FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 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: 37 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday September 13, 2024 “You’re bridge between two great unions of states,” Rahul Gandhi on Indians in US Washington DC [US], September 10 (ANI): Speaking at Washington DC metro area on Monday (local time), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the Indians in the US are the bridge between the two countries. The Congress leader said that the Indian diaspora has two identities– that of the US and India. They can transfer the US and Indian ideas back and forth. “You are the bridge between these two great unions of states. And you make us very proud because we understand that what it meant for you to come here. We understand the difficulties and struggles you faced. But when you came here, you came with humility, respect and affection... You did not say that United States is inferior to us, or that you hate the United States... You are proud of India and proud of the United States,” he said. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said that the Congress’s message is to spread love, not hatred. “As per the BJP, you cannot have two identities. You cannot be an Indian, and at the same time an American. That is what the fight is about... We are saying that don’t spread hatred, spread love. Don’t be arrogant, be humble. Don’t disrespect people, communities, religions, traditions, languages... If you don’t do this, you will never be successful... You New Delhi [India], September 7 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday stated that he held a fruitful discussion with the officials of ‘BNY Mellon’ regarding the potential investment opportunities in AI (Artificial Intelligence). In a social media post on ‘X’ Stalin said, “Had productive discussions with BNY Mellon, on exploring potential AI investment opportunities. Let’s embrace the future through technology, harnessing AI‘s transformative power.” BNY Mellon is a global financial services company that provides investment management and services to help individuals and institutions invest, conduct business, and transact in markets. CM Stalin is currently on an official visit to the United States to secure support and investments aimed at boosting the prosperity of the state. Earlier on Friday, Stalin said that the state has secured MOUs (memorandum of understanding), worth Rs 850 crores with USbased companies Lincoln Electric, Vishay Precision, and Visteon. In a post on the social media platform “X,” the Tamil Nadu CM said, “In the land of opportunities, every new dawn ignites fresh hopes. We’ve secured MoUs worth Rs 850 crores with Lincoln Electric, Vishay Precision, and Visteon, bringing us one step closer to realising our vision. Through relentless effort and determination, will take American ideas and values back home and will bring Indian values, traditions and ideas to the United States. You will help both states by doing this,” he said. He alleged that the RSS does not understand India. “And the problem is, these people don’t understand India... India is called a union of states. In the Constitution it is written clearly- India, that is Bharat, is a union of states. It means it is a union of languages, traditions, histories, music, or dance,” he said. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the RSS believes that certain states and communities are inferior to others. “The RSS is saying that certain states, languages, religions and communities are inferior to others. This is what the fight is about. We are of the opinion that... all of you have your history, tradition and language. Every single one of them is as important as any other one. What would you do if somebody told you that you cannot speak Tamil? How would you feel? How would you react? That is the ideology of the RSS– That Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Manipuri- are all inferior languages. It ends up in the polling booth, Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. But the fight is about what type of India we are going to have. Are we going to have an India where people are allowed to believe what they want to believe?... Or we are going to have an India where only few people can decide what is going to happen,” the Congress leader said. (ANI) management company, for Rs 200 crore R&D and engineering centre expansion in Chennai. Stalin, taking to X, informed that these MOUs will help in creating 500 jobs and that the government has secured a pact with Assurant, a risk management solutions provider, to set up the first Global Capability Centre. On August 31, 2024, an agreement was signed with Ohmium for the establishment of a new factory in the Chengalpattu district for producing electrolysers and green hydrogen, with an investment of Rs 400 crores and creating 500 job opportunities. Stalin said that the deal marked an important step in nurturing the ecosystem for green energy production and fuelling a sustainable future. On August 30, 2024, meetings were held with senior officials from Apple, Google, and Microsoft to invite them to invest in Tamil Nadu, and an MoU was signed with Google to set up artificial intelligence (AI) labs in Tamil Nadu. During the Tamil