India Archives - Page 44 of 53 - Lokmarg

Enough Food Grains In Stock To Meet Demands: Centre

By LokMarg 15th December 2022

The government has sufficient food grain stocks under the central pool to meet the requirement of the food security program, additional allocation from PMGKAY, and other welfare schemes.

About 159 lakh tonnes of wheat will be available at the start of January 2023, which would be well above the buffer norm requirement of 138 lakh tonne, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said in a statement on Thursday. As on December 12, 2022, around 182 lakh tonnes of wheat is available in the central pool.

On the price front, the ministry’s statement said the government is well aware of the price scenario of wheat and is constantly monitoring it regularly on weekly basis along with other commodities and taking corrective measures, as and when required.

“Government of India has taken proactive steps to ward off any further price rise and export regulations were imposed with effect from 13.05.2022. Further, the allocations under NFSA as well as PMGKAY have also been revised in favor of rice for having sufficient wheat stock in the central pool to cater to the requirements of welfare schemes,” the statement said.

Further, the ministry said though the procurement of wheat from farmers during last season was on the lower side due to lesser production, coupled with selling by farmers at prices higher than MSP in the open market, enough stock of the staple food grain will still be available till the time next wheat crop arrives. (ANI)

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LAC Clash: US Supports Indian Efforts To Deescalate Tension

By LokMarg 14th December 2022

The United States Department of Defence said that it continues to closely watch developments along the Line of Actual Control at the India-China border and noted that China “continues to amass forces and build military infrastructure along the so-called LAC.”

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder in an on-Camera Press Briefing on December 13 (local time) said that China is growingly asserting itself and being proactive in areas directed toward US allies and partners in Indo-Pacific.

Asked about the December 9 face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh, the spokesperson said, “The DoD continues to closely watch developments along the line of actual control at the India-China border.

“We have seen the PRC continue to amass forces and build military infrastructure along the so-called LAC. But I would defer you to India in terms of their views. It does reflect though, and it’s important to point out, the growing trend by the PRC to assert itself and to be provocative in areas directed towards US allies and our partners in the Indo-Pacific,” the Pentagon spokesperson said.

“…We will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the security of our partners. And we fully support India’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate this situation, Ryder said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament on Tuesday that Chinese troops had attempted to transgress the LAC at Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to “unilaterally change the status quo” but were given a firm and resolute response forcing the Chinese side to retreat. In his statement in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Singh said the face-off led to a physical scuffle that led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides but “there were no fatalities or serious casualties” to Indian soldiers.

“The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels,” Singh told Parliament.

On Tuesday (local time), the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the US is closely monitoring the situation and that Washington is ” glad to hear that both sides appear to have quickly disengaged from the clashes.”

” We are closely monitoring the situation. We encourage India and China to utilize existing bilateral channels to discuss disputed boundaries. Again, we are — we’re glad to see that there has been some disengagement on the clashes at this time,” the White House Press Secretary said.

The US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price also in his press briefing on December 13 (local time) stated that the Price stated that the US is glad to hear both sides have quickly disengaged after the clashes in Tawang.

“…we’re continuing to monitor very closely and to engage with our Indian partners,” Price said.

Responding to a question on the strategy of the US in case the situation escalates, the spokesperson said, “India is indeed an important strategic partner of the United States bilaterally, in the Quad, and other multilateral fora as well. So we’re always, with that in mind, in close contact with our Indian partners, both from our mission in India as well as from the State Department here in Washington.”

“… we do strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions, military or civilian, across the border at the established Line of Actual Control,” he said adding that, “We encourage India and China to utilize existing bilateral channels to discuss disputed boundaries.” (ANI)

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Bangladesh Calls For Resuming Dhaka-Guwahati Flight

By LokMarg 14th December 2022

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma, on Tuesday, held a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. During the meeting, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest.

In the meeting, AK Abdul Momen emphasized resuming Guwahati-Dhaka air service and highlighted the need to have direct air connectivity between Guwahati and Sylhet. He underscored the need for a direct bus service between Sylhet-Silchar to promote people-to-people contacts, strengthen bilateral ties and ensure collective prosperity in the region.

AK Abdul Momen expressed gratitude to India for inviting Bangladesh to participate in the G20 meetings as a “guest country” during its G20 presidency, according to the press release issued by Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry.

Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency for one year on December 1. He stressed that Bangladesh’s participation in the G20 meeting will uphold its country’s image in the regional settings.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister called for “bolder solidarity” to address the issues faced by the Global South to tackle the challenges, including COVID-19, the crisis in Europe, and financing for climate emergency and sustained development goals implementation.

During the meeting, AK Abdul Momen recalled the arrangements made by the Indian government during his recent visit to Silchar in Assam from December 1-3 to attend the first edition of the Silchar-Sylhet Festival.

