INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 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 36 No. 34 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday August 21, 2026 At 11, Indian-American Myra Saxena Turns Big Ideas into Award-Winning Innovation By Geeta Goindi August 13, 2026 – At an age when most children are just beginning to explore their academic interests, 11-year-old Indian-American Myra Saxena is already an award-winning scientist, inventor and entrepreneur whose independent research into pediatric Type 2 diabetes has earned recognition at state and national competitions. Saxena, a seventh-grader at Ellen Fletcher Middle School in Palo Alto, has been nomi- nated for the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC), the Society for Science’s prestigious national STEM competition for middle school students. The nomination follows an exceptional year for Saxena, whose work focuses on the early detection and prevention of pediatric Type 2 diabetes using artificial intelligence, machine learning and wearable technology. Her research earned her the prestigious Isabelle Stone Grand Prize at the Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship, making Saxena the only middle school student from the Palo Alto Unified School District to receive the honor. She also won a first-place category award and a special award from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for her work involving artificial intelligence and machine learning. Saxena went on to win third place in the Medicine and Physiology category at the California Myra Saxena at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, where she was a national finalist and won second place for her health technology innovation. Science and Engineering Fair, where she was up against older seventh and eighth-grade students from across the state. Myra Saxena at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, where she was a national finalist and won second place for her health technology innovation. Her work has also reached an international scientific audience. A research paper by Saxena, “A Novel Approach for Early Detection of MYRA SAXENA SEE PAGE 2 Trump invokes Indian electoral system in bid to pass SAVE America Act Washington, DC [US], August 18 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) renewed his call for the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, citing India’s election system and voter identification requirements. In a post on Truth Social, Trump recalled remarks attributed to India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar earlier this month regarding voter identification requirements in the US.” Earlier this month, India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration -- How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID?” Trump said. Referring to India’s last general election, Trump said, “India’s last Election had 646,000,000 Voters! Less than 1 per cent voted by mail, and every single Voter had to have a VALID Photo Identity Document.” Trump reiterated his call for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, saying, “We need to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, now!” According to the White House, the legislation is aimed at ensuring that only US citizens participate in deciding federal elections.” American citizens -- and only American citizens -- should decide American elections,” the White House said, describing the SAVE America Act as a “common sense, bipartisan bill.” The White House said the proposed legislation would require voters to provide valid identification before registering to vote in a federal election, along with proof of citizenship. It also proposes restrictions on mail-in ballots, allowing them only in cases involving illness, disability, military service or travel. The White House said the Act would direct states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls.” If you want to register to vote in the United States, you have to be a citizen in the United States,” the White House said. The administration also compared US election procedures with those in other countries, arguing that America lags behind other nations in enforcing what it described as basic election protections.” India and Brazil tie voter ID to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship,” the White House said. The Bill to pass the law was introduced on January 29. (ANI)
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 President Trump Endorses Indian-American Saritha Komatireddy for New York Attorney General By Geeta Goindi August 17, 2026 – President Donald Trump has endorsed Indian-American Republican Saritha Komatireddy in the race for New York attorney general, touting the former federal prosecutor and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief of staff as the candidate to unseat Democratic incumbent Letitia James in November. Trump announced his “complete and total endorsement” of Komatireddy in a lengthy Truth Social post, highlighting her prosecutorial and national security experience, her tenure at the DEA and her 2020 nomination by him to serve as a federal judge in New York. “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Saritha Komatireddy, who is running to be the next Attorney General” of New York, Trump wrote. He also noted that she has the backing of Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman. Trump sharply attacked James, accusing her of using the attorney general’s office to pursue him politically. James successfully sued Trump and the Trump Organization in a civil fraud case, although a New York appeals court later struck down the nearly $465 million financial penalty imposed on Trump as excessive while leaving the underlying liability finding in place. Drawing a contrast between the two candidates, Trump said Komatireddy would focus on law and order, economic