The Indian Panorama

Month: July 2016

  • Indian American Physicist Donates USD 11 Million To UCLA

    Indian American Physicist Donates USD 11 Million To UCLA

    WASHINGTON:  An Indian-American physicist has donated USD 11 million to University of California to establish a center devoted to advancing knowledge of the basic laws of nature, the largest donation in the history of the varsity.

    “I thank Mani Bhaumik for his philanthropic leadership and for believing in UCLA,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block.

    The Mani L Bhaumik Institute for Theoretical Physics is intended to become a world-leading center for theoretical physics research and intellectual inquiry, the university said in a statement.

    The Bhaumik Institute will host visiting scholars, organise seminars and conferences for the academic community, and begin a public outreach programme to teach the community about scientific advances made by UCLA physicists.

    Bhaumik rose from poverty to become an eminent scientist who played a key role in developing the laser technology that paved the way for Lasik eye surgery.

    He was born in a remote village in West Bengal, and as a child slept on rags in the thatched-roof mud hut he shared with his parents and six siblings.

    “I didn’t own a pair of shoes until I was 16 and walked four miles to school and back in my bare feet,” he added in the UCLA statement.

    Studying under renowned physicist Satyendra Bose, he earned a master’s degree at the University of Calcutta. In 1958, Bhaumik became the first student to earn a doctorate, also in physics, from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. Bhaumik came to UCLA in 1959 – “with USD 3 in my pocket”, he said – on a Sloan Foundation postdoctoral fellowship. The people of his village raised the money for his airfare, the statement said.

    “Everyone was treated equally, not like back at home where the poor were treated like dirt. In 1961, Bhaumik joined Xerox Electro-Optical Systems as a laser scientist. He later served as director of the laser technology laboratory at Northrop’s corporate research
    laboratory.

    In 1973, he announced the conclusive demonstration of the world’s first efficient excimer laser, a form of ultraviolet laser now commonly used for high-precision machining and for cutting biological tissue cleanly without damaging surrounding
    tissue.

    Bhaumik is a fellow of the American Physical Society and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and, in 2011, Indian awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri for distinguished service in science and engineering.

    “It’s very difficult to raise funds for this area, because people don’t understand what theoretical physicists do. But physics holds the answers to the most fundamental questions of our very existence.Imagine what could be solved right here at UCLA,” he said.

  • New Art Exhibit in NYC To Explore Sikh Identity In Post-9/11 US

    New Art Exhibit in NYC To Explore Sikh Identity In Post-9/11 US

    NEW YORK:  A first-ever exhibition exclusively featuring contributions of the Sikh-Americans to the US will open in New York next month aiming to spread awareness about Sikhs in the wake of numerous hate crimes against the community after the 9/11 attacks.

    The photography exhibition titled the ‘Sikh Project’ is a collaboration between advocacy group the Sikh Coalition and acclaimed British photographers Amit and Naroop and will open on September 16.

    The exhibition will highlight the aesthetic of the Sikh articles of faith, including the turban and beard.

    Nearly 40 photo portraits of Sikh-Americans of various ages and genders will embody the triumphs and perseverance of a community that has overcome great challenges in the 15 years since the September 11 terror attacks.

    The exhibition will “visually tell” some of the most interesting Sikh American stories – from the longest serving female Sikh turbaned police officer to the first major Sikh movie star to the Sikh subway driver who reversed a train headed for ground zero on September 11, saving passengers from the violent chaos, the photographers said in a statement.

    The duo, Amit and Naroop, launched the original British version of the highly-celebrated photography exhibition titled The Singh Project in 2014.

    The group said the Sikhs’ article of faith – the turban and beard – have been falsely associated with terrorism in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

    While there are an estimated 500,000 Sikh-Americans in the US, who have been an integral part of the American fabric for generations, the first post-9/11 fatal hate crime victim was a Sikh.

    In the wake of recent terrorist attacks, the problem has seen a new alarming rise.

    “The rise in xenophobic backlash following recent horrific attacks all over the globe, including the tragic Orlando shooting, makes this a crucial moment for educating the broader American public by highlighting these diverse Sikh American stories,” said Sikh Coalition Executive Director, Sapreet Kaur.

  • Al-Qaida Branch in Indian Subcontinent Now On U.S. Terror List

    Al-Qaida Branch in Indian Subcontinent Now On U.S. Terror List

    WASHINGTON — The State Department June 30 put al-Qaida’s branch in the Indian subcontinent on its list of foreign terrorist groups.

    The action bans Americans from engaging in transactions with the group or its leader, Asim Umar, and freezes any assets the group has within U.S. jurisdiction. It also prohibits people from knowingly providing support to the group.

    Al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri formed al-Qaida in the Indian subcontinent in a video address in September 2014.

    The group claimed responsibility for the Sept. 6, 2014, attack on a naval dockyard in Karachi, Pakistan, in which militants attempted to hijack a Pakistani Navy frigate. It also claimed responsibility for the 2015 killing of activists and writers in Bangladesh, including U.S. citizen Avijit Roy, local U.S. embassy employee Xulhaz Mannan, and three Bangladeshi nationals.

    India-born Asim Umar, the chief of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent — known as AQIS — was designated as a “global terrorist” June 30 by the State Department.

    Umar, a former member of U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization Harakat ul-Mujahidin, was born as Sana-Ul Haq in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and graduated from Darul Uloom seminary in Deoband in 1991.

    He later travelled to Pakistan where he studied at the Darul Uloom Haqqania Nowshera, the seminary which is dubbed as the ‘University of Jihad.’

    “Today’s action notifies the U.S. public and the international community that AQIS and Umar are actively engaged in terrorism,” the State Department said.

    “Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, these designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other U.S. agencies and other governments,” it said.

  • Five Indian Americans win Regional ‘EY Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award

    Five Indian Americans win Regional ‘EY Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award

    EY recently announced the regional winners of the Entrepreneur of the year award who will now can compete at the national level.

    According to EY, the awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

    The business leaders were selected by a panel of independent judges.

    Among the dozens of Indian-American finalists for the regional prize the winners were Jyoti Bansal, Dr. Subhash Makhija, Shri Thanedar, Raj Malik and Anurag Jain.

    Bansal, the founder, executive chairman and chief strategist of San Francisco-based AppDynamics won in the technology category of the California Regional.

    Makhija, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Clark, N.J.-based Global eProduce, was chosen in the New Jersey regional at a June 23 gala event.

    Thanedar is the owner, chief executive and chief scientist at Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Avomeen Analytical Services.

    Malik is the president and chief executive officer of the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas-based BIOWORLD Merchandising. He won in the consumer products category at the Southwest regional June 25 banquet.

    Malik’s company is a leading design and distribution company of licensed and private-label apparel and accessories with a focus on pop culture and youth brands. The company went from a one-man operation to now having more than 250 employees.

