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Australian universities to collaborate with Indian institutions on cyber security

Image source: cybersecurity - Wikipedia

Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs has recently launched Australia’s International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy.

Image source: Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs – DFAT.

The aim of this strategy is “to deliver a safer, more secure and prosperous cyberspace across Australia, the Indo-Pacific and the world.”

Image source: La Trobe University.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the flagship Cyber Cooperation Program will become the Cyber and Critical Tech Cooperation Program, including an additional $20.5 million to strengthen cyber and critical technology resilience in Southeast Asia.

Three grants have been successful under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership program.

These include, the University of Sydney and India’s Observer Research Foundation.

Australia’s La Trobe University, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar.

The University of Sydney, in partnership with the University of New South Wales, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and Reliance Jio.

The grant given to La Trobe University, IIT – Kanpur and IIT – Gandhinagar will fund new research aiming “to identify and improve current practices and associated loopholes in data protection policies in different industry sectors across supply chains.”

This collaborative project will provide Australian and India business with improved ethical policy and practice when outsourcing their technology to Indian providers.

Image source: Professor Suzanne Young – La trobe University.

Prof. Suzanne Young, Associate Provost and College Pro Vice-Chancellor for the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Commerce at La Trobe University, says:

“In terms of Australia’s Cyber Engagement Strategy, it’s important that this project focuses on how multinational companies outsource their digital practices to companies in India, and which frameworks are operationalised in their business practice.”

From July 2019 to June 2020, the Australian Cyber Security Centre responded to 2,266 cyber security incidents involving malicious cyber activity and ransomware.

Prof. Young says such incidents may “prevent users from embracing cyber technologies.”

Image source:  Professor Naveen Chilamkurti – La Trobe University.

Professor Young will work alongside Professor Naveen Chilamkurti and Professor Damminda Alahakoon from La Trobe University, Professor Murali Prasad Panta from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Dr Sameer G Kulkarni from IIT Gandhinagar.

Prof. Murali Prasad Panta from the Department of Economic Sciences at IIT Kampur, says:

“Our present study on ethics and critical technologies of the core industries will minimise transaction costs of the parties involved and promote overall well being of the nations, and we look forward to collaborating with our Australian colleagues.”

Image source: Prof. Alahakoon – La tRobe University.

Prof. Alahakoon, who is the Director of the Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition (CDAC), is very excited to be working on this project.

“The grant has opened up a very valuable opportunity to demonstrate and validate Australian Artificial Intelligence innovations, which are of immense importance to Australia’s Cyber Engagement Strategy.”

This research will occur over a period of one year and is expected to be completed by June 2022.

Indian Australian organisations collect 1 million dollar for COVID relief

Indian Organistations; Picture The Australia Today
Indian Organistations; Picture The Australia Today

Eight-year-old Indian Australian Selwyn doesn’t fully understand the impact of COVID19 on India. But he definitely was concerned by the late-night and early morning phone calls by his parents to their relatives living in India.

When his parents told him they were trying to raise funds to support the COVID relief program in India, Selwyn happily gave his Hawthorn jersey signed by AFL players Jarman Impey and James Worpel for auction to raise money for the relief program.

Picture Supplied by OESS

Melbourne based, Organisation to Encourage People and Step Towards Success (OESS) works towards educating migrant communities.

Many of their members talked about the need to do something and they came up with an idea to organise an auction to raise fund. OESS partnered with “Seva International” to supply the ground relief work in India.

Donation drive for COVID relief; Picture Source Supplied by OESS

Jasleen Kaur, President of OESS told The Australia Today, “The jersey given by Selwyn was bought for $1500.

“The highest donation of $10,000 was made by a kind-hearted person who doesn’t want to be named.”

“Unisol Foundation donated a Cricket bat signed by Australian cricket player Late Dean Jones which was auctioned for $1000,” said Jasleen.

Picture Supplied by OESS

In total, OESS raised a sum of $20,000 at that night’s auction.

Jasleen says, “Every dollar which we collected has been donated for the relief work in rural India. I couldn’t be prouder of our Melbourne community which always stands tall.”

Picture Supplied by OESS

Just two weeks later 714 kilometres away in Sydney another event was in progress, but this time to provide support to international students from India and Nepal studying in New South Wales.

Picture Supplied by AISECS

Care, Connection and Community was the theme for the night with the support of big organisations like Study NSW and the Consulate General of India, Sydney.

Gurnam Singh, the event organiser, is the President of the Australian-Indian Sports Educational and Cultural Society (AISECS).

Picture Supplied by AISECS

He told The Australia Today, “International students, particularly from India and Nepal, are continually facing extreme challenges due to the COVID-19 situation at its peak in their respective countries. However, we want to give them a sense of belonging and assure them that they are not alone in Australia.”

“We all need that interaction with community stakeholders post COVID lockdowns for looking after our health and wellbeing but when it comes to international students it becomes much more important.”

Mental health is one of the most ignored aspects of international students life, however, it has the most significant impact on them.
AISECS’s partner for the night Headspace provided information on critical issues like anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and tools to overcome the same by staying mentally and emotionally strong.

Picture Supplied by AISECS

Mr Singh who came to Australia as an international student launched a Start-up Program on the night for the individuals who always dreamt of having a start-up but never got the right opportunity to take it forward.

“Through this initiative, AISECS strives to help them in giving their dreams the wings to fly.”

Rajender Pandey is President of Vishva Hindu Parishad in Adelaide world’s third most liveable city.
He told The Australia Today, “Indian Australian community in Adelaide is not very large but their hearts are big.”

Picture Supplied by VHP South Australia

“We collected almost $30,000 from religious institutions and another $60,000 from individual donations.”

Picture Supplied by VHP South Australia

Mr Pandey says, “Besides this VHP South Australia and its partner organisations have delivered $100,000 worth of groceries to international students in the last 10 months.”

Picture Supplied by VHP South Australia

Ballarat is a beautiful lake city just 80 Kilometers from Melbourne with a sizeable population of Indian Australians.
A large number of Indian Australians are professional health care workers. And devastating COVID situation in India was concerning them to the core.

Picture Supplied by VHP South Australia

Dr Sanjay Sharma is a Consultant Anaesthetist with Ballarat Health.
He and his healthcare professional friends decided to make a WhatsApp group with a call for donation to the COVIDrelief program in India.

Picture Supplied by Seva International

The group which was started with six friends was at maximum capacity within 12 hours.
Dr Sharma says, “Having 250 members in the group was no big deal but the commitment of $100,000 by the group members was of great satisfaction.”

Picture Supplied by Seva International

“We have donated the whole amount to “Seva Foundation” to procure Oxygen concentrators and personal protection equipment for front line workers.”

Picture Supplied by Seva International

Dr Sharma also has advice for everyone who wants to help and support COVID relief work in India or Australia.
“Please donate to the organisations that spend 100% of the money collected on the relief work rather than spend 30-60% on their administrative structure.”

Picture Supplied by Seva International

Coming back to Melbourne, in the western suburb of Rockbank at Shri Durga Mandir.
On the cold Thursday evening in June, Volunteers of the temple are busy preparing hundreds of hot meals to be delivered to people who are affected by the lockdown of Melbourne.

Picture Supplied by Shri Durga Mandir

Sukhvinder Kaur works in a hair studio in the Tarneit suburb. She has been self-isolating after been on a Tier1 COVID exposer site.

She told The Australia Today, “I am a single mom and the hot meal delivery by the Shri Durga Mandir is a huge help for me and my daughter.”

Picture Supplied by Shri Durga Mandir

“After seeing the food delivery temple poster I called them and every day I am receiving a cooked meal at my door.”

Picture Supplied by Shri Durga Mandir

“In case any one isolating due to COVID exposer just call on the numbers given below before 12 pm every day to book for your tiffin and temple volunteers will deliver it to you between 5 pm- 7 pm. Call 03 9747 1628, 0435 374 641,” reads the Sri Durga Mandir poster.

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Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne & Brisbane among world’s top ten Most Liveable cities

Image source: Auckland - Wikipedia.

The Economist Intelligence Unit has released it’s annual ranking of most liveable cities, also known as The Global Liveability Index 2021.

“The Liveability Index examines 140 cities worldwide to quantify the challenges presented to an individual’s lifestyle in the past year, for the first time taking into account this disrupting global event.”

Image source: EIU – YouTube.

The latest ranking is from 2019 as last year’s was cancelled due to COVID19 pandemic.

The ten most liveable cities in the world
  1. Auckland, New Zealand
  2. Osaka, Japan
  3. Adelaide, Australia
  4. Wellington, New Zealand
  5. Tokyo, Japan
  6. Perth, Australia
  7. Zurich, Switzerland
  8. Geneva, Switzerland
  9. Melbourne, Australia
  10. Brisbane, Australia
Ten of the most liveable cities in Asia
  1. Auckland, New Zealand (global rank 1)
  2. Osaka, Japan (global rank 2)
  3. Adelaide, Australia (global rank 3)
  4. Wellington, New Zealand (global rank 4)
  5. Tokyo, Japan (global rank 5)
  6. Perth, Australia (global rank 6)
  7. Melbourne, Australia (global rank 8)
  8. Brisbane, Australia (global rank 10)
  9. Sydney, Australia (global rank 11)
  10. Taipei, Taiwan (global rank 33)

For the uninitiated, the EIU’s liveability ranking and overview quantify the challenges that might be presented to an individual’s lifestyle in 140 cities worldwide.

Each city is assigned a score for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors.

This is done across five broad categories of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

COVID19 has propelled New Zealand’s Auckland to first place replacing Austria’s Vienna, which has actually crashed out of the top 10.

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, also entered the top 10.

In fact, 6 of the top 10 cities in the March 2021 survey are in New Zealand or Australia.

In EIU’s 2021 rankings, New Zealand, Australia and Japan fared the best in the five categories.

Image source: EIU.

The the EIU said in a statement:

“Cities across the world are now much less liveable than they were before the pandemic began, and we’ve seen that regions such as Europe have been hit particularly hard.”

A key reason for Auckland standing best was New Zealand’s elimination of COVID-19 within its borders.

This isolation was helped by its geographic isolation as the EIU notes in a statement:

“New Zealand’s tough lockdown allowed their society to reopen and enabled citizens of cities like Auckland and Wellington to enjoy a lifestyle that looked similar to pre-pandemic life.”

Australia’s other cities Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth have performed better than Melbourne which used to be at rank 2 and has now fallen at rank 8.

The index gave Melbourne 100 per cent in infrastructure and education, while its healthcare (83.3) and culture and environment ratings (88.2) fell.

WATCH VIDEO:The Global Liveability Index 2021: How the Covid-19 pandemic affected liveability worldwide

Australian ultra-marathoner raising money for Covid-relief in India

Image source: Samantha Gash - facebook.

Australian ultra-marathoner, the World Vision Goodwill Ambassador and former Survivor contestant Samantha Gash has started Relief Run initiative for India.

This is a global virtual running fest organised on 11-13 June, to support India in its Covid19 recovery.

Image source: Samantha Gash – Facebook.

In 2016, Samantha ran 3200km across India to raise funds to  tackle barriers to quality education.

The Melbourne-based 36-year-old mother-of-one has been to India six times over the past eight years. 

Image source: Samantha Gash – Facebook.

In 2020, Samantha founded Relief Run aling with Nic Davidson to support Australian communities impacted by devastating bushfires.

Image source: Samantha Gash – Facebook.

The event included over 19,000 runners from 94 countries from every continent on the planet.

Through this event, Relief Run donated $1,134,000 to The Australian Red Cross Bushfire Relief effort.

Image source: Samantha Gash – Facebook.

In 2021, Samantha is back in a partnership with insurer AIA Australia as an ongoing supporter of the Relief Run.

“We are also grateful for the continued support of Stripe as we prepare to host our second Relief Run on 11 – 13 June, 2021, raising much needed funds for World Vision Australia’s COVID-19 India appeal. This campaign will help in supplying medical supplies to the worst hit districts. It will help save lives and protect families from this deadly wave of new infections.”

You can register for a 3km (kids), 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 50km event or the trifecta, which involves completing the 5km, 10km and 21.1km across the event weekend.

“Your run or walk can take place anywhere, at any time on the weekend across the event weekend. We welcome runners of all abilities from all over the world to join us for this important cause. While you can participate solo, some of us are choosing to rally together and are holding community Relief Run events around the world.”

Samantha has already raised an incredible $185,000.

Image source: Samantha Gash – Facebook.

All funds raised will go towards the World Vision’s Covid-19 India crisis appeal, which is providing lifesaving equipment and supplies including beds, oxygen concentrators, food vouchers and tents for temporary COVID-19 care centres.

Image source: Samantha Gash – Facebook.

Australian rapper L-Fresh The Lion’s account banned in India after allegedly ‘Divisive & Hateful’ tweets

L-Fresh The Lion; Picture Source: Twitter @LFRESHTHELION
L-Fresh The Lion; Picture Source: Twitter @LFRESHTHELION

Manish Kumar (Name changed on request) is an international student and aspiring singer in Melbourne.

He told The Australia Today, “I have been a follower of L-Fresh The Lion’s work ever since I have come to Australia five years back, but his tweets glorifying terrorists and rapists is the lowest point for an artist.”

“My father was just 17 years old when my grandfather and two uncles were killed by Khalistani terrorists in a village near Bhatinda (City in the Indian state of Punjab), I can’t explain the pain in my father’s eyes when he talks about it,” said Mr Kumar.

Earlier, Twitter has restricted four accounts within the Indian jurisdiction. One of the accounts is of Australian hip-hop artist L-Fresh The Lion.

According to data from the US-based collaborative archive Lumen Database this is done in compliance with the legal request made by the Indian government.

In a statement reported by Indian media, a Twitter spokesperson said that when it receives a valid legal request, it reviews them under both the Twitter Rules and local law.

“@LFRESHTHELION`s account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand,” read the message on the rapper`s account.

The Indian-Australian rapper has been supporting farmers protesting against the new farm laws in India.

He has also been writing on social media platforms and posted several updates about the protests on Twitter.

Besides, Twitter has taken action on three more accounts that also includes Indian-Canadian singer Jazzy B.

These accounts have been “geo-restricted” which means anyone living out of India can see and access the accounts.

In a statement, a Twitter spokesperson said;

“If the content violates Twitter’s Rules, the content will be removed from the service. In all cases, we notify the account holder directly so they`re aware that we`ve received a legal order pertaining to the account.”

Before withholding the accounts in India Twitter had notified the account holders about the action which is taken after a legal request by the government of India.

A highly placed Indian official in the know-how of the issue (who doesn’t want to be named) told The Australia Today, “We are seeing a kind of nexus between groups wanting to circulate ‘divisive and hateful’ messages using social influencers.”

“What happened in Punjab in the 1980s was our collective suffering, terrorists killed and raped thousands of Hindus and Sikhs and security forces also did atrocities which can not be denied, but these people using it to spread hate will not be tolerated,” She added.

Manish Kumar says, “L-Fresh the Lion’s tweets are restricted in India but what about people like me who are here and can see them.”

