INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng N ew s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tin en t Pub li s hed From the U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No. 16 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday April 17 2026 Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle Passes Away Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, one of the most iconic and versatile voices in Indian music history, passed away on April 12, 2026, at the age of 92 at Breach Candy Hospital, bringing to a close an extraordinary career that shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for over eight decades. According to Dr. Pratit Samdani, the veteran singer died due to multi-organ failure after being admitted the previous evening with extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, a development earlier confirmed by her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle, who had requested privacy for the family during her treatment. Born Asha Mangeshkar in 1933 in Sangli to renowned classical musician Deenanath Mange- shkar, and younger sister of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle’s journey into music began at a young age following her father’s untimely death. Rising to prominence in the 1950s, she emerged as one of the most celebrated playback singers in the world, known for a voice that was at once playful, emotive, sensuous, and deeply expressive. Her breakthrough came with the 1957 film Naya Daur in collaboration with composer O. P. Nayyar, marking the beginning of a career that would redefine playback singing in Hindi cinema. Over the decades, Asha Bhosle recorded thousands of songs in multiple Indian languages, earning recognition from the Guinness World Records as the most-recorded artist in music history in 2011. Her repertoire spanned an astonishing range of genres—from classical compositions and ghazals to cabaret, folk, and pop—demonstrating a versatility unmatched in Indian music. Songs such as “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja,” “Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana,” “Chura Liya Hai Tumne,” “Mera Kuchh Saaman,” and the soulful ghazal “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” showcased her ability to embody diverse emotions and musical styles. Her work in Umrao Jaan (1981) earned her a National Film Award and firmly established her mastery over semi-classical music. Her creative partnership with composer R. D. Burman, whom she later married, produced some of the most memorable songs in Indian cinema, while her later collaborations with A. R. Rahman in films like Rangeela (1995) proved her ability to evolve with changing musical trends even decades into her career. Beyond music, she was also known for her passion for cooking, which she transformed into a successful international restaurant chain. Her contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan, along with multiple Filmfare Awards and international honors, including a Grammy nomination. Even in her later years, she remained connected to music, occasionally performing and continuing to inspire generations of artists. Following her passing, her son Anand Bhosle confirmed that the public could pay their last respects at her residence in Lower Parel, with the last rites held at Shivaji Park Crematorium. On April 13, she was cremated with full state honours in Mumbai, her mortal remains draped ASHA BHOSLE SEE PAGE 2 Nitish Kumar’s era ends in Bihar, BJP’s Samrat Choudhary sworn in as CM Patna (Bihar) [India], April 15 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Samrat Choudhary took oath as Bihar Chief Minister on Wednesday. Chaudhary arrived at, the Governor’s residence, Bihar Lok Bhavan earlier in the morning to be sworn in as CM, succeeding Nitish Kumar, who had served as leader of the state for over a decade before deciding to go to the Rajya Sabha. Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office to Samrat Choudhary at Lok Bhavan in Patna. He becomes the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister of Bihar following the resignation of Nitish Kumar.The 57-year-old has big shoes to fill as he is set to succeed Nitish Kumar, who was sworn in as CM for a record 10th time in 2025 after the NDA reg- istered a landmark victory in the assembly elections. His elevation marks the end of an era dominated by Nitish Kumar’s “Sushasan” (good governance) and the beginning of a new chapter for the NDA in Bihar. Choudhary’s rise to power is notable, given his humble beginnings in politics. He started his career in the 1990s with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and later joined the BJP in 2018.Born in 1968, Samrat Choudhary comes from a family deeply rooted in politics. His father, Shakuni Choudhary, was a six-time MLA from the Tarapur constituency. His mother, Parvati Devi, won the same seat in 1998 for the now-defunct Samta Party.Before BJP and JD(U) renewed their alliance in 2024, Choudhary was the sharpest critic of Nitish Kumar. In 2022, Remember: A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. Mahatma Gandhi he had publicly declared he would not remove his saffron turban (popularly known as muretha in Bihar) until Nitish Kumar was removed from power. He was appointed as the BJP’s state president in 2023 and later became the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar in 2024. After NDA successfully defended its rule in the 2025 assembly election, speculations about Nitish Kumar’s move away from state politics grew stronger and stronger. Samrat