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Australian professor blasts western media for anti-India bias

Comparing India with other democratic countries globally, Babones said that democracy in eastern European countries is buttressed by European Union (EU) rules. ..writes Rahul Kumar

Australian professor Salvatore Babones has slammed the western media for grossly misrepresenting the astounding success of Indian democracy. “I would like to be the bhakt (disciple) for the world’s most successful democracy,” Babones said at a Delhi event on Wednesday.

Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, Babones is touring India for the past one week sharing his views about Indian intellectuals and democracy. Babones, who has suddenly risen to prominence because of his pro-India observations, said that he has been carefully researching India for the last three years while being in Australia.

Wading into an acerbic international debate, where the Western media has categorised India as a ‘fascist nation’, and international surveys have criticised India for a ‘falling democracy’, Babones said that he finds Indian democracy unique.

Comparing India with other democratic countries globally, Babones said that democracy in eastern European countries is buttressed by European Union (EU) rules. South Korea and Taiwanese democracies are just about 30 years old. Therefore, “you have to look at the world’s best democracies to compare India’s 70-year-old democracy. India is the only post-colonial country to have retained its democracy all these years”.

In an event organised by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF), Babones said: “I am not here to defend Indian democracy. That is to be done by the Indians themselves. I am here to expose those who criticise Indian democracy”.

He added that India is an “extreme outlier” in the democracy sweepstakes. “It is the world’s most extraordinarily successful democracy. Yet it has been placed just two levels above post-coup Myanmar”, he observed, adding that India is in a tough neighbourhood and yet it has maintained its democratic tradition. He stressed that India has seen peaceful elections and transfer of power.

Talking about journalism and India’s ranking in the world, the Australian professor said that once again India has been placed close to China over the number of deaths of journalists. Trying to explain these contradictions, he said that people “are cherry-picking data and sharing it selectively. Many journalists function more as activists and end up mis-representing information about India”.

Former CEO of Prasar Bharati Corporation, Shashi Shekhar Vempati said that even the global media is pushing geo-politically sponsored narratives. He said that it is possible because of India’s hostile neighbours, a lot of the information that is against India could be State-sponsored.

Vempati said that a large body of scholarly research has to be conducted to counter the false narratives on India.

Former ambassador to the US, Kanwal Sibal said that as part of the foreign service, he has always been fighting negative perceptions about India.

He said that after the book The City of Joy was published, the European countries retained an enduring image about poverty in India. Another perception in comparison to China was that India never generated enough intellectual capacity.

Sibal added that after the poverty perception, the foreign service had to defend India over its non-aligned status, followed by the nuclear issue, proximity to the USSR and now the country has to defend itself over “strategic autonomy”.

Talking about his time in Washington as India’s ambassador in the nineties, Sibal said: “The West’s obsession with Pakistan brought onslaughts on India regarding Kashmir and human rights. NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) was against us. HRW Asia had direct proximity in the US State Department”.

Replying to a question, Sibal said that a lot of damage has been done to India’s and the BJP’s image by our own people and the Western media. “This ‘business of fascism’ has taken root among people in the Western nations which is unfortunate”.

He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has excellent relations with world leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia and Emmanuel Macron of France. Sibal said that the leaders of the Nordic countries meet Modi and similarly the leaders of the Central Asian Republic (CAR) also have good relations with Modi.

“There is a lot of respect for Modi among many countries and leaders”, Sibal said.

Babones, who has been equally cherished and criticised by the Indian media for his contrarian views that run parallel to the discourse on India said that what India has contributed to democracy is unfathomable because of its diversity.

Replying to questions, Babones said despite India’s democracy and China’s authoritarianism, China’s burnished image is entirely because of money. He added that the US media, and also Hollywood, have made a lot of money from China, which might be reducing now.

Director SPMRF, Anirban Ganguly said that unfair criticism of India by Indian intellectuals has led the foreign media to accept the wrong narrative about India.

(India Narrative)

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Australian warships reach Visakhapatnam for Indo-Pacific mission

This is the largest edition of Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity since it began in 2017…writes Ateet Sharma

Two Australian warships have arrived at the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters in Visakhapatnam as India and Australia continue to enhance their strategic partnership and spearhead efforts to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains open and free.

Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Adelaide and Anzac, which departed Darwin earlier this month, reached Visakhapatnam for Exercise ‘Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022’ (IPE22) on Sunday.