    Jain is the chairman at Access Healthcare, a Dallas, Texas-area company. The company, which is an outsourcer of healthcare information technology and business process related work, was honored in the technology and tech services category.

    For winning their respective regional competitions, Bansal, Makhija, Thanedar, Malik and Jain will advance to the EY Entrepreneur of The Year national program.

    Award recipients in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur of The Year Overall National Award winner, will be announced at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 19, 2016. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum.

    The winner of the national program then will have the chance to compete in the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year in Monaco in June 2017.

  • Aziz Ansari: Donald Trump Makes Me Afraid for My Family

    Aziz Ansari: Donald Trump Makes Me Afraid for My Family

    LOS ANGELES (TIP) — Indian American actor Aziz Ansari expressed his fury over Donald Trump’s “xenophobic rhetoric” in a poignant op-ed for a leading newspaper.

    The 33-year-old “Master of None” creator started out by noting that since the shooting deaths of 49 people in Orlando, Fla., earlier this month, he has been trying to convince his parents, Muslim immigrants, to stay away from mosques, reported Us magazine.

    But he wrote in The New York Times that he “realized how awful it was to tell an American citizen to be careful about how she worshiped.”

    “Today, with presidential candidate Donald J. Trump and others like him spewing hate speech, prejudice is reaching new levels. It’s visceral and scary, and it affects how people live, work and play. It makes me afraid for my family. It also makes no sense,” he wrote.

    Ansari pointed out that the term “Muslim” is more likely to conjure up images of faceless terrorists than “Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or the kid who left the boy band One Direction.”

    “I, myself, am not a religious person, but, after these attacks, anyone that even looks like they might be Muslim understands the feelings my friend described,” he wrote, referring to his close friend’s frustration at having assumptions thrown at her based on the color of her skin.

    “There is a strange feeling that you must almost prove yourself worthy of feeling sad and scared like everyone else,” Ansari wrote.

  • Indian American Professor Gets DoD Funding for Lung Cancer Drug Resistance

    Indian American Professor Gets DoD Funding for Lung Cancer Drug Resistance

    Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) Professor Animesh Ray’s research titled, “A novel approach to understand and prevent the evolution of drug resistant lung cancer cells: A feasibility study,” on lung cancer drug resistance was recently approved by the Department of Defense.

    The Indian America professor’s research will focus on lung cancer drug resistance and aims to examine the emergence of therapy resistant forms of lung cancer using state-of-the-art advances in genomic technology.

    According to a KGI news release, the re-emergence of drug resistant lung cancers in patients who initially responded to the therapy is a major cause of death. And while many lung cancer patients who exhibit the spread of cancer to other parts of the body do respond well to treatment with anti-cancer drugs, it has been documented that the cancer can return aggressively, having developed resistance to the drugs used to treat the original cancers.

    “When lung cancers are targeted with an anti-cancer drug, the genome of the cancer cells, due to their robustness, can find ways to become resistant to drugs,” Ray said in a statement. “The current research proposal aims to use next-generation DNA sequence technology coupled with CRISPR technology to address this problem.”

    “The hope is that this preliminary work will help discover a new approach to prevent the appearance of relapsed drug resistant cancer,” added Ray.

    The study intends to target and prevent the adaptation of cancer cells to drugs, ultimately hoping to undercut the major factor for death related to lung cancer.

    It will include the use of a recently developed genome-wide gene-targeting technology coupled with massively parallel DNA sequencing, followed by computational modeling.

    Should Ray’s research result in success, it would benefit patients who have been treated for metastatic lung cancers and who are the among the most vulnerable lung cancer patients to succumb to the disease.

    Ray believes that successful research could lead to a new paradigm of cancer treatment, in which a novel class of drugs with relatively low toxicity can be developed, according to the KGI news release. The drugs, additionally, are expected to be less toxic than current anti-cancer drugs, it added.

    Ray, who is on sabbatical leave from KGI and serving as a visiting faculty member at Caltech, has been a professor at the institute for 15 years. He has also had teaching stints at U.C. San Diego, the University of Rochester and the Institute for Systems Biology.

    A graduate of Presidency College, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Monash University, earning a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate, respectively, as well as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oregon and MIT, Ray developed his idea following a previous study on a National Science Foundation-funded research project.

    The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick MD 21702-5014 is the awarding and administering acquisition office. This work was supported by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, through the Lung Cancer Research Program under Award No. W81XWH-16-1-0170.

  • Jackson Heights Merchants’ Association Hosts Mayor De Blasio

    Jackson Heights Merchants’ Association Hosts Mayor De Blasio

    New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was pleased to be with his friends from Jackson Heights. He mentioned his very cordial and personal relationship with the veteran businessman and community leader Shiv Dass.

    Mayor de Blasio spoke at length about his achievements, to the loud applause from a 100 persons at the Jackson Diner where the Mayor was hosted on Wednesday, June 22. Councilmember Daniel Dromm was the co-host with Jackson Heights Merchants’ Association.

    Introducing the Mayor, Mr. Dromm said here was the best Mayor who has done so much for New York City and its residents. He said surely Mayor deserves another term.

    Earlier, welcoming the Mayor Shiv Dass appealed to the Mayor to declare Diwali a holiday in the City at par with the religious days of other communities including Jews and Muslims. The Mayor gave a smile and Shiv Dass has interpreted it as the Mayor’s willingness to consider the request.

    A large number of traders and community members were present at the event.

  • Thousands throng Vaisakhi Mela at Gurdwara Glen Cove

    Thousands throng Vaisakhi Mela at Gurdwara Glen Cove

    It was a sea of humanity at Gurdwara Glen Cove annual Vaisakhi Mela on Sunday, June 26. As before, the organizers ensured adequate entertainment for all age groups. There were stores which sold clothing and jewelry. These stores attracted a large number of women. Then there were eateries and free langar which served the best and a variety of eatables. On top of it, there was the entertainment segment. A lot of Bhangra, dances and singing formed part of entertainment.

    Mr. Jagjit Singh Bedi, a man with tremendous energy, and Sardarni Manmeet Kaur, the suave lady formed a great team, as usual, to conduct the stage with aplomb. From time to time members of the community and officials were brought to the stage to be recognized.

    Mr. George Maragos, Nassau County Comptroller visited the Mela and presented a Nassau County citation to the organizers.

  • Katz, Dromm Honor LGBT Leaders at Queens Borough Hall Pride Celebration

    Katz, Dromm Honor LGBT Leaders at Queens Borough Hall Pride Celebration

    Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (D-Queens) and NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst) honored Caribbean Equality Project Executive Director Mohamed Q. Amin and NYC Public School Teacher Justin Monaco at the 2016 LGBT Pride Celebration at Queens Borough Hall.

    At the event, Queens Borough President Katz, Council Member Dromm and other elected officials highlighted the many contributions Amin and Monaco–both of whom are openly gay–have made to the LGBT rights movement in the Borough of Queens.

