INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY MAY 19, 2023 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. 31 No 20 • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • May 19, 2023 Karnataka: Woman conductor helps woman passenger deliver baby on KSRTC bus Chikmagalur (Karnataka) [India], May 16 (ANI): A woman gave birth to a baby on a moving bus with the assistance of a woman conductor of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) at the Bangalore– Chikmagalur route, says KSRTC. The incident occurred on Monday and both the mother and the infant are doing well. At around 1.25 PM, near Udayapura Agriculture College, the pregnant woman began experiencing labour pains. The woman conductor identified as S.Vasanthamm asked the driver to stop the bus and asked the passengers to deboard. She aided the woman to deliver the baby on the bus. Further, since the lady was financially weak, the crew Remember: of the bus collected Rs 1500 from the passengers of the bus and handed over the same for the emergency expenditure of the lady. Later the lady was shifted to Shanthagrama Hospital by ambulance and was provided necessary treatment. G.Sathyvathi IAS Managing Director, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also appreciated the timely intervention of the woman conductor “The timely humanitarian service of woman conductor in responding to the needs of the pregnant and saving the life of child and mother is highly appreciable. This exemplary service by the woman conductor is appreciated, ” G.Sathyvathi IAS told ANI. (ANI) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” – King Solomon Congress Retakes Power in Karnataka, High Command to Finalize on the CM in two days Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 13 (ANI): As the counting of votes for the Karnataka assembly elections concluded on Saturday, Congress got a thumping majority by winning 136 seats. According to the Election Commission of India, Congress won 136 seats pushing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power in the only southern state it ruled, and boosting its own prospects for the electoral battles ahead. BJP managed to win 65 seats. Janata DalSecular (JDS) bagged 19 seats. Independents have won two seats while Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha and Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha won one seat each. The Congress maintained a lead from the morning when counting began for the assembly seats in the fiercely contested election. Karnataka CM decision: Will have new cabinet in next 48-72 hours: Randeep Surjewala Karnataka chief minister will be announced today or Congess leader tomorrow and a new cabinet Randeep Surjewala on KARNATAKA ELECTIONS Wednesday said that SEE PAGE 6 a decision on the next President Biden to host PM Narendra Modi for Official State Visit to US on June 22: White House By Elisha B. Pulivarti President Joseph R. Biden, Jr will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a State Dinner, on June 22, the White House announced.. “The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together,” White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre said in a statement while announcing the visit. She said that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will strengthen two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and their shared resolve to elevate strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy, and space. “The leaders will discuss ways to further expand our educational exchanges and people-topeople ties, as well as our work together to confront common challenges from climate change, to workforce development and health security,” she added. There are more than 172 Indian Companies in the United States, and invested more than $42.6 billion and employed more than 450,000 and invested MODI’S VISIT SEE PAGE 2
May 19, 2023 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • BEARD TRIM $500 $ • SHAMPOO 1000 • BLOW DRY $1000 $ 00 • PERM FROM 20 $ 00 • COLOR FROM 20 • HIGHLIGHTS FROM $3500 • SPA PEDICURE FROM $1700 Beauty & Barber Shop 7311 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 info@csbarbernschool.com President Biden to host PM Narendra Modi for Official State Visit to US on June 22: White House MODI’S VISIT FROM PAGE 1 more than $1.3 billion for R/D. The United States has more than 32.5 million SMEs and where as India has more than 35 million MSMEs. Small businesses are the source of three quarters of all new jobs and are the engines that fuel our Nation’s Innovation, job growth and backbone of our Nation’s Economy and prosperity. India has a rich heritage and is a mosaic of multicultural lifestyle. It is one of the world’s oldest civilization, an allembracing confluence of religions, traditions and customs. Over the years, numerous styles of art, architecture, painting, music, dance, festivals and customs have developed in India. Festivals reflect the soul of India’s diversity and its rich cultural heritage, various festivals of differing character-national, social, cultural and religious, are celebrated across the country throughout the year. India’s future lies in being an open society, an open polity, a functioning democracy—respecting all fundamental human freedoms, accepting the rule of law and, at the same time, to emerge as a successful, internationally competitive market economy. India is one of the fastest growing economy in the world today. India is on the cusp of a new economic paradigm. India has natural and multiple advantages over countries like China, and other Asian and Latin American countries... It’s extraordinary quality of human resource and domain knowledge puts it in an advantageous position.India has a fantastic pool of software professionals. The world needs to benefit from it. India is fast developing into a manufacturing Hub for global corporations wanting to leverage India’s proven skills in product design, reconfiguration and customization with creativity, assured quality and value addition. The Prime Minister of India launched number of Initiatives and missions in India and a visionary Prime Minister moving forward with largest infrastructes and high technology, defense, education and health care and workforce development and many and many.... This visit by Prime Minister Modi’s will develop deep and close partnership between both the United States and India. We wish him God’s Blessings and Prayers for great success !