With five ships, 11 helicopters and about 1800 personnel working with regional partners across the region from India to Indonesia to the Philippines, this is the largest edition of Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity since it began in 2017.

HMA Ships Adelaide and Anzac form the main maritime contingent and will participate in activities and joint training exercises with the Indian Navy in the areas of maritime law, humanitarian assistance and gender, peace and security, as well as military engagement.

One of the largest ships ever built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the 230m-long Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) HMAS Adelaide has eight ship-borne attack helicopters and 543 crew members. The 118m-long Frigate Anzac is manned by a crew of 119.

Kicking off with engagements in Maldives and Timor-Leste late September, IPE22 specially focuses on consolidating partnerships with 14 countries in South and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.

The two Australian warships set sail for India from the Colombo port on October 26 after a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Lankan Navy.

Before departing, IPE22 Commander Commodore Mal Wise had said that he was looking forward to fostering strong relationships with Australia’s Indo-Pacific neighbours from a whole-of-government perspective.

As reported by IndiaNarrative.com earlier, the Anthony Albanese government has made it clear that India is “at the heart” of Australia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships’ arrival at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam comes at a time when both countries, which share the commonality of perspectives on several contemporary maritime security issues in the Indo-Pacific, build their partnership further, especially after the Indian Navy chief’s visit to Australia in September.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R Hari Kumar’s three-day visit took place as an Indian Navy P-8I maritime patrol aircraft was deployed to RAAF Base Darwin for the second time in six months for a joint exercise.

During his stay, Admiral Kumar held meetings with the Australian Navy chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Vice Chief of Australian Defence Forces Admiral David Johnston, Secretary of Defence Greg Moriarty, Chief of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Marshal Robert Chipman and Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Air Vice Marshal Mike Kitcher.

He also visited the RAN facilities at HMAS Penguin and Hydrographic School, engaging in discussions on the need for raising the level of synergy and focused efforts for overcoming the challenges of the maritime environment.

India and Australia have also been working together closely in several bilateral and multilateral fora such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS).

“At our heart, Australia and India are both Indo-Pacific nations. We share the Indian Ocean – one of the world’s greatest maritime resources. Our geography places us squarely in the middle of the world’s strategic centre of gravity. And as the world becomes more multi-polar, the region’s resilience will be tested,” Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell said in his address at the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) conference, earlier this month.

Over the next few days, the Indo-Pacific Endeavour is expected to provide further opportunities to both countries as they work together on their common goal of having an open, resilient and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

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Must take road trips in Australia

Five must take road trips in Australia.(photo:IANSLIFE)

This enormous sandstone monolith is sacred to the Anangu tribe of Indigenous Australians and is one of the best settings for a sunset anywhere in the world…reports Asian Lite News

What could be better than mixing the excitement of travel with the thrill of cricket? It’s time to pack your bags and take that long-awaited journey to Australia now that travel is back in style and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is taking place there after a break of over two years.

Booking.com, the Official Accommodation Booking Partner of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has put together a list of the top five road trips you should take in Australia with your loved ones in light of this. Take in Australia’s different environment as you travel while taking in cricket matches taking place all throughout the nation, from the untamed and burnt-umber desert landscape of Red Centre Way to the picturesque journey along the East Coast Route.

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is a well-known Australian highway that runs from Torquay to Allansford through Victoria’s breathtaking coastline. Koalas perched in trees, ochre cliffs shining at dusk, shipwrecks, rainforest, waterfalls, golden beaches, and the Twelve Apostles – a group of gigantic limestone stacks rising out of the sea off the coast of Port Campbell National Park-can all be seen during this trip.

In Torquay, there are many vacation parks where families can spend the night, as well as more secluded and intimate accommodations like Anchor Geelong, which provides spacious, spotless apartments near the water that are ideal for couples.

Gibb River Road, Western Australia

This thrilling excursion necessitates a 4×4 for more daring travellers in order to navigate its unpaved, dusty orange tracks. As you travel through the isolated Kimberley region of Western Australia, you will pass revered aboriginal sites, outback cattle stations, and the Bell Gorge’s multi-tiered waterfalls that descend to sandstone swimming pools. You could do this route for two weeks or, depending on how much time you have available, you could plan a shorter path. Take a Dolphin eco-cruise to start at Broome, then stay close by at The Courthouse Bed & Breakfast.

Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

On this five-day circular drive through central Australia, you’ll immediately be awed by the gargantuan, wild and burnt-umber desert landscape. Along the way, you’ll discover flame-red rocky gorges and canyons and swimming holes dotted between the peaks of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Be ready for kangaroos hopping over undulating dunes and natural monuments like Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and the unmissable Uluru.

