Month: March 2023

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday sent Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia to Enforcement Directorate remand till March 17 in the Excise policy case.

Special Judge MK Nagpal allowed ED to quiz Sisodia for seven days.

This comes after Sisodia was presented before the court at 2 pm today after he was arrested by ED yesterday after hours of questioning in Tihar Jail where the AAP leader is lodged.

ED has sought 10 days custody of Sisodia in the matter.

During the hearing, senior Advocates Dayan Krishnan, Mohit Mathur and Siddharth Agarwal, appearing for Manish Sisodia, opposed ED plea seeking Sisodia’s 10-day custody.

The agency said that it is seeking 10-day custody to interrogate Manish Sisodia to identify the modus operandi and to confront other persons who have been summoned.

ED lawyer told the court that the excise was implemented as part of a conspiracy to give wholesale business profit of 12 percent to certain private companies. ED told the court that the margin of 12 percent of wholesale profit margin to private entities was never discussed in the meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM).

“There was a conspiracy to frame the policy in such a manner so as to ensure illegal benefits to some persons,” ED said.

The ED told the court that Manish Sisodia had purchased SIM cards and mobile phones in the names of other people.

The agency also apprised the court that the proceeds of crime are quantified for over Rs. 292 crores. The probe agency apprised the court about the meeting between Vijay Nair and K Kavitha (BRS MLC).

There was a conspiracy behind framing the excise policy. The conspiracy was coordinated by Vijay Nair, along with others and the Excise policy was brought out for extraordinary profit margin for wholesalers, ED argued in the court.

ED stated that accused Butchibabu Gorantla disclosed that there was a political understanding between then Dy CM Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha who also met Vijay Nair. Butchibabu is the former auditor of K Kavitha and is presently on bail.

Opposing ED’s submission, Manish Sisodia’s lawyer called money laundering a draconian act where the power to arrest is an extreme position.

Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan called the arrest as malafide with the intention to keep the man in continued detention.

Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan apprised the court that the Excise policy went to then LG, which sent three queries but none of them related to the profit margin or eligibility criteria. The lawyer also quizzed why the probe agency is not able to trace any money from his client.

Countering Sisodia’s lawyer’s arguments, the ED lawyer told the court that if the policy is a matter of executive then there would not be a coal scam or a 2G scam.

Earlier, Sisodia was arrested on Thursday by ED in money laundering in connection with the excise policy case.

He was arrested during his Judicial custody in Tihar Jail, where he was lodged in.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 9 arrested former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case, after hours of questioning at Tihar Jail.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in the liquor policy case on February 26 and was sent to 14-day judicial custody on March 6.

The ED also made another arrest in the case earlier, as it took Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai into its custody.

The ED, on Thursday, summoned Bharatiya Rashtriya Samiti (BRS) MLC and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao’s daughter K Kavitha for questioning in the liquor policy case.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI earlier in its ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court had sent him to Judicial Custody in case being probed by CBI (ANI)

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Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio will pay an official visit to India on March 20-21.

During the visit, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both sides will discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
They will also discuss their priorities for their respective Presidencies of the G7 and G20.

India is currently the chair of the Group of 20 economies for 2023.

Japanese foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi could not attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting due to an ongoing session of the Japanese Parliament.

The Japanese foreign minister participated in the 8th Raisina Dialogue in the morning of March 3.

He participated in the panel discussion, “The QUAD Squad: Power and Purpose of the Polygon “, and stated that the Quad is not an effort to counter nor to pursue military cooperation, but to promote practical cooperation. Minister Hayashi also stated that, as four countries which share fundamental values, the Quad intends to lead efforts to maintain and enhance a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

During the panel, Minister Hayashi engaged in a lively discussion on concrete cooperation among the Quad and the relations with regional countries, with Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India.

He drew an analogy between the Asian Quad with the iconic English rock band ‘The Beatles’ and said the grouping of Japan, Australia, the United States, and India is more like a “soft Beatles” where the members can release their “solo albums”.

In tandem with other G7 members, Japan has been bolstering economic sanctions on Russia. But India has abstained from implementing punitive measures against Russia.

India has also emerged as a key nation of the “Global South,” a term that collectively refers to developing countries in areas such as Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Nikkei Asia reported last week that Kishida is keen to deepen ties with such countries to pave the way for the success of the G7 in-person summit scheduled for May in Japan’s western city of Hiroshima.

During the envisioned meeting, Kishida is expected to invite Modi to participate in the G7 summit. (ANI)

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Actor Masaba Gupta, on Thursday, shared a throwback picture in the memory of actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik, who passed away on Wednesday night after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Taking to Instagram, Masaba shared a collage image which she captioned, “Satish ji as calendar was such a refreshing addition and I learnt how large hearted he was when I saw an interview with Neenaji… Neena ji mentioned how he had come forward to help her when Masaba needed admissions in school and there were some challenges… Looks like God is on a spree to collect his good sentinels.. sending love your way Satish ji and oh yes I loved Roop ki Rani Choron ka Raja.”

