FRIDAY MAY 10, 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: 19 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday May 10, 2024 Lok Sabha elections: Phase 3 witnesses peaceful polling, voter turnout at 64.4 pc New Delhi [India], May 8 (ANI): The voter turnout for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election held on Tuesday in 93 constituencies recorded at 64.4 per cent as per the Election Commission‘s update until 11:40 pm on Tuesday. The highest voter turnout of 81.61 per cent was recorded in Assam where four constituencies went to the polls in this phase and the lowest, 57.34 per cent, was recorded in Uttar Pradesh, where 10 constituencies went to the polls. The numbers are provisional and will be updated by the field-level officers. The voter turnout in other states that voted on Tuesday in the third phase are Bihar -58.18 per cent, Chhattisgarh -71.06 per cent, Goa -75.20 per cent, Gujarat-58.98 per cent, Karnataka-70.41 per cent, Madhya Pradesh – 66.05 per cent, Maharashtra – 61.44 per cent and West Bengal -75.79 per cent, as per the latest ECI data. Polling concluded at 6 pm, but voters were seen standing in the queue for longer hours after the scheduled time at many polling stations, the ECI said. The ECI further said that the third phase of polling was held smoothly and peacefully in all States/ UTs which covered the entire north-eastern part of the country, LWE-affected and vulnerable areas in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The Commission, led by CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Takoma Park, MD (May 5, 2024) Washington Adventist University (WAU) recently celebrated its 108th Commencement Ceremony and awarded two Honorary Doctorates for service to the community, and the University. The honorees were Chandhok (Jesse) Jasdip Singh, COO of the Center of Social Change, Humane Letters for Distinguished Service; and Sajid Tarar (CJ), CEO and Board President of the ‘Center for Social Change’. “I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to work with WAU,” expressed Dr Sajid. It’s amazing what a few people who want to do something and have a passion and a commitment can do.” “This honor is a reminder for me to partner and expand the vision of WAU,” said Dr. Jesse Singh “In the coming few years you will see the footprint of your university nurturing the Center for Social Change.” ‘Center for Social Change’ is a private nonprofit organization that supports children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Center is a strong advocate for personal Sandhu, regularly closely watched every aspect of the poll process. Stringent security measures were in place, creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation. With the conclusion of Phase-3, polling is now over in 20 States/UTs and 283 PCs for the 2024 general elections. A total of 1331 candidates, including around 120 women, were in the electoral fray in this phase. A total of 17.24 crore voters are eligible to cast their franchise in this phase at 1.85 lakh polling stations. At least 75 international delegates from 23 countries visited ELECTIONS SEE PAGE 6 Washington Adventist Univeristy Awards Honorary Doctorates to Jesse Singh and Sajid Tarar WAU Awards see page 10 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 Dr. Sajid Tarar (CEO) and Dr. Chandhok (Jesse) Jasdip Singh, (COO) of Center for Social Change receiving Honorary Doctorates from Dr. Weymouth Spence, President of the Washington Adventist University for their services to the community.
May 10, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “People excited about manifesto of INDIA bloc”: SP’s Dharmendra Yadav confident of huge victory A SMART CHOICE 140+ degrees & certificates More than 20 Online Degrees hundreds of online classes 7- and 15week flexible course schedule Dual Enrollment earn college credit in high school Supportive Faculty 17:1 student to faculty ratio 140+ Nearly 50% Savings seamless transfer pathways to four-year schools on tuition costs compared to public four-year colleges and universities montgomerycollege.edu/educate Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 6 (ANI): Samajwadi Party leader Dharmendra Yadav, who is also the Samajwadi Party candidate from Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh, on Monday said that his party will even register a victory on the seats which it lost in the past. Speaking to ANI, Dharmendra Yadav, the cousin of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also lashed out at the BJP, alleging that the ruling party which came to power over its sea of promises ‘failed’ to fulfil them. “People trusted the promises made by BJP, youth expected jobs, farmers expected MSP, middle class and poor expected inflation to reduce, they are all disappointed. People are excited about the manifesto of the INDIA alliance. People will make the Samajwadi Party and INDIA alliance win. Those seats which Samajwadi Party couldn’t win a few times; this time we will win them as well,” Dharmendra said. Dharmendra Yadav is contesting from the Samajwadi Party’s stronghold of Azamgarh in the Lok Sabha elections. Dharmendra Yadav contested the 2022 bypolls from Azamgarh but lost to BJP candidate Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, a popular Bhojpuri singer-actor. In the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, Dharmendra Yadav won from the Badaun seat in Uttar Pradesh. Despite facing a BJP wave in 2014, Yadav managed to retain his seat defeating BJP’s Vagish Pathak by over 1.6 lakh votes. He lost the seat in the 2019 polls, though. In the bypolls held in 2022, Dharmendra Yadav contested from Azamgarh, but ended up on the losing side. BJP candidate Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’ managed to scrape through by a margin of just over 8,000 votes. Yadav will once again face the Bhojpuri singer-actor in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. is running for office on promises to crack down and deport millions of people. T r u m p ’ s