 27 April 2021 between Mr. Dan Tehan, Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi, Japan’s Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry.

Image Source: Mr. Dan Tehan, Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment – Wikipedia.

The Ministers acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic was having an unprecedented impact, in terms of “lives lost, livelihoods and economies affected.”

They also agreed that “the pandemic had revealed supply chain vulnerabilities globally and in the region.”

Images Source: Mr. Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry – Twitter.

The Ministers also noted that some supply chains have been left vulnerable due to a range of factors.

Image Source: Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi, Japan’s Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry – Wikipedia.

The Ministers also noted the importance of risk management and continuity plans.

This is much needed initiative in order to avoid supply chain disruptions and affirmed their commitment to strengthen resilient supply chains.

Ministers noted that the possible policy measures may include: (i) supporting the enhanced utilization of digital technology; and (ii) supporting trade and investment diversification.

The Ministers have now instructed their officials to implement the following as initial projects of SCRI and further develop the Initiative: (i) sharing of best practices on supply chain resilience; and (ii) holding investment promotion events and buyer-seller matching events to provide opportunities for stakeholders to explore the possibility of diversification of their supply chains.

In addition, the Ministers have decided to convene at least once a year to provide guidance to the implementation of the SCRI as well as to consult on how to develop the Initiative.

With an eye on China, the Ministers directed their officials to meet as often as required to take the Initiative forward.

Watch the ad that allegedly mocks Rahul, Sonia Gandhi, Congress workers vandalised Storia Foods office

By

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28 April 2021 11:08 AM

Storia Foods ad irkes Congress workers, company pulls down ad

Congress workers held a protest and “ransacked” the office of Storia Foods in Mumbai on Tuesday over the company’s recent advertisement allegedly mocking Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress workers, who were not wearing masks in accordance with the COVID-19 protocols, raised the ‘Rahul Gandhi zindabad’, ‘Sonia Gandhi zindabad’ slogans. They were carrying also party flags when the Police reached the spot.

#WATCH Congress workers held a protest today at the #Mumbai office of Storia Foods over the company's recent advertisement allegedly mocking Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi

(Video source: Mobile footage) pic.twitter.com/LOi48quAD1
— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2021

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya told ANI that Congress members can take legal action over their objections but they should not have “threatened people”.
He asked if Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will take action against Congress workers for flouting COVID-19 guidelines and demanded their immediate arrest.

“There is no problem with the objection concerning Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the advertisement. Take legal action. But how can you beat and threaten people? This is not done. There is a lockdown. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray uses foul language for the Opposition. Now, will he take action on it?” Somaiya asked.

Some laughter in these trying times. pic.twitter.com/KrONyzRWUy
— Shefali Vaidya. (@ShefVaidya) April 27, 2021

He alleged that Shiv Sena workers had earlier beaten a retired Navy officer for sharing a cartoon.
“Since the Thackeray government came to power, there has been anarchy. Now the Mumbai Congress President has said he is proud of his party workers for burning the materials and records of an advertisement company. I would like to ask Chief Minister Thackeray and Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil why action has not been taken? They should be arrested immediately,” added Somaiya.

BJP MP Manoj Kotak told ANI that if Congress has objections they can seek withdrawal of advertisement through proper mechanism. He accused Congress of intolerance.

“If you have objections, you can demand that the company withdraw the advertisement. There are mechanisms for that. But ransacking the office and causing violence is not acceptable. Congress does not have any tolerance. When Congress uses bad language against the top BJP leadership including the Prime Minister they do not think twice.”

Australian architects to design biggest Hindu temple in Sydney

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28 April 2021 11:00 AM

Emu Plains business, DDC Architecture and Interior Design have been revealed as the Australian architects for a new Hindu Temple.

This $41 million Hindu Temple will be built by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) in Adlington Road, Kemps Creek, New South Wales.

Image Source: Penrith city council – Wikipedia.

According to Penrith City Council, this temple was approved last month by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel.

The development will include a 25-metre tall temple, two two-storey community buildings, a carpark and extensive gardens.

Director of DDC Architecture + Interior Design Geoff Ferris-Smith said:

“They wanted to use a local architect to support the community they are coming into. We stood out because our core work has been designing Churches and bible colleges, and we also have experience in building large scale workforce accommodation communities for the resources sector.”

After initial discussions, BAPS Sydney which is based in Rosehill, also sent Mr Ferris-Smith to India.

“I travelled to India to get a better understanding of the Hindu faith, which was a huge privilege. I spent two weeks living in a Monastery with the Monks and travelled to five different Temples throughout the state of Gujarat in the west of India.”

Following his trip, it took three years from first pencil to final approval of the design.

Mr Ferris-Smith worked closely with Penrith Council to ensure that the design was compliant with Australian safety and accessibility standards.

