The Indian Panorama

Month: June 2021

  • Govt to auction major ONGC, OIL gas fields

    The government has decided to auction unmonetized oil and gas fields of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) to raise hydrocarbon production and improve energy security. Speaking at the launch of the third bidding round of discovered small fields (DSF), petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said, “There will be no DSF next time. Next time, it will be a ‘major’ round.” The National Democratic Alliance government introduced the DSF policy by leveraging the small fields of ONGC and OIL.

    Pradhan said companies that have been awarded hydrocarbon blocks can’t indefinitely sit on discovered resources, and asked the director general of hydrocarbons and oil ministry officials “to devise innovative ways for early resource monetization, including expediting production timelines under DSF I & II”.

  • BharatPe acquires Payback India

    Merchant payment and lending service provider BharatPe on Thursday, June 10,  said it has acquired Payback India from American Express and ICICI Investments Strategic Fund.

    The company, however, did not disclose the financial details of the transaction.

    This is the first-ever acquisition by BharatPe and will make Payback India a wholly-owned subsidiary of BharatPe, a statement said.

    Payback India – launched in 2010 – is a multi-brand loyalty programme with over 100 million members in the country. It has a network of more than 100 offline and online partners and allows its customers to earn and redeem points on every transaction at its partner merchant outlets.

    The acquisition of Payback India is in line with BharatPe’s strategy to build a robust and engaged network of over 20 million small merchants by 2023, the statement said.

    With Payback India, BharatPe will be able to enhance its value proposition for the merchant partners, it added.

    Additionally, it will enable BharatPe to build a lucrative set of offerings for end customers, that will enhance footfalls at merchants and accelerate the growth of their businesses.

  • WhatsApp might soon allow users to verify log-in with new ‘Flash Calls’ feature

    WhatsApp might soon allow users to verify log-in with new ‘Flash Calls’ feature

    It has recently come to light that WhatsApp is working on a ‘Flash Call’ feature that will verify user log-in on WhatsApp via a ‘flash call’ instead of the usual 6-digit verification code. This will let users log in to their WhatsApp account quickly and safely.

    According to Mashable, new reports state that WhatsApp is working on a new feature in the WhatsApp beta for the Android 2.21.11.7 update. This feature will be available in a future update and is currently under development.

    The ‘flash calls’ feature, however, will not be implemented on WhatsApp for iOS as Apple does not offer any public API to read the call history.

    The feature will act as an alternative to the regular 6-digit code that is sent to users on their phone for verification. As part of this automatic call verification method, WhatsApp will call the user’s phone number and then automatically end the call.

    The last phone number in the phone’s log is equal to the number that gives the 6-digit code, helping WhatsApp verify the user’s identity. Given that this phone number is always unique, hackers will not be able to trick users, making it a safer alternative.

    The report stated that WhatsApp will need the user’s permission to manage calls and access to your phone’s call log to enable the feature. Keep in mind that the ‘flash call’ feature is optional, so users can continue logging into WhatsApp via the 6-digit code received via SMS or call.

    Also, as per Mashable, WhatsApp will not use user call history for any other purposes and will only check the last entry, i.e. WhatsApp’s automatic call, from the user’s call history.  Source: ANI

  • NASA’s Juno sends 1st images of Jupiter’s largest moon

    NASA’s Juno sends 1st images of Jupiter’s largest moon

    After flying closer to Jupiter’s largest moon than any other in more than two decades, NASA’s Juno spacecraft has sent back two images offering dramatic glimpses of the icy orb.

    During the flyby on June 7, Juno came within 645 miles (1,038 kilometres) of the surface of Jupiter’s largest moon Ganymede and took two images from the Jupiter orbiter’s JunoCam imager and from its Stellar Reference Unit star camera.

    The photos show the surface of Ganymede in remarkable detail, including craters, clearly distinct dark and bright terrain, and long structural features possibly linked to tectonic faults.

    “This is the closest any spacecraft has come to this mammoth moon in a generation,” said Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, in a statement. “We are going to take our time before we draw any scientific conclusions, but until then we can simply marvel at this celestial wonder,” he added.

  • Google Meet rolls out video backgrounds on web

    Google Meet rolls out video backgrounds on web

    After default and custom wallpapers, Google Meet is now rolling out support for video backgrounds that are first coming to the web this month and then to mobile “in the coming months”.

    This capability was first announced with the revamped Google Meet web UI that’s now widely rolled out, 9To5Google reported.

    In addition to static backgrounds, you can now select videos—custom backgrounds can help you show more of your personality, as well help hide your surroundings to maintain privacy.

    With the option of replacing your background with video, we hope this makes your video calls more fun.

    There are three options at launch—a classroom, party and forest. The company said that more Meet video backgrounds are coming.

    In terms of availability, it will first launch on the web starting June 7.

    From June 30, both video and image backgrounds will require at least version 87 (released in November 2020) of Google Chrome.

    Source: IANS

  • Mumbai innovator develops 3 robots to assist healthcare workers, patients

    A Mumbai-based innovator Santosh Hulawale has developed three robots to assist healthcare workers and patients amid the ongoing pandemic.

    Santosh, with the help of his eight-member team, has developed a Multiple Service Robot (MSR), a Service Humanoid Robot (SHR), and a Disaster Management robot (DMR).

    According to the innovator, the robots have been developed completely in India.

    Santosh claimed that the MSR can be custom pre-programmed for any kind of health facility.

    “If we want the robot to deliver a particular type of food or medicine to particular patients, we can feed the same in its program. In fact, the robot does not need human intervention,” he said.

    Regarding the SHR, he said, “Basically, it is a humanoid robot, which can be used to give a more human-like experience to the patients. Apart from delivering food, water and medicines it can interact with patients not only vocally but also physically. The robot can dance, shake hands, give a high-five, wave goodbye and can help in entertaining the people in quarantine.”

    The DMR can carry a weight of up to 200 kgs.

