BEIRUT (TIP): The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said July 11 it had information from top Islamic State group leaders confirming the death of the jihadist organisation’s chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
“Top tier commanders from IS who are present in Deir Ezzor province have confirmed the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, emir of the Islamic State group, to the Observatory,” director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.
“We learned of it today but we do not know when he died or how.” Deir Ezzor, in eastern Syria, remains largely under IS control even as the group is losing territory elsewhere in the country and in neighbouring Iraq.
Abdel Rahman said Baghdadi “was present in eastern parts of Deir Ezzor province” in recent months, but it was unclear if he was killed in the area or elsewhere.
There have been persistent rumours of Baghdadi’s death in recent months, and Russia’s military said in mid-June that it was seeking to verify whether it had killed the IS chief in an air strike in Syria in May.
Russia’s army said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10- minute raid on May 28 at a location near the IS stronghold of Raqa, where group leaders had gathered to plan a pullout from the area.
The US-led coalition fighting the jihadist group in Syria and Iraq said at the time it could not confirm whether the Russian strike had killed Baghdadi.
The 46-year-old Iraqi-born leader of IS has not been seen in public since making his only known public appearance as “caliph” in 2014 at the Grand Mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul.
IS destroyed the highly symbolic site before Iraqi forces could reach it as they pushed the jihadist group from Mosul, where Iraq’s government formally declared victory on Monday. With a $25-million US bounty on his head, Baghdadi has kept a low profile and was rumoured to move regularly throughout IS-held territory in the area straddling Iraq and Syria. (AFP)
ISTANBUL (TIP): Turkish police have detained 44 suspects in anti-terrorist operations, including the planners of two suicide bomb attacks in Istanbul last year, the city’s governor said on Thursday.
Twin bombs — one planted in a car and the other strapped to a suicide bomber — exploded in an attack outside the stadium of Besiktas soccer club in central Istanbul on Dec. 10, killing 44 people and wounding 155.
“One of the suspects detained in the operation had carried out reconaissance work before the December 2016 bombing, and had jumped and fled the car shortly before it was detonated,” Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin told reporters.
The other suspect detained has been identified as the organizer of a July 2016 attack against a police bus that killed 11 people, including civilians and police officers, and left 36 people wounded.
The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), an offshoot of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), claimed responsibility for both attacks. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the US, has fought a three decades- old insurgency in Turkey in which more than 40,000 people have been killed. (Reuters)
LONDON (TIP): A 21-year-old man has become the first in Britain to give birth after he put his sex transition on hold to get pregnant by a sperm donor.
Hayden Cross, who made headlines around the world earlier this year when he announced he was pregnant by a sperm donor, has given birth to a girl.
Cross told The Sun that daughter Trinity-Leigh is his “angel”. Cross gave birth by caesarean. The girl was born on June 16 at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
He had been living legally as a man for three years and was already part-way through hormone treatment to transform from a woman to a man.
But the full transition was paused after the UK’s state funded National Health Service (NHS) refused to carry out a 4,000-pounds process to freeze his eggs — which he hoped would enable him to have children in the future.
The former supermarket worker instead found a sperm donor via Facebook and became successfully pregnant. “She’s perfect in every way… she is so good. I’m so lucky,” Cross was quoted as saying.
Following the birth, Cross now plans to return to complete his gender realignment as soon as possible. The proud father was born a girl named Paige, 21 years ago. Cross, from Gloucester, had said earlier, “I faced the prospect of not becoming the man I’m supposed to be, physically, or a dad. So I didn’t feel like I had any choice but to have a baby now then get back to transitioning.”
“In September I got pregnant by a sperm donation. I found the donor on the internet. I looked on Facebook for a group and found one — it’s been shut down now. I didn’t have to pay,” Cross had said.
Cross, who used to work for Asda and in a clothes shop, aims to find a job once the baby is aged one. (AP)
After some uncertainty and confusion, Ravi Shastri has been appointed the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Shastri’s appointment was a foregone conclusion because of the good vibes he shares with captain Virat Kohli; the icing on the cake is the appointment of Zaheer Khan as the bowling consultant and Rahul Dravid as the batting consultant for overseas Test series. In his playing days, Shastri was a very intelligent cricketer, considered by many as the best captain India never had. As a coach, his main quality is the optimism and confidence he brings in — as the master of hortatory speeches, he has no equal.
The selection of Zaheer as the bowling coach and Dravid as the batting consultant on tours are inspired choices. The three men who made this decision — Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman — have all played a lot of cricket with both Zaheer and Dravid. Zaheer was a very fine pace bowler who lost his way in the initial part of his career before becoming a very skillful bowler. Even as a player, he was a fine mentor to the fast bowlers in the Indian team. Dravid, the most technically adept Indian batsman since Sunil Gavaskar, has shown a great appetite for coaching, finding success with India’s junior and A teams. As India play a lot of Test cricket away from home in the next couple of years, Dravid can play a very important role in mentoring the batsmen.
A word about the selection of the coaches — the process was muddled and confused. Anil Kumble, the previous head coach, was simply chucked out despite a fine record with the team. Ganguly did not wish to name the replacement coach/coaches “in a hurry”, making a mockery of the process and deadlines. It was left to the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators to direct BCCI to end the confusion. Hopefully, all associated with the process have learnt their lessons, which they would bear in mind when the time comes to repeat this exercise.
Ria Money Transfer (“Ria”) secured a Money Transfer Operator Licence in 2014 under the Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS) and was granted authorization by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to expand their cash payout network in India. Ria continues to expand its network by signing agreements with selected partners, including banks, retail, and non-bank financial companies (NBFCs).
Who is Ria Money Transfer?
Ria Money Transfer (“Ria”) is a global leader in money remittances, with services in 146 countries and more than 321,000 locations. Founded in New York in 1987, the company is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017. Ria is currently the third largest money transfer company in the world and part of an industry that moves more than $575 billion each year. With Global Headquarters in California, USA, Ria has its EMEA & South Asia Headquarters in Madrid, Spain. In 2007 Ria was acquired by Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT), a leader in processing secure, electronic financial transactions. Since 2011, Ria has had a hub located in Mumbai, to manage its regional operations.
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Ria exists thanks to the dreams of nearly 250 million international migrants that left their homes in search of something more for themselves and their families. Many don’t have access to traditional banking services, so we provide a secure, reliable and affordable way for them to send money back home to their loved ones.Ria exists thanks to the more than 240 million people that had the courage to leave their home countries and their families to seek opportunities that would give all of them a better future…Worker Migration is not a vacation; it is sacrifice and hard work, with a neat story behind each remittance that is sent. At Ria, we could not be prouder of being a small part in each of those stories.
– Juan Bianchi, President and CEO, Ria Money Transfer
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Paramita Tripathi, former First Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Singapore, has taken charge as the new Deputy Counsel General of India in New York. She succeeds Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra.
Mrs. Paramita Tripathi took up her assignment as the Deputy HighCommissioner in the High Commission of India, Singapore on 2nd December 2013.
She joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2001. In the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, she worked at the Pakistan and the United Nations desks from February 2005 to September 2008, and again, prior to taking up her assignment in Singapore, in the East Asia Division, with her work focusing on Japan, China and Korea.
Mrs. Tripathi has served in Brussels (2003-2005), and in Tokyo (2008–2011).
She holds a Master’s Degree in Geography from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. She speaks English, Hindi, Bengali and French, in a functional way.
The Indian Panorama wishes her all the best in her new position in New York.
METUCHEN, NJ (TIP): Over 130 people registered for the Bay Area regional of the MoneyGram Cricket Bee held at Chabot College on July 9.
The top two winners of the first regional, answered trivia questions on Cricket to solidify their position at the finals. Nithin Valentine of Santa Clara, CA was declared second runner up, Keshava Nuggehalli of Cupertino, CA was first runner up and the Regional champion was Adil Khwaja of Santa Clara, CA.
