INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY JANUARY 20, 2023 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol. 31 No: 3• WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • January 20, 2023 Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi to be Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has been invited by India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January and to celebrate the ‘momentous occasion’ of completing 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations has further strengthened by mutual warmth, friendship, and goodwill, Ausaf Sayeed, secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday. Calling the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and Egypt a ‘momentous occasion’, Sayeed said the two nations established formal relations three days after India attained independence on August 15 in 1947. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as chief guest for the Republic Day and the invitation was warmly received. “This is indeed a momentous occasion in our bilateral relations with Egypt when our two countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. I was told that When we became independent on the 15th of August, 1947 it was three days later on the 18th of August that the relations, EYPTIAN PRESIDENT SISI SEE PAGE 6 Global South wants human-centric globalization that brings prosperity, well-being to humanity: PM Modi New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the global south appreciates the principle of globalization and that India sees the whole world as one family. He said that the south wants humancentric globalization, one that brings prosperity and well-being to humanity. “We all appreciate the principle of globalization. India has always seen the world as one family. Developing countries desire globalization that does not create a climate crisis, does not lead to unequal vaccine distribution or over-concentrated global supply chains. We want globalization that brings prosperity and well-being to humanity. We want humancentric globalization,” the PM said at the concluding leaders’ session of The Voice of Global South Summit. The PM said that the Voice of Global South Summit has over the last two days, seen the participation of more than 120 developing countries, the largest-ever virtual gathering of the global south. He said that the last three years have been difficult for developing countries. “The last three years have been difficult, especially for the developing nations. The challenges of a global pandemic, rising prices of fuel, and geo-political tension have affected our development efforts,” PM Modi said. He, however, said that the new year is a fresh start. “India’s G20 presidency will address the voice of the global south. India’s approach has been consultative, outcome-oriented, demanddriven, people-centric, and respectful of partner countries,” PM Modi said. The PM said that the Voice of Global South Summit has over the last two days, seen the participation of more than 120 developing countries, the largest-ever virtual gathering of the global south. He said that the last three years have been difficult for developing countries. “The last three years have been difficult, especially for the developing nations. The challenges of a global pandemic, rising prices of fuel, and geo-political tension have affected our development efforts,” PM Modi said. He, however, said that the new year is a fresh start. “India’s G20 presidency will address the voice of the global south. India’s approach has been consultative, outcome-oriented, demanddriven, people-centric, and respectful of partner countries,” PM Modi said. The PM said that India will launch a global south science and tech initiative to share our space expertise with other developing nations. India will also institute a global south scholarship for students from developing countries to pursue higher education in India. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the Global South needs to forge new partnerships and mechanisms so that its voice is reflected on the decisionmaking table. “We need to forge new partnerships and mechanisms so that the voice of the global south is reflected on the decisionmaking table,” Goyal said at the Commerce and Trade Ministers’ Session of The Voice of Global South Summit. Ministers from 13 countries joined Goyal for the session under the theme of ‘Developing Synergies in Global South: Trade, Technology, Tourism, Resources’. The commerce minister said that: “‘Developing Synergies in Global South: Trade, Technology, Tourism, Resources’, is an apt theme in the circumstances we find ourselves in at this juncture. These are the key pillars for the development of the countries of the south.” (ANI)