This enormous sandstone monolith is sacred to the Anangu tribe of Indigenous Australians and is one of the best settings for a sunset anywhere in the world. The Red Centre Way journey starts in Alice Springs, where colourful, quirky and affordable hostel Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn is highly rated for one-night stays. If you’re feeling adventurous, get up before sunrise for a Hot Air Balloon Flight Tour.

Five must take road trips in Australia.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Five must take road trips in Australia.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Five must take road trips in Australia.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Five must take road trips in Australia.(photo:IANSLIFE)

East Coast (Brisbane to Cairns), Queensland

The East Coast route is one of the most popular road trips in Australia, taking you past some of the most magnificent natural wonders of the Southern Hemisphere. There’s the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island (the world’s largest sand island, with gleaming white beaches and inland rainforest) and the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Stop off in national parks, visit the famous surfing hotspot of Noosa, skydive over tropical islands and azure seas, and finish your adventure with a tropical sailing trip or a visit to the ancient rainforest of Cape Tribulation. You’ll find a wide range of accommodation pricing where the trip ends in Cairns, but if you are celebrating the end of your journey, spa-equipped Crystalbrook Riley is one of the most highly-rated hotels in the area.

Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania

The Great Eastern Drive starts in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart and ends up in the Bay of Fires, where white sands are backed by burnt orange lichen-covered boulders and lapped by the crystalline sea. Follow wild, untouched coastline through national parks, over mountains and past the historic ruins of the Port Arthur convict settlement.

It’s a road trip experience that’s guaranteed to make you fall in love with Australia’s peaceful and visually arresting island state. Treat yourself to one of the many local tours and a glamorous stay at MACq 01 Hotel, overlooking Hobart harbour, before setting off on your road trip adventure. Murals in the hotel’s guest rooms tell the stories of the heroes, villains, explorers, inventors and convicts who used to roam these lands.

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Attack on Indian student should be taken seriously: MEA

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

Shubham Garg, 28, who is pursuing PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of New South Wales, was stabbed multiple times on his face, chest and abdomen when he was walking…reports Asian Lite News

India on Friday said that the “unfortunate” attack on a 28-year-old student from Agra on October 6 in Australia should be taken seriously and swift action must be taken against the perpetrators.

“The Indian national is in hospital, his treatment is on… Our High Commission in Canberra and Consulate in Sydney are in close touch with the local authorities, and family here. Our officials have met him in the hospital. Our expectation is that the issue must be taken seriously and action must be taken against the perpetrators,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in his weekly briefing.

Shubham Garg, 28, who is pursuing PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of New South Wales, was stabbed multiple times on his face, chest and abdomen when he was walking along the Pacific Highway while returning to his place of residence.

A 27-year-old man Daniel Norwood was arrested at the scene and was taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with one count of attempted murder.

Norwood was refused bail when he appeared in Hornsby Local Court. He will remain in custody with the next court appearance on December 14, The Australia Today reported.

Norwood allegedly threatened Garg while demanding cash and his phone. He refused and was allegedly stabbed a number of times in the abdomen before the assailant fled, The Australia Today quoted local media reports as saying

While Garg’s family called the attack against his son an act of “racism”, Bagchi said: “At the moment our main focus is that he should be out of danger and the perpetrators must be brought to book.

“We have asked the Australian HC to expedite the visa process so that family members can urgently go.”

The attack comes close on the heels of another Indian, Varun Manish Chheda, a student at the Purdue University in the US, who was stabbed to death by his roommate earlier this month

ALSO READ: Indian student stabbed multiple times in Australia

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Indian student stabbed multiple times in Australia

S. African national stabbed to death by a friend in Bengaluru

The incident occurred at around 10.30 pm on October 6, when Garg was walking along the Pacific Highway on his way back to his place of residence.

The Indian mission in Australia is providing consular assistance to a 28-year-old student from Agra who was stabbed multiple times in Sydney and is under “serious but stable” condition after undergoing surgery at a local hospital.

“The Indian Consulate in Sydney has provided consular assistance to the individual,” the Australian High Commission in New Delhi said adding that it is assisting with the facilitation of visa for a family member of the injured student identified as Shubham Garg.

The 28-year-old student, pursuing his doctorate in Mechanical engineering from the University of NSW, was reportedly stabbed multiple times in Sydney’s Artamon by 27-year-old Daniel Norwood, who according to local media reports has been arrested and is in the custody of the Australian Police.

