FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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: 7 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday February 14, 2025 BJP storms to power in Delhi after 27 years with two-thirds majority, AAP reduced to 22 seats added. New Delhi [India], February 9 (ANI): BJP stormed to power in Delhi polls on Saturday winning a two-thirds majority with the ruling AAP suffering major blows and a drastic reduction in its numbers in the 70-member assembly. The Congress continued its dismal run. Bharatiya Janata Party won 48 seats in a historic mandate for the party as it returned to power in the national capital after 27 years. Several AAP leaders including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lost in their strongholds with Chief Minister Atishi managing to retain her seat. The verdict came months after BJP-led coalition swept Maharashtra polls and the party won Haryana, consolidating its domination of national politics. The Congress, which was hoping for its revival in the national captial, again failed to win any seat. The party, which ruled Delhi for 15 years from 1998, registered a hattrick zero tally in assembly polls. PM Modi lauded BJP‘s victory in a speech at the party headquarters in the evening. “...There is no such area in Delhi where the lotus did not bloom. People speaking every language have voted for BJP. During this election, wherever I went, I used to say proudly that I am an MP from Purvanchal. The people of Purvanchal have given love to this bond. Therefore, as the MP from Purvanchal, I thank the people of Purvanchal,” he said. He also took jibes at Aam Aadmi Party, referring to it as “AAPda”. The Prime Minister also targeted Congress, saying it has scored “double hat-trick of zero” in Delhi elections. “Dilli ke logo ne shortcut wali rajneeti ka short-circuit kar diya’. Today the people of Delhi have made it clear. The real owner of Delhi is only the people of Delhi. Those who thought of being the owners of Delhi have been confronted with the truth. This is also clear from the mandate of Delhi that there is no place for shortcuts, lies in politics. ‘Dilli ke logo ne shortcut vali rajneeti ka short-circuit kar diya’,” he said. “...I was seeing that BJP workers across the country also had a pain in their hearts. It was about not being able to serve Delhi fully. But today Delhi has accepted our request too. The youth born in the 21st century will now see BJP‘s good governance in Delhi for the first time. Today’s results show how much trust the country has in BJP‘s double-engine government. After that victory in the Lok Sabha elections, we first made an unprecedented record in Haryana, then made a new record in Maharashtra. Now a new history has been created in Delhi,” he New Delhi [India], February 9 (ANI): Amid the row over deportations of Indian nationals from the United States, Congress MP Manish Tewari on Sunday spoke about the number of undocumented Indians in the US and the conditions faced by those detained. Citing US estimates, he pointed out that there are 7,25,000 undocumented Indians in the US, with 24,000 currently in detention. Tewari questioned whether India would allow these individuals to be returned in degrading conditions, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar continues to travel the world attending “inane conferences.” Sharing a post on X,Tewari wrote, “According to US estimates there are 7.25 lakh undocumented Indians in the United States of America. 24,000 Indians are in US detention camps. 487 have been served final detention orders. 298 out of the 487 have been positively identified as Indians.” The post added, “Would 7.25 lakh Indians be dumped back in India handcuffed & shackled stripped of their basic human rights and dignity in US Military planes as while @DrSJaishankar trapezes around the world attending inane conferences?” Earlier on Friday, Tewari had also expressed criticism over the statement made by Jaishankar in the Lok Sabha over the deportations of Indian nationals from the US and accused him of ‘defending’ the use of handcuffs and shackles by the Donald Trump administration, calling it “deeply shocking and acutely disturbing.” Tewari further said that the minister’s statement seemed more aligned with a “mid-level official of the US government” than that of India’s Foreign Minister. Sharing a post on X, Tewari wrote, “The statement of @DrSJaishankar in the Lok Sabha justifying, defending and endorsing the use of handcuffs and shackles by the @realDonaldTrump administration & @USBPChief is both deeply shocking and acutely disturbing.” “He unfortunately sounded more like a mid-level official of the American Administration rather than the Foreign Minister of India. This para below in the statement wherein he says he will put American documents on the table of the house and also authenticate them makes one seriously question their intent as to where does the concern of the Government of India lie,” the post added. Notably, the US Air Force plane carrying Indian citizens who “illegally immigrated” to the US arrived in Punjab’s Amritsar on Wednesday. A total of 104 Indian nationals