Choudhary, with his strong hold within the OBC community, combined with his aggressive political style, was always in the fray to succeed the CM. Earlier today, be- fore the oath taking, Union Minsiter Chirag Paswan met Chaudhary to wish him all the best for his future tenure.Paswan wrote on X, “Today, before taking the oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar in Patna, I met with my brother Shri Samrat Choudhary ji and congratulated him on being elected as the leader of the NDA legislature party, extending my best wishes. I am fully confident that under your leadership, Bihar will reach new heights of development, good governance, and prosperity.”Choudhary’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s outreach among OBC communities, particularly the Koeri/Kushwaha group. “Deception has been done with people of Bihar...”: Congress leader Tariq Anwar ahead of Samrat Choudhary’s oath taking ceremony Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Wednesday said that the people of Bihar have been deceived as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fought elections and made promises under his name, but now Samrat Choudhary is going to take the oath as Bihar CM. “We had expected from Nitish Kumar that he would remain the Chief Minister of Bihar for the next five years because he and the NDA had prom- ised that. This will impact the situation in Bihar. Elections were fought in his name, he was brought forward as the Chief Minister, and suddenly, Samrat Choudhary has arrived. We feel that a kind of deception has been done with the people of Bihar,” he said.Meanwhile, Samrat Choudhary is about to mark a historic shift as the first BJP leader to hold the post. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s outreach among OBC communities, particularly the Koeri/Kushwaha group. The 57-year-old has big shoes to fill as he is set to succeed Nitish Kumar, who was sworn in as CM for a record 10th time in 2025 after the NDA registered a landmark victory in the assembly elections. His elevation marks the end of an era dominated by Nitish Kumar’s “Sushasan” (good governance) and the beginning of a new chapter for the NDA in Bihar. Choudhary’s rise to power is notable, given his humble beginnings in politics.
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle Passes Away ASHA BHOSLE FROM PAGE 1 in the Indian tricolour and accorded a ceremonial gun salute by the Mumbai Police. A large gathering of mourners, including prominent figures from the film industry such as Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Jackie Shroff, and Vivek Oberoi, along with political leaders including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, gathered to pay tribute. Musical tributes were also offered by singers Shaan and Sudesh Bhosale, while composer Uttam Singh recalled her warmth and generosity beyond her artistry. Condolences poured in from across the nation, including a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described her as one of the most iconic voices India has ever known and credited her extraordinary musical journey with enriching the country’s cultural heritage. Actor Shah Rukh Khan also paid trib- ute, calling her voice a pillar of Indian cinema that would resonate for generations. Widely regarded as one of the most versatile singers in the history of Indian music, Asha Bhosle’s legacy transcends time, language, and genre. Her voice, which captured the full spectrum of human emotion—from playful exuberance to profound melancholy—remains an enduring presence in the hearts of millions, ensuring that even in her passing, her music will continue to echo across generations. Asha Bhosle cremated with full state hounours; son Anand lights funeral pyre as nation bids tearful farewell to melody queen Bhosle was cremated with full state honours on Monday at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai, where a large gathering of mourners came together to pay their final respects to the iconic voice that enthralled generations for more than eight decades. Wrapped in the tricolour, the mortal remains of Asha Bhosle, fondly known as “Asha Tai,” were consigned to flames following a traditional gun salute by the Mumbai Police. The city witnessed an emotional day as fans, political leaders, and members of the film and music industry came together to pay their last respects to the melody queen. Her last rites were performed by her son Anand.The legendary vocalist was also given a musical tribute by singers Shaan and Sudesh Bhosale. Several well-known faces from the film world arrived to pay floral tributes to the legendary singer. Actors Vicky Kaushal, Aamir Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Padmini Kolapuri and Jackie Shroff were among those seen at Shivaji Park. Apart from the film industry, several senior political leaders were also present at the crematorium. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the funeral and paid floral tributes to the iconic singer. NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Rashmi Thackeray, and Aaditya Thackeray also visited to offer their respects.Actors Ranveer Singh and Riteish Deshmukh also visited her residence earlier in the day to offer condolences. Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan also paid tribute to the singer whose songs defined generations of Hindi cinema.Her mortal remains were earlier kept at her residence for public homage, draped in the Tricolour. Long queues of admirers were seen outside the home, with many offering flowers, folding hands in prayer, and remembering the singer through tears.Among other dignitaries who paid tribute were Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Music composer Uttam Singh remem- bered Asha Bhosle not just as a great artist but as a warm-hearted human being. Recalling an old memory, he shared how she once cooked food for his team late at night after a recording session.”It was around 1:30 at night. As we were about to leave, she saw us and asked us to wait. Within minutes, she went inside, cooked chicken and rice herself, and insisted we eat before leaving. She was that kind of person,” he said.Soon after the news of her death broke on Sunday, tributes poured in from across the country. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, for whom she sang the muchloved song ‘Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main’ from the classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, remembered her as a timeless voice of Indian cinema. In his message, Shah Rukh Khan wrote, “It’s truly sad to learn about Asha Tai’s passing. Her voice has been one of the pillars of Indian cinema and will continue to reso- nate across the world for centuries to come.”Widely regarded as one of the most versatile singers in Indian music, Asha Bhosle’s repertoire spanned classical compositions, ghazals, cabaret songs, and contemporary pop. She holds a Guinness World Record for the most studio recordings and, along with her sister Lata Mangeshkar, helped define the golden era of Hindi film music.Born to classical singer and theatre actor Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, she began her musical journey at a young age and went on to build an unparalleled legacy. Her collaborations with composer RD Burman, whom she later married, remain among the most celebrated in Indian cinema. Her iconic hits include Piya Tu Ab To Aaja and the rebellious Dum Maro Dum. Her versatile range also spans the soulful ghazal Dil Cheez Kya Hai, playful classics like Chura Liya Hai Tumne, and the timeless dance anthem Yeh Mera Dil. (ANI)
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 3 India activates global diplomatic grid to secure 9.5 lakh citizens amid West Asia crisis New Delhi [India], April 14 (ANI): As the conflict in West Asia intensifies, the Government of India has launched a massive diplomatic and logistical operation to ensure the safety of its citizens. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is leading a high-level outreach, coordinating directly with counterparts in Kuwait, Israel, Singapore, and Australia to navigate the rapidly evolving regional security landscape. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday that since late February, nearly one million Indian nationals have successfully returned to India, even as several regional airspaces remain restricted or closed. Indian Missions and Posts across the Gulf and West Asia have transitioned to a crisis footing, providing proactive assistance to both residents and maritime workers. Helplines are operating round-the-clock, with missions actively engaging Indian community associations and professional groups.Special focus is being given to Indian crew members on vessels in the region, with missions facilitating consular access and repatriation requests for seafarers caught in the maritime standoff. The MEA maintains a direct line with State Governments and Union Territories to manage the influx of returnees and share real-time information.With airspaces in flux, India has established a series of bypass routes and non-scheduled flight corridors to maintain the flow of passengers.2,313 nationals (including 1,028 students) moved via Armenia and Azerbaijan from Iran. Citizens are being transported by road to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, for flights to India from Kuwait. Travel is facilitated via land routes through Jordan and Egypt.Iraqi Airways has resumed direct flights; land transit via Jordan/Saudi Arabia remains active. Approx. 110 flights (scheduled and non-scheduled) are expected to operate today from UAE and Qatar. The government reiterated that for those remaining in the region, the primary directive is to follow local government guidelines and stay in constant contact with the nearest Indian embassy.”Our efforts remain focused on the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community. Since February 28, approximately 9,55,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India,” said MEA. As of Tuesday, the Embassy in Tehran has successfully facilitated the movement of a significant block of vulnerable citizens, including over 600 fishermen. The MEA continues to issue regular updates on flight availability and safety protocols as the “security conditions” in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding territories fluctuate. The External Affairs Minister spoke with the Foreign Minister of Kuwait, during which they discussed the regional situation and the welfare of the large Indian community in the Gulf nation. He also held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Israel, covering various aspects of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.In addition, conversations were held with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Australia, where both sides shared assessments and concerns related to the broader regional instability. The Government has stated that it remains in close coordination with State Governments and Union Territories to ensure seamless information sharing and coordinated response mechanisms for the movement and safety of Indian citizens abroad.Indian Ministry continues