growth, support for law enforcement, first responders, the military and veterans, election integrity, border security, the Constitution and Second Amendment rights. “As a former Federal Prosecutor, Chief of Staff of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Law Clerk for then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh, and a distinguished Harvard Law School graduate, with Honors, Saritha has proven she has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results,” Trump wrote. Komatireddy welcomed the endorsement in a social media post Saturday, recalling that Trump had previously selected her for the federal bench. “I was honored to be nominated to be a federal judge by the President in 2020 and I’m honored to receive his endorsement today,” she wrote on X. “I’m working hard to win the support of all New Yorkers and defeat Letitia James this November.” Komatireddy, the Republican and Conservative Party nominee for attorney general, is not a newcomer to federal law enforcement. She spent more than 12 years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of New York, holding several leadership positions and working on national security, narcotics, money launder Her prosecutorial work included cases involving terrorism and transnational criminal organizations. She later served as chief of staff of the DEA from 2023 to 2024. Komatireddy has made public safety a centerpiece of her campaign. “I’m running for Attorney General because we need a prosecutor in charge, focused on New York and focused on safety,” she has said. “What’s the point of chasing international Immigration Lawyer Law Office of Ryan Morgan Knight Email or call for free consultation ryan@immigrationknight.com 1 (888) 735-0560 Ryan Knight Licensed to practice immigration law Nationwide; Licensed to practice art law in Maryland terrorists and cybercriminals overseas if right here at home I’m worried about my family’s safety?” she said. “That is why I am running for Attorney General. New Yorkers deserve the same focus on public safety right here at home.” She has also sought to link crime with the broader cost-of-living concerns facing New Yorkers, declaring: “There’s a three word solution to affordability in New York: Just Fight Crime.” Born in Coney Island, Brooklyn, to Indian immigrant parents, Komatireddy is a first-generation Indian-American whose family traces its roots to Telangana. Her parents, Hanumanth Reddy and Geetha Reddy, are physicians who immigrated to the United States from India in the 1980s. Komatireddy grew up in Missouri before attending Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She began her Indian-American Saritha Komatireddy, Republican candidate for New York attorney general, has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement in her bid for the state’s top law enforcement post. legal career clerking for then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, years before Kavanaugh became a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Komatireddy also served as counsel to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling before embarking on her lengthy career as a federal prosecutor. In 2020, Trump nominated her to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The nomination did not result in her confirmation before Trump left office. Komatireddy is currently a partner at the law firm Holtzman Vogel, where her practice includes complex federal investigations and appeals, and is an adjunct faculty member at Columbia Law School. She is now seeking to unseat James in the November election, drawing on her extensive prosecutorial and national security experience in her bid to become New York’s next attorney general. At 11, Indian-American Myra Saxena Turns Big Ideas into Award-Winning Innovation MYRA /SAXENA FROM PAGE 1 Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes using Low-cost Blood Biomarkers,” was accepted for presentation at the 2026 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference (EMBC), an international gathering of researchers, engineers and medical professionals. For Saxena, the pursuit of solutions to diabetes is deeply personal. She lost her grandfather to the disease, an experience that helped inspire her interest in using technology to identify risks earlier and encourage healthier outcomes for children. Her journey as an innovator began several years earlier. Saxena started learning to code at age 8. As a fifth-grader, she developed “Healthy Littles powered by SmartGenes,” an app and wearable technology project aimed at helping identify and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in children. The project propelled the young inventor onto the national stage. She advanced to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, where she won second place, and was the only student from her school district selected to compete nationally. Her innovation also earned first place in the World Series of Innovation Challenge. The recognition marked the beginning of an increasingly sophisticated scientific journey. What started as a young child’s interest in coding and invention has evolved into independent research combining artificial intelligence, machine learning, biomarkers and health technology. Despite her growing list of accolades, Saxena’s philosophy is remarkably straightforward. “Never give up, even if people tell you that you can’t do it or you’re too young,” she says. “It’s never too late or too early to start.” Born in Virginia, Saxena spent her early childhood in Ashburn, Loudoun County, before moving to California with her parents and younger sister at age 8. Her interests ex- tend well beyond science and technology. Saxena is also a youth entrepreneur, TEDxYouth speaker and competitive ballet dancer. At an even younger age, she began exploring another form of entrepreneurship. Saxena is the founder and “Chief Sparklez Officer” of