The Indian Panorama

Month: November 2021

  • Sanity has prevailed.

    Sanity has prevailed.

    On Prime Minister Narendra’s Announcement of repeal of farm laws

     

           Prof Indrajit S Saluja

    After remaining adamant for more than a year on not repealing the farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged in his address to the nation on November 19th, the 552nd birth anniversary of the First Master of the Sikhs Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, that there was widespread resentment among the farmers over the farm laws , and announced the laws will be repealed. Hopefully, the announcement will end a painful period in the lives of the farmers of India who lost 700 of their brethren during a year and a half of protest against the farm laws, besides untold suffering the protesters and their families went through.

    One man who with his plain-speak has endeared himself to farmers and all right thinking people across the world is Satya Pal Malik, Governor of Meghalaya who despite  being a Modi appointee, warned Modi government of consequences of having a confrontation with the farmers, and always asserted  that he would prefer to stand with the farmers rather than stay glued to his cushy job.

    The farmers’ protest has united the farmers over a large part of north India. A number of leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, have emerged as potential power centers and have all the opportunity to lead farmers to political power. It is well to recall the well-known and strong leaders like Chaudhary Charan Singh in Uttar Pradesh and Devi Lal in Haryana who wielded political power on the strength of the farming community that they belonged to.

    Indians abroad must be feeling vindicated for their support to the protesting farmers in India. Some of them including Darshan Singh Dhaliwal in the US had their OCI cards revoked and they were not allowed to enter India for their support to protesting farmers. Government of India should now restore their OCI cards and visas and welcome  them to India. And this decision should be taken now.

    Good to see sanity prevail.

    Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti!

  • Air India denies 85-Year-Old Lady boarding despite a confirmed seat reservation

    Air India denies 85-Year-Old Lady boarding despite a confirmed seat reservation

    Family rejects offer of compensation; demands punishment to the guilty

    November 16, 2021

    3.45 PM

    I.S. Saluja

    SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Kamani Bhandari, an 85-year-old lady who is a US Citizen and an OCI card holder had a taste of Air India mismanagement on November 15 when she was denied boarding because the airline said there was no seat available. The lady was having a confirmed seat Number 9F in the Business class. The boarding agent said the seat was defective, and no other seat was available.

    Passenger Kamani Bhandari

    Kamani Bhandari was booked on Air India Flight AI184 from San Francisco to Delhi, and for onward flight to Jodhpur. She was to fly out on November 15 at 8.30 PM (PT).

    After the check-in and obtaining a boarding pass with Business class Seat 9 F the special assistance took her for security check and then to the boarding gate. Meanwhile, the son of Kamani, Sanjay Bhandari, a former President of Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) who had come to the airport to see her off left for home,

    It was at the boarding gate that a boarding manager informed Kamani Bhandari that she will not be boarding the flight because some seats are unserviceable and because of overbooking, no alternative seat could be found for her. Mrs. Bhandari was taken to the lobby where her luggage was handed over to her.

    The worried lady informed her son of the development.

    Mr. Prem Bhandari, a well-known Community leader, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA and associated in important capacity with several other organizations called   the offices of The Indian Panorama this morning to narrate the story of harassment to the old lady. Mr. Bhandari is known to have helped Air India and Air India passengers on many occasions, particularly during COVID-19. He told the editor that the old lady’s son Mr. Sanjay Bhandari would call him to give the details.

    Mr. Sanjay Bhandari narrated the sequence of the event and said Air India offered to send his mother to Delhi by a United Airlines flight on November 16. But then there was no connecting flight available for onward flight to Jodhpur until the 19th, almost 30 hours after her arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport.  It meant she was to have over 30 hours’ lay off. It could not have worked for the old lady.

    Mr. Sanjay Bhandari got in touch with Anju Sahani, Air India Station Manager for a convenient flight for his mother but found Sahani evasive. Incidentally, Anju Sahani was present at the boarding gate when the boarding manager was telling the lady that she could not go by the flight AI 184 because of non-availability of a seat.

    The Indian Panorama editor called Anju Sahani on her number 650-942-3131 at 8 AM (PT) on November 16. The phone was not answered. A message was left in the voice mail detailing the reason for the call and a request was left for a call back. There has been no call back more than 4 hours after the message was left.

    The Editor of this newspaper then called Air India Regional Manager Mr. Sunil Daware to have the update. Mr. Daware said he would get back after getting the information. He called back in a few minutes and informed the editor of the arrangements being worked out with the family of Kamani Bhandari to put her on a convenient flight. Mr. Daware said the family preferred to go by an Air India flight to Delhi from where a convenient connecting flight to Jodhpur was available, and that Monday, November 22 was the date they were working on.

    Asked if it was not a serious case of mismanagement, Mr. Daware said Air India considers the safety and comfort of passengers of paramount importance, and therefore, when the seat was found to be unserviceable, the passenger was told about non availability of the seat. Asked if the airline will give a compensation to the passenger for the loss of time and inconvenience, Mr. Daware said “Yes, as per regulation”.

    Mr. Sanjay Bhandari, Kamani Bhandari’s son said in a note: “They (Air India) said $1550 .00 is the compensation but I never agreed to the amount. My mother already had a Business Class ticket before the incident.  This incident has caused so much trauma to my mother that no amount of money can compensate for what Air India has done with her”.

    The Bhandari family insists that an inquiry into the incident be held and the guilty be punished.

    The Indian Panorama has been told that the incident is not the first of its kind. Air India has earned a certain amount of notoriety for being deficient in providing services and treating passengers rather callously. A friend who is a lifelong friend of Air India admitted that Air India itself is responsible for its doom.

