The Indian Panorama

Year: 2015

  • India advance to 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers after draw with Nepal

    India advance to 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers after draw with Nepal

    India advanced to the qualifiers of the 2018 Fifa World Cup and the 2019 Asian Cup with a goalless draw against Nepal in the second leg of the pre-qualifiers in Kathmandu on Tuesday. India had won the first leg in Guwahati 2-0 on March 12.

    Although India’s performance left a lot to be desired, the match had its thrilling moments as a disallowed goal for the visitors and an off-the-post strike from Nepal kept the spectators on the edge of their seats at the Dashrath Rangasala Stadium.

    The first few chances fell for India but striker Sunil Chhetri’s long ranger was off target and then Robin Singh’s shot fizzed over the bar five minutes into the game.

    Playing on their home turf, Nepal then pushed on the offensive. Forward Shantosh Sahukala created a chance in the 18th minute as he headed the ball inside the box. But the ball was collected by India custodian Subrata Paul before it could find its way to a red Nepali shirt.

    Bikram Lama and Shahukhala stitched together some superb balls for striker Bimal Gharti Magar but the Indian rear-guard stood strong as defender Arnab Mondal lunged in for a few strong challenges.

    India coach Stephen Constantine fielded the same 11 as in the first leg but the tourists time and again held on to the ball for too long, allowing the opponents to regroup.

    Magar came close to a breakthrough a minute before half-time but could not beat Paul from close range.

    After the change of ends, both sides stepped on the gas as India started planting in crosses from the flanks and into the opponent’s defensive third while Shahukhala continued to torment the visiting defenders.

    In the 64th minute, Robin put the ball into the net but the referee disallowed the goal, leaving India dumbstruck. Chhetri next tried a right-footer after dribbling past a maze of defenders but his shot was wide off-target.

    At the other end of the pitch, Paul was left stranded as Sandip Rai chipped his free-kick over the wall to Bharat Khawas who only managed to find the post, much to the Indians’ relief.

    Eight minutes from time, Paul had to pull off a brilliant save to thwart Rai’s attempt, thus ensuring a passage to the Asian and World Cup qualifiers.

  • Asian American Coalition of Chicago honors Dr. Amarjit Singh

    Asian American Coalition of Chicago honors Dr. Amarjit Singh

    The Asian American Coalition of Chicago honored Indian Americans Dr. Amarjit Singh, and Anukool Vasudevan, at their 32nd Conference on Business And Networking and Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont Illinois. This year’s gala event themed “Unity in Diversity” was hosted by the Indonesian American community of Chicago, with Martino Tangkar serving as the event chairperson. More than 1300 attended the black-tie event.

    Amarjit Singh M.D, past president of Indian American medical Association of Illinois and also Past Chairman of Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago, with a stellar record of community service won the Indian American Exemplary Community Service Award.

    Mr. Anukool Vasudevan a senior at Loyola University won the Indian American Youth Who Excel Award.

    The awards were distributed by the Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia to U.S.A. Honorable Budi Bowoleksono assisted by Martino Tangkar and George Mui.

    Mrs. Aurora Abella Austriaco a distinguished attorney, the first ever Asian American president of Chicago Bar Association, was honored with the Pan Asian American Award. Lisa Madigan, Attorney General State of Illinois received the Coalition’s GRAND ASIAN AWARD. This award is periodically presented to someone of non-Asian descent, who has made significant contributions to the Asian Pacific American community.

    U.S. Congresswoman IL-8 Tammy Duckworth was the keynote speaker. More than 1300 people attended this extravaganza evening dinner banquet. More than 500 attended the day time events health fair, business seminars and networking opportunities.

    The dignitaries who spoke included Jesse White Secretary of State of Illinois, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, State Comptroller Leslie Munger, US Congressman Robert Dold, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez. Many other government officers, media outlets, local dignitaries, business and community leaders, and the counsel generals of many Asian countries were in the audience. Mr. O.P. Meena consul H.O.C. represented the India’s Consulate General in Chicago.

    The evening program was presented by Asian American celebrities, Joanie Lum, Billy Dec, Eric S. Horng, Judy Hsu, Nesita Kwan, Nancy Loo, Mai Martinez, Susanna Song, and Katie Kim. Linda Yu .

    During the pre-event cocktail hour reception a Fashion Show was presented by Akira and Lady Quaint.

    The entertainment program featured colorful costumes, Javanese and Balinese gamelan music performances, Holy Balinese “Barong” Lion Dance, Indonesian Cultural dance “Reog Ponorogo Singo Lodoyo” by a group of 40 Indonesian dancers from Wasington DC, performances from the 25 member Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago Dance Troupe; “Puspanjali” by the Indonesian Performing Arts of Chicago; and members of the Indonesian Dance of Illinois. “Journey to Harmony,” a Unity Dance choreographed by Liah Tehan, brought another interpretation of this year’s theme, and musical performance “Together, The World Can Count On Us,” by Keith, Betty & Kelly Uchima.

    The evening show was produced and directed by Irene Cualoping.

    “The purpose of this celebration is to showcase the culture, and contributions, of Asian Americans of Chicago on its road to empowerment,” said Rajinder Singh Mago Executive Secretary of Asian American Coalition of Chicago.

    An event held on this grand of a scale only once a year, Lunar New Year is traditionally the single largest organized annual event in Chicago’s Asian American community which takes turns to host the event.