Sparklez, a nonprofit initiative she started in 2021 to support children in underserved communities. The idea grew partly from an experience when she was 6, after her mother, Sweta Sinha, visited a school for blind girls in India. Videos her mother brought home prompted Saxena to think about what she could do to help other children. She turned to one of her favorite hobbies — making jewelry. Saxena began creating and selling handmade charm jewelry at children’s business fairs, farmers markets, holiday markets and other events, using the proceeds to support projects benefiting children. Her efforts have supported causes in both the United States and In- dia. “I started Sparklez, a non-profit organization, in 2021 to support and empower kids in need in underprivileged communities,” Saxena says. “My vision is to expand this platform to support kids in need by empowering them through healthy living and quality education. It’s a platform built by Kids for Kids.” Saxena has also served as a youth ambassador for children’s health and kindness initiatives. But it is her rapid progression in science – from learning to code at 8, to building a health technology invention, competing nationally and conducting biomedical research – that distinguishes her emerging journey. Now, as she enters seventh grade, Saxena is continuing to build on research that has already taken her from a middle school classroom in Palo Alto to statewide competitions, the national invention stage and an international biomedical engineering conference — all before her 12th birthday.
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 Tamil Nadu Announces Major Welfare Measures, Including Third-Child Maternity Leave and Expanded Healthcare Chennai, August 19: The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of major welfare measures under Rule 110, including extending maternity leave for women government employees to 365 days for a third child, increasing milk procurement prices, expanding medical education, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and enhancing health insurance coverage. The government announced that women employed in the state government will now be entitled to 365 days of maternity leave for a third child, bringing the benefit in line with the leave available for the first two children. The decision drew criticism from DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan, who said Tamil Nadu had historically promoted family planning and encouraged families to have no more than two children. He questioned whether the new policy represented a departure from the state’s longstanding family-planning approach. The government also announced enhanced benefits for Members of the Legislative Assembly. Cars will be provided to all MLAs at government expense, while the monthly vehicle allowance has been increased to Rs.75,000 and the assistant allowance fixed at Rs.25,000. Health insurance coverage for MLAs under the government scheme will also be increased from Rs.5 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh. Higher Milk Procurement Price In another major measure, the government announced an increase in the milk procurement price from Rs 38 to Rs. 41 per litre. The increase is expected to benefit more than 3.16 lakh milk producers. The government incentive paid to milk producers will also rise from Rs. 3 to Rs. 5 per litre. The higher procurement price is expected to result in additional government expenditure of approximately Rs. 30 crore per month, or Rs. 360 crore annually. Expansion of Medical Education The government has allocated Rs. 351 crore to expand student admission capacity in government medical and allied health institutions. A total of 6,098 additional seats will be created for healthcare education, including: “Gopal Godse, Nathuram Godse were active RSS members”, Savarkar’s grandnephew Satyaki Savarkar tells Pune court Pune (Mahar- ashtra) [India], August 19 (ANI): In a significant statement during the ongoing defamation case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, complainant Satyaki Savarkar told a Pune court that his grandfather and grand uncle Gopal Godse and Nathuram Godse were active members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), informed Advocate Milind Pawar, representing Rahul Gandhi. The admission came during further cross-examination of Satyaki Savarkar by Gandhi’s counsel, Advocate Milind D Pawar, before Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Amol Shriram Shinde in the special MP MLA Court in Pune. As per the deposition recorded before the court, Satyaki stated, “It is true to say that my grandfathers Gopal Godse and Nathuram Godse were active members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.” Satyaki Savarkar also told the court that Gopal Godse was his maternal grandfather and his mother’s father, while Sindhu Godse was his maternal grandmother and his mother’s mother. His mother is Himani Savarkar.During the cross-examination, Satyaki said Gopal Godse and Nathuram Godse were real brothers and that Nathuram Godse was his cousin-grandfather by relation. He also stated that his father was the nephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Satyaki further stated that Savarkar and Godse were relatives and that the two families had a historical background. However, he said he did not have complete information about that historical background and was unaware whether the historical records of both families were available in government records. He also told the court that his mother died in Pune in 2015 and his grandfather Gopal Godse died in Pune in 2007. According to his deposition, his mother and grandfather worked for the Hindu Mahasabha until their deaths. During the proceedings, Satyaki said that the Hindu Mahasabha was a political party and that it was established by Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1915. He