INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2023 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol. 31 No:7 • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • February 17, 2023 Air India inks deal for 540 Airbus and Boeing planes in “historic” order Washington/New Delhi, February 14 (ANI): Air India, which will buy 250 aircraft from Airbus, has also selected Boeing for the purchase of up to 290 planes as part of its growth strategy. US President Joe Biden hailed a “historic agreement” for Air India to purchase Boeing airplanes. France President Emmanuel Macron had earlier hailed the contract between Airbus and Tata Sons and said it marks a new stage in India and France’s strategic partnership. “The contract that Airbus and Tata Sons signed this morning marks a new stage in India and France’s strategic partnership. Thank you @NarendraModi , for your confidence in France and our industry,” Macron said in a tweet. Boeing said in a statement that Air India has selected up to 290 of its jets to serve its strategy for sustainable growth. It said Air India has selected 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X airplanes. The agreement between Boeing and Air India includes options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9s aircrafts. Boing said when finalized, this will be its largest Boeing order in South Asia and a historic milestone in the aerospace company’s nearly 90-year partnership with Air India. Biden said in a statement released by White House that the purchase of over 200 American-made aircraft through agreement between Air India and Boeing reflects the strength of the US-India economic partnership. The US President said he and Prime Minister Narendra Mod look forward to deepening partnership even further. “The United States can and will lead the world in manufacturing. I am proud to announce today the purchase of over 200 American-made aircraft through a historic agreement between Air India and Boeing. This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not AIR INDIA DEALS SEE PAGE 8 Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley announces 2024 US Presidential bid Washington [US], February 14 (ANI): IndianAmerican Republican leader Nikki Haley has announced she is running for President in 2024, challenging fellow Republican candidate Donald Trump, The Hill reported. Former South Carolina Republican Governor and United Nations ambassador Haley announced her bid in a video shared on Twitter. Haley called for new leadership in the party that she admitted had repeatedly failed to grab the popular vote in the presidential elections. While sharing the video, she wrote, “Get excited! Time for a new generation. Let’s do this!” “Republicans have lost the popular vote in seven out of the last Remember: eight presidential elections. That has to change,” The Hill quoted Nikki Haley as saying. “Joe Biden’s record is abysmal, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Washington establishment has failed us over and over and over again. It’s time for a new generation of leadership,” she added. In the video posted on Twitter, Nikki Haley said, “I was the proud daughter of Indian immigrants. Not black, not white. I was different. But my mom would always say, ‘Your job is not to focus on the differences, but the similarities’ and my parents reminded me and my siblings every day how blessed we were to live in the US.” “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he shall not depart from it” PROVERBS She further said, “Some look at our past as evidence that America’s founding principles are bad. They say the promise of freedom is just made up. Some think our ideas are not just wrong, but racist and evil. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Haley’s entrance into the US presidential race has been expected for months. Nearly two years back, Haley had said that she would not challenge Trump for the 2024 nod if he decided to mount another bid for the White House, as per the Hill report. After leaving the Trump administration, Nikki Haley started her own outside group, “Stand for America” to boost Republican candidates before the 2022 midterm elections, as per the news report. While announcing her presidential campaign, Nikki Haley has indicated that she seeks to bridge the divide between traditional conservative priorities and the culture war. “Some people look at America and see vulnerability. The socialist Left sees an opportunity to rewrite history. China and Russia are on the march. They all think we can be bullied, kicked around,” The Hill quoted Haley as saying. “You should know this about me: I don’t put up with bullies. And when you kick back, it hurts them more if you’re wearing heels,” she added. (ANI)
