The Indian Panorama

Month: February 2017

  • Sasikala’s pick Palaniswami takes over as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

    Sasikala’s pick Palaniswami takes over as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

    CHENNAI (TIP): The political potboiler in Tamil Nadu ended on February 16 with the swearing-in of jailed AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala’s proxy, Edappadi K Palaniswami, as the chief minister.

    A long-time confidante of former AIADMK supremo and chief minister J Jayalalithaa, Sasikala’s hopes to become the CM were dashed when the Supreme Court sent her to prison for four years in a two-decade-old corruption case, prompting her to name Palaniswami as her successor and brought two nephews into the party who were expelled by Jayalalithaa.

    Palaniswami retained almost all the ministers in the O Panneerselvam government, barring the ousted chief minister as well as education minister MF Pandiarajan who have rebelled against Sasikala. Governor C Vidyasagar Rao administered the oath of office to the chief minister and his 30-member council at a function in which Sasikala’s family members took the front row, leaving no room for guesswork as to where the party leaders draw their strength from. The governor invited Palaniswami to form the government after he presented a list of 124 AIADMK lawmakers supporting him. The new chief minister will have to take a floor test in the assembly in a fortnight to prove that he enjoys support of the majority of legislators.

    The AIADMK posted on its twitter handle that the trust vote will be held on Saturday.

    Senior party leaders said the leadership wanted to get it done without delay – lest some of the legislators changed their mind and crossed over to the Panneerselvam camp that has vowed to fight the “wrongdoing”.

    Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami after taking the oath of secrecy administered by governor Vidyasagar Rao during the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Chennai on February 16. Photo courtesy PTI
    Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami after taking the oath of secrecy administered by governor Vidyasagar Rao during the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Chennai on February 16. Photo courtesy PTI

    Until then the MLAs would remain at Golden Bay resort at Kuvathur, 80km from Chennai, where they have been staying since Sasikala corralled them there last Wednesday night to stop them from switching loyalties.

    Panneerselvam backers were confident about several legislators joining their side.

    “During the floor test, even if seven MLAs switch sides, the government will be in a minority. Wait and see what happens,” former education minister Pandiarajan said.

    The Panneerselvam camp requested the election commission to nullify the election of Sasikala as the AIADMK general secretary, alleging that the process violated the party constitution.

    “Freeing the party from the control of Sasikala is the larger battle and this is a step in that direction,” said Rajya Sabha member V Maitreyan, who went to poll panel with the request in New Delhi.

    The 61-year-old Sasikala – a long-time confidante of former AIADMK supremo and chief minister J Jayalalithaa – had been anointed as the late leader’s successor by the ruling party and was due to be sworn in last week.

    But she was pulled into a bruising power struggle by Panneerselvam, who alleged he was forced to resign. Since then, he has been backed by several MPs and MLAs who have switched sides but a majority of the party lawmakers is said to be behind Sasikala.

    Her hopes were dashed when the Supreme Court sent her to prison for four years in a two-decade-old corruption case, prompting her to name Palaniswami as her successor and brought two nephews into the party who were expelled by Jayalalithaa.

    The conviction disqualifies her from holding a public office and contesting elections for the next 10 years. She is now lodged in Bengaluru central jail as prisoner number 9324, but political analysts said she would wield the remote control with a proxy heading the government.

    Panneerselvam, also known as OPS, vowed to free the state from the clutches of Sasikala and her family.

    “We will defeat them in the assembly,” he told his supporters outside his home in Chennai. But for now, the initiative appears lost in the rebel camp. Sasikala supporter and senior minister OS Manian was confident that the government would complete its term, a little more than four years to the next assembly elections. “Most of the MLAs with OPS will return to us. You wait and see,” he said, hinting that the cabinet would be expanded after trust vote.

    The lawmakers would prefer to complete their term, rather than going for fresh elections without their charismatic leader, Jayalalithaa, and with the burden of an ugly power spat. The fear of facing the ballot will bind the AIADMK legislators, political analysts said.

     

  • US, Russia agree to boost military talks

    US, Russia agree to boost military talks

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The US and Russian militaries agreed to “enhance communications” after a meeting between their top commanders in Azerbaijan today (February16), the Pentagon said. Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford and his Russian counterpart Valery Gerasimov discussed military relations between the two countries as well as security in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere during their meeting in the capital Baku.

    The two sides “have undertaken efforts to improve operational safety of military activities in order to decrease the prospects for crisis and avoid the risk of unintended incidents,” the Pentagon said in a statement. “The leaders further agreed to enhance communications on such stabilizing measures.”

    The United States and Russia already maintain a permanent military communications line over their air operations in Syria to avoid incidents between their aircraft. The last face-to-face meeting between the two highest US and Russian military officers took place in January 2014 between Gerasimov and Dunford’s predecessor Martin Dempsey. The Baku meeting comes amid widespread speculation about the future of US-Russian relations following US President Donald Trump’s election.

  • Vikas Swarup is India’s new envoy to Canada

    Vikas Swarup is India’s new envoy to Canada

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Ministry of External Affairs is all set to get a new public face with its current spokesperson Vikas Swarup headed to Canada as the High Commissioner.

    Gopal Baglay, Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan Division in the ministry, is likely to succeed Swarup. Baglay earlier served as Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan and as Director in MEA’s External Publicity Division.

    Swarup, a 1986-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, had replaced Syed Akbaruddin as the MEA spokesperson in 2015. He shot to fame when his novel Q&A was made into a Hollywood movie, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, which won eight Oscars. He is expected to take up his new assignment shortly.

  • Car blast kills 51 in Iraq, scores wounded Islamic State claims responsibility

    Car blast kills 51 in Iraq, scores wounded Islamic State claims responsibility

    BAGHDAD (TIP): A car packed with explosives blew up on Thursday, February 16, in southern Baghdad, killing at least 51 people and wounding 55, security and medical sources said, in the deadliest such attack in Iraq this year, says a Reuters report. Islamic State, which is on the defensive after losing control of eastern Mosul to a US-backed Iraqi military offensive, claimed responsibility for the bombing in an online statement.

