FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK 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: 14 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday April 5, 2024 INDIA bloc leaders huddle at Ramlila Maidan in protest against Kejriwal’s arrest New Delhi [India], March 31 (ANI): Opposition leaders kept pouring in at the INDIA bloc rally held at the capital’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday to protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case. Speaking at the Maha Rally, Aam Aadmi Party Minister Gopal Rai said that it is difficult to understand the need to arrest a sitting Chief Minister. “Protests have erupted in the whole country after March 21. No one is able to understand why a sitting Chief Minister has been arrested. But it is not just Arvind Kejriwal. Before arresting the Delhi Chief Minister, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was arrested as well. With the misuse of the ED and CBI, democracy is under attack...,” Gopal Rai said at the rally on Sunday. Speaking to reporters about the INDIA bloc‘s rally at Ramlila Maidan, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said, “Democracy is being attacked. The whole country is standing in the favour of democracy. And we have come here to give the same message.” DMK MP Tiruchi New Delhi [India], March 31 (ANI): Praising the defence partnership between the two nations, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has said that both the US and India are looking for solutions together amid the ongoing shift in nature of warfare. He also affirmed that both the deals between India and the US regarding jet engine and predator drones are very much on track. While speaking to ANI, Garcetti said, “You actually prefer a defence partner, which is very highlevel, very unique, and something that happened a couple years ago between the US and India. And I hope it’s the beginning of many things.” “We’re looking at armoured cars and howitzers together,” he added. Highlighting the changing scenario in the Red Sea, Garcetti said it is now a need to develop weapons that can confront the new nature of war. “We need to develop also weapons that can confront the new nature of war. We’re seeing this in the Red Sea right now, that cheap drones and other cheaply-made missiles can only be brought down today by a million-dollar missile and defence. The nature of warfare is changing, and I think that the US and India are looking for solutions together,” he said. Tensions in the Red Sea region have been escalating following repeated attacks by Houthi rebels on ships, putting immense pressure on trade, globally. The Houthis initially said that they would target Israel-linked ships in a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, but later expanded their targets to include vessels linked to the United Kingdom and the US. The US and the UK have responded by hitting Houthi targets in Yemen multiple times, characterising the Houthi attacks as indiscriminate and a threat to global trade. According to US Central Command, the goal of this multi-national effort is to defend their own countries, their partners, and allies in the region and restore freedom of navigation by destroying Houthi capabilities used to threaten US and partner forces in the N Siva said that Chief Minister MK Stalin could not make it to the rally owing to the elections in the state which is going to polls in the first phase on April 19. “...The INDIA bloc is holding a big rally today. As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned it is facing the parliament elections in the first phase, which is on April 19. So our leader and Chief Minister MK Stalin who was about to participate in this rally is not in a position to attend it. So he has delegated me to attend the rally...,” he said. Congress MP Deepender Hooda who was also at the Maha Rally said, “This battle is to safeguard the nation, democracy, constitution, future of the nation, youth, farmers and women. This battle is for justice and truth. We believe the whole country will support the INDIA bloc in this battle. Everyone will unite to fight this battle.” Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other INDIA bloc leadINDIA BLOC PROTEST SEE PAGE 6 US, India looking for solutions together amid changing nature of warfare: Garcetti Remember: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” –Proverbs ANI. Red Sea and surrounding waterways. Meanwhile, when Garcetti, was asked about the negotiations on the deal on predator drones and jet engines between the US and India, he clarified by saying that it is not stuck at all. “So the predator drones moved forward. Now we’re awaiting India’s last signature, essentially, but it went through the congressional notification. It was accelerated. It went ahead of some other things. It jumped the queue, showing the priority and how important we saw this deal. And even in the quote unquote, some people were predicting rockier times because of what we talked about earlier. It actually went through and shows the strength of this relationship. So those are in a great place,” Garcetti told Regarding the jet engines, the US envoy said, “And then the engines also, you know, that will take years for engines to be made because they’re very complicated, most exquisite technology we’ve ever shared with anybody, including some of our closest allies that we have not shared this kind of technology with.” He said that both the deals are 100 per cent on track, while adding that it is his job to help GE (General Electric) and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), to try to get their ecosystems accelerated regarding the same. “Both are 100 per cent on track. We’re satisfied. Indians are satisfied. My job, and I think My Indian counterparts would say the same, is to help GE and HAL, which is the loGARCETTI SEE PAGE 6