to operate emergency helplines and are actively assisting nationals, including coordination with local governments, community organisations, Indian companies and other stakeholders. Updated advisories are being regularly issued, covering local regulations, travel disruptions, flight availability and consular assistance measures. Special attention is also be- ing given to Indian seafarers and crew members on vessels in the region, with Missions extending consular support and facilitating arrangements for their return to India wherever required. On the travel front, flights continue to operate from countries where airspace remains open. Since 28 February, around 9,55,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India, reflecting sustained evacuation and travel facilitation efforts. In the United Arab Emirates, airlines are operating limited non-scheduled commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 100 flights expected today. Services are also continuing from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 10 flights to India today. In Kuwait, where airspace remains closed, Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia, facilitating the movement of Indian nationals to India. Bahrain’s airspace remains open, and Gulf Air is expected to begin limited operations soon, while continuing non-scheduled services via Dammam. In Iran, the Embassy has facilitated the movement of 2,313 Indian nationals to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India, including students and fishermen. In Israel, travel is being facilitated through Jordan and Egypt due to partially open airspace. Iraq has resumed limited operations with Iraqi Airways restarting flights to India, while evacuation and transit routes via Jordan and Saudi Arabia remain active.The Government has reiterated that ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad continues to be its top priority, with diplomatic missions remaining fully engaged on a 24×7 basis. (ANI) “Mischievous, diabolical”: Congress MP P Chidambaram slams Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for delimitation in Lok Sabha New Delhi [India], April 15 (ANI): Congress Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram on Wednesday called the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, for the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha a “mischievous and diabolical” move, alleging that the representation of the southern states in Parliament will shrink. According to sources, the government has proposed to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 850, with 815 seats proposed to the States and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats at present.In an X post, P Chidambaram said that a 50 per cent increase in the number of seats will not be proportional to each state, as the delimitation exercise is based on population in a constituency. He claimed that the representation of southern states will shrink from 24.3 per cent to about 20.7 per cent in the Lok Sabha. He wrote, “The apprehensions I had voiced in the last week have proved right. When the strength of the Lok Sabha is increased by 50 per cent from 543 to 815, the strength of TN will seemingly increase from 39 to 58. But this is an illusion. When delimitation takes place, it will reduce to 46. Uttar Pradesh’s strength will first increase from 80 to 120 and, after delimitation, it will further increase to roughly 140.” “All the Southern States that have currently a representation of 24.3 per cent will find their representation reduced to 20.7 per cent. This is a mischievous, diabolical move to radically alter the federal balance. This must be OPPOSED,” the Congress leader said.Chidambaram’s remarks come as Parliament is set to take up crucial discussions on the constitution amendment bill to implement the 33 per cent reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls in a three-day special sitting of the budget session starting April 16. As Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is linked to the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha, the government has proposed to increase the number of seats in the House to 850.Opposition parties have expressed their concerns about the proposed Delimitation Bill, alleging that it will limit the representation of the southern states in the Lok Sabha. Opposition parties have also objected to the government’s “rushing” of the Bill before the general census. (ANI)
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 Congress to hold parliamentary strategy group meeting today to discuss women’s reservation, delimitation New Delhi [India], April 15 (ANI): Congress will hold a parliamentary strategy group meeting on Wednesday at about 12:30 pm at party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, 10 Rajaji Marg in New Delhi, ahead of the special sitting of the Parliament to discuss proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023.While supporting the 33 per cent reservation for women legislators in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures, Congress has opposed the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, to carry out the delimitation exercise in the Lok Sabha. ‘ As the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is linked to the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha, the government has proposed to increase the number of seats in the House to 850, with 815 seats proposed for the States and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats at present. Opposition leaders have flagged that