INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 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: 8 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Team India registers biggest Test win against England Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], February 18 (ANI): Team India registered their biggest winning margin in the history of Test cricket during the third Test against England at Rajkot on Sunday. A five-wicket haul by spinner Ravindra Jadeja and top-notch knocks from skipper Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, double centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Sarfaraz Khan made England’s ‘Bazball’ brand of cricket surrender to Team India in their home conditions, losing by 434 runs in the third Test at Rajkot on Sunday. The 434-run margin is now India’s biggest win in Tests in terms of runs, outdoing their margin of 372 runs against New Zealand in Mumbai back in 2021. This massive loss is a massive jolt to England, riding high on their successful, highlyattacking, positive and result-oriented ‘Bazball’ school of cricket under skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. This is England’s second biggest loss in Tests, next to a 562-run loss to Australia back in 1934 at The Oval. Chasing 557, England was bundled out for just 122 runs in 39.4, losing the match by 434 runs. Ravindra Jadeja took 5/41, while Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah took a wicket each. Earlier, India secured a 556-run second innings lead, declaring their second innings at 430/4. Following skipper Rohit’s early fall for just 19 runs, young batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill steadied the ship for India with a 155-run partnership for the second wicket, which ended after Jaiswal retired hurt for 104. India ended the day three at 196/2, with Gill (65*) and Kuldeep Yadav (3*). On day four, Gill and Kuldeep continued to stitch yet another partnership, which ended with Gill heartbreakingly missing his fourth Test ton due to a run-out, scoring 91 New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): Congress MP and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor has been conferred with the highest French civilian honour, ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur‘ for being a ‘friend’ of France and working for deepening Indo-French ties. Tharoor was conferred with honour by Chairman of the French Senate Gerard Larcher, at an event in French Residence. “The highest French civilian award comes in recognition of Tharoor’s tireless efforts to deepen Indo-French ties, commitment to international peace and cooperation, and as a longstanding friend of France,” the French Embassy in India said in a statement. The statement appreciated the ‘remarkable personality’ of Thiruvananthapuram MP for his range of talents. Be it as a diplomat at the United Nations, where he worked to respond to some of the world’s toughest crises, and served as Under-SecretaryGeneral, as a renowned writer who has authored works imbued with the spirit of a contemporary Indian odyssey, or as a statesman in India,” the statement added. in 151 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. Kuldeep also made a solid 27 in 91 balls, leaving India at 258/4. From this point on, Jaiswal resumed his innings with the fellow Mumbai star Sarfaraz Khan. Both took the English spinners to cleaners. Jaiswal scored his second double-century in Tests after scoring his first one in the last Test. A key highlight of his knock was smashing veteran pace legend James Anderson for a hat-trick of sixes. Sarfaraz also scored his back-to- back half-century on Test debut. India ended the innings at 430/4, with Jaiswal (214* in 236 balls, 14 fours and 12 sixes) and Sarfaraz (68* in 72 balls, with six fours and three sixes) unbeaten to form a 172-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Joe Root, Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed took a wicket each for England. Earlier, England in their first inning scored 319 runs in reply to India’s 445 runs in their first inning. Though Ben Duckett (153 in 151 balls, with 23 fours and two sixes) scored the fastest century by an English player in India, no other batter could give him much support. Skipper Stokes (41 in 89 balls, with six fours) and Pope (39 in 55 balls, with five fours and a six) played some decent knocks. Siraj was the pick of the bowlers for India with 4/84, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin managed a scalp each, with State for External Affairs, and Human Resource Development. He has also served on key parliamentary standing committees, including External Affairs, and Communications and Information Technology. He is the author of numerous books of nonfiction and fiction, some of which have been translated into French, the Embassy stated. The diplomatturned-politician served in many positions at the United Nations. He was also appointed Director of Communications and Special Projects and Executive Assistant to Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Conferring the honour on Tharoor, Chairman of the French Senate Gerard Larcher called him a “friend of France”, and a ‘Francophone’ with a keen understanding of the latter reaching his 500th Test wicket as well. In the first innings, after opting to bat first, India put up 445 in the first innings. The hosts were rocked by England bowlers earlier and were struggling at 33/3. Then skipper Rohit stepped up, forming a 204-run stand with Jadeja. Rohit scored 131 runs in 196 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes. Jadeja went on to score his third Test ton and crafted a 77-run stand with debutant Sarfaraz (62 in 66 balls, with nine fours and a six). Useful scores from debutant Dhruv Jurel (46 in 104 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and Ashwin (37 in 89 balls, with six fours) took India to a fine total. Mark Wood justified his selection with figures of 4/114. Rehan got two wickets while Root, Hartley and Anderson got a wicket each. Jadeja took home the ‘Player of the Match’ award with a century and seven-wicket haul. (ANI) France confers ‘Francophone’ Shashi Tharoor with highest civilian honour Remember: “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Tharoor has also held the portfolios of Minister of the country and its culture. “Through his outstanding career as a diplomat, author and politician, Shashi Tharoor has embraced the world with a thirst for knowledge and an intelligence that has led him to live several lifetimes in one, and all of them in service to India and a better world. Dr Tharoor is also a true friend of France, a Francophone with a keen understanding of France and its culture. Through this award which I have the privilege to confer, the French Republic recognizes your accomplishments, your friendship, your love of France, your commitment to a fairer world,” he said. ‘An Era of Darkness’, ‘Pax SHASHI THAROOR SEE PAGE 8
FEBRUARY 23, 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 Amethi and Raebareli turn into political war zone as Smriti Irani, Congress trade barbs Amethi (Uttar Pradesh), Raebareli (UP), Feb 20 (ANI): As 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, political slugfest has intensified in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi and Raebareli. Gloves are off as Bharatiya Janata Party is eyeing Raebareli constituency, considered a bastion of Congress. With Sonia Gandhi’s Rajya Sabha nomination, the grand old party has not announced candidate for Raebareli yet. Since 1951, Congress has lost Raebareli only thrice. In Amethi, Union Minister Smriti Irani has sounded the poll bugle as she camps in the constituency to retain the seat. The constituency, which was wrested by Irani in 2019 from Rahul Gandhi, has also turned into a political war zone. BJP and Congress have locked horns to gain edge in the constituency as Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Nyay Jodo Yatra reached Amethi on February 19. From sloganeering to scathing jibes and face-off between Congress and BJP workers, the atmosphere of Amethi gives a sense of bitter political rivalry. Congress communicationin-charge Jairam Ramesh has claimed that people of Amethi want Rahul Gandhi to return as their Member of Parliament. “CEC, Rahul Gandhi will take this decision (to contest from Amethi) but people want Rahul Gandhi to return. People understand that they made a mistake in 2019 and they want Rahul Gandhi back...It is her (Smriti Irani) democratic right to challenge and we are not running away from any challenge,” said Jairam Ramesh while talking to ANI. Reacting sharply to Jairam Ramesh’s comments, Smriti Irani has said that she ‘accepts the challenge’ as a humble worker of BJP. “Please contest from Amethi without the support of Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati and by not going to Wayanad,” said Irani. At present, WCD Minister Smriti Irani is holding Jan Samvad Yatra in Amethi.