    There were exhibition booths for businesses and community organizations in the foyer area during the whole day. The next year’s hosts are Chinese American community chaired by Dr. Karen Eng.

  • e-commerce firm “THE FIND” founded by Indian Americans acquired by Facebook

    e-commerce firm “THE FIND” founded by Indian Americans acquired by Facebook

    Facebook had been in-talks with ‘The Find’ for the past few weeks and the deal was finally done this week for an undisclosed amount. 

    e-commerce firm “TheFind” was co-founded in 2006 by Indian American CEO Siva Kumar and CTO Shashikant Khandelwal, both with Indian Origin.

    In its webpost, TheFind said many of its employees would be joining Facebook and work on improving the relevance of the social network’s advertising. TheFind added that its search engine will go offline “in the next few weeks.”

    Facebook has been testing a “buy” button since July 2014 that lets users purchase goods directly. Now, with TheFind, it would be able to add additional shopping tools to its service. 

    Facebook and TheFind cast the acquisition as a way to lift the digital advertising business of Facebook, which with $12.6 billion in annual ad sales last year, is unquestionably a dominant player in the industry.   “Together, we believe we can make the Facebook ads’ experience even more relevant and better for consumers,” Facebook said in a statement about the deal.  

     
     
  • Passenger yells ‘jihad’ – United flight turns back as precaution

    Passenger yells ‘jihad’ – United flight turns back as precaution

    United Airlines flight made a U-turn in the sky after a passenger ran toward the cockpit screaming “jihad, jihad,” according to a government official with direct knowledge of the incident.

    There is nothing, so far, in the man’s background to suggest he has a connection to terrorists, the government source said. His mental state at the time is unknown, and no weapons were found after he was subdued. 

    Still, his words are alarming, coming at a time when the United States and its allies have been targeted by Islamist extremist groups like ISIS, and with memories of the September 11, 2001, hijackings of four U.S. commercial airliners still etched in many Americans’ minds.

    The incident started shortly after United Flight 1074 took off around 10:15 p.m. Monday from Dulles International Airport in suburban Washington.

    The Boeing 737 jet was supposed to take its 33 passengers and six crew members to Denver, but was turned back because the unnamed passenger “failed to comply with crew instructions,” United Airlines spokesman Luke Punzenberger said. 

    The pilots told air traffic controllers that after the passenger began acting violently, other passengers subdued him, according to LiveATC.net, which provides audio of air traffic control transmissions. 

    “He ran forward towards the cockpit, and he is being restrained by passengers,” one of the pilots said. “The cockpit is secure, and we would just like to return to the airport and have the authorities meet him.”

    A cell phone video shows the man, bruised on his face, held down by other passengers.

    At one point, he pleads, “Please stop, please stop, they said call it off.” At another, the man seems to cry as he says, “I’m so sorry.”

    “Don’t move,” one passenger says, apparently trying to calm the man. “You’re OK. We’re going to get you off this plane, buddy.” 

    The plane landed back at Dulles around 10:40 p.m., said Kimberly Gibbs, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which runs the northern Virginia airport. 

    Airport police took the unruly passenger off the plane, and airport firefighter-EMTs transported him to a nearby hospital, according to Gibbs.

    As of late Tuesday morning, the passenger had not been arrested or charged with a crime, the airports authority spokeswoman added.

    By then, the other passengers — none of whom was injured — had been rebooked on new Denver-bound flights. Some opted to take the first flight to Colorado on Tuesday, while others chose to leave later, according to Punzenberger, the United spokesman.

  • Russia’s Northern Fleet on ‘full alert’ – NATO exercises near Russian Border

    Russia’s Northern Fleet on ‘full alert’ – NATO exercises near Russian Border

    U.S. and several Eastern European NATO countries conduct a series of military exercises near Russia’s border while Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his Northern Fleet “to full alert in a snap combat readiness exercise” in the Arctic, state-run media reported Monday.

    The Northern Fleet on snap readiness includes land, sea and air drill that will involve 38,000 troops, 41 ships, 15 submarines and 110 aircraft.

    “The main task of the (combat readiness drill) is to assess the armed forces from the Northern Fleet’s capabilities in fulfilling tasks in providing military security of the Russian Federation in the Arctic region,” Russian Defense Minister Gen. Sergey Shoigu told the media outlet. “New challenges and threats of military security demand the further heightening of military capabilities of the armed forces and special attention will be paid to the state of the newly formed strategic merging (of forces) in the North.”

    Despite a number of countries participating in various military drills in Eastern Europe, a Kremlin spokesman described the Northern Fleet inspection as routine practice aimed at improving military capabilities. 

    “The practice of snap checks will become regular, as it is beneficial for improving the mechanisms of control and operation of the armed forces. This is an absolutely regular process of the armed forces’ operation, of preparation and development of Russia’s armed forces,” Dmitry Peskov told Tass on Monday.

    “It is especially surprising that this is happening in Northeastern Europe, which is the most stable region not only on our continent, but also maybe in the whole world,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexey Meshkov said. “Such NATO actions lead to destabilization of the situation and increasing tensions in Northeastern Europe.”

    Among the recent drills in Eastern Europe:

    • In its largest military operation in decades, Norway sent 5,000 troops to conduct military exercises between Alta and Lakselv in Finnmark county, which borders Russia, according to the Barents Observer. 