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May 19, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Indian-American Geeta Rao India embodying dreams of the Gupta confirmed as US envoy world today: US Ambassador for global women’s issues Eric Garcetti in Gujarat Washington [US], May 14 (ANI): The US Senate confirmed Dr Geeta Rao Gupta, an IndianAmerican, for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for the Office of Global Women’s Issues in the State Department. “Dr Geeta Rao Gupta was confirmed by the US Senate as the Ambassador-at-Large for the Office of Global Women’s Issues. @StateDept looks forward to her efforts to promote women and girls’ rights through US foreign policy,” tweeted The Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues. President Joe Biden nominated Gupta for this role, and she received confirmation with a vote of 51 to 47 earlier this week. Gupta is known internationally as a leader in promoting gender equality and women’s economic security and US State Department welcomed her appointment. The State Department tweeted Friday it “looks forward to her efforts to promote women and girls’ rights through US foreign policy.” Gupta worked closely with various United Nations (UN) agencies and programs. She worked as the Executive Director of the UN Foundation’s 3D Programme for Girls and Women. She also advises the UNAIDS Global Coalition on Women and AIDS and is on the boards of InterAction and the Moriah Fund. She also held the position of cochair of the UN Millennium Project Task Force on Education and Gender Equality. Peter Yeo, Senior Vice President for the UN Foundation, said Gupta’s appointment underscores US commitment to gender equity at a time when women’s basic human rights and welfare are at risk around the world. “Dr Gupta is a deeply admired leader with extensive experience in the priority areas of the Office of Global Women’s issues, said Michelle Milford Morse, Vice President of the UN Foundation’s Girls and Women Strategy. This is a critical role for US global leadership, and Dr Gupta will fulfil it with great distinction,” he said. Gupta’sexpertisein gender and development spans several decades. She has served on an oversight committee for the World Health Organisation’s Health Emergencies Programme and co-chaired the World Bank’s Global Gender-based Violence Task Force. Furthermore, Gupta has held the position of President at the International Center for Research on Women and has received numerous awards, including the 2006 Anne Roe Award from Harvard University and the 2007 “Women Who Mean Business” Award from the Washington Business Journal. Dr Gupta’s educational background includes a PhD in Social Psychology from Bangalore University in India, as well as an MPhil and MA from the University of Delhi. Her wealth of experience and accolades make her an excellent choice for this important role in advancing women’s rights globally. (ANI) New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI):A43-year-old man searched online “how to tie the knot”, killed his wife and daughter, and then died by suicide himself, said Delhi Police on Tuesday. “The man named Sushil allegedly killed his wife, 6-year-old daughter with a knife before hanging himself near the Jyoti Nagar area of Shahdara Police station today,” a police official said. Delhi Police said the accused Sushil also tried to kill his 13-year-old son. “Sushil also tried to kill his son but when police reached the spot he was alive and later he was shifted to the hospital and is currently under treatment,” the official said. Police further stated that a PCR call was received from a co-worker of the deceased in this regard. “A PCR call was received from Jyoti Nagar in Shahdara District. The caller said that his co-worker Sushil called him and was crying on the phone. Sushil told the caller that he had killed everyone in the family and Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 15 (ANI): US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Monday said India is embodying the dreams of the world today. “India is embodying the dreams of the world today. It doesn’t matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter who your parents are, it doesn’t matter what religion you practice, it doesn’t matter what language you speak. All that matters are the dreams in your heart. And those dreams of India are being realized every single day,” Garcetti said on Monday during his visit to Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat. The Ashram, also known as the Gandhi Ashram, is located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad and has been a witness to many important historical events. Garcetti said, “I want to thank everybody in Ahmedabad for being such wonderful hosts already. As my first trip away from the national capital, it was important to me that I come to this place and here in Gujarat, that has produced so many leaders for this country that it’s produced so much commerce, so much connection, so much prosperity and so much peace that has come from this place.” The