FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng N ew s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tin en t Pub li s hed From the U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No. 6 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday February 6, 2026 Nirmala Sitharaman presents 9th Union Budget, says “Reform Express” will maintain momentum New Delhi [India], February 1 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday created history by presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget in Parliament, asserting that the “reform express” of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is well on its way and will continue to maintain momentum to fulfil its duties. Highlighting the economic performance of the NDA government, Sitharaman said India’s economic trajectory since 2014 has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline and sustained growth. “The reform express is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfil our duties. Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country’s economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation,” she said. She noted that these outcomes were the result of conscious policy choices made even during periods of uncertainty and global disruption. Emphasising Aatmanirbharta as a guiding principle, Sitharaman said the government has strengthened domestic manufacturing capacity, ensured energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. “Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the government,” she said. She added that reforms undertaken to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services have delivered a high growth rate of around 7 per cent, while enabling substantial strides ciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%,” Trump said. Trump further claimed that India would move forward to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the United States to zero and committed to “BUY AMERICAN” at a much higher level, including purchases of over USD 500 billion worth of US energy, technology, agricultural products, coal and other goods. “Our amazing re- lationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most,” Trump added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was wonderful to speak with his “dear friend President Trump” and expressed delight that Made in India products would now face a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” PM Modi said in a post on X. The Prime Minister said that when two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits people in both countries and unlocks immense in poverty reduction and improvement in people’s lives. The Finance Minister further stated that the NDA government has consistently chosen action over ambivalence, pursuing far-reaching structural reforms, fiscal prudence and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment. Referring to global challenges, Sitharaman said India is operating in an external environment where trade and multilateralism are under strain, supply chains are disrupted and access to resources is increasingly constrained. “India will conBUDGET 2026 SEE PAGE 4 President Trump claims trade deal with India, says reciprocal tariff down to 18 per cent, PM Modi Delighted New Delhi [India], February 2 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi “have agreed to a Trade Deal” between the United States and India, under which the US will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump referred to his conversation with Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day, describing him as one of his “greatest friends” and a powerful and respected leader of India. Trump said that he and PM Modi are two leaders who “get things done.” Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and to purchase significantly more from the United States, and potentially Venezuela, asserting that such steps would help end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said. “He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from Remember: “Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate. For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.” Proverbs the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week,” Trump added. “Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Re- opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. “President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights,” PM Modi said. The Indian government, however, had not issued an official announcement detailing the trade deal at the time of filing this report, and further details were awaited. Earlier, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said that President Trump had spoken with Prime Minister Modi. “President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNED…,” Gor said in a post on X. Prime Minister Modi and President Trump had last spoken in December, when both leaders agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests. (ANI)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026 “Deliberate attempt to prevent LoP from speaking on national security”: Rahul Gandhi writes to Om Birla New Delhi, Feb 02 (ANI): Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi speaks in Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget Session, in New Delhi on Monday. (Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab) New Delhi [India], February 3 (ANI): Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday wrote to Speaker Om Birla, alleging that he was deliberately prevented from speaking on matters of national security during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. In his letter, Gandhi said he had followed parliamentary convention by authenticating a document he intended to cite in the House, but was still not permitted to quote or refer to it. He stated that the Speaker had directed him to authenticate the magazine during his speech the previous day, which he did before resuming his ad- dress on Tuesday. “By long-standing convention, including repeated rulings of past Speakers, a Member who wishes to refer to a document in the House is required to authenticate it and affirm responsibility for its contents. Once this requirement is fulfilled, the Speaker allows the Member to quote or refer to the document,” Gandhi wrote. He added that