    • About 100 U.S. soldiers are expected to conduct an exercise this month using a Patriot missile battery and a Polish air defense brigade “at a location on Polish territory,” Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren said. The exercise is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which began in response to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea last year, the U.S. Defense Department said. 

    • Also as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, the U.S. Army will soon send armored Stryker vehicles on a 1,100-mile convoy through six European countries to show solidarity with its allies. The “highly visible” convoy will travel through Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and the Czech Republic en route to Vilseck, Germany, a U.S. Army Europe spokesman told the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes.

    • In a “regularly scheduled” exercise aimed at demonstrating NATO’s commitment to “collective defense” in the Black Sea, the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two — a collection of warships — will train with the Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish navies and visit Varna, Bulgaria, to meet with local authorities and navy officials, NATO said. 

    • The U.S. Air Force moved a dozen A-10 Thunderbolt “tankbuster” attack jets to an air base in Germany and the U.S. military placed hundreds of tanks and military vehicles in Latvia, where they’ll be matched up with 3,000 troops from Fort Stewart, Georgia.

  • Indian-American Renu Khator to head US Higher Education council ACE

    Indian-American Renu Khator to head US Higher Education council ACE

    Dallas (TIP) : Indian American Renu Khator, Chancellor of University of Houston System and also President of University of Houston, will be the new Chair of American Council on Education (ACE) which is the most influential higher education association. She will be succeeding James H Mullen Jr  from tomorrow.  

    Uttar Pradesh-born and University of Kanpur educated Khator told PTI that “On March 16, I will become chairman of the American Council on Education, a national organisation representing all institutions of higher education– from elite private to community colleges to ‘for profit’ universities – in America.” 

    “In the next decade, American higher education is going to be transformed. We need a collective voice, a shared platform, a place where we can collectively anticipate change, dare to innovate, and learn from each other’s mistakes. 

    “I think ACE provides that forum, that collective voice that shared space, and that togetherness,” reads a message by Khator on ACE’s official website.  

    She will be the first ever Indian immigrant to lead a comprehensive research university in the US. She is also the UH System’s first woman chancellor and UH’s first foreign-born president. Last year, she was named the chairperson of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ board of directors.  

    Currently the Vice Chair of ACE, she says she feels tremendously honoured to be selected for the new position by fellow presidents. 

    ACE represents the presidents of US accredited, degree- granting institutions, which include two and four-year colleges, private and public universities, and non-profit and for-profit entities. In its role representing all sectors of higher education, ACE provides higher education administrators multiple opportunities to learn from colleagues and experts. 
     
    According to Khator, both the Indian and US education systems have the same mission but take different approaches to accomplish it. 

    “India does not have a two-year college system for those who wish to pursue trade related degrees. It has a cohort system where a student enters a university and must continue and finish his or her degree at a predetermined course in a pre-selected field.

     
    In US, students can work on their own pace and start their degree at any age and change majors several times,” she says.

    “Bachelor’s education in the US includes two years of common core. Irrespective of your field of study – engineering or commerce or arts – everyone must take common courses in humanities, math and social sciences,” she says.

    A product of the Indian education system, she says she values it for all that it offers

  • Indian student found dead after Sikh temple service in California

    Indian student found dead after Sikh temple service in California

    California (TIP) 16th March: Randhir Kaur, 37, an Indian woman studying dentistry at a California college was found shot dead in her apartment just hours after attending prayer services at a Sikh temple, (Gurdawara Shaib in El Sobrante) said authorities in Albany, Calif.

    Kaur was shot in the head and was found in her apartment by family members in the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Authorities say that’s when she was shot — but why and by whom remains unknown and that they are examining all possibilities. 

    There was no sign of forced entry, but personal items belonging to Kaur, stolen from her apartment, were found tossed in the trash some two miles away in Richmond. 

    The temple Kaur attends was the scene of a fatal shooting in 2000, when a man armed with an AR-15 killed a founding member of the congregation inside the ornate building because he was upset he was not allowed to address the congregation, according to a Chronicle story at the time.

    The dental school described Kaur as “a beloved friend, student and colleague.”

    Criminalists from the Alameda County sheriff’s crime laboratory have been called to assist in the investigation, which police said is a standard practice for any homicide in the city.

    Two additional investigators have been assigned to the case, bringing the total number of full-time investigators to six, along with several part-time personnel.

    Police are asking for the public’s help, particularly those who live on or frequent Kains Avenue in Albany or Panama Avenue in Richmond, in providing any information about suspicious people or activities on Monday or March 8 in those areas.

    Anyone with information is asked to call Albany police investigators at (510) 525-7300.

    A candlelight vigil is planned on campus for 5 p.m. today.

  • Thruway Authority probed in call-girl scandal

    Thruway Authority probed in call-girl scandal

    ALBANY New York — Exclusive story by CNN Crime – State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office has opened a criminal investigation into the state Thruway Authority — including a possible call-girl scandal, the Daily News has learned.

    The case was referred to Schneiderman’s office by the state inspector general’s office, which had been conducting its own probe and found potential criminality, sources said.

    As she has done in other such cases, Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott has withheld issuing a report of her office’s findings while Schneiderman’s probe is under way, said one source.

    Sources have described the inspector general’s report as a “bombshell” that includes multiple potential criminal acts.

    The News previously reported that officials were looking into whether top Thruway Authority officials used their state phones to make arrangements with call girls.