January 20, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India strives towards providing high-quality, cost-effective health care: Union Health Minister New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said that India believes in valuebased health care and is continuously striving to provide high-quality and cost-effective health care to everyone. “India believes in value-based health care and is continuously striving to provide high quality and cost-effective health care to everyone,” Mandaviya said during the health ministers’ virtual session of Voice of Global South Summit, 2023 titled ‘Cooperation to build resilient healthcare systems’. “Aligning with India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India has offered Co-WIN as a digital public health good to the world,” the health minister said while addressing the virtual session. Mandaviya said it is the need of the hour to focus on long-term measures to build stronger, more resilient health systems. “It is the need of the hour to focus on long-term measures to build stronger, more resilient health systems that can prevent, prepare for, and respond to future healthrelated challenges while maintaining essential health services,” he said. Mandaviya in a tweet on Friday wrote: “Addressed the Health Ministers’ Session of # Vo i c e o f G l o b a l S o u t h Summit 2023. Elaborated on various initiatives of PM @NarendraModi Ji’s Govt to ensure quality healthcare for all and to promote greater global good.” “Digital health will be a key priority in India’s G20 Presidency,” the minister further wrote. Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that India has emerged as an education and healthcare hub for the global south. “India has emerged as an education and healthcare hub for the global south. Our capacity building programs and first responder activities in case of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) situations are an important example of this approach,” Jaishankar said during a special online session during the Voices of Global South Summit being held from January 12-13. The External Affairs Minister said that the international solar alliance, the coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure, and now Mission Life, a worldwide program to promote a climate-friendly lifestyle, are all proof of our priority. During COVID, we engaged in international cooperation by providing vaccines to over 100 partners and medicines to over 150 countries, Jaishankar said. The EAM also said that: “India stands ready to share its experiences and expertise; including our game-changing digital public goods in universal identification, financial payments, direct benefit transfer, digital health, commerce, industry and logistics.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored the importance of the ‘equivalent voice’ of the Global South on the international platform and reiterated that their voice is the voice of India, and their priorities are India’s too. Speaking virtually at the inaugural leaders’ session of ‘Voice of Global South: For human-centric development’, PM Modi said, “We supported each other in the fight against foreign rule and we can do it again in this century to create a new world order that will ensure the welfare of our citizens. Your voice is India’s voice and your priorities are India’s priorities.” The Summit envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. (ANI)
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January 20, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK ICYMI: Number of South Asian Americans in Congress Grows to Five as Indian Americans are Elected Around the Country Progressives capture and entirely represent South Asian American voting bloc in Congress Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C. — Two weeks ago, the number of South Asian American representatives grew to five after Michigan’s Shri Thanedar was introduced into the 118th Congress. His election to the U.S. House of Representatives signals significant growth from 2016, when only one member of Congress represented all South Asian Americans. Thanedar now joins Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera, all progressive Democrats, in representing one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States. South Asian American representation is quickly growing across the country. A total of Forty-two Desis now serve in state legislatures in 19 states. In Maryland, Aruna Miller became the first Indian American politician to be elected Lieutenant Governor, and many Indian Americans celebrated electoral victories in Texas, while being one of the fastest growing populations in the state. Neil Makhija, Indian American Impact executive-director, was quoted by NPR, discussing the historic moment: “We have people around the country who are all the firsts, and it’s happened so rapidly. Our population didn’t double, triple, quadruple from 2016 to 2020, and yet our representation in elected offices did.” This November, Indian American Impact helped elect the following historic candidates: Arizona: Priya Sundareshan - Arizona State Senate, District 18 South Asian Americans to the Illinois House of Representatives) California: Janani Ramachandran - Oakland City Council, District 4 Iowa: Megan Srinivas - Iowa House of Representatives, District 30 (Second-ever South Asian American in the Iowa House of Representatives) Georgia: Nabilah Islam - Georgia State Senate, District 7 (First-ever South Asian American woman elected to the Georgia State Legislature), Farooq Mughal - Georgia House of Representatives, District 105 Maryland: Aruna Miller - Lieutenant Governor (First woman of color and the first South Asian or AAPI woman to serve as lieutenant governor in the United States), Kumar Barve - House of Delegates, District 17 (Incumbent) Illinois: Kevin Olickal Illinois House of Representatives, District 16, Nabeela Syed - Illinois House of Representatives, District 51 (First-ever Michigan: Shri Thanedar - U.S. House, 13th Congressional District (First-ever Indian American and second-ever South Asian Michigander elected All Indian women platoon land in Abyei for UN peacekeeping mission New York [US], January 17 (ANI): The UN mission in Abyei on Monday