Author Archives: Arun Kumar N

About Arun Kumar N

Arun has been associated with India International Times since 2018 and he has been a key reporter in covering science and space related stories. He can be reached at arunKnn@indiainternationaltimes.com.

Hyderabad Techie Shot Dead; Trump Regime Wakes up to First Racial Crime Against Indian?

Posted on by
Reply

In a bizarre incident of perpetuating racial crime in America against Indians, an IT engineer from Hyderabad was shot at in a bar after the white man identified as Adam Purinton, 51, a US Navy veteran, shouted at him “Get out of my country”.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was shot dead and his Indian colleague Alok Madasani from Warangal was wounded in the incident, first in Donald Trump administration that may have serious repercussions on Indian immigrants in the US.

So far, the ire against beaded and turbaned Sikh immigrants beginnging with mistaken killing of Balbir Singh Sandhu, after the 9/11 terror attacks has taken a new form with Indian IT engineers too becoming innocent victims to psychic killers in outrage and racial hatred in a country that was founded by immigrants.

Responding to the incident, Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted: “I am shocked at the shooting incident in Kansas in which Srinivas Kuchibhotla has been killed. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved family.”

Ironic but the US media is silent on the shooting incident at Olathe city. Kuchobotla’s employer GPS-maker Garmin International, in an internal e-mail to the staff said:

“Unfortunately, two associates on our aviation systems engineering team, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, were shot. We are devastated to inform you that Srinivas passed away and Alok is currently recovering in the hospital. We’re saddened that two Garmin associates were involved in last night’s incident, and we express our condolences to the family and friends of our co-workers involved. Garmin will have grievance counselors on-site and available for its associates today and tomorrow.”

Kuchibotla was in the helicopter OEM division of GI and he had studied in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2005-07. He graduated from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad in 2005.

Ansari Praises Indian Community’s Contribution to Uganda Business

Posted on by
Reply

The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Hamid Ansari said India’s commercial and business ties with Uganda are dynamic and form a key pillar of bilateral relations, while addressing the India-Uganda Business Meeting in Kampala, Uganda, on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.

The Vice President said that Uganda’s expanding economy offers opportunities in a variety of sectors. He has underscored the service of Indian education institutions to provide opportunities for quality education at a fraction of the cost of western institutions to an ever increasing number of students from Africa, including from Uganda. India has been a source of affordable pharmaceuticals and specialized healthcare for people of Africa, he added.

The Vice President said that the Indian community in Uganda is vibrant and holds an important position in Ugandan economy in manufacturing, trade and service sectors. Indian businesses employ thousands of Ugandans and are among the largest contributors to tax revenue in Uganda, he added.

“Our commercial and business ties with Uganda are dynamic and form a key pillar of our bilateral relations. I am told that every month, more than 70 Ugandan businessmen travel to India to explore business opportunities with India. It is a matter of satisfaction that India is one of the largest trade partners of Uganda but at US$ 615 million, our bilateral trade is yet to reach its true potential,” he noted.

The Indian community in Uganda is vibrant in Uganda and holds an important position in Ugandan economy in manufacturing, trade and service sectors. Indian businesses employ thousands of Ugandans and are among the largest contributors to tax revenue in Uganda.

“I thank the Government of Uganda for welcoming Indian entrepreneurs who have sought business opportunities in Uganda and I request that the Ugandan government continues with such support and encouragement for our companies seeking business in Uganda,” he said.

The Vice President said that India has emerged as one of the largest investors and trading partners of Uganda. The Vice President thanked the Government of Uganda for welcoming Indian entrepreneurs who have sought business opportunities in Uganda.

Jaishankar Makes Half-Way to Convince China on NSG, Azhar Issues

Posted on by
Reply

External Affairs Secretary Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to China at a crucial stage has come as no magic but certainly paved the way, at least by half, to make Beijing see the reason behind India’s demand.

The latest restructured strategic dialogue with Chinese counterpart Executive Vice Minister Mr. Zhang Yesui besides the State Counsellor Mr. Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi, yielded response on several issues short of India’s demand on terrorism.

