FRIDAY JULY 26, 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: 30 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday July 26, 2024 US President Joe Biden withdraws from presidential race “in the best interest of party, country”, Endorses Kamala Harris for President D e l a w a r e [US], July 22 (ANI): US President Joe Biden has announced that he is not seeking re-election in the “best interest” of the party and the country. Biden said he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision,” Biden stated in a letter posted on X, just four months before the presidential elections in the US. His decision comes after many prominent faces from the Democratic Party called for his withdrawal from the presidential race after his poor debate performance against Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump. Biden has been under intense scrutiny following his incoherent performance in the nationally televised 90minute debate with Trump on June 27. He said that US has been a strong economy in the world and Democratic Party government have made historic investments in rebuilding the nation, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors and expanding affordable healthcare to a record number of Americans. Biden said, “Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.” “We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant clim-ate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today,” he added. In a letter, Biden said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as US President. Biden noted that the US overcame the COVID-19 pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression that began in 1929 and lasted till World War 2nd. Biden said, “I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world. It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President.” He expressed gratitude to US Vice President Kamala Harris for being an “extraordinary partner” to him. He even thanked people who worked for his re-election. He said, “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today JOE BIDEN 2 SEE PAGE ENDS SEPTEMBER 3 SOMETIMES DRIVER’S SIDE BEATS POOLSIDE LEXUS.COM Soak up Summer from behind the wheel at the Golden Opportunity Sales Event. Don’t let the season slip away without finding your dream Lexus. But hurry—the offers on select models won’t last. ©2024 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
July 26, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK It’s never been easier to Get the Facts About Senior Living at Ashby Ponds, Greenspring, and Riderwood Get your FREE brochure to discover all the amazing benefits of our premier senior living communities. It’s packed with information, such as: Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. • Services to enhance your health and well-being • Resort-style amenities, including delicious dining ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD • Stylish, modern apartment homes to fit your lifestyle 885548 • Financial peace of mind and unbeatable value SHETH VILLA OCCASION OASIS US President Joe Biden withdraws from presidential race “in the best interest of party, country”, Endorses Kamala Harris for President JOE BIDEN FROM PAGE 1 The perfect venue for meetings, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, parties, special celebrations, and more! what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.” A perfect get away that still feels like home. At Sheth Villa, you can host wide variety of events, have a relaxing staycation, and much more! Biden endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic Party’s presidential nominee AIRBNB LINK: airbnb.com/h/shethvilla Email: pritinina65@gmail.com ETH VIL LA SH Contact: (301)434-3029 Follow us on: Sheth Villa Holiday Home After announcing his decision to not seek reelection, US President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party and called on Democrats to “come together and beat” Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Biden recalled that his first decision as the Democratic Party‘s nominee in 2020 was to choose Harris as his Vice President and termed it the best decision he has made. Taking to X, Biden stated, “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.” It is pertinent to mention here that if Biden’s endorsement is accepted, Kamala Harris will become the first Indian-origin woman to contest the US presidential elections. Stating that she is “honoured” to have President Joe Biden‘s endorsement, US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Sunday that she “intends to earn and win” the Democratic Party‘s nomination for the November presidential polls. Earlier in the day, after announcing his decision to not seek re-election, Biden endorsed Harris as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party and called on Democrats to “come together and beat” Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. In a statement, Kamala Harris stated, “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have travelled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nation–to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
