FRIDAY JANUARY 31, 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: 5 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday January 31, 2025 Constitution provides ultimate foundation of our collective identity as Indians: President Murmu in R-Day Address New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday emphasized that the Constitution serves as the ultimate foundation of India’s collective identity and binds people together as one family. Addressing the nation on the eve of 76th Republic Day, the President congratulated the citizens and said the Constitution has become a living document because civic virtues have been part of India’s moral compass for millennia. “The Constituent Assembly, after nearly three years of debates, adopted the Constitution on 26th of November in 1949. That day, 26th November, has been celebrated as Samvidhan Divas, that is, Constitution Day, since 2015. Republic Day is indeed a matter of collective joy and pride for all citizens. Seventy-five years, someone might say, is only the blink of an eye in the life of a nation. No, I will say, not these past 75 years,” the President said. “This has been the time when the longdormant soul of India has awakened again, taking strides to regain its rightful place in the comity of nations. Among the oldest civilizations, India was once known as a source of knowledge and wisdom. There, however, came a dark phase, and inhuman exploitation under colonial rule led to utter poverty,” she added. President Murmu recalled the brave souls who made great sacrifices to free the motherland from the shackles of foreign rule. “Some were well known, while some Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 29 (ANI): At least 30 people have been killed and 60 were injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj here, a top police officer said. Tw e n t y - f i v e bodies have been identified and the rest are yet to be identified, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, said in a press conference. “A total of 30 people have died unfortunately in the stampede that took place at the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj. Twenty-five bodies have been identified and the rest five are yet to be identified,” he said. Among the deceased, four are from Karnataka, one from Assam and one from Gujarat, the DIG said. Further, he said that 36 people were being treated at a local medical college. “36 people are currently being treated at the local medical college. Keeping in mind the convenience of the devotees, the CM Yogi Adityanath has requested all Mahamadaleshwar, saints and Akharas to take their holy dips with some delay. The Amrit Snan of the Akharas has been remained little known till recently. We are celebrating this year the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who stands as a representative of the freedom fighters whose role in the national history is now being recognised in true proportions. In the early decades of the twentieth century, their struggles consolidated in an organized nationwide independence movement,” she said. The President said it was the nation’s good fortune to have the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and Babasaheb Ambedkar, “who helped it rediscover its democratic ethos. Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are not theoretical concepts that we came to learn in modern times; they have always been part of our civilisational heritage”. “It also explains why the critics who were cynical about the future of the Constitution and the Republic when India had newly become independent were proven so thoroughly wrong. The composition of our Constituent Assembly was also a testimony to our republican values. It had representatives from all parts and all communities of the country. Most notably, it had 15 women among PRESIDENT MURMU SEE PAGE 2 Maha Kumbh: 30 dead and 60 injured in stampede, says DIG Vaibhav Krishna Remember: “if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” - Prophet Jeremiah concluded safely...” he said. Giving details of the incident, the DIG said that the stampede occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning when a huge crowd on the Akhara Marg broke the barricade to take a holy dip. “Before Brahma Muhurta, between 1 am to 2 am, a huge crowd gathered on the Akhara Marg. Due to this crowd, the barricades on the other side broke and the crowd ran over the devotees waiting to take a holy dip on the other side. About 90 people were taken to the hospital through ambulances but unfortunately, 30 devotees have died...” he said. Meanwhile, to monitor the situation of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has postponed his visit to Delhi for the election campaign tomorrow. Earlier, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram expressed condolences over the stampede and called it an ‘unfortunate incident’ and stressed the importance of following the instructions of the administration for the safety. Saraswati said, “Whatever happened was very unfortunate. The administration’s orders and messages should have been followed. People are coming in large numbers and taking a holy dip. I express my condolences to those who lost their lives.” CM Yogi announces Rs 25 lakh assistance for kins Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday expressed grief over the stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. CM Yogi also announced financial to the kins of the deceased, while adding that security forces have been deployed at the site. “The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night,” CM Yogi said while speaking to the media. “Mela Authority, police, NDRF, SDRF and all other forces have been deployed there,” he said. “We are also announcing financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased on behalf of the state government. The judicial commission will look into the entire matter and submit its report to the state government within a time limit,” the CM added. CM Yogi also said that the Chief Secretary MAHA KUMBH SEE PAGE 6