    As it cedes territory captured in a 2014 offensive across northern and western Iraq, the ultra-hardline group has stepped up insurgent strikes on government areas, particularly in Baghdad. Security sources said the vehicle which blew up on Thursday was parked in a crowded street full of garages and used car dealers, in Hayy al-Shurta, a Shi’ite district in the southwest of the city.

    The death toll could climb further as many of the wounded are in critical condition, a doctor said.

    The bombing is the second to hit car markets this week, suggesting the group has found it easier to leave vehicles laden with explosives in places where hundreds of other vehicles are parked. (Reuters)

  • VOLUME 11 ISSUE 7 | #NYC | Feb 17

    VOLUME 11 ISSUE 7 | #NYC | Feb 17

    Print Edition ~ Digitally 

    Issue 6 ~ New York ~ Feb 10

     

  • VOLUME 5 ISSUE 7 | #DALLAS, TX | Feb 17

    VOLUME 5 ISSUE 7 | #DALLAS, TX | Feb 17

    Print Edition ~ Digitally 

    Issue 7 ~ Dallas ~ Feb 17

     

  • Trump’s Next Executive Order on Immigration may cause H-4 Visa holders to lose work permit

    Trump’s Next Executive Order on Immigration may cause H-4 Visa holders to lose work permit

    Indian Americans overwhelmingly use H1-B or the work visa. Most recently, under Obama administration their spouses, who are on H-4 visa were allowed to work. However, things are changing with the new Trump administration at the healm and Republicans and some Democratic lawmakers consider that high-tech Indian workers are stealing away American jobs.

    The Trump administration, media reports suggest, has launched a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s immigration policies, especially on the H-4 visa holders — spouses of H-1B visa-holders.

    President Donald Trump said to be considering an executive order that would rescind employment authorization for H-4 visa holders, leaving 180,000 women, mostly from India, frantic about their ability to continue to work in the U.S.

    H-4 visas are given to the spouses of H-1B visa holders, highly-skilled foreign workers, the majority of whom are from India. Until 2015, H-4 visa holders – who often had skill levels comparable to their spouses – were not allowed to work. In 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that some H-4 visa holders, whose spouses were on track for permanent residency in the U.S., would be able to work.

    “Allowing the spouses of these visa holders to legally work in the United States makes perfect sense,” USCIS Director León Rodríguez said in February 2015. “It helps U.S. businesses keep their highly skilled workers by increasing the chances these workers will choose to stay in this country during the transition from temporary workers to permanent residents. It also provides more economic stability and better quality of life for the affected families.”

    At a press briefing on February 8th organized by New America Media, Sally Kinoshita, deputy director of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, told reporters that a leaked memo from the Trump administration proposes to end work authorization for H-4 visa holders. “H-4s are vulnerable because the Department of Homeland Security extended work permits to them under the regulations in 2015 and this draft memo seeks to rescind those regulations,” she said.

    A leaked draft of an executive order titled “Protecting American jobs and workers by strengthening the integrity of foreign worker visa programs” appeared on the New York Times Web site Jan. 27. In the draft, Trump proposes sweeping changes to several highly-skilled foreign worker visa programs, including H-1B workers.

  • FOUR DENOMINATIONS OF HINDUISM

    FOUR DENOMINATIONS OF HINDUISM

    A SPLENDROUS LOTUS WITH FOUR SUPERB PETALS

    For over 200 years, Western scholars have struggled to understand Hinduism, a faith whose followers seemed (to outsiders) to arbitrarily worship any one of a dozen Gods as the Supreme, a religion vastly diverse in its beliefs, practices and ways of worship. Some Indologists labeled the Hinduism they encountered polytheistic; others even coined new terms, like henotheism, to describe this baffling array of spiritual traditions. Few, however, have realized, and fewer still have written, that India’s Sanatana Dharma, or “eternal faith, ” known today as Hinduism and comprising nearly a billion followers, is a family of religions with four principal denominations Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smartism. This single perception is essential for understanding Hinduisim and explaining it accurately to others. Contrary to prevailing misconceptions, Hindus all worship a one Supreme Being, though by different names. For Vaishnavites, Lord Vishnu is God. For Saivites, God is Siva. For Shaktas, Goddess Shakti is supreme. For Smartas, liberal Hindus, the choice of Deity is left to the devotee. Each has a multitude of guru lineages, religious leaders, priesthoods, sacred literature, monastic communities, schools, pilgrimage centers and tens of thousands of temples. They possess a wealth of art and architecture, philosophy and scholarship. These four sects hold such divergent beliefs that each is a complete and independent religion. Yet, they share a vast heritage of culture and belief karma, dharma, reincarnation, all-pervasive Divinity, temple worship, sacraments, manifold Deities, the guru-shishya tradition and the Vedas as scriptural authority. In this eight-page Insight, drawn from Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s Dancing with Siva, we offer a synopsis of these four denominations, followed by a point-by-point comparison.

    Each of Hinduism’s philosophies, schools and lineages shares a common purpose: to further the soul’s unfoldment to its divine destiny. Nowhere is this process better represented than in the growth of the renowned lotus, which, seeking the sun, arises from the mud to become a magnificent flower. Its blossom is a promise of purity and perfection.

    Saivism

    Saivite Hindus worship the Supreme God as Siva, the Compassionate One. Saivites esteem self discipline and philosophy and follow a satguru. They worship in the temple and practice yoga, striving to be one with Siva within.

    Shaktism

    Shaktas worship the Supreme as the Divine Mother, Shakti or Devi. She has many forms. Some are gentle, some are fierce. Shaktas use chants, real magic, holy diagrams, yoga and rituals to call forth cosmic forces and awaken the great kundalini power within the spine.

