Recently, a Brisbane couple were shocked to see their CCTV footage.
They ordered a meal-kit and their delivery failed to arrive.
But their CCTV footage shows an Indian-origin worker did deliver the HelloFresh box.
The young delivery man who is wearing a turban even took a photo of the box.
However, as per 7NEWS Brisbane report he soon left with the box in hand.
WATCH THE VIDEO: https://fb.watch/3Zylw6CMd-/
A 2020 report on organ and tissue donation and transplantation shows that despite the significant impact of COVID-19, around 4,000 Australians benefitted from the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation from a deceased donor.
The Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority, Mark Coulton, said the 2020 Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report confirms Australian generosity and willingness to give complete strangers a second chance through organ and tissue donation.
“This report shows that even when the chips are down and a global pandemic interrupts the national transplant program, Australian generosity shines through.
“Last year, despite the pandemic, some 1,644 Australians’ death provided the gift of life and sight to another Australian,” Minister Coulton said.
“We are very grateful to these Australians and their families for making organ, eye, and tissue donations possible.”
The report shows 1,270 Australian lives were saved through an organ transplant in 2020, due to the generosity of 463 deceased organ donors and their families. The report also shows 2,277 Australians received corneal transplants in 2020 from 1,318 donors.
“A corneal transplant can make a remarkable difference to someone’s quality of life.
“More than 23,500 Australians have thankfully received the gift of sight since the national program began in 2009,” Minister Coulton said.
Minister Coulton said it is important to also recognise the great power of tissue donation.
“Whether they gave heart valves to repair genetic defects in young children or skin grafts to help treat infection and trauma, the 290 deceased tissue donors in 2020 made a great difference to many lives.
“Last year, 182 living donors improved the lives of another Australian; predominantly by donating kidneys and in one case, a partial liver.
“Living donors make an incredibly generous sacrifice to improve the life of someone else.
“Organ transplants are not without risk to those who donate, and their act of kindness mustn’t be understated,” Minister Coulton said.
Last year, just 29 kidney transplants took place in Australia from living donors through the Australia and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange Program. This figure represents a 42 per cent drop compared to 2019.
Organ and Tissue Authority CEO, Lucinda Barry, said 2020 outcomes were primarily impacted by the program’s suspension due to COVID-19 concerns in early-March, with the program gradually returning in earnest from September.
“The reality is there were 210 fewer kidney transplants across living and deceased transplant programs, mostly due to the impact of transplant program suspensions,” Ms Barry said.
“These suspensions were a responsible reaction to concerns within the health sector for hospital capacity and transplant patient welfare as the global pandemic took hold in Australia.”
Minister Coulton said the report once again demonstrates the need for more Australians to discuss donation with their friends and family and to register as a donor.
“We need all Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation, to understand what they and their loved ones wish, and to register to become a donor at donatelife.gov.au,” Mr Coulton said.
“It takes less than a minute.”
The 2020 Australia Donation and Transplantation Activity Report is available at: donatelife.gov.au/outcomes.
Work dress codes – office wear – has changed during the COVID pandemic.
People have started experimenting and created Zoom shirt.
According to Urban Dictionary this is a:
“shirt or blouse that’s kept on the back of your desk chair to quickly be presentable for video conferences”.
Now, thanks to two Japanese companies, here comes the latest suit and loungewear: the Work From Home Jammies or just pyjama suit.
The WFH Jammies described as: “business on the top, loungewear on the bottom”.
Taichi Ito, the deesigner, came up with the idea when his wife was on a Zoom call.
He told The Guardian:
“One day my wife changed into casual office clothes to attend a video meeting. I thought, ‘that’s not a good way to enjoy her time working from home’ and thought it would be a good idea to have loungewear that was formal only for the part of the body shown on the video screen.”
The top half of the garment that is visible to your colleagues on a screen resembles a crisp, collared shirt and the bottom half is a darker colour and resembles a sweatshirt.
By the time we go back to office, our plight will be just like Harjas Sethi.
In an epic video, Harjas went on to hilariously rant about sacrificing the luxuries of work from home on social media.
Recently, a Twitter user shared AI-generated images of prominent Indian freedom fighters.
The animated image of Bhagat Singh is so ‘surreal’ that it looks like the brave heart has been brought to life and smiling at you.
Bhagat Singh was executed at the young age of 23 by the British.
He has attained the status of a folk hero of the Indian independence movement.
Sasidharan used the technology on Bhagat Singh, Lokmanya Tilak, Kasturba Gandhi, Premchand, Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda.
From his Twitter account, Keerthik Sasidharan (@KS1729) shared a series of old pictures of Indian historic figures such as Swami Vivekananda.
Sasidharan revealed that he used the ‘Heritage AI algorithm’ to create these surreal animated images.
This algorithm helped him add facial animations such as smiles, nods, blinks and head tilts to still portrait photos.
Manpreet Vohra year 1988 IFS officer has been appointed High Commissioner of India in Australia.
He is presently Ambassador of India to Mexico.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs has notified in an statement, he is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Mr Vohra’s appointment comes at a time India-Australia ties are at an upswing and the two countries are stepping up cooperation particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Anjali Sharma (Anj), a 16-year-old climate change activist, is all geared up to fight a legal battle against the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment.
In her statement, she observed:
“Every consecutive summer is labelled ‘the worst summer this country has ever faced’, and yet instead of addressing this crisis more mines are being given the green light. This has to stop and I am proud to be doing something to help stop it.”
She is a year 11 student at the Huntingtower School in Melbourne’s east and is involved with the environmental action group School Strike for Climate.
Eight young people from around Australia, represented by Equity Generation Lawyers, and with the assistance of 86 year-old litigation guardian Sister Brigid Arthur, are bringing a class action against the Federal Minister for the Environment.
The case – Anjali Sharma & others v Minister for Environment – was filed on 8 September 2020.
The trial in this landmark case commences 10:15am on Tuesday, 2 March 2021 (Melbourne time).
According to Equity Generation Lawyers’ webpage:
“Our clients argue that the Minister has a duty to protect young people from the devastating impacts of climate change and that allowing the Vickery Extension Project to be built would breach that duty. They are asking the Court to grant an injunction to prevent the Minister from doing so.”
A spokesperson for the Environment Minister told media that the government would not comment while the matter was before the courts.
The Minister filed her Concise Statement in Response, effectively a defence, on 29 October 2020.
The applicants finalised their evidence in December 2020. The Minister did not file any evidence.
The five-day trial will determine the future of the proposed Vickery open-cut coal mine extension in NSW.
Anjali Sharma’s message on her lawyer’s webpage notes:
” I will stand for the millions of people with similar stories to tell and similar experiences, who will be put in danger if this mine goes ahead, and together we will do our best to bring this climate-wrecking project to the ground.”
People can live stream the trial from anywhere in the world at the following link.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi on Monday.
“Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19,” tweeted PM Modi.
Appealing to people to take the vaccine, PM tweeted, “I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!”
PM Modi flagged-off the first phase of the pan-India rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16, 2021
According to the Health Ministry of India, the country is all set to start the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination on Monday (March 1), 2021, for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.
To ramp up the COVID-19 vaccination capacity, around 10,000 private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and more than 600 private hospitals under the Central Government Health Scheme will be utilised.
Other private hospitals impanelled under State Govts Health Insurance Scheme can also participate as COVID-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs).
The first vials of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has landed in Australia.
This will double Australia’s number of vaccine doses.
An Emirates plane carried 300,000 doses of the vaccine landed at the Sydney Airport at about 9.30am on Sunday.
According to the ABC, the vaccine doses have been transported to a storage facility in Western Sydney.
Here, it will be kept under tight security.
This is the second vaccine to be approved for use in Australia.
This is also the vaccine that is to be administered to the majority of the Australian population.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt told The Age that the delivery was “another point of hope” and “another point of protection” in the global pandemic which has claimed more than 2.5 million lives worldwide.
He added there would be 200,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines sent to the states on March 8.
On the arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Prime Minister Scott Morrisson told media:
“This is the next step as we ramp up the vaccine rollout. The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will undergo the same rigorous TGA process to batch check the vaccine that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine underwent. We will now be able to scale up the vaccination rollout to our priority groups, including our most vulnerable Australians and to our frontline border and health workers.”
Till now, 30,000 Australians had been vaccinated against coronavirus including 8110 aged care, disability residents at 117 care facilities and frontline health and quarantine workers.
A Pakistani stand-up comedian’s video on how to speak English like Shashi Tharoor has gone viral.
The video was shared on Twitter by comedian Akbar Chaudry.
In the video, Akbar Chaudry hilariously talks about ways one can try and speak like Shashi Tharoor.
Akbar shared the video with the caption:
“How to speak English like @ShashiTharoor #ShashiTharoor #Defenestrate #Farrago #Floccinaucinihilipilification (sic).”
He showed three steps in which any one can perfectly master Tharoor’s impeccable English.
Tharoor is known for his impeccable fluency in the English language and has recently released a ‘Tharoorosauras’.
In the first step, Akbar throws a copy of Oxford Dictionary into a juicer and then drinks the mixture.
In the next step, he sits on a sofa with two drips connected to his arms – one connected to a laptop playing Tharoor’s video and another to a saline bottle marked Oxford Dictionary.
In the last step, he puts the dictionary into a pestle and mortar to grind it into a mixture and then snorting the powder.
After these simple steps, Akbar starts speaking like Shashi Tharoor.
The funny part is that he is actually lip-syncing to the politician’s viral speeches.
Take a look at Akbar Chaudry hilariously video:
The Government of India is conducting country’s first Toy Fair that will be hosted virtually over a period of four days between February 27 and March 2, 2021.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India’s first toy fair and talked to many toy makers. He said:
“In the field of toys, India has tradition and technology, India has concepts and capabilities. We can take the world back to eco-friendly toys, bring our stories of India to the world through the computer games of our software engineers.”
PM Modi again shared his vision of building a new Atmanirbhar Bharat by the year 2022 to mark 75 glorious years of India’s Independence. He said:
“A new India that will merge the best of tradition with a modern, global outlook.”
India’s local toy & games industry is set to play a crucial role in realising these aspirations.
PM Modi appealed to local toy makers to use their skills in creating sustainable toys for the whole world:
“Today I want to appeal to the toy makers of the country to make toys that are good for both ecology and psychology! Can we try to use plastic at least in toys? Use recyclable materials.”
Speaking about their participation in the event, Vivek Goyal, Co-Founder and CEO, PlayShifu, said told media:
“The Indian toy market, estimated at approximately $1 billion, is growing by 10-15% every year. Educational/STEM toys account for over 30% of all toys. More parents are investing in smart toys that are both fun and educational. We are thrilled to have opportunities like the Toy Fair 2021 that help Indian companies ride these trends.”
The website for the India Toy Fair 2021 was launched on February 11 and will enable children, parents, teachers, exhibitors, etc. to register themselves to participate in the virtual toy fair which will showcase various facets of the Indian toy ecosphere.
In addition, the Government of India has also launched ‘Toycathon’, an online toy hackathon for innovative toys/games concepts.
“Toycathon-2021 is conceived to challenge India’s innovative minds to conceptualize novel Toy and Games based on Bharatiya civilization, history, culture, mythology and ethos.It has seen a great response from toy loving students, teachers, start-ups and toy experts/professionals.”
Currently, India’s toy market stands at around 1.5 Billion USD, which primarily is dominated by imported toys.
Did you know that insects make up more than 70% of Australia’s biodiversity?
The team at the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) in Canberra, ACT, have opened their doors for public to take a rare virtual tour of their amazing collection, facility and researchers.
There are over 12 million specimens housed in the Collection which is maintained by CSIRO Entomology.
World’s largest collection of Australian insects also includes other invertebrates such as nematodes, mites, spiders, earthworms, scorpions and centipedes.
This is an important research collection used by CSIRO researchers, university staff and students, and scientists from Australian and international research organisations.
As insects play an important role in maintaining Australia’s biodiversity, here’s your chance to learn about them during lockdown.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show 10,640 incoming passengers to Australia marked “visitor” on their entry card in December 2020.
This included 2,480 Australian citizens returning Australians that month.
So, nearly a third of the 35,000 international travellers were visitors rather than returning residents.
The three leading source countries where visitors came from were: New Zealand (2,520 trips), The USA (1,000), and The UK (880).
ABS’ other key findings for visitor arrivals to Australia include:
Based on the number registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), about 39,000 Australians are stranded overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Out of these around 5000 are considered vulnerable.
A federal government spokesperson told media:
“The government prioritises facilitated flights where the need is the greatest based on registrations of Australians in vulnerable situations and the availability of commercial flight options.”
DFAT had helped over 41,000 Australians return since March 2020.
This number includes more than 15,000 people on 109 government-facilitated flights.
There were also 2,890 arrivals, people moving to Australia for the first time as new migrants with permanent visas.
Arriving travellers paid $3,000 for one adult aged over 18 in hotel quarantine, and then $1,000 for each extra adults, plus $500 for children.
A total of 824 assembly constituencies shall be going for polls in four states–Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam– and the Union Territory of Puducherry, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Friday.
The polling in these states will start on March 27 and end on April 29. The counting of votes for elections to four states and one UT will be held on May 2.
Tamil Nadu assembly elections to be held in a single phase on April 6,
Kerala also goes to polls on April 6;
Assam assembly elections to be held in 3 phases–
1st phase of polling- March 27,
second phase polling- April 1
and third phase of polling- April 6,
West Bengal will witness eight-phased Assembly polls beginning March 27.
1- 30 Assembly constituencies in five districts will go to polls in the first phase on March 27.
2- 30 Assembly constituencies in four districts will go to polls in the second phase on April 1.
3- 31 Assembly constituencies in 3 districts will go to the polls on April 6.
4- 44 Assembly constituencies in five districts will go for polling on April 10.
5- 45 Assembly constituencies in six districts will witness polling on April 17.
6- 43 Assembly constituencies in four districts in the sixth phase will go to polls on April 22.
7- 36 Assembly constituencies in five districts in the seventh phase will go for polling on April 26.
8- 35 Assembly constituencies in four districts will witness polling on April 29.
Puducherry elections to be held on 6th April.
Counting of all votes will be held on May 2.
With this, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force immediately in four states and Puducherry after the announcement of the election dates.
The terms of the legislative assemblies of five states — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry — will come to an end either in May or in June this year.
Elections for the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal that comprises 294 seats will be held soon as the current tenure ends on May 30.
For the Assembly Elections 2021, the Election Commission has issued a protocol for voting. All poll officials will be vaccinated against Covid-19 before elections for five assembly polls, the commission said.
ECI guidelines for the upcoming elections include– door-to-door campaigning to be restricted to five persons including the candidate, polling officials to be vaccinated, separate norms for suspected COVID-19 patients.
Chenab bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, is all set to be completed in March 2021.
On the construction of this engineering marvel, Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishan Reddy had said in Parliament:
“Since the last two years, speedy development is happening in Jammu and Kashmir, when compared to the last 70 years. Both the Centre and the J&K government are trying to develop the region and will do more.”
The length of the Chenab bridge will be 1,315 metres with 17 spans.
Out of this the span of the main arch across Chenab river will be 467 metres.
Railways minister Piyush Goyal said on Twitter: “Infrastructural Marvel in Making: Indian Railways is well on track to achieve another engineering milestone with the steel arch of Chenab bridge reaching at closure position. It is all set to be the world’s highest Railway bridge.”
According to Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) officials, the Chenab bridge is being constructed 359 metres above Chenab’s river bed and will be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower (which has a height of 324 metre).
Modern wind tunnel tests were performed in Denmark to finalise the design.
Chenab bridge is made up of steel arches.
The slopes of the mountains supporting the foundations of the main arch have been stabilised.
This bridge will also have a “security setup” against possible threats from terrorists and earthquakes.
The bridge will be a key link in the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal which is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Kashmir Railway project.
Apart from the Chenab bridge, this rail link will also feature India’s longest railway tunnel (T-49) at 12.75 kilometres.
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CEOs like Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella are among the top 100 most overpaid CEOs.
This was revealed in a new report from As You Sow.
Founded in 1992, As You Sow is a non-profit leader in shareholder advocacy.
As You Sow’s list instead of using the size of a CEO’s salary, focuses on the corporate responsibility.
This way they are able to identify whether or not a CEO is being overpaid.
As You Sow takes three main factors into account:
According to their report, Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai receives a pay of $280,621,552 – the highest overpaid CEO.
Microsoft’s CEO Nadella makes $ 42,910,215.
Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has a pay of $23,415,973.
According to this study, nine companies that are in the list are performing worse than those that have never been mentioned.
These nine companies include: Discovery, Walt Disney, Comcast, AT&T, Goldman Sachs, IBM, McKesson, Ralph Lauren, and Regeneron.
As You Sow has published this report annually since 2015.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has announced its draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, for social media platforms, OTT players & digital media.
It also inclkudes significant recommendations on asking social media companies to give out the originator of a message or tweet as the case may be.
This means that the Indian government is posing new challenges for social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and Netflix.
These firms count as Asia’s third-largest economy as their key overseas market.
Briefing the media, Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar welcomed social media platforms to do business in India.
“We have received many complaints that some of the content on social media is impinging on the dignity of many users.”
They praised the social media giants for garnering popularity and good number of users in India.
But the ministers pointed out that it is very important to regulate the the actions of social media agencies in India.
The government wants social media companies to have a mechanism to address complaints from users.
“If there are complaints against the dignity of users, particularly woman that exploits their private parts of individuals or nudity or in sexual acts, impersonation, etc, you will be required to remove that within 24 hours”
The Ministers said that any content involving nudity, morphed pictures of women have to be removed within 24 hours of order.
These Rules will come in effect from the date of their publication in the gazette.
The Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), a powerful industry body that represents nearly all on-demand streaming services in India, have expressed concerns over the new proposed regulation.
Ravi Shankar Prasad said:
“There is a rationale behind framing the new guidelines. The Supreme Court had asked us to frame guidelines to cut down hate content and there are also many orders of the high courts. … The government has done widespread consultation after drafting the rules.”
With the new rules, India joins Australia and other countries across the world trying to regulate social media platforms.
The number of user base on these platforms in India are as follows: WhatsApp 53 crore; YouTube 44.8 crore; Facebook 41 crore; Instagram 21 crore; and Twitter 1.75 crore.
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Recently, Shiv Rajput shared a post in Hindi on his Facebook page detailing how people in Australia have been contributing towards the building of the Shri Ram Janamsthan Temple in India.
He commended the work of Anand Katira, an Adelaide-based businessman, who has collected and donated Rs 550,000.
Anand has also motivated his Australian shoppers to donate generously for this noble cause by creating awareness about this historocal event.
Shri Ram Janamsthan Mandir is an under-construction Hindu temple at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi (Lord Rama’s Birthplace).
The bhoomi pujan ceremony was performed on 5 August 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Apart from taking donations, Anand has also been busy inviting his Australian customers to visit the Shri Ram Janmasthan Temple in Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) once the construction is completed.
The Shri Ram Janasthan temple trust has created an international contribution campaign.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that about US$210 million was endowed as of 13 February 2021.
Riding on brilliant spells of spin bowling from Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin, India registered a comprehensive 10-wicket win over England in the pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday to go 2-1 up in the four-match series. In the end, English skipper Joe Root winning the toss and batting first meant nothing as the visitors were completely outplayed in the game.
Chasing 49 for a win, India raced home with 10 wickets in the bag as Rohit Sharma (25) and Shubman Gill (15) looked in a hurry to finish proceedings. Rohit finished it off in style by sending Root into the mid-wicket stands. The win has taken India one step closer to the final of the World Test Championship. But the star of the show was hometown boy Axar as he finished with 11 wickets in the game (six in the first innings and five in the second). Senior partner Ashwin wasn’t to be left too far behind as he picked four wickets to finish with 7 in the game. Interestingly, the off-spinner also became the second-fastest to 400 Test wickets during England’s second innings when he trapped Jofra Archer plumb in front.
Root and Jack Leach’s domination in the opening session on the second day was indication enough that the English batsmen would have their task cut out in the second innings. And that is exactly how it panned out as Axar picked his third consecutive fifer in Test cricket.
It all started from the first ball of England’s second innings as Axar took the new ball and immediately sent back first innings’ top-scorer Zak Crawley for a duck. The flow of wickets didn’t stop from thereon with only Root (19) and Ben Stokes (25) looking like they were in with a chance to take England’s total past the 100-run mark.
But clearly, the Indian spinners had other ideas as they kept picking wickets in quick succession to ensure that the game didn’t roll out of their comfort zone for a second. Washington Sundar picked the last England wicket as he sent back James Anderson (0) to see the visitors’ innings folded up for 81 — their lowest in Test cricket against India.
Earlier, India lost seven wickets in 20.2 overs in the first session of the second day as the visitors rode on skipper Root’s maiden fifer. In the end, the hosts managed 145 in their first essay — a lead of 33 runs.
Root became the first England skipper since Bob Willis in 1983 to take a Test fifer as he finished with figures of 5/8 from 6.2 overs. Leach finished with figures of 4/54 from his 20 overs as Rohit Sharma (66) was the best batsman on display for the hosts. The rest had no answer to Root and Leach on a wicket that was turning square at times on the second afternoon.
Interestingly though, the ball that didn’t turn caused much damage on the first two days as the batsmen have found it tough to adapt to the skidding pink ball.
Starting the day on 99/3, Rohit did not have Ajinkya Rahane’s company for long as India’s Test deputy was out for 7 minutes after passing England’s first innings total. His lack of consistency will be a concern for the team management.
While Leach got the ball to skid onto Rahane and the batsman faltered by going back to a full ball, Rohit was the next to go as he missed a sweep off the left-arm spinner.
It was the Root show after that as he started with the wicket of dangerman Rishabh Pant. While Pant pushed away from the body and was caught by keeper Foakes, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel went back in quick succession without bothering the scorers.
While Sundar was a classic off-spinner’s dismissal for Root, Axar tried to attack the spinner from the word go and ended up giving a simple catch to Sibley at short extra cover. Ashwin and Ishant Sharma did try their bit as they hit 17 and 10* respectively, but it was clearly Root’s afternoon as the Indian lower-order had no answer to his disciplined effort.
This after England were bundled out for 112 in the first innings with only Zak Crawley managing to hit 53. Of the 30 wickets that fell in the game, 28 were picked by spinners with Ishant Sharma and Jofra Archer picking one wicket apiece.