Nadu CM’s US visit, on August 29, 2024, at an investors‘ conference held in San Francisco, MoUs were signed with six leading global companies–Nokia, PayPal, Yield Engineering Services, Microchip, Infinx Healthcare, and Applied Materials–for an investment of Rs 900 crores to create 4,100 job opportunities. (ANI) Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin explores investment opportunities in AI with BNY Mellon Remember: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the Truth shall set you free.” –Jesus Christ we continue to turn our dreams into reality.” On Thursday, Tamil Nadu secured a Rs 2000 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trilliant to establish a manufacturing unit as well as create their Development and Global Support Centre in the state. “ E x c i t i n g developments in Chicago! Secured a Rs 2000 crore MoU with Trilliant to establish a manufacturing unit as well as their Development & Global Support Centre in Tamil Nadu. Thanks to Trilliant for this valuable partnership,” Stalin said on X. CM Stalin further stated that he also held productive talks with Nike on its expansion for footwear production in Chennai as well as engaged with healthcare firm Optum for creating a talent pipeline in the same sector in the state. Earlier on Wednesday, Stalin signed MOUs with Eaton, a multinational power
September 13, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurates 6,778 development projects worth Rs 1,231 crores in Ambedkar Nagar Ambedkar Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 8 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated 6,778 development projects worth Rs 1,231 crores in Ambedkar Nagar and also distributed sports kits to youths on Sunday. On this occasion, he distributed sports kits to the members of Yuvak Mangal Dal and Mahila Mangal Dal. Addressing the public rally, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Yesterday was Ganesh Chaturthi, the country celebrated the festival with joy, on this occasion, the people of Ambedkar Nagar are getting projects worth Rs 1,231 crore, what can be more special than this.” Yogi Adityanath recalled the works done by his government to improve the law and order situation in the state. “Everyone knows how UP was before 2017 and what used to happen here. Before 2017, Mafias used to run parallel government here in every district under the leadership of the Samajwadi Party and Congress,” Chief Minister yogi Adityanath said. “Voices of backward people and the poor were muzzled, poor people used to get the benefits of welfare schemes,” he said. He accused the Akhilesh government of being irresponsible and having no interest in anything other than power. “The state government had no interest in anything other than power. After 2017, everyone knows where Mafia went one by one. UP became Mafia-free, now all festivals are celebrated peacefully,” he said. He further accused other political parties in the state of working with a policy of appeasement “All parties have only worked with a policy of appeasement. Earlier, they never allowed religious programs like Dussehra or Durga Puja to take place without controversy. Today, whether it is the Jal Jeevan Mission schemes or the foundation-laying ceremonies for development plans like Shiv Baba Temple or Shravan Dham, they are moving forward,” the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister added. Highlighting the welfare works of the Uttar Pradesh government, he said, “We are also going to lay the foundation for 140 tube wells. We are approving the construction of the bypass at Kathari. Every hand will have work, and every field will get water”. He further stated that the welfare schemes are being used by everyone despite their religious faith. “In Ambedkar Nagar alone, 5.6 lakh homes have been built for the poor. The highways and roads being constructed–will only BJP people or Hindus use them? The benefits of all schemes have been provided without discrimination,” he added. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held the ‘Janta Darshan’ program at the premises of Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur district of the state. In the ‘Janta Darshan’ program, CM Yogi addressed the grievances of the public. A long queue of people was spotted during the program, which especially comprised women. On September 7, CM Yogi along with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar visited and offered prayers at the Goraknath Temple. Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar also inaugurated the first Sainik School in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. He was accompanied by his wife Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi. After that, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the shooting range at Sainik School Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, where Vice President Dhankar and CM Yogi tried shooting. (ANI) Ambikapur (Chattisgarh) [India], September 8 (ANI): As many as four labourers were killed while working at the Kudargadhi Aluminium Plant in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, after the plant’s coal bunker fell down after got overfilled, officials said on Sunday. Four labourers have died and the remaining are undergoing treatment at the Ambikapur Medical College Hospital. All the workers are from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Ambikapur, Prabodh Minj, reached the site of the incident and assessed the situation. Further details are awaited in the case. (ANI) Chattisgarh: Four labourers killed after coal bunker falls at Ambikapur plant
