FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 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: 41 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday October 11, 2024 BJP set to form third successive government in Haryana; NC-Congress alliance wins majority in J-K New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is poised to form the government for the third consecutive term in Haryana after the party secured 48 seats in the Haryana assembly elections. This is party’s biggest victory in assembly polls in the state. The Congress won 37 seats while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) won two seats. Independents won three seats. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who won from Ladwa, greeted BJP workers and leaders at his residence in Kurukshetra following party’s impressive performance in the polls. “I want to thank the 2.80 crore people of Haryana for putting a stamp on the works of BJP for the third time. All this is only because of PM Modi. Under his leadership, we are moving forward. He spoke to me and gave his blessings. I had faith that the poor, farmers and the youth of Haryana would bless me,” he said. Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said people have rejected Congress. “People have given this message that the policies of PM Modi had a positive impact on the people of the state. This is a record in Haryana that a party has come to power for the third time,” he said. The elections for the 90-member Haryana assembly were held on October 5. In Jammu and Kashmir, National ConferenceCongress alliance has secured absolute majority and won 48 seats. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) carried the alliance to victory by winning 42 seats in the results declared on Tuesday. Congress could win only six seats. Ninety seats went to the polls in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. The BJP also put up a strong performance, winning 29 seats. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP secured three seats, while Sajad Gani Lone’s People’s Conference and Aam Aadmi Party won one seat each. CPI(M) also won one seat. Independents won seven seats. BJP got 25.64 per cent vote share followed by the National Conference with 23.43 per cent and Congress with 11.97 per cent. NC leader Omar Abdullah is poised to the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. It was the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said the new government will seek to address the problems of people. “The people have given their mandate; they have shown they reject the decision taken on August 5... Omar Abdullah will be the Chief Minister,” the senior Abdullah told reporters. “We aim to address issues like unemployment and inflation. I am grateful to everyone who cast their votes. Omar Abdullah will be the Chief Minister,” he added. Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held on September 18, September 25, and October 1. Both NC and Congress have indicated that restoration of statehood will be their top priority. (ANI) Advanced Technology Vessel project, are separate from the five nuclear submarines being built under the Arihant class at the same location. The other mega deal cleared today by the Cabinet Committee on Security is for the acquisition of 31 Predator drones from American General Atomics under a Foreign Military Sales contract between the two governments. The deal had to be cleared before October 31 as the validity of the American proposal was till that time and now it is going to be signed in the next few days only. As per the contract, the defence forces will start getting the drones over four years after signing the deal, they said. The Indian Navy will get 15 of the 31 drones while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each and also deploy them together at two bases in Uttar Pradesh. Indian equipment made by DRDO and private sector firm Solar Industries may be used as the Make in India element on the 31 drones which are expected to be game changers in peacetime surveillance. (ANI) India clears mega deals worth Rs 80,000 crore for nuclear submarines, Predator drones By Ajit Dubey | New Delhi [India], October 9 (ANI): In a mega boost for the Indian Navy and surveillance capabilities of the defence forces, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the major deals for building two nuclear submarines indigenously and buying 31 Predator drones from the US. As per the plans, the Indian Navy will get two nuclear-powered attack submarines which will help boost its capabilities manifold in the Indian Ocean Region, top sources told ANI. Remember: The deal for building the two submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Vishakhapatnam will be around Rs 45,000 crore and will see a major involvement of private sector firms like Larsen and Toubro, they said. The deal had been hanging fire for a long time and the Indian Navy had been pushing it as it was a critical requirement for filling the underwater capability gaps. India has plans of having six such boats in the long run as part of its submarine induction plans. These boats which are going to be built under the ambitious Project “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