    “It can also carry patients from ambulances to the hospitals or quarantine centres and back, and those with physical disabilities to the restroom and back,” Santosh said.

    Santosh has been working in the field of robotics for the last 20 years. “I have designed 48 robots and have developed 18 such robots,” he said.

                    Source: ANI

  • Ladakh: The land of high passes

    Ladakh: The land of high passes

    Ladakh, the ‘Land of High Passes’ offers experiences of a lifetime. Meticulously designed Wonders of Ladakh tour lets you explore the scenic lakes, snow-laden peaks, barren mountains and so much more. Treat your eyes to the awe-inspiring views which you won’t find anywhere else. Spanning over 10 days, the Wonders of Ladakh tour renders you in a state of awe with intriguing things like a Shikara ride and a visit to the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara. Besides spiritualism, this Leh Ladakh tour itinerary Via Srinagar allows you to enjoy amazing adventure during your excursion by embarking on a Camel safari at Hunder Sand Dunes in Nubra Valley. All things considered, you can rest assured of memorable holidays with the best tour package for Leh Ladakh from Srinagar.

    LEH PALACE

    Quite an impressive replica of Lhasa’s Potala Palace, the Leh Palace is a major attraction in Leh. A nine storey structure in dun colour, it was the erstwhile home to the royals of Ladakh, built at the behest of King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. The Leh Palace rises up against the backdrop of the lofty Himalayas, looking more like a painter’s muse. Built mostly of mud, rocks and wood, it is grand in its simplicity. The palace also houses a rich collection of traditional dresses and crowns, thangka paintings and some impressive traditional ornaments. The best part about Leh Palace is its terrace for you can pore over Leh, Stok Kangri and the Zanskar range from it. This one cannot be missed for it looms high in the skyline of Leh, standing guard over this Himalayan kingdom.

    STOK PALACE

    Stok Palace is the less majestic yet more famous of the palaces in Ladakh. At some 14 km from Leh, it was the once summer palace of Ladakh’s royal family. Built over 200 years ago, Stok Palace houses some rare ancient paintings of Buddhist deities Shakyamuni, Avalokiteshwara, Vajrapani, Tara, Amchi etc. The palace museum also houses some 100 plus volumes of Buddhist teachings and a giant statue of Avalokiteshwara. Some interesting artifacts like the jewel-studded crown of Ladakh’s erstwhile queen are also housed in the palace. The palace also has a cafe on its terrace and some rooms open for visitors. Prior booking has to be made in case you wish to stay here. Stok Palace is a major pit-stop if you are eager to hit some impressive treks in the Himalayas around.

    PANGONG TSO

    While no words can be apt enough to describe Pangong Tso, words like ‘magic’ and ‘surreal’ can be put to good use here. This astonishing, blue-water body at 14,270 ft is guarded by looming mountains. One of the most stunning lakes of the world, Pangong Tso covers 134 km and touches India and Tibet. Also important as a major wetland, it sees flocks of migratory birds in summers. Visiting it in winters is, of course, an out of this world experience for it is completely frozen at that time. The lake lies in the Changthang region of Ladakh at some 170 km from Leh, and has just one cemented stay facility nearby. Foreign nationals need Inner Line Permit to visit the lake; thus it’s advisable to check for visitor’s guidelines beforehand.

    LAMAYURU MONASTERY

    Lamayuru, fondly referred to as the Moon Land, is a major stopover on the Leh-Kargil Road. Hidden in the folds of the mountains of this mystical land is the Lamayuru Monastery. One of the oldest gompas in Ladakh and Spiti, this monastery is perched atop a cliff. Going by the legends, this region was once under a lake that was made to dry up by a holy man. The main sanctum of the monastery has a cave where Mahasiddha Naropa meditated for years. The entire region is considered sacred owing to the monastery’s presence and a visit is believed to liberate people from all their sins. Other than its religious significance, the place looks like a picture postcard that has turned real.

    TSEMO FORT

    This fort cum monastery stands guard over the city of Leh and is a major landmark, visible from everywhere in the city. Built by King Tashi Namgyal, it sees elaborate Buddhist ceremonies in morning and evening. Take the trail leading to the monastery from Leh to witness the interesting rituals. It also houses a three-storey tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, its face made out of solid gold. Also a vantage point for photographers, its terrace gives a bird’s eye view of the whole city. Visit it early in the morning to escape the scorching heat, witness the rituals as well as click great shots in the almost golden light that lights it up.

    STOK KANGRI

    Stok Kangri is the highest mountain peak in the Stok range of the Himalayas. At 20,500 ft, it is also the highest trekkable summit in India. It has always been a great lure for trekkers from all over the world and is quite popular since it requires relatively less trekking skills. Ideally done between 6-10 days, it is one of the must have Ladakh experiences. You need to be properly acclimatised to the high altitude conditions before attempting this one. It is advisable to make a summit attempt if you have prior experience of scaling some 14,000 ft peaks. A lot of mental fitness also goes into this one, for weather can take sudden turns on the trek to Stok Kangri. Still, it is a must do if adventure is your calling and you harbour a secret wish to scale a world-famous Indian peak.

    SHANTI STUPA

    Another one for the shutterbugs and the ones interested in culture and Buddhism. A starky white stupa (chorten) standing tall (4276 m) against a backdrop of the barren brown mountains, the Shanti Stupa is nothing less than fascinating. It was built by monks from Ladakh and Japan in 1983 to mark 2500 years of Buddhism in the region and promote world peace. The stupa houses Buddhist relics, placed here by the 14th Dalai Lama. A popular meditation site, it also has a simple cafe which makes up for the hard 15-minute climb up the stairs. Photographers must mark it in bold on their itinerary, for it’s a perfect place to shoot time lapse sequences.

  • Rumblings in Punjab Cong Amarinder in charge, key role for Sidhu: Cong panel

    Rumblings in Punjab Cong Amarinder in charge, key role for Sidhu: Cong panel

    New Delhi (TIP): A Congress panel seeking to resolve factionalism in the party’s Punjab unit recommended that chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh retain charge and former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu be accommodated in a key role, as part of proposals to boost the party’s prospects in next year’s assembly polls, senior leaders aware of the developments said on Thursday, June 10.