    Vaishnavism

    Vaishnavites worship the Supreme as Lord Vishnu and His incarnations, especially Krishna and Rama. Vaishnavites are mainly dualistic. They are deeply devotional. Their religion is rich in saints, temples and scriptures.

    Smartism

    Smartas worship the Supreme in one of six forms: Ganesha, Siva, Sakti, Vishnu, Surya and Skanda. Because they accept all the major Hindu Gods, they are known as liberal or nonsectarian. They follow a philosophical, meditative path, emphasizing man’s oneness with God through understanding.

    DEEPLY MYSTICAL SAIVA SECT?

    Saivism is the world’s oldest religion. Worshiping God Siva, the compassionate One, it stresses potent disciplines, high philosophy, the guru’s centrality and bhakti-raja-siddha yoga leading to oneness with Siva within. Aum.Seated on Nandi, his bull mount, the perfect devotee, Lord Siva holds japa beads and the trident, symbol of love-wisdom-action, and offers blessings of protection and fearlessness. Mount Kailas, His sacred Himalayan abode, represents the pinnacle of consciousness.

    Saivism is ancient, truly ageless, for it has no beginning. It is the precursor of the many-faceted religion now termed Hinduism.

    Scholars trace the roots of Siva worship back more than 8,000 years to the advanced Indus Valley civilization. But sacred writings tell us there never was a time when Saivism did not exist. Modern history records six main schools: Saiva Siddhanta, Pashupatism, Kashmir Saivism, Vira Saivism, Siddha Siddhanta and Siva Advaita. Saivism’s grandeur and beauty are found in a practical culture, an enlightened view of man’s place in the universe and a profound system of temple mysticism and siddha yoga. It provides knowledge of man’s evolution from God and back to God, of the soul’s unfoldment and awakening guided by enlightened sages. Like all the sects, its majority are devout families, headed by hundreds of orders of swamis and sadhus who follow the fiery, world-renouncing path to moksha. The Vedas state, “By knowing Siva, the Auspicious One who is hidden in all things, exceedingly fine, like film arising from clarified butter, the One embracer of the universe by realizing God, one is released from all fetters.” Aum Namah Sivaya.

    MAGIC AND POWER OF SHAKTISM?

    Shaktism reveres the Supreme as the Divine Mother, Shakti or Devi, in Her many forms, both gentle and fierce. Shaktas use mantra, tantra, yantra, yoga and puja to invoke cosmic forces and awaken the kundalini power. Aum.

    Shakti, depicted in Her green form, radiates beauty, energy, compassion and protection for followers. Wearing the tilaka of the Shakta sect on Her forehead, She blesses devotees, who shower rosewater, hold an umbrella and prostrate at Her feet.

    While worship of the divine mother extends beyond the pale of history, Shakta Hinduism arose as an organized sect in India around the fifth century. Today it has four expressions devotional, folk-shamanic, yogic and universalist all invoking the fierce power of Kali or Durga, or the benign grace of Parvati or Ambika. Shakta devotionalists use puja rites, especially to the Shri Chakra yantra, to establish intimacy with the Goddess. Shamanic Shaktism employs magic, trance mediumship, firewalking and animal sacrifice for healing, fertility, prophecy and power. Shakta yogis seek to awaken the sleeping Goddess Kundalini and unite her with Siva in the sahasrara chakra. Shakta universalists follow the reformed Vedantic tradition exemplified by Sri Ramakrishna. “Left-hand ” tantric rites transcend traditional ethical codes. Shaktism is chiefly advaitic, defining the soul’s destiny as complete identity with the Unmanifest, Siva. Central scriptures are the Vedas, Shakta Agamas and Puranas. The Devi Gita extols, “We bow down to the universal soul of all. Above and below and in all four directions, Mother of the universe, we bow.” Aum Chandikayai Namah.

    DEVOTIONAL VAISHNAVA SECT?

    Vaishnavism is an ancient Hindu sect centering on the worship of Lord Vishnu and His incarnations, especially Krishna and Rama. Largely dualistic, profoundly devotional, it is rich in saints, temples and scriptures. Aum. Vishnu is the infinite ocean from which the world emerges. He stands on waves, surrounded by the many-headed Seshanaga, who represents agelessness and is regarded as an extension of divine energy and an incarnation of Balarama, Lord Krishna’s brother. The worship of Vishnu, meaning “pervader, ” dates back to Vedic times. The Pancharatra and Bhagavata sects were popular prior to 300 bce. Today’s five Vaishnava schools emerged in the middle ages, founded by Ramanuja, Madhva, Nimbarka, Vallabha and Chaitanya. Vaishnavism stresses prapatti, single-pointed surrender to Vishnu, or His ten or more incarnations, called avataras. Japa is a key devotional sadhana, as is ecstatic chanting and dancing, called kirtana. Temple worship and festivals are elaborately observed. Philosophically, Vaishnavism ranges from Madhva’s pure dualism to Ramanuja’s qualified nondualism to Vallabha’s nearly monistic vision.

    Sponsored Article by ARISH  K. SAHANI

  • Greece evacuates 75,000 to defuse WW II bomb

    THESSALONIKI (TIP): A massive evacuation has begun in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki so experts can defuse a 500-pound unexploded World War II bomb.

    An estimated 75,000 people are being evacuated in a nearly 2-kilometer radius today. The bomb, dropped during an air raid in the 1940s, was found this month during work to expand storage tanks under a gas station.

    A state of emergency has been declared in the three municipalities involved and about 1,000 police and 300 volunteers helping out. Trains have been halted and church services cancelled. Thessaloniki’s Deputy Governor Voula Patoulidou told The Associated Press “it’s the first time something like this is happening in Greece.”

    Residents are being bused to schools, sports halls and cultural centers during the operation.

  • AVI DANDIYA: A Crusader for environmentally and socially clean India

    AVI DANDIYA: A Crusader for environmentally and socially clean India

    WE ARE UPDATING THIS STORY – PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON

  • US University Receives USD 1.5 Million Grant For Jainism Studies

    US University Receives USD 1.5 Million Grant For Jainism Studies

    Washington:  An Indian-origin philanthropist, Mohini Jain, has made a grant of USD 1.5 million to University of California (UC) Davis to advance studies in Jainism.