Other areas included Afghanistan, multilateral diplomacy including counter-terrorism and also bilateral relations as well as the nuclear issues.

Jaishankar summed up his visit as useful in conveying to the Chinese side “our priorities and concerns and also gaining from them an appreciation of their understanding of the world situation and in what manner we could work together,” which in non-diplomatic terms means some sort of status-quo will continue in India-China relations and that no one should expect any wonders to take place.

On Wednesday, it was a five-hour-long talks sharing views on international issues. China shared its insights and perspectives. What is the common point for both was international trade barriers which may pose equal threat to both Asian giants.

Both agreed that the international situation is in flux and both India and China probably could do one thing together which is a more stable, substantive, forward looking India-China relationship which would inject a greater amount of predictability into the international system, he said.

“On the NSG issue the Chinese side underlined that they were open to India’s application for membership but they had their view of procedures and processes and these were somewhat different from where we are at the moment and where we think most of the group is at the moment,” said Jaishankar summing up his talks.

On UN sanctions on Masood Azhar, India explained the rationale and sought support on its concerns about Masood Azhar’s activities.

Essentially the visit yielded no progress on thorny issues but on business front, there is a common sense of threat from trade barriers and unstable global system, unleashed by President Donald Trump in the US.

Sushma Swaraj Offers Help on Kuwait, Libya, South Sudan Victims Abroad

Posted on by
Reply

In view of sporadic incidents of attacks on Indian nationals in the Gulf and Middle-East, Indian External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said that the Indian Embassy has taken up the matter at the highest level in Kuwait and Libya to ensure safety and security of Indian nationals.

On the condition of Mrs. Gopika Shajikumar, who was stabbed in Kuwait, she said the victim has undergone a surgery and is recovering. “I was informed about the stabbing of Mrs. Gopika Shajikumar an Indian national from Kottayam. I asked for an immediate report and we have complete details of the unfortunate incident. Gopika has undergone surgery at the Farwaniya hospital. I wish her a speedy recovery,” Swaraj tweeted on Twitter.

On Libyan case where an Indian citizen was shot with a gun, she wrote on Twitter, “We have rescued Dr.Ramamurthy Kosanam in Libya. Dr.Kosanam has suffered a bullet injury. We are bringing him to India shortly. Later, she tweeted that the Mission had rescued all the six Indians abducted in Libya. “I appreciate the good work done by our mission there,” she added.

In another incident in South Sudan, where an Indian was shot dead, brother of one of the victim Syed Farooq Basha in Juba, South Sudan tweeted from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh seeking help from the minister, who in turn asked the ambassador to rush to the scene and help the victim’s family in sending the body home.

 

MEA Secretary Jaishankar Meets Top Chinese Officials to Soothen Feelings

Posted on by
Reply

Amid apprehensions and suspicions, Indian foreign secretary S. Jaishankar visited Beijing and held talks with top officials to bring a semblance of rapproachement in fast-deteriorating bilateral relations.

On Wednesday, Dr. Jaishankar held held parleys over Beijing’s reluctance to support India’s NSG bid as well as a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar, the two top impediments in current bilateral relations. Even the proposed U$46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is another major issue now.

The China-India Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held earlier gave out hints on the scope of further talks and Jaishankar’s visit is expected to cement the relations in view of common perceptions on global trade and the role as Asia’s two major developing countries and emerging markets.

Wang had said, “I am certain by raising the level of this strategic dialogue the two sides will be able to enhance their strategic communication, reduce misunderstanding and build more trust and deepen our strategic cooperation.”

In response, Jaishankar said, “This is the first time that the restructured strategic dialogue is taking place… This shows that our relationship today has gone well beyond bilateral manifestations,” he said.

Jaishankar, who was a former Ambassador to China, met China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi on Tuesday. On differences over NSG and Azhar issue, Jaishankar described these as natural issues which neighbours will always have and maintained that it is the responsibility of both the nations to address them.