    “Mohamed Amin and Justin Monaco have done much to advance the LGBT rights movement in their own unique and special ways,” said Council Member Dromm, the first openly-gay elected official in the Borough of Queens. “I was thrilled to join Queens Borough President Katz and community leaders in honoring their inspiring work and celebrating LGBT Pride with them.”

  • Town of North Hempstead Declares June 18 Baba Shivanand Day

    Town of North Hempstead Declares June 18 Baba Shivanand Day

    NEW YORK (TIP): Over five hundred followers of Shiv Yog gathered at the “Yes We Can Community Center” Westbury Long Island on June 18 to participate in a five-day intense spiritual discourse by Acharya Ishan Shivanand, younger son and disciple of Avdhoot Baba Shivanand on the occasion of Baba Sivananda Day in North Hempstead.

    Acharya Ishan Shivanand Ji demonstrated with clarity transition from humor to profound philosophical expressions and the opening session indicated a promising spiritual and joyful ride of five days for participants in this intense prati prasav,

    Baba Shivanand revolutionized healing and presented the science of healing to the world combining modern medicine and ancient Vedic wisdom demonstrating that cure is possible.

    Anna Kaplan, Council woman from North Hempstead presented the proclamation to Acharya Ishanji with the declaration of ’18th June’ 2016 in the name of ‘Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji’. She said Baba Shivananda is known to have revolutionized the healing process by combining modern medicine with ancient wisdom.

    In his brief remarks after presenting a proclamation from Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos appreciated the contribution of Acharya Ishan Shivanand in empowering youth with leadership qualities. Deputy Comptroller James Garner conveyed his appreciation for the positive teaching of Shiv Yog.

    Dilip Chauhan, Prominent South Asian Community Leader/ Director of Southeast/ Asian Affairs, who addressed the gathering in Hindi said the uplifting presence of Acharya Ishan Ji which could draw over 500 people in New York for such an intense spiritual five-day event is commendable.

    He said he was elated as an Indian American and lover of Indian culture for the official recognition extended to Baba Shivanand. Shiv Yog Foundation has undertaken many projects to serve the humanity such as feeding the hungry, helping farmers, providing education for the poor, distributing free school uniforms, serving the disowned animals and providing free ration to the needy villagers, Chauhan added.

    In his remarks, Acharya Ishan Ji expressed his happiness and praised the Shiv Yogis for their hard work in making the event a grand success. Declaration of 18th June as Avdhoot Shivanand Day in North Hempstead Town of New York demonstrated not just the guru but disciples who disseminate wisdom, goodwill and cosmic power to the universe he said

  • IDP USA India Day Parade on August 6, 2016

    IDP USA India Day Parade on August 6, 2016

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): At the curtain raiser to the IDP USA-India Day Parade 2016, organizers expressed confidence that the parade will draw a bigger number of people and will be larger in size.

    Organizers informed that India Day Parade in Hicksville will be organized on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 3PM onwards. The parade will start from 415 S. Broadway. The culmination of the India Day celebrations will be an entertainment program. The parade came into existence 5 years ago when some of the leading members came forward. The current Advisory Board has y – Bobby K. Kalotee, Indu Jaiswal, Kamlesh Mehta, Jagdish Sewhani, Dr. Raj Bhayani, Peter Bheddah, Dr.Bhavani Srinivasan & Dr. Dev Ratnam. as members.

    Hosted by Bobby K. Kalotee and Jagdish Sewhani, the curtain raiser was attended by several community and organization leaders. Dr. Udit Raj congratulated the team for their continued success and provided best wishes for bigger and better parade.

    Mrs. Beena Kothari, President of the IDP USA India Day Parade said, “There will be some exciting news coming along with Grand Sponsors and a distinguished public figure/celebrity as the Grand Marshal. Several elected officials, organization groups, leaders will be in presence with bands, dances, rocking entertainment and shopping opportunities through the evening.” Several distinguished community leaders have shown enormous excitement by stepping forward to volunteer. Mrs. Kothari announced her 2016 Parade Executive Council and applauded them for their distinguished contribution and support so far.

    The 2016 Parade Committee was announced as below: Jay Singh, Harish Thakkar & Bunty Shah (Vice President) ; Flora Parekh (Secretary); Mukesh Modi (Treasurer); Vimal Goyal & Gautam Sanghavi (Finance); Nilima Madan (Floats & Cars);Vijay Goswamy & Sneha Shah (Booths & Tents); Pradip Parekh (Souvenir); Ajay Batra (Media);Jaya Bahadkar (Cultural); Bina Sabapathy (Marching Groups); Sushil Khanna(Security); Shikha Sehgal (Public Relations); Indira Seet (Community Resource); Jyoti Jikaria (Kids Forum); Kenny Eipstein(IT); Shashi Malik / Anu Gulati (Badges/Sashes); Bharat Goradia & Suhaag Mehta (Entertainment) and several other committee members namely Nishi Bahl; Rekha Chichara; Jyoti Gupta; Amita Karwal; Simran Katyal;Paresh Parekh;Raksha Parekh;Mitesh Parikh;Vipul Sanghavi;Sital Shah; Zinda Singh; Ashok Varshney and many more.

    “We have several opportunities to participate – as a float, car or booth sponsor, as a business advertiser to our souvenir which is a he opportunity to showcase your business; complimentary march and advertise your group /organization by joining as a Marching group, exhibit your exceptional talent by participating in our cultural program; be an esteemed sponsor, supporter in many other ways. Any help and every help is welcome” Said Beena Kothari.

    “Come one, Come all! This is OUR Parade” Says Bobby K. Kalotee. Several Float, Car and booth sponsors generously came forward during and around the event expressing their generous support to the parade and thereby to the community.

    Dr. Udit Rajhonored Beena Kothari with a medal and citation of appreciation for her tireless, selfless andcontinued work and leadership to the community. Several distinguished past presidents, advisors,community leaders expressed their thoughts and best wishes for the continued and growing successof the parade. New updated www.idpusany.org website has easy access to donation buttons, forms,flyers and needed material, was launched.

    (Based on Press Release by Flora Parekh, Secretary – IDP USA Inc)

  • GOPIO 2016 Biennial Convention deliberates wide range of issues

    GOPIO 2016 Biennial Convention deliberates wide range of issues

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): With the theme “Strengthening Connections between India and Indian Diaspora through Business,” GOPIO International, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (www.gopio.net), is held its 27th Anniversary Celebrations and GOPIO Biennial Convention 2016 in New York, USA at the Marriott LaGuardia Hotel with evening banquet held at World’s Fair Marina on June 24-25, 2016. Over 200 delegates from 20 countries participated. GOPIO’s New York Area Coordinator Lal Motwani served as the Convener along with Dr. Asha Samant, Kenny Desai, Shelly Nichani, Nohar Singh and Jayant Baxi as Co- Conveners.

