INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 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 33 No:2 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday January 12, 2024 India, UAE sign MoUs in presence of PM Modi, UAE President Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 9 (ANI): India, UAE on Tuesday signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. An MoU was signed between India‘s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and UAE‘s Ministry of Investment on Investment Cooperation in Renewable Energy Sectors. Another MoU was signed between India‘s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and UAE‘s Ministry of Investment on Investment Cooperation in Innovative Healthcare Projects. There was an MoU between India‘s Ministry of Food Processing Industries and UAE‘s Ministry of Investment on Investment Cooperation in Food Park Development and another MoU between DP World (UAE) and the Gujarat Government on Creating Sustainable, Green and Efficient Ports. MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “Giving a boost to India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodi held warm discussions with HH @MohamedBinZayed, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi in Gandhinagar.” “In their 4th meeting in less than 7 months, the leaders hailed the rapidly transforming India–UAE partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to a shared and prosperous Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared glimpses of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, calling it a great forum to share perspectives on economic growth, reforms and strengthening India’s development journey. “Some glimpses from today’s @VibrantGujarat Summit – a great forum to share perspectives on economic growth, reforms and strengthen our development journey,” the PM wrote on ‘X’. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has called the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar the first one in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ period and said the summit has become synonymous with India’s economic resurgence. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Kwatra said, “As the Chief Minister of the state mentioned in his speech earlier today, this is the first Vibrant Gujarat Summit in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ period”. “The presence of many heads of state and governments, the presence of many ministers of large numbers of partner countries at this 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit is clearly indicative that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Vibrant Gujarat has become synonymous with India’s economic resurgence,” he added. The Foreign Secretary further said that future,” Jaiswal added. Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a roadshow in Ahmedabad ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which will be inaugurated in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. The Prime Minister, who is on a visit to his home state to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and related programmes, received the UAE President at the airport here before the roadshow. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and INDIA -UAE MOUS SEE PAGE 6 Vibrant Gujarat Summit great forum to share perspectives on economic growth, reforms: PM Modi Remember: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. ” – Jesus Christ 35 countries have joined this edition of Vibrant Gujarat as partner countries, which is the highest number of countries that we have had in a Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi while addressing the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, said the world looks at India as an important pillar of stability. The PM said that India believes in peoplecentric development and is a friend who can be trusted. “The world looks at India as an important pillar of stability. A friend who can be trusted, a partner who believes in peoplecentric development, a voice that believes in global good, a voice of the Global South, an engine of growth in the global economy, a technology hub for finding solutions, a powerhouse of talented youth and a democracy that delivers...” PM Modi said. The 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being held from January 10-12 in Gandhinagar on the theme ‘Gateway to the Future’. There are a total of 34 partner countries and 16 partner organisations for this year’s Summit, which is celebrating “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success”. The Summit was started in 2003 under the leadership of PM Modi when he was the state chief minister. (ANJ)
January 12, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • BEARD TRIM $500 $ • SHAMPOO 1000 • BLOW DRY $1000 $ 00 • PERM FROM 20 $ 00 • COLOR FROM 20 • HIGHLIGHTS FROM $3500 • SPA PEDICURE FROM $1700 Beauty & Barber Shop 7311 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 info@csbarbernschool.com India signs Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Saudi Arabia New Delhi [India], January 8 (ANI): Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Irani, accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah in Jeddah. A total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India has been finalised for Haj 2024, with 1,40,020 seats reserved for pilgrims to proceed through the Haj Committee of India. Moreover, this will greatly benefit the common first-time pilgrims intending to undertake the Haj pilgrimage in 2024, whereas 35,005 pilgrims would be permitted to proceed through Haj Group Operators. During the meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, the digital initiatives of the Indian government in facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for the Indian Haj pilgrims by providing last-mile information to the pilgrims were greatly appreciated by Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, “they offered to extend all possible help in this regard,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The initiative by the Indian government towards encouraging participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded. Later, Smriti Irani and MoS Muraleedharan visited the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport to oversee the arrangements for Haj pilgrims. “Subsequent to the signing of the Bilateral Haj Agreement and the meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, Smriti Zubin Irani accompanied by Muraleedharan visited the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to oversee the arrangements for Haj pilgrims and explore ways to facilitate better logistics and monitoring mechanism for the convenience of the Indian Haj pilgrims,” according to the statement. (ANI)