Furthermore, Momen noted that the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh on various occasions have stressed building common platforms for promoting understanding and cooperation to further bolster ties between the two nations, according to Bangladesh Foreign Ministry’s press release.

AK Abdul Momen further said, “Following their guidance, this festival revisited the connection, heritage, historical cultural and linguistic affinity between the two countries in order to strengthen the age-old people-to-people ties.”

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen along with a delegation consisting of Parliamentarians arrived in Silchar, Assam to attend the “Silchar-Sylhet Festival 2022.”

Bangladesh delegation led by Foreign Minister crossed the Sheola Land Port at the Sylhet border this morning. The Indian authorities welcomed Momen and the other members of the Bangladesh delegation at Sutarkandi ICP.

In the two-day event of “Silchar-Sylhet Festival-2022,” Momen expressed his deep satisfaction and said, “After 50 years, I am privileged to cross the Bangladesh-India border through Shewla-Sutarkandi and my delegation is pleased with the cordial welcome they extended to us.”

AK Abdul Momen expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities and said that the Indians were warm and friendly. He said, “This is a historic event as two neighbours can get together in an atmosphere of hope and aspirations.” He was invited as the chief guest at the events organized on the occasion of the ‘1st Silchar-Sylhet Festival – 2022’ (ANI)

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These 3 Army Units Thwarted Chinese Aggression At Arunachal LAC

By LokMarg 13th December 2022

In the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Yangtse in the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh, PLA troops clashed with three units of the Indian Army belonging to different infantry regiments who thwarted their attempt to change status quo on the Line of Actual Control.

Sources on the ground told ANI that the troops belonging to three different battalions including Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, Jat regiment, and Sikh Light Infantry were present at the location of the clash last week when the Chinese tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the area.

The Chinese were armed with clubs, sticks, and other equipment for the clash. The Indian troops were also prepared for the clash as they had known the intentions of the adversary, they said.

One of the units of the Indian Army was on its way out of there and was being relieved by a new unit. However, the Chinese chose to clash on a day when both units were present in the area.

The Chinese Army troops try to enter these areas every year and try to patrol out their claim line which India does not allow.

The Chinese military has been behaving aggressively over issues in Yangtse in the vicinity of the Holy dip and Parikrama area on the Line of Actual Control where the Chinese side has been opposing Indian positions.

During the clash, sources said, the Chinese Army had come along with drones apparently to shoot the entire clash in which they were expecting to outnumber Indian soldiers.

The Chinese had come with over 300 troops who were pelting stones in an attempt to attack the Indian position but were beaten back badly and forced to retreat to their side of the LAC.

The area has seen clashes between the sides in the recent past also as the Chinese have been attempting their policy of encroaching on the land belonging to all their neighbours.

Home Minister Amit Shah has made it clear that the Indian forces would not allow anyone to capture an inch of land anywhere in the country.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated in Parliament that Indian Army troops bravely stopped the Chinese Army from transgressing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Yangtse area of Arunachal’s Tawang sector on December 9.

“I want to assure the House, that no Indian soldier was killed or severely injured. I also assure the House that our Army is capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country. Our Army is ready to tackle any transgression. I firmly believe the House will support the bravery and courage of our armed forces,” he said. (ANI)

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Lok Sabha Faces Disruption Over India-China Clashes In Arunachal

By LokMarg 13th December 2022

Speaker Om Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha on Tuesday amid a ruckus by the Opposition during Question Hour over the clash between troops of India and China along the Line of Actual Control at the Tawang border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said in the Lower House that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will make a statement on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Members of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha gave notices under Rule 267 and Rule 176 of the Rules of Procedure for the suspension of business to conduct a discussion on the December 9 clashes between the forces of India and China at the Tawang border.

The MPs including Ranjeet Ranjan, Randeep Singh Surjewala, L. Hanumanthaiah, Jebi Mather, Jajani Patil, Nasir Hussain, Manish Tewari, Manoj Kumar Jha and Priyanka Chaturvedi are among those who have sought a discussion on the issue soon after both the houses assemble for the day.

The MPs have demanded to suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other businesses of the day to have a discussion on the issue which needs immediate measures to combat such aggressions and protect India’s interests along the international border.

The clash near Yangtse along the LAC in the sensitive sector took place last Friday amid the over 30-month border standoff between the two sides in eastern Ladakh.

“On December 9, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector which was contested by own (Indian) troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to few personnel from both sides,” the Indian Army said in a statement.

“Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow up of the incident, own (Indian) commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity,” it said.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and service chiefs. (ANI)

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India Slams OIC Delegation Visit To Pak Occupied Kashmir

By LokMarg 13th December 2022

India on Tuesday condemned the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha’s visit to Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and his comment during the visit to Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

“We strongly condemn the visit of the OIC Secretary General to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and his comments on Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi replied to the media queries regarding Taha’s visit.