 

Ansari Addresses Joint Business Forum in Rwanda

Posted on by
Reply
Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari has said that Rwanda has put behind it the unfortunate genocide of 1994 and the efficient and clean city of Kigali captures the great strides that this country is taking on its path of growth and prosperity.
Launching the India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program in Kigali on Tuesday, Mr Ansari said the program will expand ties in Science, Technology and Innovation, besides creating an ecosystem wherein Indian innovations and technology enterprises will thrive and encourage business ventures from both sides.
The India-Rwanda Business Forum was organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Rwanda Development Board and Prime Minister of Rwanda, Mr. Anastase Murekezi and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President said that Rwanda today offers a range of prospects to investors, including in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, tourism, and Information and Communications Technology. Trade between India and Rwanda has been gradually increasing over the last few years, he added.
The Vice President said that several Rwandans have travelled to India for medical treatment and have come back satisfied. India is also increasingly becoming a preferred destination for quality and affordable education for Rwandan students, he added.
The Vice President said that the translation of ideas and innovations into practical applications will require the 3 Ds of Discovery, Development and Delivery. We are now ready to work with our partners in Rwanda and other partners of Africa in transferring our experience in building an innovation driven economy, he added.

US Congress Delegation Meets PM

Posted on by
Reply

A delegation of 26 members of the United States Congress called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and exchangd views on recent developments in the US.

Welcoming the Congressional Representatives, he said it augurs a good start to bilateral exchanges following the new US Administration and Congress.

The Prime Minister recalled his positive conversation with US President Donald Trump and the shared commitment to further strengthen ties that have grown deeper in the last two and a half years. He appreciated US Congress’s strong bipartisan support for the India-US partnership.

The Prime Minister also shared his perspective on areas where both countries can work even more closely, including in facilitating greater people-to-people linkages that have over the years helped contribute to each other’s prosperity.

Later, he referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society. He also sought to develop “a reflective, balanced and farsighted perspective” on movement of skilled professionals, related to IT sector in particular.

Modi had addressed the US Parliament members on June 8, 2016 during his visit to Washington DC.

Ansari on Visit to Rwanda, Uganda; Calls for Renewed Focus on Africa

Posted on by
Reply

India’s Vice President M. Hamid Ansari has stressed the need for a renewed and more focused effort by India to give a dynamic impetus to relations with African nations.

Speaking to the media onboard Air India One Special Aircraft on the way to five-day visit to Rwanda & Uganda, along with Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Vijay Sampla and others, he said the President of India has visited three countries, the Prime Minister has visited four countries and he himself has visited five countries so far, and this visit will add another two.

All the visits form part of a conscious effort by the Government “to intensify our interaction with countries of Africa at the highest political level,” he said.

On Rwanda, he said despite their painful experience of early 1990s, the Rwandan economy has reported consistent high growth with an increased focus on business and a business delegation from India is also visiting Rwanda to coincide with the Vice President’s visit. He further said that Indian companies could look at making Rwanda an entry point for Africa. As part of the development cooperation, India has collaborated with Rwanda on several projects, he added.

The Vice President said that Uganda has a large number people of Indian origin and they continue to play an important role in bridging the gap. Uganda perceives an important role for itself in Africa and we have very good relations with them, he noted.

Responding to a question on safety of African nationals in India, he said they are rare and sporadic attacks by anti-social elements. These issues have been raised at diplomatic levels and “our response has been comprehensive and is satisfactory to African friends. It has not affected the flow of African students who come in large numbers to India,” he said.

INSV Tarini, All Woman Crew, to Sail her Around the Globe From August 2017

Posted on by
Reply

The Indian Navy’s second ocean going sailboat Tarini was inducted at INS Mandovi Boat Pool on Saturday with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff present to wish the boat and her crew success in their endeavors.

INSV Tarini is a sloop built by Aquarius Shipyard Pvt Ltd at Divar, Goa and it is being inducted into the Navy and is slated to be the platform for First Indian All Women Circumnavigation of the Globe expedition of the Indian Navy.

