INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 15, 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. 20 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday May 15, 2026 Tamil Nadu enters new era of politics as Vijay takes oath as CM Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 10 (ANI): Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Chandrasekhar Joseph Vijay on Sunday took oath as the thirteenth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu following his majestic success in debut elections. The oath was administered by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; meanwhile, LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Vijay’s parents, actress Trisha Krishna and others were present at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to embrace the occasion. Apart from Vijay, nine other TVK leaders, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Arunraj, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu and S Keerthana, will take oath as ministers in his maiden cabinet. Ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, Vijay welcomed and greeted Governor Arlekar to the venue. The TVK chief also introduced the Governor to all the ministers-designate. The 2026 Tamil Nadu elections were registered in history books after the state declared an unprecedented mandate for Vijay. While TVK ended up winning 108 out of 234 seats in its maiden political stint, it was for the first time in the history of state politics that both legacy ‘Dravidian’ parties were ousted from power. However, Vijay couldn’t attain majority on its and was later offered support by Congress (5), CPI-M (2), CPI (2), VCK (2) and IUML (2), which Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 11 (ANI): The West Bengal government has decided to implement Ayushman Bharat and roll out major Central welfare schemes across the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced after the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed BJP government at Nabanna on Monday. The West Bengal Chief Minister said the new journey of good governance, security, and double-engine government in West Bengal will move forward on the same path of development followed in other BJP-ruled states across the country. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the ideals of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the principle of “For the People, By the People, Of the People.” The new state Cabinet expressed gratitude and congratulations to the voters of West Bengal, the administration, and everyone associated with the electoral process for conducting a fear-free, violence-free, and fair election in the state after a long time. The government also paid tribute to the 321 martyrs of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Chief Minister assured that the Government stands firmly with their families and that strict action will be taken against those involved in political killings. Giving priority to border security, the were earlier the allies of Secular Progressive Alliance led by DMK.Vijay, often referred to as the ‘Thalapathy’, showed a crowd-pulling ability in the election rallies, which many compared to actor-turned-politician and former CM MG Ramachandran. While Tamil Nadu has had a long history of actors entering and conquering politics, the State awaited another star to step up in the line after Captain Vijayakanth. He has also embraced his Christian identity while being outspoken about secular politics.Although the TVK was launched in 2024, he has been looked at as a social worker and has not been apolitical, given his films, which dealt with drug menace, corruption and other socio-political issues. While there has been speculation of him entering politics since 2009, Vijay has involved himself in social work. In the 2026 elections, he won two seats, Perambur and Trichy East, and will resign from one. Signals ‘people-centric’ governance, assures Gen Z “Vijay Mama will always be there for you” VIJAY SEE PAGE 4 West Bengal govt to implement Ayushman Bharat, all central schemes across state, announces CM Adhikari after first cabinet meeting Remember: “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” — Plato Government approved the process of handing over the required land to the BSF. The Chief Secretary and the Land and Land Reforms Department have been directed to complete the process within 45 days. The West Bengal government has also officially decided to join the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Health Secretary and advisors to the Chief Minister’s Office have been directed to complete the necessary agreement with the Union Health Ministry at the earliest. The process has begun to actively implement major Central Government schemes in the state, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishak Bima Yojana, PM SHRI, Vishwakarma Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Ujjwala Yojana. District Magistrates have been instructed to expedite the forwarding of all applications to the concerned Union Ministries. As part of administrative reforms, IAS officers in the state will now participate in Central Government training programmes in line with practices followed in other states, said the release. The Government has also decided to fully align West Bengal with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Tthe upper age limit for government job applications has been increased by five years to improve employment opportunities for educated youth. The Chief Minister stated that the previous Government had failed to implement the Union Home Ministry’s directive dated 16th June, 2025 regarding the census process. The present Government has immediately enforced the pending administrative circular. The Chief Minister said, “This Government does not function on ego; it functions on principles.” Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message of “Fear Out, Trust In,” he stated that the new Government is committed to ensuring security, confidence, and development for the people of West Bengal. The Government will not discontinue any ongoing welfare schemes for the people. However, all such schemes will now function through a transparent process. No deceased person, illegal infiltrator, or non-Indian in- dividual will be allowed to avail benefits meant for the citizens of the state. Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards national security, the Chief Minister assured that all land required by the BSF would be provided. He stated that the previous Government had ignored directives of the Central Government and the Courts in order to protect illegal infiltrators. (ANI)
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as Assam CM for second term; Massive NDA gathering marks ‘NDA 3.0 era’ in Guwahati Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 12 (ANI): Assam witnessed a major political and administrative spectacle on Tuesday as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath for a second consecutive term at a grand ceremony held at the Khanapara Veterinary College Field in Guwahati, marking what was described as the beginning of the “NDA 3.0 era” in the state. Along with Sarma, several ministers, including Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora, Charan Boro and Ajanta Neog, also took oath as members of the new Council of Ministers. According to an official statement, the swearing-in ceremony turned into one of the largest political gatherings ever witnessed in Northeast India, reflecting Assam’s growing prominence on the national stage. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Governor of Assam Laxman Prasad Acharya, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP President Nitin Nabin, along with top leadership of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and other senior dignitaries. The ceremony also saw the presence of the Governor of Punjab, 11 Union Cabinet Ministers, 2 Union Ministers of State, 20 Chief Ministers and 18 Deputy Chief Ministers, making it one of the largest congregations of political leadership in recent years. Chief Ministers from several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, attended the event. Prominent personalities from various fields also marked their presence, including Arjuna Awardees, Padma Bhushan awardees, Satradhikars, leading sportspersons, industrialist Jeet Adani, and thousands of citizens. The statement further said the massive participation of national leadership and the public reflected “a confident, New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): The NEET-UG 2026 exam, the gateway to the nation’s medical future, has become the centre of a systemic crisis following widespread allegations of a coordinated paper leak after the Centre on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3.The country’s largest undergraduate medical entrance test will be re-conducted on dates to be announced separately. The corridors of India’s premier coaching hubs, once filled with the rhythmic chanting of biology mnemonics and physics formulae, have been replaced by the roar of slogans. From the gates of the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters in Delhi to the streets of Kota and Chennai, the medical aspirations of 22.79 lakh students are currently in a state of suspended animation. As per the NTA, the exam was held across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, covering more than 5,400 centres. Following complaints related to the conduct of the examination, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act, 2024, based on a complaint from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. The FIR has been registered for offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft and destruction of evidence under BNS, apart from PCA and offences under the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act. CBI intensified its action, with teams reaching Jaipur and Nashik to take forward the investigation into irregularities linked to the medical entrance examination. A four-member CBI team arrived at the Crime Branch Unit-2 office in Nashik to take custody of accused Shubham Khairnar, who was earlier arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch, while another CBI team reached the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) office in Jaipur to collect documents and evidence related to the case. The agency is also expected to question individuals already detained by the SOG as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak.The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 has triggered protests by student organisations across several parts of the country, while also sparking a political row with opposition leaders questioning the credibility of the examination system and demanding accountability from the authorities. Students’ Federation of India (SFI) members protested against the National Testing Agency (NTA). An SFI member, Aishe Ghosh, said, “We are protesting against the malpractices in NEET and paper leaks. This has been happening every year since the formation of the National Testing Agency, but the government is doing nothing about this. We are demanding the dismissal of a system like NTA.”The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) workers also held a protest against the central government. The opposition leaders also slammed the Central government. Leader of Oppositon in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the government, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Amrit Kaal’ has turned “poison” for the country. In a post on X, the Congress MP called the development not just a “failure” but a “crime” against the youth’s future. He highlighted that parents made sacrifices so that their wards could afford the NEET coaching, but in return, they receive paper leaks, government negligence, and organised corruption in the education sector.”The NEET 2026 exam has been cancelled. The hard work, connected and emerging Assam”, positioning the state as a key centre of political significance in India’s evolving national landscape. Meanwhile, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma thanked the people of the state for their faith in his leadership and development agenda, in what was seen as a strong rebuttal to allegations levelled by Congress leader Pawan Khera days before the assembly election. While speaking with ANI today, Riniki said, “This is the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and the people of Assam.. They believe in the politics of development and welfare works carried out by Himanta Biswa Sarma.” Khera had al- leged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possessed passports from three countries: the UAE, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda. He also claimed that she owned two properties in Dubai that were not disclosed in Himanta Biswa Sarma’s election affidavit. Khera further alleged that while Himanta Biswa Sarma’s politics was “based on hatred against Muslims”, his wife allegedly held passports from two Muslim-majority countries. (ANI) sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed by this corrupt BJP regime. Some fathers took loans, some mothers sold their jewellery, lakhs of children stayed up all night studying, and in return, they got paper leaks, government negligence, and organised corruption in education. This is not just a failure-it’s a crime against the future of the youth,” Gandhi said. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge also lambasted the Centre over repeated disruptions and alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, alleging negligence that is “ruining the future of students”.”This is happening again and again. I don’t understand why the government is not paying attention to this? This happens in Madhya Pradesh, UP, and Bihar. Nowhere else in the country does this happen. It means daal mein kuch kaala hai. Attention is not being paid to this. They are ruining the future of students. They are also damaging the image of students in India...Strict action should be taken against those who leak paper,” Kharge said.AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi said, “What happened to that law which you enacted in Parliament promising strict punishment, vowing to take decisive action, and making various assurances. So, how did the paper leak? Think of the plight of those students who have been preparing with utmost dedication for the past year or two, and whose parents have spent lakhs of rupees on coaching centres. Think of those underprivileged students who dream of clearing the NEET examination. The BJP must answer for this. The Prime Minister must answer for this...”AAP leader Manish Sisodia said, “I want to tell the Prime Minister that these 2.2 million students represent the country’s ‘Gen Z’. You have seen what Gen Z did in Nepal. Mark my words: if your associates, driven by the greed for a few rupees, continue to engage in the illicit trading of examination papers in this manner, then this Gen Z will oust those currently in power. This is Gen Z. You cannot intimidate or threaten them using agencies like the ED or the CBI. If you fail to deliver justice, they will inflict upon you the very same fate that Gen Z meted out to those in Nepal.” Dreams on hold: Nationwide protests erupt as NEET-UG 2026 integrity crumbles, NTA under fire over paper leak paralysis
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 Tamil Nadu enters new era of politics as Vijay takes oath as CM VIJAY FROM PAGE 1 Tamil Nadu marked a new dawn of politics on Sunday morning as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief C Joseph Vijay took oath as 13th Chief Minister of the state. After Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Vijay and 9 ministers of his cabinet, the actor-turned- politician in his first speech expressed gratitude to the public for his victory. He gave a clarion call, “Come, let all of us together give Tamil Nadu a fresh new government. This is a new beginning the start of a new era of secular, social justice. As he began speaking, the venue of the ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, erupted in cheers. ”My dear people, my own family I am not some divine messenger or prophet. I am just an ordinary human being living a normal life. I will never deceive you with false promises. I will only promise what is possible,” Vijay said stressing on his humble background.The TVK chief promised to fulfil the promises he made to the public ahead of the elections, and said that he is indebted to the Tamil Nadu people.”Come, let all of us together give Tamil Nadu a fresh new government. This is a new beginning the start of a new era of secular, social justice,” the new chief minister said to resounding applause.In an emotional speech, Vijay said,” I do not come from a royal family. I am just like your son, your daughter, your elder brother, or your younger brother. That is how I see myself. And it was because you saw me that way that you gave me such a great place in cinema.” ”Now, leaving all of that behind and entering politics to repay my debt of gratitude to you, you embraced me with so much love and affection, saying, ‘We are here for you, Vijay. We will take care of everything.”In a nod to the support he recieved from the Gen Z voters, he said ‘Vijay Mama’ will always be there for them. A special word of thanks to the little friends who call me ‘Vijay Mama.’ It is because of them that all of this has happened.”I will repay my debt of gratitude to you by working for your future. Stay confident this Vijay Mama will always be there for you,” he said. The 51-year-old was flanked by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the alliance partners -VCK, CPI and CPI(M) who extended support to the TVK to push it past the required majority mark to form the government in the State. He thanked the top leadership of the Congress party, including Rahul Gandhi, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary KC Venugopal. After taking oath, he signed his first documents at the stage as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He was joined by LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who sat next to him. Along with Vijay, nine other TVK leaders, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Arunraj, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, TK Prabhu and S Keerthana took oath as ministers in his maiden cabinet. The 2026 Tamil Nadu elections were registered in history books after the state declared an unprecedented mandate for Vijay. While TVK ended up winning 108 out of 234 seats in its maiden political stint, it was for the first time in the history of state politics that both legacy ‘Dravidian’ parties were ousted from power. However, Vijay couldn’t attain majority on its and was later offered support by Congress (5), CPI-M (2), CPI (2), VCK (2) and IUML (2), which were earlier the allies of Secular Progressive Alliance led by DMK. Vijay, often referred to as the ‘Thalapathy’, showed a crowd-pulling ability in the election rallies, which many compared to actor-turned-politician and former CM MG Ramachandran. While Tamil Nadu has had a long history of actors entering Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 13 (ANI): Newly elected Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday sailed through the floor test in the Legislative Assembly with 144 votes in favour. With its allies, the TVK held a strength of 120 MLAs in the House. 22 MLAs voted against the TVK, and five MLAs abstained. However, the DMK staged a walkout, reducing the total strength of the House during the voting. The number of MLAs supporting Vijay shows that a block of AIADMK rebels disobeyed the party whip and voted against it. The TVK won the floor test as Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK MLAs extended support to the party. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has two MLAs, has also extended support to the TVK government. Expelled Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK) MLA Kamaraj has also supported TVK in the Assembly. He said, “I supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government yesterday, I support it today, and I will continue to support it for the next five years. CM Vijay is protecting the entire state. I believe he will not leave me either. I am sure our Vijay will protect and save me too.”While AI- ADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said that all 47 MLAs will vote against the TVK, the Assembly witnessed an ADMK versus ADMK showdown. Former minister and party MLA SP Velumani also spoke during the Assembly proceedings, and was objected to by supporters of Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Alleging attempts to lure MLAs, Palaniswami claimed information had reached the party that some members were being offered ministerial posts and board chairman positions in exchange for supporting the government. “We are not an enemy party; we wish to function as a responsible Opposition,” EPS said in the Assembly. The TVK holds 107 seats in the Assembly, after Vijay resigned from Trichy East and retained Perambur. However, the party had 106 MLAs to vote after the Madras High Court directed TVK leader Srinivasa Sethupathi not to participate in the Assembly confidence vote after the DMK challenged the poll results in Tirupattur in the court.The party gained support from Congress (five seats), along with the CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, which contribute two seats each. Adding one expelled AMMK MLA, the coalition’s strength currently stands at 120 seats (excluding Srinivasa Sethupathi). The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLAs staged a walkout during the voting. Leader of Opposition, Udhayanidhi Stalin, took a jibe at the TVK for taking away its allies, including Congress. “We are walking out of the Assembly. Once we walk out, you will get the ma- and conquering politics, the State awaited another star to step up in the line after Captain Vijayakanth. He has also embraced his Christian identity while being outspoken about secular politics. Although the TVK was launched in 2024, he has been looked at as a social worker and has not been apolitical, given his films, which dealt with drug menace, corruption and other socio-political issues. While there has been speculation of him entering politics since 2009, Vijay has involved himself in social work. In the 2026 elections, he won two seats, Perambur and Trichy East, and will resign from one. (ANI) Tamil Nadu: CM Vijay led TVK govt passes floor test in Assembly with 144 votes in favour jority. Govern well with it. I request you not to politicise the welfare schemes introduced by our government,” he said. TVK made history by emerging as the single-largest party in the elections, as Tamil Nadu looked beyond the DMK-ADMK binary.
India This Week 5
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 Global tightrope: PM Modi to embark on high-stakes 5-nation tour amid energy crisis New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): In a move to safeguard India’s economic interests against a volatile global backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a whirlwind five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visit comes at a critical juncture as the escalating conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have sent shockwaves through global energy markets. With India’s fuel supply chains under strain, this diplomatic marathon is being viewed as a “mission for energy security.”The tour begins with a high-priority stopover in Abu Dhabi. The UAE recently exited OPEC+, making direct bilateral energy ties more vital than ever. PM Modi will pay an official visit to the United Arab Emirates on May 15, where he will meet the President of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The two leaders will have the opportunity to exchange views on bilateral issues, in particular energy cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. They will also discuss ways to advance the The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- May 15, 2026 Be Fair: You’ll never regret By Rajan George Pushing hard to gain your ends, Blind to justice, truth, and right, May bring advantage for a while, Yet leave behind enduring blight. Long after fleeting gains have passed, The wounds you caused will still remain; You forge a prison for yourself, Bound tightly by dishonor’s chain. One who lives to serve himself May briefly grasp his heart’s desire, But when the reckoning descends, Its flames will burn like raging fire. You cannot turn the clock around Or wipe away the stains once made; The harvest of unrighteous deeds Will cast the soul in deepest shade. Remember this: you’re not alone, The world was not made for one man. If you seek justice in this life, Then walk in truth where justice stands. Let this become a lesson learned, In public life and private ways: Whoever casts aside the truth For selfish gain and fleeting praise, And skirts the law to reach his goals, Will never keep what he has won; For every deed unjustly gained Will fade before the rising sun. A day of reckoning will come, No power can escape its call; What’s built by false and crooked means Will surely crumble, fade, and fall. So stand for fairness, walk in truth, Though loss may linger for a time; In the end your victory will come, And peace of heart will still be thine. bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership underpinned by strong political, cultural, economic and people-to-people links. The visit will serve to promote the significant trade and investment linkages between the two countries.The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner and its seventh-largest source of investment cumulatively over the past 25 years. With the UAE hosting over 4.5 million - strong Indian community, the visit will also be an opportunity to discuss their welfare.At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, Prime Minister Modi will pay an official visit to the Netherlands from May 1517, 2026. This will be the Prime Minister’s second visit to the Netherlands after his previous visit in 2017, as per the statement by MEA. During the visit, the Prime Minister will call on Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, and hold talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten. Prime Minister’s visit will build on the momentum of high-level engagements and close cooperation spanning diverse sectors, including defence, security, innovation, green hydrogen, semiconductors and a Strategic Partnership on Water. The Prime Minister’s visit early in the tenure of the new Government will provide an opportunity to further deepen and expand the multifaceted partnership. The Netherlands is one of India’s largest trade destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade worth USD 27.8 billion (2024-25); and India’s 4th largest investor with cumulative FDI of USD 55.6 billion. The visit to Norway & Sweden is the centerpiece is the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. Originally delayed by regional tensions in 2025, the summit will focus on green hydrogen, Arctic cooperation, and the blue economy.At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister Modi will travel on 17-18 May 2026 to Gothenburg, Sweden. The Prime Minister had earlier visited Swe- 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 den in 2018 for the first-ever India-Nordic Summit. PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with PM Kristersson to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation to enhance bilateral trade, which has reached USD 7.75 billion (2025), and Swedish FDI into India which has reached USD 2.825 billion (2000 - 2025), as well as collaboration in green transition, AI, emerging technologies, startups, resilient supply chains, defence, space, climate action and people-to-people ties. The two Prime Ministers will also address the European Round Table for Industry, a leading pan-European business leaders forum, along with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. PM Modi will pay an official visit to Norway from 18 - 19 May 2026 for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and bilateral engagements. This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Norway, and will mark the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Norway in 43 years. The Prime Minister will call on with Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, as per the statement. The Prime Minister will also address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit along with the Norwegian Prime Minister. The visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress made in India-Norway relations and explore avenues to further strengthen them, with a focus on trade and investment, capitalising on the India - EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as on clean & green tech and blue economy. The visit will also be an opportunity to induce momentum in bilateral trade worth around USD 2.73 billion (2024), and investments by Norway’s Government Pension Fund (GPFG) of close to USD 28 billion in the Indian capital market. As per the MEA statement, the 3rd India-Nordic Summit will take place in Oslo on 19 May 2026. P rime Minister Modi will be joined by the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre; Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen; Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo; Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristrun Frostadottir; and Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson for the Summit. The Summit will build upon the two previous Summits held in Stockholm in April 2018 and in Copenhagen in May 2022, and will impart a more strategic dimension to India’s relationship with the Nordic countries, especially in technology and innovation; green transition and renewable energy; sustainability; blue economy; defence; space and the Arctic. Remember: “In the Beginning was the Word, The Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made, that was made” JOHN 1:1-3
India This Week 7
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 Oppn calls PM Modi’s ‘seven’ appeals “economic failure repackaged as moral advice”; BJP defends it as “right call” amid West Asia crisis New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): A fierce political row has broken out following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “seven appeals” to the nation, aimed at insulating the Indian economy from the escalating West Asia crisis. While the BJP hails the move as a masterstroke of “economic self-defence,” the Opposition has dismissed the directives as a “repackaged admission of economic failure.” This comes a day after PM Modi urged Indians to reduce fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel, postpone gold purchases, embrace work from home, use public transport, consume less edible oil, and shift towards natural farming. The Opposition, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, was quick to sharpen its knives. Gandhi characterised the appeals not as moral guidance, but as “proof of a compromised PM” who has lost control over the economy.In a strongly worded post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “These aren’t sermons -- these are proofs of failure,” alleging that after “12 years” of governance, the government was now instructing people “what to buy, what not to buy, where to go, where not to go.” Reiterating his “Compromised PM” jibe, the Congress MP claimed that “running the country is no longer within the reach” of the Prime Minister.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also mounted a blistering attack, accusing the Centre of failing to control inflation and economic distress. “When poverty’s flour is getting soaked, Modi ji is lecturing the country on saving,” Kharge said, while alleging that the government ignored warnings about the West Asia crisis and remained focused on election campaigning. He questioned why the Prime Minister was conducting roadshows and claiming that “sab changa si” while, according to the Congress, the economy was under pressure from rising fuel costs, weakening rupee value, and supply chain disruptions. Congress MP Manickam Tagore said the appeals reflected “economic failure being repackaged as moral advice.” He accused the government of asking citizens to “lower their standard of living” after years of promises of “Achhe Din.” Tagore further said that if sacrifices were necessary, the government should begin by cutting “PR spending,” “luxury convoys,” and “self-promotion campaigns.” Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggested that PM Modi’s speech could be a precursor to harsh economic measures. “The economic situation is far more serious than what official numbers suggest,” he said, warning that fuel price hikes and austerity measures could soon follow. He argued that stagnating wages, rising household debt, and weak job creation contradicted the government’s narrative of economic stability. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram described the Prime Minister’s appeal as “dramatic,” saying it hinted that “something is not normal.” He demanded that Parliament be convened to explain the actual economic and geopolitical situation facing the country. Congress leader Sachin Pilot similarly asked the government to disclose India’s real position regarding the West Asia conflict and explain why commodity prices were rising after elections had concluded. “The position we are in should be disclosed. Prices are rising after the elections are over. You will have to explain with data what India’s situation is. Oil prices are also stable, so what exactly happened?” he asked. Adding to the Opposition offensive, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether the country was facing an “economic emergency.” “The Prime Minister should lay the truth bare before the nation,” Kejriwal said, asking what the “real state” of the economy was. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called the Prime Minister’s remarks an “admission of failure” and alleged that the BJP government had lost control of the economy. “ As soon as the elections ended, the crisis came to mind,” Yadav wrote on X, sarcastically referring to the BJP’s “five trillion-dollar economy” ambition while questioning why restrictions were not discussed during election campaigns. He also accused the BJP of hypocrisy over foreign travel and fuel consumption during its own poll campaigns. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan alleged that the government was preparing to increase petrol prices and linked the current situation to India’s decision to reduce crude purchases from Russia under pressure from US President Donald Trump. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar claimed the Prime Minister’s appeal itself was proof that the government had “failed on all fronts” and warned of difficult days ahead. Congress MLA BK Hariprasad launched one of the sharpest attacks, accusing PM Modi of neglecting governance during elections and claiming that the RSS had come to dominate governance institutions. He also alleged that despite warnings from Rahul Gandhi regarding the West Asia crisis, the BJP government failed to act in time. He also referred to PM Modi as “Mahishasura” while accusing the BJP of weakening regional parties and sidelining leaders within its own organisation. The BJP has mounted a vigorous defence, accusing the Congress of being “detached from the national pulse.” Union Minister Giriraj Singh and BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya countered the criticism by invoking historical precedents. Malviya shared archival footage of Jawaharlal Nehru explaining how global wars (like the Korean War) inevitably caused inflation in India, asking if Nehru was also a “compromised PM” for telling the truth. The ruling party argued that just as the nation united during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the current “economic self-defence” requires collective action to prevent the $1,000$ crore-a-day losses currently being absorbed by oil companies from crashing the economy. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said global oil and gas supplies had already been disrupted because of the conflict involving America, Israel, and Iran, and warned that irresponsible fuel usage could eventually lead to shortages in India as well. “The Prime Minister has ensured that our supply is not affected on a large scale,” Fadnavis said, urging citizens to follow the PM’s guidance. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed the Prime Minister’s concerns while addressing the CII Annual Business Summit in New Delhi. Vaishnaw urged both citizens and businesses to reduce expenditure requiring foreign exchange while simultaneously increasing forex earnings through exports and services. “The truce is still far away,” he said, referring to the continuing West Asia conflict.Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended PM Modi by comparing the current appeal to the public cooperation witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Whenever such a call to action has been issued, the nation has stepped forward,” Singh said, while accusing Rahul Gandhi of failing to understand the “pulse” of the country. Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth also backed the Prime Minister, arguing that despite major global conflicts, India had managed to avoid fuel shortages. He urged people to use public transport and reduce unnecessary consumption to strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves. BJP leader Sanjay Saraogi said PM Modi had made the “right call,” particularly regarding fuel conservation and postponing gold purchases, calling the measures essential in the national interest. Among NDA allies, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu strongly endorsed the Prime Minister’s “national mission” and asked industrialists and citizens alike to treat the appeals as a collective responsibility. Naidu said the current geopolitical turmoil had made self-reliance and resource conservation more important than ever.Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said conserving resources while keeping national interest paramount was the “collective responsibility” of every citizen and described PM Modi’s appeal as a major step toward building a self-reliant India. Amid the political slugfest, the Centre also moved to calm fears of shortages and panic buying. Information and Broadcasting Ministry Joint Secretary C Senthil Rajan said the Prime Minister’s remarks were aimed at “efficient utilisation” of resources and not because of shortages. He insisted that the government had made adequate arrangements to handle disruptions caused by global conflicts. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also assured the public that fuel stocks remained stable and there were no shortages across the country. Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said refineries were operating at optimum levels and there had been no “dry-outs” at fuel stations or LPG distributorships. The controversy erupted after PM Modi, speaking in Hyderabad and later in Secunderabad on Sunday, framed responsible consumption as a new form of patriotism amid growing geopolitical tensions and supply-chain disruptions. Stressing that patriotism was not limited to sacrificing one’s life at the border, the Prime Minister said citizens could also contribute through “micro-efforts” in daily life -from reducing fuel usage and avoiding unnecessary imports to supporting domestic products and conserving foreign exchange reserves. But what the BJP projected as a national call for resilience quickly transformed into a nationwide political confrontation, with the Opposition portraying it as a sign of deepening economic stress and the ruling alliance presenting it as a responsible response to an increasingly unstable global order. (ANI)
INDIA THIS WEEK 9
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