September 12, 2025 Friday India This Week 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng New s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tinent Pub li s h ed From th e U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 34 No. 37 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 01-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday September 12, 2025 CP Radhakrishnan Elected as 15th Vice President of India; PM Modi, Opposition Leaders React New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee CP Radhakrishnan was on Tuesday elected as the 15th Vice President of India, defeating the opposition INDIA bloc’s joint candidate, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, by 152 votes. Radhakrishnan secured 452 first preference votes against Reddy’s 300, while 15 votes were declared invalid. Out of 781 MPs, 767 cast their votes, recording a turnout of 98.20 per cent. Thirteen MPs abstained from voting, including seven from the Biju Janata Dal, four from Bharath Rashtra Samithi, one from Shiromani Akali Dal, and one independent. The Vice President’s office had been vacant since July 21 following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on health grounds. Radhakrishnan’s Pledge Speaking after his victory, Radhakrishnan expressed gratitude and pledged to dedicate himself to the nation’s progress. “In the new capacity, I will try my best for the development of the nation,” he said. Stressing the importance of balance in democracy, he added, “Both the ruling party and the opposition are important. They are two sides of the same coin, and the interest of democracy will always be taken into account.” Acknowledging the INDIA bloc’s claim that the election was an ideological contest, he said, “From the voting pattern, we understand that the nationalistic ideology has become victorious.” He further urged political unity for the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047: “Once the election is over, we must put aside politics and concentrate on development.” New Delhi [India], September 3 (ANI): In a landmark move described as a Diwali gift to the nation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced sweeping “Next-Generation GST Reforms,” cutting tax rates across multiple sectors to ease the cost of living, boost economic growth, and provide relief to households, farmers, businesses, and the healthcare sector. The 56th GST Council meeting decided to rationalise tax slabs by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent categories into just two—5 per cent and 18 per cent. The reforms cover essential items, automobiles, agriculture inputs, healthcare, insurance, education, and electronic appliances, along with process improvements to ensure faster refunds and simpler compliance. Healthcare and Insurance Relief: In a historic step, individual health and life insurance policies have been fully exempted from GST, down from 18 per cent earlier, making Reactions from Leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi personal- ly visited Radhakrishnan to congratulate him, later writing on X: “Congratulations to Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji on winning the 2025 Vice Presidential election. His life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. I am confident that he will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse.” President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her greetings, stating: “Your decades of rich experience in public life will make a significant contribution to the nation’s progress.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Radhakrishnan’s administrative knowledge, saying it would “bring out the best in our parliamentary democracy to serve the marginalised.” Opposition’s Response Despite the defeat, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy extended warm wishes to the newly elected Vice President but vowed to continue the ideological struggle. “Though the result is not in my favour, the larger cause we have collectively sought to advance remains undiminished. The ideological battle continues with ever greater vigour,” he said in a statement. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also congratulated Radhakrishnan but termed the contest a “battle of ideology.” “This was more than an election; it was a battle of ideology, reaffirming that governments with authoritarian tendencies must be checked to protect our Constitution and democracy,” Kharge said on X. He urged the Vice President to uphold parliamentary traditions and safeguard democratic values. Vice-President see page 2 Next-Gen GST Reforms: Major Rate Cuts Across Sectors, Insurance Made Tax-Free, Daily Essentials Cheaper Remember: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus Christ them tax-free. Medical essentials such as thermometers, medical-grade oxygen, diagnostic kits, reagents, glucometers, test strips, and corrective spectacles will now attract only 5 per cent GST, providing relief to patients and healthcare providers alike. Daily Essentials Made Cheaper: Household items such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soap bars, toothbrushes, and shaving cream, earlier taxed at 18 per cent, will now fall under the 5 per cent bracket. Similarly, butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, utensils, feeding bottles, baby napkins, clinical diapers, and sewing machines have all moved to the lower 5 per cent slab. Support for Farmers and Agriculture: Farmers will benefit from reduced input costs, with tractor tyres, tractor parts, and specified agricultural machinery for soil preparation, cultivation, harvesting, and threshing now taxed at 5 per cent instead of 12–18 per cent. Drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, and micronutrients have also been brought down to the 5 per cent slab. Relief for Education Sector: To make learning more affordable, GST has been completely removed on maps, charts, globes, pencils, sharpenGST Reforms see page 2