February 17, 2023 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Delhi fridge murder case: Nikki Yadav’s last rites performed at her native place in Haryana Jhajjar (Haryana) [India], February 15 (ANI): The last rites of Nikki Yadav, who was allegedly strangled by her boyfriend with a charging cable, were performed in her native on Wednesday evening in Haryana’s Jhajjar. Her body was found in a freezer at a dhaba located on the outskirts of Mitraon village, Najafgarh. Nikki’s brother Shubham and her father Sunil Yadav lit the funeral pyre. Nikki’s mortal remains were bought from Delhi to her village Kheri Khumar after the postmortem was done, where she was cremated. The family has demanded the death penalty for the accused Sahil Gehlot from the government so that no daughter can become a victim of a jilted lover. Speaking to media persons, the victim’s father said, “The accused should be hanged till death.” A lawyer a resident of the same village said that the media is spreading false information that she was in a live-in relationship and alleged that Nikki was kidnapped. “I am from this village only, and she was my sister. First of all, I would like to say that the media is spreading false information that she was in a live-in relationship, it was a kidnapping. She was there only for her coaching, and somehow the victim was lured. Fortunately, the police nabbed the accused, or else he would have seriously damaged the body,” said a villager. Nikki was found dead in a freezer at Delhi’s Mitraon village on Tuesday and was taken from Rao Tularam Memorial Hospital to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for a post-mortem on Wednesday. According to the Police Sources, the post-mortem reports have revealed that she died because of suffocation. There were marks on her neck and no other injury marks were found on the body. According to doctors, when the body was in the fridge, it is difficult to tell the exact time of the death, because there is no natural process in the fridge. The viscera report has been preserved. The Police sources further said the killing of a 25-year-old Haryana woman will be investigated on the lines of the Shraddha Walkar murder case and that evidence is being collected on the basis of forensic investigation, as was collected in the Shraddha murder case. In the CCTV cameras installed in the house where Nikki Yadav lived on rent in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, it can be seen in the CCTV footage, that Nikki was seen going to the terrace at around 1 pm, and can be seen coming out on the other day at around 9 pm. Nikki was living in this flat with one of her sisters for the last five months and accused Sahil Gehlot used to visit her regularly. She had told his neighbours that she was studying and mostly did not talk to the people there but the people present here have seen Sahil coming to her flat several times. Nikki was strangled to death allegedly by her partner after she came to know of his impending marriage with another woman, police said. After his arrest on Tuesday, the accused Sahil Gehlot was presented before a Delhi court and sent to five-day police remand. DCP Crime Branch Satish Kumar said that the accused is on remand for five days and an inquiry is on to identify the route taken that night. “The accused is on remand for five days. Inquiry is on. Our multiple teams are working to identify the route taken that night. We are also scanning CCTV footages,” said the DCP crime. Kumar further said that on February 9 there was an argument about his marriage and Sahil got and strangulated the victim with a mobile cable. The accused was getting engaged on February 9. The accused went to meet Nikki at her flat and left early in the morning, they went to many places in Delhi, during which there was an argument about his marriage. During this, he got angry and strangulated the victim with a mobile cable, said DCP Crime Branch “After that, he kept the victim’s body in the refrigerator in a dhaba in Mitraon village and then the accused went to his marriage. We are investigating deeply about this case,” he added. ����� �������������� ���������� ������������� ����������������������� �������������������� ����������������������������� � � ��������������������������� � �� ��������������������������������� ���������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� � �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������
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February 17, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK DC Sikh Community Celebrates the 9th Annual Shaheedi Samagam The 9th Annual Shaheedi Samagam that paid homage to the Chaar Sahibzaade, Mata Gujri ji, Mai Bhago ji, and the sacrifices of all Singhs in the Poh of 1704, was held at Sikh Gurudwara DC this past Saturday February 4th, 2023. The program lasted from 11am - 5pm, showcasing great talent of Sikh kids and youth who presented inspiring Speeches, Poems, Saakhi’s (Narrations of historical events) & a PowerPoint Presentation covering Sikh History, in both Punjabi & English. There were various youth Shabad Groups reciting melodious Kirtan in Raag honoring the sacrifices of the Tenth Guru and the Sikhs. There were more that 80 youth from Washington D.C, Maryland & Virginia between the age of 3 and 30 years old that participated in and conducted the Samagam. Youth from various local Sikh Gurudwaras & Organizations such as Sikh Foundation of Virginia, Baltimore Sikh Society, Guru Nanak Foundation of America, Sikh Learning Center of Glen Burnie, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Washington Sikh Center, Sri Harmandir Academy, Khalsa School DC and Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com others that participated. The event this year was also graced by the presence of Singh Sahib Gianni Malkiat Singh Ji Head Granthi Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. He addressed the Sangat & congratulated the Management of Sikh Gurudwara DC for their commendable efforts in organizing an event in such a grand scale. The youth were honored with Trophies, Certificates & Inspirational Books for their effort. Another Highlight of the event was the Mata Gujri Inspiring Grandparent Award of 2023, which was given to Srd. Surjit Singh and Srdn. Harvinder Kaur from Clarksville, MD, honoring their dedication and commitment to raising a Sikh family in America and inspiring Sikh youth all around. The event was live broadcasted & covered by the press. The Samagam highlighted the commendable efforts of Sikh parents, teachers and institutions in keeping the future generations in touch with their rich heritage of Sikhi. The Gurdwara Management of Sikh Gurudwara DC under the leadership of Dr Daljit Sawhney organized the Event. Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2023 5 Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons At Ashby Ponds, Greenspring, and Riderwood, weather won’t ® ® ® disrupt your day! Enjoy independent living, plus amenities to help you stay active and secure. ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn, VA GREENSPRING, Springfield, VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring, MD 646881_ITW Get your FREE brochure! Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. Income tax surveys at BBC India offices enter Day 2 New Delhi [India], February 15 (ANI): The income tax (I-T) department on Wednesday continued its survey at the offices of the BBC in Delhi and Mumbai for the second day, sources say. On Tuesday, the I-T department conducted a survey at BBC‘s offices in Delhi and Mumbai in view of the British public broadcaster’s “deliberate non-compliance” with the Transfer Pricing Rules and its vast diversion of profits. Yesterday, the sleuths arrived at the BBC offices located at the national capital’s KG Marg and Mumbai’s Kalina Santacruz for the survey. In the case of the BBC, sources said there has been persistent noncompliance with the abovementioned rules for years. As a result of the same, several notices have been issued to the BBC. However, the BBC has been continuously defiant and non-compliant and has significantly diverted its profits, sources said. Sources said the above exercise, conducted by the tax authorities, is called “survey”, not search or raid as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act. Such surveys are routinely conducted and are not to be confused to be in the nature of a search/raid, said sources. The key focus of these surveys is to look into the manipulation of prices for unauthorized benefits, including tax advantages. These surveys have been undertaken due to BBC‘s persistent non-compliance of the norms, making it a repeat offender. In this case, sources said BBC has been, “noncompliant under transfer pricing rules; persistent and deliberately violative of transfer pricing norms; and deliberately diverted a significant amount of the profits and have not followed the arm’s length arrangement in the case of allocation of profit.” Accordingly, the surveys have been conducted with a view to investigating BBC‘s violation of the Transfer Pricing Rules and its diversion of profits. After the I-T department survey, sources in the United Kingdom government said they are monitoringthedevelopments closely. “We are closely monitoring reports of tax surveys conducted at the offices of the BBC in India,” UK government sources said. Meanwhile, BBC has said it is cooperating with the income tax department, which is conducting a survey at its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. “The Income Tax Authorities are currently at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai and we are fully cooperating,” the BBC News Press Team said in a statement. The development comes weeks after the BBC released a documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi – ‘India: The Modi Question,” which caused controversy. The Centre had issued directions for blocking multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the controversial BBC documentary on PM Modi. The Supreme Court had on February 3 directed the central government to produce original records relating to its decision to block the BBC documentary. (ANI) UK government “closely monitoring” tax surveys conducted at BBC’s India offices: Sources The UK government took note of the reports of tax surveys conducted at the offices of the British public broadcaster BBC in India and said they are monitoring it. “We are closely monitoring reports of tax surveys conducted at the offices of the BBC in India,” sources in the UK government said. BBC News too said it was cooperating with the Income Tax department, which is conducting a survey at its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. “The Income Tax Authorities are currently at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai and we are fully cooperating,” the BBC News Press Team said in a statement. Earlier this morning, Income tax officials arrived at BBC offices located at the national capital’s KG Marg for the survey. The British broadcaster’s office at Kalina Santacruz in Mumbai was also surveyed, sources said adding that the survey was limited to business premises of BBC only. According to reports, a team of IT officials arrived at the BBC Studios office in Kalina Santacruz around 11.30 am today and a survey has been going on since then. There is no IT activity at the BBC News office at Linking road Bandra West. It is learnt that the tax officials are conducting verification of certain account documents in the finance department of the BBC offices. During the investigation, the mobile phones of all the employees present in the BBC office have been taken away by the Income Tax team. The data of the computer kept in the accounts and finance department was also scanned. According to sources, officials said the devices will be returned to their owners after taking a backup.
