FRIDAY OCTOBER 18, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol 33 No: 42 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday October 18, 2024 Ratan Tata is no more: Nation bids emotional farewell to ‘beloved’ industrialist as tributes pour in M u m b a i (Maharashtra) [India], October 10 (ANI): From political leaders to business titans to the film fraternity, the entire nation is mourning the death of veteran and the most beloved industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished forever. Final rites of Ratan Tata were held on Thursday evening with full state honours at Worli Crematorium in Mumbai. In a notable gesture, his stepmother Simone Tata and close aide Shantanu Naidu also attended the last rites ceremony. Ratan Tata’s adopted stray dog ‘Goa’ was also brought to pay last respects to Tata. Tributes have poured in from several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chief Ministers of almost every state. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi said he was “extremely pained” by Ratan Tata’s passing away and highlighted his leadership and contributions to society. “Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” PM Modi wrote on X. “Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this Remember: sad hour. Om Shanti,” PM Modi said in the post. Union Minister Amit Shah attended the last rituals of the veteran industrialist on behalf of the Government of India. He took to X and said the nation will always cherish his legacy as a visionary business leader, a philanthropist, and a committed patriot. “Paid last respects to Ratan Tata Ji in Mumbai. The nation will always cherish his legacy as a visionary business leader, a philanthropist, and a committed patriot,” Shah said. Apart from him, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders were in attendance at the Worli crematorium. Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi took to X and offered his condolences on the demise of Ratan Tata. “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community,” he said. Describing Ratan Tata’s demise as a “huge loss” for the entire nation, businessman and his close companion, Niranjan Hiranandani expressed deep sorrow. He said, “The nation mourns a great leader, a visionary, an industrialist, a charitable person, but more than all, the great success of the Tata empire, which has grown by leaps and bounds.” Describing it as a “sad day for India,” Reliance Industries “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the Truth shall set you free.” –Jesus Christ Chairman Mukesh Ambani expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Ratan Tata and said that the passing of Ratan Tata filled him with “immense grief.” In a post on X, the Reliance Industries Chairman remembered Tata as a visionary industrialist, philanthropist, and dear friend and extended heartfelt condolences to the Tata family and the entire Tata Group. Adani Group Founder and Chairman Gautam Adani offered condolences on the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata and said that India has lost “a giant, a visionary.” In his tributes to the veteran industrialist, Gautam Adani, in a post on X, said, “India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti.” Penning a heartfelt note, Sunil Bharti Mittal said, “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ratan Tata. He leaves behind an astronomical imprint on the Indian industry, philanthropy and the perennial zest to better the world we live in.” The mortal remains of the beloved figure was kept at the lawns of the NCPA at Nariman Point in the city for the masses to pay their last respects. A huge throng of people gathered at the NCPA lawns to pay their last respects. Gujarat and Maharashtra government declared one day of mourning in respect of Ratan Tata today. The national flag will be flown at half-mast and no cultural or entertainment programme of the government will be held today. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cabinet-led by CM Shinde passed a resolution, urging the Centre to confer country’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna to esteemed personality Ratan Tata in recognition of his achievements. (ANI) Kamala To Play A Great Role Ahead (US Vice President’s maternal uncle Gopalan Balachandran analyses her significant saga} Kamala Harris’s Vice Presidency will be significant for more than the simple reason that she is she first woman and woman of color to be elected Vice President of the United States. After all a former San Francisco district attorney, she was elected as the first Black woman to serve as California’s attorney general. When she was elected a United States Senator in 2016, she became only the second Black woman in the chamber’s history. As she explained in her book “The Truths we Hold”, she has very little interest in the title or perception of prestige of a job. “What mattered to me was the Job”. In summer 2014, when she was the Attorney General of the California, she was offered the position of the Attorney General of the United States. She considered the offer and felt that under the circumstances there would not be sufficient time and resources for her to “create real reforms at the national level.” For the same reason, in January 2015 when