FRIDAY MAY 23, 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: 21 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday May 23, 2025 US President Trump’s 5% Tax on Remittances to Significantly Impact Indian Households: GTRI New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned that US President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 5% tax on international remittances sent by non-citizens will have a significant impact on Indian households, according to its latest report. The tax is part of a broader legislative package known as “The One Big Beautiful Bill,” introduced in the US House of Representatives on May 12. If enacted, the tax would target money transfers by non-US citizens—including green card holders and temporary visa holders such as those on H-1B and H-2A visas— while exempting American citizens. The tax would be collected by banks and remittance service providers and remitted quarterly to the US Treasury. India, one of the largest recipients of US remittances, faces substantial risks. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India received USD 120 billion in remittances, with nearly 28% coming from the United States. GTRI’s report, authored by founder and former Indian trade service officer Ajay Remember: Shrivastava, estimates that a 5% tax could reduce remittance inflows by 1015%, resulting in an annual shortfall of USD 12-18 billion for India. This reduction would tighten the availability of US dollars in India’s foreign exchange market, potentially causing the rupee to depreciate by Rs 1-1.5 per US dollar. The Reserve Bank of India might need to intervene more frequently to stabilize the currency. The report also highlights the broader economic consequences for millions of families in states like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, who rely heavily on remittances for essential expenses such as education, healthcare, and housing. A sharp decline in remittance flows could dampen household consumption at a time when the Indian economy is already facing global uncertainties and inflation pressures. India is not alone in facing these challenges. Other countries like El Salvador (where remittances contribute over 25% of GDP) and Mexico (4% of GDP) could also experience significant economic difficulties if the tax is implemented. “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 Convicted serial killer ‘Doctor Death’arrested in Rajasthan: DCP New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested convicted serial killer Dr Devendra Sharma, also known as ‘Doctor Death’, from Dausa in Rajasthan. Sharma, who targeted taxi and truck drivers, murdered them and dumped their bodies in rivers where crocodiles were often present, has been involved in several gruesome crimes over the last two decades. Speaking to ANI, DCP Aditya Gautam said, “Dr Devendra Sharma has been involved in many murder cases, due to which he became famously known as ‘Doctor Death’. His involvement has been found in about 26-27 cases so far, and he has already been convicted in 6-7 cases, in which he has been sentenced to life imprisonment and in 1 case he has also been awarded the death penalty...”.Sharma, an Ayurvedic doctor by training, had been on the run despite being convicted in several cases, including one where he was given the death penalty. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in at least six to seven murder cases. His crimes date back more than 20 years and include his role in an illegal kidney transplant racket and the murder of taxi and truck drivers.”He and his gang used to target taxi drivers and truck drivers. They used to murder them and steal their cars. The cars were later sold in the grey market, and the bodies of the drivers were disposed of at such places from where they could not be found, like rivers and ponds,” added Gautam. He further said that taxi drivers were particularly easy targets. The gang would hire taxis, take them to deserted areas, kill the drivers and sell the vehicles.” These taxi drivers used to be an easy target for them. By hiring a taxi and taking it to a deserted road, they killed the taxi driver and then they used to sell the vehicles in the grey market for money. So, because of this, this gang targeted the taxi driver more,” Gautam explained. Sharma is a permanent resident of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. His father worked for a pharmaceutical company in Siwan, Bihar. In 1984, he graduated with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Bihar. After that, he set up his own clinic, Janta Clinic, in Bandikui, Rajasthan, and ran it for 11 years.In 1994, he lost Rs 11 lakh in a gas dealership scam. After that, in 1995, he turned to crime and began running a DCP Aditya Gautam fake gas agency. D u r i n g drivers. He was given life interrogation, Sharma imprisonment in seven told the police that he met different cases across Delhi, a man named Dr Amit. Rajasthan, and Haryana. Between 1998 and 2004, he In one case, a court in helped organise over 125 Gurugram sentenced him to illegal kidney transplants, death for murdering a taxi earning between Rs 5 lakh driver. and Rs 7 lakh per surgery. Sharma has He acted as a middleman confessed to killing more and arranged donors for Dr than 50 people. His wife Amit. and children left him in In 2004, Sharma 2004 after his crimes were was arrested in Gurugram exposed. In 2020, he was for his role in the illegal granted a 20-day parole