     

  • NIAASC holds its 32nd Conference and 23rd Annual meeting in New York

    NIAASC holds its 32nd Conference and 23rd Annual meeting in New York

    Center NIAASC Chairman Rajeshwar Prasad, to his Right NIAASC President Gunjan Rastogi and to his left WVV President Suman Munjal and WVV members.
    Dr. Swaminathan Giridharan Md FACP FACE, speaker.

    QUEENS, NY (TIP): The National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens(NIAASC) celebrated its 32nd Conference and 23rd Annual meeting on Sunday, November 7th, 2021which was primarily an in-person meeting but was also streamed via zoom for thosewho were unable to attend the physical meeting. The conference was informative and entertaining with vegan breakfast and lunch served.

    Theevent was held at theIndia Home in Jamaica, New York; courtesyof Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi,who is the founder of India Home nonprofit organization and a current board member of NIAASC. Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Vice president– NIAASC was the coordinator of the conference and coordinated the event effectively and flawlessly.

    The conference started with opening remarks and greetings byNIAASC Chairman and founderMr. Rajeshwar Prasad, and in his speech reflected on the growth of the organization since its inception in 1998. He stated “NIAASC helps Senior Citizens and Senior Associations through information, referral and advocacy services “. Following the Chairman’s speech, Mrs. Gunjan Rastogi, the current president of NIAASC welcomed­­the attendees and echoed the chairman’s message andreaffirmed and reminded everyone that NIAASC is a unique nonprofit organization that provides resourcesfor all the seniors while collaborating with other nonprofit organizationsandthis was well received and acknowledged. The main speaker was Dr. Vikas Malik,a board-certifiedmedical professional in both Child-Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry and his PowerPoint presentation on Mental Health in light of COVID-19 captivated the audience of roughly 70 physical attendees and 30 virtual attendees, who appreciated the information and knowledge that was succinctly explained.Hispresentation was followedby Dr. Swaminathan Giridharan, a Geriatric specialist, who spoke about COVID-19 Vaccination. The conference also focused on physical health and a presentation by   Mrs. Suman Munjal, president of World Vegan Vision, who discussed the health benefits pertaining to a vegan diet. Theoccasion marked NIAASC honoring Mr. Mukund Mehta,President of Indo-American Senior citizen center, a nonprofit organization andthe President of India Home. In introducing Mr. Mukund Mehta, Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi informedthe audience about his active involvement as a director with theFederation of Indian American Seniors Associations of North America(FISANA). Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was recognized for his 23 years of admirable and outstanding community outlook and service, creating and nurturing NIAASC and dedicated to all seniors across the USA.

    NIAASC’s goal of collaboration with other organizations was evident as the conference was well attended by members of the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA). Members included current executive board members and past presidents who made the effort to connect via zoom. NFIA attendees belonged to different states/different time zones and remained present throughout the duration of the program.Also in attendance were members from several other organizations such as World Vegan Vision (WVV) and India Association of Long Island (IALI). Many IALI members attended In-person and on Zoom,including nine past presidents. Other NIAASC Board members that joined via zoom were: Satpal and Satya Malhotra (New York), Baldev Seekri (Florida), Chandrakant Shah(Florida), Santosh Kumar (Chicago), Asha Samant (New Jersey) and Jyotsna Kalavar(Indiana).

    Lunch was followed by Diwalicultural programthat was presented by Ms. Jyoti Gupta and her team consisted of severalsingers, Dr. Jag Kalra, Kul Bhooshan Sharma, Gautam Chopra and Raj Dhingra. The group entertained and regaled the audience with lively Bollywood songs. Music program was followed by Diwali Felicitation by Nilima Madan. In her closing remarks, Gunjan Rastogi thankedthe sponsors that supported the entire event financially and also thanked the India Home volunteers who had helped set up the venue while precluding any hiccups.

    The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Harbachan Singh, NIAASC Secretary who appreciated the presence of large number of audiences, sponsors, and well-wishers. 

    Upon adjournment of the conference, the 23rd general body meeting was conducted by NIAASC president, Gunjan Rastogi, who requested Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad to present the report of nominating committee, since the chairman of the nominating committee Chandrakant Shah, was not able to the report due to some technical issue.Rajeshwar Prasad informed the members that as per NIAASC constitution andbylaws; 1/3rd members retire every year, but based on eligibility criteria, members are eligible to be re-elected for another term of three years that resulted in all the retiring members Gunjan Rastogi, Bhavani Srinivasan, E.M. Stephen, Santosh Kumar, and Rajeshwar Prasad to be elected for three additional years and was approved by the General Body.

    For additional information about NIAASC, please emailthe president at gunjan.p.rastogi@gmail.com.

    (Press Release issued by Gunjan Rastogi)

  • Sardar Patel University Alumni’s (SPU) 19th Annual Convention held

    Sardar Patel University Alumni’s (SPU) 19th Annual Convention held

    FORDS, NJ (TIP) More than 500 alumni and guests attended Sardar Patel University Alumni’s (SPU) 19th Annual Convention on October 30, 2021, at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey; Networking, dignitary speeches, SPU updates, music and garba along with delicious food were enjoyed by the attendees. With a motto of “We Strive for Excellence and Excellence Matters” and goals of serving rural population by providing them with access to higher education and continue to explore new frontiers in the areas of Science and Technology and constantly set and reach new levels of achievement in research in areas within Humanities and Social Science, Sardar Patel University is known for nurturing talents, skills and scientific temper and creation of knowledge in modern India.  More than 500 alumni and guests gathered on October 30, 2021, at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey for Sardar Patel University’s 19th Annual Convention.

