FRIDAY JUNE 13, 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: 24 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday June 13, 2025 PM Modi hosts all-party global outreach delegation members at his residence New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted members of seven all-party delegations who went to several countries under Operation Sindoor outreach on Tuesday at his residence in New Delhi. Delegation members briefed the Prime Minister about their meetings in different nations. The delegations, consisting of MPs from across party lines, former MPs and distinguished diplomats, highlighted India’s stand against terror and commitment to world peace during their visits to various nations. Seven groups of all party delegations, including Opposition MPs such as Supriya Sule of NCPSCP, Shashi Tharoor of Congress party, AIMIM chief Asaddudin Owaisi, and former ambassadors, completed their diplomatic efforts to visit various world capitals and promote India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.The delegation was launched post Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 tourists were killed.Over 50 people, including members of Parliament from multiple political parties, former ambassadors, and former government against terrorism. The statement noted that the discussions also covered broad areas aimed at strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation on mutual interests. On Friday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor interacted with members of the American press corps as part of the delegation’s engagement in Washington. During their visit, the delegation attended the Ambassador’s dinner and met with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, shared on X, “Delighted to meet so many old friends and supporters of India-US partnership at Ambassador’s dinner.” BJP MP Tejasvi Surya shared insights from the meeting with Senator Van Hollen, stating that they discussed Operation Sindoor and the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. He tweeted, “Had a productive meeting with Senator @ChrisVanHollen, where we discussed the tragic Pahalgam attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. The Senator expressed deep sympathy for India and reaffirmed that the U.S. stands firmly with India in the fight against terrorism.” The all-party delegation comprises Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. This diplomatic engagement is part of India’s global outreach following Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack, carried out by Pakistan-sponsored militants, resulted in 26 deaths and many injuries. Following this, the Indian Armed Forces conducted targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistanoccupied Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI ALL PARTY DELEGATION SEE PAGE 6 All-party Delegation Calls On US Deputy Secretary Of State; Briefs Him On Pahalgam Attack, Operation Sindoor Washington, DC [US], June 7 (ANI): The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, currently visiting the United States, briefed key US officials on the terrorism threats facing India and India’s strong response. The Embassy of India in the US shared these details in an official statement. The delegation met with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, providing a detailed briefing on the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam and discussing India’s subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor. They also highlighted India’s firm resolve to combat crossborder terrorism in all its forms. Deputy Secretary Landau reaffirmed the United States’ strong support for India’s fight Remember: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” Bernard M. Baruch
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Jharkhand HC directs Rahul Gandhi to appear in Chaibasa Court on August 6 R a n c h i (Jharkhand) [India], June 11 (ANI): The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday directed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear in a Chaibasa court on August 6 in connection with a defamation case over alleged derogatory remarks made against former BJP national president Amit Shah in 2018. The court has stayed the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued by the Chaibasa court against Gandhi until the next hearing. The case pertains to a complaint filed against Gandhi for his alleged remarks targeting Shah, who is now the Union Home Minister. According to Advocate Vinod Kumar Sahu, the complainant in the case, “Chaibasa court issued a non-bailable warrant against Rahul Gandhi. To avoid the same, a petition was filed by Rahul Gandhi in court today. The court said that this other place will have to be present. So his advocate said that no date suits him, so the court said the date which suits you tell us, so August 6 was decided. So, to get relief from NBW, he urged the court. The court asked to give one undertaking. Then, on behalf of Rahul Gandhi, his advocate gave an undertaking that on August 6, they will be present in the Chaibasa court and will support the court’s work Indian Coast Guard working to combat fire on Singapore-flagged container ship Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 11 (ANI): The Indian Coast Guard is continuously working to combat the fire that engulfed the Singaporeflagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503. It said attempts were being made to control the vessel fire that injured several crew members. Of the 22 crew members, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy, while four are still missing. According to the Indian Coast Guard, as of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, the flames on the container ship were reduced, as thick smoke continued to emanate.” Indian Coast Guard ships continue to fight the fire and attempt to bring the inferno on the container ship MV WAN HAI 503 under control off Kerala coast. Visible flames have reduced, and thick smoke continues to emanate as of 1700 hours today,” the Indian Coast Guard said.Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in India spokesperson Yu Jing on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue of its crew members onboard the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, which encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Kerala’s Azhikkal. According to Yu Jing, Chinese and Taiwanese crew members were among those onboard MV Wan Hai. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson wished for successful search operations and speedy recovery for injured crew members.”On June 9, MV Wan Hai 503 encountered onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala. Of the total 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese, including 6 from Taiwan. Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy @indiannavy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue. We wish further search operations successful and the injured crew members speedy recovery,” Yu Jing posted on X. Four crew members were reported missing and five injured after an explosion under deck was reported onboard MV WAN HAI 503 while it was on passage from Colombo to Nhava Sheva. Indian Coast Guard ships have been deployed for firefighting and rescue operations.According to the Indian Coast Guard, four crew members were reported missing following the explosion on Monday, and five others sustained injuries. The vessel was carrying containerised cargo and had a total crew of 22 onboard. CGDO on task was diverted for assessment.Of the 18 rescued crew members of the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, six were brought to the AJ Hospital for medical treatment post-midnight on Tuesday. Dinesh Kadam, Plastic Surgeon at AJ Hospital, said that two rescuees had critical injuries with 35 to 40 per cent burns. The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat, carrying the rescued crew members who sustained injuries in the vessel fire, had arrived at the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), Panambur.According to Plastic Surgeon Kadam, the six rescuees are from multiple nationalities, including Chinese and Indonesian. Of the six rescued crew members, two have suffered critical injuries.”We have received six patients. All of them have burns. Three are Chinese nationals, two are from Burma (Myanmar), and one is from Indonesia. Two are critically injured with 3540 per cent burns. Mainly, they have airway burns, that is, respiratory burns, which are much more severe. They have breathing problems. We have to monitor closely over a few days and see how they do. Right now, we’re giving all the attention and critical care,” Kadam told reporters here.According to the Indian Navy, the vessel carried 22 crew members, including eight Chinese, six Taiwanese, five Myanmarese, and three Indonesian nationals. Following the explosion and escalation of the fire, the crew abandoned the ship. The MV reported an internal container explosion and a major fire onboard. The vessel was en in the court. So, the court further orders that no arrest of Rahul Gandhi will be made till August 6.” Vinod Kumar Sahu, the complainant’s advocate, stated, “The matter is that in 2018, Rahul Gandhi made a statement in the Congress session when he was the national president of the Congress, and at that time, Amit Shah was the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He made a statement that no murderer can become the national president in Congress and that Congresspeople cannot accept any murderer as the national president. In the Bharatiya Janata Party, the killer can become the national president, and only people of the Bharatiya Janata Party can accept the murderer as national president. Affected by this, my client, BJP leader Pratap Kumar, had filed a defamation case against him. He was given a legal notice earlier. No reply was received, so a defamation case was filed, and based on sufficient evidence, the court summoned him.”In 2018, Rahul Gandhi had said that a murderer can become president of the BJP, but this cannot happen in Congress. (ANI) route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, and its expected arrival time (ETA) was June 10.”The Flag Administration of Singapore has been formally notified. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, has instructed the ship’s owners to immediately engage qualified salvors and firefighting experts,” the release stated. (ANI)