further stated that Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was in the Andaman jail at that time.On Savarkar’s release, Satyaki denied the suggestion that the British had conditionally released him in 1924. He voluntarily stated before the court that Savarkar was completely released in 1937. The defamation case was filed by Satyaki Savarkar against Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.The hearing in the case was adjourned on Tuesday and will resume on September 1. (ANI) 660 additional B.Sc. Nursing seats; 1,925 additional seats in nursing colleges and schools; 2,778 seats across 12 paramedical courses; and 735 additional seats in medical courses. The government will also establish seven new government nursing colleges as part of its effort to expand the state’s healthcare workforce. New 400-Bed Hospital in Perambalur A 400-bed multi-speciality hospital will be established in Perambalur at an estimated cost of Rs. 300 crore. The proposed hospital is intended to provide advanced medical treatment and strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the district, reducing the need for residents to travel to larger cities for specialised medical services. Health Insurance Coverage Raised The government has also announced a major expansion of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. The annual limit for medical treatment under the scheme is proposed to increase from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh. Additional medical and surgical services for transgender persons will also be made available under the insurance scheme at government hospitals in Chennai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Chengalpattu, Thiruvarur, Karur and Kanyakumari. Taken together, the measures represent a broad expansion of welfare initiatives in Tamil Nadu, with the government focusing on improving the livelihoods of milk producers, expanding opportunities in medical and nursing education, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increasing insurance coverage and providing specialised medical services to underserved communities. The maternity-leave decision and enhanced benefits for MLAs, meanwhile, add a broader employee-welfare and legislative component to the government’s latest package of announcements. Gujarat: Major relief for middle-class families: More unreserved category students to benefit from the ‘Loan for Study Abroad scheme’ Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 19 (ANI): The Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel administration has announced a key initiative aimed at assisting unreserved category students in the state who are seeking international higher education. According to the release, under the ‘Loan for Study Abroad Scheme’ implemented through the Gujarat Unreserved Educational and Economic Development Corporation, the annual family income limit has been increased from Rs.6 lakh to Rs.10 lakh. The Department, under the leadership of Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Pradyuman Vaja and Minister of State Manisha Vakil, has taken this decision to benefit more students. Students who could not earlier avail the scheme due to the income limit will now be eligible for loan assistance to pursue higher education abroad. For students seeking higher education abroad, an education loan provides financial support for expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation and living costs. Earlier, the annual family income limit under the ‘Loan for Study Abroad Scheme’ was Rs.6 lakh. The State Government has now increased this limit by Rs.4 lakh to Rs.10 lakh. As a result, eligible unreserved category students with an annual family income of up to Rs.10 lakh will now be able to avail the benefits of the scheme, as per the release. The State Government says the main objective of this decision is to ensure that meritorious students from middle-income families do not miss the opportunity to pursue higher education abroad due to the income limit. Studying at reputed foreign universities gives students exposure to globally recognised education systems, advanced technology, research and international experience. This, the state government says can help them build successful careers and, after completing their education, contribute to the development of Gujarat and the country. The increase in the income limit is therefore a key step towards creating greater opportunities for more students and enabling more youth to access global education. (ANI)
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 Issues of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, water sharing to be discussed in 31st Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram tomorrow New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): Issues of common interest at the regional level such as the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, important projects related to water sharing, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), and civil aviation are to be discussed in the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram on August 20. Besides, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said broad issues of national importance, which include the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for the speedy investigation and early disposal of cases of rape against women and children, as well as issues related to education, are among others. The Southern Zonal Council comprises the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will leave for Tamil Nadu this evening to chair the Southern Zonal Council meeting- a platform for finding solutions through dialogue. After attending the meeting on Thursday, the Home Minister is scheduled to offer prayers at the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. Shah is the chairman of the Southern Zonal Council, and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, is