He further said, “Let me reiterate that OIC has no locus standing in matters related to Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India. Any attempt of interference and meddling in India’s internal affairs by OIC and its Secretary General is entirely unacceptable.”

Regarding OIC, Bagchi said that the organization had lost its credibility by taking a blatantly communal, partisan, and factually incorrect approach to issues. He also said that OIC’s Secretary-General has become a mouthpiece of Pakistan, according to the statement.

India hoped that Taha would refrain from becoming a partner in carrying out the ‘nefarious’ agenda of Pakistan of promoting cross-border terrorism in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, Bagchi said.

Earlier, on Monday, OIC General-Secretary met Pakistan’s Prime Minister during his three-day visit starting from December 10 to 12, OIC said in a statement.

Both sides exchanged views on the question of Palestine, humanitarian challenges faced by the people of Afghanistan, and efforts towards countering rising anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia across the globe.

The meeting also reviewed aspects of cooperation between OIC and Pakistan, in particular, on the implementation of the resolutions of the Council of Foreign Ministers during ongoing Pakistan’s chairmanship of the Council, according to the statement.

Earlier, on Saturday, Taha held a working session with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Both sides discussed relations between the OIC and Pakistan as well as issues related to Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Islamophobia, and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. (ANI)

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Jaishankar Hails India-UAE Relationship As ‘Ambitious’

By LokMarg 12th December 2022

In his address at India Global Forum in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called the relationship between India and UAE “ambitious” and said the ties are not limited really by its bilateral possibilities and can be felt the global level in the future.

“It is in many ways a very ambitious relationship because it’s not limited really by its bilateral possibilities. I’m very confident that as we get deeper into the relationship, it will also make itself felt at the global level,” Jaishankar said.

The Minister further hailed the ties between the two nations and reaffirmed that India and UAE are two countries that’ve known each other for a long time and would want to use this relationship today in a changing world.

During his address, the EAM also underscored the trade ties between India and UAE and added that UAE is today India’s 3rd largest trade partner and is also India’s 2nd largest export market.

More Indian citizens live in UAE than in any other country abroad. So whether we are talking people, or whether we are talking business, UAE has particular salience in our perspectives, Jaishankar said.

Ranking the India-UAE relationship quite highly, Jaishankar highlighted how the ties between both sides happen to have discussions on space, education, artificial intelligence, health, and startups.

“The old, traditional energy trade investments continue, but a new agenda is also coming into being,” said the EAM at India Global Forum and panel discussion on India-UAE on Monday.

Notably, India’s exports to UAE between April-September 2022 were about USD 16 billion which was an increase of 24 percent year to year while India’s imports increased 38 percent to reach USD 28.4 billion in the same time period.

Both sides have also had discussions on other areas of cooperation including energy, healthcare, defence, space, climate change, skills, fin-tech, and startups in the past. (ANI)

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India Bans Pakistan-Based OTT App Vidly TV

By LokMarg 12th December 2022

The Government on Monday issued an order to ban Pakistan-based OTT Platform Vidly TV after the streaming of the web series “Sevak: The Confessions”, said senior Adviser, of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Kanchan Gupta.

“Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, using emergency powers under IT Rules 2021, has issued directions on December 12, 2022, for the immediate blocking of the website, two mobile apps, four social media accounts, and one smart TV app of Pakistan-based OTT Platform Vidly TV,” Gupta said in a Twitter post.

He said Government’s action against Pakistan-based Vidly TV follows the web series “Sevak: The Confessions” which was “determined to be detrimental to national security, sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, and public order in the country.”

“Action against Pakistan-based Vidly TV follows the assessment that the provocative and wholly untrue web series “Sevak” was sponsored by Pakistan’s info ops apparatus. The first of the three episodes was released on November 26, 2022, the anniversary of Pakistani terror attacks on Mumbai in 2008,” Gupta said.

In June last year, India banned 59 Chinese mobile applications including the widely-used social media platforms such as TikTok, WeChat, and Helo keeping in view the threat to the nation’s sovereignty and security.

The majority of the apps banned in the June 29 order were red-flagged by intelligence agencies over concerns that they were collecting user data and possibly also sending them “outside”. (ANI)

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India-UK Free Trade Agreement On Cards

By LokMarg 12th December 2022

UK’s Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch on Monday begins her India visit with a first face-face meeting with counterpart Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as the sixth round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations kicks off between the countries.

Badenoch’s visit marks the sixth round of formal negotiations between the UK and India. The goal of strengthening bilateral ties and reviving talks on an ambitious bilateral trade deal between the two nations, according to an official statement.

Badenoch is scheduled to address both the teams of negotiators teams before the round of talks begin. The negotiations will take place throughout the week

The UK Trade Secretary will also meet with business leaders to better understand their needs for a modern UK – India trade relationship.