“I feel really scared to say anything openly about this my family has also told me not to discuss our sufferings for fear of my safety,” added Mr Kumar.

Note: The Australia Today have written to Mr L-Fresh The Lion for his comments on the issue. If we hear back from him, the story will be updated.

Melbourne Lockdown ends tomorrow with some restrictions in place, check details

Melbourne lockdown; Picture Source: Facebook
Melbourne lockdown; Picture Source: Facebook

From 11:59 pm Thursday 10 June, In Metropolitan Melbourne the five reasons to leave home will no longer apply, and the existing 10-kilometre limit will be increased to 25 kilometres.

However, the Victorian government is still asking people to stay local. That means the only reasons to go further than 25 km will be work, education, care and caregiving, and getting vaccinated.
And travel into regional Victoria to visit family and friends or take a holiday still remains a no go zone at least for now.

Acting Premier James Merlino said, “Metro Melbourne will not be able to have visitors to their homes, but outdoor gatherings will be increased to a maximum of ten people.”

“And mask rules will be eased slightly – required inside, and outdoors only when 1.5 metres isn’t possible.”

Schools will be able to resume face-to-face learning for all students from Friday.

Cafes, restaurants and pubs will open – with strict safety measures like density limits, seated service and QR codes in place.

The remaining retails will also open. Hairdressing, beauty and personal care can resume, but only for services where masks can be kept on.

Weddings will be limited to 10 people, and funerals no more than 50.

Religious gatherings – Fifty people will also be the limit.

Swimming pools, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open subject to density limits. And community sport can happen, but only for training. 

This time the Victorian government is not publishing any list of the workplaces which can or can’t open however Acting Premier has simple advice.

“When it comes to work, there’ll no longer be a list – but if you can work from home, you should.”

He said, “Despite the eased restrictions, some businesses still won’t be able to open. It’s why we’ll extend our support for closed businesses with a further $2000 top-up payment.”

In regional Victoria, restrictions will also ease.

Visitors to the home are allowed but limited to two people and their dependents, only once per day.

Public outdoor gatherings will be limited to 20 people.

Restaurants, Entertainment venues, Community facilities and Religious gatherings – There’ll also be increases to the capacity limits.

Indoor sport, including gyms, will also be able to reopen with careful limits on the number of people permitted at any point in time.

Mr Merlino assured people that subject to public health advice, he’ll have more to say about what further stages of easing will look like next week. That includes the regional border coming down and Victorians being able to travel more freely around the state.

For Melbourne, he said that the government is looking at what more can be done to ease restrictions for businesses, without risking the gains we have made.

He added, Today is a good day, there’s no doubt about it. And we should absolutely be proud of what we’ve all achieved – but let me just say this:

“It isn’t over yet, and until we have widespread vaccination, this virus will still be with us.”

11-year-old Theekshitha Karthik is the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee national champion

Theekshitha Karthik, Picture: Jason Edwards; Picture Courtsy: kidsnews.com.au
Theekshitha Karthik, Picture: Jason Edwards; Picture Courtsy: kidsnews.com.au

The winners of this year’s Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee have been announced.

The three young Australians tackling some of the toughest words in the dictionary to top the country.

The national winners are: Arielle Wong from Donvale Christian College, VIC (Year 3/4 category), Theekshitha Karthik from Haileybury College, VIC (Years 5/6 category) and Evan Luc-Tran from The McDonald College, NSW (Year 7/8 category),

Almost 21,000 students from 490 schools around Australia took part in this year’s competition.

Image source: PM office.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison congratulated the winners and all those who took part in this year’s competition.

The Prime Minister said:

“Well done to all the students across the country who took up the challenge, and congratulations to all the winners. Whether you’re a Prime Minister or a plumber, a teacher or a doctor, a fighter pilot or a scientist, spelling and reading are foundation skills you’re always going to need.”

Image source: Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge.

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said it was great to see a mix of students from a range of schools right around the country represented in the finals.

Minister Tudge said:

“Improving school standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy are top priorities for me and the Government and events like the spelling bee are a great way for students to improve their skills.”

Image source: Haileybury College’s Berwick campus.

Theekshitha, who is in Year 6 at Haileybury College’s Berwick campus, told the Herald Sun that she was so thrilled with her win.

“If I had a rocket I would definitely have blasted over the moon”.

Theekshitha scored a quickfire 29/30 in 1 minute 12.7 second, only tripping up on the word “pariah.”

She further adds:

“I was thinking it was a really good achievement to have come so far but I was thinking ‘what do I have to do to win?’ So I was trying my best and practising … because spelling is my passion.”

The three national champs spellers are off to Canberra to meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison as part of their prize.

The prize also includes iPads, books and $1000 vouchers for their schools.

Free Covid-vaccines for everyone above 18 years, starting June 21: Indian PM Modi

Image Source: PMO India, Twitter.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in his address announced a centralized procurement system for Covid-19 vaccines, beginning from June 21, with 25 per cent of the procurement being made available for private sector, as well as free vaccinations for everyone above the age of 18.

“From Monday, June 21, in every state of the country, for all citizens above the age of 18 years, the Government of India will provide free vaccine to the states. Government of India itself will buy 75 per cent of the total vaccine production from vaccine manufacturers and give it free to the state governments.”

Mr Modi also announced a cap of Rs 150 on the amount private hospitals can charge over the cost of the purchase of the vaccine from the manufacturer.

While addressing the nation, PM Modi said, “Starting from January 16 this year till the end of April, India’s vaccination program ran mainly under the supervision of the central government. The country was moving ahead on the path of providing free vaccine to all. The citizens of the country, following the discipline, were getting the vaccine when it was their turn”

“Today it has been decided that the Government of India will also bear the responsibility of 25 per cent of the work related to vaccination with the states. This arrangement will be implemented in the coming two weeks. In these two weeks, the central and state governments will together make necessary preparations according to the new guidelines.”

“No state government of the country will have to spend anything on the vaccine. Till now crores of people of the country have got the free vaccine. Now people of 18 years of age will also join it. Only the Government of India will provide free vaccine to all the countrymen”, Modi said.

“25 per cent of the vaccine being made in the country, private sector hospitals can take it directly, this system will continue. Private hospitals will be able to charge a maximum service charge of Rs 150 for a single dose as a service charge over the fixed cost of the vaccine. The task of monitoring it will remain with the state governments, the Indian Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister’s announcement comes on a day when the country recorded 1,00,636 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest on over two months.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the union governments decision to provide free COVID vaccine to everyone above the age of 18 years in the country and said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government always works towards the safety and health of the people.

“Modi government has always worked with determination towards the safety and health of people. I thank PM Narendra Modi for the historic decision to provide free COVID vaccine to everyone above the age of 18 years across the country.”

Shah called the move an important step towards a COVID-free India.

Opposition slams Modi government

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said party leaders had been repeatedly saying that there has to be universal free vaccination for every Indian above 18 years of age.

“The government repeatedly joked about it, rejected it, and ignored it. PM Modi Government has changed its policy three times in six months.”

Surjewala said there was opposition to the liberalised vaccine policy announced by the Centre.

“Now, that the people opposed it again, Congress Party opposed it and Supreme Court bitterly reprimanded them and asked them to file an affidavit, they have taken a third summersault and now said- in government facilities across the country, people above 18 years of age will be given free vaccination by Government of India,” he said.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said the state had earlier announced to provide free vaccination to the people of the state.

“Centre woke up after being pulled up by Supreme Court. Putting blame on states is unfair as they had already asked the Centre for a free vaccination.”

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury alleged that the central government was tying to defend its “dubious discriminatory vaccine policy” bypassing the buck on to state governments.

NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the Prime Minister took the decision after Supreme Court earlier this month raised questions on the government’s vaccination policy and asked it to file an affidavit.

It’s a late but much-needed step. People have seen the government failing in the fight against COVID. It is an attempt to damage control.”

AAP MLA Raghav Chadha said that the Centre “has finally woken up after “constant gruelling by SC“.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will now be extended till Diwali festival in November and the scheme will provide free food grains in fixed quantity every month to 80 crore people in the country.

Indian-origin police officer Gurpreet Arora awarded Order of Merit

Indian-origin Sergeant Gurpreet Arora has been appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) on her Birthday Honours List.

Sergeant Arora has become the first Ethnic Police Officer in New Zealand to achieve this highly-placed Order.

The Order is given by the Queen twice a year on the advice of the New Zealand government.

The MNZM are awarded to those,

“who, in any field of endeavour have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and Nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits.”

Image source: Police Commissioner Andy Coster – YouTube.

Police Commissioner Andy Coster has congratulated Sergeant Arora.

He said Sergeant Arora has worked extensively with South Asian communities in New Zealand.

Sergeant Arora helped develop or implement projects such as Operation Dukan.

In this operation, Kiwi Police worked with small business proprietors to improve their safety at a time of high offending against them.

Gurpreet Arora was presented with a District Commander’s award

Speaking to Indian Newslink, Sergeant Arora said that he was honoured to receive the high Honour given by the Queen through the New Zealand government.

“The Police journey has been full of challenges and sacrifices but very rewarding. This is not just my achievement, it is an achievement for the whole community and I wish to thank all those who have helped me on this journey.”


Image source: Sergeant Arora.

Sergeant Arora joined the New Zealand Police in 2006.

He attributed the Award to the survivors of Family Violence and to the brilliant social workers and counsellors supporting victims including children and perpetrators.

“I will continue to work hard to ensure I play my part in reducing Family Violence and elder abuse in our communities. I wish to acknowledge my mother and my wife. Without their support, I would not have been able to achieve what I have achieved to date.”

Image source: Gandhi Niwas.

Sergeant Arora has been involved in almost all aspects of Policing and was one of the founders of Gandhi Nivas, a service established in December 2014.

Image source: Counties Manukau.

In addition, he was also instrumental in introducing Diwali and Eid Celebrations in Counties Manukau about ten years ago.

Last year,  Sergeant Arora was awarded a coveted medal for his 14-years-long service and good conduct with New Zealand Police.

Image source: Wikipedia.

Are you International student stuck in India due to Australia’ travel ban?

International students - ufv Image source: Wikipedia

The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has released a statement offering help to Indian students who are enrolled for studying abroad and presently stuck in India due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

These restrictions from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, China, the UK and USA have resulted in mobility issues.

The MEA has requested the Indian students who are studying in foreign countries to send their details that clearly mentions a valid email ID and mobile number.

These details should be sent to OIA-II Division at emails: us.oia2@mea.gov.in and so1oia2@mea.gov.in

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, tweeted:

It is estimated that around 80,000 students who are enrolled in Australian universities are stuck in India.

The Australian government at thius stage doesn’t have a plan for international students as priority is given to citizens and permanent residents.

So, from 2020 Australian universities have urged their students stuck in India to use the online mode of study.

A student tweeted that this situation has let to being “mentally abused”.

“We are on a verge of mental breakdown. Im in depression, i am anxious, I am mentally sick now.”

Another student, tweeted:

“The precious years of our lives are ruined without any sort of confirmation from Australian Govt regarding when they will ease up their travel restrictions and let in.”

Komal who is also stuck in India for the last 1.5 year says that the “Australian government does not understand international students feelings.”

Kush Dhillon, an Indian student studying in Australia, tweeted thanks after reading this notice.

Indian students enrolled in other foreign universities too have taken to Twitter to thank this new initiative of the MEA.

It is also reported that Indian students who have received Covaxin or Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine are being asked to inoculate again as both of them are yet to be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Scores of students currently enrolled in higher education institutes have paid international fees but are studying online from home.

These students have been feeling left out and eagerly waiting for the host countries to respond to their pleas.

Bollywood star Evelyn Sharma marries Indian-Australian Dr Tushaan Bhindi in Queensland

Image source: Evelyn Sharma marries Tushaan Bhindi

Bollywood star Evelyn Sharma, known for her roles in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Yaariyan, married Australia-based dental surgeon Dr Tushaan Bhindi last month.

It was a country wedding held in Brisbane, Queensland, on May 15.

Image source: Instagram.

Evelyn and Tushaan met in 2018, on a blind date set up by one of their friends.

In 2019, he popped the question at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with a guitarist playing their favourite songs as he went down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

She announced the news with a picture of them kissing, with the Sydney skyline in the background. “Yesss,” the caption of her Instagram post read.

Evelyn said that she was overjoyed..

“There’s no better feeling than being married to your best friend. We’re so excited about spending our life together. We started our wedding celebrations with a legal ceremony. Of course, we would have loved for our family and friends from around the world to be present, but we know their blessings are always with us.”

The couple plans to follow up their intimate wedding with a grand reception later.

Tushaan said that they were planning to get married ever since their engagement but the Covid-19 pandemic ‘slowed down’ their plans.

“In times like this, we did not want to draw a lot of attention to ourselves; we wanted to keep things simple and straightforward. It was time to make our love and commitment official to the world.”

Market Mantra: Banks take Australian market to all-time high, Bitcoin suffers thanks to Elon Musk

Australian Banks; Reprentative picture @CANVA
Australian Banks; Reprentative picture @CANVA


Australian shares continued to rally last week hitting new all-time highs as banking stocks extended rally following a better than expected economic growth data. A 1.6% rally during the week helped ASX 200 to touch the 7,300 mark.

The Financial stocks reached their highest level since 10 November 2017 after positive GDP data
and Reserve Bank’s accommodative policy lifted the mood.

Reserve Bank of Australia; Reprentative picture @CANVA

The forecast-beating GDP data also resulted in easing investor fears regarding the spike of Corona cases in Victoria. The investors looked past the news about the detection of the highly contagious Delta Covid19 variant.

Energy stocks too continued to rally with Energy stocks closing 8.5% higher for the week as crude oil prices continue to remain high. China easing its policy to allow couples to have up to three children now also helped shares in A2Milk have their best week in months.

The strong GDP data has now taken Australia’s GDP above its pre-Covid level, a feat achieved by a very few countries. The data reflected a combination of better virus control and strong Government support measures and rubbished claims that we should have let the virus rip.

We would expect the GDP to take a hit though in this quarter as impact of Victoria lockdown will
impact the markets, however as vaccination increases this should only be a minor impact. We expect the stocks to continue the rally up with Westpac continuing to lead amongst the Big 4 banks.

Westpac bank; Picture Source: The Australia Today
Westpac bank; Picture Source: The Australia Today

This week we expect the NAB business survey data on Tuesday and the Westpac/MI consumer
survey data on Wednesday to show the continuing level of confidence. We also expect Chinese trade data to show continued strength in exports and a further increase in imports. Positive data would help markets rally and we think ASX 200 should find it easy to move above 7400 in the coming weeks.

An extension of lockdown in Victoria though can quickly sour the mood.

For this week we continue to remain upbeat about Finance stocks, we also are keeping a close eye on A2Milk and Synlait Milk both of which should benefit by easing restrictions in China, their top market. We also believe as vaccine intake increases globally the export base healthcare companies such as CSL and Pro Medicus will continue to gain. We are staying away from Copper miners though as Copper prices continue to plummet.

