FRIDAY JANUARY 10, 2025 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 34 No: 2 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday January 10, 2025 Sullivan describes US and India as ‘natural partners’ “Built on intention, choice, determination...” New Delhi [India], January 7 (ANI): The National Security Advisor of the United States, Jake Sullivan who is on a visit to India described the US and India as “natural partners,” linked by their democracies, companies, universities, and people. He emphasized that the US–India partnership is built on intention, choice, determination, leadership, and perseverance. He noted that the potential for this partnership is boundless, with much more to be achieved in the future. At an event in IIT Delhi during the session, ‘The United States and India: Building a shared future’, he said, “The partnership we have built is one of intention, of choice, one of determination, of leadership, and frankly, one of perseverance and grit.” Dwelling upon the phrase coined for India and the US, calling them “natural partners”, Sullivan remarked, “Over the years I’ve noticed that people have referred to the United States and India as natural partners...In many ways that’s true. Our democracies are linked, our companies are linked, our universities are linked and more than anything else, our people are linked”. He expressed pride in the work done by the two countries to shape the technologies of the future and shared the progress India and the US MODI-SULLIVAN SEE PAGE 4 Suhas Subramanyam sworn into US Congress as first Indian-American to represent Virginia’s 10th District Washington DC [US], January 4 (ANI): Suhas Subramanyam was sworn into the 119th Congress earlier on Friday, marking a historic moment as the first IndianAmerican and South Asian to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Subramanyam, who succeeds retiring Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, now represents a district that spans Loudoun, Rappahannock, Fauquier, and parts of Prince William and Fairfax Counties. This achievement not only sets a precedent for Virginia but also for the East Coast, where Subramanyam becomes the first individual of South Asian descent to serve in the US Congress. Subramanyam’s rise to Congress is deeply personal. His mother, who Remember: immigrated through Dulles Airport within District 10, was present to witness her son’s swearing-in. As he placed his hand on the Bhagavad Gita and took the oath of office, Subramanyam reflected on his family’s journey. He shared, “Today my parents got to see me sworn in as the first Indian American and South Asian Congressman from Virginia. If you had told my mother when she landed in Dulles Airport from India that her son would go on to represent Virginia in the United States Congress, she might have not believed you, but my story is the kind of promise that America holds. I am honoured to be the first, but not the last, as I represent Virginia’s 10th in Congress.” Ackowledging “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in –Jesus Christ heaven.” Subramanyam’s election Congressman Ami Bera said that the welcomed more Indian Americans to Congress. “When I was first sworn in twelve years ago, I was the sole Indian American Member of Congress and only the third in U.S. history. Now, our coalition is six strong! I am excited to welcome even more Indian Americans to the halls of Congress in the years to come,” Bera posted on X. Before joining Congress, Subramanyam served as a Policy Advisor to President Barack Obama. He was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 2019, where he founded the bipartisan “Commonwealth Caucus” to foster collaboration across party lines. During his time in Richmond, Subramanyam passed impactful legislation aimed at lowering toll costs for commuters, refunding overcharged consumers, reducing gun violence, and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education. He is committed to continuing this bipartisan approach in Congress, prioritising real, tangible results for his constituents. A d d i t i o n a l l y, Subramanyam has a strong track record of service, having volunteered as a firefighter and EMT in Loudoun County. He resides in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and their two young daughters, Maya (4) and Nina (3). (ANI)
January 10, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “If process is so robust, how...”: Congress questions CEC Rajiv Kumar’s refusal on ‘voter addition’ New Delhi [India], January 8 (ANI): After Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar refuted charges of voter deletion and addition in the process, the Congress party on Wednesday asked that if the process is so robust, how the total number of eligible voters in Maharashtra seem to be more than the total adult population as estimated by the Centre’s report. In a letter, the Congress pointed out the sudden increase of nearly 50 lakh new voter additions in just four months for the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha election. “The CEC outlined the process of voter addition in detail and claimed that the process is extremely tightproof and robust to prevent fake voter additions. We have a simple one-line response – if the process is so robust, how is it that the total eligible electors in Maharashtra seem to be more than the total adult (18+) population as estimated by the Narendra Modi government’s own report?” the party said in a statement. Taking a jibe at the Election Commission, Congress stated that ECI seems to have enrolled 16 lakh more electors than the entire adult population in Maharashtra “On page 229 of the November 2019 report of the National Commission on Population of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra’s estimated adult (18+) population in 2024 can be calculated as 9.54 crore, based on the five-year projections of the report. As per the Election Commission, the