US Ambassador further said, “In the next couple of weeks, we are opening up the next batch of student visas and we are assigning our workers to focus on it as much as they can. I think we will show that this year we will be able to go past the earlier numbers and get to an even higher number. The President has told me to reduce visa issuance time not just for students but also for first-time visitors: US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti on the issue of US student visa.” Garcetti on his arrival to the Sabarmati Ashram, was garlanded and he greeted people there with the traditional “Namaste.” Mahatma Gandhi resided in a small cottage that is now known as “Hridaya (Heart) Kunj” while he was in Sabarmati. It is a location of significant historical significance where visitors may still see some of the items Gandhiji used, including a writing desk, khadi kurta, yarn he spun and some of his correspondence. Garcetti had earlier posted a video on Twitter recounting his visit to the Maharashtra Bhawan in Delhi. “From the bustling streets of LA to the colourful lanes of Delhi, my love of great food continues. I’m at Maharashtra Bhawan, eager to explore the fascinating flavours of India. Join me on this journey as I sample the essence of India, one state at a time. Where should I go next?,” the US envoy posted. Earlier on Thursday, Garcetti and envoys of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. (ANI) hanged himself and died by suicide,” the official added. Forensic Science Laboratory teams are inspecting the crime scene. Further investigation is underway in this matter. (ANI) 43-yr-old man searches online “how to tie the knot”, kills wife, daughter, dies by suicide now he is not picking up the call. Immediately call was verified and all police officials reached the spot. At the place of the incident, 3 dead bodies were found. Sushil who works as a maintenance supervisor at DMRC, East Vinod Nagar depot, was found hanging. His wife and his daughter were also found dead with knife injuries on their heads,” a police official said. “Prima facie is murder and attempt to murder family members by deceased Sushil who
Jaishankar calls India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting “significant milestone” B r u s s e l s [Belgium], May 16 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Tuesday, called the India EU Trade and Technology Council meeting a “significant milestone”. Addressing the first Ministerial meeting of the India–European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC), Jaishankar said, “This first meeting of the Trade and Technology Council is a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between India and the European Union. We are obviously important partners for each other, but what the TTC represents is a focus on key domains that are critical to both global and global security.” Along with Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar was also in the meeting. He further stated that the challenge for them is to address simultaneously the dual requirements of responsible growth and deriskingtheglobaleconomy. This means promoting resilient and reliable supply chains; additional drivers of global production and growth; ensuring trust and transparency in the digital domain, including crossborder flows. “It means embracing low carbon growth while ensuring that this does not create critical vulnerabilities in each of the focus areas of the TTC strategic technologies, digital governance and connectivity, clean and green energy technologies, and resilient value chains. India has experiences to share in terms of innovation, production and deployment. We are also an important factor in regard to the global talent pool that has been discussed this morning,” Jaishankar said. “It is our expectation that the TTC will become a crucial platform for the exchanges in this regard so that we arrive at both policy and business decisions in the relevant domains. I’m very confident that our meeting today will take place in that spirit,” he added. Earlier, Jaishankar met the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles on Tuesday. “A warm and cordial meeting with EU HR VP @JosepBorrellF. Appreciate his hosting the Ministerial delegation from India. A good discussion on the TTC, G20, Voice of Global South, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. Such exchanges strengthen our strategic partnership,” EAM said in a tweet. Before, the ministerial meeting of India-EU TTC, Jaishankar participated in the Digital and Clean Energy Stakeholder Event in Brussels. FRIDAY MAY 19, 2023 5 The United Hindu and Jain Temple Association (UHJT) Hindu - Jain Yatra Trip Saturday, June 24, 2023 Trip includes visit to Siddhachalam (NJ), Arsha Vidya Gurukulum (PA), and Vraj Temple (PA). Tickets: $ 90 per person Registration closes May 21, 2023 ALL bookings must be done by registering via UHJT website WWW.DCUnitedTemples.Org (please use Donate button) Two pick-up locations: Gaithersburg, MD and Fulton, MD ALL meals are included in the registration Contacts: Jyoti Sawhney (301) 520-2435 Kamlesh Shah (301) 838-9778 Questions? E-mail: Info@DCUnitedTemples.Org (Yatra bus will start at 7:00 a.m. from Gaithersburg, MD and stop at 7:30 a.m. in Fulton, MD. Estimated return approximately 9:00 p.m.) ~ INDIA ~ NEPAL ~ BANGLA DESH ~ PAKISTAN ~ SRI LANKA ~ AFRICA ~ ASIA ~ EUROPE ~ MIDDLE EAST 1-800-343-0038 WEBSITE: GOFLYHOME.COM