Daniel Norwood was arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with one count of attempted murder, reported local media outlet The Australia Today.

Quoting local media reports the outlet said that the incident occurred at around 10.30 pm on October 6, when Garg was walking along the Pacific Highway on his way back to his place of residence.

Garg suffered multiple stabbing injuries on his face, chest and abdomen. A nearby resident took Garg to Royal North Shore Hospital where he underwent surgery. Garg remains in a “serious but stable condition,” as per the media report.

Following the incident, the North Shore Police Area Command detectives formed Strike Force Prosy to investigate the incident. Later, a search warrant was executed on a home on the Pacific Highway at Greenwich at about 3.40 pm on October 9. The suspect Norwood was arrested at the scene and to further investigate into the matter, the police seized a number of items from the home. The items were sent for forensic examination.

Norwood appeared in Hornsby Local Court however he was denied bail. He continues to remain in custody with the next court appearance on December 14, 2022.

As per reports, Norwood allegedly threatened Shubham while demanding cash and his phone. Shubham refused and was allegedly stabbed a number of times in the abdomen. The assailant then fled from the crime scene, reported The Australia Today.

Shubham Garg came to Australia in September this year to pursue his PhD in Mechanical engineering from the University of NSW. He has completed his master’s degree at IIT Madras. (ANI)

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Aus tells India that visa issues will be solved

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaks at a news conference in New York on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo: Arul Louis/IANS)

The visa backlog issue is of utmost concern to the Indian students who are trying to return to educational institutions in Australia following the Covid pandemic…reports Asian Lite News

In his address to the Indian community in Australia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that he has been assured that the problem of visa backlog, particularly in respect to students, would be solved by the end of the year.

The visa backlog issue is of utmost concern to the Indian students who are trying to return to educational institutions in Australia following the Covid pandemic.

“And I want to tell you that it was something that I took up with different ministers when I was in Canberra. We have a particular problem that students are facing,” Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Australia, said.

Jaishankar, who is on his second visit to Australia, said he was assured that the situation has improved and about 77,000 Indian students are back in Australia.

“But you all know that the numbers should be and could be much higher and I was assured that by the end of the year the visa backlog, particularly in respect to students, would be cleared,” he said.

The minister also said that it’s not just a problem for students but also for many other Indians who want to travel due to family reasons. He also applauded the resumption of tourism in Australia and other countries of the world post-Covid pandemic.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 census, Australia’s Indian diaspora numbers approximately 700,000, and Indians are expected to outnumber Chinese-born Australians over the next decade.

Significantly, it is the second-highest taxpaying diaspora after the British, making it clear that it is a group making significant contributions to Australia’s economy.

The minister emphasised that there will be a legal framework for talented Indians to move to another country for work.

“Indian skills and talents that are in demand in Australia will have a legal framework, an agreed methodology by which they move from one country to another,” Jaishankar said.

He also underlined the new areas of focus in our partnership, including education, technology, resources and mobility.

“I think what is really exciting about our relationship today are the enormous possibilities that we are now looking at, and foremost among them is education,” Jaishankar said, adding that education can be the avenue by which India Australia relationship could advance in a much more expansive manner.

“We want our students to understand the world better, and we want our students to be prepared for a global workplace… in this we regard Australia as a particularly important partner,” he added.

Roughly, 105,000 students study in Australian universities at the moment. According to Bengaluru-based RedSeer Strategy, the total number of Indian students studying abroad will stand at around 1.8 million by 2024.

The report further added that Indian students would be spending $75-85 billion annually on higher education abroad by 2024.

Visa woes hit British travellers to India

Meanwhile, thousands of British holidaymakers cancelled trips to India owing to last minute tourist visa rule change, The Times UK reported. The sudden change in the rule required Britons to present themselves in person at visa centres in the UK and apply for tourist visas.

In the process, another obstacle arose when no appointments were available for the Britons for the next two months, the report said. This resulted in the holiday plans of thousands of British travellers to India being cancelled.

The Indian high commission in London however said there have been no changes in the visa rules.

The British passport holders were informed of the change through an automated message, the report said while at nine visa processing centres (VFS) in Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Cardiff, Edinburgh, central London, Hounslow, Leicester and Manchester all appointments were fully booked at least till November 18 and no further dates showed any availability.

The report added that the earliest dates for the visa appointments could be close to mid-December.