Brief Scores: England 112 and 81 (Ben Stokes 25; Axar Patel 5/32); India 145 and 49/0 (Rohit Sharma 25*, Shubman Gill 15*).
A street fight among “chaat seller” in Uttar Pradesh’s Bagpath went viral on social media.
This brawl left 12 injured and eight in police custody.
Police officer MS Rawat told media:
“Two chaat shop owners clashed with each other in Baraut over getting more customers to their stall. Eight people have been arrested from both sides.”
Harendra, who claims to have a 40-year-old establishment, was among the eight men arrested after the fight.
Now famous on social media as ‘Chacha’ or ‘Einstein’, Hirendra told ANI:
“They kept drawing my customers away…they kept telling them come to our shop, his food is last night’s…The customers would return my chaat.”
For about 20 minutes, the eight men from two rival chaat stalls started beating each other on the road with iron rods and sticks.
‘Ozzy Man Reviews‘, a Perth-based Australian influencer, has now provided a hilarious commentary on this chaotic street fight.
On the occasion of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 58th birthday, Gangubai Kathiawadi teaser has been released by the makers.
The movie is based on the life of one of the famous madams from brothels in Mumbai’s infamous red light area, Kamathipura.
It stars Alia Bhatt in the titular role and also has a special appearance by actor Ajay Devgn.
Gangubai Kothewali, in the 1960s, was owner of many brothels and wielded immense power and influence in Mumbai.
Gangubai was born in Kathiawad, Gujarat, into a family of lawyers.
She ran away from home with one of her father’s clerk to become an actress in Mumbai.
On reaching Mumbai, she found the reality to be very different – her lover sold her off in Kamathipura for a sum of ₹500.
In time, her fame grew and she became one of the most prized sex workers of Kamathipura.
Soon, with the help of underworld don Karim Lala, she became a powerful figure.
Gangubai was well-known for her saris with gold borders and sari blouses with gold buttons.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali has used a chapter from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ to make this film.
Babuji Rawji Shah, who claimed to be Kathiawadi’s adopted son, filed a suit against Bhansali, Alia and Hussain Zaidi.
In 2020, Shah claimed the chapter of Zaidi’s book, from which Bhansali’s film is adapted, was false, wrong and portrayed a negative image of his mother, showing her to be a sex worker, a mafia queen, and running a brothel in an area with links to underworld gangsters.
However, the court accepted the arguments made on behalf of the filmmaker.
WATCH VIDEO: Gangubai Kathiawadi | Official Teaser | Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia Bhatt | 30th July 2021
During his public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred controversy.
He compared his experience as an MP from Wayanad to that of Amethi.
Rahul Gandhi emarked:
“For the first 15 years, I was an MP in the north. I had got used to a different type of politics. For me, coming to Kerala was very refreshing because suddenly I found that people are interested in issues and not just superficially but going into detail in the issues.”
Rahul Gandhi is the Wayanad MP since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and has earlier been the MP from Amethi for 15 years.
Former Congress MLA from Rai Bareli Aditi Singh has opined that it is wrong to malign a previous constituency to impress the people of the current constituency:
“Maybe he did not mean it. Maybe he did not want to project it that way. But it is wrong to malign your previous constituency from where you contested elections, lost it is another story, but it is wrong to insult the previous constituency simply to praise the South which is your current constituency.”
Rahul Gandhi said:
“My experience now since I have been an MP, I have also got to understand the wisdom of people of Kerala. For the first 15 years, I was an MP in the north. I had got used to a different type of politics. For me, coming to Kerala was very refreshing because suddenly I found that people are interested in issues and not just superficially but going into detail in the issues.”
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal told ANI:
“I’m nobody to comment on what he (Rahul) said. He said it and he can explain in what context he said.”
With his comment Rahul Gandhi came in for severe criticism from BJP leaders and Union Ministers.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also targeted Gandhi, accusing him of “differentiating the country’s atmosphere”. He told media:
“Yours is a national party and you are differentiating the country’s atmosphere. This certainly raises a question about the level of your responsibility (as a national party leader).”
Listen to what people of Amethi have to say about their former MP’s comments.
Qantas Airline has previously announced to put up international tickets for sale from July 1 but now new plans have deferred these dates to Oct. 31, with the exception of flights to neighbouring New Zealand.
Highlights:
1- Flights to most international destinations to now resume late October 2021
2- Trans-Tasman flying to ramp up from July 2021
3- New flexibility for international bookings, with unlimited flight date changes
Australia closed its international borders last March except for citizens and permanent residents, forcing Qantas to ground its international fleet except for repatriation charters and cargo flights.
Qantas is planning to resume flights to 22 of its 25 pre-COVID international destinations including Los Angeles, London, Singapore, and Johannesburg from 31 October 2021.
Qantas won’t initially resume direct flights to New York, Santiago, and Osaka, but remains committed to flying to these three destinations. In the meantime, customers will be able to fly to these destinations under codeshare or Oneworld arrangements with partner airlines.
However, New Zealanders were allowed to enter without quarantine requirements from the end of last year, but some states temporarily revoked it on Wednesday after a new cluster emerged in its largest city of Auckland.
Border closures and speedy contact tracing have helped Australia keep its COVID-19 numbers relatively low. It has recorded just under 29,000 COVID-19 cases and 909 deaths since the pandemic began.
Indian union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik told News agency PTI that there is no concept of “mixopathy.”
He asserted that ayurvedic practitioners are also trained to perform surgeries.
“After completing their studies, the ayurvedic doctors undergo internship for one year. They are trained surgeons.”
Minister Naik said this before his discharge from the Goa Medical College and Hospital.
He was undergoing treatment for over a month for injuries he sustained in an accident near a village in Ankola Taluk of Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka.
“After the accident, President, Prime Minister, Home Minister and other ministers came here and met me. I thank them all.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised him to recover well.
Naik added that he may attend the Parliament session on March 8 on doctor’s advise.
When asked about the Indian Medical Association (IMA) opposing the Centre’s decision to allow ayurvedic doctors to perform surgeries, Naik said:
“We are introducing an Indian system of medicine to support the practice of allopathy.”
Naik said the Indian system of medicine has been forwarded to people of the country since centuries and its formula has not changed since then.
Today, wanted diamond merchant Nirav Modi will find out if he will be extradited back to India from the UK.
Nirav Modi is behind bars in Wandsworth Prison as he contests his extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering in the estimated $2-billion Punjab National Bank scam case.
The UK court’s ruling will come after nearly two-year-long legal battle.
Nirav Modi was arrested on an extradition warrant on March 2019 and the 49-year-old is expected to appear via video conferencing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The magistrates’ court ruling will then be sent back to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel for a sign off.
In India, Nirav Modi is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings.
One with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of letters of undertaking (LoUs) or loan agreements.
The second is with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.
Nirav Modi’s defence team led by barrister Clare Montgomery has argued around Modi’s deteriorating mental health condition.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian Government has challenged the defence’s stance and had called for an independent evaluation of medical records by a consultant psychiatrist.
Spinner Jack Leach dismissed Virat Kohli just before concluding minutes of the day’s play but Rohit Sharma hit fifty as India ended the opening day of the pink-ball Test against England in the driver’s seat at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.
At stumps, India’s score reads 99/3 with Rohit and Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten on 57 and one runs respectively. The hosts are trailing by 13 runs in the first innings with seven wickets in the bag. Ollie Pope put down a chance at gully as Jimmy Anderson nearly got rid of Kohli just before the concluding minutes of play and England could blame only themselves for not making any further inroads but Leach dismissed the Indian skipper to give the visitors some relief on the day one.
After surviving the five overs in the tricky twilight phase and then battling out for 14.5 overs and India lost their first wicket off the last ball of the 15th overs when Jofra Archer dismissed Shubman Gill for a 51-ball 11.
He skied an attempted pull to give Zak Crawley an easy catch. Minutes later, the hosts lost Cheteshwar Pujara as he was trapped in front by Jack Leach.
Meanwhile, Rohit continued his good form and completed his half-century. Rohit and Kohli also brought up the fifty runs partnership to steady the Indian ship after two quick wickets.
But Leach struck again to break the 64-run stand for the third wicket as Kohli chopped the ball onto his stumps.
Earlier, hometown boy Axar Patel and seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had a field day as India bundled out England for a paltry 112 in the first innings.
Earlier, hometown boy Axar Patel and seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had a field day as India bundled out England for a paltry 112 in the first innings.
Axar, playing in just his second Test, scalped six wickets while Ashwin returned with three wickets as the visitors were bowled out in just 48.4 overs. This was Axar’s second five-wicket haul in a row as he had scalped five in the second innings of the second Test as well.
Skipper Virat Kohli might have lost the toss in the third Test, but his bowlers ensured that the hosts dominated the first session.
Resuming the second session at 81/4, England got off to the worst possible start as both Ben Stokes (6) and Ollie Pope (1) were sent back to the pavilion. Stokes was trapped plumb in front of the wickets and as a result, Axar was rewarded with his third wicket. Ashwin on the other hand sent Pope packing for just 1.
If the former England players were critical of the Chepauk wicket, the lack of application from the English batsmen in the first innings of the third Test can have no excuse.
Playing down the wrong line was the crux of the story and just like the top-order batsmen, Jofra Archer (11) too tried to cut a straight delivery and was clean bowled by Axar as the visitors were reduced to 93/7. This was Axar’s fourth scalp in the innings.
Jack Leach (3), Stuart Broad (3), and Ben Foakes (12) all failed to stay at the crease for long and as a result, the hosts have given themselves the best possible chance to make this contest a one-sided affair.
Brief Scores: England 112 (Zak Crawley 53; Axar Patel 6-38); India 99/3 (Rohit Sharma 57*, Virat Kohli 27; Jack Leach 2-27)
The world’s largest cricket stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad was renamed the Narendra Modi Stadium.
It was inaugurated on Wednesday by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In his address, the President of India said:
“India is called the powerhouse or hub of cricket. So it is apt that the world’s biggest stadium is in our country.”
Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ahmedabad will become the city with state-of-the-art sports infrastructure of international standards.
“Coupled with the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, a sports complex will also be built in Naranpura. These three will be equipped to host any international sports event.”
The old stadium, with 49,000 seating capacity, was known as the Sardar Patel Cricket Stadium.
This new stadium has a 130,000-seat arena and is spread in over 220 acres on the Sabarmati river bank.
This stadium includes the world’s largest cricket stadium, a football stadium, a field hockey, a tennis stadium, an indoor swimming pool, facilities for athletics and track and field sports, indoor sports halls and arenas, skating area, and outdoor fields.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the renaming the cricket stadium.
In his attack, he also highlighted that this change comes at a time when Jay Shah, son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was the treasurer of the Indian cricket board BCCI.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel told PIB that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s name was never associated with the stadium in question.
“This stadium is owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) and it was always known as the Motera Stadium. So there is no question of renaming it now. It was Narendra Modi, who had first floated the idea to demolish the old stadium and build a new one when he was the GCA president.”
This is the first such public structure in India to be named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A 40-year-old Indian-origin woman in Singapore has pleaded guilty to torturing her 24-year-old Myanmarese-origin maid to death.
The prosecution told the court that Gaiyathiri Murugayan abused, starved, tortured and ultimately killed her maid in a manner that ‘would shock anyone’s conscience.’
Channel News Asia reports that Gaiyathiri could be jailed for life.
The report said that closed-circuit television footage from cameras installed in the house to monitor the victim and the children showed the abuse carried out in the last 35 days of the victim’s life.
She has pleaded guilty to 28 charges, including culpable homicide, voluntarily causing grievous hurt by starvation, voluntarily causing hurt by a heated substance and wrongful restraint that eventually led to the death of her maid.
The penalties for culpable homicide not amounting to murder in Singapore are life imprisonment and caning, or up to 20 years’ jail, a fine and caning.
As per media reports, a very prominent academic journal has retracted an article published by a Monash University faculty member.
The article was published in 2019 and after a university investigation, it was noted that the member had plagiarised a student’s work.
Dr Padma Murthi who a senior research fellow in the university’s Department of Pharmacology following an investigation into allegations of plagiarism was found guilty of publishing a significant part of the text in the paper “without knowledge, without consent and without correct attribution of the original author.”
The spokesperson for Monash University said:
“No other complaints have been made against the academic and there is nothing to indicate this has happened before.”
When contacted by The Age, Dr. Murthi claimed no wrongdoing but refused to answer any questions about the incident stating it was “a university matter”.
The retraction statement of the Netherlands-based publisher of the Biochimica et Biophysica Acta peer-reviewed journal reads:
“The publication was retracted by request of the authors following an investigation by Monash University performed following its Procedures for Investigating Code Breaches and in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.”
The spokesperson for Monash University said:
“No other complaints have been made against the academic and there is nothing to indicate this has happened before.”
Dr Murthi has some 195 publications to her name and 2684 citations on ResearchGate. She has held several positions at Monash University, University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Last week, in a shocking move, Facebook blocked all news on its platform in Australia.
This also inadvertently blocked information and government pages.
The Australian government has strongly criticised the move on the grounds that it demonstrated the “immense market power of these digital social giants.”
On Tuesday, Australia’s Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, announced a compromise had been reached with Facebook.
Will Easton, Facebook’s Australian managing director, confirmed this news in a blog post.
“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to reach an agreement with the Australian government and appreciate the constructive discussions we’ve had with treasurer Frydenberg and minister Fletcher over the past week.”
Treasurer Frydenberg told media that Australia had been a “proxy battle” for the rest of the world.
“I have no doubt that so many other countries are looking at what is happening here in Australia, because of this innovative code the Morrison government is now pursuing, so Facebook and Google have not hidden the fact that they know that the eyes of the world are on Australia, and that is why they have sought to get a code here that is workable.”
Facebook said it helped Australian publishers earn about A$407m last year.
Australia’s law would require payment for the sharing and posting of news links on Facebook.
However, the Australian government has also agreed that Facebook would be subject to the code would be given a month’s notice to comply.
Last week, the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers talked ahead of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad.
They tweeted to work together on common challenges like Covid 19, the circular economy, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific as comprehensive strategic partners.
Ronald Hall, Michigan State University
The idealization of light skin as the pinnacle of beauty affects self-esteem for women of color around the world. In many cultures, skin color is a social benchmark that is often used by people of color and whites alike in lieu of race. Attractiveness, marriageability, career opportunities and socioeconomic status are directly correlated with skin color.
As a result, many women of color seek chemical remedies to lighten their complexion. They have created a booming global business in bleach creams and injectables valued at US$8.6 billion in 2020; $2.3 billion was spent in the U.S. alone. The market is projected to reach $12.3 billion by 2027.
In my work in behavioral science and colorism, I studied the phenomenon of skin bleaching during a decade of travel around the world during which I visited every major racial group – and tracked the growth of this industry. The practice has both significant racial implications and health concerns. https://www.youtube.com/embed/IqsSG4qvWdo?wmode=transparent&start=0 A new Netflix documentary called ‘Skin’ explores the practice of skin bleaching in African culture.
As I stated during my interview on Oprah’s 2015 “Light Girls” documentary, while bleaching the skin is common, it’s both dangerous and potentially life-threatening because products contain steroids, hydroquinone bleach and mercury. The World Health Organization warns that skin bleaching can cause liver and kidney damage, neurological problems, cancer and, for pregnant women, stillbirth.
The practice is not new. It became popular in many African countries in the 1950s; today, about 77% of Nigerians, 27% of Senegalese and 35% of South African women bleach their skin. Indian caste-based discrimination was outlawed in 1950, but dark-skinned women (and men) are still persecuted – and fair skin remains a distinguishing social factor, associated with purity and elite status.
In the Middle East, the practice of bleaching is most common in Jordan, with 60.7% of women bleaching. The Brazilian government seems to sanction white skin over dark by encouraging immigration from Europe and discouraging persons of African descent.
Light skin is idealized in North America, but the phenomenon is contentious because bleaching is perceived as a desire to be white. So bleaching creams are marketed in the U.S. not to lighten skin, but to “erase blemishes” and “age spots.”
Their use in the U.S. spiked after the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized interracial marriage.
In the aftermath of the civil rights movement, dark-complected immigrants from developing countries flocked to the U.S., carrying with them an ideal of light-skinned beauty – and they bleached their skin to attain it. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kl2lpnoGyyw?wmode=transparent&start=0 Ideals of light-skinned beauty stemming from European colonization contributed to a lucrative bleach cream industry.
Bleach cream manufacturers now face growing pressure to address racism, with activists arguing that their products perpetuate a preference for lighter skin. In 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced that it will no longer sell two products marketed to reduce dark spots that were widely used as skin lighteners.
L’Oreal, the world’s largest producer of bleach creams, pledged to remove the words “white,” “fair,” and “light” from labels – but it will still manufacture these products.
Some among African countries have moved to ban bleaching creams. The success of the blockbuster film “Black Panther” has likewise sparked a movement celebrating dark skin, with hashtags including #melaninpoppin and #blackgirlmagic.
As I see it, public education and activism on this issue must prevail to protect the health and self-esteem of women of color. The failure of either will only prolong the problem – while sustaining an $8.6 billion bleach cream beauty industry.
Ronald Hall, Professor of Social Work, Michigan State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The program offers grants of $2000 to small businesses, including sole traders, regardless of whether they employ people or not. The grants will support businesses in eligible sectors who have incurred direct costs because of the circuit breaker action, such as the loss of perishable goods, flowers and booking cancellations, and cancellation fees and charges.
This new $92 million Business Costs Assistance Program is part of the Victorian Government’s $143 million Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package and will assist small businesses, including sole traders, in highly impacted sectors, such as hospitality, food wholesaling, tourism, events, and selected retail.
Businesses with an annual payroll of up to $3 million, whether they have employees or not, can receive grants of $2000.
To be eligible, you must:
Note on evidence of eligibility:
For a list of eligible sectors please see the Eligible ANZSIC classes.
Or download:
List of Eligible ANZSIC Classes – Business Costs Assistance Program (PDF 152.31 KB)
The program seeks to assist eligible businesses that have incurred costs as a direct result of the circuit breaker action announced on 12 February 2021 which may include, but are not limited to:
These costs may have been incurred prior to, on or after 12 February 2021. The costs must be incurred by the applying business, as defined by its ABN.
When applying for this grant you will need:
Please make sure your ABN registration information and, where required, ASIC registration, or relevant regulator information, is current.
Incomplete or incorrect information may delay your application assessment. Please complete the application correctly and provide all relevant documentation.
We will endeavour to process your application and notify you about the outcome within 10 business days. There may be delays if your application:
We consider the following circumstances when assessing your application:
You can only apply for one grant per ABN. If you have separate ABNs for your businesses, you must submit separate applications for each ABN. Each business (each ABN) must satisfy all the eligibility criteria.
Not-for-profit organisations with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $150,000 that are not registered for GST can apply for a grant. To be eligible, your organisation must meet all the other eligibility criteria.
The program will be open for applications until the date the program funds are exhausted or 11:59 pm on 16 March 2021, whichever is earlier.
Applicants should check that their details on the Australian Business Register websiteExternal link (opens in same window) are correct prior to submitting an application. This includes ensuring that the industry classification (ANZSIC class code) linked to their ABN registration correctly captures their primary business activity.
Complete all questions in the application form and sumbit it, so we can assess your application as quickly as possible.
You must certify that your business meets all eligibility criteria.
While you do not need to provide receipts, invoices, cancellation documents or other evidence of costs incurred with your application form, you must keep that evidence for 12 months if you receive a grant. The Victorian Government or our representatives may audit your application so you will need to produce evidence (such as receipts and invoices) at the request of the Victorian Government.
If any information in your application is false or misleading, you may be asked to repay the grant.
Devon Conway played a stunning knock before Ish Sodhi spun a web over Australia to help New Zealand register an emphatic win in the first T20I on Monday.
New Zealand thrashed Australia by 53 runs in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. If Conway starred with the bat for New Zealand, it was an all-round bowling performance from the hosts that saw them clinch the game. Australia had reduced New Zealand to 19/3 before Conway unleashed the beast within himself to hammer an unbeaten 99 off 59 balls and guided the hosts to 184/5.
The visitors never looked comfortable in the chase and kept losing wickets at regular intervals only to get dismissed for 131 runs. For New Zealand, Sodhi picked four while Boult and Southee scalped two wickets each.
Chasing 185 runs, Australia got off to the worst possible start as Tim Southee and Trent Boult both struck in their first overs. Southee ensured Finch’s lean patch continued while Boult dismissed Josh Philippe in the second over.
Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell too didn’t bother the scorers much and were soon in the dugout after Boult and Southee again wreaked havoc to reduce Australia to 19/4.
Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis tried rescuing Australia from the precarious position but spinner Ish Sodhi joined the party.
Sodhi came out firing on all cylinders and first broke the partnership of 37 runs between Marsh and Stonis and then dismissed Ashton Agar and Daniel Sams in the same over.
Marsh was the only batsman who got going for Australia but he too failed to convert a good start into a match-winning knock and was dismissed for 45.
Earlier after being asked to bat, New Zealand suffered an early jolt as Daniel Sams removed opener Martin Guptill for a duck off the third ball of the match.
If Guptill’s poor form wasn’t enough for the New Zealand players, the leading wicket-taker in the tenth season of Big Bash League (BBL) Jhye Richardson castled Tim Seifert in the third over to pile further misery on the Kiwis.
Skipper Kane Williamson’s wicket in the next over was an insult to the injury as New Zealand lost three wickets before the completion of the Powerplay.
Conway then along with Glenn Phillips put the New Zealand innings back on track. The duo added 74 runs for the fourth wicket before Marcus Stoinis came in front of New Zealand’s recovery.
Stoinis dismissed Phillips in the 13th over to reduce New Zealand to 93/4. Conway continued his fine form and completed his half-century in just 36 balls.
With seven overs left, Conway and James Neesham decided to go out all guns blazing on the Australian bowling attack. In the next three overs, the duo smashed 34 runs.
Richardson broke a fine partnership in the 17th over as he dismissed James Neesham but Conway continued his onslaught to steer New Zealand to 184/5 in the 20 overs.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 184/5 (Devon Conway 99*, Glenn Phillips 30; Jhye Richardson 2-31); Australia 131 (Mitchell Marsh 45, Ashton Agar 23; Ish Sodhi 4-28)
NASA has released the first video of the landing of the Perseverance rover on Mars.