    Mohini Jain, a retired teacher, gave the gift which will establish the Mohini Jain Presidential Chair for Jain Studies in Department of Religious Studies as part of a larger effort to position UC Davis as a leader in the study of Indian religions and the interdisciplinary field of South Asia studies broadly.

    A formal announcement in this regard is expected to be made on February 21.

    “In our multicultural, global world, it is important to escape boxed-in points of view,” Jain said in a statement, hoping that the impact of the chair at UC Davis will be a broadening of minds and a renewed focus on dialogue and peace.

    The chair will be awarded to a scholar with a well- established record for creative, exceptional and interdisciplinary research on Jainism.

    As a member of the religious studies department, the holder of the chair will help develop curriculum in Jain studies, offer graduate courses in Jainism, pursue a vigorous research agenda, give public lectures, and contribute to the development of a religions of India and South Asia studies initiative at UC Davis by participating in community outreach, a media release said.

    “This gift will further diversify and strengthen our expertise in world religions and is another step toward UC Davis serving as a leader in India religions and Asia studies globally,” said Archana Venkatesan, chair of the religious studies department and associate professor of religious studies and comparative literature.

    Mohini Jain was a research scientist at UC Davis in the 1980’s and then served as a high school science teacher for 19 years, retiring in 2008.

    In 1988, she made her first gift in honor of her husband, the late Anil K. Jain, a distinguished faculty member in electrical and computer engineering.

    Each year, the College of Engineering recognizes outstanding students in the field through the Anil K. Jain Memorial Fund.

    The Mohini Jain Family Foundation established an endowment at the UC Davis School of Education to provide annual support for doctoral students whose research has the potential to improve public education and has made two matching gifts in response to the UC Davis Foundation’s matching fund for graduate students, in addition to many other gifts in support of the UC Davis Chancellor’s Fund and the School of Education, among others.

    Jain is a trustee of the UC Davis Foundation and a member of the foundation’s executive committee, the University said.

  • AS MANY AS 27 US LAWMAKERS TO VISIT INDIA

    AS MANY AS 27 US LAWMAKERS TO VISIT INDIA

    As many as 27 US lawmakers will be visiting India this month in what Indian Ambassador Navtej Sarna regards as “a very important milestone” that is demonstrative of the high degree of American interest in India and the strong bipartisan support for the India-US relationship.

    Ambassador of India Navtej Sarna, who hosted a Congressional reception on Tuesday, Feb 14, to celebrate India’s engagement with the 115th US Congress, expressed the hope that the growing engagement would lead to a “more robust economic and commercial cooperation as India retains its spot as the fastest growing major economy”.

    The US lawmakers will be travelling as members of two different delegations. One, sponsored by the Aspen Institute, will bring 19 lawmakers of both Republican and Democratic parties from February 20 to 25, with stops in New Delhi and Hyderabad, during which wide-ranging discussions will be held with government officials, politicians, think tanks and non-governmental organisations.

    The second one will be a bipartisan Congressional delegation, led by Republican lawmaker Bob Goodlatte, who heads the House Judiciary Committee. This team, which also includes George Holding, the Republican co-chair of the India Caucus, will be visiting New Delhi and Bangalore from February 20 to 23.

    House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer made a strong pitch for enhanced cooperation on security issues between the two big democracies, while Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Sub-committee on Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats emphasized the importance of US-India cooperation in addressing the threat arising from extremist radical terrorism. He also spoke of the potential of US companies contributing in the economic transformation of India.

    Congressman Pete Olson spoke glowingly of the positive contributions of the Indian-American community in the way of life of Texans. He emphasized the significance of the port of Houston for energy exports.

    Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, Democratic Chair of the House India Caucus said that the increase in number of elected Indian-Americans currently in Congress is a testimony to the remarkable strides that the Indian-American community has made and the growing closeness between the two countries that is based on shared values. He noted that the India Caucus is the largest one on the Hill and his firm belief that the US-India relationship will be a defining one for the 21st century.

  • Ambani terms Donald Trump “a blessing in disguise for India”

    Ambani terms Donald Trump “a blessing in disguise for India”

    Donald Trump’s executive order on #TravelBAN may have left the US and the world shocked, but India’s richest businessman believes the new US president may be good for the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

    “Actually, Trump might be a blessing in disguise. It (Trump’s appointment) will help Indian talent and Indian IT industry to focus on solving problems in India,” Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani said today (Feb. 16) and called for strengthening domestic capabilities..

    “The domestic market is huge and this provides an opportunity to improve people’s quality of life and to make sure industries are more productive,” added Ambani at an event organized by Indian IT industry lobby Nasscom.

    “We have a very big advantage in this new world of digitisation. It’s very very important to be open, to have partnerships and not be closed. That is really a strength we should build on, and continue to be open and never think whatever the world changes. The world might want to build walls around. I think it is very important for us not to be influenced by those developments, to make sure that we are always open, always connected,” he said.

    India’s $150-billion IT outsourcing sector has a massive exposure to the US and could be the most vulnerable to Trump’s protectionist stance. Outsourcing firms based in the country, which get over 65% of their revenue from the US, depend heavily on US work visas. Over the last couple of months, at least two bills to tighten norms for issuing the H-1B, the long-term work visa, have been proposed in the American congress.

    Around 9.5% of India’s GDP comes from the outsourcing industry, which employs nearly 3.7 million people. The proposed bills have battered the stocks of large companies like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services.

  • Indonesia launches anti-Valentine’s Day condom raids

    Indonesia launches anti-Valentine’s Day condom raids

    MAKASSAR (TIP): Indonesian authorities raided convenience stores and seized condoms in a major city to stop teenagers having casual sex on Valentine’s Day, an official said, the latest crackdown on the holiday in the Muslim-majority nation. The mayor of Makassar, a conservative city on central Sulawesi island, led public order officers in the raids late Monday on the eve of the celebration.

