NEW DELHI (TIP): Fancied India suffered a shocking 2-3 defeat at the hands of Malaysia in a quarterfinal match on Thursday in the Hockey World League Semi-Final.
It was hard-fought encounter as both the teams played with great intensity. The Indians only had themselves to blame as a below-par opening 20 minutes and some sloppy defending ruined their hopes.
India conceded as many as seven penalty corners, three of which were converted by Malaysia through Razie Rahim (19th, 48th minutes) and Tengku Tajuddin.
India’s goals came from the sticks of Ramandeep Singh (24th, 26th). By virtue of this win, Malaysia have qualified for next year’s World Cup to be held in India.
For India, it is their second defeat against Malaysia in little less than two months. Roelant Oltmans’ men had earlier lost 0-1 to the same opponents in the Azlan Shah Cup last month. Malaysia will face reigning Olympic champions and world number one Argentina in Saturday’s semifinal.
Argentina had earlier in the day defeated Pakistan in the first quarterfinal match. Ranked sixth in the world, the Indians started as overwhelming favourites against 14th placed Malaysia but the script did not unveil as expected at least in the first 23 minutes of the game.
The Indians were yet again slow to get off the blocks and looked scrappy. Malaysia, on the other hand, were compact in their defensive structure initially and also troubled India’s backline.
Malaysia pressed hard early on and secured two penalty corners but wasted both the chances. The first quarter ended goalless with Malaysia controlling the proceedings. Malaysia continued their attacking game and got a great opportunity to break the deadlock in the 17h minute when a scoop from the deep found Nabil Noor alone inside the Indian circle but an alert goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya came off his line to deny Noor.
Two minutes later, Malaysia earned another penalty corner but this time Dahiya failed to keep Razie Rahim’s flick out of the goal as the ball went in after hitting his body. A minute later, Malaysia doubled their lead against the run of play as Tengku Tajuddin neatly deflected in from their fourth penalty corner.
Down by two goals, it was time for India to bounce back strongly into the game and they did exactly that and levelled the scores with two goals in a span of two minutes. Ramandeep scored from literally India’s first shot at the goal, deflecting in Sumit’s defence-splitting cross from the right flank.
Two minutes later, Ramandeep once again found himself at the right place at the right time and scored the equaliser after skipper Manpreet Singh messed up a variation effort from India’s first penalty corner.
After the change of ends, the Indians continued to dominate the proceedings and earned two penalty corners in quick succession but Harmanpreet Singh failed to deliver once again. While the Indians played attacking hockey, the Malaysians preferred to sit back and defend and rely on counter-attacks.
Malaysia’s ploy worked and they secured two more penalty corners in the 48th minute, the second of which was converted by Razie Rahim for his second goal of the day. (PTI)
MUMBAI (TIP): The Indian cricket community were waiting for a reaction from skipper Virat Kohli on Anil Kumble’s resignation as coach for the last 48 hours.
Well, they didn’t get the reaction they wanted. But, they got a lot more. By afternoon, it had emerged that Kohli had deleted the tweet in which he had welcomed Kumble on June 23 last year. In that tweet, Kohli wrote, “Heartiest welcome to @anilkumble1074 Sir. Look forward to your tenure with us. Great things in store for Indian cricket with you.”
By evening, as time came to address the prematch press conference at Port of Spain, ahead of India’s limited overs series comprising five ODIs and 1 T20 against West In dies, which begins on Friday, Kohli was in the mood to give the media enough scope for a juicy story if they were prepared to read between the lines.
He highlighted the respect that he and the rest of the Indian team has for Kumble but offered little dope on what transpired between him and the legendary leggie that led to Indian cricket’s second most infamous coach captain rift. No prizes for guessing the first one. After asking the customary token question of how relaxing it would be for the team to play in the scenic islands of the Caribbean and hearing Kohli answer it articulately, the media quickly got to the point. Kohli was more cautious in dealing with the query than he was while dealing with Mohammad Amir in the Champions Trophy final. Asked to comment on Kumble’s resignation letter, Kohli said, “Obviously, he has reacted and it’s his opinion, which I respect,” Kohli said on the eve of the first ODI and highlighted his great feats for Team India.
“I have total respect for Anil bhai as a cricketer and what he has achieved for the nation (It took exactly a year for Sir to become bhai). All the years he has played, there is no taking away from that aspect of him at all. And we all respect him totally.”
Total respect for him as a cricketer? Does it mean he and the rest of the team did not respect his credentials as a man-manager and coach? Didn’t we say read between the lines? Wait, there was more come to come. In a veiled dig at the former coach, Kohli chose his own way to give a parting shot and spoke about the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the dressing room. Again, it seemed to be a dig that he was choosing to do something which the coach had not.
“His resignation is something that has happened right after the Champions Trophy. I addressed 11 pressers in the Champions Trophy but did not speak on it. We have created a culture over the last three or four years that whatever happens in the change room, we’ve tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout. For us that is paramount. I’ve always respected that and we have continued to maintain that as well,” he stressed.
He was emphatic about not making the details of the discussions between him and Kumble, public. “What happens in the change room is sacred and private to us. That is something that I would not express in detail in a public space. His point of view is out there and we respect that decision.”
For the record, he also revealed that Ajinkya Rahane who did not get to play a single game in the Champions Trophy will open with Shikhar Dhawan and the importance of identifying a pool of 25 players for the 2019 World Cup.
Kohli also said that the team had learnt from the defeat in the Champions Trophy final to Pakistan on Sunday. “We learn from every loss,” Kohli stressed and added that the team learns from victories too.
India and the West Indies last played an ODI in Perth at the World Cup in 2015 and India won that game with ease. (PTI)
LAHORE (TIP): Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed and his four aides will have to celebrate Eid in custody as Pakistan’s Lahore High Court today deferred its verdict till July 3 in their detention case.
“As a division bench headed by Justice Abdul Sami Khan today held the court to announce the verdict a government law officer requested it (bench) to defer it as the deputy attorney general was not present in the court,” a court official told reporters outside the courtroom.
Accepting the government’s request, the bench deferred the announcement of its verdict in Saeed’s house arrest case till July 3, the official said.
The court official gave no further reason for deferring the announcement. “The bench will again sit on July 3 and announce the verdict in Saeed’s case,” he added.
The court had reserved the decision on June 7 after the Punjab government law officer submitted a reply and Saeed’s counsel advocate A K Dogar completed his arguments.
The court had declared that it would announce the verdict in Saeed’s detention case on June 19. Saeed and his four close aides — Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain — have been detained on the instruction of the federal government for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security of the country, says the Punjab government.
The government had also submitted the report of the judicial review board on the detention of Saeed and his aides. In his arguments, Dogar said the government did not produce the petitioners before the judicial review board prior to expiry of their detention period (April 30) and extended their detention on its own.
He said extending detention period without the mandatory approval of the review board is “illegal”. Dogar said the government detained the petitioners to “please India and America only”.
He said the courts of the country in past had declared detention of the JuD chief illegal as government failed to prove its charges against him. He prayed to the court to set aside the detention of the petitioners for being unconstitutional.
