India This Week India This Week 1 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. 45 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday November 6, 2026 INDIA bloc march kicks off from Minto Road as thousands gather at Ramila Maidan rally; Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, others on the move New Delhi [India], November 1 (ANI): Thousands of supporters converged at Minto Road on Sunday as the INDIA bloc kicked off its high-decibel ‘Chalo Dilli’ mega march against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The march started from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction towards Ramlila Maidan. The rally forms a central part of the Opposition’s nationwide protest against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls during the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The massive gathering follows a public “impeachment” program against the CEC held in the capital on October 31. Top Opposition leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, MP Abhishek Banerjee, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, JKNC president Farooq Abdullah, CPI leader D Raja, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attended the rally, showcasing the united opposition front. Crowds began streaming into the venue early Sunday morning as Delhi Police deployed heavy security personnel and put preparations in place to manage an anticipated gathering of 45,000 to 50,000 people. ensure To smooth traffic movement, the Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories detailing diversions and restrictions across key parts of Central Delhi from 10 AM to 5 PM.Befoew reaching Minto Road, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared a video on X, alleging that the BJP has closed down shops in Connaught Place. “We told everyone that when you come here for the march and the mega rally, buy things, do some shopping. But, while coming to Connaught Place here, we found out that the BJP has forcibly shut down every single shop. So, you should know who is causing the loss to the traders, and how it’s happening,” The opposition coalition alleges widespread, unverified deletions of legitimate voters—particularly from marginalised, backwards, and minority communities—under the Election Commission’s SIR of voter lists. The INDIA Bloc has demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of failing to maintain electoral integrity. The rally follows a “mock impeachment” event held at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence a day prior. As he arrived for the rally, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi hailed the massive surge of support from the people for the rally. “The support we are receiving from across the country—the support from the people—is significant. I believe this is a crucial moment for the nation; we are all coming together, and there is strength in unity,” he told ANI. Delhi Police Special maintained that the rally is transpiring smoothly and the law and order is being maintained by the securiy personnel. Special CP law and order Devesh Srivastava said, “As you can see, we are managing the law and order situation, and everything is peaceful; people are coming. So we are in touch with the organizers and all arrangements are in place to see that the arrangement passes peacefully and the rally proceeds with all the required safety and security measures.” Simultaneously, the ruling BJP is mounting a counter-offensive with a march in West Delhi to remember the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, accusing the Congress of holding a political rally on the anniversary of the violence. Union Minister JP Nadda dismissed the rally, organised to protest the SIR of electoral rolls and to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, as an “orchestrated drama” by repeatedly rejected parties. (ANI) Ohio Governor’s Race: Vivek Ramaswamy Looses to Amy Acton Washington, DC [US], November 4 (ANI): A profound political shift is unfolding across the United States during the 2026 midterm elections, highlighted by major Democratic gains in traditionally Republican strongholds and a projected transition of power in Washington. In a stunning gubernatorial contest in Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton is projected to become the next governor of the state after defeating her Re- Remember: publican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, according to the Fox News Decision Desk. This momentum continued into the Lone Star State, where Democrat James Talarico is projected to win the high-profile Texas Senate race against Republican Ken Paxton, ending a Republican statewide drought lasting more than three decades. According to CBS News, Talarico held a decisive lead with 58.1 “People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them.” Proverb per cent of the vote, representing 3,505,204 ballots, compared to Paxton’s 40.4 per cent, or 2,435,403 votes, with 58 per cent of ballots counted. The Texas contest drew intense national attention not only for breaking the state’s long-standing political status quo, but also for its critical implications regarding control of the US Senate, fuelled by fierce debates over economic policies and voter sentiment. Meanwhile, a parallel realignment is taking shape at the federal level. According to projections by the CNN Decision Desk, alongside an NBC News forecast estimating a majority of at least 244 seats, Democrats are projected to reclaim control of the United States House of Representatives. This legislative victory places House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on course to potentially make history as the first African American Speaker of the House, pending formal support when the new Congress convenes on January 3. Securing the chamber will grant Democrats expanded authority to scrutinise the Trump administration, initiate rigorous congressional investigations, and challenge the executive’s legislative agenda during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. The shifting national landscape is further underscored by develop- ments in Kansas, where the Senate race is leaning towards Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton.Collectively, these emerging results point to a dramatic transformation in the balance of power across the country, setting the stage for an intense new chapter in American politics. (ANI)