    Mayor Mohammad Ramdhan Pomanto said he was not against the sale of condoms but that outlets needed to be careful about whom they were sold to. Valentine’s Day is often misused by teenagers to have casual sex, this can destroy the morality of the nation,” he was quoted as saying in local media. Iman Hud — head of the local public officers, similar to police but with fewer powers — told AFP that convenience stores had been failing to check teenagers’ IDs to see whether they were at least 18 years old, the age of consent, before selling them condoms.

    “We are doing this to prevent promiscuity,” he said, adding that hundreds of condoms were seized in the raids in the city of 1.3 million. It was the latest expression of anger at Valentine’s Day in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, where Islamic clerics and some pious Muslims use the occasion to criticise what they see as Western decadence. On Monday teenage pupils, including girls in headscarves, staged a protest outside a school in the city of Surabaya, chanting:

  • International Fashion Designer Mac Duggal all set to dazzle NY this weekend with his exquisite Winter/Fall 2017 collection

    International Fashion Designer Mac Duggal all set to dazzle NY this weekend with his exquisite Winter/Fall 2017 collection

    Attendees will get a first-hand look at the Fall/Winter 2017 collections. Mac Duggal’s designs have been previously covered by prestigious publications including WWD, Elle, and Seventeen, coveted by A-list celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Khloe Kardashian, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige and Carrie Ann Inaba and is the most represented designer on the world pageant stage.

    Among the distinguished designs that Mac will be showing is the celebrated Fabulouss! line. Mac’s vision for Fabulouss was to create a prom collection for plus-sized teens, who often go unrepresented in the fashion industry. Since its beginning the Fabulouss line has become the gold standard in plus size clothing for those seeking a full-figured option. Fabulouss designs, unlike other plus size dress alternatives, are created to not only fit but compliment a full-figured silhouette.

    Scheduled to attend:

    Dove Cameron Actress appearing on Disney’s Liv and Maddie

    Patina Miller Actress appearing on CBS Madame Secretary

    Lauren Blumenfeld Actress appearing on CBS Doubt

    Raquel Pelissier Miss Haiti Universe 1st runner up Miss Universe

    Clara Lee Korean Pop singer and actress

    Lyndie Greenwood Actress appearing on FOX Sleepy Hollow

    About Mac Duggal:Mac Duggal’s enthusiasm for women’s fashion began with the merging of the colorfully rich designs of India’s royal history and opulent traditions. His early creations, mixing a classic silhouette and design aesthetic with a contemporary sophistication, have made Mac Duggal the leader in the Prom industry.

    Mac Duggal

    Mac continued his success story by expanding his collection to 12 distinct social occasion lines. Mac’s success is highlighted by the many awards throughout his celebrated career. Most recently was his induction into the Smithsonian museum, Family of Voices exhibit, focusing on successful entrepreneurs in the United States. The Mac Duggal brand has transformed into a highly sought after label culminated by their participation in New York Fashion Week.

    Mac Duggal is about making something effortless, something timeless, something exceptional. Exceptional designs mean impeccable construction using the finest fabrics to achieve the perfect fit. Today, Mac presents a collection of classic designs curated with a youthful sophistication that both marks the moment and redefines tomorrow.

     

    Contact: Renee Mehrra:  reneemehrra@gmail.com  (Cell: 917 288 8080)

  • BAPS Celebrates Indian American Culture at the Texas Capitol Building in Austin

    BAPS Celebrates Indian American Culture at the Texas Capitol Building in Austin

    A prominent Hindu organization in local communities across Texas, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) hosted a celebration of Indian American Culture at the historic Texas State Capitol in Austin on February 1. The celebration was sponsored by State Representative Matt Rinaldi of House District 115, who represents a BAPS mandir (house of worship) in Irving, TX.

    On the morning of February 1, a group of BAPS representatives were recognized during the 85th Legislative Regular Session where a resolution commemorating this first-ever event was read. The resolution also noted the myriad of contributions by Indian Americans to the Lone Star State and lauded BAPS’ commitment to community service in Texas and across the nation.

    Throughout the day, BAPS members from across Texas met with their respective State Representatives and Senators to share background on the Hindu faith and on the Indian American community’s history and growth. All told, BAPS members met with over fifty State Representatives and Senators to engage them and their respective staff in an active dialogue about issues important to the Indian American community.

    BAPS volunteer Saumil Mehta presents Chris Wallace, President of the Texas Association of Business, with a token of appreciation for speaking at the Indian American Culture Celebration
    BAPS volunteer Saumil Mehta presents Chris Wallace, President of the Texas Association of Business, with a token of appreciation for speaking at the Indian American Culture Celebration

    BAPS volunteer Saumil Mehta presents Chris Wallace, President of the Texas Association of Business, with a token of appreciation for speaking at the Indian American Culture Celebration.

    BAPS volunteer Saumil Mehta presents Chris Wallace, President of the Texas Association of Business, with a token of appreciation for speaking at the Indian American Culture Celebration.

    “This event is not only a chance for Indian Americans to learn about government, but also for their government to learn about Indian culture and to provide a learning experience for senators and representatives,” said Representative Rinaldi , as he and fifteen other Texas State Senators and Representatives joined dozens of prominent community leaders to celebrate Indian-American Culture in Texas.

    Throughout the celebration, speakers shared their thoughts on the diverse contributions of Indian Americans to the economic and cultural fabric of Texas. “We value what BAPS has done for our community, from its Walkathon to its Health Fair…BAPS works tirelessly to make Irving Texas and our District a better place,” remarked Representative Rinaldi.

    “I am honored to be here this evening. I know firsthand from my work and relationship with BAPS about what a great job it does and how it impacts thousands of lives across the state. We are proud to call BAPS a friend,” remarked Mr. Chris Wallace, President of the Texas Association of Business. His remarks highlighted the importance of nurturing and advancing the relationship between the growing population of over 275,000 Indian Americans in Texas and state government.

