INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 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 92 MPs suspended from Parliament; Opposition terms it “murder of democracy” Vol 32 No: 51 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday December 22, 2023 New Delhi [India], December 18 (ANI): In a major escalation of tensions between the Opposition and the BJP-led government at the Centre, 78 MPs were suspended from both Houses of Parliament on Monday, taking the total number of suspended MPs in this session to 92 after which Opposition leaders termed it a “murder of democracy.” The reason behind the suspension of Opposition MPs for the rest of the Winter Session was cited as “misconduct” and failure to adhere to the directions of the Chair. But 92 MPs from the Parliament were suspended following a ruckus over the demand by the Opposition of a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah on Parliament security breach incident. When the Lok Sabha resumed proceedings in the afternoon, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion to suspend 30 opposition MPs for “misconduct” and “utter disregard” to the chair. Three other Congress MPs’ suspension has been referred to the Privileges Committee. The MPs who were suspended in Lok Sabha on Monday for the remainder of the session on Monday include Kalyan Banerjee (TMC), A. Raja (DMK), Dayanidhi Maran (DMK), Aparupa Poddar (TMC), Prasun Banerjee (TMC), E.T. Mohammed Basheer (IUML), G. Selvam (DMK), C.N. Annadurai (DMK), Adhir Ranjan Choudhary (Congress), T. Sumathy (DMK), K. Navaskani (IUML), K. Veeraswamy (DMK), N.K. Premchandran (RSP), Saugata Roy (TMC), Satabdi Roy (TMC), Asit Kumar Mal (TMC), Kaushelendra Kumar (JDU), Anto Antony (Congress), S.S. Palanimanickam (DMK), Thirunavukkarasar (Congress), Pratima Mondal (TMC), Kakoli 92 MPS SUSPENDED SEE PAGE 14 ENDS JANUARY 2 NX F SPORT RX F SPORT ES F SPORT WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER TREE Some gifts never stop giving. Apne liye ek aisa gift dhund nikaliye at the December to Remember Sales Event. Now through January 2. Bow optional. ©2023 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Those hiding in other countries...trial in absentia introduced” New Delhi [India], December 20 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the new criminal law bills have a provision of trial in absentia for those who are “hiding in other countries” for terror acts and other offences in India. Replying to the debate in Lok Sabha on Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, Amit Shah said if those hiding in other countries do not appear before the court within 90 days, then in their absence, trial will go on. “Many may have objections to the provisions under trial in absentia. What sympathy can there be for someone who has committed a crime and fled the country? Whether it’s the Mumbai bomb blast or any other act of terrorism. They commit any crime and take refuge in countries like Pakistan or others. The question arises, should they be punished or not?” The Home Minister said those evading trial by staying abroad should face legal consequences. “Those people are hiding in other countries, and trials are not underway...Ninety days will be given for the accused to appear before the court. If they fail to do so, a public prosecutor will be appointed for their prosecution. This approach will not only expedite the legal process but also change their status in the other country when they are prosecuted. It will make the process to bring them back speedy.”Amit Shah said that the new criminal law bills are in consonance with the spirit of the Constitution and have been brought keeping in mind the well-being of the people of the country. The House later passed the three bills which will replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973 and Indian Evidence Act, of 1872. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill 2023 will replace the IPC, CrPC and the Evidence Act respectively. (ANI)
December 22, 2023 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • 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 Congress launches crowdfunding campaign ‘Donate for Desh’ New Delhi [India], December 18 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched the crowdfunding campaign ‘Donate for Desh‘ for the party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The campaign aims at “empowering the party to create an India rich in equal resource distribution and opportunities”. Speaking about the campaign, Kharge said that this is the first time that Congress is asking people for donations and cited Mahatma Gandhi, who also took donations from the public during the freedom struggle. “It’s the first time that Congress is asking people for donations for the nation... If you work only by depending on the rich people, then you have to follow their policies. Mahatma Gandhi also took donations from the public during the freedom struggle,” said Kharge. During the launch of the campaign, marking 138 years of the party’s existence, Kharge donated Rs 1 lakh 38 thousand. Another congress leader, and Delhi Congress President Arvinder Singh Lovely said, “This is a very nice initiative by AICC. Even Congress President Mallikarjun Khadge believes it is better to ask for contributions from the common people rather than businessmen. So we expect all our party workers and senior leaders to contribute.” “One thing I’m particularly excited about is, when we will go door to door to meet our voters after December 28, it will prove to be a win-win situation,” he added. This initiative is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s historic ‘Tilak Swaraj Fund’ in 192021 and aims to empower our party in creating an India rich in equal resource distribution and opportunities, Congress leader KC Venugopal said while speaking about the campaign. The crowdsourcing campaign will remain in vogue online till December 28, the foundation day, after which the party will will initiate ground campaigns, including door-to-door visits by volunteers, targeting at least ten houses in every booth for contributions of at least Rs 138 from each house. (ANI)