Admiral Sunil Lanba announced that the extremely challenging expedition by the All Women Crew is slated to commence in August 2017 and said the team has logged over 10,000 Nautical Miles on INSV Mhadei, including a voyage from India to Mauritius and back and Goa to Cape Town braving through rough monsoon seas and heavy wind.

The visitors were briefed on its advanced features, including improvements, based on experience of operating INSV Mhadei, which have been incorporated.   On completion of the ceremony, the crew sailed the boat out of harbour displaying its agile handling capabilities.

Tarini the second of the Mhadei class ocean going sailboats. Its team of ‘Women in White’ are currently preparing themselves and their sailboat Mhadei participated in the Cape to Rio race in December 2016.

Tarini, First All Women Vessel, to be Inducted into Indian Navy

Posted on by
Reply

The sail boat Tarini is being inducted into the Navy and is slated to be the platform for First Indian All Women Circumnavigation of the Globe expedition of the Indian Navy. Tarini will be inducted at a ceremony scheduled to be held at the INS Mandovi Boat Pool on evening of 18 February 2017.

Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff will also be present on the occasion. INSV Tarini is a sloop built by Aquarius Shipyard Pvt Ltd at Divar, Goa. The boat has been built to a stock design by Van de Stadt, Netherlands called Tonga 56. The hull is made of wooden core fiberglass sandwich construction for a better performance than aluminum and steel. INSV Tarini carries a suite of six sails including a Main sail, Head sails (Genoa and stay sails), Downwind sails and Storm sail.

Her mast is 25 meters tall and has been custom built by Southern Spars, Cape Town, for sailing in extreme conditions. She boasts a Raymarine navigation suite and an array of latest satellite communication systems through which she can be contacted anywhere in the world.

The trials of the newly built INSV Tarini were successfully completed on 30 January 17 and all the learning experience from INSV Mhadei has been incorporated in this vessel right from the start. The keel of the vessel was laid by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 27 March 2016 at the Aquarius Shipyard.

The construction was overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team, Goa and the vessel is being delivered before the scheduled date of delivery by the boat builder. The successful construction of both the Mhadei andTarini in Goa are a tribute to the Government’s ‘Make in India’ policy, said a statement.

INSV Tarini is almost identical to her illustrious predecessor, the iconic Mhadei which has sailed over 115000 nautical miles in the past eight years. This includes voyages like the first Indian solo circumnavigation undertaken by Capt Dilip Donde (Retd) in 2009 and first solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation by Cdr Abhilash Tomy in 2013.

The boat draws her origin from the famous Tara-Tarini temple of Orissa’s Ganjam district. The word Tarini means a Boat and is also a Sanskrit word for Saviour. Tara-Tarini is a patron deity for sailors and merchants and is worshipped for safety and success at sea. Tara-Tarini of Orissa is known to have historical linkages with the river Goddess Mhadei- the exclusive boat deity of the Mhadei river of Goa. Both the deities Tariniand Mhadei have sculptural similarities.

In order to promote ocean sailing activities and to encourage women, the Indian Navy conceptualized the idea of the First Indian All Women Circumnavigation of the Globe. A team of six women Officers led by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi was selected for this project. These officers have done basic sail training courses at INWTC Mumbai followed by Navigation, Seamanship, Communication and Meterology courses at various naval training schools at Kochi.

Following that, they sailed the boat on a grueling voyage to Cape Town in Dec 16.  The boat is skippered by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi and crew members include Lieutenant Commander Pratibha Jamwal, Lieutenant Aishwarya Boddapati, Lieutenant Patarapalli Swathi, Lieutenant Sh Vijaya Devi and Lieutenant Payal Gupta.

4 New Envoys Present Credentials to President Mukherjee

Posted on by
Reply

Envoys of Tunisia, Morocco, Yemen and Zambia presented their credentials to the President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony held in RashtrapatiBhavan on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.