Earlier, the three-member review board headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan of the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on the detention of Saeed.
Saeed last month had appeared before the review board and told it that he had been detained by the Pakistani government in order to “stop him for raising voice for Kashmiris”.
The federal interior ministry rejected his arguments and told the board that “Saeed and his four aides have been detained for spreading terrorism in the name of Jihad”
On April 30, detention of Saeed and his four aides was extended by the Punjab government for another 90 days under preventative detention under 11 EEE (I) and 11D of Anti- Terrorism Act 1997.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Appreciation is flowing in from different quarters for President Donald Trump – one of the rare instances since the presidential victory – after his proposal for the ambitious apprenticeship program aimed at enabling job-skills to the workforce.
The top CEOs of American companies who applauded the new move of the Trump administration include Indian American Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsico and Ajay Banga of Mastercard.
Indian IT company Wipro, too, hailed the decision and was one of the signatories of a full-page advertisement released in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times Saturday.
“We applaud the president’s commitment to industry-driven apprenticeships as a powerful tool to build the skilled workforce prepared for the jobs of the 21st century,” read the full page advertisement that has a group of CEOs as signatories.
Abidali Neemuchwala signed in the advertisement on behalf of Wipro, which is strangely the only Indian company to feature in the premium ad space. Other than Indra Nooyi and Ajay Banga, several other Indian American CEOs of US companies have signed in the ad that congratulates Trump’s latest initiative.
Bhavesh V Patel from Lyondell Basell Industries, Ashok Vemuri from Conduent Incorporated, Ajita Rajendra from A O Smith Corporation, Dinesh C Paliwal from Harman International Industries, are some of the other Indian American CEOs to sign the appreciation advert.
American Airlines, Caterpillar, General Motors, General Electrics, and Verizon are some of the top US companies to share their token of appreciation to the Trump administration for the ambitious apprenticeship program.
BJP Fields Ram Nath Kovind as NDA’S Presidential Candidate; Opposition’s Presidential nominee Meira Kumar is a diplomat-turned-politician
NEW DELHI (TIP): BJP has picked Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind as the NDA nominee for the top constitutional post. The selection of the 71-year-old Dalit leader and a two-term BJP Rajya Sabha MP, has come as a surprise to many.
The BJP government has been under fire from opposition for a number of attacks on Dalits across India. However, naming Kovind as a presidential candidate may let them off the hook.
BJP President Amit Shah made the announcement following an over two-hour long meeting of the party’s parliamentary board, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior party leaders.
Seeking support from opposition parties, Shah said Modi spoke to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought their support.
Top BJP leaders also spoke to various opposition parties and got in touch with their allies. Meanwhile, the opposition has selected Meira Kumar as its presidential candidate. A diplomat-turned-politician and Congress’ Dalit face, Meira Kumar had a steady rise in echelons of power since she made her electoral debut in the mid-eighties.
Daughter of former deputy prime minister late Jagjivan Ram, Kumar, 72, was also the first woman to occupy the high office of the Lok Sabha Speaker between 2009 and 2014 during the UPA-II rule.
The career of Kumar, who is soft-spoken, in the rough and tumble of politics began when she quit her cushy Indian Foreign Service (IFS) job and decided to fight the Lok Sabha polls in 1985, a year before her father’s death.
She was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh in 1985, defeating top Dalit leaders Mayawati and Ram Vilas Paswan. From being a foreign service officer to a five term MP and then a Cabinet minister, Kumar has traversed a long way and a varied course that came in handy to her in running the Lok Sabha that often throws itself into scenes of tumult.
She holds an MA and LLB degrees along with an advanced diploma in Spanish. Kumar became an MP for the second time in 1996 and again in 1998 from Delhi’s Karol Bagh constituency but lost her seat in 1999 when NDA returned to power. She was re-elected in 2004 with a huge margin from Sasaram in Bihar, the constituency of her father, and became an MP for the fifth time in 2009.
In between, she had quit Congress for two years from 2000 citing differences with the party leadership. She rejoined the party in 2002.
In UPA’s first term, she was inducted into the Union Cabinet. She handled the Social Justice and Empowerment and Water Resources portfolios.
Subsequently, after UPA’s return to power in 2009, she was elected unopposed as the first woman speaker of the Lok Sabha, where she became popular for her polite interventions, the most popular of them being “baith jaiye” (please have your seat).
Kumar described her appointment as the Lok Sabha Speaker as a “historic moment” in India’s politics. She held the post from 2009 to 2014.Armed with a degree in law and a masters in English, she joined the IFS in 1973 and served in the embassies in Spain, the UK and Mauritius. She also served as a member of the India-Mauritius Joint Commission.
In the party organization, she rose steadily from being an All India Congress Committee general secretary for two years from 1990 and again between 1996-1998. She became a member of the Congress Working Committee in 1990 and continued for 10 years till 2000. After a gap of two years, she was re-inducted in the CWC in 2002 and remained its member till 2004.
As an MP, she served, among other positions, as a member of the Consultative Committee attached to the External Affairs Ministry, Public Accounts Committee, Committee on Home Affairs and its Sub-Committee on Personnel Policy of Central Para- Military Forces and Joint Committee on Empowerment of Women.
She was also a member of Committees on Food and Consumer Affairs and Environment and Forests. Born in Bihar’s Arrah district on March 31, 1945, Kumar studied in Indraprastha College and Miranda House in Delhi University. She holds medals for rifle shooting too. Armed with a law degree, Kumar became a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association in 1980. Married to Manjul Kumar, a Supreme Court lawyer, the couple has one son and two daughters.
Interestingly, Babu Jagjivan Ram had rebelled against Indira Gandhi but her son Rajiv insisted on Meira quitting her cushy diplomatic job to join the Congress. Kumar is an avid follower of Indian classical music and is known to be a voracious reader.
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Joe Lhota was confirmed late Wednesday, June 21 night by the New York Senate to run the MTA as chairman. Gov. Cuomo had nominated Lhota earlier in the day on Wednesday, transit sources told NBC 4 New York.
The sources said although he will be the chairman of the MTA, he will not be the CEO, since the governor plans to split those positions. It’s not yet who the CEO would be.
Lhota will return to the post he held before leaving to run for mayor in 2013.
Lhota was widely credited with cleaning up dirty stations and responding quickly to Sandy-damaged tunnels in the fall of 2012.
The nomination — at the very end of the legislative session in Albany — blunts criticism of Gov. Cuomo that he has left the authority rudderless since Tom Prendergast left after the opening of the Second Avenue subway line.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement on June 22, has commended the Governor for his choice. Blasio said, “The MTA is at an important crossroads in its mission to serve the millions of New Yorkers who deserve safe, reliable transportation every day. There are few public servants more capable of helping navigate this critical evolution than Joe Lhota. I commend the Governor for his choice and I pledge my administration’s cooperation in helping the Governor, Chairman Lhota and the MTA meet the needs of New York City subway and bus riders.”
