FRIDAY APRIL 19, 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: 16 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday April 19, 2024 BJP launches its manifesto ‘Sankalap Patra’ for 2024 Lok Sabha polls New Delhi [India], April 14 (ANI): With barely five days left for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections to get underway, the Bharatiya Janata Party released its poll manifesto on Sunday with the tagline “Modi ki Guarantee,” with a focus on more development, women’s welfare and a roadmap for “Viksit Bharat” (developed India). According to the BJP, the year 2025 will be declared the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Year’. The BJP election manifesto promised ‘One Nation One Election’ and “single electoral roll”. The manfisto released by the BJP also focuses on bringing forward more Lakhpati Didis. It promises to make electricity bills zero with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Also, the manifesto of BJP features India’s Olympics bid in 2036, the implementation of the National Education Policy, and a law against paper leaks, among other promises. In its election promise, the party also aims to make the nation the third largest economy in the world. The manifesto set the goal of making India a “global manufacturing hub.” The manifesto was unveiled in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and party President JP Nadda. JP Nadda, while addressing the event, said that the government’s achievements over the last 10 years, such as the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the women’s reservation law, were made possible due to the clear mandate given to the party by people. “The achievements of the last 10 years are a result of a clear mandate,” Nadda said at a function to release the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Bastar (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 14 (ANI): Noting that unemployment and rising prices were the real issues in the Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the polls were also for saving the constitution and democracy in the country “which were under continuous attack from the BJP and the RSS”. He said if INDIA alliance government comes to power, they will remove poverty from India with a single stroke by providing Rs one lakh every year to every poor family across the country. Addressing a rally here, Rahul Gandhi said “berozgari, menghai aur bhagidaari” were the main issues facing the country, which were not being highlighted in the media. The former Congress president alleged that Prime Minister Modi was working only for a few billionaires and “was handing over everything to them”. He said there was so much discrimination in the wealth distribution in the country that 22 people owned as much of wealth as 70 crore Indians. Gandhi accused (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The BJP had appointed a manifesto committee headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that met twice to deliberate on its contents after the party had launched multiple exercises, including massive campaigns across the coun- try to seek people’s suggestions before the release of the ‘Sankalp Patra’. The BJP received over 1.5 million suggestions for its manifesto, including more than 400,000 through the NaMo app and over 1.1 million through videos. The Lok Sabha polls in India are scheduled to take place from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024, to choose the 543 representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha. These elections will be conducted over seven phases, with the outcome being declared on June 4. Around 970 million individuals, out of a total population of 1.44 billion, are eligible to take part in the elections. The legislative assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim will coincide with the general election. Additionally, there will be by-elections for 35 seats across 16 states. (ANI) the BJP of attacking the religion and the culture of the tribals and giving away their land, forests and water. He talked about ‘Panch Nyay’ with 25 guarantees that the Congress has promised in its manifesto. Noting that unemployment was the most important issue, he said thirty lakh vacancies pending in various government departments will be filled immediately. Like the Congress had brought MGNREGA, it will now bring the Right to Apprenticeship Act. This, he said, will guarantee a one-year job for all the graduates and diploma holders in the first year after completing their degrees/ diplomas. He said apprenticeships will be provided in the public sector, private sector and the government departments. The youth will get Rs one lakh in the first year. This means every educated youth in India, who has completed his degree or diploma will immediately get a guaranteed job in the first year, he said. The Congress leader said a woman in every poor family across the country will get Rs one lakh every year. Besides women will get 50 percent reservation in government jobs and the monthly remuneration of the Asha and Anganwadi workers will be doubled, he added. For farmers, he announced that there will be a legal guarantee for the MSP of crops. He also said the Congress government will waive off their loans. Gandhi alleged that 90 percent of the country’s population, consist- ing of backwards, Dalits, adivasis, minorities and the poor from general castes, had just 6.1 percent decision making powers. He said Congress and INDIA alliance will conduct a caste census if voted to power. Bastar will go the polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha election on April 19. (ANI) We will remove poverty, unemployment and rising prices real issues in Lok Sabha polls: Rahul Gandhi Remember: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever” –PSALM