May 19, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Congress Retakes Power in Karnataka, High Command to Finalize on the CM in two days KARNATAKA ELECTION FROM PAGE 1 will be in place within 72 hours. He also dismissed speculative reports that Siddaramaiah was likely to be named the chief minister once again.“Delibrations are currently underway by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Whenever Congress makes a decision we will inform you. In the next 48-72 hours, we will have a new cabinet in Karnataka,” he told reporters here. The Congress leader said that consultations are still on and urged media to not report on speculation or heed to fake information. Four days since Congress registered an emphatic victory in the Assembly polls by wresting power from the Bharatiya Janata Party, still, the State is yet to get a Chief Minister. Meanwhile, supporters of Siddaramaiah were seen bursting firecrackers in Bengaluru. Also, police officials were seen inspecting the Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bengaluru where the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka government is likely to be held. Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar both met Rahul Gandhi at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s residence, in the national capital. Besides this, Karnataka Congress working president Eshwar Khandare and other MLAs arrived at the party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in the national capital for meetings in connection with picking the next chief minister of the From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK You Can Never Tell Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online INDIA THIS WEEK- May 12, 2023 By Ella Wheeler Wilcox You never can tell when you send a word, Like an arrow shot from a bow By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, Just where it may chance to go. It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend. Tipped with its poison or balm, To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart, It may carry its pain or its calm. You never can tell when you do an act Just what the result will be; But with every deed you are sowing a seed, Though the harvest you may not see. Each kindly act is an acorn dropped In God’s productive soil You may not know, but the tree shall grow, With shelter for those who toil. You never can tell what your thoughts will do, In bringing you hate or love; For thoughts are things, and their airy wings Are swifter than carrier doves. They follow the law of the universe Each thing must create its kind, And they speed o’er the track to bring you back Whatever went out from your mind. Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 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 State. Khandare had asserted that the suspense over the decision of the next Chief Minister of the State would likely end by this evening. “I met the party’s national president Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the recent developments in Karnataka...Only high command will decide, we are 100 per cent united. Decision maybe by today evening,” Khandare had told reporters here. On Tuesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge held meetings with both potential candidates D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah in New Delhi. Siddaramaiah had arrived at Kharge’s residence along with his son Yatindra and MLAs Zameer Ahmad, Bhyrati Suresh, and senior leader KJ George. Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met party president Mallikarjun Kharge who went through the Congress central observers’ report, which was submitted on Monday. Three central observers appointed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Karnataka, arrived in Delhi on Monday to present their report to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on the appointment of the Karnataka chief minister. The observers Sushil Kumar Shinde, Deepak Bawaria and Bhanwar Jitendra Singh were tasked with speaking to newly elected Congress MLAs on the election of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader in Karnataka and subsequently to submit their report to the party’s high command. The Congress legislative party had met late evening on Sunday in Bengaluru and passed a oneline resolution empowering Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to pick the head of the legislative party. Bengaluru’s Sri Kanteerava Stadium prepares for Karnataka CM swearing-in ceremony Preparations are underway at Bengaluru‘s Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, where the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka government is espected to be held. Police