INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2022 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol. 30 No: 14 • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • April 8, 2022 By Amit Kumar Looking forward to India’s Presidency of G-20: Netherlands King community welcomed a new, self-assured country full of amazing potential and talented people. ...We feel privileged to celebrate the 75th anniversary of independence with you, and we congratulate the people of India on all their diversity,” King of Netherlands said. During his speech, King Alexander recalled his 2019 India visit, saying that it’s hard to believe how much has changed since then. “A few months after our last meeting the world was hit by a pandemic that Amsterdam [Netherlands], April 6 (ANI): Netherlands is looking forward to India’s December Presidency of the G20, King Willem Alexander said on Tuesday during a State Banquet at Royal Palace hosted in honour of President Ram Nath Kovind. King Alexander in his speech said that the country is honored by President Kovind’s visit to the Netherlands. “This is a special year for your country. Seventy-five years ago, India gained its independence. The international G-20 PRESIDENCY SEE PAGE 4 India-Nepal launch multiple projects, sign four agreements during Modi-Deuba meeting New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba met in New Delhi today with the two countries launching multiple initiatives as well as signing four crucial agreements in multiple domains. The two countries signed agreements on Nepal becoming the 105th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), technical cooperation in railways, supply of petroleum products and sharing of technical expertise in the petroleum sector between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and Nepal Oil Corporation Ltd. (NOC). The two Prime Ministers also witnessed the launch of the first passenger train service between India’s Jayanagar and Nepal’s Kurtha, the hand-over of the Solu corridor transmission project by India to Nepal and the progress of the construction of 132 health facilities across 10 districts in Nepal under a Government of India (GoI) grant. The two countries announced the launch of the Indian RuPay card in Nepal, with the domestic variant of the RuPay card (roughly 83 per cent of all RuPay cards issued) to be functional on about 1400 Point of Sale (POS) machines in Nepal. The move makes Nepal the fourth country outside India where RuPay is functional after Bhutan, Singapore and UAE. The inaugurated Jaynagar-Kurtha railway section is part of the JaynagarBijalpura-Bardibas rail link being constructed with grant assistance of INR 548 crore from the Government of India. It is a 35 km rail section, 3 km of which lies in the Indian state of Bihar and the rest in Nepal. The project is the first broad- Remember: “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Jesus Christ gauge passenger rail link between the two countries, opening an entirely new dimension for cross-border connectivity. Till 2014, this was an existing rail service on a metre-gauge rail link between Jaynagar and Janakpur. The Solu Corridor 132 kV power transmission line and substation project is one of the major projects in Nepal undertaken under the Government of India’s Line of Credit (LoC). The 90 km 132 kV Double Circuit line connects the remote Solukhumbu, Khotang and Okhaldhunga districts of North Eastern Nepal with Nepal’s national electricity grid. After its operationalization, the transmission line will bring electricity from existing and upcoming hydro projects in the area into the national grid, and also supply power into the rural electrification networks of nearby districts. The project is expected to be crucial for the socioeconomic development in the rural part of Nepal, in addition to contributing to Nepal’s overall economic and industrial development. Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba also held wideranging deliberations with PM Modi on various topics including cooperation in the power sector, railway projects, flood control programs, as well as the border dispute between the two countries. Yesterday, the Nepalese Prime Minister met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in the national capital. On Friday, he met Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters in a courtesy meeting. The last Head of State/Head of Government-level visit from Nepal was in May 2019, when then PM K P Oli visited India for the swearing-in ceremony of PM Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers. Before that PM Modi had visited Nepal in August 2018 for the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, which was preceded by a State Visit to Nepal in May 2018. PM Modi had extended a congratulatory message to Sher Bahadur Deuba soon after he won the Vote of Confidence in Nepal’s Parliament. This was followed by a congratulatory telephonic conversation on 19 July 2021. The most recent meeting between PM Modi and Sher Bahadur Deuba took place on November 2, 2021, on the sidelines of COP 26 in Glasgow. Sher Bahadur Deuba is a veteran politician of the Nepali Congress with a political career spanning over seven decades. This is Deuba’s fifth tenure as PM. His first term was from September 1995 to March 1997. He has visited India several times, both when in and out of power. This will be his fifth visit to India as PM, with the last visit being in August 2018. The previous three visits took place in 2004, 2002 and 1996. (ANI)
