INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY MAY 13, 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: 19 • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • May 13, 2022 PM Modi Meets with French President Macron, discusses defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific Paris [France], May 5 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) held talks with the newly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing a range of bilateral issues including defence, space, civil nuclear cooperation and people-topeople linkages, as well as regional and global issues. The two leaders held talks at Elysee Palace, the official residence of the President of France, in Paris. Addressing a press briefing, shortly before the departure of PM Modi back to India, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that the two leaders who are also good friends held “extensive cooperation and peopleto-people linkages. They also discussed regional and global issues, including developments in Europe and the Indo-pacific,” the Foreign Secretary informed. Kwatra also informed that this was the first visit of PM Modi to France since August 2019. “The two leaders have stayed in regular touch through calls and letters. They also met on the sidelines of the G20 summits last year. India and France are strong strategic partners. The two leaders are also good friends,” Kwatra said. discussions on a range of issues of bilateral, regional and global importance.” “The two leaders held wide- ranging discussions on all the key areas of bilateral engagement, including in defence, space, civil nuclear MODIS-MACRON MEET PAGE 6 Rupee hits record SC keeps in abeyance sedition law till review; asks Centre, States not to register cases low; closes 60 paise down at 77.50 against US dollar M u m b a i (Maharashtra) [India], May 9 (ANI): The Indian rupee hit a record low of 77.58 against the US dollar on Monday amid unabated outflow of foreign funds after the Federal Reserve hiked policy interest rates last week. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee settled at 77.50 against the US dollar, down 60 paise from its previous close of 76.90 hit on Friday. Earlier, the rupee opened sharply lower at 77.17 against the dollar and hit a record low of 77.58 in the intra-day. The Indian currency hit a new intraday as well as the closing Remember: low. The previous record closing low of the Indian currency was 76.98 against a dollar hit on March 7. On Monday a new record of 77.50 against a dollar was hit. The American currency has strengthened against major global currencies after the Federal Reserve last week hiked the policy interest rate by 0.50 per cent. This has led to rise in US Treasury yields contributing to the strength to the dollar. In the last two trading sessions, the Indian rupee has weakened by 115 paise against the US dollar. The rupee had lost 55 paise against a dollar on Friday. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” JESUS CHRIST New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): In a historic development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises the offence of sedition be kept in abeyance till the government’s exercise of reviewing the law is complete. A bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli also asked the Central government and States not to register any cases under Section 124A. It added that if such cases are registered in future, the parties are at liberty to approach the court and the court has to expeditiously dispose of the same, the bench added. The apex court also said that those already booked under Section 124A IPC and are in jail can approach the concerned courts for bail. “It would be appropriate to put the provision on abeyance,” the bench ordered. Allowing the Central government to re- examine and reconsider the provisions of Section 124A, the apex court said that it will be appropriate not to use the provision of law till further re-examination is over. The bench now posted the hearing of a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the sedition law, in July. In its order, the bench stated, “The court is cognizant of the duty of the State on one hand and citizens’ civil liberties on the other. There is a requirement of the balance of consideration. The case of the petitioner is that this provision of law dated back to 1870 and is being misused. The Attorney General had also given instances of glaring misuse like cases registered for a recital of Hanuman Chalisa.” “It is clear that the Central government agrees that rigours of Section 124A is not in tune with the current situation and it was intended for the time when the country was under colonial law. Thus Centre may reconsider it... it will be appropriate not to use this provision of law till further re-examination is over. We hope Centre and States will desist from registering any FIR under 124A or initiate a proceeding under the same till re-examination is over,” it added. At the outset of the hearing Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre told the top court government cannot prevent police from registering a cognisable offence under sedition provision, but an FIR under Section 124A would be registered only if the area Superintendent of Police (SP) is satisfied that facts of a case involve sedition offence. “Once there is cognisable offence and it is held valid by Constitution bench then staying the effect may not be the correct course of action. that is why responsible officers must take responsibility. His satisfaction would be subject to judicial review before a magistrate,” Mehta submitted. Solicitor General said pending sedition cases can be reviewed during the SEDITONS LAW SEE PAGE
