Author Archives: Arun Kumar

About Arun Kumar

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 reporter@sh003.global.temp.domains.

US Congress Delegation Meets PM

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Indian Embassy Participates in Hala Festival in Kuwait

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Missing Obama? Majority Americans Prefer to Have Him Back as US President

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Within two weeks after Barack Obama stepped down after completing his two terms as US President, the unpopular Muslim visa ban of new US President Donald Trump has shaken Americans to wish for Obama’s return. However, the Twenty Second Amendment to the US Constitution doesn’t allow it.

In an opinion poll conducted by the Public Policy Polling after surveying 725 registered voters on January 30 and 31, majority or 52% of the voters said they would rather have Obama as President and 43% said they prefer Trump.

The 52% voters said they would prefer to see the real estate businessman who became President be impeached and, whereas 35% said so just a week ago. Only 43% are glad that Trump is the US President. The findings of the survey wer not only shocking but appalling, said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling.

“Donald Trump’s making history once again with a sizeable share of voters already wanting to impeach him, and a majority of voters wishing they could have Barack Obama back,” he noted. The Muslim visa ban is the root-cause of apprehension, he said.

“Overall voters are pretty evenly split on Trump’s executive order on immigration from last week, with 47 per cent supporting it to 49 per cent who are opposed. But when you get beyond the overall package, the pieces of the executive order become more clearly unpopular. 52 per cent of voters think that the order was intended to be a Muslim ban, to only 41 per cent who don’t think that was the intent. And the idea of a Muslim ban is extremely unpopular with the American people — only 26 per cent are in favour of it, to 65 per cent who are against it,” said the survey in its findings.

Even if Trump is impeached, which is highly unlikely, Vice President will succeed him as per the Constitution. And there is no return of Barack Obama since the 22nd Amendment prohibits any person from contesting for the third time ever since 1951.

In American history, only Franklin D. Roosevelt served as President during the World War period for an unprecedented four terms, forcing the Twenty Second Amendment to the US Constitution.

India’s US Mission in Washington DC Holds Joint Workshop on Defence Preparedness

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In view of deepening Indo-US defence scientific cooperation, a Joint Workshop on “Medical and Chem Bio-defence” is being organised by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi (of DRDO), is being held from 31st January to 2nd February 2017 at the Indian Chancery in Washington DC.

The workshop has focused on medical, chemical and biological defense strategies to seek future cooperation in areas of combat casualty care, neurocognitive assessment, military operational environment, detection and diagnostics for chemical and biological defence, medical countermeasures, radiation countermeasures as well as individual and collective protection/ decontamination.

A delegation of 27 members from the US Department of Defense, headed by Dr Patrick Mason (SES), Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is participating.

The Indian delegation, constituting about 25 members from the DRDO Life Sciences Cluster laboratories, is headed by Dr A K Singh, Director INMAS, and is being inaugurated by Dr Shashi Bala Singh, Director General (Life Sciences), DRDO.

“This workshop will prove a significant milestone in furthering the bilateral relationship of USA with India, and will give impetus to future scientific collaboration in the field of medical, chemical and biological defence,” said the Chancery in a statement.

With the rising threat perception at global level, both countries will find avenues of extending the desired protection to their armed forces and civilian populations.

Post-Hafiz Saeed House Arrest, India Seeks Credible Crack Down by Pakistan

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In an official response to the preventive detention of Hafiz Saeed and others by Pakistan on Tuesday, India’s spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr Vikas Swarup said credible steps by Pakistan required to show its commitment to end terrorism.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior placed on Tuesday the Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the Falah–e-Insaniyet Foundation under the watchlist. Also the Falah-e-Insaniyet Foundation has been included in the second schedule of their anti-terror legislation under United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1267.

“We have also noted that Hafiz Saeed and four others have been placed under preventive detention,” said Mr. Swarup.

The United Nations Security Council 1267 provisions maintain that the countries should list and prosecute known terrorist entities and individuals effectively. India said it has consistently called for bringing known terrorists under the ambit of the 1267 sanctions.

“Exercises such as yesterday’s orders against Hafiz Saeed and others have been carried out by Pakistan in the past also. Only a credible crack down on the mastermind of the Mumbai terrorist attack and terrorist organizations involved in cross border terrorism would be proof of Pakistan’s sincerity,” said Mr. Swarup in a cautious response to the development.

Hafiz Muhammad Saeed is a co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, which operates from Pakistan soil and has had sanctions placed against it by the United Nations as a terrorist organisation. India has long been demanding his arrest and prosecution.

Axe on H1B Visa? US Bill Placed in Upper House; How Indian IT Firms Stack Up?

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Finally, the Bill on High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017 has been introduced in the US House of Representatives seeking to double the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders to US$130,000, making it a mockery if American firms deny recruiting locals at a lower cost. Currently, the minimum wage cap on H1B Visa seekers is US$60,000 that was set in 1989.

The anti-H1B Visa Act, as is known among the Indian IT workers and firms in the US, was introduced by California Congressman Zoe Lofgren based on market requirements for visas to those companies willing to pay 200 percent of a wage given to local employees.

“My legislation refocuses the H-1B programme to its original intent to seek out and find the best and brightest from around the world, and to supplement the US workforce with talented, highly-paid, and highly-skilled workers who help create jobs here in America, not replace them,” said Lofgren. He said the Bill seeks to remove the ‘per country’ cap on immigrant visas so that employers hire the most skilled workers without regard to nation of origin.