welcomed the deployment of the single largest all-women platoon of peacekeepers from India, saying that the Indian battalion plays a valuable role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. “All-women platoon from #India recently deployed to UNISFA, has arrived in Abyei and is deployed in Rumajak and Dokura in sector center. Indian battalion plays a valuable role in maintaining peace and stability in Abyei,” the UN mission tweeted. The all-women platoon, which was welcomed by UNISFA, will join forces serving in Abyei, reaffirming India’s continued commitment to the implementation UN mandate in the region. “UNISFA is excited to welcome the deployment of the single largest all-women platoon of peacekeepers in recent years from India. They join @IndBatt serving in Abyei. The deployment reaffirms India’s continued commitment to implementation UNISFA mandate,” the mission said in another tweet. Under-SecretaryGeneral for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said he is pleased to see the largest contingent of women peacekeepers from India arriving in Abyei where they will be serving for peace with UNISFA. “Pleased to see the largest contingent of women peacekeepers from India arriving in Abyei where they will be #ServingForPeace with UNISFA. More #WomenInPeacekeeping means more efficient operations and they help better reflect the people we serve,” Lacroix tweeted. As per the UN mandate, the UNISFA strengthens the capacity of the Abyei Police Service (APS) by providing support, including personnel training, and coordinating with the APS on matters of law and order. It monitors and verifies the redeployment of armed forces from the Abyei Area in accordance with the June 20, 2011 Agreement and participates in relevant Abyei Area bodies as stipulated in the Agreement. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was established through the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1990 of June 27, 2011. Resolution 1990 made provision for the deployment of 4,200 Ethiopian troops to provide security and protect civilians under imminent threat of violence in the disputed border region. The United Nations Security Council, by its resolution 1990 of June 27, 2011, responded to the urgent situation in Sudan’s Abyei region by establishing the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). (ANI) to Congress), Sam Singh - Michigan State Senate, District 28, Ranjeev Puri - Michigan House of Representatives, District 24 (Incumbent), Ajay Raman - Oakland County Commissioner, District 14 New York: Jeremy Cooney - New York State Senate, District 56 (Incumbent) Ohio: Anita Somani - Ohio House of Representatives, District 11 Pennsylvania: Arvind Venkat - Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 30 Tarik Khan - Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 194 (First-ever South Asian Americans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives) Texas: Suleman Lalani Texas House of Representatives, District 76, Salman Bhojani - Texas House of Representatives, District 92 (First-ever South Asian Americans in the Texas House of Representatives), Manpreet Monica Singh - Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4, Zohaib Qadri - Austin City Council, District 9, KP George - Fort Bend County Commissioners Court Judge (re-elect), Surendran Pattel District Court Judge, District 240, Juli Mathew - Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 (Incumbent) Utah: Sim Gill - District Attorney, Salt Lake City (Incumbent) Washington: Manka Dhingra - Washington State Senate, District 45 (Incumbent) Slight respite from cold wave in Delhi with minimum temperature rising to 4.6 degrees Celsius Uttarakhand: New Delhi 1000; [India], January 17 (ANI): Delhiites continued to experience cold conditions though with a slight rise in mercury as Safdarjung and Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees and 6.0 degrees Celsius respectively, according to India Meteorological Department on Tuesday. Yesterday, the national capital witnessed its lowest temperature in January since 2021 with Safdarjung at 1.4 degrees and Lodhi road at 1.6 degrees Celsius. “Temperature at 0530 hrs IST Dated 17.01.2023: Delhi: Safdarjung-4.6 Deg Cent, Tendency-(+0.4 Deg. Cent.); Palam- 6.0 Deg Cent., Tendency- (-1.0 Deg. Cent.),” IMD tweeted this morning. The visibility in the Palam area in the capital stood at 500 metres. “Visibility (<=500 m) recorded at 0530 hours IST of today, 17.01.2023 Haryana: Hissar-50; Bihar: Gaya-200; Tripura: Kailashahar-50; Odisha: Goplalpur-200; ” Delhi “: Palam-500; Safdarjung: Dehradun-500; Bihar: Purnea-500,” IMD tweeted. Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department on Monday said that two western disturbances in quick succession are likely to affect northwest India on January 18 and 20, as a result, cold wave conditions over northwest India are likely to abate from January 19. In a press release, IMD stated, “Minimum temperatures are very likely to fall further about 2°C over many parts of Northwest India till 17th January morning; no significant change till 18th and rise by 4-6°C during 19th-21st January 2023. Fall in minimum temperatures by 2-4°C very likely over many parts of East India till the 18th and no significant change thereafter. No significant change in minimum temperatures is very likely over Gujarat state by the 18th and rise by 2-4°C thereafter. No significant change in minimum temperatures over the rest parts of northern India during next 4-5 days.”