Earlier, PM Modi lauded BJP‘s victory in a post on X and said it was triumph of “good governance” of the party at Centre and in states it is in power. He said the party will leave no stone unturned in developing Delhi and improving the overall quality of life for the people. “Jana Shakti is paramount! Development wins, good governance triumphs. I bow to my dear sisters and brothers of Delhi for this resounding and historic mandate to @BJP4India. We are humbled and honoured to receive these blessings. It is our guarantee that we will leave no stone unturned in developing Delhi, improving the overall quality of life for the people and ensuring that Delhi DELHI ELECTION See page 6 “Would 7.25 lakh Indians be dumped back while...”: Manish Tewari slams Jaishankar over deportations from US Remember: “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” - Benjamin Franklin were on board the plane that landed in Amritsar. Opposition parties slammed the government inside and outside the parliament, saying that the deported Indians had been brought in an “inhuman manner” in a US military plane and alleged that they were “ill-treated and handcuffed.” (ANI)
February 14, 2025, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK French President backs PM Modi on fair access to AI Paris [France], February 11 (ANI): French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday in his address to the AI Action Summit praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi while talking about access to Artificial Intelligence. President Macron emphasised the critical need for trust in Artificial Intelligence for its success, echoing the summit’s focus on ethical AI development and global governance. “First, you have to have fair and open access, and the question of access is of decisive importance. We need to have wideranging access, and we’ve seen this internationally with players from Asia Pacific, Latin America, and other regions of the world, and we need to have access for all continents and all countries. And we’ve seen this with Prime Minister Modi,” he said. Macron said that the world should not be divided and people must trust artificial intelligence. “We don’t want a system of those who are in power and the rest of vessels. We want to have this serving the entire planet. And I don’t believe that the world will be divided between the global north and the global south just looking at one another because if we want to have trust in artificial intelligence, we have to make sure there is equitable access to these innovations in all continents. And this is a challenge for both public authorities and the private sector,” he said. The French Prime Minister said that they must prevent a divide between generations with regards to AI. “And of course this is a challenge in our societies too. We must not let a divide be established between the older generation, the younger generations or in certain parts of our countries,” he said. Macron also said that governments and civil societies must take action here. “I think that the challenge we are all up against is that governments have to take action but also civil society needs to act and private enterprise does too, major investors need to too. We need to know how we can have trust in artificial intelligence and the use of because that will be the key part of its success,” he said. Macron said that the citizens must be able to trust AI, and must prevent the negative impact of it. “Because if we can’t trust it, then we would have artificial intelligence adopted around the world, spread around the world, and we’ll see that in a few years’ time there will be lots of our fellow citizens saying, we don’t want AI in our country. It’s a source of problems, a negative impact on our lives. What do we need for establishing such a climate of trust?” he said. Macron further said that he wants the younger generations to ne trained in this field and have more positions in university and research level. “I would say how pleasurable that this is a moment of awakening and ambition to be involved in this in Europe. We want to invest in talent, training younger generations who have more and more positions for research and at university level. We want to invest in data and the consolidation of data. And we need to have a framework for accessing the data. We want to invest in data centers. And the President of the commission announced the program for setting up a data center in Europe for public research and startups. And we announced a number of massive scale data centers funded by the private sector in France, and we made the announcement here at the summit. And the strong point here is this ability to have sustainable, lowcarbon energy sources. And this is where the French model of civil nuclear power is a real strong point,” he said. Delivering his innagural address at the AI Action Summit, PM Modi had said, “AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster. To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency.” (ANI) frequent meetings and candid discussions have helped accelerate key agreements and ensured continued collaboration despite changing political landscapes. Smith further