    The program also touched on the unique role of BAPS mandirs, which provide a prominent platform for India’s rich culture and heritage. “Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, places of worship, such as the beautiful, hand-carved stone mandir in Stafford, Texas, reflect the diverse culture of our State and demonstrate that the contributions of the Indian American diaspora go beyond simply the economic realm,” said Ketan Inamdar of Missouri City, TX. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual leader of BAPS has always inspired the Indian American community to celebrate our shared culture and develop a sense of identity and pride in our heritage.

    “We look forward to celebrating this type of event again in two years and continuing the great work started today,” said Representative Rinaldi in his concluding remarks to the gathering.

    ABOUT BAPS : The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots – their rich Hindu culture. Its 3,300 international centers out of which over support these activities of character-building. BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

    About Mahant Swami Maharaj: His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth

    and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.

    About Pramukh Swami Maharaj : Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”

  • Ms. Neeta Bhushan assumes charge as Consul General of India at Chicago

    Ms. Neeta Bhushan assumes charge as Consul General of India at Chicago

    CHICAGO (TIP): Ms. Neeta Bhushan arrived on, 23rd January 2017 and assumed charge as Consul General of India, Chicago. Mrs. Neeta Bhushan joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1994. As a career diplomat, her overseas assignments have included political and information work in Tokyo (Japan), Head of the Press, Culture and Information Wing in Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Head of the Economic and Commercial Wing in the Indian Embassy in Berlin (Germany). She also worked as Director in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and as Joint Secretary (Parliament & Coordination) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

    Before joining as Consul General of India in Chicago, she was Deputy Chief of Mission in Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.

    Mr. D.B.Bhati, Consul (Political, Commerce & Visa) introduced the new Consul General to the gathering at the 68th Republic Day Celebration at its premises on Thursday 26th January.

    Ms. Neeta Bhushan in her introductory speech highlighted the steps taken by the Government of India for the welfare of the Persons of Indian Origin and the Non-resident Indians. She said that the government attaches very high importance to the Indian diaspora. She assured the gathering that the Consulate would keep rendering prompt consular, visa and passport services to the community. She also called upon the Indian-Americans to proactively participate in all the ambitious development-centric initiatives of the Government of India.

    The Consul General, unfurled the National Flag which was followed by singing of the National Anthem of India by all. Thereafter, Consul General read out President’s Message, both in Hindi and English, addressed to the Nation on the eve of 68th Republic Day of India. During the celebration, Consul General met with all members of Indian community to ascertain their welfare.

  • Shalabh Kumar “Shally” is writing his autobiography?

    Shalabh Kumar “Shally” is writing his autobiography?

    CHICAGO (TIP): Shalabh Kumar “Shally”, the man behind Hindu Republican Coalition which supported Trump in his presidential campaign, is believed to be biding his time to get a position in Trump administration.

    Now that he has established himself as a leader of a faction of Hindus, he seems to be eager to promote himself. The grapevine is he is keen to publish his autobiography with a view to letting the world know him better.

    All luck to him.

  • Purdue University Indian Professor named as Jefferson Science Fellow; Indian Student among 2017-2018 Churchill Scholars

    Purdue University Indian Professor named as Jefferson Science Fellow; Indian Student among 2017-2018 Churchill Scholars

    Karthik Kannan is a Professor at Purdue’s Krannert School of Management

    WASHINGTON (TIP): It was a double bonanza for Indian academics at #PurdueUniversity, Indiana. Indian American Karthik Kannan, a Professor at Purdue’s Krannert School of Management, was named to the 2017-18 class of Jefferson Science Fellows, an initiative of the Office of Science and Technology Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State. Shovik Bandyopadhyay an MPhil student of Haematology department at Purdue University was among the 15 students named as 2017-2018 Churchill Scholars by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States.

    Karthik Kannan is also academic director for the MBA programs (two-year MBA, STEM-MBA, Weekend MBA), academic co-director for MS in BAIM (Business Analytics and Information Management), and co-director for IAC (Information and Analytics Center).

    Kannan has proposed the concept of “Design for Instincts” as a way to organize businesses in the current age, and his research focuses on the same theme. Specifically, he studies how different aspects of information technology may be used to exploit human instincts and biases in order to nudge/manipulate behavior. His papers have been accepted in several leading conferences and journals in the information systems area. He is a member of AIS and INFORMS. He is also a CERIAS Fellow and Krannert’s Faculty Fellow.

    Shovik Bandyopadhyay
    Shovik Bandyopadhyay is an MPhil student of Haematology department at Purdue University

    Shovik Bandyopadhyay, of Eureka, Missouri, studies biological science in the College of Science and Honors College. He is laying the foundation to pursue his goal to discover new and better treatments for blood cancers. Bandyopadhyay, a 2016 Goldwater Scholar, has conducted research in the lab of Ji-Xin Cheng, a professor of biomedical engineering and chemistry, and spent his summers in the lab of Stephen Oh at Washington University in St. Louis. He initiated a cooperative effort between their laboratories to research the combination of two drugs for a synergistic interaction to fight chronic myelogenous leukemia.

    The Churchill Scholarship provides funding to American students for a year of Master’s study in science, mathematics, and engineering at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College. The Scholarship was set up at the request of Sir Winston Churchill in order to fulfil his vision of US-UK scientific exchange with the goal of advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to ensure our future prosperity and security.

  • Indian American Official in Obama administration Arun M. Kumar elected Chairman & CEO of KPMG in India

    Indian American Official in Obama administration Arun M. Kumar elected Chairman & CEO of KPMG in India

    KPMG in India announced the election of Arun M. Kumar as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the firm for a five-year term, beginning February 5, 2017.

    Arun Kumar succeeds Richard Rekhy, who led the firm as CEO for over four years. Arun Kumar was elected by the KPMG India Board and ratified by the India Partners. The firm executed a well-defined governance process for the selection of the CEO that aligns with the objective of building on its success as well as attracting the best talent available for this role.

