Italy’s Jannik Sinner’ Creates History By Winning Grand Slam Title After Half a Century

In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Jannik Sinner, the rising star of Italian tennis, earned his name in history by clinching the Australian Open title. He became the first Italian male to win the Grand Slam title since 1976.

Seeded fourth, Sinner’s journey to the final showcased his unparalleled prowess. Against Daniil Medvedev, a gripping spectacle unfolded, with Sinner scoring a remarkable comeback, triumphing 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.

Sinner only lost one set before the championship match, demonstrating his unwavering dominance throughout the competition. His achievement represents the comeback of Italian tennis and recalls memories of Adriano Panatta’s triumph at the French Open.

Notably, the 22-year-old steered Italy to its first Davis Cup victory in nearly five decades, adding to his growing legacy. Sinner’s achievement has grabbed audiences’ attention globally.

Upon returning to Rome, Sinner received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, underscoring his profound impact on Italian sports. He is set to be honoured by President Sergio Mattarella later on Thursday.

As per the organisers of the Open 13 Provence in Marseille, Sinner has opted out of the forthcoming event scheduled to commence on February 5. However, the rationale behind his decision remains undisclosed.

French President Unveils A Specialized Initiative For Indian Students

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the launch of an exclusive programme called “Classes Internationales” (international classes) for Indian students. On January 26, President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a joint statement. The programme aims to enhance educational and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Starting in September, this special programme will offer Indian students the opportunity to spend a year in France learning French before pursuing their chosen degrees.

As per a statement from the French Embassy, students who complete a foundational year of immersive language training at an institution will be eligible for admission to undergraduate programmes taught in French at higher education institutions in France. The admission will be irrespective of whether they are native speakers or complete beginners.

Additionally, Indian students will receive instruction in French language, methodology, and academic content at prestigious French universities. The initiative aims to welcome over 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030.

France aims to increase opportunities for Indian students, which is evident in programmes like Classes Internationales, and 5-year short-stay Schengen visas for alumni. As of right now, the nation receiving the most number of French academic scholarships is India.

Sri Lanka Passes Controversial Bill To Regulate Online Content

On Wednesday, Sri Lanka’s lawmakers passed a bill to regulate online content. The move has sparked fears among opposition politicians and activities of free speech crackdowns.

With 108-62 votes in favour, the Online Safety Bill was passed. Its objectives are to “prevent the use of online accounts and inauthentic online accounts for prohibited purposes” and “make provisions to prohibit online communication of certain statements of fact in Sri Lanka.”

The bill also calls for the establishment of an “Online Safety Commission,” a five-person committee that the president will appoint, whose responsibility it will be to “direct all persons who communicate prohibited statements under this Act to stop communicating any such statements.”

The Sri Lankan government asserts that the proposed bill aims to safeguard citizens from online harassment. However, human rights groups have raised doubts about this assertion, contending that the bill is designed to stifle dissent and criticism.

Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “Sri Lanka continues to grapple with an economic crisis exacerbated by government actions and a lack of accountability. In 2022, prolonged protests calling for reform led to the removal of the Prime Minister and President. Since assuming power in that year, President Wickremesinghe has taken steps to suppress dissent.”

Vietnam and the Philippines Sign Deals on South China Sea Security

Vietnam and the Philippines have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in safeguarding the South China Sea to prevent untoward incidents in the region.

The announcement came during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Hanoi, underscoring the strategic importance of collaboration amid escalating tensions. With China laying claim to nearly all of the $3 trillion in annual shipborne trade passing through the South China Sea, both Southeast Asian nations find themselves in competition over vital maritime territories.

The bilateral agreement, consisting of two memoranda of understanding on security, addresses crucial areas such as “incident prevention in the South China Sea” and “maritime cooperation” among coastguards. The latest agreement between Vietnam and the Philippines may provoke Beijing, given its extensive deployment of coastguard fleets throughout the South China Sea to enforce its territorial claims. However, details of the agreement reached in Hanoi have not been revealed.

Marcos stressed Vietnam’s role as the Philippines’ sole strategic partner in Southeast Asia ahead of his meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. He highlighted the foundation of their relationship, emphasising maritime cooperation.

Additionally, Vietnam, one of the world’s leading exporters of rice, has solidified agreements on rice trade and agricultural cooperation with the Philippines, a key importer of the crop.

Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni Pledges New Partnership With Africa

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has set the stage for a fresh era of collaboration with Africa during a pivotal one-day summit. In an unveiling of long-awaited plans, Meloni outlined a vision aimed at fortifying economic ties, establishing an energy hub for Europe, and mitigating migration pressures.

In a bid to kickstart this ambitious agenda, Meloni committed an initial investment of $5.95 billion, which includes state-backed guarantees. Meloni said, “We are only at the beginning; there is a very long road ahead of us. This day is a restart.” She outlined the need for swift action to start working on projects that would have a practical impact.