October 11, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday MORE Get from your retirement. 1. More for your money with our inclusive “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and Monthly Service Package. 2. More amenities, including a pool, fitness I know that my needs will be taken care of.” center, and restaurants. 3. More peace of mind with additional —Marge V., A community resident on-site care should you need it. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. 1420300 Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. PM Modi congratulates NC alliance for victory in J-K polls, says peaceful elections victory of Constitution, democracy New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the National Conference alliance over its victory in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls and said peaceful polls and enthusiastic participation in the polling process were a “victory of the Indian Constitution and democracy”. Addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters after the party’s victory in Haryana polls, PM Modi said the BJP has emerged as the biggest party in Jammu and Kashmir in terms of vote percentage. “Peaceful elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, votes were counted and results were declared and this is the victory of the Indian Constitution and democracy. The people of Jammu and Kashmir gave the mandate to the NC alliance, I congratulate them too. If we look at the vote share percentage, BJP has emerged as the biggest party in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. The Prime Minister said Jammu and Kashmir is coming out of the era of curfew and separatism. “Some people used to say that if Article 370 is removed, Kashmir will burn. But Kashmir did not burn, Kashmir is blooming beautifully. Our Jammu and Kashmir is coming out of the era of curfew and separatism... We have reestablished the spirit and dignity of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. What could be a bigger tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar than this?” he said. He said election in Jammu and Kashmir was historic in many ways and it was the first to be held after “the complete implementation of India’s constitution”. “After seven decades of independence, many sections of the society didn’t have the right to vote. In this election, they got the opportunity to vote for the first time,” he said. N a t i o n a l Conference-Congress alliance secured absolute majority in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, winning 48 seats in the results declared on Tuesday. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) carried the alliance to victory by winning 42 seats in the results declared on Tuesday. Congress could win only six seats. Ninety seats went to the polls in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. The BJP also put up a strong performance, winning 29 seats. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP secured three seats, while Sajad Gani Lone’s People’s Conference and Aam Aadmi Party won one seat each. CPI(M) also won one seat. Independents won seven seats. BJP got 25.64 per cent vote share followed by the National Conference with 23.43 per cent and Congress with 11.97 per cent. NC leader Omar New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): Dr P Venugopal, former director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82. Dr Venugopal, a pioneer in cardiac surgery in India during the 1970s, conducted the country’s first-ever heart transplant at AIIMS, New Delhi. Over his career, he performed more than 50,000 heart surgeries. H i s cremation will take place on October 9, 2024, at the Lodhi Abdullah is poised to the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. It was the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and its bifurcation into two Union Te r r i t o r i e s . Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held on September 18, September 25, and October 1. Both NC and Congress have indicated that restoration of statehood will be their top priority. (ANI) Former Delhi AIIMS director, cardiac surgery pioneer Dr P Venugopal passes away at 82 Road Crematorium in the afternoon. Dr. Venugopal, along with his wife Priya Sarkar, had recently published his memoir titled Heartfelt: A Cardiac Surgeon’s Pioneering Journey, which was released on July 7 this year. He will be remembered by patients, families and medical professionals whose lives he touched throughout his illustrious career. (ANI)
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October 11, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi, Maldives President Muizzu discuss ways to improve economic linkages, connectivity New Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday and discussed ways to improve economic linkages, connectivity and cultural connect. In a post on X, PM Modi said he was delighted to welcome the Maldives President. “I am delighted to welcome President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India. During our talks today, we discussed ways to improve economic linkages, connectivity, cultural connect and also cooperation in sectors like climate change, water resources, agriculture, fisheries and more.” PM Modi and President Muizzu held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House. Following the bilateral meeting, the two leaders also held delegationlevel talks. The two countries released ‘India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ after talks between PM Modi and Maldives President. The document talked of cooperation in a range of areas including defence and trade. Taking into account the progress of ongoing developmental partnership projects, which have already brought tangible benefits to the people of Maldives, the two sides decided to work together in advancing the developmental