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 FRIDAY JANUARY 20, 2023 5 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 Scuffle over buying meat from Tamil Nadu: Around 60 injured shopkeeper leads to stone pelting during Jallikattu event at in UP’s Aligarh; 2 injured Avaniyapuram in Madurai Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Two people suffered injuries during stone pelting, following a scuffle, which broke out between some people over buying meat from a shop in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh, officials said on Monday. As per police, a brawl happened between some people at a meat shop with the shop owner, near Sarai Sultani Police Chowki, under the Sasni Gate Police Station limits which escalated to stone pelting, leaving two injured. The injured persons were immediately rushed to the hospital. “Stones were pelted after a scuffle broke out between some people over buying meat from a shop in Aligarh Some people went to a meat shop. An argument happened between the people and the shopkeeper and later stone pelting happened in which two people were injured,” Aligarh District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh told ANI. “The matter is being looked into from all angles. The shopkeeper and the customers are from different communities. Names of some people have come to the fore. The situation is under control and the investigation is being done,” he added. Notably, after getting the intimidation, teams from different police stations reached the spot and took the situation under control. Police’s investigation into this matter is underway. Further information is awaited. (ANI) Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 16 (ANI): Around 60 people were hurt, with 20 suffering serious injuries, in a Jallikattu event atAvaniyapuram here, a senior district official said on Monday. “Yesterday, we had around 60 injured people, 20 were a little serious and were referred to Rajaji Hospital. 40 others with minor injuries were given first aid. There has been no casualty,” said Madurai District Collector Aneesh Sekhar. However, he said that all arrangements were done to ensure the safety of participants as well as spectators. Out of the 20 injured sent to Madurai’s Government Rajaji Hospital, 11 were still undergoing treatment there, a revenue department official said. Despitetheincident, the ongoing Jallikattu event continued till 4 pm, yesterday, the official added. “We expect no injuries. If injuries happen, we want to ensure that they are given the best medical care. So, all arrangements are in place. We expect smooth conduct of Jallikattu,” the Madurai Collector had earlier said. Also known as ‘Eru Thazhuvuthal’ and ‘Mancuvirattu’, Jallikattu started in full swing in three villages of Tamil Nadu’s Madurai on Sunday. The event coincides with the Pongal celebrations and is stated on the day of Mattu Pongal. It is a local bull-taming sport where a participant is supposed to grab the bull by the horns and tame it as it tries to shrug him off. Further Jallikattu events are scheduled to be held in Palamedu and Alanganallur on Monday and Tuesday. Only 300 bull tamers and 150 spectators are allowed in a Jallikattu event. (ANI)
January 20, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “We all agree on importance of SouthSouth Cooperation”: PM Modi at Voice of Global South Summit New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Voice of Global South Summit has been a useful exchange of ideas. In his closing remarks at the Concluding Leaders Session of the Voice of Global South Summit, PM Modi said that all the nations agree on the importance of South-South cooperation and collectively shaping the global agenda. “This has truly been a useful exchange of views and ideas. It reflected the common aspirations of Global South. It is clear that on several important issues facing the world, developing countries have similar perspectives,” said PM Modi. “We all agree on the importance of SouthSouth Cooperation, and collectively shaping the global agenda,” he added. PM Modi said that all the nations emphasized on promoting traditional medicine, creating regional hubs for healthcare, and improving the mobility of health professionals in the health sector. He stressed that all nations can benefit from sharing best practices in vocational training and in the use of technology to provide distance education, especially in remote areas. “In the field of health, we share an emphasis on promoting traditional medicine, developing regional hubs for healthcare, and improving the mobility of health professionals. We are also conscious of the potential of quickly deploying digital health solutions,” PM Modi said. PM Narendra Modi emphasised that using digital public goods can increase financial inclusion in the banking sector in developing nations at great From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 20, 2023 Proverbs by King Solomon A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. speed. In his address, PM Modi said that nations should agree on the importance