This new Hindu temple may take up to nine years to construct and the first stage of the development will be complete in 2023.

According to Penrith City Council, this stage will involve moving 400,000 cubic metres of earth to accommodate a carpark, gardens and the two community buildings, which will include a 2,000 seat auditorium, kitchens and a 1,000 seat dining room along with teaching spaces.

Mr Ferris-Smith said that the Hindu temple’s gardens will be open to the Australian public.

“The idea is that you come in through the gardens to calm your mind and help stop the ‘monkey chatter’ of the mind and the everyday world before you enter the Temple.”

Further, the construction of the Hindu temple will create local jobs and create multicultural community in the Penrith area.

COVID19: Morrison Government providing 3,000 ventilators and more to help India

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28 April 2021 10:04 AM

Australian Government has agreed on a number of new measures to protect Australians from the increased risk of the COVID-19 outbreak in India, while also providing significant new support to assist the Indian Government in its humanitarian response.

In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison recognised the challenging COVID-19 crisis that India is currently battling and committed to stand ready to provide more support to friends in India and Indian Australians during this difficult time.

“On advice from the Chief Medical Officer, India has been determined to be a high-risk country for the purposes of travel arrangements,” said the statement

Earlier on Tuesday, PM Morrison announced, “Australia will implement a temporary pause on direct passenger flights between India and Australia for two weeks, with consideration of further flights to be made by 15 May 2021.”

Passengers on all future flights will be required to have both a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result and a negative Rapid Antigen test result prior to taking off.

Once flights restart, the Federal Government will prioritise the return of vulnerable Australians. Already almost 20,000 registered Australians have returned from India since the pandemic began.

Australia has placed restrictions on outbound travel exemptions to high-risk countries to strictly essential travel only which includes three criteria…

1- National interest
2- Medical exemption
3- COVID-19 purposes

For indirect flights through Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), the Federal Government notified that flights to and from these transit points and India have been paused by respective governments.

As a close friend and comprehensive strategic partner, Australia stands with India as it battles a surge in COVID-19 cases, said Mr. Morrison

Following consultation with the Indian Government, Australia will provide emergency medical supplies.

The initial package of support includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators.

Federal Government is also supplying a significant package of personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000 face shields.

Besides, the government has agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will manage the movement of PPE and equipment over the next week.

PM Morrison says, “My government is standing with Australians in India and we recognise the difficulties they face. The Hardship Program and Consular Support continues to be available to Australians in India.”

The current restrictions will be under regular review, as we look to find a solution for those seeking to return to Australia.

Australian cricketer Brett Lee donates Rs 41 Lakhs to India’s COVID fight

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28 April 2021 6:08 AM

lee twitter — Image Source: Brett Lee - Twitter

Following the footsteps of Australian pacer Pat Cummins, former fast bowler-turned commentator Brett Lee has come forward to help India in its battle against COVID-19.

The 44-year-old represented Australia in 76 Tests, 221 ODIs and 25 T20Is during his successful international career.

Brett Lee is in India right now as a part of Star Sports’ commentary team for the IPL.

In his heartwarming gesture, Brett Lee has said that he would donate 1 Bitcoin (valued more than Rs 40 lakhs) to Crypto Relief to aid Indian hospitals to procure oxygen supplies amid the scarcity.

Taking to Twitter, Brett Lee thanked Pat Cummins for taking the step as he announced his contribution.

Earlier, Pat Cummins has donated $50,000 to Narendra Modi’s PM Cares Fund.

He also urged other IPL players to help India tackle the current situation with their donations.

Brett Lee’s full statement:

Brett Lee has always considered India as his ‘second home.’

In 2015, he has also starred in an Indian-Australian film ”unINDIAN” – a cross-cultural comedy directed by Indian-origin Sydney-based filmmaker Anupam Sharma.

Although, Bitcoin is not considered a legal tender in India but Brett Lee’s gesture is a helping hand that India especially its all the frontline workers need right now.

COVID19: Australia will send medical supplies to India, and ban all flights till 15 May

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27 April 2021 5:30 PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia would send a range of goods to India to help as it struggles with a critical shortage of medical supplies.

Australia will send 500 ventilators, as well as 1 million surgical masks, 500,000 P2 and N95 masks, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 face shields.

“I stress this is an initial package, there’ll be more to follow,” Mr Morrison said.

PM Morrison also announced a total ban on flights to and from India until May 15 amid the second wave of coronavirus.
“We recognise that this has been a very significant outbreak in India,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

This comes after three Australian cricketers pulled out of IPL 2021 amid the COVID-19 crisis in India.

India seeks divine intervention to fight COVID19

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27 April 2021 4:05 PM

Hanuman Jyanti, Picture Source: Twitter @Oye_Jahazi

Lord Hanuman, the God of Strength, is known to be one of the biggest devotees of Lord Ram.