total enrolled electors in Maharashtra for the Vidhan Sabha election were 9.70 crores. That is, the Election Commission seems to have enrolled 16 lakh more electors than the entire adult population in Maharashtra, as estimated by the Narendra Modi government,” it added. It further said that their analysis of other states shows that on average only 90 per cent of the eligible population are enrolled as electors by Election Commission. “How is it that for Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha M u m b a i (Maharashtra) [India], January 8 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations made by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya regarding the issuance of fake birth certificates to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Malegaon. According to the Maharashtra Home Department, the SIT, which will be headed by Director Inspector General (DIG) Nasik, will include officers from both the district administration and police. The team has been tasked with investigating the matter and submitting a report along with recommendations to address the issue. Afterwards, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya posted on X and thanked Maharashtra CM for forming a SIT on the issue. “Birth certificate scam for Bangladeshi/Rohingya infiltrators in Malegaon. I thank Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for appointing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate. This committee will investigate the illegal issuance of birth certificates to Bangladeshi/Rohingya infiltrators in Malegaon,” alone, the EC enrolled 100% or more? Further, Aadhaar enrolment data in Maharashtra also reinforces the fact that the EC’s total voter enrolment in Maharashtra may be higher than the total adult population,” the party said. “While all the other questions that we raised in our earlier letter dated December 10, 2024, about the mysterious addition of new voters remain unanswered, just this one simple data point that the EC may have registered more electors than the adult population quashes the CEC’s claim that the process of voter addition and deletion is very robust and unquestionable,” the Congress said. Earlier on Tuesday, CEC Rajiv Kumar refuted charges of voter deletion saying that all the claims and objections that come up – are shared with all the political parties. “Indian voters are extremely aware... Stories are going around regarding electoral rolls, even now. Almost 70 steps are there... in which political parties and candidates remain with us. All the claims and objections that come up – are shared with all the political parties. No deletion can be done without Form 7,” he said in a press conferece. The ECI also announced the dates for the Delhi Assembly Elections. The voting will be held on February 5 and the counting will be done on February 8. (ANI) he said. accused have been arrested. In 2024, 12 cases were registered from January to November and 12 accused were arrested. After that, a total of 19 cases have been registered in various police stations against the Bangladeshi citizens who entered India illegally in December 20254, under the special mission and a total of 43 Bangladeshi citizens residing illegally have been arrested,” the release said. Earlier in December 2024, Somaiya praised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after 17 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh were arrested in Maharashtra, and said that in the coming days, the whole racket will be busted. “I welcome this decision of CM Devendra Fadnavis. He has instructed the whole Maharashtra Police ATS and district administrations to take strict action against the Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh who have settled here illegally...I feel that this whole racket will busted in the coming days,” Somaiya said. Recently, CM Fadnavis said that the state has started taking action on illegal Bangladeshi citizens living in Mumbai and Maharashtra, and said that they will be soon deported. Maharashtra CM forms SIT to probe into allegations of fake birth certificates for illegal immigrants in Malegaon Notably, the antiterror squad (ATS) of Maharashtra has arrested 60 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants across the entire state in the year 2024. In December 2024 alone, the ATS managed to arrest 43 Bangladeshi nations residing illegally. In 2025, to date, four cases have been filed against the illegal Bangladeshi nationals and six accused have been arrested. Most Bangladeshis have been arrested from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. “A total of 27 cases have been filed in the year 2023 and a total of 52 To Place Advertisements Call: 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 Email:indiathisweekads@gmail.com Indiathisweek.online
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January 10, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Sullivan describes US and India as ‘natural partners’ “Built on intention, choice, determination...” The US and India are collaborating on various initiatives, including the QUAD, to deliver affordable public goods, such as open RAN technology, AI-driven agricultural solutions, and satellite data. “Through the QUAD, for example, we’ve announced plans to deliver open RAN technology which will bring 5G and 6G to the world. AI-driven agricultural solutions, cutting edge satellite data to developing economies, and at the G20 here in Delhi in September of 2023, we together announced the launch of the India Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), an ambitious initiative linking India, the Middle East, and ultimately Europe with the sea and rail corridor and fibre and electricity and energy connections,” said the US NSA. have made when it comes to providing technological access and the strides in their cooperation in this field. The US Development Finance Corporation has invested nearly USD 1 billion in