Senator Barbara Boxer announced that she wouldn’t be running for reelection she felt “It would be an opportunity to take the issues that she was driving forward in the California to the national level and becoming a U.S. Senator would be a natural extension of the work she was doing”. She announced her candidacy for the Senate seat. she won the Senate election in 2016. Almost immediately, made a name for herself in Washington with her withering prosecutorial style in Senate hearings, grilling her adversaries in high-stakes moments that at time went viral. It might be considered rather strange that someone so dedicated to devising and implementing social programs at national level should accept to be the Vice Presidents as well. The Vice President’s active role in the administration changed in a fundamental way under the presidency of Eisenhower. It reached a peak under the Presidency KAMALA HARRIS SEE PAGE 6
October 18, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday MORE Get from your retirement. 1. More for your money with our inclusive “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and Monthly Service Package. 2. More amenities, including a pool, fitness I know that my needs will be taken care of.” center, and restaurants. 3. More peace of mind with additional —Marge V., A community resident on-site care should you need it. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. 1420300 Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. President Droupadi Murmu visits seawater desalination project at Fouka in Algeria Fouka [Algeria], October 15 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu visited the seawater desalination project at Fouka on Tuesday, as part of her three-nation visit, marking a historic milestone as the first Indian President to visit the country. President Murmu is on a three-nation tour of Africa, visiting Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from October 13 to 19. During her ongoing visit abroad, she paid floral tributes to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, on his birth anniversary in Algeria. On Monday, Murmu addressed the India-Algeria Economic Forum and called for deeper economic cooperation between the two nations and affirmed, “It is time to further strengthen our partnership and impart new momentum towards a new era of cooperation.” The event, the first of its kind, was jointly organized by the Algerian Economic Renewal Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), with participation from both countries’ business and government leaders, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Further, Murmu highlighted the historical ties between India and Algeria, recalling their shared values. “India had extended strong support to the Algerian struggle for freedom, and today, India and Algeria are committed to embark on the path of peace and prosperity,” she remarked. She also emphasised the growing importance of India-Africa relations, noting that India is now the fourthlargest trading partner of Africa, with bilateral trade amounting to USD 84 billion and investments exceeding USD 75 billion. Murmu met and held talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria, at the El Mouradia Palace on Monday, a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. President Murmu said that the leaders held discussions on various issues and resolved to further strengthen IndiaAlgeria relations, with a special focus on trade and investment, the statement said. Droupadi Murmu is India’s 15th president, sworn into office on July 25, 2022. She’s the first person from a tribal community and the second woman to hold this position. Before becoming president, Murmu served as the Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021 and was a member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from 2000 to 2009. (ANI UPSC aspirant drowning case: Delhi court to consider charge sheet filed against CEO, five others New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): Delhi‘s Rouse Avenue court is going to consider the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Rajinder Nagar Coaching Center deaths case. The case pertains to deaths of three UPSC aspirants when the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Delhi‘s Old Rajinder Nagar was flooded on July 27 this year. The CBI has already filed a charge sheet against six accused persons including CEO Abhishek Gupta, Deshpal Singh, buliding owners Parvinder Singh, Tejinder Singh, Harvinder, Sarabjit Singh. SUV’s driver Manuj Kathuria has not been named in the charge sheet. The accused have been charge sheeted under sections related to criminal conspiracy and culpable Homicide under BNS. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) is to consider the charge sheet filed against six accused persons. On September 23, The Rouse Avenue court had granted interim bail to CEO Abhisek Gupta and Coordinator Deshpal Singh. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had granted interim bail to 4 co-owners Sarabjit Singh, Tejinder Singh, Harvinder Singh and Parvinder Singh. On August 2, Delhi High Court had transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Earlier, Delhi‘s Tis Hazari Court on August 1 had granted bail to Manuj Kathuria, the driver of the SUV. The vehicle has also been released to Manuj Kathuria after court’s September 4 order. (ANI)