January 31, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India, Indonesia sign MOUs for cooperation in health, traditional medicine;[India], one on maritime security renew New Delhi January 26 (ANI): The visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Delhi witnessed the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding on wideranging fields, including health, traditional medicine and maritime security. MoU on Health Cooperation was signed between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Health, Indonesia. The MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and BAKAMLA, Indonesia was renewed. Another MoU was signed in the field of Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, which comes under the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority. The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology also signed an MOU on Cooperation in the Fields of Digital Development with Indonesia‘s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Indonesia. A Cultural Exchange Program was also signed between the Union Ministry of Culture and Indonesia‘s Ministry of Culture, for the time period 2025-28, as per the statement. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is on his first state visit to India. He will grace the 76th Republic Day celebrations as its Chief Guest at Kartvya Path today. The 76th Republic Day celebrations will also see Indonesia‘s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), that embodies discipline and military tradition. This unique blend of military music and noble values reflects the spirit and honour of the academy. Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on sectors like defence, security, maritime domain, economic ties, and peopleto-people connections. (ANI New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday praised the concept of One Nation, One Election, advocating for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections across the country. He argued that continuous elections hinder national progress and public welfare. Speaking to ANI, Chouhan highlighted that consolidating elections would enable political parties to focus more on serving the people and encouraging uninterrupted development. “All elections in the country should be held simultaneously. Continuous elections are a hindrance to the country’s progress and development and become an obstacle to public welfare. Therefore, didis (women) are in favour of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections being held simultaneously. This will not hinder the country’s progress and development,” he said. Earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her support for the move on ‘One Nation, One Election’ saying it can prevent policy paralysis, promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis and mitigate resource diversion. The President referred to the bill on simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was introduced in the lower House of Parliament in the winter session and said it promises to redefine the terms of good governance. “Another measure that promises to redefine the terms of good governance is the Bill introduced in Parliament to synchronise election schedules in the country. The ‘One Nation One Election’ plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, apart from offering many other benefits,” she said. The constitution amendment bill on ‘One Nation, One Election’, Constitution provides ultimate foundation of our collective identity as Indians: President Murmu in R-Day PRESIDENT MURMU FROM PAGE 1 its members, including stalwarts such as Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kripalani, Hansaben Mehta and Malati Choudhury,” she said. The President said when women’s equality was only a distant ideal in many parts of the world, in India women were actively contributing in shaping the destiny of the nation. “The Constitution has become a living document because civic virtues have been part of our moral compass for millennia. The Constitution provides the ultimate foundation of our collective identity as Indians; it binds us together as a family,” she said. “For 75 years now, it has guided the path of our progress. Today, let us humbly express our gratitude to Dr Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee, other distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly, various officers associated with and others who worked hard and bequeathed us this most wonderful document,” she added. good governance...”: President Murmu on ‘One Nation One Election’ bill “Promises to redefine terms of P r e s i d e n t Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed her support for the move on ‘One Nation, One Election’ saying it can prevent policy paralysis, promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis and mitigate resource diversion. Addressing the Nation on the eve of 76th Republic Day, the President also referred to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, saying there has been “a fresh engagement with our civilisational heritage”. She talked of the new criminal justice laws saying they place thrust on the delivery of justice instead of punishment. “We won freedom in 1947, but many relics of a colonial mindset persisted among us for long. Of late, we have been witnessing concerted efforts to change that mindset. Among the most noteworthy of such efforts was the decision to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita which is being examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, proposes aligning the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill has been opposed by several opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress and DMK. The government says that synchronising electoral timelines will help meet logistical challenges, reduce costs, and minimise disruptions caused by frequent elections. (ANI) “All elections should be held simultaneously, this will not hinder country progress”: Shivraj Chouhan on One Nation One Election and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,” she said. “Based also on Indian traditions of jurisprudence, the new criminal laws place the delivery of justice instead of punishment at the centre of the criminal justice system. Moreover, the new laws grant top priority to countering crimes against women and children. Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision,” she added. The President referred to the bill on simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was introduced in the lower House of Parliament in the winter session, and said it promises to redefine the terms of good governance. “Another measure that promises to redefine the terms of good governance is the Bill introduced in Parliament to synchronise election schedules in the country. The ‘One Nation One Election’ plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, apart from offering many other benefits,” she said. The constitution amendment bill on ‘One Nation, One Election’, which is being examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, proposes aligning the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill has been opposed by several opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress and DMK. The government says that synchronising electoral timelines will help meet logistical challenges, reduce costs, and minimise disruptions caused by frequent elections. The recommendations of HighLevel Committee Report on Simultaneous were accepted by the Union Cabinet on September 18, 2024. The first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the ‘One Nation One Election’ bill was held on January 8. (ANI)
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January 31, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK JJ Singh Sworn In as Delegate for Virginia’s House District 26 Richmond, VA (January 26, 2025): JJ Singh, the newly elected representative for Southeastern Loudoun County, was officially sworn into office on January 13 following his victory in Virginia’s highly anticipated legislative special elections. Singh’s success in the House District 26 race marks a significant milestone in his distinguished career as a public servant. After his win, Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude: “Thank you, House District 26, for putting your trust in me — I am honored to represent the community that my family calls home. I’m ready to get to Richmond and get to work fighting for our values and delivering for Southeastern Loudoun County families!” As the son of Indian immigrants, Singh’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers. He made history as the first turbaned Sikh to serve in the Peace Corps and previously worked in the White House Office of Management and Budget during the Obama administration. His accomplishment was celebrated by notable figures, including Senatorelect Kannan Srinivasan, who also secured a recent win in Virginia’s Senate District 32. Srinivasan congratulated Singh on social media, stating, “Congratulations to my friend @SinghforVA on being sworn in as the new Fog blankets Odisha, impacts visibility in several districts Delegate for District 26! I’m confident he will be an excellent representative for our constituents, and I look forward to collaborating with him to serve our community and deliver for Loudoun families.” Singh’s election reflects the growing representation of diverse voices in Virginia politics and highlights the increasing influence of the Indian American community. On January 25, a ceremonial swearing-in was held in the House chamber at the Capitol in Richmond, where Singh’s family, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate this historic event. Over 250 attendees witnessed Singh being ceremonially inducted as the first turbaned Sikh delegate in Virginia’s history. The event was attended by members of Singh’s family, friends, congregants from the Sikh Foundation of Virginia Gurdwara—where he attended Punjabi school and where his parents have been deeply involved— and other supporters. Representatives from various faiths, including Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Sikh communities, offered interfaith prayers, wishing Singh success in his service to his constituents, Virginia, and the nation. During the ceremony, Singh expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone present and encouraged young people to consider careers in public service. He emphasized that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Following the ceremony, a reception was held where Singh mingled with attendees and reiterated his gratitude. A delegation from the Sikh Foundation of Virginia extended their congratulations, expressed their confidence in his leadership, and shared their hopes for his contributions to the welfare of all Virginians. Singh’s election is a groundbreaking moment, particularly for the Sikh community in America. It serves as an inspiration, paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps and contribute to public service at all levels. Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], January 28 (ANI): Fog enveloped several parts of Odisha on Tuesday morning, leading to low visibility in several areas of the state. A blanket of dense fog enveloped the capital city, Bhubaneswar resulting in low visibility in areas like Jaydev Vihar and Acharya Vihar. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dry weather is likely to prevail across the districts of Odisha. However, shallow to moderate fog is expected during the early morning hours in districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati,Angul, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhargarh. Dense fog is likely to occur at one or two places over Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Angul, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhargarh. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 28°C and 19°C, respectively. No significant change in minimum temperatures is anticipated over the next three days, India for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, sources said. The move is learnt to be taken considering the US Supreme Court‘s recent decision rejecting a review petition filed by Rana challenging his extradition to India. The decision has cleared a significant legal hurdle, allowing Indian authorities to accelerate the process of bringing him to justice. As per sources, a team of Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General rank officers are likely to visit the USA by the end of this month, the move regarding it has been shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the Ministry of External Affairs. Rana, a former doctor and businessman, is a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin. He is accused of facilitating the reconnaissance activities of David Coleman Headley, the main planner of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He allowed Headley to use his immigration business as a front to travel to India and identify potential attack targets. Rana was arrested in 2009 in Chicago by the FBI for his role in a Pakistan-supported terror network. He was convicted in the US for supporting the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks, but acquitted on charges directly related to the Mumbai attacks. India has been pursuing Rana’s extradition to hold him accountable for his involvement in the attacks that left 166 people dead and hundreds injured. The NIA has stated that Rana’s role in aiding and abetting Headley makes him a key figure in the conspiracy. Following the US Supreme Court‘s dismissal of Rana’s review petition, with a gradual rise of 2-3°C in the subsequent two days. The highest maximum temperature of 33.2°C was recorded in Bolangir, while the lowest minimum temperature of 8.0°C was observed in Jharsuguda and Rourkela on Monday. Meanwhile, Delhi recorded a dip in the temperature along with chilly winds on Tuesday morning as compared to the past few days. The minimum temperature recorded in the national capital was 6.6 degrees Celsius with a thin layer of fog covering parts of Delhi this morning. Yesterday, the minimum temperature was 7.8 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain in the national capital for February 1. The Met Department has also predicted foggy conditions for the four days starting from January 28. The minimum temperature is expected to hover between 7-11 degrees Celsius. The temperature has dropped since Thursday, when the national capital recorded a low of 11 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD, cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana today. (ANI) the extradition process has gained momentum. The upcoming visit by the NIA team signifies India’s determination to ensure justice for the victims of one of its worst terror attacks. (ANI) NIA team likely to visit USA soon for extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana New Delhi, Apr 14 (ANI): Activist Gautam Navlakha surrendered before National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence matter, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) New Delhi [India], January 28 (ANI): A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to visit USA very soon to complete the formalities for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who is wanted in
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January 31, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Maha Kumbh: 30 dead and 60 injured in stampede, says DIG Vaibhav Krishna MAHA KUMBH FROM PAGE 1 and Director General of Police (DGP) would visit Prayagraj and look into all required issues. “In this regard, the Chief Secretary and DGP will visit Prayagraj and look into all the issues if required..” he further added. Recalling the incident, the CM said that a large number of devotees had gathered in Prayagraj to take a holy dip in Mauni Amavasya. “A large number of devotees had gathered in Prayagraj since 7 PM yesterday to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. An unfortunate incident took place on the Akhara Marg in which over 90 people were injured and 30 people died. 36 people are undergoing treatment in Prayagraj. This incident took place as the crowd broke the barricades of the Akhara Marg,” he recalled. He further said that a green corridor was created soon after the incident occurred to rush the injured to the hospital. “Within some time of the incident, a green corridor was created and injured were rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, these deaths have happened...On all these issues, questions will be raised. The injured who have been discharged have left with their family members,” the CM said. Adityanath also said that the incident occurred during the main ‘snan’ of the MahaKumbh and due to the large number of devotees in Prayagraj, the routes were choked. “This was the main snan of Kumbh and due to immense pressure (large number of devotees) in Prayagraj, routes were choked. The administration was making attempts since last night to clear those routes..” he From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 31, 2025 FAKE TEARS By Rajan George The semblance of empathy proves too fake When those who wail the criminals’ fate Stood quiet as a stone when innocent damsels were molested and killed While tears of grief are in full array For villains, expelled for crimes they did They failed to sense the agony of the girls Trafficked for sex, slavery, and trade Rich and famous though they are, Not a finger would they move to aid, The cause they bemoan but still Shed empty tears in vain display. No passions, ne’er heard them speak Shielding the weak, their eyes were dry, When helpless victims endured Heinous crimes by these fiends? Bemoaning a cause devoid of merit Rings hollow, and deserves contempt Moral cord demands ‘Empathy’ For victims, not the oppressors. Folks bereft of morals true, Will bewail the culprits’ fate, Sharing the guilt of all their crimes Hold disdain for factual truth further added. T h e Chief Minister further said that a three-member commission would be formed. He added that several meetings were conducted throughout the day and continuous communication was made with the administration regarding the incident. “A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM’s, Chief