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CP Radhakrishnan Elected as 15th Vice President of India; PM Modi, Opposition Leaders React Vice-President From page 2 Political Observations Union Minister Bhagwat Karad noted that 14 INDIA bloc MPs indulged in cross-voting, while BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal claimed that “40 MPs of the opposition voted in favour of CP Radhakrishnan,” crediting Rahul Gandhi’s call to “listen to the voice of conscience.” Radhakrishnan’s Journey Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan has had a political career spanning over five decades. Before his Vice Presidential election, he served as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra since July 2024, and earlier as Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana (additional charge), and Lieutenant Governor of Pudu- cherry. A former twotime MP from Coimbatore, Radhakrishnan entered public life through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before joining the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1974. He later rose through the BJP ranks, becoming Tamil Nadu secretary in 1996 and winning Lok Sab- ha elections in 1998 and 1999. With his election as the Vice President of India, Radhakrishnan now assumes the second-highest constitutional office in the country, pledging to work “within the framework” of the post to uphold democracy and the Constitution. (ANI) Next-Gen GST Reforms: Major Rate Cuts Across Sectors, Insurance Made TaxFree, Daily Essentials Cheaper GST Reforms From Page 1 ers, crayons, pastels, exercise books, notebooks, and erasers, shifting them into the nil tax bracket. Automobile Sector Gains: Automobiles have seen significant relief, with petrol, LPG, and CNG hybrid cars (up to 1200 cc and 4000 mm) taxed at 18 per cent instead of 28 per cent. Diesel hybrid cars (up to 1500 cc and 4000 mm), three-wheelers, motorcycles up to 350 cc, and goods transport vehicles will also now fall under the 18 per cent slab. Electronics and Appliances: High-demand appliances such as air conditioners, televisions above 32 inches, LED/LCD monitors, projectors, and dishwashers have been shifted from the 28 per cent slab to 18 per cent, bringing long-awaited relief to consumers. Process Reforms: Alongside rate rationalisation, the government has introduced system-based process reforms, including automatic registration within three working days and faster refunds through risk-based evaluation. PM Modi’s Statement: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the wide-ranging reforms, calling them beneficial for every section of society. “Taxes for the general public will be reduced substantially. Our MSMEs and small entrepreneurs will get huge benefit. Everyday items will become cheaper, and this will give a boost to the economy,” he said. He added that the reforms would ease living for common citizens while strengthening the economy. The revenue implication for the government is estimated at Rs 48,000 crore from these rate rationalisations. “Phenomenal milestone”: Industry associations welcome Several industry associations have welcomed the Centre’s de- cision to rationalise GST rates into two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Chandrajit Banerjee, described the reform as a “phenomenal milestone.” In a statement, Banerjee said, “This move on GST reforms is a phenomenal milestone. CII not only welcomes the GST Council’s forward-looking decisions—moving to two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent from September 22, simplifying refunds and MSME procedures, and exempting individual life and health insurance from GST—but also sees this as path-breaking.” He added that the clarity would ease compliance, reduce litigation, and provide predictability for both businesses and consumers. Banerjee further said, “By lowering rates on everyday items and critical inputs, the reforms provide immediate relief to families and strengthen the foundation for growth. CII strongly believes the industry will swiftly pass benefits to consumers and partner with the government to ensure a smooth, timely rollout that lifts demand and supports jobs.” Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) Chairman Rakesh Mehra also welcomed the GST Council’s decision to correct the inverted duty structure in the man-made textile sector. “We thank and welcome the rectification of the GST inversion in the man-made fibre (MMF) value chain by aligning MMF fibre and yarn at 5 per cent from 18 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. It addresses the long-standing blockage of working capital for thousands of spinners and weavers. With over 70–80 per cent of textile and apparel units in India being MSMEs, this reform will directly benefit a large segment of the industry by easing liquidity pressures and enhancing competitiveness,” Mehra said. The GST Council announced that the rate on man-made fibre would be reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, and on manmade yarn from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Hemant