[Vol. 9 – Jan – March, 2023]

 NEWS FROM MALAWI

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2023

High Commission celebrated Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2023 with members of Indian Community. During the event Prime Minister Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi's speech at 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention inauguration was streamed.

Malawi at “Global South in the Special Virtual Summit”

Malawi joined countries of Global South in the Special Virtual Summit “Voice of Global South Summit” under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” hosted by India on January 13, 2023. Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, M.P., Minister of Health participated in the Session held on the theme “Cooperation to build resilient healthcare systems”. Hon’ble Chiponda hailed India for organising the summit and urged the developed nations to learn the needs and challenges of developing countries and expressed hope that the Summit would put the developing countries on the same trajectory towards becoming truly “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. Hon. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Health Minister, Government of India in his remarks stated that “aligning with India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India has offered Co-Win as a digital public health good to the world”. He further stated that “it is need of the hour to focus on long-term measures to build stronger, more resilient health systems that can prevent, prepare for & respond to future health related challenges, while maintaining essential health services. Apart from Malawi, the Session on Health included dignitaries from Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Royal Government of Bhutan, Republic of Cameroon, Grenada, Republic of Guatemala, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Niger, Independent State of Samoa, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Paraguay and Dominica. More than 120 countries participated in the Summit. Read more.

Vishwa Hindi Diwas 2023

High Commission of India celebrated Vishwa Hindi Diwas 2023 at Chancery Premises. On the occasion various competitions including Essay writing, Poetry and Speech were conducted. Members of Indian Diaspora participated at the event enthusiastically. Medals, Certificates and cash prize were given to the winners of the competitions. In his remarks, High Commissioner Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan highlighted the importance of Hindi in daily use and urged diaspora to contribute in the development of Hindi.

74th Republic Day Celebrations in Lilongwe

The 74th Republic Day of India was celebrated with enthusiasm at a ceremony held in the morning of 26 January 2023 at the High Commission of India. The programme began with floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation by the High Commissioner, Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan. High Commissioner unfurled the national flag, which was followed by singing of the National Anthem. The High Commissioner read out Hon'ble Rashtrapathi ji's address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day. The ceremony was attended by a number of Indian nationals, diaspora members, and friends of India. Later, High Commissioner hosted a reception at the Bingu International Convention Centre, Lilongwe. Honourable Nancy Tembo, M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. A large number of guests including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, 2nd Deputy Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Mayor of Lilongwe and senior officials from the Government of Malawi, Heads of Missions/International Community, members of the Indian community and friends of India attended the event.

Women’s Day 2023

High Commission celebrated International Women's Day at the chancery on 08 March 2023.

Holi - Festival of Colours 2023

High Commission celebrated Holi, “Festival of Colours” on March 11, 2023 at the High Commission. Members of Indian diaspora and High Commission officials and their families enthusiastically celebrated Holi. 

High Commission meet a ministers

On March 17, 2023 High Commissioner met Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno, M.P., Minister of Mining and Hon. Simplex Chithyola, M.P, Minister of Trade & Industry and discussed bilateral relations.  The High Commissioner and the two Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in the Mining sector and strengthening the existing commercial relations between India and Malawi, respectively.

India donates relief items to Malawi

In the wake of Cyclone Freddy which caused devastation and loss of precious lives, the Government of India provided everyway relief items to Malawi. The first tranche of approximate 11 tons out of total 80 tons of emergency relief assistance was handed over by the High Commissioner of India to Malawi Shri S. Gopalakrishnan to the Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Simplex Chithyola, MP at Kamuzu International Airport on March 26, 2023. The consignment consisted of blankets, tarpaulin, baby food, emergency medicines and other items. India and Malawi enjoy longstanding, cordial and friendly relations and India has a close development partnership with Malawi. The gifting of relief materials is yet another manifestation of India’s unwavering commitment to support Malawi. Earlier, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi conveyed condolence to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with Malawi.

High Commission celebrates International Year of Millet 2023

celebrate the International Year of Millets, High Commission organised a two-day “Millets Exhibition cum Food Festival ” in association with ICRISAT and Woodlands Lilongwe at Woodlands Restaurant on 24-25 March 2023. At the exhibition, initiatives taken by Government of India to promote Millets and the nutritional values & health benefits of Millets were highlighted. Different varieties of millets [including Pearl Millet (Bajra), Sorghum (Jowar), Finger Millet (Ragi), Small Millet (Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet, Proso Millet) and Little Millet], Millets based food products and different varieties of millet crops were displayed. Also, variety of millets based dishes were displayed and savoured by the visitors. Large number of visitors visited the two-day Millet Exhibition cum Food Festival.

Martyrs' Day/ Shaheed Diwas

Martyrs' Day/ Shaheed Diwas was observed on January 30 2023 at the Chancery with one minute silence followed by floral tribute to Bapu.