Lhota’s nomination comes at a messy time for the MTA, which is dealing with an aging subway system.
The stress of a crumbling system with more passengers than ever — 5.6 million weekly in 2016 — has caused the number of train delays to triple during the past five years, to 70,000 per month.
Much of the signal system is more than 80 years old, and 30 percent was installed before 1965. The subway system took a big hit in 2012, when Superstorm Sandy washed out tracks and flooded tunnels. Equipment, from the trains themselves to the ancient signaling system, hasn’t been replaced because of the enormous cost and pressure to keep fares from rising. A single ride now costs $2.75.
The MTA promised in May to roll out a $20 million plan to help ease extensive delays around the subway by deploying a rapid response team to fix signals and switches when they break.
The MTA board is made up of 14 voting seats: New York state controls 6; New York City has 4; and Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Putnam have one seat each (the latter four split one vote each on the board, however).
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India 5000 year ago, said Jagdish Sewhani. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
On December 11 in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. The declaration came after the call for the adoption of June 21st as International Day of Yoga by Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014
“175 nations, including USA, Canada and China co-sponsored the resolution.” It Had the “highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.”
Art of Living, Braham Kumaris, Sadguru Isha foundation, Ranju Narang of Om Meditation and Sanjay participated in the IYD.
NEW YORK (TIP): ITV Gold program director Ashok Vyas was honored with Bharat Gaurav Samman at an awards event at Delegates Dining Room, United Nations in New York on June 9.
The Bharat Gaurav awards are presented to people from around the world who have achieved a landmark in their profession or in community work which has benefited India. The awards have been instituted by Jaipur based organization named Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha, an NGO which works across the world profiling the rise of Indian culture through various social programs. Its president is Pt Suresh Mishra.
At the June 9 ceremony in New York, other honorees included Jain guru Lokesh Muni, TV Asia chief HR Shah, Sulabh International fame Bindeshwari Pathak, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, and socialite and philanthropist Meera Gandhi.
NEW JERSEY (TIP): The Marconi Society, dedicated to furthering scientific achievements in communications and related technologies, announced that it will present the 2017 Marconi Prize to Dr. Arun Netravali. Dr. Netravali is the former President of Bell Labs (now Nokia Bell Labs) and leader of pioneering work on video compression standards that served as the key base technology for MPEG 1, 2 and 4 and enabled a wide range of video services including digital TV, HDTV, and streaming video, ushering in a digital video revolution. The technology is used in most TV sets and all mobile phones today.
The Marconi Society, established in 1975 by Gioia Marconi Braga, each year recognizes one or more scientists who – like her father, radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi – pursue advances in communications and information technology for the social, economic and cultural development of all humanity. The awards ceremony will take place in Summit, New Jersey on Oct. 3, preceded by a symposium at Nokia Bell Labs in Murray Hill, on digital video and its societal impact.
“Few things have had a greater impact on communications in recent years than the digital video revolution led by Arun,” says Dr. Vint Cerf, Chairman of the Marconi Society and Chief Internet Evangelist at Google. “Everywhere you look, video is transforming the way we communicate on mobile devices and how we consume entertainment and news. Movies, YouTube, live streaming–it is literally transforming how people interact. The next generation of video based on this technology, including virtual reality, promises to revolutionize video consumption, delivery and business models once again.”
Dr. Netravali’s decades-long career at Bell Labs included launching research in video coding and compression in the early 1980s, and HDTV and video networking research in the early 1990s. He helped convince the organization to undertake big system initiatives like HDTV and Softswitch, and his research team proved the viability of HDTV, earning the company a trial with TV manufacturer Zenith. That resulted in the first commercially viable HDTV system.
WASHINGTON (TIP): The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) will award Dr. Salil Desai, professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the DuPont Minorities in Engineering Award during its 124th annual conference.
Desai will be among 11 outstanding engineering educators honored for their commitment to the field, desire to further ASEE’s mission, and participation in civic and community affairs, exemplifying the best in engineering education.
The DuPont Minorities in Engineering Award is given to engineering educators who are charged with the responsibility for motivating underrepresented students to enter and continue in engineering curricula at the university level, and comes with a $1,500 honorarium.
Desai has been recognized numerous times for his dedication to the field of engineering and the teaching experience for his students.
In 2016, he received the prestigious University of North Carolina system Board of Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In the same year, he was honored with the distinguished Chao and Trigger Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Outstanding Mid-Career Teaching Award by the American Society for Engineering Education in the manufacturing engineering division.
Desai was also selected for the Triad Business Journal’s 2015 class of 40 Leaders Under 40 for the Piedmont Triad area. He was honored for his research in collaboration with high-tech nano and bio companies that has the potential to revolutionize the fabrication of regenerative tissue scaffolds, bio-chem sensors and functionally gradient materials that lead to next-generation devices and systems. His research has yielded a patent for a major nanomanufacturing process that can fabricate selective features at both the micro- and nano-scale.
Desai obtained his B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Mumbai in India and a M.S. and Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
NEW YORK (TIP): Vegetarian Vision founded in 1992 by H.K. and Malti Shah is organizing its 25th year International convention, a two day event on September 9th and 10th in the heart of Manhattan at Penn Pavilion Convention Center opposite Madison Square Garden, 401 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 1001.
Chairman H.K. Shah and President, Chandra Mehta along with the entire team started the preparations a year ago to execute various activities planned for this mega event including a dozen world renowned speakers on ” Healthy Life / Healthy Planet ” plant based diet’s effect on health and planet by world renowned physicians, nutritionists, environmentalists, animal protectionists, vegetarian and vegan dignitaries.
Various food demonstrations and recipes will be displayed by celebrity chefs throughout the two day event. All ethnic mouthwatering food items will be available at various stalls and booths. About 100 exhibitor booths have been planned. World famous yoga gurus have been invited to speak and demonstrate.
For many, this will be a fun filled weekend enjoying the fashions shows, comedy, Mr. and Mrs. Vegetarian Pageant, Bollywood / Hollywood entertainment. Various dignitaries have been invited from all over the world. There will an appreciation Gala dinner on Saturday evening.
Vegetarian vision organizes multiple events every year. World renowned speakers are invited to discuss benefits of plant based diets on human health and the planet. Turkey free thanksgiving, vegetarian pageants, cruises are organized involving the community on a larger scale. The organization also strives to work with hospitals, airlines, schools, restaurants to introduce vegetarian food / add more options. Yoga, meditation, stress management are also significant part of organization’s activities.
Past Presidents Kenny Desai, Animesh Goenka, Naveeen Shah, AIA president Sunil Modi, Vinod Shah, Flora Parikh have been working tirelessly. Nitin Vyas has been working side by side with H. K. Shah and Chandra Mehta on daily basis.
In excess of 25,000 attendees are expected to participate in this event. Registration, Sponsorship, exhibitors and detail activities could be found on the website www.vegetarianvision.org
The justices unanimously limited the federal government’s power to strip immigrants of their hard-won status.