vice-chairman. The chief ministers of the member states serve as the vice-chairman of the council by rotation. The 31st meeting is being organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, with the govern- The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- Augst 21, 2026 Humility By Rajan George Perched on a gilded pedestal by chance, Some feel entitled to honor and power, Yearning for prestige, position, and pride, Expecting their peers to pay them obeisance. It boosts their image, their ego, and self-esteem To great heights, where they feel accomplished. They yearn for more, as far as the world Can stretch, inflating their egos till they burst. They travel great lengths, with all their might, To achieve their ends, treading on others, Stamping them down, even if it costs lives; Their flags of pride continue to wave high. In such pursuits, they seldom realize That every inflated ego is a pinprick away From a tragic burst that brings an end— Nevermore to rise, forgotten and lost! Humility, on the other hand, travels slowly, Seeks no power, attention, or acclaim, Demands no homage from its peers, But calmly seeks to serve them well. It seeks no self-glory, privilege, or praise, But, with a selfless heart, earnestly serves, With firm dedication—even its tormentors— Wishing only good even for its foes. There is beauty in serving for the good of others, In making this world a better place Than the one we found when we came; They expend themselves in serving their peers. Those who serve themselves are finally spurned; Their egos burst, and they are forgotten. While those who, with humility, serve others Are memorialized like stars in the night sky! ment of Tamil Nadu as the host. The meeting will be attended by the chief ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of the member states and Union Territories of the Southern region, along with two senior ministers from each state. The Chief Secretaries and advisors and other senior officers of the state governments, as well as senior officers of the Central government, will also participate in the meeting.The zonal council has also constituted a standing committee at the level of chief secretaries. Issues proposed by the states are submitted for discussion before the zonal council’s standing committee and after deliberation there, the remaining issues are placed before the zonal council meeting for consideration. Under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, five Zonal Councils, including the Southern Zonal Council, have been established. The zonal councils function on the conviction that strong states build a strong nation. They provide a structured mechanism for dialogue and discussion 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 on issues affecting two or more states--or the Centre and the states--thereby serving as a platform to foster mutual cooperation. Zonal council meetings have evolved into a powerful platform for finding solutions through dialogue.The role of the zonal councils is advisory in nature. However, over the past few years, these councils have proved to be an important factor in fostering a healthy bond of mutual understanding and cooperation across various regions. Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], August 19 (ANI): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced free travel for women on the state transport buses across the Uttarakhand on August 28 and 29 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, an official order has been issued in this regard and directed the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation to ensure all necessary arrangements. As per the order, women will not have to pay any fare while travelling on the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses across the state on August 28 and 29 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. A large number of women travel to their parental homes and to meet family members during Raksha Bandhan. The state government’s initiative will provide them with safe, convenient and free public transport, making travel easier while also providing financial relief during the festival, as per the CMO. The government order, issued by Additional Secretary, Uttarakhand Government, Reena Joshi, clearly states that the expenses incurred by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation as a result of providing free travel to women will be reimbursed by the state government. The Transport Department has directed the corporation to take immediate necessary action in accordance with the government order. The Dhami government’s decision on Raksha Bandhan is another significant step towards promoting women’s dignity, convenience and empowerment in the state. Futher, in a post on X, Dhami wrote, “The honorarium for the Veerangana Teelu Rautela Award will be increased from Rs. 51,000 to Rs.75,000, and the amount for the Anganwadi Worker Award will be raised from Rs.51,000 to Rs.61,000. This decision is an important step toward honouring the dedication, struggle, and outstanding contributions of the state’s women power, while also continuously encouraging them.” (ANI) With the cooperation of all state governments, Central ministries and departments, a total of 69 meetings of the various zonal councils and their Standing Committees have been held in the last approximately 12 years, since June 2014 till now. The zonal councils provide an excellent forum for resolving issues and disputes and making progress among the member states and Union Territories, and within the region. (ANI) Uttarakhand: CM Dhami announces free bus travel for women on Aug 28-29 for Raksha Bandhan Remember: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.…
