FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 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: 52 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday December 27, 2024 “Honoured:” says Chennai-born Sriram Krishnan, Trump’s pick for Policy Advisor on AI Wa s h i n g t o n , DC [US], December 23 (ANI): US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Sriram Krishnan as senior policy advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Sharing a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Sriram Krishnan will serve as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.” “Working closely with David Sacks, Sriram will focus on ensuring continued American leadership in AI, and help shape and coordinate A.l. policy across Government, including working with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Sriram started his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure,” he said. Krishnan, 41, acknowledged the offer and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I’m honoured to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with @DavidSacks . Thank you @realDonaldTrump for this opportunity.” S a n j e e v Joshipura, Executive Director of Indiaspora, congratulated Krishnan on his appointment and highlighted his exceptional qualities, calling him as an “insightful thinker.” “We heartily congratulate Sriram Krishnan and are delighted that he has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as Senior Policy Advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. For several years, Sriram has been an insightful thinker and influential commentator in the artificial intelligence realm. His previous As per his website, Krishnan till recently was a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and a personal investor in over two dozen companies including SpaceX, Figma and Scale.ai. He previously lead organizations at Meta, Twitter/X and Microsoft. He has a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from SRM Engineering College, Anna University Krishnan and his wife Aarthi Ramamurthy host the podcast “The Aarthi and Sriram Show.” On Sunday, Trump nominated work blending public policy, international affairs, investing and technology will stand him in good stead as he serves the nation in this important role,” he said. “As Indiaspora continues our convening and thought leadership work on AI in the United States and abroad, we look forward to engaging closely with Sriram,” he added. SRIRAM KRISHNAN 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. Illegal immigration nexus busted in Delhi, 11 arrested ©2024 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): Delhi Police has busted a major illegal immigration racket, arresting 11 individuals, including document forgers, Aadhaar operators, and tech experts involved in creating fake websites, officials said. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South, Ankit Chauhan, the accused facilitated Bangladeshi nationals by producing counterfeit Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and other forged documents via a fake website. While speaking to ANI, DCP Chauhan said that the illegal immigrants used jungle routes and express trains to enter Indian territory. He further mentioned that till now 11 accused arrested who facilitate Bangladeshi nationals using forged IDs via fake websites. The accused used fake Aadhaar, voter ID cards, and other documents created using forged IDs via a fake website, he added. Delhi Lieutenant Governor has directed the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police to launch a two-month special drive to identify and take strict action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the national capital. According to Delhi police sources over 1000 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been identified so far across the city. The police operation involved doorto-door verification, scrutiny of documents, and interrogations. Special teams comprising local police and foreign cells were deployed to conduct targeted operations. (ANI)
December 27, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “Teachings of Christ celebrate love, harmony, brotherhood”: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations hosted by CBCI New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that the teachings of Jesus Christ celebrate love, harmony, and brotherhood and it is important that people work to make this spirit stronger. PM Modi participated in the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre premises here. This is the first time a Prime Minister has attended such a programme at the Headquarters of the Catholic Church in India. The Prime Minister also interacted with key leaders from the Christian community, including Cardinals, Bishops and prominent leaders of the Church. Wishing Merry Christmas to the citizens of the country and the Christian community worldwide, the Prime Minister stated that a few days ago he had attended Christmas celebration at Union Minister George Kurian’s residence and today, he is honoured to join all for this event organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).“This occasion is particularly special as it marks the 80th anniversary of the CBCI,” he said. PM Modi congratulated the CBCI and everyone associated with it on this remarkable milestone. He reminisced that he celebrated Christmas with CBCI at the Prime Minister’s residence, and today all are gathered at the CBCI campus. “I have also visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church during Easter, and I am grateful for the warmth I receive from all of you. I feel the same affection from His Holiness Pope Francis, whom I met earlier this year during the G7 summit in Italy–our second meeting in three years. I invited him to visit India,” PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said that during his trip to New York in September, he had met Cardinal Pietro Parolin. These spiritual encounters inspire and strengthen the commitment to service, he said. The Prime Minister recalled his recent meeting with Cardinal George Koovakad, who was recently conferred the title of Cardinal by Pope Francis. The Prime Minister said that the Indian government, led by Union Minister George Kurian, sent a highlevel delegation to this event. “When an Indian achieves such success, the entire country takes pride. I once again congratulate Cardinal George Kwakad on this remarkable accomplishment,” PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also