partnership, as per needs and requirements of Maldives, across areas, including ports, airports, housing, hospitals, roads networks, sports facilities, schools and water and sewerage. India will provide assistance to the Maldives in addressing the housing challenges and to accelerate the ongoing social housing projects supported by its assistance. India will extend full support for the timely completion of the flagship Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), and to undertake a feasibility study to connect the islands of Thilafushi and Giraavaru as an extension. The two countries agreed to collaborate in the development of a state-ofthe-art commercial port at Thilafushi island in order to de-congest the Male port and provide enhanced cargo handling capacity at Thilafushi. They agreed to investments and collaborate for efficient management of these airports; The two countries also agreed to jointly work in establishing “Agriculture Economic Zone” and tourism investments in Haa Dhaalu atoll and fish processing and canning facility at Haa Alifu atoll with Indian assistance and to further expand through additional financing the successful High Impact Community Development Projects to take the India– Maldives people-centric development partnership to every part of Maldives. In view of significant untapped potential for bilateral trade & investment, the two sides agreed to initiate discussions on a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement focusing on trade in goods and services between the two countries and to operationalize the settlement of trade transactions between India and Maldives in local currencies with an aim to deepen trade linkages and to reduce dependency on foreign currencies. The two countries agreed to promote bilateral investments and closer engagements between the two business chambers and entities. Steps shall be taken for disseminating information relating to investment opportunities and to improve ease of doing business The two sides agreed to support the efforts of Maldives towards diversification of its economy by strengthening cooperation in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, oceanography and blue economy, including through establishment of academic linkages and expanding research & development cooperation; They also agreed to enhance efforts to boost tourism between the two countries through marketing campaigns and collaborative efforts. (ANI) sentiment, highlighting the centuries-old maritime connection between the two nations. “Our friendship is built on centuries of maritime connection, trade, and cultural exchanges. India is a second home for many Maldivians for trade, healthcare, education, and tourism,” he stated. also explore collaboration for development of transshipment facilities and bunkering services contributing towards Maldives Economic Gateway project at Ihavandhippolhu and Gaadhoo islands of Maldives; The two countries agreed to jointly work in harnessing the full potential of Hanimaadhoo and Gan airports that are being developed with Indian assistance as well as other airports of Maldives. Towards this end, both sides will also consider measures to strengthen air connectivity, attract President Murmu and PM Modi received the Maldivian President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed as they arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier today. Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, along with EAM S Jaishankar and other leaders and diplomats from both nations, also attended the event. The Maldives President arrived in India on Sunday on a five-day visit. Muizzu’s visit to India, has come upon the official invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. This is the second time Muizzu is visiting India this year after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this June. (ANI) “India-Maldives interjoined by shared values of democracy”: President Murmu New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu emphasised India’s close relationship with Maldives during her address at the banquet hosted to welcome President Mohamed Muizzu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Speaking on occasion, President Murmu said, “It is an honour to welcome Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives, and First Lady Sajidha Mohammed at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. India and Maldives are not only interjoined by geography but also by our shared values of democracy. As close neighbours, we’ve celebrated each other’s successes and have stood by each other in times of need.” She said that the vision document adopted during Muizzu’s visit would elevate the level of the relationship for both nations and would also provide a clear roadmap for achieving a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. President Murmu noted that India is one of the top trading partners of Maldives and highlighted that there is also potential for taking forward collaboration in the field of digital payments and other new technologies. During the gala, President Muizzu reciprocated the Both leaders agreed on the advancement of the bilateral partnership that would benefit the people of both nations. President Droupadi Murmu hosted Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed for a banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier in the day. During the interaction, Murmu said that Maldives is a close and an important partner under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Vision SAGAR’ policies.