April 19, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Stylish S EN IOR LI V I NG Find the perfect apartment home to fit your style and budget at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community near you! See a selection of our stunning floor plans! Call 1-888-718-7402 for your free brochure, or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. 338809 ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD 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 President Murmu, PM Modi pay tributes to BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary New Delhi [India], April 14 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid floral tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also paid tribute to the architect of the Constitution at his statue in the Parliament premises. President Murmu, in a post on X, said, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution and one of the most eminent nation builders, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.” Vice President Dhankhar, while paying his tribute to BR Ambedkar said that the latter pioneered social change to build an egalitarian India, through a constitutional framework promoting the rule of law, civil liberties, gender equality, and empowerment of marginalized sections. “Humble tributes to Dr. BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary today. Babasaheb, a great son of Bharat, was not only the architect of the Indian Constitution but also a champion of social justice. He pioneered social change to build an egalitarian India, through a constitutional framework promoting rule of law, civil liberties, gender equality, and empowerment of marginalized sections. Let us embrace the ideals laid by Dr. Ambedkar and work towards realizing his vision of a just and equitable society. #BRAmbedkar,” the Vice President said. Born on April 14, 1891, Baba Saheb Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination towards Dalits and supported the rights of women and workers. He died on December 6, 1956. Baba Saheb Ambedkar was a prolific student, earning doctorates in economics from both Columbia University and the University of London. In 1956. He led a satyagraha in Mahad to fight for the right of the untouchable community to draw water from the main water tank of the town. On 25 September 1932, the agreement known as the Poona Pact was signed between Ambedkar and Madan Mohan Malaviya. Due to the pact, the depressed class received 148 seats in the legislature, instead of the 71 as allocated earlier. He was also one of the seven members of the committee that drafted the Indian Constitution after independence. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. Baba Saheb Ambedkar died in his sleep on 6 December 1956, at his home in Delhi. (ANI)
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April 19, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Spicer Advenitst University (SAU) Alumni Meets at Southern Asian Adventist Church Pastor Ezras Lakra, President of South Asia Division of SDA, Dr. Sanjeevan Arsud, Vice-Chancellor of Spicer Adventist University, Dr. Vincent Injety, Vice Chancelor of the Adventist University of Africa, Kenya, Professor Kenneth Cherian, Mr. Maxwell Paul, enterpreuner from Maryland who funded the computer center at the SAU. Mr. Lazarus Borge who gratduated from Spicer more than 50 years ago.was honored at the event. Spicer Alumni Choir (Top) The SAU alumni at the Sabbath Service (bottom) Silver Spring, MD: After about ten years of waiting, the Spicer Adventist University (SAU) Alumni, was convened here at the Southern Asia Advcentist Church for a three day celebration from Apriil 5-7. The last convention was on July 2015under the leadership of Dr. Vijayan Charles. Pastor Exras Lakra (President of the South Asia Division), Dr. Senjeevan Arsud (Vice Chancellor of the Spicer Adventist University), Dr. Vincent Injety (Vice-Chancellor of the University of Africa, Kenya) graced the occasion with their presence. More than 1500 people were in attendance. The meeting was organized by Elisha Pulivarti, Director of SME Council who is a SAU alumni. . P r o m i n e n t personalities like Dr. Sanjay Rai (Secretarty of Higher Education was the Guest of Honor who spoke to the congreation in the afternoon session on “Developing an Early College Program in India”. Dr. Prabhudev Konana, Dean of Robert Smith School of Business at University of Maryland spoke on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Related Isues.” Dr. Vinciya Pandian, Assistant Dean at Johns Hopkins University spoke on “Immersive Learning and Digital Innovation.” Dr. Vincent Injety, Vice Chancellor, Adventist University of Africa, Kenya spoke on “ The Contributions of Christian Education for Development of India”. Dr. Edison Samraj, Director for Education at the Southern Asia Divison spoke on “Imperatives of Sustaining the Distinctiveness of Adventist Education.” Spicer Adventist University is one of the premier institutions which offer degrees in various faculties which includes Arts, science, business and computer studies, fine arts and Industrial arts. Established in Pune in 1915, it has served the Adventist community for many generations blazing the trail of education for thousands of students from across the world. Spicer Adventist University is a multicultural center where they enroll students mainly from all Asian and African countires. It is the primary institutions for higher learning for Adventist students all across India. It helps promote a cultural harmony and mutual understanding for all the students, which helps achieve greater success in their ensuing career goals. There would be hardly another educational institution in India whose graduates have migrated to different parts of the world and have been able to easily adapt and assimilate in to the host country, be gainfully employed and ascend the ladder of opportunities. Most of the Spicer graduates who migrated to the United states have established themselves in various international organization such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, NASA, NIH and many have become corporate executives and successful enterpreneurs.