    The tributes were given to SPU’s founding fathers Bhailalbhai Patel, Bhikhabhai Patel & H.M. Patel at the beginning of this wonderful evening of smiles, hugs and networking.   The Iron Man of India, a staunch Freedom Fighter and Unifier of India Shree Sardar Vallabhbahi Patel was also remembered on his 146th Birth Anniversary on October 31st and a salute was given to him for all his sacrifices for India.  The Chief Guest and Chairman of Charutar Vidyamandal and President of CVM University Mr. Bhikubhai Patel and Mrs. Sarojben B. Patel and Guest of Honor Professor Subodh B. Desai presented a garland to Sardar Patel’s photo at the beginning of the program.  Mr. Bhikubhai Patel provided detailed updates of current status of SPU’s progress which is identical to dream of modern India.  Professor of Microbiology Dr. Subodh Desai shared his experience of SPU and appreciated the work is being done by SPU Alumni Association.  SPU’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Sirish Kulkarni joined the event online and shared the latest updates from SPU and also congratulated SPU team on organizing 19th annual convention.  Mr. Alay Patel, SPU Alumni Association President provided updates on goals met for the scholarships to needy SPU Students and other fruitful projects for SPU in India and also shared the update as SPU Alumni Association USA is now recognized and approved by both SPU and CVM University, V. V. Nagar.  Mr. Jatin Desai, Executive Vice President urged attendees to provide their generous support to SPU Alumni Association to continue with humanitarian and educational projects in India.  Second generation alumni Ms. Nehal Patel shared her unique experience as a woman who graduated from SPU as an electrical engineer and provided how India is progressing.  Dr. Balvant Arora, dynamic speaker and an award-winning plastic surgeon from Virginia delivered wisdom filled knowledge with his creative humor which truly entertained and educated the attendees.  The Chief Guest, Guest of Honor and Guest Speakers were presented with a plaque from SPU. FIA Chairman Late Shree Ramesh Patel and everyone who lost the lives during pandemic were remembered by Mr. Prakash Patel, SPU Committee Alumni Member. Dr. Thakor Patel, Chairman of Sevak Project from Virginia provided updates on humanitarian and health care projects in rural India.  Several SPU Alumni and supporters were recognized to include Sarlaben Patel who was the first female who graduated from engineering college in Vidyanagar, Dr. Rajendra Patel, Cardiologist and Mr. Albert Jasani of Royal Albert’s Palace.   Mr. Rajni Patel, a long-time supporter of SPU Alumni Association was also being recognized for his continued support to humanitarian projects.  Mr. Piyush Patel, Treasurer ended the convention with a vote of thanks to all who supported as well as media and supporting organizations.

    Dr.  Tushar Patel served as the Master of Ceremony for the convention and extended his sincere appreciation to media supporters TV Asia, Indus TV, ITV Gold & Parikh Worldwide Media, Akila News, Gujarat Darpan, TV 9, Hi India, Sentinel SB/NB, Gujarat Samachar, Divya Bhaskar and supporting organizations MHO Hotels, IACFNJ, Royal Albert’s Palace, Bhatt Foundation and ELFA for their support to the SPU Alumni Convention.

    The wonderfully choreographed dance performances from Meena Nag Group of Nritya Creations Academy of Dance, live singing from Rakesh Raj and Garba were the highlights of the event on entertainment side which was applauded by the attendees.  The SPU is one of the topmost and well reputed institutions in India.  With this wonderful alumni association and yearly gathering and networking opportunities with each other, many fruitful projects have been successfully completed in last two decades.  With a generous support from former alumni and local supporters, SPU Alumni association will be able to provide resources and expertise to the University and celebrate past, acknowledge and appreciate present and envision future for their alma mater – SPU.

    (Written & Submitted by Dr. Tushar Patel, Princeton, NJ; Photo Courtesy Jayesh Patel of Jayesh Production, New Jersey)

  • Malala Yousafzai ties the knot with senior officer of Pakistan Cricket Board

    London/Karachi (TIP):  Nobel Laureate and Pakistani activist for girls’ education Malala Yousafzai has tied the knot with a top-ranked officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board in a small ceremony in the UK. Yousafzai gained international recognition for her activism against the Taliban’s efforts to stop girls from attending school in Pakistan. Announcing her marriage on Twitter, the 24-year-old posted a few pictures of the ceremony along with her husband Asser Malik and family members. Decked up in a tea pink suit and simple jewellery, Yousafzai is seen carrying out the wedding formalities in her home in Birmingham with Malik, where he has gone on vacation.

    Malik is the general manager of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) High Performance Centre.

    Last year, she graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. PTI

    Bangladesh’s former chief justice SK Sinha sentenced to 11 years in graft case

    Dhaka (TIP): A Bangladeshi court on November 9  sentenced in absentia former top judge Surendra Kumar Sinha, the country’s first chief justice from the minority Hindu community, to 11 years in jail on two counts of graft in a case over money laundering and breach of trust.

    Dhaka Special Judge 4 Shaikh Nazmul Alam sentenced the former chief justice, who currently lives in the United States, to seven years in prison for money laundering and another four years for criminal breach of trust. The prison terms will run concurrently.

    “(Justice) SK Sinha is the principal beneficiary of the laundered money,” the court said in its verdict.

    Sinha, 70, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in a case involving the laundering of Tk 4 crore (USD 4,70,000) taken in credit from the Farmers Bank, now known as the Padma Bank.

    The judgment came four years after Sinha resigned while on a visit abroad as the government alleged he was involved in corrupt practices.

    Sinha served as the 21st Chief Justice of Bangladesh from January, 2015 to November, 2017.

