FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 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: 40 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday October 4, 2024 Chaos in the Middle East: Iran Attacks Israel, Israel vows to respond Times of Israel reported. According to IDF, around 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles. Iran’s state media has also confirmed the Iranian attack towards Israel. Press TV reported that over 400 missiles have been launched towards Israel by Iran. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had said that he along with his deputy Kamala Harris convened a meeting with national security team to discuss Iranian plans for an ‘imminent’ attack. “This morning, @VP and I convened our national iv [Israel], October 1 (ANI): In a major escalation in the raging conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on Tuesday. In a statement the IDF said, all Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel. Hezbollah is upset that the IDF exposed their plans to massacre Israelis, so they decided to target innocent civilians by firing a barrage of rockets, the IDF further said. 102 missiles have been launched towards Israel, according to the Jerusalem Post. Sirens continue to sound across Israel amid the attack, the MIDDLE-EAST SEE PAGE 16 ED books Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA linked money-laundering case B e n g a l u r u (Karnataka) [India], September 30 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in an alleged money laundering case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the sources said. Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that Karnataka Chief Minister will be proved innocent. “It is no secret that the ED has become a tool for the non-biological Prime Minister to harass political opponents and carry out politics of vengeance and revenge. In May 2023, the people of Karnataka Remember: rejected him badly. He is unable to forget that humiliation. The Congress believes that he and his ED will soon be fully exposed. We have nothing to fear in any way. The Karnataka Chief Minister will be proved innocent,” Jairam Ramesh posted on X. Earlier on September 27, the Lokayukta Police filed an FIR against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment ‘scam’. The FIR has been filed by the Mysuru Lokayukta under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 351, 420, 340, 09, and 120B among others, they said. The FIR mentions CM “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the Truth shall set you free.” –Jesus Christ Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law and others as accused in the case, they added. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah‘s wife in the prime location of Mysuru city. The BJP has demanded that CM Siddaramiah resign and the probe be taken over by the ED and CBI. “In the case of Karnataka Congress CM Siddaramaiah‘s MUDA scam, the way his family made huge wealth by misusing land and government authority in the Mysore Urban Development Authority, the court has given this decision in which CM Siddaramaiah has been made accused number one. Is the Chief Minister the first and the prime accused in this? The important thing is no central agency has investigated this and no one has filed an application on their own,” RS MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said. CM Siddaramiah however has quashed all demands for his resignation. “Let them first take the resignation of HD Kumaraswamy and others; shouldn’t they make them Kumaraswamy resign? Even Modi also has to resign in the electoral bond issue. They have misused the electoral bond and looted; in that issue, HD Kumarswamy, Nirmala Sitharaman and Modi resign first,” Siddaramaiah said. After the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) booked the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a money laundering case linked to the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case, his wife has written to the MUDA Commissioner, offering to surrender 14 plots that were allotted to her by the authority. “Mysore Urban Development Authority has sanctioned 14 plots of various sizes in Vijayanagar Phase 3 and 4 as compensation for the authority using my land measuring 3 acres, 16 guntas, in Survey No. 464 of Kesare Village, Kasaba Hobli, Mysore Taluk, without land acquisition,” Siddaramaiah‘s wife, Parvathi, wrote in her letter to MUDA Commissioner on Monday. “I wish to surrender and return the compensation plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favour by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. I am also handing over the possession of the plots back to the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Kindly take necessary steps in this regard as soon as possible,” the letter read. “My husband, the Chief Minister of the state, Siddaramaiah, in his 40-year-long politics, has followed ethics like a vow that no small stain can stick to it. She lived by the decision not to embarrass SIDDHARAMAIAH SEE PAGE 6
