Friday January 16, 2026 India This Week 1 A We e k ly 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 35 No.3 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday January 16, 2026 India-Germany ties poised for new momentum as Merz backs India-EU FTA, expands defence, education and counter-terrorism cooperation Gandhinagar/ Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], January 12 (ANI): 1German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday underscored the need to conclude the India– European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to unlock the full potential of India-Germany economic relations, describing India as a “desired partner” and a “partner of choice” for Germany, as both countries moved to elevate bilateral ties across trade, defence, technology, education and global issues. Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar, Chancellor Merz said, “To tap into the full potential of India-Germany economic relations, we need to conclude the negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the European Union.” Emphasising the strategic importance Germany attaches to the partnership, he added that India is a “partner of choice” for Berlin. Highlighting the changing global landscape, Merz noted that the international order is undergoing significant transformation marked by great-power politics and shifting spheres of influence. Stressing the strategic importance of defence cooperation, he said India and Germany have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration between their defence industries, covering development, production, innovation and the strengthening of global supply chains. “We want to deepen cooperation of our defence industries and this has strategic significance,” the Chancellor said, adding that both sides aim to take bilateral relations to “an even higher and new level.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the media alongside Merz in Ahmedabad, said India and Germany are united in their resolve to combat terrorism, which he described as the “ultimate and serious threat to humanity.” “India and Germany will come together and continue to fight it resolutely,” the Prime Minister said. PM Modi said the two leaders also discussed recent developments in Ukraine and Gaza, reiterating support for peaceful resolution of conflicts. He highlighted the expanding India-Germany partnership across trade, technology, defence and key global issues, noting that bilateral trade has crossed an all-time high of USD 50 billion, with over 2,000 German companies operating in India. D e f e n c e cooperation featured prominently during the talks, with PM Modi stating that growing engagement India-Germany see page 4 India Unveils BRICS 2026 Theme, Logo and Website; Jaishankar Calls for People-First, Reformed Multilateralism New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): India on Tuesday officially assumed the chairship of the BRICS grouping for 2026, unveiling the theme, logo and official website for its presidency, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined New Delhi’s vision of a people-centric, inclusive and reformed multilateral order amid growing global challenges. Launching the BRICS 2026 logo and website at a ceremony held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan on the eve of Makar Sankranti, Jaishankar said India’s chairship would seek to harness the collective potential of BRICS member states to promote global welfare in an era marked by geopolitical volatility, economic uncertainty, climate risks and technological disruption. India formally took over the BRICS presidency from Brazil on January 1, marking its fourth term as chair after 2012, 2016 and during the COVID-19 period in Remember: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Jesus Christ 2021. The 2026 chairship coincides with 20 years of BRICS, which Jaishankar described as having evolved into a significant platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies. The BRICS grouping currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia joining later as full members. Several countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan, have also been inducted as partner countries. The logo for India’s BRICS chairship features the lotus, India’s national flower, symbolising prosperity and growth, with the traditional greeting “Namaste” at its centre. The petals incorporate the colours of all BRICS member countries, representing unity in diversity and a shared purpose. The design was selected through an open public contest on the government’s citizen engagement platform. The logo is accompanied by the theme and tagline: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Jaishankar said the theme reflects India’s belief that cooperation among BRICS members can address shared global challenges in a balanced, inclusive and people-focused manner, while blending tradition with modernity. O u t l i n i n g India’s approach, the External Affairs Minister identified four broad priorities guiding the 2026 chairship — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability — which will provide a coherent framework across BRICS’ three foundational pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-topeople exchanges. Under the resilience pillar, India BRICSss0 see page 2
2 Friday January 16, 2026 US Ambassador Sergio Gor Pledges to Deepen Defence, Trade, Technology Ties with India New Delhi, January 14 (ANI): United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday pledged to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in defence, trade, technology, and critical minerals, calling the U.S.