highlighted that personal diplomacy extends beyond governmental negotiations. “Beyond statecraft, personal diplomacy has a direct impact on public perception and investor confidence,” he pointed out. “Strong leader-toleader engagement reassures businesses, encourages cross-border investments, and fosters people-topeople connections.” He emphasised that when leaders visibly support each other’s countries, it builds trust across all sectors of society, ultimately making bilateral partnerships stronger and more resilient. In addition, Smith acknowledged the role personal diplomacy plays in navigating geopolitical uncertainties. “Moreover, in times of geopolitical uncertainty, personal diplomacy serves as a critical tool for conflict resolution, ensuring that disputes do not derail progress.” He mentioned that whether discussing trade imbalances, security concerns, or technology partnerships, PM Modi and Trump’s engagement has laid the foundation for long-term collaboration. Smith also expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi‘s upcoming visit to the US will reaffirm the strength of this relationship. “Prime Minister Modi‘s visit to the US will reaffirm the importance of this relationship, demonstrating that personal diplomacy is not just symbolic–it is a driving force in shaping global alliances,” he said. (ANI) Sinclair Chairman David Smith highlights importance of Modi-Trump relationship for India-US relations Washington DC [US], February 11 (ANI): David Smith, Executive Chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, recently shared his insights on the evolving state of India-US relations. In an interview with ANI, he spoke about the growing alignment between the two countries, Smith emphasised the importance of shared values and interests, and how personal diplomacy between leaders like Prime Minister Modi and President Trump has strengthened the partnership. “Personal diplomacy between leaders like Prime Minister Modi and President Trump is essential for fostering stronger bilateral relations,” Smith said. “In today’s interconnected world, trust and direct engagement between heads of state play a crucial role in turning strategic vision into actionable policy.” He explained that the US-India partnership has been significantly bolstered by the rapport between the two leaders, which has allowed for progress in trade, defense, and technology. Their
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February 14, 2025, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi leaves for US after “productive visit” to France, President Macron sees him off at airport Paris [France] February 12 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday concluded his three-day “historic and productive” visit to France. In a special gesture, French President Emmanuel Macron came to see off PM Modi at the airport. The two leaders also exchanged a warm hug. PM Modi left Marseille in France for Washington DC for the second leg of his two-nation visit. PM Modi attended programmes ranging from AI, commerce, energy and cultural linkages during his visit to France. “Thank you France! A productive visit concludes, where I attended programmes ranging from AI, commerce, energy and cultural linkages. Gratitude to President @EmmanuelMacron and the people of France,” PM Modi said in a post on X. During his visit to France, PM Modi cochaired the AI Action Summit, a gathering of world leaders and global tech CEOs. During his meeting with President Macron, the two leaders reviewed the progress on 2047 Horizon Roadmap for India-France strategic partnership. The two leaders travelled to the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate the first Indian Consulate in France and visited the International T h e r m o n u c l e a r Experimental Reactor project, in which India is a member of the consortium of partner countries that include France. PM Modi also paid tributes to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery. “A historic visit to France in the ancient city of Marseille concludes. In a special gesture President @EmmanuelMacron came to see off PM @narendramodi at the airport,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. PM Modi will pay an official working visit to the United States on February 12 and 13. This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States since the inauguration of the second presidential term of President Donald Trump. “Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US,” PM Modi had said in his departure statement. “This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world,” he added. (ANI) Wa s h i n g t o n [US], February 12 (ANI): President of the USIndia Business Council (USIBC), Atul Keshap on Tuesday (local time) said that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi summit can be a huge winwin for both sides if they can frame a meaningful and impactful bilateral deal that fuels economic growth. With the world’s two greatest democracies working together, “virtually everything is possible.” “The Trump-Modi summit can be a huge winwin for both sides if we can frame the contours of a meaningful, substantial, impactful bilateral deal