INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY JANUARY 26, 2024 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol 33 No: 4 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday January 26, 2024 Spectacular Deepotsav illuminates Ayodhya in grandeur following ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 22 (ANI): Ayodhya witnessed a remarkable Deepotsav celebration following the ‘Pran Pratishtha‘ ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla in the divine grand temple on Monday. The spectacle was nothing short of amazing, supernatural, and unforgettable–an unimaginable beauty that captivated all who beheld it. Residents of Ramnagari Ayodhya, along with devotees from remote corners of India, lit Ram Jyoti. The echoes of “RamRam” resonated throughout homes, creating an atmosphere of devotional jubilation. Even in front of Hanumangarhi temple, a grand celebration took place. This Deepotsav in Avadhpuri was truly unique, with a distinct excitement, enthusiasm, and joy in everyone’s hearts, marking the end of a 500-year struggle. The Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya infused the city with unprecedented fervour. Joy and intimacy were palpable as countless lamps illuminated the banks of Saryu, Ram Ki Paidi, Maths, Temples, and other public places. The entire Avadhpuri was adorned for the grand festival of Shri Ram, featuring elaborate lighting on temples, small streets, and main roads, as well as all government and religious buildings. City residents celebrated the presence of their beloved Ram by illuminating lamps in their homes. Saryu Aarti was performed with heightened enthusiasm, involving many dignitaries, sages, and saints at the ghats. Since Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took office in 2017, the concept of a grand Deepotsav celebration has been envisioned, growing in grandeur each year. The second Deepotsav of the Yogi government’s second term in 2023 set unprecedented records, with 22.23 lakh lamps illuminating Ayodhya. In 2024, exactly three months later, Ayodhya celebrated Diwali once again after the ‘Pran Pratishtha‘ of Shri Ram, resonating with the government’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ People of diverse languages, styles, and castes gathered to light the lamp of faith with the Ram Jyoti, guided by the doubleengine government. Ayodhya exuded a supernatural aura, reminiscent of Tretayug. The lighting of lamps in reverence for their idol was accompanied by wishes for prosperity, as Rangoli adorned intersections. Visitors from outside also joined in, lighting lamps in reverence. Post the consecration on January 22, a mesmerising projection show took place at Ram Ki Paedi until 7 p.m. This was followed by a captivating laser show and an ecofriendly fireworks display at Ram Ki Paedi. San Francisco [US], January 23 (ANI): Tesla CEO and Twitter owner Elon Musk insisted on the revision of United Nations bodies and called India, as not a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council is ‘absurd’. The American entrepreneur highlighted the problem in the revision of the UN bodies on Sunday and said that the countries with excess power don’t want to give it up, adding that the Africa collectively should have a permanent membership in the United Nations. Taking to X, Musk said, “At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies. Problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up. India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd. Africa collectively should also have a permanent seat imo.” At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies. Problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up. India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd. Africa collectively should... — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2024 UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had also made an impassioned plea for the UN to reflect today’s world. “How can we accept that Africa still lacks a single Permanent Member in the Security Council? Institutions must reflect today’s world, not that of 80 years ago. September’s Summit of the Future will be an opportunity to consider global governance reforms & re-build trust” Guterres had said in a post on January 21. India has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for eight terms (16 years). The country is a member of the G4, a group of nations that back each other to seek permanent membership of the UNSC. The countries advocate for reform in the UNSC. E a r l i e r , emphasising on growing global support for India’s permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that sometimes things are not given generously and one has to seize it. “With each passing year, the feeling in the world is that India should be there, and I can feel that support...The world does not give things easily and generously; sometimes you have to take them,” the EAM said on a question