FRIDAY MAY 16, 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.US Vol 34 No: 20 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday May 16, 2025 Trump’s luxury Indo-Pak Ceasefire: We have just paused our retaliatory action, will see what project at attitude Pakistan adopts: PM Modi Gurgaon sold out on Day 1 of launch, recorded Rs 3250 crore New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): Noting that India has only paused its retaliatory action against terror sites and military installations in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that New Delhi will see what stance Islamabad takes in the coming days. He stated that Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism following the surgical strike of 2016 and aerial strikes of 2019. In his Address to the Nation, PM Modi said that over 100 terrorists were killed in India’s precision strikes of May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. “Terrorists had attacked the sindoor of our G u r u g r a m (Haryana) [India], May 13 (ANI): The second Trump Towers project in Gurugram, the construction of which is underway, is fully sold out, the developers–Smartworld Developers and Tribeca Developers–announced on Tuesday. On launch day, Trump Residences Gurgaon recorded an unprecedented Rs 3,250 crore in allotments, they said. The project’s ultra-premium penthouses, worth Rs 125 crore, were also fully allotted. Priced between Rs 8 crore and Rs 15 crore per unit of residential property, the development’s 298 homes were absorbed in record time, an indicator of surging demand for branded, ultra-luxury living in India. It is a collaboration Remember: between Smartworld, Tribeca, and The Trump Organization. The project comprises two 51-storey towers. Smartworld will oversee development, construction, and customer service, while Tribeca — the official representatives of the Trump brand in India — leads design, marketing, sales, and quality control. This project marks the second Trump-branded residential development in North India. The developers said in the statement today that the first Trump Towers Delhi NCR, launched in 2018 in Gurugram, is also fully sold out and set for delivery later this month. Pankaj Bansal, Founder of Smartworld TRUMP LUXURY PROJECT SEE PAGE 2 “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy sisters, we destroyed the headquarters of terrorists. India’s strike killed over 100 terrorists. Several top terrorists, who were roaming freely in Pakistan for the last two-three decades, conspiring against India, they have been killed in one stroke,” PM Modi said. Washington DC [US], May 10 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on Friday (US local time) which will allow people who have entered the US illegally to get free flights out of the country. Calling it the “first-ever self-deportation program for illegal aliens,” the US President said the order incentivizes illegal immigrants to leave America. His remarks were shared through a video message posted on the official page of the White House. In the video, Trump stated, “Today I signed an executive order to launch the first-ever self-deportation program for illegal aliens. We are making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America. Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country. We have also launched a phone app called CBP Home where illegals can book a free flight to any foreign country. As long as it’s not here, you can go anywhere you want. We’re also adding a very important exit bonus for illegals to further incentivize their self-deportation. This deportation bonus will save American taxpayers billions and billions of dollars.” Taking a dig at former US President Joe Biden, Trump slammed him for his policies on immigration. “What Biden did to this country can never be explained, will never, ever be accepted. Eventually, when the illegals are gone, it will save us trillions of dollars.” Concerning illegal immigrants, Trump emphasized the severe consequences for those who choose to remain in the country, stating they would face “punishments including significant jail time, enormous financial penalties, confiscation of all property, garnishment of all wages, imprisonment and incarceration, and sudden deportation in a place and manner solely of our discretion.” He further stated, “So to all illegal aliens, book your free flight right now. We want you out of America, but if you’re really good, we’re going to try and help you get back in.” Earlier, in an article shared by the White House titled “Week 16 Wins,” the US President “I am repeating again, we have only paused our retaliatory action against terrorists and military installations in Pakistan. In the coming days, every step taken by Pakistan will be measured. India’s Armed Forces, Air Force, Army, and Navy... along with the BSF and paramilitary forces, are alert along the Line of Control. After surgical strikes and air strikes, Operation Sindoor is now India’s policy against terrorism,” he added. India INDO-PAK CEASEFIRE SEE APGE 6 “All Illegal Aliens, Book Your Free Flight Right Now!”: President Trump Signs Order for Self-Deportation of Illegal Immigrants highlighted several actions taken against illegal immigrants. These include plans to house America’s most ruthless, violent criminals at Alcatraz prison and establishing a “Project Homecoming” to encourage illegal immigrants to voluntarily leave the US. “The Department of Homeland Security announced it will offer financial assistance and stipends for illegal immigrants voluntarily returning to their home country via the CBP Home App — saving taxpayers as much as USD 1 million per illegal alien family in longterm costs of welfare and public support,” the White House said in its statement. (ANI)