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October 11, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Farooq Abdullah opposes nomination India has eliminated Trachoma as a of 5 MLAs in J-K Assembly, says “will public health go to Supreme Court against this” problem: WHO Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 9 (ANI): Opposing the decision to authorise the Lieutenant Governor to nominate five additional MLAs to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that if it happens, they will take the matter to the Supreme Court to seek justice in accordance with the Constitution. Abdullah asserted that only the elected government of the territory has the authority to nominate additional MLAs to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. “Under the Constitution of India, this cannot be done. The government that comes to power nominates MLAs. We will knock on the door of the Supreme Court if this happens, and we are hopeful that the Supreme Court will hear our plea and deliver justice as per the Constitution,” he said. The territory’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is set to nominate five members in addition to the 90 elected members of the Assembly. Reacting to PM Modi‘s remarks on Congress, Abdullah accused him and other BJP leaders of spreading hatred in the Jammu region. Farooq Abdullah said, “Who gave birth to hatred in Jammu, was it Congress? The Home Minister came, the Prime Minister came, many of their ministers came to stir up hatred... We have never supported terrorism and never will.” A day after securing a historic win in the Haryana Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday criticised the Congress party, accusing it of dividing Hindu society for political gains. “The Congress policy is to pit one caste of Hindus against another. 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. Congress knows that the more Hindus are divided, the more it will benefit. Congress wants to stoke divisions in Hindu society to make political gains. Wherever elections are held in India, Congress applies this formula,” PM Modi said. Meanwhile, the National ConferenceCongress alliance secured an absolute majority in J-K by winning 49 seats, with the former taking 42 and the latter 6 seats. Farooq Abdullah announced that party Vice President Omar Abdullah would be the next Chief Minister. Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude but emphasised that the final decision rests with the legislators and the alliance. 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 New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), becoming the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. Trachoma is contagious, spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness. An official Certification was handed over to Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South East Asia during the WHO‘s South East Asia Region, Regional Committee meeting held in the national capital on Tuesday. An official release said WHO has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease. WHO estimates suggest that 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma and six million of them are blind or at risk of visually disabling complications. Trachoma is found in underprivileged communities living in poor environmental conditions. Trachoma was amongst the leading cause of blindness in the country during 1950-60. The Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Programme in 1963 and later on Trachoma control efforts were integrated into India‘s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB). In 1971, blindness due to Trachoma was five per cent and today, owing to the various interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), it has come down to less than one per cent. WHO SAFE strategy was implemented throughout the country wherein SAFE stands for adoption of surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, environmental cleanliness. As a result, in 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma. However, surveillance continued for trachoma cases in all the districts of India from 2019 onwards till 2024. 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
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2024 7 “Ready to enhance communication with India, increase mutual trust”: Chinese Foreign Ministry Beijing [China], October 8 (ANI): After President Droupadi Murmu sent messages to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 75th anniversary of China, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasised the country’s willingness to strengthen communication and mutual trust with India, aiming to promote a stable development of the ChinaIndia relationship. The remarks by Mao came while she was addressing a regular press briefing on Tuesday. Responding to the congratulatory message sent by President Murmu to Chinese President Xi on the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Mao said, “Recently, leaders of neighbouring countries in Asia, including Indian President Droupadi Murmu, sent messages or letters of congratulations to President Xi Jinping on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. We express our appreciation for that.” She further said, “China attaches importance to President Murmu‘s remarks on the China-India relations. We stand ready to enhance communication with India, increase mutual trust and jointly promote the sound and steady development of ChinaIndia relations.” Notably, on September 27, President Murmu in her message emphasised the significance of fostering peaceful and stable relations, stating, “As two large neighbours with many common developmental challenges and shared regional interests, it is important that we work towards peaceful and stable relations between our two countries.” In her communication, President Murmu expressed a desire to enhance bilateral cooperation, saying, “I look forward to working with you to realise a mutually beneficial relationship and leverage our respective strengths for the benefit of people of both countries and the region and world.” Meanwhile, elaborating further on the disengagement process going on between India and China, Mao said that the two nations have successfully disengaged in four key areas, including the Galwan Valley. She said, “China and India maintain close communication on issues concerning the border areas