The competition allows cricket fans to compete for prizes while sharing their knowledge of the game in an effort to win a cash prize of $10,000.
Open to those 18 and older, the contest began with regional rounds in San Francisco, will continue its tour to Dallas, Chicago, New Jersey and will conclude in Toronto, each testing participants’ general cricket knowledge. The regional contest will have two components, a written test and an oral test. In the written qualifier, contestants will be asked 35 questions. They must get at least 25 correct in order to advance to the oral round. In the oral round, the contest will be held on a miss and out basis; simply if a contestant misses the right answer, they are eliminated.
Unlike quiz shows, the Cricket Bee will be conducted so that contestants are actually competing with themselves and the question posed to them as opposed to their peers.
Cricket enthusiasts can still participate at the remaining centers in Dallas, Chicago, New Jersey, and Toronto. Contestants can register to compete in the game of their choice at www.cricketbee.com. A sample set of questions and sources will be provided for the participants.
“We are thrilled to sponsor the 2017 Cricket Bee and as always we enjoy being a part of an initiative that our customers are passionate about,” says Ivy Wisco, MoneyGram’s global marketing strategy leader. “Cricket is a sport that brings friends and loved ones around the world closer together, much like MoneyGram’s services. It’s always exciting to be a part of activities that support our South Asian communities.”
Kawan Foods serves as the powered by sponsor for the innovative event and has been deeply involved with the South Asian community through various initiatives and hopes to connect with the entire Cricketing community here in the US and Canada.
“We want to congratulate the winners of the regional contest and wish them continued success in their endeavor to win $10,000,” said Tim Tan, MD Kawan Foods.
“There was a lot of excitement and immense talent at the regional which goes to show how passionate people are about the game. Participants had an opportunity to network and interact with other cricket players and enthusiasts from various cities and I am very happy to have our first set of finalists.” said Rahul Walia, Founder of the Cricket Bee
TV Asia serves as the exclusive broadcaster for the event and has been a strong proponent of promoting Cricket in the country.
“We are so proud to be a part of the MoneyGram Cricket Bee, it’s definitely a great platform for cricket enthusiasts across the country and we are excited to see them at the finals.” said HR Shah, chairman and CEO of TV Asia and an avid cricketer himself.
The finals are slated for August 12th and are open for the public to watch. You can reserve seats by calling 848-248-4199.
DHAKA (TIP): Donald Trump’s fanbase in Dhaka now has an official hangout – a restaurant here which has been named Trump Cafe in honor of the US President.
Saiful Islam, a Bangladeshi entrepreneur and a big fan of Trump, founded the cafe and decided to use the President’s name for his coffee shop in Dhaka.
Bringing his idea to fruition was not easy. Saiful had to prove to the authorities that he was the real owner of the business and the President had nothing to do with it, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
The ‘Trump Cafe’ offers Chinese, Indian and Thai cuisine and other fast food items on its menu.
“I did not start the business with any specific idea in mind, just the fact that I am a big fan of US President Donald Trump,” Saiful was quoted as saying.
Along with other regular favorites, the cafe also serves some food items inspired by Trump such as the special Trump Cocktail or the Green Apple Mocktail.
“My uncle, Kabir Ali, is the manager at a Trump-owned restaurant in the US. It was initially his idea to start a restaurant, and since I am a big fan as well, I wanted to get involved in the venture,” said Saiful.
Even though Trump remains unaware about the existence of the restaurant and bears no connection to it, Saiful is happy to be a part of the restaurant named after Trump, the report said.
“Many people think he is a joke, but he is an inspiration for me. If you look at his business ventures, you will see that he is quite successful and shrewd at doing business. That is what inspires me,” Saiful said.
One of the attractions of the cafe is a Trump cutout that people can take pictures with. Even the cafe’s wifi password is named after a Trump family member, the report said.
Despite formally opening more than two months ago, the owners are planning a grand opening within the next two months.
GOPIO CT honors Five distinguished Indian American achievers at Annual Gala
STAMFORD, CT (TIP): “This country is the greatest nation in the history of the world because of our diversity,” Richard Blumenthal, the senior United States Senator from Connecticut, told a packed audience at the 11th annual Gala and awards nite organized by The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)-Connecticut Chapter in the Ballroom at The Hilton Hotel in Stamford, CT on Saturday, July 8th, 2017. “We have become a great nation because of your contributions. We have welcomed talent, energy and dedication. There is no greater example of this than our relationship with India; two great democracies on earth. Our nation faces biggest challenge to rule of law today than ever before.”
The sold out and much anticipated event was attended by over 250 guests from across the state of Connecticut, including community leaders, elected officials, and honorees and their families. The gala included a cocktail reception, dinner, music, live DJ and dances by participants, eloquent speeches, touching life-stories and inspiring narratives on the lives of the five distinguished honorees. The program was compered by Gayatri Mahesh.
Prominent among those who had attended and spoke at the annual gala included, Congressman Jim Himes, Stamford Mayor David Martin, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Connecticut State Senators Tony Hwang and Toni Boucher and CT State Assemblymen Dr. Prasad.
In her presidential address, Anita Bhat described the mission and vision of GOPIO-CT under her leadership. “Our mission at GOPIO-CT is to be active participants in the local community through involvement in community events and local politics, and by providing services to the Indian community at large here in Connecticut. This lofty goal of providing services and a political voice to the local Indian population has evolved into an exemplary community service organization thanks to the tremendous support of our local Indian community.”
Describing some of the programs GOPIO-CT initiates, Bhat said, GOPIO members serve in local soup kitchens, do walkathons to support cancer patients, and jointly celebrate Diwali and India’s Independence Day with the members of multiple Indian groups in our community. “This year we want to take our mission a step further and become the voice of Indian Americans living in Connecticut. This lofty goal is not easy to reach without your support. Please become a member of GOPI-CT and make our goals come true,” she said.
Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives, said he was delighted to be at the event to honor the accomplishments of so many talented individuals. Congressman Jim Himes, in his felicitations, “This is the largest ever dinner you I have ever attended of GOPIO. We are experiencing one of the backsliding moments in the history of the where the core strength of this nation, the immigrants, are being threatened. There is no bigger rebuttal than the people in this room. You are scientists, educators, engineers, entrepreneurs, community activists, philanthropists, who represent the success and contributions of immigrants to the country”
Riva Ganguly Das, Consul General of India, in her address, “The Indo-US relationship has been strengthened by who you are; your accomplishments. Though you are only 1% of the US population, you have excelled in education, income level, economic standing and contributions to the society, you are the model for all other immigrant communities.” Describing the partnership as strategic, she pointed out to the fast growing and maturing of collaboration between the two nations.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President of GOPIO International who is also a Trustee of GOPIO-CT, chairman of the Awards Committee, said, “The evening is a celebration – a celebration not just of the accomplishments of our awardees, but also a tribute to a strong and vibrant Indian-American community in Connecticut.”
“You are the community. You are not part of the community,” Mayor David Martin told the Indian Americans. Pointing to the historic nature of the upcoming general elections in November, Mayor Martin urged the members to register and vote, and thus become ensure that your voices are heard.”
Mayor Harry Rilling said, “I am honored to be here to celebrate among friends and am thankful for the warm welcome the Indian community has always extended to me and my family.” He also congratulated GOPIO-CT for its 11 years of service and bringing the Indian community together.
The founder and CEO of T V Asia, H. R. Shah, a charismatic Indian American, who is a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who endeared himself as a close friend of who’s who of the world, and was honored with Padma Bhushan, one of the highest honors by the Indian Government, was honored by GOPIO for his accomplishments and contributions to the Indian American community. While thanking GOPIO, Shah said, “For getting success in life you have to have a goal, vision, and determination. Money comes later. You have to work hard.”