    Sinha, Bangladesh’s first chief justice from the minority Hindu community, has alleged that he was forced to resign because he opposed Bangladesh’s incumbent “undemocratic” and “authoritarian” regime.

    Among the 10 others tried in the case, Tangail residents, Md Shahjahan and Niranjan Chandra Saha, were acquitted as the charges against them were not proven. The rest have been given different terms of jail and slapped with fines.

    AKM Shamim, former managing director of Farmers Bank, has been jailed for four years and fined Tk 50,000.

    Ranjit Chandra Saha, a personal aide to Justice Sinha, and his wife Shantri Roy got three years each and fined Tk 10,000. Five other former officials of Farmers Bank were sentenced to three years in jail each and fined Tk 25,000.

    Other than Sinha, three others were tried in absentia as they were on the run.

    According to the case statement, the other accused managed to obtain a loan of Tk 4 crore (USD 4,70,000) using forged documents and transferred the amount to Sinha’s personal account through pay-order.

    The former chief justice later transferred the money to another account in cash, cheques and pay-orders, an act which the prosecution said was a punishable offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) pressed charges against Sinha and the 10 others, saying it found evidence of fraud involving the transactions.

    In his autobiography “A Broken Dream: Rule of Law, Human Rights and Democracy”, Sinha said he was forced to resign in 2017 following intimidation and threats, drawing a sharp reaction from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who had accused some anti-government newspapers of backing him. In a media interview after the book launch in Washington DC, Sinha had urged India to support the rule of law and democracy in Bangladesh.

    The ACC last month filed another case against Sinha accusing him of abuse of office in getting a land plot in posh Uttara area from the Dhaka city development authority (RAJUK) where he constructed a nine-storey building.

    The graft body also alleged that the money spent for procuring the plot and constructing the building was “not earned through legal means”. A Dhaka court last year indicted Sinha to be tried in absentia on graft charges five months after an order was issued for his arrest. PTI

  • Myanmar court sentences arrested politicians to 75-90 years

    Myanmar court sentences arrested politicians to 75-90 years

    Bangkok (TIP): A court in Myanmar has sentenced two members of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party to 90 years and 75 years in prison after finding them guilty of corruption, their lawyer said.

    The sentences appeared to be the most severe so far for any of the dozens of members of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy who were arrested after the military seized power on February 1.

    Former Kayin state planning minister Than Naing was on Tuesday convicted by the state court of six corruption charges and given a 90-year prison term, including labour, lawyer Zaw Min Hlaing said.

    The second defendant, Nan Khin Htwe Myint, 67, the former chief minister of Kayin state and a top member of Suu Kyi’s political party, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on each of five charges, Zaw Min Hlaing said.

    Suu Kyi is also being tried on corruption and other criminal charges that her supporters say were concocted to discredit her and legitimise the military’s seizure of power. Virtually any conviction would prevent her from running in elections that the military-installed government has promised to hold by 2023.

    Nan Khin Htwe Myin, a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee, is a veteran pro-democracy activist who was first arrested in 1974 during a student protest under a previous military government. She was arrested at least two more times before she won the election to the state parliament in 2012 and 2015, after which she was appointed state minister. She is known for being a close colleague of Suu Kyi.

    She was detained by soldiers on February 2 and placed under house arrest, where she made a live-streamed broadcast calling for civil disobedience against the army takeover. She was then arrested on February 8.

    In four other cases, she and co-defendant Than Naing were accused of malfeasance and mishandling funds.

    Both had already been convicted of inciting unrest after the army takeover and received two-year prison terms. Nang Khin Htwe Myint is in good health at a prison in Hpa-an, the capital of Kayin state, but has lost some weight, her lawyer said. “The chief minister sent the message to the people to always to be united, to try together to bring forth a democratic federal union and to participate together in overcoming the evils of the military,” the lawyer said. AP

  • Pak Supreme Court grills Imran Khan in school massacre case

    Pak Supreme Court grills Imran Khan in school massacre case

    Islamabad (TIP): Imran Khan on November 10 faced a barrage of questions at a hearing of the 2014 terror attack on an Army-run school during which the Supreme Court (SC) Bench asked the Pakistan Prime Minister why he was negotiating with the culprits of the massacre of nearly 150 persons, mostly students.

    The apex court gave a month-long deadline to the government to determine the responsibility for security failure in the horrific attack in which 147 persons, 132 of them children, were killed when Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants stormed Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar.

    The three-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, had summoned Khan. The court asked the Prime Minister about the action taken after a special commission in its probe presented to the court last year reported that security failure was responsible

    for the attack. “The satisfaction of the parents (who lost their kids in the attack) is necessary,” said Justice Ahsan addressing the premier.

    “You are in power. The government is also yours. What did you do? You brought the guilty to the negotiating table,” Chief Justice Ahmed told Khan. In his response, Khan said at the time of the attack, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party was ruling in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and it could only provide material compensation, which it did by giving monetary support to the victims’ families. The response angered the court and the Chief Justice remarked that the premier was rubbing salt on the wounds of the victims. — PTI

  • Oil tanker explodes in Sierra Leone, killing at least 92

    Oil tanker explodes in Sierra Leone, killing at least 92

    Freetown (Sierra Leone) (TIP): An oil tanker exploded near Sierra Leone’s capital, killing at least 92 people and severely injuring dozens of others after large crowds gathered to collect leaking fuel, officials and witnesses said November 6. The explosion took place late Friday after a bus struck the tanker in Wellington, a suburb just to the east of Freetown.

    The mortuary at Connaught Hospital reported 92 bodies had been brought in by Saturday morning. About 30 severely burned victims were not expected to survive, according to staffer Foday Musa.