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April 5, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India slams “sensless” attempts by China on Arunachal, says “assigning invented names won’t alter reality” New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday firmly rejected China’s attempt to rename several places in Arunachal Pradesh saying assigning invented names will “not alter the reality that the state will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. “China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. We firmly reject such attempts. Assigning invented names will not alter the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India,” External Affairs ministry official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said in an official statement. The MEA spokesperson was responding to media queries on renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh by China. China has recently released a list of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to assert its claim over India’s northeastern state. India has been rejecting such renaming of places by China. According to a March 30 report in its state run Global Times, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs released a fourth list of standardized geographical names in Zangnan, the name that China uses for Arunachal Pradesh. According to the official website of the ministry, 30 additional publicly used place names in the Zangnan region has been officially revealed, the Global times report said. The Chinese Civil Affairs Ministry released the first list of the so -called standardised names of six places in Zangnan in 2017, while the second list of 15 places was issued in 2021 followed by another list with names for 11 places in 2023. Set to take effect from May 1, 2024, the implementation measures stipulate in Article 13 that “place names in foreign languages that may harm China’s territorial claims and sovereignty rights shall not be directly quoted or translated without authorization,” the Global Times report said. India has repeatedly rebuffed such attempts by China to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh. On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that changing names won’t have any effect and the northeastern state was, is and will always be India’s part. While addressing a press conference in Gujarat, Jaishankar said, “If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effect.” “Our army is deployed at the Line of Actual Control...,” Jaishankar said. A d d i t i o n a l l y, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the baseless claims made by China will not change the ground reality. “I strongly condemn China’s illegally ‘standardised’ geographical names given to 30 places inside Arunachal Pradesh. China has been making all baseless claims but that’s not going to change the ground reality and the ‘historical facts’,” Rijiju said. On March 28, reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India,” the Ministry of External Affairs said that China may repeat its “baseless claims” as many times as they want. but that will not change the position. In response to a query during a weekly me- dia briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Our position on the matter has been made very clear on Arunachal Pradesh time and again. We have recently also issued statements in this regard. I think a couple of statements.” (ANI) your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effect.” China has recently released a list of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to assert its claim over India’s northeastern state. India has been rejecting such renaming of places by China. According to a March 30 report in its staterun Global Times, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs released a fourth list of standardized geographical names in Zangnan, the name that China uses for Arunachal Pradesh. New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju has rejected China‘s attempt to rename several places in Arunachal Pradesh, terming them “malicious” and asserted that the Ministry of External Affairs has given an appropriate response to Beijing’s action. In an interview with ANI, Rijiju said that the Chinese were very happy with the Congress government as they had the policy not to develop border areas. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reversed the border policy of Congress. He said that China is nervous as infrastructure is being developed in border areas. Union Minister said, “China has given some kind of names to some places in Arunachal Pradesh. But, I don’t understand why they are doing that. We are very upset and we totally reject this kind of malicious activities conducted by the Chinese government. Our government from the External Affairs Ministry has responded very appropriately. But, what I feel is China is very nervous because earlier these border areas were totally left underdeveloped during Congress time and during Modiji’s time, all major highways, roads, bridges, all 4G networks, water supply, electricity, all basic amenities are being provided in the border areas, especially in Arunachal Pradesh which was neglected for so long.” He noted that India has emerged as a great power under PM Modi’s rule. He asserted that India will not create problems for others, however, it will respond appropriately if the country is disturbed. Rijiju said that the people of Arunachal are Indian citizens and nobody can change their status. His remarks come after China recently released a list of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to assert its claim over India’s northeastern state. India has been rejecting such renaming of places by China. Criticising Congress for not developing border areas during its government, he said, “Chinese were very happy with Congress government because Congress had a policy not to develop the border areas. But, Prime Minister Modiji has reversed the negative border policy of the Congress party. So, now since the border areas are seeing the light of modern development. China is reacting to it. China is feeling uncomfortable. They are raising objection why India is building so much infrastructure in the border areas. So, that is why they are resorting to this kind of unethical conduct. But, this India is not the India during Congress time. This is not the 1962 India.” “Reject this kind of malicious activi‘It is still senseless’: Jaishankar on China’s renaming places in Arunachal ties”: Union Minister Rijiju on China Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 2 (ANI): renaming some places in Arunachal External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday reaffirmed the ministry’s comments on China’s attempt to rename several places in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it “senseless” and emphasised that by doing it repeatedly, it is still senseless. Speaking at a press conference in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Monday, Jaishankar reasserted that the Ministry of External Affairs rightly called it senseless. “I think we rightly called it senseless. By doing it repeatedly, it is still senseless. So I want to be very clear. Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be India,” he said. While expressing his stance, he hoped that his message would be clear not only in the country but beyond the country too. “I hope I am saying it so clearly that not only in the country but beyond the country also, people get that message very, very clearly,” Jaishankar emphasised. The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday firmly rejected China’s attempt to rename several places in Arunachal Pradesh saying assigning invented names will “not alter the reality that the state will always be an integral and inalienable part of India.” China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. We firmly reject such attempts. Assigning invented names will not alter the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India,” MEA official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said in an official statement. While addressing another press conference in Gujarat on Monday, Jaishankar said, “If today I change the name of
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April 5, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK US, India looking for solutions together INDIA bloc leaders huddle at Ramlila Maidan in protest against amid changing nature of warfare: Garcetti G equipment for an estimated sale will support the forKejriwal’s arrest 1 cost of USD 3.99 billion. eign policy and national ARCETTI INDIA BLOC PTOTEST FROM PAGE 1 ers were present at the rally in Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The grand rally was also graced by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Delhi Chief MinisterArvind Kejriwal‘s wife Sunita Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren. “...We are doing this to save the democracy of our country. The INDIA Alliance parties are gathering here and through this, we want to tell the people of the nation and those who have gathered here today that you have to come forward to fight for your democracy...,” Kalpana Soren said speaking to reporters. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren arrived in Delhi to attend the Maha Rally “This Maha Rally of the grand alliance is for saving the democracy and letting people know how the central government is promoting dictatorship,” he said. Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Akhilesh Yadav said, “The BJP is being criticised all over the world after Arvind Kejriwal‘s arrest... The Opposition and the ones who speak the truth are being attacked, the BJP is being criticised...” Congress General Secretary KC Vengopal accused the central government of refusing to provide a level playing field to opposition political parties ahead of the elections. “Now the Government of India under the leadership of PM Modi is completely refusing to provide a level playing field to political parties, especially the opposition parties. How can you ensure free and fair elections in this environ- From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- APRIL 5, 2024 The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I marked the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. ment? They want to hijack the entire election process, which is why they are targeting only opposition parties and leaders. This is the biggest rally that we are organising against BJP...,” Venugopal said. In reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s, “Can’t trust Congress” remark, the senior Congress leader said, “The issue now is that there is no level playing field for political parties in India, especially opposition parties. The government is misusing the agencies. ED is now working like BJP goons, we are opposing it...” Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said that the opposition and the people have come together at the Ramlila Maidan. “The Opposition and the people have come together here. Now, it is BJP versus India. There should be a change and the dictator government should go now...,” Tiwari said. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21. He is in custody till April 1. (ANI) FROM PAGE cal manufacturer here, domestic manufacturer, try to get their ecosystems accelerated so that we can see those in the Indian plains sooner than later,” Garcetti affirmed. The Biden Administration notified the US Congress in February this year, of its intent to sell nearly 4 billion dollars worth of arms, comprising mainly of the MQ 9 B Drones armed with Hellfire missiles. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which is an agency within the US Department of Defence, said in a press release that the sale helps strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship. It added that New Delhi continues to be an “important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.” “The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B remotely Piloted Aircraft and related 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 The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said. According to the statement, the Indian government has requested to buy 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft; 161 Embedded Global Positioning and Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs); 35 L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites; 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; 16 M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); 310 GBU39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB); and eight GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live fuzes. The proposed security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a ‘major defence partner’ that continues to be an “important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region,” the release stated. Earlier in 2023, US General Electric (US GE) announced that it had inked an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the government’s aerospace and defence manufacturing firm, to jointly manufacture engines in India to power fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India. (ANI) Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 3 (ANI): A total of 13 Naxals were killed in the encounter with the security agencies in Bijapur, police said on Tuesday. The