    A Schneiderman spokesman wouldn’t confirm or deny that his office is investigating the matter, and a spokesman for the inspector general had no comment.

    Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison and chief financial officer John Bryan resigned at the end of 2014 while the probe was being conducted.

    Billionaire developer Howard Milstein resigned late last year as the thruway board chairman. One source said Milstein, a big-time donor to Gov. Cuomo, left to avoid getting caught up in the controversy. But another source said Milstein had planned to leave after Cuomo’s first term.

    Cuomo’s former budget director, Robert Megna, is serving as acting Thruway Authority executive director.

    An authority spokesman did not return calls for comment.

    The authority has been under heavy criticism in recent months. Motorists were livid the thruway was not closed soon enough in November during a blizzard that stranded cars and trucks for hours and days.

  • U.S. Border Patrol: Arrests of sex offenders crossing Texas border spike

    U.S. Border Patrol: Arrests of sex offenders crossing Texas border spike

    AUSTIN (TIP): U.S. Border Patrol agents in one part of Texas have noticed a disturbing trend: a spike in sex offenders trying to sneak in to the country illegally.

    KRGV-TV said just in the past five months, agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector apprehended 144 sex offenders crossing the border from Mexico. In the same period last year agents in the valley nailed 93 sex offenders trying to slip into the U.S.

    The sector covers Rio Grande City to Brownsville on the border. It also includes Corpus Christi.

    The station, in a report Friday, March 13, said apprehensions in December included a woman from El Salvador with a 2009 child sex assault conviction and three sex offenders who were Mexican nationals.

    In February seven sex offenders were rounded up near McAllen, Harlingen, Falfurrias and Kingsville.

    Less than a week later another two sex offenders were caught. A few days ago two Guatemalan men convicted of sex crimes were arrested.

    Early in the month, border patrol in another border sector in South Texas, Del Rio, apprehended two convicted sex offenders.

    The second man was arrested March 4 by agents patrolling a ranch near the Rio Grande River. Agents said Jose Margarito Rivera-Mendez, 35, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico had been convicted of a felony in North Carolina in 2003 for indecency with a child. He was sentenced to 15-18 months confinement and after serving his time was deported in 2005.

    “Our agents are committed to keeping the country safe,” Del Rio Sector Chief Rodolfo Karisch said after the arrest. “Apprehending criminals previously convicted of felonies, as they attempt to enter the United State illegally, is one of the many ways we accomplish our mission.

    KRGV said sex offenders go to great lengths to avoid capture. Agents said they trek through South Texas brush and try to blend in with large groups of illegal immigrants.

    KRGV said agents cannot say why more sex offenders are attempting to sneak into the U.S.

    Border Patrol have access to databases that search criminal records worldwide. Agents use technology that scans fingerprints, scans retinas and has facial recognition.

  • Dallas police rule out hate crime in killing of Iraqi migrant

    Dallas police rule out hate crime in killing of Iraqi migrant

    DALLAS (TIP): Police in Dallas, Texas, have arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of an Iraqi migrant, but have ruled out the possibility of a hate crime.

    The suspect. Police have charged Nykerion Nealon with murder
    The suspect. Police have charged Nykerion Nealon with murder

    Police say 17-year-old Nykerion Nealon shot Ahmed Al-Jumaili with an assault rifle on March 5.

    Officials said the gunman was seeking revenge after someone shot at his girlfriend’s apartment.

    Al-Jumaili was shot in a parking lot while taking photos of snow falling – the first snowfall he had ever seen.

    Dallas Police Senior Corporal DeMarquis Black confirmed to the BBC that a hate crime had been ruled out, but that the investigation was ongoing.

    Police said that Nealon fired at least 15 shots from an assault rifle.

    The victim ran towards his apartment and collapsed in a breezeway after being struck. He died a day later at a local hospital.

    The teenager and three others were looking for people who had shot at his girlfriend’s apartment earlier in the night.

    Police have charged the teenager with murder, and are investigating whether gang activity was involved.

    CCTV footage from a neighboring school was released days later and showed four people fleeing from the scene on foot. One person was brandishing a rifle.

     

    Police credit a witness who provided them with Nealon’s nickname for helping solve the crime.

    In a police interview, Nealon admitted to being at the crime scene, but blamed the shooting on another person who was present.

    “We don’t believe that he knew Mr Al-Jumaili. We don’t believe that he knew Mr Al-Jumaili’s ethnicity,” said Dallas Police Major Jeff Cotner told reporters at a news conference on Friday.

    The victim’s relatives say he fled violence in his native Iraq to reunite with his wife in Texas just three weeks before he was killed.

     

    The shooting generated concerns in the Dallas Muslim community that Al-Jumaili might have been targeted.

    His death comes after three Muslim students were killed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in February.

    In that case, police said initial indications suggested there was a parking space dispute, but that they were investigating whether the suspect was motivated by religious hate.

     

  • US asks Pakistan to keep its pledge on Mumbai attacks

    US asks Pakistan to keep its pledge on Mumbai attacks

    WASHINGTON (TIP): As a Pakistani court ordered the release of an alleged mastermind of the Mumbai terrorist attack, the US asked Pakistan to follow through on its pledge to bring its perpetrators and sponsors to justice, says an agency report.

    The US was “monitoring reports that an Islamabad High Court judge suspended detention orders for the alleged Mumbai attack mastermind” Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters Friday, March 13.