    The three-member committee, comprising Rajya Sabha member Mallikarjun Kharge, party in-charge of Punjab Harish Rawat, and former Delhi MP Jai Prakash Agarwal, submitted its report to party chief Sonia Gandhi on Thursday.

    Over the past two weeks, the panel spoke to 150 party lawmakers and functionaries. Singh and Sidhu, who have been locked in a bitter verbal war, also met the panel. Gandhi will now take the final call.The committee made five major recommendations, said a panel member on condition of anonymity.

    This included keeping Singh in charge, accommodating Sidhu either in the party or as a top minister, revamping the party organisation, reaching out to marginalised castes and give key positions to Dalits, and filling up vacancies in boards and corporations to fit in party leaders.          Source: HT

  • India’s domestic challenges due to Covid threaten its regional, global ambitions: US think-tank

    India’s domestic challenges due to Covid threaten its regional, global ambitions: US think-tank

    India’s domestic challenges due to COVID-19 crisis have become a threat to its regional and global ambitions, a US think-tank has observed and warned that unless it recovers with the help of allies like the United States, the pandemic could impact the geopolitical balance in the Indo-Pacific.

    As such, it is in the United States’ best interests to help India retain its status as a pre-eminent power in South Asia, particularly in view of China’s efforts to bolster its position at the expense of the US and India, it said.

    The Hudson Institute think-tank said that at the start of the pandemic, India offered medical assistance to its immediate neighbours and followed vaccine diplomacy in the first three months of 2021 which helped India to project itself as a regional leader, advancing its claim of being a global power in waiting.

    “There was optimism that India would be able to counter China’s soft power with its own. Now, however, at least over the short term, India’s domestic challenges have become a threat to its regional and global ambitions,” wrote Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the US, and Hudson research scholar Aparna Pande.

    Haqqani is currently the director of South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute. Pande is director, Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia at the think-tank.

    “The recent surge of COVID-19 in South Asia challenges India’s traditional ability to aid its smaller neighbours, a change that could, in turn, affect India’s influence in its competition with China.

    “Unless India can recover from this surge with the help of allies like the United States, the pandemic could impact the Indo-Pacific’s geopolitical balance,” the joint policy memo released by Hudson stated.

    In the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, India succeeded in occupying the role of a regional leader. But official complacency, disinclination on the part of government leaders to accept the advice of scientific advisors and reluctance to ramp up vaccine production and distribution has seriously damaged India’s standing, the think-tank report said.

    Haqqani and Pande wrote that a year-and-a-half after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s footprint in South Asia is larger than it was before. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are deeply in debt to China, having borrowed heavily from it due to the pandemic.

    “Unless India, the United States, and the financial institutions led by the democracies provide support, the Maldives and Nepal may also turn towards China for assistance,” they warned.

    Bipartisan support within the US policy community for India has already mobilised Americans to help India. The Joe Biden administration has sent oxygen concentrators, medicines testing kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment to India, and many US companies and the Indian-American community have rallied to India’s support, the think-tank report stated.

    The Hudson Institute recommended the Biden Administration offers Covid vaccine doses to India and other countries in need of them. In the short term, one way to help India’s economy recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic would be to reinstate India’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus status, which the Donald Trump administration removed.

    “A mini-trade deal could be offered to signal American support for India’s economic recovery,” the policy memo said.

    Noting that India’s economy underwent its first recession in 2020, contracting by 10 per cent, it said encouragement for American companies and those of other countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, that are moving out of China, to invest in India would also aid the country in restoring its economic growth.

    It recommended the Indian government enforces smart lockdowns, engage in vaccine diplomacy and also bolster ‘Quad’ diplomacy.          Source: PTI

  • Jaishankar, Kuwait FM discuss business, bilateral cooperation

    Jaishankar, Kuwait FM discuss business, bilateral cooperation

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held “productive discussions” with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah on Thursday during which the two sides discussed a range of issues including health, food, education, energy, digital and business cooperation.

    Jaishankar, who arrived in Kuwait on his first bilateral visit to the oil-rich Gulf nation early on Thursday, also appreciated Commerce Minister Dr Abdullah Issa Al-Salman who was present during the talks.

    “Productive discussions with FM @anmas71 of Kuwait. Aimed at taking forward our traditional friendship. Appreciate the presence of Commerce Minister Dr Abdullah Issa Al-Salman in the talks,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    He said the agenda of talks included health, food, education, energy, digital and business cooperation. “Agreed to review progress with early meeting of our joint commission,” he tweeted.

    The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will give Indian workers greater legal protection in Kuwait.

    “Welcomed the openness to address the issues of Indian community in Kuwait. Witnessed signing of a MoU that will give our workers greater legal protection. Launched the celebration of 60th anniversary of our ties,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    Jaishankar, who is carrying a personal letter from PM Narendra Modi to Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, earlier called on Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

    Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed visited India in March during which both sides decided to set up the joint commission.

                    Source: PTI

  • For 2nd year in a row, Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Puri to be held without devotees

    For 2nd year in a row, Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Puri to be held without devotees

    Bhubaneswar (TIP): For the second year in a row, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings will be held in Puri next month without the presence of any devotees due to Covid-19 fears.

    Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Jena on Thursday said the Rath Yatra will be held on July 11 in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court last year. After refusing to allow it, the apex court last year had permitted the Rath Yatra to happen on the condition that there is no public attendance and all entry points into Puri will remain closed. It also said each of the 3 chariots, would be pulled by not more than 500 people who test negative for coronavirus.

    “Pulling of chariots maybe performed by Sevayats, police personnel and any other officials permitted by the SJTA. Only temple servitors who have either been fully vaccinated or have RT-PCR negative reports from 48 hours prior to the event will be allowed to carry out the Rath Yatra rituals. There would be sufficient interval between pulling of two chariots. Each Rath would be pulled by not more than 500 people and social distancing be maintained as far as practicable,” said Jena.