October 4, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK President Murmu, VP Dhankhar, PM Modi, LOP Rahul pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 155th birth anniversary New Delhi [India], October 2 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 155th birth anniversary at Rajghat in the national capital. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union Minister Manohar Lal and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi paid his heartfelt tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, emphasising the lasting impact of Bapu’s life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality, and said that these principles continue to inspire the people of the country. “On behalf of all countrymen, salutations to Pujya Bapu on his birth anniversary. His life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality will always remain an inspiration for the countrymen,” PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. In a post on X, “Respectful tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, who dedicated his life for the ‘jawan’, ‘kisan’, and ‘swabhiman’ of the country.” Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is also known to be the ‘Father of the nation’. The whole nation pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on this day and it is marked as a national holiday. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a nonviolent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against colonial British rule with utmost patience. This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and served from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at the age of 61, soon after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. Former PM Shastri was a great visionary leader, who understood people’s language and who led the country towards progress. Shastri Ji was deeply influenced by the political teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI) Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Gandhi Jayanti Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on Wednesday morning. The Congress leader could be seen paying his respects to the most iconic figure of India’s freedom movement on his 155th birth anniversary, who steadfastly followed the principles of truth and non-violence. Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his birth anniversary. Notably, the second prime minister was also born on this day, who raised the slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and whose simplicity and honesty earned him wide respect. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid flower tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat. The Prime Minister bowed in respect to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. PM Modi also took to his official handle on X to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and posted, “On PM Modi inaugurates developmental projects worth over Rs 83,000 cr in Jharkhand Hazaribagh (Jharkhand) [India], October 2 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and launched various projects worth over Rs 83,300 crore in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh on Wednesday afternoon. This visit marks the second time in 17 days that PM Modi will be in Jharkhand, following his previous visit to Jamshedpur on September 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the official handle of the BJP and posted, “Today once again I am getting the privilege of being a participant in the development journey of Jharkhand. I came to Jamshedpur a few days ago. From Jamshedpur, I launched development projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees for Jharkhand.” “Thousands of poor people of Jharkhand got their own pucca house under PM Awas Yojana. And now, within a few days, the foundation stone and inauguration of development projects worth more than Rs 80 thousand crore have been done in Jharkhand today. These schemes are related to the welfare and upliftment of the tribal society,” said the post. In order to boost the educational infrastructure for the tribal communities, the Prime Minister inaugurated 40 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and laid the foundation stone for 25 EMRS worth over Rs 2,800 crore. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the initiative will cover approximately 63,000 villages across 549 districts and 2,740 blocks in 30 states and Union Territories, directly benefiting over 5 crore tribal people. behalf of all countrymen, salutations to Pujya Bapu on his birth anniversary. His life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality will always remain an inspiration for the countrymen.” The Prime Minister also remembered former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary on Wednesday. “Respectful tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, who dedicated his life to the soldiers, farmers and self-respect of the country,” posted PM Modi on X. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a non- violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against colonial British rule with utmost patience. This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and served from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at the age of 61, soon after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. Former PM Shastri was a great visionary leader, who understood people’s language and who led the country towards progress. Shastri Ji was deeply influenced by the political teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI) Maharashtra: 38 students hospitalised after eating mid-day meal at school in Thane T h a n e (Maharashtra) [India], October 1 (ANI): As many as 38 students of Kalwa Sahyadri School in Maharashtra‘s Thane were admitted to the hospital after they ate Khichdi in school that led to food poisoning, officials said on Tuesday. According to officials, the students belong to 5th and 6th standards. They were brought to the hospital around 5 pm and their treatment was started promptly. Kalwa Hospital Dean Anirudh Malgaonkar said that student felt stomach pain and were admitted to the hospital. All the students are stable now. “The primary information was that 24 students were having stomach pain. We sent the ambulance immediately. A total of 38 students have been admitted to the hospital.” Anirudh Malgaonkar told ANI. “There is a suspicion of food poisoning in the meal of the school. All the students are stable. We will monitor them for 24 hours,” he added.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2024 3