The video showed the deployment of the parachute and the rover’s touchdown on the surface of the Red Planet.
Michael Watkins, director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said:
“These are really amazing videos … This is the first time we’ve ever been able to capture an event like the landing on Mars.”
WATCH VIDEO: Perseverance Rover’s Descent and Touchdown on Mars
Indian government had issued a set of revised guidelines for international arrivals.
This has been done keeping in mind the spread of mutant variants of coronavirus.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a tweet.
The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will come into effect from 23.59 hours on February 22 till further orders.
There are fresh guidelines for all international travellers coming/transiting through flights originating from the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
Guidelines for international arrivals effective 22 February:
For other passengers not falling in this category, the rules remain the same.
The other passengers will be subject to the existing exemptions and quarantine norms upon arrival.
Please note that scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23.
Flights to and from India are currently operated as per air bubble agreements with various countries.
Bollywood superstars Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar bagged Dadasaheb Phalke Awards for ‘Best Actor’ in the prestigious award ceremony held on Saturday.
The star-studded night that was held after a long span of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic honoured the talented artists for their outstanding contribution to the Indian cinema. Where Kiara Advani won the ‘Critic’s Best Actress’ award to Sushmita Sen who won ‘Best Actress-Web Series’, Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar bagged the ‘Best Actor’ award for their acclaimed performances in notable movies ‘Chhapaak’ and ‘Laxmi.
The official Instagram account of Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival announced the news. For the ‘Padmaavat’ star, they wrote, “Celebrating the dedication you’ve shown on the way to this achievement. Congratulations to @deepikapadukone for winning the “Best Actress” award at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2021. Team DPIFF wishes you the best for your future endeavors!!”
Deepika who played the protagonist in the film also marked her debut as a producer with this film.
Helmed by director Meghna Gulzar, the film is based on the real-life acid attack survivor Laxmi, who at the age of 15, was attacked allegedly by a spurned lover in 2005. Laxmi had to undergo several surgeries. Later, she took up the job of helping acid attack survivors and promoted campaigns to stop such attacks. Laxmi is a well-known advocate of stricter punishments in acid attack cases.
Meanwhile, for Akshay Kumar, the official Instagram account of Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival wrote, “Celebrating the dedication you’ve shown on the way to this achievement. Congratulations to @akshaykumar for winning the “Best Actor” award at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2021. Team DPIFF wishes you the best for your future endeavors!!”
‘Laxmi is the remake of the Tamil film ‘Kanchana,’ and has been directed by Raghava Lawrence. It starred Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani in the pivotal roles. The horror-comedy with a message for the need for equal rights for the third gender was premiered on November 9 2020 on DisneyPlus Hotstar.
Coronil, developed by yoga guru Ramdev-promoted Patanjali Ayurved has run into a controversy over claims of certification.
It is a medicine that claims to boost immunity against COVID-19.
At its launch, this product was billed by the company as the “first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19”.
On the big poster behind the delegates was written the claim that the “medicine” was CoPP and WHO GMP certified.
The WHO, however, has clarified in a tweet that it has not reviewed or certified any traditional medicine to treat or prevent COVID-19.
.@WHO has not reviewed or certified the effectiveness of any traditional medicine for the treatment #COVID19.— WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) February 19, 2021
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi citing ‘WHO’s clarification’ attacked the centre and tweeted.
I hope our Health Minister stops embarrassing the nation with such claims to promote Coronil.
I strongly believe in Ayurveda but to claim it as a WHO guaranteed cure against COVID &endorse it, is nothing but cheating as well as misleading the nation. https://t.co/keneIA0pyM— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) February 21, 2021
Patanjali said in a statement:
“Coronil has received the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) from the Ayush section of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation as per the WHO certification scheme.”
The press meet was also attended by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Last year in July, the AYUSH Ministry had banned Patanjali from selling it as a “cure” and sought information on its trials.
Baba Ramdev told media:
“We are using modern medicinal and scientific protocols and evidence-based research to prove the validity of Ayurvedic practices.”
Baba Ramdev also said that Ayurveda has been accepted and established in many countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
Later, Patanjali Ayurved managing director Acharya Balkrishna tweeted:
“We want to clarify to avoid confusion that our WHO GMP compliant COPP certificate to Coronil is issued by DCGI, Government of India. It is clear that WHO do not approve or disapprove any drugs. WHO works for building a better, healthier future for people all over the world.”
World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in the finals of the Australian Open 2021 here at the Rod Laver Arena to clinch his 9th Australian title.
This is the 18th Grand Slam win for the Serbian player. The Serbian Djokovic came out all guns blazing and it seemed as if he did not want to waste time in winning his 18th Grand Slam, but Medvedev eventually came back and the set was tied at 5-5. However, in the end, Djokovic showed his class to win the first set 7-5 in about 42 minutes.
The 33-year-old Djokovic made light work of Medvedev in the second set and the Serbian won the second set with ease and as a result, he was just one more set away from winning his ninth Australian Open title.
Djokovic had no trouble in winning the third set as well and with this, the Serbian ended up winning the match in straight sets.
Earlier, Djokovic had defeated Aslan Karatsev in the semi-finals while Medvedev had outclassed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals.
On Saturday, Japan’s Naomi Osaka had won her second Australian Open title after she defeated America’s Jennifer Brady in the finals.
Osaka outclassed Brady 6-4, 6-3 in the finals that were played at the Rod Laver Arena.
With this win, Osaka registered her fourth Grand Slam title and she also improved her ranking to the second spot.
Almost 60 years after Nagaland attained statehood, the Indian national anthem was played inside its assembly for the first time.
This historical event took place during the commencement of the seventh session of the assembly.
As can be seen in the video, everyone in attendance rose in unison when the national anthem was being played.
Nagaland became the 16th state of India on 1 December 1963.
Since 1946, Nagaland has had a troubled relationship with the Indian government because of the activities of some separatist groups.
In 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to various leaders after the signing of historic peace accord between Government of India and Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
Nagaland lawmakers proudly listened to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s “Jana Gana Mana” in the House.
This was followed by Governor R.N. Ravi’s inaugural address.
Nagaland Speaker Sharingain Longkumer told The Print:
“As long as the governor gives his address, this is the convention to be followed in the Nagaland legislative assembly, a convention I want to start.”
WATCH VIDEO: Indian National Anthem by AR Rahman and top Indian artists
In a viral video, thoughtful wedding guests in Tamil Nadu can be seen presenting the newlyweds with petrol, a gas cylinder and garlands of onions.
After receiving the gifts, the couple and the guests pose for the camera.
The newlyweds can be seen laughing all the way even as they posed for photographs surrounded by guests.
This gesture doesn’t come as a surprise as fuel prices continued to rise for the 11th consecutive day in India.
Petrol has crossed Rs 100 and cooking gas is at Rs 900.
World-renowned Ladakh-based engineer & education reformist Sonam Wangchuk has built a solar-powered military tent for the Indian Army at the Galway Valley.
Wangchuk built a tent that could accommodate 10 jawans and is fully portable with the weight of the tent being less than 30 kilos.
Wangchuk revealed on Twitter that his tent could sustain even under sub-zero temperatures such as minus 14 degrees Celcius.
In one photograph, he points out that it was carbon neutral, replacing kerosene and tackling pollution.
In another tweet, Wangchuk thanked people for their ‘overwhelming response to Ladakh’s little gift for Indian Army.’
He also said that ‘To answer your Qs about how it works I’m releasing a video at 11am on my YouTube channel.’
Sachin Dabarwar (CEO) and Shweta Darbarwar (CMO) of Simply Fresh, an agritech startup, are good examples of talented Indians returning from abroad to uplift India with their unique idea.
The couple started Simply Fresh with the following vison:
“Simply fresh was started with the aim of making available nutritious food that’s also free of chemicals and pesticides.”
In 2013, the duo founded their first hydroponics farm at Shamirpet.
This 9-acre farm catered to Retail and Horeca segments in local markets.
Hydroponics is a way to skip the soil and use different material to support the roots of the plant.
This way crops can be grown directly in nutrient-rich water.
The greenhouses in their farm are digitally controlled by an AI platform called ‘Farm in A Box’ (FiAB).
Sachin and Shweta, who are software engineers by profession, were based in Australia and studying modern Agriculture technology particularly plant-profiling and R&D.
They were working with a group of botanists and struck upon an idea.
In 2018, they raised USD20 million and expanded farming with a 150-acre facility in Arjunpatla, Siddipet.
The agricultural scientists at their farm have combine hydroponic soil-less farming with AI technology.
The farm also produces a full line of Nutra/pharma grade medicinal plants such as turmeric, ginger, shatavari, amaranthus, etc.
Sachin told The Hindu:
“In a country like ours, where we have scarcity of water especially for agricultural use, we can reduce our water consumption drastically by up to 1/10th of the traditional farming water consumption by using hydroponic and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.”
In 2020, they received the CMO Best Brand Of Telangana Award.
Do you think that India and Australia should work together on such sustainable farming practices?
Breaking News: Prime Minister Scott Morrison is among the first Australians to receive the Pfizer vaccine today on Sunday.
Mr Morrison wrote on social media, “Meet Jane, the first person in Australia to receive a #COVID19 vaccine. Today is a landmark day in Australia’s comeback from this pandemic. Vaccinations are free and voluntary for everyone in Australia and our own medical experts have found these vaccines to be safe and effective.”
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt told while appearing on ABC that a group of people will receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in Sydney before the vaccination program is rolled out nationally on Monday.
Widely belived in media circles that this move by PM Morrison is to counter the myth about the safety of coronavirus vaccine.
“Today the first group of people will be vaccinated, commencing with two of our aged-care residents, our critical aged-care staff, frontline workers,” Mr Hunt said.
“We also know that the chief medical officer and the chief nurse and the Prime Minister – in order to provide confidence, the Prime Minister will be the last of that group.”
Mr. Hunt explained, this measure is in view of a very strong focus on the need for key leaders,…across party groups to provide that confidence.
Dr. Shubham Sharma is GP in Melbourne.
He says, A lot my patients ask me about the vaccience safety and advice arround it.
“It will be so good to tell them that its safe and PM Morrison and Cheif Health officer has taken it,” said Dr.Sharma.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has identified the following people as being eligible for vaccination under phase 1a of the rollout:
Thousands of aged care residents in Australia, at more than 240 facilities, will receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose next week. The facilities are located across Australia in over 190 towns and suburbs in rural and urban areas in every state and territory:
| Australian Capital Territory | Curtin |
| Farrer | |
| Garran | |
| Griffith | |
| Hughes | |
| Narrabundah | |
| Red Hill | |
| Stirling | |
| Weston | |
| New South Wales | Alstonville |
| Austral | |
| Ballina | |
| Bangor | |
| Barden Ridge | |
| Blacktown | |
| Collaroy | |
| Collaroy Plateau | |
| Corrimal | |
| Cronulla | |
| Dean Park | |
| Emu Plains | |
| Engadine | |
| Glenfield | |
| Gosford West | |
| Heathcote | |
| Illawong | |
| Jamisontown | |
| Marayong | |
| Minto | |
| Mortdale | |
| Mount Austin | |
| Narrabeen | |
| Orange | |
| Peakhurst | |
| Penrith | |
| Penshurst | |
| Point Clare | |
| Port Macquarie | |
| Prestons | |
| Roselands | |
| Springwood | |
| Stanwell Park | |
| Tarrawanna | |
| Terrey Hills | |
| Thirroul | |
| Umina Beach | |
| Wagga Wagga | |
| Warriewood | |
| Woonona | |
| Woy Woy | |
| Northern Territory | Alice Springs |
| Braitling | |
| Coconut Grove | |
| Fannie Bay | |
| Farrar | |
| Nightcliff | |
| Tiwi | |
| Queensland | Albany Creek |
| Aspley | |
| Bald Hills | |
| Beaconsfield | |
| Birtinya | |
| Bray Park | |
| Buderim | |
| Bundaberg | |
| Burleigh Heads | |
| Burleigh Waters | |
| Carseldine | |
| Cleveland | |
| Glenella | |
| Glenvale | |
| Harristown | |
| Hope Island | |
| Kearneys Spring | |
| Kepnock | |
| Lawnton | |
| Mackay | |
| Meridan Plains | |
| Millbank | |
| Mirani | |
| Mudgeeraba | |
| North Bundaberg | |
| North Mackay | |
| North Tamborine | |
| Palmwoods | |
| Pimpama | |
| Redland Bay | |
| Robina | |
| Sippy Downs | |
| South Toowoomba | |
| Thornlands | |
| Toowoomba | |
| Upper Coomera | |
| Varsity Lakes | |
| Victoria Point | |
| Warana | |
| West Mackay | |
| Woombye | |
| South Australia | Aldgate |
| Cowandilla | |
| Encounter Bay | |
| Everard Park | |
| Goolwa | |
| Hahndorf | |
| Heathfield | |
| Lockleys | |
| Marion | |
| Marleston | |
| Morphettville | |
| Mount Barker | |
| North Plympton | |
| Oaklands Park | |
| Port Elliot | |
| Uraidla | |
| Victor Harbor | |
| Tasmania | Burnie |
| Legana | |
| Newnham | |
| Newstead | |
| Norwood | |
| Penguin | |
| Riverside | |
| Somerset | |
| St Leonards | |
| Ulverstone | |
| West Ulverstone | |
| Wynyard | |
| Victoria | Altona Meadows |
| Ballarat | |
| Ballarat East | |
| Bayswater | |
| Bendigo | |
| Blackburn | |
| California Gully | |
| Canadian | |
| Cowes | |
| Cranbourne | |
| Cranbourne East | |
| Creswick | |
| Dandenong | |
| Dandenong North | |
| Delacombe | |
| Drouin | |
| Drysdale | |
| East Bendigo | |
| Forest Hill | |
| Heathmont | |
| Hoppers Crossing | |
| Ironbark | |
| Junction Village | |
| Lara | |
| Long Gully | |
| Moe | |
| Morwell | |
| Mount Clear | |
| Neerim South | |
| Newborough | |
| Nunawading | |
| Ocean Grove | |
| Point Cook | |
| Point Lonsdale | |
| Portarlington | |
| Ringwood | |
| Vermont | |
| Vermont South | |
| Wallington | |
| Wantirna | |
| Wantirna South | |
| Warragul | |
| Wendouree | |
| Werribee | |
| Western Australia | Balcatta |
| Bunbury | |
| Calista | |
| Carey Park | |
| Cooloongup | |
| Donnybrook | |
| Eaton | |
| Emu Point | |
| Kingsley | |
| Lockyer | |
| Madeley | |
| Marangaroo | |
| Mirrabooka | |
| Port Kennedy | |
| Rockingham | |
| Shoalwater | |
| South Bunbury | |
| Spencer Park | |
| Waikiki | |
| Yakamia |
States and territories will initially have 16 Pfizer vaccination hubs operational across Australia. These first hubs will be at:
The remaining phases will be rolled out as the number of vaccines grows.
Dananeer Mobeen’s popular ‘pawri ho rahi hai‘ meme has become one of the biggest trends of 2021.
In her video, 19-year-old Pakistani influencer was seen pointing at her car and group of friends, and saying:
“Yeh humari car hai, yeh hum hain, aur yeh humari pawri ho rahi hai.”
(“This is my car, these are my friends, and this is our party.”)
People have been sharing their versions from both India and Pakistan.
Now, Indian Army jawans (soldiers) have made an entry into the ‘pawri ho rahi hai‘ meme world while patrolling the border.
In a viral video, two army personnel were seen joining the trend by replacing the word ‘pawri’ (party) with patrolling.
The two men in army fatigues holding their guns in a snow-capped region joined in the viral social media challenge, winning hearts online.
In the video, the soldiers are heard saying:
“Yeh hum hain, yeh humari gun hai aur hum yahan patrolling kar rahein hai“
(‘This is us. This is our gun and we are patrolling here’).
Note: COVIShield Vaccine is safe and there is no evidence to contrary.
Chennai-based Asif Riaz has moved court claiming that he suffered severe side effects and had to be hospitalised.
The litigant was given a dose of Serum Institute of India produced Oxford-AstraZeneca‘s COVISHIELD vaccine in its third phase.
The plea filed in the Madras High Court is ‘Asif Riaz v Government of India and ors’ by the petitioner’s counsel N.G.R. Prasad.
The Madras High Court issued notices to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Drugs Controller General of India and Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research.
This is returnable by March 26,2021.
In addition, Justice Abdul Quddhose ordered issuance of notices to the CEOs of Serum Institute of India Private Limited, AstraZeneca UK and the chairman of the ethics committee of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research.
Asif Riaz is a business consultant and has also sought ₹5 crore in compensation.
The 41-year-old litigant has a Master’s degree in management from Massey University, New Zealand.
He has urged the court in his petition to declare Covishield as “unsafe”.
“I have lost all the projects I was working on that entitled an annual earning of over $30,000 a year prior to volunteering for the vaccine. I am feeling utterly frustrated and totally lacking in confidence. I am also feeling very guilty that my two small children who get very scared when I have extreme mood swings because of my decision to volunteer for the test vaccine.”
Common short term side effects and risks associated with Covidshield were studied in the second phase. In the third phase, the therapeutic benefits were demonstrated and in the fourth phase trial of new drug was performed after necessary approvals.
The trial was conducted at Sri Ramachandra Institute and an information sheet given to volunteers which that the vaccine was previously tested in the UK and was found to be safe.
The possible reactions to Covidshield include fever, chills and fatigue.
Asif Riaz claims in his affidavit that he has suffered acute neurological encephalopathy:
“Ironically, the only time one trial sponsor (Serum Institute of India) contacted me, not to inquire about my health or to find out about my sufferance but to intimidate me stating they would file a Rs 100 crore defamation suit on me for sharing my experience with the general public!”
His adverse reactions started about 10 days after he was administered the vaccine on October 1, 2020.
Asif Riaz has also registered an objection to an expert committee set up by the Drug Controller of India.
Asif Riaz told the India Today:
“I believe I will get justice. There are medical experts who have told me that whatever I suffered was due to the (Covishield) vaccine that I had taken. I had no other option but to approach the court and I hope that the court will make a fair assessment based on the facts of this case. I have consulted a number of medical experts who have told me that I suffered because of the vaccine.”
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Perseverance rover on Thursday (local time) successfully touched down on the surface of Mars after surviving a blazing seven-minute plunge through the Martian atmosphere. Among the scientists who are part of this historic mission, Indian-American Dr. Swati Mohan spearheaded the development of attitude control and the landing system for the rover. “Touchdown confirmed! Perseverance is safely on the surface of Mars, ready to begin seeking the signs of past life,” exclaimed NASA engineer Dr. Swati Mohan.
When the world watched the dramatic landing, in the control room, calm and composed bindi-clad Dr. Mohan was communicating and coordinating between the GN&C subsystem and the rest of the project’s team.
Apart from being the lead systems engineer during the development process, she also looks after the team and schedules the mission control staffing for GN&C.
NASA scientist Dr. Mohan emigrated from India to America when she was just one-year-old. She spent most of her childhood in the Northern Virginia-Washington DC metro area. At the age of 9, after having watched ‘Star Trek’ for the first time, she was quite astounded by the beautiful depictions of the new regions of the universe that they were exploring. She had immediately realised that she wanted to do that and “find new and beautiful places in the universe.”
She also wanted to become a pediatrician until she was 16. It was, however, her first physics class and the “great teacher” she received, that she considered “engineering” as a way to pursue her interest in space exploration.
Dr. Mohan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Cornell University and completed her MS and Ph.D. from MIT in Aeronautics/Astronautics.
While she has been a member of the Perseverance Rover mission since the beginning at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Mohan has also been a part of various important missions of NASA. The Indian-American Scientist worked on projects Cassini (a mission to Saturn) and GRAIL (a pair of formation flown spacecraft to the Moon).
The largest, most advanced rover NASA has sent to another world touched down on Mars Thursday, after a 203-day journey traversing 293 million miles (472 million kilometers).
The agency’s Perseverance rover landed on the Red Planet at 3:55 pm (Eastern US time) Thursday, bringing an end to the “seven minutes of terror” that saw a fiery atmospheric entry and parachute-assisted descent.
The rover’s landing mechanism then fired eight retrorockets to slow down and guide it to a proper landing spot before using nylon cords to lower it onto the surface.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison and said he looks forward to working together for peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said he discussed regional issues of common interest with Mr. Morrison and reiterated their commitment to consolidating New Delhi and Canberra Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“Spoke with my good friend PM @ScottMorrisonMP today. Reiterated our commitment to consolidating our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Also discussed regional issues of common interest. Look forward to working together for peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific,” he tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi’s tweet comes just before the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad is scheduled to hold its third ministerial meeting to discuss practical cooperation for maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The meeting between the foreign ministers of the group that includes India, Australia, Japan, and the US will “provide an opportunity to continue the useful exchange of views from their last meeting in Tokyo” on October 6, 2020, the external affairs ministry said in a brief statement.
The foreign ministers will “exchange views on regional and global issues especially practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region”, the statement said.
Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.
China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system.
China claims much of the South China Sea, but there are also overlapping claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
China has built bases and other outposts on shoals, reefs, and rock outcroppings to deepen its claim over 80 percent of the 3.6 sq km waterway, with Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan claim parts of the same area.
In July last year, Prime Minister Modi and Morrison held a virtual bilateral summit during which they announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership'”
During the summit, they upgrade their 2+2 dialogue featuring their foreign and defence secretaries to the ministerial level, sign the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), and another pact on cooperation in the field of mining and rare earth minerals.
Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program will commence from next week. People in priority groups who are most at risk and who need protection the most – will receive a vaccine first.
The rollout will begin with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and following the approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday, will include the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine from early March.
The initial priority groups include aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline healthcare workers, and quarantine and border workers.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt reaffirmed that Australia’s vaccine strategy is strong and on schedule.
“Australia will begin rolling out the COVID-19 Vaccination program from next week,” Minister Hunt said.
“This week the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has arrived in the country and the TGA has approved the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine. These are two outstanding vaccines that will be available to people in Australia free of charge.”