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Trump’s luxury project at Gurgaon sold out on Day 1 of launch, recorded Rs 3250 crore TRUMP LUXURY PROJECT FROM PAGE 1 Kalpesh Mehta’s company, Tribeca, has been a partner with the Trump Organisation in India for over 13 years. Mehta is said to be very close to the Trump family, having attended the prestigious Wharton School along with Donald Trump Jr. Donald Trump Jr. or Erik Trump, the son of US President Developers, said: “The phenomenal response to Trump Residences is a testament to the aspiration for world-class living in India. Smartworld is proud to lead the delivery of this landmark project, and we thank our buyers for their trust in our vision.” Kalpesh Mehta, Founder of Tribeca Developers, said: “Trump Residences Gurugram is not just a real estate project – it’s a landmark moment for India’s luxury market. Selling Rs 3,250 crore on Day 1 places this among the biggest luxury deals the country has ever seen.” There are at present five such high-rise luxury residential Trump properties, one each in Mumbai, Pune, two in Gurugram, and Kolkata. Donald Trump, is expected to visit India soon to see the development of Trump Tower in Gurugram, Kalpesh Mehta recently said on the sidelines of the launch of the second Trump Tower in Gurugram. Donald Trump Jr. previously visited India in 2018 and 2022. Confirming the upcoming visit, Pankaj Bansal, promoter of Smartworld Developers, had said, “We are working on the schedule, and hopefully within two months, Donald Trump Jr. or Eric Trump will be coming to India to see the Trump Tower in Gurugram.” (ANI) significant contributions to society. Dr. Kathula’s recognition marks yet another milestone in his illustrious career, reaffirming his status as a role model for the IndianAmerican community and an advocate for global wellbeing. The IndoAmerican Press Club (IAPC) was officially inaugurated on November 15, 2014, at the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center in New Jersey. The event marked a historic beginning with nearly 200 media professionals, corporate, and community leaders in attendance. The launch featured distinguished speakers from the media industry, such as Daryl Hawk, Sunil Hali, Meera Nair, Lalit K. Jha, and Dr. Vivek Murthy. This gathering underscored the club’s mission to unify journalists of Indian origin in North America, fostering collaboration and providing a strong, collective voice within the mainstream media and the larger community. Dr. Satheesh Kathula Honored with President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by Indo-American Press Club P o c o n o s , Pennsylvania – In a momentous celebration of dedication and service, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, a prominent member of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), was honored with the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by the IndoAmerican Press Club (IAPC). The recognition was conferred during the 10th Annual International Media Conference held at the Woodlands Inn and Resort in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The IndoAmerican Press Club, the largest organization representing media professionals of Indian origin in North America, chose to honor Dr. Kathula for his outstanding contributions to medicine, philanthropy, and community service. With decades of commitment to healthcare excellence and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Kathula has exemplified the values of leadership, compassion, and service that the Lifetime Achievement Award seeks to recognize. A well-respected oncologist and hematologist, Dr. Kathula has long been involved in initiatives to improve healthcare access and outcomes both in the United States and India. Through his involvement with AAPI and other nonprofit organizations, he has championed medical education, global health awareness, and charitable outreach programs aimed at uplifting underserved populations. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Kathula expressed deep gratitude for the honor, dedicating the award to his family, colleagues, and the many mentors who guided his journey. “This award is not just a recognition of my work but a tribute to the values of service, unity, and cultural pride we all share,” he said. “I thank the Indo-American Press Club for this incredible honor and for their work in promoting truth, integrity, and community engagement through the media.” The International Media Conference was attended by a diverse assembly of journalists, authors, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, who came together to celebrate the achievements of individuals who are making
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May 16, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Cancer: Dogs Sniff Out Cancer Before Symptoms Even Appear Tel Aviv [Israel], May 14 (ANI/TPS): Israeli scientists are harnessing the power of dogs to sniff out cancer before symptoms even appear, Assuta Medical Centers announced on Wednesday. The new method, developed by Tel Avivbased startup SpotitEarly, features dogs guided by artificial intelligence to identify cancer at its early, more treatable stages. In tests at Assuta Ramat HaHayal Hospital in Tel Aviv, specially trained beagles showed a 94 per cent accuracy rate at catching four of the most common types of cancers. “This is a tool with the potential to save lives,” said Gidi Leshetz, CEO of Assuta Medical Centers, which is running the study through its innovation arm, RISE. “It is noninvasive, simple, and, most importantly, has the power to create real change for patients. Early detection has been proven to save lives.” Many cancers are diagnosed too late when treatment is more difficult and less effective. SpotitEarly’s test offers a new path that is painless, affordable, and scalable. Patients simply breathe into a face mask for three minutes. The mask is then sent to a lab, where specially trained Beagle dogs sniff the sample under the watch of an AI system. Each breath sample is checked multiple times — three to five times per patient — to ensure high reliability. To