In the crypto world last week we talked about how Bitcoin need to recover soon to at least the US 41,994. A failure to capture that price sooner can see prices retrace back to $30 K. A bounce above USD $42,000 on technical analysis can see Bitcoin reach new highs. Having said that a fall below $30,000 can dash the hopes of any recovery till 2025 in true Bitcoin fashion.

The positive recovery signs during the week, however, were crashed again on Friday when a single tweet by Elon Musk. Even though Bitcoin still gained about 6%, it dropping on Friday after the Tesla boss fired a series of tweets suggesting a breakup with Cryptocurrency sent fears amongst the crypto investors.
Even though Musk has clarified Tesla is not selling its Bitcoins, his tweet resulted in Bitcoin falling below its 20 days Moving average. However, El Salvador President announcing a bill to make Bitcoin a legal tender in El Salvador has come as fresh news and may help the Cryptocurrency recover again.

Bitcoin; Reprentative image; Picture Source: @CANVA

We continue to hold a positive bias towards Cardano in the Crypto World and believe it is best suited to recover and rally faster than other coins.

In regards to the Australian dollar, we have been mentioning how we see it losing steam, especially against the Indian Rupee. However, we have repeatedly mentioned support around INR 55.50.

As expected while the Australian dollar continued its decline against the Indian Rupee it found its
floor on Thursday. A big boost in the currency due to positive GDP meant Australia closed the week at INR 56.63.
The strong data also resulted in the Australian dollar rising against all major currencies on Friday. We expect this rally to continue as Australia’s economic recovery improves and we have a target of the Australian Dollar rallying up to USD 0.85 by end of the year. We also expect Aussie to continue rally against the Indian Rupee and may go above the Rupees 57 mark next week alone.

Australian Dollar; Representative Image; Picture Source: @CANVA

Gold had a big see-saw week. Thursday as inflation fears returned the market saw a big sell-off in Gold, its biggest single-day sell-off since February.
However, a weaker than expected Non-farm payroll data on Friday eased concerns that the US Fed would start the taper process. This also resulted in a weaker US dollar which helped Gold recover most of its losses on Friday.

A weak US dollar while should make Gold an attractive investment in the coming weeks any uptake in inflation may quickly roll the prices down.

Australian Gold; Picture Source: @CANVA
Australian Gold; Picture Source: @CANVA

While we are optimistic about Gold recovery, we are also moving very cautiously towards any investments in Gold.

In agricultural commodities, Wheat prices were steady on weak demands across Europe. Ukraine, the largest Wheat manufacturer and exporter in Europe estimated a reduction in export of Wheat from 57 million tonnes in 2019/20 to 45.8 million tonnes in 2020/21 due to a reduction in global demand for Wheat.

Corn prices on the other hand started rising again last week due to high demand in China and
Mexico. We expect Corn to continue its rally and reach new all-time highs in coming weeks on back of continued strong demand from China and Mexico.


Author:
Ateev Dang is a trader and trading coach by profession. He runs his own business called Glow trades Pty Ltd where he teaches anyone who is interested in starting 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
a financial advisor or qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.

No more imposters in virtual calls: Indian & Australian collaboration develops FakeBuster

Image source: Wikipedia_Fellows_-_Fall_2018_-_Women_in_Science

The researchers based at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Ropar in Punjab (India) and Monash University in Melbourne (Australia) have developed a unique detector called the FakeBuster.

The members on the developing team include Associate Professor Ramanathan Subramanian, Dr Abhinav Dhall, Vineet Mehta and Parul Gupta.

Image source: Deep fakes – Wikipedia.

According to the research team, the new device can be attached to laptops and desktops:

“FakeBuster is a standalone deep learning based solution, which enables a user to detect if another person’s video is manipulated or spoofed during a video conferencing based meeting.”

This new software could prove to be a major step towards exposing imposters who attend virtual conferences without the knowledge of the organiser.

The FakeBuster will expose imposters and also detect faces manipulated on social media to defame someone.

Image source: Dr Abhinav Dhall

In a statement, Dr Abhinav Dhall said that sophisticated AI techniques have spurred a dramatic increase in the manipulation of media contents and they keep evolving and becoming more realistic.

“The tool has achieved over 90 per cent accuracy.”

It will also detect if an individual is attending a meeting on behalf of a colleague by morphing his image with his own.

A paper titled “FakeBuster: A DeepFakes Detection Tool for Video Conferencing Scenarios” was presented at the 26th International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces in the US in April 2021.

The software, researchers say, has been tested with Zoom and Skype.

Image source: Zoom call – Zoom

According to its developers, the FakeBuster tool works in both online and offline modes.

“This tool is independent of video conferencing solutions and has been tested with Zoom and Skype applications. It uses a 3D convolutional neural network for predicting video segment-wise fakeness scores.”

The team asserts that the FakeBuster is one of the first tools to detect imposters during video conferencing using DeepFake detection technology. 

This tool developed by the Indian and Australian research team is expected to hit the market soon.

WATCH VIDEO: FakeBuster Intro

Find out what is Hindu Religion in Australia – Its Roots and Growth

Prime Minister Scott Morrison attending HCA Diwali in Canberra (Pic supplied by HCA
Prime Minister Scott Morrison attending HCA Diwali in Canberra (Pic supplied by HCA

Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) and its affiliated organisations are hosting a conference on July 3rd in Sydney with the theme Hindu Religion in Australia – Its Roots and Growth.

Academics and Hindu scholars will present their research exploring the roots of the Hindu religion in Australia and its growth. As the foundations of the Hindu religion is old, but its practical aspects are adopted according to the country and region.

The future and the growth of the Hindu religion in Australia depends on the original thoughts conceived and developed by the Hindus in Australia. This conference will share the ideas and indication of their future growth by the Hindu scholars in Australia.

This conference will focus on the ideas, challenges, insights, and opportunities for Hindus in Australia. This will be a good opportunity to develop and share religious ideas with the wider Hindu community of Australia.

The topics such as Hindu rituals, studies of scriptures in schools and universities, yoga minus its Hindu roots, issues related to discrimination against Hindus in Australia and Hinduphobia, international network and its attack on the phantom Hindu “right”.

HCA President Prakash Mehta with Anthony Albanese – Leader of Opposition (pic supplied by HCA)

The misconceptions in Australian media and attack on Hindus, Hindu religion and its interaction with Aboriginal practices, the importance of Sanskrit for Hindus in Australia, the relevance of strong Hindu missions in India for Australia, Hindu religion and physical sciences, display of Hindu religious symbols in public, the central role of women, and countering the colonial caste narratives will be discussed in length.

Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) is a national body working for Australian Hindus with a mission to preserve and promote Hindu religion and culture in harmony with other religious and cultural communities in the country.

Anzac Day Service Organised by HCA (Pic source – HCA)
Anzac Day Service Organised by HCA (Pic source – HCA)
Anzac Day Service Organised by HCA (Pic source – HCA)
Anzac Day Service Organised by HCA (Pic source – HCA)

Hindus have been arriving in Australia for more than 225 years along with British fleets leaving from Indian ports. There are some ancient historical links of people arriving from India to the top north of Australia for 4000 years.

Hindu community has been part of building a new Australia. In the last 30 years, our community has been the biggest source of skilled migrants in IT, which is the basis of modernization of all areas of public service, health, and financial services.

Deepavali celebrations in Sydney organised by HCA (Pic source – HCA)

ABS 2016 Census clearly shows that Hinduism is one of the fastest growing religion in Australia and at present there are estimated 700,000 Australians who identify as Hindu.

Please go to following link to register for the conference.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Conference Date and Time
9 am – 5 pm Saturday 3 July 2021

Venue
2 Australia Ave
Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127

Contacts: Himanshu Pota
Email: conference@hinducouncil.com.au

‘Racism’ and ‘Violence’: Roots of the Colonial Past

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA
Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

Racial discrimination has been a contentious issue in the colonial phase, and this article discusses the brief overview of a scholarly work of Frantz Fanon’ Black Skin, White Masks (1952) to understand the mentality of the black man world who have a desire to be white and damaging effects of colonial racism through a philosophical perspective. This will help the masses to understand the complexity of racism and violence of the past. 

 Black Man World 

Fanon tried to understand the foundation and implications of anti-black racism, the subjectivity of white and black people and multiple levels of colonial subjugation and means to overcome it. Explaining argues that both white and black man are trapped within their own racial identities. 

Questions are raised “What does a man want?” and “What does the black man want?” and reflect as if a black man does not have an identity because he has internalized the oppressor’s contention. The answer to the question of black man wants is to say ‘No’ to degradation, exploitation and oppression; in order to liberate a black man from himself and the condition of living in hell. 

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

Robbing of Black Man Identity

Fanon explained the manner in which colonialism structured societies in the colonies took control over black native people’s history, culture and self. The process of cultural assimilation stopped the development of an independent sense of colonized identity and colonized equate blackness with evil.

Whites were judged by the standard of white in colonizes whereas black considered to be nothing at all. These subjugations were implied through culture, education, law and other means. For him, colonialism is firmly structured in societies and mentalities that shall have a long-lasting legacy.

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

This oppression is based in the mind of the colonized or the psyche of the oppressed. Fanon objects to the way in which colonizers forced the black people to internalize the racist ideas and consider themselves as nothing.

The feeling of inferiority is a result of living under colonization and created by racist societies, and Europeans implied them where it destroyed the sense of identity and its importance prior to colonialism. As white colonizer’s society has created so many harmful myths about black people, so it becomes difficult to understand black experiences.

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

 Colonisation Tool: Pidgin Language

How colonialism shapes, the world of colonized is reflected through language, where European language like French is considered to the superior language used by white Frenchman over black inhabitants.

Showing language is used as a tool to enforce the distinction between the colonizer and the colonized, and also between educated black with other blacks. Locals have to speak the correct (with an accent) French language to get heard of the world of the white man.

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

The language and its teaching are used as tools to enforced colonial relationships. Where white is considered to be superior, that has been internalized by commoners. Despite mastering the usage of the French language and participating in white culture, he shall never be considered white as white people will always judge him from the colour of his skin.

This trap of usage of the French language and rejection of with native language is a means of oppression used by the colonizer. In the colonial setup, a black man has “no culture, no civilization”, and colonized is forced to learn to language to be able to present itself to the colonizer. Therefore, he wants to liberate the black man from the white man’s colonial construction.

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

The creating of French as the official language makes gaps between the colonizer’s official superior language against the indigenous colonized language. He talks about pidgin language used by colonizers to communicate with colonized and to remind the latter about their inferior position in the colonial order.

 Black and White

Examining the relationship between a black woman and white man, where black has an inferiority complex of a woman who falls in love with a white man and has a strong desire to become ‘whiter’, as that is a symbol of intellectual and pretty.

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

The woman is never accepted in the society of white. This reflects that racism is exercising through an unconscious desire to move higher in racial hierarchy. Juxtaposition, when a black man falls in love with a white woman, he aspires to join and embrace white society, but the difficulties bring him discomfort.

The dominance of the white culture and standards need to be restructured worldwide to get rid of this pain. Fanon discusses the feeling of a person living with black skin, as a black individual is often expected to think in relation to a white person that erodes black people own living experience.

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

Highlighting the negative stereotypes that evolved around black people. The scholar also enlightens that black people have a ‘collective unconscious’ resulted due to a shared experience of racism and the concept of internalised racism.

He suggests that the root cause of black peoples problems is the racist social system that needs to be eradicated. Both white and black people are stuck inside their own respective racial identities or “double narcissism” towards each other.

Notions discussed black man over-sexuality and fear of white women being assault by a black man; other issues raised as the slavery created a sense of inferiority in black people. Another strong idea was put forward as a black man will never be felt from his blackness; the problem of Negrophobia is rooted in racist colonial culture and not emerged out of any trauma

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

 Abnormal in Mind  

Fanon presents deep psychoanalysis of the colonised black people, as they are unable to fit into the social, cultural and racial norms created by the coloniser or white society. A psychological unconscious mental training of black children from early childhood, that associate blackness with ‘wrongness’ and child becomes abnormal when in contact with the white world.

This is reflected in various forms of cultural media that imply the mind of a white child and the society’s cultural representation of black people as villains. This leads to mental, psychological trauma among black children when they are exposed to such images of villainous black people.

This struggle is reflected by Fanon’s opposition to ‘bourgeois society’ equating to the white man’s society, which can be eradicated by resistance.  He encourages his fellow man to fight for a world free of white supremacy, rules, and values, that should be replaced with a vibrant society of openness and thought. These ideas became popular in the post-colonial world that helped to fight against racism. 

Black life and racisim; Picture Source: @CANVA

Thus, every kind of violence is condemned in the democratic world but the idea of resistance in a peaceful manner continues to persist in the contemporary world.

 Conclusion

Racial discrimination has to be prohibited in all forms across the world to establish equality in the post-colonial phase. But a rising number of such cases in the last two decades has become a question of grave concern.

It should not be ‘We’ vs ‘Others’, it is advised to be ‘United Voice’ that can help every nation to progress with the contribution of all multicultural citizens. 

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

image.png
Dr Sakul Kundra; Picture supplied

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

Yami Gautam and ‘Uri’ director Aditya Dhar got married

Yami Gautam got married tofilmmaker Aditya Dhar; Picture Source: @Instagram
Yami Gautam got married tofilmmaker Aditya Dhar; Picture Source: @Instagram

Actor Yami Gautam on Friday surprised everyone with the news of her marriage to filmmaker Aditya Dhar.

Taking to Instagram, Yami posted a picture from her intimate wedding ceremony. She is seen wearing a red coloured saree. On the other hand, Aditya chose to wear a white sherwani. “With the blessings of our family, we have tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony today. Being very private people, we celebrated this joyous occasion with our immediate family,” the caption read.

Yami Gautam got married tofilmmaker Aditya Dhar; Picture Rights: TheAustraliaToday

“As we embark on the journey of love and friendship, we seek all your blessings and good wishes. Love, Yami and Aditya”

For the unversed, Yami had acted in Aditya Dhar’s directorial ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, which was released in 2019. The two have kept their relationship a secret until today.

Yami Gautam got married tofilmmaker Aditya Dhar; Picture Rights: TheAustraliaToday

Members from the film industry and fans have showered the newlyweds with their blessings.
“Congratulations Yami and Aditya. Lots of love and best wishes to a wonderful journey ahead,” actor Dia Mirza commented.

Yami Gautam got married tofilmmaker Aditya Dhar; Picture Rights: TheAustraliaToday

“Congratulations,” actor Kartik Aaryan wrote, adding a heart emoji.

“Sending you all the positivity,” actor Varun Dhawan posted.
Yami made her Bollywood debut with the film ‘Vicky Donor’, and since then has featured in several movies, including ‘Kaabil’, ‘Sanam Re’, ‘Bala’ and ‘Ginny weds Sunny’. Speaking of Aditya, apart from ‘Uri’, he has also worked on films like ‘Kabul Express’, ‘Tezz’ and ‘Aakrosh’. 