Frontline healthcare workers and quarantine and border workers will receive the vaccine through Pfizer hubs run by states and territories. In addition, a Commonwealth led in-reach vaccination workforce will ensure residential aged care and disability care residents and staff receive their vaccines.
Minister Hunt said the staged approach to the rollout would ensure those who need the most protection get it first.
“Our frontline border and quarantine workers, and people living and working in residential aged and disability care facilities will be the first to receive their vaccines,” Minister Hunt said.
“The vaccination program will save and protect lives. Both of our vaccines will prevent serious illness. That is our primary goal.”
Authorised by Greg Hunt MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Somerville, Victoria.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has identified the following people as being eligible for vaccination under phase 1a of the rollout:
Thousands of aged care residents in Australia, at more than 240 facilities, will receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose next week. The facilities are located across Australia in over 190 towns and suburbs in rural and urban areas in every state and territory:
| Australian Capital Territory | Curtin |
| Farrer | |
| Garran | |
| Griffith | |
| Hughes | |
| Narrabundah | |
| Red Hill | |
| Stirling | |
| Weston | |
| New South Wales | Alstonville |
| Austral | |
| Ballina | |
| Bangor | |
| Barden Ridge | |
| Blacktown | |
| Collaroy | |
| Collaroy Plateau | |
| Corrimal | |
| Cronulla | |
| Dean Park | |
| Emu Plains | |
| Engadine | |
| Glenfield | |
| Gosford West | |
| Heathcote | |
| Illawong | |
| Jamisontown | |
| Marayong | |
| Minto | |
| Mortdale | |
| Mount Austin | |
| Narrabeen | |
| Orange | |
| Peakhurst | |
| Penrith | |
| Penshurst | |
| Point Clare | |
| Port Macquarie | |
| Prestons | |
| Roselands | |
| Springwood | |
| Stanwell Park | |
| Tarrawanna | |
| Terrey Hills | |
| Thirroul | |
| Umina Beach | |
| Wagga Wagga | |
| Warriewood | |
| Woonona | |
| Woy Woy | |
| Northern Territory | Alice Springs |
| Braitling | |
| Coconut Grove | |
| Fannie Bay | |
| Farrar | |
| Nightcliff | |
| Tiwi | |
| Queensland | Albany Creek |
| Aspley | |
| Bald Hills | |
| Beaconsfield | |
| Birtinya | |
| Bray Park | |
| Buderim | |
| Bundaberg | |
| Burleigh Heads | |
| Burleigh Waters | |
| Carseldine | |
| Cleveland | |
| Glenella | |
| Glenvale | |
| Harristown | |
| Hope Island | |
| Kearneys Spring | |
| Kepnock | |
| Lawnton | |
| Mackay | |
| Meridan Plains | |
| Millbank | |
| Mirani | |
| Mudgeeraba | |
| North Bundaberg | |
| North Mackay | |
| North Tamborine | |
| Palmwoods | |
| Pimpama | |
| Redland Bay | |
| Robina | |
| Sippy Downs | |
| South Toowoomba | |
| Thornlands | |
| Toowoomba | |
| Upper Coomera | |
| Varsity Lakes | |
| Victoria Point | |
| Warana | |
| West Mackay | |
| Woombye | |
| South Australia | Aldgate |
| Cowandilla | |
| Encounter Bay | |
| Everard Park | |
| Goolwa | |
| Hahndorf | |
| Heathfield | |
| Lockleys | |
| Marion | |
| Marleston | |
| Morphettville | |
| Mount Barker | |
| North Plympton | |
| Oaklands Park | |
| Port Elliot | |
| Uraidla | |
| Victor Harbor | |
| Tasmania | Burnie |
| Legana | |
| Newnham | |
| Newstead | |
| Norwood | |
| Penguin | |
| Riverside | |
| Somerset | |
| St Leonards | |
| Ulverstone | |
| West Ulverstone | |
| Wynyard | |
| Victoria | Altona Meadows |
| Ballarat | |
| Ballarat East | |
| Bayswater | |
| Bendigo | |
| Blackburn | |
| California Gully | |
| Canadian | |
| Cowes | |
| Cranbourne | |
| Cranbourne East | |
| Creswick | |
| Dandenong | |
| Dandenong North | |
| Delacombe | |
| Drouin | |
| Drysdale | |
| East Bendigo | |
| Forest Hill | |
| Heathmont | |
| Hoppers Crossing | |
| Ironbark | |
| Junction Village | |
| Lara | |
| Long Gully | |
| Moe | |
| Morwell | |
| Mount Clear | |
| Neerim South | |
| Newborough | |
| Nunawading | |
| Ocean Grove | |
| Point Cook | |
| Point Lonsdale | |
| Portarlington | |
| Ringwood | |
| Vermont | |
| Vermont South | |
| Wallington | |
| Wantirna | |
| Wantirna South | |
| Warragul | |
| Wendouree | |
| Werribee | |
| Western Australia | Balcatta |
| Bunbury | |
| Calista | |
| Carey Park | |
| Cooloongup | |
| Donnybrook | |
| Eaton | |
| Emu Point | |
| Kingsley | |
| Lockyer | |
| Madeley | |
| Marangaroo | |
| Mirrabooka | |
| Port Kennedy | |
| Rockingham | |
| Shoalwater | |
| South Bunbury | |
| Spencer Park | |
| Waikiki | |
| Yakamia |
States and territories will initially have 16 Pfizer vaccination hubs operational across Australia. These first hubs will be at:
The remaining phases will be rolled out as the number of vaccines grows.
Vaccines will be available across additional settings including GP clinic and community pharmacy. The staged rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is guided by Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Strategy.
The aim of the vaccination program is to save and protect lives. To keep people out of intensive care and off ventilators. Both vaccines approved for use in Australia do that very well.
Protecting people from serious illness is, and must, be the first priority
Find out more about the rollout and priority groups at Australia.gov.
Uttar Pradesh’s Shabnam will be the first Indian woman who will be hanged to death after India’s independence.
She is one of the two convicts in the Amroha murder case.
Shabnam, a school teacher, was found guilty of murdering seven members of her family along with her lover Salim.
The Mathura Jail administration has already started preparations.
Agra’s Deputy Inspector General (Jail) Akhilesh Kumar told the Hindustan Times:
“If the death sentence is carried out as expected by jail officials, Shabnam could be the first woman convict to be hanged after Independence.”
Shabnam’s family were against her relationship with Salim due to the difference in their educational, social and economic status.
The incident had occurred on the night of April 14 and April 15, 2008.
Shabnam, a double MA (English and Geography), is the daughter of a Pathan Master Shaukat Ali while Salim belongs to the saifi fraternity.
Before going to sleep, Shabnam gave sleeping pills to her family members in their tea. After that she called her boyfriend in the house and brutally killed seven members of her family with an axe.
Both were arrested and sentenced to death by the trial court in 2010.
The death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2015.
Shabnam and Salim’s mercy plea was rejected by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In January 2020, the Supreme Court turned down their review petitions.
The court noted that Salim “meticulously executed the killing after Shabnam administered sleeping pills in tea”.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India S. A. Bobde and justices S. Abdul Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna ruled.
“The devilry was with the desire to see that no legal heir except Shabnam remains alive. They wanted to grab the property of Shabnam’s parents who were against their marriage.”
The Print tried reaching Shabnam’s lawyer Shreya Rastogi, who refused to delve into details of the case.
There were nearly 404 death row convicts as of 31 December 2020.
According to data compiled by the research organisation Project 39A of National Law University, Delhi, India has sent more than 750 men to the gallows since 1947.
A 2016 survey had indicated there were only 12 women on the death row.
Meerut’s Pawan Jallad, the hangman of the 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case convicts, has been asked to put Shabnam to the gallows.
Most of us would have memories of doing duty to protect mango, chili, lemon, and other fruit-vegetables when grandma or amma would make “Aachar'(pickle).
But, when in a city like Sydney you are working men/women busy with life but still want your sundried ‘red chilies’, what are your options?
Well, who so ever you are, we salute you, “What a idea sir/madam ji.”
On his way to work Aluru Rahul found this beatutiful car parked with a nostalgic story.
Busy Australian life that to without domestic help of ‘bhaiya ji’ or ‘kamta bai’ is sometimes bit too much for Indian migrants.
However, as there is a saying Indians are the best ‘Jugadu’ people on the earth, This car tells us exactly that.
Social media was quick to make its own theories about the picture posted in one of the groups.
“This person is a real foodie, only want dried chili for some specific recipe.”
“Anti-theft system .. except the owner no one knows how to drive this car with chili smell.”
“Red chili ki to baat na karo…I once dropped a green chili in my car and it turned red over time. A friend found it when she sat in my car and thought I am a damn witch
“
Sonika Prasad is chartared accountant with a multinational firm.
She says I am a successful and busy working woman with two young kids to look after, but I still want to give the same food experience to my family which I had growing up in India.
“On weekends I cook all ‘Maharashtrian delicacies’, yes somtimes its hard to get few ingredients but we improvise.”
I am sure it must be a man who was told by his wife to get chili dried by the time she comes back from work, jokes Ms. Prasad.
Bhanu Murti runs his Real Estate business in Blacktown.
He says, I have done several ‘jugadu’ things when I am pressed with time and don’t want to say no to our family or friends.
“This person has taken the time management to the next level.”
Note: If you do have any “Jugadu” picture please send us on admin@theaustraliatoday.com.au
16-year-old leg-spinner from Nagaland, India, Khrievitso Kense is now ready to play in the big league.
He is excited to be part of the Indian Premier League’s players’ auction.
VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 Player Auction will be held at Chennai on February 18, 2021.
A total of 164 Indian players, 125 overseas players and 3 players from Associate Nations will be up for grabs as the eight franchises.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are all geared up to bolster their squads with the rich talent that is on offer.
“While all the teams have several match-winners at their disposal, they will be eager to add more firepower as they eye the prestigious title.”
Khrievitso Kense, son of a carpenter, is fifth among seven siblings.
He says that he is a self-taught cricketer and not worried about the upcoming auction.
“I am ‘bindaas’ (carefree) and not thinking much about the auction (on Thursday). The team supports me well and yes we will watch it (the auction) together.”
The Leg Spinner took seven wickets in the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2021.
Khrievitso Kense polished his cricketing skills by watching his guru Shane Warne’s videos on TV.
Khrievitso Kense who is like ‘Ekalavya,’ the young self-taught archer from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, with Guru Shane Warne behind him has a base price of Rs 20 lakh.
The young cricketer told PTI:
“I really liked the way he turned the ball. I never had a leg-spin coach, I learnt all by myself. There was a sir who would just guide me as I played U-16 cricket.”
In the IPL circle the buzz is that both the Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals are eyeing for this young player.
Long before the auction, he was even called by these two teams for trials.
Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland Chief Minister, on Saturday tweeted his wishes to Khrievitso Kense:
“My best wishes to Khrievitso Kense from Nagaland, the youngest Indian player to be shortlisted for #IPL2021Auction. I hope he gets picked by a great franchisee that will perform excellently in the @IPL 2021.”
Khrievitso Kense will turn 17 on March 6, 2021.
WATCH VIDEO: KHRIEVITSO KENSE
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), is launching the Emerging Screenwriters’ Incubator.
It is nationwide initiative to support the development of diverse fiction writing talent in the Australian screen sector.
This is in partnership with Screen Australia, state and territory agencies Film Victoria, Screen Canberra, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screenwest and the South Australian Film Corporation, and with the assistance of the Australian Writers’ Guild.
Film Victoria CEO, Caroline Pitcher, said:
“Film Victoria’s screen development internship and key talent placement programs have long demonstrated the significant impact these intensive experiences can have on the careers of screen creators. We are proud to support the Emerging Screenwriters’ Incubator to elevate new voices and to ensure that we see more diverse stories on screen.”
This is an amazing opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading production companies.
SBS Director of TV and Online Content, Marshall Heald, said:
“Not only is this initiative an important investment in the next generation of screenwriting talent, it will help to ensure the unique perspectives and experiences of those who reflect contemporary Australia, are explored on our screens.”
The Emerging Screenwriters’ Incubator will bring provide significant work experience in drama production for 18 emerging writers from diverse backgrounds.
This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; those who are living with a disability; are female or trans/gender diverse; identify as LGBTQIA+; and people located in regional and remote areas.
Ghirija Jayarraj, Creative Director & Founder at Shastram who studied Film and TV at Curtin University, says:
“Being an Australian female filmmaker with a south Asian background has been a challenging journey. Film makers such as myself; have yearned to see our stories being represented in mainstream media. Inclusivity on such primary spaces would mean inclusivity for many of us who grew up feeling almost non-existent or not belonging in mainstream Australia. This initiative by SBS and the various film groups in Australia is fantastic and I’m extremely excited to see the emerging stories that Australians from diverse backgrounds have to share. I truly believe this will lead to a more accurate representation of the real Australia we all call home. Our stories will have various flavours but will still remain uniquely Australian and this will be the most exciting part for me.”
Each year for the next three years, six successful candidates will be employed for 12 months in production companies around the country acclaimed for their delivery of Australian drama.
During their placement, they will develop ideas into treatments, work across a production company’s fiction slate of programming, participate in writers’ rooms, and work closely with development producers and others to increase their knowledge and further develop their skills.
Well-known a Portuguese Macau-born Australian screenwriter and director in television and feature film industry Tony Ayres added:
“Marshall and I have been having a great and ongoing discussion about the best ways to make long lasting and meaningful change to our industry, and to genuinely shift the needle towards a wider, truer representation of Australia. This initiative is a brilliant start and will broaden the talent pool of writers from underrepresented parts of our society. Writing is where it all starts.”
Tony Ayres’s most notable works include Walking on Water and The Home Song Stories.
Co-funded by SBS, Screen Australia with participating state and territory screen agencies, the national initiative will launch with its first round of placements in July 2021.
Details on applying for the Emerging Screenwriter’s Incubator will be released in the coming weeks.
Each participating state and territory screen agency will reach out to local networks and from June, the selection process will begin, with placements at production companies from July 2021.
WATCH VIDEO: In a state – Valentine’s Day Special video – Indian Classical Dance by Ghirija Jayarraj
In the first week of February, The Australia Today reported – ‘Wyndham Council concerned with trucks parked in the residential area.
Here is the impact of our story.
Cr Sahana Ramesh who is Council’s Smart Cities portfolio holder said in her Facebook post:
“This is the first time Council has installed these kinds of signs in Wyndham, so thank you to everyone who raised this with me and my fellow Councillors. I’m glad we’ve been able to come up with a solution for you all. We also know that this problem is not limited to these streets or to the Allura estate, so Council will continue to monitor the situation and will assess if more signage is needed in the future.”
Cr Adele Hegedich, the Mayor of Wyndham City, had posted on Facebook that she is taking the concerns of trucks parked in Truganina’s Allura estate seriously.
“I’VE RECENTLY HEARD FROM A NUMBER OF RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT TRUCKS PARKING OVERNIGHT AND DURING OTHER OFF-PEAK TIMES ALONG RESIDENTIAL STREETS IN TRUGANINA’S ALLURA ESTATE.”
According to VicRoads, a driver of a heavy vehicle such as a truck must obey the same road rules as other drivers.
In a recent Facebook post Cr Susan McIntyre has informed the residents of Allura Estate that the Council will install signs banning trucks.
“I am very happy to be able to provide everyone with an update on the issue of trucks parking in the Allura estate. Following a safety audit and legal advice, Council has decided to install signs banning trucks from parking in residential streets, including Mainview Blvd, Elmhurst Road and Boliver Esplanade. Large electronic signage will be in place by early next week at the latest to ensure truck drivers are aware of this upcoming change, while the permanent signs will be installed over the coming weeks once they have been manufactured. If trucks over 7.5 metres continue to park in these areas, they will receive infringement notices.”
VicRoads rules state that heavy or long vehicles cannot be parked on a road in a built-up area for longer than one hour.
But the driver of a heavy or long vehicle (7.5 metres long or longer), but not a bus, can stop on a road in a built-up area for longer than one hour provided the driver is dropping off or picking up goods.
So, a driver of a heavy vehicle must read the parking sign. And for more information see the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017 rule 200.
After very uncomfortable press conferences for last three days Premier of Victoria was all smiles.
Daniel Andrews announced, “Today is good news.”
He says, Because of the efforts of every Victorian – the sacrifices and the hard slog – we can be confident that slowly, and surely, we are driving the virus into the ground.
“It hasn’t been easy or straightforward. In fact, for those Victorians who are part of our health response, it’s been bloody hard work. 3,400 close contacts identified and isolated. Thousands of hours of painstaking interviews. 212,000 tests processed. 850,000 text messages into communities.”
Premier Andrews claimed that current snap lockdown was very necessary as health professionals were fighting against a more wicked enemy than we’ve known before.
I want to thank those Victorians who’ve made it possible – and I want to thank every Victorian for their patience, said Mr. Andrews.
He thanked the people of victoria for their resilience.
“Because of you, we’ve been able to track, trace and corner this mutant and more infectious strain of the virus. It also means we’re able to ease most of the restrictions, getting us back to our COVIDSafe Summer.”
From 11:59 pm tonight (Wednesday 17-02-2021), Victoria will largely return to the previous rules – while keeping a watchful eye on some of the riskier settings.
Highlight:
So for now, it’s important to reduce the risk in some of our most vulnerable settings.
That means having no more than five visitors to your home per day. And limiting public gatherings with friends and family to 20.
Premier has cautioned that by sticking to the rules and being conscious of who we see and how often we see them, we’ll help keep our friends and families safe.
He explained that the danger of spread is not fully gone, “We can’t fully relax the rules in our hospitals and aged care homes yet either – instead, we’ll limit visits to one household per day and some specific exceptions.”
Masks will continue to be a big part of COVID19 defense and will be required everywhere indoors except at home – at the supermarket, at the office, at the pub when getting up to pay.
Masks will also be required outside if you can’t physically distance from others.
DHHS has reminded Victorians to remember primary defense against the coronavirus – checking in when we’re heading out, washing our hands, keeping our distance – will remain just as critical.
Please get tested if you have any symptom, no matter how mild.
DHHS believes, As much as far we’ve come, as much as we’ve achieved, without the full-scale rollout of the vaccine – this virus isn’t going away.
Premier Daniel Andrews concluded, “We have every reason to be proud – and every reason to stay safe.”
Are you feeling anxious or depressed due to the ongoing lockdowns and disruption in your daily routine?
According to experts, it is understandable to feel distressed and anxious in times of change.
They suggest that if you feel overwhelmed, it is important to ask for help from a professional.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected our lives in many ways.
Many may feel lonely and isolated due to limited connection with others especially their loved ones.
It is important that people get help early as some challenging issues can turn into more serious conditions if they are not addressed quickly.
You can talk to your general practitioner (GP) and/or Contacting a mental health telephone, text or online counselling service or a general counsellor.
If you are struggling with complex feelings, here are some links to help you:
WATCH VIDEO: Clinical Psychologist Dr Michelle Lim explains how to deal with loss of control.
Dr Michelle Lim is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Swinburne University and leads the Social Health and Wellbeing (SHAW) Laboratory.
For your mental wellbeing, experts propose that there are a number of things you can do:
1. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and sleep regime.
2. Keep the conversation going – talking to loved ones about any worries and concerns.
3. Engage in hobbies and enjoyable activities at home.
4. Be prepared – ensure you have enough food, supplies and medication on hand. Ask for help collecting these items if needed.
5. Avoid or reduce your use of alcohol and tobacco.
If you are feeling less connected as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) you can call the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus Hotline (1800 675 398) and press 3.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has reported that they have obtained orders in the Federal Circuit Court last year requiring Kamaldeep Singh and his wife Uma Singh to pay penalties of $120,000 and $90,000 respectively.
This was in relation to their conduct relating to a Metro Petroleum petrol station they formerly operated on the Pacific Highway, Doyalson.
It is reported that the former operators of a petrol station on the NSW Central Coast underpaid two migrant workers.
The court ordered that Kamaldeep Singh and Uma Singh must pay $210,000 in penalties after their appeal was dismissed by the Federal Court.
Kamaldeep Singh and Uma Singh were the director and manager respectively of Sinpek Pty Ltd. (in liquidation).
They underpaid the two employees, a male and a female, a combined $52,722 between May 2015 and their termination in August 2016. The female employee was paid nothing for her first three months’ work.
The court found that Kamaldeep Singh and Uma Singh were involved in Sinpek’s failure to pay minimum rates to the workers for ordinary hours, penalty rates for overtime, weekend and public holidays, shiftwork loadings and various leave entitlements under the Vehicle, Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2010.
There was also a failure to provide payment in lieu of notice for termination and record-keeping and pay slips laws were also breached.
Kamaldeep Singh was also twice involved in Sinpek’s breach of the Fair Work Act’s prohibition on unreasonable requirements to pay an employer money relating to performance of work.
He required the male employee to cover the loss from a customer who drove off without paying for fuel, and to pay part of Sinpek’s income tax payments relating to that employee’s work for Sinpek.
Sinpek entered voluntary liquidation in July 2019, about three weeks before the scheduled Federal Circuit Court liability and penalty hearing.
Kamaldeep Singh and Uma Singh appealed the penalty decision that the Federal Court has now dismissed.
The workers were Indian nationals from non-English speaking backgrounds, who were employed by Sinpek as console operators.
Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Jeremy O’Sullivan said the significant penalties ordered – upheld by the Federal Court – reflected the seriousness and unacceptability of vulnerable worker exploitation.
“All employees in Australia have the same rights at work, regardless of citizenship or visa status. We encourage anyone with concerns about their wages or entitlements to contact us.”
The two workers were on bridging visas and applying for Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visas through Sinpek, prior to having their jobs terminated in August 2016. The male worker was underpaid $24,607 and the female $28,114.
Federal Circuit Court Judge Sandy Street said the workers were vulnerable due to both their visa and economic circumstances, and that Mr and Mrs Singh “exploited those vulnerabilities knowingly, and to their own advantage and for their own benefit”.
“[The employees] moved interstate under the inducements of [Mr and Mrs Singh] and… were placed in a position of threat of return to India or being deported if they failed to accommodate the exploitation by [Sinpek, Mr Singh and Mrs Singh]. The conduct of the respondents in the circumstances of the present case is at the most serious end of the spectrum in respect of each of the contraventions.”