once a document is authenticated, it becomes the responsibility of the government to respond, and the role of the Chair stands concluded. Gandhi alleged that despite fulfilling this requirement, he was prevented from speaking, which he said violated established parliamentary convention. “Preventing me from speaking in the Lok Sabha today not only violates this convention, but also gives rise to a serious concern that there is a deliberate attempt to prevent me, in my capacity as the Leader of the Opposition, from speaking on matters of national security,” the letter said. Gandhi emphasised that national security was a key part of the President’s Address and therefore required discussion in Parliament. He further stated that it was the Speaker’s constitutional duty to protect the rights of all Members, including those in the Opposition. “The right of the Leader of the Opposition and of each Member to speak is integral to our democracy,” Gandhi wrote, calling the denial of his opportunity to speak an “unprecedented” act and a “blot on our democracy.” He recorded his “strongest protest” against what he described as the Speaker acting on the behest of the government. Earlier in the day, Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming the Prime Minister was “too afraid” to allow him to speak in Parliament on former Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s unpublished memoir and the Epstein files. “PM Modi is compromised. PM is too afraid to let me speak in Parliament about Naravane, Epstein Files and how he has surrendered on tariffs,” Gandhi posted on X. Meanwhile, eight opposition Members of Parliament were suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Budget Session for violating House rules and allegedly throwing papers at the Chair during the uproar. The suspension followed protests over Gandhi’s insistence on referring to a specific account related to the 2020 standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. The House witnessed two adjournments earlier in the day before resuming pro- ceedings at 3 pm. Gandhi later said he would not refer to any magazine article related to General Naravane’s memoir, but would speak on Chinese actions during the Kailash Range standoff and the government’s response. The government maintained that he could not quote from an unpublished memoir or a maga- zine article based on it. The MPs suspended for the remainder of the session include Congress leaders Hibi Eden, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Prashant Yadaorao Padole, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, and Dean Kuriakose, along with CPI(M) MP S. Venkatesan. (ANI)
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026 Nirmala Sitharaman presents 9th Union Budget, says “Reform Express” will maintain momentum BUDGET 2026 FROM PAGE 1 tinue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion,” she said. Unveils initiative for high-quality sports manufacturing Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a dedicated initiative for high-quality sports goods manufacturing and research while presenting the Union Budget 202627. “I propose a dedicated initiative for high-quality sports goods manufacturing, research and innovation in equipment design as well as material sciences,” Sitharaman said, adding that India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for affordable, high-quality sports goods. She also proposed a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters to improve cost competitiveness and efficiency through infrastructure and technology upgradation. Highlighting employment potential, Sitharaman said the sports sector provides multiple avenues for skilling and job creation. She proposed launching a Khelo India Mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade. For the labour-intensive textile sector, the Finance Minister announced an integrated programme with multiple pillars. The first pillar, the National Fibre Scheme, aims to achieve self-reliance in natural fibres such as silk, wool and jute, as well as man-made and next-generation industrial fibres. The second pillar, the Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme, seeks to modernise traditional clusters through capital support for machinery, technology upgrades and common testing and certification centres. The third component, the National Handloom and Handicraft Programme (NHHP), is designed to integrate and strengthen existing schemes while ensuring targeted support for weavers and artisans. With the introduction of Samarth 2.0, the government aims to modernise the textile skilling ecosystem through collaboration with industry and academic institutions, ensuring a future-ready workforce. Concluding her remarks, Sitharaman said large-scale infrastructure will play a key role in improving efficiency. She proposed setting up mega textile parks to reduce logistics costs, boost exports and promote value addition, particularly in technical textiles used in healthcare and automotive industries. Budget 2026: Fiscal deficit target pegged at 4.3% for 2026-27 Presenting the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sithara- man pegged the fiscal deficit at 4.3 per cent of GDP for 2026-27, compared to 4.4 per cent targeted in 2025-26. Fiscal deficit represents the gap between total revenue and total expenditure and indicates the government’s borrowing requirements. The government had aimed to bring the deficit below 4.5 per cent of GDP by 2025-26 and remains on course to achieve this target. The Union Budget 2026-27 outlines a comprehensive economic roadmap focused on strengthening self-reliance while keeping India firmly integrated with global markets. To sustain economic momentum, Sitharaman identified seven priority areas, including scaling up manufacturing across strategic and frontier sectors and promoting city-based economic regions as new engines of growth. As part of sector-specific initiatives, the government announced Bio Pharma Shakti, a Rs 10,000-crore programme over five years to build a strong ecosystem for domestic production of biologics and biosimilars. In the technology and minerals space, the government announced the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, along with industry-led research and training centres to develop a skilled workforce. Targeted support was