INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 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 32 No: 44 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday November 10, 2023 Fifth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to take place in New Delhi New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): As the fifth India-US 2+2 Ministerial dialogue is all set to take place in New Delhi on November 10, the defence and the foreign ministers of both countries will take the opportunity to progress the futuristic roadmap for the India-US partnership as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar will welcome US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III for the Fifth India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue here in the national capital, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official release. A high-level assessment of the advancements being made in intersecting areas of technological value chain partnerships, peopleto-people relationships, and military and security cooperation will be possible through the 2+2 dialogue. The ministers of both nations will not only take the opportunity to progress the futuristic roadmap for the India-US partnership but will also take stock of contemporary regional issues. According to the MEA release, the leaders will also exchange views about shared priorities for augmenting cooperation in multilateral platforms, and through frameworks such as QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). Notably, Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar are also slated to have bilateral meetings with their respective US counterparts, which will mark a continuity of Ministerial Dialogue and reaffirm the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic partnership. Earlier a release from the US Department of Defence said that “Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to India to meet with his counterpart, Minster of Defence Rajnath Singh, to discuss expanding defence industrial cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and advancing innovation through the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI): India and Bhutan agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, with a special focus on cross-border connectivity, and also agreed on the final location survey of the first crossborder rail link between the two countries. This comes after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk on Monday. “Pleasure to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to India. We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the unique and exemplary India-Bhutan relationship. Deeply value His Majesty’s vision for the development and well-being of the friendly people of Bhutan,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter). According to the joint statement of India and Bhutan, the two sides agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation on trade, technology, crossborder connectivity, mutual investments, education and people-to-people connections, following was agreed upon. The two sides agreed to undertake the Final Location Survey (FLS), in consultation with the Bhutanese side, of the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan through the support of Indian government. The two sides noted successful completion of the Preliminary Engineeringcum-Traffic (PET) survey of the rail-link by Indian Railways. The two sides also agreed to consider establishing rail-link between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan), the statement added. India and Bhutan also agreed to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as immigration check post between Bhutan and India to facilitate the entry and exit of third country nationals by land route for enhancing connectivity, and promoting tourism. The joint statement stated that the Indian government will positively consider Bhutan’s request for ‘concessional Ecosystem (INDUS-X).” “The Secretary and Minister Singh will also participate in the fifth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue alongside Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar. Following the Ministerial, Secretaries Blinken and Austin will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi” the release read. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken has been criss-crossing the Middle East in an effort to resolve the crisis even as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its second month. The crisis in the Middle East is likely to feature in the 2+2 dialogue. (ANI)) period between 12th and 13th Five Year Plans of Bhutan for projects and schemes assisted by Indian government. The two countries agreed to strengthen trade infrastructure, including by suitable upgradation of the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to Integrated Check Post through GOI support along with development of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu (Bhutan), the joint statement read. India and Bhutan will also work to strengthen collaborative framework in environmental conservation, wildlife preservation, forestry under the framework MoU for developing cooperation in the areas of environment, underscoring shared commitment to safeguarding the ecological diversity of the region. According to the joint statement, additional MBBS seats will be allocated for Bhutanese students in medical colleges in Assam as an endeavour to ensure access to quality medical education and training to Bhutanese nationals. India and Bhutan also agreed to double the outlay under Ambassador’s scholarship for Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in India. (ANI) India-Bhutan agree to finalise location for first cross-border rail link Remember: “A man who contemplates revenge keeps his wounds green.” – Francis Bacon financing’ in the area of skill development and capacity building under the GyalSung Project. The Haldibari (West Bengal) – Chilahati (Bangladesh) rail route will also be designated as an additional trade route for Bhutan’s trade with Bangladesh, the statement added. The Indian government will provide bridge financing for the
November 10, 2023 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Everything You Need for a Vibrant Retirement Discover premier senior living at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. • Enjoy a stylish apartment home free from maintenance and repairs. • Experience resort-style amenities just steps from your door. • Discover peace of mind with additional levels of on-site care. Get your FREE brochure! Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. 964563_ITW ASHBY PONDS Ashburn, VA GREENSPRING Springfield, VA RIDERWOOD Silver Spring, MD Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • BEARD TRIM • SHAMPOO • BLOW DRY 5 $ 1000 $ 1000 $ 00 $ 00 • PERM FROM 20 $ 00 • COLOR FROM 20 • HIGHLIGHTS FROM $3500 • SPA PEDICURE FROM $1700 Beauty & Barber Shop 7311 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 info@csbarbernschool.com Minor rape case: Man sentenced to 20-years RI in Haryana’s Jind Jind (Haryana) [India], November 5 (ANI): In a minor rape case in Haryana’s Jind, the special and fast track court (POCSO) of the additional district has awarded a 20year rigorous jail to the accused in connection with raping a minor girl in Haryana’s Jind district on Saturday. The special and fast track court (POCSO) of additional district and session judge Dr Chander Hass has awarded the sentence in connection with raping a minor girl in Haryana’s Jind district on Saturday. Moreover, the ADSJ has imposed a fine of Rs 24,500 and ordered to face an extra two years and 11 months. As per the police spokesperson of Jind district, the victim’s family members approached Narwana city police on December 5, 2021, alleging that the accused identified as Abhishek, a native of Narwana town had entered their house and raped the minor girl. The accused had threatened to kill her if revealed the truth before anyone. Thereafter, the police investigation officer sub-inspector, Mukesh Rani probed the matter and produced sufficient evidence before the court. Police had booked the accused under section 354D, (Whoever commits the offence of stalking shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years) 452, (Whoever commits house-trespass, having made preparation for causing hurt to any person or for assaulting any person, or for wrongfully restraining any person, or for putting and person in fear of hurt, or of assault, or of wrongful restraint, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven year) 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC, and POCSO (4, 6� 8) against the accused in which he received 20-year rigorous imprisonment on Saturday. The ADSJ Dr Chander Hass sentenced him to 20 years under POCSO (6), two years rigorous jail in POCSO (12), six months rigorous jail under 506 and two years rigorous jail under section 452. Moreover, he asked to provide a relief of Rs 4 lakh to the victim through district legal services authority and Rs 20,000 from the fine amount. (ANI)
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November 10, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Congress launches all-out attack at Centre as demonetisation completes seven years New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): The Congress party on Wednesday launched an all-out attack against the central government’s demonetisation move, on a day the exercise completed seven years. Leading the attack on the central leadership, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge termed the demonetization drive the biggest assault on India’s economy and livelihood. “Indians are still nursing the wound of this mindless giant attack,” he wrote on his X timeline, alleging that the move left lakhs of small businesses shut, job loss, people’s savings destroyed, “But seven years down the line, people of India badly battered and bruised on that fateful night of November 8, are still searching for answers!” Kharge said. “Why were crores of people made to stand in lines, waiting for their own money?” Further, he also asked whether the ‘black money’ menace wiped off, terror-related incidents stopped, and did fake currency decreased after the demonetization drive. “Why couldn’t we become a ‘Cashless Economy’ without wiping off 86.4 per cent notes at one go? Hasn’t the Cash in Circulation now soared by a whopping 83 per cent since 2016?” he further asked. Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi termed the 2016 move to be a well-thought-out conspiracy to destroy employment, stop the income of workers, eliminate small businesses, harm farmers, and break the unorganized economy. Rahul Gandhi alleged it was an attack on 99 per cent of common Indians to benefit 1 per cent of capitalists. Echoing the voice of his party boss Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh joined the attack, alleging that the demonetization broke the back of the Indian economy and epitomised the unique combination of hubris, inhumanity and economic illiteracy that is the hallmark of the Modi government. “Demonetisation along with a badly designed and hurriedly rushed through GST finished off India’s job-generating small and medium businesses, caused a 45-year unemployment high, and ended the economic recovery that had begun in 2013, all while failing to achieve any of its stated objectives,” Jairam said. “It led to a record concentration of wealth and power, particularly among a handful of large monopolies that have sustained the BJP financially even as the people continue to grapple with joblessness and price rise caused by the same monopolization,” Jairam said in an X post. He cited a Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) report that noted that 15 lakhs jobs were decimated from January to April 2017, equating it to be a likely result of demonetisation. “Demonetisation was a monumental blunder that failed to achieve any of the shifting goalposts that the Modi government had proposed as objectives– whether reducing the spread of black money, ending counterfeiting or making India cashless,” Jairam added. Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also took on the Government on the issue. Taking to his X timeline coinciding with the demonetisation exercise turning seven, the Congress leader asked the Prime Minister whether he should “celebrate the occasion or mourn for abysmal failure.” “Respected PM @narendramodi Ji, today is the 7th anniversary of # D E M O N I T I Z AT I O N touted as your visionary step for ERADICATION OF BLACK MONEY from India. Now should we celebrate the occasion or mourn for abysmal failure,” Adhir Chowdhury posted on X. The Centre had on November 8, 2016, decided to cancel the legal tender status of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination currency notes with several objectives, including flushing out black money, eliminating Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), striking at the root of financing of terrorism and left-wing extremism, to convert non-formal economy into a formal economy to expand tax base and employment, and to give a big boost to digitalisation of payments to make India a less cash economy. As a result of the demonetisation drive, there is a substantial increase in the number of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed, the government has on various occasions maintained. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier noted that the demonetisation exercise helped reduce black money, increase tax compliance and formalization and give a boost to transparency. The Prime Minister had also said, “These outcomes have been greatly beneficial towards national progress.” There have been accusations that many Indians have parked black money in foreign safe havens, with political parties promising to bring them back and book those individuals under relevant law. (ANI)
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November 10, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India’s High Impact Community Development Projects complete 20 years in Nepal, usher in changes in lives Kathmandu [Nepal], November 8 (ANI): High Impact Community Development Projects operated under Indian assistance in Nepal has over a period of 20 years brought in waves of change in lives across the Himalayan country. Commemorating two decades of its successful implementation, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Tuesday formally handed over the Mangaladevi Birthing (Maternity) Centre at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu to hospital representatives. The project was jointly handed over by Nepal‘s Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, Nepal‘s Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Anita Devi and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava. Furthermore, agreements for three more High Impact Community Development Projects being undertaken in Nepal under Indian grant assistance at a total estimated cost of NRs 130 million in the Baitadi and Mustang districts were also signed on the occasion. Taking to X, the Indian Embassy in Nepal stated, “20 years of #HICDP s mark an important milestone in over years of ‘s Development Cooperation with #Nepal. projects in Districts have significantly added infrastructure to enhance life quality at the grassroots for people in #Nepal.” Tr i b h u v a n University Teaching Hospital is one of the most prestigious medical institutions in Nepal. Mangaladevi Birthing Centre at TUTH has been built with the Indian government’s financial assistance of Nrs. 44.04 million as a HICDP under the Nepal–India Development Cooperation framework. In addition, two sets of 40 KVA Diesel Generators, five Buses and two ambulances have been provided to different departments, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, for this hospital in which one ambulance is fully equipped with Advance Life Support. Tr i b h u v a n University Teaching Hospital representatives informed that this birthing From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- September 15, 2023 The Way of Love Apostle Paul If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. centre is being managed by nurses and could function as the model birthing center for implementation in other regions across Nepal, which could result in reduced maternal mortality rates. H I C D P s , earlier known as Small Development Projects, were launched on November 7, 2023 through a bilateral agreement between the governments of Nepal and India. These projects are an innovative and important segment of the Development Partnership with Nepal and are being implemented in the priority sectors of the Nepal government to create infrastructure to enhance the quality of life at the grassroots level for the people of Nepal. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Srivastava highlighted that this journey of implementation of HICDP 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 projects over the past 20 years has been very successful. He expressed satisfaction that since 2003, nearly 550 projects have been taken up under this framework in various sectors including education, health, roads, bridges, river training, drinking water, electrification, irrigation, culture, social welfare etc, which have impacted people’s lives directly. Of these, 480 projects have been completed and the remaining are ongoing. This success translates into over 27 projects every year or simply more than 1 new project being implemented every fortnight in Nepal under the Nepal–India Development Cooperation over the last 20 years. Ambassador Srivastava thanked the Nepal government for its support in this regard and committed to further enhance and strengthen the implementation of HICDPs in future. These HICDPs have been diverse in sector and geographical spread. It covers all the provinces of Nepal. As many as 84 projects have been undertaken in Koshi Province, 81 projects in Madhesh Province, 105 projects have been undertaken in Bagmanti Remember: Province, 61 projects in Gandaki Province, 60 projects have been undertaken in Lumbini Province, 14 in Karnali Province and 41 in Sudurpaschim Province. These are apart from 107 projects that spread in more than one province. Nepal‘s Finance Minister Mahat thanked India for its continuous support in the creation of development infrastructure in Nepal. He highlighted that HICDP projects are the cornerstone of the development partnership between India and Nepal. He assured the Nepal government of full support in the implementation of such projects which impact the livelihood of common Nepali people. Anita Devi highlighted that the key aspects of such projects are their quick gestation period and the role that they play in economic development at the local level. She thanked the Indian government for its support. She highlighted that HICDPs, despite being small in size, create a big impact in the lives of the common Nepali people and therefore have been appropriately described as highly impactful in bringing changes in the community. Further, the Indian government has every year gifted ambulances and school buses to various institutions working in the health and education sectors in Nepal on the occasion of Independence Day and Republic Day of India. So far, 974 ambulances and 234 school buses have been gifted to beneficiaries in different parts of Nepal which translates into one ambulance being gifted every week and one school bus every month. These services are placed to be part of the first line of treatment and contribute significantly to the health care and education sector. This initiative is connecting with grass-root people even in the remotest parts of Nepal. (ANI) “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023 7 ~ INDIA ~ NEPAL ~ BANGLA DESH ~ PAKISTAN ~ SRI LANKA ~ AFRICA ~ ASIA ~ EUROPE ~ MIDDLE EAST 1-800-343-0038 WEBSITE: GOFLYHOME.COM Snehaal Acharya Triumphs as Mrs India Wings To Your Dreams 2023 Season 1 Winner New Delhi [India], November 3: Snehaal Acharya, a resilient entrepreneur and cancer survivor, has emerged victorious in the prestigious Mrs India Wings To Your Dreams 2023 pageant Season 1. This triumph marks not only a personal achievement but a testament to her unwavering spirit and the embodiment of empowerment. A former banker, Snehaal expressed her gratitude towards the pageant, stating, “This platform has truly given wings to my dreams. As a successful entrepreneur, it has provided me with a boost and a renewed sense of purpose to realign my goals and contribute more to my community and soiety.” Mrs India – Wings To Your Dreams is orchestrated by Make Your Presence, a platform dedicated to facilitating a transformative journey for women. It stands as an impartial pageant, striving to empower dreams to soar high. “I consider Mrs India 2023, Wings To Your Dreams, an honor and an amazing platform where I connected with finalists from diverse backgrounds, each showcasing exceptional acumen and talents. I feel humbled to be chosen as a winner and aspire to motivate more women to participate and achieve their dreams,” Snehaal added. For Snehaal, this pageant symbolizes a unique fusion of inner strength and valor, enabling individuals to stand out in a complex world, conquer the invisible hurdles, and establish their presence. Priyadarshini Mohta, the founder of Mrs India – Wings To Your Dreams, said, “Women deserve to feel empowered and confident at any age, irrespective of their physical, educational, regional, or religious backgrounds. Through our pageant initiative, we aim to inspire women to enhance and embrace their inherent qualities, take risks, and fervently pursue their dreams and passions.” Alongside Snehaal’s remarkable win, Dr Neeta Panchal, a Cosmetologist, Health Coach, and Healer, secured the 1st RunnerUp position, while Dr. Arpitha Chinnu Sabu from Bengaluru, working for a Cancer Clinical Informatics Organization, attained the 2nd Runner-Up title. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Delhi: Engineer dies after falling during maintenance of Air India plane New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): A 56-year-old Senior Superintendent Service Engineer of Air India Engineering Services Ltd. (AIESL) died following a fall from the radome during maintenance work on an Air India (AI) aircraft at Delhi International Airport (DEL) on Tuesday, police said. According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Ram Prakash Singh. In aviation, the radome refers to the aeroplane’s ‘nose’ where the weather radar is housed, a radome has the shape of a conical with a round tip. As per the police, during the inquiry, it was revealed that the deceased was working as a service engineer with Air India Airlines and on a night shift during the intervening night of November 6-7, at IGI Airport Terminal 3. The police said that the deceased slipped off the stairs during maintenance, sustaining head injuries. He was admitted to Medanta Hospital and then brought to Manipal Hospital, where he was declared dead. “The crime team and forensic team have conducted a thorough examination of the incident site,” they added. This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of personal safety while working near the aircraft. (ANI)
November 10, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Mizoram sees voter turnout of 78.40 pc, nearly 72 pc voting in first phase of Chhattisgarh polls Raipur/Aizawl [India], November 7 (ANI): Mizoram saw a voter turnout of 78.40 per cent in the single-phase election for 40 assembly seats in the state while the polling percentage was 71.93 per cent for 20 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh which went to polls in the first phase of elections in the state on Tuesday. The voter turnout is expected to go up in the final count, Election Commission officials said with data from postal ballots also to be counted. Mizoram had seen nearly 80 per cent voter turnout in the 2018 election. The first phase of Chhattisgarh polls in 2018, held in 18 constituencies, saw a voter turnout of 76.42 per cent. According to latest data from the poll panel, KhairagarhChhuyikhadangandayi assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh recorded the highest voter turnout of 76.31 per cent, closely followed by MohlaManpur-Ambagarh Chouki at 76 per cent. The lowest polling percentage was recorded in Bijapur at 40.98 per cent. It was 75.51 per cent in Uttar Bastar Kanker, 75.35 per cent in Kondagaon, 75.1 per cent in Rajnandgaon and 72.41 per cent in Bastar (Jagdalpur). An Election Commission release said that advance planning and extensive monitoring by the Commission comprising Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar with Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel ensured “free, fair and largely peaceful conduct of elections in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh”. The Election Commission set up 5,304 polling booths for the first phase in Chhattisgarh. New polling stations were set in 126 villages in Bastar division for the first time, making it easy for the voters in these villages as they no longer had to endure long treks through dense forests, hills, rivers and braving the threats posed by Left Wing Extremist (LWE) to exercise their franchise. The new polling stations were consistent with ECI norms which aim to ensure that no voter has to move beyond a radius of two km to vote. Of these 126 booths, 15 were located in Kanker AC, 12 in Antagarh, 5 in Bhanupratapur, 20 in Konta, 14 in Chitrakot, 4 in Jagdalpur, 1 in Bastar, 13 in Kondagaon, 19 in Keshkal, 9 in Narayanpur, 8 in Dantewada and 6 in Bijapur Assembly Constituency. In Chhattisgarh, the polling started at 7 am for ten seats – MohlaManpur, Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur and Konta. Voting for the remaining assembly constituencies – Pandaria, Kawardha, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Bastar, Jagdalpur, and Chitrakote began at 8 am. In Mizoram, Serchhip seat reported a voter turnout of 84.78 per cent, Mamit 84.23 per cent, Hnahthial 84.16 per cent, Kolasib 82.77 per cent and Khawazawl 82.39 per cent. The polling started at 7 am for the 40-member state assembly elections. The release said in a big stride towards inclusivity and accessibility, 320 all-women-managed polling stations, 31 PwDmanaged polling stations and 140 model polling stations were used in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. In Kanker, Chhattisgarh, in a novel initiative, a Rainbow Model Polling Station was set up in the Pakhanjur area “which is inhabited by the highest number of voters in the third gender category”. The release said home voting facility was introduced for the first time in the assembly elections in both states to senior citizens over the age of 80 years and PwD voters with 40 per cent benchmark disability. In spite of the home voting facility, many of them chose to show up at the polling station to cast their vote. The release said 8,52,088 voters were registered in Mizoram while 40,78,680 voters had registered in phase I of the elections in Chhattisgarh. The poll panel had set up 1,276 polling stations in Mizoram. A total of 174 candidates were in the fray in Mizoram and 223 in Chhattisgarh. The polling in Chhattisgarh will decide the electoral fate of former Chief Minister Raman Singh and BJP leaders Bhawna Bohra, Lata Usendi and Gautam Uike. The prominent Congress leaders in the fray in this phase include Mohammad Akbar, Savitri Manoj Mandavi, Mohan Markam, Vikram Mandavi and Kawasi Lakhma. In Mizoram, Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who is chief of Mizo National Front, is seeking re-election from Aizawl East – I. Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) chief Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, who is also the party’s chief ministerial candidate, is in the fray from Serchhip. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Mizo National Front (MNF) secured 26 seats with a vote share of 37.8 per cent and ousted Congress from power. The Mizo National Front, Indian National Congress and the Zoram People’s Movement have fielded candidates for all 40 seats and BJP has fielded 23 candidates. Voting in the remaining 70 seats in Chhattisgarh will be held on November 17. Counting of votes will be taken up on December 3 in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh along with three other states. (ANI)
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023 9 Sale Ends 11/30/2023 India surpasses China, has highest number of universities listed in QS World University Rankings-Asia New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): India has surpassed China with the highest number of universities listed in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024 released on Wednesday. The rankings show the highest number of 37 new entrants from India. Seven Indian universities are among the top 100 Asian universities. India is now the most represented higher education system with 148 featured universities, according to the QS Asia University Rankings 2024. Compared to 148 Indian institutions, the number from China is 133 and Japan is 96. IIT Bombay is the highest-ranked Indian institution and is placed 40th in Asia in the Quacquarelli Symonds University Rankings 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been laying thrust on the higher education system both in terms of its reach and quality and has said that the institutes in the country are making progress in terms of quality education, student-faculty ratio and reputation. “Our education institutes have created an identity for themselves in the world. Our institutions are making rapid improvement in terms of quality education, student-faculty ratio and reputation,” he said earlier. There has been a significant improvement in India’s presence in the QS rankings over the past nearly 10 years during the rule of the Modi government. While 16 Indian institutions featured in QS Asia University Rankings in 2014, the number significantly expanded to 148. Even the past year has seen a significant improvement. The QS Asia University list showed an improvement of over 30 featured universities to 148 in 2024. In a speech at Delhi University in June this year, the Prime Minister emphasized that education is not merely a process of teaching but also a way of learning. He talked about the flexibility in the new National Education Policy for selecting subjects and mentioned about the National Institutional Ranking Framework which is motivating the institutions to improve quality while also fostering a spirit of competitiveness. The Prime Minister said that due to the futuristic educational policies and decisions, recognition of Indian universities is increasing and gave credit to the youth for the transformation. According to QS Asia University Rankings 2024, IIT Bombay received an overall score of 67.2 out of 100, excelling in academic reputation (83.5) and employer reputation (96). In terms of faculty- student ratio, the score was 14.8, staff with PhD (100), and papers per faculty (95.7). IIT Bombay’s staff with a PhD stood out as its strongest indicator. According to the rankings, IIT Delhi is ranked 46th, IIT Madras holds the 53rd position, and IIT Kharagpur is positioned 59th. IISC Bangalore has secured the 58th rank. QS World University Rankings is a portfolio of comparative university rankings compiled by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds. (ANI)
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