FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 , 2026 1 INDIA THIS WEEK A Weekly Newspaper Featuring News and Trends from the Indian Sub-Continent Published From the US Capital Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 36 No. 42 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday October 16, 2026 Thousands join ‘March for Democracy’ as INDIA Bloc petitions Supreme Court against ECI amid SIR row; Rahul Gandhi thanks supporters New Delhi [India], October 12 (ANI): The standoff between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the opposition over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls escalated on Monday as thousands flooded the streets of the national capital for a high-profile march to the Supreme Court, led by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The demonstrations culminated in a formal petition filed by 11 INDIA bloc leaders challenging the poll panel. The petitioners include Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, CPI(M) MP MA Baby, CPI leader D Raja, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Majhi, NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule and Indian Union Muslim League MP ET Mohammed Basheer.Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “protecting” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying the march would highlight the issue before the country. The march saw participation from prominent opposition leaders, including Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also joined, asserting that the movement was aimed at seeking “justice for the sake of humanity.” After the petition, Rahul Gandhi thanked the participants for supporting the march. “Today was a very important day because we needed to show the government that the people of India are not going to be intimidated,” he said on X. All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, who has been actively participating in the recent protests against CEC, was seen walking alongside Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.The ‘March for Democracy’ brought key stretches of the capital, including Barakhamba Road and Mandi House, to a standstill. Protesters waved national flags, held placards and of the offence, and the protection and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. The drug control plan seeks to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. The MoU on money laundering and terror financing provides for expert training, the exchange of best practices and cooperation in financial intelligence, investigations, asset recovery, anti-money laundering measures, countering terror financing and proliferation financing. The BIM- STEC plan of action on Illicit financial flows and their prevention aimed at identifying the sources, risks, and channels of illicit financial flows among member countries.A plan of action for enhancing preparedness and coordination to address natural disasters in the Bay of Bengal Region proposed coordinated efforts by member countries in regional risk planning, joint exercises, early warning systems, disaster mapping, training centres, information sharing, research, technological innovation, and tsunami risk reduction. The declaration emphasised combating cross-border terrorism, terror financing, radicalisation, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and organised crime. It prioritised information sharing, mutual legal assistance, extradition, capacity building, and the effective implementation of existing agreements and plans of action. It also emphasised the protection of victims of human trafficking involved in online scams. The declaration appreciated India’s leadership in strengthening raised slogans alleging irregularities in the SIR.After reaching the Supreme Court, leaders expressed hope for justice from the judiciary. Akhilesh Yadav, who earlier alleged that the Election Commission seemed to be working at the behest of the BJP, said, “We are hopeful that we will get justice from the Supreme Court.”Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the Chief Justice of India (CJI) had agreed to hear the opposition’s grievances, calling it a “victory of democracy.” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, “We have come here along with the people. We must pin our hopes on the Supreme Court... the petition conMarch for DeMocracy See Page 2 BIMSTEC Home Ministers approve five regional security initiatives, adopt Delhi Declaration New Delhi [India], October 13 (ANI) India and other BIMSTEC member countries on Tuesday approved five key regional security initiatives, including agreements on human trafficking, drug control, money laundering, terror financing and illicit financial flows, at the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The meeting also adopted the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of member countries to strengthening regional security, trust, and cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. The five initiatives approved by the Remember: Home Ministers include the BIMSTEC Convention against trafficking in persons, the BIMSTEC plan of action on drug control, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on capacity building to combat money laundering and terror financing, a plan of action on illicit financial flows and their prevention, and a plan of action to enhance preparedness and coordination in addressing natural disasters in the Bay of Bengal region. The BIMSTEC convention against trafficking in persons aimed at enhancing cooperation among member countries in the prevention of human trafficking, criminalisation “When your enemy stumbles, do not gloat with pride; The words you hurl in victory may haunt you when tides turn. For those who cheer another’s fall may see their own !” regional security cooperation.Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a statement, said that India reiterated its commitment to sharing expertise in police training, counter-terrorism operations and forensic investigations. The meeting also highlighted cooperation in disaster management, including the proposed BIMSTEC Centre for disaster management in Gujarat’s Jamnagar.The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and BIMSTec See Page 2