–India relationship one of “promise and opportunity.” Ambassador Gor presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu during an official ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, formally assuming office as the 27th United States Ambassador to India. “It is an honour to present my credentials to President Murmu and to serve in India at a time of such promise and opportunity in the U.S.India relationship,” Gor said. “I look forward to working closely with the Government of India and the Indian people to advance our shared priorities in defense, trade, technology, and critical minerals, and to further strengthen the partnership between our two great democracies.” In a post on X, Rashtrapati Bhavan confirmed that President Murmu also received credentials from Chandradath Singh, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, and Dr Robert Zischg, Ambassador of Austria, during the same ceremony. Gor’s presentation of credentials came days after he officially took charge in New Delhi. On Monday, he took the oath of office at the U.S. Embassy in the national capital. Addressing embassy staff and guests, Ambassador Gor highlighted the close personal relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as “real” and grounded at the highest levels of leadership. “I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real,” he said. “The United States and India are bound not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree, but they always resolve their differences in the end.” Emphasising the strategic importance of India, Gor said his mission is to elevate bilateral ties further. “This is the intersection between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy,” he said, adding that President Trump has fond memories of his last visit to India and hopes to visit again in the coming years. Ambassador Gor also noted the strong momentum in the relationship and said he intends to pursue an ambitious agenda to deepen cooperation across strategic and economic sectors. Prior to his appointment, Gor served as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House. He is a prominent American businessman and political operative with extensive experience in political communications and outreach. His previous roles include positions with the Republican National Committee, Americans for Limited Government, and as Press Secretary to Representative Michele Bachmann, as well as Communications Director for former Congressman Randy Forbes. Gor graduated from The George Washington University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Affairs. (ANI)
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India This Week Friday January 16, 2026 India, Germany ink key agreements to boost cooperation in defence, technology and energy Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 12 (ANI): India and Germany on Monday finalised a set of agreements across a wide range of sectors, including defence, technology, health, energy and human resources, during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz‘s twoday official visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs said the two sides concluded 19 agreements and announced several measures to intensify engagement across strategic, economic and people-to-people pillars. One of the key outcomes was a Joint Declaration of Intent to boost bilateral defence industrial cooperation. Speaking at the IndiaGermany CEOs Forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This will provide clear policy support to our companies for co-innovation and coproduction in defence. New opportunities for cooperation will also open up in the space sector.”To strengthen the economic partnership, India and Germany also decided to establish a CEO Forum to be integrated into the Joint India-Germany Economic and Investment Committee. In the domain of critical and emerging technologies, the two countries signed multiple declarations of intent, including a semiconductor ecosystem partnership, cooperation on critical minerals, and collaboration in telecommunications. Energy and sustainability were among the major focus areas of the outcomes. An offtake agreement was signed between India’s AM Green and Germany’s Uniper Global Commodities for green ammonia. In addition, an MoU was signed between India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board and the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water Industries (DVGW) to cooperate on renewable energy. On education, skilling and mobility, a higher education roadmap was adopted, and additional agreements were concluded, including the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Renewable Energy at the National Skill Training Institute in Hyderabad. Germany also announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders transiting through the country. The two sides agreed to set up a Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue and a bilateral dialogue mechanism focused on the Indo-Pacific, the MEA said. Germany committed an additional India-Germany ties poised for new momentum as Merz backs India-EU FTA, expands defence, education and counter-terrorism cooperation India-Germany From Page 1 with Germany aligns with India’s vision and is opening new avenues for defence trade. He also pointed to deeper people-to-people ties through initiatives such as the Global Skills Partnership, new steps in sports cooperation, and the Both leaders reaffirmed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, continued engagement with the Global South, and joint efforts under the G4 framework to reform the UN Security Council. Emphasising economic and technological collaboration, PM Modi said the decision to establish an India-Germany Centre of Excellence and launch a new green hydrogen project could be a game-changer, while MoUs signed during the visit are expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the timing of Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India is particularly significant, as it coincides with the silver jubilee of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership (25 years) and the platinum jubilee of diplomatic relations (75 years). He noted that Merz is accompanied by a high-powered official and business delegation, reflecting the importance both sides attach to trade, business and investment ties. As part of efforts to expand cooperation across sectors, India and Germany finalised a comprehensive roadmap to deepen collaboration in higher education. PM Modi invited German universities to set up campuses in India, calling the roadmap a move that would give “a new direction” to academic partnership. The two leaders also met CEOs from both countries at the India-Germany CEOs Forum in Ahmedabad, where PM Modi said the strong presence of German companies reflects their confidence in India’s growth story. During his twoday visit from January 12 to 13, Chancellor Merz also attended the International Kite Festival with PM Modi, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, and