VFS Global said that the decision was taken to insist that travellers must be present in person as a high number of administrative errors had been made by third-party visa companies, the report said.

ALSO READ-Indian student stabbed multiple times in Australia

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Visa backlog to ease, Australia tells India

Jaishankar, who is on his second visit to Australia, said he was assured that the situation has improved and about 77,000 Indian students are back in Australia…reports Asian Lite News

In his address to the Indian community in Australia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that he has been assured that the problem of visa backlog, particularly in respect to students, would be solved by the end of the year.

The visa backlog issue is of utmost concern to the Indian students who are trying to return to educational institutions in Australia following the Covid pandemic.

“And I want to tell you that it was something that I took up with different ministers when I was in Canberra. We have a particular problem that students are facing,” Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Australia, said.

Jaishankar, who is on his second visit to Australia, said he was assured that the situation has improved and about 77,000 Indian students are back in Australia.

“But you all know that the numbers should be and could be much higher and I was assured that by the end of the year the visa backlog, particularly in respect to students, would be cleared,” he said.

The minister also said that it’s not just a problem for students but also for many other Indians who want to travel due to family reasons. He also applauded the resumption of tourism in Australia and other countries of the world post-Covid pandemic.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 census, Australia’s Indian diaspora numbers approximately 700,000, and Indians are expected to outnumber Chinese-born Australians over the next decade.

Significantly, it is the second-highest taxpaying diaspora after the British, making it clear that it is a group making significant contributions to Australia’s economy.

The minister emphasised that there will be a legal framework for talented Indians to move to another country for work.

“Indian skills and talents that are in demand in Australia will have a legal framework, an agreed methodology by which they move from one country to another,” Jaishankar said.

He also underlined the new areas of focus in our partnership, including education, technology, resources and mobility.

“I think what is really exciting about our relationship today are the enormous possibilities that we are now looking at, and foremost among them is education,” Jaishankar said, adding that education can be the avenue by which India Australia relationship could advance in a much more expansive manner.

“We want our students to understand the world better, and we want our students to be prepared for a global workplace… in this we regard Australia as a particularly important partner,” he added.

Roughly, 105,000 students study in Australian universities at the moment. According to Bengaluru-based RedSeer Strategy, the total number of Indian students studying abroad will stand at around 1.8 million by 2024.

The report further added that Indian students would be spending $75-85 billion annually on higher education abroad by 2024.

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India invites Australian varsities to set up campuses

The two Ministers agreed to expand the cooperation in learning, skilling and research with a view to make education a key pillar under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership…reports Asian Lite News

India has invited Australian universities and skilling institutions to set up their campuses in the country.

Discussing the issue with his Australian counterpart Jason Clare on Monday, Union Minister for Education & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan also suggested that Australian institutions explore areas of collaboration with Indian institutions.

The two Ministers agreed to expand the cooperation in learning, skilling and research with a view to make education a key pillar under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of Education said after the bilateral meeting that was held at Western Sydney University (WSU).

In addition to stressing on research collaboration between the two countries in the areas of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Agriculture, Pradhan called for collaboration in skill certification and areas like mining, logistics management, etc. He added that India has set up Digital University and Gati Shakti University for which the two countries can work together to develop curriculum and other aspects.

During the discussions, Pradhan also raised the issue of pending visas of Indian students going to Australia and his Australian counterpart assured cooperation in expediting the process.

The Ministers later held a Joint Press Conference where they announced establishment of a working group on transnational education to build shared understanding of the regulatory settings in both countries and promote opportunities for two-way mobility of institutions. Pradhan reiterated that India remains committed to build knowledge bridges and deepen bilateral engagements with Australia in education, skilling and research for mutual growth and prosperity.

Pradhan also co-chaired the 6th meeting of the Australia-India Education Council (AIEC) with Clare. He described the AIEC as a highly effective forum to further advance ties and boost engagements in education, skill development and research priorities. The Australian team was invited to hold the 7th meeting of the AIEC in India next year.

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Australia assures speedy resolution of visa issues for Indian students

Last month, officials of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had taken up the issue of visa appointments for Indian students with a number of countries, including Australia….reports Asian Lite News

Australia has assured speedy resolution of visa issues for Indian students enrolled in universities and educational institutions in Australia.

The assurance was given on Thursday by Australia’s Minister of Education Jason Clare during a discussion with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who welcomed the step.