kidney racket. During the but escaped and remained same time, he and his gang missing for seven months were also involved in the before being caught in abduction and murder of Delhi. In June 2023, he taxi drivers. The stolen was given parole again for cars were sold in the grey two months but failed to market in Uttar Pradesh return to jail. He was later for around Rs 20,000 to Rs arrested from an ashram in Dausa, Rajasthan. He has 25,000 each. He was charged now been handed over to with the murder of 21 taxi jail authorities. (ANI) The United States has imposed visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the U.S., according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department on Monday. The department emphasized its commitment to targeting those involved in human smuggling and trafficking. “Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work every day... to identify and target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration,” the statement said. The U.S. also reiterated its broader immigration strategy: to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal immigration and to hold violators—both immigrants and their facilitators— accountable. “We will continue to impose visa restrictions against individuals involved in alien smuggling networks,” the department added. The crackdown comes amid ongoing debates about U.S. border security. The article references historical US Secretary of State Marco Rubio enforcement under former Tom Homan, who accused President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden of including the arrest of over intentionally weakening 20,000 undocumented border controls, claiming immigrants in his first that Trump’s policies had month in office. It also drastically reduced illegal cites recent criticism by immigration and human former U.S. Border Czar trafficking. US imposes visa restrictions on Indian travel agencies facilitating “illegal immigration”
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IAS officer Vinay Choubey among two arrested in Jharkhand liquor scam case R a n c h i (Jharkhand) [India], May 20 (ANI): Jharkhand AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday arrested IAS officer Vinay Chaubey in connection with the liquor scam case, officials said. A Joint Commissioner of the Excise Department has also been arrested in connection with the case, they added. Chaubey, who was the then Secretary of the Jharkhand Excise Department, had earlier been named in the case by the Chhattisgarh ACB in September 2024. Based on an FIR registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Chhattisgarh ACB, the Jharkhand ACB had initiated a preliminary enquiry (PE) to probe the matter. Currently, Chaubey is serving as the Principal Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department and had previously held the post of Secretary to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Along with IAS officer Vinay Chaubey, the ACB also arrested Gajendra Singh, Joint Commissioner of the Excise Department. Both have been sent to judicial custody till June 3 (15 days). After their arrest, Advocate Devesh Ajmani said, “This morning, while Vijay Choubey was in his residential chamber, he was taken in for an investigation, thereafter, he was produced before the court and subsequently taken into custody. By filing an objection petition to this, we apprised the court that as per the settled principles of law by the Supreme Court, we were not given the grounds of arrest, we were never told as to what we were being charged for.” “The court has taken note of all these things. We have also made sure that his health records are submitted before the court... There are two accused, one is Vinay Choubey, the other is Gajender Kumar Singh. They have been sent to 15 days’ custody,” he added. Earlier, in October 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted raids at the premises of Chaubey and others in connection with the alleged liquor scam in Jharkhand’s Ranchi. In August 2024, the ED in Raipur had arrested two individuals under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of its ongoing investigation into the liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. The ED launched its investigation based on an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Chhattisgarh, under various sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The agency’s probe revealed that corruption in the liquor scam, which occurred between 2019 and 2022, was carried out through multiple methods. (ANI) COAS General Dwivedi pays tribute to Agniveer Murli Naik killed in Operation Sindoor New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi and other officials of the Indian Army paid homage to Agniveer Murali Naik, who lost his life in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor. Murali Naik was gravely injured during heavy shelling from the Pakistani side along the Line of Control (LoC) on May 8. Despite immediate medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on May 9. In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG-PI)Indian Army said, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and All Ranks of the #IndianArmy pay homage to the unwavering courage of #Braveheart Agniveer Murlinaik who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during OPERATION SINDOOR.” “His indomitable valour will forever be etched in our hearts. The Indian Army stands resolutely with his family in this hour of grief,” the post stated. Earlier, the White Knight Corps, in a post on X, paid tribute to AgniVeer Naik, who was killed during Operation Sindoor.The Corps stated, “GOC and all ranks of White Knight Corps salute AgniVeer Mood Muralinaik, who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Sindoor. His courage and dedication to duty remain etched in our memory. We continue to stand with the bereaved family.”Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepali national. It marked a decisive moment in India’s defence strategy, as the Indian Army launched a series of successful strikes against Pakistan’s forward posts and terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC).Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also honoured the soldier’s heroism and expressed his condolences on the young jawan’s death in Ananthapuram district. According to an official release from the TDP, CM Naidu spoke with Murali’s parents, Jyotibai and Ram Naik, and offered the state government’s support. CM Naidu highlighted Murali Naik‘s invaluable service to the army over the past two years and praised his dedication to his country, calling on the public to unite in patriotism and honour the fallen soldier’s sacrifice. (ANI) New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): The central government is likely to bring an amendment in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, sources told ANI. The amendment in Section 31(4) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) will be made. This particular section mandates prior approval from the CCI for any resolution plan. Sources said the amendment in IBC will reduce the load on the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Once the new amendment is adopted, approval from CCI would not be needed for a company planning resolution under the IBC route, they added. The plan to amend the IBC comes in the wake of Supreme Court’s latest observation during the hearing of the resolution plan of AGI Greenpac. The apex court had noted that the resolution was unsustainable without CCI approval. The Supreme Court had reportedly observed in January 2025 that AGI Greenpac Ltd’s bid for the acquisition of insolvent Hindustan National Glass (HNG) Ltd without the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) approval is unsustainable and must be set aside. “ AGI Greenpac’s resolution plan is unsustainable as it failed to secure prior approval from the CCI, as mandated under the proviso to Section 31(4) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Consequently, the approval granted by the Committee of Creditors (CoC) to the resolution plan dated October 28, 2022, without the requisite CCI approval, cannot be sustained and is hereby set aside and quashed,” the apex court order had said. (ANI) Government likely to bring IBC amendment bill in Parliament’s monsoon session: Sources
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May 23, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi hails Security Forces after 27 Maoists, including top CPI-Maoist leader, killed in Chhattisgarh New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the efforts of India’s security forces after 27 Maoists, including top CPI-Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, were killed in a major operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people.” Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said this was a breakthrough and confirmed that security forces had neutralised 27 dreaded Maoists, including Basavaraju, who was the General Secretary of the CPI-Maoist. In a post on X, he said this is the first time in three decades of India’s battle against Naxalism that a general secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by the security forces. Noting that Basavaraju was the backbone of the Naxal movement, Amit Shah said 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, after the completion of Operation Black Forest. Amit Shah said the Modi government is resolved to eliminate Naxalism before March 31 next year. “A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces have neutralised 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the backbone of the Naxal movement,” he said in his X post. “This is the first time in three decades of Bharat’s battle against Naxalism that a general secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by our forces. I applaud our brave security forces and agencies for this major breakthrough. Also glad to share that after the completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The Modi government is resolved to eliminate Naxalism before the March 31, 2026,” he added. The encounter took place in the forest area of Abujhmad in Narayanpur. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also confirmed the development and said the forces are working hard to make Bastar Naxal-free by March 2026. “After the formation of our government in the state, a programme is running to make Bastar Naxal-free. In Narayanpur, more than two dozen Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. Our security forces are working diligently so that by March 2026, Bastar becomes Naxal-free,” Arun Sao told ANI. He also said that one soldier was injured during the encounter. The joint operation, named ‘Operation Black Forest’, was launched by security forces near Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) at the ChhattisgarhTelangana border to break the backbone of the Maoist movement. Patna (Bihar) [India], May 21 (ANI): After one group of the allparty delegation left on their visit to five East Asian countries for Operation Sindoor’s global outreach, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan noted that all political parties and people stand united on the issue of national concern. Speaking to reporters, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh said, “All political parties and people stand united on this issue of national concern. A joint delegation of members from all political parties is being sent to partner countries. They will present India’s stand to the world...” Earlier today, echoing a united stance against terrorism, NCPSCP MP Supriya Sule asserted that the members of all-party delegations are representing India, not any political party, during their visit to foreign countries as part of an outreach against Pakistan’s support for terrorism on the global stage. Addressing a press conference, Sule, who is a member of one of the all-party delegations visiting various countries to showcase India’s continued fight against terrorism, said, “...We are not going on behalf of the party. We are going to other countries on behalf of India.” “In the all-party meeting, it was decided that we would not speak against the central government. NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar also said this is not the right time to convene a parliament session... There should be a discussion in the parliament after the Operation Sindoor concludes. Right now, also the Operation Sindoor is underway,” the Baramati MP added. Group 7, led by NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule, will be representing India’s stand in Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Anurag Singh Thakur, and V Muraleedharan, along with Congress’ Manish Tewari, Anand Sharma, TDP’s Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, AAP’s Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, and former permanent representative of India to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, will be putting forth India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. “The groups are going in two parts. I am very grateful to the PM, MEA and Jaishankar ji. This is not about politics; we are going as proud Indians who want to fight against terrorism. We condemn any terrorist activities anywhere in the world. India has always led for peace, harmony and happiness. This is the message we all are taking... Everyone is aligned, there are no party issues, everyone is talking to each other. There is no politics, we are going as proud Indians,” Supriya Sule said. Earlier in the day, while leaving for Japan with the all-party delegation that will visit five East Asian countries, CPI-M leader John Brittas said that all countries must come together with India in its rally against terrorism. “Our delegation is now leaving for Japan. I have always been saying that this is a public diplomatic outreach to send across the message of India that the world has to unite against terrorism, and this is a high time that the countries need to rally with India in its concerns against terrorism,” the CPI-M leader told ANI. Brittas said he hopes to accurately send across India’s message to the world across different sections of people. In the context of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against cross-border terrorism, seven All-Party Delegations are visiting key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, this month. “All parties, people stand united on issue of national concern”: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan on all-party delegation
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May 23, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Indian boycott expected to aggravate further the dire economic situation of Turkish citizens By John Solomou | Nicosia [Cyprus], May 21 (ANI): The widespread boycott call by Indian citizens and businesses on Turkish products and services, which was caused by Turkey’s blatant support of Pakistan in the conflict that erupted after Operation Sindoor, is expected to aggravate further the dire economic problems faced by ordinary Turks due mainly to rampant inflation and the devaluation of the Turkish Lira. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has always supported Pakistan’s claims in Kashmir, reportedly supplied more than 350 drones and some military operatives to Pakistan during the conflict. In a message to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Erdogan reiterated his support for Pakistan saying, “As in the past, we will continue to stand by you in good times and bad in the future.” This uncalled-for intervention in a conflict far away from Turkey’s borders, in which Ankara has absolutely no reason to get involved, as well as its attempt to change its outcome by helping to coordinate Pakistani drone strikes on India, has greatly angered the Indian people and businessmen. They have decided to stop importing goods and services from Turkey and sever business relations with Turkish traders and manufacturers. Already, major tourist platforms reported a 60 per cent reduction in bookings by Indians for holidays in Turkey and a more than 250 per cent increase in cancellations. As in 2024 this number stood at 3,30,100 visitors, the cancellations could mean dozens of millions in 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. lost