May 13, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Apart from Haryana, Atal Cancer Care Centre to benefit patients from neighbouring states, says Nadda Ambala (Haryana) [India], May 9 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda on Monday, after inaugurating the Atal Cancer Care Centre in Haryana’s Ambala Cantonment said that the hospital will not only benefit the cancer patients from the state but also those from neighboring states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “From this hospital, cancer patients of not only Haryana but also neighboring states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, etc will get affordable and world-class treatment,” he tweeted. Addressing a gathering here, Nadda, in his speech, praised the BJP government for its initiatives in the health sector. He said, “Under the guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Haryana has achieved a new position in terms of healthcare and cancer treatment. The construction work of the Atal Cancer Care Center at Ambala has been completed. Today I got the opportunity to inaugurate this hospital.” Aftertheceremony, Nadda, in a series of tweets, wrote, “The government of BJP has done a lot of work in the field of health. One lakh 18 thousand wellness centers have been built and are functioning in the country. Haryana also has 1,147 health and wellness centers functioning.” He said that the leaders of other parties used to do politics of caste, region, religion, brother-nephew and family name earlier but PM Modi changed the political culture. “Respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has changed the culture of politics. We do not do caste and region politics, we keep the report card of our works in front of the public,” he tweeted. BJP chief said that the BJP government works for the villages, poor, downtrodden, deprived, oppressed, exploited, women, youth and farmers. “Our government is a responsible government, a government that works, a government that wipes the tears of the people, a government that gives relief to the people,” said Nadda. Nadda reached Ambala on Monday morning to inaugurate the hospital. He was received by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and State Home Minister Anil Vij on reaching Ambala. (ANI) Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 9 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh police on Monday arrested three out of five people who allegedly threw acid on a couple in order to pressurize them to withdraw a case they had lodged against the sexual assault of their daughter. Superintendent of Police, Pilibhit, Dinesh Kumar P. said that the couple suffered severe burn injuries. They were taken to Pilibhit district hospital where they were referred to another hospital in critical condition. The accused were identified as Chhotelal, Ramkishan, Ajay, Guddu, and Harishankar said the police. “During the investigation, it came to light that the couple on May 6 lodged a case against their neighbor identified as Rajesh for sexually harassing their daughter in the Gajraula police station area. The family alleged that the local police tried to cover up the matter,” said the police. “ T h e victim of the sexual harassment case was to give her statement before the magistrate on Monday. The accused tried to pressurize them to withdraw the case but the family insisted on taking action against the accused of their daughter’s sexual harassment. Angered with this, five people in the early morning of Monday threw forcibly entered their house and threw acid on the couple,” said the SSP. Gajraula Inspector Tejpal Singh and Suhas, Outpost Incharge Lokesh Kumar were immediately suspended for negligence, the SSP added. (ANI) UP: 3 held for throwing acid on couple over daughter’s sexual harassment case in Pilibhit
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May 13, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Saddened to witness rising violence against doctors: CJI NV Ramana New Delhi [India], May 7 (ANI): Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday expressed concern on rising violence against doctors and said that women, who form 50 per cent of our population and are the backbone of the family and society, therefore their health must find equal attention and reflection in our society and policies. “I would also like to pay my tribute to the unending spirit of doctors, who work tirelessly round the clock for their patients. Doctors are mentors, guides, friends and counsellors. They should always remain active members of society, and solve problems faced by the people,” CJI said at a book releasing event. “Vaidyo Narayano Hari” is the aptest way to describe doctors. I am extremely saddened to witness rising violence against doctors. Several false cases are being lodged against upright and hardworking doctors. They need a better, and more secure, working environment,” CJI said. CJI said that “this is where professional medical associations assume great significance and they have to be proactive in highlighting the demands of doctors.” CJI Ramana, while addressing the book release event, said, “Women form 50 per cent of our population. They are the backbone of the family and society. Therefore, their health must find equal attention and reflection in our society and policies.” The book titled “Atlas of Breast Elastography and Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Cytology” is authored by three distinguished doctors, two radiologists and one pathologist. According to CJI, their work precedes them, and