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July 26, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Here’s what will get cheaper and costlier after this Budget New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): One aspect that always garners much traction on the Budget day is what got cheaper and what got costlier. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as part of her Budget presentation proposed a host of tweaks in basic customs duty (BCD) for various products or items that are critical for manufacturing. In her Budget speech, Sitharaman proposed an exemption on customs duty on certain cancer medicines and a reduction in duties on mobile phone parts and chargers, aimed at bringing down their prices in the retail market. “With a threefold increase in domestic production and almost 100-fold jump in exports of mobile phones over the last six years, the Indian mobile phone industry has matured. In the interest of consumers, I now propose to reduce the BCD on mobile phone, mobile PCBA and mobile charger to 15 per cent,” said Sitharaman in her Budget speech that lasted around 90 minutes. To provide relief to cancer patients, she proposed to fully exempt three more medicines from customs duties. Imported gold, silver, leather goods and seafood will also get cheaper, as duties were invariably lowered on them. Duty cut on gold would boost retail demand and help in curtailing smuggling in the world’s second-biggest bullion market. “To enhance domestic value addition in gold and precious metal jewellery in the country, I propose to reduce customs duties on gold and silver to 6 per cent and that on platinum to 6.4 per cent.” She also proposed changes in the customs duty on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors for use in medical X-ray machines under the Phased Manufacturing Programme, so as to synchronise them with domestic capacity addition. Also, she proposed to fully exempt customs duties on 25 critical minerals and reduce basic customs duty on two of them. Minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements are critical for sectors like nuclear energy, renewable energy, space, defence, telecommunications, and high-tech electronics, said the finance minister. “This will provide a major fillip to the processing and refining of such minerals and help secure their availability for these strategic and important sectors,” Sitharaman said. Putting energy transition on focus, as it is critical in the fight against climate change, the finance minister proposed to expand the list of exempted capital goods for use in the manufacture of solar cells and panels in the country. However, in view of sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity of solar glass and tinned copper interconnect, it was proposed not to extend the exemption of customs duties provided to them. To enhance competitiveness in marine products, the reduced duty on certain broodstock, polychaete worms, shrimp and fish feed to 5 per cent, besides exempting customs duty on various inputs for manufacture of shrimp and fish feed. Moving on to leather and textile, reduction in duty was announced for various items. “...to enhance the competitiveness of exports in the leather and textile sectors, I propose to reduce BCD on real down filling material from duck or goose,” Sitharaman said. To reduce cost of production of steel and copper, two important raw materials, it was proposed to remove the customs duty on ferro nickel and blister copper. “I am also continuing with nil BCD (customs duty) on ferrous scrap and nickel cathode and concessional BCD of 2.5 per cent on copper scrap.” On the flip side, to support chemicals and petrochemicals, an increase in duty was proposed. To support existing and new capacities in the pipeline, an increase in duty on ammonium nitrate from 7.5 to 10 per cent would be applicable. PVC flex banners are non-biodegradable and hazardous for environment and health. To curb their imports, a propose was made to raise the duty on them from 10 to 25 per cent. To incentivise domestic telecommunication equipment manufacturing, a propose to increase the duty from 10 to 15 per cent on PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) of specified telecom equipment was made. Explaining her rational behind the indirect taxes tweak, Sitharaman said her proposals for customs duties intend to support domestic manufacturing, deepen local value addition, promote export competitiveness, and simplify taxation, while keeping the interest of the general public and consumers surmount. In Budget 202223 too, the government reduced the number of customs duty rates. Fund allocations to key sectors and schemes hiked in budget Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday, outlining a detailed financial roadmap aimed at driving economic growth and ensuring fiscal stability. The budget reveals a comprehensive picture of government revenues and expenditures, highlighting major allocations to key sectors and schemes. The revenue to the government is generated from multiple sectors. Income tax contributes 19 per cent, borrowings and liabilities stand as the largest source at 27 per cent, and GST along with other taxes accounts for 18 per cent. Corporation taxes contribute 17 per cent, followed by nontax receipts at 9 per cent, customs at 4 per cent, excise duty at 5 per cent, and nondebt capital receipts at 1 per cent. On the expenditure side, the budget outlines significant allocations to various public sectors. Interest payments consume 19 per cent of the total expenditure, central sector schemes account for 16 per cent, and states’ tax devolution takes up 21 per cent. Subsidies represent 6 per cent of the spending, while defence expenditures stand at 8 per cent. The Finance Commission and other transfers take up 9 per cent, centrally sponsored schemes another 8 per cent, pensions 4 per cent, and other expenses 9 per cent. In terms of sector-specific allocations, defence receives the highest allocation at Rs 4,54,773 crore. Rural development is allocated Rs 2,65,808 crore, reflecting the government’s focus on boosting rural economies. Agriculture is set to receive Rs 1,51,851 crore, while home affairs are allocated Rs 1,50,983 crore, underscoring the importance of internal security. Education, a critical sector for future growth, is allocated Rs 1,25,638 crore. The IT and Telecom sector, pivotal for digital transformation, receives Rs 1,16,342 crore. Health is allocated Rs 89,287 crore, emphasising the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. The energy sector is earmarked Rs 68,769 crore, social welfare Rs 56,501 crore, and commerce and industry Rs 47,559 crore. The budget also highlights significant increases in allocations to major schemes. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) sees an increase from Rs 60,000 crore in FY23-24 to Rs 86,000 crore in FY24-25, aimed at enhancing rural employment.