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April 19, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India world’s largest YSRCP stages sit-in against democracy, important stone-pelting on CM Jagan; strategic partner, says US claims TDP, allies behind attack Washington, DC [US], April 16 (ANI): The US Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Miller, was put on the spot to address recent publications alleging democratic backsliding in India and the US navigating the relationship with the country. Matthew Miller, while responding to a question, reaffirmed America’s relations with India and said that the latter country is an important strategic partner of the US. “So India is the world’s largest democracy, it is an important strategic partner of the United States, and I expect that to remain true,” Miller said in a daily press briefing on Monday. On April 4, US Department of State spokesperson Mathew Miller questioned whether the state department was taking a stand on the arrest of Indian opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal but not doing the same on the arrests of Pakistani opposition leaders. Matthew Miller refused to categorise both cases into one and said that the US wanted to see everyone in Pakistan treated with consistent rule of law and human rights. The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been raised several times in the press briefing. Kejriwal was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) for alleged money laundering in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Earlier, Miller also responded to India’s summoning US diplomat over comments on Delhi CM Kejriwal’s arrest and freezing of the Congress party’s bank accounts, to which he said that they are following these actions closely. “We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. We are also aware of the Congress party’s allegations that tax authorities have frozen some of their bank From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- APRIL 19, 2024 The Sailor’s Grave by Eliza Cook OUR BARK was out—far, far from land, When the fairest of our gallant band Grew sadly pale, and waned away Like the twilight of an autumn day. We watched him through long hours of pain; But our cares were lost, our hopes were vain; Death brought for him no coward alarm, For he smiled as he died on a messmate’s arm. He had no costly winding sheet, But we placed a round shot at his feet; And he slept in his hammock as safe and sound As a king in his lawn shroud, marble-bound. We proudly decked his funeral vest With the English flag upon his breast: We gave him that as the badge of the brave, And then he was fit for his sailor’s grave. Our voices broke—our hearts turned weak— Hot tears were seen on the brownest cheek— And a quiver played on the lips of pride, As we lowered him down the ship’s dark side. A plunge—a splash—and our task was o’er; The billows rolled as they rolled before; But many a rude prayer hallowed the wave That closed above the sailor’s grave. accounts in a manner that will make it challenging to effectively campaign in the upcoming elections,” Miller added. “And we encourage fair, transparent and timely legal processes for each of these issues,” he stressed.Stating that India is proud of its “robust and independent” democratic institutions, the Ministry of External Affairs called the remarks by the US State Department on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal “unwarranted”, adding that any such external imputation on our electoral and legal processes is “completely unacceptable.” (ANI) Vi s a k h a p a t n a m (Andhra Pradesh) [India], April 14 (ANI): Ruling YSRCP leader and the party’s candidate for the upcoming assembly polls from the North constituency, KK Raju, on Saturday led a protest against the alleged stone pelting at Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy at Vijaywada. Leading the line at the protest along with hundreds of supporters of the ruling party, Raju, who is also the chairman of the Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (NREDCAP), staged a sit-in and chanted slogans condemning the attack on the chief minister. Claiming that the principal Opposition force in the state, the TDP, along with its NDA partners, the BJP and the Jana Sena Party of actor-turnedpolitician Pawan Kalyan, orchestrated the stone pelting, the YSRCP leader told reporters, “The TDP 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 and its allies (BJP and JSP) were behind this attack. They pelted stones at Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s convoy.” “The CM has been striving day and night for the last five years for the welfare of the poor. Jagan Reddy stood for the state’s poor, upholding and safeguarding their interests. This was a cowardly attack on him. Instead of targeting him this way, the Opposition alliance should fight him in the elections. I urge the police to take necessary action and bring the culprits to book at the earliest,” he added. State IT Minister Gudivada Amarnath also condemned the attack on CM Jagan Reddy in