WASHINGTON (TIP): The U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the scope under which the federal government can strip naturalized Americans of their citizenship on Thursday, ruling that false statements made during the naturalization process had to be relevant to gaining citizenship in order to justify revoking it later.
Justice Elena Kagan, writing for a unanimous Court in Maslenjuk v. United States, said that using small omissions or minor lies to denaturalize immigrants went beyond what Congress authorized. “The statute it passed, most naturally read, strips a person of citizenship not when she committed any illegal act during the naturalization process, but only when that act played some role in her naturalization,” she wrote.
The Obama and Trump administrations had tried to convince the justices otherwise. The case hinged on a provision of federal immigration law, Section 1425(a). If a jury finds a naturalized American guilty of an offense under 1425(a), he or she is automatically stripped of their citizenship. In 2013, federal prosecutors charged Diana Maslenjuk, the plaintiff in the case, with making false statements about her husband’s membership in Bosnian Serb militias in the 1990s.
Since the Supreme Court’s landmark Afroyim v. Rusk decision in 1967, American citizenship is generally irrevocable unless its bearer explicitly chooses to forsake it. No lawful method exists to involuntarily strip a native-born American of citizenship; naturalized citizens can lose it against their will only if they lied during the naturalization process. Maslenjuk qualified under that exception, according to federal prosecutors, when she misled a State Department official in 1998 during her application for refugee status.
The United States granted her that status in 1999 and she and her children emigrated to Ohio; her husband soon followed. After the U.S. government discovered the truth and arrested her husband in 2006 for lying about his service, Maslenjuk applied for citizenship. On the application form, she marked “no” twice when asked if she had given false information to American consular officials to gain entry to the United States. Her application was approved the following year.
The government argued at Maslenjuk’s trial that lying about her husband’s participation in the ethnic civil wars that wracked the Balkans in the 1990s helped her get refugee status. That status, prosecutors argued, was a precursor to her eventual application for citizenship in 2013. Maslenjuk countered that her omission in 1998 was immaterial to her application for refugee status. Because she reasonably feared persecution as an ethnic Serb in Muslim-majority Bosnia, she argued she already qualified for the program. The trial judge sided with prosecutors and told jurors her statement didn’t have to be material to her citizenship to qualify under 1425(a).
“That would give prosecutors nearly limitless leverage—and afford newly naturalized Americans precious little security.”
When Maslenjuk appealed her case to the Supreme Court, the justices saw disturbing implications from the government’s logic. Chief Justice John Roberts asked the government during oral arguments in May if lying about a speeding ticket 30 years earlier would be grounds for denaturalization. Assistant Solicitor General Robert Parker replied yes. “Oh, come on,” Roberts scoffed. Other justices followed up with more hypotheticals, and Justice Anthony Kennedy eventually told Parker that the government’s argument “is demeaning the priceless value of citizenship.” Kagan reiterated those same themes in her majority opinion on Thursday.
“Suppose, for reasons of embarrassment or what-have-you, a person concealed her membership in an online support group or failed to disclose a prior speeding violation,” she hypothesized. “Under the government’s view, a prosecutor could scour her paperwork and bring a §1425(a) charge on that meager basis, even many years after she became a citizen. That would give prosecutors nearly limitless leverage—and afford newly naturalized Americans precious little security.”
Kagan noted that such a reading of the law could create paradoxical situations for would-be Americans seeking citizenship. She pointed out that federal immigration law only allows false statements to be used to deny citizenship applications if they are made “for the purpose of obtaining [immigration] benefits”—not if they are made simply out of shame or error. “But under the government’s reading of §1425(a), a lie told in the naturalization process—even out of embarrassment, fear, or a desire for privacy—would always provide a basis for rescinding citizenship,” Kagan observed. “The government could thus take away on one day what it was required to give the day before.”
Whether Maslenjuk will be able to keep her citizenship is unclear. Her case now returns to the lower courts for retrial in front of a properly instructed jury, which could still conclude her misstatements were material to her citizenship application and convict her again under 1425(a). If they do, her citizenship would face revocation for a second time.
But the ruling’s full impact extends beyond her specific case. The unanimous decision comes as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement of immigration laws nationwide, putting into practice the hardline stance that propelled President Trump to the Oval Office. Had the Court ruled the other way, it could have opened the doors for federal prosecutors to imperil the citizenship of tens of thousands of Americans for innocuous errors made decades earlier. By foreclosing that possibility, the Court strengthened American citizenship and the protections it brings.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Kenneth Juster, the Deputy Assistant to US President Donald Trump for International Economic Affairs, is set to be named as the new US ambassador to India. A top deputy to United States National Economic Council (NEC) director Gary Cohn, Juster’s career has spanned over 35 years in government, law, business, finance, and international affairs.
The White House appointed Juster to serve as the Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council in January 2017. In this role, he coordinates the Administration’s international economic policy and integrates it with national security and foreign policy. Juster’s position is dual-hatted—on both the National Security Council staff and the National Economic Council staff. He also serves as the President’s representative and lead U.S. negotiator (“Sherpa”) for the annual G-7, G-20, and APEC Summits.
He founded and served as the U.S. Chair of the U.S.-India High Technology Cooperation Group, and was one of the key architects of the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership initiative between the United States and India. His work related to India was instrumental in transforming the U.S.-India relationship and laid the foundation for the historic civil nuclear agreement between the two countries.
The Washington Post quoted senior Trump administration officials as saying that Juster’s impending appointment to represent Washington in New Delhi is a consensus pick that places a top notch India expert in a crucial diplomatic post. However, the official announcement of Juster’s name is unlikely to come before Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Trump on 26 June.
NEW YORK (TIP): Deepening bilateral trade and economic ties will be one of the key focus areas of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US where he will hold talks with President Donald Trump on June 26 in their first meeting.
A number of key issues, including ways to step up cooperation for effectively combating terrorism and further strengthening defense ties, are also likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders.
Modi will visit the US on June 25 and 26 as part of a three-nation tour beginning on Saturday.
“One of the agendas of the visit is how to further push and develop economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries for mutual benefit,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.
Refusing to give further details, he said that all matters of bilateral interests will be on the table, adding, “The leaders will have an entire gamut of relationship in front of them when they talk.”
Asked whether incidents of alleged racial attacks will be raised by the Prime Minister with the US president, Baglay said that not all attacks were racial. “Whenever there have been attacks on Indians, it is because of some reason or the other, we have seen that they have been condemned very strongly by the US government,” he said.
He added that the Indo-US relationship has been very robust and strong and thrust would be to take it further.
Asked whether Modi will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Baglay said that India’s concerns regarding it are very well known and that it was logical to assume that matters relating to regional and global security will be discussed.
“Terrorism that emanates from there (Pakistan) affects not only India, but other countries in South Asia and the world over,” he said.
On whether India will apprise the US about its concerns over the US military aid to Pakistan being diverted for anti- India activities, Baglay did not give a direct reply, but said such concerns have been conveyed whenever there has been an occasion.
To a query on how preparations for the Modi-Trump meeting were going on considering the US leader’s “maverick nature”, Baglay said, “I don’t agree with your description of the president.”