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October 18, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Priyanka Gandhi to make electoral debut from Wayanad Wayanad (Kerala) [India], October 15 (ANI): Congress on Tuesday announced that party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest the bypoll in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. Wayanad seat was vacated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he was also elected to Lok Sabha from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh in the general elections held earlier this year. A party press release said that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has approved candidature of Priyanka Gandhi from Wayanad. The party also announced two candidates for assembly bypolls in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi had won Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in 2019. In this year’s Lok Sabha polls he won from Wayanad and Raebareli. He is Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Wayanad will go to the polls on November 13 along with voting for byeelections in 47 assembly seats across 15 states. The first phase of assembly polls in Jharkhand will also be held on November 13. If Priyanka Gandhi wins Lok Sabha polls, she will be the third MP from the Gandhi family in the current Parliament. Sonia Gandhi is a member of Rajya Sabha. Priyanka Gandhi had taken care of family strongholds of Amethi and Raebareli before plunging in active politics. She has continued her links with the two constituencies. After Kharge announced in June this year that Priyanka Gandhi will contest from Wayanad, she had said her decades-old association with Amethi and Raebareli will continue. “I am very happy to be able to represent Wayanad and I will not let them feel his India and US as natural allies, which are destined to be strong partners and this collaboration is going continuously, improving continuously.” He further said, “India–US major defence partnership has emerged as a pillar of global peace and security through joint exercises, the strengthening of defence industrial cooperation, annual 2+2 minsterial dialogues and other consultative mechanisms. We have made significant progress in building an advanced and comprehensive defense partnership in which our militaries coordinate closely across all domains. The launch of dialogues in new defence domains, including space and AI, will enhance capacity building, knowledge and expertise sharing in these emerging areas.” He stressed that the defence ties between two nations is eminently visible with India being accorded strategic trade authorization (STA-1) status and designation as a major defence partner. He noted that many US companies in aerospace and defence are having significant presence in the manufacturing sector. “The strength of US–India defence relationship is eminently visible, with India being accorded Strategic Trade Authorization (STA1) status and designation as a major defence partner. Successful completion of the communications compatibility and security agreement, commonly known as COMCASA, and signing of the Industrial Security Annex, these are other important milestones that reflect the commitment from both the countries. We have also recently concluded the Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA), which will support the resilient supply chain and allow participation of industries of the both countries in the supply chain of respective countries,” he said. India is the 18th SOSA partner of the US after Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Through this SOSA, the United States and India agree to provide reciprocal priority support for goods and services that promote national defence, according to US Department of Defence statement. The arrangement will enable both countries to acquire the industrial resources they need from one another to resolve unanticipated supply chain disruptions to meet national security needs, the statement said. Signed in 2018, COMCASA enables India access advanced US defence systems. The pact was signed following the inaugural 2+2 Dialogue between then-US Defence Secretary James N Mattis, then-Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, thenMinister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and thenUnion Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Kumar stated that the interaction between the business of India and the US is increasing in defence and aerospace sectors, both in terms of numbers and volume of the trade. Emphasising the growing cooperation between two nations in defence and aerospace sector, he said, “It is heartening to see that many US companies in aerospace and defence are having significant presence in India. In the area of vital manufacturing fields, interaction between the business of both the nation is also increasing in defence and aerospace segment, both in terms of numbers and also volume of the trade.” “Landmark signing of an MoU between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited for the manufacture (Rahul Gandhi’s) absence. I will work hard and I will try my best to make everyone happy and be a good representative. I