His birthday, known as Hanuman Jayanti, is usually celebrated on full moon day during Hindu Chaitra month.

On this Hanuman Jayanti, Indian politicians and netizens are praying to seek some protection and relief from COVID19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked Lord Hanuman’s blessings, hoping it would help the country in the “continuing fight” against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greeting the nation on Hanuman Jayanti, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor wrote on Twitter:

*Image Source: Shashi Tharoor – Twitter*

Greeting the people on Hanuman Jayanti, AAP leader and Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal tweeted:

WATCH VIDEO: Hanuman Chalisa Full | Shekhar Ravjiani

“Best wishes to all of you on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. You may get rid of every crisis in your life and be healthy and safe, this is my prayer to Lord Hanuman,” said Defence Minister.

हनुमान जयंती के अवसर पर आप सभी को शुभकामनाएँ।आप सभी के जीवन में हर संकट का निवारण हो एवं आप स्वस्थ और सुरक्षित रहें, यही हनुमानजी से प्रार्थना है।
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 27, 2021

“Happy Hanuman Jayanti to all!” tweeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

सभी को हनुमान जयंती की शुभकामनाएँ! pic.twitter.com/tLhBdjR6Uu
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 27, 2021

Union Minister Piyush Goyal wished all the countrymen on the birth anniversary and wished health, happiness, and prosperity to everyone’s life.

संकट मोचन श्री हनुमान जी की जयंती पर सभी देशवासियों को मेरी शुभकामनायें।

प्रभु श्रीराम के अनन्य भक्त श्री हनुमान जी सभी के जीवन में आरोग्य, सुख, व समृद्धि लायें, और सभी पर अपना आशीर्वाद बनायें रखें, मैं ऐसी कामना करता हूँ। pic.twitter.com/M0ioNYbzsR
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 27, 2021

“My best wishes to all the countrymen on the birth anniversary of Sankat Mochan Sri Hanuman. Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Shri Ram, brings health, happiness, and prosperity to everyone’s life, and keep his blessings on everyone,” Piyush Goyal said in a tweet.

In a phone call with PM Modi, President Biden pledges US ‘steadfast support’ for India amid COVID-19 surge

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27 April 2021 11:16 AM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation on Monday night wherein the latter pledged America’s “steadfast support” for the people of India who have been impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
The phone call comes a day after the United States announced that it will send the raw material required for the Indian manufacture of the Covishield vaccine, in a bid to support India’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister ⁦@narendramodi⁩’s telephone conversation with ⁦@POTUS⁩ ⁦@JoeBiden⁩ of the United States of America.https://t.co/kY8rqsfbEH

via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/mxaRC13elz
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 26, 2021

In a tweet, PM Modi said, “Had a fruitful conversation with US President Joe Biden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India.”
The Prime Minister further said that their discussion also underlined the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. “India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19,” he added.

According to a press statement by the White House, the two leaders resolved that the United States and India will continue to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” in the effort to protect “our citizens and the health of our communities”.
“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, committing that the United States and India will work closely together in the fight against COVID-19. The President pledged America’s steadfast support for the people of India who have been impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases,” the statement read.

My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021

“In response, the United States is providing a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials, and therapeutics. Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation between both countries,” the statement further noted.

India is reeling under the impact of the second wave of coronavirus. The country has been reported over 3 lakh daily cases in the last few days.
India on Monday reported 3.52 lakh fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single-day spike registered since the onset of the pandemic.

Today, I spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi and pledged America’s full support to provide emergency assistance and resources in the fight against COVID-19. India was there for us, and we will be there for them.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 26, 2021

On Sunday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke on the phone with Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, expressing deep sympathy for the people of India following the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
The White House had said that to help treat COVID-19 patients and protect front-line health workers in India, the United States has identified supplies of therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that will immediately be made available for India.

Later on Sunday, Biden said that the United States is determined to “help” India as it faces an unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.
“Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need,” Biden tweeted.

IPL 2021: Captain’s knock helps KKR to defeat Punjab Kings by five wickets

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27 April 2021 9:13 AM

Eoin Morgan, Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

Spirited performance from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) helped them to beat Punjab Kings by five wickets in the Indian Premier League match here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday evening.
With this win, KKR finally registered a second win of the season after four successive defeats. A spirited bowling performance from KKR restricted Punjab Kings to 123/9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, skipper Eoin Morgan and Rahul Tripathi led the run-chase and scored unbeaten 47 and 41 runs respectively to put the side over the line with 20 balls to spare.
Chasing 124, KKR had a wobbly start as they three wickets inside the first three overs. Nitish Rana (0), Shubman Gill (9) and Sunil Narine (0) departed cheaply as Punjab bowlers gave their all to defend the low score.
But the 66-run stand between Morgan and Tripathi for the fourth wicket depleted any chances of a turn-around in the encounter. The duo added runs quickly and took charge on Punjab bowlers. Deepak Hooda bagged Tripathi in the 11th over after he had scored 41 runs studded with seven fours.