Will agricultural partnership strengthen trade cooperation between Australia and India?

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud; Picture Source: @Twitter
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud; Picture Source: @Twitter

COVID 19 Pandemic and even the lockdown associated with it are not able to hold the growing trade relationship between Australia and India.

At the start of the week, Australian Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud virtually met with his Indian counterpart Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar to discuss ways to further improve trade links between the two countries.

The two ministers discussed the agricultural trade relationship including the India-Australia Grains Partnership, improved market access and closer cooperation.

Minister Littleproud said, “Today was an important meeting with Minister Tomar – it is a true testament to the strength of our bilateral relationship that we were able to meet today given the challenging COVID-19 situation in India,”

“The key to this relationship is building on and increasing agricultural trade between our two great countries, even small gains can mean large value for Australian exporters.”

Indian counterpart Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar; Picture Source: @Facebook

Last year, the India-Australia Grains Partnership was committed by both nations, despite Ministers face multiple agricultural issues in their respective countries, they aim to support closer grains industry relationships and share their expertise.

  • Australia’s two-way agricultural trade with India was valued at over $1 billion in 2020. Australia’s key agricultural exports to India in 2020 were lentils, greasy wool, almonds, raw cotton and oats.
  • In 2020, Australia achieved market improvements for the in-transit cold treatment of pome fruit, summer fruit and table grapes and the phosphine treatment of malting barley.
  • Market improvements for Australian grains, pulses and nuts (phosphine fumigation) are currently being negotiated along with market access for avocados.
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud; Picture Source: @Twitter

“But this doesn’t just stop at market access. Australians are experts in grains storage, handling and supply chains, and we wish to share this knowledge with the world to help improve food security,” Minister Littleproud explained.

India’s large population and its dependence on monsoon based agriculture system at times struggle to deal with demand and supply troubles.

Mr Littleproud said as a good friend and trade partner Australia is offering itself as a reliable supply source.

“Australia can be a partner of choice of India, offering our expertise and supporting India to manage fluctuations in their domestic grain supply.”

Australia realises that access to safe, reliable food will be more important than ever as India and the world recovers from COVID-19.

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud; Picture Source: @Twitter

“We are also working with our Indian partners to resolve trade barriers and seek approval of improved market access conditions such as in-transit phosphine fumigation for export commodities, which will provide more treatment options for Australian exporters, said Minister Littleproud.

“We are proud to be able to play our part in improving food security to one of our most important trading partners.”

Why do our COVID outbreaks always seem to happen in Melbourne?

Reprentative picture of regional Victoria: Picture Source: Ravi Singh
Reprentative picture of regional Victoria: Picture Source: Ravi Singh

Nancy Baxter, The University of Melbourne and Tony Blakely, The University of Melbourne

A man from Wollert, a suburb in Melbourne’s north, breezed into Melbourne from South Australian hotel quarantine, stopped at a 7-11, had a curry, shopped in Epping, took a train, and at some point, had a passing encounter with a stranger. Perhaps he coughed or spoke, or was simply breathing, but that was enough for a waft of aerosol to transmit COVID-19 to Melbourne’s missing link.

Three weeks later, at least 63 people in Victoria are infected with the Kappa variant (B.1.617.1), the whole of Victoria is in lockdown, there’s political conflict and fallout about South Australia quarantine and the bungled aged care vaccine rollout, and Victorians are rushing to get vaccinated.

Let’s rewind time and pick an alternate universe. Let’s say the Wollert man returns to Melbourne from quarantine in Adelaide, stops at a 7-11, has a curry, left his keys at the restaurant and had to go back and get them before going to shop in Epping. Luckily, he had no fleeting encounters with a stranger where aerosol wafted from him to them carrying the virus. Melbourne escaped a lockdown, without even knowing it, all because a man forgot his keys.

Life is random, and COVID is very much so. A difference in seemingly innocuous circumstances can lead to very different outcomes.

The key point is that chance matters. It’s unlikely Victoria is doing anything that “makes us” more likely to have outbreaks leading to lockdowns.

The butterfly effect

Even a very small difference early in a chain of events can lead to a vastly different outcome.

This might be a potential superspreader deciding to go hiking alone for the weekend, not to his Aunt’s birthday party. Or an aged care worker picking up an extra shift at a second facility. Or a man from Wollert forgetting his keys.

This is what is sometimes called the butterfly effect.

In simulation modelling, we call this “stochasticity”. We incorporate stochasticity into our models to reflect the chance events which happen in real life. Using this approach to modelling, when we simulate the transmission of COVID-19 infections in groups of people, we see very different outcomes each time the model is run, even when the parameters we set for the model are exactly the same

Each run shows us a different possible unfolding of the future. This is because a seemingly small random difference can alter the whole future.

In our COVID-19 Pandemic Tradeoffs website, you can see this for yourself by drilling down to look at some of the 100 runs (stochastically varying) we do for each of 600+ scenarios. Each individual scenario has the same “initial conditions”, including the same reproductive rate, which refers to how many people on average one person with the virus will infect. But there’s still a huge component of chance in each of its 100 runs.

Graph of COVID-19 transmission modeling.
Author provided

For example, the graph above shows 100 stochastic simulations of what the daily infection rate with COVID-19 might be in Victoria under the following circumstances:

  • if we continue to have ongoing COVID-19 introductions, due to inadequacies in our hotel quarantine system
  • if our vaccine roll out was progressing as originally planned (remember the October timeline?)
  • if the vaccine reduced transmission moderately well
  • if we relax our thresholds to go into lockdown as our vaccine coverage increases. So, if we used a NSW-like moderate elimination approach early on during Phase 1 of the vaccine rollout, and over time evolved into a more South Korea-like tight suppression approach in Phase 2B when we are vaccinating all remaining adults.

Each line represents a run of the simulation.

The key thing to note is how the runs vary from each other. In some cases the infections fizzle out. In others, case numbers rise. Because of chance events, each simulation of the future looks different. But now is different from last year due to a more infectious variant.

The figure below is for the exact same scenario as above, except the infectiousness of the virus is higher, more in line with the Kappa (B.1.617.1) variant we’re now dealing with in Victoria.

Some of the runs now have high daily infection rates (by Australian standards), but notably in some scenarios the infection rate continues to be low. This is how random chance events play out on a population level.

Graph of COVID-19 transmission modeling.
Author provided

What about contact tracing, weather, and good public transport?

Contacting tracing was inadequate in Victoria at the start of the pandemic, but since our second wave, our contact tracing has been outstanding. Deficiencies there do not explain the frequency of our lockdowns.

Could it be our interconnectedness and good public transportation? Well, with outbreaks affecting many commuter cities — think Phoenix and Los Angeles in the United States — it doesn’t appear travelling in your car and staying in your suburb protects you.

Is it our younger demographic? Older median age does not make a city immune — take Montreal where the median age is nearly 40.

We have had lockdown in summer and in winter, so our colder climate does not necessarily explain it either.

What makes Melbourne distinct in terms of culture and geography can never explain why the Wollert man transmitted COVID to the missing link. At the end of the day we have chance, stochasticity, and some butterflies not flying our way. We have just been unlucky.

Oh, and if we want to improve our luck, let’s do something about hotel quarantine.


Nancy Baxter, Professor and Head of Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne and Tony Blakely, Professor of Epidemiology, Population Interventions Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne

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

Morrison Government announces $500/week support for lockdown affected Victorians

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

Australians who have had their hours of work and income significantly affected due to Victorian state lockdown will be eligible for a temporary COVID Disaster Payment.

The rapid support will be paid weekly to those workers who reside or work in a Commonwealth declared hotspot and are therefore unable to attend work and earn an income as a result of state imposed health restrictions, which last for greater than one week.

Eligible recipients will receive up to $500 per week for losing 20 hours or more of work, and $325 per week for losing under 20 hours. They must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000.

The payment will be made in respect of the second and any subsequent weeks of restrictions.

This support will be available for Australian citizens and permanent residents and eligible working visa holders. Individuals who are already receiving income support payments, business support payments, or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment will not be eligible for this new payment. To qualify, people will need to have exhausted any leave entitlements (other than annual leave) or other special pandemic leave.

The payment will complement existing payments including the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.

By making these payments available, the Australian Government will ensure that Victorian workers get the financial support they need to stay at home during this outbreak.

Access to Services Australia Disaster Assistance will be open to the public from Tuesday at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au or over the phone on 180 22 66.

COVID restrictions ease tonight for regional Victoria

Reprentative picture of regional Victoria: Picture Source: Ravi Singh
Reprentative picture of regional Victoria: Picture Source: Ravi Singh

From 11.59 pm tonight the five reasons to leave the home will be removed in regional Victoria and there will be no limit on the distance regional Victorians can travel from home.
People will only be able to travel to Melbourne for a permitted reason and you must follow the Melbourne restrictions once there.

1- While having visitors to home is prohibited, outdoor gathering limits can occur with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months are not included in the cap.

2- Food and hospitality will open for seated service only, with a cap of 50 people per venue, subject to density requirements of 1 per 4sqm. Retail can also open and personal services such as beauty and tattooing can resume for services where masks can remain on.

3- Religious gatherings and ceremonies are permitted for 50 people, plus 1 faith leader, indoors or outdoors and gathering limits for weddings will be 10 people and for funerals to 50 mourners.

4- Junior outdoor community sport will return, and adults will be able to resume training and recreation outdoors. Outdoor pools (including swimming classes) can operate with a limit of 50 people and a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm.

5- Outdoor entertainment – seated and unseated will have a patron cap of 50 people or 50 per cent of the venue’s seated capacity, whichever is lower.

Reprentative picture of regional Victoria: Picture Source: Ravi Singh
Reprentative picture of regional Victoria: Picture Source: Ravi Singh

Acting Premier James Merlino said, “Because of the incredible work of our public health teams and the Victorian community in slowing the spread of this virus, we’re now able to ease restrictions in regional Victoria.”

“This outbreak is an important reminder that while Commonwealth’s vaccine program continues to rollout, we are still living with this virus and we cannot afford any complacency to creep in – we must stay safe to stay open.”

While restrictions remain in metropolitan Melbourne, just to ensure the virus does not travel into the regions businesses that are open in regional Victoria but closed in Melbourne for example restaurants or beauty must check the place of residence of everyone they serve.

This will apply across the state

Victorian government is expanding Service Victoria QR requirements so that it’s mandatory to check in to retail settings such as supermarkets and shops. Customers must now check in whenever they attend a venue, the minimum of 15 minutes will no longer apply.

As these restrictions ease, health authorities want regional Victorians to continue their COVIDSafe behaviours, most importantly to get tested if they have any symptoms at all, and get vaccinated if it’s their turn.

Minister for Health Martin Foley explained, “Victoria is vaccinating more people than any other state or territory and we’re continuing to ask Victorians – if you’re eligible please get vaccinated, it’s our only ticket out of the pandemic.”

Indian-Australian Young Citizen of the Year recipients using their cooking skills for COVID relief in India

Image source: Sid Bharadwaj - Facebook

Two young Indian-Australian girls from Toowoomba in Queensland are using their cooking skills to raise funds for the COVID crisis in India.

The funds raised with the help of their friends Nitin and Anu through cooking will be used to oxygen concentrators, procure oxygen cylinders and flow meters, additional healthcare supplies and nutritious meals to the needy.

Image source: Channel 7 – screenshot.

The 10 and 14-year-olds are also the youngest in Australia to receive Young Citizen of the Year awards for their fundraising efforts.

In January 2021, the awards committee noted:

“Radhika and Krishnapriya’s compassion and generosity is inspirational and they are very deserving recipients of Toowoomba’s Young Citizens of the Year award.”

Image source: Channel 7 – screenshot.

Radhika, 14, and Krishnapriya, 10, have been encouraged by their mother, Divya and father, Sid Bhardwaj, to follow their passion of feeding the needy.

Image source: Channel 7 – Screenshot.

They have poured in their hearts to cook more than 10000 during 2019 bushfire and when COVID struck our community in early 2020.

“Responding to calls from other areas, the family then travelled 12,000 kilometres to share meals and kindness with people impacted by the devastating fires in Kangaroo Valley, Bega, the Snowy Mountains and Cooma.”

Image source: Sid Bharadwaj – Facebook.

The sisters have always responded to emergencies both in Australia and in India.

“When COVID-19 stuck, the hardworking teenagers responded by distributing 100 meals a day to healthcare workers at the Toowoomba Base Hospital. The sisters also initiated a Facebook group to assist international students in Toowoomba and cooked meals for vulnerable members of the community, including elderly residents.”

A few years ago, they even organised a campaign to provide disaster relief for the Kerala floods.

In a statement they said:

“The community responded graciously to our efforts and we were the recipients of Toowoomba District Young Citizens of the Year award (youngest in the history of Australia) on Australia Day 2021 and at present one of the nominees for an The Medal of the Order of Australia (would be youngest in the Australian history, if successful).

So far, Radhika and Krishnapriya have raised AUD23,753 and their target is AUD50,000.

Australian Federal Court upholds International travel ban

Indian Australians at Airport, PictureSource: Twitter @RameshDutta
Indian Australians at Airport, PictureSource: Twitter @RameshDutta

An Australian court has rejected a challenge to the federal government’s power to prevent its citizens and permannet residents from leaving the country so that they don’t bring COVID-19 home under the powerful Biosecurity Act.

Image source: Twitter.

Australia allows its citizens and permanent residents from leaving the country only in “exceptional circumstances” and with eveidence of a “compelling reason.”

LibertyWorks has argued before the full bench of the Federal Court in early May that Health Minister Greg Hunt did not have the power to legally enforce the travel ban.

LibertyWorks statement said:

“With 30% of Aussies born in another country, it’s cruel punishment to prevent travel for such things as being with loved ones, attending funerals or experiencing the birth of a new family member. And preventing outbound travel poses no threat to Australians remaining behind. It’s time to end this cruel legislation now.”

They further argued that all Australians have a right to leave their country under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that Australia had ratified.

Justices Anna Katzmann, Michael Wigney and Thomas Thawley dismissed the application and ordered Libertyworks to pay the commonwealth’s costs.

The three judges ruled that submission was based on the “erroneous premise that the right is absolute.”

Image source: Wikipedia.

Further, the judges said in their ruling that that interpretation of the law would frustrate Parliament’s clear intentions when lawmakers created the emergency powers in the Biosecurity Act in 2015.

“It may be accepted that the travel restrictions are harsh. It may also be accepted that they intrude upon individual rights. But Parliament was aware of that.”

Most critics of the Australian travel ban argue that decisions on who can travel and why are inconsistent and lack transparency.

The case is the fourth failed challenge to Australia’s coronavirus restrictions.

Indian ‘superhero’ honoured for delivering food to hundreds during COVID-19

Image source: Prabhu Natarajan - Facebook

In United Kingdom, the government has honoured Prabhu Natarajan with the UK Points of Light Award for his Covid relief efforts.

Mr Natarajan along with his son during the pandemic delivered food to hundreds of people in need while dressed superheroes, Santa Claus and, most recently, as the Easter bunny.

