She also referred to discussions on the conflict at the United Nations and said India has called for an immediate cessation of violence and an end to all hostilities.
Tag: Russia
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Learning loss a tragedy, but no mention in Union Budget: Raghuram Rajan
Express News Service
Former Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Rajan has expressed concern over lack of focus on the learning loss caused due to Covid-19 among school children in the Union Budget, while a significant amount of money was allocated for production linked incentive (PLI) schemes meant for industries.
Delivering a lecture on ‘Democracy and Indian Economic Development’ at an event organised by the Madras Institute of Development Studies on Thursday, Rajan said, “The Budget barely mentions the tragedy that is overtaking our school children, especially the poor ones. That very few extra resources are being devoted to rescue a potentially lost generation of children is a serious omission. Devoting money to physical infrastructure while neglecting human infrastructure is absolutely a serious problem.”
He added that it revealed a serious failure to realise that human capital is as important as industrial capital. Lashing out at the Centre for neglecting the education sector in the Budget, Rajan said the government is not short of money as the Budget further increased production subsidies to industries under various PLI schemes. Rajan is of the view that India has a fixation with building physical infrastructure and becoming a manufacturing hub when its strength is human capital.
He said that instead of spending on the PLI schemes, the Centre should invest in filling the gaps in our education system, strengthening higher education, skilling and research and development.
“If we focus on the development of human capital, it will automatically lead to our growth,” said Rajan. He also urged that the PLI schemes be studied in a detailed manner to understand if these subsidies are actually helping industries.
He noted that India is rebounding today with strong growth numbers despite the impact of war in Ukraine. However, he said, even with strong growth in the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s growth will still be significantly below the pre-pandemic trend line.
“Our slow growth is not all the fault of the pandemic. Our underperformance predates the pandemic. In fact, we have been underperforming for over a decade, probably since the onset of the global financial crisis,” said Rajan, adding the under-performance is mainly due to the government’s inability to create jobs.
Taking a dig at the Atma Nirbhar programme, Rajan said that instead of focusing on becoming a manufacturing superpower and trying to manufacture everything here, India needs to work on the service sector, which is its biggest strength.
He said it would require huge subsidies for India to build an ecosystem from scratch for the manufacturing sector. Instead, this money could have been better invested in education and producing quality engineers and doctors who can provide services globally, thereby creating more jobs and tapping the global demand, he said.
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Russia should not be seen as completely at fault for what is happening in Ukraine: BJP MP
By PTI
NEW DELHI: A Lok Sabha member on Monday said Russia should not be seen as completely at fault for what is happening in Ukraine.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey made the remarks in the House during Zero Hour, clarifying a statement he had made in his personal capacity earlier that was expunged.
Dubey earlier had referred to the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine during a discussion on the demand for grants for the road transport ministry, but his remarks was expunged by Speaker Om Birla.
Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury objected to Dubey’s remarks and countered him, but Birla said both the leaders’ remarks would not go on record.
Clarifying the remarks that were expunged, Dubey said, “I had said China is trying to control our markets and our entire defence mechanism is trying to protect that. That is why a large part of our budget is being spent on China.” He said the British had facilitated an agreement under which Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet were buffer states between India and China.
“The USSR’s situation was similar to this and when different countries were created out of it, there was an agreement it had with Ukraine that it would never become a member of the NATO.
It (Russia) saw what happened to India after Tibet became a part of China. The Indian government follows the path of non-violence, but what is happening in Ukraine, Russia should not be seen as completely at fault,” he said.
Referring to his expunged remarks, he said the matter should be settled and a wrong message should not go as it was a foreign policy issue.
India has not condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine and has been maintaining that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
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Cher offers home to Ukrainian refugees
By IANS
LOS ANGELES: Singer Cher has called on people in her “position” to “step up to the plate” and give those fleeing their homes in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion a safe place to stay.She tweeted: “I Would Like to Sponsor Ukrainian Families in My Home. They Would Be Safe Cared For. Many people in my position need to step up to the plate. If I was alone or with my children, we were traumatized, I would hope someone like me to take care of us.” The 75-year-old music legend has been left overwhelmed by the conflict, reports femalefirst.co.uk.Seemingly referring to the war in Ukraine, the ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ star wrote recently: “I’ve been alive since the year dot, and these years are the worst I’ve ever seen a add family to that and it’s a recipe for disaster cake.” She has been using her platform to rally support for the people of Ukraine.Cher urged: “We must find more tangible ways to help Ukrainian people! What does the word ‘support’ actually mean to the world?”
I Would Like to SponsorUkrainian Families in My Home.They Would Be Safe & Cared For.MANY PEOPLE IN MY POSITION NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.IF I WAS ALONE OR WITH MY CHILDREN,& WE WERE TRAUMATIZED,I WOULDHOPE SOMEONE LIKE METO TAKE CARE OF US.