the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, does not increase the seats in the Lok Sabha on a pro-rata basis and will allegedly shrink the representation of southern states in the House.Earlier today, Congress Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram on Wednesday called the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, for the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha a “mischievous and diabolical” move, alleging that the representation of the southern states in Parliament will shrink. In an X post, P Chidambaram said that a 50 per cent increase in the number of seats will not be proportional to each state, as the delimitation exercise is based on population in a constituency. He claimed that the representation of southern states will shrink from 24.3 per cent to about 20.7 per cent in the Lok Sabha.He wrote, “The apprehensions I had voiced in the last week have proved right. When the strength of the Lok Sabha is increased by 50 per cent from 543 to 815, the strength of TN will seemingly increase from 39 to 58. But this is an illusion. When delimitation takes place, it will reduce to 46. Uttar Pradesh’s strength will first increase from 80 to 120 and, after delimitation, it will further increase to roughly 140.” “All the Southern States that have currently a representation of 24.3 per cent will find their representation reduced to 20.7 per cent. This is a mischievous, diabolical move to radically alter the federal balance. This must be OPPOSED,” the Congress leader said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also called an emergency meeting of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MPs today to discuss the impact of the delimitation exercise on the state. The special sitting of Parliament will begin on Thursday, April 16. (ANI) Delimitation will trigger massive agitation in South if it leads to injustice: KTR warns Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Wednesday issued a strong warning to the Central Government over the issue of delimitation of constituencies.He cautioned that if the process results in reduced representation for Southern states, it would not remain merely a political or legislative exercise but could spark a widespread public agitation across South India. KTR reiterated that the party’s stance on delimitation has remained unchanged for the past three years, emphasising that BRS continues to stand firmly by the position it had adopted earlier.He stated that people of the southern states are proud Indians who have played a significant role in the country’s development. Highlighting achievements in population control and progress across various sectors, KTR argued that it would be unjust to politically disadvantage these states through delimitation. He criticised any move that reduces their representation, calling it contrary to the spirit of democracy, especially when such states should instead be encouraged to perform. KTR further asserted that the people of southern states in Parliament would not tolerate any attempt to suppress their voice and representation. He stressed that they would fight uncompromisingly to protect the rights of the people of South India.In a social media post, he urged the Central Government to understand the ground realities and expressed hope that “those in power in Delhi will listen and act with wisdom. The central government has proposed increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women’s Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories, according to sources. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats at present. The government intends to move a Constitution amendment bill for the implementation of a 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from 2029 in a special sitting of Parliament on April 16, 17,18.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all political parties to support the proposed amendment bill, expressing confidence that by 2029, women will have stronger representation and greater rights in legislative bodies. (ANI) Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin calls emergency meeting of DMK MPs to discuss impact of delimitation Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has convened an emergency meeting of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MPs at 11:00 am on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the delimitation exercise on the state.The meeting is set to take place to discuss the potential repercussions that Tamil Nadu may face in connection with the proposed constituency delimitation exercise. Key issues likely to be addressed include the impact on the state’s political representation and concerns over fairness in the redistribution of parliamentary seats. As Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is linked to the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha, the government has proposed to increase the number of seats in the House to 850, with 815 seats proposed to the States and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats at present. MK Stalin along with several other opposition leaders, has flagged that the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, does not increase the seats in the Lok Sabha on a pro-rata basis and will allegedly shrink the representation of southern states in the House. On Tuesday, MK Stalin issued a strong warning to the Central government over the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that the Union government intends to “bulldoze” a Constitutional amendment without proper consultation with states. He said