GOPIO-CT 2017 awardees, scholarship recipients with GOPIO Officials and dignitaries
Ila Paliwal was honored for her contributions in the field of Performing Arts.
Dr. Draupathi Nambudiri was honored for her accomplishments in the field of Medicine and Health Care.
Dr. Rupendra Paliwal, who was honored for his accomplishments in the field of Education, currently serves as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Sacred Heart University.
Captain Alpa Ladani, a distinguished 20-year Veteran of the Connecticut Army National Guard, was honored for her services to the nation.
GOPIO-CT President’s Young Professional Achiever Award was given to Nitesh Banta.
For the third year in a row, GOPIO-CT Scholarship for College Tuitions were given to four young students from Connecticut towards their higher education. The recipients are Praneetha Desu (Indiana University), Vivek James (University of Pennsylvania), Arjun Ahuja (University of Connecticut) and Ruhi Patel (Norwalk Community College), GOPIO-CT Scholarship Committee consisted of Shelly Nichani (Chairman), Shobhna Bhatnagar and Priya Easwaran coordinated GOPIO-CT efforts and led the fund-raising at the event to expand the scholarship to other parts of Connecticut in the coming years.
NEW YORK (TIP): The 18th Edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards began with an Official Press Conference held at the Metropolitan Ballroom at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. The conference was attended by leading notable figures and members from the media, eminent Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan among others were in attendance as they welcomed the Biggest IFA ever in New York.
IIFA inaugurated its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, thus marking the globalization of Indian cinema. International Indian Film Academy especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers. Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children’s education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
Fans of Indian Cinema can look forward to a host of events kicking off with the music and fashion welcome party- Myntra presents IIFA Stomp at Times Square on 13th July. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan will be showcasing his DJ skills at IIFA Stomp alongside DJ Amann Nagpal, Electronica icon B.R.E.E.D, DJ Nasha, as they raise the excitement with their unique music. Another facet to IIFA Stomp is a glamorous Fashion Show right in the heart of the city! Myntra shall present its collection with show-stoppers Bollywood actresses’ Dia Mirza and Taapsee Pannu. Leading ladies Shilpa Shetty & Neha Dhupia shall be show-stoppers for Shane and Falguni Peacock collection presented by NEXA and a Jewelry collection will be presented by Gitanjali by designer Sonaakshi Raaj with Huma Qureshi as the showstopper. In addition, Myntra shall announce the MOGO much logo launch featuring a 10 minute performance by the talented multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale.
Day 1 of the 18th edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards also introduces the first-of-its-kind “Shuruaat Gala” Dinner IIFA Societal Innovation Summit, a charity fundraiser organized by IIFA in association with The Global Education and Leadership Foundation (tGELF) at The Pierre in New York. As star studded evening, Shuruaat Gala Dinner at IIFA shall bring together the biggest celebrities from Bollywood and leaders from business, philanthropy, media, education and Arts.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
As part of the IIFA Weekend and Awards in New York, IIFA and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry announced the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum to be held on July 14th, 2017 at the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue. An initiative, supported by Consulate General of India- New York, Asia Society and US-India Business Council (USIBC), the Business Forum began in 2005 and has grown into a global platform which has hosted international leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair of UK, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and a number of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum, the annual one-day event has been a major highlight of the IIFA Weekend And Awards, solidifying the business ties between India and its significant trade and investment partners. This year, the Global Business Forum 2017 will focus on the theme “India and United States: Partners in Progress”, with discussions on India- US commercial relations, with panel sessions focusing on key aspects of the relationship: The future of India-US Economic Partnership, Defense and Security, Manufacturing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Media & Entertainment.
Additionally, the iconic MetLife stadium shall transform into an unforgettable musical experience at EROS NOW IIFA Rocks on July 14th with the Multi-talented Bollywood star Diljit Dosanjh kick-starting the performances. A never-seen-before medley and energetic performances from Hariharan, Kailash Kher, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Javed Ali, Haricharan Seshadri and Kamaal Khan among others will be seen with the legendary artist A.R. Rahman at IIFA Rocks. Bollywood’s Riteish Deshmukh and Manish Paul will host the sensational global event.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
The final and most awaited event of the weekend is the NEXA IIFA Awards Co-presented by Eros Now Powered by VIVO, a spectacular and glamorous night which honors and celebrates excellence and deserving work in Indian cinema will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 15th featuring Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar hosting the star studded night with dazzling performances by Bollywood megastars Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
As the highly anticipated 18TH edition of IIFA, to be held from 13th – 15th July 2017 descends on the captivating city of New York, the International Indian Film Academy commences its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, symbolizing the globalization of Indian cinema.
Seen at the prestigious event were members of Nasdaq along with IIFA’s founders Mr. Andre Timmins and Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Directors of Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement, along with Bollywood diva Sonakshi Sinha.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers.
Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children’s education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.
Commenting on the occasion, Sabbas Joseph, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement says, “Given IIFA’s multi-faceted nature, we are pleased to ring in the 18th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards at the Nasdaq Stock Market Bell ringing ceremony. We are thrilled to bring in India’s biggest and most spectacular global celebration of cinema and we can’t wait for IIFA to take over the City of New York and America.”
NEW DELHI (TIP): After the Donald Trump administration’s intended tightening of the work visa rules that has come as a blow to the Indian IT companies, the US government’s latest announcement to delay the so-called “startup” visa could impact Indian entrepreneurs. The visa program was approved in January by the then Barack Obama administration and was meant to allow foreign entrepreneurs who started companies in the US to live in that country — a longstanding demand of the Silicon Valley. It was supposed to come into effect on July 17.
Immigrants have started more than half of US startups valued at $1 billion dollars or more, and are key members of either management or product development teams in more than 70% of these companies, according to a 2016 study by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), a US-based non-profit nonpartisan public policy think tank. Out of these, people of Indian origin have founded almost 30%.
Indian-American technology entrepreneur and academic Vivek Wadhwa called the policy “brain-dead” and a “lose-lose” for the US. “Without doubt, bringing in entrepreneurs creates American jobs and expands the economy, it is the closest thing there could be to a free lunch for the United States. This is a lose-lose for the US and for the entrepreneurs who would have come here but it will benefit the countries where they would have come from.”
Wadhwa, who is a Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University Engineering in Silicon Valley, added that countries such as India and the rest of the world could gain from this. “This is the type of brain-dead policy that is becoming a hallmark of the Trump administration. They are pandering to anti-immigrant groups rather than focusing on US competitiveness and economic growth,” said Wadhwa.
As per the NFAP study, 14 Indian-origin entrepreneurs have started billion dollar companies in the US which are collectively valued at $19.6 billion. The foundation had evaluated 87 startup companies valued at over $1 billion as of January 1, 2016, for the study. The Obama administration’s idea was to keep high-caliber talent who come to the US for studies but return to their countries and start businesses that become huge successes.
Puru Vashishtha, a Valley-based Indian entrepreneur-investor who studied at Stanford University, said the startup visa would have been great for Indian and Israeli students. “Imagine if Vinod Khosla had to come back to India to work in Infosys. That would have been a big loss for innovation. Unfortunately, it’s already happening now, due to difficulties faced by international students and immigrants to become entrepreneurs. Countries like Canada are taking advantage of it, but they don’t have big enablers that Silicon Valley provides and a big market that US readily provides,” he said.
Vashishtha added that he has witnessed the struggle of many of his Stanford friends without the startup visa. “These were highly trained, best minds in the world. They wanted to do product startup in the Valley. Unfortunately, because of being a foreign national, even a top university graduate does not get the same options as rest of her US classmates. This is regressive and it deprives the US from significant value creation and job creation. startup visa was a big hope.”
According to a 2012 study, companies founded by immigrants in the US have created more than 10 million jobs and over $4.5 trillion in annual revenue.
On Monday, July 10, the US Department of Homeland Security issued a memo saying that the rule will now be launched on March 14, 2018 and it will solicit comments from the public about rescinding the rule, and “may ultimately eliminate the program.”