also proposed for mineral-rich states such as Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to establish rare-earth corridors, building on a permanent magnet scheme launched in 2025. Sitharaman reiterated that India’s economic journey since 2014 has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline and sustained growth, while balancing ambition with inclusion. India’s real GDP growth for 2026-27 is projected at 6.8–7.2 per cent, reflecting strong medi- have laid out a clear narrative addressing the major challenges highlighted in the Economic Survey. Chidambaram said the Economic Survey identified at least 10 major challenges, including stress on manufacturers and exporters due to penal tariffs imposed by the United States, prolonged trade conflicts affecting investment, a growing trade deficit—especially with China—and low Gross Fixed Capital Formation of around 30 per cent reflecting private sector reluctance to invest. He further cited uncertainty in foreign direct investment inflows, persistent outflow of foreign portfolio investment, slow fiscal consolidation, high fiscal and revenue deficits contrary to the FRBM framework, and a growing gap between official inflation figures and household expenditure realities. The Congress leader also highlight- ed the closure of lakhs of MSMEs, the survival struggles of those remaining, the precarious employment situation— particularly youth unemployment—and worsening urban infrastructure. Chidambaram said none of these concerns were addressed in the Finance Minister’s speech. He criticised the financial management of 2025–26, pointing out shortfalls in revenue receipts and total expenditure, along with cuts in both revenue and capital expenditure. He noted that the Centre’s capital expenditure had fallen from 3.2 per cent of GDP in 2024–25 to 3.1 per cent in 2025–26, without any explanation in the Budget speech. Citing sectoral cuts, Chidambaram said expenditure on Jal Jeevan Mission had been slashed sharply from Rs 67,000 crore to Rs 17,000 crore, calling it cruel and detri- um-term growth potential despite global challenges. Finance Minister proposes Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed the introduction of a dedicated Rs 10,000-crore SME growth fund to create future champions and generate employment. “I propose to introduce a dedicated Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund to incentivise enterprises based on select criteria,” she said, adding that the self-reliant India fund will be topped up with Rs 2,000 crore to support micro-enterprises and maintain access to risk capital. More than Rs 7 lakh crore has already been made available to MSMEs through liquidity support measures, the Finance Minister noted. To further leverage MSME potential, Sitharaman proposed mandating the TREDS platform for all purchases from MSMEs by CPSEs, introducing credit guarantee support for invoice discounting, linking government procurement data with financiers, and enabling TREDS receivables to be treated as asset-backed securities. She also announced continued focus on infrastructure development in Tier-II and Tier-III cities with populations exceeding five lakh to transform them into growth centres. Public capital expenditure has increased from Rs 2 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 11.2 lakh crore, and is proposed to rise further to Rs 12.2 lakh crore in 2026-27. India’s real GDP growth for 2026-27 is projected at 6.8–7.2 per cent, while headline inflation averaged 1.7 per cent during April–December 2025, the lowest since the CPI series began, supported by favourable supply-side conditions. (ANI) Union Budget has failed the test of economic strategy, economic statesmanship: Chidambaram New Delhi [India], February 1 (ANI): Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament earlier in the day has “failed the test of economic strategy and economic statesmanship.” Addressing a press conference, the former Finance Minister said he was not sure whether the Finance Minister or the government had read the Economic Survey 2025–26 and, even if they had, they appeared to have discarded it in favour of “their favourite pastime of throwing words—usually acronyms—at the people.” “Every prebudget commentator and writer, and every student of economics, must be astonished by what he or she heard in the Finance Minister’s speech to Parliament today,” Chidambaram said. He added that in the current circumstances, the Budget speech should mental to common people. He also criticised the fiscal deficit projection for 2026–27, which is expected to decline by only 0.1 per cent of GDP, with the revenue deficit remaining at 1.5 per cent, calling it far from a bold exercise in fiscal prudence. Chidambaram said the Finance Minister announced at least 24 new schemes, programmes, missions and initiatives, many of which he believed would disappear within a year. Commenting on tax proposals, he said minor changes to income tax rates would impact only a small section of the population, while indirect tax concessions were limited. “Our verdict is that the Budget speech and the Budget fail the test of economic strategy and economic statesmanship,” he said. (ANI)
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026 MPs felicitate PM Modi for India-US trade agreement at NDA Parliamentary party meeting New Delhi [India], February 3 (ANI): NDA MPs on Tuesday felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliamentary Party meeting for the trade deal with the United States. This comes after Trump said that the US and India “have agreed to a trade deal,” with Washington reducing the reciprocal tariff from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, “out of friendship and respect” for PM Modi.BJP National President Nitin Nabin was also formally welcomed at the meeting.Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other senior leaders attended the meeting. Later today, both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to continue the discussion on the motion of ‘Thanks to the President’s address’ during the The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- February 6, 2025 The “Stolen Land”? By Rajan George ongoing Budget Session.In the Lok Sabha, the motion was moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya. On Monday, the House witnessed a heated exchange between the NDA and the INDIA bloc MPs during Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s address, during which he cited an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General MM Naravane on border tensions with China. BJP members strongly objected to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, saying he violated the House’s rules.In the Upper House, INDIA THIS WEEK Gilded stages swing their doors wide open For vainglorious souls who stride Straight from hell, living for themselves, Feigning care for the less fortunate. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online Screaming loud into polished mics, Berating American life, its values and norms, Promoting perverse conduct, Unleashing folly without restraint. 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. They show concern, yet spend not a dime; These bellicose brutes believe not a word They utter, aimed only at pleasing a crowd That swallows what spills from foul mouths. They call it “stolen land,” while crowning themselves In privilege, housed in lavish mansions Built on what they themselves denounce As “stolen land”—yet never yield an inch. When summoned to match words with action, They fold and hide, for in their hearts They wish no silence, no sacrifice— They do not believe their own cries. Look inward when you cast aspersions On others, or on the nation you call home— Its freedoms granted, its privileges enjoyed; If you will not surrender them, hold your tongue. There may be wretches who cheer and scream, Applauding the echo of hollow words; But if you do not mean what you proclaim, You crown yourself an irredeemable fool. Some prominent figures in film, music, and politics claim that America was founded on stolen land and should be returned to its rightful owners, yet they themselves live comfortably on land once held by Native American tribes. Despite their influence and public platforms, they show no willingness to act on their claims by leaving the country or relinquishing the mansions that, by their own logic, stand on “stolen land.” They continue to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution while launching vitriolic attacks against a nation that remains a beacon of hope at home and abroad. Until their words are matched by action, such claims amount to little more than hollow rhetoric. India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, 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 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 the BJP MP Sadananad Master moved the motion of thanks and, on Monday, delivered an emotional address, placing his artificial limbs on the bench. The motion comes in response to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both the Houses to mark the beginning of the Budget Session on January 28. Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed repeated interruptions and was later adjourned for the day following a prolonged stalemate over LoP Rahul Gandhi’s insistence on speaking about a specific matter pertaining to the standoff with China during border tensions in 2020 while referring to a report citing an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane. The House, which began discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, was adjourned till 3 pm, 4 pm and later for the day. Speaker Om Birla ruled that Rahul Gandhi should not make references to the unpublished book and article. When the House met at 3 pm, the Speaker urged the Leader of the Opposition to proceed with his speech without mentioning his intended reference. He said that the House works according to the rules. (ANI) India, US Likely to Issue Joint Statement on Trade Agreement This Week: Government Sources New Delhi [India], February 3 (ANI): India and the United States are likely to issue a joint statement on their trade agreement later this week, according to government sources. “We are in the final stages of detailing with the negotiating team. A joint statement on the India–US trade deal is likely to be issued this week,” a source said. The agreement involves reducing reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 18 percent and eliminating the additional 25 percent duty on Russian oil imports into India. India has also agreed to increase imports from the United States by USD 500 billion across sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture, and defense. The deal is expected to enhance India’s export competitiveness, attract investments, and further strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Earlier on Tues- day, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the India–US Trade Agreement presents tremendous opportunities for the country and described it as the best deal India has received compared to its neighbors. Addressing a press conference a day after the agreement was announced, Goyal said India’s interests had been prioritized. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leveraging his close ties with US President Donald Trump, finalized a deal that surpasses agreements secured by other competing countries. The Commerce Minister also emphasized that sensitive sectors of India’s economy, particularly agriculture and dairy, have been safeguarded under the agreement. He said the Prime Minister has consistently championed these sectors, ensuring their interests are protected and that workers benefit from long-term growth.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026 Karnataka: Confident Group Chairman CJ Roy found dead during IT search; SIT formed, judicial inquiry sought Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 30 (ANI): Confident Group founder and chairman CJ Roy was found dead inside his office in Bengaluru on Friday, with police stating that he allegedly died by suicide during an ongoing Income Tax search operation. The incident occurred within the limits of Ashok Nagar police station and has triggered multiple investigations, political reactions, and demands for a judicial inquiry. According to Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, Roy allegedly shot himself inside his office premises and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. “The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) team and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team are investigating the matter,” Singh said. Police officials said Income Tax officials had been conducting searches at Roy’s premises for the past two to three days. A team from Kerala was also part of the search operation. Authorities confirmed that the police are in touch with Roy’s family members, some of whom were abroad at the time of the incident and travelled to Bengaluru shortly thereafter. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division) Akshay Machindra Hakay said preliminary findings suggested death due to a gunshot wound. “The incident would have happened between 3 and 3.15 pm. Prima facie, it appears to be death by gunshot. An investigation is underway, and the crime scene is being thoroughly analysed,” he said. On Saturday, Roy’s wife Lina Roy and son Rohith Roy reached the post-mortem centre at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. They were accompanied by Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress Committee President Mohammed Nalapad. Officials said post-mortem and forensic examinations are being conducted as part of standard procedure. Roy’s brother, CJ Babu, said the only known concern his brother was facing related to the Income Tax proceedings. “Other than the Income Tax issue, he had no other problems. He had no threats or loans. That I am very sure of,” Babu told ANI. He added that he last spoke to Roy at around 10.40 am on Friday morning. “Let the truth come out. I will speak to the office staff and understand what happened,” he said. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said a high-level investigation would be conducted into the incident. In a statement issued by his office, it was claimed that Roy had asked for a brief break during questioning by Income Tax officials. “When they were asking him many Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], February 2 (ANI): To regularise unauthorised possession rights of various Inam lands in the state, Gujarat Chief Minister on Monday has taken an important decision where lands that have been re-granted, or are eligible but have not been re-granted, can be easily regularised. According to officials, the regularisation can be done by paying an amount equal to 20% of the prevailing Jantri value of the land as possession charges. questions, he is said to have asked for five minutes, went inside and did this,” the statement said. Shivakumar said the government would seek a detailed report and ensure transparency. “This should not have happened. He was a good businessman. Our government will uncover the truth after conducting a thorough investigation,” the statement added. The Bengaluru Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe all aspects of the case. The SIT is headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (West Zone) C Vamshi Krishna, IPS, with Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Division) Lokesh Jagalasar, IPS, serving as the Investigating Officer. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division) Akshay Hake and senior officers from multiple divisions and special units are also part of the team. The SIT has been authorised to induct additional officers and resources as required. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that Roy’s company had been raided by the Income Tax Department in December 2025 and was granted 60 days to file a chargesheet, with the deadline set for February 4. He said Roy had returned from Dubai three days prior to the incident and had cooperated with officials who visited his office to record his statement. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking a judicial inquiry into what he termed the “unnatural death” of industrialist CJ Roy. In his letter, Vijayan described the incident as a “blot on the country’s tax administration” and raised concerns about alleged procedural lapses during the Income Tax search. Vijayan questioned how Roy was able to access a loaded firearm while officials were present, calling it a “serious failure of protocol.” He also referred to allegations of harassment raised by the family and stressed that only an impartial judicial inquiry led by a former constitutional court judge could uncover the full truth and prevent similar incidents in the future. While acknowledging the ongoing police investigation and formation of the SIT, the Kerala Chief Minister urged the Centre to order a timebound judicial inquiry to examine administrative procedures, due diligence, and the conduct of officials involved in the search. Earlier, Gokulam Group Chairman and film producer Gokulam Gopalan expressed deep grief over Roy’s death, describing him as a close friend and a generous human being who always stood with society. Calling the incident “extremely painful,” Gopalan said Roy was a man of self-respect and feared damage to his reputation. Further investigation into the case is underway, and officials have said all findings will be made public as the probe progresses. (ANI) Gujarat CM’s important decision to regularise unauthorised possession rights of Inam lands The statement also mentioned that the benefit of this decision will be available to occupants of lands that have been re-granted but where possession charges have not been paid, lands that are eligible for re-grant but could not be re-granted for any reason, and to heirs if they are the holders of such lands. Even in cases where such lands have already been transferred and are currently in the possession of someone else, those occupants will also benefit from this decision, resulting in significant benefits for farmers across the state, the statement further added. Earlier this week, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the budget for the year 2026-27, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a budget that propels the Reform Express towards Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Responding to the Union Budget, he said that the budget prepared at Kartavya Bhavan focuses on three duties. Of these three duties, the first is to accelerate and sustain economic growth, the second is to fulfil the aspirations of the people and build their capacity. The third duty aligns with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and gives priority to agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries, self-help groups, the rural economy, and inclusive development for all. (ANI)