Jain, President of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), said the rationalisation will ease household budgets and stimulate demand. “The roll-out of GST rate rationalisation from September 22, 2025, is a landmark reform that addresses both consumer welfare and revenue efficiency. By reducing rates on daily essentials such as toiletries, packaged foods, and utensils from 18–12 per cent to 5 per cent, the reform will ease household budgets and stimulate demand,” Jain said. He also described the decision to levy zero GST on health insurance, medical oxygen, and diagnostic kits as a “socially progressive step.” “In agriculture, lowering GST on tractors, tyres, irrigation systems, and farm machinery to 5 per cent will cut input costs and directly benefit farmers. Affordable access to healthcare, through Nil GST on insurance, medical oxygen, and diagnostic kits, marks a socially progressive step, while reduced levies on education items will strengthen human capital. Equally, bringing down GST on automobiles, appliances, and electronics will boost industry volumes and create multiplier effects in manufacturing and jobs,” he added. Jain concluded, “PHDCCI strongly welcomes these measures, as they simplify compliance, spur consumption, and ensure states gain from an expanded tax base, setting India firmly on the path of growth and inclusivity.” This comes as the GST Council decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, merging the earlier 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. (ANI)
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September 12, 2025 Friday India This Week “My mission is to Make sure the blessings we received are preserved for future generations.” Rep. Raja Krishnamurti Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Leads Senate Campaign to Succeed Durbin Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has officially entered the race to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin, positioning himself as an early frontrunner in what is expected to be one of Illinois’ most competitive Democratic primaries. Krishnamoorthi formally launched his campaign in May, sharing his personal journey and vision for higher office at a gathering hosted by Dr. Babu Stephen. The event opened with remarks from Jimmy George and a welcome from Dr. Stephen before the Congressman addressed community leaders. Born in India and brought to the United States as an infant, Krishnamoorthi reflected on his family’s struggles in the early 1970s, when his father—then an engineering student—lost his job. The family relied on food stamps and public housing until his father found steady work in Peoria, Illinois, enabling them to join the middle class. “Every evening at the dinner table,” Krishnamoorthi recalled, “my father would remind us to think of the greatness of this country and to make sure the blessings we received are preserved for future generations. That became the north star of my life.” That principle carried him through college, law school, and service in both the private and public sectors before winning five terms in Congress. Today, he represents a suburban Chicago district surrounding O’Hare International Airport—one of the Midwest’s most diverse districts and home to a large Indian American population. With Durbin’s retirement, Krishnamoorthi now seeks to make history as the first Indian-born American to serve in the U.S. Senate. “I seek to break the brown glass ceiling,” he told supporters. “When Congress and the Senate look like America, they perform better. If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu. I want to make sure we are at the table—fighting for immigration reform, against discrimination, for small businesses, and for the American dream itself.” Calling the Senate race the greatest challenge of his career, Krishnamoorthi added: “This is the tallest mountain I’ve ever climbed. But if we reach the summit together, it will be a proud moment for our families and our communities. I ask for your support, your friendship, and—if you live in Illinois—your votes.” Financially, the Congressman enters the race with a commanding lead. By the first quarter of 2025, his campaign had raised $3 million, bringing his total to roughly $19 million (Axios). By July, that figure had grown to about $21 million (ABC7 Chicago, Wikipedia). According to the Telegraph the Midyear fundraising totals showed: Raja Krishnamoorthi: ~$12.67M raised, ~$11.76M cash on hand Rep. Robin Kelly: ~$2.46M raised, ~$2.2M available Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: ~$1.08M raised, ~$666K remaining This financial edge has allowed Krishnamoorthi to surge ahead in advertising and outreach. In July, he became the first Senate candidate in the nation to air a television ad, investing about $500,000 in its first week (ABC7 Chicago). He has also expanded his message to rural and downstate voters, emphasizing agriculture and economic development (Jacksonville Journal-Courier). Despite facing a crowded Democratic field—including Robin Kelly, Juliana Stratton, Awisi Bustos, Kevin Ryan, and others—Krishnamoorthi holds a decisive advantage. An August 2025 poll put him at 51% (±4%), with Stratton at 28% and Kelly at 13%. Closing the campaign launch event, Dr. Stephen praised Krishnamoorthi’s leadership and noted that he continues to set the pace in the race. With deep roots in Illinois, a powerful personal story, and a formidable war chest, Krishnamoorthi is running on a pledge to safeguard and expand the American dream. As