— Cher (@cher) March 18, 2022
The singer left fans concerned last week when she revealed the reason she had been quiet on social media for almost a week was that she’d been having “personal problems”. She tweeted: “Sorry I’ve Been MIA. Been having personal problems.”Responding to a follower who asked if she is OK, Cher replied: “We all (cry emoji), but sometimes, we (cry emoji) a different kind of tears. Tears that hurt. We become overwhelmed, reach a limit.Then are forced to push that limit.” A little later, the ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker reassured fans that she was feeling “better” and that she needed to “regroup and reboot”.She added: “I’m better today. Sometimes I reach what I think is my limit, then realise, I’ve got ‘miles’ more limit in me. Sometimes I get on what I ‘think’ is my last nerve, then find lots more ‘last nerves’ to get on. Sometimes I need to regroup, reboot, give ‘me’ a time out, then say f*** this. I won’t stop.” -
Singer Cher offers home to Ukrainian refugees
By IANS
LOS ANGELES: Singer Cher has called on people in her “position” to “step up to the plate” and give those fleeing their homes in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion a safe place to stay.She tweeted: “I Would Like to Sponsor Ukrainian Families in My Home. They Would Be Safe Cared For. Many people in my position need to step up to the plate. If I was alone or with my children, we were traumatized, I would hope someone like me to take care of us.” The 75-year-old music legend has been left overwhelmed by the conflict, reports femalefirst.co.uk.Seemingly referring to the war in Ukraine, the ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ star wrote recently: “I’ve been alive since the year dot, and these years are the worst I’ve ever seen a add family to that and it’s a recipe for disaster cake.” She has been using her platform to rally support for the people of Ukraine.Cher urged: “We must find more tangible ways to help Ukrainian people! What does the word ‘support’ actually mean to the world?”
I Would Like to SponsorUkrainian Families in My Home.They Would Be Safe & Cared For.MANY PEOPLE IN MY POSITION NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.IF I WAS ALONE OR WITH MY CHILDREN,& WE WERE TRAUMATIZED,I WOULDHOPE SOMEONE LIKE METO TAKE CARE OF US.
— Cher (@cher) March 18, 2022
The singer left fans concerned last week when she revealed the reason she had been quiet on social media for almost a week was that she’d been having “personal problems”. She tweeted: “Sorry I’ve Been MIA. Been having personal problems.”Responding to a follower who asked if she is OK, Cher replied: “We all (cry emoji), but sometimes, we (cry emoji) a different kind of tears. Tears that hurt. We become overwhelmed, reach a limit.Then are forced to push that limit.” A little later, the ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker reassured fans that she was feeling “better” and that she needed to “regroup and reboot”.She added: “I’m better today. Sometimes I reach what I think is my limit, then realise, I’ve got ‘miles’ more limit in me. Sometimes I get on what I ‘think’ is my last nerve, then find lots more ‘last nerves’ to get on. Sometimes I need to regroup, reboot, give ‘me’ a time out, then say f*** this. I won’t stop.” -
Russian attack on Ukraine has shaken roots of international order, says Kishida with PM Modi
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday described the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “very serious” matter, saying it has “shaken” the roots of international order.
The visiting leader made the comments in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a joint media briefing after the 14th India-Japan summit here.
A joint statement said that Modi and Kishida, in their talks, called for an immediate cessation of violence in Ukraine, pitched for resolution of the conflict through dialogue besides underscoring the importance of safety and security of nuclear facilities in that country.
It said the two leaders expressed serious concern over the conflict and assessed its broader implications, particularly to the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
“We discussed the situation in Ukraine. The Russian attack on Ukraine is a very serious matter that has shaken the roots of the international system. We need to approach the matter with a strong resolve,” Kishida said at the media briefing.
“I told Modi that one-sided efforts to change status quo by force can’t be allowed in any sector. We both agreed on the need for a peaceful solution to all conflicts on the basis of international law,” he added.
The joint statement said Modi and Kishida reiterated their call for an “immediate cessation of violence and noted that there was no other choice but the path of dialogue and diplomacy for resolution of the conflict.
” While Japan has been severely critical of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, India has been pitching for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
“The prime ministers expressed their serious concern about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and assessed its broader implications, particularly to the Indo-Pacific region,” the joint statement issued after the talks said.
“They emphasised that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” it said.
It said the leaders underscored the importance of the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine and acknowledged active efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) towards it.
“The leaders affirmed that they would undertake appropriate steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine,” it added.
Modi and Kishida highlighted their commitment to working in tandem towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous world, based on a rules-based order that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
They also emphasised the need for all countries to seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law without resorting to threat or use of force or any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo.
“In this regard, they reaffirmed their common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, free from coercion,” the joint statement said.
“They shared the view that the economies of both countries in such a world would be powered by robust bilateral investment and trade flows through diversified, resilient, transparent, open, secure and predictable global supply chains that provide for economic security and prosperity of their peoples,” it said.
Reaffirming that the two countries would continue to work together to realise the shared objectives, they resolved to further advance the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The leaders emphasised that India and Japan, as two leading powers in the Indo-Pacific region, had a shared interest in the safety and security of the maritime domain, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and peaceful resolution of disputes with full respect.