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Gujarat government clarifies roles and job chart of Panchayat and Revenue Talatis Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 18 (ANI): The Gujarat government has announced a clear division of roles and responsibilities between Revenue Talatis and Panchayat Talati-cum-Mantris, with the aim of bringing greater clarity to their functions and improving administration and public convenience at the grassroots level. A release said that the Gujarat Government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has taken an important decision to improve administration and public convenience at the grassroots level .Sharing the details from Gandhinagar, Panchayat Minister Rushikesh Patel said that after detailed discussions on the roles and responsibilities of Revenue Talatis and Panchayat Talati-cum-Mantris, “the State Government has announced a clear division of duties and job chart between the two”. At the rural level, around 90 to 100 major and minor functions are carried out, which together cover around 290 citizen-oriented services. The Minister added that this important decision will bring greater clarity to the roles, responsibilities and job chart of Revenue Talatis and Panchayat Talati at the rural level. As per the job chart issued by the Panchayats, Rural Housing and Rural Development Department, the Panchayat Talati-cum-Mantri will be responsible for carrying out all duties assigned to the Secretary of the Gram Panchayat under the Panchayat Act and Rules, the release said.Additionally, the job chart assigns responsibilities for implementing various individual and development schemes of the Central and State Governments at the rural level. It also covers certificate-related services, en- croachment matters involving village-site, gauchar and Panchayat land, public property, village cleanliness, water supply, tree plantation, Gram Sabha and various committees, among other duties.The job chart also covers rural-level responsibilities related to PM-KISAN, PM-Vishwakarma, e-Gram/e-Nirman Cards, Anganwadi services, primary education, rural sanitation, water supply, village-site plots, land for public purposes, sanitation and health, among other areas. As per the job chart issued by the Revenue Department, the Revenue Talati will be responsible for work under various revenue laws and rules, matters related to evacuee property and the Ashant Dhara, land records and surveys involving Central and State Government land, and work related to the PM-SVAMITVA Scheme. Furthermore, the Revenue Talati will be responsible for collecting land revenue, recovering outstanding dues, maintaining land records and rights, verifying rights related to government land and property, handling encroachment matters and land acquisition, managing changes in land revenue, carrying out administrative work related to land revenue, and supporting activities related to crop production and land improvement. The Revenue Talati’s job chart also includes Crop Cutting Experiments, farmer registration, crop insurance-related work, agricultural relief measures during natural calamities, work related to assigned land, verification of encroachments, and other duties assigned by the Revenue Officer.Along with clearly defining the responsibilities in both job charts, provisions have also been made for cooperation and coordination wherever necessary. INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 Smriti Irani thanks PM Modi, Nitin Nabin after being appointed BJP national general secretary New Delhi [India], August 17 (ANI): Former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Nitin Nabin after being appointed as national general secretary of the party. Describing her journey from an “ordinary BJP karyakarta” to the party’s top organisational team, Irani, in a post on X, said, “ BJP has created an ordinary worker like me and bestowed upon me the extraordinary responsibility of National General Secretary to contribute to the organization--this is a tribute to the worker-centric system.” “Serving the organization and contributing under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modiand the leadership of the National President Nitin Nabin is a matter of commitment and dedication for me,” Irani added. She further highlighted the party’s vision for the future, saying, “The newly constituted BJP team is committed to laying the foundation for fulfilling the resolve of Viksit Bharat and is dedicated to realising the spirit of Nation First.”The team has several new faces and is a mix of experience and youth. BL Santosh will continue in his position as National General Secretary (Organisation). Former Amethi MP Smriti Irani, former Tripura CM Biplab Deb, Sunil Bansal, Vinod Tawde, Gajendra Patel, Satish Poonia, Harish Dwivedi and Sanjay Bhatia have been entrusted with the key responsibilities as general secretaries. The announcement comes almost six months after Nitin Nabin became party chief.The party has named several senior leaders as National Vice Presidents. They include former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje, former Uttarakhand CM Tirath Singh Rawat, Ram Madhav, Baijyant Jay Panda, D Purandeshwari, Rekha Verma, Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi, Bharti Pravin Pawar, Manpreet Singh Badal, Lal Singh Arya, Prof. M. Nagaraja, Prof. Tariq Mansoor and Madhuchandra Kar. Six among 13 new vice presidents are women.Kavita Patidar - Madhya Pradesh, K. Surendran - Keralam, Dr. Bhola Singh - Uttar Pradesh, Pradip Varma - Jharkhand, Jagdish ishwarbhai Patel - Gujarat, Sandeep Pathak - Delhi, Phangnon Konyak - Nagaland, Sangeeta Yadav Uttar Pradesh, Anil Antony - Keralam, M. Venkateshan - Tamil Nadu, Manoj Tigga West Bengal, Siddharth Shambhu Bihar, Swadesh Singh - Delhi, Shri Mriganka Deo Barman -Assam, Rohan Gupta - Gujarat, Jai Prakash - Delhi have been named as National Secretaries. Piyush Goyal has once again been entrusted with the responsibility as National Treasurer of the party. The party has also named RS