is scheduled to visit Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) before departing for Germany. The visit is expected to build on sustained high-level political engagement and reaffirm India and Germany’s shared vision for a forward-looking partnership that contributes to regional stability and global prosperity. (ANI) 1.24 billion euros under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) for projects in renewable energy, green hydrogen, the PM e-Bus Sewa programme, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. The Prime Minister’s Office said Germany had earlier committed 10 billion euros under the partnership for 2030, largely in the form of concessional loans, and that around 5 billion euros have already been utilised or earmarked for projects since 2022. The MEA further said that a battery storage working group has been initiated under the India-Germany Platform for Investments in Renewable Energy Worldwide. (ANI) “India-Germany friendship finds inspiration in shared values of sustainability”: MEA New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Monday said that the IndiaGermany friendship finds inspiration in shared values of sustainability, resilience, and human-centred development after the visit of the German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the historic Adalaj Stepwell in Gujarat. In a post on X, Jaiswal wrote, “@ Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz accompanied by EAM @DrSJaishankar visited Adalaj Stepwell in Gujarat, a 15th century architectural marvel and a symbol of rich confluence of heritage, sustainability and community life. The stepwell served as a water source, place for community gathering and cool refuge for locals and travelers. India-Germany friendship finds inspiration in shared values of sustainability, resilience and humancentered development,” the MEA spokesperson added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the growing momentum in IndiaGermany ties, underscoring the importance of deeper economic cooperation between the two countries as German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his two-day official visit to India. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Chancellor Merz and I met Indian and German CEOs. Close collaboration between India and Germany is important for the entire world. Growing trade and investment ties have infused new momentum into our partnership. Our bilateral trade has reached an all-time high, and several German companies are investing in India. We want to deepen economic linkages even further in the times to come.” India and Germany on Monday finalised a set of agreements across a wide range of sectors, including defence, technology, health, energy and human resources, during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s two-day official visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs said the two sides concluded 19 agreements and announced several measures to intensify engagement across strategic, economic and people-to-people pillars.One of the key outcomes was a Joint Declaration of Intent to boost bilateral defence industrial cooperation. Speaking at the India-Germany CEOs Forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This will provide clear policy support to our companies for co-innovation and coproduction in defence. New opportunities for cooperation will also open up in the space sector.”
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6 Friday January 16, 2026 India Unveils BRICS 2026 Theme, Logo and Website; “A Good Conversation”: Jaishankar Calls for People-First, Reformed Multilateralism Jaishankar-Rubio Call BRICS 1 aims to strengthen institutional capacities to withstand global shocks by enhancing cooperation in agriculture, health, disaster risk reduction, energy and supply chains. Emphasising innovation as a key driver of development, Jaishankar highlighted the role of emerging technologies, start-ups and MSMEs in addressing socioeconomic challenges while maintaining a peoplecentric focus. He said India would place equal emphasis from page on cooperation and sustainability, advancing climate action, promoting clean energy and supporting sustainable development pathways that are fair and sensitive to national circumstances. Calling for urgent reform of global governance structures, Jaishankar stressed that BRICS must commit to a reformed multilateral system that reflects contemporary realities. He said institutions such as the United Nations, WTO, IMF and World Bank must become more representative and inclusive The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 16, 2025 Monsters in Sheep’s Skin They come in sheep’s clothing, Voices soft, fists concealed, Crying power to the people While plotting what must be stolen and sealed. They claim they fight the rulers, That they stand with the broken and poor, They swear they are the people’s shield, Guardians of a prosperous future assured. They tear down thrones and legacies, Not for justice, not for truth, But to erase every rival voice And poison the faith of the youth. They burn the nation’s inheritance, What centuries struggled to save, Shatter monuments, memory, and meaning, Digging history’s unmarked grave. Every ruin they justify loudly, As restoration, as rights reclaimed, They promise freedom and dignity— Yet leave the people shocked and shamed. Death and destruction are their tools, Looting disguised as reform, They ransack the land in daylight While speaking sweetness to disarm. Once seated upon stolen power, The mask finally falls away, And those who raised them to the throne Are the first they betray. Obedience is no longer requested— It is demanded, enforced, ensured. Dissent is met with iron fists, And mercy is no longer endured. Cruel monsters crowned by deception, They sold utopia with charm, Delivered ruin wrapped in slogans, And stripped the people of life and arm. When the crowd at last awakens And sees words do not build a just land, It is already too late— The thieves command. They do not hesitate to kill or destroy, Conscience is foreign, kindness unknown, Innocent blood is merely collateral To preserve the power they’ve grown. Gullibility is not an asset, but a curse When truth is ignored or unseen, We elect those who speak sweet lies— It’ll be hard to dethrone monsters from power. to