Judge Street also referred to the placing of Sinpek into voluntary liquidation, saying this occurred “as a means to avoid meeting obligations under the [Fair Work] Act as to paying compensation and meeting penalties”.
“The placing of an employer into voluntary liquidation after commencement of proceedings and so shortly [three days] after penalty submissions are filed is serious aggravating conduct warranting severe sanction [by] the Court as a matter of specific and general deterrence.”
All underpayments have been rectified, with interest.
Sinpek Pty Ltd no longer owns or operates the Metro Petroleum petrol station in Doyalson. The Fair Work Ombudsman has no concerns with the current operator.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has an agreement with the Department of Home Affairs where visa holders can ask for our help without fear of their visa being cancelled.
WATCH VIDEO: How minimum wages work
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has raised the issue of safety of Indian Diaspora including international students in Canada.
This has come after multiple reports that Indo-Canadians were threatened for pro-India actions.
In an outreach message to the diaspora in Canada, India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Ajay Bisaria wrote:
“We are also concerned at reports that Indian citizen and friends of India who have expressed their views in support of the farm reforms in India have been targeted and subjected to intimidation, threats of violence and calls to boycott or disrupt their business.”
The Indian government and its High Commission has taken note of the threats faced by the Indian Diaspora and written to its leaders and community members.
High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria told members of the Indian community that “in the event that any Indian national is subjected to any such threats of violence or intimidation, they should report the matter, with all details to the local police, and also bring it to our immediate attention”.
A letter written by National Alliance of Indo-Canadians (NAIC) to Canadian Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, has alleged that Indian Diaspora in Canada is facing threats from ‘Khalistani’ separatist groups.
“There have been multiple reports of Indo-Canadians, who are critical of the arguments against the laws or remain committed to improving and strengthening relations between the land of their heritage, India, and the land that has adopted them, Canada, being intimidated online, threatened with violence including rape of women their families, and this has escalated to certain elements even gathering at the residences and offices of individual Canadian citizens.”
In his statement, High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria called on the Indian diaspora to:
“encourage Indian citizens, friends of India and the Canadian public to remain vigilant against such attempts and not be swayed by false narratives and sophistry”.
The statement notes that the Indian government believes that Indian diaspora spread all over the world is a reflection of the diversity and plurality of India.
According to a report by the United Nations, International Migration 2020 Highlights’, India has the largest diaspora population in the world.
18 million people from India live outside with most settled in the United Arab Emirates (3.5 million), the United States of America (2.7 million) and Saudi Arabia (2.5 million).
These are followed by Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Kingdom.
Indian-origin people living in both Canada and Australia have been participating in peaceful ‘Tiranga Yatra’ or ‘Tiranaga Rally’ in large numbers.
Cars adorned with the Indian national flag are taken out for the rally with slogans such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
These rallies are in response to the Republic Day violence that occurred at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
394 police personnel were injured in the violence and Delhi Police registered 25 FIRs against the protesters.
India leveled the four-match Test series 1-1 against England after an emphatic 317-run win in the second Test here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.
Indian bowlers produced a sublime performance on day four as England only managed to score 164 runs in their second innings. Axar Patel, who made his Test debut in the match, picked a five-wicket haul during England’s second innings while Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav scalped three and two wickets respectively.
The visitors resumed their second innings from the overnight score of 53/3, chasing a target of 482 runs set by the hosts. England survived six overs before Ravichandran Ashwin struck with his first ball on day four. Ashwin fired the ball down the leg side on seeing Dan Lawrence step out and Rishabh Pant pulled off a brilliant stumping.
Ben Stokes then along with skipper Joe Root played some cautious shots to rebuild the England innings. The partnership survived for 12 overs as Ashwin dismissed the all-rounder, Stokes, in the 38th over. Stokes departed after scoring eight runs off 51 balls as England lost half their side for 90 runs.
Ollie Pope then stitched a 20-run stand with Root to take England over the 100-run mark before he was dismissed by Axar Patel. Kuldeep then got hold of Ben Foakes, reducing England to 116/7. England then suffered a major blow as skipper Root got out.
Root (33) was caught at slip by Ajinkya Rahane off Axar Patel’s delivery. Moeen Ali smashed three consecutive sixes to Axar Patel in the 52nd over. However, Kuldeep got hold of Moeen, who scored 43 off just 18 balls, and with this, England’s second innings came to an end.
Earlier, Ashwin’s scintillating century helped India set England a target of 482 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday. Ashwin played a knock of 106 runs before the hosts were bowled out for 286 in the final session of day three.
Brief scores: India 329 and 286; England 134 and 164 (Moeen Ali 43, Joe Root 33; Axar Patel 5/60)
Australian National University (ANU) based researchers have suggested getting rid of traditional words such as “mother”, “father” and “breastfeeding.”
According to ANU Gender Institute’s Gender-Inclusive Handbook – ‘Every Voice Project’: “mother” should be replaced by “gestational” or “birthing parent”, “father” by “non-gestational” or “non-birthing parent” and “breastfeeding” by “chest-feeding”.
Prior to this, UK health officials had also ordered nurses at two hospitals to substitute the term “breast milk” for “human milk”.
This was part of a first-of-its-kind effort at prenatal units of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust to be more inclusive to trans and non-binary parents.
UNICEF and other organizations recognise the importance of breast milk that helps keep a baby healthy as it supplies the necessary nutrients and protects against allergies, infections, and sickness.
The new initiative are clinical and language guidelines and not university policy.
“This document is not an official ANU policy, process or official prescription to staff and students.”
These suggestions will help support trans and non-binary birthing people. ANU Handbook notes:
“This non-gendered language is particularly important in clinical or abstract academic discussions of childbirth and parenthood, both to recognise the identities of students in the class, and to model inclusive behaviour for students entering clinical practice.”
A nonbinary parent is someone who was assigned female at birth, but their gender is neither male nor female.
On the other hand, transgender men are those who were assigned female at birth based on their biological sex.
Do you think changing the language around pregnancy and birth can make our society and healthcare more inclusive and safe?
A reader to The Australia Today story commented on Facebook page:
A Youth Congress office-bearer found a unique way to show his displeasure at the rising petrol price in Madhya Pradesh, India.
The man demonstrated with a cricket helmet and a bat at a local petrol station.
The man was referencing price of premium petrol crossed the Rs 100 per litre mark.
Mocking the high prices of petrol in the state, a Twitter user shared the picture with a caption:
“After lot of hardwork and struggle finally !!
Century for Petrol!”
According to reports, Madhya Pradesh levies the highest fuel taxes among all states in India.
The fuel prices in the state thus are amongst highest in the country and have increased 19 times in 2021.
Central and state taxes make up for over 61 per cent and about 56 per cent of the retail selling price of petrol and diesel respectively.
Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last week had told Parliament that the government is not considering a reduction in excise duty.
MP Petrol Pump Owners’ Association told The Wek that premium petrol sales constituted only 0.5 per cent of total petrol sales in the state.
Normal petrol was being sold at Rs 96.37 and diesel at Rs 86.84 per litre.
A peaceful Tiranga rally that was being organised by Indian-Australians to show respect towards the ‘Indian flag’ was stopped and diverted on Sunnyholt Road in Sydney.
Gayatri Sharma* was part of the rally.
She told The Australia Today, It is unfortunate, we have to change the route just because some “Khalistani” elements threatened to disrupt our peaceful rally.”
Another member of the rally replied on Facebook:
“Yes, unfortunately we had to take the other route. Cops were not ready as they have been informed 1 week ago and couldn’t arranged more sources. But, the rally is successful.”
We received many pictures from community members, which clearly show that these ‘elements’ were preparing for violence against us when we pass through a certain point, said Ms. Sharma.
Satinder Singh says while the rally was stopped and diverted by the police for our safety, I received multiple calls from my friends telling me that “certain people” were instigating others to gather at few different points notoriously famous with trouble makers.
“These miscreants covered their faces to hide their identity and were armed with base-bats and iron rods, told Mr Singh.
“You tell me, why would they gather on the rally route with all this prepartion?”
Ravi Narayan* is one of the organiser of the “Tiranga rally”.
He told The Australia Today, “We had women and children with us, and we were there to show solidarity with India amid the “Khalistani” especially terror organisation “Babber Khalsa’s” threat to the Indian Australian community.
“These attempts to disturb peace and harmony of Indian Australian community should not be ignored. The people who planned to disrupt our rally were the ones who were glorifying the “Khalistan movement” which is the real threat to the peace and harmony of Australia”, said Mr. Narayan.
NSW Police has said, “The Police command of Cumberland area gave permission for the motor vehicle procession (Tiranga rally). All activities were allowed with COVID-19 preconditions to be followed.”
Satinder Singh says, “We are thankful to the NSW Police for taking prompt action and saving us from the potential attack from these ‘terror supporters’. Australian Indian community condemns these activities including hate crimes and community harmony disruption by some players supported by overseas groups.”
Note: If you have any information or pictures regarding the incident please send us on admin@theaustraliatoday.com.au
Ravichandran Ashwin’s scintillating century and early wickets helped India to dominate on day three of the second Test against England after setting a 482 target at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.
Ashwin played a knock of 106 runs before the hosts were bowled out for 286 in the final session of the day and set a target of 482 runs against visitors to take the 2-0 lead in the four-match series. At stumps on day three, England’s score read 53/3 with skipper Joe Root and Dan Lawrence still unbeaten on two and 19 runs respectively. Visitors still require 429 runs to win the game.
Axar Patel bagged two scalps while Ashwin clinched one wicket in the second innings.
Openers Dom Sibley (3) and Rory Burns (25) failed to provide a solid stand for the visitors and were picked by Patel and Ashwin respectively.
After losing openers early, England sent Jack Leach as nightwatchman but that move also did not work for the visitors. Leach was sent back to the pavilion on a single ball duck by Patel. Root and Lawrence played cautiously and made sure that the side did not suffer any hiccup on the day.
In the final session, 31.5 overs were bowled as both the teams together scored 118 runs with a loss of five wickets.
Earlier, Ishant Sharma departed after scoring seven runs when India’s score read 237 but Ashwin formed a crucial 49-run stand with Mohammed Siraj and the duo took the hosts’ score to 286 and the lead was extended to 481 runs.
At the tea break on day three, India’s score read 221/8, with Ashwin and Ishant on the field. The hosts currently enjoy a lead of 416 runs.
Resuming day three from 54/1, India got off to the worst possible start as the hosts lost both Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara in the first 15 minutes. While Pujara lost the grip on his bat and failed to ground it on time, Rohit got stumped off Leach’s ball courtesy of some quick glove work by Foakes. Pant was sent up the order after the fall of two wickets but he too failed to leave a mark. Foakes stumped Pant as Leach scalped his second for the day.
Ajinkya Rahane and Kohli then started to rebuild India’s innings with a couple of boundaries. But Moeen Ali struck his first of the day as he dismissed Rahane to leave hosts reeling at 86/5 in the 31st over. Axar Patel too was sent back to the pavilion by Moeen in the 37th over. Kohli and Ashwin then formed a brilliant partnership. Both the players played cautiously but did not miss the opportunity to score boundaries on loose balls.
Continuing their brilliant form, Kohli and Ashwin completed their respective half-centuries as India crossed the 200-run mark in their second innings. Soon after that, England got the much-needed breakthrough as Moeen dismissed Kohli (62).
Kuldeep Yadav then took the field. Ashwin and Kuldeep began adding runs to the scoreboard, with India’s lead crossing the 400-run mark. However, the partnership between the two did not last for too long as Moeen removed Kuldeep (3).
Brief scores: England 134 and 53/3 (Rory Burns 25, Dan Lawrence 19*; Axar Patel 2-15, R Ashwin 1-28); India 329 and 286.
In 2020, wealthy Indians once again topped the list of those making enquiries for ‘residence-by-investment’ or ‘citizenship-by-investment’ programmes.
As per ‘Global Wealth Migration Review’, issued by New World Wealth, Indians were the second-largest contingent among the millionaire category to move overseas.
The most popular countries for migrating High-net-worth individual (HNWI) over the past year (2019) included: Australia, USA, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, Israel, New Zealand, UAE, Portugal and Greece. Other popular destinations for them included: Monaco, Mauritius, Malta, Bermuda and the Caribbean Islands.
About 7,000 wealthy Indians left the country during 2019.
Henley & Partners, a firm specilizing in arranging ‘residency’ and ‘citizenship’ for HNWI told the Times of India that Indians inquired about Canada Residency, Portugal Residency, Austria Residency and Citizenship programme, Malta Citizenship and Turkey Citizenship. In the past, USA, Canada, UK and Australia have been top favorites among Indians.
New World Wealth expects Australia, the United States and Switzerland to remain the preferred HNWI destinations globally over the next decade.
A cake shop in Surat, Gujarat, India, made 48-foot-long cake dedicated to Ram Setu.
It is believed that Ram Setu (Rama’s Bridge also known as Adam’s Bridge) was 48 km long.
In the ancient Indian epic Ramayana it is said that this bridge was constructed by God Rama with the help of his Vanara (ape-men) army to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Goddess Sita from King Ravana.
ANI reports that apart from baking the massive cake, 200 workers of the Breadliner cake shop also donated their day’s salary for Ram Mandir Construction.
In September 2020, on the occasion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 71st Birthday, Breadliner made a 71-feet-long cake weighing 771 kilograms.
They also organized a ‘Cake for Corona Warriors’ event. This was world’s biggest digital cake cutting event held on 17th Sep ’20 to appreciate the efforts of our corona warriors for their priceless efforts for the society.
WATCH VIDEO: Surat bakery makes 48-ft-long ‘Ram Setu’ cake
Abbas Shieh, Islamic Azad University and Robert Freestone, UNSW
The industrial revolution transformed cities, resulting in places of residence and work becoming more distant than ever before. This spatial segregation is still largely embedded in the design of our cities today.
But the COVID-19 pandemic might have brought our cities to a similarly dramatic turning point. Working from home has received a far-reaching fillip. Our pre-COVID survey of 277 remote-working employees and self-employed Australians shows most had a separate workspace for telework and generally felt satisfied with their home-work environment.
But levels of satisfaction among workers in home-based settings vary. We identified some key factors to explain these differences.
Teleworkers’ work motivation increased with:
For Australian sole parents, who are more likely to be women than men, telework at home can be an efficient and smart way of working. While having more time at home for caring responsibilities, they can work and earn money for household expenses.
Living and working in apartments can provide more opportunities for social interaction. It can also enable more efficient use of energy, lowering costs. Apartments and units are more likely to be located in higher-density urban areas, which offer better access to office and business services and other amenities.
At the same time, there were factors that decreased teleworkers’ motivation, including:
Access to public transport might seem counterintuitive but while enabling work-related journeys it also promotes more engagement outside the home, distractions to some extent, and so fewer feelings of isolation. Work-life balance at this micro-scale also has to be negotiated individually.
The pandemic has given new impetus to the critical rethinking of dispersed urbanisation that dates back to the sharp rise in energy prices in the early 1970s. The idea of working from home re-emerged at the dawn of the telecommunications revolution early in the 1980s.
Our latest collective experience of working from home has brought into sharp relief both the pitfalls and the positives.
The academic literature on telework from fields such as organisational psychology focuses on maximising economic and logistical efficiency. Many studies ignore the positive and negative effects being in the home has on the worker.
To date, organisational and managerial policies have been contradictory. There are public and private organisational guidelines and supportive government tax policies to encourage teleworking. These cover matters such as ergonomics and utilities (internet, electricity and technology).
But these policies do not practically or adequately support teleworkers’ access to appropriate conditions. Teleworkers can still be left alone with a host of problems and personal challenges.
Many of these issues are rooted in place-related factors. For example, although Australian tax-deduction policies cover internet, electricity, and technology costs, they do not cover the capital costs of home renovations made to provide a home office or telework space. Yet these modifications are of great importance for successfully working from home.
The OECD has recognised the risk of policies over-promoting teleworking for economic gains. The negative consequences, such as increased social isolation, distraction, and work-family conflict, mainly affect the most vulnerable social groups. They include sole parents, people with disabilities, and older people.
Based on our research, the government should:
These policy suggestions are consistent with many recent Australian urban development trends.
Teleworking seems set to become a more entrenched work practice than ever before. Yet factors such as the impacts of home and place on human motivation have not been dealt with.
Over time, if governments want to encourage telework, our cities will need to change. Resources and infrastructure will need to be localised where people live – and increasingly work domestically – and not just in centralised employment districts.
Abbas Shieh, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning and Design, Islamic Azad University and Robert Freestone, Professor of Planning, School of Built Environment, UNSW
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s five-wicket haul was the highlight of the second day of the second Test as it helped India end England’s first innings on 134 runs before the hosts began to extend their lead over the visitors at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
At stumps on Day 2, India’s score read 54/1 in the second innings and enjoy a 249-run lead.
Indian bowlers continued bowling on tight lengths and did not give any room to English batters to excel in the second session as they lost four scalps including three crucial wickets of Ben Stokes (18), Ollie Pope (22), and Moeen Ali (6) to send England’s middle-order back in the hut. At the tea break, England’s score read as 106/8 in 49.2 overs with Ben Foakes unbeaten on 23 runs. In the second session, visitors added 67 runs. England was still trailing India by 223 runs.
Stokes and Pope resumed the second session from 39/4 and had a brief 13-run stand for the fifth wicket. Ashwin ended Stokes’ 18-run stint and sent him back to the pavilion.
Foakes joined Pope in the middle and tried to build a strong partnership for the sixth wicket. The duo played cautiously and added a 35-run partnership before pacer Mohammed Siraj joined the party and dismissed Pope (22).
Foakes along with Ali guided the side to the 100-run mark and kept the team’s hope alive in the game. Axar Patel broke the stand and scalped Ali after scoring six runs. In the final over before tea, Ashwin got hold of Stone (1) and bagged his fourth wickets in the game.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday got a “fleeting view” of the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where the second Test between India and England is being played, during his visit to Chennai for inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of several key projects in the city.
PM Modi took to Twitter and shared a mesmerizing aerial picture of the Chepauk stadium and captioned the post, “Caught a fleeting view of an interesting test match in Chennai.”
In the first session, after bundling out India for 329, England got off to the worst start possible as Rory Burns (0) was adjudged leg-before wicket of the delivery bowled by Ishant Sharma in the very first over of the innings. Soon after, Ravichandran Ashwin removed Sibley (16) and England was reduced to 16/2 in the eighth over.
Skipper Root (6) failed to leave a mark as he top-edged the ball delivered by Axar Patel and as a result, the left-arm spinner got his first wicket in Tests. On the last ball before the lunch break, Ashwin removed Lawrence (9) and England went into the break at 39/4.
Earlier, Rishabh Pant’s (58*) unbeaten half-century guided the side to 329 in their first innings. India lost quick wickets in the first session of the second day and was only able to add 29 runs to their overnight total.
On the first day, Rohit Sharma played a knock of 161 while Ajinkya Rahane provided him support with a knock of 67 to help the hosts gain an upper hand in the match.
February 14, 2021 marks two years of the Pulwama terror attack when 40 valiant Indian soldiers were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an IED-laden vehicle into the security convoy carrying them. Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had claimed responsibility for the dastardly terror attack.
The attack on the CRPF convoy took place in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 14, 2019. A 22-year-old suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus. The convoy had 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were traveling from Jammu to Srinagar. Days later India carried out an airstrike on JeM’s Balakot terror training camp in Pakistan.
India had also withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan following the terror attack. The international community had expressed its strong support to India in the wake of the terror attack.
The memorial having names of all 40 jawans killed in the attack was inaugurated on February 14, 2020 at CRPF’s Training Centre at Lethpora camp in Pulwama. The memorial is inscribed with the names of all the 40 troopers along with their photographs and the motto of the CRPF — “Seva and Nishtha” (Service and Loyalty).
Remembering the sacrifice of the Bravehearts, netizens took to social media to pay homage to the CRPF personnel who laid their lives for the nation.
#PulwamaAttack is currently trending on Twitter with nearly 25,000 tweets.
International sand artist and Padma Shri Awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to the fallen soldiers with sand art.
Another Twitter user said that bravehearts were attacked from behind.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ASI Mohan Lal who lost his life during the Pulwama attack in 2019, was awarded the President Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) posthumously on the eve of Republic Day 2021.
Mohan Lal was awarded the medal for spotting the IED-laden car and having fired to stop the car before it rammed into a bus in the convoy that killed the suicide bomber and 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, 2019.
Former US President Donald Trump has been acquitted in his second impeachment trial as the Senate fell short of supporters for convicting him of inciting Capitol riots.
His acquittal comes over a month after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol as legislators were counting the electoral results that certified his loss. Five people died in the riot, including a police officer. According to a report by CNN, Trump got acquitted even after seven Republican senators joining 50 Democrats voting to convict, fewer than the 17 needed.
The vote was 57-43, with seven Republicans and the Senators needed a two-thirds majority to convict Trump.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer termed the Senate’s decision as “un-American”.
“The former President inspired, directed, and propelled a mob to violently prevent the peaceful transfer of power, subvert the will of the people, and illegally keep that President in power,” Schumer said.
“There is nothing, nothing more un-American than that…There is nothing, nothing more antithetical to our democracy… insulting to the generations of American patriots who gave their lives to defend our form of government,” he added.
Following the Senate vote to acquit him, Trump thanked his legal team and said he will always have, and always will and be a champion for the unwavering rule of law.
“It is a sad commentary on our times that one political party in America is given a free pass to denigrate the rule of law, defame law enforcement, cheer mobs, excuse rioters, and transform justice into a tool of political vengeance, and persecute, blacklist, cancel and suppress all people and viewpoints with whom or which they disagree.”
I always have, and always will, be a champion for the unwavering rule of law, the heroes of law enforcement, and the right of Americans to peacefully and honorably debate the issues of the day without malice and without hate,” he further said.
Trump also thanked his legal team and “all of the United States Senators and Members of Congress who stood proudly for the Constitution we all revere and for the sacred legal principles at the heart of our country,” in the statement, CNN reported.
Three Indian wickets in the final hour of play tipped the opening day of the second Test slightly in favour of England after Rohit Sharma’s sensational knock had set the India innings up on Saturday.