Mr Natrajan said:

“It’s not an individual effort. I have got immense support from my wife Shilpa Balachandran, my son Addhu (Advaith Prabhu) and the amazing people of the whole of Banbury,” Mr Natarajan said, adding “With their amazing support only was I able to do everything.”

The family moved to the United Kingdom in March 2020 when the pandemic outbreak had just began.

Image source: Prabhu Natrajan – Facebook.

After arriving in Banbury, Prabhu dedicated himself to supporting the community in response to the pandemic.

According to the UK PM Office, Mr Natarajan delivered over 11,000 chocolates, treats and other food items to hundreds of families across the town.

Besides this, he also established a food bank too, collecting and delivering food parcels to the people in need.

Image source: Points of Light.

For these efforts, especially in a time as challenging as the pandemic, the Britain government has honoured Mr Natarajan with the UK Points of Light Award.

Image source: Boris Johnson – Wikipedia.

In a personal letter, Boris Johnson addressed to Mr Natarajan and thanked him for all he had done in the last year to bring moments of happiness to the families of his town.

Image source: Prabhu Natarajan – Points of Light.

Mr Natrajan thanked the British Prime Minister and said:

“If you want to live a happy life, take care of people around you. A smile and an act of kindness wins everything. Be generous to everyone.”

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis has also recognised Mr Natarjan as an Unsung Hero in North Oxfordshire in December 2020 and said he was a true unsung hero and a credit to the Banbury community.

Image source: Banbury MP Victoria Prentis – Wikipedia.

Melbourne Lockdown extended for 7 days, List of change in restrictions

On the advice of Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton, the current lockdown restrictions will remain in place in Melbourne for a further seven days till June 10, 2021, with some small changes.

This will give health authorities a full 14 days, one full cycle of the virus to make sure they understand how and where this mutation is moving. 

For Melbourne: Only five reasons to leave home:
1- Shopping for food and supplies
2- Authorised work and study
3- Care and caregiving
4- Exercise and
5- Getting vaccinated.

People will be able to travel further for exercise and shopping, with an expanded 10km radius.

Kids in Year 11 and 12 will return to face-to-face learning. That includes students in other year levels who are doing a Unit 3/4 VCE or VCAL subject, while that class is being taught.

And a number of outdoor jobs will be added to the authorised list – things like landscaping, painting, installing solar panels, or letterboxing.

Other restrictions – including mask wearing – will stay the same.

This will have a big impact on businesses, which is why the Victorian government will be extending financial support, with an additional $209 million in grants.

At the end of another seven days, authorities will want to be in a position to begin carefully easing restrictions for Melbourne.

Acting Premier James Merlino has categorically said, “We won’t be able to have people from Melbourne travelling to regional Victoria over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. The risk of exporting the virus is just too high.”

With no community transmission in regional Victoria this week, regional restrictions are proposed to begin easing from 11:59 pm tomorrow night. The health authorities will use the next 24 hours to continue tracing and testing and will only confirm later that this change can go ahead.

Mr Merlino said, “We need to be clear though, this strain of the virus means we can’t just snap back to where we were a week ago. We have to make sure it’s safe and that means moving a bit slower.”

“I’ll say from the outset, this won’t be what everyone hoped for – but these are the responsible and proportional adjustments we can make now while continuing to keep our regional communities safe.”

What it means for Regional Victoria:

A- Lifting the travel restrictions and the ‘five reasons’.

B- All year levels and all students will return to face-to-face schooling.

C- Public gatherings – catching up at a public place like the park or the beach – will be increased to ten people.

D- Restaurants and cafés can reopen to a maximum of 50. Retail, beauty and personal care, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open in line with density limits.

E- Religious ceremonies and funerals will be capped at 50, weddings at ten.

F- We’ll also move to work or study from home if you can. Offices will be capped at 50 per cent.

G- Some things won’t change.  Visitors to the home are still not okay. And we still need masks to be worn inside.

Finally, regional Victorians will be able to travel in regional Victoria. Melburnians will not.

There are plenty more detail available online about what rules apply for which parts of Victoria.

“But I need to be really clear, stopping the spread – and getting our whole state back to normal – means knowing the restrictions that apply to you, and sticking to them,” said Mr Merlino.

“We’ve seen examples of people who left Melbourne, broke the rules and took the virus with them. We do not want that to happen again.”

Most businesses that are open in regional Victoria but closed in Melbourne for example restaurants or beauty parlours must check the IDs of everyone they serve. It’s an extra ask on staff and customers but ultimately, it’s about keeping the community safe.

QR requirements will also be expanded to make it mandatory in retail settings like supermarkets and shops. The 15-minute threshold will also be removed so anyone entering a shop or a cafe will need to check in.

The Chief Health Officer has no choice but to give this advice. And the Government has no choice but to follow it, said Mr Merlino

“If we don’t, this thing will get away from us and people will die. No one wants to repeat last winter.”

Acting Premier urged Victorians to stop that from happening, “We need every Victorian to follow the rules, to get tested and to get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”

“We can do this, but we need to do it together.”

Australian cricketers released from 14 days quarantine after return from India

Image source: Cricket Australia - Twitter.

Australian cricketers and staff have been released from hotel quarantine, two weeks after arriving home from the Maldives.

Total 38 players, coaches, officials and commentators were released from mandatory 14-day quarantine at Sydney’s Marriott Hotel.

The group has gone to the Maldives a fortnight ago following the suspension of the IPL in India.

Australian media witnessed emotional reunions as players were greeted by family and friends.

Image source: Jason Behrendorff – Wikipedia.

Jason Behrendorff told reporters:

“It’s nice to have some fresh air, that’s for sure. It wasn’t too bad, I tried to have a routine to make sure I was keeping myself busy and active, knowing we have some things coming up to prepare for.”

Picture Source: Twitter @Pat Cummins,
Picture Source: Twitter @Pat Cummins,

Pat Cummins was seen greeted by his fiancee Becky Boston.

Image source: David Warner – Wikipedia.

David Warner’s wife, Candice Warner, posted to Instagram showing her husband hugging their three young children.

The official Twitter handle of Cricket Australia shared the adorable video and captioned the post:

“Aussie opener @DavidWarner31 is reunited with his family after finishing his hotel quarantine.”

Earlier, Australian Cricketers’ Association Chief Executive Todd Greenberg said all players in the IPL “signed up with their eyes wide open” about the risks of competing during a pandemic in India.

Image source: Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Todd Greenberg – ACA website.

Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) paid for the flights and accommodation of these players.

Victorian businesses can apply for $2,500 lockdown support package

Representative picture for small business; Picture Source; @Canva
Representative picture for small business; Picture Source; @Canva

The Victorian Government has announced a support program for businesses most affected by the seven-day circuit breaker action, including operators in the hospitality, retail, events and creative industries with further targeted support.

Victorian businesses are now eligible for a $250.7 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package. This will help up to 90,000 Victorian businesses that have been affected by the restrictions that will run until 11:59 pm on Thursday, 3 June.

Representative picture for small business; Picture Source; @Canva

The package features three initiatives for small to medium-sized businesses and sole traders.

“The $190.01 million second round of the Business Costs Assistance Program will offer grants of $2,500 for eligible businesses directly affected by the circuit-breaker industry restrictions, including restaurants and cafes, event suppliers, accommodation providers and non-essential retailers.”

A $40.7 million new round of the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund will provide businesses holding an eligible liquor licence and food certificate with a $3,500 grant per premises.

An allocation of $20 million will be dedicated to supporting operators in the events industry who have incurred losses due to the circuit-breaker restrictions, with more details to be provided shortly.

Representative picture for small business; Picture Source; @Canva

Victoria’s Acting Premier James Merlino said in a media statement, “The circuit-breaker action will keep Victorians safe and protect businesses and jobs – but we know it’s not easy shutting your doors and putting your plans on hold.”

“This support will help businesses pay the bills and maintain their workforce as best they can, as we work together to get through this challenge.”

Businesses can register their interest in the Business Costs Assistance Program at business.vic.gov.au, so they can be notified when applications open this week. Operators eligible for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund payment will be contacted directly by email in the coming days.

The new package builds on more than $6 billion in direct economic support from the Labor Government to help businesses get through the pandemic, including through three rounds of the Business Support Fund.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open after media conference fallout

Naomi Osaka withdrawn from the #frenchopen2021; Picture Sourece: Twitter @naomiosaka
Naomi Osaka withdrawn from the #frenchopen2021; Picture Sourece: Twitter @naomiosaka

Amid the controversy regarding her decision to not attend press conferences at the ongoing French Open, Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka on Monday announced that she is withdrawing herself from the tournament.

In a statement released on Twitter, Osaka said:

“Hey everyone, this isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago. I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.”

“I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly,” she said.

“The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that. Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at the tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety.”

“Though the tennis press has always been kind to me (and I wanna apologise especially to all the cool journalists who I may have hurt), I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media. I get really nervous and find it stressful to always try to engage and give you the best answers I can,” she added.

World number two Osaka was on Sunday was fined 15,000 dollars for skipping the press conference following her win in the first round in the ongoing French Open. The tournament organisers also said that the Japanese tennis star could be subjected to additional sanctions if she continues to “ignore her media obligations”.

“So here in Paris I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences. I announced it preemptively because I do feel like the rules are quite outdated in parts and I wanted to highlight that. I wrote privately to the tournament apologising and saying that I would be more than happy to speak with them after the tournament as the Slams are intense,” said Osaka further in her statement.

“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans. Anyway hope you are all doing well and staying safe, love you guys I’ll see you when I see you,” she added.

Last week, Osaka had said that she would not be taking part in press conferences during the French Open in order to ensure better mental health.

Osaka defeated Patricia Maria Tig 6-4, 7-6(4) on the opening day of the tournament on Sunday. With the victory, the Japanese tennis star also extended her winning streak at the Grand Slams to 15 matches in a row.

Can Modi government vaccinate all Indians by end of 2021?

Image Source: PMO India, Twitter.

According to the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Ashutosh Sharma, Modi government’s COVID-19 immunization plan to vaccinate all Indains by December 31, 2021 is ‘attainable’.

Many critics of the Central government have called this plan as ‘ambitious’ in nature.

Image source: Dr Ashutosh Sharma – Wikipedia.

Dr Sharma told the ANI and the Republic:

“In terms of technology, we are totally prepared for the third wave and would get even better as we go forward this year. Our vaccination plan to innoculate all citizens of the country by December is not only ambitious but also realistic.” 

He also noted that with the help of emerging science-based start-ups and technologies in India, the fight against the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic can be won.

In addition, Modi government aims to ramp up production to cope with the COVID19 pandemic.

It aims to produce two billion doses between August and December 2021.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said in a statement:

“Between August and December 2021, India will have procured 216 crore vaccine doses, while by July this year, 51 crore doses will be procured.”

Right now, three vaccines have been approved for use in India – Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V.

All the states have been asked to follow the basic principles of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour.

This includes testing, tracking, tracing, treating and now vaccinating to fight against the pandemic.

Image source: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Nick Hockley appointed CEO of Cricket Australia after a year-long interim role

Nick Hockley, CEO, Cricket Australia; Picture Source: Cricket Australia
Nick Hockley, CEO, Cricket Australia; Picture Source: Cricket Australia

Nick Hockley, who has been serving as Cricket Australia’s (CA) interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since June 2020 was on Monday officially appointed to the role.

Hockley successfully delivered Australia’s last season’s international and domestic competitions in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
“As Australia’s national sport, cricket is at the heart of our national and cultural identity. I am under no illusion about the importance of cricket to the lives of so many Australians, nor the magnitude and responsibility of this role. Leading Cricket Australia is the greatest privilege of my working life and I am committed to doing all I can to making a positive contribution to the game and the community,” Hockley said in an official statement.

“Over the past 12 months, I have learnt first-hand about the breadth, scale and importance of the role. My approach has been and will continue to be to bring people across the game together, as I believe this is fundamental to achieving our full potential.”

“It has been extremely rewarding to be part of CA, State and Territory Associations and the Australian Cricketers’ Association working together like never before over the past 12 months, to overcome the challenges presented by Covid-19 and deliver a summer for the ages,” he added.

Hockley has spent almost a decade in cricket with highly successful stints as the CEO of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Local Organising Committee, Head of Commercial Projects at CA and as General Manager, Commercial and Marketing, at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

“I look forward to building on this momentum and playing my role in deepening those relationships further, as well as playing a leading role in growing the game internationally alongside fellow ICC members.”

“From community cricket to the international arena, Australian Cricket is in excellent shape, due to the hard work and dedication of thousands of volunteers, coaches, players, match officials and employees across the country, all of whom are an inspiration to me,” he added.

Prior to cricket, Hockley was Head of Commercial Negotiations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games prior to which he held senior corporate finance roles at Price-water-house-Coopers in Sydney and London, where he also qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Earl Eddings, CA Chair, congratulated Hockley on his appointment.

“From delivering the historic T20 Women’s World Cup to ensuring a safe and successful 2020-21 season, Nick has already proven himself to be in the very top echelon of sports administrators both in Australia and around the world.”

“The role of CEO of CA is one of the most highly regarded in sport and, accordingly, we were fortunate to have many outstanding candidates apply for the post. The board and I thank every one of them and wish them well in their future endeavours,” Eddings added.

Former Indian and Australian cricketers arrange vital medical equipment for COVID relief

Image source: Covid relief - representative image

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has joined hands with his counterparts in Australia and Australian Indian Medical Association to provide medical equipment across India.

The Australian cricketers involved in this project include former Australian cricketers Lisa Sthalekar, Matthew Hayden and Mike Hussey.

Doctors from Western Australia, including Dr Paddy Ramanathan, have also contributed to the cause.

Image source: Wikipedia.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan told the New Indian Express.

“…all of us wanted to help in whatever way we can. As soon as they came to know about the dire situation, the Indian doctors’ fraternity in Western Australia came together.”

They have already handed over the first consignment of ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other vital equipment to the Central government.

This first consignment via Singapore through a cargo flight and the next consignments will be sent to Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai.

The cricketers and doctors also have plans to provide mental health support to those affected by Covid-19.

Market Mantra: Australia’s best week helps market scale three months high

A 2.1% rally by Australian shares last week ensured Australian shares posted its best week in seven last week. An uptick in commodity prices, a strong US data all boosted hopes of an economic recovery and lifted sentiments globally.

Energy stocks gained 1.7% as oil prices climbed up on positive US economic data and expectations of a strong rebound in global fuel demand in the third quarter. Santos and Oil-search were the biggest beneficiaries of rising oil prices. All eyes however are on India which is the third-largest oil importer in the World. Any increase in Coronavirus cases there can quickly dash hopes of oil demand and crash the oil prices.

oil price going up; Picture Source: @Canva
oil price going up; Picture Source: @Canva

The financial stocks continued their way up with all Big four continuing their way up. We talked
about how we see CBA getting to $100.00 two weeks ago. As predicted the Commonwealth Bank closed the week at $100.56. However, it was the Westpac Bank that was the best of the four and we feel should continue to lead the gains in financial stocks over the next few weeks.