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July 26, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Budget ensures that India becomes third-largest economy in world: Piyush Goyal New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the Budget 2024-25 reflects the budget for New India and the nine priorities figured out by the Finance Minister will ensure that country becomes the third-largest economy in the world. He added that the innovative and inclusive Budget will help take the country towards a developed nation by 2047. “If you ask me, this budget lays a clear roadmap, given the nine priorities on which the finance minister has focused, to set the country on a fast trajectory to help our youth through skill development and employment initiatives. Ensure that this becomes the third-largest economy in the world. Make us more competitive both within the country and across the world, thereby promoting manufacturing, promoting the services sector, and promoting tourism,” he said. The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry added that the Budget 2024-25 lays a clear roadmap, to set the country on a fast trajectory to help our youth through skill development and employment initiatives. “I think this is a budget for new India. It is taking India in the Amrit Kal rapidly, progressing towards a developed nation by 2047. It is not only impactful, it is both innovative and inclusive,” Goyal told ANI. “The thrust on infrastructure, with its multiplier impact, will hugely create jobs and business opportunities, and a balanced budget which will set the tone for Modi 3.0,” he added. He also claimed that Budget 2024-25 will be transformational in its impact on industries, internal trade, and international trade. “This budget is going to be transformational in its impact on the industries, internal trade, and international trade, both the export of goods and services. In every respect, From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- July 26, 2024 My Inner Life By Robert William Service ‘Tis true my garments threadbare are, And sorry poor I seem; But inly I am richer far Than any poet’s dream. For I’ve a hidden life no one Can ever hope to see; A sacred sanctuary none May share with me. Aloof I stand from out the strife, Within my heart a song; By virtue of my inner life I to myself belong. Against man-ruling I rebel, Yet do not fear defeat, For to my secret citadel I may retreat. Oh you who have an inner life Beyond this dismal day With wars and evil rumours rife, Go blessedly your way. Your refuge hold inviolate; Unto yourself be true, And shield serene from sordid fate The Real You this budget focuses on the competitiveness of industry, it focuses on giving our youth skill development and making them more employable,” he said. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and fiscal management ability, Goyal said, “Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai, this is what he (PM Modi) has consistently proved with very prudent fiscal management over the last ten years.” Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 today (on July 23) during the Budget Session of Parliament. She makes history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record of six consecutive budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964. FM Sitharaman, in her seventh consecutive Union Budget for 202425, outlined key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities. The priorities INDIA THIS WEEK 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 include Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling and services. She listed productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, inclusive human resource development and social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and development, and nextgeneration reforms as nine priority areas for the government. In her budget speech, Sitharaman introduced an increased standard deduction and revised tax rates for salaried individuals under the new tax regime. Sitharaman announced a significant set of income-tax reforms for the fiscal year 202425, aimed at simplifying tax laws, promoting compliance, and fostering economic growth. Sitharaman, in her budget speech, proposed the creation of employment for about 4.1 crore youth over the next five years. Towards this, the finance minister has made an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. Similarly, for skilling the citizens so as to generate job opportunities, she proposed Rs 1.48 crore. 20 lakh youth will be skilled over a five-year period. A total of 1,000 industrial training institutes will be upgraded. “2024 Budget paves way for more prosperous and equitable India”: Nadda Praising the Budget 2024-25, Union Health Minister and BJP National President, JP Nadda said on Tuesday that the budget stands as a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development and economic resilience. Addressing the media after the budget announcements, Nadda said that the budget policies are poised to accelerate growth, create jobs and enhance quality of life for all citizens. “The first Union Budget for 2024-25 in the third term of the Narendra Modi government stands as a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development and economic resilience. This visionary budget not only addresses the immediate needs of the nation but also lays down a robust framework for longterm prosperity, prioritizing infrastructure development, technological innovation and social welfare. It paves the way for a more prosperous and equitable India,” he said. The BJP President also emphasized that this budget is a significant step towards realizing the aspirations of a dynamic and self-reliant India. “The budgets, forward-looking policies and strategic investments are poised to accelerate growth, create jobs and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. I congratulate PM Narendra Modi, and I congratulate the Finance Minister and team for giving a budget that is focused on Gaon, Garib, Mahila, Yuva, Dalit, and Adivasi. This budget serves the aspirations of all sections of the society. This budget speaks of the economic and financial stability of India. It also demonstrates how resilient the Indian economy is to the external challenges in this budget,” JP Nadda asserted. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the first Budget of the Modi 3.0 government that was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, saying that the pro-people and pro-development visionary Budget 2024-25 fuels the nation’s pace in emerging as a developed nation. 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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July 26, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK UK Foreign Minister David Lammy arrives in Delhi on a two-day tour; FTA, security issues on agenda New Delhi [India], July 24 (ANI): UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in the national capital on Wednesday morning (July 24) in the first high-level visit by the newly-elected Labour government in the UK. Lammy is on a two-day tour to highlight the importance of a new partnership between the UK and India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security. In his first visit to India, Lammy will hold meetings with external affairs minister Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal. He will also meet climate and business leaders to unlock the full potential of the UKIndia partnership, per the statement from the British High Commission. The statement from the British High Commission also states that Lammy will push for a reset of the UK-India partnership, including by reinforcing the UK’s commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for greater growth in both countries. Earlier, during his campaign, Lammy had said, “India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham.” He said that the UK and India have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security. “I am traveling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home,” he said. David Lammy will galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis with India as an indispensable partner, driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses. He will discuss partnering on Indianled global initiatives to build clean power access, climate resilience in the global south and small island states, according to a release from the British High Commission. Lammy will underscore the importance of the Living Bridge between the UK and India. It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage who have made their home in the UK and made an exceptional contribution to British life, the statement from British High Commission said. In a visit to India’s third largest technology company, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries, the statement added. The Foreign Secretary will also hold high-level talks with members of the Indian government, including the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, it said. On this visit, Lammy will also highlight the extraordinary contribution of British Indians to enriching the UK‘s social and economic landscape, it added. The statement from the British High Commission said that Lammy will highlight the importance of unlocking the potential of the new UK-India partnership, so both partners can deliver prosperity not just for the people of India and the UK but for the rest of the world. The Foreign Secretary will travel on from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Laos, where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health. (ANI) Wa s h i n g t o n , DC [US], July 24 (ANI): The US–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) commended Union Budget 2024, and said that the inaugural budget of Modi 3.0 supports both consumers at home and foreign investors with steps to enhance the ease of doing business in India. The USISPF congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Indian government on presenting a commendable Union Budget for 2024-25. “The inaugural budget of Modi 3.0 strikes a fine balance between inclusive fiscal prudence, and growthoriented initiatives, and supports both consumers at home and foreign investors with steps to enhance the ease of doing business in India,” the USISPF said in a statement. The Budget’s salient features touched on reducing tax and tariff burdens on individuals and industries, a hallmark of Prime Minister Modi’s fiscal priorities. USISPF further lauded the decision to reduce tax rates for foreign companies to 35 per cent. “This action creates parity between domestic and foreign players and will be an important boost for global investors seeking to shift their international supply chains away from China,” it stated. At the same time, the duty cuts on critical imports such as medical equipment, mobile phones and chargers, and solar energy machinery will enhance local manufacturing capabilities and enhance supply chain efficiencies, which are crucial for India‘s industrial growth, they added. “India has long been a country of engineering and tech talent, yet there have been gaps in the innovation ecosystem. The abolition of the angel tax across all investor classes marks a landmark reform benefiting India‘s startup ecosystem,” the USISPF said in their statement. This important reform will stimulate increased startup funding from both domestic and international sources. Moreover, the