INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY DECEMBER 29, 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 32 No: 52 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday December 29, 2023 India-Russia Dialogue:”Ready to support India’s initiative to produce military products as part of Made In India program”: Russian Foreign Minister M o s c o w [Russia], December 27 (ANI): Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday expressed Russia’s willingness to support India’s initiative to produce military products as part of ‘Made In India’ program. Lavrov said he and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the meeting have taken a number of steps that will expand cooperation between India and Russia, including the launch of the North-South International Transport Corridor as well as establishment of the Chennai Vladivostok route. While addressing a press conference after his meeting with Jaishankar, Lavrov said, “We have also discussed the prospects of military and technical cooperation, including the joint production of modern weaponry. We also have specific steps in the area. Our cooperation is of strategic nature, strengthening it corresponds to the national interests of states, the interests of Security in the Eurasian continent.” “As mentioned before, we are respectful of the aspiration of our Indian colleagues to diversify their military and technical links. We also understand and hence we are ready to support their initiative to produce military products as part of the ‘Made in India’ program. We stand ready to cooperate in this area. We have reaffirmed our aspiration to strengthen energy cooperation,” he added. Lavrov said he and Jaishankar agreed to expand legal framework of India-Russia relations, in particular to accelerate the adoption of the agreement on the mutual protection of investment. “Today we have taken a number of steps that would allow us to expand cooperation including in the upcoming launch of the North-South International Transport Corridor as well as establishment of the Chennai Vladivostok route and the cooperation on the expansion of the Northern Sea Route which is a very promising area,” Lavrov said. “We have also agreed to expand the legal framework of our relationship in particular to accelerate the adoption of the agreement on the mutual protection of investment and another important document, namely the upcoming agreement on the free trade area between India and the Eurasian Economic Union,” he added. Lavrov said specific agreements between India and Russia have been reached to deepen trade in economic and investment links as well as other areas of cooperation. He said talks between Jaishankar and Russian leaders have confirmed that the ties between India and Russia are based on confidential nature of mutual respect and not subject to any political frameworks. He said, ” Yesterday, the distinguished minister as the co-chair of the Intergovernmental Commission also held talks with the Russian co-chair of the Commission, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov. Today we have taken notice of the good outcomes of those talks. INDIA-RUSSIA SEE PAGE 6 ENDS JANUARY 2 NX F SPORT RX F SPORT ES F SPORT WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER TREE Some gifts never stop giving. Apne liye ek aisa gift dhund nikaliye at the December to Remember Sales Event. Now through January 2. Bow optional. ©2023 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
December 29, 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 New criminal laws passed by Parliament are revolutionary and transformative: Union Law Minister New Delhi [India], December 23 (ANI): Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday termed the new criminal bills passed by Parliament in the recently concluded winter session are revolutionary and transformative and have a sense of indigenousness. “Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, these three bills are very important. These 3 new bills that have been passed have an Indianness. These bills are revolutionary and transformative,” the union minister said while speaking to ANI. The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the three criminal bills– the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023–replacing the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act. The bills were earlier passed by the Lok Sabha. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will have 358 sections (instead of 511 sections in the IPC). A total of 20 new crimes have been added to the bill, and the imprisonment sentence has been increased for 33 of them. The amount of the fine has been increased in 83 crimes and mandatory minimum punishment has been introduced in 23 crimes. The penalty of community service has been introduced for six crimes and 19 sections have been repealed or removed from the bill. G i v i n g prominence to crimes against women and children, murder and crimes against the nation, these three bills were passed by voice vote. YSRCP, BJD, TDP, AIADMK, TMC (M), and UPP (L) leaders took part in the debate supporting the three bills, with many of them giving suggestions for holding English titles for them along with Hindi. However, the majority of the opposition members did not attend the debate on Wednesday, when the three bills were passed in the Lok Sabha. (ANI)
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December 29, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India-Russia Dialogue:”Ready to support India’s initiative to produce military products as part of Made In India program”: Russian Foreign Minister INDIA-RUSSAIA FROM PAGE 1 Specific agreements have been reached to deepen our trade in economic and investment links and other areas of cooperation that fall within the competence of the Intergovernmental Commission.” Speaking about the ties between India and Russia, Lavrov said, “Yesterday talks and our today’s meeting confirm that the relations between Moscow and New Delhi are based on the confidential nature of mutual respect. They are not subject to any political fluctuations. They truly reflect the character of our partnership, a special priviliged strategic partnership as stated in a document signed by our leadership. “We have spoken out in favour of continued political dialogue which is required to strengthen our relations on a sustainable basis. We have paid special attention to the matters of building up practical cooperation in addition to the