remain effective. Highlighting the role of the Shanghaiheadquartered New Development Bank (NDB), founded by BRICS countries in 2015, Jaishankar described it as a key instrument for infrastructure development and sustainable growth in emerging economies, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening the bank as a credible and financially sustainable institution. The newly launched BRICS India website will serve as a common platform during the chairship, providing information on meetings, initiatives and outcomes, while enhancing transparency, engagement and timely dissemination of information. People-to-people exchanges, including cooperation in youth, culture, education, sports, tourism and academia, will remain a core focus of India’s chairship, the minister said, reiterating that BRICS is guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality and consensus. Echoing support for deeper cooperation, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said China stands ready to work with all parties to promote high-quality BRICS cooperation and contribute to an equal, multipolar world and inclusive economic globalisation. Jaishankar said India views BRICS as a constructive platform that complements the broader multilateral system and pledged to make its 2026 chairship inclusive, practical, people-centred and outcome-oriented, expressing confidence in continued cooperation among member states and partners. (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 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 Covers Trade, Defence, and Critical Minerals NEW DELHI [India], January 14 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence, and broader energy collaboration. In a post on X, Jaishankar described the discussion as “a good conversation,” adding that the two leaders agreed to stay in close touch on these and other issues. The call comes amid ongoing friction between New Delhi and Washington over trade negotiations and USimposed tariffs on Indian imports, particularly related to Russian oil purchases. India currently faces 50 per cent tariffs, the steepest levied by the United States, despite ongoing talks since February last year following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Washington. Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, Tommy Pigott, confirmed that Secretary Rubio congratulated India on passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill, noting its potential to expand US-India civil nuclear cooperation, enhance opportunities for American companies, and secure critical mineral supply chains. The discussion also addressed ongoing bilateral trade negotiations and shared interest in strengthening economic ties. Both leaders exchanged perspectives on regional developments, reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the call as “positive,” highlighting talks on next steps in bilateral trade, critical minerals, and a potential follow-up meeting next month. In a post on X, Gor wrote, “A quick update: @SecRubio just concluded a positive call with @DrSJaishankar. They discussed next steps regarding our bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals, and a possible meeting next month.” The conversation follows Gor’s earlier confirmation that the next round of trade talks was scheduled for Tuesday. He reiterated that no country is as essential to Washington as India and noted both governments are actively working to finalise a trade agreement while also cooperating on security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health. Gor described the relationship as one “where real friends can disagree, but resolve their differences,” referencing the dynamic between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump. He also announced that India will be invited to join the USled Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month, a move expected to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and position India as an alternative production hub. Pax Silica, launched in 2025, is focused on secure, innovationdriven silicon supply chains and aligns with the critical minerals agenda discussed by Jaishankar. India’s eventual inclusion mirrors its participation in other initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). (ANI)
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8 Friday January 16, 2026 Jal Shakti Minister Paatil inaugurates aquatic biodiversity conservation initiatives under Namami Gange Mission New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C. R. Paatil, reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to protecting rivers not merely as channels of water, but as life-supporting ecosystems. Emphasising that the true indicator of river health lies in the thriving of aquatic biodiversity, the Minister inaugurated several significant and far-reaching initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. A special programme was organised on the occasion, during which Paatil launched new and advanced projects focused on river rejuvenation and aquatic life conservation. According to an official release from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the event was graced by Dr. Vinay Kumar Ruhella, Vice Chairman, State Disaster Management Authority, Uttarakhand; Dr. Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj, Director, Wildlife Institute of India; and Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, along with senior officials, researchers, conservation experts and students. Namami Gange program has partnered with Wildlife Institute of India to develop a dedicated centre for study, research and policy support for aquatic biodiversity conservation. The centre was inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by Minister Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil. The ‘Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers’ has been established as an organised and advanced institutional framework to monitor and conserve aquatic life in the Ganga and other rivers. Through modern technology, scientific research and data-driven decision-making, the Centre will provide a strong foundation for monitoring, conservation and long-term protection of aquatic species. In the future, it will play a guiding role in policy formulation, research and conservation strategies. The centre has got an ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology and a spatial ecology lab for taking samples from water and species and identifying hotspots. The centre also has got a microplastic lab for the identification of microplastics in the ecosystem. During the programme, the Dolphin Rescue Ambulance of TSAFI was inaugurated, further strengthening ongoing efforts for dolphin conservation. This ambulance will provide a rapid, sensitive and scientifically equipped lifesaving response for Ganga dolphins in distress. The Minister stated that the Ganga dolphin is a sensitive indicator of river health, and this initiative reflects the government’s seriousness and responsiveness towar ds the protection of aquatic life. The van is a major effort of NMCG in dolphin conservation and rescue, and would go a long way in conserving India’s national aquatic animal, as per the release. In the same sequence, C.R. Paatil interacted with researchers and MSc. Students of World Life Institute of India. Under the aegis of Namami Gange, WII has launched a two-year Master’s program in Freshwater Ecology Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 12 (ANI): The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C62 mission carrying the ‘Anvesha’/ EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites launched by India on Monday encountered an anomaly during the end of the PS3 burn stage with ISRO chairman V Naryanan stating that “a deviation in the vehicle’s flight path” was observed.” A detailed analysis has been initiated,” the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) posted on X.ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said a disturbance was observed in the vehicle at the end of the third stage, which was otherwise proceeding as expected. “Today, we have attempted the PSLV C62 / EOS - N1 Mission. The PSLV vehicle is a four-stage vehicle with two solid stages and two liquid stages. The vehicle’s performance near the end of the third stage was as expected. (However), near the end of the third stage, we are seeing increased disturbance in the vehicle. Subsequently, a deviation in the vehicle’s flight path is observed. We are analysing the data and will come back at the earliest,” Narayanan said. This is ISRO’s first major launch of 2026. The mission aimed to place an Earth observation satellite into orbit from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at Sriharikota. PSLV-C62 mission witnesses disturbance at PS3 stage, deviation in vehicle’s flight path: ISRO and Conservation, training students to understand and protect India’s rivers, wetlands, and freshwater ecosystems through science, fieldwork, and policy studies, equipping future conservationists for river restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable water management. The minister complimented the students for taking up this specialised course and being dedicated to the cause of river conservation and rejuvenation.The Union Minister carried out a plantation drive in WII and dedicated it to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign led by the PM. The plantation of trees is an integral component of the Namami Gange program and plays a crucial role in conserving the overall river ecosystem. The programme also witnessed the formal launch of the Indian Skimmer Conservation Project by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Through this initiative, ongoing efforts to conserve rare bird species along the riverine stretches of the Ganga have been given a structured and organised form. The project underlines that river conservation is not limited to water or aquatic species alone, but is steadily evolving towards the balanced protection of the entire river ecosystem. These species are not only indicators of river health, but also symbols of the richness of our water resources. He further emphasised that by giving equal importance to uninterrupted flow, cleanliness and biodiversity conservation, the Mission has adopted a multidimensional, scientific and integrated approach. In addition, the success of the first phase of TSAFI’s Turtle Conservation Project was highlighted. The Minister remarked that turtles act as silent sentinels of river systems, and their presence indicates river cleanliness and ecological balance. The project has demonstrated that endangered species can be effectively revived through scientific reintroduction, continuous monitoring and active community participation. Under the rewilding and population recovery component, the project achieved several national milestones. Fifteen captive-reared subadults of Narrow-headed Softshell Turtles (Chitra indica) were released into the middle Yamuna. Out of that, 10 turtles were tagged with radio-transmitters and monitored.Additionally, 20 captive-bred, Red-crowned Roofed Turtles (Batagur kachuga) were tagged with acoustic transmitters and reintroduced into the Upper Ganga near Haiderpur Wetland Complex– marking the first monitored reintroduction of the species in its historic range after three decades.Paatil also reviewed the overall outcome of the project sanctioned by NMCG to WII for biodiversity conservation in the river Ganga and expressed his satisfaction over the outcomes of the program. He also mentioned that India is now moving forward with full commitment not only towards cleaning its rivers, but also towards conserving their biodiversity, aquatic life and cultural heritage. Sustained efforts are being made to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy, balanced and lifesupporting river system. According to the release, the Minister interacted with Ganga Praharis and mentioned that with the active participation of Ganga Praharis and the younger generation, it has become evident that the future is in safe hands. Their energy, dedication and active involvement have led to remarkable progress in river conservation and cleanliness. The increasing population of over 6,000 dolphins in the Ganga stands as a strong testament to this success, indicating that our rivers are becoming cleaner and more life-sustaining. This achievement is not the result of government efforts alone, but also of Jan Bhagidari and the active participation of local communities.The event also witnessed the launch of two publications from WII. The Minister launched a publication on the population status and conservation action plan for the critically endangered Gharial. The report presents the distribution of the Gharial in the Ganga basin. A publication on Millets for Life was released, which brings out the linking of biodiversity conservation with food and nutrition security. (ANI)