February 17, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Khelo India Winter Games concludes; J-K tops medal tally with 26 gold Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir)[India], February 15 (ANI): The third edition of Khelo India Winter Games concluded on Tuesday in Gulmarg with a grand function attended by over 2000 participants including players, tourists and officials of different departments. Jammu and Kashmir topped the medal tally, bagging 26 Gold medals, 25 silver medals and 25 Bronze medals followed by Maharashtra with 13 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- February 17, 2023, My Inner Life by Robert William ‘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. medals. The third position was achieved by Himachal Pradesh 10 Gold, 14 Silver and 7 Bronze while Army scored 10 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals. Union Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik was the chief guest during the concluding ceremony. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Prem Kumar Jha; Secretary Youth Services & Sports and Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez; Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul; CEO,GulmargDevelopment Authority besides Major INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 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 General RK Sing and President Winter Games Rouf Trumboo, Officers of line departments, players and tourists were present on the occasion. Speaking on occasion, the Union Minister remarked that the third Khelo India Winter Games held at Gulmarg was a major event compared to the previous events. He said that the next event would be an even more significant event which would be compared with other international events. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Lieutenant Governor for the developing sports infrastructure in J&K which helps youth to excel in different sports. He said that players such as Sarfaraz Ahmad and Arif Khan who played in the Winter Olympics made our nation proud. “In the last two years the government developed Indoor Stadiums in every district of Jammu and Kashmir besides playgrounds in every panchayat’, he said and underlined that J&K has transitioned into a new era of prosperity. While distributing medals among the winners of Junior Girls Snow Shoe sport and Sprint boys, Remember: the minister expressed pleasure over the exemplary performance of J-K players who bagged gold in these competitions. He thanked officials of various departments associated with the Khelo India winter games including the J-K Sports Council, Tourism department, Gulmarg Development Authority, Gulmarg Cable Car Corporation, hoteliers and the Winter Games Association for the smooth and successful organisation of the entire event. Sarmad Hafeez, while speaking on the occasion, thanked the Centre for awarding the 3rd Khelo India winter games and termed the five days programme as a snow festival in the wonderland of Gulmarg and said that Gulmarg is the capital of winter sports of the country. While presenting a vote of thanks, Nuzhat Gul expressed gratitude to Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Lieutenant Governor for their support in organising the huge event and also thanked the Chief Guest of the function besides officers of line departments for their cooperation in organising the national event and concluding it successfully. (ANI) “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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February 17, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Biden, Macron, Sunak hail Air India-AirbusBoeing announcement worth billions of dollars New Delhi [India], February 15 (ANI): Western leaders- US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday hailed Air India deals with Airbus and Boeing to buy passenger aircraft worth multi-billion dollars. Air India, which will buy 250 aircraft from Airbus, has also selected Boeing for purchase of up to 290 planes as part of its growth strategy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi “had a warm and productive” phone call with US President Joe Biden in which the two leaders welcomed the landmark agreement between Air India and Boeing as a “shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation”. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the IndiaUS Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which has resulted in robust growth in all domains. “They welcomed the announcement of a landmark agreement between Air India and Boeing as a shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation that will help create new employment opportunities in both countries,” a PMO release said. Boeing said, in a statement, that Air India has selected up to 290 of its jets to serve its strategy for sustainable growth. It said Air India has selected 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X airplanes. The agreement between Boeing and Air India includes options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9s aircraft. PM Modi invited Boeing and other US companies to make use of the opportunities arising due to the expanding civil aviation sector in India. “The United States can and will lead the world in manufacturing. I