that fuels our economic growth. The art of the deal is the art of the possible, and with the world’s two greatest democracies, virtually everything is possible,” said Keshap. Notably his views comes ahead of PM Modi’s first bilateral visit to the US since President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term. He will be among the select few foreign leaders making a bilateral visit to Washington, DC, within weeks of Trump’s inauguration. The USIBC President said that both countries have the most powerful and robust systems of government on earth and can tap the genius of 1.8 billion citizens to drive optimal outcomes for the citizenry amidst the many risks of the world in the second quarter of the 21st century. He emphasised the immense potential of the US-India relationship, stating that “few countries are as well placed as America and India to row together in 2025 and beyond.” He highlighted the unique advantages of both nations, including their demographics, dynamism, innovation, and economic growth, which position them as leaders of global growth. “They do not have the political, social, and economic challenges faced by other major powers, and our demographics, dynamism, innovation, and economic growth make us the leaders of global growth. Our leaders enjoy a special and privileged relationship, as shown by PM Modi’s visit soon to Washington, so early in President Trump’s second term,” said Keshap. Keshap stressed that the future of freedom is at stake, with the US and India having a singular opportunity to demonstrate that free and open societies can deliver better outcomes for their citizens. “Given China‘s economic and demographic challenges, Russia‘s bloody war in Ukraine, and Europe‘s daunting agenda confronting regulatory overreach, Delhi and Washington have a singular opportunity to remind the world that free and open societies are optimized to ensure growth and vitality and prosperity,” he said. “If America and India can add octane to their GDP growth by working well with each other, it will increase our lead in the great power competition. We can and should make America and India the pace-setters for global prosperity and expansion,” added Keshap. He emphasised the importance of economic growth in fueling prosperity and happiness, and noted that if the US and India can work together to boost their GDP growth, they can increase their lead in the great power competition. “Our free societies must get “it” right, lest our critics and enemies try to eclipse us, and impose a darker global order. And the most vital criterion for our success is economic growth that fuels the prosperity and happiness of our people,” added Keshap. To achieve this, Keshap outlined several key steps that need to be taken. These include: Abandoning bureaucratic and political rigidities–Both sides need to be more flexible and willing to compromise; Addressing US concerns about tariff and non-tariff barriers– India needs to listen to US concerns and create a more level playing field for US investors and businesses; Treating India as a trusted technology partner–The US needs to recognize India’s capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and defense and expanding the benefit of India’s skilled workers–US needs to find ways to leverage the talent and expertise of India’s skilled workers. “Both sides need to abandon bureaucratic and political rigidities that entrap us; shibboleths deeply cherished in both capitals need to be skewered, and there is no better moment or opportunity than right now, in the early days of Trump Two. India needs to listen carefully to US concerns about tariff and non-tariff barriers that hold US firms back. America needs to treat India as a trusted technology partner on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and defense. India needs to create a more level playing field for US investors and businesses in India, embracing pro-growth tax and regulatory reforms,” said Keshap. “America has to find a way to expand the benefit it derives from India’s skilled workers who add talent and brains to our industrial might and at our operations around the world. India is right to take back undocumented workers subject to deportation, and America is smart to prioritize the Quad to signal the importance of India as we grapple with our most challenging strategic problems,” added Keshap. Keshap also emphasised the importance of a mutually beneficial trade deal, which can enhance investment and deals in both directions. “We should be ambitious, and hammer together a mutually beneficial, focused trade deal that can enhance investment and deals in both directions. We need more American oil, gas, soybeans, and fighter jets headed to India. Sticking points in both bureaucracies on defense sales – especially fighters – require both sides to compromise and yield ground and be creative,” saiud Keshap. He highlighted the need for more American exports to India, such as oil, gas, and fighter jets, and welcomed more Indian investment in the US. “We welcome more Indian investment in America to help our energy and critical minerals sectors, to create more jobs, and to upskill more of our people to benefit from the digital economy. A m e r i c a n companies in India need to be viewed not as unwelcome competition, but as committed multi-decade investors who are helping India become a globally competitive player in ecommerce, fintech, defense, and energy. America should view India as a crucial pillar in minimizing supply chain risks for computer chips, medicines, electronics, refined hydrocarbons, and other essential items,” added Keshap. He wished President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resounding success in lifting the ambitions of the two nations and reinforcing strategic, economic, and technological partnership. (ANI) Trump-Modi summit can be a huge win-win for both sides: USIBC President Atul Keshap
