INDIA DEMANDS URGENT SAFE PASSAGE OF ALL INDIANS

On Tuesday morning, an Indian student lost his life in the shelling in Ukraine. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “With profound sorrow we confirm that an Indian student lost his life in shelling in Kharkiv this morning. The Ministry is in touch with his family. We convey our deepest condolences to the family,” he tweeted. The student has been identified as Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar, 20, from Karnataka. He was a fourth-year medical student at the Kharkiv National Medical University.

The evacuation of Indians through the Poland border, which the MEA had acknowledged as a “problem area”, has made some headway with close to 2,000 people, mainly students, crossing over by noon on Tuesday.

Adam Burakowski, Ambassador of Poland to India, said that roughly 1,700 Indians had safely made it to Poland till Tuesday morning. “We have received almost four-lakh people already. Poland is ready to receive anybody and any number of people trying to escape Russian aggression. We don’t look at nationality,” he added.

However, hundreds of Indian students are still stranded in freezing temperatures, especially at the Shehyni-Medyka border checkpoint. Many have alleged discrimination by Ukranian and Polish border forces. Burakowski outrightly denied any discrimination by his country.

The Ambassador acknowledged that there were “logistical problems” in evacuating a large number of people. “The situation on the ground is that there are lakhs of people (waiting at the border). Border police of both countries (Ukraine and Poland) are doing everything possible to help. But it’s such a big crowd. You can’t tell one-lakh people to cross over in five minutes. Yes, the waiting time is quite long, but we are doing everything we can,” said Burakowski. “The space (at the border checkpoint) is limited, you know. How do you accommodate one-lakh people at a border crossing which is not meant for such numbers?”

All Indian nationals have left the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, the MEA said on Tuesday. But the safety and security of around 8,000 Indian nationals still in Ukraine has become an issue of urgent concern. Given that half of these students are stuck in the eastern parts of Ukraine where battles are raging, the evacuation faces a logistical challenge.

To convey India’s concern, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla called the ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine to reiterate the demand for urgent safe passage of Indian nationals still in Kharkiv and cities in other conflict zones. Similar action is being undertaken by Indian ambassadors in Russia and Ukraine.

“We have reiterated our demand not just in Delhi but also in Moscow and Kiev to diplomatic and military authorities of both countries,” Shringla said.

GOVT SHOULD STOP VERBAL BALANCING ACT, ASK RUSSIA TO STOP BOMBING: CONGRESS

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday asked the government to “stop its verbal balancing act” and demand “loudly and bravely” that Russia immediately stop the bombing, which is putting the lives of Indians too in danger.

“If the bombing is stopped or paused, foreigners trapped in Ukraine may be able to leave the country. The government was late in ordering evacuation. The government was also guilty of encouraging Indians to believe that nothing untoward was likely to happen in Ukraine,” Chidambaram said in a post on Twitter. Pointing out that the lives of thousands of Indians, including students, are in peril, he said, “India must speak up loudly and bravely and demand that Russia stop the bombing immediately.”

Chidambaram’s statement is interesting as the Congress, too, like the government had walked a tightrope on the Russian military action.

In an official statement last week, Anand Sharma, chairman of the party’s foreign affairs department, had said the party is of the considered view that the international community must work together for cessation of armed conflict and early restoration of peace.

Randeep Surjewala, the party’s communication department head, said the government has no evacuation plan at all and accused it of having “abandoned our young”.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said India has never abandoned its citizens and always evacuated them from war zones. “Gulf War, Kuwait, 1991: 150,000+, Op Sukoon, Lebanon, 2006: 2,300, Op Home Coming, Libya, 2011: 15,000, Op Raahat, Yemen, 2015: 4,650. PM should remember evacuation is his duty not PR exercises for it,” he said.

COVID DASHBOARD – INDIA

As of 0800 IST / March 2

from mohfw.gov.in ,

New Cases on Tuesday 7,554

Active Cases 85,680 (-6,792)

Total Deaths (Deaths Yesterday) 5,14,246 (95)

Total Vaccination: 177.79 Crores (+8,55,862)

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

======================

64-KM-LONG RUSSIAN CONVOY APPROACHES KYIV; RUSSIA ASKS RESIDENTS TO LEAVE

On the sixth day of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine Tuesday, a 64-km-long Russian convoy was assumed to be heading towards Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv. US-based satellite imagery company Maxar Technologies captured the images.