they need no further introduction. Elaborating on the book, CJI said it is through their decades of experience, that the authors have selected the most diverse of cases, to create a comprehensive guide for radiologists practising breast imaging in India and abroad. The book highlights the importance of FNAC as a cost-effective technique for evaluation of breast masses. CJI also expressed concern for women’s health and said that several sociocultural factors prevent women from getting the best possible attention on health. “Women often end up taking care of others. However, when it comes to their own health, it is often suppressed and ignored. This adds on to existing issues, ” CJI pointed out, and stressed that time has come to change the attitude surrounding women’s health. He also mentioned cervica cancer and said Hate speech: FIR filed for promoting enmity, hurting religious sentiments, Delhi police tells SC that he is informed that cervical cancer the second most prevalent cancer among women, is on the decline due to rising awareness and better support. He also pointed out Breast Cancer and said that it is becoming one of the leading causes of concern in our society. “Considering the socio-economic considerations in our country, this disease can be a curse for the entire family. Right from diagnosis to treatment, at every stage, the patient has to shell out substantial amounts. Very few can afford such expenses,” CJI said. “This is because most cases get detected and diagnosed at the advanced stages, either due to existing stigma or lack of awareness,” CJI said and also spoke on several corrective measures which can be taken to prevent it. New Delhi [India], May 7 (ANI): The Delhi Police has told the Supreme Court that it has registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the alleged hate speech case relating to Delhi Dharam Sansad. In a fresh affidavit, the Delhi Police said that an “investigation will be carried out as per law”. It said the FIR has been registered for offences under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between religious groups), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 298 (uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person) at Okhla industrial area, South East Delhi district. The fresh affidavit of the Delhi Police was filed on a plea filed by former High Court judge and senior advocate Anjana Prakash and journalist Qurban Ali seeking an independent probe into the alleged hate speech targeting the Muslim community delivered at the Dharm Sansad in Haridwar and Delhi. Earlier, the top court expressed dissatisfaction at the affidavit filed by the Delhi Police which stated that there were no instances of hate speech against the Muslim community at the event of Hindu Yuva Vahini held in Delhi held on December 19 last year and asked it to file a “better affidavit”. After that Delhi Police had conceded before the bench that it needs to have a relook at its affidavit and will file a fresh affidavit. In its affidavit, the Delhi police had said that “no specific words against any particular community were used. It had also submitted that the speech by Sudarshan News TV Editor Suresh Chavhanke at the Hindu Yuva Vahini event in Delhi’s Govindpuri did not amount to hate speech since none of the words used in the speech by Chavhanke could create an environment of paranoia against any religion.” The plea had stated that between December 17 and 19, 2021, at two separate events organised in Delhi (by the Hindu Yuva Vahini) and Haridwar (by Yati Narsinghanand), hate speeches were made, consisting of open calls for genocide of Muslims in order to achieve ethnic cleansing. The plea had said that it is relevant to note that no action has been taken by the Uttarakhand and Delhi Police in relation to the event held there despite the fact that open calls for genocide, that are available on the internet, were made therein. The plea had also highlighted a video which had gone viral where a police officer was seen acknowledging his allegiance to the offenders. (ANI) examine and reconsider the provisions of Section 124A and requested it not to take up the case till the matter is examined by the government. During the hearing yesterday senior advocate, Kapil Sibal appearing for petitioners told the bench that the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had termed Section 124A as the most obnoxious provision aimed at stifling dissent and Mahatma Gandhi had termed this as a most potent weapon to silence opposition to govt. Solicitor General Mehta replied that this government is trying to do what Pandit Nehru could not do then. “What the government headed by Nehru Ji could not do, we are doing it now,” Solicitor General had said. In the affidavit, the Centre said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is of the firm view that the baggage of colonial-era laws, which outlived their utility, must be scrapped during the period of ‘Azadi Ka Marti Mahotsav’ (75 yrs of independence). In that spirit, the government of India has scrapped over 1500 outdated laws since 2014-15, it said on Monday. However, on Saturday the Central government told the Supreme Court that the 1962 verdict of the fivejudge Constitution bench case which upheld the validity of the offence of sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, is binding and continues to be is a “good law and needs no reconsideration”. It had said that the 1962 five-judge bench judgement of the top court in the Kedar Nath Singh v/s State of Bihar case which upheld the validity of Section 124A of IPC has stood the test of time and applied till date in tune with