This will include a meeting with envoPAP, a UK company investing over 10 million pounds in India to construct a plant producing Fairtrade paper and packaging products.

The talks, the first formal round since July, will aim to reach an agreement to reduce tariffs and expand opportunities for UK services such as financial and legal, making it easier for British businesses to sell to the world’s third-largest economy – with a middle class of 250 million people – by 2050.

“I’m here in New Delhi to kickstart round six of UK-India trade negotiations and meet my counterpart Minister Goyal in person to drive progress on this agreement,” Secretary of State for International Trade Kemi Badenoch said in a statement.

“India and the UK are the 5th and 6th biggest economies in the world. We have a long shared history, and are in pole position to do a deal that will create jobs, encourage growth and boost our 29 billion pounds trading relationship,” added the minister who was appointed to her role this September.

According to the official announcement, major UK brands such as Pret A Manger, Revolut, and Tide have announced plans to expand in India.

Following a franchise deal with Reliance Brands, British coffee and sandwich retailer Pret will build its first outlet in India in early 2023. The chain’s first location will be in Mumbai, as part of a goal to open 100 locations around the country.

“Bringing Pret’s freshly made food and organic coffee to more people around the world is a key part of our transformation strategy, and I’m delighted to be launching Pret in India,” Pano Christou, CEO, of Pret A Manger said.

According to International Director of the Confederation of British Industry, Andy Burwell the UK-India Free Trade Agreement remains a high focus for the industry.

Earlier in October when Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rishi Sunak on assuming charge as UK Prime Minister, the two leaders emphasized the importance of an early conclusion of “a balanced and comprehensive” Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.

India and the UK were looking to conclude the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) pact but missed the deadline after the resignations of former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.

On July 29, the two countries concluded the fifth round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). (ANI)

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Asansol Girl Vipula Roy Crowned Mrs. India USA 2023

By LokMarg 12th December 2022

Asansol girl, Vipula Roy, got crowned as the new Mrs. India USA 2023 on November 19th at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center near LA. This year was the 34th Anniversary of the cultural beauty pageant produced by Virgelia Productions, Inc. She also received the special award for ‘Excellence in Community Service’.

Vipula, who was born and raised in the steel city of Burnpur, had always wished to represent India on a larger-than-life platform. When she learned about the international beauty pageant organized by Virgelia Productions, Vipula was thrilled to join the pageant. Celebration of diversity and culture is at the heart of this pageant – a perfect pageant to showcase the rich culture of India. This beauty pageant hosted a total of 52 participants in several different categories representing many different countries including Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Germany, Estonia, and many more.

The pageant was judged by 9 jury members in the panel including Juri Watanabe, Smita Vasant, Net Chittangkura, and other accomplished individuals. -Juri Watanabe is Miss Japan Universe 2021 and was placed in the top 16 in the 70th edition of Miss Universe. She also won Miss Asia USA in 2016 under Virgelia Productions. Smita Vasant, the winner of Mrs. Asia USA 2007, is a successful entrepreneur today. Net Chittangkura is an international runway model who is a frequent figure in Paris, New York, London, and LA Fashion Weeks. She has walked for brands like Chanel, Versace, and Christian Dior.

Vipula and other participants trained with Virgelia Production Coach, Didi Caneda, for over 6 months.

The training prepared the contestants to compete in 3 different rounds – Evening Gown, National Costume, and Swimwear. During the training phase, Vipula made appearances as Mrs. India Delegate at several events – Param Shakti Peeth of America Foundation Gala fundraising event, Ekal Josh Dhamaka musical evening fundraising event organized by Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Of USA, San Diego, LA India Fashion Week, ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ Celebration organized by Federation of Indian Associations San Diego and many more.

Three potluck competitions were held during the training period, allowing participants to celebrate the diversity of food from various countries. Vipula won the runner-up position in 2 out of the 3 potluck competitions.

Vipula’s national costume was the national bird of India, the peacock. Vipula made a deliberate decision to represent something easily relatable to an international audience while also displaying a symbol of a free and independent India. The harnessed peacock feather backdrop for the national costume was made by LA-based designer Marvin Bendana. For the evening gown round, Vipula wore a golden evening gown. Golden colour symbolized success, achievement, and triumph on stage. Vipula’s golden gown was designed by designer Tommy Le from 3T Fabulous & Co.

Some of the past winners of Mrs. India, USA Title include Punjabi Film Actress and Fashion Designer – Kimi Verma (2019). Pretty Kaur Dang, a celebrity fashion designer and owner of a beauty product and clothing line won the Mrs. India USA Title and reigned for 2 years (2020 and 2021) because of Covid. Vipula was crowned by Mrs. India USA 2022, Shalini Madan Sharad who is a corporate leader and motivational speaker.

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