The materials and finance sector as we pointed out in our commentary last Monday both had a great week, however one stock which was particularly impressive for South32 which raised by 5.6%. For this week we like particularly Tabcorp which has had a $4 billion takeover bid from Bet-Makers and Domain which has been gaining on prospects of improving the Australian housing market.


In the crypto world last week we talked about the crash we ought to have. While the crypto market is showing signs of recovery the market keeps falling. Looking at the charts and seeing the trends the Bitcoin need to recover soon to at least US 41,994. A failure to capture that price sooner can see prices retrace back to $30 K. A bounce above USD $42,000 on technical analysis can see Bitcoin reach new highs.

Having said that a fall below $30,000 can dash the hope of any recovery till 2025 in true Bitcoin fashion. In the Crypto world, though Cardano is the one that continues to show great strength and is clearly our favourite and one we expect to provide the best results during the recovery.

In regards to the Australian dollar, we have been mentioning how we see it losing steam especially against the Indian Rupee. This week the Rupee continued to strengthen against the Aussie dollar with 1 Australian dollar buying INR 55.82 at the time of writing this article. We expect the Rupee to continue to strengthen against the Australian dollar as the Corona situation in India improves and commodity prices turn south.


The Australian dollar fell against all major currencies too such as Euro, Pound and Canadian Dollar. The eyes will be on China this week as a fall in Iron prices due to demand from China will result in more weakness for the Aussie.

Gold had one of its best weeks and went past USD 1900 an ounce. If the US economy continues its swift recovery and inflation continue to heat up Gold will be in plenty of demand and can rally towards that USD 2000/ounce mark.

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.

Team India’s jersey revealed for World Test Championship final against New Zealand

Image source: Ravindra Jadeja - Instagram.

Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has given a sneak peek into the new jersey that Indian team will wear for the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand.

The WTC final starts on June 18 at Southampton and team India’s sponsor MPL Sports has redesigned the kit in 19080s and 1990s fashion.

Image source: Wikipedia.

Ravindra Jadeja posted a selfie in the sweater of the jersey for the WTC final saying:

“Rewind to 90’s #lovingit #india.”

Image source: Ravindra Jadeja – Instagram.

The sweater has the 1980s and 1990s stripes around the collar and neck, INDIA written on the front with the ‘ICC WTC Final 2021’ written on one of the shoulders, while other sports the BCCI logo.

Image source: Wikipedia.

Do ABC and SBS journalists have a right to post personal opinions on social media?

Social_Media_Marketing_Strategy (Wikimedia Commons)

Liberal Senator and former journalist Sarah Henderson has recently told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that the behaviour of some ABC employees on social media is undermining the public broadcaster’s independence.

Image source: Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson – Wikipedia.

She has even argued that all those employees who are posting political opinions on Twitter should be a sacked for this offence.

“The sort of conduct permitted by current ABC management would have been a sack-able offence 25 years ago.” 

She further argued that professional standards had declined considerably.

Senator Henderson worked for almost a decade at the ABC between 1989 to 1997.

Senator Henderson has even won a Walkley Award for her coverage of the Port Arthur massacre.

She has even branded the ABC’s social media policy “woefully inadequate”.

“I remain a very strong supporter of the ABC, but the national broadcaster is failing in its obligation to uphold the highest journalistic and editorial standards.”

An ABC spokesman said the broadcaster “rejects the assertion” regarding “editorial standards”:

“ABC staff are not prohibited from expressing views on their personal social media accounts but under the code of conduct they are accountable for those views if they breach the social media guidelines. Breaches of the ABC code of conduct can and has led to disciplinary action.”

There is clearly a debate going on in Australia at the moment about whether staff working at the Australian government-funded media such as the ABC and SBS be allowed to post personal opinions on political issues on social media such as Twitter and Facebook?

Image source: Twitter.

This debate was sparked by a now deleted tweet by ABC chief political correspondent Laura Tingle.

In 2020, Tingle allegedly accused the federal government of “ideological bastardy”.

On the Tingle tweet, Senator Henderson said:

“When I worked at the ABC, Laura Tingle’s trolling of a Prime Minister, whether Liberal or Labor, would have been a sackable offence.”

Image source: ABC Managing Director David Anderson – ABC.

While, ABC Managing Director David Anderson, has defended ABC’s social media policy and told a Senate estimates hearing last year that Tingle’s tweet was an “error of judgement.”

He had further added that since Tingle had deleted the tweet no further action was necessary from the ABC management.

The recently presented budget will see ABC’s operational funding drop from $880.56m in 2021/22 to $870.34m in 2022/23, a net loss of just over $10m. And the SBS will receive $310 million from government, up from $296m last financial year.

Melbourne food delivery driver spreads COVID to more than 150 sites

Image source: Home delivery - Wikipedia.

A Melbourne food delivery driver (Belonging to one of the Indian food companies) is thought to be the biggest concern in front of authorities for spreading coronavirus.

The delivery driver worked whilst infectious but had no symptoms of COVID19.

Image source: DHHS Testing Commander Jeroen Weimar – Screenshot.

DHHS Testing Commander Jeroen Weimar stressed the driver showed no signs of COVID-19 when he sparked the possible spread across the city.

“He visited multiple stores and grocery sites across metropolitan Melbourne on the 18th and 19 May. As a result of those inquiries, a large number of exposure sites have now been added to the website. I want to thank that company and their customers for their efforts in cooperating with our contact traces.”

The authorities have reported multiple locations linked to this one man.

These have now been listed by the Department of Health as exposure sites.

Image source: Health Minister Martin Foley – Screenshot.

Victoria’s Health Minister Martin Foley said.

“My message to the community is that the Department of Health will contact you if there are any actions that you need to take. Unless you have symptoms, in which case as for everyone in the state of Victoria, please get tested immediately.”

Image source: COVID testing – Screenshot.

IPL 2021: Remaining matches will be played at UAE, announces BCCI

IPL trophy 2021; Picture Source: Twitter@IPL
IPL trophy 2021; Picture Source: Twitter@IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced to complete the remaining matches of the VIVO Indian Premier League 2021 season in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E).

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a written statement, “Considering the monsoon season in India in the months of September-October this year decision has been taken.”

Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

The decision was taken at a Special General Meeting (SGM) held virtually, where members unanimously agreed to resume IPL.

The BCCI SGM further authorised the Office Bearers to seek an extension of time from the ICC to take an appropriate call on the hosting of ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

Virat Kohli; Picture Source: Twitter @IPL

Earlier in the first week of May, the Indian Premier League’s season was suspended with immediate effect due to a number of players and support staff testing positive of COVID19.

.

Besides COVID-19, India is also fighting with vulture journalists, who are spreading more panic and despair than pandemic

Picture Source: ScreenShot Twitter @BarkhaDutt
Picture Source: ScreenShot Twitter @BarkhaDutt

No one, I repeat, no one should die due to lack of medical care. Every death is painful and heart-wrenching, even if the country’s medical system is overburdened and doctors are toiling hard to save the Covid-19 patients amid an unprecedented surge of cases in the second wave. Then, there are journalists and reporters, toxic ones, who rub salt into India’s wounds by manipulating national tragedy to carry out their agenda against the state. They go on to the extent of distorting certain facts of truth to make them look valid and convincing. 

They used COVID tragedy as a propaganda tool.

It is said whoever controls the media, controls the mind of people, or they try to. Second wave of Covid-19—which is more deadly and devastating than its first wave in India, because of its regional mutant variant in it—came as a golden opportunity for left leaning vulture media men to shame, defame and humiliate India on international platforms. And they grabbed the opportunity to sell the human tragedy for their vested interest. 

NEW YORK POST used a photo of a gas leakage incident in May 2020.

To sensationalize the deadly second wave of Covid-19 in India, NEW YORK POST used a heart-wrenching picture—which had an unconscious woman lying on the street, while another woman, appeared to be her daughter, trying to wake her up—to show the tragedy of the second wave of Covid-19. What is shocking is that the picture is of the Gas Leakage incident, which took place at LG Polymer chemical plant in a village in Visakhapatnam on 7 May 2020. NEW YORK POST ran the story with a misleading picture under the headline of “COVID surge swallowing people in India, the footage shows people dead in streets” on 26 April 2021. It is to be recalled the unfortunate incident had led to Gas leakage causing breathing problems to people over a radius of 3 KM in the surrounding area. 

However, when NY POST was slammed by netizens, they changed the feature image, but the article and headline remained the same. Why did NEW YORK POST go into overdrive to sell tragedy in India by using fake pictures? Do they wait for tragedy in India to manipulate as a propaganda machine?

Tragedy was used as a commodity.

British American Media Company, Getty Images is selling images of grim Hindu Funeral pyres lit ablaze in a crematorium to sensationalize non-Indian readers. Any media group can buy the largest size picture for Rs. 23,000. Be it Indian photojournalists or non-Indian photographers both are clicking; both are making money out of the pandemic by clicking photos at crematorium denying dignity at the tragic death of Covid-19 victims.

Check your self by clicking the following link: https://www.gettyimages.in/photos/covid-19-delhi-funeral?phrase=covid-19%20delhi%20funeral&sort=mostpopular

There have even aerial shots of the crematorium. Did the photographer fly drones over the crematorium to click pictures? Is flying drones over crematorium permitted? The Guardian used the same aerial shot of the crematorium, which created a huge amount of buzz in international media. (We are not using that picture to say loud and clear pictures of final rites are personal and no one should be allowed to broadcast them.)    

Barkha Dutt didn’t spare even her father’s death for her propaganda.

If vultures are assembling at a place, dead bodies are scattered nearby. How can Barkha Dutt be far from the crematorium? She reported from the cremation ground in Surat on 19 April. What can be a better place than a cremation ground to create a ghastly and ghostly picture of death, despair and distress! Who can be better cunning than Barkha Dutt to amplify macabre elements of cremation ground!

Then, Barkha Dutt’s old father succumbed to Covid-19, unfortunately. But, the grieving daughter used every word to describe her father’s death to suit her propaganda. Selection of words is enough to influence readers deeply—My father’s last words, I am choking, treat me. 

What Barkha Dutt didn’t remind her audience and the CNN reporter that he was admitted to a premier hospital, Medanta hospital, and he was being treated by a group of best doctors. Even after being treated by the best doctors, the last words of Barkha Dutt’s father was, “treat me, I am choking.” Does it sound sane? Also, only Barkha Dutt can tell how she was allowed in ICU, where her father was admitted, to listen to his last words.   

Barkha Dutt is a perfect example of vulture media, who can use her father’s death to spin propaganda. Dear Barkha Dutt, your father was being treated by a group of best doctors in the best hospital, Medanta. Nevertheless, his last words were, “I am choking, treat me.” Then, who should have treated him? What about those who are struggling even to get a bed in hospital?

There is an unprecedented rise in Covid-19 positive cases in India. Medical facilities and infrastructure are overwhelmed. For a patient, it is a battle to get admitted to the hospital. However, India’s health infrastructures are working day and night to save as many patients as they can. The job of the media is to raise constructive criticism. But, media is creating a wave of panic even among those who are not suffering from Covid-19.

UPDATE from The Australia Today: After the Opinion article made ripples in India and around the world, Ms Barkha Dutt accused us of being “trolls” of the right-wing and fake website on social media.
We replied to her, “We don’t care who you support or oppose in your reports with other media outlets, but calling us right-wing trolls is insane. Looks like you can’t handle criticism well.”
In case we get some more details we shall put them here.

Author: Manisha Inamdar
This opinion article was first published on www.trunicle.com, We have republished it with kind permission from the author.
Disclaimer: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing images utilized within the text. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Australia Today News nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.

Ancient Murals: Earliest-surviving Hindu paintings revealed

India has one of the finest traditions of the paintings of the world, coming from
ancient times. 

This early tradition is not generally known, as many of these paintings are hidden in dark recesses in ancient temples and caves. These had not been clearly photographed or sufficiently represented to the world before.  It was generally believed that India did not have a continuous tradition of painting, which came from ancient times. 

Revelation of True Colours of Ajanta

In 1991 and in 1992, I had the privilege of documenting the glorious paintings of Ajanta of around the 2nd century BC and of the 5th-6th centuries CE. Scholars and institutions around the world responded to state that this was the first time that they were able to see the true details and colours of the Ajanta paintings, which were considered to be the fountainhead of the classic traditions of painting in Asia.

Darkness of the Caves

The ancient caves are dark and strong lights were not allowed to be used inside, as these would damage the invaluable paintings. Photography was normally not allowed in order to save the paintings from the adverse effects of flashlights. Some earlier photography of the paintings, which had been carried out with special permission, was not very accurate, as there was much surface reflection from the painted surfaces. I had fortunately developed a technique of photographing in extremely low light (where you could barely see your hand in front of you in the dark interiors of the caves).

Darkness Conquered

This manner of low-light photography was used by me to document the wall and ceiling paintings of the Ajanta Caves in 1991 and again in 1992, without the use of any strong lights. The then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India Mr M.C. Joshi very kindly wrote to me that I had “conquered the darkness of the Ajanta Caves”.

Dancing Girl, Ajanta. Photographed & Digitally Restored by Benoy K Behl

Worldwide Response to my Work

Scores of the most prestigious universities and museums around the world invited me to speak on Ajanta and to show my photographs of the paintings. National Geographic Magazine was among the hundreds of journals and newspapers around the world and in India, who immediately hailed my photography as path-breaking. In 2008, National Geographic Magazine went on to publish an 18-page story about Indian art as revealed to the world through my photographs. It was the cover story in some of the European editions of the magazine.

In the meantime, many noted international book publishers offered to publish my book on the Ajanta paintings. I went ahead with Thames & Hudson, London as I believed they would have a worldwide reach and would offer the large-format book to the public at a reasonable price. The first edition of the book came out in 1998, with an American Edition by Harry N Abrams. The book was sold out soon and there have been several print runs, as well as a revised paperback edition and an American Edition by Thames & Hudson, New York. I believe this has been the best-selling book on Indian art history in the world.  

World Response: Finest Art of Humankind 

There was a unanimous response of the leading art critics and art historians at the great capital cities of the world, where I was invited by the leading art institutions.

They all felt that the Ajanta paintings “were surely the finest art of humankind”. The finest art, not just for paintings of their period, but among the highest achievements of art coming right up to modern times. Experts around the world commented in detail on the great technical virtuosity found in these paintings. They saw qualities in them that appeared in Western art only in the High Renaissance, Impressionist, Expressionist and Modern periods.

20th Century Attempts of Photograph Ajanta

Numerous attempts of the reproduction of the Ajanta paintings with colour photography were made. In the earlier part of this century, photography was not developed enough to capture the colours of the paintings accurately. In recent years, the Archaeological Survey of India has not permitted the use of photographic lights as these would damage 2200 to 1500-year old paintings.  Strictly limited attempts to photograph some of the panels with lights were allowed, but these too failed to capture the colours accurately. 

Thus, the exquisite and haunting beauty of these paintings seemed fated to remain in the dark interiors of the remote caves.