    Arun Kumar brings a wealth of international leadership experience to KPMG India, including his tenure in public service in the United States for the last three years as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of US and Foreign Commercial Service in the Obama Administration. In that role, he led a global organization of senior professionals present in 78 countries and all the 50 states in the US and served with distinction. On behalf of the US Government, Arun also worked to strengthen commercial ties between India and the United States and played a key role in establishing the India-US Strategic & Commercial Dialogue and a renewed India-US CEO Forum.

    Arun spent the majority of his career with KPMG in the US, including serving on the KPMG US and KPMG Americas Boards from 2008-2013. He led Management Consulting / Finance Management, for the West region of KPMG, US from 2005 to 2013. He has also served on KPMG’s Global Management Consulting leadership team.

    On his appointment, Arun Kumar said: “I am honored to have been elected as the Chairman and CEO of KPMG in India. I have worked closely with the people of KPMG India for many years and have always been impressed by their world class talent. I am excited to have this opportunity to work with the KPMG team in India to continue to build an organization that is recognized for their quality and for the impact they have on our clients, our people and the community in general.”

    John Veihmeyer, Chairman, KPMG International said: “Our global clients recognize the increasing significance of India as the fastest growing major economy in the world. I am delighted to welcome Arun back to KPMG. He is a trusted leader, who is recognized for his integrity, strategic vision and enduring relationships and I am confident that under Arun’s leadership, KPMG India will continue to provide exceptional service to our clients, enhance our brand and further strengthen our reputation for the highest quality”.

  • Indian American celebrity Padma Lakshmi on a book-promotion tour in India

    Indian American celebrity Padma Lakshmi on a book-promotion tour in India

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Emmy-nominated host of the reality TV show Top Chef will be speaking at MOP Vaishnav College in Nungamakkam, Chennai, around 11 a.m., on February 14th, her news media statement read. She would then attend the book event at Taj Coromandel 37, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, at 6 p.m. Lakshmi is also scheduled for a brief conversation with The Hindu’s Editor, Mukund Padmanabhan at the Taj Coromandel.

    The book was initially intended to be a guide to healthy eating; however, ended up being autobiographical due to continuous harking back to associated memories, The Hindu reported.

    The book also mentions the horrible experiences she faced, the child sexual abuse and Endometriosis which remained untreated till her 30s. “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to what happens to you,” she told the daily.

     

  • Former NYC Health& Hospitals CEO Dr. Ram Raju takes key role at Northwell Health

    Former NYC Health& Hospitals CEO Dr. Ram Raju takes key role at Northwell Health

    NEW YORK (TIP):Dr. Ram Raju, former president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, is joining Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in the state of New York.

    Raju, who in November stepped down from his position as president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, will serve as senior vice president and community health officer at Northwell.

    In his new role, Raju will evaluate the needs of the most- vulnerable communities Northwell Health serves, assess programs that enhance the health system’s ability to respond to those needs and collaborate with community-based organizations to create problem-solving solutions.

    “Ram’s vast experience, deep commitment to caring for vulnerable communities and keen understanding of New York’s healthcare delivery system make him the ideal individual to lead our efforts,” said Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health, according to a press release. “His most recent work with NYC Health + Hospitals certainly enhances his ability to respond to this challenge.”

    NYC Health + Hospitals, which Raju led from January 2014 until November 2016, is the largest municipally owned health system in the U.S. and a major safety net provider, serving a large proportion of poor and uninsured patient. But it has struggled financially, facing a potential budget gap of $1.8 billion in 2020. At Northwell, Raju’s role will entail examining programs aimed at improving the health system’s response to the community’s needs and working with local organizations to address them.

    Northwell created the position of community health investment officer specifically for Raju, who said his time at NYC Health + Hospitals taught him about what vulnerable communities need and how health policies can affect their outcomes. “My new role with Northwell will enable me to promote, sustain and advance an environment that supports equity and diversity, and help eliminate health disparities

    within the communities served by Northwell throughout the city, Long Island and Westchester County,” Raju said in a press release.

    Before working at NYC Health + Hospitals, Raju was CEO of the Cook County Health & Hospitals System in Chicago, the country’s third-largest public health system. Dr. Raju has extensive leadership experience. Prior to NYC Health + Hospitals, he served as CEO for the Cook County Health & Hospitals System in Chicago, the nation’s third-largest public health system, where he improved cash flow by more than $100 million and changed the system’s financial health during his tenure from 2011-14. He began his medical career at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn and went on to serve as chief operating officer and medical director at NYC Health + Hospitals’ Coney Island Hospital. In 2006, he became the HHC chief medical officer, corporate chief operating officer and executive vice president. Under his leadership, HHC continued to reach great heights in quality, patient safety and health care data transparency.

    Dr. Raju earned his medical diploma and Master of Surgery degree from Madras Medical College in India. He underwent further training in England, where he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and later received an MBA from the University of Tennessee and CPE from the American College of Physician Executives.

    He served as vice-chair of the Greater New York Hospital Association and currently sits on the boards of numerous city, state and national health care organizations, including the American Hospital Association, the New York Academy of Medicine and the Asian Health Care Leaders Association.

    Dr. Raju is the recipient of numerous national recognitions, including Modern Healthcare’s list of the nation’s “100 Most-Influential People in Healthcare.” Modern Healthcare also named him one of the “Top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare” and one of the “50 Most-Influential Physician Executives in Healthcare.” In 2013, he was named a Business Leader of Color by Chicago United.

  • Indian American Model/ Actor Prakash Patil is “Mr. UNITED NATIONS 2016-17”

    Indian American Model/ Actor Prakash Patil is “Mr. UNITED NATIONS 2016-17”

    International Model/Actor – Prakash Patil was nominated as Mr. USA from USA at United Nations Pageant World finals and brought home the winning title the “MR. United Nations 2016”. The Pageant was held in Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica, with contestants participating from many different countries across the world.