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January 12, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “My brother...it’s an honour to have you visit us”: PM Modi extends warm welcome to UAE President Al Nahyan Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Ahmedabad airport on Tuesday, described the UAE leader as “my brother” and said it is an honour to have him in India. “Welcome to India, my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed. It’s an honour to have you visit us,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X. He attached pictures which reflected the warm bond between the two leaders. The pictures showed two leaders hugging each other and also holding each other’s hand at the airport. Another picture showed the two leaders talking after the guard of honour to the visiting dignitary. PM Modi and the UAE President later held a roadshow in Ahmedabad ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. People in large numbers welcomed PM Modi and the UAE President in Ahmedabad. The Prime Minister accorded a warm welcome to the UAE leader on his arrival. “PM @narendramodi welcomed HH @MohamedBinZayed at Ahmedabad airport. His distinguished presence at the @VibrantGujarat Summit makes the Summit even more special,” PMO said in a post on X. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and senior officials were also present at the airport. Apart from the UAE President other leaders including Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta will attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Prime Minister will inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. He will hold a meeting with CEOs of top global corporations. The Prime Minister will then travel to GIFT City where he will interact with prominent business leaders in the Global FinTech Leadership Forum. The Vibrant From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 12, 2024 IF I SHOULD DIE by Emily Dickinson If I should die, And you should live — And time should gurgle on — And morn should beam — And noon should burn — As it has usual done — If Birds should build as early And Bees as bustling go — One might depart at option From enterprise below! ‘Tis sweet to know that stocks will stand When we with Daisies lie — That Commerce will continue — And Trades as briskly fly — It makes the parting tranquil And keeps the soul serene — That gentlemen so sprightly Conduct the pleasing scene! The Summit will have various events including seminars and conferences on globally relevant topics such as Industry 4.0, Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy and Transition towards Sustainability. In the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, companies have displayed products made from world class state of the art technology. E-mobility, Start-ups, MSMEs, Blue Economy, Green Energy & Smart Infrastructure are some of the focus sectors of the Trade Show. PM Modi met the UAE President on December 1 last year on the sidelines of COP-28 Summit and had invited him for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. (ANI) India, UAE sign MoUs in presence of PM Modi, UAE President Gujarat Global Summit was started in 2003 under the leadership of Modi when he was the state chief minister. The tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being held from 10 to 12 January 2024 in Gandhinagar. Its theme is ‘Gateway to the Future’. This Tenth Edition of the Summit will celebrate “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success”. There are 34 Partner countries and 16 Partner organisations for this year’s Summit. The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region will also utilise the Vibrant Gujarat platform to showcase investment opportunities in the NorthEastern regions. INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online RAMASWAMY PAGE 1 FROM senior officials were present at the airport to welcome the UAE President. The UAE President was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival. People in large numbers welcomed PM Modi and the UAE President in Ahmedabad. Apart from the UAE President other leaders including Timor Leste President Jose RamosHorta will attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Prime Minister will inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. He will hold a meeting with CEOs of top global corporations. The Prime Minister will then travel to GIFT City where he will interact with prominent business leaders in the Global FinTech Leadership Forum. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was started in 2003 under the leadership of Modi when he was the state chief minister. The tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being held from 10 to 12 January 2024 in Gandhinagar. Its theme is ‘Gateway to the Future’. This Tenth Edition of the Summit will celebrate “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success”. There are 34 Partner countries and 16 Partner organisations for this year’s Summit. The Ministry of Development of NorthEastern Region will also utilise the Vibrant Gujarat platform to showcase investment opportunities in the North-Eastern regions. The Summit will have various events including seminars and conferences on globally relevant topics such as Industry 4.0, Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy and Transition towards Sustainability. In the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, companies have displayed products made from world class state of the art technology. E-mobility, Start-ups, MSMEs, Blue Economy, Green Energy & Smart Infrastructure are some of the focus sectors of the Trade Show. PM Modi met the UAE President on December 1 last year on the sidelines of COP-28 Summit and had invited him for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. (ANI) Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
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January 12, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK ISRO successfully tests fuel cell on PSLV-C58’s orbital platform, POEM3 B e n g a l u r u (Karnataka) [India], January 5 (ANI): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a significant milestone on the space exploration frontier as it successfully tested a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) on its orbital platform, PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM3). Launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58) on January 1, the experiment marked a crucial step in assessing the operation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells in the space environment. ISRO took to the social media platform X and posted, “POEM-3 on PSLV-C58: VSSC/ISRO successfully tests a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell on PSLV-C58’s orbital platform, POEM3. https:// isro.gov.in/FuelCellFligh tTestedPSLVC58.html... Powering missions with efficiency and emitting only water, these fuel cells are the future for power production in space habitats”. According to ISRO, the primary objective