Friday January 16, 2026 9 Speaker Om Birla to Chair 28th Commonwealth Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers; Delhi Event to Be Largest Ever New Delhi, Jan. 12 — The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), hosted by the Parliament of India, will be the largest in its history in terms of participation. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who serves as the Chairperson of the Conference, announced the details at a press briefing in New Delhi on Monday. Scheduled from January 14 to 16, the conference will focus on shared parliamentary values, democratic governance, and institutional cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event on January 15 in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Complex. Following the inauguration, PM Modi will hold informal interactions with Speakers and Presiding Officers from the Commonwealth. Speaker Birla highlighted that the conference has been organized using entirely digital means, with no paper used. “An app has been developed to facilitate all aspects of conference coordination, and a web- based event management system will ensure smooth dissemination of information,” he said. At least 42 countries have confirmed their participation, though Pakistan will not be represented and Bangladesh currently lacks a Speaker due to upcoming general elections. The Standing Committee meeting overseeing CSPOC activities will be held on January 14 at the Red Fort in Delhi, where delegates will be treated to a light and sound show, followed by a dinner hosted by Speaker Uttarakhand govt orders magisterial inquiry into suicide of farmer D e h r a d u n (Uttarakhand) [India], January 12 (ANI): The Uttarakhand government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the suicide case of farmer Sukhwant Singh, who hailed from Udham Singh Nagar district. The inquiry will be conducted by Kumaon Division Commissioner Deepak Rawat.State Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, while issuing the order, stated that the inquiry officer has been directed to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the entire incident and the allegations made in the viral video, and to submit a clear and detailed report to the government at the earliest. The deceased farmer, before taking his own life, had shared a video on social media in which he made serious allegations against certain individuals, as well as police officers and personnel of Udham Singh Nagar district.A 40-year-old man, identified as Sukhwant Singh, died by suicide in a hotel room in Haldwani early Sunday morning. Before he took this step, he uploaded a video, levelling serious allegations against several property dealers and police officers. According to Nainital SSP Dr Manjunath TC, the incident occurred at noon at Hotel Devbhoomi Gaulapar. The hotel manager, Sanju Bisht, alerted the Kathgodam police after hearing gunshots from Room 101.”Between 2.30 and 3.00 am this morning, the staff member stationed at Kathgodam PS received a phone call from Sanju Bisht, the manager of Hotel Devbhoomi Gaulapar, reporting that gunshots had been heard in room 101, and that a man had possibly shot himself,” he said. Upon arrival, Bisht reported that Sukhwant Singh was staying at the hotel with his wife, Pradeep Kaur (40), and their 14-year-old son, Gurbir Singh. According to statements from the family, Kaur was suddenly injured while she and her son were sleeping. She rushed outside with her son, and Singh locked the door from inside. Moments later, gunshots were heard from within the room.” The man’s wife and son stated that while they were sleeping, the wife was suddenly injured. They didn’t know how it happened. It is suspected that the man committed the act. His wife then screamed and took their son outside, and the man locked the room from the inside. Gunshots were then heard from within the room,” he said. Police arrived at the scene, broke down the door, and found Singh lying unconscious and bleeding. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The SSP stated that information about the three was found after they went through their documents at the hotel. It has come out that Singh alleged harassment and extortion by Udham Singh Nagar police in a Facebook Live video before his death, citing a Rs.4 crore land fraud case and pressure from police and property dealers.Furthermore, Singh had given his wife the documents the previous day, with instructions to hand them over to the authorities.” The deceased had given some documents to his wife the day before, telling her to hand them over to the Police the next day. At that time, she wasn’t aware her husband would take such a step”, Nainital SSP said.The victim’s wife and son received professional counselling due to the shock, and a state-level forensic team also conducted a site visit. Birla at 7:30 pm. Key topics at the conference include “AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation,” “Social Media and Its Impact on Parliamentarians,” “Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament Beyond Voting,” and “Security, Health and Wellbeing of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Officials.” A special plenary session will focus on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining robust democratic institutions, with a keynote address by Speaker Birla. The CSPOC was created in 1969 by thenSpeaker of the House of Commons of Canada, Lucien Lamoureux. It brings together Speakers and Presiding Officers from the 53 sovereign states of the Commonwealth and operates independently from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM), though its membership mirrors that of the CPA. The conference is held every two years, with a Standing Committee meeting in the intervening year. India’s hosting of the 28th CSPOC was confirmed during the 25th CSPOC in Ottawa in January 2020, when Speaker Birla led the Indian Parliamentary Delegation. Post-conference, delegates will participate in a tour of Jaipur on January 17 and 18. 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