However, amidst the optimism, dissenting voices emerged among the attendees. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, highlighted the importance of honouring commitments and expressed disappointment over Africa’s exclusion from priority-setting discussions.

Critics who point to Italy’s staggering debt levels cast doubt on the nation’s ability to compete with global powers like China, Russia, and the Gulf states in Africa. Italy is likely to face great challenges as other nations seek to expand their power due to the continent’s abundant natural resources.

Australia The ‘Security Partner Of Choice’ In South Pacific

On Tuesday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed that Australia stands as the premier “security ally” for its close neighbour Papua New Guinea (PNG), following revelations that China had initiated discussions for a policing and security arrangement.

PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko said that China approached PNG in September with proposals to support its police force through training, equipment provision, and surveillance technology. He emphasised that discussions were in preliminary stages and assured that PNG remained committed to its security relationships with Australia and the United States, prioritising their integrity.

In December, PNG sealed a security agreement worth A$200 million with Australia aimed at enhancing police training after a defence agreement with the United States was forged in May, both awaiting implementation.

Early this month, a Chinese ambassador to Australia stressed Beijing’s intentions were mainly focused on policing, not defence, to alleviate Australia’s concerns about Beijing’s growing regional influence.

Tkacheno said China’s offer of policing and internal security assistance was “being carefully assessed, as we do not want to duplicate or compromise agreements already in place with our traditional security partners, Australia and the United States of America.”

Zimbabwe Launches Cholera Vaccination Campaign Targeting Over 2 Million People

In a bid to combat the ongoing cholera crisis, Zimbabwe initiated a door-to-door vaccination campaign on Monday, aiming to immunize more than 2 million individuals. The initiative is particularly crucial in densely populated urban areas with inadequate sanitation facilities.

As of January 24, the waterborne disease has claimed 452 lives and infected a total of 20,446 people in the southern African nation. Zimbabwe has been grappling with the cholera outbreak since February of the preceding year, with reports indicating that half of the cases involve children, according to the health ministry.

The country has secured 2.3 million vaccine doses from UNICEF, with 892,000 doses already dispatched. The vaccination effort relies on the Euvichol-Plus vaccine, manufactured by EuBiologics (206650.KQ). Administered orally, this vaccine provides at least six months of protection against cholera infections.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) will deploy teams to 29 severely affected districts to support the vaccination campaign.

In response to the surge in cases, the Zimbabwean government implemented measures in November to restrict public gatherings, regulate food vendors, and manage burials in cholera-affected districts. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that the vaccines procured are the same ones used during the cholera outbreaks in 2018 and 2020.

France’s 2023 Economic Grows By 0.9% Amid Second-Half Stagnation

In 2023, France’s economy experienced a notable surge of 0.9%, yet the momentum waned in the last two quarters, marking a period of stagnation. This growth marked a deceleration from the nation’s 2.5% annual growth rate in 2022, slightly below the government’s forecast of 1%.

Throughout much of 2023, France, the second-largest economy in the eurozone, grappled with near-zero growth, barring a modest uptick of 0.7% in the second quarter. Household consumption, a significant economic driver, contracted by 0.7% over the year and notably declined in the final three months.

Comparatively, Germany, the eurozone’s powerhouse, faced projections of recession in both 2023 and 2024, underscoring France’s relatively resilient performance in the preceding year.

Addressing the National Assembly, the chief economist of the Bank of France cited a more favourable global environment and said external demand for France was better than feared.

Looking ahead, the French government anticipates a further uptick in economic growth, forecasting a robust 1.4% expansion. However, François Villeroy de Galhau, the central bank governor, holds a more cautious outlook, foreseeing a more moderate growth trajectory of 0.9% for 2024.

Rohan Prem Sagar

A CATALYST FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

Mr. Rohan Prem Sagar, Director and Trustee of Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is known for his results-driven strategies that have catapulted his business ventures to new heights of success. As a stalwart in education, healthcare, and business, this visionary leader emphasises a futuristic approach to constantly drive innovation. His resplendent aura of transformative leadership has helped DSU build a culture of adaptability and excellence. Additionally, he holds U.S. citizenship, adding a global perspective to his impressive leadership repertoires

“MR. ROHAN ENVISIONS THAT DSU WILL BECOME A GLOBAL HUB FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH. HIS GOAL IS TO MOULD THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS INTO THOUGHT LEADERS”

A mid the towering structures of Bangalore, where ambition and innovation weave the fabric of the city, stands a man whose vision and leadership have cast a profound light on the realms of education and healthcare. Drawing from his diverse academic experiences at George Washington University and Columbia University, Rohan possesses a unique set of interdisciplinary insights that empower him to navigate various sectors with expertise. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in International Business from George Washington University in Washington DC marked the beginning of his journey. Post graduation, he assumed the role of Director at DSI, later becoming the Joint Secretary in 2019. His noteworthy tenures as Executive Director and Director at Sagar Hospitals and DERBI Foundation underscore his exceptional leadership, project management, and strategic planning capabilities.