Dark Princess, Ajanta. Photographed & Digitally Restored by Benoy K Behl

Revelation of Ajanta to the World

In 1990 while I was visiting the Department of Culture of the Government of India at New Delhi, it was first brought to my attention that the world-famous paintings of the Ajanta Caves had never been photographed comprehensively or inaccurate colour. It was also told to me that the true and luminous colours and the depth and richness of detail of the murals were not seen even when one visited the site. This is because, for the protection of the ancient paintings, the Archaeological Survey of India has installed only dim lights in the caves, which exclude much of the light of the upper end of the colour spectrum. Thus, the paintings are seen to be very orangish as compared to their real colours. The blues and greens in particular are largely lost in the viewing and the colour cast which is created takes away much of the sense of depth in the painting, as well as the luminosity of colour Photography in low light, has long been a passion with me.

Hearing about the unseen exquisite beauty of Ajanta, I was drawn immediately to take up the challenge of photographing these murals in complete detail and to capture the full richness of their colours in all their nuances and shades.  Here was the greatest treasure of India’s heritage of painting, cloaked in the darkness around it. Truly this was the task for which the patient hours spent over many years of photographing in low ambient light conditions had prepared me. I applied for permission to photograph the paintings to the Archaeological Survey of India and was granted the same as I was not going to use lights which may damage the paintings.  An assignment to photograph them could not be obtained as, quite naturally, many among the authorities thought that the project I was embarking on was an impossible one. 

In 1991 and 1992 I made two separate visits to the Ajanta site. In each visit, the murals of the caves were documented in as exhaustive detail as possible. Having benefited greatly from the experience of the first visit and have come to know the paintings of Ajanta intimately through many viewings of the pictures, the results of the photography of the second visit (of which one photograph has been given for archiving in the Arctic World Archives) proved to be finally satisfying. 

When these colour transparencies were first shown at New Delhi, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India remarked, “You have really conquered the darkness”. His words made all the effort over the long hours in the dark caves, the care and all the pains, seem worthwhile. Over the coming months, and till now, those who have loved Ajanta, scholars and curators of art from the world over, have expressed their happiness at being able to see the details of Ajanta and the many subtle nuances in the paintings, which they had never seen before. I am humbled by the abundance and warmth of the appreciation of this photo which I had not anticipated in this measure. The keen interest with which Ajanta has also been received by the audiences at the fine universities and museums where these transparencies have been shown has given me a deep sense of fulfilment.

10th cent. Brhadiswara Murals. Establishing a Continuous Tradition of Painting in Ancient India

Subsequently, in 1992, I went on to photograph the 10th-century paintings in the dark and narrow inner ambulatory corridor of the Brhadiswara Temple at Thanjavur, in Tamil Nadu. These had not been clearly photographed before and scholars around the world responded very warmly when they saw my photographs. Dr Milo C. Beach, Director of the two American National Galleries of Asian Art (in the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC) said to me that he would have to revise his understanding of the history of Indian paintings. He explained that the paintings of Ajanta had been well known, but, since paintings before Ajanta and paintings after Ajanta for the next eight hundred years, were not known, the art of Ajanta was somehow treated as a flash in the pan. It was not seen or studied as a part of a continuous tradition of art. However, since I was now showing him the art of the tenth century, which had the same technical virtuosity as the fifth century Ajanta paintings, this pointed to the fact that there was a continuity and a great tradition of art.

Ancient Murals of India

I had the good fortune to go on to photograph other Indian mural paintings of the fifth and the later centuries of the ancient and medieval periods, clearly establishing and presenting a continuous tradition of painting. Between 1993 and 2020, a few hundred cultural institutions, universities and museums have invited me to speak on ‘The Murals of India’. The American National Geographic Magazine has also done a major story on this documentation and revelation of this artistic tradition.

The murals of India have been established as one of the greatest and most sublime traditions of the art of the world. 

In 1930, Laurence Binyon, Director of the British Museum and a leading authority on Asian art wrote,

‘In the art of Asia what a supreme and central position Ajanta owns! Whoever studies the art of China and Japan, at whatever time he begins, starts on a long road which will lead him ultimately to Ajanta.”

Author: Benoy K Behl, Culture Historian

“He is a film-maker, art historian, and photographer who is known for his tireless and prolific output of work over the past 44 years. He has taken over 53,000 photographs of Asian monuments and art heritage and made 145 documentaries which are regularly screened at major cultural institutions worldwide. His photographic exhibitions have been warmly received in 74 countries around the world. These have been inaugurated by ministers of the governments of various countries, ambassadors, archbishops, and other dignitaries.  He holds the Limca Book Record for being the most travelled photographer and art historian.”       

Decolonization of Pacific research: Reconciliation, Inclusion and Diversity

Rapa-nui-Civilization; Picture Source: Pixabay
Rapa-nui-Civilization; Picture Source: Pixabay

The salient voice of Indian indentured workers (Girmitiyas: People who came from India to the Pacific Islands from 1879-1916) is emphasised by the research of Brij V. Lal.

Similar kind of voices from subaltern corners was forced to be salient during the colonial era in the Pacific Islands. Scholarly accepted that research had been used by the West as a method for oppression and dominance over other people during colonization, and its impact prevails.

‘The western gaze on the Other’ is countered by Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s book Decolonizing methodologies (1999 & 2012) to revive indigenous research and knowledge and provoking ‘some revolutionary thinking about the roles that knowledge, knowledge production, knowledge hierarchies, and knowledge institutions play in decolonization and social transformation’.

Hegemony of Western Paradigms

Paradigms of research and knowledge from the position of an indigenous stance and raise a voice to the decolonization of methodologies. The ‘research’ is the ‘dirtiest word’ in indigenous vocabulary, as it is used by European imperialism and colonialism to regulate the others.
The research analyses how western epistemology, knowledge and value have an impact on indigenous research. The work attempts to understand the indigenous values and motivations through indigenous perspective and articulate a new indigenous research agenda. 
Primarily, it endeavours to decolonize and liberate indigenous culture, language and knowledge.

Maori Dance; Picture Source: Pixabay

Colonialization and Indigenous Knowledge

Let’s discuss the history of Western research & critiques and, the cultural assumptions behind research by the dominant colonial methodology. It shows the ‘imperial legacies of Western knowledge and the ways in which those legacies continue to influence knowledge institutions to the exclusion of indigenous peoples and their aspirations. This researcher examines indigenous research as placed in a broader context of imperialism and western research; and its impact on indigenous knowledge.

Purposeful deconstruction of Indigenous

Research is done through imperial eyes but not against knowledge or research. It discovering new ways to research with indigenous people.

“The West extract and claim ownership of our ways of knowing, the things we create and produce, and then simultaneously reject the people who created and developed those ideas and seek to deny them further opportunities to be creators of their own culture and own nations”

(p.1).

The work stated western knowledge had placed itself in a higher position to explain the other people; the ways in which western knowledge has colonised the disciplines. Further, explaining how the coloniser has taught the colonised knowledge to indigenous intellectuals.

Her work explains how the west researchers came in different forms who took away many belongings of indigenous people and displayed them in from of the world as primitive through the art of research. This led to the dismissal of the idea that indigenous nations had established a system of orders.

The research contextualises this argument in relation to the Maori’s indigenous people of New Zealand. The researcher postulates that division between Western and indigenous ways, so the indigenous people movement should protect and restore indigenous traditions and totally reject the west.
Colonisation has a negative impact on indigenous people that has left a legacy of disease, dislocation, cultural and language loss. Later this was politicized on a massive scale for diverse concerns and their focus shifted from survival towards restoration and revitalization in various issues.

“So, within indigenous discourses, the term ‘peoples’ has become an important linguistic symbol of our identification as self-determining peoples…. We are united by common territories, cultures, traditions, histories, languages, institutions and beliefs. We share a sense of kinship and identity, a consciousness as distinct peoples and a political will to exist as distinct peoples”

(P. 115).

Reclaim spaces of Marginalization

The research thrives in setting a new agenda for indigenous research. The research advocates the value of research for indigenous peoples and the need to retrieve spaces of marginalisation as spaces.
It explores research practices that offer alternatives to Western paradigms and that give up racism, ethnocentrism, and exploitation. It examines the various approaches and methodologies to raise the importance of indigenous people’s research agendas.

Suggested the manner in which the indigenous researcher should do research within its own communities. The goal of self-determination of indigenous people and in research agenda becomes a political the processes of transformation, of decolonisation, of healing and of mobilisation as peoples (p. 116).

Maori Dance; Picture Source: Pixabay

The work stresses taking back the control of indigenous destines by becoming self-determining. In this pursuit, several ‘themes such as cultural survival, self-determination, healing, restoration, and social justice are engaging indigenous researchers and indigenous communities in a diverse array of projects (142).

Thus highlights 25 research projects pursued by indigenous people related to ethics of research and advocates means research could approach their work. The book introduces Kaupapa Maori research and framework a new way of understanding Maori indigenous research.
This research considered indigenous methodologies focus more to approach cultural values and behaviour as a part of the methodology.
Presents a strong anti-positive stance, especially a concern with social justice and relevance in the Maori community. The non-indigenous researchers to efficiently conduct indigenous research is reject or accepted under certain conditions.

The research highlighted the implication for indigenous researchers working with indigenous and marginalized communities as they work the borders, and ‘between institutions and communities, systems of power and systemic injustice, cultures of dominance and cultures in survival mode, politics and theory, theory and practice’ (p.199).

Lastly, it explores potential ways in which indigenous activists and indigenous researchers can collaborate to advance indigenous interests at local, national, and international levels.

Conclusion

Regarding academia, despite decolonization, the focus has shifted towards ‘reconciliation, inclusion and diversity.’ 
Critics blame it for being an ‘insider vision’ that is mostly focusing on helping indigenous researchers to study indigenous communities. The struggle between the world of indigenous people and the world of research continues, to make the voice of the voiceless heard and reviving indigenous knowledge.

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

Did you give lift to two teenage girls from Victoria to South Australia?

Representative picture only
Representative picture only

Victor Harbor Police (South Australia) is currently with two teenage girls missing from Victoria who crossed into South Australia overnight.

Today, Friday 28 May about 7.14 am, South Australia Police was contacted by Victoria Police, who advised them that the two girls had hitchhiked to South Australia, using several different vehicles to travel in to see another girl in Goolwa.

The three girls then travelled on a school bus from Goolwa with other students to Victor Harbor High School this morning.

The bus was stopped before the students could leave the bus, SAPOL is working with other agencies including SA Health, Victoria Police and Victor Harbor High School to ensure the safety of those on board.

The two teenage girls have been isolated and are cooperating with police.  Police and SA Health are making arrangements for the girls to be COVID tested.

If any person believes they may have given a lift to these two girls from the Victorian border to Goolwa to please isolate immediately, and contact SA Health on the COVID hotline.

Prof. Svetha Venkatesh becomes Fellow of Australian Academy of Science

Image source: Deakin University.

Indian-origin Prof. Svetha Venkatesh who is Australia’s leading computer scientists and researchers in the field of pattern recognition has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

Image source: Wikipedia.

Prof. Svetha Venkatesh is Alfred Deakin Professor, ARC Laureate Fellow and Co-Director of Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A2I2).

An alumni of IIT-Delhi (MTech), IIT-Roorkee (BTech) and the University of Western Australia (PhD), Prof. Venkatesh will become one of 22 scientists elected a Fellow of the prestigious Australian Academy of Science by her peers in 2021.

Image source: Deakin University.

This latest honour follows Prof. Venkatesh’s appointment as a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2006) and the International Association of Pattern Recognition (2004).

Prof. Venkatesh’s contributions to her field have been internationally recognised and she is one of the top 15 women in the world in Artificial Intelligence.

She has high ranking and widely-cited publications, patents, establishment of an award-winning global security company, and the co-inventor of ASX-listed icetana – a start-up in security and surveillance.

Image source: Little boy with touch pad – TOBY Playpad.

Professor Venkatesh and her team also developed the TOBY Playpad for children with autism.

Regarding this first multimedia App to guide parents to deliver intensive therapy at home, Prof. Venkatesh notes:

“Children with autism need critical early intervention and delays severely impact cognitive development. Resource scarcity, however, causes long delays.”

The TOBY Playpad has helped more than 8,000 children and their families around the world.

Melbourne’s Dawaoodi Bohra community hosts multicultural Eid

Dawoodi Bohra Community of Melbourne hosted a Multi-cultural festival to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr,
Dawoodi Bohra Community of Melbourne hosted a Multi-cultural festival to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr,

Dawoodi Bohra Community of Melbourne hosted a Multi-cultural festival to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival marking the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The event was hosted on a nice warm afternoon, at the Hungarian Social Club. There were many notable figures including Box Hill City Council MLA, Mr Paul Hamer and Consul General Mr Raj Kumar, Indian Consulate (Melbourne).

Hundreds of attendees belonging to different social, cultural and ethno-religious background graced the program. Within the Bohra community was a rich blend of people from India, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Africa.

The program consisted of a skit showcasing their practices during Ramadan and slideshows explaining their various humanitarian and social contributions within Australia and throughout the globe.

What truly stood out was their unwavering commitment to zero food wastage, emphasised by their community’s recent achievement as the recipient of the World Record for Largest Zero Waste Religious Event award.

The event concluded with a closing address by the head of the community in Melbourne, Sheikh Ibn Madyan, who expressed his gratitude to all the guests for attending the event and also to the volunteers, who put together this magnificent event through their hard work and unwavering commitment.

The great part of the Eid function was that considering the cultural and religious requirements other multicultural community members food served to the guests was vegetarian.

Everyone then enjoyed refreshments set out for them, which also gave them a chance to mingle and learn more about the Dawoodi Bohras and vice versa.

Victoria Lockdown: New rules and restrictions announced today

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.

  • 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:

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

Melbourne in Lockdown
Melbourne in Lockdown

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;

  1. Food and supplies. Authorised work. Care and caregiving. Exercise, for up to two hours and with one other person. And getting vaccinated.
  2. 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.
  3. Face masks will also need to be worn inside and outdoors – everywhere except your own home.
  4. Private and public gatherings will not be permitted, although visiting your intimate partner continues to be okay. Single person bubbles will also be allowed.
  5. 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?