agreements that had been reached yesterday as part of the session of the Intergovernmental Commission,” he added. Lavrov made the remarks after he held a meeting with Jaishankar, who is in Russia for a fiveday visit. The two leaders met at the Russian Ministry of ForeignAffairs Reception House in Moscow. In his opening remarks at the meeting, EAM Jaishankar said, “Our relationship have been very strong, very steady. And I think we have lived up to a special and privileged strategic partnership. \ This year we have already met 6 times, and this is our 7th meet. Our Prime Minister and President Putin have also been in frequent contact. We expect a strong Russian participation at the Vibrant Gujarat meeting in January.” For India, Russia is valued and time-tested partner: EAM Jaishankar From The Poet’s Pen External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called Russia India’s “valued and timetested” partner. He said India and Russia have benefited enormously from the relationship that the two nations share and added that the developments in various sectors, including trade, investment and military technical cooperation showcase a good sense of importance that New Delhi attaches to its ties with Moscow. On being asked about his earlier remarks about India-Russia ties, he said, “I think I must have been reacting to how I was asked that particular question and I know that is not your intent. For us, Russia is a very valued partner. It’s very time-tested partner. It’s a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefited enormously and my presence here today and the fact you know all the developments that I have pointed out including our growing trade, investments, our military technical cooperation, our connectivity projects. I think all of this will give you a good sense of the importance and the value that we attach to the relationship.” Earlier this month, Jaishankar at the Eighth Global Technology Summit hailed India-Russia relations while he downplayed the overdependence in the India-Russia relationship. “We have a relationship with Russia and it is not a relationship that happened in one instant, one day, one month or one year. It is an accumulated relationship of close to 60 years,” Jaishankar had said. “Often I see a problem defined in a way as though somewhere there’s some handicap that India has by having this relationship. This relationship has saved us at times. Whether we are over dependent or not, actually at the end of the day it depends on us,” he added. In response to another question, Jaishankar said the International North- INDIA THIS WEEK- December3, 2020 INDIA THIS WEEK- January 29,2023 INDIA THIS WEEK by Rajan George Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online Happy New Year What is ‘New’ about the year I’m indeed so curious if each ongoing year should effect in us a change for good should not then we grow virtuous year by year? Growing in virtue meaning– abiding in love, seeking the Truth, knowing more of God who gives us life to live in and for Him, lend a hand to the trodden down who struggle before our eyes If celebrations for the new year abound in a show of mirth and gluttony, ingratiating sensuous cravings, and pleasures of the moment! Then are we still detained in the mold too old from which we constantly try escape! For the year to have novelty, Change should come from within The new man should the Old displace Where Agape Love for ever reside Jeus said, “I make everything New! Yes He alone makes everything New! You will soar to greater heights, like the eagles, if you shatter the fetters that have shackled you from taking off the ground Then and only then can you say Happy New Year! Yeah! Happy Happy New Year!! 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 South corridor is in interest of India and the global economy. Highlighting the growth of India, he said India is moving to be a four trillion dollar economy and is growing at 7.7 per cent in 2023, with a possibility of growth in the future. “The international NorthSouth transport corridor is in our interest and not just in ours, but in the interest of the global economy that this corridor progresses and we certainly will give it the highest priority. You are right when you speak about a rebalancing world I mean, I give you the example of India itself, I mean today we are moving to be a four trillion dollar economy and we are growing at 7.7 per cent this year, possibility of improved growth in the future,” Jaishankar said. He further said, “We do think the world is not what it was, politics will change, the global order will have to change, the international economy will have to change and we appreciate very much that Russia is today a strong ... of a multipolar order. Also that it is supportive of you know the positions that we take in our mutual interests in international politics.” He said India greatly values the tradition of annual meetings between leaders of India and Russia. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian PresidentVladimir Putin did not hold an annual meeting due to India’s G20 Presidency and preoccupations at the end of the year. He expressed confidence that the annual meeting will be held next year. Jaishankar noted that India and Russia have positive feelings for each other. “The tradition of annual meetings between our leaders is something that we value very greatly and as someone who has seen it over the last decade, I can attest to its enormous value. I think, my colleague has seen it for longer and could confirm what I am saying. I don’t think it is an issue of resumption of the summits. This year, because of our G20 presidency and at the end of the year, we had some preoccupations,” Jaishankar said. “It so happened that it could not I am very confident that we will see an annual summit next year and again, you know ours is really ours is really a relationship which at every level, starting with you know the relationship between the leaders to right down to the popular level, the societal sentiment, I think we have really very positive feelings for each other and I think that is a really big source of strength for the relationship,” he added. While addressing the joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar appreciated the India-Russia trade, which is at an all-time high. He said that the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union will resume in January next year. The External Affairs Minister said that the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow remains very steady and strong and is based on strategic convergence on geopolitical interests. “We have had a very good session of talks and today, what really came out was India-Russia relationship remains very steady, very strong. They are based on strategic convergence on geopolitical interests and because they are mutually beneficial,” Jaishankar said. He added, “We spent a lot of time discussing political cooperation, with regards to a lot of international issues including international organisations like BRICS of which Russia will be the President, SCO”. 