“They reaffirmed their determination to continue prioritising the role of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and facilitate collaboration, including in maritime security, to meet challenges against the rules-based maritime order in the East and South China Seas,” the statement said.
They emphasised the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint.
“They further called for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS, without prejudice to the rights and interests of all nations including those not party to these negotiations,” it said.
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Meghan Markle, Prince Harry donate to charities in Ukraine
By ANI
WASHINGTON: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are continuing to do their bit for the people of Ukraine. The couple has made donations to charities to support Ukrainians as they paid tribute to Invictus Games athlete Serhii Karaivan, who died while fighting against Russian forces.
As per Fox News, the couple’s Archewell Foundation announced on Friday that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have donated to several organisations working on the ground to support the Ukrainian people.
These organisations include HIAS (Helping Ukrainian Families Settle), World Central Kitchen, the World Health Organization, and The HALO Trust. Notably, The HALO Trust is an organisation Harry’s late mother Princess Diana supported.
Meghan and Harry’s foundation also paid tribute to Invictus Games athlete Serhii Karaivan, who died on March 13 while fighting against Russian forces. Harry, who served in the army for more than 10 years, started the Invictus Games in 2014.
“Finally, our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the recent loss of a member of our veteran community in Ukraine, who was defending his country from attack,” the foundation said in its statement.
ALSO READ | Top Russian ballerina Olga Smirnova quits Bolshoi ballet over Ukraine war
Meghan and Harry first condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 25 through a statement posted on the Archewell website that read, “WE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE.”
“Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same,” the statement said.
On February 24, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only.
According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, almost 600 civilians have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
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We continue to function: India’s Ukraine mission
By PTI
NEW DELHI: The Indian embassy in Ukraine, which is temporarily operating from Warsaw, on Friday advised Indians still stuck in the war-torn country to contact it for any assistance.
India relocated its embassy in Ukraine to Poland a few days back in view of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Ukraine.
At present, the embassy is operating from Warsaw, the capital of Poland. In a fresh advisory, the embassy said it continues to function and can be contacted through email [email protected], and 24X7 helpline for any assistance.
“The Embassy of India continues to function and can be contacted through email [email protected] and the following 24X7 helpline numbers on WhatsApp for assistance: +380933559958, +919205290802, +917428022564,” the embassy said.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing on Thursday that there are 15 to 20 Indians who want to leave Ukraine now and that Indian authorities are extending help to them.
“Our assessment is that there are 15 to 20 people who want to leave now, there are other people who do not want to leave now and we are extending help to them as much as possible,” he said.
“There is a war going on now, but we will continue to do as much as we can to find a way to evacuate them,” he added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar this week told Parliament that the government has ensured the safe return of 22,500 Indians from Ukraine.
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Ukrainian actor Oksana Shvets killed in Russian rocket attack in Kyiv
By ANI
KYIV: Ukrainian actress Oksana Shvets has been killed in a Russian rocket attack on a residential building in Kyiv.
Confirming the demise of Oksana, her troupe, the Young Theater, issued a statement that read, “During the rocket shelling of a residential building in Kyiv, a well-deserved artist of Ukraine Oksana Shvets was killed.”
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Oksana was 67. She had been awarded one of Ukraine’s highest artistic honors, the title of which roughly translates as ‘Honored Artist of Ukraine’.
On February 24, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, almost 600 civilians have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
ALSO READ | Hundreds feared trapped in Ukraine theatre hit by airstrike
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Always exploring all possibilities in global energy markets: India
By PTI
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday did not rule out buying discounted crude oil from Russia, saying it looks at all options at all points of time as a major importer of oil.
At a media briefing here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi did not give a direct reply to a question on whether India was considering taking up the Russian offer of cheap crude oil.
“India does import most of its oil requirements, it’s met by imports. So we are always exploring all possibilities in global energy markets because of this situation that we face of importing our oil requirements,” he said.
Bagchi said Russia has not been a major supplier of crude oil for India.
“Let me just highlight that a number of countries are doing so, especially in Europe, and for the moment, I will leave it at that. We are a major oil importer and we are looking at all options at all points, we need the energy,” he said.
Asked whether the purchase can be made under the Rupee-Rouble arrangement, Bagchi said he was not aware of the exact details on the offers.
He said doing business in currencies Rupee and Rouble were in existence in past and that he was not aware of the current status of the arrangement.
To another question on the impact of western sanctions against Moscow on the India-Russia trade, Bagchi said New Delhi will wait for it.
“We will await details of any unilateral sanctions to examine their impact on our economic exchanges with Russia,” he said.
Asked about India’s position on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Bagchi said India has been in touch with all sides, including at the highest level.
“We have been talking about the need for dialogue and diplomacy, not hostilities, clearly,” he added.
When his comments were sought on reports that negotiations on resolving the crisis were focussed on Ukraine’s “neutrality”, the MEA spokesperson evaded a direct reply.
“Our basic message has been the need for diplomacy and dialogue, that is the way forward. The exact contours of what kind of an understanding that can be reached, I would leave it to the protagonists involved, rather than comment on our views of what could be and what is on the table, which we are not even aware of,” he said.