.@KKRiders captain @Eoin16 scored a match-winning 47* against Punjab Kings & won the Man of the Match award in Match 21 of the #VIVOIPL. 👍 👍 #PBKSvKKR

Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/sBoaBIpF2J pic.twitter.com/v1e2iPdHsB
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 26, 2021

Andre Russell joined Morgan in the middle after Tripathi’s dismissal. Russell’s nine-run stint ended in the 15th over as a sharp throw from Arshdeep Singh hit the base of the stumps and found him short of the crease.
Dinesh Karthik came in to bat at number seven. Karthik and Morgan then stitched an unbeaten 28-run match-winning stand. Karthik remained unbeaten on 12 runs while Morgan scored not out 47 off 40 including two sixes and four 4s.
For KKR, Mohammed Shami, Moises Henriques, Arshdeep, and Hooda picked one wicket each.

Earlier, KKR bowlers backed their skipper Eoin Morgan’s decision of bowling after winning the toss as they bowled on tight lengths and did not give any loose balls to Punjab batters to score freely.
Apart from openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, no other batsman was able to stitch a decent partnership. Rahul and Mayank gave a slow start to the side and added 36-run for the opening wicket. Pat Cummins bagged the first wicket for his side as he dismissed Rahul (19) in the sixth over.
Chris Gayle could not live up to the expectation as he was sent back to the pavilion on a golden duck by Shivam Mavi.
Things did not turn good for Punjab as Deepak Hooda (1) too departed cheaply in the eighth over. Nicholas Pooran and Mayank build an 18-run brief stand for the fourth wicket but Narine broke the partnership. Mayank departed after scoring 31 runs studded with two sixes.

After their win today at @GCAMotera, @KKRiders jump to the 5th spot in the #VIVOIPL Points Table while @PunjabKingsIPL are 6th. #PBKSvKKR pic.twitter.com/vzrxN2TjlI
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 26, 2021

Punjab kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Moises Henriques (2), Pooran (19), Shahrukh Khan (13), and Ravi Bishnoi (1) failed to leave their mark on the scoreboard.
In the death overs, Chris Jordan’s 30-run knock-off 18 balls guided the side to a respectable total in the end.
For KKR, Krishna returned with the figures of 3-30 in his four overs while Cummins and Narine scalped two wickets each.

Brief Scores: Punjab Kings 123/9 in 20 overs (Mayank Agarwal 31, Chris Jordan 30; Prasidh Krishna 3-30, Sunil Narine 2-22, Pat Cummins 2-31); KKR 126/5 in 16.4 overs (Eoin Morgan 47*, Rahul Tripathi 41; Shami 25-1).

High Commission of India refutes ‘baseless’ article published by Australian newspaper

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27 April 2021 7:53 AM

High Commission of India in Canberra has issued a rebuttal to an article published in newspaper The Australian.

The letter undersigned by P. S. Karthigeyan, Deputy High Commissioner of India, stated, “It appears that the article has been written only with the objective of undermining the universally acclaimed approach taken by the Government of India to fight against the deadly global pandemic, at this decisive moment.”

Source: Twitter Screenshot : *Letter by Indian HighCommission of India, Canberra*

The article by Philip Sherwell was first published in The Times titled ‘Modi leads India out of lockdown and into a Covid apocalypse’. It was reproduced in the Australian paper Sunday with the title — ‘Modi leads India into a viral apocalypse’.

The Australian tweeted on 25 April, “Arrogance, hyper-nationalism and bureaucratic incompetence have combined to create a crisis of epic proportions in India, with its crowd-loving PM basking while citizens suffocate. This is the story of how it all went so terribly wrong.”

Screenshot from Twitter @The Australian Newspaper

The High Commission of India’s rebuttal accuses The Australian’s coverage of India’s Covid crisis “motivated and malicious reports” helping in “spreading falsehoods.”

The High Commission of India has urged the Christopher Dore, editor of the Australian newspaper, to “refrain” from publishing “such baseless” articles.

Letter by Indian HighCommission of India, Canberra

The High Commission of India in Canberra has also urged the newspaper to publish a rejoinder.

The letter points to “all possible measures” that “are being taken on a war footing by authorities to tackle the recent surge in Covid-19 cases”.

Australian Cricketer Pat Cummins donates to ‘PM Cares Fund’ to help hospitals in India

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26 April 2021 9:21 PM

As India is struggling to counter massive second coronavirus wave, daily case numbers are making new infamous records. However, amid this time of crisis Indian Premier league cricket tournament has come under critcism by some.