The envoys who presented their credentials were: –

1.Mr. Nejmeddine Lakhal, Ambassador of Tunisia
2.Mr. Mohamed Maliki, Ambassador of Morocco
3.Mr. Abdulmalik Abdullah Al-Eryrani, Ambassador of Yemen
4.Ms. Judith KangomaKapijimpanga, Ambassador of Zambia

The Ambassador-designate of Morocco, Mr. Mohamed Maliki presenting his credentials to the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi on February 15, 2017.(PIB Photo)

The Ambassador-designate of Yemen, Mr. Abdulmalik Abdullah Al-Eryani presenting his credentials to the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi on February 15, 2017.(PIB Photo)

The Ambassador-designate of Zambia, Ms. Judith Kangoma Kapijimpanga presenting her credentials to the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi on February 15, 2017. (PIB Photo)

Sushma Swaraj Calls US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

India’s External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had a customary telephone conversation on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.

Both of them resolved to work together closely to further expand and deepen the multi-faceted strategic partnership between India and the US. They emphasized that close and strong relations between India and the US were not only in mutual interest but also had regional and global significance. In this context, they agreed to intensify cooperation in various sectors, including defence and security, energy, and economy.

They also agreed to follow-up the firm resolve expressed by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to cooperate closely in the global fight against terrorism.

Pre-loaded Sim Card for Foreign Tourists Arriving in India on E-Visa

Posted on by
Reply

India’s Ministry of Tourism launched pre-loaded Sim Cards to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa on Wednesday and minister Mahesh Sharma inaugurated the scheme to facilitate the foreign tourists in communicating with their acquaintances immediately after their arrival in India.

Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism had also launched a 24 x 7 Tourist Helpline 1800111363 in 12 foreign languages so that the foreign tourists can get the required information in their own language. The Minister presented the First Kit containing Sim to a representative of Travel and Tourism sector.

This initiative has been launched in association with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., (BSNL), wherein BSNL would distribute pre-loaded SIM Cards to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa.  It will be initially available in the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3 Terminal), New Delhi and later cover remaining 15 international airports, where e-Visa facility is currently available.

To avail pre-loaded Sim Card, BSNL will collect e-Visa copy and the first page of passport from foreign tourists on arrival at the airport and the facility is not available for tourists arriving in India on traditional Visa.  Sim cards will be pre-loaded with a value of Rs. 50 talk time and 50 MB data and will be activated on immediate basis so as to enable them use this facility instantly.

This initiative is also aimed at providing connectivity to foreign touriststo enable them to stay in touch with their near and dear ones and also help them to contact with the 24×7 Multi lingual toll free helpline of Ministry of Tourism for any assistance and guidance during times of distress / medical emergency, etc.

British MPs’ Delegation Meets PM Modi

Posted on by
Reply

An eight-member delegation of British Parliamentarians on Tuesday, Feb.14, 2017 called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said the relations between India and UK have strong bipartisan support in both countries, and hoped for enhanced interactions between the Parliamentarians of both countries.

The Prime Minister recalled his own visit to UK in November 2015, and the visit of Prime Minister Theresa May to India in November 2016. The year 2017 is being celebrated as the India-UK Year of Culture.

The Prime Minister also said that India and UK are natural partners in the global fight against terrorism, and urged the Parliamentarians to continue to raise their collective voice against terrorism, extremism and radicalization.

Last time in January 2015, the British MP Priti Patel attended the Bharatiya Pravasi Day celebration held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat when David Cameron was the British Prime Minister. Cameron government also honoured Mahatma Gandhi with a statue in London recently.

Indian Embassy Participates in Hala Festival in Kuwait

Posted on by
Reply

Indian Embassy took part in the Opening Ceremony of Hala Festival in Kuwait on February 10, 2017 and the Indian stall was exquisitely decorated with “Incredible India” posters and tourism material for the occasion.

India’s Bohra Band (Burhani Guards) held the audience spellbound with their performances and children from the Bohra community spread the message of importance of cleanliness in our daily lives by cleaning the surroundings during the event.