October 4, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India ‘a buzzword’ at UNGA79; World leaders back permanent UN Security Council seat for New Delhi Angola’s President Joao Lourenco Chile’s President Gabriel Boric New York [US], October 1 (ANI): The 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) has witnessed a surge in calls for reforming the UN Security Council, with a growing consensus among world leaders to expand its permanent membership. In a significant show of support, leaders from France, Russia, the United States, Portugal, and the United Kingdom have endorsed India’s candidacy as a permanent member. The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York, shared a compelling video on X showcasing endorsements from world leaders for India’s candidacy and wrote, “A buzzword at #UNGA79. Thank you, friends and partners for your support.” In the video message, Angola’s President Joao Lourenco stressed the urgency of reform and affirmed that, “the reform of the United Nations Security Council... seems to be urgent and pressing in order to give voice to the countries of the globe of the South, namely Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.” Chile’s President Gabriel Boric proposed setting a deadline for this reform, stating, “When the UN celebrates its 80th birthday, we’ll do so with a Security Council that includes Brazil from Latin America, India, and at least one country from Africa.” France’s President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country’s support for expansion and stated, “France, as I reiterate here, is in favour of the Security Council being expanded. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members.” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We support our position in favour of the candidacies of Brazil and India.” US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, emphasised the need for representation and stated, “Reforming the UN Security Council to better represent the developing world... The United States believes that this should include two permanent seats for Africa, one rotating seat for small island developing states, and permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean in addition to the permanent seats for countries we’ve long endorsed, Germany, Japan, and India.” The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also expressed support for expansion, with Micronesia’s President Wesley Simina and Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay praising India’s candidacy. “Representation on the council. Brazil, India, Japan and Germany as permanent,” said Starmer at UNGA79. “Most importantly, Washington [US], September 21 (ANI): Microsoft has officially launched a new Windows app designed for a variety of platforms, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Windows PCs. This innovative application serves as a central hub for streaming Windows from multiple sources, such as Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote Desktop, effectively unifying the experience for users across different devices, according to The Verge. After nearly a year of testing, the new app reportedly includes features such as a customizable home screen, multimonitor support, and USB redirection, allowing users to connect local devices– like webcams, storage devices, and printers–as if they were directly linked to a cloud PC. This functionality enhances the versatility of remote work and streamlines the user experience. However, the app is currently limited to Microsoft work and school accounts, primarily targeting existing users of Remote Desktop clients. France’s President Emmanuel Macron Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov I would like to reserve our deepest thanks to India, our closest friend and neighbour. They have been with us from the very beginning of our development journey and have remained steadfast in their support and friendship,” Tobgay, said. Representatives from numerous other The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer countries around the The theme for the general world participated in the debate of the 79th session assembly, engaging in vital of the General Assembly discussions and bilateral is “Leaving no one behind: meetings. acting together for the Notably, the advancement of peace, general debate of the 79th sustainable development session of the General and human dignity Assembly opened on for present and future September 24 and continued generations,” according to through September 28 and the UN official statement. concluded on September 30. (ANI) Desktop Connection tool that remains part of Windows 11. Despite the app’s robust features, there are currently no indications that Microsoft intends to support consumer accounts, as per The Verge. Last year, the company disclosed its long-term vision of transitioning Windows entirely to a cloudbased model to enhance AIpowered services and allow users greater flexibility in their digital experiences. The Verge reported that users can download the new Windows app from the Microsoft Store, while macOS, iOS, and iPadOS versions are available via Apple’s App Store. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken Microsoft unveils new Windows app for cross-platform access It reportedly aims to facilitate a smoother transition for these users to the new platform. Microsoft has offered similar remote access applications for years, including the Remote As per reports from The Verge, the Android version is also entering public preview today, broadening access to a wider range of users. (ANI)