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INDIA THIS WEEK BJP storms to power in Delhi after 27 years with PM Modi lauds two-thirds majority, AAP reduced to 22 seatsShah BJP victory in Congress got 4,392 votes. Minister Amit DELHI ELECTION FROM PAGE 1 has a prime role to play in building a Viksit Bharat,” he said. “I am so proud of each and every @BJP4India Karyakarta, who has worked very hard, leading to this outstanding result. We will work even more vigorously and serve the wonderful people of Delhi,” he added. Apart from Kejriwal, several senior AAP leaders lost the polls including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, former ministers Somnath Bharti and Satyendra Jain and party leaders Awadh Ojha and Durgesh Pathak. Chief Minister Atishi won from Kalkaji. Kejriwal accepted the people’s mandate and congratulated BJP on its victory. “We accept the mandate of the people with great humility. I congratulate the BJP for this victory and I hope they will fulfil all the promises for which people have voted for them,” Kejriwal said in a video posted on X. “We have done a lot of work in the field of health, education, infrastructure in the last 10 years. We will not only play the role of a constructive opposition but will also remain among the people and continue to serve them. We did not come into politics for the sake of power, we considered politics as a medium through which the people can be served,” he added. The results were largely in accordance with prediction of exit polls, which had predicted a BJP victory. In New Delhi seat, BJP‘s Parvesh Verma defeated Kejriwal by over 4,000 votes. Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit got 4,568 votes. Atishi defeated BJP‘s Ramesh Bidhuri by over 3,500 votes in Kalkaji. Alka Lamba of From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- February 14, 2025 HATE OTHERS, RUIN YOUR LIFE ! By Rajan George It may be wise to keep hatred at bay E’en for a foe who you loathe, Feasting on hatred is folly for sure, ‘twill wreck you, beyond you can mend It doesn’t help a man who seeks revenge. Go to bed each night serene Retribution delivers no delight But keeps your sores fresh and alive How does it aggrandize yourself To harm another man with cruel pursuit He who satiates his lust for revenge Plotting harm on others lacks tact Rancor, which knows no bounds, Mostly boomerangs on you You may be the victim trapped in the hole you have hollowed out for your foe! Even if you have no heart for others But for the love of yourself Cast aside your ardor for spite Refrain from ruining your life Love is the best form of revenge It might seem hard at first, still With deeds of love and forgiveness You will conquer yourself and the world! “I thank the people of Kalkaji for showing trust in me. I congratulate my team who worked against ‘baahubal’...We accept the people’s mandate. I have won but it’s not a time to celebrate but continue the ‘war’ against the BJP,” Atishi told reporters. Sisodia lost from Jangpura to BJP‘s Tarvinder Singh Marwah by a narrow margin of 675 votes. Conceding defeat, he said he hopes the winning candidate (Tarvinder Singh Marwah) works for the constituency. Atishi expressed gratitude to people for expressing support. Gopal Rai won the Babarpur assembly seat by a margin of 18,994 votes. He defeated BJP‘s Anil Kumar Vashisht.Kailash Gahlot, who left AAP to join BJP months ahead of the polls, won from Bijwasan assembly constituency. He defeated AAP‘s Surender Bhardwaj with a comfortable margin.Some other prominent winners of BJP included Vijender Gupta from Rohini, Kapil Mishra from Karawal Nagar and Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj. Union Home expressed gratitude to the people of Delhi for giving the mandate to BJP. “Delhi ke Dil mein Modi (Modi in the heart of Delhi). This is a victory of ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ and the faith of Delhiites in Modi ji’s vision of development. Heartfelt gratitude to the people of Delhi for this massive mandate. Under the leadership of Modiji, BJP is determined to fulfil all its promises and make Delhi the number-1 capital of the world,” Amit Shah said. “People have responded to the dirty Yamuna, dirty drinking water, broken roads, overflowing sewers and liquor shops open in every street with their votes. I heartily congratulate all the workers of BJP Delhi who worked day and night for this grand victory in Delhi,” he added. AAP