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September 13, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK UP: 8 dead, 28 injured, Several feared trapped after building collapses in Lucknow’s Transport Nagar Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 8 (ANI): Eight people have lost their lives and 28 were injured so far following a building collapse in Lucknow‘s Transport Nagar area on Saturday evening, as per a report released by the Relief Commissioner’s Office on Sunday. The injured people were admitted to three hospitals located under Krishna Nagar Police Station for treatment. According to the report, the building was a three-storey medical warehouse located in the Transport Nagar area under the Sarojini Nagar police station in Lucknow. “Since the start of our rescue operation, eight people have been reported dead so far and they have been sent to medical institutes for further investigation. 28 people were injured and are also getting proper treatment... We are hoping that we have rescued all the people. We will complete the rescue operation in the next 5-6 hours and will also secure the surrounding buildings,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police RN Singh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took cognisance of the building collapse incident and instructed officials to hasten the relief efforts. He had also asked officials to promptly transport the injured to the hospital for proper treatment. CM Yogi has also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Additional Director General of Law and Order Amitabh Yash told ANI that CM Yogi is continuously reviewing the situation and the relief and rescue operations. Taking to social media platform X, Adityanath paid his condolences to the people who lost their lives in the incident. “The loss of life due to the collapse of a building in Lucknow district is extremely sad and heartbreaking. My condolences are with the grieving families of the deceased. Instructions have been given to the concerned officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing and provide proper treatment to the injured. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed souls in his feet and provide speedy recovery to the injured,” he said. Defence Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Lucknow, Rajnath Singh, also expressed his grief over the death in the Lucknow building collapse incident. In a post on X, Singh said, “The news of the collapse of a building in Lucknow is extremely painful. I have spoken to the District Magistrate of Lucknow over the phone and got information about the situation at the spot. The local administration is carrying out relief and rescue operations on the spot and is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way.” D i s t r i c t Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, SubDistrict Magistrate, Naib Tehsildar and other officials are currently present and monitoring the situation at the site of the incident. Rescue operations are still underway by the NDRF and SDRF teams, along with the Fire Department. Lucknow building collapse: FIR registered against owner of building An FIR has been registered in connection with the Lucknow building collapse incident against the owner of the Harmilap Building, which collapsed. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by Transport Nagar Chowki Incharge MK Singh. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, resulted in the deaths of eight people and left 28 others injured. The injured are currently being treated in hospitals. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the injured victims of the building collapse incident at a hospital in Lucknow. During his visit, CM Yogi also enquired about their well-being. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the building collapse incident. “The loss of lives due to a building mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is saddening. Prayers with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” PM Modi said in a post on X. “An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PM Modi added. P r e s i d e n t Droupadi Murmu also expressed her grief over the deaths of eight people who lost their lives in the Lucknow building collapse incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the incident. Taking to social media platform X, the President said, “I am deeply saddened by the deaths of many people in the building collapse accident in Lucknow. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.” Lucknow‘s Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Amit Verma, announced that a committee will be formed to investigate the building collapse. “A committee will investigate the reasons behind the collapse. Structural engineers and experts will provide insights into the cause,” Verma told ANI. (ANI) 456 minors rescued from January to July 2024 by North Eastern Frontier RPF Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 8 (ANI): The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFRF) successfully rescued 44 minors & 3 women during the ongoing checking and drives, which were conducted from August 16 to August 31 in different trains and railway stations over North Frontier Railway. Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, CPRO of Northeast Frontier Railway, said that during the period from January till July, 2024, 456 minors and 42 women were rescued by the RPF of NFR in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Childline/NGOs. “The rescued children/ women were handed over to respective Child Line/ NGOs & GRP for further legal proceedings. Also, during the same period, a total of 8 human traffickers were arrested,” the CPRO said. Further, he mentioned that, in an incident that occurred on August 16, the RPF team of Kishanganj, rescued three runaway minor boys at the Kishanganj Railway station. Additionally, on August 24, the RPF team of Dibrugarh, rescued four runaway minor boys at Dibrugarh Railway station. Later, the rescued minors were handed over to Child Help Line Kishanganj and Dibrugarh, respectively for safe custody. “Preventive measures are being taken to take action in case children in need of care and protection are found in trains and railway premises. RPF carries on a relentless fight against criminals in protecting railway passengers, remains vigilant for suspected persons involved in human trafficking as well as the movement of children in a suspicious manner, travelling alone, without a proper guardian, etc.” Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said. (ANI)
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September 13, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Rahul Gandhi meets US lawmakers and Biden administration officials in Washington DC Washington DC [US], September 10 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has interacted with Indian diaspora besides students and faculty at universities during his visit to the United States, also met US lawmakers. The meeting, which took place at Rayburn House Office Building, here, was hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman and those present included US Congress members Jonathan Jackson, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Shri Thanedar, Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia, Ilhan Omar, Hank Johnson and Jan Schakowsky. Sources familiar with the meetings told ANI that Rahul Gandhi also met US diplomat Donald Lu and lawmaker Pramila Jayapal. They said that Rahul Gandhi met Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asia, US Department of State, in Washington DC on September 9. He met Pramila Jayaram, an Indian-American Congress woman, as part of his engagements and later interacted with officials of US House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rahul Gandhi‘s meeting with Donald Lu came ahead of the American diplomat’s visit to India and Bangladesh. Rahul Gandhi From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK-September 13, 2024 Arrogance Author Unknown In the mirror’s gleam, it stands so tall, A shadow’s pride, it casts a pall. With every glance, it soars above, A heart unmoved by praise or love. It struts in halls of echoing praise, A king in an unending daze. Yet in its chest, a hollow sound, For arrogance knows no solid ground. It speaks of skies it’s never seen, And wears a crown that’s always green. But pride, though loud, is fickle, thin, And vanity’s a brittle skin. So when you meet that towering guise, Remember, pride’s a blind disguise. For true strength lies in humble heart, Where wisdom’s quiet, not a part. arrived in the US on Sunday on a three-day visit. The Congress leader said he looks forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will further strengthen the bond between India and the US during this visit. This is Rahul Gandhi first visit to the US after he became Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In a Facebook post earlier, he said Dallas has provided a fantastic start to his USA tour. “My interaction with students and faculty at the University of Texas was dynamic and engaging, with thoughtful discussions on politics, production, skill-respect in India, and the vital role of youth and women in shaping the future of our nations,” he said. The Congress leader said the Indian Diaspora serves as a vital bridge between our countries, and their commitment to these values strengthens the bond between our two great unions. “I am passionate about unleashing India’s potential and look forward to more meaningful exchanges in the coming days,” he said. Chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda had said on Monday that Rahul Gandhi and he would be meeting a “fair amount of people” from Capitol Hill. “Rahul Gandhi is visiting the US for three days. We had a full day in Dallas yesterday, where we had three main events, Rahul Gandhi had a fire side chat with the students in Texas, then we had a large community event with almost 4,000 people and then we had a community dinner in the evening. Then we came here today, and had a couple of meetings with the administration, friendly meetings with the people we know personally, and