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October 4, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK ED books Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA linked money-laundering case SIDDHARAMIAH FROM PAGE 1 him by appearing in public life, including politics. I never wanted house, property, gold, wealth. She was careful not to tarnish even a single drop of her political life from me. She was happy and proud to see the love and admiration that the people of the state showered on my husband from afar. However, I am hurt by the allegations made regarding the Muda settlement in Mysore,” she said in a statement. “My own brother Arishina – Kumkum’s share of the land that Babu got is so raddhanta (blunder). I never imagined that my husband would face unfair charges because of this. For me, this estate, house, property, wealth, nothing is greater than my husband’s honor, dignity, dignity and his comfort. I did not want anything for myself or my family from those who were in power for so many years,” she added. She further said, “In this background, I have decided to return 14 plots of Muda, which are the cause of controversy. I don’t know what my husband thinks about this. Be it with my son, be it with other members of my family. I have not discussed this. This is a decision I have consciously made in response to the call of my soul witness.” “Why did you come to such a decision at this stage? One might ask. I made this decision on the day I heard the allegation. However, the allegation of allotment of Muda land is done with political malice and this injustice must be fought against. I gave up on the decision to return the site because some wellwishers said that we should not fall prey to their plan,” she added. “My decision is unwavering and I demand the return of these plots as well as a thorough investigation into all the allegations against Muda,” she said. “Lastly, my humble request to all political party leaders and media fraternity. Please stay away from the political field and don’t harm the dignity From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- October 4, 2024 Arrogance Author Unknown In the mirror’s gleam, it stands so tall, A shadow’s pride, it casts a pall. With every glance, it soars above, A heart unmoved by praise or love. It struts in halls of echoing praise, A king in an unending daze. Yet in its chest, a hollow sound, For arrogance knows no solid ground. It speaks of skies it’s never seen, And wears a crown that’s always green. But pride, though loud, is fickle, thin, And vanity’s a brittle skin. So when you meet that towering guise, Remember, pride’s a blind disguise. For true strength lies in humble heart, Where wisdom’s quiet, not a part. and honor of the daughters of political families who are in their own right by dragging them into the arena of controversy for the sake of political hatred,” she added. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah‘s wife in the prime location of Mysuru city. Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in an alleged money laundering case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the sources said. Earlier on September 27, the Lokayukta Police filed an FIR against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam. The FIR has been filed by the Mysuru Lokayukta under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 351, 420, 340, 09, and 120B, among others, they said. The FIR mentions CM Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law, and others as accused in the case, they added. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah‘s wife in the prime location of Mysuru city. As the allegations surfaced, the BJP has come down guns blazing at the Congress party, accusing it of supporting “corrupt” leaders and demanding CM Siddaramaiah‘s resignation. CM Siddaramiah, however, has quashed all demands for his resignation. “Let them first take the resignation of HD Kumaraswamy and others; shouldn’t they make them Kumaraswamy resign? Even Modi also has to resign in the electoral bond issue. They have misused the electoral bond and looted; in that issue, HD Kumarswamy, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Modi resign first,” he said. 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 KC Venugopal, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary, has described the ED proceedings against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in connection with the alleged MUDA scam, as a “pure vendetta” aimed at destabilising a democratically elected government. “The ED proceedings against Karnataka CM Sh. Siddaramaiah are a clear vendetta to undermine a democratically elected, pro-people government. The sequence begins with a private complaint, swiftly acted upon by the Governor (beyond his constitutional authority), followed by the Lokayukta filing an FIR, which is immediately succeeded by an ED case,” Venugopal stated in a post on X on Monday. He alleged that the case’s timeline clearly reveals the ED’s agenda. “Every Indian recognises that ED/CBI actions signify intimidation and political harassment. The entire case against Siddaramaiah ji is fabricated, intended to oust him. In a federal democracy, such overtly unconstitutional acts will not be tolerated. Mr Modi should realise that we will not accept this passively. We will fight you tooth and nail, and the people will further reject you for this assault on democracy,” he added. (ANI) B e n g a l u r u (Karnataka) [India], October 1 (ANI): The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Tuesday summoned RTI activist and one of the petitioners in the MUDA scam case, Snehamayi Krishna, to appear before it on October 3 and produce all the documents and records pertaining to the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. This is regarding his email complaint to ED against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Earlier on Monday, Krishna said that he had called for comprehensive investigations into alleged corruption involving over Rs 5,000 crore related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. He also highlighted the extensive corruption that has persisted since 2015 and requested both a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry and an ED inquiry into the matter. Krishna emphasised that Siddaramaiah‘s government serves as a prime example of the corruption that has plagued MUDA and pointed to the irregular allotment of MUDA