budget caters to healthcare priorities in duty exemptions on vital cancer drugs, reiterating the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare and improving affordability for life-saving treatments. “ U S I S P F welcomes key measures to increase financial sector efficiency and transparency, including the establishment of a financial sector vision and strategy, taxonomy for ESG financing, and simplification of FDI regulations,” it stated. These initiatives are crucial for attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth. USISPF also appreciates the government’s intent to strengthen the debt recovery infrastructure. Further, in a move to strengthen the renewable energy sector, the USISPF welcomed the emphasis on critical mineral missions, energy transition policies, and digitalization. These efforts will drive investments in mining, green technologies, and innovation. They also welcomed the new employment-linked initiative with its focus on creating jobs in the manufacturing sector, including for three million youth. “With regards to digital taxation, the removal of the equalisation levy and ongoing reforms aimed at fair taxation practices for non-resident digital companies reflect India‘s proactive adaptation to the digital economy,” it stated. M o r e o v e r, the budget introduced significant reforms in transfer pricing regulations, including streamlined assessment procedures and an expanded scope of safe harbours, which will enhance transparency and fairness in cross-border transactions. These reforms not only promote compliance but also reduce tax disputes, fostering a favourable environment for business operations in India, the USISPF said in its statement. USISPF further expressed confidence that the budget will further propel India‘s economic growth and solidify India‘s position as a global economic powerhouse. “The USISPF is confident that the budget will further propel India‘s economic growth and act as a catalyst for accelerated economic progress, boosting investments, job creation, and innovation, and further solidifying India‘s position as a global economic powerhouse,” it said. U S I S P F emphasised that it looks forward to the positive impact of these budgetary measures on the Indian economy and strengthening the economic and commercial partnership between the US and India. “We remain committed to supporting the government’s vision of a prosperous and inclusive India,” it added. (ANI) “Modi 3.0 inaugural budget supports both consumers at home and foreign investors”: USISPF commends India’s Budget
FRIDAY JULY 26, 2024 9 SALE ENDS JULY 30-2024 BSF chief reviews operational readiness at Jammu International Border New Delhi [India], July 21 (ANI): In light of the recent terrorist attacks within a month in the Jammu region, which have raised significant security concerns, Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) Nitin Agrawal reviewed the operational readiness of the troops stationed at the Jammu International Border on Sunday. The BSF chief, who is on two-day visit to the border guarding force’s Jammu frontier from July 20 to assess the security situation along the Jammu International Border, also engaged in detailed discussions with unit commandants, focusing on various operational aspects and the preparedness of the forces, said the force in a statement. This review is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the security and efficiency of the BSF in maintaining border integrity and responding to any potential threats. The DG’s visit underscores the importance of vigilant border management in the region, especially given the strategic significance of the Jammu sector. The DG BSF further interacted with troops commending their dedication and professionalism. Y B Khurania, SDG BSF Western Command, IG BSF Jammu DK Boora, and other senior officers interacted with DG BSF on the prevailing security scenario. During the visit, the statement mentioned, IG BSF Jammu briefed the BSF chief about crucial aspects of border security and the force’s strategies for maintaining domination along the Jammu border. DG BSF, accompanied by SDG BSF (Western Command) and IG, BSF Jammu, attended a joint security review meeting with senior officers of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other Central Armed Police Forces. He also called on Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. BSF chief’s visit was scheduled a day after the Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the functioning of the MultiAgency Centre (MAC) of the Intelligence Bureau, directing agencies to increase engagement in the MAC and make a cohesive platform as well as to adopt a whole-ofthe government approach towards national security. Shah chaired the high-level meeting on Saturday evening in the national capital with heads of various security and law enforcement agencies including the BSF. While reviewing the overall internal security situation in the country and the fight against terrorism; the Home Minister also impressed upon all the participants to increase engagement in the MAC and make it into a cohesive platform that brings together all the law enforcement agencies, anti-drug agencies, cyber security and intelligence agencies, for decisive and prompt action. The Home Minister stresses greater synergy between all the agencies to dismantle the terror networks and their supporting eco-system, to address the evolving security threat scenario of the country. The meeting comes in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir within a month which led to the deaths of several Indian Army personnel as well as innocent people raising questions on the security of the nation.
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