regarding a permanent seat for India at the UNSC. In September 2023, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern that the United Nations’ reluctance to reform its structure would render the organization “anachronistic,” prompting people to seek solutions elsewhere. He made an analogy by likening the situation to passengers on a bus, drawing an “injudicious” reference to the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had noted, “When the UN was established, the world at that time was completely different from today. At that time there were 51 founding members in the UN. Today the number of countries included in the UN is around 200. Despite this, the permanent members in UNSC are still the same.” (ANI) Elon Musk advocates for India’s permanent UNSC membership, says “India not having a permanent seat is absurd” Remember: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. ” – Jesus Christ
January 26, 2024 Friday Tamil Nadu: Ocean cleaning awareness campaign held in Chennai Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 24 (ANI): An ocean cleaning awareness campaign was held in Chennai on the theme ‘Swim for the Ocean, Save the Ocean’, where three children, Thaaragai (9), Nishvik (7) and Kavi Ashvathan (14) swam from Chennai Neelankarai to Marina Beach. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is set to offer lessons on marine biodiversity and the environment to postgraduate students, researchers and academicians, recognising its crucial role in ensuring the health of oceans for the well-being of future generations. A five-day training course on Know Your biodiversity-andenvironment”>Marine Biodiversity and Environment (MARBIE) will be held from February 5 to 9 at the institute. INDIA THIS WEEK See Red This New Year, 2024! H Mart Celebrates Lunar New Year with Special Red Envelopes Lyndhurst, NJ “It will offer (January 26, 2024) – As a deeper understanding a special appreciation on marine biodiversity, to its valued customers, taxonomy, ecosystem H Mart is offering an functions, and environmental challenges, and develop array of special sales to skills and tools for assessing, celebrate the upcoming managing and conserving Lunar New Year holiday. marine resources. A range Starting from Friday, of topics, including coral January 26, 2024, H reef diversity, marine Mart will be handing out mammal conservation, marine fish identification, special 2024 Lunar New mapping spatial distribution Year Red Envelopes to of marine resources, marine customers who purchase environmental quality over $50 at the select assessment, sea turtle H Mart store branches conservation, and tackling (Until Supplies Last) marine debris,” the Media “H Mart is Cell of CMFRI said. thrilled for the return of Hands-on practical sessions and field visits Lunar New Year Red will be offered during the Envelopes because we programme. In the face of have the opportunity to mounting threats, including showcase diverse and climate change and pollution, understanding traditional Asian culture. A traditional and protecting marine biodiversity is crucial red envelope is a treat in ensuring global food to the relatives, sending security and mitigating them good wishes climate change, said Dr A and luck.” said H Mart Gopalakrishnan, Director of Marketing Team and the CMFRI. added, “The 2024 Red Envelopes we’ve curated includes some beautiful patterns and designs. It will make a fantastic addition to any holiday occasion.” As the largest Asian American market, customers can experience tradition Lunar New Year foods and discover H Mart’s massive range of Asian goodies as a great way to explore Asian Culture. To find more information about the event, please check out our in-store ads; follow H Mart on Facebook, Instagram, KaKaoTalk or WeChat. H Mart’s Customer Service line: 877-427-7386. The stores excluded from the red packet distribution include: NJ: Leonia/H Fresh Fort Lee, PA: Upper Darby/Chery Hill, NY: Great Neck/ Jericho/Goowha, VA: Falls Church/Annandale/ Centreville/Herndon, MD: Wheaton/Fredrick, AZ: Mesa, CA: Balboa/ LA Madang/LA City Center. About H Mart H Mart is a leading Asian American supermarket chain with more than 90 stores in the U.S. H Mart started with the first store in Woodside, NY back in 1982. H Mart is America’s premier Asian food destination and provides groceries and everyday essential needs as well as upscale products. H Mart offers a full line of Asian foods as well as a broad range of Western groceries to complement its full scale offering to that of a traditional supermarket. H Mart is also known for its innovative new food halls which are an extension of over 30 years of providing eateries in its stores. H Mart is recognized as one of the fastest growing retailers in the National Retail Federation’s HOT 100 R E TA I L E R S (#13 H Mart). Moreover, Supermarket News has listed H Mart as one of the Top 50 Small Chains and Independents in the United States & Canada.