    Video obtained by The Associated Press showed a giant fireball burning in the night sky following the explosion, as some survivors with severe burns cried out in pain. Charred remains of the victims lay strewn at the scene awaiting transport to mortuaries.

    President Julius Maada Bio, who was in Scotland attending the United Nations climate talks Saturday, deplored the “horrendous loss of life.”

    “My profound sympathies with families who have lost loved ones and those who have been maimed as a result,” he tweeted.

    Vice-President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh visited two hospitals overnight and said Sierra Leone’s National Disaster Management Agency and others would “work tirelessly” in the wake of the emergency.

     “We are all deeply saddened by this national tragedy, and it is indeed a difficult time for our country,” he said on his Facebook page. AP

  • Brazilian singer and Latin Grammy winner dies in plane crash at 26

    Brazilian singer and Latin Grammy winner dies in plane crash at 26

    Sao Paulo (TIP): Marilia Mendonca, one of Brazil’s most popular singers and a Latin Grammy winner, died on November 7 in an aeroplane crash on her way to a concert. She was 26. Mendonca’s press office confirmed her death in a statement, and said four other passengers on the flight also perished. Their plane crashed between Mendonca’s hometown Goiania and Caratinga, a small city in Minas Gerais state located north of Rio de Janeiro.

    Minas Gerais state’s civil police also confirmed Mendonca’s death, without providing details about the cause of the accident, which occurred shortly before arrival.

    Photographs and videos show the plane laying just beneath a waterfall; Mendonca had posted a video this afternoon showing her walking toward the plane, guitar case in hand.

    The rising star performed country music, in Brazil called sertanejo. She was known for tackling feminist issues in her songs, such as denouncing men who control their partners, and calling for female empowerment.

    On Friday evening, the news triggered an outpouring of sadness on social media from all corners of Brazil, including fans, politicians, musicians and soccer players. Her Instagram account has 38 million followers. “I refuse to believe, I just refuse,” Brazil soccer star Neymar, who is a friend of Mendonca’s, said on Twitter after the news broke.

    Brazil’s government also offered its condolences. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also used social media to mourn the passing “of one of the greatest artists of her generation”. “The entire country receives the news in shock,” he said.

    Her album ‘Em Todos os Cantos’ won her the 2019 Latin Grammy for best sertanejo album. She was nominated for the same award this year for ‘Patroas’. Mendonca was also famous for her romantic songs, often expressing the loss of loved ones. “You always make me cry, you’re unique and eternal,” said fan Michelle Wisla on Twitter. Mendonca leaves behind a son, who will turn two next month. AP

  • Iraq PM survives assassination bid

    Baghdad (TIP): Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt with armed drones that targeted his residence early on November 9 and officials said he was unharmed. The attack was a major escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to accept last month’s parliamentary election results. Two Iraqi officials said seven of al-Kadhimi’s security guards were injured in the attack with two armed drones that occurred in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone area. “I am fine and among my people. Thank God,” the Prime Minister tweeted shortly after the attack. He called for calm and restraint, “for the sake of Iraq”. He later appeared on television. “Cowardly rocket and drone attacks don’t build homelands and don’t build a future,” he said. In a statement, the government said an explosives-laden drone tried to hit al-Kadhimi’s home. Residents of Baghdad heard the sound of an explosion followed by heavy gunfire from the direction of Green Zone, which houses foreign embassies and government offices. The statement released by state-run media said security forces were “taking necessary measures in connection with this failed attempt”. There was no immediate claim for the attack. It comes amid a stand-off between security forces and pro-Iran Shiite militias whose supporters have been camped outside Green Zone for nearly a month after they rejected the results of Iraq’s parliamentary elections in which they lost around two-thirds of their seats. — AP

  • South Africa’s last apartheid president FW de Klerk dies

    Johannesburg (TIP): FW de Klerk, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela and as South Africa’s last apartheid president oversaw the end of the country’s white minority rule, has died at the age of 85. De Klerk died after a battle against cancer at his home in the Fresnaye area of Cape Town, a spokesman for the F.W. de Klerk Foundation confirmed on November 11. It was de Klerk who in a speech to South Africa’s Parliament on February 2, 1990 announced that Mandela would be released from prison after 27 years. The announcement electrifying a country that for decades had been scorned and sanctioned by much of the world for its brutal system of racial discrimination known as apartheid. —AP

  • UK woman almost threw away 2 million pound diamond from her jewellery box, thinking it to be junk

    UK woman almost threw away 2 million pound diamond from her jewellery box, thinking it to be junk

    Northumberland (TIP): Sometimes, God blesses you abundantly. So was it in the case of an elderly woman from the UK, who was in for a shock after she found that a diamond she was about to throw away thinking it was fake was worth millions. As per a BBC report, the woman, in her 70s, found the diamond while she was cleaning her home in Northumberland. She thought it was a costume jewellery stone and was about to chuck it way. However, she then took it to an auctioneer to see how much it might be worth, only to find that it was a 34-carat diamond and that it was worth £2m. According to BBC, the woman had bought the stone along with several other items at a car boot sale many years ago. When she finally realised the diamond’s real worth, she was left in disbelief and could not believe that she had almost thrown it in the bin.

    Mark Lane, of Featonby’s Auctioneers in North Shield, North Tyneside said that the stone had been in kept in a box along with the woman’s wedding bands and other low-value pieces of costume jewellery.

    “The lady came in with a bag of jewellery as she just thought she would bring it in as she was passing because she had another appointment in the town. She told us she’d been having a clear out and that it nearly went in the bin before her neighbour suggested bringing her items to us to get valued,” he told The BBC.