recollected many memories, particularly the fulfilling moments when Father Alexis Prem Kumar was rescued from war-torn Afghanistan a decade ago. He highlighted that Father Alexis Prem Kumar had been held hostage for eight months, and despite the difficult situation, the government made every effort to bring him home safely. “I will never forget the joy in his family’s voices when we succeeded. Similarly, when Father Tom was taken hostage in Yemen, we also worked tirelessly to bring him back, and I had the honour of inviting him to my home. Our efforts to rescue nurse sisters in crisis in the Gulf were equally relentless and successful,” the Prime Minister said. He reiterated that these efforts were not just diplomatic missions but emotional commitments to bring back family members. Today’s India, no matter where an Indian is, considers it its duty to rescue him or her in times of crisis. The Prime Minister emphasised that India’s foreign policy prioritizes human interests alongside national ones, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many countries focused on their own interests, India selflessly helped over 150 countries, sending medicines and vaccines. This had a positive global impact, with nations like Guyana expressing deep gratitude. Many island nations, Pacific nations, and Caribbean countries also praise India for its humanitarian efforts. India’s human-centric approach is set to elevate the world in the 21st century. The Prime Minister underscored that the teachings of Lord Christ emphasize love, harmony, and brotherhood. And it saddens him when violence and disruption spreads in society, as seen recently at a Christmas market in Germany and during the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. PM Modi stated that this Christmas is more special. “The Holy Bible sees hope as a source of strength and peace. We are also guided by hope and positivity. Hope for humanity Hope for a better world and Hope for peace, progress and prosperity,” he said. The Prime Minister highlighted that in the past 10 years, 250 million people in India have overcome poverty, fueled by the hope that victory over poverty is possible. India has also risen from the 10th to the fifth largest economy. This period of development has brought new hope for the future, with opportunities for youth in various fields such as start-ups, science, sports, and entrepreneurship. “The self-confident youth of India are driving the country toward progress, giving us hope that the dream of a developed India will be realized,” the Prime Minister added. He emphasised that in the past 10 years, women in India have achieved remarkable empowerment, excelling in fields such as entrepreneurship, drones, aviation, and the Armed Forces. Their progress highlights that no country can advance without empowering women. He said as more women join the workforce and professional labour force, it brings new hope for India’s future. The Prime Minister stressed that in the past 10 years, India has made significant progress in under-explored sectors like mobile and semiconductor manufacturing, positioning itself as a global tech hub. He said the country is empowering the poor through technology and fintech while building infrastructure at an unprecedented pace, with new expressways, rural road connections, and metro routes. These achievements inspire hope and optimism for India’s future, and the world is now viewing India with the same confidence in its rapid growth and potential. The Prime Minister said that the Bible teaches people to carry each other’s burdens, “encouraging us to care for one another and take responsibility for each other’s well-being”. “With this mindset, institutions and organizations play a crucial role in social service, whether through establishing new schools, uplifting communities through education, or implementing health initiatives to serve the public. He said these efforts are seen as collective responsibilities. The Prime Minister reiterated that Jesus Christ showed the world the path of compassion and selfless service. “We celebrate Christmas and remember Jesus so that we can incorporate these values into our lives and always prioritize our duties,” he said, adding that this is not only our personal responsibility but also a social duty. “Today, the nation is advancing with this spirit, through the resolution of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’. There were many subjects that were never thought of before, but they were the most necessary from a human perspective. We made them our priority. We took the government out of rigid rules and formalities. We set sensitivity as a parameter. Ensuring every poor person gets a permanent house, every village gets electricity, removing darkness from people’s lives, providing clean drinking water, ensuring no one is deprived of treatment due to a lack of money. We created a sensitive system that can guarantee such services and such governance,” PM Modi added. He said initiatives like promoting millets (Shree Anna), supporting local artisans, and the “Ek Ped Maa ke naam” campaign, which honours “both Mother Nature and our mothers”, are gaining momentum. Many from the Christian community are also active in these efforts. These collective actions are essential to building a developed India. The Prime Minister said that he is confident that the collective efforts will propel the country forward. “A developed India is our shared goal, and together, we will achieve it. It is our responsibility to ensure that we leave a brighter India for future generations,” he said. (ANI)