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 India-UK FTA to deliver immediate benefits, strengthen trade ties over time: UK Minister Reynolds By Sahil Pandey | New Delhi [India], October 12 (ANI): UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds on Monday said the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would deliver immediate benefits to both countries and create greater economic opportunities over time, describing the pact as groundbreaking in its scope and scale. Speaking with ANI in Delhi, Reynolds highlighted the significance of the UK trade delegation’s visit to India, comprising three Cabinet ministers, seven mayors and 200 businesses.“ It’s a privilege to be here in India, but particularly special to me having been part of the deal being done in our 100 days into implementation to bring what is one of the biggest ever UK trade delegations to any partner country,” Reynolds told ANI. He said the agreement would strengthen an already significant bilateral relationship by generating tangible benefits for businesses and communities in both countries.“This is a deal that is not just one which is groundbreaking in scope and scale, but one with real benefits to either side that are immediate but then grow over time,” he said. Highlighting the challenges facing global trade, Reynolds said the past few years had been difficult, with several countries increasingly turning inward. Against this backdrop, he said, the India-UK agreement was significant as it covered both goods and services and offered opportunities across multiple sectors.“ To have a situation where two of the biggest economies in the world agree to a deal more comprehensive than before that covers not just services, not just goods, but has things on both sides that you can point to, that people can say, that’s going to make a difference to my area,” he said. Reynolds identified agriculture, jewellery and leather as key sectors of interest for India, while vehicles and food and drink were among the sectors expected to benefit in the UK. He also underscored India’s growing importance on the global stage, saying the country was significant not only economically but also diplomatically.“ India, obviously a country that is not just economically important but diplomatically too, a growing presence, a significant country in the world,” Reynolds said. The visit by the UK delegation aims to deepen business engagement and build on the opportunities created by the India-UK FTA, strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. India’s growing economic and diplomatic clout makes it key global partner: UK Minister Reynolds Reynolds on Monday acknowledged India’s growing economic and diplomatic significance, describing the country as an important global player amid mounting geopolitical challenges and uncertainties in international trade. Speaking to ANI in Delhi, Reynolds highlighted the significance of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying the comprehensive trade pact between the two major economies would deliver tangible benefits to both countries while sending an important message to the international community.“ India, obviously a country that is not just economically important but diplomatically too, a growing presence, 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 a significant country in the world,” Reynolds told ANI. His remarks come at a time when global trade has faced considerable challenges, with several countries increasingly turning inward. Against this backdrop, Reynolds said the India-UK trade agreement demonstrated the importance of strengthening economic partnerships between major economies.“ It’s been a difficult few years for global trade. There have been countries turning inwards,” he said, underlining the significance of an agreement that covers both goods and services. The UK minister said the agreement would create opportunities across sectors and deliver benefits that businesses and communities in both countries could directly experience. Highlighting potential gains for India, Reynolds pointed to agriculture, jewellery and leather, while identifying vehicles and food and drink as sectors of interest for the UK.“I think that’s important bilaterally for both countries, but it’s an incredible statement to the rest of the world as well,” he said. The FTA reflects the shared commitment of India and the UK to deepen economic engagement and expand trade opportunities, while reinforcing their bilateral partnership amid an evolving global economic and geopolitical landscape. Reynolds’ remarks also underscore India’s increasing importance as an economic partner and diplomatic force in international affairs. (ANI) dia], October 13 (ANI): Magistrate Court at Rouse Avenue Court will hear afresh the complaint connected with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s name inclusion in the electoral list in 1980 prior to her becoming an Indian citizen in April 1983. The matter was remanded back by the Sessions Court to the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) after setting aside the earlier order whereby the ACJM had refused to order registration of an FIR against Sonia Gandhi. ACJM (MP-MLA cases) Vinod Joshi has listed the matter for hearing on October 28. The case was assigned to his court by the Principal District and Sessions Judge (PDSJ) of Rouse Avenue Court. Special Judge (MP-MLA cases) on September 21 allowed the istrate Court order. The sessions court set aside the order passed by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in 2025. The order was challenged by the complainant, Advocate Vikas Tripathi. While allowing the petition, Special Judge Vishal Gogne had said that the complaint was rejected as a bald assertion on the ground of a photocopy of unverified record. It is liable to be set aside.”The order is a non-speaking order. It is liable to be set aside,” the Special Judge had said on September 21. The Sessions Court had said that it found the observation as perverse in relation to the jurisdiction on the issues of citizenship.The order (under challenge) is a non-speaking order on whether the cognizable offence was committed or not.” Observation regarding the Cen- Election Commission in relation to citizenship is improper,” the court had said, adding that it is an ineffective order on the disclosure of the cognizable offence. The court also observed that as per the allegations, the name of Sonia Gandhi was included in the voter list in 1980. It was struck in 1982, and thereafter her name was added in 1983. The court had said that the voter list is meant for citizens only. The court also noted that, as per the documents filed by the complainant, the name of Sonia Gandhi was in the voter list and her residential address was at Safdarjung Road, New Delhi. The Sessions Court also said that the order under challenge does not record the reason for rejecting the complaint. Therefore, it is liable to be set aside. The matter needs to be remanded back. The revisional court had said that it cannot assume the role of the magistrate court. The matter is remanded back and to be decided afresh. The court shall call a status report from the concerned police officer and shall pass a speaking order after hearing the concerned police officer.Revisionist Vikas Tripathi had alleged that her name was included in the voter list prior to her becoming a citizen of India. (ANI) address, the Union Home Minister emphasised India’s policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ towards terrorism and called for enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism, cross-border organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and emerging cyber threats. He stressed the importance of timely intelligence sharing, financial investigations, mutual legal assistance, and extradition to ensure that criminals and terrorists are brought to justice. Shah stated that our shared resolve should be to ensure that terrorist networks are not allowed to find safe havens, recruit members, provide training, raise funds, or carry out activities against neighboring countries from any part of the region. The minister said that, in accordance with national laws and applicable treaties, cooperation in mutual legal assistance and extradition could strengthen our efforts to bring criminals to justice. He also highlighted the importance of five key areas of cooperation: drug control, counter-terrorism and legal cooperation, repatriation of fugitive criminals, cyber-security and cybercrime investigations, and institutional cooperation and capacity building. The Minister emphasised the need for a coordinated regional ap- Delhi: Magistrate court to hear afresh complaint against Sonia Gandhi over electoral roll issue New Delhi [In- Revision against the Mag- tral Government and BIMSTEC Home Ministers approve five regional security initiatives, adopt Delhi Declaration BIMSTEC From Page 1 Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, linking South and Southeast Asia through regional cooperation in multiple sectors. The decision to hold meetings of BIMSTEC Home Ministers was taken at the fourth BIMSTEC Summit in 2018 to strengthen regional security coordination. During the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s support for the initiative and its commitment to hosting the first meeting.In his proach to combat illicit financial transactions and terror financing. He also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and border management agencies. Shah said India believes that drug trafficking is essentially ‘death trafficking.’ In this spirit, he reiterated that there is nothing ‘golden’ about the trafficking of narcotics. He further said, this is not merely the drug trade, but an attack on the lives of our youth, society, culture, and the future of coming generations. Union Home Minister said, this cannot be tackled by the efforts of a single country alone.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 , 2026 3 At Just Three, Advay Jain Sets Guinness World Record By Geeta Goindi October 11, 2026 – At an age when most children are just beginning to recognize letters and put words together, Indian-American boy Advay Jain has already become a published author – and earned a place in Guinness World Records. The South Brunswick, New Jersey, youngster was just 3 years and 345 days old when his book, ‘Dino Learns Not to Waste Food’, was released, making him the youngest male ever to publish a book. Now four, Advay has turned an everyday childhood experience into a story with a universal message: appreciate food and do not waste it. The inspiration came when he moved to a new preschool where he could no longer bring food from home and had to adjust to eating the meals provided there. In his book, a young dinosaur named Dino learns the importance of valuing food and appreciating what is avail- able. Through a character familiar and appealing to children, Advay conveys a lesson that resonates far beyond the classroom. Published by Panda Publishing Agency, the book has reportedly sold more than 1,300 copies worldwide. But Advay's journey into storytelling