FRIDAY JUNE 21, 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 Kuwait: 45 including 23 from Kerala dead in fire incident Vol 33 No: 25 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday June 21, 2024 Kuwait City [Kuwait], June 13 (ANI): As many as twenty-three residents of Kerala were among 45 Indians who died in the fire incident here on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through communities both in Kuwait and India. The detailed breakdown of the victims reveals the extent of the devastation: 7 from Tamil Nadu, 3 from Andhra Pradesh, 1 each from Bihar, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab, and West Bengal, in addition to the 23 from Kerala. K u w a i t i authorities are working tirelessly to investigate the cause of the fire and provide support to the affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his deepest condolences and assured all possible assistance to those impacted by the tragedy. Following the deadly fire incident, Union Minister of State for External Remember: Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reached Kuwait to monitor the situation and to ensure that appropriate medical attention is provided to Indian victims of the fire. First Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, on behalf of the Emir of Kuwait ensured MoS MEA Vardhan Singh all necessary assistance and support for the victims of the deadly fire incident that killed over 45 Indians. Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and the leadership of Kuwait proactive facilitation being provided by Kuwaiti authorities. Foreign Minister of Kuwait Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya also assured visiting Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh of “early repatriation” of mortal remains of Indians who were killed in a fire incident Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” –Jesus Christ on Wednesday at a labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait. He also conveyed his condolence on the tragic incident and said that full support will be extended in medical care and the investigation of the incident. MoS MEA Singh also visited Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital in Kuwait where seven Indians, who were injured in a fire incident, are undergoing treatment. He ascertained their well-being and assured them of the Indian government’s support. During his visit, he said that he appreciated the hospital authorities, doctors, and nurses for taking good care of Indians. After arrival in Kuwait, Kirti Vardhan Singh immediately rushed to Jaber Hospital to ascertain well well-being of Indians who had been injured in the fire incident in the Mangaf area on Wednesday. He met six injured Indians undergoing treatment at the hospital. Over 40 Indians died and over 50 others were injured in the fire, the Ministry of External Affairs said, adding the injured are being treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait. Citing the KUWAIT FIRE TRAGEDY SEE PAGE6 Priyanka Gandhi to make electoral debut from Wayanad New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will make her electoral debut from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, a decision that marks a significant stride for the leader who was appointed Congress general secretary in 2019. Priyanka Gandhi will make her debut in a Lok Sabha bypoll with her brother Rahul Gandhi deciding to retain the Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh of the two he contested and won. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge announced that Priyanka Gandhi will contest from Wayanad at a special press conference on Monday. Rahul Gandhi, who contested from two seats — Rae Bareli and Wayanad, won from both the constituencies. For long years, Priyanka had preferred to stay away from the limelight while taking care of the family strongholds of Amethi and Raebareli, represented by Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively. Since entering active politics, Priyanka Gandhi has canvassed for the party in different parts of the country. There had been speculation from time to time that the party PRIYANKA SEE PAGE 13 Kallakurichi (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 19 (ANI): At least 10 people died in a hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu‘s Kallakurichi district on Wednesday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has ordered an inquiry by the Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) on the issue and transferred District Collector Sravankumar Jatavath and appointed MS Prashanth as the new Collector for Kallkurichi district. Kallakurichi Superintendent of Police (SP) Samaysingh Meena has been suspended and Rajath Chaturvedi has been appointed as the new SP. Many police officials have also been placed under suspension. The Chief Minister said that those involved in the crime have been arrested and “immediate action” will be taken if the state government gets any information from the public about those involved in such crimes. “I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of people who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi. Those involved in the crime have been arrested in this matter. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. Immediate action will be taken if the public informs about those involved in such crimes. Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist,” the Chief Minister said in a post on ‘X’. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has not learnt its lesson after the 22 people who died of hooch tragedy last year. “It is heartwrenching to see the Parents cry out of the pain of losing their child and wife losing her husband due to the consumption of illicit liquor. DMK has not learnt their lesson after the 22 hooch deaths last year and their misgovernance has led to 5 more deaths today. There is zero accountability in the DMK Govt and Ministers do not fear consequences for posing with illicit liquor sellers,” Annamalai said in a post on ‘X’. “Spurious liquor is common in Tamil Nadu nowadays. Due to it, few have lost their life even yesterday at Kallakurich. Four have died. In the last two years, spurious liquor has increased in Tamil Nadu. TN Prohibition Minister has to resign from his post. Spurious liquor deaths have been increased in Tamil Nadu and the Chief Minister is sleeping without taking any steps on it,” Annamalai said speaking to reporters on Wednesday. Last year, the toll in the twin hooch tragedies in Villupuram and Chengalpet districts rose to 20. The two separate incidents of spurious liquor deaths were reported in the north zone of Tamil Nadu. While 13 deaths were reported in Villupuram and seven were reported in Chengalpattu. (ANI) Tamil Nadu: At least 10 dead in Kallakurichi hooch tragedy; CM orders probe, suspends officials
