FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol 33 No: 32 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday August 9, 2024 US Election: Kamala Harris officially secures Democratic nomination for president, Picks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for VP Washington, DC [US], August 3 (ANI): US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday won the 2024 Democratic National Convention, securing a majority of votes of the delegates, Washington Post reported. Democratic Party officials announced officially, making her the party’s presidential nominee and concluding an unprecedented process after the former Democratic standard-bearer dropped out less than two weeks ago. Following this, Kamala Harris shared a post on X, and said, “I am honoured to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.” “I will officially accept the nomination next week. This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are,” she added. After this announcement, US President Joe Biden also shared a post on X and stated, that he made one of the best decisions to pick Kamala Harris as president adding he couldn’t be prouder. “One of the best decisions I’ve made was picking @KamalaHarris as my vice president. Now that she will be our party’s nominee, I couldn’t be prouder,” Joe Biden said on X. More than 4,000 convention delegates had until Monday to submit their ballots, but no other candidate qualified to challenge Harris, making her selection all but certain. Still, the formal nomination ascent of the first woman of colour to lead a presidential ticket marks a milestone for a nation long riven by racial and gender issues, as per the Washington Post. “I am honoured to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States,” Harris said on a call with supporters. “And I will tell you the tireless work of our delegates, our state leaders and staff has been pivotal in making this moment possible.” The announcement was made moments before by Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison, who noted that Harris crossed the threshold just a day after online balloting began. The voting was opened on Monday. “The fact that we can say today — just one day after we opened voting — that the vice president has crossed the majority threshold and will officially be our nominee next week, folks, that is simply outstanding,” Harrison said. On July 27, Harris signed the forms, officially declaring her candidature for the US presidential elections, assuring that her people’s-powered campaign would win in November. Harris took to social media X and emphasised that in November, her peoplepowered campaign will win. She further reiterated that she would work hard to earn every vote. ”Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States. I will work hard to earn every vote. And in November, our peoplepowered campaign will win,” Kamala Harris said in her post. After President Biden abruptly bowed out of the race on July 21 and endorsed Harris, Democratic leaders scrambled to create a nomination process that did not rely on state primary contests, all of which Biden had already won. The new nomination contest allowed anyone to run if they obtained 300 signatures of delegates supporting their bid, including no more KAMALA HARRIS SEE PAGE 16 ENDS SEPTEMBER 3 SOMETIMES DRIVER’S SIDE BEATS POOLSIDE LEXUS.COM Soak up Summer from behind the wheel at the Golden Opportunity Sales Event. Don’t let the season slip away without finding your dream Lexus. But hurry—the offers on select models won’t last. ©2024 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
August 9, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK SHETH VILLA OCCASION OASIS The perfect venue for meetings, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, parties, special celebrations, and more! A perfect get away that still feels like home. At Sheth Villa, you can host wide variety of events, have a relaxing staycation, and much more! AIRBNB LINK: airbnb.com/h/shethvilla Email: pritinina65@gmail.com ETH VIL Follow us on: Sheth Villa Holiday Home LA SH Contact: (301)434-3029 Misleading advertisement: Supreme Court asks IMA President to publish apologies in prominent newspapers New Delhi [India], August 6 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Indian Medical Association President Dr RV Asokan to publish apologies in all prominent newspapers that carried his interview over his controversial remarks regarding the hearing on misleading advertisements in the top court. A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta also made it clear that Asokan will bear the expanses for the same from his own pocket and not to be done on the IMA’s behalf. The court then adjourned the matter. The court also expressed unhappiness with Asokan for the nature of the apology tendered by him in the matter. Earlier Asokan’s lawyer apprised the court that an apology for his controversial remarks regarding the Patanjali hearing has been published in the various media platforms and its website too. When the IMA website is opened, there is a popup of this apology. He also apprised the court that the IMA President expressed regret and furnished an unconditional apology for such statements. On the website, the apology was published by Dr R V Asokan National President, IMA who said that he expressed regret to the Supreme Court and has also submitted his affidavit to the Court for tendering my unconditional apology. The lawyer had also said that he never had any intention to lower the majesty or dignity of the Supreme Court. The court was dealing with the Indian Medical Association’s plea seeking to frame guidelines for prohibiting false and misleading advertisements in relation to Allopathy and Modern Medicine. (ANI) The disaster has sparked appeals for assistance from various quarters, including public figures like Kangana Ranaut, whose involvement has been under discussion. “While MPs have a role, our immediate concern is to alleviate the suffering of affected residents,” Vikramaditya Singh affirmed. Earlier today, Chief Minister Sukhu said that some bodies have been recovered and 55 people are still missing. As Himachal Pradesh grapples with the aftermath of yet another calamitous flood season, the focus remains on recovery and rebuilding efforts, with officials pledging relentless support until normalcy is restored across the state. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh grapples with massive flood damage of over 700 crore Kullu, Aug 01 (ANI): A view of the River at spate in which a building washed away following a flood caused by a cloudburst, at Malana drain of Kullu on Thursday. (ANI Photo) Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 4 (ANI): In the aftermath of devastating floods and heavy rainfall, Himachal Pradesh is grappling with an estimated loss exceeding Rs 700 crore. The disaster has left a trail of destruction, claiming lives and sweeping away infrastructure across the state. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu disclosed that the losses incurred since June 27 have encompassed significant damage to infrastructure and other assets. “We are closely monitoring the relief and search operations in the affected regions,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy. Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh visited the flood-hit areas, where efforts were underway to reopen 193 closed roads and reinstate critical bridges. “Our priority is to expedite rescue and relief measures with the support of NDRF, SDRF, and state police,” he said, urging swift assistance from the Union government. On Sunday, the search operation started early in the morning and will continue until the last body is retrieved. The Director General of Himachal Pradesh Police, Atul Verma, confirmed ongoing search operations, stating, “We will continue our efforts until the last missing person is accounted for.” He acknowledged the relentless work of NDRF, SDRF, and emergency responders who have been pivotal in rescue operations. “We are hopeful for generous support from the Union government,” remarked Deputy CM Vikramaditya Singh, highlighting the urgent need for assistance amidst recurring flood crises. “This is not the time for political agendas; it’s a time for collective action to aid our state,” he added, calling upon elected MPs to advocate for substantial aid from the Centre.
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August 9, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Bihar: Nine Kanwariyas electrocuted to death, several others injured in Hajipur Hajipur (Bihar) [India], August 5 (ANI): As many as nine Kanwariyas died and several others were injured when their vehicle came in contact with a high-voltage overhead wire in Bihar‘s Hajipur. According to the police, eight devotees died on the spot one Kanwariyas died during treatment in the hospital. Om Prakash, Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO), Hajipur said that the height of their vehicle was very high and it touched a high-tension wire. “The Kanwariyas were going on a DJ-mounted trolley. The DJ-mounted trolley was very high and there was a wire in which it got entangled. DJ trolley came in contact with 11000 high tension wire due to which some devotees died, while some others were injured and are undergoing treatment,” Sadar SDPO Hajipur Omprakash told reporters. The victims, from Sultanpur village, were en route to Pahelaja Ghat in Saran to perform a ritual at Sonpur Baba Haiharnath. Earlier on July 29, two Kanwariyas died and around five others sustained injuries after a container hit the tractor-trolly in which they were travelling in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district. The accident occurred near Deori village on National Highway 44 under the jurisdiction of the Civil Lines police station in the district. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Arvind Thakur told ANI, “An accident occurred near Deori village on National Highway 44 under Civil Lines police station limits where a container (truck) hit a tractor trolley in which Kanwariyas were travelling. Some Kanwariyas were in the trolley and some of them were moving on foot. After the collision, the tractortrolley got overturned in which two Kanwariyas died and around five sustained injuries.” Sawan month is considered the month of Lord Shiva. The devotees who worshipped the Lord Shiva this month received tonnes of blessings. During the Sawan month, a day of Shivratri is also celebrated and the importance of Sawan Shivratri is the same and equal to that of the yearly Shivratri. Kanwariyas are Shiva devotees who visit places like Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar to fetch the holy water of River Ganga and then worship God with that water. (ANI) structure reduces these opportunities, promoting greater transparency and compliance. By minimizing the scope for tax evasion, the new regime can potentially increase tax revenues for the government. For individuals entering the tax system for the first time, the new regime offers a less intimidating introduction to tax compliance. The straightforward tax rates and reduced need for detailed documentation make it easier for new taxpayers to understand their obligations and file their returns correctly. This ease of adoption can improve overall compliance rates and expand the taxpayer base. The Union Budget 2024-25 incentivizes the adoption of the new income tax regime by including new income tax slabs for FY 2024-25 and a hike in the standard deduction from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. Additionally, the tax slab limit for the 5 per cent tax rate was changed from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. These changes are designed to simplify the tax structure and provide relief to taxpayers, offering a refreshing