The Indian Panorama

Month: June 2017

  • Indian Origin Sikh woman to be first turbaned judge in Supreme Court of BC Canada

    Indian Origin Sikh woman to be first turbaned judge in Supreme Court of BC Canada

    VICTORIA, CANADA (TIP): Indian-origin Sikh human rights advocate Palbinder Kaur Shergill has been appointed a judge at the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster. Ms Shergill is the first turbaned Sikh to be appointed to the judiciary in Canada.

    Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced the appointment on Friday, June 22 under the new judicial application process announced on October 20 last year.

    Welcoming the decision, World Sikh Organization President Mukhbir Singh said: “The appointment of Justice Shergill is another milestone for the Sikh community in Canada. It is a matter of great pride that today we have the first turbaned Sikh appointed to the judiciary in Canada.”

    The appointment was made with immediate effect as Justice Shergill replaces Justice EA Arnold-Bailey, who retired on May 31, a report by news portal Voice Online said.

    Regarded as a leading human rights advocate, she has been instrumental in helping shape human rights and religious accommodation law in Canada through her work as general legal counsel for the WSO since 1991.

    Prior to her appointment to the bench, Ms Shergill practiced as a lawyer and mediator with her law firm, Shergill & Company.

    She has extensive trial and appellate experience and has appeared before courts and tribunals across the country, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

    Shergill was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2012 and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Community Service. She lives in Surrey with her husband, daughter and twin sons.

    She was born in Punjab and immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of four. She grew up in Williams Lake, British Columbia, and received her law degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

    Called to the British Columbia Bar in 1991, she has held leadership positions both within and outside the legal community. She has been involved with the Cabinet of Canadians, the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, and the Canadian Bar Association.

     

     

     

     

  • USCIS Resumes H-1B Premium Processing for Physicians under Conrad 30 Waiver Program

    USCIS Resumes H-1B Premium Processing for Physicians under Conrad 30 Waiver Program

    WASHINGTON (TIP): From Monday, June 26, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has resumed premium processing for all H-1B petitions filed for medical doctors under the Conrad 30 Waiver program, as well as interested government agency waivers. The Conrad 30 program allows certain medical doctors to stay in the United States on a temporary visa after completing their medical training to work in rural and urban areas that have shortage of physicians.

    “This program improves health care access for Americans living in underserved areas, and we are pleased to resume premium processing for these petitions,” said USCIS Acting Director James McCament.

    Now eligible petitioners for medical doctors seeking H-1B status under the Conrad 30 program, or through an interested government agency waiver, can file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Form I-907 can be filed together with an H-1B petition or separately for a pending H-1B petition.

    USCIS in March had announced that it has temporarily stopped the processing of premium processing of H-1B visa until further notice. USCIS plans to resume premium processing of other H-1B petitions as workloads permit. They will make additional announcements with specific details related to when they will begin accepting premium processing for those petitions.

    Until then, premium processing remains temporarily suspended for all other H-1B petitions. USCIS will reject any Form I-907 filed for those petitions, and if the petitioner submitted one check combining the Form I-907 and Form I‑129 fees, USCIS will have to reject both forms.

  • FIA kicks off India Day Parade celebrations in NY

    FIA kicks off India Day Parade celebrations in NY

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut kicked off its India Day Parade celebrations with an evening of music, cocktails and dinner at the Indian Consulate June 28.

    The 37th India Day Parade in New York this year is scheduled for Sunday, Aug 20. The gala banquet is set for Aug 21 at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ.

    The India Day Parade on Aug 20 begins at noon on 38th street and Madison Avenue, ending at 26th street. Food court and sponsor booths will be on 26th street, between Park and Madison Avenues while the cultural programs will continue through 6 pm on Madison Avenue, between 24th and 26th streets.

    More than 125 members of the community were in attendance at the Indian Consulate, including FIA office-bearers, sponsors and patrons. FIA chairman Ramesh Patel and president Andy Bhatia, along with more than 25 former and current FIA executive committee members, welcomed guests and took turns to announce India Day Parade program and agenda.

    Patel announced that the dashing Rana Daggubati and beautiful Tamannaah Bhatia, both stars of the recent massive Bollywood hit “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,” had confirmed participation in India Day Parade this year, courtesy India’s Times Media Group. The grand marshal, usually a mainstream Bollywood star and also the biggest draw at the parade, Patel said, was yet undecided and should be confirmed in the next few weeks.

    The evening kicked off with a welcome dance by Shiv Kala Dance Academy in the Consulate’s grand ballroom, following by ceremonial lighting of lamp by India’s Consul General in New York, Riva Ganguly Das and FIA officials Ramesh Patel, Andy Bhatia, Srujal Parikh, Alok Kumar, Chhavi Singh,   Himanshu Bhatia, Anand Patel, Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Raj Bhayani, Shobna and Dinesh Patel, Yash Pal Soi, Nitin Vohra, Chandrakant Trivedi, , Kanu Chauhan, Ankur Vaidya, Bipin Patel, Jagdish Patel and Deepak Patel.

    Consul General Das said the parade kickoff at the Indian Consulate was among the key annual events at the Consulate, primarily because of what it signified. “The India Day Parade is hugely symbolic because it brings communities from different Indian associations and emboldens the fabric of Indian togetherness.” She also announced that in a first the Indian Consulate was sponsoring a float this year to showcase India’s Northeast, its different cultures, tea gardens and investment opportunities.

    Perhaps, the underlying theme of the parade each year is showcasing Indian culture to mainstream communities in New York, aiding in better understanding of immigrants. The semblance of two vastly different cultures was amply demonstrated at the Indian Consulate through a soulful performance by Paula and Richard Bennett, both trained jazz musicians, who sang on North Indian classical piano music.

    Many speakers recalled the years in the 1980s when FIA initiated the India Day Parade with barely any Indian businesses in the New York area that could sponsor the parade. “Still, we managed to pull through such a massive undertaking for 31 years,” said Ramesh Patel. “There is an ongoing emotional connect of identity with India Day Parade and therefore I request you to stay involved.”