Tamil Nadu would launch a massive agitation if the state’s interests are harmed or if southern states are disproportionately affected.In a video, CM Stalin said, “This video serves two purposes: to speak about the grave danger that has now reached the very doorstep of Tamil Nadu, and to issue a clear warning to the Union BJP government. Even amidst the relentless pace of election campaigning, this duty cannot be set aside. The day after tomorrow, on April 16, a special session of Parliament is being convened. More accurately, it is being forcibly convened in the midst of elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. In this session, the Union government intends to bulldoze through a Constitutional amendment on delimitation. ”The Chief minister further said Tamil Nadu and other southern states had earlier followed population control and family planning measures as advised by the Centre, but were now facing potential consequences for it.Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has demanded a pro-rata basis increase in the number of seats in the Lok Sabha. (ANI) Delhi: Bride-to-be critical after acid attack, accused woman arrested Police confirmed New Delhi [In- carried out by a 26-year-old dia], April 15 (ANI): A 21-year-old woman is in critical condition after an acid attack in the Indira Vihar area of Delhi, police said.The victim was rushed to GTB Hospital by her family soon after the incident. Doctors have said her condition remains critical.Police registered an FIR, under Section 124(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Gokalpuri Police Station following which an investigation was initiated. A forensic team visited the spot and collected evidence as part of the probe.According to preliminary findings, the victim was scheduled to get married on Sunday, April 19. Police said the attack was woman who was allegedly in a relationship with the prospective groom.Officials said the accused threw acid on the victim while she was preparing for her mehendi ceremony at home. A neighbour of the victim said she comes from a large family with five sisters and one brother. The neighbour described her as a bright student. The accused was also said to be academically strong and had reportedly cleared a teacher’s examination. The incident has shocked the local community, especially as it took place just days before the victim’s wedding. Family members and residents have demanded strict and swift action against the accused. that the accused has been apprehended. Further investigation is underway.In a separate case from March 9, a similar acid attack was reported from Sector 10 in Gurugram. In that case, the attack took place due to mistaken identity. The victim, who was living with her boyfriend, Pawan, was allegedly facing regular physical abuse. While she was undergoing treatment at a hospital, she was targeted in an acid attack. Police later arrested another woman, identified as Shakshi, in connection with the incident. During interrogation, she admitted that she had attacked the wrong person without properly seeing the victim’s face. (ANI)
India This Week 5
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 Andaman Sea tragedy: 250 feared dead as over- INDIA bloc to oppose crowded trawler carrying refugees capsizes delimitation bill in Dhaka [Bangla- tions High Commissioner desh, was reportedly bound ilies, women, and children, special session; backs desh], April 15 (ANI): A for Refugees (UNHCR) for Malaysia when it suc- highlighting the growing massive search and rescue and the International Or- cumbed to heavy winds and humanitarian crisis faced women’s reservation by displaced communities operation is underway in ganisation for Migration severe overcrowding. New Delhi [Inthe Andaman Sea after a trawler carrying approximately 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, capsized in treacherous waters on Tuesday. The United Na- (IOM) issued a joint statement expressing “deep sorrow” over the incident, which occurred as the region marks the Bengali New Year.The vessel, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangla- The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- April 10, 2026 A Mother’s Love The Emu and the Komodo Dragon By Rajan George She slipped beyond the scrub and amber grass, The mother emu, silent in her care, To gather life for lives she left behind— Yet never far from them in watchful thought. Her chicks, like trembling whispers in the dust, Too frail for flight, too new to trust their legs, Lay huddled close beneath the fragile hush Of earth and instinct’s thin and trembling shield. For she had known the language of the wild— That danger breathes in shadows, still and slow, That unseen eyes may hunger in the brush Where innocence lies soft and unaware. And then it came—low, patient, cold as stone— A Komodo dragon, ancient, deliberate, Its tongue a flicker tasting tender fear, Its hunger coiled beneath a heavy tread. It saw not chicks, but fleeting, fragile flesh, A moment’s feast to crown the fading day; It crept as death might creep—unhurried, sure— Toward lives too small to reckon with its will. The chicks broke silence with a piercing cry, A fragile chorus cast against the wild— And through the wind, across the brittle plain, Their call found her, a spark to sudden flame. She turned—no longer gentle, soft, or still— But fierce as storm that tears the rooted earth; She raced the wind, her heart a thundered drum, To stand between her young and coming death. Two forms opposed—of feather and of scale, Of fleeting grace and ancient, brutal might— Yet something