date, over 1,400 participants, mostly aged 40 to 70, have undergone the test. The system currently detects lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, which are together responsible for about half of all new cancer diagnoses globally. SpotitEarly aims to expand detection to more cancer types in the future. “This is a breakthrough that enhances our ability to detect malignancies early, when the chances of successful treatment are greatest,” said Prof. Meirav Ben-David, head of the Oncology Institute at Assuta. “Because the test is non-invasive and painless, it can be performed frequently and tailored to an individual’s personal risk factors.” SpotitEarly, which holds a US patent for the technology, has raised over USD 8 million to date, including investments from the Menomadin Foundation and Hanko Ventures. “We are proud and excited about our collaboration with Assuta,” said Ariel Ben Dayan, cofounder of SpotitEarly. “SpotitEarly was founded on the understanding that early cancer detection can save many lives, and combining cutting-edge technology with natural capabilities developed over millions of years is the most effective approach to solving this challenge.” Merav Galili, CEO of the Menomadin Foundation, believes this method could reshape cancer detection worldwide. “SpotitEarly’s unique development may lead to a global breakthrough in the early detection of the most common types of cancer,” she said. “We’ve been working with the company from its earliest stages, driven by the mission to improve and strengthen the field of early detection — a mission that can save millions of lives.” The new method is suitable for regular check-ups, especially for individuals at higher risk of cancer, without the discomfort or cost of invasive procedures like biopsies or colonoscopies. Its scalability opens doors for mass screening campaigns, even in areas with little access to medical equipment. Moreover, used alongside imaging and blood tests, dogs could reduce false positives/ negatives and guide doctors on whether more invasive testing is necessary. (ANI/ SC adjourns hearing of pleas challenging law on Election Commissioners’ appointment New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the law relating to the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners, which dropped the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel for Election Commissioners. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh indicated that it may hear the matter next week, subject to the cases listed before it. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), told the bench that the matter be heard today and tomorrow, and the hearing can be concluded. Justice Kant said there is a three-judge bench part-heard matter tomorrow. “We wish we can work 24 hours. After reading 50 files per night... how much energy left to hear this regular matter,” said Justice Kant. “Let’s see what we can do in this case next week,” said the bench, indicating that it may hear the case next week. In 2024, the apex court had declined to put on hold the two Election Commissioners’ appointment under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. The pleas were filed in the apex court seeking a stay on the Act by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Jaya Thakur (General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee), Sanjay Narayanrao Meshram, Dharmendra Singh Kushwaha, and advocate Gopal Singh. The pleas challenged the Election Commissioners’law that has dropped the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel for appointing the CEC and other Election Commissioners (ECs). The petitions stated that the provisions of the enactment are violative of the principle of free and fair elections since it does not provide an “independent mechanism” for appointment of the members of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The petitions said the Act excludes the Chief Justice of India from the process of appointment of the members of ECI and it’s in violation of the March 2, 2023 verdict of the top court which had ordered that the appointment of members of the ECI be done on the advice of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the CJI, and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha till a law is made by the Parliament. By excluding the CJI from the process, the judgement of the Supreme Court stands diluted as the Prime Minister and his nominee will always be “the deciding factor” in the appointments, said the petitions. The petitions in particular challenged Sections 7 and 8 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The provisions lay down the procedure for the appointment of ECI members. They sought direction from the Centre to include the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee for the appointment of the CEC and ECs, which currently comprises the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. The Act replaced the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991. (ANI)
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May 16, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Indo-Pak Ceasefire: We have just paused our retaliatory action, will see what attitude Pakistan adopts: PM Modi POPE FRANCIS FROM PAGE 1 had launched a surgical strike on terror launch pads along the LoC in 2016 and aerial strikes on a terror camp in Pakistan in 2019. Twenty-six people were killed in the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. India responded through Operation Sindoor and launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PakistanOccupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), in which over 100 terrorists were killed. The subsequent aggression by Pakistan was appropriately responded to by the Indian Armed Forces, who also pounded Pakistan airbases. The Prime Minister had earlier said that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack would face punishment beyond