through diplomatic and military channels, and the two countries have realised disengagement in four areas in the Western sector of the China-India border, including the Galwan Valley.” “The situation on the China-India border is currently stable on the whole. At the recent 31st meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs (WMCC), the two sides further narrowed down differences, expanded common understandings and agreed to find early resolution to the situation on the border,” Mao added further. Earlier on September 13, Mao had spoken about the disengagement process and said, “In recent years, front-line armies of the two countries have realised disengagement in four areas in the Western sector of the China-India border, including the Galwan Valley. The China-India border situation is generally stable and under control.” (ANI) our fire team has already been deployed and we have asked for more teams. Rescue operations are going on. The necessary equipment and machines have already been brought. Two people have been rescued so far.” Further details are awaited. (ANI) Odisha: Under-construction building collapses in Dhenkanal, two people rescued Dhenkanal (Odisha) [India], October 9 (ANI): An underconstruction building collapsed in the Mahisapat area in Dhenkanal on Wednesday. SP Dhenkanal, Abhinav Sonkar, said that two people were rescued after the incident. Abhinav Sonkar said, “A construction work was going on. Currently,
October 11, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK U.S. India SME Council’s Incredible Inc.50 And Presidental Lifetime Achievement Awards Gala SIDDHARAMIAH FROM PAGE 1 Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee highlighted that the Moore-Miller administration is focusing on positioning Maryland as a global leader across various sectors. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Incredible Inc. 50 Awards Gala, hosted by the US-India Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Council on October 1, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland, Secretary Lee, said “Our administration is a little different than the previous one. Wes Moore, who is the first time Governor of Maryland, and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, who I used to serve with in the legislature, who’s first Asian and South Asian, want to propel Maryland forward as a global leader in different sectors.” As Chair of the Governor’s Sub-cabinet on International Affairs, Lee emphasized her work with various agencies to implement an international strategic plan. A key aspect of this plan involves fostering a business-friendly environment in sectors like life sciences, healthcare, and health data. She also expressed enthusiasm for leading trade missions to Asia and India to attract international investment and trade opportunities for Maryland. Lee extended congratulations to the awardees honored at the event and acknowledged their achievements. Sanjay Rai speaking at the 3rd Annual Incredible Inc. 50 Awards Gala, on October 1, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH In her remarks, she acknowledged Maryland’s Secretary for Higher Education, Sanjay Rai, noting his distinction as the first Asian and South Asian to hold this position, and praised his contributions to the state. Secretary Rai, in his address, praised the leadership of the SME Council, particularly President Elisha Pulivarti and Chairman Sudhakar Gande, for their dedication to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises in Montgomery County, Maryland, and in both the U.S. and India. “You are creating From Left, Elisha Pulivarti, Dr. Kavya Kannan (receiving the award), Rajan Natarajan, and Sudhakar Gande 3rd Annual Incredible Inc. 50 Awards Gala, on October 1, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH jobs. You are creating businesses. You are creating friendships. You are making our county better. You are making our state better. You’re making our country better. You are making this world better,” Rai said congratulating the incredible award winners. P u l l i v a r t i highlighted that each year, the Council’s primary goal is to promote small, minority, and mediumsized enterprises. As part of this effort, the Council recognizes local businesses, innovators, and community leaders who are making a positive impact. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized, “We have built really strong relationships with the Indian community,” while noting that the County is actively working to foster economic ties with Asia, particularly emerging markets like India. He pointed out that many countries are eager to enter U.S. markets and emphasized the County’s pivotal role in the “world of drugs,” given that it houses both the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. Elisha Pulivarti presenting the Presidential Leadership Award to Larry Webb on October 1, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH In his remarks, Gande explained that the inspiration for starting the Council was to create connections between small and minority-owned businesses in India and the United States. He recalled that Montgomery County led a trade delegation to India last year, resulting in the signing of 18 Memorandums of Understanding. About SMEs, he noted “This one sector nobody can ignore, and I’m very fortunate even the Government of India in its recent budget has announced incentives for this sector.” He commended the India’s innovation in the digital public infrastructure, where the government can reach 800 million people to open bank accounts. District Director for the Small Business Administration (SBA), Larry Webb, emphasized that the SBA’s mission is to continually deliver support and resources to small businesses. He noted that the SBA, established in 1953 under President Eisenhower, is now celebrating its 71st year. Webb highlighted the agency’s core mission to “support, strengthen, and advocate for small businesses,” primarily through SBA-provided loans. He further said that SBA’s goal is to support small businesses in every way possible. He remarked “small business owners are leaders in communities,” noting that they are at forefront of their communities. SME AWARDS GALA SEE PAGE 9