The picture showcased Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher and Satish Kaushik from years ago, and all of them looking young.

The monochromatic photo shows Neena on the left, Anupam in the middle, and Satish on the right.

The late actor and director could be seen with side-parted hair and a moustache.

Soon after she shared the picture, fans flooded the comment section with red hearts and fire emoticons.

“The star’s of Hindi cinema. A complete brilliance together,” a fan commented.

Another fan wrote, “We lost such a versatile actor.”

“Rest in peace Calender,” a user wrote.

“Literally from the archives. Memories!,” another user commented.

Meanwhile, Neena in her autobiography, ‘Sach Kahun Toh’ revealed that Satish had proposed to her once when she was pregnant with Masaba.

Satish Kaushik died on Wednesday night at the age of 66 years.

Satish Kaushik was a versatile actor, writer, director and producer, who made his mark in the Indian film industry with his captivating performances and unique sense of humour. He gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for his work in popular films such as ‘Mr India’, ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’, and ‘Judaai’.

Over the years, Satish established himself as one of the most sought-after character actors in Bollywood, often playing supporting roles that were integral to the plot. He was also known for his work as a writer and director, having directed films such as ‘Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja’ and ‘Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain’. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Australian PM Anthony Albanese, in light of the recent attacks on temples in Australia, has assured that the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Australia is a priority for him.

“Since the last few weeks, news of attacks on temples in Australia are coming regularly. It is natural that such news worries people in India. I have raised these concerns with Prime Minister Albanese who has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for him,” PM Modi said during India-Australia: Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements on Friday.
The PM while speaking alongside Australian PM Anthony Albanese, said: “On this subject, our teams will be in regular touch and will cooperate as best as possible. It is important to deal with such challenges and global well-being.”

The PM said that the Indian diaspora is now the second-largest immigrant community in Australia. “This Indian community is contributing a lot to the society and economy of Australia,” the PM said.

PM Modi said he expressed gratitude to the Australian PM for the country’s cooperation in India’s G20 chairmanship.

PM Modi said that at the G20 Summit in September, he will again have the opportunity to welcome the Australian PM to India.

“Once again, a very warm welcome to the Prime Minister in India. I am sure that his visit will give new momentum and momentum to our relations,” the PM said.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Wednesday arrived in Ahmedabad on a state visit to India.

Albanese who is on an official visit to India from March 8-11, was welcomed by the Gujarat Chief Minister Patel.

The Indian High Commission in Canberra recently condemned the “deeply disturbing” incidents of vandalisation of three Hindu temples in Melbourne, and asked the Australian Government to ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian community and their properties in the country.

In January, ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Temple was vandalized in Melbourne’s Albert Park area. Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs was vandalized on January 16 and BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in the Mill Park area on January 12.

“The High Commission of India strongly condemns the deeply disturbing incidents of vandalization, including of three Hindu temples in Melbourne in recent weeks. The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which includes glorification of anti-Indian terrorists,” read a release issued by the Indian High Commission in Canberra on its official Twitter handle @HCICanberra.

The commission said that these vandalisation incidents are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community. (ANI)

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Top business chieftains of India and the United States will meet on Friday in the national capital to strengthen business and commercial relations between the two countries. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo will chair the meeting.

Sources told ANI that Tata Sons’ Chairperson N Chandrasekaran and Lockheed Martin’s CEO James Taiclet will co-chair the meeting. The India-US CEO Forum meeting is scheduled today between 3:30 pm and 5:15 pm.
According to sources, Bharti Group Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal; Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra; Otis Elevator Chair, President and CEO Judy Marks; Jubilant Bhartia Group Founder and Co-Chairman Hari S. Deloitte Global CEO Bhartia and Infosys CEO and MD Salil Parekh will attend the meeting.

Sources told ANI that around two dozen CEOs of top Indian companies will also be present. Around one dozen CEOs of top US companies will represent the US side of the business, including MasterCard CEO Michael Miebach, FedEx President and CEO Rajesh Subramaniam.

Today, India and the US signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the semiconductor supply chain and innovation partnership during the India-USA Commercial Dialogue, which was re-launched, with a strategic outlook and a focus on supply chain resiliency and diversification and new emerging areas, after a gap of three years.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo signed the agreement during the Dialogue in New Delhi today.

US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo is on a visit to New Delhi at the invitation of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. (ANI)

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was accorded received a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his Australian counterpart at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Australian PM inspected a Guard of Honour.

“I thank PM Modi for a very warm welcome here. Australia and India are great friends. We are partners and we are building that partnership even stronger each and every day,” Albanese said.

“We are competing on the cricket field to be the world’s best but together we are building a better world,” the visiting leader said.

Later in the day, the Australian PM will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The two leaders are expected to discuss various gamut of issues to further boost the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between their nations. Besides, both leaders are also expected to hold talks on trade, investment, defence, education and renewable energy.

PM Albanese will also call on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan later this evening.

Earlier on Thursday, Albanese mounted a fighter aircraft onboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in Mumbai. The Australian PM sat inside the fighter jet while officers of the Indian Navy shared details and information on India’s biggest aircraft carrier. He also watched day 1 of the final test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad.