began long before he held a published book in his hands. As a toddler, he expressed his imagination through pictures, often drawing his ideas on the walls of his family's home. What might have been viewed simply as childhood mischief became, for his parents, an early indication of his creative instincts. Rather than discouraging him, his parents, Neeraj Kumar and Sonal Bansal, nurtured his interest in storytelling. Beginning in July 2025, the family embarked on a journey to transform Advay's drawings and ideas into a manuscript. His parents helped bring structure to his stories while preserving the imagination behind them. Advay is not the only young author in the family. His 12-year-old sister, Avya Jain, is also a published writer and painter. She is the author of ‘The Call of the Nether’, reflecting a shared passion for literature and artistic expression. Together, the siblings are known online as @theauthorsiblings, showcasing their creative pursuits. Advay's accomplishment has also attracted recognition from India's diplomatic community in the United States. India's Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, recently welcomed the young author and his family, congratulating him on his world record and the positive message conveyed through his book. “Warm congratulations to Advay on this remarkable achievement, and best wishes to Advay and his 12-year-old sister, Ms. Avya, also an author and painter, as they continue to inspire young minds through their creativity and stories,” Pradhan wrote in a social media post. Four-year-old Guinness World Record holder Advay Jain holds his book, ‘Dino Learns Not to Waste Food’, alongside India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and his family. Pictured from left are his sister Avya Jain, mother Sonal Bansal, Consul General Pradhan, Advay, and father Neeraj Kumar. Photo courtesy of India in New York/Facebook And the young author's literary journey is far from over. According to his parents, Advay is already developing ideas for a sequel in which Dino will explore new lessons about life. For a boy who became a published author before his fourth birthday, the next chapter is already taking shape. MORE Get from your retirement. 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. 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 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 1. MORE for your money
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 Mira Nair to Receive Prestigious Film & Beyond Award at Geneva Film Festival October 12, 2026 – Acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair will receive the prestigious 2026 Film & Beyond Award at the 32nd Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF), recognizing her nearly four-decade career and contributions to international cinema. Presented annually since 2016, the award celebrates interdisciplinary artists whose creative achievements have made a lasting impact across different mediums. Nair, whose work has brought stories of identity, migration, cultural belonging and human relationships to audiences worldwide, will be a guest of honor at the festival, scheduled for October 30 to November 8 in Geneva, Switzerland. As part of the tribute, she will participate in a special conversation at Theatre Pitoeff, moderated by Vinzenz Hediger, director of the Cinematheque suisse. The festival will also present a retrospective featuring some of her most celebrated productions. The selection includes ‘Mississippi Masala’ (1991), ‘The Namesake’ (2006), ‘Monsoon Wedding’ (2001) and the television series ‘A Suitable Boy’ (2020). The award will be presented ahead of a screening of ‘A Suitable Boy’, while ‘Monsoon Wedding’ will be shown in 35mm format. Her breakthrough came with ‘Salaam Bombay!’ (1988), a powerful portrayal of children living on the streets of Mumbai. The film won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, establishing Nair as a major voice in world cinema. She made history in 2001 when ‘Monsoon Wedding’, a vibrant exploration of family, tradition and contemporary Indian society, won the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. Nair became the first Indian woman director to receive the festival’s highest honor. Her other acclaimed works include ‘Mississippi Masala’, which examines interracial love and the experiences of an Indian family displaced from Uganda, and ‘The Namesake’, adapted from Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel about an immigrant family navigating life between India and America. Through these deeply human narratives, Nair has explored the complexities of displacement and belonging while capturing experiences that resonate across geographical and cultural boundaries. Beyond her accomplishments behind the camera, she has worked to create opportunities for others. Following the success of ‘Salaam Bombay!’, Nair helped establish the Salaam Baalak Trust, which supports street-connected children in India through education, shelter, health care and other essential services. She also founded Maisha Film Lab, a non- profit initiative in East Africa that nurtures emerging filmmakers through training, mentorship and practical experience. Her contributions to the arts have earned her the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, conferred by the Government of India in 2012. Throughout her career, Nair has emphasized the importance of authentic representation and the power of people seeing their own experiences reflected on screen. “There is nothing more powerful than making worlds in which we see ourselves, our color, our language, our society, our poetry,” she said during a lecture at the University of Pennsylvania in 2023. That belief also finds expression in the guiding philosophy of Maisha Film Lab: “If we don’t tell our own stories, no one else will.” Born in India and based across New York, New Delhi and Kampala, Uganda, Nair has drawn upon her multicultural ex- New Delhi [India], October 12 (ANI): Political tensions in the national capital reached a boiling point as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and its allies on Monday launched a blistering attack on the Opposition as INDIA bloc leaders filed a petition before the Supreme Court against the Election Commission of India (ECI). The petition was successfully filed following a high-octane protest, ‘March for Democracy ‘, to the apex court from central Delhi today. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeks suspension of the ongoing SIR exercise across the country pending adjudication of the issues raised. It also seeks the constitution of an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to examine the implementation of the revision exercise and review the technical systems governing electoral rolls and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). INDIA alliance’s rigorous protest march to the Supreme Court triggered widespread reactions from the ruling party, with party leaders sharply criticising the Opposition for allegedly creating disorder and ruckus in the national capital. In this context, BJP National Spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his associates of attempting to plunge the country into anarchy by holding a protest march to the Supreme Court in Delhi. Speaking at a press conference, Trivedi slammed Gandhi, saying that no other Opposition leader has ever committed such an act before.”To plunge the country into the fire of anarchy, Rahul Gandhi and his associates, ready to stoop to any extent, have today presented an unseemly spectacle at the Supreme Court in Delhi. This has no precedent in the history of India. The way a mob was gathered to influence and terrorise the court, I believe no opposition leader has ever done this before,” he said.He further alleged that opposition leaders broke security cordons and bypassed designated check- points to create disorder.” Running away to the other side, breaking their security cordon, and trying to enter through another gate shows that either they have lost their mental balance or are driven by suspicious forces to such an extent that they are willing to stoop to any level to create disorder on the streets of India,” he said. The BJP spokesperson highlighted a statement from the Kerala unit of the Congress party, which governs in alliance with the Muslim League, pointing out that the state unit targeted Chief Justice of India Suryakant, demanding his resignation and questioning his handling of law and order.” The Kerala government, formed by the Congress and Muslim League alliance, through the Kerala unit of Congress, has made an extremely lowly (now-deleted) post using words like ‘Dear Suryakant’ for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, saying, ‘You should resign’, and that ‘law and order is not your cup of tea, so resign, we will appoint a new one’. Crores of citizens of the country must realise that law and order is not even a subject for the court, and now a state unit, the Congress party unit, is saying, ‘You resign, we will create a new option’,” he said.” This means their inner desire has now become clear: earlier they wanted the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, then Home Minister Amit Shah, then Prime Minister Modi, and now they want the resignation of Chief Justice Suryakant,” he added. In this regard, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned statements circulating on social media seeking the resignation of CJI Surya Kant, saying such remarks undermined the institution of the judiciary and sought to interfere with the administration of justice. In an official statement, the bar body emphasised that public commentary targeting the head of the judiciary interfered with institutional stability, while affirming that citizens retained the fundamental By Geeta Goindi Acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair will receive the prestigious 2026 Film & Beyond Award at the 32nd Geneva International Film Festival in Switzerland, recognizing her distinguished career and contributions to international cinema. Photo credit: Mira Nair/Facebook periences to shape an artistic vision that transcends borders. Reflecting on the relationship between her heritage and creative freedom, she wrote in TIME magazine: “It is because my roots are so strong that I can fly.” Nair is the mother of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Her husband, Mahmood Mamdani, is a prominent scholar and professor at Colum- bia University. The 2026 Geneva International Film Festival will showcase more than 113 works from 46 countries, spanning cinema, television and immersive digital experiences. For Nair, the Film & Beyond Award celebrates a career defined not only by cinematic excellence, but also by a commitment to giving underrepresented voices a place on the world stage. right to seek legal remedies in accordance with law. “Statements of this nature belittle the institution of the judiciary and amount to an attempt to interfere with the administration of justice,” the SCBA said, while emphasising that every person has the right to approach courts and seek remedies in accordance with law. The SCBA also called upon its members and others to maintain the “dignity and decorum” of the Supreme Court of India. Further accusing the grand old party of adopting destructive tactics, Trivedi claimed that the Congress has transformed fundamentally in its political approach.” It is completely clear that Congress has ful- ly become a Maoist-minded Congress, going to any extent of Naxal mindset to generate chaos on the streets of India, to