The doodle, illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Onkar Fondekar, focused on the country’s vibrant cultures, regional diversity, and architecture.

On this day 72 years ago, India’s Constitution came into effect and it officially became a sovereign Republic. In his colorful artwork, Fondekar featured musical instruments like the dholak (a two-headed hand drum) and the sitar (a long-necked stringed instrument), the people of India, cricket and dance, among other elements.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wishes India on the 72nd Republic Day. “What wonderful coincidence it’s of our history that Jan 26 Australia Day, is India’s #RepublicDay, a national day shared b/w friends. Australia-India share more than national day. We pursue same ideals-democracy, freedom, liberty, diversity, enterprise, opportunity,” he said.

“Our history is long and our connections are many. With each year, we become even closer. The global pandemic has not divided us but has made us appreciate these shared ideals even more,” Morrison added.

In his video message to celebrate the birth of an “extraordinary Constitution” that established India “as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world”, the UK PM reiterated his plan to visit India in the coming months. “I was hugely looking forward to joining you for this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas our common struggle against COVID has kept me in London,” said Johnson.

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The consideration of easing travel curbs comes as Morrison said Australia has gone three days without any locally transmitted cases of covid-19.

In March, Australia shut it borders to all non-citizens and permanent residents. In October, Canberra allowed New Zealand residents to enter. Internal travel is limited although those restrictions are scheduled to be removed by the end of the year.

However, United States and Europe are barred from entry as the coronavirus cases surges in these countries. But Australia may allow people from low-risk countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and even provinces in China. China was one of the first countries from which Australia restricted entry.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the government is looking at alternative arrangements to channel visitors through appropriate quarantine arrangements for low-risk countries.

Reviving tourism would be much-needed boost to Australia’s economy, which shrank seven percent in the three months that ended in June.

According to Australia’s government data, tourism in 2019 accounted for 3.1 percent of country’s gross domestic product , contributing almost A $61 billion( $44.4 billion) to the economy .

Unemployment rose up to 6.9 percent in September, official data showed.

Morrison said Australia would extend higher unemployment benefits until the end of March, though at a reduced rate.

Currently unemployed receive A$815 every two weeks, but this will fall to A$715 at the end of December.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison further announced that Australia also offered to provide five-year visas for about 10,000 Hong Kong residents in the country. They can later apply for permanent residents as well. It is not clear how many residents will get the extensions.

Britain, too, has allowed Hong Kong residents to live and work in the UK for five years. Meanwhile, Canada has suspected its extradition agreement with Hong Kong and is looking at other options including migration.

Australia had already formally notified Hong Kong and advised the Chinese authorities of the decision.

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