Secretary and DGP’s control rooms throughout the day,” he said. “Meetings went on throughout the day and there was continuous communication with the administration regarding the incidents. Since the morning, we have been receiving necessary guidelines from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, National President JP Nadda, Railway Minister and others,” he said. (ANI) Leaders across political lines grief death of devotees in Mahakumbh As chaos erupts over the stampede at the ongoing Mahakumbh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday paid his respects to the deceased devotees who lost their lives in the incident during 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 the early hours of the day. He stated that the administration in Uttar Pradesh faced a “challenging” task in managing the huge influx of devotees but was making efforts to ensure that Mahakumbh remains a success. “Twenty-five crore people had come at Mahakumbh. More will come. It is a very challenging job. The UP administration is making every effort to ensure that (Maha)Kumbh is a success. I pay my respect to the devotees who passed away. A devotee from Assam also passed away. We are talking to the UP government to bring his body back home,” Sarma told ANI. Meanwhile, expressing grief over the demise of devotees, Yog Guru Baba Ramdev appealed to those visiting the Mahakumbh to follow self-discipline. “It is unfortunate. I appeal to anyone visiting Mahakumbh that the Government and the Administration are fulfilling their duties, but we should follow selfdiscipline as well. The first characteristic of Dharma is patience. If you don’t get a chance to go to the Sangam, take a dip wherever you get a place. I pray for the salvation of those who have passed away,” Ramdev said. Moreover, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chaddha said that the UP government should review their preparations to avoid such incidents in the future. “I pray to Mahadev that the souls of the deceased rest in peace. I hope the injured recover quickly. The government should review their preparations to make them better and avoid such incidents in the future,” Chaddha told reporters. Situations in control for ‘Amrit Snan’, says DIG Vaibhav Krishna after Maha Kumbh stampede Maha Kumbh Deputy Inspector in General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna on Wednesday said that situations had brought in control while Juna Akhara along with two other Akharas would be going for Amrit Snan at Triveni Sangam of the Mahakumbh Mela. “Juna Akhara and two other Akharas are going for the Amrit Snan. Everything is peaceful and the situation is under control...Since there were a lot of devotees, the Akharas proposed to us that they would delay their Amrit Snan,” the DIG said speaking to ANI. Further, he said that the injured people in the stampede were undergoing treatment, adding that everyone was out of danger.“The injured in the stampede are currently undergoing treatment. No one is serious, everyone is out of danger,” he further added. President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri who was headed towards the Triveni Sangam for the Amrit Snan said that thousands of saints and Nagas were coming with him. “We are going for the Amrit Snan and thousands of saints and Nagas are coming with me.. We will vacate the ghats very quickly so that all the devotees who have come here are able to take a holy dip,” he further added. Meanwhile, Digambar Naga Baba Chidanand Puri of Panchayati Niranjani Akhara speaking to ANI after taking ‘Amrit snan’ said that after today’s stampede-like situation in Maha Kumbh people from Niranjani Akhara are coming in small numbers to take a holy dip. “Due to an unexpected event today, our (Akharas) shobha yatra could not be taken out. We are now coming to take a holy dip in small numbers,” Digambar Naga Baba said. (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 31, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Trump administration clearly prioritising bilateral ties with India: Jaishankar Wa s h i n g t o n DC [US], January 23 (ANI): Noting that the Trump administration was keen to have India present at the inaugural itself and is prioritising the bilateral relationship, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday that the ties are being built further on the strong foundation that has been laid. Interacting with the media here, Jaishankar said the Trump administration is keen to take Quad further and intensify its activities. If I were to share my overall impressions, I would say one, it was very keen. It was very clear that the Trump administration was keen to have India present at the inaugural itself. They’re clearly prioritising the bilateral relationship. Secondly, in the meetings, it was also evident that they would like to build on the foundation of the relationship, a foundation which the first Trump administration also contributed a lot to building,” Jaishankar said. “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi at that time took a number of initiatives, and we have seen that mature in many ways. And the third impression was, with regard to the Quad, a very strong sense that the current administration would reciprocate our desire as well to take the Quad further, to intensify its activities,” he added. Jaishankar represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his special envoy at the inaugural function of President Donald Trump in Washington DC, today. He carried a letter from the Prime Minister for President Trump. Donald Trump took the oath as the 47th US President on January 20. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Jaishankar in Washington DC, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening the US–India partnership. Secretary Rubio and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar affirmed a shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India. They discussed a wide range of topics, including regional issues and opportunities to further deepen the U.S.