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December 27, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Shyam Benegal passes away at 90: Look back at illustrious work of veteran filmmaker M u m b a i (Maharashtra) [India, December 23 (ANI): Veteran director and screenwriter Shyam Benegal, often regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy. Shyam Benegal breathed his last today at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, where he was undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease. His films, including Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, established him as a pioneer of the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Benegal was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times and received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Born on December 14, 1934, in a Konkanispeaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Hyderabad, Benegal collaborated extensively with actors from FTII and NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri. His films left an indelible impact on audiences, addressing relevant socio-political themes with remarkable depth. For instance, Junoon (1979), based on Ruskin Bond’s A Flight of Pigeons, is a tumultuous epic set during India’s freedom movement. The film, featuring a forbidden love story between a British woman (Nafisa Ali) and a passionate Pathan (Shashi Kapoor), remains one of Benegal’s finest works, celebrated for its sweeping visuals and emotional intensity. Similarly, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1992), adapted from Dharamvir Bharti’s novel, presented a unique narrative structure as a bachelor (Rajit Kapur) recounts stories of three women from different social strata who influenced his life. Each character was distinct and symbolised the diverse fabric of society. Benegal also explored intersectional feminism long before it became a mainstream discourse. His film Bhumika, inspired by the memoirs of Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar, delved into themes of personal identity, feminism, and relationship conflicts. Mandi (1983), another milestone, offered a satirical commentary on prostitution and politics, portraying the struggles of a brothel against societal and political pressures. His films gained international acclaim as well. Manthan (1976), inspired by Verghese Kurien’s pioneering milk cooperative movement, made waves globally and was showcased at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The film’s premiere was attended by luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Prateik Babbar, and members of the Kurien and Patil families. Benegal’s most recent project, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was an India-Bangladesh co-production depicting the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. Shot extensively in both countries during the (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 24 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Japan‘s Yamanashi Prefecture in Lucknow on Monday. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi was leading the Japanese delegation. After the signing of the MoUs, CM Yogi emphasized the growing economic cooperation between India and Japan, by delivering his opening remarks in Japanese. “India and Japan are countries with big economies... The state government is keen to cooperate with Japanese companies... Economic cooperation between India and Japan is very rich... Uttar Pradesh is a state of unlimited potential. After this MoU, relations between India and Japan are going to get a new strength,” CM Yogi said. of MoUs between UP government and Yamanashi Prefecture highlights a key milestone in India-Japan relations. India and Japan share a unique “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” that has evolved over the years, rooted in deep spiritual and cultural connections. Historical links date back to 752 AD when an Indian monk, Bodhisena, consecrated the towering Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple in Nara. These ancient interactions laid the foundation for a bond that continues to this day. Prominent Indian figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, and independence fighter Subhash Chandra Bose have helped strengthen these ties, with their presence leaving a lasting impact on Japan. One example is Justice Radha Binod Pal’s dissenting opinion at the War Crimes Tribunal, which resonated deeply with the Japanese people. The relationship is further reinforced by the growing Indian community in Japan, especially professionals in IT and engineering. The Nishikasai area in Tokyo has become known as “mini-India,” with over 40,000 Indians now residing in Japan. Of these, around 282 are students, many of whom are pursuing advanced degrees. Additionally, Japan hosts over 150 Indian professors and 50 research visa holders, further contributing to the strengthening of cultural and academic exchanges between the two nations. (ANI) UP govt signs MoUs with Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture; CM Yogi highlights w economic ties in Japanese The signing L u c k n o COVID-19 pandemic, the biographical film added another feather to his illustrious cap. In addition to feature films, Benegal contributed significantly to documentaries and television. His iconic series Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan remain benchmarks in Indian television. He also served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986 and was a member of prestigious juries, including the 14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985) and the 35th National Film Awards (1988). Throughout his career, Benegal received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour in cinema. Shyam Benegal‘s contributions to Indian and world cinema will continue to inspire generations to come. Mamata Banerjee, Kharge, Tharoor condole Shyam Benegal’s demise West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered condolences to the family, friends and followers of Shyam Benegal. Taking to her X handle, Mamata wrote: “Saddened by the demise of our iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences to his family, friends and followers. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor recalled his childhood memory of Shyam Benegal.“Mourning the passing of #ShyamBenegal, a giant of India’s New Wave cinema who leaves a considerable body of cinematic accomplishment behind. My sisters and i knew him since our childhood, when he was an advertising professional who photographed them as the first “Amul Babies”. His impact will endure, but his passing is an immense loss, for cinema and for humanity.” Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis said it is sad that famous director Shyam Benegal passed away. “He brought parallel cinema to the forefront. He received many national awards. His service to Indian cinema is incomparable and his departure is an end to an epoch. I pay my homage to the departed soul.” C o n g r e s s President Mallikarjun Kharge recalled notable works of Shyam Benegal which will help to inspire generations of filmmakers. Taking to his X handle, Mallikarjun wrote,“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His tremendous contributions to the art form, marked by thoughtprovoking storytelling and a profound commitment to social issues, leave an indelible mark. His works like ‘Bharat, Ek Khoj’ based on Pandit Nehru’s ‘The Discovery of India’ and the series ‘Samvidhaan’, which is based on the Constituent Assembly debates are a valuable reference point for young audiences. Recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, along with 18 National Film Awards, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.” Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan expressed profound sorrow over the passing away of veteran filmmaker,. In his condolence message, the Governor wrote, “Shri Shyam Benegal belonged to the rare league of exceptionally brilliant filmmakers who made an indelible mark on the world of cinema through his pioneering contributions to parallel cinema. His masterpieces like Ankur, Nishant, and Manthan showcased his courage in portraying social realities. He also gifted the nation the iconic television series Bharat Ek Khoj, which beautifully connects the viewers with our glorious past. With his demise, India has lost a genius filmmaker who inspired generations of storytellers. I pay my homage to Shri Shyam Benegal and convey my deepest condolences to his family and admirers.” (ANI)
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December 27, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Tripura: 3 Bangladeshi “Honoured:” says nationals arrested Chennai-born Sriram Krishnan, Trump’s pick at Agartala Railway for Policy Advisor on AI Station for illegal entry SRIRAM KRISHNAN FROM PAGE 1 Mark Burnett as the country ‘s special envoy to United Kingdom. In a post on Truth Social, Trump noted that Burnett brings to the table “a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition” to the important role. He also noted that Burnett would work in enhancing the diplomatic ties between the US and the UK with a focus on areas of mutual interest such as trade, investment and cultural exchanges. Earlier, Trump nominated Herschel Walker, a renowned American athlete and businessman, as the United States Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Walker has been a former Heisman Trophy winner, a National Football League (NFL) great, as well as co- chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. In early December, Trump nominated former Georgia Senator David Perdue as his pick for the US Ambassador to China, Al Jazeera reported. “As a Fortune 500 CEO, who had a 40year International business career, and served in the US Senate, David brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China. He has lived in Singapore and Hong Kong, and worked in Asia and China for much of his career,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.” He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain peace in the region and a productive working relationship with China’s leaders,” Trump said, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI) 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. Agartala (Tripura) [India], December 23 (ANI): Three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested at Tripura‘s Agartala Railway Station on Sunday for illegal entry into India, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Agartala Government Railway Police stated. The arrest was made following a joint operation by the Agartala Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and the intelligence department. The detainees, identified as Chhoton Das (19) and Bishnu Chandra Das (20) from Noakhali, and Mohammad Malek (30) from Habiganj, were apprehended this afternoon, the police stated. They had reportedly arrived at the railway station intending to board a train to another state, with initial investigations indicating Kolkata as their destination, the police further added. F o l l o w i n g their arrest, the suspects were taken to Agartala GRP Police Station for further interrogation. Officials suspect that more individuals may be connected to this case, and additional arrests are anticipated. A case has been registered at the Agartala GRP Police Station, and the suspects are scheduled to be presented in court on Monday. More details awaited. (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 Our alliance will win over 200 seats in 2026: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 22 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam President MK Stalin exuded confidence ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, and said the party will form government in the state for the seventh time, this time with the alliance securing 200 seats. Addressing party workers in the Kancheepuram Constituency today, CM Stalin emphasized the DMK’s commitment to public welfare over the past three years, while also highlighting the implementation of various schemes “unparalleled by any other state government” in country. The DMK-led alliance came to power by winning a massive 159 seats out of 234 seats in the state in last assembly elections in 2021. “Our goal is to form our DMK government for the 7th time (in the state). Our alliance will win in 200 constituencies. Victory in 2026 is ours. In the last 3 years, we have been working for the welfare of people. No State Government in India has introduced several schemes like our government. In 2019 our alliance was formed as an ideological alliance. Since then we have attained victory in Assembly elections, Parliament elections, and Local body elections,” he said. “Many are doing political calculations against our ideological alliance. I am strongly saying those all calculations against our ideological alliance will go wrong. Our alliance will be victorious,” Stalin stated. Earlier in the day, earlier today, the Chief Minister held a high-level executive meeting which was attended by senior leaders including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and over 800 high-level executive members. Chief Minister Stalin attended the meeting at the party headquarters at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai. The DMK passed 12 resolutions which were read out by DMK leader TKS Elangovan, a former member of Rajya Sabha, who appreciated Chief Minister Stalin and the ministers in the Tamil Nadu government for their efforts to implement precautionary measures during the Cyclonic storm ‘Fengal’. During the meeting, the DMK condemned the alleged ‘insulting’ remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding BR Ambedkar during the debate on the Constitution in Rajya Sabha. (ANI) Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