    On its Instagram account, the Featonby’s Auctioneers and Valuers confirmed a picture of the gem, which is greater than a pound coin, and detailed the story of the way it got here to them. “The stone made its way through our doors back in June without any intention,” it mentioned. The public sale home initially thought the stone to be cubic zirconia, an artificial diamond lookalike, and saved it within the director’s workplace. After somebody advised that it must be examined, the public sale home used a tester. It got here out as a real diamond. The auctioneers then despatched it to consultants in London and Belgium, who confirmed that it is 34-carat. The carat measurement pertains to the load of the stone. Heavier stones have a better carat and better worth. (TNS)

  • China’s Communist Party’s key conclave passes ‘landmark resolution’ cementing Xi’s power

    China’s Communist Party’s key conclave passes ‘landmark resolution’ cementing Xi’s power

    Beijing (TIP): A high-profile conclave of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has adopted a “landmark resolution” of the party’s major achievements in the last 100 years besides paving the way for a record third term for President Xi Jinping next year. The “landmark resolution” — the only third of its kind in the party’s 100-year history — was reviewed and adopted at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, held in Beijing from November 8 to 11, an official communique released at the end of the meeting on November 11 said.

    The party is due to hold a press conference on Friday to announce further details.

    Xi made an important speech at the session. The meeting also heard and discussed a work report Xi delivered on behalf of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, it said.

    He also explained the draft of the resolution whose details have not yet been revealed.

    The session also reviewed and passed a resolution on convening the 20th National Congress of the CPC in the second half of 2022 in Beijing, which was expected to formally endorse Xi’s unprecedented third term.

    Xi, 68, who holds China’s all three power centres — General-Secretary of the CPC, Chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) which is the overall high command of the military, and the Presidency, is set to complete his second five-year tenure next year.

    Politically, the meeting is regarded as significant for Xi who — in the last nine years of his tenure — has emerged as the most powerful leader after party founder Mao Zedong.

    He is widely expected to continue for a third term unlike his predecessor, Hu Jintao, who retired after two terms, and perhaps may remain in power for life in view of a key constitutional amendment in 2018 which removed the two-term limit for the president.

    He was also made “core leader” of the party in 2016, a status enjoyed only by Mao. —PTI

  • Nora kills with her moves in new song Kusu Kusu

    Nora kills with her moves in new song Kusu Kusu

    Nora Fatehi’s new dance number, Kusu Kusu, released on November 10. The groovy track is from John Abraham’s upcoming film Satyameva Jayate 2. The actress is seen impressing the audience with her phenomenal expressions, beauty and elegant dance moves in Kusu Kusu. After releasing tracks like Meri Zindagi Hai Tu from Satyameva Jayate 2, the makers have now dropped a new song, Kusu Kusu, featuring Nora Fatehi. The actress is seen flaunting her killer moves and as usual, her belly dance is on point. Crooned by Zahrah S Khan and Dev Negi, the song is composed and written by Tanishk Bagchi. After the success of Satyameva Jayate in 2018, the makers have cast Divya Khosla Kumar opposite John Abraham in the sequel. Satyameva Jayate 2’s story revolves around fighting against injustice and misuse of power. Sharing the film’s poster and release date, John wrote, “Iss baar hoga dugna action and entertainment #SatyamevaJayate2, trailer out on 25th Oct. See you in cinemas on 25th November (sic)!”

  • India on way to becoming fastest growing economy in world: Finance ministry report

    India on way to becoming fastest growing economy in world: Finance ministry report

    Armed with necessary macro and micro growth drivers, India is on its way to becoming the fastest growing major economy in the world, a finance ministry report said. Rapid vaccination and teeming festivities will push India’s ongoing recovery resulting in narrowing of demand-supply mismatches and greater employment opportunities, as per the monthly Economic Review prepared by the ministry. “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission encapsulating major structural reforms continues to play a critical role in shaping India’s economic recovery, both through the signalling of business opportunities and expansion of spending channels.

    “Armed with necessary macro and micro growth drivers, the stage is set for India’s investment cycle to kickstart and catalyse its recovery towards becoming the fastest growing economy in the world,” the review said.

    The Economic Survey 2020-21, released in January this year, had projected GDP growth of 11 per cent during the current financial year ending March 2022.

    The Survey had said growth will be supported by supply-side push from reforms and easing of regulations, push for infrastructural investments, boost to manufacturing sector through Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, recovery of pent-up demand, rise in discretionary consumption subsequent to rollout of vaccines and pick-up in credit given adequate liquidity and low interest rates.

    India’s economic recovery gathered steam in the festive season, recording a decade high Diwali sales of Rs 1.3 lakh crore, as per Confederation of All India Traders. Improving Covid-19 situation amid high business and consumer spirits delivered sustained economic recovery in October 2021 as well. The global economic recovery however continues to be impacted by prolonged supply constraints and input cost inflation, it said.

    Yet IMF in its October 2021 update foresees improved global growth prospects at 5.8 per cent in 2021 and 4.9 per cent in 2022 triggering a coterminous global trade growth, by volume, at 9.7 per cent and 6.7 per cent, respectively.

  • Tesla selloff puts at risk its $1 trillion club membership

    Tesla selloff puts at risk its $1 trillion club membership

    Tesla Inc shares fell for the fourth straight session on Wednesday, putting at risk the electric-car maker’s position in the $1 trillion club after top boss Elon Musk polled Twitter users about selling 10% of his stake. Shares fell as low as 3.5% to $987.31 in volatile early trading, briefly pushing its market value below the $1 trillion mark. The company has lost nearly $200 billion since Monday following Musk’s poll, more than General Motors and Ford Motor combined market capitalisation. The world’s most valuable carmaker entered the elite trillion-dollar club last month after landing its biggest-ever order from rental car company Hertz for 100,000 Tesla vehicles.