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December 22, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK
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December 22, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi promises to make India third largest economy of world in his third innings Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday promised to make India the third-largest economy in the world in his third innings. Gifting projects worth more than Rs 19,000 crores to Varanasi and Purvanchal at a programe held at Barki Gram Sabha of Sewapuri block, the Prime Minister said that he felt the happiest when the world sang praises of Kashi, adding that “when Kashi develops, UP develops and when UP develops, the country develops.” The projects that were inaugurated or their foundation stones were laid, covered different areas namely, drinking water supply, critical care unit in trauma center, roads, electricity, Ganga ghat, railways, airport and solar energy. The Prime Minister also flagged off four trains including the second Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to New Delhi on the occasion. It is noteworthy that just before the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi had said that for him, farmers, women, youth and poor were the only castes and only with 100 percent welfare of these four castes, India would become a developed nation. During his speech, the Prime Minister also communicated with the people several times in Bhojpuri. He described Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra as a mobile university for all those working in public life. The Prime Minister started his speech in Bhojpuri language saying that the people of Kashi broke all previous records in terms of footfall during this year’s Dev Diwali though he was not present during the festival. He said that no matter how much service he could render to Mahadev, he always felt that he could have done more. The Prime Minister emphasised that today the entire country, including Kashi, is committed to building a developed India. “The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has reached thousands of villages and cities. The vehicle running in this yatra is being described by the countrymen as Modi’s guaranteed vehicle. Now, it is our endeavour that no poor and eligible person is deprived of the benefits From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- December 15, 2023 HEALING HANDS – Elizabeth Searle Lamb Dear God, let my hands be always hands of healing through which You Life may radiate to lessen pain, to bring a renewal of peace and healing wherever needed. Dear God, let my hands bring through their touch some essence of Your Love flowing through them to bring comfort and joy I offer my hands as a channel use them as Your healing tools of government’s welfare schemes”, he remarked. He added “Earlier, the poor used to make rounds of the government, now the government itself is reaching out to the poor. The biggest thing that people have got from this is confidence. Those who have benefited from the schemes have got the confidence that their lives will get better. Those who have not got the benefits of the schemes so far, have the confidence that one day they will get it. The nation’s belief that India will become a developed nation by 2047 has also got strengthened.” The Prime Minister said that he has also benefited a lot from participating in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. “Meeting confident children and women exposes you to the power that lies within the society. I have got the opportunity to see, understand and know many powerful mothers, children and youth. I have learnt so much during this two-day stay in Kashi that I consider myself to be blessed”, he asserted. The Prime Minister said that along with making living in Kashi easy, the government is also working equally hard to improve connectivity of the city with other places and increase the income of its residents as tourism in Kashi continues to expand, creating thousands of new employment opportunities. The Prime Minister asked the public in Bhojpuri, “Tell me once, whether the number of tourists has increased from Godaulia to Lanka.” He also gave information about the Unified Tourist Pass System under Smart City project and the tourist website of Varanasi, which was launched today. He said in Bhojpuri itself, “People coming to Kashi from outside won’t know the joy of having malai (cream) and chuda-matar (beaten rice with peas) in winter. The website will have information about all these as well as Godaulia’s chaat, and Ramnagar’s Lassi.” He further said that double engine government is continuously working to increase the income of 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 