    Shobna Patel, the FIA banquet committee chair, announced that the Aug 21 gala at Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ, was being planned as the grandest to date. “We will have sit-down family-style dinner, with high cocktails and an evening of exciting entertainment.”

    In his closing remarks, FIA’s Yash Pal Soi, thanked New York City mayor Bill De Blasio and Councilman Daniel Dromm, in aiding FIA to secure timely permits and permissions for India Day Parade this year.

    Representatives of FIA’s partner associations in attendance, included Jackson Heights Merchants Association, Global Haryana Chamber of Commerce and FOKANA (Federation of Kerala Associations in North America). Among the supporting sponsors of the parade are, Air India, HAKS Group, TV Asia, State Bank of India, New York Daily News, MoneyGram, Sling TV, India Tourism, Royal Albert’s Palace, Indus American Bank and Parikh Media Worldwide.

    The FIA of NY-NJ-CT was formed in 1970 and is among the largest umbrella organizations representing over 500,000 Indian Americans in the tristate region. The centerpiece of its efforts culminates in the India Day Parade in New York each year.

    For Information about floats, booths and marching groups, call 732.325.7891, 848.248.0707, 732.387.5107 or email sponsorship@fianynjct.org

  • Former Oyster Bay Supervisor Venditto and six others Indicted for Official Misconduct

    Former Oyster Bay Supervisor Venditto and six others Indicted for Official Misconduct

    Nassau County DA Singas announces the indictment of seven individuals related to corruption in Oyster Bay

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced, June 29 that former Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, former Parks Commissioner Frank Nocerino and Richard Porcelli, the deputy executive leader of a political club, were arraigned, June 29, on charges related to the illegal hiring and firing of a town employee.

    John Venditto, 68, of Massapequa, was arraigned today, June 29 before Supreme Court Justice Charles Wood and charged with Corrupt Use of Position or Authority (an E felony), three counts of Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor) and Conspiracy in the Sixth Degree (a B misdemeanor). If convicted of the top count, the defendant faces up to 1-1/3 years to four years in prison.

    Richard Porcelli, 70, of Ronkonkoma, the deputy executive leader of the North Massapequa Republican Club was arraigned today before Supreme Court Justice Charles Wood and charged with two counts of Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor) and Conspiracy in the Sixth Degree (a B misdemeanor). If convicted of the top count, Porcelli faces up to a year in prison.

    Frank Nocerino, 65, of Massapequa, was arraigned today before Supreme Court Justice Charles Wood and charged with Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor). If convicted, Nocerino faces up to a year in prison.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty and are due back in court on September 26. They were released on their own recognizance.

    “Former Supervisor Venditto and his associates are charged with corruptly orchestrating the hiring of a town employee at an inflated salary and firing him months later at Frederick Ippolito’s self-serving request,” said DA Singas. “Taxpayers are victimized when public employment is abused to advance the personal interests of the powerful.”

    DA Singas said after the federal conviction of Town of Oyster Bay Commissioner of Planning Development Frederick Ippolito on tax evasion, Ippolito continued to exercise influence over town matters.

    According to the indictment, Supervisor Venditto directed Parks Commissioner Nocerino to hire Individual B to work in the town Parks Department at the behest of Ippolito.  Venditto directed the hiring of Individual B even though the town was not hiring new employees and openly discussing laying off existing employees because of a financial crisis. Nocerino knew that hiring Individual B was wrong for the above reasons, as well as others, including that Individual B was to be paid more than twice the appropriate salary for his position. Months later, Ippolito directed that Individual B be fired. Venditto and Richard Porcelli – deputy executive leader of the North Massapequa Republican Club and close associate of the supervisor – agreed to fire Individual B and that the Town of Oyster Bay would fire other employees to divert attention from the firing of Individual B.

    Individual B was paid more than other employees and was instructed not to discuss his terms of employment. Months later, Ippolito directed that Individual B be fired. Venditto and Richard Porcelli – deputy executive leader of the North Massapequa Republican Club and close associate of the supervisor – agreed to fire Individual B and that the Town of Oyster Bay would fire other employees to divert attention from the firing of Individual B.

    Venditto is represented by Mark Agnifilo, Esq., Porcelli is represented by Frank Casale, Esq. and Nocerino is represented by Christopher Devane, Esq.

    The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.

    (Source: NCDA website)

  • United States of America and India View Prosperity through Partnership

    United States of America and India View Prosperity through Partnership

    President Trump accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to visit India

    WASHINGTON (TIP):US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolved to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance common objectives. Above all, these objectives include combating terrorist threats, promoting stability across the Indo-Pacific region, increasing free and fair trade, and strengthening energy linkages. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that, together, the United States and India will provide strong leadership to address global challenges and build prosperity for their citizens in the decades to come.


    Democratic Stalwarts in the Indo-Pacific Region

    As responsible stewards in the Indo-Pacific region, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi agreed that a close partnership between the United States and India is central to peace and stability in the region. Recognizing the significant progress achieved in these endeavors, the leaders agreed to take further measures to strengthen their partnership. In accordance with the tenets outlined in the U.N. Charter, they committed to a set of common principles for the region, according to which sovereignty and international law are respected and every country can prosper. To this end, the leaders:
    reiterate the importance of respecting freedom of navigation, overflight, and commerce throughout the region; call upon all nations to resolve territorial and maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law;support bolstering regional economic connectivity through the transparent development of infrastructure and the use of responsible debt financing practices, while ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of law, and the environment.

    Call on other nations in the region to adhere to these principles.

    President Trump welcomed further Indian contributions to promote Afghanistan’s democracy, stability, prosperity, and security. Recognizing the importance of their respective strategic partnerships with Afghanistan, the leaders committed to continue close consultations and cooperation in support of Afghanistan’s future.

    In accord with India’s Think West policy, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved to increase cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultations, and increase tangible collaboration with partners in the Middle East.

    The leaders strongly condemned continued provocations by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), emphasizing that its destabilizing pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programs poses a grave threat to regional security and global peace. The leaders called on DPRK to strictly abide by its international obligations and commitments. The leaders pledged to work together to counter the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction programs, including by holding accountable all parties that support these programs.