solar panel manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, supporting India‘s transition to clean energy. Sharing that India and the US are working together in the field of clean and affordable technologies, Sullivan said, “The US Development Finance Corporation is engaged in path-breaking partnerships with Indian companies to localise and scale solar manufacturing. That includes investing nearly a billion dollars in solar panel manufacturing in Tamil Nadu and providing support for leading Indian manufacturing, including Tata Power renewables.” S u l l i v a n reaffirmed America’s strong support for India, highlighting the significant progress made in their technological cooperation and strategic partnership. He added, “In the past year we concluded a new initiative on clean energy supply chains that lays out a path for our countries to deploy clean energy across Africa, to work with African partners on high-impact solar projects, on electric vehicle projects, and we’re not stopping with clean energy. Our technology partnership is delivering affordable public goods in numerous ways.” The US and India launched IMEC, an ambitious initiative linking India, the Middle East, and Europe through sea, rail, and digital corridors. Referring to the crises in West Asia, and how the IMEC was launched merely a few weeks before October 7th which saw the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict, Sullivan said, “It (IMEC) got disrupted with the events and the crises in the Middle East, but we have continued to nurture the vision of IMEC, and I have personally engaged with the key countries and key leaders to keep making progress. I’ve also talked to the incoming administration about the enormous opportunity that IMEC presents to deliver both growth and integration and a high-standard alternative to what Beijing has on offer.” After highlighting the various areas of collaboration between India and the US Sullivan noted, “The bottom line of all of these efforts that I’ve just laid out is that the potential for this (India– US) partnership to a large extent has already been realised, but in realising it, we recognise it’s boundless. There is so much more for us to be able to do as we go forward.” Notably, the two nations are strengthening their defence partnership, with India designated as a major defence partner of the US. Tracing the trajectory of decisions taken over years by both Indian and American leadership, Sullivan gave examples of how the US–India civil nuclear agreement concluded by US President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, or India‘s designation as a major defence partner of the United States in 2016, or President Biden and Prime Minister Modi’s decision to manufacture advanced jet engine technology and explore space together- he said none of these were natural occurrences but rather step by step the two countries have worked to build trust and cooperation to move our partnership past what Prime Minister Modi has called our hesitations of history. In his parting thoughts, he said, “I am deeply proud of the work of the US and India done together to shape the technologies of the future.” New Delhi [India], January 7 (ANI): National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a meeting with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in New Delhi on Monday. Sullivan spoke about US‘ efforts to finalise the necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities, which will promote civil nuclear cooperation US NSA Sullivan briefed the Indian side on the updates brought out by the Biden administration to US missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) that will boost US commercial space cooperation with India, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release. In a press release, MEA said, “Reflecting the progress the United States and India have made–and will continue to make–as strategic partners and countries with a shared commitment to peaceful nuclear cooperation, NSA Sullivan announced US efforts to finalize necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities, which will promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains.” For the meeting, NSA Sullivan was accompanied by a delegation of senior US government officials. Doval and Sullivan have engaged regularly in a high-level dialogue through extensive discussions on a broad bilateral, regional and global agenda. After the launch of the India–US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) by Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022, NSA Doval and NSA Sullivan have driven concrete initiatives between the two countries in various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Defence and Space. “The current visit gave them the opportunity to review ongoing progress in their high-level dialogue, including in diverse fields such as Defence, Cyber and Maritime Security,” MEA said in a press release. On Monday, Sullivan also visited IIT Delhi and noted Ajit Doval‘s efforts to propel US–India partnerships on various projects. In his address at IIT Delhi on Monday, Sullivan said, “I would like to recognise my counterpart, the National Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, because it was in part his vision. That technology, and particularly advanced technologies of the future would be a propellant for the US–India relationship in a way that could take our two countries forward, advance our respective interests, protect our respective values, and build a better world for everybody.” “And through this partnership, through this initiative, and through so many other things that Ajit and I have had to deal with over the course of the past 4 years, he and I have developed a deep personal relationship, a deep professional relationship, and it is that relationship in part I believe that has helped play such a critical role in ensuring that the US–India partnership has reached a new