    The selloff was spurred by Musk’s poll over the weekend asking his Twitter followers if he should sell 10% of his stake in Tesla. Nearly 58% of them backed a sale. Investors are keeping a close watch on Tesla filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for any clues on the share-sale plans. The SEC rules give companies four working days to report major events. Analysts at research firm Vanda Research warned there could be a bigger pullback based on call options activity in the stock.

    Four former and current Tesla board members, including Musk’s brother Kimbal Musk, filed to sell nearly $1 billion worth of shares late last month, according to filings and market data.

    “A CEO asking his followers if he should sell a large number of shares is never going to reflect well in the share price. Doing so a day after his brother has sold a large number just compounds investor fears,” said Craig Erlam, market analyst at Oanda. “That said, we need to take Musk with a pinch of salt and investors may quickly view this as a dip buying opportunity,” he added. Despite the selloff, the stock is still up nearly 45% for the year after hitting a series of record highs in an eye-watering rally that catapulted the company into the trillion-dollar club.

  • US bank snaps ties with Adani’s Australia project

    US bank snaps ties with Adani’s Australia project

    New Delhi (TIP): Bank of New York Mellon Corp has pulled out of providing financial services to Adani Group and its Carmichael coal mine in Australia, saying the venture is incompatible with its environmental, social and governance rules. The US investment bank is the latest global financial institution to distance itself from the project after a campaign by local indigenous people. In a statement, BNY Mellon said it had reviewed its relationship with the Adani Group and “has decided to resign from all legacy transactions with Adani in Australia and will not pursue additional transactions with Adani in Australia”.

    “BNY Mellon has determined this business is not aligned without ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles,” it said. An e-mail sent to Adani Group for comments remained unanswered.

    Adani Group, which rebranded its Australian mining business as Bravus Mining & Resources, is targeting the first shipment from Carmichael by year-end. It opted to self-fund the project after failing to secure external financing.

  • Asian markets fluctuate as inflation remains in focus

    Asian markets fluctuate as inflation remains in focus

    HONG KONG (TIP): Asian markets were mixed Thursday as rising inflation fears were tempered by a report that teetering Chinese property giant Evergrande had once again avoided a default after meeting bond-payment deadlines. US investors ran for cover and the dollar soared after a forecast-beating read on the consumer price index, which hit a 31-year high last month, putting fresh pressure on the Federal Reserve to act to prevent inflation running out of control. The surge — which came a day after a report showing producer prices accelerating — was fanned by a spike in the cost of various items, particularly gasoline, autos and food prices, and ramped up expectations the central bank will be forced to tighten monetary policy quicker than hoped. While Fed officials insist the jump will be temporary as the global economy slowly returns to a semblance of normality next year, observers warned the pain could continue for some time.

  • N.J. man sentenced to 41 months for assaulting officer, stiffest punishment yet in Jan. 6 cases

    N.J. man sentenced to 41 months for assaulting officer, stiffest punishment yet in Jan. 6 cases

    WASHINGTON (TIP): A New Jersey gym owner who punched a D.C. police officer outside the Capitol on Jan. 6 was sentenced Wednesday, November 10 to 41 months in prison by a federal judge who called his actions “an affront to society and to the law” and said he was smart to plead guilty rather than take his chances with a jury that would see numerous videos of his actions.

    Scott Kevin Fairlamb, 44, was captured on various videos screaming profanely in support of the pro-Trump insurrection, climbing on the inauguration scaffolding outside the Capitol, and then pushing an officer into a group of people and punching the officer’s face shield, as well as briefly entering and exiting the Capitol, according to court filings and footage played in court. Fairlamb trained as a mixed martial arts fighter and was bar bouncer in New Jersey with two prior assault convictions.

    The sentence of 41 months is the stiffest yet handed down to a Capitol rioter. Of the 126 people who have pleaded guilty so far, only 16 have admitted to felonies, and Fairlamb is the third felon to be sentenced. The other two felons, who were not accused of violence against the police, received sentences of eight and 14 months.

    In the days after the assault on Congress, Fairlamb posted and then deleted videos of himself at the Capitol, and issued statements such as “It’s go time,” “Q said this word for word,” and “I’d go again,” according to court records. Prosecutors on Wednesday played videos of Fairlamb assaulting the D.C. police officer and shouting at him, “Are you an American? Act like … one. You guys have no idea what the … you’re doing!”

    But Fairlamb has since become apologetic, with his attorney saying in his sentencing memorandum that “he did, in fact, feel as if he had been duped by social media prior to Jan. 6.” He agreed to meet with the House Select Committee investigating the attack, which his lawyer said the D.C. jail denied, and he suffered a heart attack while in custody.

    The federal sentencing guidelines called for a sentencing range of 41 to 51 months. Prosecutors asked Judge Royce Lamberth to impose 44 months. Fairlamb’s lawyer, Harley Breite, asked for a sentence of 11 months, the time he has already served since his January arrest. Fairlamb pleaded guilty in August to assaulting an officer and obstructing an official proceeding of Congress.

    “I take full responsibility for what I did,” Fairlamb told the judge. “That is not Scott Fairlamb. That’s not who I am. That’s not who I was raised to be. I truly regret my actions that day. I have nothing but remorse.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Goemaat, after laying out Fairlamb’s activities and playing some videos for the judge, told Lamberth that Fairlamb targeted police officers and contributed to “the chaos and the fear” of that afternoon. “It is just critical,” Goemaat said, “that the court’s sentence convey to future rioters that there will be very very serious consequences for those who intend to obstruct the rule of law and obstruct democracy, particularly through assaults on law enforcement.”