“Given the real shortage of tech talent in the US, this startup visa would have been a great enabler. It has the potential to take the innovation to the next level. This move to cancel it is a big setback,” said Vashishtha.
WASHINGTON (TIP): An influential American lawmaker has called for the removal of country-specific quotas for green cards in the US, saying the system was unjust for people from countries like India and China.
Republican Congressman Kevin Yoder from Kansas yesterday became the lead sponsor of the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act.
The Act reforms the legal immigration system by eliminating the existing, arbitrary per-country percentage caps that have caused backlogs in the employment-based green card system, he said. He argued that the existing country-specific quota for Green card is unjust for people from countries like India and China.
A report released this week said that the average wait time for an Indian technology professional or those seeking a Green Card under the employment category is more than 12 years.
The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act was previously introduced by former-Representative Jason Chaffetz, with Yoder as an original cosponsor.
Currently, 230 members of Congress are signed on as cosponsors of the bill, with more than 100 members from each party in support.
WASHINGTON (TIP): A Democratic Congressman has filed the first article of impeachment against President Donald Trump charging him with obstruction of justice in the probe into alleged Russian meddling in the US polls.
Democratic Congressman from California Brad Sherman introduced the article of impeachment against Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors. Democrat Al Green has signed on to the resolution introduced by Sherman.
This is for the first time that a US lawmaker has introduced an article of impeachment against Trump, who was sworn in as the 45th US President on January 20. However, the move is likely to be stalled in the Republican-controlled Congress.
The House of Representatives needs to pass it by a majority vote for the article to move forward. Trump’s Republican party has an advantage of 46 votes in the current House of Representatives and it is unlikely that the Republican lawmakers would vote on such an impeachment move.
The White House dismissed Sherman’s move with spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders saying: “I think that is utterly and completely ridiculous and a political game at its worst.”
“Recent disclosures by Donald Trump Jr indicate that Trump’s campaign was eager to receive assistance from Russia. It now seems likely that the President had something to hide when he tried to curtail the investigation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and the wider Russian probe,” Sherman said after introducing the article of impeachment against Trump.
“I believe his conversations with, and subsequent firing of, FBI Director James Comey constitute Obstruction of Justice,” he said.
Everyday Democrats, Republicans, and the entire world are shocked by the latest example of America’s “amateur President”, he said.
“Lack of impulse control, accompanied by a refusal to have his staff control his impulses. We’re no longer surprised by any action, no matter how far below the dignity of the office—and no matter how dangerous to the country,” Sherman said.
“But the Constitution does not provide for the removal of a President for impulsive, ignorant incompetence. It does provide for the removal of a President for High Crimes and Misdemeanors,” he asserted.
As the investigations move forward, additional evidence supporting additional articles of impeachment may emerge, he noted. “However, as to the Obstruction of Justice…the evidence we have is sufficient to move forward now. And the national interest requires that we do so,” the Democratic lawmaker said.
PARIS (TIP): France rolled out the red carpet, July 13, to welcome Donald Trump on a presidential visit laden with military pomp that the White House hopes will offer respite from a growing scandal back home.
The US president’s brief 24-hour trip to the French capital coincides with celebrations for Bastille Day, France’s national day which is marked on Friday, and the 100th anniversary of US involvement in World War I.
Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the 71-year-old stepped onto French soil for the first time as President hoping the visit will distract from weighty allegations that his family and inner circle colluded with Russia to win the 2016 US election.
The scandal has put his son and top aides in legal jeopardy, cast a pall over his efforts to remake the political agenda and may yet imperil his presidency.
During the brief visit, Trump—who sees himself as a transformative figure in US history—will be the guest of honor for Friday’s Bastille Day festivities that mark a pivotal point in the French Revolution. This year’s event also coincides with the centenary of America entering World War I.
DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TIP): It was a historic and proud occasion for Air India when the inaugural flight from Delhi to Washington arrived a few minutes before scheduled arrival time on a cloudy morning on July 7 at Washington Dulles International Airport. Delegations from the Embassy of India, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia, and the media were at hand to celebrate the occasion.
Time for a group photo. L to R: Sangeeta Singh, Jerome L Davis, Ambassador Sarna, Air India Chairman Ashwani Lohani, DC Mayor Muriel Browser, Gov McAuliffe. Standing in the second row, from L to R: Air India Maharaja and the crew of the inaugural flight from Delhi to Washington. Darryl Pais who captained the flight is seen on extreme right.
The inaugural events, which included a ceremonial water cannon salute, traditional gate-side Indian prayer ceremony, press conference, ribbon cutting and gala luncheon, commemorated Air India’s new three weekly nonstop, roundtrip flights between Indira Gandhi International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Ribbon Cutting with Indian Ambassador, Air India Chairman, DC Mayor and VA Governor
The new Air India service represents another milestone in the growing relationship between the National Capital Region and India. “Today, we celebrate an important partnership and welcome Air India’s direct air service to Dulles,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Virginia is committed to expanding and growing our relationships with the international community, especially our friends in India. We look forward to the opportunities this new route will provide for people in Virginia and India alike. This will be an important avenue for business, tourism and educational opportunities between our two great countries.”
VA Governor McAuliffe said, “This will be an important avenue for business, tourism and educational opportunities between our two great countries.”
“This inaugural launch highlights our work with the international community to drive business and tourism to the D.C. region,” said District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Here in the nation’s capital, we are delighted to invite many more visitors from India to explore the sights and sounds that make Washington, D.C., the greatest city in the world.”
Sabre Global Demand Data shows that for the year ending March 2016, the Washington, D.C., area welcomed more than 281,000 Indian visitors—making India the fourth largest overseas travel market for the region.
Air India chairman and managing director Ashwani Lohani spoke of Air India’s commitment to providing the most convenient service between the United States and India
“With international visitation between India and the Washington, D.C., area expected to double by 2025, the Airports Authority’s partnership with Air India, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia is just one way we’re working to enhance the level of service offered at Dulles International,” said Jerome L. Davis, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
“India currently represents a 6 percent market share of all international travelers to the Commonwealth and is Virginia’s fourth largest market,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “With projected growth, this new direct route to Dulles International will not only help to boost visitation from this high growth market, but also introduce the Commonwealth to new Indian audiences, including businesses, tourists and students.”
Air India Airside Viewing. The cheering gathering to welcome the inaugural flight at the tarmac with the Air India Maharaja standing tall and imposing
Flight service between Dulles International and Delhi is also estimated to bring in an additional 30,000 leisure and business travelers and $30 million in total economic impact annually to the National Capital Region.
“According to Travel Market Insights, visitation from India to D.C. has grown 40 percent since 2013, and 70 percent to the region,” said Elliott Ferguson, president and chief executive officer of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. “We’re excited about the potential for even more Indian business and leisure travelers to experience Washington D.C.’s dynamic neighborhoods and free attractions as well as the diverse experiences throughout the capital region.”
“Serving 7.5 million international travelers annually with nonstop service to more than 50 international destinations in more than 40 countries, Dulles International Airport is the region’s gateway to the world,” said Margaret McKeough, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Airports Authority. “Air India’s service launch adds our 33rd capital-to-capital connection—linking the world’s oldest democracy with the world’s largest democracy.”
“The Washington, D.C., metro is Air India’s fifth U.S. destination after New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco, and it reinforces our commitment to providing the most convenient service between the United States and India,” commented Ashwani Lohani, chairman and managing director of Air India Limited.
Asked about plans for direct non – stop flights from US destinations to Amritsar, Mr. Lohani disclosed to The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit Saluja, that Air India was considering direct flight from Canada to Amritsar in the first place. With regard to a question on government of India’s plans to privatize Air India, Mr. Lohani declined any comment.