Kuwait’s HALA FESTIVAL was being held at Salem Al-Mubarak Street, Salmiya. The annual event being held in Kuwait since February 1999, is mainly to promote tourism and culture and it also offers arts, sports, live carnival shows, entertainment events and display of vintage vehicles and motorbikes. The event goes on for a month.

Kuwaiti Ministries, Government institutions and some Embassies had put up their stalls during the event and Indian Embassy focused on tourism with the theme “Incredible India”.

The Opening Ceremony also held a parade of children from various Kuwaiti schools, some Kuwaiti Ministries and government agencies, Embassies. India’s Bohra Band (Burhani Guards) also took part in the parade. “Many visitors, especially children took the opportunity to take photographs posing in front of the Embassy stall and highly enjoyed the event,” said the embassy in a statement.

Indian Embassy took part in the Opening Ceremony of Hala Festival in Kuwait on February 10, 2017 and the Indian stall was exquisitely decorated with “Incredible India” posters and tourism material for the occasion.India’s Bohra Band (Burhani Guards) also took part in the parade.(Indian Embassy, Kuwait)

MEA Opens First Batch of New Post Office Passport Seva Kendras

Posted on by
Reply

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts (DOP), following the 24th January announcement, has opened the first batch of the Head Post Offices (HPO) in the various States as Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) for delivering passport related services to the citizens.

The move makes post offices escape the prospect of extinction and yet extend passport services on a larger scale and to ensure wider area coverage.

The pilot projects for this joint venture between MEA and DOP was inaugurated on 25 January, 2017 at the HPO at Mysuru in Karnataka and at Dahod in Gujarat. One hundred appointments are being released every day for each of these POPSK. Appointments for Mysuru are now available in 10 days while at Dahod it is available the next day.

With the successful pilot, the Government has now decided to scale up this programme by opening 56 POPSKs at the following places in the first batch of expansion:

Now applicants can apply online for their passports through the Passport Portal and get an appointment at the above POPSK to complete the remaining formalities for the passport. Ever since relaxation of rules of passport on 23 December, 2016, nearly 30% surge was seen in demand for passports.

A record number of 53,400 applications were processed on February 7th amd 49,259 of them were fresh applications, the highest since the commencement of the Passport Seva Project. Here is the full list of first batch of post offices which will serve as POPS Kendra:

Locations State Passport Office
1. Kurnool
2. Kadappa		 Andhra Pradesh Vishakhapatnam
3. Silchar Assam Guwahati
4. Purnia,
5. Gopalganj
6. Muzaffarpur
7. Bhagalpur
8. Siwan		 Bihar Patna
9. Surguja Chhattisgarh Raipur
10.Daman Daman Mumbai
11. Diu Diu Ahmedabad
12. Silvasa Dadra & Nagar Haveli Mumbai
13. East Delhi,
14. Noth East Delhi,
15. North West Delhi
16. South Delhi
17. West Delhi		 Delhi Delhi
18. Bhuj
19. Palanpur		 Gujarat Ahmedabad
20. Hisar
21. Karnal		 Haryana Chandigarh
22. Faridabad Delhi
23. Palampur
24. Hamirpur		 Himachal Pradesh Shimla
25. Leh
26. Udhampur		 J&K Srinagar
27. Jamshedpur Jharkhand Ranchi
28. Dhanbad
29. Deoghar
30. Belgaum
31. Devangere
32. Hassan
33. Gulbarga		 Karnataka Bengaluru
34. Pathanamthitta Kerala Trivandrum
35. Kasargod Kozhikode
36. Kavaratti Lakshadweep Cochin
37. Gwalior
38. Satna
39. Jabalpur
40. Vidisha		 Madhya Pradesh Bhopal
41. Rourkela
42. Sambalpur
43. Koraput		 Odisha Bhubaneshwar
44. Kota
45. Jaisalmer
46. Jhunjhunu
47. Bikaner
48. Jhalawar		 Rajasthan Jaipur
49. Salem Tamil Nadu Coimbatore
50. Vellore Chennai
51. Mehbubnagar
52. Warangal		 Telangana Hyderabad
53. Asansol
54. Nadia
55. North Dinajpur
56. North Kolkata		 West Bengal Kolkata

