FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 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. 12 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday March 20, 2026 Eight killed in EV charging point fire in Indore; MP CM Mohan Yadav calls it a ‘new challenge’, orders probe Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], March 18 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday described the recent fire incident linked to electric vehicle (EV) charging in Indore as a “new challenge” and directed officials to carry out a detailed investigation into the matter, which claimed eight lives.In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that the state government would take steps to prevent such occurrences in the future and work towards spreading awareness among the public. “The incident caused by an electric car charging point in Indore has brought a new challenge. Considering the seriousness of the incident, instructions have been given to officials to conduct a thorough investigation. We will work towards preventing such incidents and raising awareness. Facilities like digital locks are a necessity, but along with them, vigilance and caution are equally important,” CM Yadav wrote in a post on X.Speaking to reporters, Yadav said he was saddened by the deaths and that senior officials had been dispatched to the site to investigate.”We received information about the Indore fire incident this morning and I am saddened that eight people died in the incident. We have sent officials from here and they will investigate the entire matter. We stand by the grieving family. Our senior officials have been sent to the incident site, and our ministers Kailash Vijayvargiya and Tulsi Silawat, along with other public representatives, are present at the spot,” CM Mohan Yadav told reporters.He further appealed to the public to observe necessary precautions while using facilities such as digital locks and EV charging points. “I also urge the public to use digital locks and electronic doors with due caution. Along with this, remain vigilant and cautious while using EV chargers. I hope people will observe more precautions after this incident and the government will also work in this direction,” the CM added. Eight people died after a fire broke out at a three-storey house in the Brijeshwari Annexe residential locality in Indore district at around 4 AM on Wednesday, spreading rapidly through the structure. Commissioner of Police (Indore) Santosh Kumar Singh informed about the chain of events that led to the incident. He said that it started from an EV charging point exploding while charging an electric vehicle, which was followed by explosions of “some” LGP cylinders.” As per initial investigations, an electric vehicle was being charged outside the house, and the charging point exploded. After that, the fire then spread to the house from the car. We found that there were electronic locks in the building, so it seems that after the explosion, power cuts may occur and doors may be locked. It was a three-storey building, and more than 10 gas cylinders were also stored inside the house, some of which exploded. We also witnessed cylinder explosions between the time period of 4 am and 4:30 am,” the police commissioner said. He added that the fire tender team also checked the nearby houses and buildings as a precaution because too much heat was generated at the time of the blaze. (ANI) ECI deploys over 25 lakh officials for violence-free, inducement-free elections in 5 States/UTs New Delhi [India], March 18 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday deployed over 25 lakh officials to ensure violence-free and inducement-free elections in five States/UTs, following the announcement of the As- sembly election schedule on March 15. According to the Commission, elections will be held in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six States.Over 17.4 crore electors are eligible to vote in these elections, with nearly one election official deployed for every 70 voters to ensure the smooth conduct of polling.Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that officials have been directECI see page 6
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026 Harish Rana Euthanasia case: Ex-AIIMS Head advocates dignified end with support without causing direct harm By Shalini Bhardwaj | New Delhi [India], March 17 (ANI): Former Head of the Department of Onco-Anaesthesia, Pain and Palliative Care at AIIMS Delhi, Doctor Sushma Bhatnagar, who earlier handled the case of Harish Rana, stressed the importance of providing a dignified end without causing direct harm or discomfort, following the Supreme Court‘s approval of passive euthanasia.In a landmark first, the Supreme Court last week permitted passive euthanasia for a 31-year-old Harish Rana from Ghaziabad who has been in a persistent vegetative state for over a decade, observing that continuing life-sustaining treatment would no longer be in the patient’s best interest.Speaking about the landmark case, Dr Bhatnagar said, “Now, in this case, it’s an advanced stage where it seems the end is inevitable, meaning the end will come. So, if a situation arises where the end is inevitable, like the one this child faces, we should support him until the end in a way that ensures he continues to receive support. Now, after providing support to him for 13 years, the Government of India has guidelines for withholding and withdrawal. These should be followed. Now we know that if we have to do withholding and withdrawal in this, then we will have to do it in a balanced manner. So that we should not feel that we have done something like deliberate killing.” She highlighted the crucial role of palliative care in such cases, noting that all hospitals should have dedicated departments to handle endof-life situations.”If every hospital in India had a good palliative care department and center, such situations might be avoided. This situation arises when people don’t know how to handle a patient whose end is inevitable. A good palliative care department would automatically handle it,” she said.Dr Bhatnagar also underlined the importance of constant communication with families during these difficult times.” The moment is not easy for the family. Until the doctor maintains constant communication with them, they won’t be at ease. If we take Harish’s case, there are many such cases. The court hearing becomes crucial,” she added.On following protocols, she explained, “The Government of India’s guidelines on withholding and withdrawing treatment should be followed in such cases. A specific protocol should be followed, involving a team of doctors and clear communication with the family. Counselling the family is essential to help them understand the situation and make informed decisions.” When asked about the time frame for such interventions, Dr Bhatnagar said, “It’s indeed difficult to predict, and it’s best left to the medical team to decide. The important thing is to follow the guidelines and provide comfort and support to the patient and their family.”She further added, “The Government of India’s verdict should be honoured, and we should do our best to provide a dignified end without harming him directly or causing discomfort. We should try to give him a dignified end as soon as possible.” On March 11, in a landmark first, the Supreme Court of India permitted passive euthanasia for a 31-year-old man from Ghaziabad who has been in a persistent vegetative state for over a decade, observing that continuing life-sustaining treatment would no longer be in the patient’s best interest.A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Vishwanathan allowed the withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) for Harish Rana, who has remained in a vegetative state since suffering an accidental fall from a building in 2013. Passive euthanasia refers to the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment to allow a patient with no reasonable prospect of recovery to die naturally. (ANI)
3 MORE Get from your retirement. 1. MORE for your money with predictable monthly spending. 2. MORE amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and restaurants. 3. MORE peace of mind with services to enhance your well-being. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. I know that my needs will be taken care of.” —Marge V., A community resident • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • The Grandview℠ Bethesda, MD • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD 2323460 Call 1-800-691-2034 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and Cabinet approves construction of 4-Lane Access-Controlled National Highway-927 from Barabanki to Bahraich New Delhi [India], March 18 (ANI): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of 4-Lane Access-Controlled National Highway-927 from Barabanki to Bahraich (101.515 km) in Uttar Pradesh on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a cost of Rs. 6969.04 crore. According to the CCEA, the proposed upgradation of the Barabanki-Bahraich section of NH-927 in Uttar Pradesh will address severe geometric deficiencies, sharp curves, and congestion in built-up areas across the Barabanki and Bahraich districts. Designed as an access-controlled 4-lane highway with continuous service roads, the project will bypass major habitations, increase average travel speeds, reduce travel time to about one hour, and improve overall road safety, fuel efficiency, and vehicle operating costs, thereby enhancing region- al mobility and socio-economic development.The project provides seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics nodes across Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the upgraded corridor will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with 03 Economic Nodes, 02 Social Nodes and 12 Logistic Nodes, providing enhanced multimodality with Rupaidiha Land Port and Airports, thereby facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers across the region. Upon completion, the project will strategically establish a vital cross-border trade and transit corridor between India and Nepal via the Nepalganj border, significantly improving access to the Rupaidiha Land Port. It will enhance connectivity to remote districts such as Bahraich district and Shravasti district, support PM GatiShakti economic and logistics nodes, and stimulate agri- trade, tourism, cross-border commerce, and regional investment, the release stated. The 4-Lane Access Controlled National Highway-927 project spans 101.515 km, connecting Barabanki to Bahraich along the Lucknow-Rupaidiha corridor. Implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), the project has a total civil cost of Rs. 6,959.04 crore. The highway includes 48.28 km of bypass and links major national highways, including NH-27, NH-330N, NH730, as well as state highways SH-13 and SH-30B. It enhances connectivity to key economic, social, transport nodes such as Lucknow and Shravasti airports, multiple railway stations including Barabanki, Rasauli, Jangirabad, and Bahraich, and the Rupaidiha land port. The project also supports economic growth through connections to one SEZ and two Mega Food Parks, while providing access to two aspirational districts. Major towns and cities along the route include Barabanki, Ramnagar, Jarwal, Kaisargan, Kundasar, Fakharpur, and Bahraich. The highway is expected to generate significant employment, with 36.54 lakh person-days of direct employment and 43.04 lakh person-days of indirect employment. Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) FOR FY-28 is projected at 28,557 Passenger Car Units (PCU) for Package-1 and 21,27 PCU for Package-2. (ANI)
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026 EC announces poll schedule for four states, 1 UT; MCC implemented New Delhi [India], March 15 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four states–West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam–along with the Union Territory of Puducherry.According to the schedule, polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Kerala and Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23. Voting in Puducherry will also take place on April 9. The counting of votes for all four states and Puducherry will be held on May 4, the ECI announced.In addition to the Assembly polls, the Commission also announced by-elections for six seats across six states– Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura–which will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, covering constituencies in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura, will have polling on April 9, while the second phase in Gujarat and Maharashtra will take place on April 23. Following the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into immediate effect in all poll-bound regions. For the first phase of elections in West Bengal, covering 152 Assembly constituencies, the gazette notification will be issued on March 30, 2026. The last date for filing nominations is April 6, with scrutiny scheduled for April 7. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until April 9. Polling for this phase will take place on April 23. The second phase, covering 142 constituencies, will begin with the issuance of the gazette notification on April 2, 2026. The last date for filing nominations is April 9, while scrutiny will be held on April 10. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until April 13, and voting for this phase will take place on April 29. West Bengal has a total of 6,45,61,152 electors as per the Election Commission of India, including 6,44,52,609 general electors and 1,08,543 service voters. The state has 5,23,229 young electors aged 18-19 years. The electoral rolls also list 4,16,089 electors marked as Persons with Disabilities (PwD), 1,152 electors identified as third gender, and 3,78,979 senior citizens aged 85 and above. Tamil Nadu will hold elections in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the last date for filing nominations is April 6. Scrutiny will take place on April 7, and the final date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 9. According to the final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu, the total electorate stands at 5,67,07,380, comprising 2,77,38,925 male voters, 2,89,60,838 female voters, and 7,617 third-gender voters. Among them, 12.51 lakh are aged 18-19 years, 4.63 lakh are persons with disabilities, and 3.99 lakh are senior citizens aged 85 and above. The ECI revised the electoral rolls in the state between October 27, 2025, and February 23, 2026, taking January 1 as the qualifying date. The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election will be held in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. Around 2.7 crore electors are expected to participate in the election. The last date for filing nominations is March 23, scrutiny will take place on March 24, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until March 26. Following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state electoral roll, the final voter list for Kerala was released on February 21. The revised roll includes 2,69,53,644 voters–1,31,26,048 male voters, 1,38,27,319 female voters, and 227 third-gender voters. Among them, 4,24,518 voters belong to the 18-19 age group. In Assam, elections for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.The Union Territory of Puducherry will also hold its 2026 Assembly election in a single phase on April 9, with counting set for May 4. Overall, the elections will cover 824 Assembly constituencies with a total electorate of about 17.4 crore voters. Nearly 2.19 lakh polling stations will be set up, and around 25 lakh personnel will be deployed to conduct the elections. The terms of the current assemblies are set to end on different dates: May 7 in West Bengal, May 10 in Tamil Nadu, May 20 in Assam, May 23 in Kerala, and June 15 in Puducherry. (ANI) Power sector remains structurally strong despite concerns on slowing demand and oversupply: Report New Delhi [India], March 17 (ANI): Concerns surrounding slowing power demand and potential oversupply in the sector are largely misplaced, with underlying structural trends continuing to support longterm growth, according to a report by Anand Rathi Institutional Equities. The report stated that headline concerns fail to capture the broader changes underway in the power ecosystem.It noted that while “power demand plateaued at around 5 per cent p.a.,” actual consumption trends remain strong, driven by rising peak demand and rapid growth in non-grid segments.” Peak demand and non-grid consumption are rising faster,” the report said, highlighting the expansion of captive power, data centres and rooftop dismissed fears of oversupply in solar PV modules, stating that “module demand exceeds headline additions,” implying a “~110GW annual nameplate requirement.” It pointed to supply-side constraints such as “cell/ wafer bottlenecks and technology shifts” that limit effective supply and are likely to drive consolidation rather than oversupply.Despite concerns over valuations and solar.It added that peak demand is projected to reach “around 458GW by 2032, a 9 per cent CAGR sustaining capacity addition requirements.”On the supply side, the report clarified that thermal power, which currently accounts for “76 per cent generation,” will continue to play a key role in ensuring grid reliability in the near term. However, the future growth trajectory will be led by renewable energy, with “~377GW between FY26-32 versus only ~38GW of thermal,” indicating that incremental capacity addition will be largely driven by clean energy sources.Addressing infrastructure concerns, the report noted that evacuation challenges persist but are being actively addressed.” Transmission capacity is expanding rapidly,” it said, with substation capacity expected to rise from “1,338k MVA (FY25) to 2,412k MVA (FY32)” and transmission lines from “494k ckm to 648k ckm,” supported by reforms to improve coordination.The report also comparisons with the telecom sector cycle, the report maintained that strong demand fundamentals and regulatory support would limit long-term value destruction, even if consolidation occurs within the renewable energy space. It outlined “while renewables may see consolidation similar to telecom, structural demand and regulatory support limit value destruction”. (ANI) Remember: “Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: And whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.” Proverbs
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ECI deploys over 25 lakh officials for violence-free, inducement-free elections in 5 States/UTs ECI FROM PAGE 1 ed to act with complete impartiality to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise without fear or favour. The deployed personnel include nearly 15 lakh polling personnel, 8.5 lakh security personnel, 40,000 counting personnel, 49,000 micro observers, 21,000 sector officers, and 15,000 micro-observers for counting, among other officials. The Commission said that over 2.18 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are available to assist voters through phone and the “Book-a-call” facility on the ECINet App. Call centre number +91 (STD Code) 1950 is also available to register any complaint or query at the DEO/RO level.As per Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all deployed personnel will be deemed to be on deputation to the Commission. Further, 1,111 central observers have been deployed across 832 Assembly constituencies, including 557 General Observers, 188 Police Observers and 366 Expenditure Observers. These observers will act as the “eyes and ears” of the Commission and will engage with candidates, political parties and the public to address election-related grievances. Earlier on March 15, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for Assembly elections in four states–West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and As- The Poetic Pen By Rajan George Bullheadedness is not an adornment, but a burden to him who is obstinate about things that aren’t worth harboring when, You you are aware, your life is at stake! Wisdom calls for choosing life over power. If given a choice—to yield power for life or wield power at the cost of life— what is my power worth if I have no life? It is folly to trust in your might, ignorant of your limits, hanging on to serve your limitless lust for power, even while you know your foe is mighty and strong! The folly that’s dominant will not let us choose, nor will it let wisdom prevail; for we want our way at any cost, Realizing not that it may cost our lives! The trappings of power are not too easy to ignore, for they give comfort to our heart’s desire, only to drown us in a whirlpool We can’t behold, till we are swirled beneath! Surrounded by sycophants who constantly sing our praises, clouding our vision to see the dangers beyond the vortex in which we are trapped, for we served the senses which mastered our will. Satiating the senses strips us of wisdom, prudence, and the power of discretion. We hate being told the truth, and silenced those who dare to reveal our true condition. There is no escape for such men who have fooled others all their lives, and have chosen to be fooled by others, being obstinate and bullheaded! Long-Term Review of Flosenso Pro: Solving India’s Age-Old Water Tank Woes By Himank Tripathi | sam–along with the Union Territory of Puducherry. According to the schedule, polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Kerala and Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23. Voting in Puducherry will also take place on April 9. The counting of votes for all four states and Puducherry will be held on May 4, the ECI announced. In addition to the Assembly polls, the Commission also announced by-elections for six seats across six states–Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura–which will be conducted in two phases. INDIA THIS WEEK- March 20, 2026 The Fate of the Obstinate and Bullheaded FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026 INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online 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 New Delhi [India], February 19 (ANI): Let me narrate a choreographed scene which I’m sure you can easily picture. You get up during odd hours to check your water supply. Then you sprint across the hallway to switch on the motor and have to stay awake until you hear the alarm confirming that your water tank is full. That’s not all, to check how much water is left in the tank, you have to act like Spider-Man to reach the tank, open the lid, and get an idea. Sounds familiar, right? This whole process is manual, messy, and prone to error.Let me give you another scenario: you have elders living far from you who are getting hassled every day just to fill water. What if I told you there is an ultimate solution that solves all of this? No more worries about switching the motor on and off, and you will know exactly what the water level is in your tank. This is where Flosenso comes into play. I installed the Flosenso Pro (INR 10,499), which aims to turn this chore into ‘setand-forget’ automation. After closely monitoring it for several months, here is how this IoT-based water controller stacks up.The Non-Invasive and Rugged Hardware:Unlike traditional controllers that rely on physical float switches, which often corrode or get stuck due to hard water, the Flosenso Pro uses ultrasonic sensor technology. It’s quite precise, measuring water levels up to 14 feet with non-contact sensing. All of this is done wirelessly; it uses LoRaWAN to communicate between the tank and the controller, boasting a range of up to 1 km. I think it’s a game-changer for gated communities or bungalows where the tank is several floors away from the pump. More Than Just an On/Off Switch:The ‘Pro’ moniker comes alive in the app ecosystem. The Pro version of Flosenso offers:* Remote Global Control: You can trigger your pump from your office or while on vacation via the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi link.* Smart Scheduling: If your water supply follows a strict timetable, you can sync the motor to those specific hours.* Dry Run Protection: This is perhaps the most critical feature. The system detects when the pump is running without water, automatically shutting it off to prevent expensive motor burnouts. Designed for the Indian Context:I think Flosenso clearly understands local ‘water realities’. The Pro version is compatible with the Pulse add-on (which detects municipal supply pressure) and the Navi add-on for heavy-duty 3-phase industrial pumps. Even if your Wi-Fi goes down, the unit’s Offline Mode ensures the automation continues. Your app might not ping you, but your tank won’t overflow and your motor won’t burn out. In case you want to run your motor without automation, you can simply use the app to operate it manually. Good job, Flosenso!In The End:I was skeptical, but at INR 10,499, the Flosenso Pro turned out to be the right investment for home automation. I did face some issues with incorrect water-level measurements and the motor not switching on as per the schedule, but those were minor hiccups fixed instantly. This is where their customer service scored a 10 on 10. They fixed it in a jiffy and I have had no problems to date. Furthermore, when I factor in the saved electricity, the prevention of water wastage, and the extended life of the water motor, the ROI is evident. So, yes, there’s no doubt in my mind that this is a solution to all your water problems once and for all. My rating: 4.5/5(Disclaimer: The author is an expert in the fields of consumer technology, auto and lifestyle. Views shared here are personal.) (ANI)
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FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026 Mortal remains of two Indian nationals from Oman arrived in India today: MEA New Delhi [India], March 17 (ANI): The mortal remains of two of the five Indian nationals who lost their lives amid the conflict in West Asia have been brought back to India, while efforts are underway for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of other three, a government official said on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem Mahajan, underlined that the safety and the wellbeing of the Indian community continues to remain the highest priority. He made the remarks during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on recent developments in West Asia. “The mortal remains of the two Indian nationals who unfortunately lost their lives in the incident in Sohar city in Oman have been received by the families in Jaipur today. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” the MEA official said. He said that the embassy remains in regular contact with the hospital authorities and the company to monitor the condition of the injured Indian nationals and that none of the Indian nationals is reported to be seriously injured. Sharing the update on the incident involving ‘Safesea Vishnu,’ which took place off the coast of Iraq in Basra, the MEA Additional Secretary said that the Indian mission team is on the ground to assist the early return of the 15 Indian crew mem- bers of the vessel who have been safely evacuated and are currently residing in a hotel in Basra. “They are also coordinating with the concerned Iraqi authorities for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national who unfortunately lost his life in the incident”, he said.The oil tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked off Khor Al Zubair port near Basra in Iraq on March 9 inside Iraq’s territorial waters. In a press conference on March 13, Aseem Mahajan had informed that one crew member had died and the other 5 crew members had been safely evacuated and lodged in a hotel in Basra.Meanwhile, in today’s briefing, Mahajan added, “Five Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one is missing in earlier incidents. The mortal remains of two Indian nationals from Oman have arrived in India today. Our missions in Oman, Iraq and UAE are in regular touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the three other deceased Indian nationals after completion of requisite formalities.” He also shared an update on the flight status and noted that the Ministry’s dedicated special control room continues to remain operational to address queries from Indian nationals and their families. The MEA official said that airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational safety. “Today, around 70 flights are expected to operate from various airports in UAE to destinations in India”. “Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia to different destinations in India. Qatar Airways’ operated three flights to India yesterday and is expected to operate three flights to India today also.The Additional Secretary underlined that the Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the evolving situation in the West Asia and Gulf region and that the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community continues to remain the highest priority. (ANI) Boston [US], March 16 (ANI): Eleven Indian nationals have been indicted in the United States for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent conspiracy to orchestrate staged armed robberies aimed at helping individuals secure illegitimate immigration status. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced the charges on Friday. According to prosecutors, the defendants “participated in staged armed robberies of convenience stores for the purpose of allowing store clerks to falsely claim they were crime victims on immigration applications.” The illicit operation reportedly began around March 2023. Federal investigators allege that Rambhai Patel and his associates coordinated fake robberies at various convenience stores, liquor outlets, and fast-food establishments across Massachusetts. The primary objective of these staged crimes was to strengthen applications for a U visa. This specific immigration benefit is reserved for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who assist law enforcement in subsequent investigations. According to court filings, the staged incidents involved an individual acting as a robber who threatened staff with what appeared to be a firearm. After seizing cash from the register and fleeing, the clerks or owners reportedly waited at least five minutes, allowing the perpetrator to escape before contacting police to report the incident. Prosecutors further alleged that those portrayed as victims paid an organizer to be included in the scheme. “The ‘victims’ are alleged to have each paid Patel to participate in the scheme,” the documents stated. In turn, the organizer is accused of paying business owners for the use of their premises. Authorities confirmed that the organizer, the primary robber, and the getaway driver have already faced charges and convictions. The current group of eleven defendants is accused of either coordinating with the organizer or paying to take part in the scheme for themselves or their relatives. Following the announcement, six of the accused were apprehended in Massachusetts and appeared in a Boston federal court on Friday. The remaining defendants were arrested in Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio and are expected to be transferred to Boston for further proceedings. The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, those convicted could face a fine of up to USD 250,000. (ANI) About 1,600 Indians travelled from 11 Indians Charged in US for Staging “Armed RobQatar to India, Embassy says beries” to Secure U Visas New Delhi [India], March 18 (ANI): Qatar Airways operated five flights to India on Tuesday, a statement by the Indian Embassy in Qatar said. These included two flights to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. In total, about 1,600 Indian nationals travelled on Qatar Airways flights that day.It may be noted that Qatar airspace remains largely closed and Qatar Airways is only operating limited, non-scheduled flights. It has announced flights to nine Indian destinations from tomorrow. As advised earlier, bookings can be made through Qatar Airways website, App or through travel agents, the statement said. Embassy of India, Doha continues to facilitate temporary transit visas for Saudi Arabia for stranded Indian nationals who wish to travel to India via Saudi Arabia through land route across Salwa border. Embassy of India, Doha will be open on all days in the coming week for consular services including issuance of passports. Embassy's Control Room with its helplines, email and WhatsApp con- tinues to function on a 24/7 basis.Qatari authorities have reiterated that adhering to the instructions issued by official authorities and demonstrating awareness and social responsibility in handling information and developments are fundamental pillars in enhancing public safety and maintaining community stability. The Indian community is requested to abide by this public notice. Indian community organizations and the Embassy have collaborated to support the needy Indian fishermen community in Qatar with provision of dry rations, as per the statement. Update/Advisory (1730hrs, March 17, 2026)· Qatar Airways operated five flights to India today. These included two flights to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. In total, about 1600 Indian nationals travelled on Qatar Airways flights today.·… — India in Qatar (@ IndEmbDoha) March 17, 2026 Qatar Airways Operates Limited Flight Schedule to and from DohaWith Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations still temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, we want you to know that we are doing our utmost to support you with your journey, and to reunite you… pic.twitter.com/ d5DK1WoAgo — Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 15, 2026 Qatar Airways is operating limited flights from Doha.Qatar Airways will operate a revised limited number of flights from 18 March to 28 March 2026. These schedules have been enhanced to give more flexibility to passengers wishing to travel.Passengers who currently hold a confirmed booking on a flight to one of the destinations listed in the new schedule will be contacted with new flight informa- For Advertisements Call: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 indiathisweekads@gmail.com We b : i n d i a t h i s w e e k . u s
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