modern constitutional principles. It said the 1962 verdict is a good precedent and that it requires no consideration and isolated instances of misuse cannot be a ground to uproot the precedent that has withstood the test of time for over six decades. The Centre further submitted that a three-judge bench cannot hear a legal challenge to Constitutionality of Section 124A and only a bench of co-equal strength of Kedar Nath Singh can pose any doubts on the verdict. Earlier, the bench had said that it will first decide the issue of whether the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Section 124A to be referred to the larger bench or not. Attorney General of India KK Venugopal had on an earlier occasion told the Supreme Court that sedition law should not be struck down but there is a need of guidelines on this section. What is permissible and what is impermissible and what can come under sedition need to be seen, said Attorney General. SC keeps in abeyance sedition law till review; asks Centre, States not to register cases SEDITION LAW FROM PAGE 1 re-examination process of the provision by the Centre for early grant of bail to those booked under Section 124A IPC. Yesterday, the top court asked the Centre to inform it if the registration of future cases for sedition can be kept in abeyance till it completes the reconsideration process with respect to sedition law. It had also asked the Central government what it proposes to do about pending and future sedition cases as the Centre decided to re-examine the validity of Section 124A. On Monday while filing a fresh affidavit, the Centre told the apex court that it has decided to re-
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May 13, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi Meets with French President Macron, discusses defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific MODI-MACRON MEET FROM PAGE 1 Talking about the re-election of the French President, Kwatra said that the renewed mandate of President Macron will allow the two countries to build on the existing strength and success of the strategic partnership. “President Macron’s renewed mandate and the conversations between Prime Minister Modi and the President today allow us to build on existing strength and success of India-France strategic partnership and also chart out the blueprint for its next phase,” Kwatra said. The Foreign Secretary also emphasized that “India and France see each other as key partners in the Indopacific.” On the sidelines, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met his French counterpart, French Foreign Minister JeanYves Le Drian during PM Modi’s visit. Following the talks, the French President also hosted a dinner for the Indian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France on Wednesday on the final leg of his three-day Europe visit and was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora in Paris. Members of the Indian community were present outside the hotel where PM Modi reached after his arrival in Paris. Children were present in sizeable numbers and many of them sought autographs from the Prime Minister. People reciprocated the greetings of the people. PM Modi said in a tweet after his arrival in Paris that France was one of India’s strongest partners. “Landed in Paris. France is one of India’s strongest partners, with our nations cooperating in diverse areas,” he said. PM Modi reached Paris on the final day of his threeday Europe visit, after his engagements in Germany and Denmark. India-France defence partnership strong, in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat: MEA Emphasizing the strong strategic and defence partnership between India and France, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday (local time) said that the defence cooperation between the two countries is in line with “our own domestic policy of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance)”. The Foreign Secretary made the remarks while addressing a press briefing at the conclusion of the bilateral and delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Answering a question of possible agreements during the talks on further upgradation and orders of the French fighter aircraft Rafale, Foreign Secretary said that the talks did not necessarily cover individual platforms. “I think what you need to realise is when the two strategic partners speak, it covers the discussion in a format which is not necessarily focused on transactions on individual platforms,” Foreign Secretary Kwatra said. Talking further about the defence cooperation between India and France, the Foreign Secretary reiterated that the two countries “are very strong strategic partners, and also have a very strong defence partnership”. The context of defence partnership is defined in the case of our two countries by not just trade in different platforms, but it also extends to co-development, co-designing, comanufacturing,” Kwatra said. “This is also very much in sync and in line with our own domestic policy of Atmanirbharta, which also of course extends very strongly in the field of defence,” he added. The joint statement released by India and France at the end of the Prime Minister’s visit also talked about the greater involvement of France in “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). “As seen in the timely delivery of the Rafale despite the pandemic, the two sides enjoy synergy in the field of defence,” the joint statement read. “Taking forward this momentum, and based on their mutual trust, both sides agreed to find creative ways for France’s deeper involvement in the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) efforts