    Shoulder-to-Shoulder Against Terrorism

    The Leaders stressed that terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought and terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world. They resolved that India and the United States will fight together against this grave challenge to humanity. They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, D-Company, and their affiliates. India appreciated the United States designation of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen leader as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist as evidence of the commitment of the United States to end terror in all its forms. In this spirit, the leaders welcomed a new consultation mechanism on domestic and international terrorist designations listing proposals.

    The leaders called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries. They further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups.

    The leaders announced increased cooperation to prevent terrorist travel and to disrupt global recruitment efforts by expanding intelligence-sharing and operational-level counterterrorism cooperation. They welcomed commencement of the exchange of information on known and suspected terrorists for travel screening. They further resolved to strengthen information exchange on plans, movements and linkages of terrorist groups and their leaders, as well as on raising and moving of funds by terrorist groups.

    The leaders also affirmed their support for a U.N. Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation and reinforce the message that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism. They also pledged to work together to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors.

    Growing Strategic Convergence

    President Trump and Prime Minister Modi pledged to deepen defense and security cooperation, building on the United States’ recognition of India as a Major Defense Partner. The United States and India look forward to working together on advanced defense equipment and technology at a level commensurate with that of the closest allies and partners of the United States. Reflecting the partnership, the United States has offered for India’s consideration the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems, which would enhance India’s capabilities and promote shared security interests.

    Resolving to expand their maritime security cooperation, the leaders announced their intention to build on the implementation of their “White Shipping” data sharing arrangement, which enhances collaboration on maritime domain awareness. President Trump welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s strong support for the United States to join as an Observer in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. Noting the importance of the upcoming MALABAR naval exercise, the leaders determined to expand their engagements on shared maritime objectives and to explore new exercises.

    As global nonproliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India’s early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group. President Trump reaffirmed the support of the United States for India’s permanent membership on a reformed U.N. Security Council.

    Increasing Free and Fair Trade

    The leaders committed that the United States and India — leading engines of growth in the global economy — should intensify their economic cooperation to make their nations stronger and their citizens more prosperous. Noting that extensive economic and tax reforms launched in their respective countries will unlock immense economic opportunities for both countries, the leaders committed to further expanding and balancing the trade relationship and to removing obstacles to growth and jobs creation. They also resolved to pursue increased commercial engagement in a manner that advances the principles of free and fair trade. To this end, the United States and India plan to undertake a comprehensive review of trade relations with the goal of expediting regulatory processes; ensuring that technology and innovation are appropriately fostered, valued, and protected; and increasing market access in areas such as agriculture, information technology, and manufactured goods and services. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi further committed to strengthening cooperation to address excess capacity in industrial sectors. They called on their teams to find creative ways to improve bilateral trade.

    Surveying United States-India energy ties and the two countries’ respective energy strategies, the leaders affirmed the continued importance of their Strategic Energy Partnership and of leveraging new opportunities to elevate cooperation to enhance global energy security. The leaders called for a rational approach that balances environment and climate policy, global economic development, and energy security needs.

    President Trump affirmed that the United States continues to remove barriers to energy development and investment in the United States and to U.S. energy exports so that more natural gas, clean coal, and renewable resources and technologies are available to fuel India’s economic growth and inclusive development. Prime Minister Modi and President Trump looked forward to conclusion of contractual agreements between Westinghouse Electric Company and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India for six nuclear reactors in India and also related project financing. Both leaders welcomed upcoming visits between India and the United States that will expand energy and innovation linkages across the energy sector and deepen cooperation, including on more efficient fossil fuel technologies, smart grids, and energy storage. They supported financing of energy projects, including clean coal projects, by Multilateral Development Banks to promote universal access to affordable and reliable energy.

    Recognizing that we are in an increasingly digital world, the leaders agreed to intensify the mutually beneficial partnership to fully harness their innovation capabilities to solve global developmental challenges. As global partners, the United States and India resolved to further strengthen their collaboration in health, space, oceans, and other areas of science and technology. The leaders also agreed to strengthen their cooperation to address the growing threats and challenges from malicious cyber activity and committed to work together to promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable cyberspace environment that supports innovation, economic growth, and commerce.

    Applauding the entrepreneurship and innovation of Indians and Indian-Americans that have directly benefitted both nations, President Trump welcomed India’s formal entry into the International Expedited Traveler Initiative (Global Entry program) in order to facilitate closer business and educational ties between the citizens of India and the United States.

    President Trump gladly accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to visit India. They look forward to working together in a spirit of friendship in the years to come.

     

  • Leading Members of Government and Civil Society Join Hindu Leaders at Advocacy Forum

    Leading Members of Government and Civil Society Join Hindu Leaders at Advocacy Forum

    WASHINGTON (TIP): With a delegation of over 60, the Hindu American Foundation hosted its second annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, DC, complete with a full day long policy conference, an evening reception, as well as an advocacy on the Hill day consisting of meetings with elected officials.

    Monday, June 19, brought together leading members of government and civil society to discuss the protection of civil rights, ways to combat the rise of hate crimes in the US, and the spread of terrorism and violent extremism across South Asia.

    Panelists included: Tom Wheeler, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, US Department of Justice; Michael Lieberman, Anti-Defamation League & Convener of the Hate Crimes Coalition Taskforce; Ron Mori, Japanese American Citizens League; Sushil Pandit, CEO of Hive Communication & Co-Founder of Roots in Kashmir; Seth Oldmixon, Founder of Liberty South Asia; and Anita Wadhwani, India Country Director, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Asian & Pacific Security Affairs.

    “In 2015 the number of anti-religious hate crimes was the largest percentage of hate crimes in the 25 year history of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act,” Michael Lieberman told the audience. “This year was the first year ever that the FBI collected anti-Hindu hate crimes. The reason they did this was because of your advocacy.”

    On how to prevent extremist terrorism at the broadest level, Seth Oldmixon concluded, “We [in the United States] have to be a city on the hill. We have to be a shining example of demonstrating that religious freedom and tolerance and inclusivity work. That is the biggest threat to these extremist groups.”