India This Week Friday Noovember 6, 2026 Sharvi Mahajan Among Top Three Winners of 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge San Diego student develops AI-powered system to predict driver drowsiness and help prevent accidents November 1, 2026 – Indian-American teenager Sharvi Mahajan of San Diego, California, has emerged among the top three winners of the prestigious 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for developing an artificial intelligence-powered system designed to predict driver drowsiness and help prevent road accidents. The 14-year-old student at Westview High School earned national recognition for NeuroDrive Alert, a wearable device that uses brainwave monitoring and machine learning to detect early signs of fatigue and warn motorists before they risk falling asleep at the wheel. Sharvi secured third place and a $1,000 prize in the nationwide competition organized by 3M and Discovery Education. She was among ten finalists selected through a national judging process that evaluated students’ creativity, scientific knowledge and communication skills. Her success was also celebrated at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where she joined the other top winners and representatives of 3M for a special closing bell ceremony. The inspiration behind NeuroDrive Alert came from a serious public safety concern: the dangers of drowsy driving. Sharvi wanted to develop a system that could detect early signs of fatigue, rather than relying on visible symptoms of tiredness when a driver’s ability to react may already be impaired. Her system combines electroencephalography (EEG), a method of measuring electrical activity in the brain, with machine learning algorithms that analyze signals associated with increasing drowsiness. A wearable baseball cap captures live brain activity, while an accompanying smartphone application is designed to issue immediate alerts when the system identifies a rising risk. By detecting warning signs earlier, NeuroDrive Alert aims to give drivers time to respond safely, potentially reducing accidents caused by exhaustion. Sharvi’s fascination with neuroscience and artificial intelligence has shaped her scientific interests. In her official Young Scientist Challenge profile, she identified the EEG machine as her favorite invention of the past century, expressing particular inter- est in its ability to capture subtle changes in brain activity. She is also intrigued by brain-computer interfaces and their potential to help people with physical disabilities communicate and regain mobility. As a finalist, Sharvi was paired with Stephanie Owen, an R&D product engineering lab manager in 3M’s Transportation and Electronics Business Group. The mentorship offered an opportunity to refine her prototype while gaining practical experience in research and engineering. Reflecting on her journey, Sharvi shared a message that could inspire other students to pursue their ideas with confidence. “There’s a lot you can do when you take an idea seriously and give it a chance,” she said. The national recognition is an important milestone, but Sharvi is already looking ahead. According to information shared by her mother, Monali Mahajan, she plans to expand real-world testing of NeuroDrive Alert, improve its prediction accuracy and make the wearable more comfortable and practical for everyday use. Her long-term goal is to transform the prototype into a reliable safety solution that could help prevent accidents and save lives. Sharvi hopes to pursue a career combining neuroscience and computing, with aspirations of becoming a computational neuroscientist or establishing a startup focused on the human brain and artificial intelligence. Her success was part of a remarkable show- ing by Indian-American girls at this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Raji Doshi, 13, of Farmington, Connecticut, won the $25,000 grand prize and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist for developing a system to combat ocean acidification. Aaisha Asif of Sarasota, Florida, finished second for her research into environmentally friendly adhesives. Together, the three girls swept the top honors in the national competition, highlighting the accomplishments of young Indian-American innovators. For Sharvi, what began as a desire to address the dangers of drowsy driving has grown into an ambitious scientific endeavor with the potential to make a meaningful difference. KATHMANDU, Nepal, November 1 (ANI) — Six Indian tourists have gone missing while trekking to Shey-Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake, following heavy snowfall in the area, officials confirmed. The group, comprising two women and four men, went missing while traveling from Wards 4 and 8 of Dol- po Buddha Rural Municipality toward Shey-Phoksundo Lake. They were last reported missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas between Wards 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality. Local guides suspect the tourists may have become stranded following heavy snowfall in the Him- alayan region, reportedly influenced by Cyclone Arnab, which is developing in the Bay of Bengal. According to local officials, the tourists proceeded toward the high-altitude area despite warnings from residents that crossing the mountain passes would be difficult because of snowfall. They are believed to have become trapped in the snow while returning. Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal confirmed that “the tourists became stranded while returning from Dho toward Phoksundo Lake.” She added, “They had been warned by locals about the difficult weather and mountain conditions but proceeded with their journey.” Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality Chairman Dhawa Samduk Gurung said mobile phone service was unavailable in the mountain passes between Wards 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the tourists’ whereabouts and condition. According to the District Administration Office, a total of 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa. Of these, 149 are Nepali nationals, 44 are from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, and 51 are citizens of other foreign countries.In view of the adverse weather conditions, the district administration has urged tourists to avoid dangerous areas and remain in safe locations. Tourist arrivals in the Shey-Phoksundo Lake area have increased in recent years. According to available data, 4,882 tourists visited Phoksundo Lake during the first 11 months of fiscal year 2082/83. Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri said six Indian tourists remained out of contact, according to the latest information. He added that authorities had requested the relevant agency to arrange a helicopter for search and rescue operations. Search and rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions in the high Himalayan region. The lack of mobile phone connectivity and thick snow have made it difficult to determine the tourists’ whereabouts and condition. A team from the Nepal Army has also been deployed to locate the tourists and assist in their rescue. (ANI) By Geeta Goindi Sharvi Mahajan (second from right), among the top three winners of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, displays her award at the national competition. Photo courtesy of Discovery Education / 3M Six Indian Tourists Missing During Trek to Nepal’s Deepest Lake, Shey-Phoksundo 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
India This Week 3 MORE Get from your retirement. 1. MORE for your money with predictable monthly spending. 2. MORE amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and restaurants. 3. MORE peace of mind with services to enhance your well-being. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. I know that my needs will be taken care of.” —Marge V., A community resident • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • The Grandview℠ Bethesda, MD • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD 2323460 Call 1-800-691-2034 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and Quad Unveils $85 Million Trusted AI Initiative; U.S. Pledges $10 Million for Critical Minerals Recycling in India AT L A N TA , Georgia, November 1 (ANI) — Foreign ministers representing the Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, formally announced plans on Saturday to provide more than $85 million in technical and financial assistance to expand regional access to trusted artificial intelligence infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. Separately, Washington pledged $10 million to support critical minerals recycling initiatives in India and ASEAN member states. The major policy announcements followed a high-level meeting of the alliance’s top diplomats on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Georgia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended the meeting. According to an official joint statement is- sued after the meeting, the four countries intend to channel the AI assistance through collaborative frameworks such as the Quad AI Accelerator. The delegates also emphasized the role of emerging technologies and the Pax Silica initiative in promoting sustainable economic growth and strengthening multilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. “The Quad ministers highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence and initiatives like Pax Silica to the future of economic growth and expressed their intent to provide over USD 85 million of technical and financial assistance to support access to trusted AI across the Indo-Pacific, including through the Quad AI Accelerator,” the statement said. For New Delhi, the new U.S. financial commitment to critical minerals recycling in India and ASEAN countries is an important component of efforts to build resilient supply chains and secure vital materials required by advanced technology sectors. The ministers also announced the launch of the first Quad Business Leaders’ Forum, which aims to connect government authorities with private-sector stakeholders to promote commercial partnerships and investment across strategic industries. As part of efforts to deepen economic integration, representatives confirmed that the Quad’s export credit agencies are scheduled to meet in Tokyo on