As part of an effort to stimulate travel to Virginia through Dulles International Airport, the Commonwealth of Virginia approved an incentive package over a three-year period beginning in fiscal year 2018 to support Air India. In addition, the District of Columbia plans to provide incentive funding this year to support the partnership. Tourism marketing support will be provided by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Capital Region USA and Destination DC.
For more information on Air India’s new nonstop service from Dulles International to Delhi, visit flydulles.com.
The crew of the inaugural flight. Darryl Pais captained the flight.A cultural presentation added to the joy of celebration Photos/ Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia/ TIP/ DIAA
About Air India
Air India is the flag carrier of India and a member of the Star Alliance group. Air India transports passengers, baggage and cargo across a network of 66 domestic Indian destinations and 34 international destinations in the United States, Europe, Australia, Far-East and South-East Asia and the Gulf. Air India flies one of the youngest aircraft fleets—including the wide-body Boeing B777, B747 and B787 Dreamliner, as well as the narrow body Airbus A321, A320 and A319. Air India plans to operate a Boeing 777-200LR, with eight first class, 35 business class and 195 economy seats, on service to Washington Dulles International Airport. For more information, visit airindia.in.
About Virginia Tourism
Tourism is an instant revenue generator in the Commonwealth. For every dollar invested in tourism marketing, Virginia Tourism returns $7 in state tax revenue. In 2016, visitors spent $24 billion, which supported 230,000 jobs and contributed $1.7 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about Virginia Tourism Corporation, please visit virginia.org.
About MWAA
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, the Dulles Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road and also manages construction of the Silver Line project, a 23-mile extension of the Washington region’s Metrorail public transit system through Fairfax County and into Loudoun County, Virginia. More than 45 million passengers a year pass through the two airports. The Airports Authority generates more than 387,000 jobs in the National Capital Region.
AL KHOR, QATAR (TIP): A first herd of boycott-busting cows has been airlifted to Qatar to boost milk supplies five weeks after neighbouring Gulf states cut links with the emirate . The several dozen Holsteins were flown in from Budapest, the first of 4,000 cattle to be imported by August.
The bemused bovines took to their new surroundings at a farm 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Doha on Wednesday, despite being the centre of attention from journalists and the pride of Qatar, which sees their arrival as a sign of its defiance in the Gulf crisis . “We brought in 165 Holsteins, all highly bred Holsteins, especially for dairy,” said John Dore, a senior manager at Baladna Livestock Production.
“There are 35 milking cows, that are in milk at present and there’s 130 that will calve in the next two-to-three weeks.” Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut all ties with Qatar last month, closed the only land border and halted all exports of food to the emirate.
The Gulf states accuse Qatar of supporting extremism, a charge it denies.
Prior to the crisis, Qatar largely relied on dairy imports from Saudi Arabia, especially of milk.
Its population of 2.7 million was dependent on foodstuffs from Gulf countries, which made up almost half of all imports.
However, since the political crisis began Qatar has resorted to importing food from different countries including Turkey, Iran and Morocco.
Qatar aims to increase by five-fold the number of cattle it has in the country as it looks to lessen its food dependency on imports because of the ongoing crisis. Dore said the livestock were the first steps in Qatar trying to become “self sufficient in beef”, and it aims to boost cattle numbers in the country from a current 5,000 to some 25,000 in the near future.
The cattle will be farmed for both milk and meat.
“Local supply covers between 10 and 15 percent at present” of Qatar’s needs, Dore told reporters at the farm, as the cows quietly munched on grass laid down next down to the large pens in which they are housed.
Despite their journey of more than 3,700 kilometres and adjusting to new heats of 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit), the animals seemed unworried by their new surroundings, and certainly unaware of their political significance.
“Before, most of the milk in Qatar was imported from Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” said Dore.
“At the moment the gap is being filled by Turkish imports, which are welcome for the present but the quality won’t compare with local produce.” Qatari officials have confidently claimed they can withstand the boycott “forever”.
The cows were brought in by a Qatar Airways cargo plane on Tuesday.
Moutaz al-Khayyat, the chairman of Qatari firm Power International which bought and imported the cows, told Bloomberg News that once all the 4,000 cows arrive in Qatar, they will meet around 30 percent of the country’s dairy needs.
He said it could take up to 60 flights to bring all the cattle into Qatar. (AFP)
TOKYO (TIP): Chinese authorities have detained 35 Japanese nationals in the southeastern province of Fujian for alleged fraud, the Japanese foreign ministry said on Wednesday, in what was probably one of the worst cases of telephone scams targeting the elderly.
Phone-based fraud targeting senior citizens is widespread in Japan, with an impostor, usually posing as a child or grandchild desperately in need of cash, asking an elderly person to make a bank transfer or hand money to a friend or colleague. “We were informed that local authorities notified Japanese consulate general in Guangzhou on July 3 that they had taken 35 Japanese nationals into criminal custody on suspicion of fraud,” a foreign ministry official, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters.
The official declined to give further details because of the investigation being conducted by Chinese authorities.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had informed Japan about the 35 people detained on June 30 on suspicion of fraud.
He gave no other details. The Nikkei business daily said the Japanese nationals were accused of involvement in telephone scams targeting residents of Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, the Japanese capital.
The group is the largest Japanese telephone fraud group discovered to be operating in China so far, in terms of the numbers detained, the Nikkei said.
Such groups have increasingly been making calls from China in recent years to evade crackdowns by Japanese authorities, the paper added.
The detained Japanese nationals were alleged to have played the role of callers in the fraud, it said, adding that it was up to Chinese authorities to decide whether to hand them over to Japan. (AP)
LONDON (TIP): The British government on July 13 published a draft law that would formally put an end to Britain’s membership of the European Union, as a top official warned the country was unprepared for Brexit in less than two years’ time.
The new bill will repeal the 1972 law in which Britain became an EU member and convert an estimated 12,000 existing EU regulations into British law, ending the supremacy of EU law in Britain.
“This bill means that we will be able to exit the European Union with maximum certainty, continuity and control,” Brexit secretary David Davis said in a statement.
But Prime Minister Theresa May is braced for a battle over the bill, which also gives ministers powers to amend the EU laws as they are transferred without full parliamentary scrutiny.
These so-called “Henry VIII” powers will be limited for two years, but opposition parties have warned they will not allow the government to use the bill to push through policy changes. May’s Conservative Party lost its majority in the June 8 election, leaving it dependent on the small Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party to win votes in parliament.
The prime minister, who on Thursday marks one year since taking office after last year’s referendum to leave the EU, remains vulnerable and questions remain over how long she can stay. As the bill was published, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was in Brussels to offer his own Brexit vision to EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
May’s government began the two-year withdrawal process on March 29, setting Britain on an uncharted journey. Extricating Britain from four decades of membership of the bloc is no small task: the new European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is one of eight Brexit bills the government will introduce.
But Labour’s Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer warned his party would not support the legislation as it stood. “We have very serious issues with the government’s approach, and unless the government addresses those issues, we will not be supporting the bill,” he told The Guardian.
As well as concerns about the expansion of executive power, Labour fears an erosion of basic and workers’ rights and plans to submit amendments when the bill is debated in the autumn. “This will be hell,” added Tim Farron, leader of the pro-European Liberal Democrats.
With the help of the 10 DUP lawmakers, May’s government has a majority of just 13 in the 650-member parliament.
Formal Brexit negotiations with the EU began last month and the two sides have already clashed over the future rights of European citizens living in Britain. Ahead of the next round of talks starting next week, Britain on Thursday published three new papers setting out its position on nuclear cooperation, the European Court of Justice and privileges afforded to EU employees in Britain.
Barnier had warned Wednesday that the EU was waiting for more information from Britain. “We need to know on which points we agree and on which points we disagree, so that we can negotiate in earnest,” he said.
“We cannot remain idle as the clock is ticking.”
Britain confirmed it would leave European Atomic Energy Community but said it wanted to continue working closely with Euratom to help ensure a smooth exit.