    During HAF’s annual DC advocacy day, on June 20th, delegates met with 50 members of Congress to discuss community concerns about rising hate crimes, the spread of terrorism, and the lack of transparency and accountability at the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The delegation also addressed the need to generate greater awareness of heart health among South Asian Americans.

    The Advocacy Forum concluded with HAF’s Capitol Hill Reception, which garnered more than 200 attendees—including members of Congress such as Raja Krishnamoorthi. In addition, Charles Haynes, founder of the Religious Freedom Center and a vice-president at the Newseum Institute, was honored with the Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism.

  • Do not Take Away Health Care from Millions, Civil and Human Rights Coalition warns Senate

    Do not Take Away Health Care from Millions, Civil and Human Rights Coalition warns Senate

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Civil and Human Rights Coalition demanded that Senate must listen to the people and not take away health care from millions. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States.

    Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the announcement that the Senate is delaying consideration of legislation to take health care away from millions of Americans:

    “Across the country, the people Congress serves are speaking out and demanding their elected officials protect their access to affordable health care. It’s high time for Congress to listen.

    Republicans in Congress have no real plan to improve our nation’s health care. A massive tax cut for wealthy Americans, while conforming to the GOP playbook, does not help keep Americans healthy. No amount of delay will change that fact.

    The Senate bill was drafted in secret and kept from public view for good reason – if passed, it would kick tens of millions of people off their health care plans and cause costs to skyrocket for many, including seniors and the most vulnerable, and destroy Medicaid. This bill cannot be fixed. If Republicans are serious about making our health care system work better, they must end their partisan approach and work across the aisle to achieve that goal.”

  • Indian Immigrant arrested by ICE Newark after New Jersey County declines detainers

    Indian Immigrant arrested by ICE Newark after New Jersey County declines detainers

    ISELIN, NJ (TIP): U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers arrested an Indian immigrant after he was released from the custody of Middlesex County. ICE previously lodged detainers on him while he was in the county’s custody, but the county failed to honor the requests.

    On May 22, ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Maulik Gajjar, an Indian citizen, with the facility. On May 22, the correctional facility released him from custody without notification to ICE. Gajjar is currently facing state criminal charges.

    On June 7, ERO Newark officers arrested Gajjar outside his residence in Iselin.

    Gajjar does not have lawful status in the United States, and will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

  • Indian American man from Queens confesses killing cousin: Lovedeep Singh was arraigned June 24 night

    Indian American man from Queens confesses killing cousin: Lovedeep Singh was arraigned June 24 night

    NEW YORK (TIP): The 24-year-old Indian American man from Richmond Hill in Queens, New York, who brutally stabbed his cousin to death on Monday, June 24 has confessed the crime to police.

    Lovedeep Singh was arraigned Monday night before Queens Criminal Court Judge Eugene Guarino on counts of second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

    The charges were slapped on Singh after he confessed to fatally stabbing his 26-year-old cousin Sharanjit Singh inside an apartment they shared in Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in a press release.

    Lovedeep is said to have admitted that he stabbed Sharanjit in the neck and torso while they were inside their third-floor apartment at 117th St, near 91st Ave. sometime between 2.20 a.m. and 2.30 a.m.

    Though the victim was rushed to nearby Jamaica Hospital, he was later pronounced dead.  Investigators who visit the crime scene discovered the knife which was used at the time of the incident, New York Police Department said.

    The New York Daily News quoted Barjinder Singh – brother-in-law is the victim’s cousin, saying both Lovedeep and Sharanjit were good friends.

    Sharanjit, who is livery car driver, moved to the US from India in 2013 for better opportunities and a better life. His parents still live in India.

    The incident was reported by a third cousin who was living in the same apartment who found Sharanjit Singh in a pool of blood and called 911.

    “The defendant is accused of senselessly stabbing to death his cousin and roommate. This is a family tragedy for all concerned,” District Attorney Brown said in his statement.

    Lovedeep Singh was ordered to be held without bail and his next court date is on Friday. If convicted for the brutal parricide, he will face up to 25 years to life in prison.

  • Indian-American Doctor, Wife to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle Fraud Charges

    Indian-American Doctor, Wife to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle Fraud Charges

    JOHNSON CITY (TIP): A prominent Indian-American doctor and his wife have agreed to pay USD 1.2 million to settle allegations of prescribing unapproved drugs in the US.

    Anindya Sen, 68, owns two cancer centers in Greeneville and Johnson City in Tennessee. His wife Patricia Posey Sen, 69, managed his medical practice from 2009 through 2012.

    The couple allegedly profited by administering cheaper unapproved drugs, Department of Justice said.

    They will pay USD 1.2 million to resolve state and federal False Claims Act allegations that their medical practice billed Medicare and Tennessee Medicaid for anti-cancer and infusion drugs that were produced for sale in foreign countries and not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing in the US, it said.

    “Billing for foreign drugs that are not approved by the FDA undermines federal healthcare programs and could potentially risk patient safety,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

    The government alleged that the unapproved drugs that the Sens provided to patients and billed to Medicare were not reimbursable under those programs.

    It is further alleged that the Sens purchased unapproved drugs because they were less expensive than the drugs approved by FDA for marketing in the US.

    Claims settled by this agreement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability, the Justice Department added.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American to embark on solo flight around the world

    Indian American to embark on solo flight around the world

    NEW YORK (TIP): On July 4, Ravinder K. Bansal, a retired entrepreneur of Indian origin, will embark on a solo flight around the world in a single-engine Cessna 400 to raise money for a hospital in Haryana. He hopes to raise $750,000 to purchase an MRI machine for a hospital in his hometown Ambala.

    The 100-bed hospital Rotary Ambala Cancer and General Hospital has been built with donations from philanthropists both in the US and India. The contribution is also a tribute to his elder brother Subhash Bansal’s wife, Sneh Bansal, who died of cancer in India, in 2005.

    “I am excited to start my round the world trip from Buffalo Niagara International Airport on July the 4th. This mission for me is very personal as it not only is an adventure that I have been dreaming about for a while, but will also get the hospital a needed piece of MRI equipment now and help bring awareness about cancer in rural community around Ambala. Above all, it will generate publicity for the hospital that will hopefully continue to bring donations/support from the local and international community and Rotarians to keep the hospital operating and growing in future”, Bansal wrote in his blog.

    Ravi Bansal, a resident of Buffalo, New York, is the pilot/owner of Cessna 400. The Cessna 400 is the fastest FAA-certified fixed-gear, single-engine piston aircraft in production today, reaching a speed of 235 knots (435 km/h) true air speed at 25,000 feet (7,600 m).  The 19,878-mile trip will have several stops in different countries including England, France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, UAE, Oman, and India while going; and while returning Bansal would come via Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Russia, and Canada.

  • Indian American Executive Naveen Chopra named Interim CEO of Pandora

    Indian American Executive Naveen Chopra named Interim CEO of Pandora

    SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Pandora – a powerful music discovery platform – has announced that Indian-American executive and current chief financial officer (CFO) Naveen Chopra has been made the interim chief executive officer (CEO) of the company since co-founder and CEO Tim Westergren is stepping down from the company board.

    “Over the past several weeks, the board has taken a number of steps to refocus and reinforce Pandora,” Pandora board member Roger Faxon said in a press release. “As listeners continue to move from traditional terrestrial radio to more dynamic and flexible offerings, it is the board’s belief that this transition continues to present a massive opportunity, and that Pandora is in an ideal position to capture an increasing share of the audience.”

    Naveen Chopra joined the company as chief financial officer on February 28, 2017. Prior to joining Pandora, Chopra served as interim CEO of TiVo Inc. Chopra has extensive experience advising companies on financial planning, investor relations, corporate development and strategic growth. He joined TiVo in 2003 and most recently served as the company’s interim chief executive officer from January 2016 until its acquisition by Rovi Corporation in September 2016. During his tenure at TiVo, Chopra guided the company through a critical financial and strategic transformation while building respected relationships with employees, investors, analysts and strategic business partners. From 2012 to 2016, Chopra served as chief financial officer and senior vice president of corporate development and strategy and was responsible for overseeing numerous strategic initiatives in addition to TiVo’s accounting, financial reporting, planning, tax and treasury functions.

    A graduate of Stanford in computer science and economics, he also earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

  • Indian American Judge Sabita Singh to join Massachusetts Appeals Court

    Indian American Judge Sabita Singh to join Massachusetts Appeals Court

    BOSTON (TIP): On June 21, Sabita Singh, the first Indian American judge in Massachusetts, was unanimously confirmed as Appeals Court judge. On May 31, 2017 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker nominated District Court Judge Sabita Singh to the Appeals Court. Singh was appointed to the District Court in 2006 by Governor Mitt Romney.

    Sabita Singh is First Justice of Concord District Court. She is also a member of the District Court’s Appellate Division where she hears appeals from District Court civil matters. She began her career as a law clerk to the justices in the Superior Court Department of the Trial Court. She then went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, writing appellate briefs and arguing before the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. Thereafter, Judge Singh spent seven years in the private sector with Bingham McCutchen LLP before returning to the public sector as Special Counsel for Criminal Civil Rights Enforcement at the United States Attorney Office in Boston.

    She received her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law in 1990 and her Bachelor of Arts in the Administration of Justice from Pennsylvania State University in 1987. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University School of Law and Instructor at Harvard University. She has also served as President of the South Asian Bar Association of North America and the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston. Justice Singh was born in India and now resides with her family in Lincoln.

  • Civil rights organization objects to US Supreme Court’s partial reinstatement of Muslim Ban

    Civil rights organization objects to US Supreme Court’s partial reinstatement of Muslim Ban

    NEW YORK (TIP): South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national South Asian racial justice and civil rights organization, strongly criticized Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate part of President Trump’s “Muslim Ban”.

    “It is disappointing that the highest court in our land will hear the federal government’s appeal despite federal appellate courts repeatedly striking down and staying key parts of the “Muslim Ban” as unquestionably unconstitutional”, SAALT said in a statement.

    “Reinstating any part of this administration’s patently discriminatory ‘Muslim Ban’ is contrary to the values of the United States and the ideals this country was founded on,” stated Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. “The President’s executive orders, and the Supreme Court’s decision to partially reinstate the ban, amounts to government sanctioned discrimination. It does not make America safe, it makes America afraid.”

    Individuals from the six majority-Muslim countries identified in the President’s executive orders who do not have a “bona fide” relationship with a person or organization in the United States will be barred from entering the country. This administration’s dogged pursuit of a “Muslim Ban” has provided a prominent platform for white supremacists and anti-immigrant voices.

    SAALT feels that the “Muslim ban” discriminates against travelers as well as any Muslim or individual perceived as Muslim in the United States.  These individuals have the right to walk down the street without fear of harassment or violence by virtue of how they pray, what language they speak, or their nation of origin.

  • Vice President Mike Pence Speaks on Growing U.S.-India Partnership at USIBC Summit

    Vice President Mike Pence Speaks on Growing U.S.-India Partnership at USIBC Summit

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Celebrating its 42nd year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce U.S.-India Business Council’s (USIBC) Annual Leadership Summit on June 27 featured Vice President of the United States Mike Pence and other high-ranking government and private sector leaders to address USIBC members and guests.

    The Leadership Summit focused on the important role of the private sector in advancing the ties between the two countries, the future of the U.S.-India economic relationship, as well as strengthening and deepening the U.S.-India defense partnership.

    “The partnership between the U.S. and India has never been more important,” said John Chambers, USIBC chairman and executive chairman of Cisco. “Both governments are deeply committed to creating greater economic opportunity for their citizens. The USIBC does just that by advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had so far in driving economic growth, job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship in both nations, and we look forward to shaping the future of both countries by doubling down on our efforts in the years to come.”

    The summit welcomed addresses from the Ambassador of India to the United States Navtej Sarna and Congressman Pete Sessions, chairman of the House Committee on Rules. USIBC presented its prestigious annual “Global Leadership Awards” to Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company, and Adi Godrej, chairman of the Godrej Group. Both were honored for creating inclusive business environments, integrating India in the global supply chain and advancing core values such as manufacturing, innovation and scale in tough market conditions.