    “The Government of Pakistan has pledged its cooperation in bringing the perpetrators, financiers and sponsors of the Mumbai terrorist attacks to justice, and we urge Pakistan to follow through on that commitment,” she said.

    “Pakistan is a critical partner in a fight against terrorism,” Psaki said.

    While the US “can’t speculate on the outcome of an ongoing legal process in Pakistan” she said according to their information Lakhvi remained in prison for now.

    “Well, for now, let me also reiterate he remains in prison. Obviously, there’s a range of ways that we share information. I’m not going to speak to that from the podium,” Psaki said.

    Asked how the Islamabad court’s order for the release of Lakhvi would impact ongoing talks between India and Pakistan, she said: “Well, certainly, we support ongoing dialogue. I’m not going to speak to how it will impact talks between two other countries.”

    The spokesperson did not have a comment on reports that Pakistan had summoned an Indian diplomat to protest over India’s inaction on 2007 Samjhauta Express bombing in which more than 50 Pakistanis were burnt alive saying she didn’t “have any information on this.”

    India Friday, March 13, summoned the Pakistan envoy in New Delhi to convey its outrage over the Islamabad court’s order saying the release of a person designated as international terrorist by the United Nations will pose a threat that cannot be ignored.

    Lakhvi is accused of masterminding the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed and over 600 wounded.

     

     

  • Swastika Spray painted on Dallas Rabbi’s car- a hate crime

    Swastika Spray painted on Dallas Rabbi’s car- a hate crime

    DALLAS (TIP): An Orthodox Jewish Dallas rabbi was the victim of vandals who defaced his vehicle by spray painting it with the very emblem of hatred — a swastika. The incident happened in the early evening hours of Wednesday, March 11, according to   a Breitbart Texas report.

    “I feel completely violated. As a Jew, the swastika is the most offensive symbol that there is. They didn’t just attack me; they attacked every Jew in the City of Dallas. I am very grateful, however, that the members of Congregation Toras Chaim are banding together to ensure that there is no disruption in our activities,” the synagogue’s Rabbi Yaakov Rich told Breitbart Texas. Congregation Toras Chaim is a small Orthodox Jewish community that serves 20 families in North Dallas where they meet in a home for private worship.

    Last month, Breitbart Texas reported that a Collin County district judge dismissed a lawsuit by the neighborhood home owner’s association that attempted to stop the rabbi’s congregation from worshiping inside the residence.

    On Monday, March 2, the City of Dallas turned around and filed a lawsuit against the Congregation Toras Chaim, demanding that they get a certificate of occupancy for the home and make improvements that comply with building, fire, safety and parking codes or face fines of $1,000 per violation per day. The residential property in question sits in the City of Dallas in a portion of the neighboring Collin County.

    The act of vandalism came the week after the City of Dallas filed that lawsuit. The timing is a little suspicious, although the rabbi only speculated that he thought the hate-crime may have been perpetrated by a juvenile, one who did not fully understand the heinous connotation behind the swastika historically associated with Adolf Hitler, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

    Texas is not one of the five states that mandate Holocaust education. Those states are California, New York, New Jersey, Florida and Illinois. However, states that teaches the Holocaust as part of a larger study on genocide in the high school grades.

    The incident was disconcerting to the rabbi regardless of whether or not the swastika was spray painted onto his car by a juvenile. Rich feared the possibility of a copy cat crime. “We have to be vigilant about what’s going on,” he told Breitbart Texas.

    This is not the first time the congregation has dealt with anti-Semitism. Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Justin Butterfield, who has represented Congregation Toras Chaim in its legal battles to remain at its residential location, previously told CBS DFW that the religious signpost on the door frame of the Jewish house of worship was ripped off.

    “They’ve also had people drive in front of the home screaming obscenities at them,” said Butterfield.

    “Acts of violence against religious beliefs are being perpetrated around the world. But these acts should never be tolerated in America, which was founded on the principle of religious liberty for all,” said Butterfield who affirmed Liberty Institute’s commitment to stand by Rabbi Rich, his family, and Congregation Toras Chaim until their religious freedom rights are secured and justice is done.

    Breitbart Texas reached out to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Dallas, which serves North Texas and Oklahoma, and attempted to speak to its Regional Director Roberta Clark, who did not return our calls before press time.

    The ADL, which was founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Although they applauded the condemnation of students in the Oklahoma University in this week’s SAE fraternity racism scandal and recently, they commended the City of Plano for its Equal Rights ordinance, there was no mention of the anti-Semitic hate-crime against the rabbi on their news web page at the time of this report.

    For now, the hate-crime appears to have rallied the community and their neighbors together. Rich told Breitbart Texas that residents of many religious faiths and backgrounds have reached out to the congregation since the incident.

    He said that someone “very graciously donated a security system” to the synagogue.

    The incident has also brought the congregation closer. Rich said that because of concern for his safety congregant’s husbands are walking him home after services.

    The rabbi believes that, in the end, this may have the opposite effect of what the individual who defaced his vehicle with a swastika may have intended.

    He told Breitbart Texas that on the day after his car was spray painted, Thursday, March 12, he was walking to the synagogue and was stopped by a neighborhood man who was driving down the street. The man rolled down his window and asked, “Do you know the rabbi that worships at that house by Mumford and Meandering Way?” Rich looked at the man and said, “I am that person.”