    Considered as part and parcel of the social, religious and cultural ethos of the people of Odisha, Rath Yatra is one of the main festivals of Odisha that commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from the 12th century Jagannath Temple to their aunt’s abode in Gundicha Temple, 2.5 km away in Puri town. During Rath Yatra, a million devotees converge in Puri town believing that they would attain salvation by touching the ropes attached to the chariots. After staying in Gundicha Temple for 9 days, the three deities come back to Jagannath Temple on the 10th day in a return journey called “Bahuda Yatra”.

  • India files affidavit in court proving Mehul Choksi’s Indian citizenship, CBI team already in Dominica

    India files affidavit in court proving Mehul Choksi’s Indian citizenship, CBI team already in Dominica

    New Delhi (TIP): Making matters worse for fugitive economic offender, Mehul Choksi, India has filed an affidavit proving the businessman’s citizenship in the Dominica High Court.

    The Indian investigation team consisting of ED and CBI have prepared the affidavit, which was filed by Ministry of External Affairs’ official on behalf of Union of India.

    Apart from stating that Choksi is an Indian citizen, the affidavit says that he is wanted in Rs 13,000 crore bank scam for which the investigating teams want to take him back to India.

    “Indian agencies are investigating him. His entry to Antigua should be considered illegal,” said sources noted the affidavit.

    Indian investigating teams under CBI SP Sharda Raut have already reached Dominica.

    Top Indian government sources have revealed that the Centre has taken help of ex-solicitor general Harish Salve in preparing the final draft of the affidavit. “He has given his services free of cost for the country,” revealed sources.

    Top officials in the Intelligence Bureau said that Choksi is paying huge money to lawyers to handle his case. “He has hired lawyers from Dominica, India and UK to handle the case. Money he is using is same he looted from Indian banks. His wife is doing PR on his behalf. She is giving wrong direction to the case that he is not an Indian citizen,” said sources.

    They further asserted that Choksi is very much an Indian citizen and needs to be arrested for the scam he has committed and the case is filed in India.

    “Indian Investigation teams are in Dominica and he should surrender himself and join the investigation,” they said. “My husband is not an Indian citizen, he must be returned to his family, and to his home in Antigua and Barbuda. My husband has categorically said in the Indian courts that he is available to be interviewed for Indian agencies, But if you don’t want to interview him. How will you ever investigate this case.” said Choksi’s wife, Priti.

  • Delhi High Court refuses to stay film on SSR

    New Delhi (TIP): Delhi High Court on Thursday, June 10,  refused to stay the release of film ‘Nyay: The Justice’, which is based on the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput observing that “artistic freedom to create fictional works cannot be controlled.”

    Justice Sanjeev Narula dismissed the plea filed by Rajput’s father, KK Singh, who sought a stay on several films slated to be made on the late actor’s life.

    “The artistic freedom to create fictional works cannot be controlled, limited, or confined within set boundaries. An artist’s inspiration can come from any source, and the court cannot filter real-life events. This Court finds merit in the submission of the Defendants that details of the demise of SSR received widespread and protracted news coverage in all media, which are available in the public domain, and form a part of the public record,” the Delhi High Court said.

    Some of the upcoming or proposed movie projects, based on Rajput’s life, mentioned in the plea, are – ‘Nyay: The Justice’, ‘Suicide or Murder: A star was lost’, ‘Shashank’ and an unnamed crowd-funded film.

    According to the suit, filed through advocates Akshay Dev, Varun Singh, Abhijeet Pandey and Samruddhi Bendbhar, ‘Nyay’ is scheduled to be released in June, while shooting has commenced with regard to ‘Suicide or Murder: A star was lost’ and ‘Shashank’.

    Source: Express News Service

  • Ashta Vinayaka : Eight forms of Lord Ganesha

    Ashta Vinayaka : Eight forms of Lord Ganesha

    Ashta Vinayaka means “Eight Ganeshas” in Sanskrit. Ashtavinayaka is the eight forms of Lord Ganesh, the Hindu god of prosperity and he is often reagrded as one who removes obstacles. Lord Ganesha is one of the most worshipped Hindu gods. Son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is an elephant-faced God who is believed to be the carrier of good luck and is worshipped before every new beginning by devotees. The ritual of worshipping Lord Ganesha before every important event is called Ganesh Vandana. Lord Ganesha has many names and we bring to you some of them and their meanings:

    Vakratunda

    Ganesha’s first avatara is of Vakratunda (twisted trunk) an embodiment of the Absolute Impersonal aspect of Godhood called Brahman in the form of Ganesha. A demon named Matsara was born out of the Pramaada (Heedlessness) of Indra, the king of Gods. This demon performed severe penance and invoked the grace of Lord Shiva and obtained the boon of fearlessness from Him.

    Having obtained the boon he went about conquering all the three worlds,” He was coronated as the king of Asuras by their preceptor Sukracharya. The defeated gods went to Kailasa and prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. On hearing the mission of gods, Matsara went to Kailas and vaniquished Lord Shiva also. When the gods were at their wit’s end to know what to do next. Lord Dattatreya came there. He advised the gods to invoke the grace of Lord Vakratunda and imparted to them the secret of the monosyllable mantra Gam. All the gods including Shiva did penance accordingly and at last Lord Vakratunda appeared and assured them that he would subdue the demon. The demon was so terrified at the sight of Vakratunda that he surrendered to Him and sought refuge at His feet. The Lord forgave him, and restored the lost glory and kingdoms to the gods, and to the various kings on earth.