    “I would like to thank the U.S.-India Business Council for honoring me with the Global Leadership Award. The United States and India enjoy a strong economic relationship, both in terms of trade and investment. With India’s strong expected growth over the next few years, this relationship will grow multifold and will be helped by the excellent work by the U.S.-India Business Council,” said Godrej on receiving the award.

    “It is our pleasure honoring these two industry leaders that have made tremendous strides in their businesses. They are indicative of the power of private enterprise in building strong ties between India and the U.S. As both governments prioritize their domestic and foreign trade policies, we encourage fostering environments that grow businesses and advance economic opportunity in both India and the United States. We also congratulate President Trump and Prime Minister Modi on having completed a successful first round of talks and look forward to future engagements,” stated USIBC President Mukesh Aghi.

     

  • Iraq declares end of caliphate after capture of Mosul mosque

    Iraq declares end of caliphate after capture of Mosul mosque

    BAGHDAD (TIP): After eight months of grinding urban warfare, Iraqi government troops on Thursday, June 29, captured the ruined mosque at the heart of Islamic State’s de facto capital Mosul, and the prime minister declared the group’s self-styled caliphate at an end, according to a Reuters report, June 29.

    Iraqi authorities expect the long battle for Mosul to end in coming days as remaining Islamic State fighters are bottled up in just a handful of neighborhoods of the Old City.

    The seizure of the nearly 850-year-old Grand al-Nuri Mosque — from where Islamic State proclaimed the caliphate nearly three years ago to the day — is a huge symbolic victory.

    “The return of al-Nuri Mosque and al-Hadba minaret to the fold of the nation marks the end of the Daesh state of falsehood,” Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement, referring to the hardline Sunni Mulsim group by an Arabic acronym.

    The fall of Mosul would in effect mark the end of the Iraqi half of the IS caliphate, although the group still controls territory west and south of the city, ruling over hundreds of thousands of people.

    Its stronghold in Syria, Raqqa, is also close to falling.

    A U.S.-backed Kurdish-led coalition besieging Raqqa on Thursday fully encircled it after closing the militants’ last way out from the south, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

    These setbacks have reduced Islamic State’s territory by 60 percent from its peak two years ago and its revenue by 80 percent, to just $16 million a month, said IHS Markit.

    “Their fictitious state has fallen,” an Iraqi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, told state TV.

    However, it still occupies an area as big as Belgium, across Iraq and Syria, according to IHS Markit, an analytics firm.

    Islamic State fighters blew up the medieval mosque and its famed leaning minaret a week ago as U.S.-backed Iraqi forces started a push in its direction. Their black flag had been flying from al-Hadba (The Hunchback) minaret since June 2014.

    Much of the mosque and brickwork minaret was reduced to rubble, said a Reuters TV reporter who went to the site with the elite units that captured it.

  • Tabu Is Single because of Ajay Devgn

    Tabu Is Single because of Ajay Devgn

    Tabu said that when they were young, Ajay Devgn and her cousin ‘spied’ on her and “threatened to beat up any boys who are caught talking to me”

    MUMBAI (TIP):  Actress Tabu told Mumbai Mirror that the reason why she is single today is because of Ajay Devgn, her co-star of several films like Drishyam (2015) and Vijaypath (1994). Tabu said that when they were young, her cousin and Ajay Devgn (who were neighbors and close friends) ‘spied’ on her and “threatened to beat up any boys who are caught talking to me,” reports Mumbai Mirror. “They were the big bullies and if I am single today, it is because of Ajay. I hope he repents and regrets what he did,” she said. “I told him the other day to please find me a boy to marry,” she added. Tabu and Ajay Devgn will feature in Rohit Shetty’s upcoming comedy Golmaal 4.

    In the last few years, Tabu has given exceptional and dramatic performances in films like Haider, Fitoor and Drishyam. Of her return to the comedy genre, Tabu told Mumbai Mirror: “I’ve wanted to do a light-hearted film for a long time, more so because my mother was fed up of me doing rona-dhona roles. A lot of people too have been saying that they wanted to see me in a comedy like Biwi No 1 and Hera Pheri.”

    Tabu also shared her experience of filming Golmaal 4, co-starring Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Khemu, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Neil Nitin Mukesh. “I’m working with Rohit for the first time and I’m really happy. There is an unexplained familiarity when I’m on the sets with him. He’s completely focused on the action but at the same time, he makes his actors comfortable,” she told Mumbai Mirror.

    Tabu was last seen in Abhishek Kapoor’s Fitoor (2016), co-starring Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapur. Ajay Devgn had a cameo in Fitoor.

  • Spreading the Message of health, happiness and peace across the Globe through Yoga – Consul General Neeta Bhushan

    Spreading the Message of health, happiness and peace across the Globe through Yoga – Consul General Neeta Bhushan

    Third International Yoga Day, organized by Consulate General of India in Chicago, attracted thousands of Indian-Americans and people belonging to other nationalities

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP):  Consulate General of India in Chicago, in collaboration with the City of Naperville, rolled out the third edition of International Yoga Day on June 24th, 2017 at Naperville Yard, 1603 Legacy Circle, Naperville, IL 60563.

    The high-profile event was inaugurated with lighting of the lamp and singing of the National Anthems of Republic of India and United States of America. The purpose of the event was to create a broad-based awareness about the benefits of yoga for all sections of society, irrespective of their age group, and also to introduce the ancient mind-body practice to a generation of technology-loving kids and to reintroduce it to an older generation of high-strung adults. Video messages of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, and Ayush Health Minister Shri Shripad were played during the official opening ceremony.

    Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India, Chicago with Community Leaders, Sponsors and Volunteers at 3rd International Yoga Day.

    City of Naperville issued a Proclamation and declared June 24th, 2017 as International Yoga Day in the City of Naperville. It was one of the mega events in Chicago in which about 100 community organizations and over 3000 Indian Americans and people belonging to other nationalities participated, along with their family and friends.