Do we need to continue with this tournament when India is suffering? Maybe yes.
But how can we say that? Aren’t we sensitive about the situation? Yes, we are.

A country that is as passionate about cricket as India can definitely be helped by few hours of smiles.

Australian cricket star Pat Cummins who is playing the IPL in India says that he has been advised that this tournament is providing joy and respite to millions of people in lockdown.

Pat Cummins released a statement on social media site Twitter saying, “I have made a contribution to the “PM Cares Fund,” specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s Hospitals.”

pic.twitter.com/2TPkMmdWDE
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) April 26, 2021

Last week, the Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in line with PM Narendra Modi’s direction of boosting the availability of oxygen to hospitals, the PM CARES Fund has given in-principle approval for allocation of funds for the installation of 551 dedicated Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Medical Oxygen Generation Plants inside public health facilities across the country.
Cummins encouraged his fellow IPL players and anyone around the world who has been touched by India’s passion and generosity to contribute.

Mr Cummins said, I will kick it off with $50,000.”

He says, I know my donation isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make a difference to someone.”
Earlier few social commentators have questioned the continuance of the IPL tournament while India is gripped in the second wave of coronavirus.

“At times like this, it is easy to feel helpless. I’ve certainly felt that of late. But I hope by making this public appeal we can all channel our emotions into action that will bring light into people’s lives,” said Cummins.

This comes after several Australian cricketers opted out of the ongoing IPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday confirmed that two Australian players — Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson — will be heading back for personal reasons.
Rajasthan Royals pacer Andrew Tye opted out of the ongoing tournament on Sunday. India and Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also announced that he would be taking a break from the ongoing IPL season as he wants to extend support to his family who is currently battling Covid-19.

Social Scientist Anita Singh Guha says, “It’s important to keep the spirits high in a time of crisis like this. Mental health should also be considered as a vital factor while dealing with the current situation.”

She says, “Seeing from outside it could look like IPL should be stoped but when you monitor closely it might have more benefits than distractions as claimed by some.”

Indian diaspora start funding page in UK to help with oxygen supply

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26 April 2021 4:18 PM

A GoFundMe appeal set up by Amit Kachroo with Satyam Singh, Gaurav Mahna to supply India with oxygen concentrators has now reached £205,076 with 3.8k donors.

The appeal from UK read:

“Since lack of oxygen supply has been a limiting factor, we would like to contribute as many Oxygen concentrators as we can procure from various sellers and send it to India to aid in recovery and ease the burden on already stretched resources. Oxygen concentrators need just a 220V power supply to purify oxygen from ambient air by filtering out nitrogen. Every contribution no matter how big or small counts. Time is of essence and we would like to raise these funds by Monday morning UK time to ensure that we can get hold of all supplies that are available.”

The British Asian Trust launched an ‘India Covid-19 emergency appeal’ on Virgin Money and JustGiving websites which had raised £1,500 in 24 hours.

Lord Gadhia, a trustee of the Trust, said:

“We are getting a lot of enquiries from the UK Indian diaspora about how they can help in the current situation. The British Asian Trust works with some long-standing and highly reputable delivery partners like Jan Sahas and Goonj to reach the frontline. In the last campaign during the first lockdown in India we raised £1 million in our Covid-19 emergency appeal. This time around, we will assess the most pressing requirements and act accordingly.”

Another petition on change.org started by British Indian Rohit Kotecha, addressed to Boris Johnson, had garnered just under 2,000 signatures.

“I would urge the UK government to, as a matter of urgency, procure and send life-saving oxygen along with any other equipment/expertise that is available to assist in the current emergency, regardless of whether a formal request has been made.”

Various other charities run by Indian diaspora have also launched emergency appeals to help India.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London too has launched The BAPS India Covid Emergency to provide critical health care and support to the vulnerable.

Delhi government had major role in current Oxygen crisis, reveals sources

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26 April 2021 1:30 PM

According to a report by NDTV, the Arvind Kejriwal government is responsible for Delhi’s current oxygen crisis.

Their sources have revealed that the Delhi government had not done its homework on the proposed oxygen plants in 4 hospitals.

These plants were to be supported by the PM-Cares fund.

Other sources in the Railway Ministry said that the Delhi government has not yet provided cryogenic tankers for the ‘Oxygen Express’.

The Delhi government has brushed aside these “outrightly false statements” given by the centre to “hide its abject failure in setting up of PSA oxygen plants in Delhi”.

According to the Delhi government 4 plants at Deen Dayal Upadhya Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital Rohini, and Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital will be ready by the end of April 2021.

Although the plans for these 4 plants were drawn in October 2020, according to NDTV’s sources the site readiness was delayed by the Delhi government.