INDIAN COMMUNITY CORNER

Indian couple build school in Malawi; name it 'Kerala Block'

An Indian couple Arun C Ashokan and Sumi has built a school in Chisasila village  in southern part of Malawi. Chisasila's school has five fully furnished classrooms and is now accredited by the Malawi government. The school, named "Kerala Block", stand tall as a mark of an Indian's determination. Read more 

Ugadi Celebration

MATA  - TELUGU Community Celebrated UGADI at Shree Radhakrishna Temple on 25/03/2023 in Lilongwe. The celebration included cultural events by the community members. The event was attended in large number by Indian Community.

Hindu Community feed Cyclone Freddy survivors

March 13, 2023, the Hindu community took time to assist families that were temporarily staying at Naotcha CCAP School in Chilobwe who had been affected by Cyclone Freddy. They prepared meals for over 1000 people. 

Tree Plantation by Indian Community

On 25 February 2023, Shree Hindu Sewa Samaj-Lilongwe organised Tree Planting  with the support of Lilongwe Water Board.

NEWS FROM INDIA

India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations

India celebrated its 74th Republic Day and showcased its military might and cultural heritage in a colourful parade at a revamped ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi.  Tens of thousands of people endured a winter chill and mist on  January 26, 2023 as they gathered to watch the parade, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the guest of honour. A 144-member band and marching contingent from the Egyptian Armed Forces also joined battalions of the Indian military and police in the parade. Read more

Overview

In the last full-fledged budget of the Union Government, the Finance Minister has adhered to the principles of economic growth and development that have shaped the administration’s approach over the last few years:

• preference for long-term infrastructure creation with its associated multiplier effect over short-term relief and dole-outs

• leveraging technology to build solutions from and for India across sectors and at scale, 

• measures to enhance green transition and adoption, 

• reforms-linked fiscal management approach for the state, and 

• actions that can enhance India’s global share in manufacturing and global value chains. 

With the General Elections scheduled next year, this budget was anticipated to be high on populism. However, it cannot be termed so as even though there have been measures to provide relief to middle-class taxpayers, this is not a constant theme across the Budget. 

The Indian economy is doing well and as IMF most recently pointed out, being a bright spot globally, it augurs well that the measures contained in the Union Budget support the post-pandemic economic growth, with scope for additional interventions in the short-term as the global situation evolves. Both the Economic Survey and the Union Budget have looked at medium term and that is also the spirit of the Amrit Kaal, the 25-year journey for India@100 as a modern, developed nation, which the Government has taken to the masses as well.

The Budget Session of Parliament began on 31st January; the first part will conclude on 13th February. The Parliament will re-convene on 12th March for the second part of the Budget Session that will conclude on 6th April.  Read more

India: Another solid year ahead for the economy

India's economy grew by 6.7% in 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. India looks set to achieve a similar rate of growth in 2023, and that comes despite a very difficult backdrop with the US and Europe close to recession or slowing, as well as the drag on purchasing power resulting from higher inflation. Another supportive budget, including a substantial boost to capital expenditures, will provide the bedrock for growth in 2023, with the private sector also providing some added impetus as private investment weathers the rise in interest rates and as inflation is brought under control by the Reserve Bank of India. Read more

Global Conference on Millets

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference at PUSA New Delhi on March 18, 2023. The two-day global conference has sessions on all important issues related to millets (Shree Anna) like promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders; millets’ value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of millets;  market linkage; research and development etc. The Prime Minister also inaugurated and visited the Exhibition cum Buyer Seller Meet Pavilion. He also unveiled a Commemorative Stamp and Commemorative Coin. The International Year of Millet 2023 is about bringing millets to the forefront and establishing India as the global hub of millets. At the inaugural edition of a two-day global conference on millets, PM Modi spoke about how millets are also considered to be “high fibre foods” which are effective to health — “personal and global health”. . Read more

Aero India 2023

The Aero India 2023, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, was the biggest ever since the airshow began in Bengaluru. Organised at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in a total area of around 35,000 sqm, the event was the biggest-ever till date and witnessed the participation of 98 countries. Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru opened the doors to visitors on February 16-17. While the first two days were business days with a Defence Ministers’ Conclave, a CEOs Round Table, Manthan start-up event, and Bandhan ceremony, the last two days of the airshow were open to the public with aerial displays being the highlight. The five-day Aero India 2023 concluded as aircraft and helicopters took part in one final performance before a packed house on February 17, 2023. Read more 

Air India places orders for 470 Boeing and Airbus aircraft

Air India is placing orders for 220 Boeing and 250 Airbus aircrafts, underlining the surging demand for increased mobility in a nation with a swelling middle class. French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared with the company in a press conference announcing the Airbus deal. US President Joe Biden hailed the "historic" Boeing order as a sign of a "deepening partnership" between the US and India, and one that would support more than a million jobs in the US. It is Boeing’s third-largest sale of all time, in dollar value, and its second of all time in quantity. Read more

AIIMS doctors perform surgery on grape size heart of foetus in 90 seconds

India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) doctors have performed the rarest of  rare surgery on the “grape-sized” heart of a 28-week foetus in a time of just 90 seconds inside the womb. Applauding doctors’ “dexterity and innovation”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared health minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya’s Twitter post, “Proud of India’s doctors for their dexterity and innovation”. In this case, a 28-year-old pregnant patient was admitted to the hospital with three previous miscarriages. After knowing about the current pregnancy and the child’s heart condition, the parents consented to the surgery. Read more

ISRO places 36 OneWeb satellites in orbit

Indian Space Research Organisation’s heaviest payload rocket, LVM3 carrying 36 OneWeb satellites onboard took off on March 26 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota. The 43.5 metre tall vehicle weighs 643 tonne. This is the second mission for Bharti Enterprises-backed UK firm (OneWeb Group Company) under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to launch 72 satellites to Low-Earth Orbits. The first set of 36 satellites was launched in LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission on October 23, 2022. Read more 

Rupee becomes international currency

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved 60 requests to open Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) of correspondent banks from 18 countries, Finance Ministry informed Lok Sabha on March 14, 2023. These countries include Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, and United Kingdom. Last July, RBI allowed invoicing and payments for international trade in Indian Rupee. It put in place the arrangement to promote global trade growth with emphasis on exports from India and to support the increasing interest of the global trading community in Indian rupee (INR). A framework has been put in place by RBI and it is applicable for any partner country seeking to undertake trade with India in INR. Read more

Operation Dost- Rescue operation in Turkey

India launched ‘Operation Dost’ to aid in search-and-rescue in Turkey and Syria following deadly earthquakes that struck on February 6 and claimed over 46,000 lives to date. Indian team establish a field hospital in Iskenderun and Hatay and were functional within a matter of hours and started receiving casualties. In the total duration of the operation the field hospital saw around 3,600 patients, and it included major and minor surgeries. After successfully running medical relief operations in quake-hit Turkey, a 99-member Army medical team that ran field hospitals returned back to India on 20 February 2023. Read more

Nation celebrates 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas on 9th January 2023

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is formally observed on 9 January to celebrate the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai, India. The day is celebrated to acknowledge the contribution of the non-resident Indian community in helping in the development of the country. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 has conducted in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from 8–10 January, 2023. It is important to note that this is the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, or NRI Day. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the official theme of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 is “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal.” The theme focuses on the importance of the Indian diaspora in the development of the country. It is important to note that every year a new theme is chosen to celebrate the day.... Read more

Voice of the Global South Summit

Voice of the Global South Summit, a unique endeavour started by the Indian government months after it assumed the G20 presidency, was organised on 12–13 January 2023. The Summit was held under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” to bring together these countries to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. The Summit included eight Ministerial sessions in key sectors besides opening and concluding sessions at Head of State/Head of Government level.  More than 120 countries  participated in the Summit. 

Malawi joined the Health Ministers Session of the Summit themed “Cooperation to build resilient healthcare systems” on January 13, 2023. Hon. Ms. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, M.P., Minister of Health participated in the Session and stated that through this important Summit, the developed nations will come to learn the needs and challenges of developing countries and expressed hope that this Summit will pave way for resolving the issues and put the developing countries on the same trajectory towards becoming truly “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. Apart from Malawi, the Session on Health included dignitaries from Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Royal Government of Bhutan, Republic of Cameroon, Grenada, Republic of Guatemala, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Niger, Independent State of Samoa, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Paraguay and Dominica.

India shines bright at Oscars 2023

India shines at the 95th Academy Awards as did Everything Everywhere All At Once. Naatu Naatu from RRR won Best Original Song, The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short. Team RRR – including director SS Rajamouli and actors Ram Charan and Jr NTR - were present at the awards ceremony. Read more

Indian women boxers won four golds at World Boxing Championship

On March 26, 2023 Indian women boxers recreated history and brought home four gold medals at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship. India stood on the top in the gold medal tally at the championship that was held in New Delhi. Nitu Ghanghas (48kg), Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75) and Saweety Boora (81kg) won gold for the country. 324 boxers, including several Olympic medalists from 65 countries, participated in 12 weight categories. Read more 

Under-19 World Cup 2023: Indians celebrate after historic women's win

Indians are celebrating after the women's cricket team won the inaugural Under-19 World Cup, in what has been called a landmark moment in the history of women's cricket in India. India thrashed England by seven wickets in an exciting one-sided final held in South Africa on Sunday. This is the first women's cricket team to have won a world championship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called their victory a thrilling and inspiring moment for the country. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said the win would "inspire a whole generation to take up sports". The official Twitter handle of Indian Women's Cricket Team at BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) shared a short video on the champions. Read more