officials were seen conducting inspections at the Stadium today. Earlier in the day, Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar and veteran leader Siddaramaiah met party leader Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath in the national capital, amid the ongoing suspense over the chief ministerial face after the party’s emphatic win in the recently concluded Assembly polls. “Delibrations are currently underway by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Whenever Congress makes a decision we will inform you. In the next 4872 hours, we will have a new cabinet in Karnataka,” Congress’ Karnataka-incharge Randeep Surjewala said in New Delhi today. Supporters of Siddaramaiah were seen pouring milk on his poster, bursting firecrackers and raising slogans n his support outside his residence in Bengaluru today. Meanwhile BJP today jibed that the Congress is yet to finalise its CM candidate despite getting a majority. “This shows the internal situation in the party. The aspirations of people are more important than politicking. Congress should choose a CM as soon as possible,” outgoing Karnataka chief minister and BJP leader Basavraj Bommai said in Bengaluru. (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
FRIDAY MAY 19, 2023 7 “Our partnership with India is one of most consequential relations,” US Dept of State on PM Modi’s upcoming visit Washington [US], May 16 (ANI): Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, on Monday (local time) highlighted the deepening partnership between Washington and New Delhi ahead of the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relations and we were close with India on a number of vital priorities. The state visit is an opportunity to deepen some of these partnerships,” said Vedant Patel on the question of PM Modi‘s Official State Visit to the United States on June 22, 2023. He said that State Department and Secretary Antony Blinken are critically involved in the upcoming state visit for PM Modi. Speaking about India’s role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, Patel said, “The state visit is an opportunity to deepen some of these partnerships, whether it has been ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensuring that it is a region that is more connected, more prosperous, more secure and more resilient. Obviously, between India and the United States, there exists an opportunity to deepen trade issues, deepen security partnerships.” He also highlighted some shared global challenges like global health and addressing the climate crisis. “There’s an opportunity to address some shared global challenges like global health and addressing the climate crisis. So, again, I’m not going to get ahead of the state visit, but we very much look forward to hosting the Indian government,” said Patel. Earlier, the White House in a statement announced that US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official state visit next month. The statement released by the White House read, “President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023.” The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the US and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship, linking Americans and Indians. “The visit will strengthen the two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy, and space,” the statement read. The last in-person meeting between PM Modi and US President Biden was held in Indonesia. The two leaders took into account areas like crucial and emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. During the meeting, both sides discussed close cooperation in future-oriented sectors such as critical and emerging technologies, advanced computing, and artificial intelligence, an official statement by Prime Minister’s office read. The two leaders also held talks on topical global and regional developments. (ANI)
May 19, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK No end to troubles for Congress in Rajasthan; Sachin Pilot gives ultimatum of “andolan” Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], May 15 (ANI): Giving an ultimatum to Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan government, former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Monday said that if his demands against “corruption” are not met within the end of this month, the Congress leader will launch an “andolan” (movement) across the state. The Rajasthan unit of Congress is continuing to give a headache to the party’s high command as the simmering tensions between Gehlot and Sachin pilot have come out in the open just ahead of Assembly elections in the state scheduled to be held later this year. The Congress which is celebrating the victory of Karnataka Assembly poll results, will have to soon address the issue. Sachin Pilot has put forward three demands – action against corruption charges on the previous BJP government, disbandment and reconstitution of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) and its reconstitution, and compensation for those affected by the paper leaks – and