November 18 to identify opportunities for practical coordination. The diplomatic engagement marked the bloc’s third ministerial meeting this year, following earlier meetings in New Delhi in May and Manila in July. Discussions also covered strengthening joint maritime defense capabilities, safeguarding rare-earth supply networks and accelerating partnerships in advanced techno- logical fields. “As our nations continue building reliable and open supply chains, supporting next-generation technologies, increasing maritime cooperation and securing critical minerals, the United States, Australia, India and Japan are delivering results for our people and the nations in the region,” Rubio said. Preparations are also underway for an upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit, which is expected to be hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in mid-November. Officials expect the proposed summit to provide fresh political momentum to the grouping’s ongoing economic, technological and strategic agenda. (ANI)
India This Week Friday Noovember 6, 2026 SC Says Firecracker Bursting Defeats Spirit of Diwali, Degrades Environment; Warns of Health Risks New Delhi [India], November 2 (ANI): The Supreme Court has emphasized that environmental protection is integral to religious practices, saying that allowing the environment to degrade during Diwali celebrations and creating health hazards for all living beings defeats the very purpose of the festivities. In its order concerning air pollution and the regulation of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, a bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale observed that ancient Indian philosophy regarded all living beings as one and considered the environment an integral part of religion. “Philosophers and thinkers of Ancient India have always treated the environment as an integral part of religion. For them, all the living beings are one and the same. Life truly exists in every being and form, apart from human beings. In their profound wisdom, any re- ligious practice, including the celebration of a festival, should facilitate this heightened thinking in every possible way,” the apex court said. The bench noted that natural elements such as air, water, fire, earth and sky were treated as gods and worshipped with great reverence in ancient Indian traditions. Acknowledging the religious, social, psychological and emotional significance of Diwali, the top court said the festival had evolved into a national and even international celebration, bringing joy and prosperity across communities. “Ancient Hindu scriptures such as the ‘Skandapurana’ and the ‘Padmapurana’ refer to the use of lamps as a ritual while observing the festival of Deepawali. “With the introduction of gunpowder in India a few centuries ago, the celebration underwent a change. This led to the introduction of bursting firecrackers, which have been extensively done for many years,” it added. The top court observed that the use of firecrackers, although associated with religious celebrations, causes severe environmental pollution, particularly air and noise pollution, besides generating solid waste. “Bursting of firecrackers, though constitutes a religious practice meant to celebrate the occasion, shall result in severe environmental pollution, especially air and noise, apart from the creation of solid waste,” the bench said. It identified children, persons with disabilities and older adults as particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pollution. The apex court also expressed concern over the persistence of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere for several days after Diwali. It said these microscopic particles, once inhaled, enter the bloodstream and cause substantial damage to human health. “These PM particles are so tiny and microscopic, that once they enter the human body, it becomes incapable of filtration. Thus, these particles freely enter the bloodstream upon being inhaled, causing substantial damage,” the order said. The bench noted that the Delhi-NCR region had a distinctive geographical setting, with low wind speeds restricting the free movement of air and temperature inversion during winter further aggravating pollution. Referring to the history of judicial interventions since 2018, the apex court said it had issued several directions to regulate firecracker bursting, particularly in and around Delhi-NCR. The court’s observations come amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital ahead of Diwali. While acknowledging the significance of the celebrations, the top court stressed that religious festivities must not come at the cost of public health and environmental protection. The top court ultimately adopted a regulated approach, permitting the manufacture and sale of certified green crackers for a limited period and allowing their use only during specified hours on November 7 and 8. It allowed the sale of approved green crackers from November 4 to 6 and their use between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on November 7 and 8. It directed that the complete ban on fire- crackers be restored from November 9. The bench said the celebration of Deepawali should promote hope, welfare and prosperity rather than undermine the health of people and other living beings. “Allowing the environment to degrade, which results in a health hazard to all the living beings, defeats the very purpose of the festivities, and the celebrations would be rendered nugatory,” it said. The court also emphasized that religious practices, including