am proud to announce today the purchase of over 200 American-made aircraft through a historic agreement between Air India and Boeing,” said Biden. “This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a fouryear college degree. This announcement also reflects the strength of the US-India economic partnership. Together with Prime Minister Modi, I look forward to deepening our partnership even further as we continue to confront shared global challenges– creating a more secure and prosperous future for all of our citizens,” he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday virtually attended the launch of the new Air India–Airbus partnership. The Tata group will buy 250 aircraft from Airbus, in what is the world’s largest aviation deal in history. PM Modi expressed gratitude to the French President for participating in the launch of the Air India–Airbus partnership. He said that the deal shows the “deepening ties” between India and France and reflection of India’s successes and expectations in the civil aviation sector. “The contract that Airbus and Tata Sons signed this morning marks a new stage in India and France’s strategic partnership. Thank you@NarendraModi, for your confidence in France and our industry,” tweeted Macron. In his remarks, PM Modi said, “I would like to express my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on this landmark agreement between Air India and Airbus. My special thanks to my friend President Macron for joining us in this event.” “This important deal not only demonstrates the ever-deepening relations between India and France. But, are also reflections of India’s successes and expectations in the civil aviation sector,” he added. Highlighting ties between India and France, PM Modi said, “Whether it is the issue of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, or global food security and health security, India and France together are making a positive contribution.” United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday welcomed a “momentous deal for Airbus and Rolls-Royce” to provide new aircraft for Air India. The deal will support and create highly skilled jobs in Wales and Derbyshire and help boost exports and grow the economy, according to an official statement. “This is one of the biggest export deals to India in decades and a huge win for the UK’s aerospace sector. With wings from Broughton and engines from Derby, this deal will support jobs around the country and help deliver one of our five priorities – growing the economy,” tweeted Sunak. “The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Business andTrade Secretary Kemi Badenoch have welcomed a momentous deal for Airbus and Rolls-Royce to provide new aircraft for Air India, which is worth billions of pounds to the UK,” UK’s Department for International Trade said in a press release. “The agreement announced by the companies this morning (Tuesday 14 February) will support and create new highly skilled jobs in Wales and Derbyshire, helping to boost exports, grow the economy and level up the UK,” it further said. According to the press release, a significant portion of the manufacturing process for the new aircraft is expected to take place in the UK. (ANI) Tuesday that it will buy 250 aircraft from France’s Airbus, in what is billed as the world’s largest aviation deal in history. “We have built a very good relationship with Airbus. Today I am happy to announce that we have signed a letter of intent to acquire 250 aircrafts from Airbus,” said Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, at a virtual unveiling of the announcement in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. PM Modi said that the deal shows the “deepening ties” between India and France and reflection of India’s successes and expectations in the civil aviation sector. He extended congratulations and best wishes on the landmark agreement between Air India and Airbus. “My special thanks to my friend President Macron for joining us in this event. This important deal not only demonstrates the ever-deepening relations between India and France. But, are also reflections of India’s successes and expectations in the civil aviation sector,” he said. Macron had said during the virtual deal unveiling event that the achievement shows that Airbus and all its French partners are fully dedicated to develop new areas of cooperation with India. “We’ve achieved so much with India. We’ve historic opportunity to go much further, given the potential of Indian people,” he said. The deal includes 40 A350 widebody ultra-long-range aircraft. The rest will be narrow-body aircraft. “We have significant options to increase the fleet orders once we grow,” Chandrasekaran said. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, and other leaders were present during the virtual conference. “It is a historic moment for Airbus to help script Air India’s revival,” Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury said in a video conference. Air India was looking for a remix of aircraft to boost their domestic and international network through recent orders. Soon after the divestment of the airline, CEO Campbell announced in its speech to the AI employees that the airline is going for a historic order. (ANI) Air India inks deal for 540 Airbus and Boeing planes in “historic” order AIR INDIA DEALS FROM PAGE 1 require a four-year college degree,” the statement said. “ T h i s announcement also reflects the strength of the U.S.-India economic partnership. Together with Prime Minister Modi, I look forward to deepening our partnership even further as we continue to confront shared global challenges–creating a more secure and prosperous future for all of our citizens,” it added. Air India said on For Advertisements Call: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 indiathisweekads@gmail.com www. Indiathisweek.online