departure from the complexities of the old regime. The new income tax regime in India represents a step towards simplifying the tax system and reducing the tax burden on individuals. By offering lower tax rates and a more straightforward filing process, it provides immediate financial relief and enhances disposable income. The flexibility to choose between the old and new regimes ensures that taxpayers can optimize their tax liabilities based on their specific circumstances Overall, the new regime supports a more transparent, efficient, and taxpayerfriendly system, aligning with the government’s goals of fostering economic growth and improving tax compliance. (ANI) Morbi (Gujarat) [India], August 6 (ANI): In a tragic incident, three members of a family died allegedly by suicide at their residence in Vasant Plot, in Gujarat’s Morbi on Tuesday, police said. According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Hareshbhai Devchandbhai Kanabar, Varshaben Hareshbhai Kanabar and their son Harsh Hareshbhai Kanabar. Morbi SP Rahul Tripathi said that a suicide note has been found on the spot and the bodies have been sent for postmortem. New tax regime offers a clear and straightforward calculation of tax liability New Delhi [India], August 3 (ANI): India’s tax landscape has undergone a transformation with the introduction of the new income tax regime, a key highlight of the Union Budget 2024-25. An increasing number of taxpayers have opted for the New Tax Regime this year. Out of the total ITRs of 7.28 crore filed for Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25, 5.27 crore have been filed in the New Tax Regime compared to 2.01 crore ITRs filed in the Old Tax Regime. Thus, about 72 per cent of taxpayers have opted for the New Tax Regime, while 28 per cent continued to be in the Old Tax Regime. The government has placed a strong emphasis on the new tax regime, incentivizing taxpayers to adopt it for a simpler, more beneficial approach to tax compliance. One of the most significant advantages of the new regime is its simplicity. The days of sifting through numerous deductions and exemptions are over. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) reported that the new structure offers a clear and straightforward calculation of tax liability, saving time and reducing the chances of errors and misunderstandings. For individuals juggling multiple income sources or those who find tax filing daunting, the new regime is a welcome change. The new tax regime features lower tax rates, resulting in more disposable income for taxpayers. With increased financial flexibility, individuals can make more informed decisions about their spending, savings, and investments. Whether planning a vacation, making a down payment on a house, or investing in retirement, the extra money can make a significant difference. The government aims to broaden the tax base through this new regime. By simplifying the process and offering lower rates, more people are encouraged to file their returns, potentially leading to increased tax revenue. This additional revenue can be utilised for essential public services and infrastructure development, benefiting the nation as a whole. While the old regime offered certain deductions and exemptions, the new regime provides a clear and predictable tax structure. This empowers taxpayers to make informed financial decisions without the complexities of navigating various taxsaving options. Such clarity can lead to better financial planning and a sense of control over one’s finances. According to the CII report, employers also benefit from the new income tax regime, as it simplifies the process of calculating tax deductions at source (TDS). With fewer exemptions and deductions to consider, employers can streamline payroll processing, reducing administrative burdens and minimising errors. This efficiency can lead to cost savings and improved compliance. The old tax regime, with its numerous exemptions and deductions, provided opportunities for tax evasion through misreporting and manipulation of claims. The new regime’s straightforward Three members of family die by suicide in Gujarat’s Morbi “Police team received the information that three members of a family have died by suicide. The team reached the spot immediately and after inspection, it was found that the three died by suicide due to some personal reasons. Investigation is underway to ascertain the reasons. The bodies have been sent for postmortem and further action. The suicide note states that the family died by suicide due to personal reasons,” he said. Further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI)
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August 9, 2024 Friday Delhi court directs woman to pay Rs 15 lakh for defaming ex-husband New Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): Delhi’s Saket District Court has ordered a woman to pay Rs 15 lakh to her exhusband for defaming him and for malicious and false litigation. District Judge Sunil Beniwal passed the order and held that the acts of the woman caused injury to her ex-husband and hampered his professional growth. “The defendant (ex-wife) is directed to pay damages of Rs 15 lakh to the plaintiff (man) on the ground of defamation, naming libel, and damage caused to the plaintiff being a direct consequence of the action of the defendant,” the district judge said in the judgment passed on July 29. It was stated that the marriage between the parties was dissolved in 2021 by a decree of divorce passed by the court after considering the grounds of cruelty. They got married in 2001, as per the Hindu Marriage Act. He claimed damages of Rs 25 lakh from his ex-wife for defamation, malicious and false litigation, along with an interest rate of 18 per annum. The man submitted that even after the divorce, the woman continued to defame him by sending emails to his relatives. It was also alleged that the woman used abusive language against the plaintiff and his mother while chatting with her friends through her email accounts. It was also submitted that the man had to undergo major surgery in March 2022, which cost him Rs 6 lakh. “From the record of the case, it is evident that the defendant has indulged in acts amounting to defamation by way of libel,” the court said in the judgment dated July 29, 2024. (ANI) From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- July 26, 2024 My Inner Life By Robert William Service ‘Tis true my garments threadbare are, And sorry poor I seem; But inly I am richer far Than any poet’s dream. For I’ve a hidden life no one Can ever hope to see; A sacred sanctuary none May share with me. Aloof I stand from out the strife, Within my heart a song; By virtue of my inner life I to myself belong. Against man-ruling I rebel, Yet do not fear defeat, For to my secret citadel I may retreat. Oh you who have an inner life Beyond this dismal day With wars and evil rumours rife, Go blessedly your way. Your refuge hold inviolate; Unto yourself be true, And shield serene from sordid fate The Real You INDIA THIS WEEK US: Body of Indian youth recovered from Avalanche Creek at Glacier National Park Washington, DC [US], August 4 (ANI): Rangers at Glacier National Park have recovered the body of Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old from India who fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6 and drowned, according to a press release. Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a tech professional living in California, was hiking at the park with seven friends when he fell into Avalanche Creek. In a statement, Glacier National Park officials said, “After weeks of searching, rangers at Glacier National Park believe they have recovered the body of 26year-old Siddhant Vitthal Patil from India today after Patil fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6, 2024, and drowned.” The officials added, “Clothing and gear similar to what, according to friends, Patil was wearing at the time of the incident were also recovered. Around 10:30 am today, a park visitor reported seeing a body in Avalanche Creek below the gorge. Rangers immediately began recovery efforts. Flathead County coroner is working to confirm identity through DNA or dental records.” Rangers suspected that the body was being held underwater by submerged obstacles such as fallen trees or rocks, which limited their ability to search the gorge for weeks due to water depth and whitewater conditions during spring and summer runoff. Rangers could only investigate the large portions of the gorge with long poles after the water level dropped but were not able to reach the deepest and most dangerous areas. Speaking to ANI, Siddhant’s uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari, confirmed that US ranger officials had informed them of Siddhant’s body being found. He expressed gratitude to the rangers for their search efforts and also thanked Indian American 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 community leader Prem Bhandari, who has been supporting the family throughout the search. “We were informed by the US ranger officials that Siddhant’s body was found. As we are grappling with this grief, we also like to thank the rangers for carrying out this search. A special mention to Prem Bhandari who has been in constant touch with us for the last 27 days and supporting us. We have authorized Bhandari to arrange for Siddhant’s remains to be sent to Pune and complete the formalities,” Pritesh Chaudhari told ANI. Prominent Indian diaspora leader, who is also assisting in repatriating the mortal remains to India, Prem Bhandari, said that park officials offered condolences to the family. Speaking to ANI, Prem Bhandari said, “When I spoke to the Park officials they offered condolences to the family and hoped that recovering the body would help bring closure to loved ones. The next step is to repatriate the mortal remains to the family who have been grieving for more than 28 days.” According to a statement from Glacier National Park officials, the incident occurred when Patil was hiking with friends above a gorge on the Avalanche Lake Trail on July 6. He had diverted from the trail and, while standing on a large rock, fell into Avalanche Creek. It is unclear whether he slipped on a wet portion of the rock or lost his balance. Friends and witnesses saw him fall into the creek, go underwater, resurface briefly, and then be swept away by the current into the gorge. The statement added, “An alert helicopter conducted aerial searches of the creek, and rangers scoured the area on July 6, recovering personal items that had washed downstream. During the past four weeks, ground search efforts have continued from the gorge to the bridge on the Trail of the Cedars. Rangers used a drone multiple times to search the gorge. The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail were temporarily closed during the recovery efforts and reopened around 3.30 p.m. (local time), according to the statement. The park officials extended their condolences to Siddhant Vitthal Patil‘s family and friends and expressed hope that recovering the body would help bring closure to his loved ones. They noted that Patil was living and working in California at the time of the incident. (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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August 9, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Bangladesh unrest: Opposition parties extend support to government, presses for safe return of Indian nationals New Delhi [India], August 6 (ANI): After External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar briefed the Parliament over political unrest in Bangladesh, the Opposition parties extended their support to the government in whatever decision it takes while pressing for the safe return of Indian Nationals stranded in the neighbouring country. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that there are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals of which about 9000 are students while ensuring the country that the government is in close contact with the Indian community in Dhaka. “We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there of which about 9000 are students. The bulk of the students returned in July,” he said. Congress MP KC Venugopal said that everyone is worried about the situation, especially the Indians there. “We are also waiting for the action from the government of India. Everybody is worried about the situation in Bangladesh and how the situation is going to affect India, especially the Indians living in Bangladesh. I think the government will take proactive action on that. We are all waiting for that,” he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi said that the statement from the EAM was very mature considering the fragile situation. “Considering the situation is very fragile and is still developing, his statement was very mature. The statement is also an indicator of how the Opposition as well as the Government is in tune with whatever decision the Government takes for the interests of our nation considering Bangladesh is our neighbouring state, a border state and we already have a challenge on our hands through Pakistan. We would have to ensure that as soon as possible there is normalcy that returns to Bangladesh, Indians who are there are brought back to India, or some solution is found to all the challenges that we might face,” she said. “So, he has given his statement but his statement also indicates that it took India off-guard. When he says that the Prime Minister requested for an urgent clearance to be able to come to India, followed by asking for flight clearance which was at very short notice which is what his statement indicates. Also shows that India seems to have been taken by surprise with her resignation as well as her wanting to come to India for asylum till the time she finds a final destination,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP added. Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi said that all party meetings should happen on a regular basis. “We found a lot of important things in the statement of the External Affairs Minister (EAM). We feel that the statement is very sensitive. An allparty meeting was held today, such meetings should happen again and again so that as the situations change, the leaders of parties are made aware of it so that the Governments at the border (bordering states), be it NDA or any other party, should be alert...If we regulate our work in such a way, then I think that in the time to come, we will be able to control the political ties between India and Bangladesh,” Gogoi said. BJD MP Sasmit Patra said that all opposition parties have decided to cooperate and support the government. “The situation in Bangladesh is very sad. I am sure that the Government of India is working to look for a solution,” he said. West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said that seeing the situation (of minorities) in Bangladesh, everyone has to accept the importance of the CAA. “History is being repeated in Bangladesh. Minority Hindus and temples are being attacked,” Adhikari said. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma said that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation. “I am hopeful that the situation in Bangladesh will get normal and the minorities will be safe,” he said. BJP MP Raju Bista said, “I express sympathy with the people of Bangladesh. The Indian government is taking the necessary steps. The situation is very worrisome for the states bordering Bangladesh. Given the situation in Bangladesh, I am concerned and worried about the possible increase in the number of infiltrations from Bangladesh.” Gujarat Education Minister Praful Pansheriya said that 20 students from Bangladesh who are studying at Gujarat University, sponsored by the Government of India, are safe. “The responsibility for security of all students has been taken up by the University and Government of Gujarat. All of them are safe and there is no problem. Out of these 20 students, 8 are girls and 12 are boys,” the Education Minister added. Yog Guru Baba Ramdev on Tuesday expressed concern regarding the situation in Bangladesh amid the ongoing unrest in the South Asian country. “There should be no cruelty or atrocity on Hindus in Bangladesh – be it the Hindus who are involved in trade there, or Hindu temples there, or Indians living there. For this, the entire country has to be united. I am happy to see that for the first time, the entire Opposition is with the Government and this indeed should be the policy of India. Otherwise, the manner in which Islamic radicalism is expanding across the world and the manner in which it has knocked at the neighbourhood of India, it can be dangerous for the country,” he said. “This unity should continue even in the time to come. Those who want to divide the country in the name of reservation, caste, religious fanaticism – it is not right. So, India’s politics should be focused on issues,” Baba Ramdev added in a self-made video. Amid the unrest in Bangladesh, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) leader Clyde Crasto on Tuesday said that the central government should ensure that Indian students studying in Bangladesh come back safely to the country. Speaking with ANI, NCP (SCP) leader and National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, “What is happening in Bangladesh is a very sensitive issue... What is happening there in Bangladesh is dangerous to democracy and it can have repercussions across the neighbouring countries... I hope the decisions taken in the all-party meeting are favourable to our country... Central government should make sure that the Indian students studying in Bangladesh come back to India safely...” Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing expressed concern over attacks on religious places in Bangladesh and sought the protection of Sikh Gurdwaras located in Dhaka and Hindu temples in the country. Bittu wrote an official letter to the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and urged him to take up with the Army authorities in Bangladesh to protect two historical Sikh shrines, Gurdwara Nanak Shahi and Gurdwara Sangat Tola situated in Dhaka. He also said that Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested approval from India to come at very short notice and she arrived on the evening of Monday. The External Affairs Minister also mentioned in both Houses that the government is monitoring the situation with regard to the minorities living in Bangladesh. Despite the Supreme Court judgement on July 21, there was no letup in protests, the Union minister said. “Various decisions and actions taken thereafter only exacerbated the situation. The agitation at this stage coalesced around a onepoint agenda, that is that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down,” Jaishankar said. The EAM informed the House that the situation in Bangladesh “is still evolving.” “Our border guarding forces have been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation. In the last 24 hours, we have been in touch with authorities in Dhaka,” the foreign minister said. Jaishankar said, “In the last 24 hours, we have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. This is the situation as of now”. (ANI) M u m b a i (Maharashtra) [India], August 7 (ANI): Three persons have been booked for extorting Rs 45 lakh from a woman by allegedly making an obscene video of her under the guise of a modelling opportunity in Maharashtra’s Mumbai, police said on Tuesday. According to officials, a case has been registered at Bhandup Police Station in Mumbai. The accused have been identified as Rahul Chavan, Shreyash Patil, and Hardik, and an operation to trace and nab them was on. “They are at large and a search operation to catch them is ongoing,” officials said. More details are awaited. (ANI) Mumbai: Three booked for extorting Rs 45 lakh from woman with obscene video
FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2024 9 SALE ENDS AUGUST 31-2024 Kerala: Centre approves request NDRF rescues seven people for renaming Kochuveli, Nemom stranded due to heavy rain railway stations in Gujarat’s Valsad Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], August 6 (ANI): The Central Government has approved the request of Kerala‘s government to rename Kochuveli and Nemom, the two major railway stations of the Thiruvananthapuram district, said an official press release from the State Ministry of Minority Welfare, Sports and Railways. Now, the Kochuveli Railway Station will be known as Thiruvananthapuram North and the Nemom Railway Station will be known as Thiruvananthapuram South. The approval came in response to the Kerala State Government’s request, with the official communication received from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This renaming aligns with plans to make these stations satellite terminals for Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, facilitating better management of increased train services. Kerala Minister V. Abdurahiman, in charge of railways in Kerala, had actively pursued this change with the Central Railway Ministry and senior officials. Situated 9 kilometres away from the Thiruvananthapuram Central, both Nemom and Kochuveli stations currently handle a significant volume of long-distance trains and passengers. Renaming is expected to increase passenger numbers and revenue, as travellers often overlooked Kochuveli due to its unfamiliar name. The name change is expected to enhance the recognition and usage of these stations. With six platforms and upcoming coach care facilities, Kochuveli is poised for further development. The renaming is also anticipated to boost the terminal development at Nemom. (ANI) Valsad (Gujarat) [India], August 5 (ANI): The National Disaster Response Force on Monday rescued seven people who were stranded in Hinglaj village in the Valsad district of Gujarat due to heavy rainfall and high tide in the Auranga River. The NDRF personnel carried out the rescue operation in the early hours of Monday. The people who were stranded are fishermen, officials said. Inspector NDRF, Ramesh Kumar said, “We got information from the district administration that seven persons are stranded in Hinglaj village because of continuous rainfall and high tide in the Auranga River. The water from the river came to the nearest low-line areas. “The people who are stranded are fishermen and they have no option but to get out because the level of water has risen a lot there. We have rescued them,” he told ANI. Many districts of Gujarat, including Valsad have been reciving heavy rains for the last couple of days. On Saturday, day-to-day activities stalled in several parts of Vapi in Valsad as it faced waterlogging following a heavy rain. Earlier, on August 2, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of the possibility of rain and thundershowers for the next five days in several parts of Gujarat. Earlier, amid torrential rains in the state, Gujarat’s Navsari district experienced severe waterlogging, tasking the National Disaster Response Force to evacuate people from the inundated areas of the district. The NDRF evacuated people who were stuck in the inundated areas of Navsari. The team rescued five people, including a child and an ailing woman, from the flood-affected area in Mithila Nagari of Navsari. At least 30 people were rescued from there. Amid the deluge-like conditions, Navsari Municipality prepared 20,000 food packets for the people who were stuck in the floodaffected areas of the city. (ANI)
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