The MEA spokesperson said Modi will meet CEOs of top US companies and senior representatives from the business community on June 25. On Modi’s meeting with the CEOs, he said discussions are expected on giving further fillip to trade and investment.
There will be an Indian community event in the afternoon of that day as well.
Modi would visit Portugal on June 24 and the Netherlands on June 27.
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is warning the Trump administration that if the United States disengages from many world issues it will be replaced and that won’t be good for America or for the world.
Guterres also expressed concern, June 21, that there could be a direct confrontation between the United States and Russia over Syria and urged a de-escalation of the dispute over the US downing of a Syrian jet.
He also warned in his first press conference since taking the reins of the UN on January 1 that proposed US funding cuts to the United Nations “would create an unsolvable problem to the management of the UN”
Guterres said he plans to visit Washington soon to engage members of Congress on the need to keep funding the United Nations.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (TIP): With ribbon cutting and lighting of the traditional lamp Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj officially inaugurated the 35th annual convention of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) at the Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City in New Jersey on June 22, 2017. Pt. Jasraj led the more than 1.000 delegates at the Convention Centre at the prestigious Harrah’s Resort to a prayer song, moving everyone’s heart seeking God’s bountiful blessings.
AAPI leaders with Pandit Jasraj, lighting the lamp at the inaugural ceremony
A section of the audience at the gala
In his opening remarks, Pandit Jasraj shared with the audience his heartfelt gratitude for inviting him and making him the special guest of honor. “This is the warmest welcome I have ever received in my life,” the Padma Vibhushan awardee told the AAPI delegates.
In his warm inaugural address, Dr. Ajay, President of AAPI, reminded the delegates from across the nation of the historic nature of the convention. “It’s very great joy that I want to invite you all to come and be part of the 35th annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention 2017,” he said.
AAPI Regional Director are being honored with plaques during the 54th convention in New Jersey
Dr. Lodha shared with the audience the many programs and initiatives he and his executive committee have taken in the past year since assuming charge as the President of the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation, representing nearly 100, 000 physicians of Indian origin. Dr. Lodha, among others, highlighted the successful organization of Global health Summit in Rajasthan and the many initiatives at the Summit, Crash Courses in India for police officers as first responders in accidents, EPS lab studies, AYUSH, first ever international research contest and the many charitable works through AAPI the Charitable Foundation.
Physicians of Indian origin are well known around the world for their compassion, passion for patient care, medical skills, research, and leadership, he said. “Indian-Americans constitute about one percent of the country’s population, but we account for nine percent of the American doctors and physicians, serving one out of seven patients being treated across the nation.” Also, he said, nearly 20% of the new Medical students enrolling in the US schools are of Indian origin. Dr. Lodha was particularly appreciative of the contributions of young physicians and said, “You are the future of AAPI.”
William W. Pinsky, MD, President and CEO, ECFMG, provided the audience with the details on the demography of medical students and physicians in the US. Neal Simon, President, American University of Antigua, shared with the audience his close association with AAPI and the numerous initiatives AAPI and AUA have been doing together for the betterment of the society. During the luncheon, AAPI honored AAPI members, who had worked hard to make the convention a memorable one for all. Mammen Verghis of Prudential Life addressed the audience on the many valuable service his company offers, particularly, focusing on the diverse needs of physicians of Indian origin.
In her key note address during the gala, Sadhvi Ji, showed the audience who listened with total attention and silence, the ways to true joy and peace. In her eloquent and passionate address, she said, “Having all the successes, comforts and luxuries in life does not lead one to happiness or real joy and peace. It’s found within and that’s what the Indian culture is teaching us, which emphasizes as you think so you become.” According to her, stress is leading us into disconnection from family and ourselves. “When there is something wrong in us, we blame everyone and everything else. Mind is the source and solution to all the problems.” Quoting research done at elite US schools, she pointed out how people who are religious are less likely to have strokes.
Humayun J. Chaudhry, DO, MS, MACP, FACOI, President, FSMB, presented the process of obtaining accreditation to medical school programs. Michael Nisanov, COO, Empire City Labs was honored for his support for AAPI. Dr. Lodha, in his welcome address, praised the contributions of Regional Directors to the growth and expansion of AAPI. “For the very first time, AAPI is glad to recognize and honor your hard work and dedication for the cause of AAPI by having a gala in honor of AAPI’s 12 Regional Directors.
A 2 AAPI convntion inaugural night on the podium
The day was packed with back to back seminars and CMEs and conferences. Dr. Nani Bhalla of AstraZeneca led the CME on Understand the Ongoing Risk of Atherothrombosis Beyond the Culprit Lesion. The Medtronic team offered an insightful session on Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Ischemic Stroke: From Acute Management to Transition of Care.
The India Global Engagement Forum showed about concrete ways AAPI delegates can contribute to the growth of the nation. The day began with an hour-long yoga session led by professionals. Children were engaged in several activities challenging their minds. A beautifully choreographed fashion show was a treat to the hearts and souls of all as beautiful women and handsome men cat walked wearing elegantly designed Indian attire.
Several non medical topics were also offered to educated physicians and others. Dr. Benjamin Dyches offered insights into “Keys to Locking Out Lawsuits and Lowering Taxes.” Sam Takkar of Perfect Tax explained to the audience why Warren Buffet, Mit Romney, and Donald Trump don’t pay more than 15% tax. For those who want to invest in India, Kotak Mahindra Bank offered insights into “How India has emerged as the favorite investment destination.”
The night ended with a fabulous performance by Standup Comedian Shailesh Lodha. The AAPI has got talent event was a super hit with the event bringing out the hidden talents from AAPI delegates from across the nation.
AAPI QLI host committee being honored at the convention
Earlier, on June 21, AAPI’s 35th annual Convention began with a record attendance of delegates and guests. Welcoming the gathered CEO’s at the at the CEOs Forum attended by a distinguished panel of experts from around the world. AAPI President Ajay Lodha said: “Delivery and access of healthcare in the United States and around the world is rapidly changing, leading to many describing the healthcare environment as dynamic, complex, and highly uncertain”. Dr. Lodha reminded the panelists of how healthcare impacts everyone and economics play a crucial role. Engaging leaders of healthcare, business, academia and community is an essential component for any debate, discussion or development of a robust healthcare system.
“With the changing trends and statistics in healthcare, we are refocusing our mission and vision and AAPI would like to make a positive meaningful impact on the healthcare delivery system. What we discuss today on ‘Healthcare Beyond 2020’ and recommend will be presented to the US lawmakers on behalf AAPI, who represent almost 100,000 physicians of Indian origin.”
Anwar Feroz, Honorary Advisor of AAPI, moderated the CEOs Forum, consisting of a very diverse group of leaders representing a broad segment of society, said, said, the Forum was being organized with a view to create an opportunity to discuss and gain key insights and perspectives and the recommendations that were suggested by the distinguished panel will be presented in the form of a white paper to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Lawmakers in Washington, DC as they are in the midst of drafting a Healthcare Bill, replacing Obama Care.