April 8, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK UK Foreign Secy’s India visit part of diplomatic push to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine London [UK], March 31 (ANI): UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss, who arrived in India on Thursday on an official visit will convey to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that Russia’s actions on Ukraine, underlining the importance of democracies to work together to deter “aggressors” and “reduce vulnerability to coercion,” the British High Commission said. The Foreign Secretary will point to the importance of all countries reducing strategic dependency on Russia at this time of heightened global insecurity, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission. Truss is in India as part of a wider diplomatic push to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, ahead of key NATO and G7 meetings next week. The British Foreign Secretary will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on regional and global issues of mutual interest, according to the British Foreign Office statement. “In a meeting with Jaishankar, the Foreign Secretary will discuss Russia’s actions of Ukraine, underlining the importance of democracies working closer together to deter aggressors, reduce vulnerability to coercion and strengthen global security,” the statement said. Truss said, “Deeper ties between Britain and India will boost security in the Indo-Pacific and globally, and create jobs and opportunities in both countries.”This matters even more in the context of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and underlines the need for free democracies to work closer together in areas like defence, trade and cyber security,” the British Foreign Secretary said. During her trip, Truss will progress talks to develop defence-related trade, including innovative security technology, strengthening defence ties with the world’s largest democracy. “India is an economic and tech powerhouse, the world’s largest democracy and a great friend of Britain, and I want to build an even closer relationship between our two nations,” Truss said. As per the British High Commission, Truss will also work to deepen cyber security and defence cooperation between the two countries and will announce a new joint cyber security programme. The programme will aim to protect online infrastructure in both countries from attacks. India and the UK will work together to increase cyber security and carry out joint exercises to practise combatting threats from cybercriminals and ransomware. Truss and Jaishankar will address the India-UK Strategic Futures Forum today to set out their vision for the long-term Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com relationship between the two countries. According to the statement, the UK and India will also agree to closer maritime co-operation in the Indo-Pacific. The UK will join India’s IndoPacific Oceans Initiative and become a lead partner on maritime security issues, coordinating work with key partners in Southeast Asia. This stronger partnership on maritime security builds on the visit to India last year by HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) – a symbol of the UK’s world-leading defence capability. Strengthening ties with India has been a priority for the Foreign Secretary since taking up the role. This is her second trip to the country as Foreign Secretary following her visit last October and her third as a Secretary of State in 13 months. Since the 2030 Roadmap was agreed last year, the UK and India have launched free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. On her trip the Foreign Secretary will also confirm 70 million pound of British International Investment (BII) funding to support renewable energy use in India. This will help build renewable energy capacity and develop solar power in the region. She will also confirm plans for a new platform to allow British investors to bid for green infrastructure, technology, and business opportunities in India, as per the statement. The British Foreign secretary’s visit to India comes amidst Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov official two-day visit to the country. Lavrov is expected to meet and hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday. (ANI) Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147
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April 8, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Looking forward to India’s Presidency of G-20: Netherlands King G-20 PRESIDENCY SEE FROM PAGE 1 has sorely tested us all. I know how severe the impact has been in India. And in the Netherlands, too, we have wrestled with the terrible effects of this crisis. I am grateful that we were able to support each other actively in that difficult time.” “In August 1947, the Netherlands was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent India. Our ambassador was present in the Indian parliament when Nehru proclaimed independence,” King said in his banquet speech. The King further said the Netherlands is proud that the friendship between the two countries has only deepened in the past 75 years. “And we are grateful that, over the years, we’ve been able to welcome so many Indians to our country, as students, researchers, IT specialists and entrepreneurs. A number of them are here with us this evening.” Willem Alexander said his wife, who supports the UN Secretary-General as Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, has told him about India’s impressive achievements in combating poverty. “Hundreds of millions of people have gained access to financial services. An incredible leap forward.” “As an economic power, India has a decisive role in global efforts to reach the UN Sustainable development Goals. The eyes of the world are on India, and they’re full of expectation,” he added. During his address, King further noted the effects of climate change, which is damaging our living environment. “The earth’s natural resources are under threat, and our economies are under pressure. Agriculture, in particular, is feeling the impact,” he added. “The Netherlands has the technology to ensure that, in times of drought, not a single drop of water is wasted. And we’re proud we can share it with you. Obviously, it’s just as important that we tackle the cause of climate change and transition together to renewable energy. That’s an area in which we can learn a lot from you.” He noted how over a third of the electricity in India comes from renewable sources. “I’m confident that we can strengthen each other further. For