Kashi. The Prime Minister also mentioned the dedicated freight corridor between Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction and New Bhaupur Junction, the 800 MW solar power park to be set up in Chitrakoot and other projects which will be inaugurated or, whose foundation stone will be laid. On the importance of drone technology in agriculture, he said that drones are going to shape the future of India’s agricultural system. “The government has launched NaMo Drone Didi. Under this campaign, women of self-help groups are being given training to operate drones Modi informed. While mentioning Banas Dairy Plant, he said that its construction is going on at a fast pace in Varanasi and will be completed in the next one-two months. Banas Dairy is investing Rs 500 crore in Kashi. PM Modi said that the entire area of Purvanchal has been neglected for decades, but with the blessings of Mahadev, Modi is engaged in your service. He said that behind Modi’s guarantee is the strength of my relatives of Kashi. You always stand with me and strengthen my resolutions. On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, state government ministers Jaiveer Singh, Anil Rajbhar, Ravindra Jaiswal, Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu and other dignitaries and a large number of people of Kashi were present. The projects include the inauguration of New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Nagar-New Bhaupur Dedicated Freight Corridor Project built at a cost of around Rs 10,900 crore among other railway projects. He flagged off Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express train, Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train and a pair of Long Haul goods trains at the newly inaugurated Dedicated Freight Corridor. He also flagged off the 10,000th locomotive made by Banaras Locomotive Works. He inaugurated the green-field ShivpurPhulwaria-Lahartara road along with two ROBs at a cost of more than Rs 370 crores. Other key projects being inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the strengthening and widening of 20 roads; Sangam Ghat road in Kaithi village and the construction of residential buildings in Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hospital, two 200 and 150bed multi-storey barrack buildings in Police line and PAC Bhullanpur, smart bus shelters built at 9 locations and 132 KW substation built at Alaipur. He also launched the Unified Tourist Pass System under the Smart City Mission. (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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December 22, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Spicer Adventist University Honors SME Council President Elisha Pulivarti Pune-India: Elisha Pulivarti, President of Small Business Enterprise Council (SMEC) based in Maryland (Washington DC capital region), was honored by the Spicer Adventist University (SAU) conferring him the prestigious M.E. Cherian Leadership award in recognition of his contributions to representing the Seventhday Adventist Church to Government agencies both in the United States and India. Pulivarti was a part of the team to raise funds for the construction of Spicer House of Prayer and fundraising on behalf of Spicer Adventist University. It was the University’s fifth convocation program. Two hundred seventy five students were awarded their graduate and postgraduate degrees from the Schools of Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Commerce, Performing Arts and Religious Studies. About 17 students received Gold Medals in various fields. Chandan Daliparti, MSc (Botany) stuent who topped the university rank with 91.32 percentage was awarded the Gold Medallion from the President of the United States. Two members of the SAU Faculty were also recognized with U S President’s Gold Medallion for their contributions in guiding the students to achieve their goals and campus beautification. Dr. Geofrey Mbwana, General Vice President of the General Conference of the SeventhDay Adventist Church (World Head Quarters), Silver Spring, MD was the Chief Guest and Dr. Vincent Richard, Vice Chancellor, Adventist University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya was the Guest of Honor. The President of the Southern Asia Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Ezras Lakra, SAU ViceChancellor Dr. Sanjeevan Arsud, Academic Council, and Management Council of Spicer Adventist University along with the family of Dr M. E. Cherian unanimously concurred to honor pulivarti Dr. Sanjeevan Arsud, Vice Chancellor of the Spicer Adventist University, Pune, India was presenting the “Dr. Malaikal Eapen Cherian Leadership Award” to Mr. Elisha Pulivarti, for his outstanding contributions to the Seventh-day Adventist Church globally.... Dr. Susan Thomas, received the President’s Gold Medallion for her outstanding contributions to the University and students Mrs. Anne Sanjeevan, received the President’s Gold Medallion for her outstanding contributions to the Students and University with the award. Dr. Geofrey Mbwana, General Vice President of the General Conference of the SeventhDay Adventist Church (World HeadQuarters), Silver Spring, MD was the Chief Guest and Dr. Vincent Richard, Vice Chancellor, Adventist University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya and Elisha Pulivarti were the Guests of Honor. Spicer Adventist University, formerly known as Spicer Memorial College