    Ekadanta

    The next incarnation was in the form of Ekadanta (single tusked) who defeated the demon Madasura. The famous sage Chyavana created Madasura. The Asura sought his father’s permission and went to Sukracharya, who was Chyavana’s brother as well as the preceptor of the Asuras. He prostrated to the Guru and expressed his desire to become the ruler of the whole universe. Sukracharya was pleased with his nephew’s submission and initiated him into the Shakti Mantra Hrim. Madasura did penance on this mantra for thousands of years.  At last the deity of Shakti, appeared, before him and blessed him with the fulfillment of all his desires. Thereafter the demon went about raging battles against all the kings and the gods, and was victorious everywhere. He thus became the ruler of all the three worlds. In his reign, all virtues and righteousness disappeared from the world. He married Saalasa the daughter of Pramada Asura and begot three children in her, viz. Vilasi, Lolupa and Dhanapriya. The worried gods approached Sanat kumara and sought his advice to overcome their plight Sanatkumara instructed them to propitiate Lord Ekadanta and seek his protection.

    Mahodara

    The third incarnation was of Mahodara who vanquished Mohasura, the demon of Delusion and Confusion. Once again the mouse was the mount of Ganesha. The confused nature of this tale makes it difficult to understand exactly what was going on. It seems that once Shiva was sunk in meditation for ages and showing no signs of coming out of it. Meanwhile, the gods were in need of help. Parvati therefore assumed an alluring form and wandered round his meditating spot. Shiva was brought back to normal wakeful consciousness by this act and she abandoned the alluring ‘cover’ so as to speak. This abandoned energy form became a demon in its own right over the ages and Ganesha subdued it.

    Gajanana

    Equally perplexing in the tangled web of intergenerational sexuality is the next tale, of the avatar of Gajanana or Gajavaktra who defeated the demon Lobhasura (Greed or Covetousness). Gajanana means “the Lord with an elephant face”, and Lobha was the demon of greed. Kubera, the Treasurer of the heavens, once visited Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva. There he was blessed with the vision of the Lord and Goddess Parvati. Parvati was so beautiful that Kubera looked at Her with lustful eyes. The Mother became angry at this, and Kubera shivered with fear. From the fear of Kubera, there manifested a demon named Lobhasura. Lobhasura descended to the world of Asuras, where he received his education from Sukracharya, the guru of Asuras.

    Lambhodara

    Once upon a time Lord Vishnu had assumed the form of Mohini, the enchantress, to delude the demons. When Lord Shiva beheld this seductive form. He was struck with passion.  Vishnu immediately gave up the Mohini form and assumed His usual form. Shiva became sad and angry. Out of the seeds of His disappointment was born a terrible demon Krodhasura.  This demon invoked the grace of the Lord Sun and became a powerful king. He married “Preeti” the beautiful daughter of Sambara and begot two sons in her—- Harsha and Soka.  The gods undertook penance to invoke the grace of Lord Ganesha in the form of Lambodara. The Lord appeared before them and for the sake of the world, subdued Krodhasura.

    Vikata

    His next incarnation was of Vikata(”The mishappen”), who subdued Kama, the demon of desire. The demon named Kamasura, i.e. the embodiment of lust, was born out of the seeds of Lord Vishnu. Like all other demons he was accepted by the preceptor Sukracharya as his disciple. Kamasura performed penance on Lord Shiva and after long and arduous austerities he was blessed by the Lord. He became the supreme ruler of the three worlds. He was ceremoniously married to Trishna, the daughter of Mahishasura, and begot two sons in her, viz. Soshana and Dushpoora. The Devas, tormented by his rule, approached Mudgala Rishi for showing them a way out. The teacher advised them to meditate on the mantra OM at a place called Mayuresa Kshetra. Pleased by their devotion. Lord Ganesha appeared to them in the form of Vikata, and brought about their salvation.

    Vighnaraja

    The 7th incarnation of Ganesha Vighnaraja had a very unusual mode of conveyance – a Sheshnaag or Shasha. In this lifetime Ganesha managed to subdue the demon Mamasur (also known as Mamtasur or Mama), the demon of the ego. This is His (Ganesha’s) most popular incarnation, known as The Remover of Obstacles. Riding his vehicle called Sheshnag, a serpent, he strode into battle with Mamtasur, and overcame him.” Parvati Devi, the daughter of Himavan, was married to Lord Shiva.

    After the marriage, one day when She was relaxing in the company of Her friends. She burst out in laughter in a playful mood, and out of Her laughter was born a handsome male form He prostrated to the Mother She was surprised at this manifestation of the form and asked him who he was and what he wanted. He said that he was born from Her laughter and asked Her as to how he could serve Her. She named him Mama, as he was born out of her outburst, when She was swayed by “Maan”, the sense of I-ness, Ego. She then instructed him to remember Lord Ganesha always, who would fulfill all his desires.

    Dhoomravarna

    Ganesha has a mouse as his mount here. His life mission this time around was to defeat the demon Ahamkarasur, the demon of self-infatuation. Once, Brahmaji, the grandsire, bestowed on the Sun deity, the lordship over the ‘world of activities’. One day, a thought dawned in the mind of Sun: “All the worlds are governed by Karma—-activities; and by virtue of my being the Lord of Karma Rajya, I can consider myself to be the supreme governor of all the worlds. As this thought passed his mind, he happened to sneeze and out of the sneeze there arose a demon. He went down to the world of Asuras and Sukracharya gave him the name “Aham” on account of his birth from the ego of Sun. He meditated on Lord Ganesha, who appeared before him in the form of Dhumravarna and blessed him to be the sovereign ruler of all the three worlds. Aham married “Mamata”, daughter of Pramadasura, and begot two sons in her named Garva and Sreshta.  Tired of the demonic rule of Aham, the Devas meditated upon Lord Ganesha for salvation, and the Lord descended to their rescue- Ere long, Lord Ganesha in the form of Dhoomravarna subdued the demon Aham.

  • Tips to say goodbye to oily skin woes

    Tips to say goodbye to oily skin woes

    The hot and humid summer weather can have a severe impact on the skin and even cause acne, blemishes, and tans. Additionally, the sweat also clogs the pores with impurities. While each skin type faces issues during this time of the year, it can get worse for those with oily skin.