example, with offshore wind energy,” he added. Praising India’s cultural riches and diversity, the King of the Netherlands said that diversity deserves to be cherished and protected. “India is the land of Bollywood and brilliant scientists. Of the Himalayas and high-tech. Of Mahatma Gandhi and megacities. Of the Ramayana the rule of law,” he said. (ANI) New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday told the party leaders from Telangana in a meeting at his residence that there will be no alliance with the K Chandrashekar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi in the state. Earlier in the evening, Rahul Gandhi met about 30 senior leaders of the Telangana Congress including PCC Chief Revanth Reddy, AICC Incharge of Telangana Manickam Tagore and AICC General Secretary organization KC Venugopal. According to the sources, the meeting went on for nearly three hours in which Rahul Gandhi made it clear that the party would not forge any alliance with the TRS which is currently in power in the state led by Chief Minister KCR. The Congress party is trying hard to make a come back in the state but is yet to succeed. After the meeting, Reddy said, “We held a discussion with Rahul ji over various issues including farmers, inflation, fuel price hike and paddy procurement etc. Rahul ji will visit Telangana this month. No alliance...Congress will fight against TRS and BJP in Telangana.” This is the second meeting with the Telangana leaders within a week which comes at a time when KCR is making efforts to bring all the anti-BJP and anti-Congress parties on one platform as part of his national ambitions for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, with the announcement by Rahul Gandhi, it is likely to make a national impact as KCR is said to be a major player in South India who is not a part of the NDA and is continuously pitching for an alternative to the BJP at the national level. Notably, in the last Assembly elections in 2018 in Telangana, Congress had an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party, however, could not stop the return of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi’s KCR government. No alliance with TRS, Rahul Gandhi tells Telangana Congress leaders at Delhi meet
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INDIA THIS WEEK Russian FM Lavrov meets PM Modi as India-Russia ties deepen April 8, 2022 Friday New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is paying an official visit to India, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday after holding talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here. Taking to Twitter, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote, “Russia Foreign Minister Sergey #Lavrov was received by Prime Minister @narendramodi during his official visit to #India.” The meeting is quite significant as it comes at a time when India continues to stay neutral over Russia’s war on Ukraine. Lavrov on Friday said that India can mediate between Moscow and Kyiv as the peace talks between the two counties failed to come up with solutions yet to end the war. Responding to an ANI question on the possibility of India becoming a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, he said, “India is an important country. If India sees to play that role New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said that India can mediate between Moscow and Kyiv as the peace talks between the two counties failed to come up with solutions yet to end the war. Responding to an ANI question on the possibility of India becoming a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, he said, “India is an important country. If India sees to play that role which provides resolution of the problem...If India is with its position of a just and rational approach to international problems, it can support such process.” Lavrov, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit, also lauded independent Indian foreign policy and discussed a myriad of issues including, US pressure on India, surging energy prices, and sanctions on Russia. “I believe that Indian foreign policies are characterized by independence and the concentration on real national legitimate interests. The same policy is based in the Russian Federation and this makes us, as big countries, good friends and loyal partners,” he said. When asked about US pressure on India will affect Indo-Russian ties, the Russian FM said, “Have no doubt pressure doesn’t affect partnership, I have no doubt no pressure will affect our partnership... They (US) are forcing others to follow their politics.” He also slammed for calling the special operation in Ukraine a war when asked about the developments in Ukraine, Lavrov said, “You called it a war which is not true. It is a special operation, military infrastructure is being targeted. The aim is to deprive the Kyiv regime of building the capacity to present any threat to Russia.” He also replied to ANI on how he sees India’s position in the ongoing war, offer of oil supply to India, and any confirmation on Rupee-Ruble payment and sanctions. “If India wants to buy anything from us, ready to discuss and reach mutually acceptable cooperation,” he said, adding “We will be ready to supply to India any goods which it wants to buy from us. We are ready to discuss. Russia and India have very good relations.” He further said that relations with India were developed over many decades while answering how they can support India in terms of security challenges “Talks are characterized by relations which we developed with India for many decades. Relations are strategic partnerships... This was the basis on which we’ve been promoting our cooperation in all areas,” said Lavrov. (ANI) India can play mediator’s role between Moscow and Kyiv: Russian FM Lavrov which provides resolution of the problem...If India is with its position of a just and rational approach to international problems, it can support such process.” Lavrov, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit, also lauded independent Indian foreign policy