The pictures showed that the convoy had reached Antonov Airport, a cargo facility, located in the North-West suburbs of Kyiv. The image also showed houses burning along the route of the convoy.

Reports suggest that the convoy is made up of armoured vehicles, tanks, towed artillery and other vehicles.

Some reports also noted that the convoy’s origins can be traced to Belarus. The former Soviet state, which lies to the northwest of Kyiv, can be argued to be where the convoy took off from. Russia had placed multiple troops, military vehicles, and helicopters in Belarus prior to the invasion, under the pretext of joint exercises by the two countries.

However, there is still ambiguity whether the convoy is headed towards the centre of Kyiv or to assist and join Russian troops deployed elsewhere in Ukraine. The convoy, however, was judged to be 25-kilometre-long from Kyiv.

Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said that it was planning to launch “high precision strikes” in Kyiv and asked its residents to leave.

More than 70 Ukrainian servicemen were killed by a Russian rocket attack and dozens of civilians have died in “barbaric” shelling, Ukrainian authorities said Tuesday, as a huge Russian military convoy approached the capital Kyiv.

The UN has said that at least 102 civilians, including seven children, have died in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.

DO PROVE THAT YOU ARE WITH US: ZELENSKY TO EU

“Our cities are now blocked,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday, but defiantly added that his countrymen were fighting for “our land and freedom”.

In an address to the European Parliament by video on Tuesday, Zelensky said, “Nobody is going to break us, we are strong, we are Ukrainians.” “We have a desire to see our children alive,” Zelensky said to a standing ovation at this extraordinary session of the EU Parliament, convened to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

Zelensky urged the European Union to prove that it was on Ukraine’s side in its war with Russia. Zelensky had signed off Monday an official request to join the bloc.

Zelensky told the European Parliament: “The European Union is going to be much stronger with us, that’s for sure. Without you, Ukraine is going to be alone.”

“Do prove that you are with us. Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you are indeed Europeans and then life will win over death and light will win over darkness. Glory be to Ukraine,” he continued.

In a Facebook post earlier Tuesday, Zelensky said his “key priority” was the protection of his capital Kyiv. He wrote in the post: “Kharkiv and Kyiv are currently the most important targets for Russia. Terror is meant to break us. To break our resistance. They are heading to our capital, as well as to Kharkiv.”

He further wrote: “Kyiv is special. If we protect Kyiv, we will protect the state. This is the heart of our country. And it must keep beating. And it will keep beating, so that life triumphs.”

Zelensky told his people that the attack on Kharkiv was an “act of terror”, a “war crime”. “This is terror against Ukraine… There was no military target on the square (Kharkiv’s city centre).” He called upon the world to declare that Russia was “committing state terrorism”. He wanted these perpetrators to be tried in international courts.

BIDEN CONFIRMS US IS CLOSING AIRSPACE TO RUSSIAN PLANES

Joe Biden celebrated the coalition of the US and its allies for imposing severe sanctions on the Russian economy and Vladimir Putin specifically, saying the Russian leader is “isolated from the world more than he has ever been”.

The US president also delivered a strong rebuke to Russian oligarchs, saying the West is “coming for your ill-begotten gains”.

“And tonight, I’m announcing that we will join our allies in closing off American airspace to all Russian flights, further isolating Russia and adding an additional squeeze on our economy,” Biden said, confirming earlier reports of his administration’s plans.

Biden said of Putin, “He has no idea what’s coming.”

THE REST

=========

BJP PULLS OUT ALL STOPS FOR ASSEMBLY SEATS IN VARANASI

For three days starting March 3, till curtains fall on the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Varanasi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spent Monday and Tuesday in the city. Union minister and BJP in-charge of UP Dharmendra Pradhan has been here for a week and is likely to also stay till March 5, when campaigning concludes for the final phase.