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FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Sikkim: Indian Army rescues 500 tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall in Gangtok Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], February 21 (ANI): Troops from the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army rescued 500 tourists stranded due to snowfall and inclement weather in Gangtok (East Sikkim), the army said on Wednesday. According to the Indian Army, approximately 175 vehicles with more than 500 tourists got stranded at Natu La, East Sikkim on February 21 due to sudden heavy snowfall. “Troops of Trishakti Corps braving sub-zero temperatures rushed to rescue and assisted the stranded tourists. Prompt Medicare, hot refreshments, meals and safe transportation were rendered in a timely to assist the tourists reach safety,” said the army. The TriShakti Corps, Indian Army while guarding the borders in Sikkim, is always prepared to assist the civil administration and people, stated the army. Earlier on February 20, in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India], February 21 (ANI): West Bengal police on Tuesday claimed that BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari hurled a ‘Khalistani‘ slur at a Sikh police officer. In a series of posts on ‘X’, the West Bengal Police expressed outrage and labelled the comment by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari as malicious, racial, communally inciting and a criminal act. The police condemned the unprovoked, unacceptable attack on an individual’s religious identity and added that stern legal action is being initiated. “We, the West Bengal Police fraternity, are outraged to share this video, where one of our own officers was called ‘Khalistani‘ by the state’s Leader of the Opposition. His ‘fault’: he is both a CRPF jawans lent a helping hand to vehicles stranded due to heavy snowfall. The region was hit by showers and snowfall, resulting in many roads, including the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, being blocked due to precipitationtriggered landslides. (ANI) West Bengal Police initiates legal action against BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari for alleged ‘Khalistani’ slur proud Sikh, and a capable police officer who was trying to enforce the law... “Samajwadi Party to contest election on 63 seats, Congress on 17 in UP”: SP leader Ravidas Mehrotra This comment is as much malicious and racial as it is communally inciting. It is a criminal act. We unequivocally condemn the unprovoked, unacceptable attack on an individual’s religious identity and beliefs aimed to incite people to take to violence and break the law... Stern legal action is being initiated,” the police said in a series of posts on ‘X’. Meanwhile, this incident has elicited a strong reaction from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who said that BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. “Today, the BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. As per BJP every person wearing a TURBAN is a KHALISTANI. I VEHEMENTLY CONDEMN this audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of our SIKH BROTHERS & SISTERS, revered for their SACRIFICES and UNWAVERING DETERMINATION to our nation. We stand firm in protecting Bengal’s social harmony and will take stern lawful measures to prevent any attempts to disrupt it,” she said in a post on ‘X’. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 21 (ANI): After Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, party leader Ravidas Mehrotra also confirmed an alliance with the Congress for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Sharing details of the alliance, Mehrotra said that the Samajwadi Party will contest elections on 63 seats and Congress on 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh. “Samajwadi Party and Congress will contest Lok Sabha elections together. This will strengthen the INDIA alliance and INDIA will form its government in 2024. The opposition parties will contest the election together. We have tried to stop the scattering of nonBJP votes,” Mehrotra told ANI. “Samajwadi Party will contest elections on 63 seats and Congress on 17 seats. We will try to get all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh,” he added. The Samajwadi Party leader also alleged the BJP-led central government for misusing the central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), etc. “INDIA bloc will form its government in 2024. The BJP-led central government is trying to weaken the opposition parties by misusing the central agencies such as ED, CBI, etc.,” he said. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav confirmed an alliance with the Congress, assuring that details would be revealed soon. He stated that there was no conflict between the two parties, emphasizing that all would be clarified in due course. “All is well that ends well. Yes, there will be an alliance. There is no conflict. Everything will be out and clear soon,” Yadav stated while speaking to reporters on Wednesday. The Samajwadi Party and the Congress are partners in the INDIA bloc. The success of the seat sharing talks between the two are crucial, especially after the failure of such talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has decided to contest in her state alone. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had made his participation in the Congress‘ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra conditional to a decision on seat sharing, saying that he would join it the moment the seats for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are distributed between the two parties. “Right now talks are going on, lists have come from their side and from ours as well, the moment the seats are distributed and decided, the Samajwadi Party will join Congress‘s Nyaya Yatra,” Yadav said speaking to reporters on Monday. The SP Chief could now join the yatra on February 2425 when it hits Moradabad in Western UP. Speaking about the significance of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Yadav said, “The 2024 elections are significant. It is an election to save the Constitution and save the future of the country, save Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, to save fraternity.” (ANI)
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FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India, Vietnam coast guards hold High Level Meeting, agree to strengthen cooperation New Delhi [India], February 20 (ANI): Indian Coast Guard chief Director General Rakesh Pal is hosting a 6-member delegation of the Vietnam Coast Guard in India from February 19-23. The 5th HighLevel Meeting was held at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi on Tuesday. The High-Level Meeting was led by Inspector General Anupam Rai, Deputy Director General (Operations and Coastal Security) from the India Coast Guard side whereas the Vietnam Coast Guard side was led by Major General Ngo Binh Minh, Commander of VCG Region-3, stated the Indian Coast Guard. The HighLevel Meeting focused on avenues of mutual collaboration and capacity building between the two Coast Guards in areas of Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response and Maritime Law Enforcement. During the From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- February 23, 2024 A Poison Tree William Blake I was angry with my friend: I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow. And I watered it in fears Night and morning with my tears, And I sunned it with smiles And with soft deceitful wiles. And it grew both day and night, Till it bore an apple bright, And my foe beheld it shine, And he knew that it was mine,-And into my garden stole When the night had veiled the pole; In the morning, glad, I see My foe outstretched beneath the tree. This poem is in the public domain. meeting, both the sides agreed to strengthen the mutual cooperation in accordance with the provisions of the MoU, sharing of best practices and continuation of professional exchange to address varied challenges in the maritime domain, it also said. Both the Coast Guards agreed to further the cooperative engagements through impetus on continuum on regular HighLevel Meetings and ship visits. The Vietnam Coast Guard delegation is scheduled to visit M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, Chennai on February 21 to witness India’s shipbuilding capabilities under “Atmanirbhar Bharat“. The 5th High-Level Meeting was significant in providing added impetus to the already existing professional relationship between the two Coast Guards of the region and entailed contributing to the maritime safety and security construct, it added. (ANI) 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 Sonia Gandhi elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday. Earlier on February 14, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan. R a j a s t h a n Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra congratulated Sonia Gandhi and said, “Congratulations to respected Sonia Gandhi ji on being elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan and best wishes for a bright tenure.” “We have full confidence that your extensive parliamentary experience, excellent work efficiency, and unlimited decency will make the Upper House proud and the dignity of Rajasthan will increase and the issues of the people of the state will be raised,” he posted on X on Tuesday. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who had represented the seat since 2004 informed voters of Rae Bareli that she would not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls due to health and age issues. Saying that she would not seek a fresh term in the Lower House from the Congress stronghold in the upcoming polls, Sonia wrote on February 15, “My family in Delhi is incomplete without you. It becomes complete after visiting Rae Bareli–meeting you all. This relationship is very old and deep, which I have received from my inlaws’ house as fortune.” Expanding on the ‘relationship’ that the Gandhi family shares with the people of Rae Bareli, the veteran Congress leader stated further, “In the first Lok Sabha polls after independence, you elected my father-inlaw, Firoze Gandhi, and sent him to Delhi as your representative. Later, you elected my mother-in- Remember: law, Indira Gandhi, as your representative. With so many ups and downs, this relationship of ours continued to be on the path of love and excitement. And our dedication towards it gradually strengthened.” Sonia was elected as an MP from Rae Bareli for the first time in 2004. Since then, the Congress leader has been representing the Congress stronghold in the Lower House. The current chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party served as the party’s national president for almost 22 years, between 1998 and 2022, and is a five-time Lok Sabha MP from Rae Bareli. The move to file nominations for Rajya Sabha comes ahead of Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan. In the upcoming biennial elections, three seats in the State are up for grabs. The ruling BJP is set to get two of the seats, while the Opposition Congress will get one, on the basis of their respective strengths in the State Assembly. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was last elected to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, is retiring in April this year. The term of Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav will come to an end this April. Besides one Rajya Sabha seat in the State has become vacant after the resignation of the BJP’s Kirodi Lal Meena. (ANI) “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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FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK DMV Sikh Youth Samagam Washington D.C: Sikh Gurudwara DC invited all Sikh Institutes & Gurughars in DMV area to join in their 10th Annual DMV Youth Shaheedi Samagam. On the morning of 10th Feb, 101 youth participants ages 3 to 25 years filled up the Diwan hall of the Gurughar to pay tribute to Guru Gobind Singh’s awe- inspiring personal life, the historical events & sacrifices of Singh’s in the Poh of 1704. The hall was filled with youth who came from tri state. The event started with seeking the blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji with Ardas & Hukamnama by Kareen Kaur. The entire Diwan was conducted by Youth. Kids did kirtaan in raags in Veer Ras. Sakhis of the The Char sahibzade, Mata Gujri, Bhai Kanhaiya ji, Mai Bhago in their speeches. Many kids recited Kavitas in Punjabi. The various aspects of the sikh history was covered via power point presentations and group poems.The enthusiasm of the sangat was reflected in their jakaras. It was a family event with children, parent & grandparents attending the event together. The highlight of this Samagam was the “The Mata Gujri Inspiring Grand Parent’s Award”which the Gurudwara Committee Awards to a Family that has preserved Gursikhi saroop in families for 3 generation inspire of the pressure of the age & time. The receiver of the award this year was Sardar& Sardarni Jaspreet Kaur & Parminder Singh Sawhney of Maryland.It was an emotional & touching moment for the family & sangat. New Delhi [India], February 19 (ANI): As Delhi‘s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 231, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Monday revoked Stage II of GRAP in the entire Delhi NCR with immediate effect, an official statement said. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Sub-Committee for operationalisation of actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the preventive/restrictive actions under Stage-II of GRAP already in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since October 21, 2023. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR, the SubCommittee observed that the average AQI of Delhi has considerably improved in lathe st 4-5 days and remained less than 300 from February 15, onwards, and has been recorded as 231 at 4:00 pm on February 19, which is about 70 AQI points below the threshold for invoking the GRAP Stage-II actions (Delhi AQI 301-400), the statement said. The forecast by IMD and IITM also indicates that the average AQI of Delhi will stay in the ‘Moderate/ Poor’ category, with light rain/drizzle expected in the coming days. Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the overall AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD and IITM not indicating the average air quality of Delhi moving to the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days (for which a forecast is available), the Sub-Committee for operationalisation of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur. As someone who admires France, its people, their refinement, their language, and their culture, especially their literature and cinema, I am deeply humbled to be conferred your country’s highest civilian honour. To my mind, the conferral of this award to an Indian is an acknowledgment of the deepening of FrancoIndian relations, and the continuity of the warmth that has been a feature of this relationship for a very long time,” Tharoor said. The former diplomat said that he is looking forward to continuing his efforts to further nurture the IndoFrance friendship. “This honour, in a sense, is not just a celebration of individual achievement but also reflects the collective efforts of both our countries in fostering cultural exchange and diplomatic ties, a relationship forged through the pillars of mutual respect, admiration, and collaboration that have allowed this unique association to flourish over the years. I look forward to continuing my own efforts towards nurturing this friendship and promoting further cooperation between India and France, for the betterment of our shared global community and to safeguard the common values that underpin our basic humanity,” he added. (ANI) The children were awarded trophies,books & certificates by Dr Daljit Singh Sawhney, Dr Pavan Sawhney & Bhai Surinder Singhji.lt was day long program starting at 10:30am in the morning with sampati at 5:30pm. The langar committee of the Gurudwara known for its hospitality lived up to their name. Inderjit Kaur the langar coordinator at the Gurudwara Sahib had a kid friendly menu