and discussed a myriad of issues including, US pressure on India, surging energy prices, and sanctions on Russia. “I believe that Indian foreign policies are characterized by independence and the concentration on real national legitimate interests. The same policy is based in the Russian Federation and this makes us, as big countries, good friends and loyal partners,” he said. When asked about US pressure on India will affect Indo-Russian ties, the Russian FM said, “Have no doubt pressure doesn’t affect partnership, I have no doubt no pressure will affect our partnership... They (US) are forcing others to follow their politics.” He also slammed for calling the special operation in Ukraine a war when asked about the developments in Ukraine, Lavrov said, “You called it a war which is not true. It is a special operation, military infrastructure is being targeted. The aim is to deprive the Kyiv regime of building the capacity to present any threat to From thePoet’sPen INDIA THIS WEEK- April 8, 10, 2021 INDIA THIS WEEK- DECEMBER2022 INDIA THIS WEEK- March 11 2022 Au- I Lying AWhenThankfulis an Song: Get Time Be Liberty by Thomas L. 1878-1917 Edward Thomas -Masson by Anonymous occupation The last light has gone out of the world, except When I get the grass This moonlight lying on already like everything Be thankful that you don’t time – have frost I you the shall Beyond I know whatPilkington the brink ofdesire. do: By Laetitia oftall elm’s shadow. I’ll cut theeverything else hadbooks If you did,is as ifwould thereall my look forward to? what leaves be to slept It 1708-1750and through. AndMany an age,through and lost read them unforgotten Be thankful when you don’t know something, The mengives you the things done, long ago, for it that were, the opportunity to learn. When occupation, All Lying is anand but the moon and I I have thought;I get time – I’lland herefor the difficultthe grave write some letters then LiveBe thankful stand idle over times. yet Used by all who mean to rise; That I have owed forBothyouand weeks During buried. weeks grow. Where all is those times have liberty Politicianswe could domen. were free o owe their station, To dream T many, many if we what Be thankful for your limitations, But to thing concerted lies. To do some well we had desired long, because they give you opportunities for improvement. The moon andWhen I get time – free than who I. There’s none less I’ll pay and has calls I owe, to do, Does thankfulthose nothing else Be Thesenothing for each new challenge, lovers give countless bills, And with toonlybills, those assistance, Being free build what is not to and character. because it those foryour strength his mind, will I will the so slow. TAnd nothing isnothis mind. If every hour o ensnare to befair-one’s heart; Be thankful for your mistakes. Like the virgin’s best resistance Andthis one passing that I have spent among They will teach get time – lessons. When I you valuable The wiser this commanding Yields to others when I have forgot art. I’ll whether I my free To wonder regulate waslife or not, Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, WereIn such a way that Inot lost behind, piled before me, and may get because it means you’ve made a difference. Study this superiorthem away And Acquainted with my science, I could take and carry wife. It’sI easy to be rich; in Ifor the good things. should be thankful had the power Would you riseor ifChurch or State; A life of rich fulfillmenttime – to those who To wipe When I get comes again Bidare also thankfulone anddefiance, to Tout everyboldofnot for Oh Iruth adreamthe setbacks. Regret,gloriousbe rich to bebliss! should so poor. A‘Tisyet I still am ten years from pain, – month, a practice lovethe great. And theyear, a negative into anow half in of with positive. Gratitude can turn But I finish this – With whatway to can’t with both tears and mirth, Find a is imperfect, be thankful for your troubles, I’ve no an end,time. blessings. more your life and earth, With things thatcan become with and they have And this moon that leaves me dark within the door. Russia.” He also replied to ANI on how he sees India’s position in the ongoing war, offer of oil supply to India, and any confirmation on Rupee-Ruble payment and sanctions. “If India wants to buy anything from us, ready to discuss and reach mutually acceptable cooperation,” he said, adding “We will be ready to supply to India any goods which it wants to buy from us. We are ready to discuss. Russia and India have very good relations.” He further said that relations with India were developed over many decades while answering how they can support India in terms of security challenges “Talks are characterized by relations which we developed with India for many decades. Relations are strategic partnerships... This was the basis on which we’ve been promoting our cooperation in all areas,” said Lavrov. (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 301-445-3543; 301-685-1800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are solely 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 either by mail to the above address or by e-mail provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Asst. Editors: Special Business Correspondent Business Coordinators Special Correspondent: Community Coordinator: India Office Columnists: World Religions Photo Journalist: System Admn. & Maintenance: Layout & Graphics: Business Affairs: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Elisha B. Pulivarti Rajan C. 