DARJEELING (TIP): A GTA office was set on fire and several vehicles were damaged in Darjeeling today as the indefinite shutdown in the hills entered the 29th day.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) office for travel and tourism in Chowrastha of Mall Road in Darjeeling was set ablaze by pro-Gorkhaland supporters early morning. Several government vehicles were also damaged near the Darjeeling station by unidentified men last night.
A railway station in Gayabari area of Kurseong was set on fire by pro-Gorkhaland supporters this morning. A forest bungalow near Teesta river was also set on fire today.
The convoy of state tourism minister Gautam Deb was also attacked on the way to Darjeeling’s Panighatta where the minister was going to attend a programme on the occasion of poet Bhanubhakta Acharya’s birth anniversary.
Responding to the call of the Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee, a writer and a singer returned the awards given to them by the state government. Source: PTI
JAKARTA, INDONESIA (TIP): Indonesia’s president has signed a decree giving the government the power to ban radical organizations, in a move aimed at outlawing groups behind an apparent rise in the political clout of hard-line Islam. The measure announced Wednesday by the country’s top security minister follows months of sectarian tensions in the world’s most populous Muslim nation that shook the government and undermined its reputation for practicing a moderate form of Islam.
It amends an existing law regulating mass organizations, allowing the government to sidestep a potentially lengthy court process to implement a ban. It is likely that Hizbut Tahir, a group that campaigns for Indonesia to adopt Shariah law and become a caliphate, is among the targets of the decree after the government announced in May that it planned to ban the group. (AP)
NEW DELHI (TIP): Police in northwestern Bangladesh have arrested a suspected key supplier of explosives in last year’s attack on a Dhaka cafe that left 20 dead, including 17 foreigners.
Police say Sohel Mahfuz was arrested along with three other suspected members of the Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the July 1, 2016 attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery, but authorities blamed the domestic group.
Five militants from the banned group who stormed the cafe and took patrons hostage also died, along with two police officers. (AP)
COLOMBO (TIP): Sri Lanka’s navy has rescued an elephant that got into difficulties after being washed out to sea, a spokesman said July 12, calling it a “miraculous escape”. Chaminda Walakuluge said the navy mounted the 12-hour rescue after spotting the elephant struggling to stay afloat around eight kilometres (five miles) off the island’s northeast coast.
Divers aided by wildlife officials approached the distressed animal and tied ropes to it before towing it gently to shallow waters near the coast, where it was released late on Tuesday.
Walakuluge said the animal had likely got swept into the sea while crossing the Kokkilai lagoon, a large stretch of water that lies between two areas of jungle.
“They usually wade through shallow waters or even swim across to take a short cut,” he said. “It is a miraculous escape for the elephant.” Photos posted on the navy’s website show the animal trying to keep its trunk above the water as divers approached it.
The rescue came six weeks after the navy and local residents saved a pod of 20 pilot whales who became stranded in nearby Trincomalee, a natural harbour that is popular for whale watching.
The waters around Trincomalee, which was used by Allied forces as a staging post during World War II, have a high concentration of blue and sperm whales, while the surrounding jungles have herds of wild elephants. (AFP)
ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan said on July 13 that it was considering a visa application of the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav for a visit to meet her son who was sentenced to death by a military court.
India had requested Pakistan to allow Avantika Jadhav to meet her son. “Pakistan is considering the Indian request for the grant of visa to the mother of Kulbushan Yadav,” Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria was quoted as saying by state-run Radio Pakistan.
Zakaria’s remarks came two days after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi said that she had written a “personal letter” to Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz asking for approval of Avantika’s visa application so that she may travel to Pakistan.
She also said that Aziz did not even respond to her letter. “I wrote a personal letter to Mr Sartaj Aziz for the grant of her visa to Pakistan. However, Mr Aziz has not shown the courtesy even to acknowledge my letter,” she had tweeted.
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Myanmar should let the UN fact-finding mission probe the alleged human rights violations by the country’s military and security forces, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, underlining that the international community cannot overlook the situation there.
Myanmar said late last month that it would not grant visas to members of a commission appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate human rights violations by the country’s state security forces, including the recent abuses in Rakhine State.
The US mission to the UN said violence in Rakhine State against ethnic and religious communities continues to claim lives and there are allegations of sexual violence against women and children.
“No one should face discrimination or violence because of their ethnic background or religious beliefs. It is important that the Myanmar government allow this fact-finding mission to do its job,” Indian-origin Haley said in a statement here.
She said the international community cannot overlook what is happening in Myanmar and “we must stand together and call on the government to fully cooperate with this fact-finding mission”.
“The total number of victims will be unknown unless the fact-finding mission is allowed to proceed,” the UN mission said.