    On Saturday June 25, a full day GOPIO conference was held at the New York LaGuardia Marriott Hotel from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There were 9 sessions to deliberate on the Global Indian Diaspora; evaluate GOPIO’s progress in 27 years; network, exchange ideas, and connect with PIO/NRI delegates from around the world. The conference, organized by Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman, Conference Committee and Founder President, GOPIO International, consisted of an inaugural plenary session with keynote speaker Raj Jaswa, former President of TiE Silicon Valley and director and trustee of TiE International, Serial technology entrepreneur, and an Adjunct

    The convention was inaugurated at the World’s Fair Marina on June 24th evening by welcome remarks by Convention Convener Lal Motwani and by GOPIO President Niraj Baxi and at a welcome dinner. The chief Guest was Guyana Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses V. Nagamootoo, a freedom fighter for Guyana. PM Nagamootto invited the Indian Diaspora community to consider Guyana as a destination for investment and business and spoke on many incentives Guyana could offer. India’s Consul General in New York Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das representing Govt. of India, delivered the inaugural address in which she noted the role played by GOPIO in launching and building a worldwide movement as a united force for the Indian Diaspora. The evening program ended with classical and semi-classical dances performed by students of Pandit Satya Narayana Charka.

    Professor at several Universities in India. This was followed by two track conference sessions, (1) Business and Technology ventures and opportunities and (2) Social, Political, Gender and Health challenges.

    Make in India – Diaspora role
    Major Issues of Indian Diaspora
    Indian Diaspora Promoting Medical and Pharmaceutical Industries
    Diaspora Indian Women Forum -Empowering Diaspora Indian Women
    Diaspora in Hospitality and Convenience Foods
    Diaspora Writers Form
    Promoting Diaspora Entrepreneurship, Technology and Business
    Health and Wellness of the Indian Diaspora

    The conference ended with a concluding presentations session from the Session Chairs, namely, Prakash Shah, Dr. Rajeev Mehta, Nitin Shah, Dr. Neerja Arun Gupta, Viresh Sharma, Sudha Parekh, Dr. Asha Samant, Jagdish Lodhia and Ram Gadhavi. Several resolutions were presented by a committee headed by Dr. Rajeev Mehta. Resolutions for the conference session were added to these, and will be sent to Govt. of Indian and other government agencies.

    The 27th Anniversary celebrations concluded with a Grand Finale Banquet and Recognition of Businesses and Entrepreneurs with Social Responsibility at the World’s Fair Marina. The honorees were Lord Diljit Rana of Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK), Raj Jaswa of Silicon Valley and TV Asia Chairman H.R. Shah. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja were honored with Media Awards for their contribution and support of the community.

    The Chief Guest was Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, KNH, OBE, known as Viv Richards, a former West Indian cricketer, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He was joined in the evening by Antigua & Barbuda Minister Trade, Industry, Commerce, Sports and National Festivals Mr. E.P. Chet Greene. The banquet ended with a Bollywood performances put together by Dharmatma Saran of India Festival Committee and Anita Bhat of Miss India-CT.

    With gratitude, GOPIO acknowledged support of Platinum sponsors Embassy National Bank, State Bank of India, Labidco Port Services Ltd; Gold sponsors Dr. Asha Samant and Kenny Desai; and Silver sponsors Bank of Baroda, Adani North America, S.S. White Technologies Inc. and Dr. Praveen Chopra.

    A Number of resolutions were adopted.

  • CRY America & Sharmila Tagore call for support to give underprivileged children the opportunities to realize their dreams

    CRY America & Sharmila Tagore call for support to give underprivileged children the opportunities to realize their dreams

    NEW YORK (TIP): Child Rights and You America Inc, a 501c3 non-profit that works to ensure children their rights, hosted its annual benefit dinner ‘Pledge 2016’ on June 10th 2016, at The Taj Pierre in New York.

    The annual event witnessed high profile guests come together to support the cause of children. Legendary actress Sharmila Tagore, Ernst & Young Partner Don MacNeal, Comedian Dan Nainan and Center 10 founder Roopa Unnikrishnan were the speakers at the event.

    India has made tremendous economic strides in the last decade, but its children continue to battle deprivation of their rights. With their rights vastly ignored, millions of children are out of the safety net, forced into labor, malnourishment, abuse and illiteracy.

    Speaking at Pledge 2016, Shefali Sunderlal, President, CRY America said, “Only 54% of children complete their education in India due to obstacles such as child labor, child marriage, distance from schools and gender discrimination. CRY America works with grass-root Projects, communities and local authorities to ensure children have quality education, healthcare and are protected from causes which hinder their development.”

    “Investments in children are essential to a child’s and the communities well-being. Ensuring children get their due enables them to reach their full potential and realize their dreams. Thus far, CRY America has impacted the lives of 618,915 children living across 3,084 villages & slums through support to 70 Projects. This has been possible only because of the support received from 25,000 donors and 2,000 volunteers across the USA”, she added.

    Legendary Indian actress, Sharmila Tagore shared, “Lack of education and healthcare holds back the development of children. Together, we have a powerful voice and the resources to help organizations like CRY ensure that children have the right to live, learn, grow and play. Support CRY America and make a difference to a child’s life and your own!”

    The evening raised $110,000, which will be directed towards funding several Projects that ensure lasting change for children. Items auctioned at the dinner included paintings donated by prominent Indian Artists Ram Kumar, Jehangir Sabavala, JMS Mani, Prakash Deshmukh, Pravin Utge, & Deepa Vedhpathak; designer clothes donated by JJ Valaya, Sabyasachi, & Anita Dongre; jewelry donated by Velvetcase.com, Raj Jewels, & Amrapali; a cricket ball autographed by Saurav Ganguly, a baseball autographed by Bill & Hillary Clinton, Abbey Road Album autographed by the Beatles, among others.

    Since its inception 13 years ago, CRY America has enabled people to take responsibility for the situation of underprivileged children. Sunderlal concluded, “CRY America believes that ‘YOU’ have the power to change children’s futures and give wings to their dreams. Your support will allow us to ensure that thousands of children are able to go to sleep educated, healthy and protected. Your solidarity is needed today, more than ever.” She appealed for people to join CRY America as donors, volunteers and supporters and visit www.america.cry.org for more information.

  • A Push for Ethnic Media- MOME Awards CUNY J-School$1 Million to Train Community and Ethnic Journalists

    A Push for Ethnic Media- MOME Awards CUNY J-School$1 Million to Train Community and Ethnic Journalists

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) has granted $1 million to the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism to help New York City’s community and ethnic media outlets stay competitive in the current media landscape and bring them further into the digital age. The announcement of the grant was made, Monday, June 27 by MOME Commissioner Julie Menin at a well-attended press conference at CUNY School of Journalism in Midtown Manhattan.

    The funding will allow a major expansion of training opportunities for journalists working at these publications, which have an enormous readership and are of vital importance to communities around the city.