then we interacted with the students at the Georgetown University. Tomorrow, we have meetings on Capitol Hill. We have National Press Club meeting, we will have a conversation with think tank, and several other meetings,” he had said. (ANI) Baloda Bazar (Chhattisgarh) [India], September 8 (ANI): Seven people were killed and three others were injured after they were struck by lightning in Chhattisgarh‘s Baloda Bazar on Sunday, an official said. As per Additional Superintendent of Police, Baloda Bazar, Abhishek Singh, the incident occurred when they were returning from the field and following the heavy rainfall they took shelter under a tree. The incident occurred in Mohtara village. The deceased were identified as Mukesh (20), Tankar (30), Santosh (40), Thaneshwar (18), Pokhraj (38), Dev (22) and Vijay (23) while Vishambar, Bittu Sahu and Chetan Sahu were injured in the incident. Notably, the India Meteorological Department predicted extremely heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh today. (ANI) Chhattisgarh: Seven killed, three injured in lightning strike in Baloda Bazar 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 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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September 13, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma joins the Maryland Mizo Community to celebrate Mizo Day Laurel, MD: It was a memorable day for the Maryland Mizo Community as they were joined by Mizoram Chief Minister as the Pu Lalduhoma as the Chief Guest and Keynote speaker. Addressing the community he reminded them of their deep-rooted tradition of brotherhood and invoked them to commit to strengthening their bonds of brotherhood among all Zo people and ethnicities. Quoting from the Bible he said, “From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.” (Acts 17:26). “Accordingly, our origin as Zo people is of the subjects we are going to discuss today—who we are and whether fate/mother nature facilitated our descent from a common ancestor.” he added. The Chief Minister enthused the people of their history and beckoned them to be proud of their heritage and strengthen their bonds of brotherhood. Listed below are a few facts of history as he narrated before the community during their celebration. The main objective of ZORO Movement in 1988 was Zo-Reunification within India. Can the “ZO” people in India, Burma and Bangladesh today, aspire to be re-united under India? For now I can only say that I eagerly await the day and time when the question I have posed above is answered. It will be educational opportunity for all who peruse this article. • LUSHAI/MIZO: The term ‘Lushai’ is not our generic name originated from us but was the name how foreigners called us. It was derived from ‘Lusei’ and given to us by foreigners. Hence, this term is not inclusive as it refers to just one of the many subtribes of the Zo people, i.e. The Lusei. • In the very first Census of India in 1901, no one in Mizoram identified themselves as ‘Mizo’, Instead. People identified with their specific subtribes, such as Lusei, Hmar, Ralte, Paite, Pawite, Mara, and so on. • In 1946, the Mizo Union, Mizoram’s first political party, was established. It was then that the term ‘Mizo’ was officially adopted as our nomenclature to encompass all sub-tribes within the Zo family. • In 1961 the Census reflected that 88.5% of the people in Mizoram identified themselves as Mizo. • In 1783 or 241 years ago, Roman Catholic father Vincent used the word ‘Zo’ in one of his writings. Rev, JH Lorraine, the first missionary to enter Mizoram, compiled the first Mizo dictionary 130 years ago in 1894, wherein he remarked that the word ‘Zo’ refers to Luseis and the tribes that surround the Luseis. • 129 years ago, in 1895, BS Caret wrote that ‘Zo’ is the common term used by the Chin people to refer to themselves. LANGUAGE: • We are didvided into the R and G groups I.e; those who put ‘A’ at the end of male names and those who use “I” at the end of female names to identify their sex.There are ae many indications that our ancestors once spoke a common language, as seen in the words used in our old songs. • Recognizing that we Mizos, or Zo people, were distinct from both the Burmese and mainland Indians, they decided to establish a separate administration for us under the Commissioner of Assam, with the condition that roads be constructed first. we now find ourselves divided among India, Burma, and Bangladesh. THE FREEDOM MOVEMENT: • The first among the “ZO” people to fight freedom was Pu Hrangnawl of Thantlang, a Member of Parliament (MP) from Chin Hills. Hrangnawl and Lt. Col Sonkhopau and 30 soldiers were trained in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) in 1964 and the Provincial United Chin Government was established which comprised of the following Membes: Prime M i n i s t e r — Tu n k h o p u m BiateDefense Minister— Lt. Col. SonkhopauForeign Minister—Hrangnawl. • The MNF declared Independence in 1966 • Tripur National Volunteer was formed in 1983 • Chin National Front was formed on 2003-1988In Manipur, KNO, UPF, ZRF and others are some of the organizations that have been formed. VISION: Today, let us unite in the recognition that we are one people, one family, and loudly proclaim this truth in the world. May the Lord Bless All of you. There were a cultural dances and songs and food ..... The Chief Minister was honored by different Christian Churches and organizations and more... Including the Chief Minister was honored by the President Joseph R Biden, Jr special letter and the President’s Gold Medallion.