festivals, should promote a heightened sense of respect for nature and all forms of life. (ANI) Jaishankar highlights India’s digital public infrastructure model, FTAs at CHOGM 2026 in Antigua St John’s [Antigua and Barbuda], November 4 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) model and its role in promoting good governance, financial responsibility and economic opportunities while representing the country at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. Addressing the Commonwealth Heads of Government Executive Session, Jaishankar also highlighted India’s recent free trade agreements (FTAs) and ongoing negotiations, saying such arrangements would contribute to predictable trade and resilient supply chains. In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister said India’s experience with digital public infrastructure demonstrated how technology could expand opportunities and democratise economies.“ Honoured to represent India at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Executive Session. Highlighted the value of digital public infrastructure for good governance and financial responsibility. Has helped democratize our economies by expanding opportunities. The Indian example is instructive. Also spoke about India’s recent FTAs and other negotiations underway in that regard. Such understandings will contribute to predictable trade and resilient supply chains,” Jaishankar said. The minister arrived in Antigua and Barbuda to participate in the high-level Commonwealth gathering, where he was received at the airport by Foreign Affairs Minister Everly Chet Greene and Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandes. Delighted to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda for #CHOGM2026. Touched by the gesture of FM Everly Chet Greene and Tourism & Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandes, receiving me at the airport. Look forward to engagements here,” Jaishankar said in a separate post on X.The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is being held in St John’s from November 1 to 4 under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”. The summit brings together leaders and representatives from Commonwealth member countries to discuss shared priorities, including economic development, trade, climate action and international cooperation. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Secretary (West) Sibi George addressed the Pre-CHOGM Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting in St John’s ahead of the leaders’ summit. According to the MEA, George emphasised the need for the Commonwealth to focus on tangible and people-centric out- comes. These included democratising technology for development, strengthening climate action and disaster resilience, and championing reformed multilateralism to advance the organisation’s shared interests and values. India’s focus on digital public infrastructure reflects its experience in developing technology-enabled platforms for public service delivery and financial inclusion. New Delhi has increasingly highlighted its digital governance initiatives as a model for expanding access to services and supporting inclusive economic growth. Jaishankar’s remarks on FTAs also underscore India’s efforts to strengthen economic partnerships through trade agreements and negotiations with international partners. Such arrange- ments are aimed at improving market access, facilitating commerce and creating more predictable trade conditions.The minister’s participation in CHOGM follows his visit to the United States, where he attended the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on October 30 and 31, participated in a QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and held bilateral engagements with counterparts. (ANI)
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India This Week Friday Noovember 6, 2026 “Another Milestone in India’s Space Journey” India’s navigation satellite mission a grand success: ISRO chief V Narayanan Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 1 (ANI): India’s navigation satellite mission has achieved a major milestone, with the recently launched satellite successfully placed in an elliptical orbit and further orbit-raising operations underway, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters after arriving in Chennai, Narayanan said the satellite launched on October 30 was initially placed in an elliptical orbit at an altitude of around 38,000 km. Using its onboard propulsion system, the satellite was raised by anoth- er 5,500 km on Saturday, while further operations continued on Sunday to take it to a higher orbit. Describing the mission as a grand success, he said satellite-based navigation technology was essential for determining location, time and direction. At least four satellites were required to provide comprehensive navigation services. “The technology would have applications in public safety, aircraft landing and take-off operations at airports, maritime navigation and several other sectors,” he said. India currently has 56 satellites in orbit, The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- November 6, 2026 Mean What You Say, and Only Say What You Mean By Rajan George Mean what you say, and only say what you mean; Do not alter your opinions to suit your way. Shifting positions to serve your own interests is no noble trait, despite the claims you make, Especially when you say the law should only pursue your foes. Laws are made to uphold justice and truth, To protect the weak as well as the strong, Lest the powerful abuse the