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April 8, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Ease of doing business will get promoted with launch of Broadcast Seva Portal, says Anurag Thakur New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur on Monday launched the Broadcast Seva Portal in New Delhi, and said that the ease of doing business will get promoted with its launch. Broadcast Seva Portal is an online portal solution for speedy filing and processing of applications of broadcasters for various kinds of licenses, permissions, registrations, etc. Addressing the occasion, Thakur said, “The portal is a giant leap forward in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’, as this simple and user-friendly web portal provides a broadcaster with an end-toend solution with just a click of a mouse. It will boost the business environment and empower the entire broadcast sector by directly benefiting more than 900 Satellite TV Channels, 70 Teleport operators, 1700 Multi-service operators, 350 Community Radio Stations (CRS), and 380 Private FM Channels and others.” The Minister informed the audience that the test run of the portal received positive feedback from end-users. Speaking to the reporters here, Thakur said, “With the launch of Broadcast Seva Portal, ease of doing business will get promoted. Stakeholders wouldn’t need to come to the office for permissions, they’d be able to fill online applications. The system will have more capacity, will be transparent and accountable.” The Minister termed the portal a giant leap forward in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”. “All facilities for filing new applications or making changes or payments will be available on this portal. It encourages PM Modi’s vision of minimum government and maximum governance. It’ll soon be linked with National Single Window System,” Thakur added. (ANI)
FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2022 9 US not seeking to change India-Russia ties, says Ned Price on Lavrov’s visit to New Delhi Wa s h i n g t o n [US], April 1 (ANI): As Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is on a twoday official visit to India, the US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on Thursday (local time) said that every country has its own relationship with Moscow and Washington is not seeking any change in that. “Different countries are going to have their own relationship with the Russian Federation. It’s a fact of history. It’s a fact of geography. That is not something that we are seeking to change,” Price said during a press briefing. He continued by saying, “What we are seeking to do, whether it is in the context of India or other partners and allies around the world, is to do all we can to see to it that the international community is speaking in unison, speaking loudly against this unjustified, unprovoked premeditated aggression, calling for an end to the violence using the leverage that countries including India, have to those ends.” Price made these remarks amid Russian Foreign Minister Sergey R a i g a r h (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 3 (ANI): The Raigarh Sessions Court on Saturday sentenced Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Anup Kumar Sai to life imprisonment in connection with the 2016 double murder case of a woman and her 14-yearold daughter. Meanwhile, his driver Bardhan Tappo who was also arrested as his associate in connection with the case has been acquitted. The former MLA from Odisha had been arrested by the Chakradhar Nagar Police of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh on February 12, 2020. Sai was the prime accused in the double murder case of a woman Kalpana Das and her minor daughter. According to Police, Kalpana was killed as she was demanding to accept her as the legal wife of Anup Sai. Both Mother and Daughter were staying in an apartment purchased by Anup Sai in Bhubaneswar. Sai was arrested under sections 302 (Murder), 201 (Causing disappearance of the evidence) and 120(B)(Conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code by the Cyber Crime cell of Chakradharnagar police. A complaint was filed by Kamlesh Gupta residentofvillageSambalpuri in Chakradharanagar police station on May 7, 2016, about the bodies of the unknown woman and girl found on the way. “The bodies were rolled under a vehicle to make it look like an accident,” said a police officer. Police were able to identify the bodies after one year of search in six states – Bihar, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha. Anup Kumar Sai was earlier associated with the Congress and was elected from the Brajrajnagar seat as a Congress MLA for three tenures. He then joined the BJD in the year 2014 and contested from BJD but lost the seat to the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate. The Biju Janata Dal has expelled Sai from the party and removed him from the post of chairman of State Warehousing Corporation. (ANI) Double murder: Chhattisgarh court sentences former BJD MLA Anup Sai to life imprisonment Lavrov’s visit to India. He is expected to meet and hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today. “...We understand that what we are asking for, what we are calling for is that all countries use the leverage that they have to make sure that that message is coming across to Vladimir Putin loud and clear,” he said. While answering India working out any rupeerouble conversion for trade, Price said, “I would refer to our Indian partners when it comes to any such rupee- ruble conversion that may have been discussed.” Price further said, “When it comes to the Quad, one of the core principles of the Quad is the idea of a free and open Indo Pacific that is specific in that context to the Indo Pacific, but these are principles. These are ideals that transcend any geographic region.” “It’s not in our interest. It’s not in Japan’s, Australia’s, or India’s interest to see flagrant examples of countries whether in Europe, whether in the Indo Pacific, whether anywhere in between, of countries flouting, violating rules-based international order,” he added. Russia launched its invasion on February 24 after recognizing the Ukrainian breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as “independent republics.” Russia has since continued to maintain that the aim of its operations has been to “demilitarize” and “de-nazify” the country. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many Western nations and European countries have imposed tough sanctions on Russia targeting its economy and financial system. (ANI)
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