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2023 9 India offers enhanced defence partnership to friendly countries, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Bengaluru (Karnataka)[India],February 14 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted the Defence and Deputy Defence Ministers of 27 countries at the Defence Ministers’ Conclave held on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru on Tuesday, said a press release by Ministry of Defence. The broad theme of the conclave was ‘Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence’ (SPEED). It sought to address aspects related to deepening cooperation for capacity building (through investments, R&D, joint ventures, co-development, co-production and provisioning of defence equipment), training, space, AI and maritime security to grow together. In his inaugural address, the Defence Minister highlighted the need for greater cooperation in an increasingly complex global security scenario. He stated that the theme of the event ‘SPEED’ characterises the present era wherein geopolitical and security realities are shifting at hitherto unwitnessed speed. He called for real-time collaboration to respond to such fast-paced changes. Singh was of the view that any major change in the domain of economy, security, health or climate has global reverberations and when peace and security of any region are threatened, the entire world feels its impact in multiple ways. He pointed out that in an interconnected and networked world, the rapid transmission of shocks and disturbances makes it impossible to insulate one’s own country from the issues of other countries. He emphasised regular interactions during summits, conferences and conclaves to ensure that the concerns of all are suitably addressed for a common, secure and prosperous future. The Raksha Mantri reaffirmed India’s stand for a rules-based international order, in which “the primordial instinct of the might being right is replaced by the civilisational concept of fairness, cooperation, respect and equality amongst all sovereign nations”. He asserted that untethered to any faction or alliance of one group of nations against another, India has worked ceaselessly for the upliftment of all nations, especially developing ones. “India has always been open to new ideas from across the world, Commingling and contest of various thoughts has made us a global ideation centre. Our ancient ethos guides us to work not only towards cooperation for mutual benefit but goes a welcome step further from a merely transactional approach to an edifying recognition of all humanity as one family,” Defence Minister said. He referred to the global efforts to deal with COVID-19 and said the pandemic underscored the point that shared global prosperity requires greater coordination among all nations in diverse areas, of which defence and security is one of the most important. The Raksha Mantri described collective security as sine qua non (essential condition) for development and prosperity. He emphasised that terrorism, illegal arms trade, drug smuggling, human trafficking, etc. pose significant security threats to the world. He stressed on the need to devise new strategies to counter these threats. “India does not believe in dealing with such security issues in the old paternalistic or the neo-colonial paradigms. We consider all nations as equal partners. That is why we do not believe in imposing external or supra-national solutions to a country’s internal problems. We do not believe in giving sermons or cutand-dried solutions, which do not respect the national values and constraints of the countries in need of assistance. Rather, we support the capacity building of our partner countries, so that they may chart out their own destiny, in accordance with their own genius,” he said. Singh added that there are nations which are richer, militarily or technologically more advanced than others, but it does not give them the right to dictate their solutions to the nations in need of support. This top-down approach towards solving problems has never been sustainable in the long run and it often leads to a debt trap, reaction from the local population, conflict and so on, he said. He emphasised that the focus should be on providing assistance, in terms of the building of institutions and capacities, so that bottom-up solutions can come up organically, in consonance with the ethos of the nations being assisted. The Raksha Mantri informed the Defence Ministers that India is moving ahead to work with this principle by offering enhanced defence partnerships to its friendly countries.
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