June 21, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Reverberations of Peace in the DMV area Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 & up $ SERVICES • BEARD TRIM $500 $ • SHAMPOO 1000 • BLOW DRY $1000 $ 00 • PERM FROM 20 $ 00 • COLOR FROM 20 • HIGHLIGHTS FROM $3500 • SPA PEDICURE FROM $1700 Beauty & Barber Shop 7311 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 info@csbarbernschool.com Imagine a world full of peace and all people living together in harmony. Such is the vision of our spiritual guide Kamlesh Patel or Daaji as he is affectionately known. In this day and age of disturbances from different sources, such as social media, meditation is a tool we can all use. Specially meditation, that is designed to bring us inner peace and calmness and as we traverse the spiritual chakras, increase our compassion for fellow humans and clarity for decision making. It is a welcome respite from our day-to-day activities. Daaji brings the Heartfulness meditation to the DMV area and world at large through 14,000 trainers and 10 million practitioners in 170 countries. Daaji’s dream is to bring meditation to every household on our planet earth, as individual peace leads naturally to world peace. Daaji, besides being a spiritual guide of the Heartfulness movement, wears many hats as pharmacist, businessman, author, thought leader, ecologist and scientist. His best-selling books “Designing Destiny”, “The Heartfulness Way” and “Spiritual Anatomy” give simple, practical tools and techniques to promote mental well-being and reduce stress. The Heartfulness Institute, under Daaji’s leadership has well-received programs at schools, universities and work places. Daaji used his well-honed scientific instinct to bring the 1500 acre Kanha Village outside Hyderabad, India to lush green life. It now shelters endangered species of plants from all over the world, and is complete with a tissue culture laboratory. Kanha Shantivanam also houses the world’s largest meditation hall, capable of accommodating 100,000 meditators, along with the Pearl Hotel and different types of accommodation where practitioners and new seekers alike are welcomed into a warm and serene family-like atmosphere. The Heartfulness meditation practice is the revival of an ancient and highly efficacious method of attaining spiritual evolution using yogic transmission and it is simplified to be practiced by the common householder. No need to retire to the mountains or Himalayas! This is because a home is where the qualities of love and sacrifice can be cultivated. Yogic energy or pranahuti, the breath of life, is channeled from the New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday did holistic review of the security situation in Manipur in a high-level meeting here in the national capital and directed to ensure that “no further incident of violence takes place” in the northeastern state. In the one-hour long meeting at his North Block office, the Home Minister stressed upon strategic deployment of the central forces to restore peace and tranquillity in Manipur. Shah mentioned in the meeting that the “forces will be increased if required”, and directed that “strict action must be taken as per law against the perpetrators of violence.” Noting that the Central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens of Manipur, Shah also reviewed the situation in relief camps, especially with respect to proper availability of food, water, medicines and other basic amenities. The Home Minister directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to ensure proper health and Ultimate Source into the hearts of practitioners, and leads to the transformation of man. New practitioners of the system, have reported a decrease of anger and anxiety, quite soon after starting the meditation practice. Along with meditation, the Heartfulness essential practices consists of relaxation, cleaning – a detox and rejuvenation routine. “At the end of a day’s work, around sunset, doing the cleaning helps you eliminate all the emotional complexities and impurities gathered during the day. Cleaning is like taking a dip in a serene pool and rejuvenating yourself.” – from Spiritual Anatomy by Kamlesh D. Patel. All said and done, doing and experiencing is the path to evolution and Daaji will be at the Washington Hebrew Congregation at 3935 Macomb Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 to lead meditators, on June 25th at 9.00 am. The best part, all training and meditations sessions are free! Willingness to try the system is the only requirement. To learn more about Heartfulnes visit: www. heartfulness.org To connect with certified trainers in your area: https:// heartspots.heartfulness.org Amit Shah directs to ensure no further violence in Manipur, states to increase forces if required education facilities for the displaced people and their rehabilitation. He underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs will talk to both the groups, Meiteis and Kukis, so as to bridge the ethnic divide, at the earliest, adding “the Central government has been actively supporting the Manipur government in strengthening the security situation in the state.” The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Chief of Army Staff (Designate) Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Security Advisor to Government of Manipur, Director General of Assam Rifles, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur and senior officials of Army and Ministry of Home Affairs. (ANI)