revenue. According to Indian Brand Equity Foundation, India’s imports from Turkey stood at USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24. Furthermore, the Indian government has cancelled a USD 2.3 billion shipbuilding deal. Also, Turkish firms like Celebi Aviation that operate ground handling at key airports will be replaced by local or international partners from other countries, while Turkish contractors will be gradually phased out from public works in India. It should be mentioned that according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade in 2024, Turkish exports to Pakistan amounted to USD 918.22 million, and cannot compensate for the loss of exports to India. U n d o u b t e d l y, the boycott will deprive Turkey of desperately needed foreign exchange and trade with one of the world’s biggest economies and strain its diplomatic ties with India. It will also affect other important sectors such as partnerships between Turkish and Indian universities, like the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia University, and Kota University. There is no doubt that the Turkish economy is facing one of the most serious economic crises in Turkey’s recent history, with extremely high inflation, while the Turkish Lira has sunk to unprecedented lows. Ordinary people find it very hard to buy food and pay the skyrocketing rents prevailing in major towns and are becoming increasingly desperate. According to the latest real estate rent index calculated by the 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 OECD based on March results, rental fee inflation in Turkey recorded the highest rate among OECD members, reaching 96.25 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter. E r d o g a n ’s misguided economic policies, such as his insistence on keeping interest rates unrealistically low, his public spending spree, and his penchant for constructing mega projects— which he always awards to his cronies— as well as his government’s disastrous intervention in markets, have depleted the country’s foreign exchange reserves and state coffers. The Turkish lira has fallen to a new record low of 38.7 per USD as investors worry about the country’s political and economic outlook, while Turkey’s Central Bank continues to intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the currency. The sharp depreciation of the Turkish Lira, instead of boosting exports as Erdogan hoped, has only contributed to a loss of real wages and a declining standard of living for the Turkish people. It is noted that last March the Lira fell to a record low of 40 to 1 USD following the arrest on trumped-up charges of Istanbul’s popular Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s main political rival, who continues to be in jail. The incident triggered the largest protests in Turkey in a decade and raised worries about deepening political instability. Major credit agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P have downgraded Turkey’s sovereign debt rating to near junk status, warning of heightened risks of default. As Erdogan follows unorthodox economic and monetary policies, foreign direct investment (FDI), which used to be a strong pillar of the Turkish economy, has plummeted and foreign firms which in the past considered Turkey an attractive market are now quite reluctant to invest. According to official figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), annual consumer price inflation slowed to 38.01 per cent in March 2025, down from a peak of around 75 per cent in May of the previous year. However, independent institutes as well as many citizens believe that in reality, inflation is much higher than that. For the majority of ordinary Turks, as a result of high inflation and the devaluation of the currency, which makes imported goods much more expensive, necessities such as food, fuel, and housing have become increasingly unaffordable. E r d o g a n ’s insistence on implementing his unorthodox monetary policies and the Indian boycott of Turkish products triggered by Ankara’s intervention in the conflict between India and Pakistan will undoubtedly make the life of ordinary Turks much more difficult. (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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May 23, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Operation Sindoor: India’s Armed Forces foiled Pakistan’s 1,000-drone aerial assault in unprecedented joint defence, says Lt Gen D’Cunha New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): After the strategic success of the ongoing Operation Sindoor, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of the Army Air Defence, said that Pakistan had launched nearly 800 to 1000 drones across the western border over four days, and highlighted their successful neutralisation through coordinated efforts by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He confirmed that all drones carrying weapons were successfully intercepted, preventing any civilian casualties. In an interview with ANI, he explained how all three services worked together to defend against drone and missile attacks. “...I would say anything between 800 to 1000 across the whole western border in four days. A large number of them were destroyed. One thing for sure is that all the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles [UCAV] which carried a payload, although they intended to harm our civilian population and they