India lost Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravichandran Ashwin in the final hour of the play as the hosts lost three wickets in the third session after holding the fort before tea. At stumps, India’s score reads 300/6 with Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel unbeaten at 33 and five runs respectively. For England, Jack Leach and Moeen Ali picked two while Olly Stone and skipper Joe Root scalped a wicket each.
Resuming the third session at 189/3, Rohit and Rahane continued their fine form in the game to put on 200 runs on board in the 58th over. Both the batsmen held the fort tight and didn’t give England any chance to take the driver’s seat.
While Rahane scored his 23rd Test fifty, Rohit brought went past the 150-run mark as India batsmen continued a solid display of skills on day one of the second Test.
Rohit brought up the 150-partnership with Rahane in style as he lofted the ball wide over mid-on dancing down the track against Jack Leach in the 71st over.
However, a sensational inning from Rohit (161) came to an end as the batsman departed after sweeping Leach straight into Moeen’s hands at deep square leg.
Minutes later, Moeen clean bowled Ajinkya Rahane bringing up two new batsmen, Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin at the crease but Joe Root dismissed the India spinner as he was caught by Pope at short leg to collect his first wicket of the day.
Pant and Axar Patel then ensured that England bowlers didn’t make any further inroads as India ended the opening day of the second Test at 300/6.
In the second session, Rohit’s unbeaten century and Rahane’s composure had helped India revived their innings and gain an upper hand after being three down in the morning.
Rahane and Rohit saw off the first hour with ease, and the duo accumulated runs at a good pace. The first hour (second session) also saw Rohit bringing up his century and the hopes of posting a big score relied heavily on the right-hander.
Both the batters did not relent in their approach and they were quick to capitalise on the loose balls being dished out by the England bowlers. In the end, both Rohit and Rahane ensured that the hosts did not lose a single wicket.
The second session saw 83 runs being scored from 28 overs and India went into the break at 189/3 with seven wickets intact.
Earlier in the day, India got off to the worst start possible as the hosts lost the wicket of Gill (0) in just the second over of the day. Pujara then joined Rohit in the middle and the duo retrieved the innings for the hosts.
While Pujara played in his trademark fashion, Rohit brought up his fifty off just 47 balls in just the 15th over of the innings.
Both the batters were not looking in any sort of trouble but just 20 minutes before the lunch break, spinner Leach got the better of Pujara (21) and as a result, the batsman was sent back to the pavilion. This dismissal also brought an end to an 85-run stand between Pujara and Rohit.
In the very next over, Moeen Ali bowled a stunning delivery and it turned to rattle the stumps of Virat Kohli (0), reducing India to 86/3.
Skipper Kohli had won the toss and he opted to bat first. The hosts made three changes to their lineup as they brought in Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj in place of Shahbaz Nadeem, Washington Sundar, and Jasprit Bumrah.
On the other hand, England made four changes as the side brought in Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Olly Stone, and Ben Foakes in place of Dominic Bess, Jofra Archer, James Anderson, and Jos Buttler.
Brief scores: India 300/6 (Rohit Sharma 161, Ajinkya Rahane 67; Jack Leach 2-78)
A principal at a Sydney girls’ school told students not to “compromise the employment” of male teachers by wearing skimpy and revealing outfits.
“Please remember girls, there are men teachers at this school and they don’t want to be looking at that either.”
Cheltenham Girls High School principal Suellen Lawrence made the above controversial comments in a video address to students.
The NSW Department of Education says the Principal will apologise.
Experts and parents have termed the Principals’ comments as “unfortunate” and “inappropriate”.
Cathy Brennan, the executive director of the school performance metropolitan north, told ABC:
“Certainly the comments that were made were not appropriate. We’ve taken that seriously … she’s absolutely ready to apologise [and] recognise those were not the comments that were aligned with our view of how we give confidence to our students.”
An Indian-Australian parent and Sydney resident, Indranil Halder, took to Facebook to express his disappointment over the remarks made by her daughter’s school Principal.
It is reported that after several students of the school confronted the principal, a whole-school muster was held where Ms Lawrence claimed the remarks had been taken out of context.
“I am not attacking any individual girl or any student that may have gender-identity issues or any of those things at all … I am simply saying to you girls, please make sure that you adhere to the request of the school which is that you are dressing appropriately.”
Cathy Brennan has said that support and counselling would be made available to the students of Cheltenham Girls High School (CGHS).
A friend of one of the parent’s commented:
“Is ‘skimpy’ clothes – part of the school uniform? Why would people wear something that’s not part of their uniform!”
Another parent countered:
“The principal’s statement yet again buys into the main idea of rape culture: that girls/women are somehow accountable for ‘inciting’ men and should take responsibility for that. Apparently men – male teachers, specifically – are incapable of self-control.”
Do you think it is just an issue regarding the school uniform or dress policy? Or, the real question in this debate is should girls be held responsible for how other people (especially men) look at them?
Thanks to researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia, prosthetists in India will have access to the latest advances in 3D bioprinting to correct ear deformities.
Researchers based at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) have dispatched two customised bioprinters designed and manufactured in Wollongong to Indian medical device manufacturers.
This is part of a strategic collaboration between UOW and Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) in India.
The 3D Genii will allow a prosthetist to complete their work faster and in a more streamlined manner.
This technology will providing simple scanning technology that can be used remotely to ensure the system is more accessible across the broader population.
ACES Director, Distinguished Professor Gordon Wallace AO, said this will help in creating new industries and building local medtech infrastructure for both Australia and India.
“Both India and Australia have challenges in delivering health innovations to their rural areas. We hope these latest developments will help in reaching out to those patients and healthcare professionals who can work remotely with us to access 3D printing technologies.”
UOW’s Global Brand Ambassador, former cricketer Adam Gilchrist AM, said the 3D bioprinting collaboration has much to offer both India and Australia in advancing research, training and manufacturing.
“UOW already has many strong connections with India, and there’s so much more we could do together. It’s exciting to see UOW share its internationally renowned expertise in bioprinting to help India establish a state-of-the-art, affordable and accessible industry that will have a real and significant impact in local communities in both India and Australia.”
This project is led in collaboration with RPA Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon Associate Professor Payal Mukherjee.
Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the statehood would be given to Jammu and Kashmir at an “appropriate” time. He was replying to the discussion on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill of 2021 in the Indian parliament’s lower house, Lok Sabha.
Mr. Shah said, “Many MPs said that bringing the bill means that the union territory would not get statehood. I am piloting the Bill, I brought it. I have clarified the intentions.”
“Nowhere is it written that Jammu and Kashmir would not get the statehood. Where are you drawing the conclusion from? I have said in this House, and I say it again that this Bill has got nothing to do with the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. Statehood would be given to the UT at an appropriate time,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad reiterated the Congress party’s demand to restore statehood status to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In August 2019, the Union Government abrogated Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Shah also slammed the Opposition and asked for an account of what they did in the past 70 years.
“I have no objection, I will give an account for everything. But those who were given the opportunity to govern for generations should look within if they are even fit to demand an account,” the minister said.
“We were asked what did we do about promises made during abrogation of Article 370. It has been 17 months since the abrogation and you are demanding an account for it. Did you bring the account of what you did for 70 years? Had you worked properly, you need not have asked us,” he added.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021was introduced by the Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha on February 4 to replace Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
The new bill is aimed to merge the Jammu and Kashmir cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers with that of the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territory (AGMUT).
The 7th Combat Brigade of the Australian Army based at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, Queensland, recently shared a Facebook post.
The role of the 7th Brigade is “to force generate and strategically project high readiness land forces capable of conducting the full spectrum of joint and inter-agency operations in pursuit of Australia’s national security interests.”
the 7th Combat Brigade, known as “South Queensland’s Own”, is comprised entirely of full-time units and its ‘weapon’ Private Singh belongs to 6 RAR.
The 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) is a mechanised infantry battalion.
The 7th Brigade integrates full-time and part-time soldiers, consisted of the 2nd /14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), 6th Royal Australian Regiment, the 9th Royal Queensland Regiment and 25th /49th Royal Queensland Regiment with combat support from, 1st Field Regiment, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, and 139th Signal Squadron and combat service support provided by 7th Combat Service Support Battalion.
The Army welcomes enquiries from people who are interested in a new career and a new life in Australia.
For reasons of national security, to join and serve the Australian Navy, Army or Air Force you must be an Australian citizen.
However, there are some exceptions as Defence Jobs Australia notes:
“In very rare and exceptional circumstances, if a position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen the citizenship requirement may be waived and applications may be accepted from Permanent Residents and Overseas Applicants.”
Please note that if, as a permanent resident, you refuse citizenship or fail in your application, your ADF service will be terminated.
Till date, India has shipped a total of 229.7 lakh doses of coronavirus vaccines to countries worldwide.
Out of this 64.7 lakh doses were donated as grants, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava informed media.
“As of date, we have supplied a total of 229.7 lakh doses to the global community. Of these, 64.7 lakh doses have been supplied as a grant while 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis.”
India has also recently held talks with Canada to facilitate supplies of COVID vaccines.
Anurag Srivastava added that India is in the process of dispatching additional consignments to Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific island nations.
Under the grant assistance, India has already played a key role in kick-starting the vaccination campaign across Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
It has shipped ‘Made in India’ vaccines to larger countries like Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
In addition, Government of India has also organised specialized training programme in India for experts from other countries on Covid-19 Management.
Earlier, calling India a “true friend”, the United States hailed India’s pharmaceutical industry’s contribution to the world.
US State Department’s South and Central Asia Bureau tweeted:
“We applaud India’s role in global health, sharing millions of doses of Covid-19 vaccine in South Asia. India’s free shipments of the vaccine began with Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal and will extend to others.”
Here’s a list of countries which have benefitted under Government of India’s Vaccine Maitri inititaive:
MEA Spokesperson added that the decision on these supplies will always be calibrated as per domestic production and the requirements of the national vaccination programme.
Victoria’s hotel quarantine system has been halted once again by Premier Daniel Andrews.
All international arrivals will cease from Saturday, spokeswoman for the Premier said.
“As part of the circuit-breaker action taken today, we have paused all international passenger flights from tomorrow (Saturday, February 13) – excluding those already in transit.”
Under the lockdown, all business have been told by Victoria to close.
Victorians have been instructed to stay within 5 kilometres of their homes, and only go out to shop for essentials, caregiving, exercise and essential work.
All schools will also remain closed until Thursday.
This step won’t go down well with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Recently, the national cabinet raised the cap on international arrivals to about 6500 per week.
These numbers were to be maintained till the end of April.
Now, Victorian Premier has decided to pause all international flights into Victoria.
PM Morrison believes the system in place right now can cope with the threat from new strains of the coronavirus without dropping numbers of international arrivals into the country.
Last week, Victoria agreed to raise the cap of international arrivals from 1120 to 1310 per week.
The Victorian Premier has now suggested the idea of accepting only “hundreds” in Victoria each week.
“If I were to form a view that we only want to do a small number of compassionate Aussies coming home, it wouldn’t be to save money, it wouldn’t be to avoid the hard work.”
There is a demand that Australia needs new facilities to quarantine international travellers.
In addition, there is a growing debate over who should be responsible for border control – federal and state?
A spokeswoman for the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said:
“We know this will be difficult news for people who are overseas and want to get home but our focus right now has to be taking this short, sharp action in response to this outbreak. We will continue to assess the impact of the UK strain of the virus on our program and international arrivals, and will provide more information on the duration of this pause soon.”
International passengers who are already on flights to Victoria will be quarantined on arrival.
The Indian High Commission in Australia has recently announced that it will start accepting applications to re-issue International Driving Permits to Indian nationals.
The Indian consulates in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth will start accepting applications from eligible applicants 15 February 2021.
These changes have been made in the Motor Vehicle Rules considering the fact that sometimes the International Driving Permit gets expired and there is no mechanism for its renewal abroad.
The International Driving Permits issued by India are accepted across 15 countries including Australia.
To ensure your application can be processed, kindly ensure all documents are provided to VFS Centre as stated in the checklist.
The fees for this service is AUD16 plus ICWF charge of AUD3 along with VFS Service charge.
The validity of International Driving Permit is one year from the date of its issue.
For more information, applicants should visit: www.parivahan.gov.in and www.vfsglobal.com
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that stage four measures will be reintroduced and the state will go to lockdown from 11.59 pm tonight until 11.59 pm Wednesday for five days.
Premier in an emotional written statements said,
“"I won’t waste words: today hurts. Victorians know, better than anyone, just how deeply.
But as we’ve seen – here in Australia and around the world – we are facing a new kind of enemy.
A virus that is smarter, and faster, and more infectious.
And until we have a vaccine, we need to do everything we can to keep this virus at bay.
In the past 24 hours, five new cases have been identified.
It shows just how incredibly infectious this virus is. And our public health team tell us it’s only getting faster.
Right now, we are reaching close contacts well within the 48-hour benchmark. But the time between exposure, incubation, symptoms and testing positive is rapidly shortening. So much so, that even secondary close contacts are potentially infectious within that 48-hour window.
In short: this hyper-infectious variant is moving at hyper-speed.
It’s why on the advice of our public health experts, the whole of Victoria will move to circuit-breaker action from 11:59pm tonight until 11:59pm on Wednesday, 17 February.
This is a short, sharp blast – the same as we’ve seen in Queensland and WA – that will give us the what we need to get ahead of this faster moving virus.
That means there will be four reasons to leave your home: shopping for the things you need, care and caregiving, exercise and work, if it is essential.
Exercise and shopping will be limited to five kilometres from your home. If there’s no shops in your five-kilometre radius, you’ll be able to travel to the ones closest to you.
Face masks will need to be worn indoors and outdoors – whenever you leave home.
You won’t be able to have visitors to your home. And any public gatherings won’t be able to go ahead.
For school students, that means learning from home, unless they need onsite supervision as the children of essential workers. Unis and TAFEs will close or move to remote learning. Childcare and kinders will remain open.
Gyms, pools, community centres, entertainment venues and libraries will all need to close.
And as with Stage 4 restrictions, all non-essential retail will close, but essential stores like supermarkets, bottle shops and pharmacies will remain open. Cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer take-away.
Hotel and accommodation providers will be able to stay open to support guests already staying onsite. No new bookings can be made.
Funerals will be able to go ahead with up to ten people. Weddings will need to be postponed.
A list of who is considered an essential worker will be made available online. But the short answer is – if you were a permitted worker during Stage 4 restrictions – you’ll most likely be an essential worker now too. For everyone else, we need you to work from home.
I know there’ll be plenty of questions about what people can and can’t do. We’ll do our best to answer these as quickly as possible.
But the most important thing you need to know is this: this is our opportunity – our brief window – to starve the virus of what it wants most. Movement.
By limiting our movement, we limit the potential spread of the virus.
And by going hard and going early – we’re giving ourselves every opportunity to get in front of this.
My message to every single Victorian:
I know today will be hard. Likely, tomorrow will be even harder.
But remember, no one else in the world – anywhere – has achieved what we have.
And just as we had the courage and conviction to win this war before – we can do it again."DHHS has provided following information to guide community to what and how they should conduct their lives in next five days.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau that India would do its best to facilitate supplies of COVID vaccines sought by Canada.
This much needed telephone call comes after criticism from the opposition parties in Canada.
A few days ago Michelle Rempel Garner, the shadow minister of health for the opposition Conservative Party, questioned minister of public services and procurement Anita Anand, whether she or the Canadian Prime Minister had reached out to PM Modi.
Michelle Rempel Garner asked, “Has the minister or prime minister phoned Prime Minister Modi to ask if we could get vaccines from India?”
Anita Anand responded, “I personally have not phoned Prime Minister Modi and I cannot speak for anyone else in our government.”
To another follow-up whether PM Trudeau had placed such a call, Anita Anand said, “I do not know.”
PM Trudeau made a telephone call to Narendra Modi and said that if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, it would be significantly because of India’s tremendous pharmaceutical capacity and Modi’s leadership in sharing this capacity with the world, according to a Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) statement.
There are some strains in India-Canada bilateral ties at the moment because of the comments made by PM Trudeau about the protest by farmers in India.
In December 2020, during a Facebook interaction, PM Trudeau had said, “I would be remiss if I didn’t start also by recognising the news coming out of India about the protest by farmers. The situation is concerning and we’re all very worried about family and friends.”
“We have seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told media.
Canada’s envoy to India, Nadir Patel, was on December 4 summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The senior MEA officials served him a démarche, conveying that the comments made by Prime Minister Trudeau and other ministers of the Canadian Government were below the expectations of India.
Despite this tension between the two nations caused by a group of Indo-Canadian activists, PM Modi assured that India would do its best to support Canada’s vaccination efforts.
Canada is not part of the 25 countries to which India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has approved the supply of 24 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines on a commercial basis.
Canadian journalist and the host of The Counter Signal, Keean Bexte praising PM Modi’s unconditional help to Canada tweeted:
PM Modi and PM Trudeau reiterated to continue the close collaboration and keep working on the common perspective shared by India and Canada on important geo-political issues.
Melbourne’s North-Western suburbs Sunshine shopping centre has been put on COVID19 alert as an outbreak connected to the hotel Holiday Inn grows.
Late last night Victoria’s Department of Health issued a statement confirming that a third worker at Melbourne Airport’s quarantine hotel Holiday Inn and another guest has tested positive of coronavirus.
Total number of positive cases related to this cluster rises to eight.
Sunbury Square Shopping Centre has been classified as Tire 2 exposer site. Late on Wednesday night the health department also put the entire shopping center on alert as a “precautionary approach”.
Tier-2 exposer site:
10/02/21 10:30pm
| Location | Site | Exposure period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbury | Sunbury Square Shopping Centre, 2-28 Evans street, Sunbury | 3:40pm – 4:30pm 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during the given times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
However, Two Banks in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb Glen Waverly were classified as Tier 1 exposer sites.
“Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and remain isolated for 14 days” is the protocol by health authorities.
DHHS says, “If you have visited an exposure site lately but not in the specified time, please continue to monitor for symptoms. Isolate and get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if symptoms develop.”
Here is the list of coronavirus Tier-1 exposer sites.
10/02/21 06:30 pm
| Location | Site | Exposure period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | North Point Cafe 2B North Rd Brighton, VIC 3186 | 8:10am – 9:30am 31/1/2021 | Case dined outside and used bathroom |
| Brandon Park | Kmart, Brandon Park Shopping Centre Cnr Springvale Rd and Ferntree Gully Rd Brandon Park, VIC 3170 | 4:35pm – 5:10pm 31/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Clayton South | Nakama Workshop 85 Main Rd Clayton South, VIC 3169 | 11:15am – 12:00pm 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Glen Waverley | Commonwealth Bank, 28-32 Kingsway, Glen Waverley | 1:30pm-2:45pm 9/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Glen Waverley | HSBC Bank, 38 Kingsway, Glen Waverley | 2:15pm-3:30pm 9/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Heatherton | Melbourne Golf Academy 385 Centre Dandenong Rd Heatherton, VIC 3202 | 5:19pm – 6:35pm 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Keysborough | Aces Sporting Club (Driving Range) Cnr Springvale Rd and Hutton Rd Keysborough, VIC 3173 | 10:00pm – 11:15pm 30/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Keysborough | Kmart, Parkmore Keysborough Shopping Centre C/317 Cheltenham Rd Keysborough, VIC 3173 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm 31/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Maidstone | Marciano’s Cakes 126 Mitchell St Maidstone VIC 3012 | 9:45am – 10:25am 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Melbourne | Exford Hotel 199 Russell St Melbourne, VIC 3000 | 11:00pm – 11:35pm 29/1/2021 | Case attended bottle shop |
| Moorabbin Airport | Lululemon, DFO Moorabbin Shop G-039/250 Centre Dandenong Rd Moorabbin VIC 3194 | 5:00pm – 5:45pm 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Noble Park | Club Noble 46/56 Moodemere St Noble Park VIC 3174 | 2:36pm -3:30pm 30/01/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Bunnings Springvale 849 Princes Hwy Springvale, VIC 3171 | 11:30am – 12:15pm 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Coles Springvale 825 Dandenong Rd Springvale, VIC 3171 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm 31/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Sharetea Springvale 27C Buckingham Ave Springvale, VIC 3171 | 6:50pm – 7:30pm 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Woolworths Springvale 302 Springvale Rd Springvale, VIC 3171 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | Cellarbrations 34 Batman Avenue Sunbury VIC 3429 | 5:44pm – 6:19pm 7/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | Cellarbrations 34 Batman Avenue Sunbury VIC 3429 | 6:17pm – 7:02pm 6/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | Sunny Life Massage – Sunbury Square Shopping Centre 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury VIC 3429 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm 6/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | PJ’s Pet Warehouse Shop 2, 104 Horne Street Sunbury VIC 3429 | 3:37pm – 4:10pm 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | Bakers Delight – Sunbury Square Shopping Centre 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury VIC 3429 | 3:40pm – 4:15pm 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | Aldente Deli – Sunbury Square Shopping Centre 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury VIC 3429 | 3:45pm – 4:23pm 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | Sushi Sushi – Sunbury Square Shopping Centre 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury VIC 3429 | 3:53pm – 4:28pm 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunbury | Asian Star – Sunbury Square Shopping Centre 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury VIC 3429 | 3:57pm – 4:30pm 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunshine | Dan Murphy’s 47 McIntyre Rd Sunshine VIC 3020 | 5:50pm – 6:30pm 5/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Sunshine | Dan Murphy’s 47 McIntyre Rd Sunshine VIC 3020 | 6:50pm – 7:30pm 6/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Taylors Lakes | Off Ya Tree Watergardens 399 Melton Highway Taylors Lakes VIC 3038 | 1:00pm – 1:52pm 6/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| West Melbourne | Kebab Kingz 438 Spencer St West Melbourne, VIC 3003 | 11:24pm -12:15am 29/1/2021 | Case dined outside |
The locations on this list are not a current risk to the public and you can visit them in line with current restrictions.
India’s Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed Loksabha that between 2015 to 2019, over 6.76 lakh Indians gave up their nationality and took up citizenship of other countries.
“As per information available with the Ministry of External Affairs, a total number of 1,24,99,395 Indian nationals are living in foreign countries”.
Minister Rai also added that 1,41,656 Indians up Indian citizenship in the year 2015, 1,44,942 in 2016, 1,27,905 in 2017, 1,25,130 in 2018 and 1,36,441 Indians gave up Indian nationality in 2019 repectively.