Vijayawada during the ‘Memantha Siddham’ roadshow. “YSRCPactivists all over the state and the supporters of Jaganmohan Reddy all across the world have come out condemning this attack on our CM. If you (TDP) think that Jagan is scared of Chandrababu (party chief and former CM N Chandrababu Naidu) and the old-fashioned attacks orchestrated by him and his allies, you are mistaken. The TDP, which was responsible for the murder of Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga in the same Vijayawada area, orchestrated the stone pelting at CM Jagan today,” the minister alleged. He claimed that the TDP couldn’t stomach the tremendous response to the CM’s ongoing roadshow ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. “Worried that the (Opposition) alliance isn’t drawing public support, Chandrababu is taking such provocative actions against our leader and chief minister. He fears defeat in the upcoming elections. This was a dastardly attack. However, the people will give a fitting reply to this and the rule of law and democracy will prevail. On June 4 (the counting day for the Lok Sabha and assembly polls), the people will take the onus on themselves to throw the TDP out of the state,” Amarnath said. Earlier, in the evening, Jagan was injured in a stone-pelting attack during the ‘Memantha Siddham’ bus yatra in Vijayawada. According to sources in the YSR Congress, an unidentified individual hurled a stone at the chief minister, leaving a deep gash on his left eyebrow. The party informed that he was administered first-aid on the bus itself. Thereafter, CM Jagan continued his bus journey, party sources added. (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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April 19, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK BJP election manifesto promises to make India a global manufacturing hub New Delhi [India], April 14 (ANI): The BJP party, in its Lok Sabha manifesto released on Sunday, laid an ambition to make India a global manufacturing hub. The BJP-led government at the Centre has been aggressively campaigning with global corporates to invest in India. Over the past ten years, in its two five-year terms, BJP said it had made significant progress in the manufacturing sector, including the launch of series of programmes like Make in India, Production Linked-Incentive, and simplification of compliances to expand manufacturing. “We will further harness the potential of manufacturing in creating employment opportunities and expanding economic activity,” BJP manifesto read. “We believe that our talent in research and design can be best complimented by expanding the manufacturing sector. We also understand the need for self-reliance and resilience in global value chains,” said BJP, asserting that the party will make all efforts to develop the country a manufacturing hub. Under the Make in India programme, manufacturing has emerged as a major economic sector with a notable success in electronics, defence, mobile, and automobiles. “We will vastly expand domestic defence manufacturing and exports of Made in Bharat defence equipment,” BJP said. In the last ten years, the BJP said the government run by it estab- lished a USD 100+ billion electronics manufacturing industry. India is a major engineering and design services hub in the world with many complex products being designed here. “We will build on this strength to become a major Product Nation by combining our strength in product design services with manufacturing,” BJP said. Based on the principles of PM-Gatishakti, BJP party said government under it will develop industrial cities in different industrial corridors for balanced regional development. “This shall promote industrialisation of backward regions of the country,” it said. Further, it will launch an initiative to foster balanced regional development across all dis- tricts of the country. Brand, promotion and exports of One District One Product (ODOP) products will be encouraged under the initiative. In its manifesto, the party promises to promote manufacturing, research, and development in the railway sector to make the country a leading global railway manufacturing hub. Aiming to make India a global aviation manufacturing and MRO hub, BJP said it will will bring a commercial aircraft manufacturing ecosystem. “For this we will design a Policy for Aerospace Manufacturing in the country and try to develop our own passenger aircraft.” For pharma sector, it asserted that it will expand Research Linked Incentive schemes, encouraging companies to invest “Manifesto reflects what founding fathers of BJP envisioned...”: JP Nadda New Delhi [India], April 14 (ANI): As the BJP released its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, party national president JP Nadda addressed the gathering of leaders at party headquarters in the national capital on Sunday and said the party’s manifesto for the general election reflects what the founding fathers of the BJP had envisioned for the country. “Our manifesto reflects what the founding fathers of the BJP had envisioned for the