opposition to senators’ recently failed USD 118 billion bipartisan border bill, tying border reforms to Ukraine aid, influenced many Republican legislators to reject it. It also dealt a potentially fatal blow to the possibility of new laws and tools that could reduce illegal crossings and ease strains on cities with overwhelmed shelters, The Washington Post reported. Illegal border crossings soared in the months after Biden took office and immediately rolled back many Trumpera restrictions. Biden warned that he’d still enforce immigration laws, and he temporarily kept in place a Trump pandemic policy known as Title 42 that allowed authorities to quickly expel border crossers. The number of people taken into custody by the US Border Patrol has reached the highest levels in the agency’s 100-year history under Biden, averaging 2 million per year. T h e Wa s h i n g t o n Post reported that during the president’s first days in office, his administration announced it would not use the Title 42 policy to turn back unaccompanied minors who arrive without a parent or guardian. Their numbers began to shoot up almost immediately, and images of migrant children and teens packed shoulderto-shoulder in detention facilities produced the administration’s first border emergency. Soon after, Biden assigned Vice President Harris to lead a new effort to address the “root causes” of Central American emigration. Migrants from Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Senegal and Mauritania — along with other nations in Africa, Europe and Asia — are crossing from Mexico in numbers US authorities have never seen. For example, 14,965 migrants from China arrived across the southern border between October and December, Border Patrol data shows, up from 29 over that same period in 2020. The Border Patrol encountered 9,518 migrants from India during that same three-month span, compared to 56 during that period in 2020. (ANI) US President Joe Biden calls Japan, India ‘xenophobic’ nations that do not welcome immigrants Wa s h i n g t o n , DC [US], May 2 (ANI): US President Joe Biden on Thursday said the “Xenophobic” nature of India, China, Japan and Russia is responsible for their economic troubles and argued that America’s economy is growing because it welcomes immigrants to its soil. The President made the statement while campaigning for his reelection at Washington fundraising event and argued that Japan, along with Russia and China, would perform better economically if the countries embraced immigration more. “You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. We look to — the reason — look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants,” Biden said. “Immigrants is what makes us strong. Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and just contribute,” he added. Immigration is a polarizing issue in US politics, and will almost certainly play a major role in the November presidential election. Illegal border crossings have contributed to an average 2 million influx per year since 2021, the highest level ever. Polls show broad public disapproval of how President Biden has handled the surge, and former president Donald Trump, who also faced criticism for his immigration policies, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 6 (ANI): A massive fire broke out on the campus of Carbide factory in Bhopal district on Monday. Visuals show the smoke emanting from the factory engulfing the skies. The reason for the blaze is yet to be ascertained. No casualties or injuries have been reported from the incident as yet. In a similar incident today, a massive fire broke out at a plastic factory in Delhi’s Narela’s Bhorgarh Industrial Area on Monday morning. No casualties were reported in the incident. Visuals of the incident showed a thick plume of smoke billowing from the factory engulfed by the fire. According to fire department officials, 11 fire tender vehicles are on the scene. Locals said that the fire broke out at 8.50 am. (ANI) MP: Massive fire breaks out in campus of Bhopal Carbide factory
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May 10, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Three independent MLAs withdraw support to BJP government in Haryana, CM Saini targets Congress Rohtak (Haryana) [India], May 7 (ANI): In a blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Haryana, three Independent MLAs have withdrawn their support to it. The development came amid the Lok Sabha polls and within two months of Nayab Singh Saini taking over as Chief Minister of the state after replacing Manohar Lal Khattar. The three MLAs — Sombir Sangwan (Charkhi Dadri), Randhir Golan (Pundri),and Dharampal Gondar (Nilokheri) – said they have decided to withdraw support from the Saini government and extend support to the Congress during the elections. Nayab Singh Saini blamed the Congress for the decision of the MLAs. “I have received this information. Maybe Congress is engaged in fulfilling some people’s wishes now. Congress has nothing to do with the wishes of the public,” Saini said. The three independent MLAs made the announcement at a press conference in Rohtak in the presence of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Hooda said people do not trust the present government. “Seeing that these people have taken back their support and have decided to support Congress,” he said. Lok Sabha polls in Haryana will be held on May 25 and the state will face assembly polls later this year. The decision of three MLAs to withdraw support came on the day voting took place on 93 seats in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said he had seen reports and the party would respond after getting all the information. “I got know about this, I saw that report but I don’t have information on it...Our people will give you a statement when we Elisha Pulivarti, CEO of SME Council Honored Elisha B. Pulivarti, Chief Executive Officer for the U.S. India SME Council, Inc a Premier Small Business Advocacy and a nonprofit organization based in Washington DC Capital region was recognized with the ‘PRESIDENT’S EXCELLENCE IN GATEWAY TO SERVICE AWARD’ for his inspiring and committed service that goes above and beyond the call of duty for the last 25 years during the annual commencement service. get the information. None of our govts are in any danger...I am not even sure if the news is true or false,” Puri told ANI. Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda said the BJP has lost the majority in the Haryana assembly. “The situation in the state (Haryana) is against BJP, change is definite in the state. BJP govt has lost the majority. Among the list of 48 MLAs they had given, few MLAs have resigned because they are fighting the Lok Sabha election and some independent MLAs withdrew their support to BJP and have extended their support to Congress. So the minority MLAs have no right,” Deepender Hooda told ANI. Randhir Golan, who is among the three MLAs who withdrew support, said there was high inflation and unemployment under the BJP government. “For the last 4.5 years, we extended support to the BJP. Today unemployment and inflation are at their highest. Looking at this, we have withdrawn our support (from the government),” he said. Praveen Attrey, Media Secretary to Haryana CM said three independent New Delhi [India], May 7 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, BRS Leader K Kavitha and another person in the excise policy case. The Court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the ED case till May 20, 2024, while K Kavitha’s judicial custody was extended by the court till May 14 in the ED case and May 20 in the CBI case. Kejriwal was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement on March 21, 2024. During the hearing appearing for Kejriwal, Advocate Rajat Bharadwaj apprised the court that the Supreme Court is presently hearing Arvind Kejriwal’s matter on the aspect of interim bail. The Special Judge Kaveri Baweja allowed the applications moved by the ED, which sought an extension of judicial custody of Arvind Kejriwal, K Kavitha and Chanpreet Singh in the excise policy case. During the hearing, Arvind Kejriwal was produced through VC from Tihar Jail. However, K Kavitha produced before the court physically following a court order passed on Monday. The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday also dismissed the bail petitions moved by Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha in connection with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and ED cases related to the excise policy case. BRS leader K Kavitha was arrested by the EED on March 15, 2024 and by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on April 11, 2024. Earlier, CBI through remand application stated that “Kavitha Kalvakuntla was required to be arrested in the instant case to conduct her custodial interrogation for confronting her with the evidence and witnesses to unearth the larger conspiracy hatched among the accused, suspect persons regarding the formulation and implementation of the Excise Policy, as well as to establish the money trail of ill-gotten money generated and to establish the role of other accused/ suspect persons, including public servants, as well as to unearth the facts MLAs extending their support to Congress won’t impact Haryana government. “Today also Haryana government has majority and is safe. If you see the numbers, government has the support of 47 MLAs and because of this, the government is totally safe. If we talk from the legal point of view, no confidence motion can’t be moved against Haryana government because earlier in the Vidhan Sabha Assembly, under the leadership of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Congress had moved a no confidence motion which was dismissed so another no confidence motion can’t be brought in for the next six months,” he said. Excise policy case: Delhi court extends judicial custody of Kejriwal, K Kavitha Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BRS Leader K. Kavita which are in her exclusive knowledge.” The CBI inquiry was recommended based on the findings of the Delhi Chief Secretary’s report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010, officials said. The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority’s approval. The beneficiaries diverted “illegal” gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection, the probe agencies said. As per the allegations, the Excise Department had decided to refund the earnest money deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19, the probe agency said and there was an alleged loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer. (ANI)
Call: 301-431-7430; 301-434-3029 Visit: 1157 University Blvd. E (Hampshire Langley shopping Center) Same complex as Wachovia Bank and Capital One Bank Tuesday-Friday: 11am-8pm; Sunday: 11am-6pm; Monday Closed FRIDAY MAY 10, 2024 5
May 10, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Former PM PV Narasimha Rao’s Lok Sabha family meets PM Modi in Hyderabad elections: Phase 3 witnesses peaceful polling, voter turnout at 64.4 pc Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 7 (ANI): Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao‘s family met PM Narednra Modi in Hyderabad on Tuesday and expressed gratitude for conferring the Bharat Ratna to the former Prime Minister. Rao’s family also discussed a wide range of topics like culture, and India’s development strides, among others. Former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao, ex-Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur and agronomist MS Swaminathan were posthumously conferred with the country’s highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, by President Droupadi Murmu on March 30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in February that Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. In a line-up post on X, PM Modi said that, as a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao served India extensively in various capacities. Elections from page 1 “Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity and growth,” the PM said. From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- APRIL 26, 2024 Don’t Quit Edgar Albert Guest When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit – rest if you must, but don’t quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns. As everyone of us sometimes learns. And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man; Often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup; and he learned too late when the night came down, how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure tuned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and when you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst, you must not quit. “Narasimha Rao Garu‘s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India’s foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage,” he added. Born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, Telangana, being an agriculturist and an advocate, Narasimha Rao joined politics and held some important portfolios. He was the Minister of Law and Information, 1962-64; Law and Endowments, 196467; Health and Medicine, 1967 and Education, 196871, Government of Andhra Pradesh. He was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971-73 and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee from 1975-76. Since assuming office in 2014, the Modi government has announced Bharat Ratna for Lal Krishna Advani, Karpoori Thakur, Madan Mohan Malviya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, and Nanaji Deshmukh. (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 many polling stations in six states to witness the polling process. The delegates also witnessed the process of dispatching polling materials and machines to the polling teams and were appreciative of the magnitude, transparency and, most importantly, the festive mood of voters, the ECI said. The ECI also mentioned that the voters from across 11 States/UTs participated enthusiastically to cast their vote at their polling stations, braving hot weather conditions in some areas. Special arrangements were made to mitigate the effects of hot weather conditions, including the provision of shamiyana, drinking water, medical kits, and fans for the convenience of voters, it added. Several booths installed innovative bids to entice voters, urging them to come in large numbers to exercise their franchise. The Shimoga Zilla Panchayat in Karnataka unveiled a polling booth with majestic thrones reserved for voters. Mooting the idea that in a democracy, citizens are the lords, the unique polling station depicted voters as kings and queens. Also, the proprietors of an ice cream shop in the Hubbali city of Dharwad offered ice creams free of charge as part of an awareness campaign to promote voting. The awareness campaign with the initiative ‘Cast Vote and Eat Ice-Cream Free’ was organised in Hubballi city. Food shops in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore offered free poha, jalebis, and ice cream to those who cast their votes in the early hours of polling. Some other commercial establishments in the city also offered to serve delicacies like noodles and manchurian free of charge to people who vote in the morning hours. Likewise, food establishments in Maharashtra offered discounts to customers who simply showed an ink mark on their fingers, indicating they’d voted. Prominent leaders contesting today’s poll battle included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Madhya Pradesh chief ministersShivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav, and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, among others. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Chhattisgarh are the States /UTs where polling took place in this phase. Voting in the Anantnag-Rajouri PC in Jammu and Kashmir was rescheduled to Phase 6. Also, Surat PC in Gujarat did not go to the polls as the candidate was elected unopposed. The next phase (phase 4) polling is scheduled on May 13, 2024, in 96 constituencies in 10 States/UTs. In the 2019 general election, the BJP won 72 of the 93 seats that go to the polls today. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (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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May 10, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India, Sweden welcome progress in bilateral cooperation, stress on need to focus on emerging technologies Stockholm [Sweden], May 4 (ANI): India and Sweden held the 7th session of Foreign Office Consultations in Stockholm on Friday and welcomed the progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation and deliberated on the way forward in priority sectors of innovation and sustainability, trade and investment. During the talks, India and Sweden stressed on the need to focus on new emerging technologies like semiconductors, green steel and green batteries. The two nations discussed security aspects, including cyber security and counter terrorism and agreed to consider having joint collaborations in the defence sector, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release. In a press release, MEA stated, “Both sides welcomed the progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation and deliberated on the way forward in priority sectors of Innovation & sustainability, trade & investment and stressed on the need to focus on new emerging technologies like semiconductors, green steel and green batteries.” “The contribution of LeadIT under India Sweden Industry Transition Partnership in combating climate change found a special mention. The two sides also discussed security aspects including cyber security and counter terrorism and also agreed to consider having joint collaborations in the defence sector,” it added. For the meeting, the Indian side was led by Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Pavan Kapoor and the Swedish side was led by Jan Knutsson, State Secretary, Sweden‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the