was established in 1915, and is one of the most reputed Christian Universities in India. It is a Private university run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church which operates the second largest chain of Christian educational institutions in the world. Based on a work centered educational approach -the only one ANNOUCEMENT! MSc Student Chandan Daliparti who received the Presidental Gold Medallion from President of the United State of America as a top student 91% from Spicer Adventist University. of its kind in IndiaSpicer Memorial College now ‘Spicer Adventist University’ is acclaimed among the educational and political circles especially in Maharashtra. Unlike other universities, SAU has international student enrollment whose contributions shape the entire university outlook and provide a cosmopolitan character. Nestled in the heart of Pune, Spicer campus sits on a sprawling 74 acre property close to Pune University. SAU has a serene and excellent atmosphere for learning and its graduates have better employment prospects. They offer degrees in the fields of science, education, philosophy, theology, social sciences, nursing, education and many more. Dr. Malaikal Eapen (M.E.) Cherian Leadership Award is instituted in honor of former President and Chairman of Spicer Memorial College and its Board (1963-1990) who later led the SeventhDay Adventist Church as President of the Southern Asia Division of the Seventh-Day Adventists The Southern Asian Church (SASDAC) is planning to hold The “Spicer Alumni Reflections Meet” from April 5—7, 2024 in Maryland. Planning to have fun-filled activities. Fundraiser and games and social program and more.....we also planning to recognize the outstanding Spicer Alumni’s...... Please plan to attend this wonderful and great event.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 2023 9 Heavy rains wreak havoc in South Tamil Nadu: Rescue and relief operations in full swing Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 19 (ANI): As the Southern Tamil Nadu faces severe flood crisis due to heavy rains that have lashed the region in the last 24 hours. The state and central governments have launched massive rescue and relief operations to help the affected people. “On December 18, Tamil Nadu received unprecedented rains in the last 24 hours that have caused extensive flooding in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. The IAF responded swiftly and tasked Air Force Station Sulur with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, which is currently being undertaken by MI -17 V5 helicopter,” the Indian Air Force said in a post on ‘X’. Indian Army rescued flood-affected people from the Vasavappapuram area in Thoothukudi. They rescued 118 people from the flood-affected areas of Vasaipuram in Tamil Nadu. “Owing to incessant rains in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Army’s Relief Column was activated at Vasaipuram, Tamil Nadu, today. Till 9:30 pm, 17 ladies and 13 others, including children, were evacuated by the first column. The second column evacuated 12 women, including one pregnant woman, 6 children, including an infant and 12 others. Simultaneously, 26 women, 10 children and 28 others were evacuated by the third column,” the Indian Army said in a statement. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials also conducted rescue operations in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi area earlier today.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting on the flood situation in southern Tamil Nadu through a video conference from New Delhi. Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, monitoring officers and concerned district collectors attended the meeting. Meena also requested assistance from the armed forces to help rescue stranded people. He said that the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have been called in to help with the unprecedented flooding and rains in Tamil Nadu. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister MK Stalin said that he had instructed party cadres from the rainaffected districts to assist in the ongoing relief work. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that he is monitoring the relief work and is in contact with officials. Some districts in Tamil Nadu, such as Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi, have been witnessing heavy rainfall since Sunday morning, triggering floods and disrupting normal life. Several areas of Kanyakumari city also faced severe waterlogging and flood-like situations as the region continued to receive heavy rainfall over the past few days. Issuing a red alert in South Tamil Nadu, the India Meteorological Department said that heavy to very heavy with extremely heavy falls– above 204.4 mm–are likely to continue over the region on Monday. The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for all schools, colleges, private institutions, banks and financial institutions in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi districts on Monday due to heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has convened a meeting tomorrow (December 19) in Raj Bhavan, Chennai, with senior officials of Central Agencies and Armed Forces to review the situation in flood-affected southern districts of Tamil Nadu and to mobilise the maximum possible resources for rescue and relief, as per a statement from the Raj Bhavan. (ANI)
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