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June 21, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK 5 killed, several injured as goods train rams into Sealdahbound Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal’s Darjeeling Darjeeling (West Bengal) [India], June 17 (ANI): At least five passengers were killed and over 20 people sustained injuries after a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express train in West Bengal‘s Darjeeling district on Monday, police said. “Five passengers have died and 20-25 injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express,” said Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendant of Police (SP) Darjeeling Police. Kanchanjungha Express which runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata was Sealdah bound when a goods train hit it from behind near Rangapani station, located close to New Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, according to Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer – Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing. “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. The injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site,” Vaishnaw posted on X. Sealdah Eastern Railway has set up a control desk at Rangapani station. Visuals from the site showed a wagon of Kanchenjunga Express train suspended in the air. Sources in the Railways said that the goods container train overshot the signal and hit the rear parcel coach of the Kanchanjunga Express. The train has two parcels and one coach for the guard. Personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Divisional Railway officials have reached the accident site. A total of 15 ambulances and medical equipment have also reached the site of the mishap. Officials are reviewing the situation, the Railway officials said. The accident took place at Rangapani area in the Katihar Railway Division ahead of New Jalpaiguri Junction at around 8:45 am today. Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the accident took place in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train,” Mamata Banerjee said in a post on X. “The DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on warfooting initiated,” the West Bengal chief minister said. President Murmu, PM Modi condole loss of lives in West Bengal train accident P r e s i d e n t Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders on Monday expressed their condolences over the accident in Darjeeling involving the Kanchenjunga Express train and a goods train in which at least eight passengers were killed and over 20 people sustained injuries. “The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and success of relief and rescue operations,” Murmu posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed their grief over the incident. “The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnawJi is on the way to the site of the mishap as well,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X. Union Home Minister took to his social media platform X to express his condolences to family members of the deceased. “The railway accident in New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal is very sad. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Amit Shah wrote on X. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also extended condolences to the bereaved families of the accident victims. “The loss of lives in a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is truly distressing. I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Dhankhar posted on X. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X, said, “Very sad news received about the train accident in New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. I pray to God to grant the souls of the departed a place in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense sorrow. I pray to Baba Kedar for the speedy recovery of the injured.” “The tragic train collision between the Kanchenjunga Express and a Goods train is extremely unfortunate. My heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their lives and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has left for Darjeeling to visit the site of a train accident involving the Kanchenjunga Express train and a goods train that killed at least five passengers and left over 20 people injured. He will reach Bagdogra airport which is 40 kilometres away from the accident site. Meanwhile, Indian Railways officials in Delhi are monitoring the situation at the accident site. “Around 25 people have been injured and they have been shifted to the nearby hospital. They are non-fatal injuries. The rescue operation is going on a war footing. We are trying to finish the rescue operation as soon as possible. Senior officials have already reached the site. According to the preliminary information Kanchenjunga was hit from the rear by a goods train...We have information of 8 deaths,” Northeast Frontier Railway Chief Public Relations Official Sabyasachi De told ANI. Partha Pratim Roy, Chairman, of North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam said 10 buses of North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam have left for the accident site to rescue stranded passengers of the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express. “10 buses of North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam have left for the accident site to rescue stranded passengers of the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express. Also, additional bus services from Siliguri-Kolkata from Siliguri Tenzing Norgay bus terminus will be operational from this afternoon,” said Partha Pratim Roy. Kanchanjungha Express which runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata was Sealdah bound when the goods train hit it from behind near Rangapani station, located