    The event started at 10 am with Yoga demonstration by volunteers from the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago. After this, the event shifted to its main official opening ceremony which included lighting of the lamp which was followed by demonstration of common asanas (postures), breathing techniques and shanti mantra.  There were breakout sessions of chair yoga for people who have mobility challenges, kids’ yoga, women’s yoga, and age-based yoga for different generational groups.

    Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India in Chicago extended warm welcome and greetings to everyone present on the occasion. In her remarks, she said; “June 21st was declared as day of International Yoga Day through UN resolution supported by a whopping 177 countries, a unique record in its own right”. She conveyed that yoga was a great way to connect to oneself and achieve a healthy balance between the mind and body. “People are losing their health consciousness, but yoga is one way to get it back”, Ms. Neeta Bhushan said and added that yoga helps people in attaining harmony within themselves as well with other members of the community. She also mentioned that Yoga helps people in maintaining balance among their thoughts, emotions, and feelings, and thereby improving their effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.

    Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India in Chicago with Indian Americans and people belonging to other nationalities participating in the 3rd International Yoga Day along with their family and friends.

    Ms. Neeta Bhushan expressed her gratitude to the city of Naperville, its India-friendly Mayor Steve Chirico, the dignitaries, participating organizations, media and community members for taking an active part in the celebration of the Third International Yoga Day. She thanked leaders of other communities such as the Muslim community who had come to participate in the Yoga day in large numbers despite Ramzan.

    Mayor of Naperville Hon. Steve Chirico said that the contemporary world of work brings in its wake a highly stressful life for people.  “Yoga is a great way to destress and relax, especially for those who are having tough jobs and juggle a lot of things”, said Mr. Steve Chirico and added that in the present-day busy life, everyone should take care of his health and well-being.

    Congressman Mr. Peter Roskam and Mr. Gaur Gopal Das, and other eminent motivational speaker, also spoke on the occasion and underscored the multifarious health benefits of yoga. Other eminent persons who participated in the inaugural ceremony and other related events included Mayor of Oakbrook Hon. Gopal Lalmalani, Swami Vishwangji, Mr. William Sands, Dean of the College of Maharishi Vedic Science, etc.

    Lectures on Yoga, Nutrition, and Weight Loss were delivered by Abhijit Joshi, Anu Malhotra, Kusum Patel, Hiral Vyas, Dr. Harpreet Singh, Prasad Palacharla, and experts representing such well-known organizations as Isha Foundation, Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple, Sewa International, Brahma Kumaris, Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam, Heartfulness, Science of Spirituality, Sahaja Yoga Meditation, etc.

    Cultural Programs, Games, Family, and Kids’ Activities were presented by Prachi, Alokita Dhar, Sabrina, Maddy Singh, and artists representing such eminent organizations as   Desi Junction, Soorya Dance School, SR International, Jhankaar Dance Group, SNM & UPA Teams, etc.

    “The yoga event, featuring about 60 food booths, music, dance, and cultural entertainment made the day a pleasant, enriching, and memorable experience of our lifetime”, opined many a participant unanimously.

    Jassi Parmar, Sanjeev Singh, and Mohan Rawat, who were the Emcees, conducted the program in a professional fashion and added great value to the event.

    (Photographs and report by Asian Media USA)

  • Fourth of July – Celebration of birth of American Independence

    Fourth of July – Celebration of birth of American Independence

     We wish our readers a happy 4th of July

    The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
    On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States.

    Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston comprised the committee that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document. The committee and Congress as a whole made a total of 86 changes to Jefferson’s draft.

    First two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence read:

    “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

    We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”

    From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

    • In 1777, thirteen gunshots were fired in salute, once at morning and once again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships in port were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
    • In 1778, from his headquarters at Ross Hall, near New Brunswick, New Jersey, General George Washington marked July 4 with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute (feu de joie). Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
    • In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration. In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held a celebration of July 4 with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled The Psalm of Joy. This is recognized as the first recorded celebration and is still celebrated there today.
    • In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday

    In New York City, Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show celebrates America’s birthday with patriotic standards and dazzling sparkles that light up the New York skyline in a show unlike any other.  Macy’s works hand-in-hand with the best pyrotechnic team in the business to design and install more than 40,000 effects, all choreographed to an Independence Day medley.Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the nation and the single show against which all others are measured. The Fireworks are broadcast live on NBC-TV and has featured celebrity musical performances from world-famous artists such as Beyoncé and Katy Perry. Macy’s has up to six fireworks barges detonating simultaneously from either one or several locations around New York City. In addition to 3,000 invited guests seated in the Macy’s VIP Grandstands, 15 million viewers tune into NBC’s telecast and nearly 3 million spectators view the live show from positions along the river.

    By Bidisha Roy

     

  • M O V I E R E V I E W – DESPICABLE ME 3

    M O V I E R E V I E W – DESPICABLE ME 3

    CAST: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Russell

    Brand, Jenny Slate, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier

    DIRECTION: Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin

    GENRE: Animation

    DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes

    STORY

    The third chapter in the life of Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable wide-eyed little girls and the minions, sees them embarking on a new adventure that involves a dancing villain Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), Gru’s blonde twin brother Dru (Carell) and a unicorn. Also, having given up his ‘villainy’, will Gru partake in a heist to keep his family tradition alive?

    REVIEW

    The latest instalment of Illumination’s hit franchise is the ‘Knight and Day’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’ of animation films. It has truckloads of action to keep you entertained and a bit of drama to evoke emotions. Fast-paced and loaded with adventure, this one rarely has a dull moment. On the flip side, you miss the heart-to-heart conversation between Gru and the girls that caught your fancy in the first film.

    To sum it up, this one’s an outlandish and overstuffed sequel that has too many things going on all at once. It comprises a heist, Gru’s discovery of his long lost twin brother Dru, bubble gum firing bad guy, minions displaying their singing skills etc. What it lacks emotionally, it tries to make up in the form of constant action sequences.

    While it’s not easy to make an exciting instalment with the same template, Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin manage it to a certain extent, thanks to Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig’s fantastic and consistent voice contribution.