swept the polls in the last two assembly polls. It won 62 out of the 70 seats in 2020 and got 67 seats in 2015.The counting votes was taken up on Saturday morning. Votes were polled on February 5. (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 Milkipur bypoll in Uttar Pradesh New Delhi [India], February 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in the Milkipur byelection in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh and said every section has voted for the party in large numbers. “‘Aaj desh tushtikaran nahi BJP ki santushtikaran ki policy ko chun raha hai (the country is choosing santushtikaran over tushtikaran). Today, along with Delhi, the BJP has got victory in Ayodhya’s Milkipur. Every section has voted for the BJP in large numbers,” PM Modi said while addressing BJP workers at party headquarters after party’s victory in Delhi polls. BJP registered victory in what was seen as a battle of prestige in Milkipur Assembly bypoll as its candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan defeated Samajwadi Party’s Ajit Prasad by a thumping margin of 61,710 votes. The Milkipur bypoll was necessitated after local MLA Awadhesh Prasad vacated the seat following his win in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Faizabad, which also includes the Ayodhya assembly segment. The BJP lost the Faizabad seat in Lok Sabha polls, months after “pran prathishtha” at Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Samajwadi Party had fielded Prasad’s son in the bypoll, who got just 84,687 votes, over 60,000 less than Paswan’s 1,46,397. The election in Milkipur was deferred last year when other seats went for bypoll in Uttar Pradesh. Following the result, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted Samajwadi Party and said that the result will “put a full stop to the politics of ‘pariwarwad’ and lies.” “The results of Milkipur by-elections will put a full stop to the politics of ‘pariwarwad’ and lies... The people have made it clear that no matter how much propaganda is done by the Samajwadi Party, the public is going to punish them,” CM Yogi said. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using electoral machinery. “BJP cannot face the growing power of PDA on the basis of votes, that is why it tries to win by misusing the electoral machinery. The level of manipulation of officials required to carry out such electoral fraud may be possible in one assembly constituency, but this ‘four hundred BC’ will not work in 403 assemblies. BJP members also know this, which is why BJP members postponed the by-election of Milkipur. PDA means 90% of the people have seen this fraud with their own eyes,” Yadav wrote on X. “This is a false victory, which the BJP will never be able to celebrate by looking into their own eyes in the mirror. Their guilt and fear of future defeat will keep them awake,” Yadav alleged. 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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February 14, 2025, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh resigns Imphal (Manipur) [India], February 9 (ANI): Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhawan here on Sunday nearly two years after the violence marred the state. The violence between the Meitei and the Kuki communities in Manipur erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023, following the Manipur High Court order directing the state to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. He was accompanied by BJP president A Sharda, BJP‘s North East Manipur incharge Sambit Patra, along with at least 19 MLAs. “It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur so far,” Singh said in his resignation letter. “I am extremely grateful to the Central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interest of every single Manipuri,” he further said in the letter. He urged the Central government to continue with the same. “I take the opportunity to enumerate the most important ones of them: To maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur which has a rich and diverse civilizational history over thousands of years. To crack down on border infiltration and to formulate policy for New Delhi [India], February 8 (ANI): Highlighting that India has diversified its sources of oil supply for cheaper purchases, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the country is now importing oil from 39 countries against 27 earlier. “India has diversified its sources of oil supply, earlier we were importing crude oil from 27 countries now we are importing from 39 countries. If I can buy some from some source and I can buy it at a cheaper price, we are the winners,” Puri said in a BBC interview, which he shared in his social media post on X. The remarks of the Union Minister comes at a time when India is gearing up to host world’s second largest energy event, India Energy Week (IEW) which is scheduled to be held in Delhi from 11-14 February. On the cheaper oil purchases, Minister said, “We have diversified our sources of supply, which were 27 countries and we are importing from 39 countries now. But today nobody is vulnerable to external oil. There’s