    Sebaceous glands produce sebum to keep the skin soft and moisturised. But when excess sebum is produced, it makes the skin feel oily and can also lead to acne and other problems. “Sebaceous glands mature with age, which leads to an increase in sebum production on the skin layer, and the higher the androgens present in the body, the more sebum is funnelled through the pores,” said Dr Ajay Rana, dermatologist and aesthetic physician, and founder, and director of ILAMED.

    Follow these skincare tips to treat oily skin during the humid weather:

    –              Cleanse your skin twice or thrice daily to get rid of all the dirt, pollution, and oil build-up which leads to clogged pores, acne, and other problems.

    –              Use serums to tackle different skin problems. Go for a hydrating serum to treat dehydrated skin; for brightening and anti-ageing effect, use a serum with brightening and anti-ageing properties.

    –              Exfoliate oily skin once or twice a week. Exfoliation rescues the production of excess sebum that leads to dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, which results in pimples, acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.

    –              Oily skin needs regular moisturising and hydration. Extreme exposure to moisture encourages the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic, water-based moisturiser regularly.

    –              Always use a primer while applying makeup. It aids in keeping sebum under control.

    –              Use an alcohol-free toner almost every day. It can help to eliminate excess oil and banish dirt from the skin.

    –              Apply a sheet mask or a peel mask once a week. Go for a face mask that contains charcoal or Moroccan clay. It keeps the skin calm and clear.

    –              Applying a good SPF sunscreen is the most important part of the oily skin care routine in this weather. Use a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium dioxide that absorbs oil from the skin.

    –              Never sleep with your makeup on. It can clog the pores and lead to other skin problems.

    –              Apply a face mask at least two or three times a week. A good face mask is one that contains Kaolin and Bentonite clay, sandalwood, multani mitti. These are considered best for oily skin as they gently absorb excess oil from the skin.

                    Source: Indian Express

  • Paneer Makhani

    Paneer Makhani

    By Tript Arora

    Paneer Makhani is a favorite dish of Indians. Paneer ( Cottage Cheese) cooked in silky smooth sweet Buttery gravy made of onion, tomatoes, ginger garlic and cashew. It is served with roti, naan, paratha or any type of bread . Paneer Makhani is amongst the top five frequently ordered dishes in all hotels, restaurant and eating joints in India.

    This restaurant style Paneer makhani is delicious and easy to cook . It can be made under 30 minutes from a scratch.No previous preparation is required. When you can’t order from outside let us create the magic inside our home.

    So what are we waiting for, let us get started with this super creamy Panner Makhani and enjoy our dinner tonight with this sumptuous Paneer Makhani.

    We Need

    200 gm Cottage Cheese, 2 medium onions, 4 Large Tomatoes,

    1″ Piece of Ginger, 8 Garlic Cloves, 12 pieces of Cashew, 2 Green Chillies, 2 Cloves, 2 Green Cardamoms, 1″ Piece of Cinnamon, 4 Pepper Corns or Kaali mirchi whole. Or ¼ Tsp of Black pepper powder, 1 Tbsp of Kashmiri Red Chilli powder, ½ Tsp of Turmeric Powder, 1 Tbsp Coriander Powder, 1 Tbsp Kasoori Methi, 2 Tbsp Butter, 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil, 1 Tsp Sugar, 50 ml Cream, 1 Tsp Salt Or to taste.

    Here We Go

    –              Chop onion & tomatoes in Long slices. Peel ginger and garlic and roughly chop them.

    –              Heat a pan. Add 1Tbsp butter & 1 Tbsp oil to it. When butter starts melting add Green Cardamoms and Cinnamon to the pan. Roast for 5 sec and add onions to the pan. Saute till translucent. Add ginger , green chillies and garlic and saute for 1 minute.

    –              Add Cashew and black peppercorn to the pan and roast a while. When Cashews are coated with oil, add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Also add salt, turmeric powder , coriander powder and Kashmiri red chilli powder.

    –              Saute till tomatoes are mushy and well cooked. Raw tomatoes spoil the taste of gravy. So always cook them well. Add 250ml or 1 cup of water and cook it covered on low flame for 10 to 12 minutes or till the water has fully evaporated.

    –              Let it cool and then grind it to a fine paste.

    –              Heat the pan and add oil and butter to the pan. Add ground paste to the pan and saute till the paste thickens and leaves some oil. Add water to adjust it’s consistency. Add sugar. Cover it with a lid and further cook on low flame for ten minutes or till the gravy leaves oil.

    –              Add Paneer pieces to the gravy. Add cream . Mix gently so as not to break the cheese pieces. Crush kasoori methi in your palm and add to the paneer makhni. Mix well and switch off the flame.

    –              Serve hot with roti, parantha and zeera rice.

    –              Preparation Time : 10 min

    –              Cooking time : 20 minutes.

    Pro Tips

    –              Always add oil before adding butter. This will prevent butter from burning.

    –              Add fresh raw paneer to the dish. Don’t fry it.

    –              If you dry roast kasuri methi on tawa. It will enhance the taste and smell of kasuri methi.

  • Issa Rae joins cast of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse sequel

    Issa Rae joins cast of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse sequel

    Issa Rae, who is an actor, writer, producer and director, can now add ‘superhero’ to her already impressive resume. The 36-year-old star is entering the Spider-Verse.

    As per Variety, the Insecure star has joined the voice cast of the sequel to 2018’s Oscar-winning animated feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse as Jessica Drew, better known as Spider-Woman. Issa has joined returning voice actors Shameik Moore (as main hero Miles Morales) and Hailee Steinfeld (as Gwen Stacy, a.k.a. Spider-Gwen). In April, Variety reported that Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K Thompson will be directing the feature, with producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller also credited as writers on the screenplay, along with David Callaham.