were directed towards population centres, we ensured that they did not cause any damage, and I think the proof of the pudding is actually in what we actually saw, that there were no civilian casualties...” Lt Gen D’Cunha told ANI in an exclusive interview. The top Army officer credited Operation Sindoor for its success and praised the joint coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force in countering drone and missile threats from Pakistan. Explaining the division of responsibilities among the services, he said, “The role for air defence is shared between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Air Force is the primary respondent, but each service has its part. The Army is in charge of the airspace and rear areas within the Tactical Battle Area (TBA), while the Air Force protects important places like major cities and refineries.” “If we have a strong radar system to detect threats like drones and a well-layered defence setup, we can respond effectively. The first layer could be guns with a range of around three kilometres, then missiles at 10 kilometres, and then you have a leaker, which comes through to be very unfortunate.” Lt Gen D’Cunha described India’s layered air defence system, saying there are multiple levels of protection. The first includes guns with a twokilometre range, followed by V-SHORAD missiles with a 3.5 km range, the Akash missile system with an 18 km range, and longer-range systems like MR-SAM and S-400. “Whether it’s a gun, a shoulder-fired missile like V-SHORAD, the indigenous Akash system, or the MR-SAM, each weapon operates at a specific altitude. Guns can engage targets up to 1.8 to 2 km, V-SHORAD up to 3.5 km, Akash up to 18 km, MR-SAM around 14 km, and the S-400 can also go up to 18 km. The altitude of the threat helps determine the most suitable weapon system to use. In an automated system like Akash Teer, which is still being rolled out, this process becomes highly efficient. Akash Teer of the Army and the IACCS of the Air Force work together to ensure proper use of resources and timely weapon allocation,” he said. He added that although the S-400 system is operated by the Air Force’s IACCS due to its cost and long range, close coordination now exists between the Army and Air Force through automated systems. When asked about the nature of the drone attacks, Lt Gen D’Cunha said, “Many flew very low to confuse gunners and saturate our radars. These drones were within the range of our guns and were effectively brought down. As they moved higher, into the next engagement zone up to 2 km, they were targeted again. Our jammers and electronic warfare systems also played a role, using techniques like jamming, cyber spoofing, and even cyber takeover to neutralise the threats.” He also praised the indigenous Akashteer system, which plays a key role in coordinating air defence operations. “We have rolled out the Akash system, and in fact, the complete translation of the Air Force’s IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System) picture into the Tactical Battle Area is done through Akash Teer. It’s an outstanding system that provides a centralised view of the airspace, clearly identifying enemy targets and passing that information all the way down to the weapon systems on the ground. Akash Teer is fully indigenous and completely integrated.” A k a s h t e e r provides a common, realtime air picture to all involved parties (control room, radars and Defence Gun), enabling coordinated air defence operations. It is a system designed to automate detection, tracking and engagement of enemy aircraft, drones and missiles. It integrates various radar systems, sensors and communication technologies into a single operational framework. Akashteer gathers data from multiple sources, processes it and allows for automated, real-time engagement decisions. Akashteer is part of the broader C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) framework, working in coordination with other systems. The system is vehicle-based, which makes it mobile and easier to handle in a hostile environment. New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): Air defence gun systems played a pivotal role in neutralizing drone swarm threats from Pakistan, with a senior Indian Army official calling their performance “extremely effective.” Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of the Army Air Defence, credited the Indian Army’s decision to retain and upgrade its gunbased air defence systems as a key strategic advantage during Operation Sindoor. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Lt Gen D’Cunha identified the air defence gun system as the conflict’s standout weapon. “It is indisputable that the air defence gun system has been extremely effective. We in the army have to thank my predecessors. Unlike other countries, which moved away from guns towards missiles, the Indian Army held on to its guns,” he said. He noted that the next-generation gun system, scheduled for trials in July, underscores the enduring importance of guns in modern air defence. “Whether it’s the L-70, the Zu-23, the Shilka, or even the light machine guns (LMG) and medium machine guns (MMG) used in the ACAC role by infantry, they will make a huge difference in drone destruction,” he added. On the guns’ effectiveness, Lt Gen D’Cunha estimated they were responsible for downing about 60 percent of the drones. “In just four days, Pakistan deployed between 800 to 1,000 drones