“The UK and the Euratom community have a strong mutual interest in ensuring close co-operation,” the position paper said.
London and Brussels disagree on whether the European Court of Justice will continue to have jurisdiction in Britain after Brexit.
Labour said Corbyn’s meeting with Barnier marked its growing importance in the Brexit process — although Barnier insisted he would only negotiate with the government.
The Frenchman was also due to meet Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones for private talks. (AFP)
The template for the Censor Board was set a few months after the BJP stormed to power in Delhi. So, it should be no surprise that Amartya Sen, one of the earliest critics of the government’s alternative vision of India, should find himself at the receiving end of its ministrations. A documentary on the Nobel laureate has been asked to mute all words anathema to the Modi government: cow, Gujarat and Hindutva. Pahlaj Nihalani’s appointment as the Censor Board chief was payback time for a loyal home boy. After all, his CV boasts of a six-minute campaign video “Har Modi, Ghar Modi” for the 2014 general election.
Since then Nihalani has not disappointed his mentors and played their political game, albeit with unapologetic stupidity ever since he took over from Leela Samson. It needs to be recalled that Leela Samson quit protesting against “unbearable pressure” to clear a movie by self-proclaimed saint Gurmit Ram Rahim who paid back with crucial political support to the BJP in Haryana and the Akali-BJP in Punjab. In a blatant act of door-keeping for the government, Nihalani had earlier stopped the certification of a film on the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots that paved the way for the BJP’s electoral sweep in western UP. The Modi government appointee is not just policing political content. He is also bearing down on liberal and broader exploration of issues of gender, sexuality, religion and communalism.
In other words, the Censor Board’s axe can fall on any view that strays from the Sangh Parivar’s narrow definition of an ideal society. So, Lipstick Under My Burqa was deemed “too lady oriented” and Oscar-nominate Danish Girl “unsuitable for children.” Besides the danger of the government discouraging a scrutiny of its actions, which is the lifeblood of any democracy, technology has outpaced censorship. Documentaries, unlike Bollywood movies, pick up their audiences from online views and the film circuit in Western Europe. Even if the Amartya Sen documentary was completely banned, it would still be viewed and should recoup the investment. The only upshot is that India starts looking like a pale shadow of the countries it criticizes.
“Come July 20, 2017, Modi will have his own President. That would make a qualitative difference to the nature of choices available to the Prime Minister in dealing with friends and foes. Though Pranab Mukherjee was not a difficult President for Prime Minister Modi, nonetheless he could not be called a rubber stamp. Prime Minister Modi or his advisers certainly could not take President Mukherjee for granted — an option that is now open to the Prime Minister. A vital equation in the national power grid will stand definitely tilted, in favor of the Prime Minister”, says the author.
Quietly and perhaps unsuspectedly we are entering a potentially dangerous period in our polity. Not because we have reason to entertain continuous anxiety on our nation’s borders, not because the external environment is deteriorating to our disadvantage, but because internal institutional equations are about to change in a manner that would upset the democratic polity’s equanimity.
To begin with, in another seven days we shall know who would be the new Head of our Republic. Barring potential subversion on an extremely large scale, Ram Nath Kovind should be the new tenant of that sprawling real estate property atop the Raisina Hill. The change of tenancy will have its consequences. The equation between the President and the Prime Minister has always been subject to considerable modification and negotiation after every change of players; and, though Rashtrapati Bhavan is not a rival center of power, its occupant —any occupant — can be a source of irritation and frustration for any Prime Minister. Hence, the importance of next week’s presidential poll on the quality of the Prime Minister’s control and power of the Delhi sultanate.
It is widely accepted by New Delhi’s political cognoscenti that Ram Nath Kovind is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal choice; moreover, it is further suggested that in opting for him, the Prime Minister has cocked a snook at the RSS impresarios, who had different ideas. The RSS-Narendra Modi relationship is up for a revision.
Like Atal Bihari Vajpayee before him, Modi too has sought to gain a kind of upper hand in the patron-client relationship that defines the RSS-BJP symbiosis. The heart of the matter is that there is an inherent conflict between a prime minister’s constitutional obligations and a swayamsevak’s oath of allegiance to this “cultural body”, with its headquarters in Nagpur. Prime Minister Vajpayee was clear from the very beginning that his constitutional responsibilities and duties would take precedence over the RSS’ expectations and demands; but he had to pay a certain price for clarity and conviction. Modi has played a subtler hand of cultivated ambiguity, humoring the RSS once in a while. But then it is in the nature of office that, sooner or later, a prime minister has to draw a line — for himself and for the Nagpur bosses.
In opting for Kovind, Modi has drawn a line. This has not gone unnoticed or unresented by the parent body. For a BJP prime minister, the RSS is the elephant in the room and it cannot be ignored. From a different perspective it would appear to be rather ironic that a hope ought to be pinned on a body like the RSS to keep in check a rampant prime minister.
Come July 20, 2017, Modi will have his own President. That would make a qualitative difference to the nature of choices available to the Prime Minister in dealing with friends and foes. Though Pranab Mukherjee was not a difficult President for Prime Minister Modi, nonetheless he could not be called a rubber stamp. Prime Minister Modi or his advisers certainly could not take President Mukherjee for granted — an option that is now open to the Prime Minister. A vital equation in the national power grid will stand definitely tilted, in favor of the Prime Minister.
Not only a pocket President, next month the Prime Minister will also be able to get a Vice-President of his choice. Whatever little space the Opposition was able to claim for itself in the Rajya Sabha would get drastically curtailed. And, all said and done, Hamid Ansari did not deny himself the pulpit, from where he spoke out in defense of republican values and democratic sensibilities. This minor source of irritation would also stand taken care of in less than a month’s time.
And then, later in August, there will be a change of guard at the Supreme Court of India. Institutionally, the higher judiciary remains the only power center that is not easily amenable to the government’s blandishments or brandishments. Of late certain mutedness seems to have crept in the judicial voice. Like any other institution, the judiciary’s spunk is vitally dependent upon the moral fortitude of those who come to man the bench. On this count, there are rumors. Those who believe that a robust and vibrant judiciary remains a necessary condition for a functioning democracy do not feel all that sanguine. The ruling coterie will have less and less reason to worry about a judicial disapproval or rebuff.
Of course, there is the ruling party itself. For all its appearances as a modern political party, the BJP remains a closed affair. Since 2013, when Narendra Modi crowbarred his way to dominance with the BJP and then went on to graft democratic legitimacy over his leadership by winning the 2014 Lok Sabha poll, the party has allowed itself to be content with a very subordinate voice. The BJP president has no political persona outside Narendra Modi’s shadow. There is no leader left who can be remotely thought of as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Modi’s hegemonic stewardship. Neither Vajpayee nor LK Advani ever enjoyed this kind of sway over the BJP; their leadership was collegiate and they found themselves constrained to share authority. Narendra Modi feels no such handicap.
Three other democratic institutions — Cabinet, bureaucracy, media — stand cheerfully self-emasculated. Never before was such a convergence of timidity and opportunism seen as now among these three institutions; there seems to be a veritable race to reduce themselves to the role of a spear-carrier for the Prime Minister.
The sum total of reconfiguration of these institutional equations can only set in motion objective conditions in which an authoritarian temptation becomes a tempting proposition. The Modi government is approaching a difficult phase, when all the promises and pretensions have not exactly worked out. Economically, the jobless growth has a very limited potential for electoral dividends. The entire business community — the corporates, traders, shopkeepers and consumers — is yet to regain its breath after being buffeted twice — first by the demonetization drama and now by the GST tantrums.
Politically, the Modi establishment has proved itself extremely competent and clever; it feels it has reduced the Gandhis and the Congress and other opposition parties to an ineffectual bunch; it feels doubly sure of its cleverness after having sold the demonetization joke to the masses; it feels it has the momentum — and, history — behind it.