fierce firefight that broke out on Tuesday ended on Wednesday, the security forces informed through an official release, adding that the toll on the Naxal side could mount further as many more are believed to be injured and are still not accounted for “Chhattisgarh Police recorded one of its biggest successes in the history of anti-Naxal operations. We can now confirm that in the operation conducted by more than a thousand security forces in the Lendra and Korcholi areas of Gangalur in Bijapur district on the night of April 1 and April 2, 13 Naxals were killed. Their bodies have been recovered. We have also received reports that a large number of Naxals are seriously injured,” Inspector General of Police (IG), Bastar Range, P Sundarraj, said on Wednesday. The police said the area where the firefight took place was considered a safe haven for Naxalites but, over the last three months, 16 new camps of security forces have come up in the area. “Separate contingents of soldiers came out from five of these camps and surrounded the Naxalites through the night. The soldiers covered a difficult journey of about 20 kms through forests and mountains overnight. Soldiers equipped with night vision binoculars and new-age weapons from Mutavendi, Palanar, Gangalur, Basaguda and Cherpal security camps launched the operation,” Sundarraj said. The IG said the search operation was launched after information was received that the Company No. 2 of Gangalur Area Committee of the West Bastar Division, which is the second-most powerful organisation of the Naxalites, had been spotted in the Bijapur district. 13 Naxals killed in Bijapur encounter, says Bastar IG; ranks op among biggest successes 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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April 5, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India-US Tiger Triumph exercise culminates on USS Somerset Vi s a k h a p a t n a m (Andhra Pradesh) [India], March 31 (ANI): The Closing Ceremony of the Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise between India and the United States, Tiger Triumph 2024, was held onboard the USS Somerset on Saturday, following the earlier event held onboard Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jalashwa on March 19. “The Exercise represents the robust strategic partnership between both countries and aims to share best practices and Standard Operating Procedures in undertaking multinational HADR operations,” the Ministry of Defense said in a release on Sunday. “The Harbour Phase was conducted at Visakhapatnam from March 18-25, which included presail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Sports engagements, ship boarding drills and crossdeck visits. Personnel from both the Navies celebrated the festival of Holi together on March 25 as part of the cultural exchange programme showcasing the vibrant and vivid culture of India,” the Indian Navy said. Additionally, the Indian Navy affirmed that “the sea phase was conducted from March 26 to 30, and it included units of both countries undertaking maritime exercises at sea, followed by the landing of troops at Kakinada for the setting up of a joint command and control centre and a joint relief and medical camp for HADR operations. “Cross-deck helicopter operations involving UH3H, CH53, and MH60R helicopters were also undertaken between ships of the Indian Navy and the US Navy off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam,” the Navy added. The participating units from the Indian Navy included a landing platform dock, large landing ship tanks, including their integral landing craft and helicopters, guided missile Frigate and long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The Indian Army was represented by one Infantry Battalion Group, including mechanised forces and the Indian Air Force had deployed one mediumlift aircraft, a transport helicopter and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). “The US Task Force would comprise of a US Navy Landing Platform Dock including its integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance and medium lift aircraft, and also, US Marines,” ac- cording to the release. Special Operations Forces from all three services also participated in the exercise and jointly undertook combined operations with their US counterparts at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada during the harbour and sea phases. (ANI) “During the interrogation, it also came to light that the helper was wounded badly and injured...Two cases were registered in this case...The owner and his old helpers beat him very badly, and to make him confess the crime they made a video of him (helper),” he added. Further detailing about the arrest the officer said, “The owner and his old helpers, a total 6 people have been arrested...In the FIR that we have taken of the helper, he mentioned that he was beaten and made to lick the shoe and we are further examining the matter...” Further investigation is under way. (ANI) Amritsar (Punjab) [India], March 31 (ANI): Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the former Ambassador of India to the United States, who recently announced joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed a clear focus on driving Amritsar‘s development agenda. Making his intentions known, Sandhu articulated his vision for the city, highlighting key areas of emphasis aimed at enhancing the city’s prosperity and wellbeing. “My motive and focus are clear, to work for the development of Amritsar,” Sandhu asserted. Central to his agenda is the improvement of connectivity infrastructure, a crucial component for fostering economic development and facilitating greater mobility for residents and businesses alike. In addition to bolstering connectivity, Sandhu outlined plans to uplift the economic prospects of Amritsar‘s populace. “We are going to work on connectivity and increase the income of the people of Amritsar,” he said. Moreover, Sandhu underscored the importance of revitalising Amritsar‘s agricultural and industrial sectors to unleash their full potential. On March 20, Sandhu, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed the former Indian envoy to the United States, recalling the close association between the two leaders. Jaishankar also affirmed confidence that Sandhu will continue contributing to the nation’s development and progress. “Welcome to @BJP4India, Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS. Our close association gives me fullest confidence that you will continue contributing to the nation’s development and progress,” Jaishankar said in an earlier post on X. Sandhu, who hails from Punjab‘s Amritsar, joined the BJP in the presence of BJP National Secretary, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Tarun Chug. In the joining ceremony, Sandhu said that Prime Minister Modi is a development-focused leader and that this development should reach his native place, Amritsar. Speaking to ANI, Sandhu said that Amritsar should not miss the opportunities the country is getting, and his nomination for the Lok Sabha candidate will be decided by the party itself. On February 1, Taranjit Singh Sandhu was relieved of his duties after he retired as the Indian envoy to the US. Sandhu assumed charge as the Indian Ambassador to the United States in February 2020. Sandhu’s most immediate task after being appointed was then-President Donald Trump’s India visit, followed by keeping up the momentum in bilateral ties. He is one of the most experienced Indian diplomats in US affairs, having served in the Indian Mission in Washington, DC, twice earlier. (ANI) Six arrested in Navi Mumbai for thrashing man, forcing him to lick shoes Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 30 (ANI): Six people were arrested in Navi Mumbai for allegedly assaulting a man for stealing 23 kg cardamom from the firm where he worked, and forcing him to lick shoes, a police official said on Saturday. The incident happened under the APMC police station jurisdiction on March 27. Senior Police Inspector Ajay Shinde said, “On 27 March 2024, there is a trading company in masala market, whose owner came to police station along with a worker of his company...It was claimed that the helper stole 23 kilos of cardamom (Elaichi) from his shop.” Former Ambassador Sandhu Taranjit Singh Sandhu underlines development agenda for Amritsar ahead of LS polls
“Disengagement and de-escalation is the way forward,” says Rajnath Singh on Northern borders New Delhi [In- dia], April 3 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while speaking on the current situation along the Northern borders of the country expressed full confidence that while troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for a peaceful resolution will continue. “Disengagement and de-escalation is the way forward to deal with the current situation along northern borders,” he added. The Defence Minister lauded the efforts of the Border Road Organisation (BRO), which has led to the quantum improvement of road communication in the borders of both Western and Northern while working under difficult conditions. Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he praised the Indian Army’s response to cross-border terrorism, however, the proxy war by the adversary continues. Rajnath Singh said, “I compliment the excellent syner- gy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue”. He further complimented the forces for the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities, which he said he had always been experiencing first-hand during his visits to forward areas. He also paid tributes to all the brave hearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. He lauded the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies. He concluded by saying that issues related to “Defence diplomacy, indigenisation, informa- FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2024 9 Constantly in touch with Russian authorities: MEA on Indian nationals seeking discharge from Russian Army New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): India is constantly in touch with Russian authorities to have Indian nationals released and discharged from the Russian army as early as possible, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing on Thursday. Asked about update on Indians who were duped by agents and sent to Russia to join the military, Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Regarding Russia, as I told you earlier also, we are constantly in touch with Russian authorition warfare, defence infrastructure and force modernisation should always be deliberated upon in such a forum. Doctrinal changes whenever required should be made to make the Armed Forces future-ready. The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitating the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation”. (ANI) ties. We have taken it up strongly for them to have our nationals released and discharged as early as possible.” “I will have an update for you, and as and when I have an update for you, I will keep you informed. On the death toll, we know last time also I had told you that two people have passed away. Their mortal remains have come to India. and have been sent to their family members. So, the death toll is where two people had passed away, died in the conflict,” he added. Notably, at least two Indians have died while serving in the Russian army against Ukraine, as around 20 others were allegedly duped into fighting in Russia‘s war with Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs. Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting Indian nationals on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly sending them to the Russia–Ukraine war zone. The central agency is conducting simultaneous searches at around 13 locations in Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. The CBI stated that these traffickers have been operating as an organised network and were luring Indian nationals through social media channels like YouTube, etc and also through their local contacts/agents for highly paid jobs in Russia. Thereafter, the trafficked Indian nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in the Russia– Ukraine War zone against their wishes, thus, putting their lives in grave danger. It has been ascertained that some of the victims were also grievously injured in the war zone.Certain suspects have also been detained for questioning at various locations. So far, around 35 instances of victims sent abroad have been established. The identity of more trafficking victims is also being established. The investigation is still underway. Meanwhile, an appeal has been made to the general public not to fall prey to such false promises of jobs by dubious recruitment agencies and agents. (ANI)
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