The Indian government also mentioned that it is not considering any proposal to grant dual citizenship.
The Indian Constitution does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously.
However, the Government of India grants Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) of certain category as long as their home countries allow dual citizenship in some form or the other under their local laws.
This is something like a partial ‘dual’ citizenship.
The Indian passport ranked globally at 59 in 2021 Passport Index.
This means Indians do not have easy access to developed countries.
Because of this and other issues, Indian migrants tend to give-up Indian citizenship.
At times, this decision is very emotional as many have parents, family and close friends still living in India.
At the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2016 census, 619,164 Indian origin people were living in Australia.
In 2019, the Indian population in Australia had grown to 660,000.
Do you think it is time that the Indian government should offer dual citizenship to Indians living abroad?
After almost two and a half months of advocacy by multiple stakeholders within the Indian Australian community, finally, the good news of retaining the ‘Hindi language course’ at La Trobe University was received with jubilations.
Prof Nick Bisley is Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at LaTrobe University.
He wrote an email to advise concerned community members of the decision.
Indian Consulate of Melbourne was the central point to coordinate the campaign to save the Hindi program. A number of meetings were organised with multiple stakeholders for community consultations.
Consul General Raj Kumar told The Australia Today, “We are delighted to hear about the retention of Hindi courses at La Trobe University.”
Twice, I met with Vice-Chancellor of the La Trobe University and appraised him with community sentiments, said, Mr. Raj Kumar.
He says, It was a consolidated effort by Hindi speaking and Hindi loving community members and groups.
However, He doesn’t forget to remind that work is only half done with the retention of the Hindi program, now it’s up to the community at large to help and secure enrollments so that the courses continue to run.
Yadu Singh is President of Federation of Indian Associations of NSW.
He says, “This is a welcome decision. Congratulations are due for the multitude of community groups, which actively campaigned on this matter. We speak Hindi at home and are thrilled that the Uni has listened to our appeals.”
But, Dr Singh is also concerned.
“While we are happy with the decision by La Trobe Uni, our community is concerned and unhappy about the agenda-driven activities of some academics of some Australian Universities.”
He explains, “These academics get a pedestal due to their position in the Universities, which they use for influence peddling. They are paid by the tax-payers like us and are required to be fair, neutral, and balanced in their views, activities, and behaviour, on and off-campus.”
Ragini Vasisht* is actively associated with Hindi teaching in Melbourne.
She says, my daughter had Hindi as a subject in VCE but I not comfortable to encourage her to study Hindi at University.
“I don’t want my daughter to be pushed or cornered because of her social, cultural, religious or political beliefs.”
Indian Consul General Raj Kumar says, “I can’t comment on an individual’s conduct, it’s up to the Universities who they want to employ to teach.”
We can facilitate a ‘Hindi Chair’ if La Trobe or any other University want to start Hindi course, said Mr Kumar.
Dr. Yadu Singh says, “The academicians should not be part of the hate brigade, spreading lies and misinformation in the name of activism. Such activities are hurtful and unacceptable to the vast majority of our community. They must not be allowed to inculcate and promote their agenda-driven politics. If they cannot stop themselves from their agenda-driven politics, they should quit their university employment or the universities should remove them from their respective positions.”
Note: * Name changed to protect the identity of the person.
A consignment of lehengas with intricate work of the colourful designs had hidden drugs.
A lehanga is a full ankle-length skirt worn by Indian women, usually on formal or ceremonial occasions.
According to custom officials the street price of these drugs has been estimated at ₹ 1.7 crore (approx. AUD300,000).
Delhi Customs tweeted that the lehengas were found inside a consignment box that was being sent to Australia.
ACC Export Commissionerate officials at the Foreign Post Office (PFO) in Delhi opened the consignment based on intelligence received.
The officials told the media that they found over 3,900 grams of the drug MDMA.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions).
This drug is popular in the nightclub scene and is commonly called ‘Ecstasy’ or ‘Molly’.
Adrian Esterman, University of South Australia
Victorians awoke to news this morning that another hotel quarantine staff member has tested positive for COVID, this time from the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport.
It’s the second case in a Victorian quarantine hotel in less than a week, after a resident support worker from the Grand Hyatt in central Melbourne tested positive for the virus on Wednesday night.
It again raises a question many have been asking for months: why is hotel quarantine situated in big cities, often in the CBD itself?
I believe it’s well and truly time to move quarantine to remote locations, to reduce the risk of transmission into dense urban areas.
On March 27 2020, the National Cabinet agreed that, from March 29, all incoming travellers would be required to undertake a 14-day supervised quarantine period in a designated facility, and that was the beginning of quarantine hotels. Crucially, however, states and territories were left to choose the facilities, and pass state and territory legislation to enforce the requirements.
When these regulations were put into place, Australia was in a desperate hurry to find some way of quarantining returning Australians, and hotels were seen as a good solution to the problem. But there are two major problems with this approach.
The first is that hotels are not built for quarantine. They’re not designed to limit the spread of infectious diseases. Many do not have adequate ventilation.
The virus has escaped from quarantine in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
The spread of aerosols — tiny viral particles that can remain suspended in the air — has been implicated in many of these breaches.
The second problem is that most states are using hotels in the centre of their major cities. This means if the virus does escape, via an infected worker or otherwise, the potential for significant spread is higher because of the densely populated urban setting.
It’s very hard to make a quarantine station 100% leak-free. At the end of the day, they’re run by humans, who occasionally make mistakes. And SARS-CoV-2 is a very contagious virus.
But if we move quarantine facilities out of cities to isolated places, any leaks would be much less likely to cause major transmission events.
The Northern Territory hosts returned travellers at its Howard Springs facility, 25km southeast of Darwin. So far, no quarantine staff have contracted the virus from residents.
The national hotel quarantine review, published last October, raised the possibility of using an RAAF base in Learmonth, northwest Western Australia, for quarantine. Christmas Island is another option, where travellers were quarantined when returning from Wuhan in February last year.
The Queensland government is in talks with the federal government over a proposed quarantine facility in Toowoomba, 125km west of Brisbane. A local construction company said it can build a 1,000-bed accommodation facility for staff, including the first 500 beds in just six weeks.
Another possibility would be the Woomera detention centre in rural South Australia.
Staff who would live and work at these facilities would also need to be paid extremely well. They would be living and working in remote areas, must live at the facility, and are putting themselves at risk of infection. Even cooks working at remote mining sites are paid handsomely.
One issue that arises from using rural quarantine is cost. It will be expensive to build and run these isolated facilities, and to fly workers in and out. It will also be expensive to fly returned travellers into these remote settings, presumably at the expense of the government. But what are the broader economic costs of continued outbreaks, and of the ensuing lockdowns? Any assessment of the costs should take this into account.
Another issue is that for rural or remote quarantine to work, the federal government would have to fund and implement the program. Under section 51 of the Constitution, it’s federal parliament’s responsibility to make laws about quarantine.
There will no doubt be arguments made that such a program isn’t worth it because we’re only a few weeks away from vaccinating border and quarantine staff.
But this misses the key point that vaccines won’t cause COVID to disappear overnight. The South African government has just stopped the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine because of its poor effectiveness against the South African variant. This virus will be with us for a long time to come, so relocating quarantine stations to remote settings is still a worthy investment.
Adrian Esterman, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Australia
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Jack Leach picked four while James Anderson scalped three wickets as England defeated India by 227 runs in the first Test here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.
It was a perfect day for England despite India skipper Virat Kohli showing resilience in the second innings. The England bowlers dominated the hosts right from the start of the final day. Shubman Gill showed a glimmer of hope but that was short-lived as James Anderson dismantled top order dismissing Gill, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant.
With this win, England has taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series. If Dom Bess stole the show for England in the first innings, it was Jack Leach and Anderson’s combined performance that hogged the limelight for the visitors in the second essay. The win over India in the first Test has also propelled England to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings.
In the second session, Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin stitched an important 54-run stand before Leach broke the partnership as England required just three wickets to go 1-0 up in the series.
Kohli registered his 24th half-century but Ben Stokes cleaned up the Indian skipper to leave hosts with no hope in the match. In the next over, Leach dismissed Shahbaz Nadeem to take his fourth wicket of the innings as India was reduced to 179/9.
In the end, it was just a formality as Jofra Archer dismissed Jaspirt Bumrah to give England a win in the first Test.
In the first session, India did not get off to a good start while resuming day five at 39/1, as Jack Leach continued from where he left off the other night. Leach sent back Cheteshwar Pujara (15) in just the seventh over of the final day.
India skipper Kohli then joined Gill in the middle and the hopes of scrapping away with a draw relied heavily on these two batters. Gill took a special liking towards off-spinner Dominic Bess and this saw the right-handed batter bring up his third half-century in Test cricket.
England skipper Joe Root then introduced Anderson into the attack, and the veteran did not disappoint as he produced a Jaffa to rattle the stumps of Gill (50). In the very same over, Anderson castled the stumps of Rahane (0), leaving India reeling at 92/4.
Rishabh Pant who played a knock of 91 in the first innings, failed to leave a mark in the second innings as he was dismissed by Anderson. Pant just managed to score 11 in the second innings. Soon after, Washington Sundar (0) was sent back to the pavilion by Dominic Bess, and this reduced India to 117/6.
India then went to lunch at 144/6 as the first session saw 105 runs being scored in 26 overs.
On day four, England was bowled out for 178 in the second innings and as a result, India was set a target of 420 to win. In the dying minutes on day four of the ongoing first, Leach clean bowled Rohit Sharma and the hosts were given a major blow.
Brief Scores: England 578 and 178; India 337 and 192/10 (Shubman Gill 50, Virat Kohli 72, Jack Leach 4-72).
A 36-year-old Indian Australian died after falling from the 40th floor of a Gold Coast apartment just after he opened a bottle of champagne.
This freak accident happened at his accommodation at Hilton Surfers Paradise, where he landed on a footpath on Orchid Ave at about 11pm on Friday.
He was on a holiday from Victoria with his family and friends, as per a report in Gold Coast Bulletin.
Media reports say, He had popped a bottle of champagne, and cock of the bottle smashed into the ceiling creating a mess.
As per a witness, the deceased was standing on a chair next to the balcony to clean the scuff on the roof.
However, he lost balance and fell down over the balcony protection wall.
‘Police closed the road and taped up the street and were getting people to move along.
Queensland Police are speaking with witnesses and looking at CCTV following the fatal fall. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
A Western Sydney mayor has ignited a new debate with his recent comments on people’s expectations on councils paying for Diwali and Lunar New Year celebrations in Australia.
He was recently quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald advising that ratepayers should not be footing the bill for such events as they are not “a core essential item”.
“Australia Day, Anzac Day, Easter and Christmas are exceptions as they are significantly part of this country’s traditions and Western culture,” Cumberland City mayor Steve Christou told SMH.
Now, the question that we should ask ourselves is that in a multicultural country like Australia only ‘Australia Day, Anzac Day, Easter and Christmas’ form a significant part of core cultural values?
On his Facebook page, Councillor Suman Saha responded to Mayor Steve Christou.
“I don’t support or endorse the statement by the Mayor, Cumberland City Council on #smh yesterday, 7th Feb 2021.Cumberland City Council is the second largest culturally and linguistically diverse community in #nsw, if not in #Australia. Council’s vision for the future “Welcome,Belong, Succeed” also welcomes people from different backgrounds.”
Cumberland Council in Sydney’s population is one of the most diverse and multicultural in Australia.
SMH pointed out that the City of Sydney has allocated $1.9 million for its Lunar New Year celebrations.
However, it was reported that Cr Christou said members of the diaspora should pay the bill for such celebrations.
“Same applies to other events like Diwali and the like … Council can provide in-kind support without having to dip into its pockets financially.”
Cr Christou pointed out that in the past the council had spent about $60,000 on Lunar New Year events.
“Whilst we encourage local ethnic groups to celebrate their beliefs and we all enjoy the experience, it should not be the responsibility of council and the ratepayers to financially foot the bill,” he was quoted sighting financial pressures caused by COVID19.
Every year the Australian Prime Minister wishes the diasporic communities on their respective religious and cultural events.
This shows that communities such as Indian and Chinese are part of the Australian identity and success of multiculturalism in the world’s most diverse nation.
In 2016, Karthik Arasu, an Indian-origin candidate who ran for the Australian Senate from Victoria, campaigned for an optional public holiday on Diwali in Australia along with other pressing issues.
So, the question now for taxpayers is should they pay for celebrations such as Diwali and Lunar New Year through councils in Australia?
Mark Hanly, UNSW; C Raina MacIntyre, UNSW; Louisa Jorm, UNSW; Oisin Fitzgerald, UNSW, and Timothy Churches, UNSW
If R nought was the number on your lips last year, then the statistic du jour this year will be the daily number of vaccinations administered.
This is the key number that will determine when we can stop living under the shadow of COVID, the ongoing sporadic seeding events from hotel quarantine, and the necessary but disruptive lockdowns that inevitably follow.
The federal government’s COVID vaccine rollout is due to start in late February with a target of vaccinating all Australian adults by October. Vaccinating some 20 million adult Australians with two doses each in around eight months is an immense logistical challenge.
Based on our preliminary analysis, uploaded today as a preprint manuscript and still awaiting peer review, it will require the health system to rapidly get up to speed to deliver around 200,000 jabs a day, and to maintain this rate for several months.
200,000 vaccinations a day is a truly furious pace. It’s possible, but will require dedicated large-scale vaccination sites capable of delivering thousands of doses a week in addition to the enthusiastic participation of general practices and community pharmacies countrywide.
The opening act of the government’s rollout strategy will be to vaccinate the highest priority groups, including border workers, front line health-care staff, and aged-care staff and residents with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Because the Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored at below -70℃, this phase will be delivered through hospital hubs with the necessary ultra-cold-chain storage facilities.
Pending approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, it seems likely most Australians will be vaccinated with the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine can be stored in a regular fridge, meaning it can be distributed through general practices and community pharmacies.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has suggested the rollout capacity will start at around 80,000 doses per week and increase from there. That’s 16,000 a day (over five-day weeks), well short of the required 200,000 a day. The planned peak capacity hasn’t been announced, but even back-of-the-beer-mat calculation would suggest a minimum of 167,000 vaccines per day to give two doses each to 20 million Australians in the eight months between March and October 2021. The longer it takes to reach such capacity, the higher that daily number will get — or we will not reach the target vaccination percentage this year.
There are huge benefits to getting the job done quickly as statistical modelling suggests even 50,000 doses a day in NSW will result in a longer and larger epidemic than 120,000 or more doses a day.
We ran a series of projections to estimate how long it would take to vaccinate the Australian population.
Our estimates used varied assumptions about the rate of vaccinations, the timing of the second dose, and the proportion of the population that would refuse to take a vaccine.
Our analysis finds 200,000 daily vaccinations from March would comfortably meet the October 2021 deadline. On the other hand, a rate of 80,000 per day — still seven times the PM’s starting point — would see the rollout drag on until mid-2022.
As a useful point of comparison, we can look at countries where the vaccination rollout is already underway. To make it easier to compare across countries, we can standardise by population size. On this scale, our 200,000 vaccinations per day translates to around 7,700 doses per million population per day.
This rate exceeds the best efforts of the majority of countries to date, including the United Kingdom and the United States, where the rate of vaccine administration has peaked at around 5,800 and 4,000 daily doses per million population respectively.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RKYr6/1/
The outlier is Israel, where between 7,000 and 20,000 vaccinations per million population have been delivered daily throughout January, and one third of its population is now vaccinated. Several factors may have contributed to this success, including a young, largely urbanised population and a strong public health infrastructure.
Perhaps most important has been robust logistical planning, including coordination of delivery, ultra-cold-chain storage and staffing.
Returning to Australia, applications to recruit 1,000 GPs and an as-yet-unknown number of community pharmacies to join the vaccination rollout effort are currently underway.
Even if half of the 5,800 pharmacies across Australia joined with the targeted 1,000 GPs, each location would still need to administer an average of 50 doses per day, seven days a week, for about six months. Taking into account the necessary screening and record-keeping involved in addition to their usual workload, this may be quite a stretch for all but the largest practices and pharmacies.
It seems clear that to deliver at the scale needed to meet government targets won’t be possible through GPs and pharmacies alone. What’s needed are mass vaccination sites as proposed in the 2018 NSW Health Influenza Pandemic Plan. In a dedicated centre, trained nurses could vaccinate at a rate of between 80-100 people per hour. A similar approach in the UK has seen conference centres, sports stadiums, churches and mosques all co-opted as mass vaccination hubs, to great effect.
A complementary approach would be to set up drive-through vaccine clinics similar to the model of drive-through testing sites.
In the interest of openness and reproducibility, the program code base for our analysis is freely available here under an open source license.
Mark Hanly, Research Fellow, UNSW; C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC Principal Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW; Louisa Jorm, Director, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, UNSW; Oisin Fitzgerald, PhD Candidate, UNSW, and Timothy Churches, Senior Research Fellow, Health Data Science, UNSW
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
India needs 381 runs on day 5 to win the first Test against England after Ravichandran Ashwin helped the hosts to end visitors’ second innings on 178 runs here at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.
At stumps on day four, India’s score read 39/1, with Shubman Gill (15*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) on the field. Ashwin picked six wickets, restricting England to a very low total in the second innings and with this, a target of 420 runs was set for the hosts. Apart from Ashwin, Shahbaz Nadeem picked two wickets while Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah scalped one wicket each. India began their second innings brilliantly, with both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scoring regular boundaries. However, Rohit’s 12-run innings was brought to an end by Jack Leach in the sixth over. Pujara then came out to bat.
Both Gill and Pujara played cautiously and ensured India do not lose more wickets on the day. India will now either have to score 381 runs on day 5 to win the match or bat for the whole day to draw the game.
Earlier, England witnessed a very dismal start to their second innings as Rory Burns was dismissed on the very first ball of the innings. He was caught by Ajinkya Rahane off Ravichandran Ashwin’s delivery. Opener Dom Sibley was then joined by Dan Lawrence on the field.
Sibley and Lawrence added a brief stand of 32-run before Ashwin struck again and dismissed the former in the 11th over. Sibley was caught by Cheteshwar Pujara at leg-slip and departed after scoring 16 runs. Skipper Joe Root joined Lawrence in the middle and stitched a 26-run brief partnership.
Ishant Sharma picked the wicket of Lawrence (18) which was the pacer’s 300th Test wicket. Ishant trapped Lawrence (18) in front of the stumps. The batsman took the review but the third umpire stayed with the on-field umpire’s decision.
With this, Ishant became the third Indian pacer to do so after Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan. Overall, Ishant is the sixth Indian bowler to take 300 Test wickets. Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, and Ravichandran Ashwin are the other five bowlers who have taken 300 wickets in Test cricket.
Ben Stokes came in to bat at number four but in an attempt of adding quick runs to the board, he lost his wicket. Ashwin removed Stokes (7) in the 19th over. Bumrah then got hold of Root, reducing England to 101/5.
Indian bowlers did not let England batsmen settle and took wickets in regular intervals. Ollie Pope (28) was sent back to the pavilion by Nadeem in the 29th over. Jos Buttler was then joined by Dom Bess on the field. Buttler played a knock of 24 runs before Nadeem picked his wicket in the 42nd over. In the next over, Ashwin removed Bess (25), who was given LBW.
Ashwin then dismissed Archer to pick his fifth wicket of the innings. In the same over Ashwin removed Anderson which brought an end to England’s second innings.
Resuming day four from 257/6, India’s Ashwin and Washington Sundar saw off the initial overs with relatable ease and the duo managed to move the scoreboard at a brisk pace. In the meanwhile, Sundar registered his second half-century in Test cricket.
However, England skipper Joe Root introduced Jack Leach into the attack with the new ball and this resulted in Ashwin’s dismissal in the 87th over of the innings, reducing India to 305/7. Sundar and Ashwin had stitched together a partnership of 80 runs from 178 balls.
Soon after, Leach sent Shahbaz Nadeem (0) back to the pavilion as he had the right-hander caught at the hands of Ben Stokes at first slip, and this reduced India to 312/8 in the 91st over. Ishant Sharma (4) was then dismissed by James Anderson. In the end, Sundar hit a few aggressive shots off the bowling of Root, but Anderson dismissed Jasprit Bumrah (0) and as a result, India was bowled out for 337.
On day three, India was left in a spot of bother at 73/4 with Virat Kohli (11), Rahane (1), Shubman Gill (29), and Rohit Sharma (6) back in the hut, but Rishabh Pant (91) and Cheteshwar Pujara (73) had revived the innings for the hosts.
Brief scores: England 578 and 178 (Joe Root 40, Ollie Pope 28, Ashwin 6/61); India 337 and 39/1 (Shubman Gill 15*, Cheteshwar Pujara 12*, Jack Leach 1/21)
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden while expressing their commitment to a rule-based international order, discussed their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said that he conveyed his best wishes to Biden on his success. Both sides also agreed to combat climate change. “Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change,” he tweeted.
The Prime Minister also said that he and the US President are looking forward to consolidating their strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
“President @JoeBiden and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. @POTUS,” PM Modi said in a subsequent tweet.
US President Joe Biden committed that the United States and India will work closely to combat COVID-19, climate change, rebuild the global economy and stand together against global terrorism.
According to a statement from the White House, the leaders agreed to continue close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad initiative.
Both the leaders agreed to stay in close touch on a range of global challenges and look forward to what the US and India will achieve together for their people and for their nations, as per the White House statement.
Biden also underscored his desire to defend democratic institutions and norms around the world and noted that a shared commitment to democratic values is the bedrock for the US-India relationship.
The US President and PM Modi further resolved that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld in Myanmar, the statement read.
This is the first conversation between PM Modi and Biden since the latter’s inauguration as the US President on January 20.
The Australian federal government has revealed its plans for digital coronavirus vaccine certificates.
Under the plan, Australians who are inoculated against COVID-19 will be able to show their proof of vaccination certificates on smartphones. The certificates will play a key role in the rollout of vaccines with the government considering making vaccines mandatory in high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities.
Planning is also underway for certificates that will be recognized by other countries in preparation for the resumption of international travel.
Stuart Robert, the minister for government services, said that the government had built a “state-of-the-art cybersecurity” system to prepare for the certificate system.