have a very old relationship with Raebareli and Amethi and it cannot be broken. I will also help my brother in Rae Bareli. We will both be present in Rae Bareli and Wayanad,” Priyanka Gandhi had said in presence of Kharge and her brother Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi had said both Raebareli and Wayanad will get two MPs. “I want everyone in Wayanad to know that Priyanka is going to fight elections in Wayanad but I will be a frequent visitor to Wayanad and I will be available to the people of Wayanad and the commitments we have made will stand up to them and will to deliver all those commitments. I have an old relationship with Raebareli, I am happy that I will get to represent them again but it was a tough decision,” he said. Rahul Gandhi had also expressed confidence of Priyanka Gandhi winning from Wayanad.”Priyanka Gandhi is going to fight the elections and I am confident that she is going to win the elections. The people of Wayanad can think that they have two members of the Parliament, one is my sister and the other is me. My doors are always open for the people of Wayanad, I love every single person in Wayanad,” he added.The results for Wayanad seat along with other assembly and Lok Sabha seats will be declared on November 23. (ANI) of GE 414 jet engine in India is a key milestone. Our nation’s desires to accelerate defence industrial cooperation lead to adoption of a defense industrial cooperation roadmap, which will provide policy direction to defense industries and enable co-production of advanced defence systems and collaborative research, testing and prototyping of projects. Initiative on critical and emerging technologies (ICET) will further support sharing of core technologies, collaboration in futuristic technologies and fostering deeper cooperation in critical field,” he further said. Earlier in 2023, GE Aerospace signed an MoU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. The agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India. The Defence official stated that the two nations have formed US– India defence technology and trade initiative group, which seek to “elevate US India, defense trade from a traditional buyer seller dynamic to one of co-production and codevelopment partners.” Kumar noted that USISPF India Leadership Summit 2024 offers a vital platform to strengthen the dynamic strategic partnership between two nations. He emphasised the “fairly well-established ecosystem” for the startup and niche technology providers in defence sectors. He said that the industries of two nations can collaborate in adoption of the technologies and sharing of domain knowledge. India-US defence partnership has emerged as pillar of global peace and security: Secretary Defence Production By Apoorva Kaul | New Delhi [India], October 14 (ANI): Praising the defence partnership between India and the US, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) in Ministry of Defence, said on Monday that the defence ties between two nations have “emerged as a pillar of global peace and security” through joint exercises, the strengthening of defence industrial cooperation, annual 2+2 ministeral dialogues and other consultative mechanisms. In his address at the US–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) India Leadership Summit, Kumar called India and US “formidable democratic forces” which can work for peace, prosperity and stability in the world. He recalled Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the US in August this year, where he called the two nations “natural allies.” S p e a k i n g about India–US defence partnership, he said, “India and US together are formidable democratic forces which can effectively work for peace, prosperity and stability in the world. Our honorable Raksha Mantri visited US in August 2024 and described
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October 18, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Kamala To Play A Great Role Ahead KAMALA HARRIS FROM PAGE 1 of Obama when Biden was the Vice President, In August 2020, when Biden announced his selection of Kamala as his running mate, and appeared with heron stage he recounted how, when then Senator Barack Obama chose him as his vice-Presidential running mate. “I told him I wanted to be the last person in the room before he made the important decision.” As vice president, Joe Biden oversaw an array of issues important to the Obama administration, implementing as economic recovery act, shaping foreign policy from Iraq in Ukraine, and strengthening cancer research. “That’s what I asked Kamala,” Biden said, “I asked Kamal to be the last voice in the room, to always tell me the truth, which she will. Challenge my assumptions if she disagrees. Ask the hard questions. Because that’s the way we make the best decisions for the American people.” During Trump’s Presidency, the vice president’s role and importance has been eroded substantially taking it to the time of early presidents. There is no doubt that Kamala will not only restore it to the level it played in the Obama/Biden administration but take it to higher levels never before seen in the United States history. K a m a l a legislative actions bill etc. concentrated mainly in domestic areas, welfare of children. Criminal law