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

SuburbSiteStreet addressExposure periodNotes
AbbotsfordDukes Gym Abbotsford 
571-573 Victoria Street Abbotsford 
VIC 3067
24/05/2021 6:15pm – 8:15pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
AxedaleAxedale Tavern 
105 High Street Axedale 
VIC 3551
23/05/2021 11:45am – 1:30pmCase attended functionAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
BalwynEndless Lifestyle Studio Shop 3/188 Whitehorse Road Balwyn VIC 310323/05/2021 9:45am – 12:40pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Bayswater NorthMcdonalds
Bayswater North 296 Canterbury Road Bayswater North VIC 3153
21/05/2021 11:00pm – 12:00amCase dined in restaurantAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
BendigoHairfolk 33 Williamson Street Bendigo VIC 355022/05/2021 9:40am – 10:10amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
BrunswickFutsal Brunswick 409 Victoria Street Brunswick VIC 305623/05/2021 9:00am – 10:00amCase 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.
BrunswickBarkly Square: Priceline, Kmart, Woolworths, OPSM 90-106 Sydney Road Brunswick VIC 305622/05/2021 1:15pm – 2:30pmCase attended venue, walked around the centre and into some shops with limited purchasesAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
BundooraJump! Swim Schools Bundoora 4/37 The Concord Bundoora VIC 308321/05/2021 8:55am – 10:15amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
BundooraAnytime Fitness Shop TG-01, Uni Hill Town Centre, 1-3 Janefield Drive Bundoora VIC 308323/05/2021 3:40pm – 5:30pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
BundooraAnytime Fitness Shop TG-01, Uni Hill Town Centre, 1-3 Janefield Drive Bundoora VIC 308324/05/2021 4:50pm – 5:50pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Burwood EastBurwood Teppanyaki House 145 Burwood Highway Burwood East VIC 315122/05/2021 7:30pm – 9:40pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
CarltonRMIT Campus, Building 56 115 Queensberry Street Carlton VIC 305321/05/2021 8:00am – 10:30amCase attended Building 56Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
CarnegieBicycle Superstore 1030 Dandenong Road Carnegie VIC 316323/05/2021 3:33pm – 4:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Clifton HillMcDonald’s Clifton Hill – Dine-in Only 199 Queens Parade Clifton Hill VIC 306822/05/2021 6:00pm – 7:00pmCase dined inside venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
CoburgBP Southvale 303 Bell Street Coburg VIC 305822/05/2021 8:10am – 8:30amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
CoburgThe Nicholson Coffee House 6/14-20 Nicholson Street Coburg VIC 305822/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pmCase sat inside cafeAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
CoburgRitchies IGA Pentridge 1 Champ Street Coburg VIC 305824/05/2021 6:45pm – 7:25pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
CoburgIGA Coburg 12-20 Nicholson Street Coburg VIC 305822/05/2021 2:30pm – 2:50pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
CohunaCohuna Football and Netball Club, Cohuna Recreation Reserve Island Road Cohuna VIC 356822/05/2021 12:00pm – 5:00pmCase watched multiple netball games, visited canteen (inside) and used outdoor public toiletsAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
DocklandsMarvel Stadium – (Level 1 Aisles 5-28 and Level 3 Aisles 6-29) 740 Bourke St Docklands VIC 300823/05/2021 4:30pm – 7:30pmCase attended facilityAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
DocklandsMarvel Stadium – all other zones not individually listed 740 Bourke St Docklands VIC 300823/05/2021 4:30pm – 7:30pmCase attended venueAnyone 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.
EppingALDI Epping 347-371 Dalton Road Epping VIC 307623/05/2021 6:00pm – 7:30pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
EppingChemist Depot Epping, Pacific Epping Shoping Centre 571-583 High Street Epping VIC 307623/05/2021 11:15am – 12:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
EppingChemist Warehouse Shop 15, Dalton Village, 351-371 Dalton Road Epping VIC 307619/05/2021 6:45pm – 8:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
EppingColes Epping Shop Number Q002. Pacific Epping Cooper Street & High street Epping VIC 307620/05/2021 6:45pm – 7:35pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
EppingEpping North Shopping Centre 2 Lyndarum Drive Epping VIC 307622/05/2021 4:45pm – 5:50pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
EppingHouse and Party (store) 2 Lyndarum Drive Epping VIC 307622/05/2021 5:15pm – 5:50pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
EppingJMD Grocers & Sweets 768 High Street Epping VIC 307617/05/2021 10:30am – 1:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
EppingNando’s Epping (Dalton Rd) Shop 17 Dalton Village, 351-371 Dalton Road Epping VIC 307619/05/2021 8:30pm – 9:20pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
EppingThe Furniture Trader 102-120 Cooper Street Epping VIC 307618/05/2021 12:00pm – 12:50pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
EppingUrban Diner Food Court, Pacific Epping Shopping Centre 571-583 High Street Epping VIC 307623/05/2021 1:15pm – 2:30pmCase 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.
EppingWoolworths Epping Shop Number Q003. Pacific Epping Cooper Street & High street Epping VIC 307620/05/2021 6:25pm – 7:15pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
EppingWoolworths Epping North Shop 13, 2 Lyndarum Drive Epping VIC 307622/05/2021 4:45pm – 5:45pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Fairfield7-Eleven Fairfield East 324 Station street Fairfield VIC 307823/05/2021 7:45pm – 8:00pmCase attended venueAnyone 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 NorthSecco and Co 414 Nicholson Street Fitzroy North VIC 306822/05/2021 7:35pm – 8:55pmCase attended partyAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
LalorDeep Indian Supermarket 3/494 High Street Lalor VIC 307520/05/2021 7:00pm – 8:30pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
LalorEverfresh Fruit Market 346 Station Street Lalor VIC 307519/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
LalorFruits of Lalor 328 Station Street Lalor VIC 307519/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
LalorNo. 1 Fruit Market 37 May Road Lalor VIC 307519/05/2021 12:00pm – 1:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
MaribyrnongHighpoint 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 303220/05/2021 5:15pm – 6:35pmCase attended venue. If you attended one of the shops listed as Tier 1 (Lush Cosmetics, Toyworld, Smiggle, Kidstuff, Ishka), see specific shop instructionsAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
MaribyrnongIshka, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 303220/05/2021 5:45pm – 6:20pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
MaribyrnongKidstuff, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 303220/05/2021 5:20pm – 5:55pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
MaribyrnongLush Cosmetics, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 303220/05/2021 6:05pm – 6:35pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
MaribyrnongSmiggle, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 3, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 303220/05/2021 5:55pm – 6:30pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
MaribyrnongToyworld, Highpoint Shopping Centre Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong VIC 303220/05/2021 5:30pm – 6:20pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
MelbourneBamboo House 47 Little Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 300021/05/2021 11:00am – 11:50amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Mill ParkBunnings Warehouse 761 Plenty Road Mill Park VIC 308220/05/2021 4:00pm – 6:30pmCase attended venueAnyone 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 ParkDegani, Westfield Plenty Valley 415 Mcdonalds Road Mill Park VIC 308223/05/2021 11:30am – 2:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
MordiallocThe Sporting Globe Mordialloc 590 Main Street Mordialloc VIC 319523/05/2021 6:17pm – 9:43pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
ParkvilleMelbourne Swordcraft Ransford Oval, Park Street Parkville VIC 305221/05/2021 5:45pm – 10:30pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneBay 101 Cafe 7/101 Bay Street Port Melbourne VIC 320724/05/2021 7:30am – 8:20amCase sat inside venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbournePort Park Cafe 7/484 Graham St Port Melbourne VIC 320724/05/2021 12:30pm – 1:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneThe Local, Port Melbourne 22-24 Bay Street Port Melbourne VIC 320721/05/2021 1:40pm – 3:30pmCase dined inside venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneThe Local, Port Melbourne 22-24 Bay Street Port Melbourne VIC 320721/05/2021 1:30pm – 3:30pmCase dined inside venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneStratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 320720/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneStratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 320721/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneStratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 320722/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneStratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 320723/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneStratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 320724/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Port MelbourneStratton Finance HQ 1/435 Williamstown Road Port Melbourne VIC 320725/05/2021 12:00am – 11:59pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
PrahranSomewhere Bar 181 Chapel Street Prahran VIC 318122/05/2021 10:30pm – 1:00amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
PrahranThree Monkeys 210 Chapel Street Prahran VIC 318122/05/2021 9:10pm – 11:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
PrahranThree Monkeys 210 Chapel Street Prahran VIC 318123/05/2021 12.30am – 2:00amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
PrestonAdams Reserve Playground Milton Crescent Preston VIC 307223/05/2021 2:15pm – 3:45pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
PrestonALDI Preston South 15 Dundas Street Preston VIC 307223/05/2021 3:45pm – 4:25pmCase attended venueAnyone 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 HillNordie Cafe 1008 Mornington-Flinders Road Red Hill VIC 393722/05/2021 9:09am – 9:34amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
ReservoirB.T. Connor Reserve 200 Broadhurst Avenue Reservoir VIC 307321/05/2021 8:00pm – 11:30pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
ReservoirP & C Indian Grocery & Convenience Store 246 Broadway Reservoir VIC 307322/05/2021 6:00pm – 7:00pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
ReservoirShell Coles Express Reservoir 192-202 Broadway & Whitelaw Street Reservoir VIC 307318/05/2021 3:15pm – 4:15pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
ReservoirDoctors on Broadway 210A Broadway Reservoir VIC 307318/05/2021 2:00pm – 3:45pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
RichmondMelbourne Cricket Ground – Zone 4, Level 1 Brunton Avenue Richmond VIC 300223/05/2021 2:50pm – 6:30pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
RichmondMelbourne Cricket Ground – All of the Stadium, other than Zone 4, Level 1 Brunton Avenue Richmond VIC 300223/05/2021 2:50pm – 6:30pmCase attended venueAnyone 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 MelbourneThe Palace Hotel 505-507 City Road South Melbourne VIC 320521/05/2021 5:45pm – 6:45pmCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
South YarraCircus Bar 199 Commercial Road South Yarra VIC 318123/05/2021 1:30am – 4:15amCase attended venueAnyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
SouthbankCriniti’s Southbank 645 Freshwater Place Southbank VIC 300623/05/2021 6:00pm – 9:30pmCase attended venueAnyone 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”

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

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.

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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.

Australian Aquifers help recharge and reuse India’s groundwater

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.

Image source: 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.

Image source: Dr Robyn Johnston – ACIAR

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.

Image source: SDIP

Indian Australian offers $2 million scholarship for Nurses

Image source: IHM.
Image source: IHM.

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. 

Image source: Nurses – Wikipedia

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

arranged marriage Image source: Wikipedia
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

Covid-19 Outbreak Mask up Melbourne
Covid-19 Outbreak Mask up Melbourne

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.

  1. Masks will be mandatory for those over the age of 12 in indoor settings. This requirement includes workplaces within Metropolitan Melbourne.
  2. Private in-home gatherings are limited to five visitors per day.
  3. 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

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

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.

Image source: YouTube.

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

Bitcoin crash: Picture Source; @Canva
Bitcoin crash: Picture Source; @Canva

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.

Bitcoin: Picture Source; @Canva

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

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

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.

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.”

Image source: AHA

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.

Image source: AHA.

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.

Image source: AHA.

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.

Image source: AHA.

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?

‘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.

image.png
Dr Sakul Kundra

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

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

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

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.”

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.”

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

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

Victoria Covid19 Testing site; Picture Source: Twitter Vic Health
Victoria Covid19 Testing site; Picture Source: Twitter Vic Health

Denis Muller, The University of Melbourne

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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”.

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?

Image source: Central Vista Project - Wikipedia.

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.

Image source: Modi – Twitter.

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

Image source: yoga day - wikipedia.

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

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

Image source: NZ Herald - supplied Mr Lal.

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.

Image source: NZ Herald – supplied Mr Lal.

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

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

Image source: Govind Kant - Facebook.

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.

Image source: Govind Kant – Facebook.

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.”

Image source: Govind Kant – Facebook.

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

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.

Image source: Wikipedia.

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.

Image source: Gladys Berejiklian.

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. 

Representative image: Kirpan.

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:

Image source: 2GB

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

Representative Picture; Market @Canva
Representative Picture; Market @Canva

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.

Representative Picture; Market @Canva

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.

Representative Picture; Market @Canva
  • 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.

Picture Source: RubyGoes @Flickr

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

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

Australian cricketers return home
Australian cricketers return home

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.

Picture Source: Air Seychelles
Picture Source: Air Seychelles

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.

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

Image source: Neeru Samota - Facebook.
Image source: Neeru Samota - Facebook.

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.

Image source: Neeru Samota – Facebook.

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.”

Image source: Neeru Samota – Facebook

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).

Image source: Neeru Samota – Facebook.

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

Picture Source: VHP Australia

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.

Image source: Facebook Live screenshot.

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. 

May be an image of text

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.

Daniel Mookhey, Labor MLC, NSW Senate

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

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.

Image source: Telstra.

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

Picture Source: Facebook Ravi raghupathy
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

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

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
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.

Image source: Supermoon – Wikipedia.

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

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
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.

Image source: Quantas – Facebook.

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

Shafali Verma, Picture Source, Twitter @BCCI
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.

Shafali Verma, Picture Source, Twitter @BCCI

“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

Representative Picture: Qantas Airline; Picture Source: Canva
Representative Picture: Qantas Airline; Picture Source: Canva

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

Image Source: Prime Minister Scott Morrison -Twitter

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

Image: Wikipedia.

“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

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

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

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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

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.

Image source: Test kits – Wikipedia.

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.”

Image source: Wikipedia.

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.”

Dr Yadu Singh; Picture Source: Supplied


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

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

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.

Representative image: mined beef

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

Image source: Wikipedia.

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

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

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

Picture Source: Twitter @BCCI

“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

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.


Symbolic picture of Airport

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

Image source: Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell - cricket.com.au

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.

Picture Source: Twitter @Pat Cummins,
Picture Source: Twitter @Pat Cummins,

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

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, Picture Source: Instagram
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.

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, Picture Source: Instagram

“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.

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, Picture Source: Instagram

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

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

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

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

Image Source: Phadke09 - Wikipedia.

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 .

Image source: Twitter.

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

Indian Australians at airport, Picture Source: Gaura Travels
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.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison

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.

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.

Picture Source: Gaura Travels

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.”

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

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.

Image source: Scape – website.

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.

Image Source: Scpae – website.

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.

Image source: Scape – website.

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

Picture Sourece: Instagram Anupam Kher
Picture Sourece: Instagram Anupam Kher

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.”

Picture Source: Instagram Anupan Kher

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.”

“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

Picture Source: Instagram: Neroli Meadows
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.

“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.

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.

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

COVID 19 India, Picture Source: Twitter @Amitsingh
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

Image source: Twitter

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.

Image Source: Prime Minister Scott Morrison -Twitter

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’

Image source: Daily Telegraph cartoon, change.org

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?”

Image source: The Daily Telegraph.

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.”

Screenshot VHP Facebook page

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”

Delhi civic bodies approve cow dung for cremation amid increase in Covid deaths

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.

Image Source: Wikipedia.

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

Australia Support Package to India; Picture Source- Facebook @ScottMorrison
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.

Australia Support Package to India; Picture Source- Facebook @ScottMorrison

“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.”

Australia Support Package to India; Picture Source- Facebook @ScottMorrison
Australia Support Package to India; Picture Source- Facebook @ScottMorrison

“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.

Australia Support Package to India; Picture Source- Facebook @ScottMorrison

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

Michael Hussey; Picture Source: Twitter
Michael Hussey; Picture Source: Twitter

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.

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.

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.

Image
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

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.

Image Source: ABS.

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

Image Source: TransLink.

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.

,