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6 January 26, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India-Nigeria bond underpinned by administrations that doesn’t leave anyone behind: EAM Jaishankar Lagos [Nigeria], January 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the sixth India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with his counterpart Yusuf Tuggar on Monday (local time) and discussed new opportunities of cooperation in various sectors. “Co-chaired the 6th India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting along with FM @YusufTuggar. Noted the expansion of our economic cooperation especially trade and investment. Discussed new opportunities in energy, power, renewables, transport, healthcare, fintech, agriculture and security,” Jaishankar posted on X. “Agreed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, mobility and consular cooperation. India and Nigeria also cooperate closely in multilateral forums and will take that tradition forward,” he added. Speaking on the age-old relationship between the two countries, he said that the strong bonding is underpinned by two administrations which believe that no one should be left behind. Addressing the meeting, Jaishankar said, “India and Nigeria share a From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 19, 2024 The Past By Ralph Waldo Emerson The debt is paid, The verdict said, The Furies laid, The plague is stayed, All fortunes made; Turn the key and bolt the door, Sweet is death forevermore. Nor haughty hope, nor swart chagrin, Nor murdering hate, can enter in. All is now secure and fast; Not the gods can shake the Past; Flies-to the adamantine door Bolted down forevermore. None can re-enter there,— No thief so politic, No Satan with a royal trick Steal in by window, chink, or hole, To bind or unbind, add what lacked, Insert a leaf, or forge a name, New-face or finish what is packed, Alter or mend eternal Fact. long-standing and friendly relationship which is rooted in history. We are the largest democracies of the world and are the leaders in our continents. In recent years, this has been renewed by contacts between our leaderships”. “What underpins our bond, is today, we have administrations in the two countries, that truly believes that no one should be left behind. And it is this inclusive approach, 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 which I think creates a strong bonding between us and allows us to work so closely in international organizations,” he added. The EAM also emphasised that a large number of Indian companies have made huge investments in Nigeria are among the largest employers in the country. “Today as an economic partner of Nigeria, whose investments are estimated broadly at about USD 27 billion, which has an annual trade turnover with this country of somewhere between USD 13-15 billion,” Jaishankar said. He added, “When we have about 130 Indian companies who have really put their economic future struck roots in this country to a point where actually they have become one of the largest employers in this country, I think there is a very, very strong foundation on which we would be building”. After the conclusion of the meeting, Jaishankar also addressed a joint press conference with counterpart Tuggar and said that he was satisfied with the discussions. He also elaborated on the agreements signed between the two countries ranging from the areas of solar energy, health and transportation, adding that the two countries are also looking at the use of digital technology for cashless payments. “One of the agreements we signed was on solar energy, so we are going to see a lot more cooperation in the field of green and clean energy. Nigeria and India, we both face health challenges. So, how do we make medicines accessible, affordable, how can we work on transportation, other forms of energy. We are even looking at how do we use digital technology for cashless payments,” the EAM further said. EAM Jaishankar is on a visit to Nigeria from January 21-23. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed the India-Nigeria Business Forum. He also addressed the Nigerian Institute Of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos on India and the Global South. He also visited the Indian High Commission in Abuja. There, he unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and planted a sapling in the High Commission premises. India and Nigeria have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. This is EAM’s first visit to Nigeria, which will further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries, according to Ministry of External Affairs release. Prior to this, he also led the Indian delegation at the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), to be held in Kampala, Uganda. He met several foreign leaders and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the summit. (ANI) Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