demanded action by the end of this month. Proving his point, Pilot took out a 5-day Jan Sangharsh Yatra’ which culminated on Monday in Jaipur. He had started his yatra on May 11 to protest against the inaction of the Rajasthan government in the alleged corruption cases during the previous Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government in the State. Addressing a public meeting here, Pilot warned the state government of his own party to start agitation in the entire state from next month if the three demands raised by him are not fulfilled by this month. Addressing the last day of the ‘Jan Sangharsh Yatra’, Pilot said, “During the five years of BJP rule under Vasundhara Raje, there was corruption and loot. While in the opposition, CM Gehlot had also levelled these allegations. But, now four and a half years have passed under our government, but the promises made have not been fulfilled. No action has been taken on the corruption charges. “I wrote letters, went on hunger strike, but still nothing happened. So I felt that nothing will happen until I go among the public and started the yatra,” he added. Stating that the people are his only ‘capital’, the Congress leader said that he will carry out an ‘andolan’ across the state in case his demands are not met. “This time I did an ‘anshan’ in a ‘Gandhiwaadi’ manner. But, if our demands are not met by the end of this month, I will hold an ‘andolan’ along with the public in the entire state. We will walk through the streets, towns and villages along with the people. We will continue to raise the issues of the public and fight for their justice,” he said. Pilot added, “We don’t have anything of our own. We just wore the shoes and started the yatra. I didn’t even have any expectations of who will come in the yatra. But, people turned up in huge numbers on such short notice. Now, the only capital that we have is the public. Along with them, we will do the ‘andolan’, we will reach every corner of the state and bring justice”. The former Deputy CM alleged that he didn’t receive any support from the government when he raised questions about the paper leak in the state. “When I raised the issue of the paper leak, I received the response that no officer was involved in it. Our fight is not against any leader but against corruption. Ask the students whose papers got cancelled. Our mass struggle is not against any leader. But against corruption,” he said. Further slamming CM Gehlot he added, “The order was broken on September 25, when Sonia Gandhi was betrayed. We tolerated it, but you kept on reaping benefits and speaking against us”. He further told the people that he will continue to serve the people of the state and dem “Today is the last day of our ‘Jan Sangharsh Yatra’. But I want to say that all the three demands of ours should be met. I demand that every student affected by the paper leak should be given compensation. The RPSC should be dissolved and a new organisation should be formed. The corruption allegations under Vasundhara Raje government should be probed,” he said. Pilot added, “I want to promise the people, whether I am on any post or not, I will continue to serve Rajasthan till my last breath. I swear I am not going to back down and will make whatever sacrifice is required”. Many MLAs supporting Sachin Pilot also appeared on the stage in the public meeting held in Jaipur. Among them, state cabinet minister Hemaram Chowdhary, minister Rajendra Singh Gudha, MLA Ved Prakash Solanki, Mukesh Bhakar, Ramniwas Gawadia, Dipendra Singh Shekhawat, Harish Meena, Amar Jatav, Rakesh Pareek, Girraj Malinga, Suresh Modi were present in the public meeting. Other than Sachin Pilot, several other prominent leaders also launched attacks against the Rajasthan government. Rajasthan Minister Hemaram Chowdhary said that if people want a “change in leadership” it is not a “crime”. Addressing the event, Chowdhary said, “One can’t clap just with one hand. There is still time to think. I don’t understand whose government is in Rajasthan. The Chief Minister says that Vasundhara Raje saved our government. “If someone talks about a change of leadership in the party, is it a crime? If people say it will they be punished?” You can punish Hemaram if you want to.” He said alleged that those who “flatter” the CM have several corruption allegations and should be put in jail. “If we are corrupt, then you are the Chief Minister. Start the probe against us. If you say that Hemaram is corrupt, then remove me from the cabinet,” he said. The Minister added, “Those who are around you and flatter you . You should look at their corruption and put them in jail”. those around you who flatter you and put them in jail. The Badshah (king) should follow his religion”. Rajasthan Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Rajendra Gudha also levelled serious allegations against his own government in the state and alleged that it has broken “all records of corruption”. Addressing the event, he said, “Shanti Dhariwal is saying that CM Gehlot made many people drink water. I would like to say that the