of investing in connectivity infrastructure and the need to diversify global supply chains. “We all agree on the importance of investing in connectivity infrastructure. We also need to diversify global supply chains and find ways to link developing countries to these value chains. Developing countries are united in believing that the developed world has not fulfilled their obligations on Climate Finance and Technology,” PM Modi said. In his address at the Voice of Global South Summit, PM Modi said, “We also agree that apart from controlling emissions in production, it is equally important to move away from ‘use and throw’ consumption, towards more environment-friendly sustainable lifestyles. Stressing the importance of ideas in India’s G20 presidency, PM Modi said, “All these ideas, shared by the wider Global South, will provide inspiration to India as it tries to shape the agenda of the G20, as well as in our own development partnerships with all of your nations.” India will set up Global South Centre of Excellence: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced the setting up “Global South Centre of Excellence” to undertake research on developing solutions or best-practices that would help the members of the developing world. “I am happy to announce that India will establish a Global South Center of Excellence,” PM Modi said in his opening remarks at the Concluding Leaders’ Session of the Voice of Global South Summit. INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi to be Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT SISI FROM PAGE 1 formal relations were established which goes on to say the importance which we attach to our relationship with Egypt,”Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (Consular, Passport & Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) MEA said on Monday. He further stated, “Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Sisi as chief guest for our Republic Day and President Sisi has warmly accepted the invitation. We have invited Egypt as the guest country during our G20 Presidency this year. It is a matter of satisfaction and the civilization that links between India and Egypt have not only stood the test of time but have also further strengthened by mutual warmth, friendship, and goodwill.” Sayeed added that the ties between the two nations received further momentum with Abdel Fattah El-Sisi‘s visits to India and meetings between the two leaders at various forums, including the United Nations. Participating in a panel discussion on IndiaEgypt ties in changing global order, Vijay Thakur Singh, Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) also said that the Egyptian President has been invited as Chief Guest for the Republic Day. “This panel discussion is taking place on the occasion of the visit of his excellency Egypt‘s President, who will be coming to India as Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations on January 26... President El-Sisi will be the chief guest on Republic Day when India and Egypt celebrate the 75th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations,” she said. Talking about the visit, she also said that the forthcoming visit by Egypt‘s President will be the third since he became Remember: the president. President ElSisi made his first visit in October 2015. “The current visit by President El-Sisi is very crucial not only from the bilateral perspective but also because the visit is taking place at a time when world politics is in flux. The Covid pandemic has caused unprecedented disarray and the RussianUkraine conflict has great consequences for global food energy, and fertilizer securities, especially for developing countries as President of G20 for the next year 2022-2023, India has invited Egypt as a guest country to G20 meetings,” Thakur said. Earlier, in December, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Parliament that the Egyptian President has accepted the invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in India. “As far as Republic Day celebrations are concerned, we have invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest and he has graciously accepted the invitation,” said Jaishankar in Parliament while delivering his remarks on the ‘Latest Developments in India’s Foreign Policy’. It is pertinent to mention that this is the first time that an Egyptian President will be the chief guest on India’s Republic Day. “At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, will be the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2023. This is the first time that the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt will be the Chief Guest at our Republic Day,” the External Affairs Ministry said in the press release. The MEA noted that India and Egypt have “warm and friendly relations” based on civilizational and deeprooted people-to-people ties. “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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January 20, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Representatives