Founded in 1960 by his late grandfather, Shri R Dayananda Sagar, DSI stands as a renowned educational institution in India. It offers a wide array of academic disciplines, from pre-university courses to postgraduate and doctoral programs, covering fields like Engineering, Dental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Arts, Commerce, Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Health, Business Management, and Information Technology. Rohan’s leadership style fuses strategic thinking with a people-centric approach. Throughout his career, he has adeptly transformed teams into formidable forces, leaving a lasting impact across various sectors.

GLOBALISING MEDICAL EDUCATION

The recent launch of CDSIMER, the medical college, and Sagar Hospitals in Bangalore underscores Rohan’s global vision for Dayananda Sagar University. With state-of-the-art facilities and world-class infrastructure, the institution provides an optimal learning environment, making it a top choice for international students seeking excellence in medical education. Under Rohan’s guidance, the university actively attracts global talent through exchange programs, collaborative research, and partnerships with reputable medical institutions worldwide. The curriculum, thoughtfully crafted to meet global standards, embraces diverse medical practices. Deeply influenced by the Japanese philosophy of “Kaizen,” emphasising continuous improvement through lifelong learning, Rohan sees excellence as an ever-evolving journey rather than a destination. Whether formulating educational strategies, enhancing healthcare standards, or driving business expansion, his unwavering dedication to Kaizen remains the driving force, guiding him toward excellence and enabling a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

DONNING MULTIPLE HATS

In his role as the Director of DERBI Angel, the on-campus entrepreneurship and innovation cell at DSU, Rohan motivates students to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. Beyond just providing mentorship and funding to inventive startup founders, he plays a pivotal part in discovering and nurturing disruptive ideas, steering them towards sustainable growth. Through the establishment of strategic partnerships and networking events, he has cultivated an environment fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Moreover, as a Trustee & Board Member of Dayananda Sagar University, Rohan envisions a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation. His short-term goal is to focus on growing academic programmes, building research collaborations, and leveraging technology. For the long term he envisions that Dayananda Sagar University will become a global hub for interdisciplinary research. His overarching goal is to mould university students into thought leaders capable of driving meaningful societal change. He also intends to provide a healthy environment that embraces diversity & promotes intellectual curiosity.

EXEMPLARY CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Rohan’s commitment to patient confidentiality at Sagar Hospitals and academic integrity at Dayananda Sagar University reflects his ethical excellence. He encourages transparent communication through consistent stakeholder engagement and open forums. He has implemented robust compliance frameworks that align with industry standards and legal mandates. He also instills ethical conduct via comprehensive training and a no-tolerance stance on misconduct.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Rohan is a firm advocate of cultivating a positive organizational culture. In his role as one of the members of Board of Gorvernors of DSU, he showcases a deep dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Actively promoting student involvement, he encourages them to participate in community outreach programs, amplifying the impact of these initiatives. Rohan emphasises, “Dayananda Sagar University seamlessly weaves CSR into a robust commitment to community engagement.” Likewise, as the Director of Sagar Hospitals, he places a strong emphasis on social welfare and regularly initiates health camps and outreach programs to extend medical services to marginalised communities. With his guidance, the hospital has strategically established affordable healthcare units to address accessibility issues, as well as targeted awareness campaigns to promote preventive health services. These proactive initiatives have made a tangible difference in the well-being of underserved communities through collaboration with NGOs and local authorities.

REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Rohan’s recent accomplishments have propelled Dayananda Sagar University to unprecedented heights. He took the lead in introducing groundbreaking programs in emerging fields, aligning them with industry demands. Additionally, through strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions, he has not only elevated the academic ecosystem but also fostered a culture of collaboration. His focus on integrating technology and offering industry-relevant curricula positions Dayananda Sagar University as a trailblazer in progressive education, equipping students to navigate dynamic professional landscapes and make significant contributions to ongoing industry transformations.

ISRO Flags Off Meteorological Satellite To Sriharikota Spaceport For Launch

On Saturday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the handover of its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellite is configured around ISRO’s I-2k bus platform with a liftoff mass of 2275 kg.

ISRO concluded its vital testing of the INSAT-3DS satellite, which included satellite assembly, integration, and testing activities completed at the Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

The INSAT-3DS is a user-funded initiative with the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) and was flagged to Sriharikota for the GSLV-F14 mission with a mid-February target.

According to ISRO, the satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art payloads, including a satellite-assisted search and rescue (SAS&R) transponder and a data relay transponder (DRT) for communication. The satellite’s SAS&R transponder is designed to provide worldwide coverage for search and rescue services by relaying distress signals or alarm detections from beacon transmitters. Additionally, the satellite consists of nineteen channel imagers and sounder meteorology payloads for weather forecasting and disaster warning.

The DRT instrument enhances weather forecasting by obtaining meteorological, hydrological, and oceanic data from automatic weather stations (AWS) or data collection platforms.