It raises the salary level at which H-1B dependent employer are exempt from attestation requirements to a new required wage level of 35 percentile points above the median national annual wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations published by the Department of Labour Occupational Employment Statistics, which eliminates the Master’s Degree exemption for dependent employers.

The legislation also seeks 20 percent of the annually allocated H-1B visas for small and start-ups. It also removes visa hurdles for students by building a bridge from F-1 student status to Lawful Permanent Residence without any paperwork and reducing administrative costs.

The Bill, if approved, would affect the entire gamut of IT companies in India which are solely dependent on H1B visa to depute its skilled techies to the US and save millions of dollars in projects running into months or few years.

Infosys alone has 14,659 employees working in the US on H-1B visas and 1,364 employees on L-1 visas as of FY ending March 2016. TCS has reduced its dependence on visa in the past three years and stepped up local hiring, while Wipro has 40% locals in its overseas offices. HCL has 65 percent locals in its US offices.

According to a study by the Bank of America Merrill Lynch, every 10% hike in H1B visa holder abroad would amount to 5% negtive impact on an average on a company’s earnings. Since the new Bill seeks almost 100% over the existing salary, it may virtually undercut the earnings by 50 percent, which may force several IT companies either to hire local workforce or stop seeking H1B visas altogether.

Beijing Mission Celebrates Republic Day, Ambassador Gokhale Unfurls Flag

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India’s 68th Republic Day was celebrated at the Embassy of India, Beijing on 26 January 2017 with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale unfurling the Tricolor at Embassy premises. Later, he read out passages from the President of India’s Address to the Nation.

The Culture Wing of the Embassy then screened a short movie on “A Day in the Life of India”, which was followed by a reception for the Indian community, about 200 of them present.

Prior to the Republic Day, on 24 January 2017, the Embassy of India held a Republic Day reception for Chinese guests and the diplomatic community in Beijing, ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays. Assistant Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Kong Xuanyou was the Chief Guest at the event.

Ambassador Gokhale recalled that 2016 was an important year in India-China bilateral relations which witnessed the State Visit of the President of India Pranab Mukherjee to China in May 2016 and three meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Other high level engagements included the visits of India’s Defence Minister, Finance Minister and National Security Advisor to China and those of the Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, State Councillor, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission from China to India.

Ambassador Gokhale quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the occasion:”I see the development of India and China as an unprecedented opportunity, for our two countries and for the whole world. At the same time, it is not unnatural for two large neighboring powers to have some differences. In the management of our relationship, and for peace and progress in the region, both our countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other’s core concerns and interests.”

Ambassador Gokhale said 2017 would also mark further progress in bilateral ties.

More than 200 Indian community attended the 68th Republic day celebrations at the embassy. (Photo: Beijing India Mission)

Indian Embassy in US Observes Martyr’s Day

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Indian embassy in Washington DC on Monday observed the Martyr’s Day to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Jan. 30, 1948. Indian Ambassador Navtej Sarna and other officers paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located in front of the Indian Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue in the US capital.

All the staff and visitors who participated in the event observed 2 minutes’ silence as a mark of respect to the Father of the Nation. Also Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite Bhajans were sung by on the occasion.

The Chancery of the Embassy of India in Washington DC, located at 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, has a history of more than a century. It consists of two adjacent buildings, one constructed in 1885, and the other (Depew House) in 1901, making them probably the oldest properties owned by the government of India abroad. Four floors were added to the first building in 1907.

Dephew Building which is now Indian chancery in Washington DC. (Photo: Indian Chancery)

Morris Murray, a prominent Washington physician, had built the second adjacent building based on 18th century French architecture style in 1901 in granite and limestone. This building over the years was occupied by some of the illustrious families including that of U.S. Senator Peter Gerry (1914-1915), Undersecretary of the Treasury Ogden L. Mills (1928) and the widow of U.S. Senator Chauncey Depew, May Palmer Depew. It was during her stay, the building came to be known as Depew House.

After her death in 1940, her cousin leased the Depew House to various tenants, including the British Purchase Agency. The Indian government had acquired the building in 1946 and connected it with the adjacent building to create the present Chancery. Gandhi’s statue was added later.

 

Sri Lankan Navy Commander Visits Delhi, to Proceed to Goa, Kochi Next

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Vice Admiral RC Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, who is on an official visit to India from 29 January to 02 February 2017, held bilateral discussions with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff and other senior officials of the Indian Navy on 30 January 2017.

The Admiral is also scheduled to meet the Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Army Staff as well as the Director General, Indian Coast Guard, the Minister of State for Defence and Defence Secretary have also been scheduled as part of his official meetings in New Delhi.

Naval cooperation between India and Sri Lanka has been traditionally strong, encompassing a wide span which includes operational interactions through bilateral exercises, Training, Port Calls, Hydrographic co-operation, Special Forces interactions, Capability Building and Capacity Augmentation initiatives. Two Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) are also being constructed for the Sri Lankan Navy at Goa Shipyard Limited.

In addition to New Delhi, the Admiral is also scheduled to proceed to Goa where he will be visiting Naval War College and Goa Shipyard Limited besides interacting with Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area.

The Admiral would later visit the Training Command of the Indian Navy based at Kochi, where he would be briefed on training aspects and would also visit various training facilities/ professional schools. During his visit to Kochi, the Admiral would also interact with Sri Lankan Naval personnel undergoing training in India.

The Commander, Sri Lankan Navy’s visit follows closely on the visit of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba’s visit to Sri Lanka wherein he also participated in the 7th International Maritime Conference, Galle Dialogue 2016.