Bera, Jayapal, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, and Thanedar Celebrate Historic Indian American Representation in Congress 118th Congress includes most Indian American Members of Congress in United States history WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) today celebrated the largest representation of Indian American Members of Congress in U.S. history. “When I first took office in 2013, I was the only Indian American Member of Congress and the third ever in history,” said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. “Since that day, I have been committed to ensuring we grow our representation in Congress. In the past decade, I am proud to be joined by incredible Indian American colleagues from around the country Representatives Jayapal, Khanna, and Krishnamoorthi. With the swearing-in of the 118th Congress, our coalition has grown to a record number with the election of Representative Thanedar. It’s important that we reflect on the historic progress our country is making. I look forward to welcoming even more Indian American Members of Congress in the future!” “As we enter the most diverse Congress ever, I am reminded how much representation matters, for every community and culture across our country. I am a proud naturalized citizen, the first South Asian American woman elected to the House, and an immigrant woman of color. Serving in Congress is a distinct honor, not only because I am able to deliver for my constituents, but because I am able to show other South Asians that if I can make it into the halls of Congress, so can they,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “I am so grateful to serve with such an inspiring cohort of fellow Indian Americans and I look forward to seeing our numbers continue to grow!” “I’m so proud to serve in this diverse Congress alongside a record number of Indian Americans. Representation is crucial to serving Indian American communities and working to strengthen America’s defense and strategic partnership with India. I look forward to continuing our work together in the 118th Congress,” said Congressman Ro Khanna. “As the IndianAmerican community remains one of our nation’s fastest growing, with a population of more than four million, I am excited to see our representation expanding in Congress as well,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “I look forward to working with Reps. Bera, Jayapal, Khanna, and now Thanedar to continue to address the key issues facing our community, including high-skilled immigration reform and strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and India.” “As a new member of Congress and the latest addition to an incredible group of Indian American lawmakers, I look forward to getting to work for the American people” said Congressman Shri Thanedar. “The American dream is alive when an immigrant from India can come to this country, earn a degree, become a citizen, start a business, and be elected by the people to represent them in the Michigan State House and the United States House of Representatives. I hope to join Representatives Bera, Jayapal, Khanna, and Krishnamoorthi in growing our historic representation in Congress by inspiring future generations.” Indian Americans have made countless contributions to American society, including in tech, science, medicine, and the military. Indian Americans currently serve as the CEOs of major companies including Microsoft (Satya Nadella), Google (Sundar Pichai), IMB (Arvind Krishna), and MasterCard (Left to right) Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) pose for a photo during the start of the 118th Congress. (Ajay Banga). As of the 2010 census, 70% of Indian Americans over the age of 25 had college degrees, 2.5 times higher than the national average. The first Asian American and Indian American Member of Congress was Dalip Singh Saund, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1957 to 1963. In the 66 years between Representative Saund’s election and the 2012 election of Representative Ami Bera, Piyush “Bobby” Jindal was the only other member of Indian American descent elected to the legislative branch of the federal government. Following the 2016 election, Kamala Harris made history as the first Indian American to be sworn into the United States Washington [US], January 17 (ANI): Six people, including an infant, were killed in a shooting in Goshen in the US state of California, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said on Monday. The shooting took place early Monday at a home in central California, and authorities are searching for at least two suspects. “At this point, there are six total victims,” Boudreaux told reporters, a video of which was posted on Tulare County Sheriff‘s Office’s (TCSO) Facebook page. Among those killed was a 17year-old mother and her six-monthold baby, he added. Investigators believe that the attack was not a random act of violence and that there Senate. Senator Harris continued to make history in 2020 when she was elected as the first woman and first person of color in history to serve as Vice President of the