more oil coming on the international market.” Minister further said that International Energy Agency (IEA) is right regarding the total demand increase in the next two decades, “25% will come from India. On that they are totally correct. But today there’s more oil in the market than there are takers.” The Union Minister also clarified that the India is not purchasing cheaper oil from Russia against the wishes of United States. “It is not against the wishes of the United States. Let me enlighten you. What the United States told us and told many others, is that they wanted us to buy as much oil from Russia as we like, as long as we bought it at a reasonable price and that was music to my ears. There’s no sanction on Russian oil then or now, none whatsoever,” he said. “Let me share what actually has happened. There have never been sanctions on Russian energy per se. Russian oil coming or gas coming through a pipeline to Hungary has been exempt all along. Russian energy going through a pipeline to Japan has been exempt. And today Europe is also buying 20-25% of its gas from Russia. So what the US said, buy as much you like, buy it reasonable. There was a something called a price cap. Now it’s music to my ears. If I can buy from some source and I can buy it at a cheaper price, we are the winners,” he added. The main point to notice there is more oil coming on the global market, mostly from the Western Hemisphere, then there is need for that oil. So whenever there is a situation of more oil availability, the vulnerability does not arise. In the report ‘Indian Oil Market Outlook to 2030’, released at the second edition of India Energy Week 2024 in Goa, mentioned that India will become the largest source of global oil demand, while growth in developed economies and China initially slows and then subsequently goes into reverse. Meanwhile, IEA is set to share insights on the India’s oil and gas sector during the 3rd edition of India Energy Week (IEW) here in the national capital from February 11. Besides, IEW will also witness sharing of market insights by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Chief of IEA and OPEC are arriving in India to attend the second-largest energy event globally. Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus, International Energy Agency (IEA) will share his insights on India’s energy demand. in Delhi earlier today. In 2022, Biren Singh took the oath as the CM of Manipur following NDA alliance comfortable victory with 32 seats in the 60-member House in the Assembly polls. The Congress had bagged five seats and the the deportation of the illegal immigrants. To continue the fight against drugs and narco terrorism. To continue the stringent and fool-proof revised mechanism of FMR with the biometric being stringently applied. Time bound and faster border which is underway,” Singh’s letter read. Manipur CM N Biren Singh met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NPP won seven seats. Naga People’s Front bagged five and the Kuki People’s Alliance got two seats. Independents bagged three seats in that elections. The NDA ally JD(U) had won six seats. However, five of its MLAs later switched to the BJP. (ANI) Erode (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 8 (ANI): The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu won the Erode (East) Assembly bye-elections with its candidate V C Chandhirakumar defeating NTK party candidate MK Seethalakshmi by a margin of 91,558 votes on Saturday. As per the Election Commission data Chandhirakumar secured a total of 1,15, 709 votes. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin thanked the people of Erode constituency for providing the victory as a testament to good governance. He also thanked the coalition parties and allied movements for working shoulder to shoulder. Taking to social media X, the CM wrote in a post “Big victory on Periyar soil! Thank you to the people of Erode East constituency for providing this victory as a testament to good governance! Thank you to the coalition parties and the allied movements who worked shoulder to shoulder!” the post read. Visuals showed DMK party workers celebrating the win outside party headquarters. Earlier in the day, security was significantly heightened outside the counting centre. Personnel from various law enforcement agencies were also deployed to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the votecounting process. AIADMK and BJP boycotted the byeelection on February 5, which was held in response to the death of Congress lawmaker EVKS Elangovan on December 14, 2024. The polling in 237 polling station began at 7 AM and concluded at 6 PM across 53 locations. The voter turnout at 9 AM was at 10.95 per cent, 26.03 per cent by 11 AM, 42.41 per cent by 1 PM, 53.63 per cent by 3 PM, and 64.02 per cent by 5 PM. A total of 46 contenders contested in the bypolls. There were 2,27,546 electors in all, including 1,10,128 men, 1,17,381 women, and 37 transgender people. According to District Election Officer and Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara, electors can use any of the 12 specified documents as identification when casting their ballots if