reforms, healthcare etc. she was quite active in sponsoring legislation, figuring in the top quarter of sponsors in the senate. There is no doubt she will be active in these areas in the Biden administration. However, asked in a recent interview what her signature issue would be, replied she has one focus. “So far, however, she has spent most of her time as vice president largely of Biden’s side, ever present with him at signing events and speeches, watching and following his lead while From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- October 4, 2024 Arrogance Author Unknown In the mirror’s gleam, it stands so tall, A shadow’s pride, it casts a pall. With every glance, it soars above, A heart unmoved by praise or love. It struts in halls of echoing praise, A king in an unending daze. Yet in its chest, a hollow sound, For arrogance knows no solid ground. It speaks of skies it’s never seen, And wears a crown that’s always green. But pride, though loud, is fickle, thin, And vanity’s a brittle skin. So when you meet that towering guise, Remember, pride’s a blind disguise. For true strength lies in humble heart, Where wisdom’s quiet, not a part. only starting to whittle away at a separate portfolio for herself. That should not be surprising. At the moment the Biden administration’s main objective in the domestic sphere is to control the Coronavirus pandemic, bring relief to those affected by unemployment under the pandemic environment, correcting the adverse impact of Trump administration in the areas of immigration etc. so far, her solo has focused heavily on COVID-19, such as when she held a virtual listening session with African American mayors last week to discuss the administrations relief proposal. However, as COVID-19 and economic relief is brought under control there is no reason to doubt that the Biden/Harris administration will turn their focus to domestic issues where Kamala’s input will be valuable. Meanwhile, she has to manage her role as the leader of the senate especially in times of tied votes. And unlike Biden, who over two terms as vice president never cast a tiebreaking vote in the Senate, Harris has already found herself needing to jump in twice and may have to do that again soon when the coronavirus relief bill gets voted in the Senate. In addition it is extremely important that the coalition that brought Biden to power.-The Afro-Americans and other minorities do not break up before the mid-erm elections in 2022. Biden will have to depend on Kamala heavily in his efforts to maintain the coalition given her strong roots to the civil rights movement, her record in criminal justice and progressive views on immigration, healthcare and more. So all in all Kamala has her work out but there is o doubt she will rise to the occasion and in four years times a strong contender for the Presidential nomination of her party! (Gopalan Balachandran is a geo-strategic expert and International relations, based out of New Delhi) INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online GPR survey results for Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar expected soon: Odisha Law Minister B a n p u r (Odisha) [India], October 15 (ANI): Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Monday that the results of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey conducted on the Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of the Jagannath Temple are expected to be available soon. He explained that the GPR survey covered both the outer and inner Ratna Bhandar, and once the report is received, a detailed discussion will follow. “We have conducted a GPR survey of the outer and inner Ratna Bhandar of Puri’s Sri Jagannath Temple. The report is supposed to arrive within a day or two. Once we receive the report, we will engage in detailed discussions and further analysis. If there is anything significant, the government will take appropriate action; if the report yields no findings, we will commence repair work with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as soon as possible. We are also trying to get the boxes and everything transferred in the Ratna Bhandar,” he told ANI. The state minister further highlighted that the government would provide a small quantity of mahaprasad to visitors on behalf of the temple. “We will be providing mahaprasad to visitors with the understanding that when someone comes to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and returns home, their family and neighbors eagerly await something blessed from Lord Jagannath. Naturally, not everyone can afford to bring items from there. Therefore, on behalf of the temple administration, we will provide at least a katori full of mahaprasad so that the visitor can share a little with everyone,” said the Odisha Law Minister. On July 14, the Ratna Bhandar of the Shri Jagannath Temple was reopened after more than four decades. Special boxes were also brought to the temple ahead of the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar for the storage of ornaments. The opening of the inner Ratna Bhandar was conducted in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Odisha government. An inspection committee, chaired by Justice Biswanath Rath, consisting of 11 members, entered the inner Bhandar to oversee the shifting of the jewelry, a district administrator said. P u r i Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra stated that security arrangements have been implemented for the opening of the inner Ratna Bhandar in line with the SOP provided by the government. “Security arrangements have been made for the opening of Jagannath Temple’s inner Ratna Bhandar. We have prepared according to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the government of Odisha,” he said. (ANI) Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