Haj Committee Formed to Review India’s HAJ Policy

Posted on by
Reply

Indian Ministry of Minority Affairs has constituted a Committee on January 31, 2017 under a retired IAS officer Afzal Amanullah to review the Haj Policy 2013-17 and to suggest framework for Haj Policy for five years from 2018 to 2022.

This Committee comprises of Mr. Amanullah, former Secretary to Government of India and former Consul General, Consulate General of India, Jeddah, Justice S.S. Parkar, Retired Judge of Bombay High Court, Mr. Qaiser Shamim, IRS (Retd), former Chairman, Haj Committee of India, Mr. Kamal Faruqui, Chartered Accountant & Muslim Scholar, Mr. Michael Mascarenhas, former CMD, Air India and Mr. J. Alam, Joint Secretary, in-charge of Haj, Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The main issues to be examined by the Haj Committee will include review the existing Haj policy pertaining to HCoI and PTOs, examine implications of various directions of the Supreme Court to reduce Haj subsidy by 2022, review arrangements made by HCoI for Haj pilgrims’ accommodation and air travel including issues related with Haj subsidy.

The committee will also examine coordination in the functioning of Haj Committee of India and CGI, examine transparency, consumer satisfaction and disclosure requirements for PTOs to protect interest of the Haj Pilgrims.

The Committe will suggest measure for ensuring fair competition among PTOs and enhanced value for services and suggest the framework for new Haj policy for HCoI and PTOs.

The Committee has been given three months to submit its report, said Mr. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Minister of State for Minority Affairs, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Haj Subsidy Halved by India in 4 years: Minister

Posted on by
Reply

After the Supreme Court directive in 2012 to progressively decrease Haj subsidy and completely eliminate it in 10 years, Haj subsidy has been gradually reduced from Rs.836.56 crore in 2012-13 to Rs. 405 crore in the year 2016-17, said Mr. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Minister of State (IC) for Minority Affairs, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Over the period, it has been progressively reduced to Rs.680.03 crore in the year 2013-14, Rs.577.07 crore in 2014-15 and Rs. 529.51 crore in 2015-16, informed the minister to the House.

Following representations made to the Ministry from time to time on Haj subsidy, the government has been making changes to the policy, he said. However, the responsibility for making air travel arrangements for Haj pilgrims identified by the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) is with Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), he noted.

The pilgrims make deposit as decided by the ministry towards airfare to HCoI and the balance fare payable to the Airlines is paid by MoCA as subsidy to facilitate the Haj pilgrims. The subsidy given by the Government during last three years and current year and the amount deposited to HCoI by each pilgrim towards airfare is as under:

The total amount charged from each Pilgrim varies depending on the category of accommodation and the amount of airport charges plus the fixed amount deposited towards airfare. For Haj 2016, the total amount for Azizia category was Rs.1,85,000 and for Green Category it was Rs.2,19,000, said the minister.

Every year a Haj Air Travel Committee (HATC) is constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to make air travel arrangements for Haj and in 2017, the HATC has been constituted on January 2, 2017 under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary, MoCA and other officials.

Under the bilateral pact with Saudi Arabia for Haj 2017, a quota of 1,70,025 pilgrims (1,25,025 seats for Haj Committee of India and 45,000 seats for Private Tour Operators) has been allocated compared to 1,36,020 pilgrims during previous year.

The quota allotted to to all States/ Union Territories Haj Committees including the States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana, in proportion with their Muslim population as per Census 2011, informed the minister.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2017: MEA Begins Registration Process

Posted on by
Reply

The registration for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra being organized by Ministry of External Affairs has started with the Yatra scheduled from 12th June to 8th September, 2017. The Yatra will be conducted in two routes, said a statement.