he told supporters: “God put me on this planet to make sure the blessings conferred on my family are passed on to the next families who need it— whoever they are, wherever they are. That is the story of America, and that is the purpose of my campaign.” EC holds meet of all CEOs to assess preparedness for rolling out nationwide SIR New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all States and Union Territories, and assessed the preparedness for the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. This was the third Conference of Chief Electoral Officers this year. The conference was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in the presence of Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.A presentation on the strategies, constraints and best practices adopted was made by the CEO of Bihar so that the CEOs of the rest of the country learn from their experiences, said EC in a press note.” The CEOs provided detailed presentations on the number of Electors, the qualifying date of the last SIR, and the electoral roll in their respective State/ UT, as per the last com- pleted SIR. The CEOs also presented the status of digitisation and uploading of the Electoral Roll after the previous SIR on the State/ UT CEO website,” the EC said in the note. “They also provided the status of mapping current electors with those as per the last SIR in the State/UT,” it said.To ensure that there is a uniform implementation of the Commission’s initiative to ensure that no polling station has over 1,200 electors, the status of rationalisation of polling stations was also reviewed. The CEOs also provided suggested documents for the purpose of ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out of the Electoral Roll and no ineligible person is included in it. It was reiterated that these documents should promote ease of submission for the eligible citizens. The Commission also reviewed the status of appointment and training of DEOs, EROs, AEROs, BLOs and BLAs, said the EC in the press note.In its order on June 24, the EC had stated that SIR would be conducted across the country. (ANI)
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September 12, 2025 Friday India This Week Israel, India sign Bilateral Investment Agreement to boost economic ties New Delhi [India], September 8 (ANI): India and Israel have signed a new Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) aimed at strengthening reciprocal investments and expanding economic cooperation between the two nations, according to an official statement by Israel’s Ministry of Finance. At the center of the visit, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman signed the agreement in New Delhi on Monday. The statement noted that Israel has become the first OECD member state with which India has signed such a strategic agreement, in line with India’s new model for investment treaties. The agreement will promote reciprocal investments between investors from both countries, ensuring certainty and protection while contributing to enhanced trade and investment flows. It replaces the previous agreement signed in 1996, which was terminated in 2017 as part of India’s broader policy on investment treaties, the Ministry of Finance said. The statement added that the signing followed months of intensive work between the Chief Economist’s teams at Israel’s Ministry of Finance and their counterparts in India. Both ministers underscored the strong economic relationship between the two countries, rooted in shared strategic interests, and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in areas such as innovation, infrastructure development, financial regulation, and digital trade. They also agreed to explore avenues for collaboration within re- The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- AUGUST 15, 2025 Blaming others for your crimes! Why do you scream when others cheat, And call them names for the same crimes you’ve perfected? Why do you believe you should have power To serve the people of your land? If you love the perks that come with power, How can you call yourself a servant of the people You are using politics to further your own ambition, Rather than serving with true devotion. How can your community progress If your eye is set on power, and you genuflect At the command of a donor who can sway you With a penny and impose his demands? Justice demands fair play in every role; Community requires honest players. When honesty is traded for wealth and power, Casting aspersions on others is unfair. There is none perfect; all make mistakes. But the danger lies in reveling in them, And repeating them, seduced by gain, Reaping the crimes one shamelessly commits. Blaming others for the same offenses Is just a mask to hide one’s evil deeds. When power is the only game, losing it Feels like death—life itself becomes worthless. By Rajan George gional development banks. Smotrich invited Sitharaman for a reciprocal visit to Israel, while both sides agreed to jointly examine the establishment of a bilateral financial protocol to improve financing conditions for Israeli exporters. The Israeli finance minister further noted that his ministry is considering opening a representation in India to strengthen institutional ties and advance joint economic projects, according to the Ministry of Finance. The delegation led by Smotrich included senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Se- curities Authority: Director General Ilan Rom, Chief Economist Dr. Shmuel Abramzon, Accountant General Yahli