MP Tarun Chugh as the Central Office In-charge. Gujarat MP Hemang Joshi has been entrusted with the charge of the Yuva Morcha, while the Mahila Morcha will be overseen by Roop Kumari Choudhary from ChhattisgarhAnil Baluni, who is a Lok Sabha MP, will continue as Media Convenor. The co-convenors are Ashish Usha Agrawal - Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep Bhandari - Delhi and Siddharth Yadav - Delhi. Deepak Mhaskey of Chhattisgarh has been named as Social Media Convenor. (ANI) operations in the country’s energy sector. The restrictions had forced the company to keep its activities limited despite its existing presence there.Venezuela’s large oil reserves make the country strategically important for ONGC. According to the information shared by the company, Venezuela has around 303 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, the largest in the world. However, production has remained below potential because of years of underinvestment, sanctions and operational challenges. The investment case could also get a boost from Venezuela’s newly enacted petroleum law, which provides additional fiscal incentives for resource development. Agarwal said ONGC is particularly focused on shallow and onshore fields in the country, where it has experience from its operations in western India.”ONGC’s focus is on shallow, onshore fields in Venezuela, where it has relevant operating expertise from its domestic fields in Western India, including Mehsana and Ahmedabad,” he said. The company is now looking to make greater use of its existing expertise as restrictions on its Venezuelan operations ease.” We are very bullish for Venezuela,” Agarwal said, adding that ONGC expects new agreements and could potentially take over operatorship of some projects from PDVSA in the near term. (ANI) ONGC gets US nod to step up Venezuela operations, looks to take control of oil projects New Delhi [India], August 17 (ANI): State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is set to step up its activities in Venezuela after receiving a licence from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), removing the sanctions-related restrictions that had limited the company’s operations in the country. The approval could allow ONGC to put more money into its Venezuelan assets, raise oil output, work on fresh agreements and potentially take over the operation of some projects currently managed by Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA. Anupam Agarwal, Director-Finance at ONGC, said the company now has greater flexibility to work on its Venezuelan investments. ”Now we have full freedom to work on the Venezuela project because earlier we were re- stricting our operations there because of the sanction-related risks. Those risks are behind us,” Agarwal said during an investor call following the company’s first-quarter earnings announcement. The new licence is also important from a financial perspective. It will allow ONGC to handle the finances linked to its Venezuelan projects and could help the company recover a pending dividend of more than USD 500 million.ONGC has been discussing its Venezuelan investments with the country’s authorities and its joint-venture partners. According to Agarwal, the company expects progress on new agreements and is also considering taking over operatorship of some projects from PDVSA. For several years, US sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector had made it difficult for ONGC to carry out financial transactions, invest and expand
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 9 India Must Lead in Hypersonic, Next-Generation Defense Technologies: PM Modi Names ‘Defense’ Fifth ‘Shakti’ of ‘Saptadhara’ Vision New Delhi, India, August 15 (ANI) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, identified defense power as the fifth “Shakti” of his “Shakti Ki Saptadhara” vision and called for greater self-reliance in defense. He also urged India to emerge as a global supplier of military equipment and a leader in next-generation technologies, including hypersonic systems. Reiterating the government’s push for an Aatmanirbhar defense sector, the prime minister said India could not afford to remain merely a market for other countries and must build the capabilities to supply advanced defense technologies to the world. PM Modi said, “The fifth strength of the Saptadhara is defense power. It is important for us to become self-reliant in defense. When the world is thinking about itself, India cannot remain merely a market for the world. We have to become global suppliers. We have to take leadership in hypersonic defense technologies.” India has been steadily advancing its indigenous hypersonic weapons program, with the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) working on hypersonic glide and cruise missile technologies. The country is also pursuing indigenous technologies for longrange strike capabilities and advanced propulsion systems. Highlighting the expansion of India’s defense manufacturing base, PM Modi said, “In the last 12 years, defense production has increased by four times.” The prime minister’s comments come as India’s domestic defense production and exports have increased considerably, with the government seeking to strengthen indigenous manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on the eve of Independence Day that annual defense production had reached a record Rs. 1.78 lakh crore in the 2025-26 financial year, compared with Rs. 46,000 crore in 2014. Singh attributed the growth to the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, saying India was increasingly meeting its own security requirements while strengthening its position as a defense manufacturing hub and exporter. “Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, India’s defense production is reaching new heights every year. I am delighted to inform everyone that India’s annual defense production has surged to an all-time high of Rs. 