    Amy Pascal, Avi Arad and Christina Steinberg are also producing, and original Spider-Verse director Peter Ramsey is returning as an executive producer, with Lord Miller’s Aditya Sood.

    While plot details are being kept under wraps, casting Issa as Jessica does open up the possibility of exploring a region of the Marvel comics landscape that has been virtually ignored in the Marvel feature and TV series adaptations of the last 20 years: Wundagore Mountain.

  • Shanaya Kapoor to make Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Rom-Com

    Shanaya Kapoor to make Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Rom-Com

    There have been discussions for a long time now for the launch of Shanaya Kapoor, Bollywood actor Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter. Ever since filmmaker Karan Johar got her on board his talent management agency in January this year, there have been many speculations about her debut in Bollywood.

    Earlier, there were unconfirmed reports that she will make her acting debut with Student Of The Year 3. Shanaya, who is quite active on social media, has also hinted several times about her debut and the audience is eagerly awaiting its release.

    Now, it seems the buzz is over regarding the start of her film innings. There have been reports that the star kid will enter the Hindi film industry with a romantic comedy that will be a love triangle. The movie will be produced by Karan with Shashank Khaitan under the banner of Dharma Productions. Shashank is famous for directing Dulhania Franchise and Dhadak. The upcoming flick will feature Laksh Lalwani and Gurfateh Pirzada in the lead. A source close to the film’s development told Pinkvilla that the three actors have been taking part in several acting workshops over the past six months as earlier the movie was planned to go on floors in July this year. However, because of the restrictions imposed in several states owing to the second wave of Covid-19, the shooting plans were delayed. Now the makers are planning a new schedule. A major chunk of the project will be shot abroad and a team from the production house will go on a recce once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

  • Sofia slams Salman, says she deliberately didn’t share Bigg Boss stage with him

    Former Bigg Boss contestant Sofia Hayat has slammed actor Salman Khan, revealing that she chose not to appear on stage at the Bigg Boss finale with Salman because ‘(her) morality and truth is stronger than (her) ego’. Sofia was one of the contestants on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013. Taking to Instagram, Sofia shared several pictures of herself and wrote a long note on Salman ‘using the same tricks’ before releasing a film. In her note, she also asked, “Isn’t it about time you cast a girl your own age to star opposite you?” She wrote, “Salman Khan has been using the same tricks every time he releases a movie. He releases on Eid, using the religious festivity as a promotional day, profiting from a spiritual day. He also releases the same clichéd story lines, same cheesy looks to camera, same clichéd girl meets boy story, (always using a younger model each time, isn’t it about time you cast a girl your own age to star opposite you?), and same clichéd cheesy lines. What he has not done is to grow. His audiences have clearly grown and are fed up with the same regurgitated story lines that are quite clearly brain numbing, even watching the trailer of Radhe, I thought, haven’t I seen all of this before?”

  • Carey Mulligan to play journalist in film on Harvey Weinstein scandal

    Carey Mulligan to play journalist in film on Harvey Weinstein scandal

    The first Hollywood feature film to focus directly on the Harvey Weinstein scandal is due to start production in the summer, Universal Pictures said.

    She Said is based on the 2019 book of the same name about the New York Times investigation into claims of sexual misconduct by Weinstein.

    Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan are in final negotiations to play the two journalists – Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor – who wrote the book and who won Pulitzer Prizes for their reporting in October 2017 on the story.

    Some 100 women came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct by Weinstein, then one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood, after the initial stories broke in the New York Times and the New Yorker.

  • Christina Ricci joins Keanu Reeves, Priyanka Chopra in The Matrix 4

    Christina Ricci joins Keanu Reeves, Priyanka Chopra in The Matrix 4

    Actor Christina Ricci is the latest addition to the star-studded cast of the much-anticipated fourth installment in the Matrix franchise.

    Warner Bros, the studio behind the Keanu Reeves-led sci-fi movie series, shared Ricci’s casting in a press kit issued to Variety.

    The Matrix 4, directed by Lana Wachowski, also features Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jonathan Groff and Neil Patrick Harris. Actors Jessica Henwick, Telma Hopkins, Erendira Ibarra, Toby Onwumere, Max Riemelt, and Brian J Smith round out the cast. Christina has previously collaborated with Lana on 2008 movie Speed Racer.

    The Warner Bros and Village Roadshow co-production, The Matrix 4 is written by Lana, David Mitchell and Aleksander Hemon, based on characters created by Lana and her sister, Lilly. The film is set to premiere on December 22, 2021 in theatres and on streaming platform HBO Max.

  • High risk of autumn Covid surge in Europe

    ovid-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths are falling fast across Europe, but the risk of a deadly autumn resurgence remains high as societies open up and the more transmissible Delta variant advances, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. The warning came as new case numbers continued to plunge in most of the continent, falling in some areas to their lowest levels since August, and multiple governments, including France and Germany, relaxed restrictions further.

    Urging people and governments to exercise “caution and common sense” over the summer, the WHO Europe’s regional director, Hans Kluge, said on Thursday that community transmission was still widespread and would continue as travel and social gatherings increased.

    “We’ve been here before,” Kluge said. “Last summer, cases gradually rose in younger age groups, then moved into older age groups, leading to a devastating … loss of life in the autumn and winter of 2020. Let’s not make that mistake again.”

    Katy Smallwood, a senior emergency officer, said the Delta variant first detected in India was of particular concern. “It is not yet prevalent in the European region but in some countries has already displaced the dominant Alpha variant,” she said.

  • Indian sentenced to 14 months in prison for US$ 8,00,000 fraud

    Indian sentenced to 14 months in prison for US$ 8,00,000 fraud

    WASHINGTON (TIP): A court in Seattle has sentenced an Indian national to 14 months in prison for defrauding his employer of nearly US$ 800,000 in used equipment sales, according to Acting US Attorney Tessa M Gorman. Arunkumar Singal, 42, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on January 3 and faces deportation after the completion of sentence. “You put everything at risk for one thing: to add to your wealth… You stopped because you were caught by law enforcement, but you continued to lie and deceive,” US District Judge Richard A Jones told Singal during the sentencing hearing on June 4. According to records filed in the case, in 2014 Singal was the director of Global Product Support at Spacelabs Healthcare Inc. The company was established in the 1950s to make medical monitoring devices for astronauts and then expanded its business to include medical monitoring devices for hospitals and clinics. Singal was put in-charge of a new initiative to resell used equipment.