sites. “There is huge corruption in MUDA. In this background, we have made a request seeking a CBI inquiry, and also there is more than Rs 5,000 crore of corruption involved in the MUDA issue. That’s why I have asked for an ED inquiry into this. Siddaramaiah is just an example; since 2015, there has been much corruption in the case. That’s why I have asked for all MUDA site allotment scams that have been allotted in a 50/50 ratio. We have filed for CBI and ED inquiry seeking inquiry; we are expecting it may come to a hearing soon. We have also asked for a CBI inquiry, and now Lokayukta is doing an inquiry into the MUDA case,” he said. Pure vendetta to destabilise Karnataka govt: Congress’ KC Venugopal on ED proceedings against CM Siddaramaiah ED summons MUDA scam petitioner Snehamayi Krishna, asks him to appear on October 3 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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October 4, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Mansukh Mandaviya leads nationwide coastal, beach cleanliness drive to mark 10 years of Swachhta campaign P o r b a n d a r (Gujarat) [India], October 2 (ANI): Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday led the nationwide Coastal and Beach Cleanliness Drive organised by MY Bharat from the historic city of Gujarat’s Porbandar on Gandhi Jayanti. According to an official release, this drive aims to eliminate single-use plastic waste from India’s beaches and coastal areas, marking the culmination of the broader “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, which is running from September 17 to October 2, 2024, under the theme “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.” Speaking to ANI about the drive on Wednesday, Mandaviya said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan completed 10 years today. To mark this, over 1 lakh MY Bharat volunteers have joined the Swachhta Abhiyan and joined in a cleanliness drive to clean 1000 beaches and make them free from single-use plastic.” “We will be able to establish cleanliness in the country through such campaigns. Today we have also formed a group of MY Bharat volunteers in Porbandar, which will work towards cleanliness and keep the beaches clean,” said Mandaviya. As per the drive, over 1,00,000 youth of MY Bharat joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cleanliness drive to clean beaches across the country Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 1 (ANI): A family in Mainpuri has alleged that their infant died due to a nurse‘s refusal to hand over the baby until a payment was made. The infant’s condition reportedly deteriorated as a result, leading to his death. Chief Medical Officer Dr. R.C. Gupta stated, “The family members claimed they repeatedly pleaded with the nurse to give them the baby, but she refused, resulting in the infant’s death.” According to Sujit Kumar, a resident of Anoha Patara in Kurg village, Karhal district, he filed a complaint with local administration, the CMO, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In the letter, Sujit explained that he had admitted his wife, Sanjali, to the CHC hospital in Karhal on September 18 after she experienced labour pains. He accused the nursing staff, particularly a nurse named Jyoti, of mistreating his wife and neglecting her care. On the morning of September 19, Sanjali delivered a healthy baby boy. Sujit further stated that after the delivery, he was asked to pay Rs 5,100. When he did not provide the money immediately, Nurse Jyoti allegedly wrapped the baby in a cloth and placed him on a table. Despite repeated pleas, she refused to hand over the baby, insisting on receiving the cash first. After forty minutes, Sujit was forced to pay the amount. However, by then, the baby’s condition had worsened. “When the father noticed the child’s deteriorating condition, he immediately alerted the staff. The baby was then referred to Safai Medical College for treatment, but he passed away shortly after arriving,” CMO Gupta added. Doctors at Safai Medical College attributed the baby’s death to a lack of proper care during labour and delivery. The family has demanded action, and the Chief Medical Officer has confirmed the receipt of a complaint addressed to the CSC in Karhal. The complaint alleges that the nurse demanded a fee before handing over the baby, leaving him unattended for forty minutes, during which his condition worsened. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The panel, which includes two ACMs and one medical officer, is expected to submit its findings within three days. In the meantime, Nurse Jyoti has been transferred to another location to prevent her from influencing the investigation. An official added, “We have taken cognisance of the matter. A newborn died due to the nurse‘s inhumane behaviour, which caused the baby’s death. The authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the family, and the responsible individual will face legal action.” (ANI) Mainpuri (UP): Infant dies as nurse allegedly demands cash, family alleges negligence and make them free from ‘single-use plastic.’ The drive will target over 1,000 locations along India’s vast 7,500 km coastline, focusing particularly on the collection, segregation, and disposal of single-use plastics. More than 1,00,000 MY Bharat volunteers will participate in this nationwide beach cleanup, demonstrating the power of collective action in achieving environmental sustainability. Mandaviya, who has been at the forefront of promoting youth-led environmental action, commenced the cleanup in Porbandar, a place of significant historical importance as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The Union Minister’s participation highlights the commitment to sustainable environmental practices, and the drive aligns with the vision of a clean and single-use plastic-free India. MY Bharat, under the Department of Youth Affairs, has taken a proactive role in this year’s Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, encouraging active youth participation in promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility. The campaign will culminate on Swachh Bharat Diwas, October 2, 2024, with MY Bharat youth volunteers leading the charge in a massive coastal cleanup effort. The Union Minister had earlier written to MPs of all coastal districts, urging them to participate in the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign. This year’s Swachhata Hi Seva campaign has already seen tremendous success, with over 5.6 million MY Bharat youth volunteers actively removing millions of kilogrammes of waste across the country as of September 30, 2024. The cleanup efforts have spanned more than 1 lakh villages, over 15,000 community centres, 9,501 Amrit Sarovars, and various historical and public spaces. This monumental initiative showcases the youth’s dedication to the Swachh Bharat mission, setting a powerful example for future generations. The coastal cleanup effort reinforces the message that a cleaner India begins with collective action, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI)
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2024 9 Catholic groups pushes for amendment to Waqf Act; Syro-Malabar Church, Kerala Catholic Bishop Council sent letter to JPC Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], September 29 (ANI): The SyroMalabar Church and the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council have sent a letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill requesting suggestions to amend the Waqf Act of 1995. In his letter dated September 10, Archbishop Andrews Thazath, chairman of the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission, claimed that multiple properties belonging to Christian families from Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam have been unlawfully claimed by the Waqf Board. Archbishop Andrews Thazath said, “In Ernakulum District of Kerala, numerous properties that have belonged to Christian families for generations in the villages of ‘Cherai & Munambam’ have been unlawfully claimed by the Waqf Board, leading to protracted legal battles and the displacement of rightful owners. Around 600 families are under threat. These people belong to the impoverished fishermen community. One Catholic Parish Church, Convent and dispensary are under threat of evacuation by the Waqf Board.” The SyroMalabar Public Affairs Commission requested the JPC to consider the tragic situation of the people in these villages and many other parts of India who are under the threat of losing their lands. “The SyroMalabar Public Affairs Commission requests the JPC to consider the tragic situation of the people in these villages and many other parts of India who are under the threat of losing their household by the totally unjust and inhuman claims made by the Waqf borad. We request the committee to make suggestions to amend the Waqf Act 1995, on the basis of humanitarian and constitutional principles,” the letter further added. The Church has requested the JPC to look into this situation of the people who might lose their homes due to the unlawful claims made by the Waqf Board. Meanwhile, in the letter by Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), the council has urged the commission to take immediate action to ensure that such claims on lawfully owned properties are not taken by the Waqf . They have requested the JPC to consider amending the laws in the Waqf Act to prevent similar incidents. In a letter dated September 10 Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos President, KCBC, said, “I respectfully submit this petition to bring to your attention a grave issue affecting more than 600 families residing in Munanbam Beach, Ernakulam District, Kerala State. Since 2022, the enforcement of the Waqf Law has caused considerable hardship for these families, who are enduring immense distress and uncertainty due to unjust claims on their properties by the Waqf Board.” The letter requested that the Commission thoroughly review the provisions of the Waqf Law and said that this has led to this situation and consider amending or repealing those provisions to prevent similar occurrences across India in the future. “It is deeply concerning that the Waqf Board’s claims are being made against a large number of citizens who legally purchased and developed their lands. These claims are unjust, unconstitutional, and a clear violation of the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. I urge the Commission to take immediate and decisive action to resolve this issue and to ensure that such claims on lawfully owned properties of Indian citizens are not repeated in the future. It is the Commission’s responsibility to guarantee that the law is enforced fairly and justly, without infringing upon the constitutional rights of citizens to live with dignity and to own property,” the letter added. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Aug 8 and was then referred to a JPC after a heated debate. The JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is holding a series of informal discussions with various stakeholders till October 1. These consultations aim to refine the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, which governs the management of over 600,000 registered waqf properties across the country. The Waqf Act, 1995, was created to regulate waqf properties, but it has long faced allegations of mismanagement, corruption and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to bring sweeping reforms, introducing digitisation, stricter audits, transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The committee has to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the last day of the first week of the next parliament session. (ANI)
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