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.” According to the Ministry of Defense, defense production rose 15.6 percent in FY 2024-25 and 110 percent from Rs. 84,643 crore in FY 202021. Indigenous defense production has increased nearly fourfold from FY 2013-14. Defense exports also reached a record Rs. 38,424 crore in FY 202526, with India now exporting defense products to more than 80 countries. Singh said the government was targeting defense exports of Rs. 50,000 crore by 2029. The private sector has also emerged as an increasingly important contributor to India’s defense industrial base. It accounted for 24 percent of total defense production in FY 2025-26, while Defense Public Sector Undertakings and other public sector entities contributed about 76 percent. Singh said modernization of the armed forces remained a key priority, pointing to higher defense spending, capital expenditure and funding for research and development. He also highlighted recent tests and the validation of advanced systems, including the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, RudraMII Air-to-Surface Missile, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-SR and Pinaka LongRange Guided Rocket. On hypersonic technology, Singh said the successful test of an actively cooled, full-scale scramjet combustor for more than 1,200 seconds had placed India among a select group of countries capable of developing hypersonic missile technology. The focus on defense power forms part of PM Modi’s broader “Shakti Ki Saptadhara” vision, under which he outlined seven areas that he said would drive India’s growth and global standing. The first strength is manufacturing power, with the prime minister calling for the creation of a complete value chain spanning design and man- ufacturing. “We must build a complete value chain. From design to manufacturing, India must establish itself as a trusted global supply chain partner for the world. We must rise to global standards of cost, quality and scale,” PM Modi said. The second strength is agriculture and food production, while the third is technology and innovation. PM Modi highlighted artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, robotics and data centers, and called for India to become a global hub of innovation. “We have proven our mettle in UPI and digital public infrastructure. Now India has to take digital public technologies to every corner of the world. India has to lead in Next Generation Communication Technology. Made in India 6G should reach every corner — this should be our goal,” PM Modi added. The fourth strength is Gati Shakti, with the prime minister focusing on high-speed connectivity, high-speed rail and port-led development. The sixth is the Green and Blue Economy, encompassing green hydrogen, renewable energy, energy storage, fisheries, coastal tourism and ocean technology. The seventh strength is India’s soft power, with PM Modi highlighting the global reach of yoga. (ANI) gions (DTRs) were out of service, with Mandi accounting for 39 and Shimla for five. Water supply has also been affected, with 221 schemes disrupted across the state. Of these, 209 are in Mandi district. Authorities and emergency response teams are continuing restoration work to reopen blocked roads and restore power and water supplies in affected areas. The 183 deaths recorded over the 47-day period translate to an average of nearly four fatalities a day since June 30. (ANI) Himachal monsoon death toll rises to 183 in 47 days; losses cross Rs. 972 crore Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, August 15 (ANI): The monsoon has claimed 183 lives in Himachal Pradesh in 47 days, while cumulative losses from rain-related incidents and other natural hazards have crossed Rs. 972 crore since June 30, according to the latest data released by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). The cumulative loss report of the Department of Revenue’s Disaster Management Cell estimated the total financial damage at Rs. 97,263.91 lakh, or approximately Rs. 972.64 crore, between June 30 and August 15. Of the 183 deaths, 79 were attributed to natural hazards and other rain-related incidents, while 104 people lost their lives in road accidents during the period. The natural hazard-related fatalities include 14 deaths due to landslides, 27 caused by falls from steep rocks or trees, 15 due to other weather-related incidents, eight snakebite deaths, eight electrocution deaths, five drowning deaths and one death in a flash flood. Lahaul and Spiti recorded the highest number of deaths due to natural hazards, at 14, followed by Kangra with 13 and Shimla with 11. Road accidents accounted for 104 fatalities, with Chamba and Sirmaur recording 16 deaths each, followed by Kullu with 14. The monsoon-related incidents have also left 291 people injured and 31 missing. According to official data, more than 732 animals and 225 poul- try birds have also been lost. Public infrastructure has suffered the largest share of the damage, with the Public Works Department (PWD) reporting losses worth Rs. 73,395.46 lakh, followed by the Jal Shakti Vibhag with losses of Rs. 21,640.62 lakh. Damage to power and electricity infrastructure has been estimated at Rs. 530.61 lakh. Private property has also suffered damage, with 83 houses completely destroyed and 242 partially damaged. As many as 260 cattle sheds have also been damaged. Ex-gratia assistance amounting to Rs. 592 lakh has been sanctioned for affected families so far. The latest public utility status report, as of 5 p.m. on August 15, showed that 103 roads remained blocked across the state. Mandi was the worst-affected district, with 43 roads blocked, followed by Kullu with 32 and Chamba with eight. A total of 46 distribution transformer re-
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