     

    The rabbi said that the driver’s eyes welled up with tears and then, he began to cry as he told the rabbi, “After everything that your people have gone through and all that you have suffered, this should never have happened and I want you to know from the bottom of my heart I am apologizing on behalf of everybody. This is not indicative of the people of this neighborhood and I am so sorry this happened to you.”

    The rabbi was quite touched by the stranger’s heart felt words. He told Breitbart Texas, “This was really special and amazing.”

    He added about uplifting moments like, “I feel like it has motivated people not to want to give up.”

     

  • India’s emergence as a major player good for world: Ambassador Richard Verma

    India’s emergence as a major player good for world: Ambassador Richard Verma

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Envoys of six leading world powers — US, Japan, China, Britain, Germany and Canada- hailed, March 14,  India’s emergence as a major player at the “global high table” and complimented the new government for its efforts to stimulate economic growth, says a PTI report.

      The Ambassadors and High Commissioners said India’s role was crucial in combating major challenges facing the globe such as terrorism and climate change while noting that the country has huge untapped potential in trade and economic spheres.

      US Ambassador Richard Verma said the strategic partnership between the two countries has moved into a new phase and that the visit here by President Barack Obama had led to breakthroughs on a number of issues.  

    “Our strategic partnership has moved into a new phase, a more mature one that I would characterize as “strategic plus”.

     Our leaders share an understanding that if our democracies work in tandem, we can have a positive impact on global peace, democracy and economic prosperity,” Verma said addressing the India Today conclave.

    He said since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US in September last year, both sides have “convened, signed, and cooperated on no fewer than 30 dialogues, declarations, and agreements.”

    On India-US partnership on clean energy, he said over USD 2.4 billion has been “mobilized” to invest in clean energy projects.

    “We have agreed to make concrete progress this year towards phasing out hudrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol as well as pursuing a strong global climate agreement in Paris this year,” he said adding US has offered its support to Indian cities to combat air pollution.

    He said last week, a team of experts from the US Environmental Protection Agency met with senior officials and experts of the Ministry of Environment and the Central Pollution Control Board.

  • Lahore hit by another blasts – 2 churches hit

    Lahore hit by another blasts – 2 churches hit

    TIP Bureau report: Pakistan Taliban’s Outfit called Jamatul Ahrar carried out two bomb blasts targeting two local churches in Lahore which have killed at least 10 people, local officials say. According to local media the death toll has already crossed 14.

    At least 50 people were reportedly hurt in the explosions at the Catholic church and Christ Church in the city’s Youhanabad area which is a Christian neighbourhood in the Pakistani city of Lahore.

    Violent protests erupted after the blasts, with large crowds already in the area to attend Sunday mass.

    Many experts suggest this is a new direction taken by the Pakistani Taliban to target other religions now in the country.

    Pakistan’s Christian community has often been targeted by militants.

    Witnesses say suicide bombers were responsible for the explosions but police have not confirmed this.

    The bombers are said to have detonated their explosives at the gates of the churches. 

  • I LOOK, FEEL DIFFERENT IN NH10, SAYS ANUSHKA

    I LOOK, FEEL DIFFERENT IN NH10, SAYS ANUSHKA

    Actress Anushka Sharma says it is in the pursuit of doing new things that she chose to do ‘NH10’. She is glad that the movie shows her in a different light. “As an actor, I have tried to do new things and that’s why I have done few films. I can do a film only if it excites me as an actor. The story should give a huge kick. I look different and feel different in ‘NH10’,” Anushka.

    “When you have the option of being able to perform, I want to do that,” added the ‘Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl’ and ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ actress. Directed by Navdeep Singh, ‘NH10’ is a thriller, co-produced by Phantom Productions and Eros International. This is Anushka’s debut production venture and it also stars Neil Bhoopalam.

    She says the movie features incidents inspired from real life events. “It’s a very unusual film and I am proud to back this film,” she added.

  • NARGIS EXPLORES LOVE FOR SKETCHING

    NARGIS EXPLORES LOVE FOR SKETCHING

    Amidst busy work schedules, actress Nargis Fakhri has found time to sip her morning coffee and pursue her love for painting. She drew a creative sketch, and it seems she wants to explore her drawing skills more.

    “Morning coffee & Sketch. Haven’t done this in years! Gona start with pencils then move to canvas and paints later…?? lets see what I can create (sic),” the Rockstar actress shared via Twitter.

    Her sketch features a prim and proper lady dressed in a gown and with an elaborate floral headgear. It has hints of peach for some colour.

    While enjoying her artistic pursuit, Nargis is also caught up with working towards getting toned abs with a combination of healthy eating habits

  • Movie Review – Dirty Politics

    Movie Review – Dirty Politics

    STORY: Anokhi Devi (Mallika Sherawat) is a popular dancer who engages in a relationship with Dina Nath (Om Puri) for political power. When election ticket doesn’t come her way, she threatens to bring out an objectionable CD containing something that can destroy Dina Nath’s career. Anokhi goes missing and the case moves to CBI for investigation.

    REVIEW: A hybrid of political drama and murder mystery, Dirty Politics is a warped tale. Despite flaunting a convoy of seasoned actors, the film fails to hold up its promising premise. The script’s most potent part is the sex scandal but the writer introduces an array of meaningless sub-plots which dilutes it. Had the story systematically unraveled its myriad facets, it could’ve left a thumping impact.