-India relationship. Secretary Rubio also emphasised the Trump Administration’s desire to work with India to advance economic ties and address concerns related to irregular migration. This meeting marked Secretary Rubio’s first bilateral engagement since assuming office. Both leaders emphasised collaboration in areas such as critical and emerging technologies, defence, energy, and the advancement of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar expressed optimism about the bilateral relationship. “Delighted to meet Secretary Marco Rubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State. Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which Secretary Marco Rubio has been a strong advocate. Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation,” he said on X. The US–India relationship has seen substantial growth in recent years, with a focus on defence collaboration, trade, and shared strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Rubio emphasised the importance of critical and emerging technologies as a key area for partnership, reflecting both nations’ interests in fostering innovation and enhancing security frameworks. The Indian American community, numbering approximately 4.4 million, plays a pivotal role in strengthening ties between India and the United States. With 3.18 million persons of Indian origin constituting the thirdlargest Asian ethnic group in the US, this community excels across diverse fields, including politics. Their contributions have been instrumental in fostering closer bilateral relations. Notably, five individuals of Indian origin currently serve in the US Congress, further highlighting their influence and integration into American society. New Delhi [India], January 28 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue court on Tuesday allowed the appeal moved by Delhi CM Atishi Marlena against a summon issued to her in a Defamation case. “The summoning order passed by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate is set aside, Special Judge Vishal Gogne ordered on Tuesday. The court further said that the Allegations levelled by the revisionist are political. The threshold is high in a political defamation case. The court also said that the threshold is always high in political defamation as it involves freedom of speech.The court said that the order is liable to be set aside as it suffered material error and infirmity. BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor had filed a defamation complaint against CM Atishi. While allowing the revision petition the court said that what the complainant Praveen Shankar Kapoor said is believed that every second day would be a defamation complaint. The court also said that the BJP Delhi Unit head himself sought an investigation into the allegations levelled by Atishi, the court said. A report filed by the Prosecution shows that the matter is pending before the crime branch. The Complaint is Arbitrary as the complainant Praveen Shankar Kapoor is not an aggrieved person. Virenderaa Sachdeva himself sought an inquiry. He sought registration of an FIR . This complaint was not against CM Atishi, the court said. His complaint is ill-conceived. Allegations of political corruption are prevalent. Allegations of Atishi of political poaching are a right to freedom of speech. The court said that the Summoning order to CM Atishi was suppressive. The court said the Complaint Does not present adequate ground, press conferences are like exposure She is a whistleblower, Sachdeva himself sought an investigation into the allegations levelled by CM Atishi. A complaint by Praveen Shankar Kapoor does not qualify for the higher threshold. They also referred to the judgement of the Supreme Court Electoral bond case to highlight the issues of corruption in politics. Detailed order is to be uploaded. The Rouse Avenue court on January 18 reserved an order on the appeal of Delhi CM Atishi Marlena against Summons in a Defamation case. BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor had filed a defamation complaint against her. Earlier on December 3, 2024, Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta counsel for CM Atishi Marlena had argued that the threshold is high in political defamation as political parties are the subject of public discourse. The court heard the arguments of Senior Advocate Ajay Burman, counsel. For complainant Praveen Shankar Kapoor. Advocate Shoumendu Mukherjee has also appeared for Kapoor. Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta along with Mudit Jain argued that the complainant was not defamed by the appellant.It was argued that it is alleged that the appellant made a statement against the BJP. If it is taken to be true, that BJP is a victim or aggrieved, it can file a complaint. The senior advocate also argued that a political party may have lakhs of members, but all cannot filed Defamation complaint. In this case, the threshold is very high. On November 22, 2024, the court had stayed the proceedings before a Magistrate in the matter. Delhi CM had approached the sessions court against the Summons issued by the Magistrate court on a Defamation complaint filed by BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor. In the reply to the appeal, it was stated that the order of summoning was passed after considering the facts, circumstances and material placed on record. It was also stated by the respondent that he represents the BJP as media head and spokesperson of the Delhi Unit in the general public. Therefore, any defamatory post, article, or press conference circulated on social media is equally defamatory for him due to his long association with the party. BJP Leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor filed a Defamation complaint. The Magistrate at Rouse Avenue court had issued the summons to Atishi Marlena on May 28 last year. Notice sent by Delhi BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor stated that on April 2, 2024, Atishi held a Press Conference and claimed that she was approached by the BJP to join the party. Notice sent through Advocate Satya Ranjan Swain on behalf of Praveen Shankar