people of this state are thirsty, provide them with some water to drink. Dhariwal Ji...no file comes out of your office without corruption”. “The alignment of this government was worsened. Our government has broken all records of corruption. I even have proof of CM Gehlot buying MLAs,” he added. Further slamming his own government, Gudha claimed that CM Gehlot considers Sachin Pilot as “opposition”. “Both Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje got corona at the same time. There is a mixed government in the state. The Chief Minister considers Sachin Pilot only as his opposition,” he said. TheMinisteradded, “One should remember that when Congress party was reduced to 21 seats, it was Pilot only who took it past 100. He made you (Gehlot) the Chief Minister, but you consider him only as the opposition”. Reacting to the ‘Jan Sangharsh Yatra’, senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) said that despite what one does, Ashok Gehlot is one of the most “capable Chief Ministers”. “Let anyone do what they want. Congress party knows how to deal with every challenge. Ashok Gehlot is one of the most capable CMs,” he told ANI. Meanwhile, the assembly polls are scheduled to be held in Rajasthan later this year and the Congress party is seeking another term ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha polls in 2024. Asked about the unity in the Rajasthan Congress in view of upcoming State polls, Pilot had earlier said, “Neither do I hurl allegations at anyone nor do I have any rift with anyone on an individual level.”
FRIDAY MAY 19, 2023 9 Sale Ends 5/31/2023 Union Agriculture Minister Tomar inaugurates Integrated Biological Control Laboratory in Hyderabad Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 15 (ANI): Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) Hyderabad on Monday. After inaugurating the lab, he emphasized that the use of biocontrol for pests is necessary to overcome the adverse effects of excessive pesticide use in different crops as well as to reduce the cost of cultivation and to increase farmers’ income. He underlined the need that the technologies developed in the laboratory should be taken to the farmers who have the least access to information so that they can be convinced about the benefits of these technologies. He emphasized that there should not be any pesticide residue in organically produced agricultural commodities which are being exported to foreign markets to keep up with the brand image of the Country. He congratulated all the staff and officials of NIPHM on the new Integrated Biocontrol Laboratory building and expressed hope that they will rededicate themselves to the cause of taking the technology to the farmers. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the new Integrated Bio Control Laboratory (BC Lab) is a state-of-the-art laboratory in NIPHM, has facilities for giving hands-on experience on production methodologies for biopesticides, Biocontrol agents like predators and parasitoids, Entomopathogenic fungi, biofertilizers, NPV, Pheromone and Botanicals. Using bio-control agents, bio-pesticides, and bio-fertilizers will help reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, consequently reducing the adverse effects on the environment and human health and contributing to improved Soil and Plant Health. The BC Lab will also have an Insect Museum, weed museum, exhibition hall, Natural Farming Cell etc to showcase the specimens of agriculturally important insects and weeds in the best preserved or live forms, said the Union Agriculture Ministry statement. The new Integrated Biocontrol Laboratory is equipped with state-of-theart equipment and the labs are staffed with highly qualified faculty members. NIPHM promotes sustainable agricultural practices such as Agro Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) and Ecological Engineering (EE) for pest management with enhanced use of different biological agents, bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers. NIPHM is conducting regular training programs on various aspects of insect pests and disease management in different crops. The training programmes are attended by officers working in different states, scientists/ academicians from Agricultural Universities, KVKs, ICAR institutes, students, farmers and private organizations. The inauguration of this facility is a significant milestone in developing chemical-free sustainable agriculture in India. The facility will help the extension functionaries to promote non-chemical options of pest management in agricultural and horticultural crops. The trained officers shall further train farmers in respective areas to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and promote the use of ecofriendly practices for pest management. This facility will also help in enhancing the knowledge and skills of agriculture officers, extension officers and farmers in the field of soil health management, organic farming and natural farming in the country, said the statement. (ANI)
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