INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 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. 30 No: 15 • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • April 15, 2022 India, US reaffirm commitment to free, open Indo-Pacific New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific following the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in Washington. India and the US held the 2+2 ministerial meeting in Washington with the Indian side led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the American side led by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday. In a joint statement on the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, the ministers recalled the inaugural virtual Quad Leaders’ Summit in March 2021, the The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, the Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar along with the US Secretary of Defence, Mr. Lloyd J. Austin and the US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken, before the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, in Washington on April 11, 2022. in-person Quad Leaders’ the February 2022 Quad stated that they are “looking in 2022. “The Ministers Summit in September Foreign Ministers’ meeting forward to the next Quad reaffirmed their commitment 2021 in Washington, and in Melbourne. Both sides Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo to a free and open Indo- Pacific in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states are respected, and countries are free from military, economic, and political coercion,” underlined the joint statement. They further reaffirmed their dedication to promoting regional stability and prosperity, with an inclusive regional architecture, abiding by the rule of law, the freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, and ASEAN centrality. The ministers also reiterated the importance of adherence to international law to meet challenges to the rules-based order, including in the South China Sea, the INDIA US 2+2 SUMMIT SEE PAGE 6 Ukraine crisis tops agenda at Biden-Modi virtual meet By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, April 11, 2022 – President Joe Biden began his official engagements this week with a virtual summit which he held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen US-India ties. The “candid” conversation between the two leaders was clearly dominated by the “worrying” situation in Ukraine. In his opening remarks at the summit, the president welcomed India’s efforts to send humanitarian aid which has included shipments of much-needed medicines to the war-torn country. “I want to welcome India’s humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine who are suffering a horrific assault, including a tragic shelling on a train station that killed dozens”, he said. Announcing that their next interaction would be in person, Biden said he was looking forward to meeting Modi at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24. “US and India will continue close consultation on how to manage the destabilizing effects of the Russian war”, he added. “Our talks today are taking place at a time when the situation in Ukraine is very worrying”, Modi said, revealing he has spoken to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “several times”, attempting to bring them together to end the war. “I not only appealed for peace, but also suggested that there be direct talks between President Remember: “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Jesus Christ At a virtual summit held by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 11, 2022, the two leaders were joined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan from the US, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu constituting the Indian delegation. Photo credit: PIB India Putin and the President of Ukraine. We had extensive discussions on Ukraine in our Parliament as well”, he said. Referring to the Bucha massacre, he made it clear that India has condemned the killings and urged an independent investigation. “We hope that the ongoing discussions between Russia and Ukraine will lead to peace”, Modi said. “We also emphasized the importance of civilians and their unhindered access to humanitarian aid”. The two leaders were interacting at the virtual meet ahead of the fourth 2+2 ministerial dialogue between Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Following the hour-long online event, President Biden tweeted, “I spoke today with Prime Minister Modi of India. We committed to strengthening our defense, economic, and people-to-people relationship to together seek a peaceful and prosperous world”. “We share the ties of friendship, family and values”, he said in opening remarks at the Summit, noting the US and India are “two vibrant democracies”. Modi, on his part, described the countries as “natural partners”, pointing out that the two democracies are the world’s largest and oldest. Later, at the White House briefing, Press Secretary Jen Psaki was queried repeatedly about the extent to which Biden was pushing Modi to limit Russian energy imports and arms. Noting that India only imports 1 to 2 percent of its energy from Russia and 10 percent from the United States, she told reporters that Biden made it clear the US would be happy to help India diversify its means of importing oil. “The President also made clear that he does not believe it’s in India’s interest to accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities as BIDEN-MODI VIRTUAL MEET SEE PAGE 6
April 15, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Stylish S E N IO R LI V I N G Find the perfect apartment home to fit your style and budget at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community near you! See a selection of our stunning floor plans! Call 1-888-718-7402 for your free brochure, or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. 338809 ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD Priest giving ‘rape threat’ Delhi HC issues notice to Centre on speech in UP’s Sitapur arrested selection trials of Para taekwondo athletes for Asian Games Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 13 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested the priest giving “rape threats” to women of a particular community in a speech in Sitapur district. Sitapur Superintendent of Police RP Singh said that Mahant Bajrang Muni Das arrested for his controversial remarks on Muslim women. Das will be presented in the court soon. Recently, an FIR has been filed against Das, and Prashant Kumar, ADG (Law and Order) Uttar Pradesh promised stringent action against the accused. Mahant Bajrang Muni Das, however, claimed that the video has been “distorted” to frame him under “false charges”. “There are 80 per cent Muslims, 20 per cent Hindus in Khairabad. Hindus’ condition in such a situation needn’t be told. During our ‘kalash yatra’, they were prepared with sticks and stones to repeat Karauli-like incident but due to police, it didn’t happen,” he said. He also talked of retribution. “If they’ll harass our daughters, their daughters won’t be safe too. The video is distorted to fabricate charges against me,” he said. The National Commission for Women on Friday wrote to the DirectorGeneral of Police of Uttar Pradesh about the alleged incident in the Sitapur district. NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma wrote to the UP DGP condemning the remarks made by Bajrang Muni Das and sought an FIR against him. NCW said it sent a letter to the DGP after coming across a Twitter post enclosing a video of the priest who made the threat while addressing a gathering at the Sitapur district. “Women are their target, whether it is Hindus threatening Muslims or Muslims threatening Hindus. Though we’re taking such complaints again and again and taking them up with police, it seems cases aren’t decreasing,” Rekha Sharma told ANI. “People talking like this in public about raping women of a certain community is not acceptable. We have written today itself to UP DGP and I’m going to take up this matter personally with him. Whether they are religious Godmen or anybody, they should be taken to task,” she said. A copy of the NCW president’s letter was also sent to the Superintendent of Police, Sitapur. (ANI) New Delhi [India], April 13 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre and others on a plea moved by Para Taekwondo Association (India) seeking a directive for conducting selection trials of athletes for the upcoming Asian Games in China. The petition has also sought an order declaring India Taekwondo incompetent for the selection of Para Taekwondo athletes for world championships. The petitioner further sought a direction from Centre and India Olympic Association (IOA) to create a proper body for conducting trials and selection of sportspersons for national and international championships for Taekwondo. Justice Yashwant Varma issued notice to the Centre, India Taekwondo, IOA and Sports Authority of India (SAI) on the petition moved by Para Taekwondo Association (India). The Counsel appeared for Centre sought time to take instruction in the matter. Court has listed the matter for hearing on May 19, 2022. Advocate Prabhat Kumar and Anjali Jain counsel for petitioner submitted that the petitioner is a duly recognised body for selection of Para Taekwondo athletes by Paralympic Committee of India and World Taekwondo Federation. Counsel for petitioner also submitted that India Taekwondo, contrary to the established procedure and the guidelines of World Taekwondo Federation, cut all ties with the petitioner and declared its own selection trials for various championships. Once a body is banned by this honourable Court to conduct any selection trials for the ablebodied athletes, it cannot be allowed to do so for the differently-abled athletes as well, the petition stated. It is also stated that the petitioner needs to conduct selection trials for the upcoming Asian Games in China in September 2022, for which the trials have to start by the month of May. The petitioner can only do so once this court gives directives in this regard. (ANI)
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April 15, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Andhra CM revamps Cabinet, inducts fresh faces Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], April 10 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, while keeping his promise made in June 2019 of revamping his cabinet halfway through his tenure, has reconstituted it. The newly formed cabinet has a mixture of senior and experienced leaders as well as fresh and young faces for balanced governance. While the seniors will bring in their expertise and experience on to the table, the young leaders will bring in fresh and innovative ideas and initiatives to the table, thus aiding in people-oriented governance. The previous Ministers, however, will be given responsibilities in the party so that they can make use of their experience to ensure the party’s victory in the upcoming assembly and general elections in 2024. The representation given to the SCs, STs, minorities, and Backward Classes by the Jagan-led govt is unheard of in Andhra Pradesh history and the same continues in this cabinet as well. In 2019, when CM Jagan formed his cabinet, of 24 Ministers, 56 per cent of them were from the SC, ST, OBC and minority sections of the society. Keeping the same motto of fair social representation, the CM has increased their representation in the cabinet to 68 per cent. In the previous cabinet, there were 5 SCs, 1 ST, 7 OBCs, 1 minority, and 11 Other castes MLAs as Ministers. Out of the 11 Ministers retained from the previous cabinet, 4 from SC, 5 from BC and 2 from Other Category (OC), official sources told ANI. Meanwhile, during Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure in 2014, the OCs representation was 13 while the SCs, and OBCs was 12. Out of the 12 given, there was no Ministry given to leaders from the ST and minority communities. The same ratio was again maintained in 2017, when the cabinet was revamped again. The STs were included in CBN’s cabinet only four months prior to him completing his tenure. Comparing this with Jagan’s new cabinet, there has been a 50 per cent increase in the SC, ST, BC and minority representation in the cabinet, the official sources said. In contrast, Chief Minister Jagan taking a landmark decision and proving his commitment, for the first time in the country, five Deputy Chief Ministers (DCMs) were appointed, out of which, four leaders from SC, ST, minority and BC were given a post each in 2019 and the same has continued in this cabinet. The same principle was followed even for the nominated posts and works. Of the nominated posts and works, including the ZPPs, MPPs, AMCs, temple chairman, Municipal Chairman, Mayors and Corporation chairman positions, CM Jagan reserved 50 per cent of them for SCs, STs, BCs and minorities. CM Jagan has also ensured that the government also passed an act that, out of the 50 per cent representation for the SCs, STs, BCs and Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com minorities, 50 per cent reservation has been given to women, thus empowering them. The women’s representation is also something the Chief Minister has always focused on and hence their representation has been increased to 4, compared to the previous cabinet of 3. This way, the Chief Minister wants to empower women MLAs and also ensure equal representation in the cabinet, sources said. Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan on Sunday accepted the resignations of 24 cabinet ministers, a day before the Andhra Pradesh Assembly‘s new cabinet members will be sworn in. In an official press communique from the Governor’s office, it read, “On the advice of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the Governor has been pleased to accept the resignations tendered by 24 Cabinet ministers with immediate effect.” The new Andhra Pradesh Cabinet will be sworn in on Monday, a few days after all 24 ministers submitted their resignation to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The ministers resigned on Thursday ahead of the proposed reorganization of the Council of Ministers. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had “happily” welcomed the resignation of his cabinet as the YSRCP chief, he claimed that as part of the preparation for upcoming state elections in 2024, it is a welcome move. The new AP Council of Ministers will be reconstituted on April 11 with new faces. The ministers will take the oath at 11.31 am, sources said to ANI. This cabinet reshuffle holds importance ahead of the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. (ANI) Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147
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April 15, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India, US reaffirm commitment to free, open Indo-Pacific INDIA US 2+2 SUMMIT FROM PAGE 1 statement said. The Ministers welcomed the progress made in the last year on developing a “positive and constructive agenda” for the Quad to deliver peace and prosperity to the region in pursuance of their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. “The Ministers reiterated their commitment to take forward the initiatives announced by the Leaders, to empower the Quad as a force for global good for the Indo-Pacific region and welcomed ongoing discussions in the Quad Working Groups on vaccines, climate change, infrastructure, space, cyber security, and critical and emerging technologies for delivering practical and tangible benefits to the region,” the statement said. Welcoming the remarkable progress made under the Quad Vaccine Partnership to augment the manufacturing capacity of the Biological E facility in India, supported by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Ministers committed to expedite the delivery of the first batch of vaccines to countries of the Indo-Pacific and beyond and to diversify the basket of vaccines in the BIDEN-MODI VIRTUAL SUMMIT FROM PAGE 1 well, which is something we certainly convey to other countries”, Psaki said. At the same time, she noted “that energy imports are not banned. They don’t violate our sanctions. We certainly recognize every country is going to take steps that are in their interest”, she acknowledged. “We also know different countries are going to make decisions based on what their needs are economically and what the needs are for the people in their country. We have, of course, banned the import of (Russian) oil here. Other countries have not done that. It’s not a violation of any sanctions or any requirement or request from our end”, she said. Responding to a question about the interaction between Biden and Modi, Psaki said, “It was a constructive, direct conversation”. The White House spokesperson told reporters, “It was a productive call. It’s a relationship that is vitally important to the United States and to the President”, she said about US-India ties. “I would not see it as an adversarial call”, she added. “India is an incredibly important partner”, she stressed. “We consult very closely with India on a range of issues. And this was an opportunity to work very closely and discuss the consequences of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine”. Psaki noted, “What India has done to date is that they have condemned the killings of civilians in Bucha. They have supported calls for an independent investigation. They have provided over 90 tons of humanitarian relief material to Ukraine and its neighbors to include medicine and other essential relief. Earlier in the conflict, they also used its resources to evacuate almost 150 foreign nationals from 18 different countries”. “So, part of our objectives now is to build on that and to encourage them to do more. And that’s why it’s important to have leaderto-leader conversations”, she said. Regarding India’s purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, a reporter wanted to know whether the US would impose sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) or issue a waiver. “We have not made a decision about the waiver under CAATSA”, Psaki replied. Ukraine crisis tops agenda at BidenModi virtual meet context of changes in the global demand and supply landscape, the statement added. India, US to strengthen cooperation in fields of education, skill development Lauding the vibrant linkages between the two countries, India and the US on Monday (local time) reiterated their support for further strengthening cooperation in the fields of education and skill development through joint collaborations. In a joint statement issued on the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held on April 11 in Washington, the two sides also expressed their support to promoting student and scholar mobility to build people-to-people linkages between the two countries. In line with this, the ministers announced the intent to establish a new India-US Education and Skills Development Working Group and also appreciated the contribution of the Fulbright-Nehru program in furthering the exchange of outstanding academics and professionals between both countries and the special role that the four million strong Indian-American diaspora play in deepening India-US relations. Welcoming the resumption of regular air travel between the two countries and expressing hope that this would encourage tourism and business travel, the two sides acknowledged that the movement of skilled professionals, students, entrepreneurs, investors, and business travellers between the countries will play an important role in catalyzing innovation and economic opportunity. India also From thePoet’sPen INDIA THIS WEEK- April 15, 10, 2021 INDIA THIS WEEK- DECEMBER 2022 INDIA THIS WEEK- March 11 2022 Au- A Song: Lying is an Be Liberty Thankful Dreamers Edward Thomas - 1878-1917 by Anonymous occupation The last light has gone out of the world, except This moonlight lying on already have everything Be thankful By Siegfried Sassoonlike frost that you don’t the grass you the tall Beyond theLaetitia Pilkington By brink ofdesire. elm’s shadow. If Soldiersis as ifwould there be had slept land, to? you did, whatcitizens of death’s grey It are everything else to look forward 1708-1750 Many an age, unforgotten and lost Drawing no dividend from time’s to-morrows. Be thankful when you don’t know something, The men that were, the things done, long ago, for great hour of opportunity to learn. In the it gives you the destiny they stand, All Lying is anand but the moon and I I have thought; occupation, Each with Be thankfulandthe difficultthe grave Livehis feuds, for jealousies, times. yet by all who mean to sorrows. Usedand here stand idle over andrise; During buried. Both have liberty Where all is those action; they must win Soldiers are sworn to times you grow. Politicians owe their station, To dream what we could do if we were free Some flaming, fatal climax limitations,lives. Be to Butthankful for your with their To do some well we had desired long, thing concerted lies. because they give you opportunities for improvement. Soldiers are dreamers;none less free than who The moon and I. There’s when the guns begin They think of firelitand has nothingchallenge, wives. Does thankful for each new else to do, Be to lovers give assistance, Thesenothing homes, clean beds and Being free only for what is not to and character. because it will build your strength his mind, TAnd nothing is to his mind. If every hour o ensnare the fair-one’s heart; I see them inthankful for your gnawed by rats, Be foul dug-outs, resistance Like the virgin’s best mistakes. Andthis one passing that I have spent among They ruined trenches, lashed with rain, lessons. And inThe wiser teach you valuableforgot the will Yields to others when I have this commanding art. To wonder whether I was free or not, Dreaming of things they did with balls weary, Be thankful when you’re tired and and bats, Were piled before me, and not lost because it means you’ve longingbehind, And mocked by hopelessmade a difference. to regain Study this superiorthem away And I could take and carry science, Bank-holidays, and picture shows, and spats, It’sI easy to be rich; in Ifor the good things. should be thankful had the power Would you riseor ifChurch or State; A Andof rich fulfillment comes to those who life wipe out everyoffice innot again To going Bidare also to the bold defiance, to T thankfulone and setbacks. ruth a for the the train. Regret, I should be rich to be so poor. ‘Tisyet I still am half in lovethe pain, And the practice of into a great. Gratitude can turn a negative with positive. With whatway to be thankful for tears and mirth, Find a is imperfect, with both your troubles, With things thatcan become your blessings. and they have an end, with life and earth, And this moon that leaves me dark within the door. welcomed the waiver, through December 31, 2022, of in-person visa interviews for applicants that were previously issued any type of visa and are now applying for certain nonimmigrant visa classifications, which include those for persons in the speciality occupation, academic and vocational students, and intracompany transferees. Underlining the importance of continued engagement on visa issues, the ministers welcomed the December 2021 meeting of the bilateral Consular Dialogue and resolved to continue efforts to facilitate the reciprocal movement of professionals, business persons, skilled workers, experts, and scientific personnel. They also acknowledged the importance of continued discussions on a “Social Security Totalization Agreement” and welcomed the opportunity to further engage in pursuing such an agreement. Both sides also looked forward to commencing a dialogue on contemporary issues related to women in the context of people-to-people linkages. Recognizing the importance of protecting culturalheritage,theministers committed to work toward negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding that will deepen cooperation in this area and assist authorities in combatting trade in cultural artefacts and facilitating their repatriation. The US thanked India for its support for the “Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)” missions in India and the ministers reiterated their commitment to future DPAA missions. Notably, during the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries forged new and deeper cooperation across the breadth of the USIndia partnership, including defence, science and technology, trade, climate, public health, and people-topeople ties. (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 301-445-3543; 301-685-1800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are solely 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 either by mail to the above address or by e-mail provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Asst. Editors: Special Business Correspondent Business Coordinators Special Correspondent: Community Coordinator: India Office Columnists: World Religions Photo Journalist: System Admn. & Maintenance: Layout & Graphics: Business Affairs: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Elisha B. Pulivarti Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Geeta Goindi Prof. Vinod Goel Manish Krishna Anadi Naik Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Mathew Karmel, Rajan C. George Prinston Samuel, Mrs. Molly George Advertisements: ADV Solutions Inc. Tel: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 301-445-3543, 301-685-1800 e-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Letters, Comments, Press Releases: indiathisweek@gmail.com
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April 15, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Waterways Conclave 2022 aims for regional connectivity New Delhi [India], April 10 (ANI): With an aim to deliberate on new possibilities for cooperation in the waterways sector between nations, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways along with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), is organizing Waterways Conclave 2022 on April 1112 in Assam’s Dibrugarh. In line with the aspirations of PM Gati Shakti National Masterplan, Waterways Conclave aims for speedy development of multimodal projects in the North-eastern region to energize the economic activities and augment employment generation. Speaking to ANI, an official from the Ministry said that the waterways sector can potentially bring about an upsurge in our bilateral trade and investment through collaboration. “The Waterways Conclave will deliberate on the new possibilities for cooperation in the waterways sector between the nations. FICCI and ICC are the industry partner for the two-day conclave,” the official told ANI. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbanand Somowal, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend and address the session on April 12. Bhutan’s Minister of Economic Affairs Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Minister of State for Shipping of Bangladesh Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury will also address the conclave. Ministry official also told ANI that Waterways Conclave 2022 will also be attended by various stakeholders in the waterway’s ecosystem such as policymakers, senior government officials, domestic and international investors, sector experts, infrastructure players, vessel owners and operators, cruise tourism industry, cargo passengers, representatives of major ports and the Governments of Maritime States in India. In addition, expert speakers shall address the conclave on both days. The conclave is planned with special sessions to deliberate on issues concerning the sector. “The expected outcome of the different sessions shall be to identify common goals and joint strategic initiatives, the roadmap for policies and strategies for the IWT sector’s growth, infrastructural constraints in waterways logistics, and intervention to ensure seamless connectivity on waterways,” the official informed. The Government of India has signed bilateral agreements with the Government of Bangladesh for strengthening and reinforcing inland water transportation and marine relations. In addition, the session shall discuss infrastructure and development requirements for Waterways, including the paramount procedures to address technical challenges in maintenance. The conclave shall consider the opportunities to increase river cruise tourism and passenger transportation safety and embrace the finest international measures that benefit Indian conditions. The motive of the session is to attract domestic tourists to river cruises and promote cruise tourism. (ANI)
FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 India forms high-level committee to decide on curtailed Predator drone deal with US New Delhi [India], April 10 (ANI): Amid a strong push by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government for ‘Make in India’ in defence, the Defence Ministry has formed a committee under a three star-rank officer to decide on the curtailed deal for buying predator drones from the US. As per the plans, India was earlier planning to acquire 30 of these highaltitude long-endurance drones equipped with strike capability, including missiles, which were to be equally distributed among the three services. “A committee has been formed under a Lieutenant General-rank officer of the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters to decide on the number of Predator drones that the three services should buy to meet their requirements till the time indigenous development of similar equipment can be done,” government sources told ANI. Sources said the three services have requirements for these drones which can be used for surveillance as well as attacking enemy targets from standoff distances. Almost all the defence deals planned through the import route had either been scrapped or put on hold by the Defence Ministry on the directions of the Prime Minister’s Office in favour of indigenous weapon systems. India is operating two predator drones which were hired on lease from an American firm and they have been helping the Navy to keep track of activities in the Indian Ocean Region. The movement of Chinese Patna (Bihar) [India], April 13 (ANI): A man was arrested for delivering liquor in an LPG cylinder near Kadam Ghat under the Pirbahor police station area of Bihar’s Patna, said officials on Tuesday. Police have seized about 50 litres of liquor which was kept inside the cylinder by cutting its base part into a square shape. After getting information about liquor smuggling, police raided the spot and arrested the accused identified as Bhushan Rai near the Kadam Ghat area in Patna. Recently, the Bihar government revised the fine amount for those who were caught drinking liquor for the first time in the state. In a fresh amendment to the prohibition law in Bihar passed b the state assembly, it was decided that those caught drinking alcohol for the first time would be released after they paid a fine. According to the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Amendment 2022, if a firsttime offender fails to pay the fine between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000, then they can be imprisoned for a month. After the Bill was passed in the Bihar assembly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also called the people who drink alcohol as “sinners” while adding that it is considered a sin by Mahatama Gandhi Earlier, the fine amount for first-time offenders was Rs 50,000 as per an amendment made in 2018. Significantly, the move came after Supreme Court has come down heavily on the Bihar government over the prohibition law in Bihar. The court also slammed the state over piling up liquor cases. The sale and consumption of alcohol were completely banned by the Bihar government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in April 2016. (ANI) By Ajit K Dubey research vessels and Anti piracy Escort Force is also constantly monitored by the two drones acquired on lease from the Americans. India has acquired 12 American P-8I antisubmarine warfare and surveillance planes for keeping an eye on the IOR and was working on getting six more of these planes. However, after the government’s instructions on import programmes, the government would soon decide on the project too shortly. In line with the Prime Minister’s directions, the Indian Navy is now charting an indigenous roadmap for all its requirements of weapon systems and equipment. PM Modi has been giving a lot of stress on indigenisation and also recently told armed forces 9 and other stakeholders that only made in India systems can provide them with unique solutions. (ANI) Bihar: One held with liquor kept in LPG cylinder in Patna 04-22-2022
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