FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 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: 33 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday August 16, 2024 Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion: President Murmu in I-Day address New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): Asserting that social justice is the top priority of the government, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of social life in India and “affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion”. Addressing the nation on the eve of 78th Independence Day, the President said that tendencies which stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected. She said that India has been among the fastestgrowing major economies with an average growth rate of 8 percent annually from 2021 to 2024. “This has not only put more money in the hands of people, it has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line. As for those who continue to suffer from poverty, all efforts are being made not only to provide a helping hand to them, but also to bring them out of it,” she said. The President noted that PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, launched in the initial phase of Covid19, continues to provide free ration to about 80 crore people, which also ensures that those who have recently come out of poverty are not forced back into it. She said India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world and is poised to become one of the top three economies soon. ‘This has been made possible only by tireless hard work of farmers and workers, by the farsightedness of planners and wealth-creators, and by the visionary leadership. Farmers, ourAnnadata, have ensured that agricultural production continues to beat expectations. With PRESIDENT MURMU SEE PAGE 6 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. Air India flight AI129 operating from Mumbai to London returns back due to technical glitch New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): Air India flight AI129 operating from Mumbai to London made an air return to Mumbai due to a technical issue on Wednesday. The aircraft landed safely at Mumbai for precautionary checks, according to an Air India spokesperson. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience this unexpected disruption caused our guests. We have already made alternative arrangements to fly the passengers to their destination,” said the Air India spokesperson. Air India has promised the passengers cancellation and complimentary rescheduling to another date. “Guests have also been offered full refunds on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling to another date if so desired by them. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our customers and crew remains the top priority,” the Air India spokesperson added further.
August 16, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Telangana CM Revanth Reddy proclaims state as ‘The Future State’ at AI Leaders Summit Palo Alto (California) [USA], August 9 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the state of Telangana would henceforth be known as “The Future State,” reflecting its commitment to pioneering projects such as the AI City, the Net Zero Future City, and the reimagining of Hyderabad, in an address at AI business roundtable hosted by the Indian Consulate General on Thursday. The event gathered CEOs and founders of leading tech unicorns in the field of artificial intelligence, underscoring the state’s strategic emphasis on becoming a global leader in future technologies. In his address, CM Revanth Reddy drew a parallel between American states, which are known for their distinct mottos, and his vision for Telangana. Reddy said, “In America, every State has a motto. I have been so far to New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Texas, and now we are here in California. New York State 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 LA SH Contact: (301)434-3029 Follow us on: Sheth Villa Holiday Home motto – Out of many, one. Texas is known as Lone Star State. California has a motto, Eureka. In India, we don’t have a motto for a state. But I will now like to give my state – Telangana – a motto. My state Telangana can be called – The Future State.” His proclamation was met with a resounding ovation, as he invited the attendees to participate in Telangana’s transformative journey. “I invite you to Telangana. I invite you to the future. Together, let us make the future,” Reddy emphasized, reinforcing the state’s dedication to becoming a hub for innovation and technological advancement. Minister D. Sridhar Babu showcased the key aspects of Telangana’s policies and the unique advantages that make it appealing to global and tech investors. Several prominent CEOs and founders of AI unicorns expressed interest in visiting Hyderabad to explore investment opportunities and expand their operations in the near future. (ANI) New Delhi [India], August 13 (ANI): The Directorate of Enforcement on Tuesday said that a special PMLA court in Ahmedabad has framed criminal charges against Saket Gokhale, a Rajya Sabha MP from Trinamool Congress (TMC), under the anti-money laundering law. The case against Gokhale is based on an FIR filed by the Gujarat Police, alleging misuse of funds collected through crowdfunding. Taking to its official handle on X, the Directorate of Enforcement posted, “The Hon’ble Principal District and Sessions Judge, Ahmedabad (Rural) and Designated Special Court (PMLA), Ahmedabad, today August 13, 2024, framed criminal charges against Saket Gokhale, Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokespersons of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 in prosecution complaint filed by ED.” “Charges against him for a Scheduled offence in a Police case had also been framed,” the post said. A special PMLA court in Ahmedabad has framed criminal charges, under the anti-money laundering law, against TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale on Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate said. ED had earlier last year filed a charge sheet against the 31-year-old MP under the anti-money laundering law. In December 2022, the Gujarat Police arrested Gokhale from Delhi for allegedly misusing funds collected through crowdfunding. The ED informed the court that Gokhale had spent large sums of money collected through crowdfunding on “speculative share trading, wining and dining and other personal expenses which appear to be extravagant in nature.” (ANI) TMC MP Saket Gokhale faces criminal charges in money laundering case: ED