In the push for Varanasi, the PM’s Lok Sabha constituency which votes on March 7, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned. Apart from the message that a repeat win in eight of the eight Assembly seats in the district, as in 2017 (6 by the BJP, 2 by allies), would send, the high-decibel campaign is also meant to overcome any drag due to the anti-incumbency running high against two ministers from Varanasi who are part of the Yogi Adityanath Cabinet.

On Monday, Lok Sabha MP and BJP Yuva Morcha national president Tejasvi Surya was in Varanasi, and held a campaign near Kashi Vishwanath temple and a padyatra near Assi Ghat.

PRIYANKA: SP AND BSP IN CAHOOTS WITH BJP, FEAR CENTRAL AGENCIES

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday alleged that the SP and BSP did not fight the BJP in Uttar Pradesh in the last five years and instead worked in cahoots with the saffron party fearing probes by the Central agencies.

Addressing gatherings in support of her party candidates in Sidharthanagar district, the Congress leader said the BJP is making people “dependent” on it for free ration instead of making them self-reliant by providing employment.

“Then there is the SP which is saying that they will defeat the BJP. But I want to ask if there is any fight in the history of the world which has been won without fighting,” she asked. Besides mentioning deaths in the protests against theca and NRC in the state, Priyanka alleged atrocities against a Dalit family in Agra and the Hathras rape and murder victim. She also referred to the recent Lakhimpur Khiri incident in which some farmers and a journalist were killed.

“Neither SP president Akhilesh Yadav came to you nor did he participate in the protests. The BSP supremo (Mayawati) did not even venture out her house. Both of them just tweeted on social media,” she claimed. It was only the Congress which remembered them, she added.

STARTUPS, SPORTS NEW IDENTITY OF MANIPUR: PM MODI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Manipur’s new identity was based on skills, startups and sports, and the state was becoming a gateway for international trade.

Addressing a virtual poll rally, Modi also said in the days to come, the BJP government would create Rs 100-crore Manipur Startup Fund as well as two special economic zones.

“Today, Manipur’s identity is being known through skills, start-ups and sports. The state, once known for bandhs and blockades, is now becoming a gateway for international trade and export,” the PM said. The double-engine government of the BJP is establishing the National Sports University here, and efforts must be made to turn it into an international-level sports varsity, Modi said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday pledged to establish peace in Manipur by initiating talks with all underground groups operating in the state. He was addressing a poll rally at Heirok in Thoubal district.

ILKER AYCI POLITELY TURNS DOWN TATA'S OFFER OF BEING CEO, MD OF AIR INDIA

Former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci on Tuesday said he had declined the Tata Group’s offer to be the chief executive officer and managing director of Air India as “some sections of the Indian media” have attempted to “colour” his appointment in an undesirable manner. Ayci is considered to be close to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who's considered to be an ally of Pakistan.

RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch had last Friday said that the government should not give clearance to the appointment of Ayci.

Tata Sons had on February 14 announced the appointment of Ayci as the CEO and MD of recently-privatised Air India.

“Since the announcement, I have been carefully following news in some sections of the Indian media attempting to color my appointment with undesirable colors,” Ayci said in a statement. “As a business leader who has always prioritized professional credo and more importantly, the happiness and well being of my family above all else, I have come to the conclusion that it would not be a feasible or an honourable decision to accept the position in the shadow of such narrative,” he added.

Ayci said he remains grateful to the Tata Group and its chairman N Chadrasekaran for extending to him the honour and the opportunity to lead Air India.

APEX COURT FROWNS UPON FRIVOLOUS PILs

Noting that thousands of frivolous petitions were burdening the docket of constitutional courts, the Supreme Court has advised courts to be cautious when examining locus standi of PIL petitioners.

“If the court concludes that the litigation was initiated under the shadow of reasonable suspicion, then the court may decline to entertain the claims on merits. In these cases, courts have multiple options — such as dismissing the PIL or appointing amicus curiae, if the cause espoused in the case requires the immediate attention of the court,” a Bench led by CJI NV Ramana said on Monday.

“One of the measures this court can adopt to ensure that frivolous interests are not masqueraded as genuine claims is to be cautious when examining locus standi,” the SC said. “Generally, PIL, being a summary jurisdiction, has limited powers to examine the bona fides of parties. It is usually on the pleadings that the court should take a prima facie view on the bona fides of the party,” it noted.