country. PM Modi has simplified the vision for the common man to understand and called it ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’,” Nadda said. “Today, as we launch the Sankalp Patra, we will learn and discuss how we will serve the country for the next five years under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi,” he added. Lashing out at the Congress party over “politics for vote bank”, Nadda accused the Congress lawyers of stopping the judicial process for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. “You gave us a clear mandate and clear results came. You gave a clear mandate and Article 370 was abrogated. We also saw those days when Congress lawyers used to stand up and try to stop the judicial process and say that it would benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party. They were not concerned about the country, Ram Lalla. They did vote bank politics and kept creating obstacles but under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a grand Ram temple was built,” he said. Highlighting the work done by the ruling government, the BJP president said, “Four crore houses have been built under the PM Awas Yojana and this work is being continued further. Today, out of 50 crore Jan Dhan accounts, 55.5 per cent of Jan Dhan accounts are opened in the name of women.” “Today, more than 10 crore gas cylinders have been distributed in the country under the Ujjwala scheme. More than 11 crore Izzat Ghars have been built across the country. Work has been done to connect 60, 000 new villages with pucca roads and all-weather roads have been built,” he added. Nadda said that under the leadership of PM Modi, 25 crore people in India’s population have risen above the poverty line. “We had never imagined that villages would be empowered, or optical fibre would reach villages too. But today I am happy that under your lead- ership, 1.2 lakh panchayats have been connected with optical fibre and they have also been connected with internet facilities. 25 crore people of India’s population have now risen above the poverty line. According to the International Monetary Fund, extreme poverty in India has now reduced to less than 1 per cent,” he said. He further paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedka on his birth anniversary. “Today is the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar, we pay tribute to him. We all know that he fought for social justice. Following his path, the BJP always fought for social justice,” Nadda said. The Lok Sabha polls in India are scheduled to take place from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024, to choose the 543 representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha. These elections will be conducted over seven phases, with the outcome being declared on June 4. Around 970 million individuals, out of a total population of 1.44 billion, are eligible to take part in the elections. The legislative assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim will coincide with the general election. Additionally, there will be by-elections for 35 seats across 16 states. (ANI) in research for new drugs, chemical entities and new biological entities. BJP manifesto promises to elevate India as global toy manufacturing hub In its election manifesto for 2024, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has pledged to propel India into the forefront of the global toy manufacturing industry, leveraging the nation’s skilled workforce and rich cultural heritage to produce innovative and high-quality toys. The party released its “Sankalp Patra” (Election manifesto) on Sunday at its headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The BJP manifesto states “We will transform Bharat into the global hub for toy manufacturing, leveraging our skilled workforce and rich cultural heritage to produce innovative and high-quality toys”. This promise by BJP comes amidst a notable transformation in the Indian toy industry, as revealed by data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Over the past few years, the sector has witnessed a remarkable decrease in imports and a substantial increase in exports, reflecting the success of initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous manufacturing and bolstering exports. According to the data, imports of toys have decreased by 52%, while exports have surged by an impressive 239% from FY 2014-15 to FY 2022-23. This shift marks the major steps by the local manufac- turers to be competitive at the global stage in the toy industry. One such measure includes the significant increase in customs duty on toy imports, raised from 20% to 70% in recent years. This move seeks to safeguard the interests of domestic manufacturers and foster fair competition in the market. Additionally, the government has mandated Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for all toys, ensuring adherence to stringent safety and quality standards. This certification enhances the reputation of Indian toys in both domestic and international markets, further bolstering export prospects. The