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August 16, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: FORDA calls off strike after meeting Union Health Minister Nadda New Delhi [India], August 13 (ANI): After meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday night, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has called off their nationwide strike over the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. “We are calling off the strike as our demands have been met,” the FORDA president Aviral Mathur told ANI. He said,”We met Union Health Minister JP Nadda at his residence on Tuesday night. We met him yesterday as well and had put out our demands. We have reformulated the demands that we had put forward yesterday in a press release and submitted it to him today.” He said that Union Minister Nadda took cognizance of the incident and assured the FORDA that he will provide a safe working environment to the doctors. “The Union Health Minister told us that the investigation into the matter is under way. He also assured us that all the demands of FORDA will be addressed in a time-bound manner,” said Mathur. Adding further he said, “Health Minister Nadda said that a committee will be formed which will also include doctors.” “We will take up on the future followups and will come to meet JP Nadda again soon. As an association, after a discussion with all the members, and after our demands have been met, we are calling off the strike,” said the FORDA President. Earlier, in an outrage over the tragic rape and murder of a secondyear resident doctor at RG Prayagraj, Aug 13 (ANI): Junior doctors and medical students holding placards, raise slogans protest against the alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, in Prayagraj on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 13 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation will send a medical and forensic team from Delhi to Kolkata tomorrow after the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation in the sexual assault and death of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Court has asked the Kolkata Police to hand over all documents to the CBI immediately. A protesting doctor reacted to the news, “We are very happy and relieved that the case has been transferred to CBI. The accused will be arrested soon now.” After the High Court’s decision, the opposition parties targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led state government and demanded her resignation along with other officials. West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari said, “I welcome this. I have said from day one that there should be a courtmonitored CBI probe... Now we demand that the health minister and the chief minister should resign. The CM is involved and her personal physician and very close aide Dr SP Das is the main person. He is controlling the health department in West Bengal.” Union Health Minister JP Nadda slammed the Trinamool government in West Bengal on Tuesday over the sexual assault and murder of a female doctor. He expressed concern, saying that it is worrying that atrocities against women are increasing daily in the state, despite having a woman Chief Minister. Nadda welcomed the Calcutta High Court‘s decision to order a CBI investigation into the case, stating, “The incident involving a young PG student in West Bengal is deeply distressing and has shocked the nation. I condemn it and express my profound sorrow that such an inhumane act has occurred. The way the incident was handled and the government’s attempts to hide it are inexcusable. Bengal has become a state where there is no law and order; lawlessness is rampant. The sad reality is that atrocities against women are increasing daily, despite having a female Chief Minister. This is even more worrying.” Earlier in the day, Nadda met with a delegation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The IMA had requested a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crime and measures to enhance the safety of doctors, particularly women, in the workplace. BJP leader Kar Medical College, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) announced a nationwide halting of elective services in hospitals, starting Monday, August 12. The post-graduate trainee doctor was found raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, which has led to widespread outrage and protests. In a letter addressed to the Union Health Minister JP Nadda, FORDA expressed its deep condemnation of the horrific circumstances surrounding the death, describing it as “perhaps the greatest travesty to have occurred in the history of the resident doctor community.” The association emphasized that the tragedy is not just an attack on their profession but on the very essence of humanity itself. The letter also highlighted the demands that have emerged as a result of this tragic event. FORDA called for the expeditious acceptance of the demands put forth by the residents of RG Kar Medical College, including the resignation of the responsible