Cyclonic Storm in Bay of Bengal to make landfall on Oct 17, heavy rains likely in South Coast, Rayalaseema Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 16 (ANI): A depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm and is expected to make landfall near the coast between Puducherry and Nellore on October 17 morning and is likely to cause heavy rainfall in several places of South Coast and Rayalaseema. R o n a n k i Kurmanath, Meteorological Department, Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority said, “A depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm which is moving in a northwest direction at a speed of 10 km/h. It is located 440 km from Chennai, 460 km from Puducherry, and 530 km from Nellore.” “The storm is expected to make landfall near the coast between Puducherry and Nellore by tomorrow morning. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several places in the South Coast and Rayalaseema, with extremely heavy rainfall likely in some areas. Along the coast, wind speeds of 40-60 km/h are expected,” said Kurmanath. The official further said that fishermen are advised not to venture out to sea and that the public should remain alert and take necessary precautions. Earlier, the India Meteorological Department said that the depression laid centre as of 5:30 pm on Tuesday over the southwest Bay of Bengal, about 490 kilometres from the eastsoutheast of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The IMD further stated that the depression was likely to move northwestwards and cross the Onam coast close to Duqm during the early hours of October 16. “The depression over the west-central Arabian Sea off the Oman coast moved northwestwards with a speed of 23 kmph during the past 6 hours and lay centred at 1730 hours IST of October 15, 2024, over the same region near latitude 18.3°N and longitude 58.8°E, about 180 km southeast of Duqm (Oman), 260 km south of Masirah (Oman) and 520 km east-northeast of Salalah (Oman). It is likely to move nearly north-westwards and cross the Oman coast close to Duqm (Oman) during the early hours of October 16,” the IMD stated. This development comes following the commencement of northeast monsoon rainfall activity over southeast peninsular India. (ANI) FRIDAY OCTOBER 18, 2024 7 68 houses gutted in fire in J&K’s Kishtwar; relief, rehabilitation underwayam Kishtwar (Jammu don’t know what to do. I and Kashmir) [India], October 16 (ANI): A major fire broke out in Mulwarwan village of Kishtwar in Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon. According to police, 68 houses were damaged by the fire. Locals in Mulwarwan village of Kishtwar sought help after the fire destroyed their houses. “It is a very difficult situation. Everything has been burnt...The government should give something and help,” says an affected family member. Another resident said, “After 2 o’clock yesterday, this incident happened here. Now, they were spending the night under the roof. Some are still in the fields. Today, the district administration has brought some tents here. Some people have been provided tents here.” He further said “They will spend the night here. Some people are on the roads...Some are in the jungle. Because it is the winter season, people cannot stay outside.” “It is very difficult. I don’t know. I old, I have a lot of problems. I am in a bad condition. I am not able to sleep. I am very tired.,” said a woman. Meanwhile, the residents are being relocated and temporary shelters have been provided for them. The administration provided relief materials, including food, clothing, and medical supplies for the families. Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Kumar Shavan said, “After receiving the calls we sent our disaster management teams to the spot. Earlier, we got to know that 40 houses have been affected by the fire. However, today we found out that 68 houses have been affected...We will start the relief and rehabilitation work from now onwards.” The rehabilitation process aims to provide immediate support and long-term solutions for the displaced residents. The government has also provided financial assistance to families and enhanced security to ensure safety. (ANI)