CEO Forum discussing Healthcare Beyond 2020 during the inaugural day of AAPI’s 35th annual convention
The CEO Forum focused on the changing trends in the healthcare sector and how they impact the providers, hospitals, pharmaceutical, medical devices, technology and corporations as well as the patients. The Forum offered insights into managing efficiently the growing costs in the delivery of healthcare services.
Panelists who provided their insightful thoughts on the issues included, Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director Apollo Hospital Group; Dr. Arthur Klein, President & CEO Mt.Sinai Health Network;. William W. Pinsky, MD, President and CEO, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG); Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, President and CEO, Federation of State Medical Boards; Chintu Patel, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Robert Levine, Executive Vice President & COO, Flushing Hospital NY; Suresh Venkatachari, Chairman and CEO at 8K Miles Software Services Inc.; Amit ”Al” Limaye Logistic Solutions, Inc (LSI); Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Padma Shri Awardee, Philanthropist, CEO Parikh Worldwide Media; Dr. Amit Powar, Chief Executive Officer of Reading Health Physician Network (RHPN); Saleem Iqbal, CEO, President and Director Habib-American Bank; Neal Simon, President American University of Antigua; Manjul Bhargava, R. Brandon Fradd Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University, Dr. Madhu Aggarwal, Chair, BOT of AAPI; and Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI.
The round table discussion focused on two areas: innovation in healthcare and healthcare policy. Speakers shared their views with passion on innovation, emerging medical technology, new drug delivery pathways, newer medications, and medical equipment. “Technology is changing the way healthcare is delivered,” Sangita Reddy said. “However, it’s the mindset of the people that shapes the system. Technology is a tool in the hands of the physicians empowering them to provide the best care for patients.”
Suresh Venkatachari of India Abroad said, “Technology is a game changer. The Cloud innovation has a tremendous impact on how healthcare is delivered.” While acknowledging that technology is not a substitute for human power, he added, “Technology helps make human lives better.” The importance of telemedicine was another major topic discussed during the Forum. Neal Simon referred to numerous rural areas across the United States that could benefit from telemedicine. “Use technology wisely for new discovery,” he said.
Another area of discussion was on AAPI’s views on healthcare policy even as the new administration is determined to abolish “Obama Care.” As leaders in healthcare delivery system, the panelists were asked to offer their perspectives that a robust health plan must have to enable business to deliver quality and affordable health plan. Panelists shared their views on individual ownership and responsibility for wellness and prevention vs. entitlement and Government role in healthcare. Other recommendations that came out of the panel included the need for portability of insurance across state lines and of the need to increase the number of medical schools and Residency slots that will meet the growing needs of millions of patients around the world.
AAPI QLI host committee being honored at the convention
Later on, at the inaugural gala attended by nearly 1,000 participants from around the nation, Dr. Ajay Lodha while welcoming delegates to the 35th annual convention praised the hard work and efforts of AAPI host chapter, AAPI QLI and members from several other chapters. Describing AAPI as his extended family, Dr. Lodha called AAPI QLI as his own family, and thanked them for their dedication and leadership in hosting the convention.
Elaborating on the efforts and preparations that have been devoted to put together this unique event, Raj Bhayani, MD, 2017 Convention Chair, said. “We have been working hard to put together an attractive program for our annual get together, educational activity and family enjoyment. I and the Co-Chairs are fortunate to have a dedicated team of convention committee members from the Tri-State region helping us. We are happy to have a record turnout and active participation of all delegates at the convention.”
“We have come a long way since the inauguration of the first ever gala of the AAPI QLI Chapter, with a few dozen physicians joining in to give shape to this noble initiative by Association of Physicians of Indian Origin in the state of New York,” Dr. Rakesh Dua said. Today, I am so proud to welcome you all, on behalf of the hundreds of physicians and fellows of Indian origin, representing AAPI QLI, the largest Chapter of AAPI with nearly 800 members. AAPI’s AAPI QLI Chapter has been actively engaged in harnessing the power of Indian Diaspora.”
Saleem Iqbal, CEO, President and Director Habib-American Bank, presented a detailed description of similarities between AAPI and his Bank and invited the AAPI delegates to utilize the financial services offered by Habib Bank. Dr. Richard A. Shlofmitz, Chairman, Department of cardiology at St. Francis Hospital, Roselyn, NY gave an insightful talk on Precision PCI. The evening concluded with a delicious dinner and a mesmerizing classical rendition by Pandit Jasraj and was followed by a musical nite by Kailash Kher that went beyond midnight.
The 35th annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention 2017 is being held at brand new state of the art Convention Centre, the prestigious Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey from June 21 – 25, 2017. Many of the physicians who are attending this convention have excelled in different specialties and subspecialties and occupy high positions as faculty members of medical schools, heads of departments, and executives of hospital staff.
The AAPI Convention offers an opportunity to meet directly with physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services. “Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally are participating in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We are so excited to have a record turn out in Atlantic City, New Jersey”, said Dr. Lodha
For more information on AAPI and the 34th convention, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): A large number of people from the Indian community participated in special yoga sessions organized by the Indian Consulate here to commemorate the third International Yoga Day.
Consul General Riva Ganguly Das led the Yoga Day celebrations at the Consulate premises on Monday, June 19 and participated in the yoga and Art of Living (AOL) sessions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message on Yoga Day was played before practitioners led the gathering through the two-hour yoga and meditation sessions.
“Our message is to take yoga to the world. New York is the crossroads of the world and in its fast-paced life, we feel that yoga has much to contribute,” Das said on the occasion.
The Consulate had planned a flagship event for the day at the city’s historic and popular Battery Park where hundreds of people were expected to participate in the Yoga Day celebrations.
However, due to inclement weather, the event had to be relocated at the Consulate premises.
A large number of people attended the yoga sessions at the Consulate and performed the ‘Surya Namaskar’, ‘Pranayam’, AOL sessions and other yoga exercises.
Das said resonance for the Yoga Day has grown in three years since the day was first marked in 2015.
“With the focus on one particular day, it helps promote the message,” she said, adding that lot of people who normally would not have done yoga are also getting interested and participating in the Yoga Day events.
“People realize the benefits of yoga, and India’s name is intrinsically associated with the day,” she said.
Das also attended yoga celebrations at various other locations in New York. She attended one on June 10 at the Queens Museum. On June 21, she attended a yoga session at the Times Square where thousands of people descended on one of the most iconic American destinations and practiced yoga.
In commemoration of the day, the UN headquarters were lit up for the second year in a row with images of yoga postures.
The Permanent Mission of India to the UN organized on June 20 a ‘Yoga Session with Yoga Masters’ at the world body’s headquarters led by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, India and Swami Sivadasananda of Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Austria.
Chef de Cabinet of the UN Secretary general Maria Luiza Ribeiro and President of the General Assembly Ambassador Peter Thomson were special guests on the occasion.