Eligible applicants should be 18 years or above and not more than 70 years as on 1st January 2017 and the last date for registration is 15th March 2017.

The first route is via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, which involves some trekking and is estimated to cost about Rs.1.6 lakh per person. There will be 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each and the duration of the Yatra is 24 days for each batch including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work.

The Lipulekh Pass will be conducted through Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, the scenic Chialekh Valley, or the ‘Om Parvat’, which has the natural occurrence of snow in the shape of ‘Om’ on this mountain.

The second route through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim is motorable and suitable for senior citizens as it involves no trekking. From Gangtok the Nathu La route passes through Hangu Lake, the Tibetan plateau and it is estimated to cost about Rs.2 lakhs person. The duration is 21 days including 3 days in Delhi and there will be 8 batches of 50 pilgrims each for this route.

Preference will be given first time applicants, medical doctors, and married couples and senior citizens will be given preference for the Nathu La route. Four persons may apply and undertake the Yatra together, and Yatris can select both routes indicating priority or select only one. The allottment will be done through computerized draw of lots.

To apply, click HERE or open the link given here: http://kmy.gov.in

Registration can be done online on the website given above. Applicants should fill in details and upload scanned passport pages with personal details, photo, address or last page of the passport. Besides, they should also upload a photo to complete the application. The online form is available both in Hindi and English.

Applicants will be informed about selection after the computerized draw via email or SMS. After selection, applicants should confirm and pay the fee. Applicants can get more information and track the status by calling helpline No: 011-24300655, said the ministry in a statement.

Indian Embassy in US Holds Open House for Community

Posted on by
Reply

The Indian Embassy in Washington DC held its 3rd “Consular Open House” on Feb. 01, 2017 to address the grievances of Indians in the US and assured them quick resolution on problems ranging from visas, passports to OCI cards issued to people of Indian origin.

The Open House is a new initiative taken up by the mission in Washington DC. It is held every month on the first Wednesday from 10.00 AM to 01.00 PM and on the third Wednesday from 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

The Feb.1, 2017 witnessed the third Open House and it received a large number of applicants who turned up with their problems and grievances. They were all attended to by senior officers in Consular and Community Affairs Wings, said the mission in a statement.

Besides general applicants, community leaders from Sikh organizations and Gurudwaras based in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland also had a meeting with the senior Consular Officers on issues related to local Sikh community.

Mr. Arun K. Sinha, Minister (Consular) addressed their grievances and listed the new initiatives taken by the Government of India to address their problems relating to the Indian diaspora, especially the Sikh community. He has also addressed issues raised by the community leaders.

The ‘Consular Open House’ is increasingly becoming popular and is receiving appreciation from the Indian community.

India, Israel to Upgrade BARAK 8 Missile System

Posted on by
Reply

To upgrade the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM), India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Isreal Aerospace Industry (IAI) will collaborate to upgrade Barak-8 missile system, said Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Mr. Ram Charan Bohra in Lok Sabha on Friday.

LR-SAM is the Ship Launch Version and Project MR-SAM is the Land Launch Version of Barak-08 Missile system. MR-SAM detects incoming enemy aircraft while they are well over 100 km away and destroys them at range upto 70 km.

Basrak Missile 8 (Photo: Creative Commons)

LR-SAM has got long range engagement capability to penetrate in deep water or land to intercept all types of aerial targets like Subsonic and Supersonic Missiles, Fighter Aircraft, Maritime Patrolling Aircraft (MPA), Helicopter and Sea Skimming Missiles.

The Israeli Navy has already commenced equipping its Sa’ar 5 corvettes with the system, the first re-fitted vessel being the INS Lahav and the Sa’ar 4.5 flotilla will be next for the upgrade.

The first 32 missiles will be fitted on the Indian Navy stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata. Each Barak system costs about $24 million and India has signed a contract with Israel worth a $1.1 billion to supply the upgraded tactical Barak 8 air defence system in 2009.