Responding to these allegations, the Delhi government said in a statement:

“We are shocked to learn that central government is now making the excuse of site certificate not being available from the Delhi government as a reason for delay in plants. This has never been brought to Delhi government’s notice and is an outright lie.”

Narendra Modi led government has accused Arvind Kejriwal of mismanaging oxygen distribution and sensationalising the issue.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represents the centre, has even said:

“Let’s try and not be a cry baby”.

IPL 2021: Jadeja’s all-round performance against RCB puts CSK on top of the table

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26 April 2021 11:00 AM

Ravindra Jadeja whacked 37 runs in the final over of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) innings before the all-rounder came back to pick three wickets as MS Dhoni-led side thrashed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 69 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday evening.
A business end master-class from Jadeja had powered CSK to 191/4 in their 20 overs. In response, RCB could only manage 122/9, thanks to Jadeja and Imran Tahir’s impeccable bowling performances. A three-for, a wicket-maiden, and a direct hit with the ball aided by Tahir’s tight bowling helped CSK move to the top of the points table as they toppled RCB on Sunday.

Chasing 192 runs, RCB got off to a flying start with the side scoring 44 runs in the first three overs. However, things soon went downhill as Sam Curran dismissed skipper Virat Kohli on the first ball of the fourth over.
Devdutt Padikkal showed a glimmer of hope with his firing knock of 34 runs off 15 balls but was not able to convert it into a big score. Shardul Thakur removed him in the fifth over to reduce RCB to 54/2.
RCB kept losing wickets at regular intervals and was soon found reeling at 89/7 in the 12th over. While Glenn Maxwell tried to smack boundaries, AB de Villiers, Washington Sundar, and Daniel Christian went without scoring in the double-digit.

Jadeja dismissed Sundar, Maxwell, de Villiers and ran Christian out as RCB was left gasping for breath. Imran Tahir too joined the party picking two wickets and resulting in a run out as RCB suffered a horrific collapse.
In the end, the Kohli-led side was only able to score xxx runs, as CSK broke RCB’s unbeaten streak in the ongoing tournament.
Earlier, opting to bat first, CSK got off to a good start with openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis scripting another fifty-plus partnership in the powerplay.
Yuzvendra Chahal removed Gaikwad in the tenth over but Suresh Raina and du Plessis continued ticking the scoreboard.

Unacademy Lets Crack It Sixes of the Match award between @ChennaiIPL and @RCBTweets goes to Ravindra Jadeja.@unacademy #LetsCrackIt #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/RTKYP993mo
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 25, 2021

The duo took CSK over the 100-run mark in the 13th over. But RCB bounced back in the game as Harshal Patel dismissed both Raina and du Plessis in consecutive balls to reduce CSK to 113/3 in the 14th over.
Ambati Rayudu and Jadeja then carried CSK innings as they both added 31 runs in 22 balls. But Harshal picked up his third wicket of the match when he dismissed Rayudu in the 18th over
In the final overs, CSK scored at a sluggish rate courtesy of some fine bowling by RCB before Jadeja bludgeoned the bowling attack as he smacked five sixes in the last six legal deliveries to take his side close to 200.

Brief scores: CSK 191/4 (Faf du Plessis 50, Ravindra Jadeja 62*; Harshal Patel 3-51); RCB 122/9 (Devdutt Padikkal 34, Glenn Maxwell 22; Ravindra Jadeja 3-13)

India’s Covid crisis: Australia, US, UK, EU, France, and Germany lend support

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26 April 2021 10:13 AM

PICTURE: Twitter @IAF_MCC #IndiaFightsCorona

As India fights against the unprecedented health crisis of COVID-19, global support in the form of oxygen supplies, ventilators, raw material for vaccines, PPT kits and oxygen concentrators have started pouring in.

On Sunday, the United States agreed to send essential raw material to India required for manufacturing vaccines. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan dialled up his India’s counterpart Ajit Doval and offered to send resources and supplies to the Serum Institute of India (SII) to increase production of the vaccine against COVID-19.
The United States earlier was dilly-dallying on the issue of supplying raw material to the SII. Former President Donald Trump had invoked the defence protection act, which in a way prohibits the US to export essential material for vaccines. His successor President Joe Biden has continued with it and has been following the policy to vaccinate Americans first.

Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021

In fact, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took up the issue during his talks with his US counterpart Antony Blinken during their recent conversation.
India has been reeling under the deadly second wave of COVID-19. The country recorded 3,49,691 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the Union Health Ministry, the country has recorded 2,767 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that “vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus.”