October 18, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK DEDICATION SERVICE: SOUTHERN ASIAN SEVENTHDAY-ADVENTIST CHURCH IN WASHINGTON DC CAPITAL REGION. ( Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed the SDAC Community) By Pastor John Daniel The Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist Church (SASDAC) celebrated a remarkable milestone with a weekend-long dedication and mortgage burning ceremony program from October 4 to October 6, 2024. This event marked not only the church’s 36year journey since its establishment but also a moment of financial triumph, as they have completely paid off their mortgage, allowing the congregation to dedicate the building free from debt. SASDAC’s history dates back to the late 1980s, when a small group of dedicated Southern Asian Adventists laid the foundation for what would become a thriving spiritual community. Over the decades, the church has grown rapidly, becoming one of the most prominent Southern Asian Adventist congregations in the North American Division. The celebration will honor this legacy of faith and commitment to God and the church’s mission. The weekend began on Friday evening with a vespers service, featuring prayers, songs, and interviews with church members who have witnessed and contributed to SASDAC’s growth. The vespers are a time for reflection on the journey so far, sharing personal stories, and expressing gratitude for the community that has supported the church through its formative years. Saturday’s program welcome over 1000 people – members, community members and other prominent government officials. It was packed with activities that resonated deeply with the church’s multicultural roots. A parade of nations celebrated the diversity within the congregation. The Dedication Service was a key moment on Saturday, featuring a special litany of thanksgiving and prayer led by founding pastor, Dr. Franklin David. In a powerful symbolic act, the church burnt the mortgage, marking the fulfillment of years of financial stewardship and sacrificial giving by the congregation. This ritual was followed by a litany of dedication, where the church will consecrate itself anew to God’s service, affirming its commitment to continue serving the local community and beyond. SASDAC is a true testament to the dedication of its members, enabling the church to give back to the broader community through its children and family ministries, as well as an array of other programs that serve the community. This weekend-long event stands as a pillar to the power of faith, unity, and perseverance, as SASDAC dedicates its future to God, building on the foundation laid by previous generations and embracing a new chapter debt-free. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed the Southern Asian Community and others with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us the SASDAC community in Silver Spring, Washington DC Capital Region to be light in the North America Division and worldwide. What a beautiful, and marvelous and perfect place to worship God’s kindness to us, and our thanks and praise and glory to him alone. Let’s pray earnestly that our Lord Jesus Christ by his grace will keep this place for his glory and honor and light to the North America and global at large.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 18, 2024 J-K: INDIA bloc leaders arrive in Srinagar to witness oath-taking of CM-designate Omar Abdullah 9 Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 16 (ANI): INDIA bloc leaders including Akhilesh Yadav, Prakash Karat, Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi have arrived in Srinagar to attend the oathtaking ceremony of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister designate Omar Abdullah. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) shared pictures of leaders in a post on X. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav; Nationalist Congress Party’s (Sharad Pawar) working president Supriya Sule; Communist Party of India (Marxist) central committee’s interim leader Prakash Karat; Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) deputy general secretary Kanimozhi; CPI(M) general secretary D Raja arrived in Srinagar to witness the swearing-in ceremony. “India Block leaders @yadavakhilesh, @supriya_sule, Prakash Karat, @KanimozhiDMK , @ComradeDRaja, and others have arrived in Srinagar for tomorrow’s oath-taking ceremony with Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister designate @OmarAbdullah !” read the post by JKNC. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is set to take oath as the new chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir today. Earlier, the president’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir was revoked, clearing the way for the formation of a new government following the recently concluded Assembly polls in the Union Territory. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification in this regard on Sunday. “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India, the Order dated the 31st October 2019 in relation to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019,” read the official order. This will be the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the reorganisation of the former state into two Union Territories. The 90 seats in the region were contested in a three-phase election, with the results announced on October 8. NC-Congress alliance secured 48 seats, with the NC leading the alliance to victory, as the Congress won only six seats. (ANI) D e h r a d u n (Uttarakhand) [India], October 15 (ANI): In a programme organized under the guidance of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, an amount of Rs 1 billion 95 crore 51 lakh 67 thousand was deposited online in the accounts of 494 affected people due to Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project. The remaining beneficiaries will also soon be given the amount in their accounts after verification, the process of which is going on. The state government has allotted 300.5 acres of land free of cost to the Irrigation Department in village Gadariabagh located at Prayag Farm in Udham Singh Nagar district for the rehabilitation of the families displaced by the project. This land has been given in the industrial area, which will be developed all around. On this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the cooperation of the affected of the Jamrani Dam Project and said that they dedicated their future to this project for the state, and for the good future of the surrounding area. The Chief Minister said that 117 MLD water received from the Jamrani Dam Project will be supplied from this drinking water scheme in view of the population of Haldwani city in the year 2051. He said that the construction of Jamrani project will increase the groundwater level and also generate employment. This scheme will not only supply drinking water but will also provide sufficient water for irrigation to the farmers of Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar. He said that development work is being done for Haldwani city at a cost of Rs 2000 crores by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and soon Haldwani metropolis will develop as a modern and grand city. He said that the pending division of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh property has been resolved. The Chief Minister said that the Jamrani Dam Project will be completed by the year 2029. He said that the government is doing important work like education, health, tourism, child development, women’s development, and connectivity. CM Dhami said, “A special environment is being given to investors in Uttarakhand. Under the Manas Khand Yojana, temples of Kumaon and Garhwal are being connected to it and today the local products of Uttarakhand are being promoted in the country and abroad, which is strengthening the economy of the local people.” He said that work is being done to strengthen the women’s self-help groups in the state economically, under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, women are being given an amount of Rs 1 lakh, and 30 percent participation of women is also being ensured in the government recruitment process. He said that the state government is going to implement the Uniform Civil Code law soon, which will prove to be a milestone in women’s empowerment. He said that Khurpiyafarm in Udham Singh Nagar district will be developed as a smart city, which will employ the local and state people. He said that the state government has approved 8 acres of land for Pantnagar Airport, soon there will be national and international level flights from this airport so that the people here will not have to go to Delhi and other places. He said that Uttarakhand will be counted among the leading states of the country. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various schemes, which included the construction of City Ecology Park as per the concept of Green Haldwani for Rs. 100 lakhs, Science laboratory, computer room, and art craft room in RUMV Mehra village for better education of students at the cost of Rs 57.02 lakhs and Science laboratory and computer room in RKUM Vidyalaya Gandhinagar at the cost of Rs 44.07 lakhs, and 01 Physics Laboratory, 01 Chemistry Laboratory and 1 Biology Laboratory room in RIC Moti Nagar District Nainital at the cost of Rs 61.50 lakhs, and Science Laboratory and Art & Craft Room in RUMV Himmatpur Somwar at the cost of Rs 41.69 lakhs and protection work from flood of Gola river for about 200 population of village Ana Amiya of development block Bhimtal at the cost of Rs 359.86 and construction of football ground in Sports Stadium Haldwani at the cost of Rs 477.39 lakhs. The work of strengthening the Gadarpur Dineshpur Madhkota Haldwani motorway in widening including two line shoulder from Madhukota to Haldwani under Central Road Infrastructure Fund Scheme at the cost of Rs. 5805.81 lakh and the work of improvement of canal company and road etc. from Workshop Line via SBI to Mukhani square under State Plan at the cost of Rs 851.52 lakh. The Chief Minister inaugurated flood protection work in Sukhi River for the protection of National Highway no. 41 under Gaulapar area of Haldwani at the cost of Rs 182.83 lakhs, construction work of 100 bedded Mental Hospital, Gethiya under Nainital at the cost of Rs 4456.92 lakhs, construction work of State Cancer Institute in Government Medical College Haldwani under Centrally Sponsored Scheme at the cost of Rs 3941.13 lakhs. The foundation stone was laid for the schemes of construction of 1 tube well in Raghuveer Singh’s field in village Bel Pokhra of development block Kota Bagh for Rs 124.82 lakhs and the construction of a tube well in village RatanpurBelpadav for Rs. 234.18 lakhs, construction of tube well in BajuniahalduKotabag at Rs 124.16 lakhs and construction of tube well in Puranpur Pansingh for Rs 121.90 lakhs. (ANI) Uttarakhand: Over Rs 1 billion deposited in accounts of 494 affected people due to Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project
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