    The United Nations Pageant has been conceptualized as a prestigious international event, bringing together representatives of a wide range of communities and cultures from all over the Globe; from the world’s most culturally diverse state, the delegates aim to share common values and foster international friendship and understanding. The pageant’s principal objective is to identify and showcase the world’s best tourism cause ambassadors; those who have the skills, talents and personalities best suited to promote their respective countries in furtherance of tourism, international goodwill and cultural harmony. Apart from a strong emphasis on goodwill tourism protection programs and destinations promotion.

    Prakash was judged on different rounds namely High Fashion Wear, National Costume, Evening wear, Sportswear and Interview (Question and Answer) and charity work. During Interview round Prakash articulated with excellent social and conversational skills. He expressed himself clearly, diplomatically, and projected a pleasant personality, and approachable at all times. At National costume, he wore outstanding Shervani (Sponsored by Vasavi Collections) a national symbols/heritage of his country. Prakash dignified spirit, energy, creativity and the own personal interpretation with sense of style. In Fashion Wear round Prakash had enlightening costume (Sponsored by Designer Mischka Velesco), his fashion & style on the runway was memorizing. He won Best High Fashion Award.

    He is very well-renowned and commercially successful model as compared to other Indian Models in USA. He has accomplished so much in such a short span of time.

    Prakash had worked on main stream American Modeling runway such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Couture New York Fashion Week, NYC Fashion Week, IIFA preview runway, Brooklyn Fashion Week and had been show stopper for high scale designers. Prakash has been featured in top notch magazines like Floss magazine, Moetic Magazine, Alize La Vie Magazine, Vicissitude Magazine, Black Tie International Magazine, globalfashionwire.com etc.

    The recent title of Mr. United Nations has undoubtedly added another feather in his already decorated cap, which gives a moment of pride, not just to Prakash but to each and every one of us. Patil stands out from other models; because he has expanded his brand into other forms of entertainment, is professional under any and all circumstances; has incredible talent, class, and poise. Prakash is known not only for being attractive but also for knowing how to work all the angles. In addition, his talent, skill, looks; accomplishments, personal traits, and overall brand make him commercially more marketable and most successful amongst his Indian Model Peers in the USA.

    As an Actor Prakash played a lead role in music video album for famous Bollywood singers Shreya Ghoshal and Pankaj Kumar which has more than 164,0000 views on youtube. Patil played a unique role as actor in films like The Other Side of New York, Spices of Liberty, They always Win and currently Brand ambassador for Lejubon Ties.

    The humble and soft-spoken Prakash gives all the credit of his success to his parents who live in India and Special thanks to Mr. Leon Williams (CEO & President of United Nations Pageants). After winning the most coveted title of Mr. United Nations, Prakash adds, “I wish to thank everyone for giving me such a great opportunity to showcase my talent across the globe. It is a great moment of glory as I am honored at such a prestigious event in front of such illustrious guests. I look forward to using this opportunity to achieve greater heights and giving back to those who have showered their love on me and believed in me. I will utilize my achievements for the welfare of people in the world and towards world peace.”

     

  • Houston India conference: Make in India – The Inside Story

    Houston India conference: Make in India – The Inside Story

    HOUSTON, TX (TIP) Houston India conference is hosting first of the series conference on March 24 – 25 in Houston. The Houston India conference is designed to bring various constituencies that have an interest in India together and discuss with them the latest developments and the best practices of doing business in India. The theme of 2017 Conference is “Make in India – The Inside Story“.

    Make in India is a major national initiative of the Government of India, designed to foster innovation, enhance skills development, protect intellectual property, build best in class manufacturing infrastructure, facilitate investment and collaboration.

    Texas has a large interest in India. India is one of the major business partners for companies in this area. There is a large Indian presence in the educational, medical and research institutes that Houston is renowned for. The GDP of Texas at US$ 1.7 trillion would make it the 10th largest economy in the world, if it were an independent nation. Texas is home to 54 (or 11%) of Fortune 500 companies. The central focus of the Houston India Conference is to share today’s India story with the audience in Texas who are interested in investing in India, by the people who are playing an important role in shaping up the modern India.

    The conference has a series of panel discussions on the state of the Indian economy and politics, and to explore India’s growing soft power on the global stage. The panelists are some of the most respected voices, including foreign policy experts, business pioneers, and thought leaders sharing their insights on the unique Indian way of thinking.

    The topics of panel discussions are:

    Panel 1: Understanding Modern India: Democracy Delivering Growth

    Panel 2: Why is India the Fastest Growing Economy in the World and is it Sustainable?

    Panel 3: India USA Partnership

    Panel 4: Soft Power of India

    Prominent speakers include: India’s Ambassador to USA Navtej Sarna, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal, Foreign Policy Expert Dhruva Jaishankar, and JournalistAshok Malikamong others.

    The conference is organized by the Consulate General of India in Houston, India House, University of Houston, US India Skills and Education Council, Asia Society Texas Center, Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston and World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.

  • Trump, China’s Xi Jinping speak for first time since inauguration

    Trump, China’s Xi Jinping speak for first time since inauguration

    WASHINGTON (TIP) – Since his election in November, President Trump has challenged Beijing over several issues and, most controversially, upended decades of diplomatic protocol by questioning the longstanding US policy towards Taiwan.

    In the call, the two leaders discussed “numerous topics,” and Trump committed to honoring the “One China” policy at Xi’s request.

    China views Taiwan as a renegade province and, since 1979, the US has acknowledged Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of China, with US-China relations governed by the set of protocols known as the “One China” policy.

    Prior to taking office, Trump had caused ructions in the US-Sino relationship by taking a phone call from Taiwan’s leader Tsai Ing-wen and, in a January interview in The Wall Street Journal, he said, “Everything is under negotiation, including ‘One China.’”

    Thursday’s call was described as “extremely cordial,” and the readout released by the White House said “representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest.” The two leaders also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries.