India, Australia explore opportunities for greater collaboration

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Canberra, Sep 7 (IANS) India and Australia on Monday held discussions on strengthening bilateral partnership and explored opportunities for greater cooperation.

The discussions took place as Indian High Commissioner Nagesh Singh met Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Australia’s House of Representatives and Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Hastie.

“A valuable exchange on strengthening the India–Australia partnership and exploring opportunities for greater cooperation,” the Indian High Commission in Australia posted on X.

On April 25, Nagesh Singh met former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and discussed strong bilateral ties.

During the meeting, Morrison recalled his warm and close friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“High Commissioner of India Nagesh Singh met former Australian Prime Minister Hon. Scott Morrison AC. Recalling his warm and close friendship with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, they reflected on the strong India–Australia partnership and the enduring ties between the two countries”, the Indian mission said on X.

During his three-day visit to Australia in July, PM Modi had met the former PM in Melbourne and discussed the remarkable progress achieved under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, met Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner, attended the Australia-India CEO Forum, and participated in an Indian community reception in Melbourne.

PMs Modi and Albanese participated in the third Australia-India Annual Summit, where the two sides reviewed progress across the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, critical minerals, clean energy, technology, defence and security, education, skills, mobility, science and innovation, culture, sports and people-to-people ties. Both leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“The Summit witnessed finalisation of several MoUs in areas including defence, maritime security, energy including nuclear, critical technology, education, skilling, among others,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

PM Modi and Albanese launched the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap during a visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking a significant step towards expanding bilateral cooperation in sports, sports science, and sporting infrastructure.

PM Modi also met Australia’s Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, with both leaders discussing the growing strength of bilateral ties.

–IANS

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Rather than addressing Balochi woes, Pakistan continues to dominate, drawing on its resources

New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but poorest province, is once again engulfed in deadly violence, with Balochi separatists mounting attacks against one of the most intense counter-operations in years, according to reports from Pakistan.

The flare-up is rooted in long-standing grievances of the Baloch people over political marginalisation, resource exploitation, and geopolitical rivalries, say reports.

At least 15 security officials and 18 civilians have been killed as armed men launched coordinated attacks across the province in the latest incident last weekend, reported Al Jazeera news network.

The wave of violence last month coincided with heightened political instability in Pakistan, including economic crises and disputes over governance across the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s security forces have carried out several raids in this province in the country’s southwest, bordering Afghanistan and Iran, killing at least 41.

Balochistan has witnessed a renewed surge in militant activity with attacks in Quetta and other districts leaving nearly 200 people dead, including 31 civilians, marking one of the deadliest flare-ups in recent years, according to separate reports.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and allied separatist groups have claimed responsibility for the attacks, targeting police stations, military convoys, and government installations. The rise of the BLA and other separatist groups in the early 2000s marked a new phase of resistance, coinciding with Gwadar port’s development and CPEC’s launch.

Communities live under constant fear, with schools and businesses shuttered in affected districts as thousands of families have fled the conflict zones, according to media reports, seeking safety in Quetta and Karachi.

Islamabad has launched a massive counter-operation, deploying paramilitary forces and intensifying aerial surveillance. Balochistan’s people have long complained of political exclusion and economic exploitation. Despite being rich in natural resources, including gas, coal, copper, and gold, the province remains underdeveloped.

Locals argue that the wealth benefits Islamabad and foreign investors rather than the Baloch communities. The province is strategically vital due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Gwadar port.

Militants see CPEC as a symbol of exploitation, while Islamabad views it as a lifeline for economic growth. This clash of perspectives has intensified violence. Instead of addressing their grievances, Pakistan’s heavy-handed military operations have fuelled resentment, creating a cycle where insurgent violence provokes state crackdowns, which in turn deepen alienation among locals.

Available evidences suggest that Balochistan’s history stretches back millennia, with archaeological sites like Mehrgarh, dating to 7000 BCE, highlighting its role as one of the cradles of early human civilisation.

In the 19th century, Balochistan came under British control, incorporated into the British Indian Empire as a strategic frontier region. Balochistan was integrated into Pakistan after its independence in 1947. However, this was contested by local leaders, sparking the first of several insurgencies. Since then, Balochistan has seen five major uprisings, beginning in 1948, then in 1958–59, followed by 1962–63, 1973–77, and 2004–present. Each was driven by demands for autonomy, resource control, and cultural recognition.

In 1952, the discovery of natural gas in Sui in Dera Bugti district of Balochistan intensified tensions, as revenues flowed to Islamabad while Balochistan remained impoverished.

The current flare-up in Balochistan is not an isolated event but the latest chapter in a decades-long struggle for autonomy, dignity, and resource control.

While Islamabad frames the conflict as a security issue, the roots lie in political exclusion and economic injustice. Unless these grievances are addressed, military operations may quell violence temporarily but will not bring lasting peace.

–IANS

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DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakant meets CM Stalin, sparks political buzz in TN

Chennai, July 31 (IANS) Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakant on Thursday called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin at his residence in Chennai, in what was officially described as a courtesy visit but has generated fresh political chatter ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Premalatha, accompanied by senior party leaders including DMDK Treasurer L.K. Sudhish and former MLA B. Parthasarathy, enquired about the Chief Minister’s health.

Stalin had been admitted to a private hospital in Chennai for a week after he reportedly experienced giddiness during a morning walk. He was discharged last week and has since resumed official duties.

The meeting was attended by members of the Chief Minister’s family, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and senior DMK leader and Minister E.V. Velu.

While the DMDK has presented the visit as a gesture of goodwill, political observers note that it comes at a time of fluid alliances and growing speculation about the party’s future moves.

The DMDK’s relationship with the AIADMK, its long-time ally, has been under strain in recent months.

Tensions surfaced last month over the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat, with DMDK leaders publicly expressing displeasure at being denied representation. Although the AIADMK later assured the DMDK of a Rajya Sabha seat in 2026, the episode highlighted simmering unease within the alliance.

Premalatha Vijayakant’s outreach to the DMK leadership has therefore drawn attention, especially as the state inches closer to the Assembly polls.

While there has been no official word of any political realignment, the optics of the meeting have sparked discussion in political circles about whether the DMDK could explore new equations in the run-up to the elections.

The visit also mirrors recent interactions by other political leaders with the Chief Minister. Earlier, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman had visited Stalin to offer condolences following the death of his elder brother, Mu. Ka. Muthu.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister returned to the Secretariat on Thursday, launching new welfare initiatives and reviewing government activities. His appearance in public and continued discharge of duties have reassured DMK cadres after his brief hospitalisation.

–IANS

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TN expands CM’s breakfast scheme for all govt-aided schools

Chennai, June 26 (IANS) In a significant move aimed at tackling childhood hunger and boosting school attendance, the Tamil Nadu government has announced the expansion of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme (CMBFS) to cover students from Classes 1 to 5 in all government-aided schools across the state.

The scheme, which has already been rolled out in government schools, will now also be extended to schools receiving financial assistance from urban local bodies.

Officials said the expansion is a part of the state’s broader strategy to improve early childhood nutrition and enhance learning outcomes in primary education. A budget allocation of Rs 600.25 crore has been made for the 2025-26 fiscal year to support implementation in both government and aided primary schools, including those in rural areas.

The responsibility of ensuring comprehensive coverage under the scheme has been placed on the Elementary Education Officers.

Authorities clarified that any exclusion of eligible aided schools would be viewed seriously, and accountability will be enforced. Launched by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on September 15, 2022 — commemorating the birth anniversary of former CM and DMK founder C.N. Annadurai — the scheme initially targeted 1,14,095 students across 1,545 government schools. It was formally inaugurated at the Corporation Primary School Aathimoolan II in Madurai.

Encouraged by the positive response, particularly the notable increase in student attendance, the state expanded the scheme further.

It may be recalled that on August 25, 2023, CM Stalin launched a major phase of the initiative, covering 17 lakh students in Classes 1 to 5 across 31,008 government schools for Rs 404.41 crore.

Under the scheme, each child is served 150-200 grams of hot, cooked breakfast comprising 50 grams of cereals such as rava, wheat, rice, or millets, along with 15 grams of dal and 60 grams of vegetable sambar — all aimed at providing a balanced and nutritious meal.

The Chief Minister has repeatedly underlined the social significance of the scheme.

Highlighting a survey conducted among 10 lakh children under six years of age in urban areas, CM Stalin revealed that 92,000 were found to be malnourished. With government intervention through nutrient supplementation, nearly 62,000 of these children have since recovered.

“The objective of this scheme is not just to provide breakfast — it is to eradicate hunger, reduce malnutrition and anaemia, support working mothers, and ensure children attend and stay in school,” CM Stalin said.

“Among all our flagship schemes — including free bus travel for women and the Pudhumai Penn scheme — this one is closest to my heart,” he said.

With its latest expansion to aided institutions, the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme is now poised to benefit an even larger section of Tamil Nadu’s young population, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education and health, said officials.

–IANS

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