Last month, officials of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had taken up the issue of visa appointments for Indian students with a number of countries, including Australia. This followed complaints from many students about long delays in the visa-granting process.

Tweeting about the meeting, Pradhan wrote, “Had a wonderful discussion with my Australian counterpart H.E. Mr. Jason Clare. Congratulated him on the assumption of his portfolio under the new Labour Party govt. @JasonClareMP”

Additionally, Education Minister Pradhan also discussed how closer partnerships in the fields of higher education, schooling, and skill development may benefit both nations by providing the Indian workforce with the world-class skills that Australia is renowned for.

He also briefed Minister Clare about the new National Education Policy 2020 and its various facets. They also discussed GIFT City’s supportive environment for universities as well as the improved opportunities for internationalisation in education through a variety of modalities.

Deeper collaboration

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday held a virtual meeting with his Australian counterpart Jason Clare to further strengthen collaboration between the countries in education and skill development sectors.

The minister called for deeper collaboration between the two countries in the areas of skill development. Australian minister gave assurance of providing support in ensuring world-class skilling of Indian workforce.

We also spoke about deeper collaborations in the skills, higher education and school education sector, and imparting world-class skilling, that Australia is known for, to the Indian workforce, Pradhan said after the meeting.

Pradhan said the collaboration would help create a positive synergy for both the countries. (ANI)

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Djokovic does not take any win for granted

After suffering a defeat against Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon final on Sunday, Nick Kyrgios hailed the 21-time Grand Slam champion and termed him ‘God.’…reports Asian Lite News

After his thrilling 7th Wimbledon title victory on Sunday, Novak Djokovic said that he does not take any win for granted, and ‘particularly not [at] Wimbledon.’

The Serbian claimed his seventh Wimbledon title and 21st Grand Slam overall by defeating Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in an exciting four-set final on Sunday at the Centre Court.

With this Djokovic also went past Roger Federer’s tally of 20 grand slam titles.

He reached his fourth consecutive title after defeating his Aussie counterpart 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3).

“Obviously over the moon with joy and happiness of experiencing this moment once again. I’ve said it many times, this tournament is extra special for me because it has been the first tournament that I’ve ever watched as a kid that got me to start playing tennis,” Djokovic said in a post-match press conference.

“I don’t take any wins for granted, and particularly not [at] Wimbledon. On the contrary, actually, every time feels a bit different, special in its own way. Of course, having family and close people in my life here to share this victory with them, it was beautiful,” he added.

After suffering a defeat against Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon final on Sunday, Nick Kyrgios hailed the 21-time Grand Slam champion and termed him ‘God.’

Djokovic went past Roger Federer’s tally of 20 grand slam titles, clinching his 21st grand slam title after defeating Kyrgios.

The Serbian reached his fourth consecutive title after defeating his Aussie counterpart by a margin of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3).

Nick Kyrgios: He’s a bit of God, I’m not gonna lie

“He’s a bit of God, I’m not gonna lie. I thought I played well. It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for me. Really happy with this result, probably the best of my career and hopefully maybe one day I’ll be here again, but I don’t know about that,” Kyrgios said in a post-match press conference.

The World No. 40 feels that Djokovic’s experience showed in the key moments, with the Serbian capturing his 21st Grand Slam title.

“I felt like he just has so much experience to draw to. He’s won the tournament four times in a row. When you win an event that much, when you’ve been in those situations, it’s unbelievable,” Kyrgios said.

“You can tell yourself you’ve been here before. The confidence and the belief in yourself, that only comes with achievement or something that he’s achieved like that many times. I can only imagine how confident he feels every day, especially at Wimbledon, walking around,” he added.

After taking the first set, Kyrgios was unable to push on and clinch his first Grand Slam title. However, the Australian was happy with his performance.

“I thought I handled myself well today. I came out there and I did what I had to do tactically to give myself a chance. I served amazing I thought today, and he was just able to put so many balls in play. I just came up short, and I’m happy with that,” Kyrgios said.

The Australian won the first set against Novak Djokovic Sunday before the Serbian turned the tables to seal his seventh crown at the Championships on Centre Court.

“My level is right there. I feel like you look at what Novak has done to some other opponents, it’s not a good feeling. But I’m right there,” Kyrgios said.

“I’m not behind the eight ball at all. I played a Slam final against one of the greatest of all time, and I was right there. [I will take] confidence. It was a hell of an occasion… I came out in the first set and I looked like I was the one who had played in a lot of finals. I thought I dealt with the pressure pretty well,” he added. (ANI)

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