FRIDAY DECEMBER 20, 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: 51 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday December 20, 2024 US: Homeland Security Department increases automatic extension period for immigrant workers Wa s h i n g t o n , DC [US], December 14 (ANI): In a major step, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently increased the automatic extension period for Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) renewals from 180 days to 540 days. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that will support US employers, foster economic growth, and improve access to employment authorization documents (EAD) for eligible individuals by permanently increasing the automatic extension period of employment authorization and employment authorization documentation from up to 180 days to up to 540 days for eligible noncitizens who file a timely request to renew their work authorization. This announcement responds to feedback from the business community to create more certainty for employers,” the US Department of Homeland Security said in a press release. The move is expected to directly benefit hundreds of thousands of eligible workers across the United States. Notably, the decision by the US Department followed recommendations by Ajay Bhutoria, the Commissioner of the White House Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) Commissioner, according to an official release. Ajay Bhutoria, an Indian-American businessman and politician, serves as the Deputy National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The new rule, which will be effective January 13, 2025, comes as a result of Bhutoria’s tireless advocacy for more equitable immigration policies and was one of several key recommendations he presented to the White House Commission. As a prominent voice for the AANHPI community, Bhutoria’s recommendations aim to ensure greater stability for immigrant workers, many of whom face significant delays in the processing of their EAD renewals. “This is a huge win for the immigrant community, especially for millions of IMMIGRANT WORKERS SEE PAGE 6 ENDS ON JANUARY 2 THIS IS WHY YOU STAY ON THE NICE LIST The nice list comes with even nicer rewards. Find yours at the December to Remember Sales Event. Off ers on select models, now through January 2. Bow optional. ©2024 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Sri Lankan territory will not be used against India”: President Dissanayake New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): India and Sri Lanka reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reiterated Sri Lanka‘s stance on not allowing its territory to be used in any way that could compromise India‘s security. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in ‘India – Sri Lanka Joint Statement: Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ said, “Recognizing shared security interests of India and Sri Lanka, both leaders acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue based on mutual trust and transparency and giving primacy to each other’s security concerns. As natural partners, both leaders underscored the common challenges faced by the two countries in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their commitment to work together in countering INDIA-SRILANKA SEE PAGE 6
December 20, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday MORE Get from your retirement. 1. More for your money with our inclusive “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and Monthly Service Package. 2. More amenities, including a pool, fitness I know that my needs will be taken care of.” center, and restaurants. 3. More peace of mind with additional —Marge V., A community resident on-site care should you need it. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. 1420300 Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. One Nation, One Election bill Telangana: Police bust secures cabinet approval, say sources fake currency note racket, six arrested New Delhi [India], December 12 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘One Nation, One Election,’ bill in the parliament, marking a significant step towards the electoral process, sources told ANI. A comprehensive bill is expected to follow this decision, paving the way for unified elections across the nation. Earlier on Wednesday, former President of India Ram Nath Kovind stated that the Central government must build a consensus on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, emphasising that the issue transcends political interests and serves the nation as a whole. Speaking to the media, Kovind, who chairs the committee on the issue, said, “The Central government will have to build consensus. This issue is not in the interest of any party but the nation. It (One Nation, One Election) will be a game-changer–it’s not my opinion but that of economists, who believe that after its implementation, the country’s GDP will rise by 1-1.5 per cent.” Notably, in September this year, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, which aims to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, along with urban body and panchayat polls, within a span of 100 days. T h e recommendations were outlined in a report by a high-level panel chaired by former President Kovind. Following the Cabinet’s approval, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the decision, calling it a significant step towards enhancing India’s democracy. “The Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections. I complement our former President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji, for spearheading this effort and consulting a wide range of stakeholders. This is an important step towards making our democracy even more vibrant and participative,” PM Modi posted on X. Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan voiced his support on Wednesday for holding simultaneous elections to the state assemblies and the Lok Sabha, arguing that frequent elections lead to significant wastage of time and public funds. Chouhan noted that frequent elections disrupt public welfare programmes and result in substantial expenditures of public money. “I am an agriculture minister, but during the elections, I spent three months campaigning. It wastes the time of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, and employees. All development work comes to a standstill. Then, new announcements have to be made,” Chouhan said. (ANI) Kamareddy (Telangana) [India], December 14 (ANI): Police arrested six people in connection with a fake currency racket in the Koyya Gutta area under the Banswada Town police station limits of Telangana’s Kamareddy district, officials said on Saturday. The arrested accused have been identified as Kadapatri Rajagopal Rao, Hussain Peera, Kolavar Kiran Kumar, Kesrole Ramdas Goud, Radhakrishna, and Ajay Eashwar Lokhande. According to officials, Banswada Police while conducting vehicle checks at Koyyagutta intercepted a car and found three persons, namely Kadapatri Rajagopal Rao, Kolavar Kiran Kumar, and Kesrole Ramdas Goud. Upon searching the vehicle, the police found 30 lakh rupees worth of counterfeit currency. The police on Friday busted a counterfeit currency racket and arrested six people, including the mastermind, in connection with the case at Koyya Gutta under Banswada Town police station limits of Kamareddy district. During the investigation, it was revealed that the accused were part of a gang involved in printing and circulating counterfeit currency across the country. The gang consisted of eight members from various states, including Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra. As per the police, the gang’s modus operandi involved printing counterfeit currency in Hyderabad and circulating it in various parts of the country. The police seized 56 lakh 90 thousand rupees worth of counterfeit currency, computers, printers, paper cutters, and other equipment used in printing counterfeit currency. Six accused were arrested and remanded to judicial custody. The police are on the lookout for two more accused, Kamlesh and Sukhram, who are absconding.
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December 20, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away at 73: Bollywood celebrities mourn loss of Tabla maestro San Francisco (USA), December 16 (ANI): Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday, December 15. The legendary musician had been receiving treatment for heart-related complications in the ICU of a San Francisco hospital for the past two weeks. The cause of death was confirmed to be idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. The news was confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family. The demise of Padma Vibhushan awardee has left the music world and his countless admirers in profound grief, with tributes and condolences pouring in from the film industry. Film director and producer Madhur Bhandarkar offered his condolences to the family of Padma Vibhushan Zakir Hussain. Taking to his X handle, the ‘Page 3’ director wrote, “Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Padma Vibhushan #ZakirHussain sir. His extraordinary talent elevated Indian classical music to the world stage, making him a household name. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the millions of admirers. #OmShanti” Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Padma Vibhushan #ZakirHussain sir. His extraordinary talent elevated Indian classical music to the world stage, making him a household name. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the millions of... https://t.co/ rOFgr9jRme pic.twitter. com/cOu0z4MH2s— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) December 16, 2024 Music composer Shamir Tandon expressed his gratitude to Ustad Zakir Hussain for putting India on the global map of the music industry through his tabla. While sharing a beautiful portrait of Zakir Hussain during one of his performances on Instagram, Shamir Tandon wrote, “The bols of Zakir bhai’s tabla have put us on the global Music firmament many decades ago. Making Indian classical cool andYoutifying the instrument – such Gargantuan contribution to art and culture. RIP Zakir bhai. Thank you for everything. Grateful” Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh paid tribute to the tabla maestro by sharing his photo along with a red heart and folded hands emoji. The three-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Ricky Kej was ‘shocked’ and ‘deeply saddened’ by the demise of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain. He called him one of the greatest musicians which India has ever produced. Sharing a monochrome portrait of the singer on Instagram, Ricky Kej wrote, “Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passingon of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain @zakirhq9. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature, and for being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon.” Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing-on of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain @ZakirHtabla. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature,... pic. twitter.com/FxDeScxrvt— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) December 16, 2024 Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, Zakir Hussain was the son of the iconic tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. From a young age, he displayed a remarkable affinity for the tabla, quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional talent. By the time he was a teenager, Zakir was already performing alongside some of the greatest Indian classical musicians. Throughout his career, Ustad Zakir Hussain collaborated with some of the most iconic names in both traditional Indian and global music scenes. He worked with legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan and was a key figure in creating international fusion bands like Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin and Planet Drum with Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart. His collaboration on the Planet Drum album also earned him a Grammy Award. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain inherited his talent and passion for tabla from his father, the iconic Ustad Alla Rakha. Demonstrating exceptional promise from a young age, Zakir Hussain began performing by the time he was a teenager. His unmatched skill and innate rhythm soon catapulted him to prominence in the Indian classical music world. Zakir Hussain redefined the role of the tabla, transforming it from a mere supporting instrument to a central figure in performances. His mastery of intricate rhythms and his ability to convey profound emotion through his music made him an iconic figure in the world of classical music. Zakir Hussain was a trailblazer in blending Indian classical music with global genres, creating groundbreaking collaborations that expanded the reach of his art. He partnered with legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan in traditional settings, while his groundbreaking collaborations with international musicians such as John McLaughlin in ‘Shakti’ and Mickey Hart in ‘Planet Drum’ pushed boundaries. The ‘Planet Drum’ album earned him a Grammy Award and showcased his extraordinary ability to merge cultural rhythms into a harmonious global sound Over a career spanning almost six decades, Zakir Hussain received numerous prestigious awards, including: Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Indian government, 4 Grammy Awards for his contribution to world music, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognising his excellence in Indian classical music, the National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award for traditional artists in the US. Despite these accolades, Zakir Hussain remained grounded. In several media interviews and winning speeches, he expressed viewing himself as a lifelong student of music. Beyond the stage, Ustad Zakir Hussain dedicated much of his time to nurturing future generations of musicians. He taught extensively at institutions like the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Francisco and conducted workshops around the world. The news of his demise has triggered an outpouring of tributes from leaders, artists, and fans worldwide. Musicians and admirers have shared stories of his profound impact on their lives, celebrating his remarkable journey and mourning his loss. Zakir Hussain’s passing leaves a void in the world of music that cannot be filled. His artistry not only transcended borders but also brought people together from all corners of the world. Survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters, Anisa and Isabella, his music will continue to inspire countless musicians and listeners. The beats of his tabla will echo in the hearts of millions for generations to come. (ANI)
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December 20, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK US: Homeland Security Department increases automatic extension period for immigrant workers IMMIGRANT WORKER FROM PAGE 1 individuals from India, who have long been waiting for a streamlined process for work authorization,” Bhutoria said in a statement on X. “I’m glad to see one of my approved recommendations being implemented by DHS. The automatic extension for EADs is now up to 540 days, providing much-needed relief for workers who rely on timely renewals to support their families. Now, let’s continue to work toward expanding EAD issuance for those with an approved I-140 and those stuck in the 5+ year backlog, he added. The new DHS rule, which was shaped by feedback from the business community and aimed at reducing red tape for US employers, will help create more certainty in the workforce, particularly in industries reliant on immigrant labour. The extended automatic extension period will help prevent gaps in employment authorization, ensuring that eligible workers can continue contributing to the US economy without fear of disruption. According to DHS Secretary Alejandro N Mayorkas, the move reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting employers by addressing labour shortages. “Increasing the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents will help eliminate red tape that burdens employers and ensure that eligible individuals can continue to contribute to our communities,” said Secretary Mayorkas. Ajay Bhutoria believes this new rule will provide critical support to both workers and employers alike, helping to stabilize the workforce and enhance economic growth. His work From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- December 20, 2024 They hated him to the core, Despised the strength he bore, They longed to see him fall, But he stood, defying all. They courted the media’s sway, In lies, their truths would fray, Spinning tales to cloud his name, To force him out, to end the game. They accused with venomous cries, But their claims were empty lies. No proof to hold, no case of worth, Yet they declared his guilt with mirth. They raided his home, a bold charade, For documents they claimed he’d stowed away. Their fury masked in justice’s guise, A vendetta clear beneath the skies. They sought to break him, his fortune drain, Twisting laws to inflict their pain. Courts and suits, a relentless storm, But still he stood, steadfast and warm. Then came the shadows with daggers drawn, To snatch his life before the dawn. Yet Providence shielded, the plot undone, With courage, he rose, the battle won. They called him names, a tyrant’s kin, Declared his rule would usher in. “Democracy’s doom,” they loudly cried, Yet he pressed on, with faith as guide. And when the ballots spoke at last, The storms of hate were in the past. A nation’s foe became its pride, As all now sought to stand beside. with the WHIAANHPI Commission has helped shine a light on the needs and concerns of AANHPI communities, particularly in relation to immigration and employment policies. The expansion of the automatic extension period is expected to reduce processing delays that have plagued many immigrant workers, particularly those in high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and hospitality. According to the statement, Bhutoria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring that immigrant workers are treated fairly in the labour market has been widely celebrated within the community, with