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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December 29, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi interacts with Christian community on Christmas; eminent people hail his vision for country New Delhi [India], December 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attended a programme on Christmas Day and met members of the Christian community on the auspicious occasion, stating that the festive season unites the nation as one and brings together every citizen. PM Modi extended his greetings to the people of the world and to the Christian community on Christmas and recalled his meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City in 2021, stating that it was a “very memorable moment.” After interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the eminent people from the Christian community expressed their happiness and said that our country could be the leading country in the world under PM Modi’s leadership. Sunny Joseph, Administrator of Christ University expressed great delight upon the opportunity and said that his vision for the future and his message have uplifted everyone’s spirits. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church of India and Archbishop of Bombay, who has also served as a member of the Pope’s Council of the Cardinal Advisers, thanked the Prime Minister for his presence on the occasion. “Our country could be the leading country in the world,” Cardinal Oswald Gracias said. Cardinal Oswald Gracias thanked PM Modi for his efforts towards the country, the Christian community and the world. Archbishop Anil Couto, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Delhi thanked the Prime Minister for organizing the Christmas celebrations at his residence which signifies that it is not just a celebration of the Christian community but a national feast. “Wonderful vision of Prime Minister Modi, ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’. At the international stage, our Prime Minister is giving such a leadership which is recognised by leaders around the world,” Archbishop Anil Couto said. John Varghese, Principal St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, as a representative of the education community, commended the Prime Minister’s vision, determination and largeheartedness as reflected in the new National Education Policy and other policies as well. Meanwhile, St. Stephen’s College Principal John Varghese said that the benchmark is being set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The benchmark is continuously pegged higher and that is amazing not only for our institutions, not only for our students but for all of India and if India wins, the world wins,” he said. Muthoot Group Deputy MD George M. George said that PM Modi has played a very pivotal role. “I believe he has played a very pivotal role, as there have been so many changes that have happened. We all, not just the Christian community, are happy to see and have a promise to see a better future,” he added. Alukkas Joy Verghese, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group admired the Prime Minister’s down-to-earth, simple and friendly personality. “I was surprised to see PM Modi, as he is very simple and very friendly. He is not a normal person. He is working day and night,” he added. Actor Dino Morea lauded the Prime Minister’s contribution towards the development of India and said that the country along with its people is moving in the right direction. QS Corporate Regional Director Ashwin Fernandes said that “the Prime Minister’s leadership has been magnanimous throughout the world. It has created a huge appeal for India.” Meanwhile, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Holy See, Kevin J. Kimtis, said, “Prime Minister Modi clearly is a man dedicated to Indians that all Indians feel as a family.” Bishop Simon John expressed his happiness at calling the Christian community to his residence for the first time. “I am very happy that PM Modi called the Christian community to his residence for the first time,” he added. Ashwin Jerome Fernandes, Regional Director, Africa, Middle East and South Asia at QS Quacquarelli Symonds said that PM Modi’s leadership has been magnanimous throughout the world and created a huge appeal for India. Apollo 24*7 CEO Antony Jacob said that PM Modi is a very friendly and kind-hearted human being. Ayodhya (UP), December 25 (ANI): Ayodhya geared up for the grand once-in-a-lifetime consecration ceremony of Ram Temple. Indian Railways geared up to complete redevelopment work of Ayodhya’s Railway Station. A y o d h y a Railway Station is being redeveloped with stateof-the-art facilities for pilgrims. Ayodhya Railway Station will be a reflection of Hindu tradition, and culture, equipped with modern facilities. The Railway Station has a circulation capacity of 50-60 thousand people in phase 1 of the construction work. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the phase 1 of the redeveloped station on December 30. State-of-the-art Ayodhya Railway Station near completion ahead of consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla “I see Mr Modi as such a great, good and kindhearted human being. The very fact that he volunteered himself to come and mix with everybody,” Jacob said. Alexander George, Joint MD, Muthoot Group highlighted the Prime Minister’s pivotal role in the transformation of the nation as witnessed not just by the Christian Community but every community in India, and the promise for a better future. Kurian Varghese, an NRI businessman from Bahrain highlighted the Prime Minister’s efforts to create a positive outlook for India not just in Gulf countries but all over the world. Calling the Prime Minister a great leader, athlete Anju Bobby George praised the Prime Minister’s zeal for promoting sports. “I think in the near future, we will be at the