of pancakes, pasta, samosas, cookies,pizza and fruits besides a day long traditional langar. Sangat was highly appreciative of the efforts put in by the Gurughar to make one and all feel comfortable. The event inspired all to make efforts to preserve Sikhi & pass the legacy of Sahibe-Kamal Guru Gobind Singh for youth born & raised in USA & other forgein lands. As Guru Granth Sahib aptly says for such events”Babaneeya Khaneeya puut sapuut Karen”.This Event was organized by the sevadars of Khalsa School. actions under GRAP unanimously decided to revoke Stage-II of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect, the statement added. Actions under Stage-I of GRAP shall however remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR and agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-I of GRAP in order to obviate the implementation of Stage-II of GRAP actions owing to the AQI level further slipping into the ‘Very Poor’ category. Based on the decision of the CAQM Sub-Committee for the operationalization of GRAP, actions under Stage II of GRAP have been in place in the entire NCR since October 21. The Commission urges all agencies responsible for the implementation of various actions listed under Stage-I of GRAP and citizens and residents to strictly implement and solemnly follow the provisions and charter of GRAP under Stage I to obviate the need for reimposition of Stage II of GRAP in NCR. The statement also noted that the SubCommittee shall keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and may take appropriate decisions depending on the air quality, as recorded from time to time, and the forecasts made available by IMD/ IITM to this effect. (ANI) Central Pollution Control Board revokes GRAP II in entire Delhi NCR as air quality improves France confers ‘Francophone’ Shashi Tharoor with highest civilian honour SHASHI THAROOR FROM PAGE 1 Indica’ and ‘The Great Indian Novel’ are some of the most popular names among the plethora of books written by Tharoor. The three-time Congress MP said that he is ‘immensely honoured’ upon the conferral and said that this award is an acknowledgement of the deepening Franco-Indian relations. “I am immensely honoured to accept the
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2024 9 Sale Ends March 2, 2024 Chandigarh Mayor Manoj Sonkar resigns ahead of Supreme Court hearing Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], February 19 (ANI): Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on allegations of irregularities in the vote-counting process, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manoj Sonkar resigned from the post of Chandigarh Mayor on Sunday. The mayoral elections case is listed before the Supreme Court on February 19. Earlier on February 5, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Returning Officer who held the Chandigarh Mayor elections, saying he was “murdering democracy” and ordered the preservation of the entire record of the election process, including ballot papers, videography and other material, through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said it is obvious that the returning officer had defaced the ballot papers. “Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is the murder of democracy. We are appalled. We will not allow democracy to be murdered this way. The man defaces ballots the moment he sees a cross at the bottom. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the returning officer?” It directed that the meeting of the Chandigarh Corporation slated to be held on February 7 be deferred till further orders. “Tell the Returning Officer that the Supreme Court is watching him. We will not allow democracy to be murdered like this. The great force in this country is the purity of the electoral process, but what has happened here?” said the bench. The observations of the apex court came after it watched a video of the controversial election. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kumar, said that the issue can be solved by holding a fresh election after sequestering the record. The top court also issued notice on a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party’s councillor Kuldeep Dhalor, who had lost the mayor election to Bharatiya Janata Party’s Manoj Sonkar on January 30. The apex court’s remarks came while hearing the plea of AAP’s councillor after the BJP won the mayoral election following the Returning Officer’s move to scrape eight opposition votes. BJP’s Sonkar bagged 16 votes against the 12 votes received by Kumar, despite having 20 councillors. The action of rejecting eight votes of the AAP-Congress alliance as invalid had sparked allegations of vote tempering. (ANI) “UP is going to be USD 1 trillion economy...” LuLu Group MD impressed by PM Modi, CM Yogi’s leadership Lucknow (UP), Feb 20 (ANI): After Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated over 14,000 projects valued at more than Rs 10 lakh crore during the Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC@IV) in Lucknow, business tycoons including LuLu Group Chairman and Managing Director MA Yusuff Ali have expressed confidence on growth trajectory of Uttar Pradesh. “Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, is going to be a 1 trillion economy. As an investor in this state Uttar Pradesh, I am confident that this up will become a 1 trillion economy,” said MA Yusuff while talking to ANI.
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