“In preparation for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Services Australia has made critical enhancements to the Australian Immunization Register, including increased system capacity so more customers can access their information on the register at the same time, new AIR functionality to capture more detailed information about vaccines given, and updating immunization history statements to show all COVID-19 vaccine doses,” he said, according to Nine Entertainment newspapers on Sunday.
“We will continue to improve our systems throughout the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to support a faster return to normal life for Australians.
“This includes making it faster and easier to securely access proof of COVID-19 vaccination, which could include improvements in how Australians store or access their immunization history statement.”
Australia is set to begin administering vaccines at the end of February with an aim of having the entire population vaccinated by October.
After the devastating flash floods in Uttarakhand following a glacial collapse, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday expressed support to India during the aftermath of the disaster.
Taking to Twitter, Mr. Morrison commented that Austalia stands with ‘one of its closest friends at this very difficult time’.
“Devastating news for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following flash flooding in Uttarakhand. Australia stands with one of its closest friends at this very difficult time,” he tweeted.
A glacier broke in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand on Sunday that triggered massive flooding in Dhauliganga and Alaknanda Rivers and damaged houses and the nearby Rishiganga power project.
Following the incident, leaders across the world including French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki expressed condolences to the victims of the glacial burst.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of those who lost their lives due to the glacial burst.
“We are assuming that around 125 people are missing. The number can be higher,” Rawat said. He added that the government has all the needed assistance to handle the situation for now.
Cecilia Anthony Das, Edith Cowan University and Kenneth Yin, Edith Cowan University
As Australia prepares to roll out a national vaccination program – aiming for a 95% uptake rate – big questions remain for employers and employees.
Employers have a clear incentive to want employees vaccinated, to protect clients and co-workers as well as to avoid legal liabilities of potential workplace COVID transmissions.
But can an employer insist on vaccination as a condition of employment?
That’s an ambiguous legal question, as indicated by two recent unfair dismissal cases taken to the federal Fair Work Commission. Both involve employers in 2020 making an influenza vaccination a requirement, and employees losing their jobs for refusing.
The bottom line from both cases is that an employer can make vaccination a condition of working – but with significant caveats. It depends on “balancing” the employer’s duty of care to others with the employee’s reason for refusal, and the circumstances of the work they do.
The first relevant case is the Fair Work Commission’s ruling in November 2020 on an unfair dismissal claim by child-care worker Nicole Arnold against Goodstart Early Learning, Australia’s largest early learning provider.
In April 2020 Goodstart made a flu vaccination a condition of employment, though allowing exceptions on medical grounds. Arnold objected. In correspondence with her employer she cited the Bible, the Nuremberg Principles and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But she gave no medical reasons. She was dismissed in August 2020.
The commission dismissed Arnold’s application to have her case heard on the basis Goodstart’s vaccination policy was arguably reasonable to satisfy its duty of care to children, while Arnold’s refusal was arguably unreasonable.
Commissioner Ingrid Asbury ruled:
While I do not go so far as to say that [Arnold’s] case lacks merit, it is my view that it is at least equally arguable that [Goodstart’s] policy requiring mandatory vaccination is lawful and reasonable in the context of its operations which principally involve the care of children, including children who are too young to be vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated for a valid health reason.
It was, Asbury said, a matter of balancing an employer’s duty of care with the needs of employees who may have reasonable grounds to refuse to be vaccinated. She saw no exceptional circumstances to rule Arnold was unfairly dismissed.
The second case involves an unfair dismissal claim by care assistant Maria Glover against Queensland aged and disability care provider Ozcare, for whom she had worked since 2009.
Ozcare provides free flu vaccinations to employees annually. Glover, 64, had previously declined to get the shot due to allergies and her understanding she had an adverse reaction to a flu shot as a child.
In April 2020, Ozcare introduced a policy making influenza vaccinations mandatory for all employees in its residential aged care facilities or having direct client contact in its community care services. Its reason was the risk to clients who caught the flu and then contracted COVID-19.
It required supporting evidence for a medical exemption. Glover did not do so. This resulted in Ozcare no longer rostering her for work from May. She filed her unfair dismissal claim in October.
A final ruling by the Fair Work Commission is still pending. The case was complicated by Ozcare’s lawyers arguing Glover had not been dismissed. But a preliminary decision on January 18 – in which Commissioner Jennifer Hunt ruled Glover had been dismissed – included observations relevant to the merits of future cases involving vaccination refusals.
Hunt considered a future scenario (in November 2021) when employers of men playing Santa Claus in shopping centers may be required to have a flu vaccination “and if a vaccination for COVID-19 is available, that too”. In such a situation, where social distancing is impossible, a vaccination might become an “inherent requirement” of the job. In the court of public opinion, Hunt said, this might not be considered unreasonable. But a court or tribunal would need to consider the context.
In particular, Commissioner Hunt noted:
In my view, each circumstance of the person’s role is important to consider, and the workplace in which they work in determining whether an employer’s decision to make a vaccination an inherent requirement of the role is a lawful and reasonable direction. Refusal of such may result in termination of employment, regardless of the employee’s reason, whether medical, or based on religious grounds, or simply the person being a conscientious objector.
What these two rulings boil down to is that an employer can make a vaccination an inherent requirement of employment, and dismiss a worker for refusing – even if they have a legitimate reason. But it depends on the role and exposure risks.
But if risks to others can be minimised through social distancing and other measures – say, for instance an employee works from home – dismissing an employee for refusing to get vaccinated could be ruled unfair. Particularly if they have a good reason – that is a medical condition, not a pseudo-legal objection. It depends on the balance of the employer’s duty of care to others against the employee’s claims.
So it’s not clear-cut. As things stand it is risky for employers to adopt a blanket policy to make COVID-19 vaccinations compulsory.
Employer groups would like a more straightforward legal landscape. As the head of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, Peter Strong, has noted:
There is the issue of vaccinated employees refusing to work with non-vaccinated employees. Where does the employer stand, legally and practicably, in that situation? Where does the employee stand?
In the US the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (which enforces federal laws against workplace discrimination) has ruled employers can require all employees – with some religious or disability-related exemptions – to get vaccinated to enter a workplace.
Australia’s federal industrial relations minister Christian Porter has reportedly told employers the government will not mandate vaccines in workplaces.
That means making the legality of workplace vaccination policies more “black-and-white” will need to come from the state and territory governments, using their regulatory powers under their work health and safety acts.
Cecilia Anthony Das, Lecturer, Edith Cowan University and Kenneth Yin, Lecturer in law, Edith Cowan University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
“Annie and Arthur have been eagerly awaiting Bhagwan Singh’s next visit. What wondrous things will he have in his cart this time, among the silk and soap, spices and shirts? As the hawker makes his camp for the night, the children savour spun sugar and food from the Punjab, discovering the secret star anise.”
A new children’s illustrated book, Star of Anise by Jane Jolly and Di Wu tells the tale Sikh hawker in Australia in the late 1800s.
This book is published by National Library of Australia.
“Woo! Hoo! I have been waiting a long time for this book, so it will be very exciting to see it in real life. Can’t wait,” notes author Jane Jolly on her blog.
During the 1800s, there were an estimated 2,000-3,000 hawkers in Australia.
Many of the early hawkers in Australia were Europeans.
Later, British Indian ‘hawkers’ who were mostly Punjabis acted as intermediary salesmen to isolated farms in Australia by delivering supplies.
Before Federation in 1901, these British Indian subjects could move freely into Australia.
Some of the hawkers were able to spin sugar, like fairy floss and often brought small gifts for the children living in faraway stations.
Len Kenna and Crystal Jordan who are the founders of the Australian Indian Historical Society Inc.
According to them, “Indian Hawkers supplied a large range of items used in everyday life for people in cities and towns throughout Australia.”
In 2016, Len and Crystal located and purchased a rare 19th Century original Indian Hawker’s Wagon with an intention to restore it to its original state.
WATCH VIDEO: Australian Indian History – Meer Singh’s Wagon
The inside of an Indian hawker’s wagon was often crammed with shelves and racks carrying for sale jackets, flannel shirts, singlets, socks, night dress, boots, flour, butter, sugar, oil, baking powder, combs, scissors, shaving requisites, talcum powder, soap, perfumes, necklaces and medicines.
Charles Sturt University (CSU) Cultural heritage expert Professor Dirk Spennemann painstakingly gathered the stories of Punjabis to trace their impact on the rural landscape of colonial Australia.
“The hawkers faced marginalisation and racial prejudice. … But despite the racism, the hawkers made a living because they provided a vital intermediary service between country towns and outlying farms,” Professor Dirk Spennemann observes in the CSU blog post.
In December 1901, with the enactment of the Immigration Restriction Act, also known as the White Australia Policy, the doors were shut for the Indian hawkers.
Well-known Australian author Patrick White in his book The Aunt’s Story (1948) gives us a glimpse into the excitement of a hawker’s arrival:
“It was exciting as the cart grated through the yard. Turkeys gobbled. Dogs barked. The day was changed, which once had been flat as a pastry board. Now it was full of talk, and laughing … Now there was no question of work.”
Western Australia has introduced the history of Punjabi hawkers in its Year 5 history book: ‘Sikh and Indian Australians Learning sequence 3: Stepping into the daily life of the Indian hawker in the colonies’.
However, the contribution of the humble Indian hawkers have gone mostly unrecognized in Australia’s mainstream narrative.
It is hoped that this new illustrated book will enlighten the children on the contribution of Indians to Australia’s economy, society and culture.
A Hotel Quarantine worker at the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport has also tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was tested on 4 Feb, returning a negative result. After returning to work on 7 Feb, developed symptoms, was tested and returned a positive result.
The individual is being interviewed and a full public health response is underway. DHHS is contacting Holiday Inn Airport workers and others who are considered primary close contacts. All close contacts are required to immediately isolate, get tested, and remain isolated for 14 days.
Initial exposure sites and times include:
Friday 5th February 2021 –
Marciano’s Cakes: Maidstone – 9:45am – 10:25am –
Dan Murphy’s: Sunshine – 5:50pm – 6:30pm
Saturday 6th February 2021 –
Off Ya Tree Watergardens: Taylors Lakes – 1:17pm – 1:52pm –
Dan Murphy’s: Sunshine – 6:50pm – 7:30pm
If you have been at an exposure site in the specified times, you are required to immediately isolate, get tested and remain isolated for 14 days.
Exposure sites are being identified and will be published as soon as possible at https://dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks-covid-19…. Testing capacity near exposure sites will be scaled up from Today, with details to come.
For more information on where to get tested, call the 24-hour hotline at 1800 675 398 or visit http://coronavirus.vic.gov.au
James Vince’s blistering 95 and disciplined bowling helped Sydney Sixers to beat Perth Scorchers by 27 runs in the Big Bash League (BBL) final at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday to clinch their second successive title.
The English gun posted the highest score by a Sixers’ batsman in the BBL final scoring 95 from 60 balls including 10 fours and three sixes. Perth posted 161/9 in their allotted 20 overs in reply to Sixers’ 188/6. However, he was not finished there as Vince took two catches, including one mid-air blinder to remove the dangerous Mitch Marsh (11).
Chasing 189, Marsh fell in the 15th over which proved crucial in the context of the match. Left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis taking 3-37 and also picked up keeper-batsman Josh Inglis for 22. Dwarshuis finished the tournament with 24 wickets.
Vince’s 95 followed his magnificent 98 not out against the Scorchers in The Qualifier, against the same opposition, at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.
It was his third consecutive half-century against Perth. He finished the campaign with 537 runs at an average of 38.35, the most by any Sixers player in one BBL season.
Sixers seamer Jackson Bird was outstanding upfront taking 2-14 from three overs. His two scalps were openers Cameron Bancroft (30 from 19) and Liam Livingstone (45 from 35).
Speedster Sean Abbott finished with figures of 2-33 while all-rounder Dan Christian also bagged two scalps.
Brief Scores: Sydney Sixers 188/6 in 20 overs (James Vince 95, Andrew Tye 2-29, Jhye Richardson 2-45); Perth Scorchers 161/9 in 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 45, Ben Dwarshuis 3-37).
Joe Root and Dom Sibley put England in control of the first Test, forming a stunning 200-run partnership on the opening day of the match against India here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
At stumps, England’s score read 263/3, with Root playing on 128 runs. However, India ended the day on a high as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Sibley (87) in the 90th over. Opting to bat first, Sibley and Rory Burns provided England with a good start. India did have a very good opportunity to send Burns back to the pavilion cheaply but the wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant, dropped the catch off Bumrah’s first delivery of the second over.
The duo then played cautiously to avoid any hiccups in the initial overs, taking the team over the 50-run mark. Ravichandran Ashwin handed India the first breakthrough as he got hold of Burns (33) in the 24th over. Dan Lawrence (0) then came out to bat but failed to impress as he was given LBW off Bumrah’s delivery in the 26th over, bringing Root on the field.
Root, along with Sibley, steadied England’s innings and played some fine shots. Both kept the scoreboard ticking and took the team to the 100-run mark in the 44th over. Root and Sibley kept on building their partnership while Indian bowlers struggled to get a breakthrough.
Their sublime performances saw them complete their respective half-centuries as the visitors started to take control of the game. England then went past the 200-run mark in the 74th over with Root inching closer to his century. Root, who was playing his 100th Test, got to his hundred in 164 balls.
While Root and Sibley avoided risky shots, they never missed the opportunity to score a boundary on loose balls. Bumrah gave India the much-needed breakthrough after he dismissed Sibley in the 90th over.
Brief scores: England 263/3 (Joe Root 128*, Dom Sibley 87, Jasprit Bumrah 2/40).
Australia’s National Cabinet met on 5 February 2021 to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and management of Australia’s borders in the context of the emergence of new variants.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There have been 28,842 confirmed cases with 909 died and currently 9 people in hospital.
It was reported that more than 13.1 million tests have been undertaken in Australia.
To date Australia’s existing systems built around social distancing, testing, tracing, local health responses and quarantine have effectively mitigated the broader spread of COVID-19 virus and new variants of COVID-19 into the Australian community.
“Australia has done well on both the health and economic fronts compared to most countries around the world. National Cabinet noted the significant increase in COVID-19 cases in many countries and the comparative strength of Australia’s effort in addressing COVID compared to most other developed economies.”
Professor Brendan Murphy reiterated the latest guidance that the COVID-19 vaccination rollout is on track to commence in late February 2021.
It is hoped that the COVID-19 vaccines will further strengthen Australia’s ability to control the virus.
National Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth, states and territories in rolling out COVID-19 vaccination.
Professor Paul Kelly outlined the importance of new COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe disease and potentially transmission.
“A COVID-19 vaccination program which prevents severe diseases will ensure Australia can manage the virus in the same way as we manage other common diseases in society and will change the risk environment in Australian to COVID-19.”
National Cabinet further noted that the Commonwealth Government had entered an Advance Purchase Agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech for an additional 10 million vaccines in 2021. Australia now has access to over 150 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with spare capacity (after Australians have been offered vaccines) to be made available for partners in the Pacific and South East Asia.
It welcomed the extension of the free access to COVID-19 vaccines for all visa holders in Australia.
“It is vital that we offer vaccines to all people living in Australia in order to achieve a maximum level of coverage for all Australians.”
It was also noted that to date there have been a small number of instances of COVID-19 linked to hotel quarantine in Australia.
National Cabinet agreed that hotel quarantine will continue to be the model used to quarantine returning Australians.
Australia’s National Cabinet met on 5 February 2021 to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and management of Australia’s borders in the context of the emergence of new variants.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There have been 28,842 confirmed cases with 909 died and currently 9 people in hospital.
It was reported that more than 13.1 million tests have been undertaken in Australia.
It is hoped that the COVID-19 vaccines will further strengthen Australia’s ability to control the virus.
National Cabinet reaffirmed a shared priority to supporting Australians to return home through increased international passenger arrival caps.
From 12:01 am on 15 February, it is agreed that caps would return to pre-8 January levels in New South Wales (430 per day) and Queensland (1000 per week) as planned .
The current cap in Western Australia (512 per week) will remain in place pending further review.
The cap in Victoria will increase from 1120 to 1310 arrivals per week with additional increases to be considered, and South Australia will increase from 490 to 530 arrivals per week.
It noted that the agreed arrangements for international passenger arrival caps would continue until 11:59pm on 30 April.
National Cabinet will meet again on Friday 5 March 2021.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 100,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca anti-coronavirus vaccine.
Recently, the Barbadian singer Rihanna has tweeted about farmers’ protest in India.
Her tweet resulted in a huge outcry and backlash in India.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, prominent ministers, Bollywood stars and cricketers have tweeted supporting India.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a curt statement to tweets from Rihanna and other celebrities:
“The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible.”
“Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken”, the ministry added.
Police have detained 200 protesters following 26th January’s deadly violence in Delhi.
“We are making arrests after conducting proper verification. We are also looking into CCTVs near Red Fort, ITO, Nangloi and other areas where the violence erupted,” police officials told the Indian Express.
In January 2021, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley had requested India’s PM Modi for access to vaccines to provide immunisation coverage for their country, which has been ravaged by COVID-19.
In a letter to PM Modi sent on February 4, PM Mottley said:
“On behalf of my government and people, I wish you to express gratitude to you, your government and the people of the Republic of India for most generous donation of the Covishield vaccine (under the auspices of Oxford AstraZeneca).”
Her letter comes at a time when the international community has praised India’s support to the global COVID-19 response.
India has supplied COVID-19 vaccines to its neighbours including Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh and is working on plans to scale up vaccine manufacture to supply to 60 nations.
Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and remain isolated for 14 days.
The locations on this list are not a current risk to the public and you can visit them in line with current restrictions. DHHS is making every effort to contact businesses prior to updating the exposure sites and appreciates the ongoing assistance of Victorian businesses in managing exposures to coronavirus (COVID-19).
04/02/21 1:30am
| Location | Site | Exposure period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | North Point Cafe 2B North Rd Brighton, VIC 3186 | 08:10-09:30 31/1/2021 | Case dined outside and used bathroom |
| Brandon Park | Kmart, Brandon Park Shopping Centre Cnr Springvale Rd and Ferntree Gully Rd Brandon Park, VIC 3170 | 16:35-17:10 31/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Clayton South | Nakama Workshop 85 Main Rd Clayton South, VIC 3169 | 11:15-12:00 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Heatherton | Melbourne Golf Academy 385 Centre Dandenong Rd Heatherton, VIC 3202 | 17:19-18:35 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Keysborough | Aces Sporting Club (Driving Range) Cnr Springvale Rd and Hutton Rd Keysborough, VIC 3173 | 22:00-23:15 30/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Keysborough | Kmart, Parkmore Keysborough Shopping Centre C/317 Cheltenham Rd Keysborough, VIC 3173 | 16:00-17:00 31/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Melbourne | Exford Hotel 199 Russell St Melbourne, VIC 3000 | 23:00-23:35 29/1/2021 | Case attended bottle shop |
| Moorabbin Airport | Lululemon, DFO Moorabbin Shop G-039/250 Centre Dandenong Rd Moorabbin VIC 3194 | 17:00-17:45 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Noble Park | Club Noble 46/56 Moodemere St Noble Park VIC 3174 | 14:36-15:30 30/01/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Bunnings Springvale 849 Princes Hwy Springvale, VIC 3171 | 11:30-12:15 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Coles Springvale 825 Dandenong Rd Springvale, VIC 3171 | 17:00-18:00 31/1/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Sharetea Springvale 27C Buckingham Ave Springvale, VIC 3171 | 18:50-19:30 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| Springvale | Woolworths Springvale 302 Springvale Rd Springvale, VIC 3171 | 18:30-19:30 1/2/2021 | Case attended venue |
| West Melbourne | Kebab Kingz 438 Spencer St West Melbourne, VIC 3003 | 23:24-00:15 29/1/2021 | Case dined outside |
These premises have had confirmed cases visit during their infectious period. This does not mean that there is an ongoing risk associated with the premises, and you can safely visit the site in line with current restrictions.
The locations listed are where there is a higher risk you may have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). It is not a complete list. The information is based on advice provided to the department by people who are confirmed cases.
Risk locations will remain on the list for 14 days from the most recent exposure.
For information on school closures visit the Closures, remote learning and relocations page.
With farmers protest gaining momentum in India, a move abroad to the greener pasture of Australia is now possible.
In 2020–21 the gross value of agricultural production in Australia is forecast to rise by 7% to $65 billion.
In 2018–19, the gross value of agricultural production in South Australia alone was $6.8 billion, which was 11 per cent of the total gross value of agricultural production in Australia ($60 billion).
South Australia is in the southern central part of Australia and covers the most arid parts of Australia.
The state’s economy is dominated by the agricultural, manufacturing and mining industries.
It has a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres. Thus making it the fourth-largest of Australia’s states and territories by area, and fifth largest by population.
ABS data indicate that in 2017–18 there were 9,010 farms in South Australia with an estimated value of agricultural operations of $40,000 or more.
WATCH VIDEO: A great state
South Australia’s Skilled and Business Migration program released on 5 February 2021 provides qualified migrants a pathway to living, working or establishing their business in South Australia through the support of State Nomination.
The occupation list includes twenty types of Farmers and Farm Managers.
In addition to this South Australia is also interested in inviting Specialist Managers, Hospitality, Retail & Service Managers, Arts & Media Professionals, Business, Human Resource & Marketing Professionals, Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals, Education Professionals, Health Professionals, ICT Professionals, Legal, Social & Welfare Professionals, Engineering, ICT & Science Technicians, Automotive & Engineering Trades Workers, Construction Trades Workers, Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers, Food Trades Workers, Skilled Animal & Horticultural Workers, Other Technicians & Trades Workers, Health & Welfare Support Workers, Protective Services Workers, Sports & Personal Service Workers, Office Managers & Program Administrators, Other Clerical and Administrative Workers, and Sales Representatives & Agents.
In the 2016 census, the five largest groups of overseas-born were from England (5.8%), India (1.6%), China (1.5%), Italy (1.1%) and Vietnam (0.9%).
Interested migrants can submit their applications for state nomination are submitted online through the Skilled & Business Migration portal.
For skilled migrants, state nomination can assist you to qualify for a skilled migration visa, providing additional points towards your subclass 190 or subclass 491 application.
Once the application is submitted, it is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs against a number of visa-specific requirements.
WATCH VIDEO: The Story of Soil Conservation in South Australia
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