A new golden chapter has been added to the bilateral relations between India and New Zealand with the signing of a historic free trade agreement (FTA). New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described this agreement as a revolutionary step that occurs 'once in a generation.' Under this agreement, New Zealand exporters will gain direct access to the vast Indian market, which has a population of 1.4 billion.

Luxon expressed happiness, stating that what was considered impossible for decades has now become a reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This deal is expected to elevate the economies of both countries to new heights. India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal shared important details of the agreement, noting that upon its implementation, nearly 70 percent of products exported from India to New Zealand will now be exempt from customs duty.

This move will particularly benefit India's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and traditional artisans. Goyal highlighted that the leather industry in Agra and the handloom sector in Uttar Pradesh will directly benefit from this agreement. Handicraft products under the 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) initiative will now gain global recognition, leading to a significant increase in the income of local weavers.

Alongside trade, this agreement will also strengthen strategic partnerships and connectivity. New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasized that India is a 'strategic priority' for New Zealand, and direct flights between the two countries are expected to commence soon. This will not only facilitate business travel but also provide a significant boost to the tourism sector.

Experts believe that this FTA will open new avenues for investment in sectors such as agriculture, dairy, and technology. For India, this agreement represents a major strategic step towards making its economy the third-largest power in the world, which will also help reduce the trade deficit in the future.

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Wellington, Sep 5 (IANS) In a severe case of medical negligence, a New Zealand woman found a surgical tool, the size of a dinner plate, in her abdomen 18 months after her C-section delivery, the media reported.

Nzherald.co.nz reported that doctors at Auckland City Hospital in 2020 left an ‘extra-large’ Alexis wound retractor, or AWR -- used to draw back the edges of incision during C-section -- inside the abdomen of the woman, who was in her 20s. AWR can measure up to 17 centimetres in diameter.

Typically, the tool would be removed as soon as the uterine incision was closed and the skin sutured. In this case, it was forgotten.

After suffering months of chronic pain and several checkups, including X-rays that showed no sign of the device, it was discovered on an abdominal CT scan and removed immediately in 2021, the report said.

New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner, Morag McDowell, found Te Whatu Ora Auckland -- the Auckland District Health Board -- in breach of the code of patient rights, in a report released on Monday.

“There was not sufficient basis to find that there was a failure to exercise reasonable skill and care,” claiming her opinion was influenced by hindsight and outcome bias, Te Whatu Ora Auckland told McDowell.

“Te Whatu Ora pointed to a lack of expert evidence to support the conclusion that [the code] had been breached and referenced known error rates,” McDowell wrote.

In a statement, Te Whatu Ora Group director of operations for Auckland Mike Shepard apologised to the woman.

“I would like to say how sorry we are for what happened to the patient, and acknowledge the impact that this will have had on her and her whanau (extended family). For ethical and privacy reasons we can’t comment on the details of individual patient care.

“However, we have reviewed the patient’s care and this has resulted in improvements to our systems and processes which will reduce the chance of similar incidents happening again. We acknowledge the recommendations made in the Commissioner’s report, which we have either implemented, or are working towards implementing.

“We would like to assure the public that incidents like these are extremely rare, and we remain confident in the quality of our surgical and maternity care.”

Hamilton, March 31 (IANS) Sri Lanka have failed to snatch the eight spot in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League table after losing to New Zealand in the third ODI here.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka opted to bat first in the crucial encounter. But the Sri Lankan batters failed to fire yet again, struggling against the pace and bounce of the New Zealand bowlers.

Matt Henry (3/14), Henry Shipley (3/32) and Daryl Mitchell (3/32) were all outstanding with the ball, as Sri Lanka huffed and puffed to cross the 150-run mark.

For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka (57 off 64), Dasun Shanaka (31 off 36) and Chamika Karunaratne (24 off 42) were the only batters to show any form of resistance. The visitors were bowled out for 157 in 41.3 overs, with their bowlers now facing a herculean task of getting their side over the line.

In reply, New Zealand's chase got off to a rocky start as they lost three wickets within the first seven overs. Four of their batters � Chad Bowes, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham � failed to reach the double-digit mark.

But Will Young and Henry Nicholls played vital knocks to get the hosts over the line. The pair established a partnership of 100 runs with Young scoring 86* and Nicholls 44* to seal a six-wicket win for New Zealand.

With the victory in Hamilton, New Zealand secured a 2-0 win in the three-match ODI series.

With the defeat, Sri Lanka have failed to overtake West Indies (88 points) for the final direct qualification spot. Sri Lanka end their CWCSL campaign on 81 points.

Sri Lanka will now travel to Zimbabwe in June to compete in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier and look to secure their place in the 2023 edition of the tournament later this year, reorts ICC.

New Zealand end on the top spot of the CWCSL standings, accumulating 175 points in their campaign.

West Indies could still be pipped in the race for the eighth spot by South Africa (78 points) and Ireland (68 points). South Africa will play a two-match ODI series against Netherlands starting today, while Ireland have a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in May.