greater stirred within her breast: A force no fang nor savage strength could quell. She rose against the beast with reckless fire, With striking limbs and unrelenting will, Each blow a vow, each cry a shield of love That would not bend, nor falter, nor retreat. The dragon reeled beneath a power unknown— Not born of muscle, age, or sharpened tooth, But forged within the quiet depths of care: A mother’s love, unyielding, absolute. And so the hunter, humbled, turned away, Its conquest lost to something far more fierce; It fled to shadows, ancient pride undone, Its tail drawn low in silent, shamed retreat. For in that clash of hunger against love, The wild bore witness, ancient and aware: No force endures, no terror stands its ground Against the sacred fury of a mother’s care. “This tragic incident reflects the dire consequences of protracted displacement and the absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya. Ongoing violence in Rakhine State has faded hopes of safe return in the near future, while shrinking humanitarian assistance, challenging living conditions in refugee camps, and limited access to education and livelihoods are pushing refugees to take such dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and opportunity. The promise of better wages abroad, often coupled with misinformation spread by smuggling networks, drives individuals, Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, to take significant risks. These factors create conditions in which smugglers and traffickers can exploit vulnerabilities, placing lives at grave risk. The Andaman Sea continues to claim the lives of people undertaking these perilous journeys,” the statement said.The agencies further emphasised that the missing passengers are believed to include fam- in the region. They noted that such sea crossings have become increasingly frequent despite repeated warnings about the extreme dangers involved. “We urgently call on the international community to step up solidarity and sustain funding to support lifesaving assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as well as support for the Bangladeshi host communities. As Bangladesh marks its new year, this tragedy is a reminder of the efforts urgently needed to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and create conditions that would allow Rohingya refugees to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity,” the statement added. “Without collective action, more lives will be lost at sea and on desperate journeys through deadly routes,” it further warned. The Rohingya crisis, which escalated following violence in Myanmar in 2017, has resulted in large-scale displacement, with hundreds of thousands taking refuge in Bangladesh. INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online dia], April 15 (ANI): INDIA bloc leaders on Wednesday decided to oppose the delimitation bill pushed with an amendment to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, to provide 33 per cent reservation for women legislators in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.The opposition clarified that it is not against the women’s reservation and urged them to implement Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 but objected to the delimitation process, which they believe weakens the representation of the southern and north-eastern states in the Lok Sabha. The decision was made in a meeting at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. Along with Congress President, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, RJD Working President Tejashwi Yadav, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, and other prominent INDIA bloc leaders attended the meeting. After the meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge announced the INDIA bloc’s decision, accusing the government of making a “politically motivated” move to suppress the opposition parties. “We are all in favour of the Women’s Reservation Bill. But the way in which they have brought it, we have reservations about that. It is politically motivated. Just to suppress the Opposition parties, the govt is doing this. Though we have supported the Women’s Reservation Bill continuously, we insist that the earlier amendments be implemented. They are playing some tricks with delimitation. We all parties should unitedly should fight in Parliament. We will oppose this bill, but we are not against the reservation (for women),” Kharge said. “The way in which they have put in the bill, be it delimitation, they have not even cleared the census. All powers of the Constitution are being taken by the executive. Mostly, the power which can be exercised by the institutions, the parliament they have given is so that they can change delimitation at any time…They have already deceived us in Assam and J&K,” he added. Adding to Kharge’s statement, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh expressed concern over the delimitation move, alleging that the delimitation commission is a “weapon” in the hands of the BJP. “This delimitation is very dangerous. According to this bill, the proportion of many states will decrease, especially for southern states and northeastern states. The way the delimitation commission has worked in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, it is clear that the commission is a weapon in the BJP’s hands to gain a majority. We are against the delimitation. We want women’s reservation from the next Lok Sabha election,” he said. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women legislators, is linked to the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha. The government is planning to implement the women’s reservation ahead of the 2029 General Elections by bringing in an amendment to the 2023 Act and a constitutional amendment to delink the delimitation process from the 2027 census. 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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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 Stylish Senior Living Is Here EXPLORE OUR RESIDENCES Find the perfect floor plan to fit your style and budget at an Erickson Senior Living®managed community near you! • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • The Grandview℠ Bethesda, MD • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD Call 1-800-691-2034 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. 2535500 EricksonSeniorLiving.com ECI ensures home voting for elderly and differently abled, says “democracy delivered to the doorstep” West Bengal [India], April 15 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Wednesday, April 15, posted on X about ensuring the facility of home voting so that every elector can exercise their right to vote. In the post, it said, “Chunav Ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv!”, highlighting the election as a matter of pride for West Bengal. It further stated that democracy is being delivered to the doorstep. The ECI announced that home voting is underway across Jhargram district in West Bengal, and that the facility will be provided to elderly and PwD (Persons with Disabilities) electors. The step ensures that every voter can cast their vote with dignity and comfort from their homes. The note concluded by stating that bringing the booth to the voter strengthens inclusive participation. The post read: “Chunav Ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv! Democracy delivered to the doorstep. Home voting is underway across Jhargram district for elderly and PwD electors. This facility ensures that every elector can exercise their right to vote with ease and dignity from the comfort of their homes.” Earlier, the ECI, on Tuesday, announced that a total of 2,926 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, as per an official press note. The election is scheduled to be held in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and the results will be announced on May 4. After the final list was prepared, 1,478 candidates are contesting in Phase I across 152 constituencies, while 1,448 candidates are in the race for Phase II, covering 142 constituencies. According to a press note released on Tuesday, the last date for filing nominations for West Bengal (Phase II) was April 9. The scrutiny of nominations took place on April 10, and candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until This Common Nutrient Could Supercharge Cancer Treatment: Study Washington, D.C. [US], April 10 (ANI): Researchers at the University of Chicago have identified a new potential role for zeaxanthin, a plant-based compound commonly known for supporting eye health, suggesting it may also enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. According to findings published in Cell Reports Medicine, zeaxanthin may improve the activity of key immune cells involved in targeting and destroying tumors, potentially strengthening the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. “We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumor immunity,” said Jing Chen, PhD, Janet Davison RowApril 13, 3:00 PM. The Election Commission directed Returning Officers to publish the final list of candidates in the official gazette. (ANI) ley Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and senior author of the study. “Our study shows that a simple dietary nutrient could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy,” Chen added. The study found that zeaxanthin enhances the performance of CD8+ T cells, a type of immune cell responsible for identifying and killing cancer cells. Researchers observed that the compound stabilizes the T-cell receptor complex, strengthening internal signaling and increasing immune activation. This leads to improved cytokine production and a greater ability of T cells to destroy tumor cells. In mouse models, zeaxanthin supplementation slowed tumor growth. The effect was even stronger when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a widely used form of cancer immunotherapy. Laboratory tests on human-engineered T cells also showed improved cancer-killing ability against melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells. “Our data show that zeaxanthin improves both natural and engineered T-cell responses, which suggests high translational potential for patients undergoing immunotherapies,” Chen said. Zeaxanthin is already available as an overthe-counter supplement and is found naturally in foods such as spinach, kale, and orange peppers. Researchers say its safety profile and accessibility make it a strong candidate for further clinical study. The study also builds on earlier findings from the same lab showing that other dietary compounds may similarly enhance immune function. Researchers emphasized that the findings are still in early stages and largely based on laboratory and animal studies. Clinical trials will be required to determine whether the benefits translate to cancer patients. “Our findings open a new field of nutritional immunology,” Chen said, adding that further research could help identify natural compounds that improve the effectiveness of modern cancer therapies. (ANI)
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