of various sizes along the western border. All unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) carrying payloads aimed at civilian targets were intercepted, preventing any civilian casualties,” he said. “The proof is that there were no civilian casualties,” he emphasized, while cautioning about future threats. “If drone swarms are a new form of conflict, then protecting civilian population areas is as important as protecting the borders.” Discussing the need to protect urban and civilian areas, Lt Gen D’Cunha stressed evolving India’s air defence to shield not only military and VVIP zones but also densely populated regions near borders. He cited examples like the US’s C-RAM system, which counters rockets, artillery, and mortars by firing 4,500 rounds per minute within population centers, and Israel’s Iron Dome, designed for civilian protection from aerial threats. Asked if India now belongs to the elite group of nations with fully integrated and automated air defence command and control, Lt Gen D’Cunha offered a measured response. “There is still tremendous work in progress. While we succeeded in tackling the current challenge, we must not rest on our laurels.” He called for a robust, multi-layered air defence system capable of rapidly detecting, identifying, and neutralizing enemy drones. “We need to expand detection systems, add more sophisticated sensors, and ensure rapid information flow across command networks to intercept threats as far forward as possible. This layered defence will minimize the number of drones that penetrate our airspace.” While the Akash missile systems have been effective against larger aerial threats such as UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft, Lt Gen D’Cunha admitted they require further refinement to combat smaller drones effectively. “The AkashThir system hasn’t yet been fully configured for the drone warfare domain. Our drone management systems must evolve accordingly.” He also revealed that Pakistan deployed kamikaze drones during the conflict, but these failed to inflict damage due to India’s preparedness. Pakistan initially used large numbers of inexpensive drones at low altitudes to saturate radar systems. However, the Indian Army had anticipated this threat and conducted a simulation exercise from April 26-28 to prepare for such attacks. Operation Sindoor showcased India’s readiness for modern warfare, especially in countering drones and advanced technologies. It also demonstrated the strength of India’s integrated command structure, facilitating seamless coordination among military branches. The operation reflected India’s “Shishupala Doctrine,” which emphasizes patience until a threshold of provocation is crossed, followed by decisive action. (ANI) Gun Systems L-70, Zu-23, Schilka Extremely Effective in Thwarting Pakistan’s Drone Swarm Attacks: Top Army Air Defence Officer
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 MAY 23, 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 PM Modi congratulates Friedrich Merz on becoming German Chancellor, vows to strengthen strategic ties New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Friedrich Merz on assuming office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany and reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing the bilateral Strategic Partnership. Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote “Spoke to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism.” Source Earlier on May 6, PM Modi also extended his greetings in a separate post on X, expressing his intent to work closely with Chancellor Merz. He wrote: “Heartiest congratulations to @_FriedrichMerz on assuming office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.” Source PM Modi’s outreach to Merz signals the continuity and further deepening of IndiaGermany relations, which have gained strategic momentum in recent years across sectors such as trade, green energy, defence, and education. India and Germany have consistently shared views on multilateralism, rules-based international order, and combating terrorism—an area PM Modi again highlighted in his message. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who officially took office on May 6, responded to his election by expressing gratitude and resolve. “I accept my election as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany with gratitude and respect for the task. I approach my work with courage and confidence. Because we are a strong country, and our country can do more!” Merz said. According to The New York Times, Merz secured the chancellorship after winning a secondchance vote in Parliament, recovering from an earlier defeat that had raised concerns about political instability. Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that he received 325 votes, with 289 lawmakers opposing his appointment. Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Merz has been active in politics since the 1970s as a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). After completing law and political science studies in Bonn and Marburg, Merz launched his political career in 1989 as a Member of the European Parliament. He later served in the German Bundestag from 1994 to 2009 and again from 2021 onward. Over the years, he has held significant positions including Chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and leader of the CDU in Germany since 2022. (ANI)
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