INDIAN INVESTORS CAN TRADE IN SELECT US STOCKS VIA NSE IFSC FROM MARCH 3

From March 3, investors in India will be able to trade in select US stocks through the NSE International Exchange (NSE IFSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the NSE. Investors can invest in NSE IFSC receipts on US stocks, which will be in the form of unsponsored depository receipts (DRs).

For a start, this will include DRs of 50 US stocks such as Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Tesla, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Nike, P&G, Coca-Cola, and Exxon Mobil.

Indian retail investors will be able to transact on the NSE IFSC platform under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits prescribed by the RBI which currently stand at $250,000 per year.

Resident investors will have to open a demat account at the IFSC and the stock receipts will be considered foreign assets for filing income tax returns. Short-term capital gains will be taxed at the slab rate while long-term capital gains will be at 20 per cent with indexation.

“The business model offered by NSE IFSC will not only provide an additional investment opportunity to the Indian investors but also make the entire process of investment easy and at a low cost,” said a note put out by the NSE last year.

NUMBER OF ULTRA HNISs IN INDIA UP 11 PC IN 2021 AT 13,637

The number of ultra-high-net worth-individuals (UHNWIs), having net assets of USD 30 million (about Rs 226 crore) or more, in India increased 11 per cent last year on the back of buoyant equity markets and digital revolution, according to Knight Frank. The number grew to 13,637 in 2021 from 12,287 in the previous year.

India also ranked third in billionaire population globally in 2021 with 145 billionaires. US is number one with 748 billionaires, followed by Chinese mainland at 554 billionaires.

In its latest edition of The Wealth Report 2022, property consultant Knight Frank said the number of UHNWIs globally increased by 9.3 per cent in 2021 to 6,10,569, from 5,58,828 in the previous year.

Knight Frank India Chairman and Managing Director Shishir Baijal said: "Equity markets and digital adoption have been the key factors driving the growth of UHNWIs in India. The growth in younger, self-made UHNWIs has been incredible in India and we foresee them to drive new investment themes and innovation." With a healthy growth in the UHNWI and billionaire population, he said India is expected to be one of the fastest growing countries amongst its global peers, further strengthening itself economically and emerging as a superpower in different sectors.

INDICATORS

(Indian Stock Markets were closed yesterday on account of Mahashivaratri)

Nasdaq 13,532 (-219) Dow 33,295 (-598), S&P 4,306 (-68)

US$-Rs. 75.49 GBP-Rs. 101.01, Euro-Rs. 84.29, UAE Dhm-Rs.20.55, Can$-Rs. 59.47, Aus$- Rs. 54.82

GBP 0.74 /US$, Euro 0.89 /US$, Jap.Yen 114.93 /US$, Aus$ 1.37 /US$, Sing 1.35 /US$, Bang Taka 84.31 /US$, Can$ 1.26 /US$, Mal Ring 4.19 /US$,

Pak Re 106.18 /US$, Phil Peso 51.28 /US$, Russian Rouble 106.18 /US$, NZ$ 1.47 /US$, Thai Baht 32.63 /US$, Ukraine Hryvnia 29.81 /US$

Bitcoin - USD 44,247

Dollar Index 97.38 Brent Crude 110.77 BDI 2,069

Gold world Spot Price USD/aoz 1,936 India (Rs. per gm 24k/22k) 5,095 / 4,670, Silver (Rs. Per KG) 70,000

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Men spend their lives in anticipations, in determining to be vastly happy at some period or other, when they have time. But the present time has one advantage over every other: it is our own. - Charles Caleb Cotton

OFF TRACK

Irony of a Woman’s life

1. the most important thing for a woman is financial security.

2. Although this is so important, they still go out and buy expensive clothes and stuff.

3. Although they always buy expensive clothes, they never have something to wear.

4. Although they never have something to wear, they always dress beautifully.

5. Although they always dress beautifully, their clothes are always just "an old rag".

6. Although their clothes are always "just an old rag", they still expect you to compliment them.

7. Although they expect you to compliment them, when you do, they don't believe you.