Rothenberg, and Chairman of the Israel Securities Authority Seffy Zinger. During their stay, officials are holding meetings with Indian counterparts to advance cooperation between the two economies. The statement from Israel’s Ministry of Finance also expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi for its role in facilitating the agreement, noting that its close cooperation was instrumental in achieving this milestone. (ANI) 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: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: 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 PM Modi announces Rs.1,500 crore assistance for flood-hit Himachal Pradesh Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial package of Rs.1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh after conducting an aerial survey of the flood and rain-affected areas of the state. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the aid includes the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and support under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi to help the state cope with the crisis. An ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh has been announced for the next of kin of those who lost their lives, and Rs.50,000 for those seriously injured. PM Modi held a review meeting in Kangra to assess the damage and oversee ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures. The assistance package will cover multiple areas: rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana with geotagging for accurate damage assessment, restoration of national highways, rebuilding schools with support under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, relief from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and distribution of mini kits for livestock. Recognising the plight of farmers, additional aid will be directed toward those without power connections. Water harvesting structures will also be built to recharge groundwater levels and improve water management. Inter-Ministerial Central Teams have already been deployed to assess the scale of damage, and further financial support will be considered after their detailed report. During his visit, PM Modi met affected families, expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones, and assured them of full cooperation from the Union Government. He commended the efforts of NDRF, SDRF, Army, state administration, and other organisations engaged in immediate relief operations. “The Central Government will make all efforts to address the situation and work closely with the Himachal Pradesh government in this difficult time,” PM Modi said. 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
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September 12, 2025 Friday India This Week Leadership Crisis in Potomac Conference: Community Calls for Change! Silver Spring, MD — The potential sale of land belonging to the Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist Church (SASDAC) to Nova Randolph LLC has sparked controversy within the Potomac Conference, raising concerns about financial oversight, leadership accountability, and the future of a space many consider sacred. The proposal, advanced under the leadership of Potomac Conference President Charles A. Tapp, has drawn sharp criticism from members who say the process lacked transparency and disregarded the community’s voice. “This is not just about land,” one longtime member said. “It’s about the leadership’s failure to honor commitments made in business meetings and preservation committees. We feel betrayed.” SASDAC, a spiritual and cultural hub for the Southern Asian Adventist community, has long been seen as more than property. Many argue that the sale threatens to erase a legacy central to the church’s identity and mission. Critics point to what they describe as a pattern of mismanagement and insufficient financial oversight within the Conference. They argue that selling the property is symptomatic of deeper issues in leadership and governance. In response, a growing number of members are calling for leadership change. Supporters of Pastor Jose Vazquez say he represents a new path forward — one rooted in transparency, accountability, and stronger community engagement. “We need a leader who listens,” said another congregant. “Pastor Vazquez has shown he values heritage and stewardship. That’s the kind of leadership Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 10 (ANI): Several residential areas in Kanpur were submerged on Wednesday after the water level of the Ganga River rose significantly due to incessant rainfall in the city. In the Bithoor Assembly constituency, multiple houses were inundated with knee-deep water, leading to a flood-like situation that disrupted the daily lives of local residents. Meanwhile, the Yamuna River continued to flow close to the danger mark in the early hours of Wednesday, raising concerns among residents and the administration. The water level at the Old Yamuna Bridge was recorded just below the 90-metre mark on the gauge, nearing the red warning line. In Agra, the water level of the Yamuna River around the Taj Mahal area also rose significantly on Tuesday following heavy rainfall in the region. Several states across India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, are experiencing floods or flood-like conditions due to persistent rainfall and waterlogging. Continuous downpours have led to rising water levels in major rivers, creating widespread concern. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh after conducting an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of the state. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, there will be an advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi for the state to deal with the situation. PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured in the flood and natural calamity. After conducting the aerial survey, PM Modi held an official meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage. The relief measures will include rebuilding homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, restoration of damaged national highways, reconstruction of schools, financial support through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and distribution of Mini Kits for livestock. Recognising the critical need to support the agricultural community, we need right now.” While Conference officials have not publicly addressed the criticisms in detail, the debate has ignited broader conversations about how the church manages its assets and involves Pastor Jose Vasquez members in decision-making. For many, the outcome of the proposed sale will shape not just the future of SASDAC property, but also the direction of the Potomac Conference itself. Residential areas in Kanpur submerged after Ganga water level rises following continuous rainfall additional assistance will be provided specifically for farmers who currently lack power connections, as per the PMO. Under the PM Awas Yojana, geotagging of damaged houses will be carried out. This will facilitate accurate damage assessment and expedite the delivery of aid to those affected. To ensure uninterrupted education, schools will be able to report and geotag damages, enabling timely assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Construction of recharge structures for water harvesting to help collect and store rainwater will also be undertaken. (ANI) Haryana man shot dead in US after objecting to public urination Jind (Haryana) [India], September 9 (ANI): A 26-year-old man from Haryana‘s Jind was allegedly shot dead in California, United States after he objected a man urinating in a restricted area. The victim, identified as Kapil (26), was a resident of Barah Kalan village, located in Jind district of Haryana. He was shot when tried to stop a person from urinating in a prohibited place. Speaking to ANI, Suresh Gautam, the Sarpanch of Barah Kalan village said that Kapil went to USA through “donkey route” in 2022. According to him, Kapil was working at a store in California when the incident occurred. Gautam further expressed his condolences to Kapil’s family and demanded that the government expedite the process of bringing his body back home. “He was a resident of Jind‘s Barah Kalan village. He went to America in 2022 through the donkey route… The day before yesterday, we learned that someone had killed him there. I met his family, and they told me that he was working at a store there. When he tried to stop a boy from urinating in a prohibited area, some- one shot him, and he died on the spot. There is a wave of sorrow in his family and also in the poor village… The government should expedite his body back to his home as soon as possible…” the Sarpanch of Barah Kalan said. The victim’s cousin Deepak told ANI that he received a call about Kapil’s involvement in a fight, but he couldn’t reach Kapil. Later, Kapil’s roommates informed him that Kapil was shot dead after trying to stop someone from urinating in a prohibited area. Deepak said, “He was my little cousin who arrived in the US in 2022. We spent lakhs of rupees to help him fulfil his dream of going abroad. He has two sisters. We thought that now that he had started working there, he would settle there. It took him 2.5 months to reach the US. Someone called me saying that my brother was involved in a fight. I didn’t know about it, and when I tried to contact him, he didn’t answer despite multiple calls. I then called his roommates, who told me he was shot dead after he tried to stop someone from urinating in a prohibited place…” (ANI) For Advertisements Call: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 indiathisweekads@gmail.com Web: indiathisweek.us
September 12, 2025 Friday India-US negotiations back on track, Trump certain of “no difficulty” in trade talks; Modi says talks will unlock ‘limitless potential’ Washington, DC [US]/New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) announced that Washington and New Delhi will resume negotiations to address trade barriers, expressing confidence that discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would conclude successfully. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!” The announcement comes weeks after the US imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional 25 per cent penalty on purchases of Russian oil. Despite these strains, Trump described India-US ties as a “very special relationship” and reaffirmed his friendship with PM Modi, while admitting he “doesn’t like what he is doing at this particular moment.” When asked by ANI if he was ready to reset relations with India, Trump replied, “I always will. Washington, DC [US], September 10 (ANI): David Goldwyn, a leading geopolitical expert, believes U.S. President Donald Trump miscalculated by assuming sanctions could serve as an effective pressure tool against India. “What he’s learning in this fiasco, really, in terms of diplomatic relations with India, is that this oil weapon was not quite the tool of leverage that he