authorities, such as the Principal, MSVP, Dean, and the Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. They also demanded action against the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the RG Kar MC&H police outpost, who they believe failed in their duty to protect the dignity and life of a woman who, in this case, was an on-duty doctor. A d d i t i o n a l l y, FORDA insisted on an assurance that no police brutality or manhandling of the protesting doctors would occur and that their right to peaceful protest will be respected. The association also demanded justice for the deceased doctor and appropriate compensation for her family. “This is an urgent necessity and should be completed without delay. FORDA stands ready to contribute and provide any assistance necessary to achieve these goals. We hope that the government will take immediate action to address our demands and ensure the safety and security of all healthcare professionals,” the letter further read. (ANI) Locket Chatterjee said on Tuesday that it will reveal who is involved in this. She also alleged that this heinous crime was not a one-person job. Chatterjee targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating, “A CBI inquiry has been ordered. We welcome this because we know that in all such incidents that have happened in West Bengal, no action has been taken by Mamata Banerjee. A daughter has been murdered in the RG Kar Hospital. A CBI investigation will tell us who is involved in this. Kolkata Police and the CID cannot do this. Because it is the police who lied in the beginning.” “The police called her parents and said that it was a suicide. The CBI should acquire all the evidence immediately because they might tamper with it. This heinous crime was not a one-person job. Names of all the influential people involved should be out in the open,” the BJP leader added. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticized the state administration for its handling of the case. He said, “It is condemnable. The state government should take action but remains in a dilemma. The law and order situation is worsening. The state government is not capable and seems intent on helping the accused.” However, the doctors announced today that they will continue their protest till their demands are met. Protesting doctors and medical students also conveyed that their protests will be carried on until their demands of installing CCTV cameras, establishing proper security measures, and providing compensation to the victim’s parents are met. CBI team to visit Kolkata, opposition demands Mamata Banerjee’s resignation
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August 16, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Himachal CM announces Rs 696 crore investment in 11 projects to boost state tourism Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 14 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that 11 projects, with a total investment of Rs 696.47 crore, are currently underway to boost the state’s tourism sector, according to a press release. While presiding over a meeting of the Tourism Department on Tuesday evening, the Chief Minister stated that tenders have been invited for all these projects, aimed at increasing tourist influx in the state. “Tourism is a key sector for our economy, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of families directly or indirectly,” he said, emphasising the importance of enhancing the overall tourism experience in the state and creating new infrastructure. During the meeting, it was revealed that the projects include a Convention Centre at Dharamshala, which is being constructed with an outlay of Rs 161.91 crore. Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion: President Murmu in IDay address PRESIDENT MURMU FROM PAGE 1 Additionally, the beautification of Palampur and Nagrota Bagwan will be undertaken for Rs 95.50 crore, a wellness centre will be built at Nadaun with an investment of Rs 91.42 crore, tourist facilities will be developed at Baba Balaknath Deothsidh in Hamirpur district for Rs 65.32 crore, and a rafting complex will be established at Nadaun with a budget of Rs 64 crore. Other projects include the construction of a wellness centre at Banuti in Shimla district for Rs 58.37 crore, a wellness centre at Manali with an estimated cost of Rs 45.25 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 crore, an Ice Skating cum Roller Skating Rink at Dharamshala for Rs 39.51 crore, the development of an Ice Skating cum Roller Skating Rink at Shimla for Rs 34.85 crore, a Wellness Centre at Kullu with an outlay of Rs 27.76 crore, and the restoration of Naggar Castle in Kullu district for Rs 11.57 crore. The Chief Minister directed the officers to expedite the projects and ensure their completion within the stipulated time. The state government has declared Kangra district as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh, and necessary tourism infrastructure is being developed to facilitate visitors. The Pong Dam is being transformed into an internationally renowned ‘birders paradise’ and will become a national centre of excellence in water sports. A d d i t i o n a l l y, the expansion of Kangra Airport is expected to attract high-end tourists to the region, CM Sukhu stated. The Chief Minister also informed that the number of tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh has significantly increased, reaching 1.13 crore by July 2024. (ANI) 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 this, they have contributed immensely to making India self-reliant in agriculture and feed our people.” The President said infrastructure has received a boost in recent years and strategic planning and effective institutions have helped expand the network of roads and highways, railways as well as ports. “Considering the great potential