The mission organized ‘Conversation on Yoga for Health’ at the UN on Wednesday, June 21, in association with the Department of Public Information and World Health Organization. Speakers at the event included Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, World Health Organization Executive Director Nata Menabde, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, former NFL athlete turned yogi Keith Mitchell, Bluechip Marketing Worldwide CEO Stanton Kawer and Swami Sivadasananda.
WASHINGTON (TIP): A health care Bill unveiled by US Senate Republicans on June 22 is designed to roll back the Obamacare expansion of the Medicaid health care program for the poor and reshape subsidies to low-income people buying private insurance.
Those subsidies are expected to be linked to recipients’ income, a “major improvement” from a health care overhaul Bill passed in the House of Representatives that tied them solely to age, Republican Senator Susan Collins said on Wednesday.
The Washington Post reported that the Bill would also repeal most of the taxes that pay for the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, give states wider latitude to opt out of its regulations and eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood, a healthcare provider that offers abortion services.
The health care Bill will be released to the Republican Senate Conference on Thursday morning and posted online, senators said. A vote could come as soon as next week, several senators said.
Senate Republicans have been working behind closed doors for weeks on legislation aimed at repealing and replacing major portions of Obamacare, former Democratic President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law.
Obamacare extended insurance coverage to millions of Americans through both subsidized private insurance and an expansion of Medicaid.
“There is an urgency to get this done because of the continued collapse of the Obama healthcare law,” Senator John Barrasso, a member of the Senate Republican leadership, told CNN. “People across the country are suffering pain and the pain is getting worse as insurance companies are pulling out.” Democrats accuse Republicans of sabotaging Obamacare, and say the Republican health care Bill is aimed at cutting taxes for the wealthy.
Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington said in a statement that leaked details of the Bill indicated it was “every bit as devastating for families’ bank accounts and healthcare coverage as the disastrous bill that passed in the House.”
President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans campaigned last year on a pledge to replace and repeal Obamacare, which they described as ineffective and government intrusion in a key sector of the economy.
CHICAGO, IL(TIP): Renowned Chicago based social activist Miss Hina Trivedi received Melwin Jones Fellow award from Lions Club International foundation president for Dedicated Humanitarian services. Melvin jones Fellow award is very prestigious award at International level. She is also being appointed as a host committee member for 100 years completion of Lions club international foundation celebration convection which is going to be held at Chicago from 29th June to 4th July.
She serves Chicago Indo-US Lions Club (President), GOPIO Chicago (Former President), Federations of Indian Associations (Former President) and many more organization.
She recently also got Exemplary Community Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the general welfare of the Asian American community in the state of Illinois from Asian American Coalition Of Chicago at 16th Annual Asian American Festival hosted by The Asian American Community. Lion Hina Trivedi received many Honors and Awards in past.
Lion Hina Trivedi serves the Asian community with their needs by being a translator as she is multilingual in 7 different languages. She helps community people for Green Card interviews, Voter registration, Medicare, Medicaid, and gives many legal and social services. She always believes in helping Senior citizens by guiding them towards medical, federal, social security benefits.
Ms Trivedi tried to spread awareness in 2nd and 3rd Generation Indians living in USA towards their native country India through social-economic and other prospective programs so they can build strong future relationships between both the countries. She also raised issues nonresident Indians facie during their visit to India. She also attended Pravasi Haryana Divas 2017 held at Guru Gram on the personal invitation of Chief Minister Mr. Manoharlal Khattar. She was also invited to Vibrant Gujarat 2017 and attended the republic day parade on 26th January at New Delhi as a Special Guest during her Delhi visit.
She went to Sushma Swaraj’s residence to meet her and greeted her for speedy and healthy recovery. She visited various cities and villages of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana to spread awareness about Swatchh Bharat Abhiyaan and helped poor children with food and clothes. She was accompanied by her team and many volunteers from across India.
CHICAGO, IL (TIP): “Air India Chicago, held an awards night of celebration and gaiety for about 150 Midwest partners on June 8, 2017 to thank its travel partners and airport service providers for their welcome support at the Ashyana Banquets, 1620 75th Street Downers Grove, IL.
Ms. Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager, Air India was the Chief Guest. She applauded the Air India Midwest Partners for their commitment and wholehearted support to Air India as business partners. Ms Sharma added that Air India will be having as many as 40 flights per week operating between India and US in the near future, as the demand increases.
Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India in Chicago was the Guest of Honor. She stated that ‘Air India is pride of India and we feel proud to travel by Air India’. While continuing her address she added, Air India has been an icon of India, be it hospitality, innovation, capabilities and as a member and representative of India, she feels proud to associate with the national flag carrier. ‘Air India has always been an important feature of my posting where ever I have been posted’ said Ms. Bhushan whilst referring to her earlier stints in Japan, Germany and the UAE. She added that the Maharaja Logo was extremely famous round the world and Air India has a great network to fly with whilst congratulating Ms. Vandana Sharma.
Mr. Nakul Chand, Air India Manager-Midwest welcomed the guests and thanked all the Midwest Partners for their committed support to Air India.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Awards Trophy to the top 10 Passenger Travel Agents and top 5 Cargo Agents of the Midwest who had generated the most revenues for Air India during Fiscal Year 2016-17. The awards were jointly presented by Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India, Ms. Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager, Air India and Mr. Nakul Chand, Manager-Midwest, Air India. The top Awardees included Skybird offices of Chicago, Detroit and Houston, Riya Travel, Air Tours, GTT, Sky Pass Travel, Natraj Travel, R K Travel, Devon Travel, Crane Worldwide Logistics, Freight Systems, Agility Logistics, Air Cargo Express and Hellmann Worldwide.
Air India was represented by its team from the city office, airport and cargo including Mr. Joseph Vincent, Security Manager, Mr. Chetan Patel & Mr. Chirag Patel, Airport Duty Managers, Ms. Katherine Thorat, District Sales Manager and Mr. Tom Dempsey, District Cargo Sales Manager.
The guests were regaled with great entertainment program consisting of social hour, dance, singing and photo-session, followed by a sumptuous dinner.”
Singing sensation Sameer Saini rocked the stage with catchy Bollywood numbers that kept the event going on high energy. He mesmerized the crowd with flawless and most upbeat music and truly proved that he is the best in town and had everyone on their feet.
WASHINGTON (TIP): The US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) hosted an interactive Community Dialogue series, last month with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi representing Illinois’ 8th district and Immigration lawyer Rajiv S. Khanna. The interaction focused on issues surrounding Trump Administration’s immigration reform and its impact on US-India relations.
Asked about the Trump Administration positions around H1B visa and family immigration, Congressman Krishnamoorthi remarked that though America is a country of laws it is also a country of immigrants. There is a shortage of skilled labor, reform is needed to attract highly professional taskforce that is vital to grow our economy. In a hostile immigration environment, the IT Companies will move jobs offshore. Skilled immigration should figure in the talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to be held on 26 June.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi did not think H1B visa program is to blame for massive US unemployment, as unemployment is at a historic low, the House just passed a rewrite of the Perkin’s Act on career and technical education for building a skilled workforce for the 21st century. Regarding worker shortage in the Silicon Valley, the Congressman remarked if President Trump wants to grow the US economy at 3-4%, immigration reform must not be reckless, should not fail to retain and attract high tech workers in AI and Big Data.
Well known immigration expert Khanna suggested a detailed economic, statistical and legal bipartisan study on the effects and benefits of the H1B program to close the gap between perception and reality. Krishnamoorthi agreed, the study would guide us on how to grow our talent pool. Krishnamoorthi has co-sponsored the abolition of per country caps for H1B visa, favors both skill based and family immigration. Rajiv Khanna voiced the gap on readiness between the US Government and the real world, and encouraged USINPAC to drum up support for effective immigration reform.
Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC, said, “I thank Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Rajiv Khanna for engaging with us, on issues vital to the Indian American community. We look forward to more conversations on this topic with you.”
Currently, President Trump has conflicts of interest in at least twenty-five countries.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has joined more than two-hundred of her colleagues in Congress including 2 Indian American lawmakers – Sen. Kamala Harris, and Rep. Ro Khanna, – in filing a lawsuit against President Trump for violating the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit would give Congress the authority to vote on, and approve, any foreign emoluments on a case-by-case basis.
“When a president acts as though he is above the law, our democracy is deeply shaken and our country slides toward autocracy,” said Rep. Jayapal. “Since the day he took office, President Trump has repeatedly violated the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause by profiting from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. This pattern of behavior, like so much from this administration, is shocking and disturbing. Stymied from playing our constitutional oversight role by Republicans, we must seek accountability in the courts.
“The Constitution is clear,” Jayapal continued. “It was written to prevent abuses of power, and I am confident that justice will prevail over the president’s flagrant lawbreaking.”
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard also joined them in the lawsuit. “If President Trump does the right thing by seeking and receiving appropriate congressional approval, stops accepting financial benefits from foreign government officials, and divests himself from his properties, I will withdraw my support from this lawsuit. The people of this country deserve transparency and confidence that the President is acting on their behalf,” said Tulsi Gabbard.
Background:
The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution states that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under [the United States], shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”
President Trump’s businesses have benefitted from investments made by foreign governments in Trump properties.
In January 2017, a lobbying firm working for Saudi Arabia spent $270,000 on rooms and other expenses at President Trump’s Washington hotel after Inauguration Day. Last month, Trump made Saudi Arabia the first country he visited as president and completely ignored their human rights violations.
Since Trump became president, the Chinese government swiftly granted preliminary approval of 38 new trademarks worth millions to Trump and one of his companies. President Trump has gone soft compared to previous rhetoric about China and reversed course on a campaign promise to label China a “currency manipulator.”
Currently, President Trump has conflicts of interest in at least twenty-five countries.
The Constitution requires the President to seek and obtain the consent of Congress before he accepts any foreign emoluments. By failing to go to Congress and seek its consent as the Constitution requires, Members of Congress are denied the opportunity to cast a binding vote that either gives or withholds their consent to his acceptance of these emoluments. The denial of that voting opportunity injures them within the meaning of Article III of the Constitution.
WASHINGTON (TIP): The 3rd International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 17, 2017 at Sylvan Theater on the National Mall in Washington DC. Nearly 2000 people from all walks of life attended the event and participated in these celebrations with great enthusiasm.
The program started with screening of the video messages from Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, External Affairs of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Naik. Emphasizing the increasing relevance of Yoga in this day and age, the Prime Minister explained Yoga’s role as a means of experiencing and achieving holistic life in a balanced way, while the External Affairs Minister underlined the role of Yoga in relieving stress.
Then the following dignitaries shared the stage with Ambassador Navtej Sarna. Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Ambassador of Myanmar, and Representatives from Embassy of Belgium, Embassy of Singapore and Jay Jalisi, Maryland State Delegate
Ambassador Navtej Sarna addressed the gathering. Welcoming the participants, Ambassador Sarna noted that the practice of Yoga is totally devoid of any political or communal motives and is dedicated to well-being of the humanity at large, as it leads to a state of mental and physical equilibrium.
The participants also included officials and representatives from the State Department, DC Govt, Smithsonian Institutions, World Bank, academic institutions, Think Tanks, representatives of various Embassies, local representatives of Indian news media and other key local organizations.
Many leaders from the United States issued proclamations and felicitation messages to support and commemorate the Third International Day of Yoga and spread awareness about Yoga. These included Governor of Maryland, Governor of Virginia, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Mayor of Washington DC.
Indian Embassy presented this event in collaboration with ‘Friends of Yoga’, a group of organizations which support and promote Yoga and community organizations to celebrate the Third International Day of Yoga. The event featured a musical montage of photos of the two previous Yoga Day events followed by guided Yoga session based on ‘Common Yoga Protocol’ video created by Government of India. The Yoga session concluded with Sanskrit Shalokas and Shantipath, the text for which was displayed on the Jumbo LED screen.
Following Government of India’s initiatives and plans for celebration of International Day of Yoga, Embassy has been organizing various yoga related curtain-raiser events to welcome and promote the International Day of Yoga. The Embassy is collaborating with Yoga organizations in the region to present events at the Capitol Hill, World Bank, Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Heartfulness Institute, John Hopkins University in Washington DC and other places.
WASHINGTON (TIP): The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) announced that Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company Andrew Liveris and Chairman of the Godrej Group Adi Godrej will be honored with the 2017 USIBC Global Leadership Award. Vice President Mike Pence will address its 42nd Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. The Annual Leadership Summit is USIBC’s signature event, drawing top business and government leaders and serves as a forum for engaging in discussions on deepening U.S.-India commercial ties.
During the summit, USIBC will also present its “2017 Global Leadership Awards” to Andrew Liveris, Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company, and Adi Godrej, Chairman of the Godrej Group 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. The Council’s annual summit will bring together stakeholders including government and private sector leaders, and top media figures to discuss the bilateral relationship and chart a way forward. With the transition in the U.S. government, the Council has taken a lead role in sustaining the momentum of the U.S.-India bilateral ties.
USIBC President Mukesh Aghi said, “The Council believes that this is a vibrant period for the two nations and the growing partnership is deeper and broader than ever before. We expect the upward trajectory to continue.”
The Council’s 42nd Anniversary summit will highlight: (1) The important role of private sector in advancing the ties between the two countries; (2) Future of U.S.-India Trade relationship; (3) Strengthening and deepening of defense partnership. Executive Chairman of Cisco and USIBC Chairman John Chambers will provide the State of the Council address, reflecting on the growth and potential of the U.S.-India bilateral ties.
A congressional panel on the U.S.-India Defense & Trade Partnership will include Senator Mark Warner, Co-Chair, U.S.-India Senate Caucus, Senator John Cornyn, Co-Chair, U.S.-India Senate Caucus, Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair, U.S.-India House Caucus and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Co-Chair, U.S.-India House Caucus. Ambassador Navtej Sarna, Indian Ambassador to the United States and Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman, House Committee on Rules will deliver special remarks during the summit.
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