    In addition, the J-School’s broadcast facilities will be officially renamed the “Made in NY Broadcast Center” in recognition of MOME’s commitment to this important element of New York’s media sector. “The diversity and breadth of New York City’s community and ethnic media reflects the diversity of our city as a whole, and it is crucially important to keep these outlets thriving,” said MOME Commissioner Julie Menin. “These publications add key perspective to our local news landscape, and they keep New Yorkers in the know – whether their native language is English or Bengali. We look forward to collaborating with the J-School on this important initiative, which builds on their history of providing excellent training for journalists at ethnic and community publications.”

    “Since 2006, the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism has been dedicated to opening doors for a diversity of reporters and ensuring that everyone in the media industry has access to the new tools of the trade,” said CUNY J-School Dean Sarah Bartlett. “This partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, which ensures that the community and ethnic press throughout New York City will have many opportunities to benefit from professional training sessions, recognizes and builds on the CUNY J-School’s track record.”

    New York City is the ethnic media capital of the world, with more than 350 community and ethnic outlets that produce news in dozens of languages for print, radio, television and the web.

    A significant portion of New Yorkers – one-third of whom are foreign-born – rely on these outlets as a key source of news and information. Combined circulation of daily and weekly community and ethnic publications reaches 4.5 million people -more than half of New York City’s population.

    The CUNY J-School launched the Center for Community and Ethnic Media (CCEM) in 2012 to address the need to support these news outlets in particular, and help them tackle the unique challenges they face.

    Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced an expansion of New York City’s outreach and engagement with community and ethnic media in January of this year. The initiative includes the launch of an online directory of ethnic and community media for city employees to use in outreach and informational and paid campaign efforts.

    While New York’s community and ethnic outlets are a key element of the city’s media landscape, many of them are struggling to keep up with the quickly evolving world of tech-driven journalism. In addition, many of the news outlets that CCEM serves are under financial pressure.

    Their employees often wear multiple hats: reporter, publisher, editor, publisher, photographer, ad salesman, and social media director. These publications are stretched thin: they often cannot afford to devote resources to professional development, and few have been able to fully migrate to a digital environment.

    Through this grant, MOME will provide CCEM with the means to create new, affordable courses building on the J-School’s current offerings in subjects such as social media, video storytelling, podcasting, and broadcasting techniques. It is estimated that MOME’s grant will allow the J-School to train 200 to 300 journalists per year over five years.

    Potential courses supported by this grant, which will be developed by CCEM in collaboration with the J-School’s CUNY J+ professional development division include: Multimedia and data visualization: Journalists will receive training with tools for multimedia presentation, training on Microsoft Excel, and sessions on how to effectively use data visualization. Video: Courses will focus on video storytelling for the web, the fastest-rising application in the news industry and one that is increasingly drawing the attention of advertisers.

    Social media: Participating journalists will learn to use platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube effectively. They will also learn strategy around different social media platforms, and how to use analytic tools to inform content.

    Podcasting: Using the “Made in NY Broadcast Center” facility, participating journalists will learn about the components of a podcast and have the opportunity to make their own.

    Broadcast skills: Courses will provide journalists with training for on-camera appearances, as well as practice with public speaking and presentation skills.

    The “Made in NY Broadcast Center” is composed of a high-definition TV studio and radio recording facility, all with cutting-edge equipment including DSLR cameras, video cameras and audio recorders. Training for community and ethnic media reporters will include use of camera, audio, video, and lighting.

    “I join my colleague and co-director Karen Pennar in thanking Commissioner Julie Menin and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment for their very generous grant to support a new training initiative at the CUNY J-School’s Center for Community and Ethnic Media,” said J-School CCEM co-director Jehangir Khattak. “By helping this sector to adopt new technologies effectively, the Center’s training initiative will help community and ethnic media outlets improve the quality of their journalistic content, and support them in the important role they play in increasing the civic engagement of the diverse communities they serve.”

     

  • Now, another epic wait

    Now, another epic wait

    Another season of the HBO series Game of Thrones has just come to an epic end, leaving a mammoth television audience – and millions of netizens with a penchant for the illicit happiness of near-real-time downloads – with a long, painful wait until they can start marking their calendar for the countdown to the next. Over six seasons, the adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire has gripped the global imagination with its tapestry of history, mythology and fantasy. It has become the pop culture phenomenon of this decade since its debut in 2011, sparking feverish speculation about the cast and characters through the intervening period between one season and the other -U.S. President Barack Obama was among the legions who wanted to know if Jon Snow, a much-loved protagonist who ostensibly gets fatally stabbed in the Season 5 finale, would get ‘resurrected’. (Spoiler alert: he was.) In fact, in its latest season the show took Martin’s epic fantasy series into unmapped plot lines. With 26 Primetime Emmy Awards and counting, with at least two more seasons planned, and an official viewership figure of 8.9 million for the Season 6 grand finale, what explains GoT’s critical success and phenomenal popularity? It all boils down to quality, and sheer scale. The series has an enormous ensemble cast portraying warring families across two fictional continents. Its shooting has taken GoT to places as far apart as Northern Ireland, Croatia, Morocco, and the U.S. And its panoramic sweep and treatment of battle sequences have eclipsed most big-screen renditions.

    The fantasy genre has anyway always captivated audiences; The Lord of the Rings trilogy early this millennium raked in an estimated $2.9 billion at the box office. But unlike Hollywood, American cable television was historically hamstrung by operating budgets. As it finds newer global audiences through network tie-ups and streaming services, the expanding viewer base has given television programming the wherewithal to rival films in scale and reach. GoT interweaves fantasy with history and throws in malevolence, intrigue, and grisly bestiality to conjure a phantasmagoria that imagines the past as much as recreates it. Its success has even spurred some historians in the U.K. to use the series as an entry point for the young to engage with medieval history, though such an exercise is fraught with grave dangers of misrepresentation; GoT, after all, shuffles across inchoate space and time. Perhaps projecting it into the present – and the future as we don’t know it – might be a more informing exercise. The wanton blood and gore of modern-day terrorism and civil wars make the ‘Dark Ages’ a more apt description for our times.

  • BREXIT–A “Leave” vote puts UK on the path of disintegration

    BREXIT–A “Leave” vote puts UK on the path of disintegration

    It was certainly a black Friday – not the kind that we are used to after thanksgiving holiday – for the stock markets.

    The reason for that was not some economic news but rather political one: Brexit. It was a vote on the referendum whether to remain in European Union or Leave.

    Right before the referendum vote, there was feeling that pro-EU forces would prevail but the result was quite opposite: the “leave” vote prevailed by 52-48 margin letting loose a political earthquake of magnitude 10.

    The result was clearly seen in the reaction of the stock markets which tumbled across the globe wiping out ‘trillions’ in wealth and investors rushing to the safety of US bonds (which Trump wants to negotiate in order to reduce US debt, if he becomes President, notwithstanding the fact that all US debt is constitutionally guaranteed) and gold.