    There is no drama or suspense in the film. The only mystery that remains is why actors like Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher agreed to be a part of such muck. A mishmash of dismal performances, terrible editing and an unsurprising plot-line, the film fails to do justice to its core idea of dishing out a political drama where sex plays a powerful role.

    Sex is instead used as a prop to titillate in this amateurish story. A top politician cannot keep his libido in control and allows himself to be used as a pawn by his keep whose ‘dirty’ ambitions include attaining political power. Sherawat’s skin show adds no value to the plot. Kher, Shah and Puri manage to better an otherwise dreadful narrative but with a plot this execrable, a better film cannot be whipped up.

    Silly isn’t a term broad enough to encapsulate the zest of this movie. Stories like these demand a little more sensitivity but the director’s incoherence of understanding the theme make this a wasted attempt. What else can explain the rape sequence in the climax?

    Expect to remain unmoved by this film which tries to unleash the morally corrupt face of Indian politics. The product we have at hand, is a juvenile tryst which focuses on a sexually charged up plot to garner good box office moolah.

  • KENDALL JENNER THE NEW FACE OF CALVIN KLEIN

    KENDALL JENNER THE NEW FACE OF CALVIN KLEIN

    Model Kendall Jenner, who was seen walking the runway for luxury brands including Chanel and Balmain at the Paris Fashion Week, has been signed on to endorse fashion brand Calvin Klein.

    Kendall took to image-sharing platform Instagram to post some photographs in which she is seen wearing Calvin Klein lingerie and jeans. She has even tagged the official account of the brand, reports mirror.co.uk.

    The reality star, who is already the face of cosmetic brand Estee Lauder, is now the face and body of the popular underwear brand, according to New York Post newspaper’s Page Six column.

    Singer Justin Bieber was also posting many photographs of himself rocking Calvin Klein briefs online before he was announced as a spokesman for Calvin Klein Jeans in January. The singer generated a huge amount of publicity for the brand after appearing in an advertisement with model Lara Stone as his fans questioned whether his muscles had been photoshopped.

  • The Lazarus Effect

    The Lazarus Effect

    STORY: A group of young scientists create a serum that allows them to resurrect the dead. Making a strong case for why the deceased should remain that way, one of them is transformed into something terrible when the serum is used to revive her.

    REVIEW: While this movie dutifully touches upon most horror checkpoints (jump scares etc.), it is probably the only horror flick that introduces something new -mention of something called DMT (referred to as ‘the Spirit Molecule’) in the brain, which according to Frank (Duplass), Zoe (Wilde), Clay (Peters) and Niko (Glover) is of key importance to their experiment. This, coupled with Zoe’s concerns about the moralistic angle of reviving the dead, makes for an interesting build-up. When they resurrect a dog, Zoe asks her fiance Frank, “If we bring a dog back from the dead, are we ripping him out of doggie heaven?”

    Their university dean soon pulls the plug on the experiment but they decide to continue with the work, regardless. A lab accident kills Zoe, whom Frank revives with the serum. So, strange chemicals, ethical issues and a sense of ‘what happens next?’ Just when you think things are going to get really interesting, Lazarus gets sloppy in a hurry.

    Zoe’s back with superpowers that aren’t really explained. Is she demonically possessed? Has she been to another dimension or realm? Is it some crazy alter-ego?These angles of exploration would have given the film tremendous psychological leverage and impact. But astoundingly, that is avoided. Instead, the sense of foreboding created by the meticulous build-up is dissipated. Zoe is clearly very tormented by something and now wants her friends to share her nightmare.

    To be fair, the sense of claustrophobia remains (also, a few scares that will spill your popcorn) and the cast do their salvageable best, but the script gives them precious little to play around with. Apart from the film’s clear message – that if you play God, bad things will happen -Wilde definitely does look scary and indeed, she is the best thing about the movie.

  • EVA MENDES LOVES TO KNOW WHAT’S WRONG WITH HER

    EVA MENDES LOVES TO KNOW WHAT’S WRONG WITH HER

    Eva Mendes has admitted that she feels very happy about her therapist as she tells her flaws and tries to correct her and make her a better person.

    The ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ actress said in an interview with Women’s Health that rather than she was lucky to work with someone who doesn’t just nod her head, but also told her what’s wrong with her so that she could fix it up.

    The 41-year-old American actress also gushed about her 6-month-old daughter, Esmerelda Amada with boyfriend Ryan Gosling as she loves the sleepless nights with her little girl as that time helps in creating special bond with her.

  • ADD STYLE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM

    ADD STYLE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM

    Swanky furniture alone won’t add style and vibrancy to your living room. Here are four simple ways to add colour and style to your living room

    Colorful cushions

    Cushions in different bright colors add much life to your living room. And add comfort factor to it. The most comfortable sofas and chairs also need cushions. So, have them generously in your living room. You can also have some floor cushions so that on a lazy Sunday afternoon you can just take a nap and chill. Cushions in varying sizes, textures, patterns and colors make your living room attractive. And there are not expensive too.

    Rug it

    Rugs are wonderful ways to bring color to your floor. Imagine having an ikkat or kalamkari rug in your living room and bringing in a slice of our very own textile heritage into the living room. You need not follow the rule of putting a rug only in the middle of the room. Make your cosy corner with a rug and couple of cushions. What a comfortable space will it be to curl up with a book and a cup of tea/coffee.

    Bring in nature

    There’s no substitute to having a bit of greenery in your living room. Put some potted plants in your living room and see what difference it brings to your decor. Add more to the magic by putting fresh flowers in the room. Have a sense of variation by putting flowers in a terracotta/ceramic/glass bowl. Put them in different corners of the room and revel in the beauty.

    Your signature style

    Your home is a reflection of your personality. So, from art, books, handicrafts, photographs to your specialized collections (it could be anything), you can display it all and bring in a bit of your personality. Make the room look unique and let your guests have a dekko at you from a different perspective.

  • GET RID OF PUFFY EYES

    GET RID OF PUFFY EYES

    Waking up with puffy eyes every morning? Here are some homemade cures for irritable eyes.

    Potato

    Potato is extremely beneficial for puffy eyes. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps cure irritation around the eyes. Grate a potato, place the pulp into a poultice. Keep this on your eyelids for about 15 minutes. This must be done almost every day without fail.

    Cucumbers

    Cucumbers are cooling agents and their astringent properties are meant to cure puffy eyes. Rest a slice of cucumber on each eye and relax for 5- 10 minutes.

    Green tea

    Green tea is known to be a soothing agent for puffy eyes. It reduces swelling of the eyes. Dip 2 bags of your choice of tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let it cool until the bags are comfortably warm. Close your eyes and place a tea bag over each eyes.

  • NURSING HOME STAY MAY DAMAGE YOUR LUNGS

    NURSING HOME STAY MAY DAMAGE YOUR LUNGS

    A prolonged stay in a nursing home can be detrimental for your lungs’ health, apart from your pocket’s health, says a new study.

    The indoor air quality in nursing homes has a serious effect on the lung health of elderly residents, according to the study findings.

    Researchers from the EU-funded GERIE research project collected data on five indoor air pollutants: PM10, PM0.1, formaldehyde, NO2 and O3.

    These pollutants come from a range of sources including heaters, building materials, furniture, cleaning products, disinfectants and cooling systems.

    “Our findings have shown an independent effect of several indoor air pollutants on the lung health of the elderly living in nursing homes,” said lead study author Isabella Annesi-Maesano.

    The researchers objectively assessed levels of the pollutants in 50 different nursing homes in seven countries – Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Poland and Sweden. A total of 600 residents aged over 65 years were used in the study. Each participant underwent a number of clinical tests including lung function testing and a health questionnaire. The results showed that exposure to high levels of PM10 and NO2 was significantly associated with breathlessness and cough.

    High levels of PM0.1 were associated with wheeze during the last year and high concentrations of formaldehyde were linked with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    The associations were even seen with moderate concentrations of indoor air pollutants that did not exceed the existing international guidelines. With life expectancy increasing, more people are staying in nursing homes. “This is a worrying problem since the body’s ability to cope with harmful air pollutants decreases as we age. “Nursing homes should do more to prevent indoor air pollution by limiting its sources and by improving ventilation in their buildings. The respiratory health of residents should also be checked on a regular basis,” Annesi-Maesano added.

    “These findings add to a body of evidence confirming that indoor air pollution is one of these risk factors. We must raise awareness of this,” said Dan Smyth, chair of the European Lung Foundation.

  • Get rid of that stinking mouth

    Although bad breath happens to the best of us, it’s an embarrassing topic for many. No one enjoys being told their breath stinks, and it’s equally (if not more) difficult to tell someone else that they need a mint.

    Drink plenty of water

    A moist mouth is inhospitable to the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Water also dilutes the concentration of VSCs, making them weaker and less pungent.

    Brush and floss regularly

    Brush and floss as soon as possible after meals to minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Buy a tongue scraper to reduce the amount of bacteria even more.

    Treat any existing oral diseases

    See your dentist regularly, especially if you suspect any type of oral disease, periodontal problem or infection.

    Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

    Chewing apples, celery and cucumber helps keep your mouth naturally clean by removing food particles and plaque while you eat. They also increase saliva flow to keep your mouth moist.

    Cut out coffee

    Coffee leaves a film on your tongue that blocks oxygen, creating the perfect environment for bacteria growth. Switch to tea if you need a caffeine fix.

    Chew sugarless gum

    Chewing gum will help keep your mouth moist and increase saliva flow. Because the bacteria in your mouth easily break down most sugars into VSCs, choose sugarless gum and say no to mints that contain sugar.

    Eat yogurt

    Some research shows that eating one serving of yogurt daily can reduce the amount of odor-causing particles, including bacteria, in the mouth.

    Get your vitamins

    Vitamin D creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria. Enjoy plenty of vitamin D-fortified foods
    (such as milk and other dairy products). Vitamin C
    (found in berries melons and citrus fruit) also makes your mouth inhospitable to bacteria, but can also help prevent two other causes of bad breath—gum disease and gingivitis.

  • US man rescued trying to walk from Detroit on frozen lake to Canada

    Detroit (TIP): A 25-year-old American man was rescued by the US Coast Guard after he tried to walk from Detroit to Canada across a frozen lake, officials said on Mar 12. The man was found on Mar 11 on Lake St. Clair, which borders the United States and Canada, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from shore by a lookout assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay, a 140-foot ice-breaking tug, the Coast Guard said.

    “He was suffering from hypothermia and disoriented,” said Chief Petty Officer Lauren Jorgensen, a Coast Guard spokeswoman.