9 Indian ambassador to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra highlights “impact”, “democratisation of AI” at CSIS Pre-AI Summit Washington, DC [US], February 2 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra participated in a Pre-AI Summit panel discussion titled “Reflections on Paris and Prospects for New Delhi”, organised by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), alongside the Ambassador of France. Sharing details of the engagement on X, Kwatra emphasised “Impact” as a core driver of the upcoming AI Summit in India. He also outlined India’s approach to artificial intelligence, sharing the country’s perspective on “democratisation of AI” around people, planet and progress with the participating audience.The discussion focused on advancing global dialogue on AI, with India underscoring impact-led innovation and inclusive growth as key pillars of its engagement ahead of the summit. All these developments stem from engagements held on January 31, during which Kwatra also detailed India’s people-first approach to artificial intelligence and the structure of the upcoming AI Impact Summit, noting that it is built around three core pillars focused on people, planet and progress. Speaking during a discussion titled “Exploring Global AI Policy Priorities Ahead of the India AI Impact Summit”, Kwatra said, “This is the first time that the summit is taking place in a Global South country.”The summit is being anchored on three major platforms. We call it three sutras essentially. The first sutra, or the first anchor of it, is people. Essentially, the underlying theme there is that the cultural diversity of people, the dignity of people, and the access of people to the technology are ensured,” he said. Explaining the second pillar, he said, “The second part of it, which is important, is the planet. The idea is that any technology is not centred just on a particular geography but is available for the progress of the planet.”Describing the third element of the framework, Kwatra added, “The third course is the sutra of progress, which must lead to economic and technological progress and the prosperity of society.” His remarks came amid a series of international summits since 2023 that have brought together governments, industry and civil society to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence. In this context, India is set to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, marking the first time such a global AI summit will be held in the Global South. The conference also featured Laurent Bili and placed the upcoming summit within the momentum generated by the Paris AI Action Summit, which France and India co-hosted in Paris in February 2025. Panel discussions during the event focused on domestic and global AI policy agendas, industry views on governance and innovation, and AI-driven development initiatives across the Global South. Building on this momentum, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being projected as a landmark event aimed at strengthening India’s role in responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, outcomes from focused working groups are expected to shape AI policy, skilling strategies and odganj police station under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. “As per the enquiry, Lou Wennian stayed in McLeodganj, Kangra district, from September 26, 2025, to February 2, 2026, without a valid Indian visa, which attracts provisions of the Foreigners Act,” the officer said. He added that central investigation agencies have been informed and will also probe the matter. According to passport details, Lou Wennian was born on May 10, 1965, in Sichuan, with the passport issued in Yunnan, People’s Republic of China. Police said a Government of Nepal tourist visa valid from June 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025 (90 days) was found endorsed in his passport. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Police detained the foreign national after receiving information about his illegal stay. Officials said he had entered India via Nepal and did not possess valid travel documents for India. “He came to India about five months ago and had been staying in McLeodganj for the last three months. During passport verification, it was found that he had travelled to nine to ten countries before entering India via Nepal,” a police official said. Police confirmed that the accused will be produced before the court, and further action will be taken after the investigation is completed. (ANI) 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ Over 40 Years Of Experience MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN Himachal Pradesh: 60-year-old Chinese national found staying without visa in Kangra Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), February 3 (ANI): The identity of a Chinese national arrested for illegally staying in Himachal Pradesh has been confirmed as 60-year-old Lou Wennian, local authorities said on Tuesday. The individual was taken into custody in McLeodganj after police found that he had been residing in Kangra district for about 130 days without a valid Indian visa. According to officials, Lou Wennian, a resident of Sichuan province, had been living in the area since September 26, 2025. Speaking to ANI, Additional Superintendent of Police Bir Bahadur said a case was registered on February 2 at the McLe- implementation across India and the Global South. These plans were outlined during the 38th episode of Digital India: Ask Our Experts, where officials presented a roadmap for India’s AI-driven future and highlighted efforts to democratise access to AI, including opportunities for youth, startups, women innovators and learners from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Participants also raised questions on open data access, AI infrastructure and healthcare data safety, with assurances that IndiaAI is prioritising secure and inclusive platforms to enable broader participation in the AI ecosystem. The discussions served as a curtain-raiser for the India AI Impact Expo 2026, scheduled at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, where real-world AI applications across education, healthcare, agriculture and governance are set to be showcased. 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