“I’m very honoured to be here today on the newly commissioned Indian-designed and manufactured INS Vikrant, my visit reflects my government’s commitment to place India at the heart of Australia’s approach to India both Pacific and beyond. Whilst here, I have had the great pleasure of meeting with the talented and highly professional men and women of India’s Navy. What lifts defence relationships to new levels is the resolve and foresight of those who see the relationship not just for what it is, but for what it could be. One such person is my friend, Prime Minister Modi,” the Australian PM said while interacting with mediapersons after climbing onboard INS Vikrant.

Albanese thanked PM Modi for his “dedication to driving forward our defence and security partnership which is of increasing strategic importance as we navigate the challenges of our region together”. He called India a “top-tier security partner.”

“For Australia, India is a top-tier security partner. The Indian Ocean is central to both countries’ security and prosperity. And there has never been a point in our country’s history where we’ve had such a strong strategic alignment which has been reinforced by my current visit to India and will be reinforced further by Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the quad leaders meeting,” the Australian PM added.

Australian PM further said, “In a short period of time, we both depend on free and open access to sea lanes in the Indopacific for our trade and for our economic well-being. And we share an unwavering commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and ensuring the Indopacific is open, inclusive and prosperous.”

On his maiden India trip, Albanese and PM Narendra Modi briefly watched the ongoing fourth and final Test for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, between India and Australia, at Ahmedabad on Thursday.

A special coin, minted to mark the occasion, was used at the toss. The Prime Ministers also took a lap around the stadium on a specially designed chariot to mark the occasion.

Albanese also compared the cricket match with the burgeoning bilateral ties between India and Australia, saying that both countries were cooperating to make a better world just as their cricket teams were competing to be the best in the world. (ANI)

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Pakistan on Thursday said that it has yet not decided upon attending a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Goa starting on May 2023.

“Now, regarding the in-person participation that you have asked about, at this stage we do not have final decisions. When these decisions are taken we will share them with you. It is a bit early for me to speculate on these meetings,” said Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson.
India has invited Pakistan’s foreign minister to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting scheduled to take place on May 4-5, 2023 in Goa.

SCO is an important transregional organization that aims to strengthen economic linkages and cooperation among its Member States in different fields. Every year, SCO develops a calendar of activities, which include the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers,” added the spokesperson.

India has formally sent invitations to all members of the SCO including Pakistan and China for the upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting which will be held in Goa from May 4-5.

The invitation includes invites to the new Foreign Minister of China Qin Gang and Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto.

India took over the chairmanship of the 9-member mega grouping in September last year and will be holding key ministerial meetings and the summit this year.

Relations between the two countries have been precarious for many years with regard to issues of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, even as Islamabad has been seeking the restoration of Article 370 for the former Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir for any talks.

Moreover, Pakistan has been trumpeting the Kashmir issues at all international forums without any support coming.

Recently, India slammed Pakistan on the issue of the religious freedom of minorities at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Using its right to reply, India’s representative Seema Pujani slammed her Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar saying, “No religious minority can freely live or practice its religion in Pakistan today. The Ahmadiya community continues to be persecuted by the state for simply practising their faith.”

Responding to the statement delivered by Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, Pujani said, “Pakistan’s representative has once again chosen to misuse this august forum for its malicious propaganda against India.”

The Indian Representative also shed light on the issue of enforced disappearances.

“In the last decade, Pakistan’s own commission of inquiry on enforced disappearances has received 8463 complaints. The Baloch people have borne the brunt of this cruel policy. Students, doctors, engineers, teachers and community leaders are regularly disappeared by the state, never to return back,” said Pujani.

She also raised concern over a “predatory state and an apathetic judiciary,” regarding the conversion of underage minority girls.

“Underage girls from the community are converted to Islam abetted by a predatory state and an apathetic judiciary. Hindu and Sikh communities face similar issues of frequent attack on their places of worship and forced conversion of their underage girls. The state’s crackdown on those who wish to raise their voice against any of these heinous policies is also incomparable. A bill which proposes a five-year jail term for anyone who scandalizes or ridicules the military or the judiciary is currently on the table in Pakistan’s parliament,” said Pujani.

The Indian diplomat also slammed Pakistan for supporting terrorism, saying, that Pakistan’s “security agencies have nurtured and sheltered Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar for decades”.

“When it is not entirely focused on suppressing its own population, Pakistan actively lends its energies to aid, host and abet international terrorists. It has the unique distinction of hosting the most number of UNSC-designated terrorists and terror organizations. Allow me to recall that Osama bin Laden lived next to Pakistan’s premier military academy. Its security agencies have nurtured and sheltered Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azar for decades. These are but a few dreaded names from the annals of Pakistan’s history of supporting terrorism. Pakistan’s policies are directly responsible for the death of thousands of civilians around the world. Pakistan’s obsession with India while its population battle for their lives, livelihood and freedom is an indicator,” she added. (ANI)

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