they are unable to provide an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). (ANI) Tamil Nadu: DMK candidate Chandhirakumar wins Erode (East) bye-elections Today there’s more oil in market than takers: Union Minister Hardeep Puri On day two of IEW, there is a session on The World Oil Outlook (WOO), which is one of OPEC’s flagship publications, combining the expertise of the OPEC Secretariat and professionals in OPEC Member countries. The 18th edition of the WOO will likely examine developments in energy and oil demand, oil supply and refining, the global economy, policy and technology, demographic trends, environmental issues and sustainable development. Other than OPEC Chief Haitham AL Ghais, OPEC Director, Research Division Ayed Al-Qahtand Abderrezak Benyoucef Head, Energy Studies Department, Research Division of OPEC will be also there to share their insights on OPEC’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and data transparency. (ANI)
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 FEBRUARY 14, 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 Meghalaya: BSF nabs infiltrator near IndoBangladesh border in East Khasi Hills Meghalaya (Assam) [India], February 10 (ANI): In a wellcoordinated special operation, vigilant troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully apprehended an individual attempting to infiltrate India from Bangladesh near the international border in East Khasi Hills, according to a statement. According to the statement from PRO BSF Meghalaya, alert personnel from the BSF detected suspicious movement along the border and swiftly took action. A suspected Indian resident from Hojai, Assam, was taken into custody and subsequently handed over to Pynursla Police Station for further legal proceedings. This successful operation underscores BSF Meghalaya‘s unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s borders and preventing illegal activities such as smuggling and infiltration, the release said. As per the statement, the BSF remains dedicated to maintaining peace and security along the international border and will continue to take stringent action against any unlawful activities. Earlier, on January 14, Border Security Force Meghalaya apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian touts near the international border. On January 12, acting on specific intelligence, the vigilant troops of the 4 Battalion, BSF Meghalaya, successfully apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian nationals working as touts near the international border in the East Khasi Hills (EKH) District. The BSF remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding India’s borders and continues to combat cross-border illegal activities, including infiltration and smuggling, the PRO added. (ANI) 5 Bangladeshis among 16 foreigners nabbed for allegedly staying illegally in Delhi’s Dwarka New Delhi [India], February 10 (ANI): Continuing the crackdown on illegal immigrants in Delhi, teams of Dwarka district, Delhi Police apprehended total of 16 people suspected of staying in India illegally. The teams succeeded in apprehending alleged Bangaldeshi nationals Mohd Sharif, 54; Najrul Shiekh, 50; Parveen, 25, wife of Najrul Shiekh, and two children. Foreign nationals allegedly from African countries were apprehended by the police. Ikechukwu Paul resident of Nigeria; Ekene Boniface Ekwealor, 41, resident of Lagos; Ebuka Desmond Akuchukwu, 32, resident of Nigeria; Omodu, 36, resident of Nigeria; Izuka Emmanuel Nwakonobi, 32, resident of Nigeria; Ekwebili Victor, 39, resident of Nigeria; Jonathan Egbunike Okoye, son of Okoye, 34, from Nigeria; Stanley Chialuka Mbamara, 22, from Nigeria; Alfred Sackey from Nigeria; Guliston Matyokubova, 39, from Uzbekistan; Fatoumata Kaba, 32, from Guinea The officials said that the people were found overstaying in India without a valid Visa. They were produced before Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) who ordered for their deportation. Accordingly, they were sent to a Detention Centre. Earlier on February 7, Mumbai’s RCF police arrested seven Bangladeshi citizens who were allegedly living illegally in Chembur’s Mahul village for the last five years. The Bangaldeshi nationals -three men and four women were arrested, as per the Mumbai Police. On February 6, the Nashik Police arrested eight Bangladeshi nationals after a team from the Central Crime Branch raided a construction site acting on confidential information, said police. After the raid suspects were taken into custody as they failed to provide proof of Indian citizenship. The operation is part of the ongoing campaign by Nashik police to identify and apprehend illegal immigrants of Bangladeshi origin. Sharing details of the crackdown, Commissioner Sandeep Karnik said, “Nashik police are running a campaign to identify and capture the illegal immigrants of Bangladeshi origin. Last week, information was received that some Bangladeshi citizens are working among 600 people at a construction site... Our team secretly investigated and upon interrogating 8 suspects, it was verified that they are Bangladeshis...”
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