There is a dangerous edge to this overconfidence. It is morphing itself into a sense of entitlement. Strong-headed leaders tend to arrogate to themselves an aura of inevitability and infallibility. A robust democracy should have available to itself institutions of accountability that ensure that no leader, however powerful and however popular, trips over his own web of megalomania.
(The author is the chief editor of Tribune group of publications)
“Obsessed with Pakistan, India has grossly neglected the real adversary. In point-to-point skirmishes and standoffs, battle- hardened Indian soldiers will deter, if not defeat, the PLA. However, across a broad front spectrum in an unlikely all-out war, it is advantage China”, Says the author.
At a time when China is threatening to teach India another lesson and warning not to engage in a two-front conflict over the standoff in Doklam, our Service Chiefs, it seems, are not on the same page about fighting a two-front war especially as Beijing might try to emulate the New Delhi-Thimpu alliance in “disputed territory” with one with Islamabad in PoK. While General Bipin Rawat has more than once asserted the Army’s preparedness for a two-front war, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa has highlighted the critical shortfall in the number of fighter squadrons — 32 against the required 42 squadrons — to dominate a two-front conflict, saying: “It is akin to a cricket team playing with seven players instead of 11”. The deficiency in air assets has existed for decades but this is the first time an Air Chief has related it to a two-front war.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Sunil Lanba, when asked about the disparity in preparedness of the services, said: “The way national security is being handled is not commensurate with the security environment which is extremely serious at the moment”. Recently, Gen Rawat told a military audience that the military was not getting enough funds for modernization — repeated ad nauseum by every Chief — due to the perception that expenditure on defence is a burden on the economy. This set the cat among the pigeons as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, a regular fill-in for Defence Minister, is believed to have told Gen Rawat: “Don’t worry about funds. When you run out, call me”. In the mid-1990s, when the Naval Shipyard order books had gone dry, CNS, admiral Vijay Shekhawat went public about the Navy’s operational deficiencies, prompting Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav to invite him to discuss dwindling fleet numbers. Ad hocism has become the hallmark of modernization of the military.
Power differential
The Chinese are constantly reminding India about the power differential — military, economic and infrastructural — between them. Being obsessed with Pakistan, India has grossly neglected the real adversary. The reason for this is the institutionalized absence of strategic thinking and higher political direction of war and conflict in the face of growing threats and challenges to internal and external security. Prime Minister Modi’s boast about big defence reforms is hollow: had he been serious about defence, he would have named a full-time Defence Minister. The appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff has not overcome the hesitation of history — read bureaucracy. The country has never produced a “Defence White Paper” or done a “Strategic Defence and Security” review. Something called the “Raksha Mantri’s Directive” masquerades as higher political direction on deterrence and war. This bit of literature drafted by the military has its origin in 1983, with periodic face-lifts to make it contemporary.
The Parrikar doctrine covering surgical strikes was included in the Joint Military Doctrine, scripted by the Integrated Defence Staff, which attracted extraordinary flak from the defence community for being substandard. In its present organization, each service essentially fights single-service combat. In the last border skirmish at Kargil, the Army’s operation was called Vijay while the IAF campaign in support was named Safed Saagar. So much for jointness. So the Raksha Mantri’s Directive passes off as political guidance by the highest echelons of government. When I once asked a former Air Chief how he evolved his service’s span of responsibility, he replied: “Most of the time, from speeches made by the Prime Minister during the Combined Commanders’ Conferences.”
Are we surprised that while President Xi Jinping who heads the Central Military Commission, has personally ordered and supervised the reorganization of the combat formations facing India, reducing them from three commands to one command — a single Western Theatre Command headed by the powerful Gen Xhao Zongqi — the China front in India is managed by four Army and three Air commands deployed at seven locations.
Integrated command
A forward-looking proposal made by a defence committee recommending three integrated operational commands — North, West and South instead of 17 single service commands — was shot out of hand by (no guesses) the Air Force. The CDS and accompanying Joint Staff ordered by the UK in 1984 was a fait accompli. It was introduced by a political class which understood defence and strategic security. In India, countless defence reforms are languishing for want of decision making.
It is instructive to recall how the two-front strategy was formally enunciated in December 2009 by the Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor. It followed the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ordered the Service Chiefs to prepare for war. Defence Minister AK Antony then had “preparation for a two-front war” added in his Directive but did little to implement it. Both in 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan despite the collusive threat from China, there was no cross-border intervention by China though sizeable formations of the Eastern Command remained deployed against it and forces could not be switched to the west or east for fighting in East Pakistan in 1971. In a real two-front war, swing forces in east and west will not be able to reinforce either front and only dedicated formations will fight the war. Given the paucity in current force levels, inadequate sophistry of combat support and terrain and infrastructure handicaps, it will be an uphill task to match the PLA’s strength and versatility across a 3,488-km front of undefined borders.
In point-to-point skirmishes and standoffs, battle-hardened Indian soldiers will deter if not defeat the PLA. Across a broad front spectrum in an unlikely all-out war, it is advantage China unless India is prepared to rethink its “no first use” nuclear doctrine. As an offset in the western front, Gen Rawat has suggested creating a two-front situation for Pakistan: either in Afghanistan or Iran. Doklam may go the 1986 Sumdorong Chu way; the 10-month-long standoff challenging the Chinese intrusion at Thandrong, west of Tawang over the interpretation of watershed, without a shot being fired. India need not invoke its doubtful capacity to fight a two-front war; instead, speedily augment its deterrence against China. This may not win votes for Modi but it will prevent Chinese pinpricks that he famously called “toothache”.
(The author is a former Major General of the Indian Army, and a radio and television commentator, and a columnist on defence and security issues. He is founder-member of the Defence Planning Staff in the Ministry of Defence)
The shopkeeper snubs the minister for showing lack of manners
NEW YORK (TIP): Video of Canadian defense minister Harjit Singh Sajjan caught littering by a Punjabi shop owner in Osoyoos, Canada, has gone viral on social media.
The video which was uploaded by XLRadio Vancouver on Monday captured Sajjan reacting sheepishly on being questioned about his actions. It shows Sajjan eating cherries and throwing their seeds outside a shop while sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle.
The car bears a registration number EE7 99D with inscription “Beautiful British Columbia”.
In the video, Sajjan is seen trying to conceal his identity but the shop owner of East Indian Meat Shop seems to be aware of his VIP status.
The shopkeeper snubs the minister for showing lack of manners.
Embarrassed Sajjan can be seen apologizing to the man in the video and fumbles to justify the purpose of his presence on the spot while being repeatedly quizzed.
CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Punjab Sports and Cultural Club continued its annual tradition of celebrating the game of Kabaddi along with sumptuous food and cultural programs. On Sunday, July 2nd, 2017, the club organized another very successful “Punjabi Mela” that witnessed over 5500 attendees. This event has record breaking crowd for last decade of any Punjabi event in Midwest. This 17th International entertainment and sport event of Kabaddi and Volleyball tournament was held at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village, Illinois USA.
Runners-up: Yuba City
During this populous family oriented mega event, people enjoyed complimentary admission, food, mehndi application, and competitive traditional Sports. Tournaments kicked off after traditional opening prayer (Ardaas) ceremony by Palatine Granthi Bhai Mohinder Singh.
The guests of Honor at the program were Consul General of India, Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy, Dr. S P Singh Oberoi, Amolak Singh Gakhal, Sardar Manjeet Singh(Canada), Sardar Jaspreet Singh (Attorney of Law). Ms Bhushan and Mr Krishnamurthy addressed the audience and thanked everyone for joining the celebration. Sardar Amrik Singh, President Punjab Sports and Cultural Club applauded the hard work and determination of the teams that participated in the tournament. This was followed by award ceremony with celebrity guest Hans Raj Hans along with live musical performance by famous Punjabi Singers Jasmine Sandlas, Sharry Mann and Rupinder Handa. The event reflected rich Punjabi traditions and heritage of sport, food and music.