high level,” he added. S u l l i v a n highlighted new premises where India and the US could collaborate, like biotechnology, Artificial intelligence, etc. He said, “Now the fundamental premise of I said is that in an era of renewed geopolitical competition, the US and India have to collaborate on the development, diffusion and protection of critical technologies from artificial intelligence to biotechnology and beyond.” US NSA appreciated India‘s role in developing vaccines during the pandemic, and envisioned sending an astronaut in space together. “Over the last 4 years we’ve joined hands to help halt the pandemic, to bring vaccines to the world. We’ve launched initiatives on jet engines, semiconductors, and clean energy, and in a few months’ time we’ll come together to put an Indian astronaut in space. These are remarkable achievements, and we made them by harnessing the remarkable innovation of the American and Indian people,” he said. (ANI) MODI-SULLIVAN FROM PAGE 1 Jake Sullivan announces US efforts to finalise necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities P M
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January 10, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Assam: Indian Army mobilises relief “Politically task force to rescue trapped coal motivated”: KTR on miners in Dima Hasao charges in FormulaE race case Guwahati (Assam) [India], January 7 (ANI): The Indian Army has mobilised a relief task force to rescue the trapped coal miners at Umrangshu area of the Dima Hasao district of Assam, according to an official press statement from the Indian Army. This comes after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sought the Army’s assistance in the ongoing rescue operation. As per the statement, the relief task force comprises specialists like divers, sappers and other relevant personnel with the necessary equipment. Senior officials of the Indian Army would also reach the incident site to coordinate with civil administration for speedy rescue of the trapped miners. The statement reads, “On being requisitioned for assistance Indian Army has mobilized a relief task force for rescuing the miners trapped in Umrangso, a remote industrial town in Dima Hasao district, Assam. The relief task force comprises specialists like divers, sappers and other relevant personnel with the necessary equipment. Senior officials of the Indian Army will also be reaching the site to coordinate with civil administration for speedy rescue of the trapped miners.” Earlier on Monday, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that the rescue teams are on their way to Umrangshu in Dima Hasao district, where several labourers are trapped in a coal mine. Taking to X, Sarma said that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on their way to the mine site and the Army’s assistance has been sought. Sarma said that the exact number From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 10, 2025 Rudderless Leaders (AI Generated poem with Chatgpt.com) In shadows deep, where power dwells, A tale of greed, and oppression tells. The rulers sit on gilded thrones, While common folk let out their groans. The coffers fill with stolen gold, As tales of justice grow stale and old. They tax the poor, demand their share, But wealth for many is thin as air. The ones who toiled, now old and gray, Are cast aside, left to decay. No pensions paid, no rest in sight, Their twilight years, a constant fight. In mansions grand, the rulers dine, Their cups are filled with stolen wine. Through bribes and lies, their empires grow, While justice, truth, and honor bow. Extortion reigns, the streets run cold, With dreams of freedom bought and sold. The people whisper, hearts alight, Of rising up, reclaiming night. But as the moon ascends the sky, The hopeful sigh, the weary cry. For in this land where darkness thrives, It’s hard to dream of better lives. Yet still, a spark, a flame anew, For those who hope, the brave, the true. One day the dawn will break these chains, And wash away these cruel domains. of trapped labourers is unknown. “Distressing news from Umrangshu, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The DC, SP, and my colleague, Shri Kaushik Rai, are rushing to the site. Praying to God for everyone’s safety,” Sarma wrote on X. “We have requested the Army’s assistance in the ongoing rescue operation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also on their way to the incident site to aid in the efforts,” he added. Earlier, Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Kumar Jha said that several people were feared trapped inside the coal mine in Umrangshu of Assam’s Dima Hasao district. “Several people feared trapped inside a coal mine in the Umrangso area in the Dima Hasao district. We can’t say the exact figure as of now,” he said. (ANI) 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], January 8 (ANI): BRS working president KT Rama Rao asserted that he has “done nothing wrong” and termed the charges of corruption in the FormulaE race case as “politically motivated”. Telangana High Court on Tuesday dismissed the quash petition filed by him in the Formula-E race case. “I am hoping that I will get a positive result in the Supreme Court. This case that has been foisted in me is a frivolous case which has no substance...I do hope the Supreme Court will hear my plea and will deliver justice...I have asked the anti-corruption bureau officers as to what their objection is to taking my lawyers along with me...,” KTR told ANI a day earlier. “I will make a request in High Court about it...It is a politically motivated case...I have nothing to hide and I have done nothing wrong...,” he added. Notably, the court also revoked the prior order that prevented his arrest. Telangana’s AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) is investigating KTR’s alleged involvement in a money laundering case over alleged financial irregularities linked to the Formula E race held in Hyderabad in February 2023. On Monday, the ACB summoned KTR to its office in Hyderabad for questioning in connection with the case. On December 19, Telangana ACB registered a case against the KTR over alleged payments, some of it in foreign currency without approvals, to conduct a Formula E race in Hyderabad during the previous regime. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also registered an enforcement case information report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against KTR and others in the case. ED filed the ECIR after the Telangana ACB registered a First Information Report (FIR) against KTR and others in the Formula-E funding case. The FIR lists KTR as the primary accused, with senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar and retired bureaucrat BLN Reddy named as the second and third accused, respectively. The case was filed under applicable sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with provisions of the IPC related to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy. (ANI) Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
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January 10, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Congress to inaugurate its new headquarters ‘Indira Gandhi Bhawan’ on January 15 New Delhi [India], January 8 (ANI): The Indian National Congress (INC) on Tuesday announced that its new headquarters, named Indira Gandhi Bhawan, will be inaugurated at a grand ceremony on January 15, at a grand ceremony in New Delhi, according to a press release. The new office, located at 9A, Kotla Road, will open its doors at 10.00 am on January 15, marking a historic moment for the party’s legacy spanning over 139 years. The inauguration will be presided over by Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), in the presence of Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of the Indian National Congress, and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The ceremony is set to be attended by prominent party leaders, including members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), former Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and MPs. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the inaugural ceremony of the building. He stated that Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities. The social media post on X, reads, “It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new! On 15 January 2025 at 10 am, in the esteemed presence of INC President Sh. Mallikarjun @kharge ji and LOP Sh. @RahulGandhi ji, Hon’ble CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji will inaugurate the new AICC Headquarters Indira Gandhi Bhawan, whose construction was started during her tenure as INC President. Senior leaders, including CWC members, CWC Permanent & Special Invitees, CPP Office Bearers, AICC Office Bearers, CEC Members, PCC Chiefs, CLP Leaders, MPs, as well as former CMs and former Union Ministers, will be present at the August occasion.” “Situated at 9A, Kotla Road, New Delhi, the Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities. This iconic building reflects the Congress Party’s forwardlooking vision while paying homage to its extraordinary past, which has shaped the political and social fabric of India,” the post further read. As per the release, the new AICC headquarters is named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, symbolising the Congress Party’s continuing mission to uphold the vision of its stalwarts. As the party that led India’s freedom movement under the leadership of luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel, the Congress has remained steadfast in its dedication to building a modern, democratic, and equitable India, the release said. This event will bring together a distinguished gathering of leaders from across the country. The release stated that about 400 top leaders have been invited to attend the ceremony, including members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Permanent and Special Invitees, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Presidents, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) Leaders, Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, AICC Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, and Heads of Departments and Cells. Former Chief Ministers, PCC Presidents, CLP Leaders, Union Ministers, and General Secretaries of the AICC are also among the prominent invitees. The Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities. (ANI) B r u s s e l s [Belgium], January 8 (ANI): European Council President Antonio Costa held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, where Antonio Costa called India one of the European Union’s (EU) main global partners and emphasised that it was time to strengthen ties and engage in a new strategic agenda. Costa recalled his meeting with PM Modi during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in 2017 and expressed anticipation for the upcoming EUIndia Summit, which is scheduled to take place later this year. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Antonio Costa stated, “It was a pleasure to talk again with my long-time friend, India PM @narendramodi. We’ve known each other since 2017 when he invited me to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. #India is one of our main global partners. It is time to boost our relations and engage in a new strategic agenda. Looking forward to the EU-India summit later this year. In our call, we addressed shared concerns, focusing on security, international law, and ways to collaborate in tackling geopolitical challenges in #Europe and in #Asia.” PM Modi called India and the EU “natural partners” and expressed commitment to work together to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two sides, including in the areas of technology, green energy, digital space, trade and investments. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Pleased to speak with President Antonio Costa. India and the EU are natural partners. We are committed to working closely together to further strengthen the IndiaEU Strategic Partnership, including in the areas of technology, green energy, digital space, trade and investments.” In response to the post shared by Antonio Costa, the Ambassador of the EU delegation to India, Herve Delphin, stated that PM Modi and the EU Council President confirmed the mutual ambition to develop together a new strategic agenda and hold the EUIndia Summit in 2025. “Important call today between leaders @eucopresident Antonio Costa and PM @narendramodi confirming the mutual EU – India ambition to develop together a new joint strategic agenda and hold an EU-India Summit in 2025 – hosted by India,” Herve Delphin posted on X. The ties between India and the EU date back to the early 1960s with India being amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community in 1962, according to Indian Embassy in Brussels. The relationship between India and the EU is based on shared values and principles such as democracy, rule of law, rules-based international order and multilateralism. The ties are multifaceted and cover a broad spectrum of topics including trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, digital, connectivity and agriculture. (ANI) EU Council President speaks to PM Modi, calls India “One of EU’s main global partners”
Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience FRIDAY JANUARY 10, 2025 9 Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com Large number of Indian diaspora from 50 nations registered to participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: MEA New Delhi [India], January 4 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday, shared the details of the flagship event of Government of India, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025, which is set to take place in Odisha, and stated that a large number of Indian diaspora members have registered for the programme. “The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is being organized in partnership with the State Government of Odisha from 08-10 January 2025 in Bhubaneswar. The theme of this PBD Convention is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”,” the statement added. A large number of Indian diaspora members from over 50 different countries have registered to participate in the PBD Convention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the PBD Convention on January 9. It will feature a virtual address by the Chief Guest, Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. PM Modi will remotely flag-off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Tourist Train for the Indian diaspora, which will depart from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and would travel to multiple destinations of touristic and religious importance in India for a period of three weeks. The Pravasi Bharatiya Express will be conducted under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana of the Ministry of External Affairs, the MEA stated. Notably, PM Modi will also inaugurate four exhibitions at the 18th PBD Convention: Vishwaroop Ram, an exhibition presenting the timeless epic of Ramayana through a curated juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary art forms; Diaspora’s contribution to technology and Viksit Bharat, which will acknowledge the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the development of technology in the world; Spread and Evolution of Indian diaspora in the world with special focus on Mandvi to Muscat. This exhibition will showcase rare documents of people who had migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman; and Heritage and culture of Odisha which will showcase the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Odisha through its different art and craft forms and highlight its illustrious legacy. P r e s i d e n t Droupadi Murmu will preside over the Valedictory Session of the 18th PBD Convention on 10 January, 2025. She will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 upon select members of the Indian diaspora to recognize their achievements and to honour their contributions in various fields in India and abroad, the MEA announced. It was also noted in the press statement by the MEA that the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held on January 8 in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Dr Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, will be the Guest of Honour at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The PBD Convention will have five thematic plenary sessions, namely: “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World”, “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills”, “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development”, “Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti”; and “Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection and Belongingness”. All the Plenary Sessions will feature panel discussions involving eminent diaspora experts, according to the MEA. The forthcoming 18th PBD Convention is significant as it is being organized for the first time in the State of Odisha, amid its rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. The 17th PBD Convention was held in 2023 in Indore in partnership with the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, the MEA noted in its press statement. The MEA shared that the 18th PBD Convention would be webcast live on the PBD website and MEA‘s YouTube channel. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is the flagship event of the Government of India that provides an important platform to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora and enable them to interact with each other.
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