close to New Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, according to Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer – Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Teams of NDRF and Police are present at Kanchenjunga Express train accident site in Ruidhasa. A passenger of the Kanchenjunga Express train, while speaking to ANI said, ” I was travelling in B1 coach when the train was hit. I have been rescued, I have suffered an injury on my head.” Centre announces Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for kin of deceased in West Bengal train collision C e n t r a l government has announced an enhanced ex-gratia compensation for victims in the train mishap in West Bengal’s Darjeeling involving the Kanchenjunga Express passenger train and a goods train in which at least eight people were killed and over 20 people sustained injuries. Families of the deceased will be provided Rs 10 lakh each while a sum of Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 50,000 will be provided to those who sustained grievous and minor injuries respectively, said Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Loco pilot of the goods train and the guard of the passenger train were among those who died, a Railway official said. “Death toll is 8. A special train left from there (accident site to Sealdah) at 1240 hours. Most of the passengers are from Malda and Bolpur. Most of the passengers are safe,” Kaushik Mitra, Chief PRO, Eastern Railway told ANI. The tragic collision between the Kanchanjunga Express train and the goods train took place because the loco pilot of the goods train “disregarded the signal,” Jaya Varma Sinha, the chairman and CEO of Railway Board, said. “The accident happened this morning. Kanchenjunga Express was travelling from Agartala to Sealdah. The train was hit in the rear end by a goods train which disregarded the signal,” Jaya Varma Sinha told ANI. “Rescue operation completed. The driver (Loco pilot) who disregarded the signal has died and also the guard of Kanchenjunga Express has lost his life,” the official said. Help desks established at all railway stations along the AgartalaSealdah route, the Railway Board CEO said The accident took place at Ruidhasa near Rangapani station in the Katihar Railway Division ahead of New Jalpaiguri Junction at around 8:45 am today. The area falls in the Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Police and Army were involved in the rescue operation. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that there would be many passengers from Assam on the train and he remained concerned about them. “I have spoken to the Railway minister regarding the accident. The train was from Tripura & passes through Assam. There will be many passengers from Assam. We remain concerned about the passengers...Whatever needs to be done will be done,” Sarma told reporters. (ANI)
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INDIA THIS WEEK Kuwait: 45 including 23 from Kerala dead in fire incident June 21, 2024 Friday KUWAIT FIRE TRAGEDY FROM PAGE 1 hospital authorities, the MEA reported that most of the admitted patients are stable. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected by the incident. Plane carrying bodies of Indians killed in Kuwait building fire lands in Kochi A special Indian Air Force aircraft carrying mortal remains of Indian victims in the fire incident in Kuwait arrived at the Cochin International Airport here on Friday. Union Minister of State Singh VK Singh who rushed to Kuwait on Thursday is onboard the flight carrying the bodies. Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were among those who were present at the airport. Kerala Ministers Veena George, P Rajeev, K Rajan and Roshi Augustin were also present at the airport to recieve the mortal remains. Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Congress MP Hibi Eden, BJP state president K Surendran and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan among others had also arrived ahead of the flight’s landing. Speaking to ANI, Kerala Minister P Rajeev said that special From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- May 31, 2024 Justice By Robert Langley There can be no justice If we sit idly by There can be no hope of change If people do not try This is not a task for one group It affects both black and white The same is true in policy On the left and on the right We must grow beyond labels We all must stand as one This is a time of challenge And much work must be done I know we can be better We all most rise above If we are to find true justice First we must find love ambulances have been arranged for each deceased and a police pilot has also been provided. “Out of 45 deceased, the bodies of the residents of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka will be brought here,” the Minister said. The mortal remains of 31 victims brought to Kerala, included 23 from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu and one from Karnataka. He further said that the state government is coordinating with the government of Tamil Nadu as well as the mortal remains of seven victims from Tamil Nadu were also being brought to Kochi by the special aircraft. At least 45 Indians died in the huge fire that broke out in a labour accommodation in Kuwait’s Mangaf on 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 June 12. This includes 23 from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and one each from Bihar, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab and West Bengal. (ANI) Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan pays homage to victims of Kuwait fire tragedy Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid floral tributes to the bodies of the victims of the fire tragedy in Kuwait, who arrived at the Cochin International Airport on Friday. At least 45 Indians were killed in the fire incident, and 31 bodies of victims from Kerala (23), Tamil Nadu (7), and Karnataka (1) were brought via a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force to Kerala’s Kochi on Friday. The special IAF aircraft landed at around 10.30 am at Cochin International Airport on Friday. Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, State Ministers Veena George, P Rajeev, K Rajan, and Roshi Augustin, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi also paid tributes to the victims. The bodies of the victims were kept on tables arranged outside the airport cargo terminal. Congress MP Hibi Eden, Congress leader Chandy Oomen, BJP state president K Surendran and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan, among others, also offered tributes to the victims. Earlier, speaking to reporters at the airport, the Chief Minister acknowledged the efforts on the part of the Government of India and that of Kuwait in their intervention following the fire tragedy. “It is a neverending loss for the families... The Government of Kuwait has taken effective and impeccable measures. It is expected that the followup will be flawless. When it came to know about the disaster, the Government of India also intervened in a proper manner in the case of those who died in the Kuwait disaster.” It is expected that the Kuwaiti government will provide adequate compensation to the families of the deceased. The central government should also intervene effectively, he said. Kerala Minister P Rajeev said that special ambulances have been arranged for each deceased and a police pilot has also been provided. Union Minister Suresh Gopi referred to the tragedy as “voluminous and impactful” and said that it is a thud on the ‘pravaasi’ (Overseas Indians) community, which helped the economic situation in Kerala. “The state and the country have very high regard for the ‘pravaasi’ community and it is very painful. India will play its role very well because we initiated action as soon as the news was received. The GoI will take appropriate actions and decisions,” the Union Minister told reporters on Friday. 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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June 21, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi inaugurates new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar Nalanda (Bihar) [India], June 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a plaque at the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir as he inagurated the campus in Bihar on Wednesday morning. The PM also planted a sapling. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha and other delegates are present at the new campus of Nalanda University. Ambassadors from 17 countries also attended the event. Earlier this morning, PM Modi visited and took a tour of the ruins of the ancient Nalanda Mahaviharam. The visit marks the first visit by the Prime Minister to the State after the Lok Sabha election. The ancient Nalanda University, established around 1600 years ago, is considered to be among the first residential universities in the world. The new university campus is created to be a replica of the historic Nalanda University. Taking to social media platform X this morning, PM Modi wrote, “It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of Nalanda University will be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connection with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth.” Highlighting Nalanda’s “strong connection with our glorious past,” PM Modi said the university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth. The campus has two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, with a total seating capacity of around 1900. It has two auditoriums with a capacity of 300 seats each. It has a student hostel with a capacity of around 550 students. It also has various other facilities, including an international centre, an amphitheatre that can accommodate up to 2000 individuals, a faculty club, and a sports complex, among others. The Campus is a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus. It is self-sustaining with solar plants, domestic and drinking water treatment plants, a water recycling plant for reusing wastewater, 100 acres of water bodies, and many other environment-friendly facilities. The university is conceived as a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. It has a deep connection with history. (ANI) Turku [Finland], June 18 (ANI): India’s Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw competition at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 athletics meet in Turku, Finland on Tuesday. The Indian javelin ace, whose personal best of 89.94m is the Indian men’s national record, logged his best throw of the night, a modest 85.97m in his third attempt to clinch the top podium. Finland’s Toni Keranen won the silver medal with a personal best of 84.19m throw while his compatriot Oliver Helander, who had denied Neeraj the gold at the meet two years ago, took the bronze with 83.96m. Two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada was fourth with 82.58m. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning world and Olympic champion, was competing in his third event of the year. On the road to defend his crown at the Paris 2024 Olympics later this year, Neeraj started his season with a second-place finish at the Doha Diamond League on May 10 with an 88.36m throw. He then logged a modest 82.27m to bag the gold medal at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar five days later. It was his first competition in India since becoming an Olympic champion. Neeraj was also scheduled to compete at the Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet in Czechia late last month but did not participate as a precautionary measure after a muscle tweak during a training session. Neeraj Chopra‘s throws at Paavo Nurmi Games 2024: 1. 83.62m; 2. 83.45m, 3. 85.97m; 4. 82.21m; 5. X; 6. 