of this experiment was to collect valuable data that would aid in designing systems for future space missions. During the shortduration test onboard POEM3, the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell generated 180 W of power using Hydrogen and Oxygen gases stored in high-pressure vessels. The test provided a wealth of data on the performance of various static and dynamic systems integral to the power system, shedding light on the physics at play in space. P o l y m e r Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells utilize Hydrogen and Oxygen gases to produce electricity directly, accompanied by the generation of pure water and heat Unlike conventional generators that rely on combustion reactions, these fuel cells operate on electrochemical principles, similar to batteries. Their efficiency stems from the ability to produce electricity directly from fuels, making them highly efficient. Moreover, they are emission-free, with water being the only by-product. These fuel cells present an ideal solution for space missions involving human presence, as they can fulfil the essential requirements of electric power, water, and heat in a single system. The emissionfree and efficient nature of Fuel Cells positions them as crucial components for future space habitats. Beyond space exploration, Fuel Cells hold significant potential for societal applications. They are seen as a promising solution to replace engines in various types of vehicles and power standby systems. With capabilities matching conventional engines in terms of range and fuel recharge time, Fuel Cells present a compelling alternative to batteries in the realm of emission-free transportation. The successful testing of the Fuel Cell on PSLV-C58’s orbital platform reflects ISRO‘s commitment to advancing space technology and exploring sustainable solutions for future space missions. The fuel cell’s ability to provide both power and pure water makes it an ideal power source for space stations, emphasizing its multifaceted potential in the realm of space exploration. (ANI) ‘India moving towards a great power strategy under PM Modi’s leadership’, says Chinese daily New Delhi [India], January 5 (ANI): China‘s state-controlled Global Times has applauded India‘s economic policies and diplomatic achievements over the past four years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in an article titled “Bharat Narrative,” highlighting that New Delhi’s strategic thinking in “foreign policy has evolved, moving towards a great power strategy.” An article written by Zhang Jiadong, the Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai has highlighted India‘s remarkable achievements over the past four years. Moreover, it acknowledged India‘s robust economic growth, improvements in urban governance, and a shift in attitude towards international relations, notably with China. “For example, when discussing the trade imbalance between China and India, Indian representatives earlier used to primarily focus on China‘s measures to reduce the trade imbalance. But now they are placing more emphasis on India‘s export potential,” Jiadong wrote. The article also commended India‘s proactive approach to fostering a “Bharat narrative” and emphasised the nation’s strategic confidence. The author further stated that with its rapid economic and social development, India has become more strategically confident and proactive in creating and developing a ‘Bharat narrative’. “In the political and cultural spheres, India has moved from emphasising its democratic consensus with the West to highlighting the ‘Indian feature’ of democratic politics. Currently, there is even more emphasis on the Indian origins of democratic politics,” he added. According to the author, the shift reflected India‘s ambitions to escape its historical colonial shadow and position itself as a global influencer, politically and culturally. The article by the Chinese media further lauded India‘s foreign policy strategy under PM Modi, which highlighted the nation’s multi-alignment approach and bolstered ties with major global powers like the US, Japan, and Russia while displaying a nuanced stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Highlighting India‘s strategic thinking in foreign policy, the article stated that it has undergone another change and is “moving towards a great power strategy”. “Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power, he has advocated for a multi-alignment strategy, promoting India‘s relations with the US, Japan, Russia and other countries and regional organisations,” Zhang stated. The article further noted that India has always considered itself a world power.However, it has only been less than 10 years since India shifted from multi-balancing to multi-alignment, and now it is rapidly transforming towards a strategy of becoming a pole in the multipolar world. While concluding, Zhang said, “It appears that a transformed, stronger, and more assertive India has become a new geopolitical factor that many countries need to consider.” Furthermore, this rarelyseen acknowledgement of India‘s advancements and PM Modi‘s strategic vision by the Global Times indicates the growing recognition of India‘s burgeoning global influence and the implications of its assertive posture on the international landscape. Global Times On comments on Modi: “... nothing short of blasphemy” : Congress MP Manish Tewari slams JP Nadda over his remark on Global Times Expressing astonishment over the Bharatiya Janata Party praising an article from the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Congress MP Manish Tewari said that BJP President JP Nadda using China’s Global Times to bolster the credentials of the NDA/BJP government is akin to an “act of blasphemy”. In a post on his social media account, ‘X’ Tiwari wrote that praising an article written by the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a country that has violated the LAC for the 44th consecutive month and is responsible for the deaths of our soldiers in Galwan, is nothing short of blasphemy. He also added that it’s amazing to hear the BJP President using China’s Global Times news to polish the credentials of the NDA / BJP government. perhaps JP Nadda is not aware of how aggressive and venomous Global Times News has been about India. “It is astounding to hear the President of the BJP using the Global Times News of China to burnish the credentials of the NDA/BJP government. Little knowledge can be dangerous. Perhaps JP Nadda is not aware of how offensive and poisonous Global Times News has been about India ad nauseam. To sing the peans of a piece written by the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a country that has transgressed across the LAC for the 44th month running and was responsible for the deaths of our soldiers in Galwan, is nothing short of blasphemous,” the Congress leader wrote in his post on ‘X’.
FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 9 2.75 TMC water to be released in Upper Krishna region to save chilli plantations: K’taka Dy CM Shivakumar B e n g a l u r u (Karnataka) [India], January 7 (ANI): Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said 2.75 TMC water will be released from Alamatti and Narayanpura reservoirs to save the chilli cultivation in the Upper Krishna basin. Addressing a press conference here, he said, “The water will be released immediately. It will flow 75 km and reach the chilly plantations in two or three days.” “Last night, a meeting was held with the district in-charges and ministers of Kalaburgi, Raichur, Bagalkote, Yadgiri, and MLAs of all parties and farmer leaders. In this meeting, they explained the situation and demanded that water be released on priority,” the deputy CM added. The state is currently facing its worst drought, according to sources. Most of the taluks have been declared drought-hit. Despite the government’s request not to cultivate crops in the face of such a severe drought, some farmers planted chillies instead of paddy, officials said, adding that if the plantation is destroyed, the estimated loss will be to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore. “To protect our farmers, last night, we decided to release 2.75 TMC of water for one last time. The protesting farmers and legislators should now ensure that the water is used only to save the chilli plantations. We have released the water hoping that the farmers will utilise it responsibly,” he said. “Earlier, we had similarly rescued the distressed Mandya farmers. We also addressed the issue concerning the release of the Bhadra water...we resolved that problem too. Now the concerns of the chilli growers in the Upper Krishna basin are also being addressed on priority. No water will be released for agricultural purposes after this. When the state is facing such a severe drought, people as well as the people’s representatives should cooperate with the government.” the deputy CM added. On how much water is being stored, Shivakumar said, “Alamatti and Narayanpur dams together have 47 TMC water available. 37 TMC water is needed for drinking water and 3 TMC water for other purposes. We have decided to release 2.75 TMC water, considering the demand from this region. We have to manage the water for another six months. So this time, we are going to supply to farmlands for one last time.” On how he would ensure the judicious use of water in the face of the drought, the deputy CM said he would give this responsibility to the people’s representatives and farmers’ organisations. “The police cannot be used to monitor the use of water. So, I will give this responsibility to the people’s representatives and farmers’ organisations. You have to be the police and ensure that water is used judiciously. We have also instructed our officials to ensure that not a drop goes to waste. However, the officials cannot fight the farmers. If that were to happen, the media would make an issue out of it. I believe the media should cater to its responsibility of raising awareness among farmers on the use of water,” the deputy CM said. On the riverlinking proposal, which is tipped to help farmers overcome drought-like situations, the Congress leader said, “This is a central government project. It is a big project. A team of 31 parliamentarians from the Centre will be here to inspect Cauvery today and tomorrow. Our irrigation problem will also be discussed.” On the budgetary allocation for Krishna, he said, “We will discuss the budget issue with the chief minister and give our proposal.” Also reacting to former CM Basavaraj Bommai’s statement that the rice being supplied to targeted beneficiaries of the ‘Annabhagya’ scheme was being allocated by the Centre, the deputy CM said, “The Food Security Act was brought by (former PM) Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. Bommai seems to be unaware of this. We had promised to give 10 kg of rice (to beneficiaries under Annabhagya). My friend’s memory must be failing him.” (ANI)
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