thought it was. India is not as vulnerable… He underestimated the potency of that weapon and really misread Indian history,” Goldwyn said in an interview with ANI. His remarks come as Washington and New Delhi appear to be moving toward a thaw in the ongoing tariff dispute. On Tuesday, President Trump expressed confidence in reaching a “successful conclusion” and said he looked forward to speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks. “I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two Nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. Goldwyn, however, criticized the Trump administration for what he described as double standards in its approach to India and China, calling Wash- ington’s sanctions on India over Russian oil imports a “deeply hypocritical policy.” “It is a deeply hypocritical policy. So there’s no question about that,” he added. Earlier, the Trump administration imposed a steep 50 percent tariff on Indian goods—25 percent introduced earlier in August and another 25 percent applied on August 27 as secondary sanctions—over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. At the same time, Washington New Delhi, September 10: Four more airports are set to implement the Digi Yatra facility by the end of this month, official sources told ANI on Wednesday. The names of these airports are expected to be announced by the end of this week, the sources said. Additionally, Digi Yatra is slated to receive the Gold Medal at the National Awards for e-Governance (NAEG), scheduled for September 22–23 in Visakhapatnam, according to officials. In February, Digi Yatra, India’s pioneering air travel app, achieved a major milestone by surpassing 10 million downloads, underscoring its growing popularity and transformative impact on air travel in the country. Launched in December 2022, Digi Yatra is a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)-based ecosystem that uses facial biometric technology for contactless and seamless passenger processing at airports, providing secure and efficient travel experiences across 24 airports in India.The platform has facilitated more than 45 million journeys to date, with nearly 10 million users and an average of 30,000 app downloads daily. Officials said Digi Yatra is setting new benchmarks in digital travel solutions. Looking ahead to 2025, Digi Yatra plans to support all 22 official Indian languages, aiming to break down language barriers and allow travelers to navigate airport processes in their preferred language. The platform also intends to conduct an international pilot project, enabling foreign passengers with electronic passports (e-passports) to experience its seamless system. The Digi Yatra Foundation operates and manages the Digi Yatra Central Ecosystem and the apps built on the SSI-based decentralized framework, which prioritizes data privacy and security. With operations already spanning 24 airports and serving about 10 million users, Digi Yatra continues to redefine the future of air travel in India, sources said. I’ll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded warmly to Trump’s comments, affirming his commitment to strengthening the partnership. In a post on X on Wednesday, PM Modi said, “India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward 9 to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.” Earlier, PM Modi had also reciprocated Trump’s positive remarks on bilateral relations, saying he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the US President’s sentiments and assessment of ties, describing India-US relations as “very positive and forward-looking towards a Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.” The trade negotiations come at a time when global economic uncertainty has been heightened by Washington’s tariff measures against Indian imports and its criticism of New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil, which the US claims supports Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. (ANI) “He is learning, oil not a tool of leverage, India not vulnerable,” Geopolitical expert David Goldwyn on Trump’s India tariff strategy Four More Airports to Introduce Digi Yatra by End of September: Sources suspended tariffs on China until November. When asked why the U.S. had not imposed similar secondary sanctions on China, Goldwyn explained that Trump believed he had greater bargaining leverage with India than with Beijing. “The President had a lot of leverage, and he believes he has leverage over India, but he realizes he doesn’t have a lot of leverage with China. That’s why tariffs have been delayed, negotiations extended, and he has not enforced sanctions or tariffs for Chinese imports of Russian crude,” Goldwyn said. He added that Trump avoided sanctioning Chinese ports and ships out of concern that such moves might derail trade talks with Beijing. “This is a question of the President’s perception of leverage. And the more leverage he thinks he has, the harder a bargain he drives,” Goldwyn noted. When asked whether Trump believed he could force Chinese President Xi Jinping into a deal, Goldwyn rejected that idea but said Trump was still seeking an agreement. “I don’t think that he believes that he can coerce Xi Jinping into a deal, but he does believe that there is a deal to be had. He thinks China could make energy purchases or give up some transactions, and that he can cut a deal. But it hasn’t gone very well, which is why everything has been delayed,” Goldwyn said. (ANI)
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