Geneva director at global rights group Human Rights Watch John Fisher said denying visas to the members of the fact-finding mission would be “a slap in the face” to victims who suffered grave human rights violations by Myanmar’s state security forces.
“Does Aung San Suu Kyi’s government really want to be included in a very small and ignominious club of countries that reject Human Rights Council decisions? North Korea, Eritrea, Syria, and Burundi are human rights pariah states that obstructed the work of independent, international investigations into alleged rights abuses, and it would be a travesty for a democratically elected, National League for Democracy-led government in Myanmar to do the same,” Fisher said. The rights group said the Myanmar government should immediately announce they will issue visas to the fact-finding mission and fully cooperate with its investigation.
“Otherwise, the governments that pushed to set up this fact-finding mission need to stand up for it and impose a political consequence on Myanmar for blocking its work,” Fisher added.
The UN estimates that more than 90,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee their homes in northern Rakhine State since last October. (PTI)
LAHORE (TIP): Sufayan Zafar, a Lashkar-e-Taiba suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, has been released on bail by a Pakistani antiterrorism court due to ‘lack of evidence’ against him, a court official said on July 13.
The prime suspect in the case, LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, is already out on bail since April 2015.
“Former LeT militant Sufayan Zafar who was arrested last year for his alleged involvement in 26/11 attack has been freed on bail. The ATC which held the hearing at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi recently has granted Zafar bail as no evidence against him was found during investigation,” a court official told PTI.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told the court that it had found ‘no evidence’ against Zafar during investigation therefore his involvement in the case cannot be established, the official said.
Zafar is accused of providing Rs 3.98 million to co-accused Shahid Jameel Riaz prior to the attack.He also deposited Rs 14,800 to the bank account of his brother (another suspect in the case).
He was declared a proclaimed offender in the Mumbai attack case in 2009. He was arrested in August last year from his hideout in Kyber- Pakhtaunkhawa province.
A resident of Gujrawala district of Punjab, some 80km from Lahore, Zafar was among 21 other (absconding) suspects wanted in this high-profile case.
Six other suspects in the case — Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hammad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younus Anjum — have been lodged in Rawalpindi’s Adiyala Jail since 2009 for abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.
A total of 166 people were killed in the attack carried out by 10 LeT men. Nine terrorists who carried out the attack were killed while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured alive and later executed in 2012 in Pune. (PTI)
OSLO (TIP): The Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Thursday that China bears a “heavy responsibility” for the “premature” death+ of 2010 Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo.
The prominent democracy advocate, 61, died while still in custody following a battle with cancer. Officials ignored international pleas to let him spend his final days free and abroad. Germany and the US had offered to take him in for treatment.
“We find it deeply disturbing that Liu Xiaobo was not transferred to a facility where he could receive adequate medical treatment before he became terminally ill ,” Berit Reiss-Andersen, who chairs the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said in a statement. “The Chinese government bears heavy responsibility for his premature death.”
Liu was transferred from prison to a heavily guarded hospital to be treated for late-stage liver cancer more than a month ago. (AFP)
BRASILIA (TIP): Former Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a top contender to win next year’s presidential election, was convicted on corruption charges on July 12 and sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison. The ruling marked a stunning fall for Lula, one of the country’s most popular politicians, and a serious blow to his chances of a political comeback. The former union leader, who won global praise for policies to reduce stinging inequality in Brazil, faces four more corruption trials and will remain free on appeal.
The verdict represented the highest-profile conviction yet in a sweeping corruption investigation that for over three years has rattled Brazil, revealing a sprawling system of graft at top levels of business and government.
Judge Sergio Moro found Lula, 71, guilty of accepting 3.7 million reais ($1.2 million) worth of bribes from engineering firm OAS SA, the amount of money prosecutors said the company spent refurbishing a beach apartment for Lula in return for his help winning contracts with state oil company Petroleo Brasileiro.
Federal prosecutors have accused Lula, Brazil’s first working-class president from 2003 to 2011, of masterminding a long-running corruption scheme that was uncovered in a probe into kickbacks around Petrobras.
Lula’s legal team said in an emailed statement that he was innocent and they would appeal. “For over three years, Lula has been subject to a politically motivated investigation,” they wrote. “No credible evidence of guilt has been produced, and overwhelming proof of his innocence blatantly ignored.”
Lula’s lawyer Cristiano Martins has repeatedly accused judge Moro of being biased against his client, which Moro strongly denies. Moro wrote in his ruling that he “took no personal satisfaction in this conviction, quite to the contrary.” “It’s lamentable that a president of the republic is criminally convicted,” Moro said. “No matter how important you are, no one is above the law.” (Reuters)
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?
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– 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)
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