    Before we delve into what happens next, here is a quick and interesting fact about the vote: those belonging to 18-24 age group voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU but those in the 65+ age group – the older white generation -voted to leave the EU.

    This brings forth the glaring contrast between the viewpoints of two groups: The age group 18-24 years exhibited more tolerance, inclusiveness of all cultures and more progressive outlook towards the world – just like the view point held by the youth generation in US.

    But those who voted for leaving the EU – a majority of 65+ age group representing a dying generation – exhibited a mindset that is not able to come to terms with the changing society in modern times and wants to cling back to the old times which are crumbling due to technological advances, more tolerant younger generation and globalization of economy. A similar trait is exhibited by the whites in US who are feeling that “their way of life” is under assault.

    The foremost question is: now what happens?

    First possibility is that many nations in EU would also like to have the referendum like UK.

    Denmark had its own referendum last year but it was more towards deciding how much power to give to unelected officials in Brussels.

    Dutch leader Geert Wilders – a firebrand Islamophobe – has already called for having similar referendum to decide about Dutch member ship in EU.

    Then there is Marine Le Pen – a far right French leader – who is widely popular in France and if she becomes President then France could also see something along the lines of UK referendum. Hungary’s Victor Orban is no friend of EU and has also hinted at the referendum.

    If that happens then EU could find itself on the verge of disintegration.

    On the other hand, there is likelihood that UK would be just an anomaly. Other member nations would resolve to make EU a more cohesive force but with reforms that would lessen the authoritarian grip of Brussels on the member nations.

    David Cameron wanted to leave the painful matter of separation to his successor, but EU leaders like Jean-Claude Juncker, Angela Merkel, and Donald Tusk etc. have called for speedy divorce opining that there is no reason to wait for Cameron’s successor.

    Which means EU might decide to make separation for UK as painful as possible – in the areas of trade, immigration etc. – and as an example in order to deter other members who might harbor such notion of referendums.

    UK itself could face the negative reaction to the “leave” vote. There is a possibility that businesses could flee to Ireland or other EU countries triggering job losses and plunging the nation into recession causing untold economic damage.

    Besides that, the question of Scotland’s independence could again come up. Scotland has overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU but England has opted to leave which would open up Scottish independence question.

    Scottish Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed no confidence in London’s government and hinted that Scottish independence referendum could be in the cards.

    If that happens – a very high probability – then by voting to leave the EU, UK may also have set itself up for disintegration.

    That would be quite ironic.

  • Congress a Non-Entity, AAP making BJP very Nervous in Gujarat

    Congress a Non-Entity, AAP making BJP very Nervous in Gujarat

    There is a famous Modi Model which has been ideated, projected and sold by Narendra Modi, which was lapped up by a large number of people and was the reason for his ascension to Prime Minister. This Modi Model was camouflaged into a robust model of development and Zero Tolerance for corruption. Decisive and strong leadership is an integral part of that model. But this model has another side, which, like Anurag Kashyap’s film, is dark and edgy; in that part, there are no democratic bones in its body. There is no place for disagreement and dissent. And that is the part that is coming to the fore now.

    The first sign of nervousness in the opposition camp and the first sign of victory are complimentary to each other and happen simultaneously. The BJP has ruled Gujarat long enough to get delusional about its own immortality in the state. Modi won the state for the BJP for three consecutive terms and before him, the BJP won twice despite being faction-ridden. But since Modi moved to center and Anandiben Patel took over the reins of the government, there are clear indications of BJP losing ground and she is nowhere close to what Modi was.

    Ideally, the Congress should have been the perfect replacement. By now, they should have successfully challenged the BJP and left it feeling insecure. Unfortunately, the Congress in last 20 years or so has been reduced to a non-entity. It has ceased to even be a political party. This has created a vacuum in the political space. It is this vacuum which AAP is filling up very fast. It is emerging as a real alternative. They are taking up small and big issues on behalf of the common citizens of Gujarat and fighting it out in the streets for them.

    It is this fighting spirit which has made the BJP nervous. Therefore, in this context, when traders of Surat district invited Arvind Kejriwal for a meeting and interaction, and he readily accepted, Anandiben Patel had sleepless nights and finally the Vice chancellor of the university that was selected as the venue announced that the permission for the venue of the meeting was being revoked. Anandiben Patel did not stop there. She threatened the traders’ association and they were reprimanded for daring to call Kejriwal to Gujarat. They were told that their business would be ruined if they went ahead with the function. The President of the Association was also asked to give in writing that he had been misled by the AAP. Poor man had no option but to capitulate.

    The Vice Chancellor said that the venue could not be given for political activities. The gentleman has forgotten that the same venue was used by the BJP and Congress in the past many times. He also said that university had no idea that Kejriwal was coming for the meeting.

    It is rather clear that the BJP is nervous with the exponential growth of AAP.

    AAP also wanted to hold a protest in Bhavnagar in February about the corruption charges against Anar Patel, the Chief Minister’s daughter, but permission was not granted. Yet again AAP volunteers were detained. In Saurashtra, our planned Padyatra in April to save Gauchar or land for grazing by cows was not allowed. Senior leader of the AAP Gujarat unit Kanubhai Kalsariya was arrested and then got bail.

    So now there is a pattern. Under the Indian constitution, every citizen and group has every democratic right to protest against the government. As long as such protest is peaceful and doesn’t resort to violence or doesn’t threaten the sovereignty of the country, the government of the day has no reason to stop a protest from taking place.

    Unfortunately, during the Modi regime, the state has turned into a police state. All voices of dissent are muzzled. Disagreement is strongly disliked by the BJP government. There is a long list of government officers who had to pay a heavy price for the disagreement with then Chief Minister Modi. Many landed in jail. The non-governmental organizations that exposed misdeeds of Modi government are being hounded even now. Several cases are lodged against them and their finances have been choked by the government. This is dictatorship in democratic attire.

    Unlike her predecessor, Anandiben is not a charismatic leader; she does not have a similar grip over the administration and the party. She is perceived as a weak Chief Minister who is struggling with intra-party factionalism. AAP’s rise has made her very nervous in a state which in the last 20 years has not seen a robust opposition. But like AAP in Delhi, which is fighting the relentless onslaughts of the Modi government, AAP’s Gujarat unit will withstand BJP’s intimidating tactics and dirty tricks.

    AAP is not like the Congress that it will buckle under the BJP’s pressure. Anandiben might be smiling with the cancellation of Kejriwal’s meeting in Surat but AAP will come back strong soon with a massive mobilization and Kejriwal leading the rally. That will be the crushing blow to her corrupt regime. It is just a matter of time.

  • Trump says GOP rivals who broke pledge should never be allowed to run for public office

    Trump says GOP rivals who broke pledge should never be allowed to run for public office

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Donald Trump on Wednesday, June 29, said his former Republican primary rivals who have refused to support him in November should be barred from running for public office again.