helpless, The frail, and the vulnerable. The laws must apply equally to all, Like a double-edged sword that cuts both ways, or like the pendulum of a clock That swings both ways to maintain accurate time. Selective application of the law, overlooking the crimes of the ruling coterie, While persecuting those who express deep concerns, Is a blot on the civilisation we proudly call “advanced.” The power you wield today is like a butterfly that may take wing and fly to the opposite camp. The very tool you have used to suppress dissent may turn against you with mighty force. So beware! The wheels of justice keep rolling, As the hands of the clock chime every hour. The arms of justice will one day strike with force, To ensure every abuser receives their just reward! Fear of God and wisdom reign supreme in one who leads with fairness and humility, with eyes symbolically blindfolded, To dispense justice without fear or favour. Such a leader will have no regrets and will earn praise even from former foes. Always remember, even when you wield power, Once stripped of its authority, you are an ordinary soul, subject to the very same laws you freely abused, as though they were your eternal domain. But forget not, for the rest of your life, you may be haunted, objectively, by your foes who have since gained power, and subjectively, by your own conscience for all your misdeeds. Virtue demands that the instruments of justice must never be skewed to satisfy your lust for revenge. When you cry aloud for justice and equality, Remember: “Mean what you say, and say only what you mean!” but thousands of satellites would be required to meet all future requirements and support various applications, Narayanan said. Responding to a question on whether satellites could help track child trafficking and identify abducted children, he said thousands of satellites would be needed for such extensive monitoring. On the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, Narayanan said the project was progressing well, with around 8,000 tests conducted so far. ISRO plans to send uncrewed missions before sending astronauts into space, and preparations for the first phase of the launch were progressing successfully.“Work on the Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 missions was also progressing. Chandrayaan-4 is scheduled to be undertaken in 2028,” he said.He further said, “Scientific research missions have generated around 37 terabytes of data so far, which has been made available on the internet for public access.” Regarding the new rocket launch facility at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district, Narayanan said construction work was progressing, and the first rocket launch from the facility was expected in March or April 2027. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) 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: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: 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 on Saturday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS03, the third satellite in India’s next-generation navigation satellite system. The ministry described the launch as an important milestone in strengthening the country’s indigenous space-based navigation capabilities. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Another milestone in India’s space journey!” Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the launch, saying it would strengthen India’s indigenous space-based navigation capabilities and critical technologies. He also congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the mission, praising their dedication and ingenuity and acknowledging their contribution to India’s space program. (ANI) Non-Hindus displaying religious markers cannot enter Agamic temples without undertaking: Madras HC Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 28 (ANI): In Thangam Venkatesh vs State of Tamil Nadu, Justices GR Swaminathan and P Murugan of the Madras High Court have ruled that non-Hindus sporting religious markers and who do not subscribe to reverence for the deity concerned cannot be permitted to step into any part of an Agamic temple premises, not just beyond the flag pole. If such entry is permitted without signing an undertaking, it would defile the sanctity of the temple.The Court observed that there are egregious breaches in recent times, noting MLA Badrudeen Mustafa entering the Meenakshi temple after his election, claiming the right to inspect amenities and going up temple towers during Kumbabishekam, while proclaiming that Sanatana Dharma ought to be eradicated. Taking judicial Remember: notice, the Bench said an Hon’ble Minister who is Christian by faith entered Thiruchendur temple without undertaking. The court cited an instance of Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay worshipping Goddess Meenakshi after signing an undertaking, saying he was not asked to convert, only to affirm reverence for the deity, calling it an inclusive approach. The bench also flagged “Chamchagiri” in political culture and optics, noting a video of persons wearing skull caps pushing through in the Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar temple despite devotees’ protest, while staff stood as mute spectators, and instances of political leaders of non-Hindu faith visiting temples displaying religious marks for vote value. The High Court held usages and customs of temple cannot kneel down before such display of chamchagiri and optics. (ANI) “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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