Kapoor had stated that Atishi deliberately and with malicious intent made statements which are not only false, scandalous, concocted and illusionary, but defamatory to harm the reputation of BJP but also of its members. In the entire speech, she neither revealed specific information about the source of information nor you have given any details qua the act of BJP the act of BJP. Devoid of any specifities your statement is an intentional endeavor to reflect your imagination and apprehension, stated the legal notice. The notice requested Atishi to immediately withdraw the said speech and telecast your apology prominently on your television and social media. AAP Leader and Delhi Minister Atishi had alleged that she was approached by the Bharatiya Janata Party to join them or else she’d be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the coming days. While addressing a press conference here, the AAP leader said, “The BJP, through one of my close aides, approached me to join their party to save my political career, and if I do not join the BJP, then in the coming month, I will be arrested by the ED.” The AAP leader accused the BJP-led Centre of trying to threaten the party by using probe agencies. “I want to tell the BJP that we will not be scared of you. We are the soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal. We are aides of Bhagat Singh. We will continue to save the Constitution and will work to give the people a better life under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal,” she said. She further alleged that in the coming two months before the general elections, a few more leaders, including Raghav Chadha and Saurabh Bharadwaj, will be arrested by the central probe agency. Delhi Court quashes summons against CM Atishi in defamation case
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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 “100th launch significant milestone for India”: ISRO Chairman after successful launch of GSLV-F15 Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 29 (ANI): After the Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched their GSLV-F15 carrying the NVS-02 on Wednesday morning, ISRO Chairman, V Narayanan expressed gratitude and said that the 100th launch is a significant milestone of India space programme. Addressing the event, Narayanan said, “I am extremely happy to announce from the spaceport of ISRO that the first launch of this year has been successfully accomplished. The GSLVF15 vehicle launch vehicle precisely injecting the navigation satellite NVS02 into orbit. This mission is the 100th launch from our launch pads which is a significant milestone for India.” “Our Space programme was conceived and started by a visionary leader Vikram Sarabhai and taken forward by a generation of leaders. Till today, we have developed six generations of launch vehicles. The first launch vehicle was developed under the guidance of Satish Dhawan with APJ Abdul Kalam as the project director in 1979. From that till today, including today’s launch, we have accomplished 100 launches,” he added. The ISRO Chairman also highlighted that over these launches, they have lifted 548 satellites to orbit and a total of 120 tons of payload including 23 tons of 433 foreign satellites. “This launch site has witnessed several significant milestones of the Indian Space programme including three Chandrayan missions, the Aditya L1 mission, the Mars orbit mission, the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE) mission etc. I salute all the previous generation of previous leaders, our present and past employees, our partners and our family for their hard work and dedication, V Narayanan said. “Let me also express our sincere gratitude to the political leadership for their encouragement and support throughout the space programme,” he added. He mentioned further that the ISRO have operational launch vehiclesPSLV, GSLV, LVM-3 and SSLV. “Today’s mission was the 17th launch of GSLV. In this mission, the data has come, all the vehicle systems have performed as expected and the satellite is injected with a very minimum level of dispersal,” he said. “Today, many applications based on the Navy spanning from strategic uses, tracking of shipping vessels, time synchronization and safety of life alert dissemination are accomplished. In the coming days, we look forward to further orbit tracing the satellite and successful deployment in the assigned orbit,” Narayanan said. The ISRO Chairman also emphasized that they have a very busy year ahead with many missions lined up in the coming months. “You all know we are progressing extremely well in the preparation of the first uncrewed G1 mission as part of the Gaganyaan program, and some more experiments are targeted this year. ISRO is also gearing up for a host of developments including the Next Generation Launcher NGLV, Chandrayaan 4, Chandrayaan 5 missions, and Venus Orbiter Mission along with the third launch pad at Sriharikota and the second launch complex at Kulasekharapatnam,” he said. “Let me thank PM Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership in rolling out the space sector reform,” Narayanan added. GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and 11th flight with the Indigenous Cryo stage. It is the 8th operational flight of GSLV with an indigenous Cryogenic stage. GSLV-F15 payload fairing is a metallic version with a diameter of 3.4 meters. The GSLV-F15 with an indigenous Cryogenic stage will place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, ISRO said in a statement. The launch will help update India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System from 4 to 5 satellites. Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) service to users in India as well as to region extending about 1500 km beyond Indian land mass. NavIC will provide two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS). NavIC’s SPS provides a position accuracy of better than 20 m and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds over the service area. (ANI)
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