    Federal prosecutors alleged that instead of selling the equipment to the highest bidder as he was supposed to do, Singal devised a scheme to have a Texas company bid on the equipment at a very low price, and then used a shell company, created by him, to purchase the equipment for a 10 per cent increase in profit from the Texas company.

    He then turned around and sold the equipment at a much higher price to a Minnesota company.  Through this fraudulent scheme Singal made a profit of more than US$ 780,000, court documents said.

    Singal used the ill-gotten gain to pay down the mortgage on his luxury Mercer Island home and to buy a Tesla, among other expenditures.

    The scheme unraveled when tech support workers doing regular maintenance on Singal’s company cell phone reported messages that appeared to indicate side deals not authorized by the company.

    The company fired Singal and reported potential fraud to the Snoqualmie Police Department who alerted the FBI.

    As part of the plea deal, Singal sold the Mercer Island home and paid restitution to Spacelabs of US$ 780,163.

     “However, the harm to the company went beyond the lost income on the sales of the equipment. At the time Singal was stealing from the company, Spacelabs was having to tighten its spending and lay-off staffers. Had it received the true value of the used equipment, the financial constraints would not have been so severe,” the Department of Justice said.

    In asking for a three-year prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “Singal abused his position of trust and responsibility”.

    When he was placed in a position of increased responsibility, he promptly abused the trust he had been given, devising the scheme to resell Spacelabs’ property for his own personal gain. Singal literally lost no opportunity to wring every ounce of profit from his criminal scheme, they said.

    (Source:PTI)

  • Indian American Teenager Megha Ganne poised to become a future golf ‘Megha-star’

    Indian American Teenager Megha Ganne poised to become a future golf ‘Megha-star’

    NEW JERSEY (TIP): Indian American high school junior Megha Ganne may have finished only as the low amateur at the 2021 US Women’s Open Golf tournament, but she has become a new idol to hundreds of young girls.

    The 17-year-old from New Jersey played in the final group but shot 77 and finished 3 over as the low amateur as Yuka Saso became the first Filipino to win the tournament at Olympic Club, San Francisco.

    “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life,” said Ganne, who is poised to become a future ‘Megha-star,’ as the Golf Channel put it. “It’s everything I’ve wanted since I was little, so it’s just the best feeling.”

    “It’s my favorite part of the whole week,” said Ganne at Saturday’s press conference following her 1-over 72. “I love spending time with them and saying hello and just seeing their smiles.”

    On Saturday, Ganne was counting down the hours until her final round paring with the American favorite Lexi Thompson and 19-year-old Yuka Saso. Ganne knew there was a chance she could hoist that trophy and she was going to give it all she could on Sunday to make it happen, the Golf Channel said.

    “I guarantee you all 156 people in this field have thought about winning this championship and they just don’t say it because they want to seem humble. But, yeah, it’s been down there and hopefully I have a chance tomorrow,” she was quoted as saying.

    On Sunday morning at 10:35 PT, the hours were up, and Ganne teed off first out of the three players. It was a little bit of a rocky start. Ganne’s tee shot landed into heavy rough, and she began the day with a double bogey.

  • Indian-origin Industrialist Swraj Paul’s company to build large steel pipe mill In Texas

    Indian-origin Industrialist Swraj Paul’s company to build large steel pipe mill In Texas

    HOUSTON (TIP):  Bull Moose Tube, a subsidiary of the London-headquartered Caparo group owned by Indian-origin industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, has announced plans to build a 3,50,000 ton per year high speed steel and sprinkler pipe mill in Texas. The company plans to set up the plant at Sinton and it is expected to go into production by early 2023. Caparo chairman Swraj Paul told PTI over phone from London that the proposed Texas plant would be its seventh in the US and the eighth in North America.

    The plant will be set up in partnership with Germany-based SMS Group for design, automation and implementation of the mill.

    “There is likely to be a USD 200-250 million investment in the plant,” the 90-year-old UK-based entrepreneur said.

    The formal announcement of the plant was made on June 4 and it coincided with the birthday of Swraj Paul’s son Angad Paul, who passed away in 2015 at 45 years of age. He ran Caparo industries from 1996 as its chief executive officer.

    “The construction of the new plant is an excellent project for BMT (Bull Moose Tube) and is a tribute to my late son who was born June 4,” Swraj Paul said.

    He added that Angad Paul’s energy and enthusiasm would never be forgotten in taking forward Caparo’s business in North America.

    “I look forward to the future growth and success of BMT at our new Texas location and planning to be there for the ground-breaking, depending on the travel during (Covid) pandemic by that time,” Swraj Paul said.

    Typical applications for Bull Moose Tube include construction, transportation, fire protection, lawn and garden equipment, and many other engineering and household products.

    Caparo, which has close to USD 1 billion turnover, has a strong presence in India as well where the group operates several companies as original equipment manufacturer to auto makers.

    It was one of the many ancillary companies that had proposed to set up a plant at Singur in West Bengal in eastern India with the Tata Nano plant.

    Swraj Paul said he continued to believe in the India growth story and will expand business in the future.

    He said that his grandchildren spend considerable time in India too.

    President and CEO of BMT, Tom Modrowski, said the new mill will be transformational and “will expand our geographic footprint and allow us to better serve customers not only in the Southwest, West Coast and Mexico markets, but across the entire business”.

    “Expanding our capacity, capabilities, and flexibility will increase BMT’s market share in large HSS (high speed steel) sizes and ensure our continued and expanded leadership position in the sprinkler pipe market,” he said.

    (Source: PTI)