their imagination India had also taken several steps to send a strong message to Pakistan over its support to crossborder terrorism and has put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on Saturday on the stoppage of firing and military action following a call made by Pakistan DGMO to his Indian counterpart, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. Lt Gen Ghai, who interacted with the media at a joint press conference on Sunday, said his Pakistan counterpart proposed during an interaction on Saturday that “we cease hostilities.” “My communication with the Pak DGMO was conducted at 15:35 hrs yesterday (Saturday) and resulted in cessation of cross-border firing and air intrusions by either side with effect from 17:00 hrs, May 10, after he proposed that we From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- May 16, 2025 Don’t Quit Edgar Albert Guest When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit – rest if you must, but don’t quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns. As everyone of us sometimes learns. And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man; Often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup; and he learned too late when the night came down, how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure tuned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and when you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst, you must not quit. cease hostilities. We also decided to further speak on May 12 at 12:00 hrs to discuss the modalities that would enable the longevity of this understanding,” Lt Gen Ghai said. “However, disappointingly, expectedly, it took only a couple of hours for the Pakistan Army to violate these arrangements by cross-border and across the Line of Control (LoC) firing, followed by drone intrusions last night and in the early hours of today (Sunday). These violations were responded to robustly,” he added. Lt Gen Ghai said his counterpart was informed about the violations through a hotline message. India made its intent clear that it would respond to the same “fiercely” if repeated, for which the Chief of Army Staff has granted full authority to the Army Commanders. Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan also held talks on Monday. (ANI) “Presentation of our country’s military, diplomatic and moral strength”: Rajnath Singh hails PM Modi’s address New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation, asserting that it has made clear that any future talks with Pakistan will be solely on terrorism and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK). In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said that PM Modi had presented India’s policy against terrorism to the world with great clarity and firmness. “In his address to the nation today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put India’s policy against terrorism before the whole world with great clarity and firmness. His address is not only an expression of India’s sentiment, but it is also a presentation of our country’s military, diplomatic and moral strength. The Prime Minister has also made it clear that if there are any talks with Pakistan in the future, then the talks will be only on terrorism and 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 PoK,” Singh said. The Defence Minister also praised PM Modi for lauding the bravery and courage of the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor. “He (PM) has also openly praised the valour and courage of the Indian forces during Operation Sindoor. The whole country is proud of the Indian forces. I thank the Prime Minister for his strong leadership,” Rajnath Singh said. Meanwhile, in his Address to the Nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India has only paused its retaliatory actions against terror sites and military installations in Pakistan. He emphasised that New Delhi will monitor Islamabad’s response in the coming days. Modi also declared that Operation Sindoor represents India’s ongoing policy against terrorism, building on the surgical strikes of 2016 and the aerial strikes of 2019. “I am repeating again, we have only paused our retaliatory action against terrorists and military installations in Pakistan. In the coming days, every step taken by Pakistan will be measured. India’s Armed Forces, Air Force, Army, and Navy... along with the BSF and paramilitary forces, are alert along the Line of Control. After surgical strikes and air strikes, Operation Sindoor is now India’s policy against terrorism,” PM Modi said. PM Modi said that Remember: over 100 terrorists were killed in India’s precision strikes of May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. “Terrorists had attacked the sindoor of our sisters; we destroyed the headquarters of terrorists. India’s strike killed over 100 terrorists. Several top terrorists, who were roaming freely in Pakistan for the last two-three decades, conspiring against India, they have been killed in one stroke,” he added. India had launched a surgical strike on terror launch pads along the LoC in 2016 and aerial strikes on a terror camp in Pakistan in 2019. Twenty-six people were killed in the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. India responded through Operation Sindoor and launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), in which over 100 terrorists were killed. The subsequent aggression by Pakistan was appropriately responded to by the Indian Armed Forces, who also pounded Pakistan’s airbases. The Prime Minister had earlier said that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack would face punishment beyond their imagination. India had also taken several steps to send a strong message to Pakistan over its support for crossborder terrorism and has put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. (ANI) “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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May 16, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK First Round of India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Concludes New Delhi [India], May 10 (ANI): In a major step towards expanding bilateral trade and investment engagement, the first round of negotiations for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully on Friday in Delhi. The negotiations were held from May 5-9, an official statement from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said. This development builds on the shared commitment to deepen economic ties and the guidance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit of Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, in March, the statement added. The FTA was launched during the meeting between Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, on March 16. The first round followed a series of virtual discussions held between both partners, which laid the groundwork for the in-person meeting. Constructive negotiations were held across all areas of the FTA, including Trade in Goods and Services, Trade Facilitation, and mutually beneficial sectors of economic cooperation. This engagement highlights the strategic importance both partners attach to building a mutually beneficial, balanced, and fair trade agreement. The bilateral trade relationship has seen a sharp upward trajectory in recent years. Total merchandise trade between the two countries has reached USD 1.3 billion in the financial year 202425, registering a strong growth of 48.6 percent over the previous financial year. This underscores the growing potential of the India-New Zealand Economic Partnership. The FTA is expected to further elevate trade and investment potential, improve supply chain integration, and foster a predictable and transformative trading environment for businesses on both sides, the statement said. Both countries reaffirmed their common vision and mutual understanding to work towards a future-ready framework and conclude the FTA this year. The next round will be held in July 2025. As India steadily advances its footprint through multiple trade agreements, this round reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing economic partnerships aligned with national priorities and global aspirations. (ANI) New Delhi [India], May 9 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a PIL seeking implementation of the three-language formula, proposed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. A bench headed by Justice JB Pardiwala refused to entertain the plea, saying the court cannot directly compel a state to adopt a policy like the National Education Policy 2020. The top court in its order stated, “It (court) cannot directly compel a state to adopt a policy like the National Education Policy 2020. The court may, however, intervene if a state’s action or inaction related to the National Education Policy violates any fundamental rights. We do not propose to examine this issue in this writ petition. We believe that the petitioner has nothing to do with the cause he proposes to espouse. Although he may be from the state of Tamil Nadu, yet on his own admission, he is residing in New Delhi. In such circumstances, this petition stands dismissed.” The plea was filed by BJP lawyer GS Mani, stating the refusal or failure of the state government to implement the National Educational Policy of the Central government or sign an MOU may harm the public interest or infringe on citizens’ rights. The petition sought direction to the state governments to implement the National Education Policy and sign an MOU which involves fundamental public welfare and rights of education, constitutional rights, or government obligations that are being neglected or violated is very well maintainable. “The state government is under a constitutional or legal obligation to implement the National Educational Policy, 2020 of the Central government and to enter into an MOU for the implementation of the said policy, scheme, or project,” the petition stated. All state governments except Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal have adopted and implemented the Central government’s most important national education policy, the trilanguage curriculum policy, advocate Mani said. In the petition, the National Education Policy is a major education policy plan brought by the Central government with the aim of improving the quality of school education for students from all walks of life. “All Indian languages should be taught free of cost to school children belonging to the poor, scheduled, tribes, backwards, and the most backwards classes,” the petition added. The petition said that the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal are refusing to accept the three-language formula for political reasons, citing the false reason of imposing Hindi. The Central government’s laws, plans and policies are applicable to all state governments, the petition further stated. It is the duty of the state government to implement such a policy and this is a fundamental duty and right given in the Constitution, it added. “Free education is a fundamental right given by the Constitution. By refusing to accept this plan, the state government is denying the fundamental right of free education to the school children concerned. Therefore, the Supreme Court should intervene in this matter and issue an order to these three state governments to immediately implement the Central government’s National Education Policy,” SC dismisses plea for implementation of three-language formula in TN, Kerala, WB 20-year-old Legacy Issue of Similar EPIC Numbers Resolved: ECI Sources New Delhi (India), May 13: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has successfully resolved a nearly 20-year-old legacy issue concerning similar Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers. These similar numbers had been erroneously issued to genuine electors due to the use of similar series by different Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) since 2005. To address this long-pending problem, the ECI initiated an extensive search across the electoral database, which includes over 99 crore electors. Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from all 36 states and union territories, along with EROs from all 4,123 assembly constituencies across India, worked together in the verification process. With more than added the PIL. While the Centre defended the policy as a step towards multilingualism, Tamil Nadu said that it unfairly pressures nonHindi-speaking states. The Tamil Nadu government has accused the Central government of trying to push Hindi “sideways” through the NEP, despite the state’s longstanding resistance to such policies. The government has strongly opposed implementing the NEP, raising concerns over the three-language formula and alleging that the Centre wants to “impose” Hindi. (ANI) 10.50 lakh polling stations across the country, each polling station typically has around 1,000 electors. The number of similar EPIC numbers found was minimal, with approximately one in every four polling stations affected. Field-level verification revealed that holders of these similar EPIC numbers were legitimate electors, but they were located in different assembly constituencies and polling stations. As a result, all affected electors have been issued new EPIC cards with unique numbers. The issue originated in 2005 when various states and union territories used Assembly Constituency-wise alphanumeric series in a decentralized manner. This system was revised in 2008 after the delimitation of constituencies. However, some assembly constituencies mistakenly continued to use old series or, due to typographical errors, employed series assigned to other constituencies. Despite the issuance of similar EPIC numbers, it is important to note that voters were listed only in the electoral rolls of their respective polling stations where they were ordinary residents. Therefore, the issue of similar EPIC numbers never interfered with voting at different polling stations and did not affect the results of any elections.
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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 “Terror and talks cannot go together, blood and water cannot flow together”: PM Modi hits out at Pakistan over support to cross-border terrorism New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): Hitting out at Pakistan over its support to cross-border terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that “terror and talks” and “terror and trade” cannot go together. In his address to the nation, PM Modi said that after the surgical strike in 2016 and the air strike in 2019, now Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism. The Prime Minister referred to India putting in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and said, “water and blood cannot flow together.” He also said that if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism and vacating Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which is under its illegal occupation. The Prime Minister said that Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has carved out a new benchmark in India’s fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal. “First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge. Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail,” PM Modi said. “Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat,” he added. The Prime Minister said India has defeated Pakistan every time on the battlefield. “And this time Operation Sindoor has added a new dimension. We have displayed our capabilities in the deserts and mountains and also proved our superiority in New Age Warfare. During this operation the authenticity of our Made in India weapons were also proven. Today the world is witnessing that in 21st century warfare the time has come for Made in India defense equipment,” he said. The Prime Minister said India’s greatest strength is unity against all forms of terrorism. He also referred to his “not the era of war” remarks made to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the context of the Ukraine war but added that this is also not the era of terrorism. “This is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism. Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee for a better world. The way the Pakistani army, Pakistan government are encouraging terrorism, it will destroy Pakistan one day. If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure. There is no other way to peace. India’s stand is very clear... Terror and talks cannot go together... Terror and trade cannot go together.... Water and blood cannot flow together,” he said. “Today, I would also like to tell the global community that our stated policy has been: if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism; and if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK),” he added. PM Modi said in the past few days, people have witnessed both the strength and patience of the country. “First of all, on behalf of the people of India, I salute the valiant forces of India, the armed forces, our intelligence agencies, and our scientists. Our brave soldiers displayed immense courage to achieve the objectives of Operation Sindoor. I pay tribute to their bravery, courage and valour. I dedicate this valour to every mother, every sister and every daughter of the country,” he said. India effectively repelled escalation by Pakistan military following Operation Sindoor and also pounded some airbases. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on Saturday on stoppage of firing and military action following a call made by Pakistan DGMO to his Indian counterpart Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. The two DGMOs also talked to each other on Monday.
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