We stand side by side with India in the shared fight against COVID-19. Vital medical equipment is on its way from the UK to India to help stop the tragic loss of life from the virus and we’ll continue to work closely with the Indian government during this difficult time.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 25, 2021

Shipment is expected to reach India by Tuesday, Johnson recently cancelled his India visit due to a surge in the cases of coronavirus.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel also lends support to India amid the health crisis. Merkel said Sunday that her government was preparing emergency aid for India as the country grapples with a devastating surge in coronavirus infections.

Chancellor #Merkel: Solidarity and support to the people of India. #CovidIndia pic.twitter.com/FJO5cSAEYb
— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) April 25, 2021

“To the people of India, I want to express my sympathy on the terrible suffering that COVID-19 has again brought over your communities,” Merkel said in a message shared on Twitter by her spokesman Steffen Seibert.
European Union (EU) has also stepped in to support India.
The European Commission has activated its EU Civil Protection Mechanism and is seeking to send oxygen and medicine to India after receiving a request from Delhi.

“Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support.

The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2021

“The EU executive is already coordinating with EU countries that are ready to provide urgently needed oxygen and medicine rapidly,” European Commission for humanitarian aid Janez Lenarcic wrote on Twitter.

Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is. @narendramodi and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 23, 2021

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed solidarity with India.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Trust to set up two oxygen plants in Ayodhya

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24 April 2021 11:16 AM

ram mandir — Image Source: Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Trust, YouTube.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra tweeted, “Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has decided to provide funds for the installation of 2 oxygen plants in Dashrath Medical College, Ayodhya in order to fulfil the requirement of Oxygen gas in the hospital”.

Image Source: Sriram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Twitter.

Sriram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJBTK) works for the construction of the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya and for the development of the Ayodhya region.

It has now come out to help the COVID infected patients by setting up two oxygen plant at a cost of Rs 55 lakh.

The plant will be set up at Dasharatha Medical College, Ayodhya.

Image Source: Dasharatha Medical College, Ayodhya, YouTube.

IPL 2021: Rahul, Gayle guide Punjab to a nine-wicket win over Mumbai Indians

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24 April 2021 9:42 AM

Cris Gayle-IPL2021, Source: Twitter @IPL

KL Rahul and Chris Gayle guided Punjab Kings to a comfortable nine-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday.
A spirited bowling performance restricted Mumbai Indians to 131/6 in their allotted 20 overs despite skipper Rohit Sharma’s 63-run knock. In reply, a half-century from Rahul and Gayle’s 43-run knock helped Punjab Kings to win the game with 14 balls to spare. Chasing 132, openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal gave a flying start to the side as they amassed 45 runs in the first six overs.

Mumbai finally got the much-needed scalp in the eighth over as spinner Rahul Chahar ended Mayank’s (25) innings and broke the 53-run stand.
Chris Gayle joined Rahul in the middle after Mayank’s departure. Rahul and Gayle kept scoring runs at a decent pace on the slow Chepauk wicket. In the 17th over, Rahul completed his gritty fifty.
Rahul and Gayle were in no mood of taking the game to the last over and they charged Trent Boult’s 18th over and took the side over the line.

🎤 The Big interview with the Universe Boss 🎤

Of a bromance not known before, presenting a fun interview from a fun combo – @arshdeepsinghh & @henrygayle 😎😂 – By @28anand #VIVOIPL #PBKSvMI @PunjabKingsIPL

Watch the fun unfold 🎥👇https://t.co/RT84sYNlhL pic.twitter.com/5yvDr7tOEO
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 24, 2021

Rahul remained unbeaten on 60 off 52 while Gayle amassed 43 including two sixes and five fours.
Earlier, after being asked to bat, Mumbai lost opener Quinton de Kock (3) early as Deepak Hooda picked him in the second over. Ishan Kishan came in to join Rohit in the middle. The duo stitched a brief partnership of 19 runs for the second wicket. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi ended Kishan’s (6) stint at the crease.
Suryakumar Yadav came into bat at number four. He along with Rohit built the innings for Mumbai as they accumulated 79 runs for the third wicket. The duo added runs at a quick pace and Rohit smashed hit first fifty of the season.
And, it was Bishnoi again who gave the breakthrough to the side as he removed Suryakumar (33) in the 17th over. After the fall of the third wicket, Kieron Pollard joined Rohit in the middle.

Captain @klrahul11 bags the Man of the Match award for his match-winning knock of 60* as #PBKS win by 9 wickets to register their second win of #VIVOIPL 2021.

Scorecard – https://t.co/KCBEyHFVDN pic.twitter.com/ycZRsxJ0zP
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2021

In the next over, pacer Mohammed Shami sent Rohit back to the pavilion after he had scored 63 runs. Hardik Pandya (1) failed to leave his mark on the scoreboard as he was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh in the penultimate over.
In the last five over, Punjab just gave 34 runs and picked four wickets to restrict Mumbai Indians to 131/6. Pollard remained unbeaten on 16 runs.
For Punjab, Bishnoi and Shami picked two scalps each.

Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 131/6 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 63, Suryakumar Yadav 33; Ravi Bishnoi 2-21, Mohammed Shami 2-21); Punjab Kings 132/1 in 17.4 overs ( KL Rahul 60*, Chris Gayle 43*, Rahul Chahar 1-19).

“Good Thief” regrets and returns stolen COVID19 vaccine in India

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23 April 2021 9:28 AM

According to a report in the Republic World, a thief who had stolen almost 1,710 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from a PPC Centre in Haryana returned the doses.

He left them outside the Jind Civil Lines Police Station.

As per ANI, the matter came to light when a sanitation worker found the locks of the store and deep freezer broken.

The thieves broke open four locks of the storeroom and the deep freezer.

The PPC officials sounded an alarm after 1,270 of Covishield and 440 of Covaxin doses were allegedly stolen from the centre.

The officials told Republic World that some important files were also stolen.

“1,270 of Covishield and 440 of Covaxin are stolen from PPC centre. Few important files have also been stolen. I will check the main sources as well that keeps entire the area’s supply. I’ll also inform officials.”

Later, vials of Covishield Vaccine and dosages of Covaxin were left by a thief at a tea stall outside the police station.

Apart from this packet, the thief also left an apology note:

“Sorry- I did not know it was Coronavirus Vaccine inside.”

As per the police, certain clues about the identity of the thief have also become ascertained from the incident.

The police has registered a case against the unknown person under IPC 457 and 380.

According to the police, the thief may have been attempting to get his hands on valuable Remdesivir injections.

IPL 2021: Padikkal’s century and Kohli’s firework helps RCB demolish Rajasthan Royals

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23 April 2021 9:16 AM

Kohli-Devdutt IPL 2021 Picture: Twitter @IPL

Devdutt Padikkal’s unbeaten 101 and skipper Virat Kohli’s 72 not out helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) registered a thumping 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match here at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday evening.

Chasing 178, Padikkal and Kohli displayed an amazing show with the bat as both the openers took RCB across the line in 16.3 overs. Padikkal scored his 101 runs in just 52 balls with the help of 6 sixes and 11 fours while Kohli played the second fiddle and smashed 3 sixes and 7 fours in his 47-ball knock. The India captain also became the first batsman to complete 6,000 runs in the IPL.
Earlier, Shivam Dube and Rahul Tewatia played knocks of 46 and 40 runs respectively to steer Rajasthan Royals to 177/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Put in to bat first, Rajasthan didn’t have a great start as they lost both openers Jos Buttler (8) and Manan Vohra (7) within the first four overs.
The fall of wickets did not stop as David Miller too departed on a two-ball duck. Pacer Mohammed Siraj picked his second scalp of the day as he caught Miller in front of the wickets.

🗣️🗣️ "He deserved to get that hundred."@RCBTweets captain @imVkohli lauds @devdpd07 as he scored his maiden #VIVOIPL 💯. 👏👏#RCBvRR pic.twitter.com/kDM69pAgaz
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 22, 2021

Skipper Sanju Samson and Dube tried to pull together the innings and added some quick runs for the fourth wicket. The duo added 25 runs before Kane Richardson removed Samson (21) and broke the partnership in the eighth over.
Riyan Parag then joined Dube and the duo added 66 runs off 39 balls for the fifth wicket. Dube looked in great touch and Parag supported him nicely in the partnership. Parag’s 25-run stint was ended by Harshal Patel in the 14th over.
Rahul Tewatia came in to bat at number seven and along with Dube added 24 runs together before the latter was sent back to the pavillion by Richardson in the 16th over. He played a knock of 46 off 32 balls.

Chris Morris and Tewatia steered the side to the 150-run mark. Tewatia’s wicket was bagged by Siraj in the 19th over. He played a knock of 40 off 23 including two sixes.
In the last over, Rajasthan lost Morris (10) and Chetan Sakariya (0) but Shreyas Gopal added seven runs off four balls.

.@devdpd07 scored a magnificent ton & won the Man of the Match award as @RCBTweets beat #RR. 👏👏 #VIVOIPL #RCBvRR

Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/dch5R4juzp pic.twitter.com/cg8YBV8FPO
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 22, 2021

For RCB, Siraj and Harshal Patel bagged three wickets each.
With the win, RCB have moved to the top of the points table with four wins in four games.

Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals 177/9 in 20 overs (Shivam Dube 46, Rahul Tewatia 40; Siraj 3-27, Harshal Patel 3-47) vs RCB 181/0 in 16.3 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 101*, Virat Kohli 72*). (

Swami Nithyananda bans Indians from entering ‘Kailasa’ over Covid surge

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