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June 13, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Indian national detained at Newark Airport to be deported after medical care: Sources New York [US], June 11 (ANI): The Indian Consulate in New York has confirmed that an Indian national from Haryana was detained at Newark Airport, New Jersey, for entering the United States illegally without a valid visa, according to sources.As per a court order, the individual is being deported back to India. During transit at Newark, his behaviour was deemed not conducive for travel, leading to his restraint and admission to a medical facility.The Consulate stated that once the individual is fit to travel, he will be deported to India, and it continues to remain engaged with US authorities on the matter. Following the Consulate in New York’s communication about being in touch with local authorities over social media posts claiming an Indian national was facing difficulties in the US, the government has now formally raised the issue with the US Embassy in New Delhi, sources said on Tuesday. The sources said India’s Embassy in Washington DC has also been in contact with the US authorities to ascertain the details. “Reference social media post claiming that an Indian national was detained at Newark Airport in New Jersey, the Ministry has formally raised the matter with the US Embassy in New Delhi. Our Embassy in Washington DC and the Indian Consulate in New York have also been in touch with the US authorities to ascertain the Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 11 (ANI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday winched five salvage team members and an aircrew diver onto the burning Singaporean container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 to facilitate towing operations. According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, the vessel, which caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9, continues to drift southeast within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 42 nautical miles from Beypore, Kerala. The vessel is carrying 1.2 lakh metric tons of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo, posing a serious risk to the marine environment and regional shipping routes. “Intensive firefighting efforts by ICG have significantly reduced visible flames, with only smoke now seen across the cargo holds and bays. However, the fire remains active in the inner decks and near fuel tanks,” the release stated. “Five ICG ships, two Dornier aircraft, and a helicopter are engaged in the ongoing firefighting mission, supported by two vessels from the Directorate General of Shipping. A salvage team appointed by the ship’s owners is working in coordination with ICG, and the Indian Air Force has been requested for additional aerial support,” it added. With the fire yet to be fully extinguished, efforts to establish a towline and pull the vessel away from the coast are underway to prevent a potential ecological disaster. The situation remains critical and is being monitored continuously. Indian Coast Guard Battles Thick Smoke After Fire Breaks Out on Singapore-Flagged Container Ship Indian Coast Guard ships on Wednesday continued to battle thick smoke after a massive blaze broke out aboard the Singapore-flagged SC grants bail to Uttarakhand man accused of religious conversion for marrying inter-faith details,” a source said.A video purportedly showing a person being held on the ground by two individuals had gone viral, prompting intervention by the Indian Embassy. The Indian Consulate General in New York said in a post on Monday that it is in touch with the local authorities.”We have come across social media posts claiming that an Indian national is facing difficulties at Newark Liberty International Airport. We are in touch with local authorities in this regard. The Consulate remains ever committed to the welfare of Indian Nationals,” the post said. (ANI) New Delhi [India], June 11 (ANI): The Supreme Court recently granted bail to a Uttarakhand-based man who was booked for religious conversion and cheating for marrying a woman who belonged to a different faith. A bench of Justices B V Navarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma granted the man relief by observing that the state government of Uttarakhand cannot object to the marriage when the same has taken place as per the wishes of the couple’s parents. “We observe that the respondent-State cannot have any objection to the appellant and his wife residing together inasmuch as they have been married as per the wishes of their respective parents and families. Thus, the top court found that this was an appropriate case where bail should be granted to the man.” The man had been booked for having committed religious conversion under The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018, and for Cheating and Cheating by personation (pretending to be someone else) under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, following his marriage with a woman who belonged to another faith. As per the man’s counsel, the marriage was arranged by the families of the couple, who were aware of the inter-faith nature of the union. H o w e v e r , following the marriage, certain individuals and organisations raised objections. An FIR was lodged against the man, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. After being in custody for six months, the Supreme Court, on May 19, directed that the man be immediately released on bail. “We also make it clear that the pendency of the criminal proceeding against the appellant herein would not come in the way of the appellant and his wife residing together on their own volition,” the Court stated, in its order. The man had moved the Supreme Court against the Uttarakhand High Court’s decision to reject his bail plea. The top court allowed his appeal and directed the concerned trial court to release him on bail. (ANI) container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 off the Kerala coast. Thick plumes of smoke continue to billow from the ship, complicating efforts to douse the flames. According to the Indian Coast Guard, as of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, the flames on the container ship were reduced, though thick smoke continued to emanate. It said attempts were being made to control the vessel fire that injured several crew members. Of the 22 crew members, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy, while four are still missing. “Indian Coast Guard ships continue to fight the fire and attempt to bring the inferno on the container ship MV Wan Hai 503 under control off the Kerala coast. Visible flames have reduced, and thick smoke continues to emanate as of 1700 hours today,” the Indian Coast Guard said. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in India spokesperson Yu Jing on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue of its crew members onboard the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, which encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Kerala’s Azhikkal. According to Yu Jing, Chinese and Taiwanese crew members were among those onboard MV Wan Hai. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson wished for successful search operations and speedy recovery for injured crew members. “On June 9, MV Wan Hai 503 encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala. Of the total 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese, including 6 from Taiwan. Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy @indiannavy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue. We wish further search operations successful and the injured crew members a speedy recovery,” Yu Jing posted on X. According to the Indian Coast Guard, four crew members were reported missing following the explosion on Monday, and five others sustained injuries. The vessel was carrying containerised cargo and had a total crew of 22 onboard. CGDO on task was diverted for assessment. Of the 18 rescued crew members of the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, six were brought to the AJ Hospital for medical treatment postmidnight on Tuesday. Dinesh Kadam, Plastic Surgeon at AJ Hospital, said that two rescuees had critical injuries with 35 to 40 per cent burns. ICG Intensifies Operations as Burning Container Vessel Drifts Off Kerala Coast
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June 13, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi hosts all-party global outreach delegation members at his residence ALL PARTY DELEGATION FROM PAGE 1 officials, visited over 30 countries as part of India’s diplomatic outreach post Operation Sindoor.Seven MPs led their respective groups, with Group 1 being led by the BJP’s Baijayant Panda, which went to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. Group 2, led by BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, visited the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark. JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha led Group 3, which visited Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Group 4, led by Shrikant Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena, visited UAW, Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone. Group 5, led by Shashi Tharoor of the Congress party, visited the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. Group 6, led by DMK’s Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, went to Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia. Group 7, led by NCP-SCP’s Supriya Sule, went to Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The delegations, apart from putting forward India’s position against terror, highlighted how Pakistan has been sponsoring terror and using it against India, and called for Pakistan to be put in the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- June 13, 2025 The Lie called “Peaceful Protest” Cars are burning, stores are looted, cops are assaulted Rioters waving Mexican flags, burn US flags— But left-wing journalists and politicians in unison cry, “It is a peaceful protest” they all repeat. Whoever says so does not believe what they claim, But forces us to conceal their role in the crime They commit against the state they call home— All to make a few dimes. The audacity to think people will believe their lies, As they speak in unison for their draconian cause, Denying what their own eyes behold every moment, As the fires burn, and the looters loot. It is beyond comprehension—what a plight For common folks who vote these politicians To power—who, in turn, fund the riots and mayhem, Leaving the cities dry, awash in blood. They want to regain the power they have lost, And preserve the power they still retain, So they embroil the cities they govern— Even whole states—without remorse. Human life holds little value; but power— That’s all they want. Once it’s gained, They run the country into the ground, Where mayhem reigns, and coffers are robbed. They let anarchy reign supreme, Prevent the enforcement of laws, Restrain the police, set criminals free, And fund atrocities with public money. Unless taxpayers realize this trap, And disempower dishonest politicians, This will not stop—and we will have To live with the choices of a deceived cult. by Rajan George and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaishe-Mohammed, Lashkare-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. “He was very pleasant, listened to our experiences carefully”: All-party delegation members praise PM Modi After Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted members of seven all-party delegations who went to several countries under Operation Sindoor outreach on Tuesday at his residence, the members praised PM Modi for listening to their experiences carefully and having an “informal” meeting with them. Speaking to the media after meeting PM Modi, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted the Prime Minister chatted with them in a very “informal way”.”He was very pleasant to all of us. I think he saw this as an opportunity to thank delegations for their service. He spent more than an hour with all of us. He walked around the lawn on different tables. We all chatted with him in a very informal way. It was not a formal meeting at all,” Tharoor said.”We all shared lots of things with him, and I am sure that in the fullness of time, some of these will be apparent. But one general proposition I have noticed is that in every country, people came back saying that it was a very good idea. Countries appreciated having Members of Parliament coming and visiting them. We all suggested that we should make a practice of this more often, sending MPs to engage with legislators in other countries. The Prime Minister certainly seem to take that idea onboard,” the Congress MP said, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that PM 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 Modi listened carefully the experience of members. “We shared our experience with the PM, which he listened to carefully,” she said. Congress MP and multi-party MP delegation member Manish Tewari emphasised that it was an informal and freewheeling conversation with the Prime Minister.” It was an informal interaction, and the members of various delegations shared their impressions with the Prime Minister, who heard everybody out. He conveyed his own impressions. On the whole, it was an informal and freewheeling conversation. Most importantly, everybody was able to share the inputs they had collected across various nations. It was a holistic and comprehensive conversation,” Tewari told ANI.Further, Manish Tewari asserted that this initiative (of sending all-party delegation) would definitely help in proscribing all those states which use terrorism as an instrument of state policy.” Certain seeds have been planted by the various delegations which went across the world. Now, it is for the foreign office to build on this initiative and to take it to the next level to proscribe Pakistan, which is a state sponsor of terror on the global stage. On the whole, the visits laid the foundation for forming an international coalition against state sponsorship of terror...This is an initiative, if taken to a logical conclusion, would definitely help in proscribing all those states which use terrorism as an instrument of state policy,” the Congress MP said. AAP MP Vikramjeet Singh Sahney said that PM Modi met each Member of Parliament and took their feedback.”We gave the message of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The PM assured all the MPs that such engagements would continue and friendship forums would be formed. He also said that think tanks from various nations will be called to India for dialogue with them,” Sahney said. After meeting with PM Modi, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai said,” It was a very casual interaction with the PM. I had prepared a report, which I presented to him. He appreciated it. Every country we visited condemned the incident (Pahalgam terror attack) and promised to support India in the fight against terrorism.” BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, member of the multi-party delegation, said that Prime Minister Modi appreciated the members for putting forward India’s stand before various countries.” The PM listened to all of us, including the Opposition MPs, carefully and appreciated that we put forward India’s stand before various countries,” Khatana said.AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who was also a part of the delegation, did not attend the all-party delegation meeting with PM Modi this evening. In a phone conversation with ANI, Owaisi said, “I am out of the country. I had to go to Dubai due to a medical emergency. I had to go suddenly due to the ill health of my relative and childhood friend. I had informed my delegation leader, Baijayant Panda, about this.” The delegations, consisting of MPs from across party lines, former MPs and distinguished diplomats, highlighted India’s stand against terror and commitment to world peace during their visits to various nations. (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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June 13, 2025 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Germany ‘eager’ to host Indian students amid US visa pause, sees 35 per cent surge in university applications New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Amid growing uncertainty around student visa processes in several Western countries, Germany is positioning itself as a stable and reliable “alternative” for Indian students, saying, “we are not erratic and volatile,” and promising a secure academic environment. The German Embassy in India reported a 35 per cent surge in applications to German universities from India over the past months, reflecting growing interest in the country’s higher education system. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann said, “In the context of the difficulties Indian students face in other countries, we have seen a sharp rise in interest for German universities and research institutions. Applications have increased by over 35 per cent in the last couple of months.” Currently, around 50,000 Indian students are studying in Germany, making it one of the top five study destinations for Indians after the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. In what appeared to be a subtle remark of growing scrutiny in other nations, Ambassador Ackermann assured Indian students of Germany‘s transparent and stable system. “We are a very reliable partner. When it comes to studying or researching in Germany, we don’t check your social media before you arrive,” he said. The ambassador also highlighted that most staterun universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. When they do, the fees are nominal compared to those in Anglo-Saxon countries. “We believe education is a public good, not a business opportunity,” he said. The ambassador’s remarks come amidst the backdrop of a crackdown on foreign students in the US. US President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. Dr Katja Lasch, Director of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Regional Office in New Delhi, was also present at the press interaction. German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a funding organisation that supports international students and researchers who wish to study or conduct research in Germany. She emphasised that Indian students should avoid using commercial agents, noting that applications can be submitted independently through university websites. “Most public universities in Germany do not work with agents. Our system is transparent and accessible. Students can get free counselling from DAAD and German university liaison offices in India,” Dr Lasch said. DAAD also highlighted that Germany offers over 2,300 Englishlanguage programs, including opportunities for international students to pursue PhDs, with strong career support and pathways into the labour market. Germany is facing a significant demand for skilled professionals, especially in STEM fields. “We are looking for the smartest, most dedicated students–those who are eager to contribute and grow. And we see that in Indian students,” Ambassador Ackermann said. Post-graduation, students are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for employment, and once placed, they can easily extend their residence permits. Officials stressed Germany‘s commitment to being a reliable, non-volatile partner in international education, especially as students face delays and unpredictability in countries like the US. “Germany is very eager and happy to welcome Indian students. In these turbulent times, we offer not just world-class education but also a stable, inclusive, and trustworthy system,” Ackermann concluded. S h i l l o n g (Meghalaya) [India], June 9 (ANI): In a major breakthrough in the case of the missing honeymooning couple from Indore, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced that three assailants from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, and a woman—Sonam, the wife of the deceased Raja Raghuvanshi—has surrendered. The police operation remains ongoing as authorities work to apprehend one more suspect. In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Sangma stated, “Within 7 days, a breakthrough has been achieved by the #meghalayapolice in the Raja murder case. Three assailants from Madhya Pradesh have been arrested, a female has also surrendered, and the operation is still on to catch one more assailant.” According to the Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP), the woman who surrendered has been identified as Sonam Raghuvanshi. She is currently being housed at the Sakhi One Stop Centre, a shelter for women victims of violence in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Sources report that she was found in a disheveled state. The Madhya Pradesh Police have been informed, and further details are awaited. The family of Raja Raghuvanshi had demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe following the incident. On Sunday, Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek reaffirmed the state’s commitment to justice in the case. Raja’s family had earlier written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a CBI inquiry into the mysterious disappearance and murder. Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, both residents of Indore, had gone missing on May 23 during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. On June 2, Raja’s body was discovered in a gorge at Sohrarim near Cherrapunji. Sonam was initially considered missing, and a search was underway until her surrender was reported. Speaking to ANI, Sonam’s mother, Sangeeta Raghuvanshi, expressed her anguish and urged the authorities to find her daughter swiftly. “We want the CBI inquiry to begin as soon as possible so that my daughter can come home safely,” she said. Raja’s brother, Vipul Raghuvanshi, added, “We want justice for Raja and support from the Prime Minister and Chief Minister. Only a CBI investigation can uncover the truth.” Later in the day, Special Investigation Team (SIT) Chief and East Khasi Hills SP (City) Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor confirmed that four individuals—Vishal Chauhan, Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, and Sonam Raghuvanshi—had been arrested. The team is now pursuing the necessary transit remand to bring the accused to Shillong. “Our team is about to reach Ghazipur to formally arrest Sonam and obtain her transit remand. The terrain and weather posed initial challenges, but we remained committed. The murder case was registered, and the investigation began promptly. All four arrested will be produced before the respective courts,” Kharkongor said. He noted that patterns in the case suggested that Raja and Sonam had strained relations, but emphasized that further investigation was ongoing. Two teams had been sent the previous night—one to Uttar Pradesh and another to Madhya Pradesh—for coordinated arrests. The Indore Police Crime Branch and Shillong Police conducted medical examinations of the three accused at the district hospital and planned to present them in court. Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated that Sonam arrived in Meghalaya accompanied by three “contract killers” and described her as the main accused. “She had surrendered to the UP police, and the crime weapon has been recovered,” he said. According to a senior UP police official, Sonam was located near a dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong also addressed the media, lauding the relentless efforts of the Meghalaya Police. “Despite geographical and logistical challenges and media scrutiny, our teams worked round-theclock with support from SDRF, NDRF, and local intelligence units,” he said at a press conference. He confirmed that four people were arrested and that Sonam’s surrender brings the total number of accused to five. “All these days, accusations were leveled against the people and the government of Meghalaya. Now that arrests have been made, the facts will come to light,” he added. Tynsong reassured the public that Meghalaya remains a safe state and urged people not to jump to conclusions without verified facts. “Our police force has performed exceptionally well. Even the CM barely slept during the investigation. We were determined to solve this case,” he said. Raja Raghuvanshi’s tragic death and the unfolding revelations surrounding his wife’s alleged involvement have shocked the nation. The investigation continues, as authorities pursue justice in one of the most highprofile murder cases to emerge from Meghalaya in recent years. By Vishu Adhana | Indore Couple Case: Raja Raghuvanshi’s Wife Surrenders, Three Others Arrested, Says Meghalaya Police
FRIDAY JUNE 13, 2025 9 India supports concluding ambitious and balanced FTA with EU by year end: Jaishankar B r u s s e l s [Belgium], June 10 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed India’s support for concluding an “ambitious and balanced” Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU). During Tuesday’s joint press conference with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar called India and the EU “two important forces of that emerging reality” and stressed the powerful case for forging deeper ties. He said, “It’s a great pleasure to be back in Brussels and join High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas for the first strategic dialogue between India and the European Union. I believe we’ve had a very open and productive meeting today, and it is still continuing.” “We’ll go back to our discussions after this. As you heard from the high representatives, we touched on defence, maritime security, cyber, and space. My meeting was preceded by a call with President von der Leyen this morning. I will also be meeting with Commissioners...during my stay, and I hope to interact with President Metsola and members of the European Parliament also during this visit,” he added. He called the European Union and India “political democracies, market economies, and pluralistic societies”. He stressed how the two sides view the world and its history, geography, development levels, and experience shape their challenges. Jaishankar said, “My visit to Brussels is taking place three months after that of the EU College of Commissioners to India. Even in that time, it is apparent that the world order was in the midst of a profound change. These trends have intensified in many ways. We have, without doubt, entered an era of multipolarity and strategic autonomy. As two important forces of that emerging reality, there is a powerful case for India and the European Union to forge deeper ties. Working towards that goal requires intensified cooperation in many domains, which is the reason why we are meeting.” “At its core is a strong political and strategic rapport built on both our countries, our entities, the European Union and India, being political democracies, market economies, and pluralistic societies. Naturally, how we look at the world and its challenges are shaped by history, geography, development levels, and experience. There will be situations when our perspectives may not be entirely identical, that is understandable or what is important is that we expand common ground and understanding and enhance levels of trust,” he added. Jaishankar said he and Kallas will discuss the situation in Europe, the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Indo-Pacific, amongst other topics, in the coming session of the first IndiaEuropean Union Strategic Dialogue with Kaja Kallas in Brussels. He said, “I’m confident that this will be useful and productive. As I said, we have spent the morning discussing damaged defence and security cooperation. Let me add that stabilising and de-risking the international economy is our strategic priority today.” “This has many dimensions, including building more resilient and reliable supply chains, as well as increasing trust and transparency in digital interactions, creating stronger economic and technology partnerships between major players, which we believe has acquired even greater value.” “With that perspective, we support the goal of concluding an ambitious and balanced India-EU FTA by the end of the year. We also see a great benefit in holding an early trade and technology council meeting,” he added. Jaishankar stressed that India attaches considerable importance to its ties with the UK and pointed to the recently concluded FTA with the UK. When asked whether India will be in favour of more EU officials or business leaders participating in the India Global Forum, Jaishankar responded, “I’m not particularly conversant with New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Three members of a family — a man, his son, and daughter — died after a fire broke out in a seventh-floor flat at Shabad Apartment in Dwarka Sector 13, Delhi, on Tuesday, police said. The victims jumped from the balcony in a desperate attempt to escape the blaze, they said. According to Delhi Police, two 10-yearold children, including a boy and a girl, were the first to leap from the balcony. They were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival. Their father, Yash Yadav (35), also jumped from the balcony soon after and was declared dead at IGI Hospital. The fire reportedly originated in a flat on the sixth floor of the building, with smoke and flames quickly spreading to higher levels. Officials suspect two to three people may have been trapped inside the affected flat at the time of the incident. The Delhi Fire Services received a call regarding the incident at 10:01 AM, and eight fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot. Firefighters began rescue and firefighting operations without delay. An investigation was underway to ascertain the cause of the fire and assess the damage. More details are awaited. Earlier on Monday, a fire was reported at Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake metro station (Pink Line) in Delhi, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that trains approaching the station were running at a restricted speed of 25 km/ hr, compared to the normal speed of up to 40 km/hr.In a series of X posts, DMRC said, “Train services on Line-7 (Pink Line, i.e. Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar) have been regulated on a small stretch since 11:20 AM today due to smoke being detected in one of the technical rooms at Trilok Puri-Sanjay Lake Metro station.” “Train services on the rest of the Pink Line are running normally. Centralised announcements are frequently made on station premises and inside trains to inform the passengers. Smoke has been dissipated with the help of Delhi fire service personnel, and efforts are on to restore the signalling/AFC in the affected section,” the DMRC added. Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director Corporate Communications DMRC, said the smoke has been dissipated with the help of Delhi fire service personnel, and efforts are being made to restore the signalling/AFC in the affected section. Delhi Metro’s Pink Line services between Shiv Vihar and Majlis Park were delayed due to the fire. (ANI) Delhi: Father, two children die after fire in Dwarka apartment India’s EAM Jaishankar with EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola that forum, but certainly, for and the EU. Jaishankar us, one of course we attach, welcomed Leyen’s strong considerable importance to condemnation of the recent our relationship with the terrorist attack in Jammu UK. We have actually made and Kashmir’s Pahalgam some big progress there and solidarity in combating including finalising our FTA terrorism. Sharing details with the UK. We certainly do see that on many issues regarding his meeting with with which we engage with Leyen on X, Jaishankar the European Union, there stated, “Pleased to call @EU_Commission are also issues which are on relevant to our relationship President @vonderleyen with the UK. So, I think this morning. Welcomed dealing or engaging them her strong condemnation of both in tandem does make terrorist attack in Pahalgam sense to me.” and solidarity in combatting He asserted that terrorism. Discussed efforts terrorism is a “shared and underway to deepen the interconnected challenge” India-EU partnership. for the international Agreed on the potential community. He emphasised benefits of stronger that it is important to cooperation in trade, have strong international technology, connectivity cooperation on the matter. and security for both our “We strongly regions.” Ursula von der believe that there must be zero tolerance for Leyen stated that the partnership” terrorism in all its forms “strategic and manifestations. In between India and the EU that context, it is also is “getting stronger.” She essential that we never stressed that India and yield to nuclear blackmail. the EU are working on a This is a shared and Strategic Agenda based on interconnected challenge growth, with an ambitious for the global community, Free Trade Agreement and it is imperative (FTA), tech, innovation, that there is strong security, and defence. international cooperation “Welcome to my and understanding on the friend @DrSJaishankar. matter,” he said. The EU-India strategic is getting When asked about partnership the India-Pakistan conflict, stronger. We’re working on Jaishankar responded, “I’d a Strategic Agenda based on like you to understand this growth with an ambitious is not a conflict between FTA, tech & innovation and two states per se. This is security & defence. I look actually a response to the forward to adopting it with threat and the practice of @narendramodi at our next terrorism. So, I urge you Summit,” Leyen posted on to do it. Don’t think of it as X. Jaishankar India or Pakistan; think of it as India-terroristan. You interacted with members will then appreciate it.” of the Indian community of S Jaishankar Belgium and Luxembourg. met with European He met members of the Commission President European Parliament Ursula von der Leyen to – David McAllister, discuss efforts to deepen the Sandro Gozi and Nikos partnership between India Papandreou.
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