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Friday INDIA THIS WEEK B e n g a l u r u (Karnataka) [India], December 24 (ANI): Ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on December 26, Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara said that the event is going to be a “historical event”. “AICC incharge of Karnataka has arrived here. I am incharge of the reception and protocol committee. We are looking after the people who are coming in. It is going to be a historical event,” Parameshwara said. The Congress will hold its CWC meeting on December 26 in Belagavi and the centenary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi‘s historic 1924 Belagavi Session on December 27. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday for planning to hold a protest on the day of the centenary celebrations of the ‘1924 Belgaum Congress Session’ scheduled in Belagavi. Dy CM Shivakumar said he is very much alive and not scared of BJP‘s protests. “I am very much alive and I am heading the state Congress party. I am not scared of the BJP‘s protest tactics. Mahatma Gandhi got us independence through his resolute fight. Do we get scared at a time when we are remembering the Mahatma?” he said. Meanwhile, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress of spending money like water for the event. “For that they are spending money like water. I want to ask New Delhi [india], December 24 (ANI): North India is reeling under cold weather with temperatures plummeting across several states. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with a thin layer of fog enveloping parts of the national capital. On Monday, the minimum temperature stood at 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum reached 20 degrees Celsius. Residents of the national capital were seen gathering bonfires to combat the chill, while others took refuge in night shelter homes as temperatures continued to drop in Delhi. In Rajasthan, the cold weather persisted, significantly impacting daily life due to the falling temperatures. In Bikaner, the temperature was recorded at 9 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Cold wave continues to affect the daily life of the people in Jammu and Kashmir, with temperatures dropping New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): The Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will hold meetings on December 26 and 27 to record oral evidence from state representatives as part of its deliberations on the proposed legislation. The Committee will hear representatives of Karnataka Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on December 26 and Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Delhi on December 27. On Thursday, the JPC met Muslim representatives from Lucknow and Rajasthan in its meeting. After the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament Jagdambika Pal told ANI, “Former VC of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow and former chairman of Rajasthan Waqf Board came with their proposed amendments. There was a clause-byclause discussion on it. MPs also posed questions to them.” The committee included Syed Abubakar Naqvi, the former Chairman and State Minister of the Waqf Board in Rajasthan, and Prof. Mahrukh Mirza, the former Vice Chancellor of Khwaja Chishti Moinuddin Language December 27, 2024 “It’s going to be a historical event”: Karnataka Home Minister on CWC meet on Dec 26 only one question, what is the relation between the Mahatma Gandhi Congress and today’s Congress, your is not the original Congress, it is the Indira Congress. This Congress doesn’t believe in democracy and social harmony and disrespects BR Ambedkar,” Joshi added. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also emphasized the role of the police department in ensuring peaceful New Year and Christmas celebrations in Bengaluru. He assured citizens that all necessary measures are being taken to facilitate a safe and joyous celebration. (ANI) North India shivers as mercury drops below zero in many areas. Srinagar recorded a temperature of -5.2 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am on Tuesday. Other recorded temperatures included 0.6 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, – 6.8 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam, – 0.8 degrees Celsius in Banihal and – 4.6 degrees Celsius in Kupwara. On Monday, Srinagar experienced a minimum temperature of -7 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, as reported by the IMD. As per the IMD, a cold wave is considered when the minimum temperature of a station is 10 degrees Celsius or less for plains and 0 degrees JPC on Waqf Bill to meet on Dec 26-27, record oral evidence from State representatives To Place Advertisements Call: 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 Email:indiathisweekads@gmail.com www.indiathisweek.online University, Lucknow. Earlier, on Wednesday, the JPC held a meeting with the All India Shia Personal Law Board members. The committee heard the views of the board on the Bill. Recently, the Lok Sabha approved a motion to extend the tenure of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and mandated the presentation of their report by the end of the 2025 Budget Session. On December 5, Jagdambika Pal, head of the JPC noted that the committee had held 27 meetings in Delhi before the extension of its tenure. These meetings included discussions with multiple stakeholders and various ministries of the Government of India. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate waqf properties, has long Celsius or less for Hilly regions. The IMD forecasts a severe cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir starting from December 24. Additionally, dense fog conditions and a cold wave are expected to prevail from December 23 to 25 in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was classified in the ‘severe’ category on Tuesday, with visibility limited by the fog. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 401 at 8 AM. On the previous day, the AQI also fell into the ‘severe’ category, measuring 403 at 7 AM. Specific AQI readings included 417 in Alipur, 423 in Anand Vihar, 425 in RK Puram, and 402 at ITO. An AQI rating is categorized as follows: 0-50 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe). (ANI) been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is conducting extensive consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation. (ANI)
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