82.97m Returning to action at the Turku meet, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist began proceedings with an 83.62m mark with his first throw to lead the first series but was knocked off his perch by Helander in the next round. An 85.97m throw in the third series saw the Indian ace regain his lead and stay on top till the end. Germany’s 19year-old Max Dehning, the youngest javelin thrower to breach the 90m mark, finished seventh in the eight-man field with 79.84m. Dehning had recorded a world-leading 90.20m throw at a meet in Halle in February. London 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago produced a season’s best 81.93m to finish sixth in Turku. (ANI) Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra bags gold at Paavo Nurmi Games Senior US official Campbell meets FS Kwatra, Dy NSA Misri in Delhi, discusses ways to strengthen US-India partnership Washington, DC [US], June 19 (ANI): US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell met Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri in New Delhi on Tuesday to “discuss their enduring commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership.” The US Deputy Secretary of State also extended congratulatory wishes to Prime Minister Modi and the NDA government on their victory in the national elections. “Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri in New Delhi, India to discuss their enduring commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership,” an official release read. “Deputy Secretary Campbell congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the NDA government on their victory in national elections, and the people of India on making their voices heard in the largest democratic elections in history,” it added. The leaders also discussed ways to strengthen regional and multilateral coordination across the Indo-Pacific region through the partnership of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). “Both the Deputy Secretary and Foreign Secretary expressed their intention to continue cooperation in ensuring a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the State Department said in a readout of the meeting. During the 20th meeting of the US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and 6th Designations Dialogue which took place on March 5 in Washington D.C, both India and US reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in the Quad Counterterrorism Working Group and other multilateral fora and processes such as the United Nations, the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for advancing shared security interests within the region while supporting a free and open IndoPacific that is inclusive and resilient. The two sides committed to information sharing, capacity building and continued bilateral and multilateral efforts to address these threats, according to MEA. (ANI)
FRIDAY JUNE 21, 2024 9 G-7 nations pledge support to specific infrastructure projects like India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Apulia [Italy], June 16 (ANI): The Group of Seven (G7) nations have pledged support to specific infrastructure projects like the India-Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC) in their joint statement released after the end of their three-day summit in Italy. The G7 aims to enhance economic corridors for better infrastructure and investments. Key projects include coordinating and financing efforts for corridors like the Lobito, Luzon, Middle, and IndiaMiddle East-Europe. They also plan to build upon existing initiatives like the EU Global Gateway, the Great Green Wall, and Italy‘s Mattei Plan for Africa. “We will further promote concrete G7 PGII initiatives, flagship projects, and complementary initiatives to develop transformative economic corridors for quality infrastructure and investment, such as the deepening of our coordination and financing for the Lobito Corridor, the Luzon Corridor, the Middle Corridor, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, also building on the EU Global Gateway, the Great Green Wall Initiative, and, the Mattei Plan for Africa launched by Italy,” White House said in a official statement. The G7 Summit leaders on Friday reaffirmed their dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific governed by international law. “We reiterate our commitment to a free and open IndoPacific, based on the rule of law, which is inclusive, prosperous, and secure, grounded on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms, and human rights,” the White House said in a statement. The summit statement stressed that the G7 was not trying to harm China or thwart its economic development but would continue to take actions to protect the businesses from unfair practices, to level the playing field and remedy ongoing harm. “We seek constructive and stable relations with China and recognize the importance of direct and candid engagement to express concerns and manage differences. We act in our national interest. Given China’s role in the international community, cooperation is necessary to address global challenges, and we continue to engage in areas of common interest,” the statement said. “We call on China to step up efforts to promote international peace and security, and to work with us to tackle the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises, combat illicit synthetic drug trafficking, ensure global macroeconomic stability, support global health security, and address vulnerable countries’ debt sustainability and financing needs,” the statement added. The summit had participation from the seven member countries, the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and France, as well as the European Union. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had invited India as an ‘Outreach Country’ at the G7 summit held in Italy‘s Apulia region from July 13-15. PM Modi addressed the G7 Outreach Session on AI and Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, touching upon various subjects, including the transformative role of technology in human progress. On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK PM Rishi Sunak, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also interacted with US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Pope Francis. (ANI)
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