The Game of Kabbadi which originated in India is a physical game and requires both mental and physical skill and muscle power, and combines the characteristics of wrestling and rugby. It incorporates skill of self-defense, and quick reflexes of psychoanalysis and counter attack.
Competing teams hailed from the States of Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Washington and Michigan. Final championship match was between Seattle vs Yuba City. After intense competition, Seattle beat Yuba City by the score of 39 points vs. 23 points by losing team from Yuba City. Both teams in finales gave very hard competition to each other and in the end Seattle team finished on the top of the podium by grabbing the champions title. Besides Kabaddi, there were volleyball matches too in which 5 teams participated and Tony Sanghera’s team from Chicago was the winner. Second place winner prize to Yuba City Team was Sponsored and awarded by Ghuman Brothers.
Other Sponsors of the mega event were Sardar Baldev Singh Salhan, Sardar JPS Khaira, Sardar Paul Singh Khaleel, Dr Bhupinder Singh Saini and Sardar Jagir Singh Sabzimandi from New York. First prize was sponsored and awarded by Sardar Darshan Singh Dhaliwal (Bulk Petroleum) to the winning team Punjab Sports Club Seattle and the team sponsors were Mohna Jodhan, Bratty Gill, Sandeep Gurna. The 2nd Prize was awarded to Yuba Brothers, Yuba City, California and the Team Sponsor was Davinder Nijjar. Sultan Singh Sounspuria was declared the best raider and the best Jaffee Best Raider title was awarded to Pala Jalalpuria. The commentary was facilitated by Mr. Makhan Ali from Surrey, Canada and Mr. Surjit Kakrali.
Viewers at Punjab Sports and Cultural Club International Kabaddi Cup tournament Punjabi Mela” that witnessed a record breaking over 5500 attendees
After sport tournaments, social and entertainment “Mela” commenced attended bulky crowd and presence of various prominent community leaders including sponsors of event. Special Guests for the evening was Darshan Singh Dhaliwal. Mr. Dhaliwal, famous successful entrepreneur, is son of a Sikh farmer from a little-known village in Punjab. He is now the one of the largest petroleum dealer and retailer established in the Midwest region. He is a prominent community leader and Grand sponsors of the event. Presentation of appreciation plaques to the winners and various contributors of the event for their moral and financial support, which was pivotal in the execution of the event were awarded. Punjab Sports & Cultural Club Chicago Members present were President, Sardar Amrik Singh (Chicago), Vice President: Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bhola, Finance Secretary: Sardar Amrit Pal Singh Sangha, S. Jaskaran Singh Dhaliwal, S. Narinder Singh Sra, S. Harvinder Singh Billa, S. Lovedeep Singh Dulat, S. Amrik Singh Amar Carpets, S. Gurmeet Singh Bhola, S. Rajinder Singh Dayal, S. Lucky Sahota, S. Hardeep Singh Gill, S. Manminder Singh Heer, S. Gurpreet Singh Gill, S. Gian Singh Shera. Overall, the event was a great success and all guests raved about the wonderful organization of the unforgettable event. The next big sports event everyone is waiting for will be held on Labor Day weekend on Sept. 3rd Sunday hosted by Sher-e- Punjab Sports and Cultural Club Chicago.
NEW YORK (TIP): LCR Capital Partners, a renowned U.S. private investment firm and EB-5 regional center operator, will be hosting an Investor Day at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at the Surf Club in Surfside, Florida on Wednesday, July 19th, 2017.
The Investor Day will include an exclusive tour of the property located on nine beautiful acres of oceanfront, followed by a Q&A session with Fort Partners (the project developer). All attendees who decide to invest in the EB-5 program through LCR’s Four Seasons project will receive a discount of $2,000 on their administration fee.
The Investor Day will provide potential EB-5 investors the opportunity to explore Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, as well as to interact with the project developers, LCR’s senior leadership team, and various leading EB-5 industry and immigration experts. It will be the perfect opportunity to learn more about LCR’s most recent project and all those involved.
When speaking of the upcoming Investor Day meeting, Suresh Rajan, CEO of LCR Capital Partners, remarked, “This will be a splendid opportunity to network with leading EB-5 industry experts and exclusively review the project and property. The Q&A session with Fort Partners and dinner with our senior management team will prove to be beneficial to all prospective investors. This has been something that many of our investors have requested in the past and we are happy to dedicate a day to make this experience as enjoyable as possible for them. We have clients flying in from India, South Africa, Brazil and more. We are looking forward to meeting all the interested attendees!”
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program is the fastest and most reliable way for Indian high-net-worth investors to earn a U.S. green card. The program provides U.S. green cards and permanent residency to an investor and their immediate family (all unmarried children up to age of 21) through a one-time investment of $500,000 USD into a new U.S. business that creates 10 or more American jobs.
Since most alternatives ways of obtaining a U.S. green card (e.g. H-1B, EB-2, EB-3) involve long waiting times and cumbersome processes, LCR’s clients are increasingly taking advantage of the EB-5 visa’s multiple benefits including high approval rates, relatively quick processing times, and a competitive return on investment.
Interested individuals who meet the EB-5 program’s standard requirements and wish to attend the Investor Day on July 19th may R.S.V.P. at seminar@lcrcapital.com or sign up at http://bit.ly/2ugMpey
NEW YORK (TIP): Jameel Jaffer, deputy legal director at the ACLU, has been named the founding director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. In May, Columbia and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced the creation of the new institute which will work—through litigation, research and public advocacy—to preserve and expand the freedoms of expression and the press in the digital age.
“We’re at a moment in our history when freedom of expression, access to information and high quality journalism have never been more important, yet are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger, a noted First Amendment legal scholar. “No one understands that better than Jameel Jaffer. Throughout his accomplished career, Jameel has proven himself to be among the First Amendment’s most effective defenders and we could hardly have a more ideal founding director of the Knight Institute at Columbia.”
Since he joined the staff of the ACLU in 2002, Jaffer has litigated some of the most significant post-9/11 cases relating to national security and civil liberties, among them: constitutional challenges to gag orders imposed under the USA Patriot Act, surveillance conducted by the National Security Agency, the viewpoint-based denial of visas to foreign scholars, and the sealing of judicial opinions issued by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. He has argued cases at all levels of the federal court system, including in the U.S. Supreme Court, and has testified before Congress about a variety of topics relating to national security and civil liberties. Jaffer is also one of the nation’s leading Freedom of Information Act attorneys, having litigated landmark cases that resulted in the publication of crucial documents about the U.S. government’s counter-terrorism policies.
“The digital age has brought us a wealth of new ways to communicate, but digital technology is also vulnerable to surveillance and control. At the same time, news organizations have fewer resources to fight for access to government records and defend free expression,” said Alberto Ibargüen, president of Knight Foundation. “Jameel Jaffer’s integrity, intellect and collaborative nature make him the right leader for a new organization. His experience at the intersection of law and technology make him the forward-looking legal strategist the Institute needs to select—and win—precedent-setting battles.”
The Knight First Amendment Institute will address a range of significant and emerging First Amendment issues on which Jaffer has direct expertise, including electronic surveillance by government; privacy rights on digital platforms; the overall freedom of internet platforms, and the rights and responsibilities of the corporate actors who own those platforms; public access to government records, including judicial records; secrecy obligations imposed on technology companies; and the prosecution of government whistleblowers.
In his role as director of the ACLU’s Center for Democracy, Jaffer created the ACLU’s project on speech, privacy, and technology; oversaw a major expansion of the ACLU’s work on issues relating to civil liberties in the digital age; and was instrumental in the ACLU’s decision to take on the representation of whistleblower Edward Snowden. He also directed the ACLU’s litigation relating to the NSA surveillance programs that Snowden disclosed.
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