top,” she said. Yakub Mathew, MD, Wells Fargo Bank, Delhi, hailed the Prime Minister’s leadership style, where he demands change. Noting the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas, the Prime Minister stressed gifting a better planet to the coming generations. “Sustainability is the need of today’s time”, PM Modi said underlining that living a sustainable lifestyle is the central message of Mission LiFE, an international movement being led by India. He reiterated that the campaign inspires pro-planet people to adopt a pro-planet lifestyle. He mentioned reusing and recycling, using biodegradable materials, adopting millets, and buying products with a minimal carbon footprint. He expressed his belief that the socially conscious Christian community can play a major role in this mission. “My greetings to the people of the world and to the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas... It is pleasant for me that on such a special and sacred day, all of you have come to my residence,” he said. The Prime Minister said he and Pope Francis discussed issues like social harmony, global brotherhood and climate change to make the world a better place. “A few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet the Holy Pope. It was indeed a very memorable moment for me. To make the world a better place, we discussed issues like social harmony, global brotherhood, climate change and inclusive development,” he said. PM Modi said all religious texts focus on knowing the ultimate truth. PM Modi attended a programme on Christmas day and met the members of the Christian community on the auspicious occasion. Christmas is observed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Carol singing, dazzling Christmas lights, and decked-out Christmas trees entice folks to join in the celebrations on December 25. (ANI)
FRIDAY DECEMBER 29, 2023 9 Sale Ends 1/30/2024 Indian Navy intensifies maritime security operations in Arabian Sea following recent incidents New Delhi [India], December 27 (ANI): In response to the recent maritime incidents in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has commenced focused maritime security operations in the region. The navy has significantly increased the presence of warships and enhanced air surveillance to safeguard the waters and ensure the safety of maritime activities, the Indian Navy said in a statement. The move comes in the wake of incidents that raised concerns about the safety of shipping and trade routes in the region. “The presence of Indian Navy warships and air surveillance in the region has been enhanced,” stated the Indian Navy. The navy is actively collaborating with national maritime agencies to coordinate efforts and implement effective security measures. The primary objective of these operations is to secure the Arabian Sea and protect merchant marine activities from potential threats. The increased naval presence is expected to act as a deterrent and contribute to the overall safety and stability of the maritime environment. Notably, these measures are being taken in the wake of the attack by a suspected drone on merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto on December 23. Following the attack, the Indian Navy also deployed multiple Guided Missile Destroyers including INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, in various areas of the Arabian Sea to maintain a deterrent presence, the Indian Navy said in an official press release on Monday. M o r e o v e r, long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are also being regularly tasked with maintaining domain awareness. The release stated that the Western Naval Command’s Maritime Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with the Coast Guard and all concerned agencies. Meanwhile, the MV Chem Pluto (Liberian Flag Chemical/lOil Tanker), carrying 21 Indian and 01 Vietnamese crew, reached Mumbai and anchored safely at Outer Anchorage off Mumbai at 1530 hrs on Monday. On her arrival, the Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the vessel to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of the attack. The analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship hinted towards a drone attack but further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including the type and amount of explosive used. As per the Indian Navy statement, a joint investigation by various agencies has commenced on completion of the analysis by the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Team and MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by her companyin-charge in Mumbai. The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by the various inspecting authorities before undertaking Ship to Ship (STS) transfer of cargo. This is likely to be followed by docking and repairs to the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto. Moreover, the defence officials said that the Indian Navy warships will be further enhancing their patrolling in the region to keep Indian and other merchant vessels safe in the region. MV Chem Pluto, with 20 Indian and one Vietnamese crew member, caught fire on Saturday after it was attacked by a suspected drone. It was later secured by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the ICG said in an official statement. The merchant vessel reportedly commenced its voyage from the UAE on December 19 and was bound for New Mangalore port with an arrival date of December 25. According to the official statement, on December 23, the Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received information regarding a fire onboard MV Chem Pluto, reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike or aerial platform. The Indian Coast Guard Maritime Coordination Centre (MRCC), which established real-time communication with the vessel’s agent, ascertained no loss of life and assured all assistance. It was also learned that the vessel fire had been doused by the crew. To augment the vessel’s safety, MRCC Mumbai has activated ISN and immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for assistance. “The Indian Coast Guard also pressed Offshore Patrol vessel Vikram and Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft into action to rendering assistance to Chem Pluto. The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making its way towards Mumbai after undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems,” the statement further read. (ANI)
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