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2024 9 India has consistently proven to be Maldives’ steadfast ally: President Mohamed Muizzu New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): Acknowledging the enduring partnership between New Delhi and Male, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said that India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally for the island nation. The Maldives President, who is on a state visit to India, made the remarks at the official banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Muizzu reflected on the shared values, history, and cultural exchanges that had shaped the “enduring partnership” between Maldives and India over the years. He further said that the diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, on its sixth decade, is poised to flourish to even greater heights. He reiterated his electoral pledge of mutual respect between neighbouring nations. President Dr Muizzu also expressed confidence on strengthened relations with India, built on mutually beneficial solutions that serve the interests of the two nations. Earlier in the day, President Muizzu and Maldives First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed visited Taj Mahal in Agra to catch a glimpse of India‘s rich cultural heritage. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared a post on X, “Experiencing the beauty of India‘s art and heritage. President@MMuizzuof Maldives accompanied by First Lady visited the majestic@TajMahal.” I n d i a / s t a t u s / 18 43567858888126506�� rel=”noopener” target=”_ blank”>https://x.com/ MEAIndia/status/1843567 858888126506 President Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed toured the historic and cultural heritage site, Taj Mahal, during their stopover in Agra on Tuesday morning before departing for Mumbai, the Maldives Presiodent Office stated. As both leaders continue to engage in dialogue, the Maldives and India are expected to deepen their cooperation across various sectors, paving the way for enhanced bilateral relations that benefit both nations in the years to come. The state visit marks a pivotal moment in reinforcing the bonds of friendship, trust, and partnership between the Maldives and India. (ANI) U.S. India SME Council’s Incredible Inc.50 And Presidental Lifetime Achievement Awards Gala Rajan Natarajan addressing the gathering at the 3rd Annual Incredible Inc. 50 Awards Gala, on October 1, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH A representative of the Member of Montgomery County Council Natali Fani-Ganzalez said, “This is such a special occasion to celebrate all of the businesses in our diverse community and all of the contributions our businesses made, not just here in Montgomery County, but across the DMV and the impact that your businesses have here in America and across the world.” Montgomery Council member, Evan Glass also spoke on the occasion, where Maryland Governor’s Office on Community Initiatives, Christina Poy, and Member of the Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs, Aman Shergill were also present. E x e c u t i v e Director of Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Rhonda Binda, served as the event’s MC. In addition to the Incredible Inc Awards, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, and Dr. Cherian Global Leadership Awards were also presented. New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed pollution control authorities in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to “streamline and synergize efforts” in addressing public complaints related to air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), NCR State Pollution Control Boards, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been instructed to tag CAQM upon receiving public complaints on their respective social media platforms. This move will enable the Commission to monitor the response time and effectiveness of the respective authorities in addressing these complaints. This directive comes as winter approaches, a season when Delhi faces persistent pollution challenges, with air quality steadily declining and smog becoming an alltoo-familiar burden for its residents. “Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has directed NCR State Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC today to streamline and synergize efforts in addressing air quality-related public complaints,” the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a statement. SME Awards Gala from page 8 President and Chairman of Sikhs of America, USA, Jesse Singh, shared his long-standing involvement in the event. “I’ve attended this event for many years and have witnessed real progress in the community,” he said adding “I see entrepreneurs rising, new companies emerging, and genuine connections forming, all thanks to the efforts of Elisha Pulivarti and Sudhakar Gande.” Natarajan also expressed gratitude to the delegation from India, with special thanks to Gande. Sajid Tarar of the Center for Social Change Jesse Singh speaking at the 3rd Annual Incredible Inc. 50 Awards Gala, on October 1, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s explanation of “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) to “America India,” calling it “the future,” and stressing the growing strength of the two nations. President and CEO of Global Alliant, Rajan Natarajan, described the SME Council’s event as a “signature annual gala.” He emphasized that it has gained popularity not only in the U.S. but also in India. The core mission of the Council, he noted, is to “engage, encourage, and empower,” entrepreneurs and small business startups in both countries. Centre’s air quality panel directs Delhi, NCR authorities to streamline pollution complaint redressal Priti Sheth, President and CEO of Pritis’ Fashions (AKA) Nina Jewels and Aanchal Boutique, based in Takoma Park/Langley Park, receiving the Precident’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the ELisha Pulivarti (President of US India SME Council and Dr. Rajan Natarajan, President of Global Alliant. Priti Sheth, through her business enterprises had been serving the Indian community in the Washington D.C. Metro Region for over 30 years and is committed to providing the community with quality products in fashions and precious metal ornaments (Gold, Platinum and Silver). Her relentless effort in putting integrity has won her great admiration from the community who continue to flock to her store seeking product and service satisfaction.
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