of futuristic technology, the Government has vigorously promoted a range of sectors, such as semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence, while also creating an ideal ecosystem for startups which will propel their growth. It has made India an even more attractive investment destination,” she said. “With greater transparency, the banking and financial sector has become much more efficient. All of these factors have set the stage for the next generation of economic reforms and economic growth that will catapult India among the developed nations,” she added. The President said that rapid but equitable progress has given India a higher stature in global affairs. “After the successful completion of its G-20 Presidency, India has consolidated its role as the voice of the Global South. India intends to use its influential position to expand the scope of world peace and prosperity,” she said. Recalling the words of BR Ambekdar about the need of making country’s political democracy a social democracy also, she said the steady progress of “political democracy testifies to the progress made towards the consolidation of social democracy”. “The spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of our social life. We move together as a cohesive nation with our diversity and plurality. Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion. I firmly believe that in a vast country like ours, tendencies that stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected,” she said. “Social justice is a top priority of the Government, and it has taken a number of unprecedented initiatives for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised sections of society,” she added. There is provision of reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in government jobs. There is also a provision of reservation for weaker sections in governmentfunded higher education institutions. The President said that Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PMSURAJ) aims to provide direct financial assistance to the people from the marginalised communities and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan has taken the form of a mass campaign for critical interventions to improve socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. She said that National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem or the NAMASTE scheme will ensure that no sanitation workers will have to manually engage in the hazardous task of sewer and septic tank cleaning. (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 16, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK EC reviews poll preparedness for assembly elections in Haryana New Delhi [India], August 13 (ANI): The Election Commission of India is gearing up to conduct assembly elections in Haryana and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu on Tuesday held a detailed and comprehensive review of the poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Haryana at Chandigarh, said an official press release from Election Commission. The term of the State Assembly in Haryana is due to expire on November 3, 2024, and elections are scheduled on 90 legislative assembly constituencies in the state. During the two-day review visit of the Commission, representatives of national and state political parties including Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, Indian National Lok Dal, and Jannayak Janta Party came to meet the Commission. During the meeting, these political parties raised several issues such as the conduct of free and fair elections with strict action against misuse of government machinery, and deployment of adequate central forces in sensitive polling stations while some parties also highlighted the requirement of updating the electoral roll with the removal of dead and shifted voters in Panchkula. Regarding polling stations, there was a request to reduce the distance between polling stations and improve facilities for elderly and women voters while some parties advocated for changing the location of party polling desks from 200 meters to 50 meters from the polling station entrance in urban areas. Concerns were also raised about the inaccessibility of election Observers for timely grievance redressal. Other demands included the timely sharing of voter lists with candidates immediately after the nomination deadline. The Commission assured the representatives that it has taken cognizance of the suggestions and concerns of the political parties and ECI is committed to conducting free, fair, participative, inclusive, peaceful, and inducement-free elections in the state. Political parties were encouraged to actively engage in the ongoing second Special Summary Revision process to update the electoral rolls ahead of the elections. The Commission also discussed the administrative, logistics, law and order, and electionrelated arrangements with the Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer. Prior to the detailed review with DEOs and SPs, CEO Haryana gave an overview of all aspects of election management including the ongoing 2nd Special Summary revision of Electoral Rolls in the state with respect to July 1, 2024 as the qualifying date. The final electoral roll will be published on August 27, 2024, a copy of which will be provided to all recognized parties free of cost. The Commission also held a meeting with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to review the overall poll preparedness and law and order matters. The Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 are expected to take place on or before October 2024, as the current Assembly’s tenure is set to end on November 3 this year. However, the election schedule is yet to be announced. Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, it was reported that the Election Commission will hold a meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Wednesday to review the security situation in the union territory, sources said. In December last year, the Supreme Court directed the central government to conclude the election process in the Union territory by September 30, 2024. If it happens before September, Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of 10 years as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The PDPBJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. Recently, a poll body delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reviewed the poll preparations in J&K. During a press conference in Jammu during the visit, Kumar had emphasized that the commission is committed to holding elections there “at the earliest”. No outside or internal forces can derail the electoral process, he had said, adding that the people of J-K will give a befitting response to “disruptive forces. CEC further said that all parties in Jammu and Kashmir are “batting strongly” for holding assembly elections. There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are General, nine are ST and seven are SC. Notably, along with Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand is also among the states that will undergo assembly polls by the end of the year. (ANI) Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 9 (ANI): A sea of people joined the procession of the final journey of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to bid adieu to the former West Bengal Chief Minister, who passed away at the age of 80 in Kolkata on Thursday. Bhattacharjee was suffering from old age-related ailments. After the rally, his mortal remains will be donated to NRS Medical College and Hospital for research work. Earlier Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed condolences at the demise of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader. Telangana CMO, in a post on X, said, “Chief Minister @revanth_ anumula expressed deep grief over the passing of former West Bengal Chief Minister and CPM leader Buddhadev Bhattacharya. He honoured Buddhadev’s 11 years as CM and five decades of public service, calling him a pillar of righteousness. Condolences to his family and the CPM community.” Bhattacharjee served as the chief minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011. He was the second and last CPI (M) leader who served as the CM of West Bengal, succeeding Jyoti Basu. In 2011 assembly polls, Bhattacharjee-led CPI (M) lost to Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which ended a 34-year communist rule in West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in her condolence message on X, said, “Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Sri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. I have known him for last several decades and visited him a few times when he was ill and effectively confined to home in the last few years. My very sincere condolences to Meeradi and Suchetan at this hour of grief.” C o n g r e s s President Mallikarjun Kharge also offered his condolences. “He served the people in a political career spanning more than five decades, ” Kharge said in a post on X. (ANI) West Bengal: Sea of people join final journey of former CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024 Delhi Excise policy case: Court issues release warrant of Manish Sisodia after bail from Supreme court New Delhi [India], August 9 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue court on Friday issued a warrant for the release of Manish Sisodia from Tihar Jail. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court in Delhi Excise policy CBI and ED cases. He has been granted regular bail after a period of around 17 months. Special judge Kaveri Baweja accepted the bail bond and surety bonds in both cases. AAP MLA Prahlad Singh Sahni, Roshan Chauhan, Gaurav Singh Raghav, MCD councillor Punardeep Singh Sahni furnished the surety for Manish Sisodia of Rs. 10 lakh each. During the day, the court had granted the CBI time to paginate the charge sheet by August 14. Thereafter, the inspection by the counsel for the accused will be done. The Court has listed the matter for hearing on August 21 at 12 PM. In the morning Special Judge Kaveri Baweja had extended the judicial custody of Manish Sisodia, K Kavitha and other accused till next date. However, the Supreme Court granted Manish Sisodia in Delhi Excise policy cases. Accused were produced through video conferencing. Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26. Thereafter, he was arrested by the ED in March 2023. His earlier bail applications were dismissed by the trial court as well as Delhi High Court. “Wave of joy in AAP”: Harbhajan Singh welcomes SC’s decision to grant bail to Manish Sisodia Former Indian cricketer and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harbhajan Singh welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia, saying that it is a happy moment and there is a wave of joy in AAP. Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, “It is a happy moment and there is a wave of joy in AAP. I want to congratulate him, his family and AAP. I Assam, Mizoram to hold ministerial-level talks to resolve border disputes Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 9 (ANI): Assam and Mizoram will hold ministeriallevel talks on Friday to resolve the long-standing border dispute between two neighbouring states. The meeting will be held in Mizoram‘s capital city, Aizawl. Assam Border Protection & Development Minister Atul Bora will lead the Assam team accompanied by state government officials while Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga will lead the Mizoram team. Assam Border Protection & Development Minister Atul Bora told ANI that, earlier the Assam government held talks with the previous Mizoram government over the border issue. “This will be the first meeting with the new Mizoram government. The meeting will be held in Aizawl today,” Atul Bora said. The Assam Minister would likely to meet Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma tomorrow. The last talks pertaining to the border dispute was held in November 2021 and 2022. The border dispute between two neighbouring states concerns three 9 want to congratulate him, his family and AAP. It did take a lot of time for him to come out (of jail)...” Earlier in the day, Delhi Education Minister and AAP leader Atishi got emotional while addressing an event in the national capital and said, “Today will go down in the history of India, in the history of India’s education system. The father of the education revolution has been granted bail. Today the truth has won, the students of Delhi have won.” Meanwhile, BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said that getting bail does not mean Manish Sisodia is “not guilty.” “Getting bail does not mean that someone is not guilty. Manish Sisodia has got bail but the investigation is still on and the BJP has always respected the court’s decision...The investigation is still going on in the liquor policy scam and whether it is Arvind Kejriwal or anyone else, everyone will be held guilty. Because a huge scam has been done with the people of Delhi,” he said. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Manish Sisodia in the excise policy irregularities cases. The order has been delivered by a bench of justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan. The court also imposed various conditions including surrendering the passport and not influencing witnesses. In February 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of now-scrapped Delhi’s new excise policy. The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition. According to the CBI, Sisodia had played the most vital role in the criminal conspiracy and he had been deeply involved in the formulation as well as the implementation of the said policy to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the said conspiracy. (ANI) New Delhi [India], August 13 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at a state-run medical college in West Bengal’s Kolkata. “The CBI has taken over the Kolkata rape and murder case and is sending a specialised medical and forensic team from Delhi to Kolkata,” an official with the agency told ANI. “The team is scheduled to depart early Wednesday morning,” he added. On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the sexual assault and murder of a woman post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on August 9. The Court asked the Kolkata Police to hand over all documents to the CBI immediately. Earlier in the day, doctors and medical students held a protest at AIIMS Delhi after the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) called for a nationwide shutdown of OPD services from Tuesday in solidarity against the sexual assault and murder of a woman doctor. Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) under the directions of Union Health Minister JP Nadda issued an advisory to all medical colleges and institutions to develop a policy for a safe work environment. According to the official public notice, “Incidents of violence against doctors in medical colleges have been reported in the recent past. All medical colleges are requested to develop a policy for a safe work environment within the college and hospital campus for all the staff members including faculty, medical students and resident doctors.” “The policy should ensure adequate safety measures at OPD, wards, casualty, hostels and other open areas in the campus and residential quarters. Corridors and campus be well-lit in the evening for staff to walk safely from one place to another and all sensitive areas be covered by CCTV for monitoring,” it said. Earlier in the day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda met with a delegation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The IMA had requested a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crime and measures to enhance the safety of doctors, particularly women, in the workplace. The post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The family has alleged that the victim was raped and murdered. (ANI) CBI takes over probe into Kolkata trainee doctor’s rape-murder case after HC order districts of Mizoram – Kolasib, Aizawl and Mamit which share a 164.6 km border with three districts of Assam – Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj. According to the Assam government, Assam accepts the constitutional boundary between Assam and Mizoram as defined by Notification No. 2106 A.P dated 09.03.1933 and the State of Mizoram Act, 1986. However, Mizoram‘s stand is that the boundary line should be as per the Inner Line Notification No. 2299P. dated 20/08/1875 on the basis of historical and ethnic grounds. The efforts of encroachment from the Mizoram side have been going on for a long and in the meeting between the Chief Ministers of both states held on 24th September 2014, have agreed on maintaining the status quo, delineation and demarcation of boundary through a tripartite mechanism consisting of Survey of India and land authorities of both the states. Notably, the border dispute had turned violent resulting in the death of seven personnel from the Assam police and injuring several others in July 2021. Following this, a couple of rounds of meetings took place between the delegations from Assam and Mizoram to amicably solve this issue. In 1972, Mizoram was made a union territory. However, the UT which was carved out of Assam was made a state in 1987. After initial acceptance of the border with Assam Mizoram gradually began disputing the border. (ANI)
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