    “They signed a pledge saying they will abide, saying they will back the candidate of the party,” Trump said during a campaign appearance in Bangor, Maine, adding, “They broke their word. In my opinion, they should never be allowed to run for public office again because what they did is disgraceful.”

    Trump didn’t mention any Republican candidates by name. But some of his significant primary challengers, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Ohio Gov. John Kasich — who on Wednesday released a letter on his campaign fundraising list highlighting a positive poll for him — have yet to endorse Trump despite saying during the primary they would back the GOP nominee.

    Trump called Republicans who wouldn’t back the pledge “sore losers.”

    Trump has struggled to unite Republican officials behind his campaign since clinching the party’s nomination in early May and his frustrations with the slow pace of that unity have boiled over in recent weeks.

    Despite talking up the need for party unity, Trump earlier this month criticized fellow Republicans and threatened to go it alone and campaign into the general election “by myself.”

  • Most Americans Agree on ‘No Fly, No Buy’ Gun Law: Poll

    Most Americans Agree on ‘No Fly, No Buy’ Gun Law: Poll

    WASHINGTON (TIP): People on the national terrorist watch list should not be allowed to purchase guns, an overwhelming number of voters say -including among households where there is a gun – according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday, June 30 and published in Newsmax.

    According to the poll of 1,610 voters surveyed nationwide between June 21-27:

    ● 86-12 percent overall said there should be a “no fly, no buy” ban;
    ● 83-14 percent from gun-owning households agreed;
    ● 64-28 percent said it’s possible to make new laws without interfering with gun rights;
    ● 59-33 percent in gun-owning households agreed;
    ● 93-6 percent support background checks for all gun buyers;
    ● 92-8 percent among gun-owning households agree.

    Overall, support for universal background checks has ranged from 88 percent to 93 percent in eight Quinnipiac University national polls that have been conducted since the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in December 2012, but “nothing changes,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.

    “American voters clearly are worried about guns,” he continued. “They want to make it harder for bad people to get them and believe it can be done without penalizing legitimate gun owners.”

    In addition, the poll points out:
    ● Voters support stricter gun laws in the U.S. 54 – 42 percent, the highest level of support ever for this generic question;
    ● Women support stricter gun laws, 63- 33 percent;
    ● Men oppose stricter laws, 51-45 percent;
    ● Voters in gun households oppose stricter laws, 56-39 percent.

    And in more specific questions:
    ● 59-37 percent support a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons;
    ● 47-49 percent say an assault weapons ban would help reduce gun violence;
    ● 62-35 percent believe that expanding background checks would help reduce gun violence;
    ● 57-36 percent say it’s too easy to buy a gun;
    ● 52-40 percent say the U.S. would be less safe if more people carried guns;
    ● 38-36 percent have a favorable opinion of the National Rifle Association.

    The poll also quizzed opinions on Muslims:
    Voters oppose 52-40 percent a temporary ban on Muslim immigrants;
    Republicans support a ban 73-22 percent
    ● Democrats oppose 80 – 13 percent;
    ● Independent voters oppose 52 – 38 percent.
    ● White voters: Divided 47-47 percent;
    ● Black voters: Oppose 73-16 percent;
    ● Hispanic voters: Oppose 61-31 percent.

    In other findings:
    ● 62-26 percent say government anti-terror policies have not gone far enough;
    ● 55-28 percent say mainstream Islam is peaceful;
    ● 65-29 percent disagree with presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump’s suggestion that President Barack Obama may sympathize with terrorist organizations;
    ● 55-33 percent of Republicans agree with Trump;
    ● 51-43 percent agree with presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s suggestion that making inflammatory anti-Muslim remarks is what terrorists want.

    The poll carried a 2.4-point margin of error.

  • Spectacular mega ATA Convention to begin July 1, 2016

    Spectacular mega ATA Convention to begin July 1, 2016

    CHICAGO (TIP): A large contingent of artists, musicians, singers, dancers, poets, dramatists, authors, folk musicians, eminent Telugu personalities bolstered by a bevy of dazzling movie actors, celebrities, music directors complimented by prominent elected officials from India -have begun steadily arriving in Chicago for a spectacular global ATA Convention to be held at the Rosemont Convention center from July 1-3, 2016 in Rosemont, IL.

    Shri. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs is expected to formally inaugurate this grand 3-day convention barring any unforeseen compulsions.

    This monumental ATA convention is poised to draw a huge constituency of Telugu families ever to converge in grand celebration of Telugu language, culture and tradition. With the registrations trajectory showing an upward trend matched by palpable groundswell, outpouring support. The exciting convention details were disclosed by ATA convention team at the Convention Planning meeting held on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Tamarind Restaurant in Aurora, IL. Which was attended by Dr. S. Venu Gopala Chary, Telangana State Minister.

    Sudhakar Perkari, ATA President said we enthusiastically welcome families to this 3-day grand convention celebrated on an extraordinary scale to showcase Telugu culture, art, literary, religion, social economic, health and political forums surpassed only by great gourmet food, fashion shows, contemporary music and epic dance presentations.

    Chandrasekhar Reddy Palvai, Conference Convener expressed shining optimism to see the overwhelming outpouring of Telugu diaspora standing up to jubilantly join the silver jubilee ATA convention showcasing its grand majestic journey of 25 years.

    K.K. Reddy, Conference Director said he is excited at the enthusiastic participation of Telugu people gallantly illustrating the indomitable Telugu spirit that will lay foundations to help carry the Telugu torch to the succeeding generations to maintain sustainable Telugu identity amidst the rapidly changing world. Hanumanth Reddy, ATA Founder/Past President who is overseeing massive convention arrangements said we have made an emotional commitment to this silver jubilee convention to demonstrate the exponential growth and its rich history since it hosted the first convention in Chicago in 1991. For more information, please visit ATA website: http://www.ataconference.org/(Press release by: Asian Media USA)

  • US designates al-Qaida in Indian Subcontinent as terror group

    US designates al-Qaida in Indian Subcontinent as terror group

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The US on Thursday designated al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), a regional branch of the global terror network, as a “foreign terrorist organisation” and added its chief Asim Umar on the list of global terrorist. The announcement by the State Department prohibits US citizens to engage in transactions with AQIS and Umar and the freezing of all of their property and interests in the US. In addition, the consequences of AQIS’ FTO designation include a prohibition against knowingly providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide, material support or resources to the organization. In a video message in September 2014, al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri had announced the formation of AQIS to take the fight to India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The group is led by Umar, a former member of US designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation Harakat ul-Mujahidin. AQIS claimed responsibility for the September 6, 2014 attack on a naval dockyard in Karachi, in which militants attempted to hijack a Pakistani Navy frigate. (Agencies)

  • India test-fires new surface-to-air missile co-developed with Israelis

    India test-fires new surface-to-air missile co-developed with Israelis

    BALASORE (TIP): India on Thursday successfully test fired a new surface-to-air missile, developed jointly with Israel, from a defence base off Odisha coast.