dismantle every constitutional institution, and to act in a completely shameless and shameless manner to create anarchy on the streets of India,” he said. Meanwhile, BJP leader Anurag Thakur also held a press conference in response to the opposition INDIA bloc’s march towards the Supreme Court, seeking judicial intervention over alleged irregularities in the electoral process. Calling LoP Rahul Gandhi a “hawa-hawai” leader and accusing him of making empty statements, levelling baseless allegations and creating “unnecessary ruckus” across the country. Anarchy, ruckus, street drama: BJP rips into Opposition over Supreme Court protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 India will remain the fastest growing economy in the world with 7% growth rate, IMF’s big prediction Bangkok (Thailand): October 13, 2026: IMF Tv Via Reuters: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected India’s economy to grow by 7 per cent in both FY27 and FY28, even as it warned that the resilience of the global economy is becoming increasingly fragile amid higher energy and food prices and geopolitical uncertainty. “ The global economy remains resilient, but that resilience is becoming more fragile and more uneven,” the IMF said in its October 2026 World Economic Outlook, projecting global growth at 3.1 per cent in 2026 and 3.4 per cent in 2027. The Fund expects global inflation to rise to 4.7 per cent in 2026, driven largely by higher energy and food prices, before easing to 4.1 per cent in 2027. India remains among the fastest-grow- The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- October 16, 2026 “No One Is Above the Law” By Rajan George Beware the path you chart to bring your foe to shame; The hand that strikes today may bear tomorrow’s blame. The triumph that you celebrate, the downfall you applaud, May turn against you in the end, for none can cheat the law. When your enemy stumbles, do not gloat with pride; The words you hurl in victory may haunt you when tides turn. For those who cheer another’s fall may see their own, And reap the bitter harvest of the seeds that they have sown. The reservoir of trust runs dry When truth gives way to cunning. No honest heart needs traps or lies To keep its cause from running. You cannot preach of justice while justice you betray; Nor claim the law is sacred, when it serves you on the way. When tables turn and rivals rise To claim the seat you hold, Do not cry that fate is cruel When your own deeds unfold. The favors you once dealt to foes, The wounds you chose to leave, May return with greater force than you could ever dare believe. Cry, “Unfair!” with all your might; let outrage fill the air. But those who fashioned storms of strife may find no shelter there. Beware the gallows built for foes, the noose you fashioned well; The scaffold raised to end their reign may be the place you dwell. The wheels of power keep turning; No throne is held for life. Today’s triumphant victor may face tomorrow’s strife. To persecute your political foe may seem a path to gain, But power built on vengeance Will bring its own disgrace and pain. So think before you burst out loud, “No one is above the law!” The pendulum swings both ways, you cannot halt its draw. The hand that wields authority must answer for its deed; For power is not a license to oppress those who disagree. Speak the truth for it is true, Not to make your rival fall. Let justice be your guiding star, and let the law stand tall. For neither crown nor office, wealth or proud acclaim, Can shield you from judgment or exempt you from blame. Let the mighty heed this warning, the humble hear it, too: The law must bind the ruler as it binds the ruled. No power makes wrongdoing right—nor immunity gained “No one is above the law”, you’re no exception! ing major economies, with the IMF attributing its growth outlook to stronger-than-expected momentum, resilient domestic demand and robust services activity. The report projects India’s growth at 7 per cent in both FY27 and FY28. However, the global outlook remains uneven, with the impact of the energy shock differing across countries depending on their exposure to the conflict in the Middle East, commodity prices and the strength of technology-related investment. Piyush Goyal hails forecast The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday projected India’s economy to grow by 7 per cent in both FY27 and FY28, while warning of a fragile global economic outlook, rising inflation, geopolitical uncertainties and mounting fiscal pressures across major economies. The projection, released in the IMF’s October 2026 World Economic Outlook, was welcomed by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who said India’s free trade agreements (FTAs) would further strengthen global economic activity and resilient supply chains. The IMF projected global growth to slow from 3.5 per cent in 2025 to 3.1 per cent in 2026 before recovering to 3.4 per cent in 2027.“ The global econ- 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: indiathisweek@gmail.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online omy remains resilient, but that resilience is becoming more fragile and more uneven,” the Fund said. India, however, is expected to remain among the fastest-growing major economies, supported by stronger-than-expected economic momentum, resilient domestic demand and robust services activity.Reacting to the forecast, Goyal said in a post on X, “UNSTOPPABLE INDIA! IMF has projected a 7% GDP growth for 2027 for Bharat, making us among the fastest growing major economies. Our multiple FTAs under PM @NarendraModi ji are also expected to positively contribute to global economic activity and build resilient supply chains.”On global inflation, the IMF projected an increase to 4.7 per cent in 2026, driven by higher energy and food prices, before easing to 4.1 per cent in 2027. It warned that prolonged conflict or further escalation in the Middle East could keep commodity prices elevated, revive inflationary pressures and weaken economic growth.