    Though not as endearing as the first film or funny as the second, Despicable 3 achieves what it sets out to – entertain the kids. Unlike the previous films, this predominantly caters to the younger crowd. It lacks the warmth of the original but if you don’t mind too many Grus, guns, bubblegums and robots, this colourful, cutesy film can be a fun one time watch.

  • MILEY CYRUS OPENS UP ABOUT HER ADDICTION TO MARIJUANA

    MILEY CYRUS OPENS UP ABOUT HER ADDICTION TO MARIJUANA

    International pop sensation Miley Cyrus was once known as the “Disney Queen”, but before we knew it, puberty took a toll on her in a way that never imagined her to be.

    From being touted as the Disney princess, to being an addict to intoxicated products that really messed her up, Miley definitely saw some really dark days in her life.

    Recently, she revealed about her addiction to marijuana and how her paranoia gave her a reality check in life and thus she chose to go clean. She said: ” I kept having this nightmare, it was seriously horrible.

    I had this dream that I would die during my monologue on ‘SNL’ for some reason. That I would just get so stoned that I just died. Which I googled, and that’s never happened. No-one’s ever died from weed, but no one has ever smoked as much as Idid, so they don’t really know (if it’s possible). “

    She also revealed how she gained perspective after quitting marijuana, and how the upcoming album will be more meaningful. It also happens to be the “most important” album of her life.

    Speaking during an appearance on a famous chat show, Miley said: ” To sit here, and talk about what I’m doing, I want to be really clear, because I’m actually the most passionate about what I’m doing with this record than I’ve been. This is the most important album that I’ve ever made.

  • DREW BARRYMORE DATING DAVID HUTCHINSON

    DREW BARRYMORE DATING DAVID HUTCHINSON

    Hollywood star Drew Barrymore is reportedly dating David Hutchinson following her divorce from Will Kopelman.

    Hutchinson is the senior vice president of Maesa, which makes the actress’ Flower Beauty products. The new couple were spotted sipping on drinks and taking in a DJ set by Norwegian superstar Kygo at the XS Nightclub in Wynn Las Vegas.

    Romance rumours first sparked between the two earlier this month, after Barrymore, 42, tagged Hutchinson in a two of her captions on Instagram.

  • M O V I E R E V I E W – PHULLU

    M O V I E R E V I E W – PHULLU

    CAST: Sharib Ali Hashmi, Jyotii Sethi, Nutan Surya

    DIRECTION: Abhishek Saxena

    GENRE: Drama

    DURATION: 1 hour 36 minutes

    STORY

    Phullu makes it his life’s mission to educate and empower the women in his village by providing better sanitary solutions.

    REVIEW

    If government-sponsored public service ads suddenly got bigger production budgets, they would look a lot like Phullu. Like a PSA, the movie over-emphasizes everything with straightforward lines mouthed by amateur actors who pause for effect as the melodramatic background score kicks in. It is a few steps above the anti-smoking spot that plays before movies, and a few steps below the Swachch Bharat campaign, that at least manages to evoke laughter while urging people to build lavatories.

    The message here is simple: women should have access to affordable sanitary pads. The social stigmas attached with menstruation and men’s ignorance of the subject provide ample fodder for a clever comedy. The jokes should practically write themselves. But the ones that writer Shaheen Iqbal includes here, are laboured and crass. The writing also does a disservice to the characters; they are weirdly naive about certain issues but could beat sexperts with their in-depth knowledge of certain others.

    Like the titular Phullu (Hashmi), a grown man who claims to “take care” of the lonely wives of the village and brings sanitary pads for them, but is utterly clueless about periods. He keeps referring to it as “janaanirog” (female disease) even after months of being married and having an active sex life. It’s all just bizarre. Aren’t the characters talking to each other when the camera isn’t rolling?

    Phullu is shocked to know of the side-effects of using a piece of cloth instead of sanitary pads (another PSA moment with a doctor dispensing facts) and strives to learn the process of manufacturing them. But between beautiful aerial shots of a lake, slo-mo songs, random domestic comedy and abruptly cut sequences, the actual runtime dedicated to his education is too little. It is reduced to a few shots of him cutting-up bundles of cotton with scissors.

    The only highlights here are Phullu’s mother and a beggar outside a mosque (a great cameo by Inaamulhaq) who provide comic relief. Other than that, it’s all bloated with basic information and will give you cramps.

  • KRITI SANON ON BEING AN OUTSIDER IN BOLLYWOOD

    KRITI SANON ON BEING AN OUTSIDER IN BOLLYWOOD

    The big bad world of Bollywood is so brutal and competitive that even stars who have been in the industry for a prolonged period of time have also revealed about the hardships that they’ve faced. Saif and Sridevi even went on records saying that they were a little apprehensive when their kids expressed their interests in joining Bollywood, but they showed extreme support towards their aspirations to make it big in the industry.

    While several stars who were not born with a silver spoon, but with sheer talent, have made it to the top in Bollywood, Kriti Sanon happens to be one of the outsiders who has mesmerised us all with her girlnext- door looks and acting talent.

    Speaking of making it big in Bollywood despite being an outsider, she told a leading daily, ” When you don’t come from a film background and you don’t have a surname it is very important for you to stand out in a film and make people notice you. It takes a little longer for people to know you in the industry and outside. I have to make more efforts to reach out to people. It takes a little more time I feel. But if you are doing good work, eventually it doesn’t matter. “

    Source: TOI

  • PRIYANKA: I HAD TO FIGURE SHOWBIZ OUT ON MY OWN

    PRIYANKA: I HAD TO FIGURE SHOWBIZ OUT ON MY OWN

    Come July and Priyanka Chopra will start shooting for the third season of the American television drama that has made her a household name in the United States. In less than two years since her small screen debut, she has not only been photographed at the most prestigious red carpet events in the West and displayed an uninhibited frankness when invited on American TV talk shows, but also made her Hollywood debut. Ask the Desi Girl what makes her such a favourite in videsh and she quickly replies, “I didn’t feel entitled when I walked into another country. I didn’t walk in expecting people to know me.

    When I met people who didn’t know me, I was okay introducing myself. This could be the reason for the kind of reception I got in America. The recognition has been quick and wonderful.”