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January 26, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Telangana: Vistex Asia CEO Over 40 Years Of Experience dies in accident during firm’s FAMILY HAIRCUT $ silver jubilee celebrations Rangareddy (Telangana) [India], January 20 (ANI): Sanjay Shah, CEO of Vistex Asia company died in an accident when an iron cage contraption carrying Shah and the company’s president Vishwanath Raj Datla collapsed during the firm’s silver jubilee celebrations at Ramoji Film City in Telangana‘s Rangareddy, said the police on Saturday. A case has been registered against the event authorities, added the police. The police said that during the celebrations, Shah and Datla participated in a stunt involving an iron cage suspended at a height. “At around 11:00 p.m. on January 18, 2024, we received a complaint from Janakiram Raku Kalidindi, Executive Director of Vistex Asia Company, in which he stated that during the silver jubilee celebrations of the company at Ramoji MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN Film City in Te l a n g a n a ‘ s R a n g a r e d d y, an iron cage contraption suspended at a height of 20feet, carrying company owner Sanjay Shah and president Vishwanath Raj Datla, broke from one side and collapsed during the event,” said the police in an official statement. “As a result, Shah sustained injuries in his leg and head while Datla sustained a head injury. Both of the individuals were rushed to Maxi Cure Hospital. Later, they were referred to Yashoda Hospital for better treatment. Owner Sanjay Shah succumbed to injuries on Friday while his colleague is in a critical condition,” added the police. 5 ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES “A case against the Ramoji event authorities has been registered at the Abdullapurmet Police Station. Further investigation is underway into the matter,” the police said. More details are awaited. Sanjay Shah, a native of Maharashtra’s Mumbai, founded Vistex Asia in 1999. The company specializes in revenue management solutions. (ANI) • BEARD TRIM $500 $ • SHAMPOO 1000 • BLOW DRY $1000 $ 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
FRIDAY JANUARY 26, 2024 9 BJP welcomes Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur calls it “historic”; RJD says “BJP’s poll gimmick” New Delhi [India], January 23 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the government’s decision to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna on former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. However, JD(U)‘s ally RJD has termed BJP’s move a “political gimmick.” Earlier today, the government announced the posthumous award of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, to Karpoori Thakur. Following the announcement, family members of the late Bihar CM exchanged sweets in recognition of the forthcoming Bharat Ratna honor. Soon after the government announced that Karpoori Thakur would be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, his son and JD(U) MP Ram Nath Thakur said that he didn’t see it from the side of politics.”I want to thank the Central government from my side as well as on behalf of my party and people of Bihar...I don’t see it from the side of politics. His (Karpoori Thakur‘s) 100th birthday is tomorrow so maybe in view of that Central govt took this decision,” Thakur said. Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan expressed express gratitude to the Government and the Prime Minister. “I express gratitude to the Government of India and the Prime Minister. Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur had been a long-pending demand of the people of Bihar as well as the entire country...Today, the PM honoured that demand of the people” Paswan said. Bihar LoP and BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Sinha said that the PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. “We had made the demand from the PM earlier too. Last year, he had said that this would be considered seriously. The PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. Entire Bihar is expressing gratitude to the PM because this is an honour for the entire state,” Sinha said. Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras said that the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “historic.” “PM Narendra Modi has made a historic decision. The people of Bihar and the entire country are thankful to him for this decision... The PM made a historic decision. He will now be considered a messiah of the backward and Dalits,” Paras said. Moreover, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Thakur was such an honest leader that it is discussed even today. “He connected the poor, the deprived and the backward to the mainstream... I express gratitude to the Prime Minister for conferring the Bharat Ratna on him. This is an honour of the poor and their voice, of the backwards...Several of the previous governments used to think about only the people around them. Some of them thought only about their own families. Narendra Modi Government thinks about the entire country,” Prasad said. He further said that awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country “For this muchawaited decision, I express my gratitude. Awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country,” he said. BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. “It is good news for Bihar. ..I thank the central govt...he deserves it, this was a demand of the Bihar people...This was fulfilled when a poor person’s son became Prime Minister. I thank PM Modi on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the real leader of Bihar, he did so many things for the state,” Hussain said. Union Minister Nityanand Rai expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and said that Karpoori Thakur‘s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived. “First of all, I would like to express gratitude to PM Narendra Modi. Karpoori Thakur‘s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived... Those who do politics in his name never thought for him, they just did politics in his name. Parties formed the government with Congress but Karpoori Thakur did not get the honour,” Rai said.
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