many expressing their excitement over the new rule. “Ajay Bhutoria‘s leadership on this issue has been invaluable,” said one community leader. “This rule change will benefit countless workers who have been waiting for years to secure stable employment authorization. His continued efforts are a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of representation in shaping policy.” The rule will apply to applicants who have timely filed EAD renewal applications on or after May 4, 2022, and is part of a broader effort by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reduce processing times and improve efficiency in handling EAD applications. In addition to this major development, USCIS has also been actively working to reduce EAD processing times, extend EAD validity for certain applicants, and expand online filing options. The announcement is seen as a major victory for immigrant rights advocates and marks a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to reform US immigration policy, the statement added. (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online “ECI not ready to accept...”: Congress’ Rajeev Shukla backs party’s doubts over EVM New Delhi [India], December 17 (ANI): Congress MP Rajeev Shukla on Monday criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying that the party had presented several demonstrations regarding the possibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) being hacked, but the election body didn’t accept it. Speaking to ANI, Shukla said, “We have given a demo to the Election Commission several times, but they aren’t ready to accept it. They start fighting with those who meet them in a delegation and argue with them. The main issue is that the Election Commission is not ready to accept.” The Congress party raised ‘doubts’ about EVMs after its losses in the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections. The party even met with the Election Commission to express doubts about the electoral process in Maharashtra. Earlier in the day, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee disagreed with Congress on its stand over EVMs. He dismissed the allegations as “just random statements” and demanded that those raising such concerns demonstrate how the EVMs can be “hacked.” “The people who raise questions about EVMs, if they have any evidence, should go and show a demo to the Election Commission. If the work is done properly during the EVM randomization and Remember: the booth workers check during mock polls and counting, then I don’t think there is any substance in these allegations,” he said. “If still someone feels that EVMs can be hacked, then they should meet the Election Commission and show how EVMs can be hacked... Nothing can be done by just making random statements,” he added. Clarifying the party’s stance, Congress leader Sukhdeo Bhagat said that while the INDIA bloc has several partners with differing opinions, Congress’s position on EVMs is clear. In a veiled attack on the ECI, Bhagat said, “The INDIA bloc has several partners, and they have their own opinions, but Congress party’s opinion is very clear in this. EVMs are important to us, but for those who are operating it, their nature is suspicious...” Congress leader Kiran Kumar Chamala said that while the INDIA bloc parties may have different views, Congress continues to have doubts about EVMs and the entire election process. “Regarding EVMs and the entire election process, we have our doubts, and we have expressed them. We are all in the INDIA bloc, but even our alliance parties have their own opinions. We have raised our issues...BJP is capable of doing anything,” Chamala said. (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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December 20, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “Their selfless dedication, unwavering resolve brought glory to us,” PM Modi pays tribute to soldiers on Vijay Diwas New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to soldiers who contributed to India’s victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan on Vijay Diwas. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi stated that the selfless dedication and unwavering resolve of soldiers safeguarded our nation and brought glory to India in the war. “Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakeable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history,” PM Modi’s post reads. Vijay Diwas for the 1971 Liberation War is celebrated nationwide on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory against Pakistan in the 13-day war, which ended with Pakistan signing the instrument of surrender in Dhaka and the subsequent liberation of Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan). Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his wishes on this occasion, calling it a symbol of the culmination of courage, unwavering dedication, and valour of the country’s soldiers. “‘Vijay Diwas’ is a symbol of the culmination of the courage, unwavering dedication, and valour of the brave soldiers of the army. On this day in 1971, the brave soldiers of the army not only defeated the morale of the enemies and hoisted the tricolour Pakistan signs surrender document in 1971. (Photo/Screenrab of video by @adgpi) of its warriors till eternity,” he added. Meanwhile, on this occasion, officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, along with officers of the Bangladesh Army, laid a wreath at Vijay Smarak, Fort William, Army HQ Eastern Command in West Bengal’s Kolkata. As per the Indian Army, eight distinguished Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces have reached India to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata. (ANI) its significance beyond political interests. Speaking to the media, Kovind, who chairs the committee on the matter, stated, “The Central government must build consensus. This issue is not about the interest of any single party but of the nation. ‘One Nation, with pride but also brought about a historic change on the world map while protecting human values,” Amit Shah said in a post on X. “The country will remain proud of the bravery One Election’ will be a game-changer–not just my opinion but that of economists, who predict that its implementation could boost the country’s GDP by 1-1.5 per cent.” Notably, in September this year, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, aiming to synchronise Lok Sabha and Assembly elections along with urban body and panchayat polls within a 100-day timeframe. The recommendations for this initiative were outlined in a report by a high-level panel chaired by former President Kovind. (ANI) New Delhi, Dec 14 (ANI): Four Indian nationals who were evacuated from conflict-ridden Syria arrived at Delhi’s IGI Airport on December 14. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a total of 77 Indian citizens have been brought back from Syria as of the same day. Syria’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has prioritized the repatriation of Syrian refugees living abroad as a major initiative. However, the government is grappling with several challenges, including recent unrest near the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, which was set on fire. Additionally, concerns about Syria’s political future— particularly Iran’s influence in the region—have been raised by Hezbollah and Israeli officials. “Impractical, anti-democratic move” MK Stalin opposes ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 12 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday strongly opposed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in Parliament saying that this “impractical and anti-democratic move will erase regional voices, erode federalism, and disrupt governance.” Stalin called upon the leaders of the INDIA bloc to oppose the bill calling it an attack on Indian Democracy. “The Union Cabinet has approved introducing the draconian ‘One Nation, One Election Bill’ in Parliament. This impractical and antidemocratic move will erase regional voices, erode federalism, and disrupt governance. Rise up #INDIA! Let us resist this attack on Indian Democracy with all our strength,” the Chief Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter). Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut on Thursday praised the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, calling it the need of the hour as conducting 4 Indians evacuated from Syria land safely in National Capital elections every six months imposes a significant financial burden on the government. Speaking to the media, Ranaut highlighted the challenges associated with recurring elections, particularly voter turnout. “‘One Nation, One Election’ is very important because conducting elections every six months costs the government treasury a great deal. The biggest challenge is encouraging people to come out and vote repeatedly. Voter turnout is declining every year. This is the need of the hour, and everyone supports it,” she said. This comes after the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, on Thursday paving the way for its introduction in Parliament. Following the approval, a comprehensive bill is expected to be tabled, laying the groundwork for unified elections across the country. Earlier on Wednesday, former President of India Ram Nath Kovind emphasised the importance of building a consensus on the initiative, underscoring
FRIDAY 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 DECEMBER 20, 2024 9 Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com Sinclair Broadcast Group and ANI announce expansion of distribution of Indian TV content in US New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): Asian News International (ANI) and Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Sinclair, Inc., one of the largest television broadcasting companies in the United States, announced the expanded distribution of the Television Program, ‘My India‘ in major US cities. The popular weekly program, launched in Q2’24 and produced by ANI, India‘s largest multimedia news agency, will be made available across the United States on leading television news stations. Every week, ‘My India‘ offers a 30-minute in-depth reporting and analysis of India‘s economy, vibrant culture and growing impact on the global stage. My India also captures the deepening People to People (P2P), Business to Business (B2B) and Government to Government (G2G) ties between two of the most important democracies in the world. Speaking on the expanded distribution agreement Sinclair, Inc. President and CEO Chris Ripley said, “We are thrilled to partner with ANI for expanded distribution of ‘My India‘ in the United States on Sinclair‘s stations, highlighting the close connections between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy.” “We look forward to continuing our partnership with ANI,” Chris Ripley added. ANI CEO Sanjiv Prakash said that they were excited to reach a larger audience in the United State. “The relationship between ANI and Sinclair has already proven to be successful and is a testament to the strong bond between the US and India. We are excited to reach a broader audience in the US, including the Indian diaspora and beyond. We look forward to bringing ‘My India‘, showcasing unique and personal stories highlighting India‘s ancient culture and thriving traditions to more homes in America,” said ANI‘s CEO Sanjiv Prakash. ‘My India ‘will be available in some of the leading TV markets of the US like Washington DC, California, Rhode Island, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, Seattle, Baltimore, Texas, and Wisconsin among others over Sinclair owned TV Stations affiliated with ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. The expanded partnership between Sinclair and ANI builds on the solid foundation established between the two companies with a joint mission to provide high quality news stories from India and the broader SouthAsia region to a diverse set of American audiences interested in understanding the India story. Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD. and The Nest. Sinclair‘s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including overthe-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net. (ANI)
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