“Risks are skewed to the downside,” the report said. The IMF also cautioned that global trade growth could slow amid tariffs, supply-chain adjustments and geopolitical disruptions, despite support from technology-related investment and trade. It flagged the possibility of a sharp reassessment of artificial intelligence-related investment returns, which could trigger equity market corrections and tighten financial conditions. Remember: Separately, the Fund raised concerns over deteriorating fiscal conditions, noting that public debt remained elevated and fiscal deficits in several major economies were significantly higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising borrowing costs, alongside spending pressures related to ageing populations, climate change and national security, have further reduced governments’ ability to respond to fresh economic shocks. The IMF called for “strong and deliberate actions” to rebuild fiscal buffers and strengthen resilience, warning that the room for policy adjustments was narrowing. While India’s growth outlook remains relatively strong, the Fund’s broader assessment highlighted increasing vulnerabilities in the global economy from persistent geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and limited fiscal space. Under the visionary leadership of Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji, India continues to emerge as a driving force of global growth despite ongoing global economic uncertainties,” he wrote on X. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also hailed the projections. “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, India continues to demonstrate remarkable economic resilience and strong growth momentum amid global uncertainty. The IMF projects India’s GDP to grow at 7.0% in both 2026 and 2027, even as global growth is projected at 3.1% in 2026 amid rising inflationary pressures. This reflects India’s growing economic strength and its expanding role in the global economy. India continues to advance towards a Viksit Bharat, driven by reforms, investment and sustained economic growth under Hon’ble PM Modi ji’s leadership,” he said. “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.…
India This Week 7
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 US suspends Permanent labour certification program for Infosys, Wipro, Tata, Microsoft and others, cites abuse of H1B program Washington DC [US], October 8 (ANI): In a far reaching move US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling has announced that the US Government is suspending from the Permanent Labor Certification Program some of the largest IT outsourcing firms in the world which include Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini . The US Labour department attributed the suspension to multiple active federal investigations even as it also suspended US tech majors Microsoft and Adobe from the program. Speaking at a press conference on fighting visa fraud, US Vice President targeted the tech giants for alleged abuse of the H1B program”The H1-B visa program is meant to allow companies to bring in really the best of the best from outside the United States of America for positions that are completely impossible to fill with American workers. Unfortunately, the program has become rife with fraud,” he said Attorney General Todd Blanche said, “This announcement today should send and does send a strong signal to every single employer in the United States that the Trump Administration will not tolerate discrimination against American workers.” Vance further targeted tech giant Microsoft, alleging that the company had laid off American workers while benefiting from thousands of H-1B visas and green cards. Vance said Microsoft had laid off 6,000 American workers last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visas and nearly 3,000 green cards. “Microsoft laid off last year, 6000 American workers at the same time the company benefited from 6300 H-1B visas and almost 3000 green cards. If you do the math for every worker that Microsoft laid off they replace that worker with one and a half foreign indentured servants,” he said. Vance said the administration’s ongoing investigation had led to Microsoft’s suspension from the programme.” That’s a scandalous system we’ve allowed in this country for far too long but thanks to the work of this task force and the empowerment of the Pres- ident of the United States we are going to stop because thanks to an ongoing investigation we suspend the program for Microsoft which means they will no longer able to take those visas and apply for permanent status,” he added. He also said the Trump administration wanted companies operating in the US to expand while prioritising American workers.”Our message to Microsoft in any other foreign or domestic corporation is simple. We want you to thrive in the United States of America. We want people to invest in the united states of America particularly the American technology sector, we are the biggest boosters of your industry. We want you to be able to grow and employ a lot of people but we want you to employ American workers. You are a great American company but you have to hire great American workers. You cannot lay off American workers and replace them with foreign indentured service,” the US VP said. The US Labour secretary further said the department would not accept new applications or process pending permanent labor certification applications involving the companies.” We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labor certification applications involving these companies,” Sonderling said. Sonderling said the companies named had collectively sought millions of foreign workers and received hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labor certifications.”Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H1B Visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labor certifications that’s hundred and thousands of jobs that were taken from a American workers,” the Labor Secretary said.The announcement comes a day after the US Department of Homeland Security proposed new fees for F-1 nonimmigrant students seeking to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), describing the measure as an effort to protect American workers and strengthen the integrity of the immigration system. Under the proposed rule announced on October 7, DHS would establish a USD 70,000 fee per F-1 nonimmigrant student for initial OPT and a USD 30,000 fee for any subsequent OPT.According to DHS, the proposal is aimed at reducing the flow of cheap labour into the United States, combating fraud and abuse, and making it easier for American citizens to compete in the job market.” Optional Practical Training was never meant to be a back door into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labor, or a prize for those who game the system,” a DHS spokesperson said. “DHS is upskilling OPT to require foreign students to justify their worth to employers. American workers should not have to compete against a program that has been turned into a pipeline for cheap foreign labor.”Under existing federal regulations, eligible F-1 students can participate in OPT when the employment is directly related to their major area of study. Students require a recommendation from their designated school official and must apply for employment authorisation with US Citizenship and Immigration Services.Eligible students can receive up to 12 months of OPT at each education level, while those who earn degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields may qualify for an additional 24-month extension. DHS said the proposed changes followed fraud and abuse identified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, including schemes involving problematic worksites and “pay-to-stay” visa arrangements. The proposed fees would be paid by SEVP-certified schools before designated school officials recommend students for OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and before students apply for employment authorisation with USCIS.DHS said the proposed fee would apply when schools recommend an F-1 student for any type of OPT and would not be tied to a particular employer. Collected fees would be deposited in the US Treasury. The department will accept public comments on the proposed rule from October 8 through November 9, while the Paperwork Reduction Act section will have a separate 60-day public comment period. (ANI) H-1B visa validity notRandhir affected by PERM’s suspension: MEA.” gible employees seeking programme, citing multi- foreign workers and reNew Delhi [In- spokesperson dia], October 9 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday clarified that the US government’s suspension of certain companies from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of visa holders and their dependents, while criticising remarks made by US Vice President JD Vance targeting foreign workers, describing the characterisation of Indian professionals as “unwarranted” and “deeply offensive”. During a weekly media briefing here, MEA Jaiswal reiterated India’s position on the US Department of Labor’s decision concerning the PERM programme, stressing that it is distinct from the H-1B visa programme.” We are aware of the US Department of Labour’s decision concerning the permanent labour certification programme that is PERM for certain companies; it should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme,” Jaiswal said. He clarified that the suspension of PERM applications would not directly affect existing H-1B visas, although it could have implications for eli- permanent residency in the United States.” The suspension of PERM application does not by itself affect the validity of H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents,” the MEA spokesperson said, adding that “there could be some impact on the permanent residency or green card process of eligible employees of the affected companies.” The clarification comes after US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling on Thursday announced the suspension of certain major technology and IT outsourcing companies from the PERM ple active federal investigations.The companies named included Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini, along with US technology majors Microsoft and Adobe. Sonderling said the department would neither accept new applications nor process pending permanent labour certification applications involving the companies.”We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labor certification applications involving these companies,” Sonderling said. The US Labour Secretary also alleged that the companies had collectively sought millions of ceived hundreds of thousands of H-1B visa approvals and permanent labour certifications.”Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost 3 million foreign workers. They received over 230,000 H1B Visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labor certifications,” Sonderling said. Responding to comments by US Vice President JD Vance on alleged misuse of the H-1B visa programme, Jaiswal said India’s view was that such descriptions failed to recognise the contribution of Indian professionals to the American economy and its innovation ecosystem.”
INDIA THIS WEEK 9
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