officials appreciated the robust and fast growing economic ties and noted the importance of holding the India Sweden Innovation bridge, India Sweden Innovation day and India Sweden Sustainability day and termed it an “important step” towards enhancing business to business relations. The two sides appreciated the presence of a large Indian community in the Sweden, which forms an important link which they stressed forms an important link between two nations. India and Sweden expressed satisfaction over the growing cooperation to further strengthen India-EU bilateral cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi. In a press release, MEA stated, “They exchanged views on cooperation in the reform of the UNSC especially in the build up to the Summit of the Future.” “They noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation to further strengthen IndiaEU bilateral cooperation and emphasized the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU FTA. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” it added. The ties between India and Sweden were established in 1949 and are founded on shared democratic values. 2023 marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Sweden, according to Indian Embassy in Sweden statement. India and Sweden have had longstanding close relations based on common values, strong business, investment and research and development (R&D) linkages and similar approaches to meet global challenges of peace & security and development. 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
FRIDAY MAY 10, 2024 9 SALE ENDS MAY 31-2024 “Our GDP is at 7 pc, check others”: EAM refutes US President’s “xenophobic” remark Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 4 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday refuted US President Joe Biden’s “xenophobia” remark and argued that India’s economic growth is at 7 per cent which is higher than many other countries. Jaishankar reiterated that India is the most open, pluralistic and diverse society not “xenophobic”. “We are the most open society, till date I have never seen such an open society, such a pluralistic society, such a diverse society, so I would say that we are actually not just not xenophobic, we are the most open, most pluralistic and in many ways, the most understanding society in the world,” EAM Jaishankar said while interacting with professionals in Bhubaneswar on “Why Bharat Matters”. “Secondly, there was some talk about economic performance, you know our GDP is at 7 per cent. You check other people’s GDP, check the growth rate and you will get the answer,” he added. On April 2, Biden said the “xenophobic” nature of India, China, Japan and Russia is responsible for their economic troubles and argued that America’s economy is growing because it welcomes immigrants to its soil. He made the statement while campaigning for his re-election at a Washington fundraising event and argued that Japan, along with Russia and China, would perform better economically if the countries embraced immigration more. Earlier, speaking to the Economic Times, Jaishankar refuted the allegation that the Indian economy was faltering. The Union Minister said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government showcases India’s welcoming approach. Jaishankar said in the interview published on Saturday, “First of all, our economy is not faltering.” The Indian economy is set to achieve nearly 7 per cent growth in the financial year 202425, according to a report released by the Ministry of Finance. The report attributes this positive outlook to the robust domestic demand that has propelled the country to a growth rate exceeding 7 per cent over the past three years. India can aspire to become a USD 7 trillion economy in the next six to seven years, the Ministry of Finance said in its monthly review report in January. At present, the Indian economy is estimated to be about USD 3.7 trillion. Earlier in April, Krishnamurthy V Subramaniam, the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said that India will continue to be a driver for global growth in the foreseeable future. In an interview with ANI, he noted that India, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, has witnessed consistent growth at 7 per cent plus. He predicted that India will have 8 per cent growth in the fourth quarter and called it “good” growth considering the current global economic situation. R e f u t i n g allegations of President Biden describing India as “xenophobic,” Jaishankar emphasised that the country has been open and welcoming to people from diverse societies. “India is always... India has been a very unique country... I would say actually, in the history of the world, that it’s been a society which has been very open... different people from different societies come to India,” he said. Jaishankar stated that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modiled government showcases India’s welcoming approach. He said, “That’s why we have the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), which is to open up doors for people who are in trouble... I think we should be open to people who need to come to India, who have a claim to come to India.” Meanwhile, hours after Biden termed India, Japan and other nations, “xenophobic,” the White House clarified the President’s intentions, emphasising his “respect” for allies and partners. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre asserted that the President’s comments were part of a broader message emphasising the strength derived from America’s immigrant heritage. She stressed that Biden’s focus remains on bolstering diplomatic relationships with nations such as India and Japan, evident in his actions over the past three years. “Obviously, we have a strong relationship with, India with Japan, and the President if you just look at the last three years has certainly focused on those diplomatic relationships,” she said (ANI)
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