comprehensive ‘National Action Plan’ for Toys, initiated in 2020, aims to promote trade and investment, boost indigenous manufacturing, and position India as a global hub for toy production. Collaboration with 14 central ministries and departments underscores the holistic approach towards achieving this goal. Furthermore, recent Free Trade Agreements (FTA), such as the India-UAE Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), provide zero-duty market access for Indian toy exports, incentivizing further growth in the sector. Previously facing stiff competition from Chinese toys, the Indian toy industry has made significant strides in reducing imports from China. This shift reflects India’s increasing self-reliance and competitiveness in the global market. (ANI)
FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2024 9 “Ek jhatke se hum Hindustan se gareebi ko mita denge...,” Rahul Gandhi in Rajasthan Bikaner (Rajasthan) [India], April 11 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday highlighted the promises made by the Congress party in its poll manifesto and said that they would remove the poverty from the country by transferring Rs 1 lakh into the account of one female from a povertystricken household, which comes out to Rs 8,500 per month. “The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country...If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per month) khatakhat khatakhat aata rahega aur ek jhatke se hum Hindustan se gareebi ko mita denge,” Rahul Gandhi said addressing a poll rally in Rajasthan. The Congress leader also attacked the BJP and said that farmers are asking for a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, youngsters are seeking employment, and women want relief from inflation, but no one is listening. “The 22 persons are more wealthy than the 70 crore people of India. Farmers are demanding MSP, youths are in grave need of employment, and women are asking for relief from price rises. PM Modi straightaway declines to give MSP calling farmers terrorists. Farmers are giving tax for the first time in the history of India.” He further said that it is an election of the backwards, Dalits, tribals and poor people in the general category. “Two biggest issues in the country right now are unemployment and inflation. They (BJP) don’t talk about unemployment or inflation. Their work is to divert your attention. They don’t want the issues of backward classes, farmers and the poor to be shown on national and regional media. You will see Narendra Modi’s face in the media 24 hours a day. The job of the media is to raise the voice of the public, but their billionaire owners will not let them do so,” he alleged. Rahul Gandhi said the bank accounts of the Congress have been frozen, while also accusing the BJP of taking money from big industrialists through electoral bonds. “Corruption has increased tremendously in the last 5 years of Modi government. According to the survey, 55 per cent of people believe that corruption has increased rapidly in the last 5 years. 25 per cent of people believe that the Modi government is responsible for increasing corruption. The public is not saying this without any reason. Modi government has committed big scams like the Electoral Bond, PMCares Fund, Adani mega scam. Besides, corrupt people across the country are getting a clean chit from ‘Modi’s washing machine’. Modi government is a corrupt government. This corruption is happening under the supervision of PM Modi,” claims Rahul Gandhi. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre has taken money from big industrialists through electoral bonds adding that the upcoming election is a battle between the country’s poor people and billionaires. “This is an election to save democracy and the Constitution. This is the election of backward, Dalits, tribals and the poor general category. On one hand, the BJP took money from big industrialists through electoral bonds. On the other hand, it froze the bank accounts of Congress. The upcoming election is a battle between the country’s poor people and billionaires,” he said. Highlighting the promises made by the Congress in its Lok Sabha poll manifesto, Wayanad MP added that all of those will be honoured as soon as the party comes to power. “We are giving a guarantee of apprenticeship to the youths of the country. 1 year of apprenticeship and 1 lakh rupees will be given. If they work well, they will get the jobs also,” he said. The Congress party released its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in Delhi on April 5. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi were also present at the event. Notably, Rajasthan will go to the polls in two phases, on April 19 and April 26. Polling for 12 Lok Sabha seats will be held in the first phase on April 19, while the remaining 13 seats will be polled in the second phase on April 26. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast votes in the general election. The counting of the votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)
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