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 9 “I don’t see a big diversion in India- Congress to get chairmanship of four standing committees of parliament, say sources US relationship”: Rahul Gandhi Washington DC [US], September 11 (ANI): During his address at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi spoke about long-term prospects for India–US relations, especially in terms of strategic partnerships. “There are two elements. The first is the defence cooperation, which is important, and I think we do a good job there. But then the second is what I touched on just now, which is China has placed in front of us a vision of production and prosperity in a nondemocratic environment. What is our response? Are we simply going to just sit there and say, okay, China can be the producer of the world and we’re not going to do anything? Or do we have a response? What is our response to the Belt and Road? I don’t see one. So to me, that’s really where US and India cooperation needs to go. How can we provide a democratic vision of production or manufacturing that works for the rest of the world? And I think both countries bring different things to the table and there’s a huge opportunity there. I don’t see a big diversion in the India–US relationship you know. I don’t see ourselves changing direction very much... I see continuity there. I think everybody on both sides of the equation, everybody does accept the fact that the India–US relationship is key for both countries,” he said. When asked if the Congress believed that the caste census is the antidote to the BJP–RSS Hindutva politics, and if the Congress acknowledging the way forward is a revival of the Mandal-Kamandal, he said, “No, I don’t think we see it as anything to do with the BJP‘s policies. The Congress party has always, from even before independence, we’ve always fought for the idea that India should be a fair country, the idea that all India citizens should be treated the same way. We strongly feel that there is a very deep problem of participation and we’re going to address that problem. I don’t see it as a Mandal vs Kamandal issue. And what we’re saying is different, different than the idea of only reservations. What we are saying is we want a comprehensive understanding first of what’s going on and then we’re going to apply a series of policies to correct it, reservation being one. Somebody misquoted me yesterday saying that I’m against reservations. New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): The Congress party is likely to get the chairmanship of four department-related standing committees of the Parliament, according to sources. Departmentrelated standing committees of parliament are likely to be finalised and announced soon, top sources said. Though the Congress party is demanding a committee like defence and finance, they may likely We’re going to increase reservations beyond 50 per cent.” On being asked was Bangladesh a focus of discussions in meetings on Capitol Hill with lawmakers, Rahul Gandhi said, “We raised it and they also spoke to us. Look, we are against any type of violence, and we want it to stop. It’s the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government to stop it as soon as possible. From our side, it is the responsibility of our government to put pressure so that violence stops.” (ANI) get the external affairs committee, as per sources. Notably, Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal chairs Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). DMK may likely get one standing committee chairmanship and at the same time, Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav may likely to chair the committee on education. A l t h o u g h Congress is demanding six committees, they may likely get three committees in Lok Sabha and one in Rajya Sabha. According to the sources, there is no information yet about which committee Rahul Gandhi wants. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said that the announcement of a parliamentary standing committee is not being delayed, as is being accused by some opposition leaders. He stated that the seats to the principal opposition parties in the parliamentary standing committee is being granted on the basis of their strength. “It is not proper to accuse that there is a delay in the constitution of Parliamentary Standing Committees. If you look at all the Lok Sabhas, 2004 onwards, Parliamentary Standing Committees are constituted at the end of September. While the process is going on, some MPs accusing of a delay is not proper,” Rijiju stated. “We had a discussion with the Congress and some other principal parties. Very soon we should be able to constitute a Parliamentary Standing Committee. I would like to request all the members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha to not make it an issue because we are well on time,” he added. (ANI)
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