    The medium range missile (MR-SAM), a product of joint venture between India and Israel, was successfully test launched from a mobile launcher in the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur at around 08.15 hours, a DRDO official said.

    “The test launch was a grand success and it met all the targets,” he said.

    The missile positioned at launch pad-3 of the ITR swung in to action after getting signal from the radars to intercept a moving aerial target supported by an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) ‘Banshee’ over the Bay of Bengal, officials said.

    Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile, they said.

    “The missile along with MF-STAR will provide the users with the capability to neutralise any aerial threats,” said a Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist.

    Indian Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), a laboratory of DRDO based at Hyderabad, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), he said.

    A new production facility to deliver 100 missiles a year has been established for such type of long rang and medium range surface-to-air missiles at M/s Bharat Dynamics Limited, India.

    The missile, which was initially proposed to be tested yesterday, was deferred in the last moment for today.

    Earlier, Indian Navy had successfully test launched the long range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM). The test was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by INS Kolkata on December 30, 2015, officials said.

    Such type of medium range surface-to-air missiles (SR-SAM), having striking ranges from 50 to 70 km, can fill the gap of existing missiles that India has in its armory at present, they said. These missiles would be inducted in all three services after user’s trial is completed.

    As a safety measure, Balasore district administration in consultation with the defence officials had temporarily shifted 3652 civilians residing within 2.5 km radius of the launch pad No.3 of the ITR at Chandipur to nearby shelter centres this morning to ensure a safe launch of the missile, said a district revenue official.

  • Triple talaq to be tested on touchstone of Constitution: SC

    Triple talaq to be tested on touchstone of Constitution: SC

    NEW DELHI (TIP): A divorce through ‘triple talaq’ among the Muslim community is a “very important matter affecting a large section of people” which has to be tested on the “touchstone of constitutional framework”, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday while agreeing to examine the issue of personal law.

    The apex court said “we are not straightaway arriving at any conclusion” as there were “very strong views” on both sides. It said it will also see if there was any error in previous judgements which dealt with the issue and decide whether it can be referred to a larger or a five-judge constitution bench.

    “We are straightaway not jumping to any conclusion. It has to be seen if there is a need for any further consideration of law by the constitution bench,” a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice A M Khanwilker said while asking the parties to get ready for a debate on the scope of judicial review of judgements on
    ‘triple talaq’.

    “Personal law has to be tested on the touchstone of constitutional framework,” it said while stressing that “this is a very important issue affecting a large section of people and there are very strong views from both the sides.”

    The bench, which posted the matter for further hearing on September 6, said “legal propositions for determination has to be worked out”.

    During the hearing, senior advocate Indira Jaising referred to an old verdict of the Bombay High Court holding that the Personal Law regime cannot be subjected to the fundamental rights.

    The bench said “all can express their views and participate in the debate. We will know what is the stand of all the parties.”

    Wednesday’s hearing saw a total of four petitions assailing the concept of divorce through ‘triple talaq’, with the bench allowing all of them to be impleaded and sought the stand of Centre on the issue within six weeks.

    The remarks that all can express their views came after a woman advocate, Farah Faiz, sought restraint on All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and others from airing their views on public platform including TV debates.

    “We will not be influenced by TV shows. You can also participate in TV shows. We will keep your application pending. If at any stage we find that they are going out of hand, we will intervene,” the bench said.

  • Rajan wants longer term for RBI governor, says 3 years too short: Report

    Rajan wants longer term for RBI governor, says 3 years too short: Report

    NEW DELHI (TIP): RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, whose three-year term comes to an end this September, pitched for a longer tenure for the central bank head, saying on June 30 that the global practice has to be emulated in India as well.

    Rajan, who briefed Parliament’s Standing Committee of Finance on various aspects of economy and NPA in banks, was asked by members on what should be the tenure of the RBI governor, sources said.

    He told the members that a three-year term was “short”.

    On whether it should be five years, Rajan was believed to have cited the case of US Federal Reserve.

    In the US Fed, in addition to serving as members of the board, the chairman and vice-chairman serve terms of four years and may be reappointed to those roles who in turn serve until their terms as Governors expire.

    Rajan, whose current three-year tenure ends on September 4, had said no to a second term.

    Sources further said that during the meeting that lasted for over three hours, the governor briefed the panel, headed by senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily, on state of the economy, reforms and restructuring of RBI, challenges in the banking sector in India and the way forward.

    The committee was apprised by Rajan of the various steps taken to deal with the bad loan problem, said the sources.

    The Reserve Bank has said the gross non-performing assets of the banks can rise to as high as 9.3%?in 2016-17 after hitting 7.6%?in March 2016.

    Rajan, the sources added, also briefed MPs about the credit scenario of the banks. He is believed to have told the MPs that private lenders are more active on the lending front, but PSU banks are found to be reluctant even when there is no shortage of funds.

    The governor also explained to MPs the impact of Brexit on India and the global economy.

    Earlier in the day, Rajan called on finance minister Arun Jaitley as the central bank and the government seek to quickly put in place a new interest rate-setting mechanism.

  • Lesbians, gays, bisexuals are not third gender, SC clarifies

    Lesbians, gays, bisexuals are not third gender, SC clarifies

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court on June 30 refused to modify its 2014 order on transgenders while clarifying that lesbians, gays and bisexuals are not third gender.

    A bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and N V Ramana said it is amply clear from the verdict of April 15, 2014 that lesbians, gays and bisexuals are not transgenders.

    During the hearing, additional solicitor general (ASG) Maninder Singh, appearing for the Centre, said it is not clear from the earlier verdict if lesbians, gays and bisexuals are transgenders or not. He said a clarification in this regard was needed.

    Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for some transgender activists, said Centre is not implementing the 2014 Supreme Court verdict for the past two years, saying they need clarification on the point of transgenders.

    “Why should we not dismiss the application with costs,” the bench asked the ASG, adding, “No clarification is required. The application (of Centre) is disposed of.”

    In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had on April 15, 2014 granted legal recognition to transgenders or eunuchs as third category of gender and had directed the Centre and all states to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes to extend reservation in admission in educational institutions and for public appointments. Paving way to bring transgenders in national mainstream, the apex court directed governments to take steps to remove problems faced by them such as fear, shame, social pressure, depression, and social stigma.

    It had also said that section 377 of IPC is being misused by police and other authorities against them and their social and economic condition is far from satisfactory.

    However, in September 2014, the Centre had filed an application in the apex court seeking clarification on the definition of transgender saying lesbian, gay and bisexual cannot be treated under the category of transgender.

    Interestingly, the SC in its verdict had itself clarified that transgender does not include gay, lesbians, bisexuals.

    “The grammatical meaning of ‘transgender’, therefore, is across or beyond gender. This has come to be known as umbrella term which includes Gay men, Lesbians, bisexuals, and cross dressers within its scope.