United States of America. Vice President Harris’ historic success opened a door with Indian Americans across the country running for office at every level of government to ensure the community’s voice continues to be at the decision-making table. In the past decade, the number of Indian American voices in government has grown rapidly, with signs that the next decade will see the representation expanded even further. Bera, Jayapal, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, and Thanedar were sworn into the 118th Congress on January 7, 2023. Five adults, infant killed in shooting in US state of California is a gang connection to the incident, the Sheriff added . According to TCSO’s Facebook post, detectives believe there are at least two suspects and this is not a random act of violence. It appears this family was targeted and there are gang associations involved, as well as potential drug investigations. A week ago, TCSO Detectives conducted a narcotics search warrant at the victims’ home. (ANI)
FRIDAY JANUARY 20, 2023 9 India, UAE reach agreement on green hydrogen development and under sea cable connectivity Abu Dhabi [UAE], January 13 (ANI): India and the UAE have reached an agreement on green hydrogen development and the laying of under sea cable connecting India to the UAE under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative.’ Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh and UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei signed the agreement, according to the Ministery of External Affairs. The two leaders held a meeting and discussed vast opportunities between the two nations in the field of power and renewable energy. Both sides discussed the launch of a feasibility study on the subsea cable between India and the UAE under the Mission announced by PM Narendra Modi on ‘ONE SUN, ONE WORLD, ONE GRID INITIATIVE’. Notably, RK Singh is on a three-day visit to Abu Dhabi and is accompanied by a strong delegation of Indian corporates in the renewable energy sector. “The two ministers also signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of Green Hydrogen Development and Investment. The Ministers also discussed the launch of a feasibility study on sub-sea cable between India and the UAE under the Mission announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on ‘ONE SUN, ONE WORLD, ONE GRID INITIATIVE,” The Ministry of External Affairs said in the press release. The Ministry of External Affairs in the press release said, “India and the UAE have both taken a lead in the development of renewables at low costs. While the bilateral energy relationship has historically centred around the oil and gas sector, the two countries are moving towards a strong relationship in the field of power as well as renewables.” During his visit, RK Singh held a meeting with COP28 President designate and UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. During the meeting, Singh congratulated Sultan Ahmed Jaber Jaber on becoming the presiding of COP 28. He expressed confidence that Jaber’s experience of energy and climate change will work well for COP 28. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the priorities of the two nations in the area of energy and how India and the UAE could cooperate to makeIndia’sG20Presidency. RK Singh spoke about India’s priorities on G20 in the field of energy while Dr Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the priorities of the UAE for COP28 scheduled to be held in November in Dubai. On January 14, RK Singh will preside over the 13th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA is a 168-country International organisation dedicated to renewable energy. According to the pressrelease,Indiahasplayed a leading role in IRENA and will continue to lead in global efforts to promote and facilitate a timely global energy transition. “India as the President of the IRENA Assembly will continue to lead in global efforts to promote and facilitate a timely global energy transition that is citizencentric, just, inclusive and equitable and leaves no one behind. India will shape and align the global discourse in a positive way that encourages countries the world over to ensure that this objective is achieved,” the MEA said in the press release. India has also undertaken the goal of becoming net zero by 2070 and is working on its way to fulfilling other commitments underlined under the Paris Climate Agreement, the MEA said in the press release. India had pledged to achieve about 40 per cent accumulative electric power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030 and has been able to achieve this target 9 years ahead of schedule in November 2021. It further said, “India is also moving towards the Mission announced by Prime Minister Modi and the UN Secretary-General in October last year, called Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment. Mission Life is an approach of propagating a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, essential to combating climate change.” (ANI)
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