in advanced defence technology, manufacturing and exports, including through encouraging increased industry to industry partnerships,” the statement added. Both sides also welcomed the “ongoing intense cooperation across all defence domains” in the joint statement. Answering another question, on the possibility of co-production of Rafale aircraft with France in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Foreign Secretary Kwatra said that he could not comment specifically on that, but From thePoet’sPen INDIA THIS WEEK- May 13 2022 Proverbial Wisdom My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. highlighted that there are many possibilities. “With regard to the coproduction, possibilities... look, it’s a very broad scope, and it’s a very broad field of substance, and anything can be discussed and is possible in terms of what two countries can eventually agree to co-produce,” Kwatra said. “So, I don’t have a very specific answer to give you on that, but I think, it includes many possibilities,” he added. The comments came on the final day of the three-day Europe visit of PM Modi, during the course of which the Prime Minister visited Germany and Denmark, before making a brief stopover in Paris. “Delighted, as always, to meet my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. We talked at length about bilateral as well as global issues. India and France are proud developmental partners with our partnership spread across different sectors,” PM Modi said about his interactions with the French President. PM Modi emplaned for India after the conclusion of his engagements in Paris on Wednesday (local time). (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. 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May 13, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK
FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022 9 India, France express concern on humanitarian situation, human rights violations in Afghanistan Paris[France],May 5 (ANI): India and France on Wednesday expressed serious concern about the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights in Afghanistan while calling for an inclusive and representative government in the country. Issuing a joint press statement after the talks between the two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries “reiterated their strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan.” “India and France expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs,” the joint statement read. “They called for an inclusive and representative government, Secretary Kwatra said, adding, “for us a path for accelerated progress in the relationship lies ahead of us.” India, France express concern on global food security in light of Ukraine war and respect for the rights of women, children and minorities,” the statement added. Reaffirming the UNSC Resolution 2593, which was adopted in 2021, the two countries also emphasized that there should be “zero tolerance for the use of Afghan territory for spreading terrorism in other parts of the world,” while also agreeing to work together in this regard, including at the UN Security Council. The UN resolution 2593 which was adopted by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on August 31, 2021, just days after the Taliban takeover of Kabul, demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any other country or to shelter and train terrorists. Notably, the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s return to power in August last year. Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated, especially against women and minorities. Afghanistan is also grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as according to international assessments, Afghanistan has now the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world, with more than 23 million in need of assistance, and approximately 95 per cent of the population having insufficient food consumption. The joint statement came on the final day of the three-day Europe visit of PM Modi, during the course of which the Prime Minister visited Germany and Denmark, before making a brief stopover in Paris. “In sum, it was a short but substantive visit,” Foreign Condemning the civilian deaths in Ukraine and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, India and France on Wednesday also expressed concern at the risk to the global food security and nutrition in light of the ongoing conflict. Issuing a joint statement at the end of the discussions between the two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Paris, India and France said that they are committed to enabling a coordinated, multilateral response to address the risk of aggravated food crisis because of the conflict in Ukraine. “India and France express deep concern about the current aggravation of global food security and nutrition, already impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and especially in developing countries,” the joint statement read. The statement further said that the two countries are committed to addressing the risk of an aggravated food crisis, “including through initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM), which aims at ensuring wellfunctioning markets, solidarity and long-term resilience.” In the joint statement, France reiterated “its strong condemnation of the un lawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces.” “The two leaders discussed the regional and global implications of the conflict in Ukraine and agreed to intensify coordination on the issue,” the statement read.
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