    She said she wasn’t going to jail for Jan. 6, citing ‘blonde hair white skin.’ A judge sentenced her to 60 days behind bars. Fairlamb was not accused of conspiring with anyone or causing any damage to the Capitol, though he was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution for damages to the building. He also was captured on video speaking with Capitol Police officers, offering them water and walking them away from an entrance to the building, which prosecutors said the officers corroborated.

    Fairlamb drove alone from his home in Sussex, N.J., on the morning of Jan. 6 and did not bring any weapons. Prosecutors noted he picked up a police baton from the ground, and was photographed carrying it, but did not appear to use it on anyone. When he first arrived at the Capitol, he was photographed holding a sign that read “Area Closed” while gesturing with his middle finger toward the camera, according to court records.

    Next, he was seen on the inauguration scaffolding and posted video from that vantage point to Instagram, prosecutors said in their sentencing memo. “We ain’t … leaving either! We ain’t … leaving!” Fairlamb is heard screaming, in a video which Goemaat played in court Wednesday.

    Fairlamb is next seen at a skirmish line with police, crossing it as barricades were pushed over, and picking up the police baton, court records show. He then posted a video on Facebook, holding the baton, and yelling, “What Patriots do? We … disarm them and then we storm the … Capitol!” Fairlamb also posted selfies of himself holding the baton and placing an unexploded pepper ball in his teeth. Surveillance video shows Fairlamb entering the Capitol moments after the Senate wing door was opened, then leaving through the same door minutes later. Soon after, he is seen offering Capitol Police water and helping them to leave the area.

    But within 20 minutes, prosecutors said, he is seen shoving and then punching a D.C. officer, identified as “Z.B.” Goemaat said the officer submitted a victim impact statement that said he had never felt the dread and fear he felt when he was dispatched to the Capitol. “It was the scariest day of his career,” Goemaat said the officer wrote. The officer was not injured.

    Lamberth noted that Fairlamb was the first defendant to be sentenced for assaulting an officer, and that he had watched the videos of Fairlamb on Jan. 6.

    “Had you gone to trial,” the judge said, “I don’t think there’s any jury that could have acquitted you or would have acquitted you. You certainly made the right decision, you and your attorney, to plead guilty.”

    Lamberth said, “It’s such a serious offense under the circumstances, an affront to society and to the law, to have the Capitol overrun and to have this riot stop the whole functioning government, that I just find that it’s such a serious crime that I cannot give a below-guideline sentence.” The judge said the minimum sentence under the guidelines, 41 months, was appropriate. Lamberth rejected the government’s request to impose a fine on Fairlamb, who said he had lost his gym as a result of his arrest.

  • Association of Indians in America-NY holds Diya lighting ceremony at Times Square

    Association of Indians in America-NY holds Diya lighting ceremony at Times Square

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP):    Times Square in New York City appears to be a favorite spot with Indian Americans for showcasing culture and tradition of India. Close on the heels of the Diwali At Times Square, the Association of Indians in America-NY held a “Deepavali 2021” Diya-lighting ceremony November 4 evening at Times Square, in front of Nasdaq stock exchange. The diya-lighting ceremony was led by Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, India’s Consul General in New York.  New York State Senator John Liu, a longtime friend of the Indian American community also joined, as also a few community leaders. Harish Thakkar, president of AIA- NY, said “This Diwali is going to be very different from all the others we have ever experienced.”

    He was referring to the traditional celebration of Diwali  at the South Street Seaport, a landmark event of AIA-NY, enjoyed by thousands of spectators every year.

    This time, AIA NY, Diwali messages were displayed on the   Nasdaq Billboard for a couple of hours.

    “Diwali is the celebration of light and so, coming at a time of darkness, when there seem to be many sad stories of bereavement, sickness and financial hardship all caused by a virus, we need to ensure that our inner light stays ignited,” State Senator Liu said.

    “Instead of thinking of ‘Corona, it’s a time to share compassion, love and care with everyone around us,” Liu added.

    He also said he had attended many AIA Diwali festival events at South Street Seaport.

    Consul General Jaiswal extended his warmest wishes to everyone and said that Diwali “truly brightens our evenings as we unite to celebrate the festival of lights that marks the triumph of good over evil, and   light over darkness. Diwali’s central message of openness, peace and mutual respect is one we can all learn from.”

    Ambassador Jaiswal praised AIA as a grassroots national organization well known for its social, cultural and educational activities, organizing the largest Deepavali festival in NYC for the past 32 years.

  • Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh interacted with the Indian American Community

    Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh interacted with the Indian American Community

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh interacted with members of Indian community at the Consulate General of India in New York November 8.  He spoke about India’s transformative reforms, its successful vaccination drive and urged the diaspora to join the Azadi ka Amrit Mahostav. He took a few questions, too.

  • Hindu communities shocked at 25-years ill-treatment of Hindu & Muslim students at Harvard; seek apology

    Hindu communities shocked at 25-years ill-treatment of Hindu & Muslim students at Harvard; seek apology

    NEW YORK (TIP): Hindu communities are shocked at what Editorial Board of Harvard Crimson (student daily of Harvard University) revealed: “Harvard students of Muslim and Hindu faiths must practice their religion in the basement of the freshman dormitory Canaday, with no windows, no sunlight, and too little space to pray without waiting in line.” “It is extremely saddening that Muslim and Hindu students are relegated to such disrespectfully small and inappropriately gloomy spaces”, stated an Editorial published today by The Crimson Editorial Board titled “Harvard Can’t Keep Muslim and Hindu Students in the Basement”. Editorial indicated “this being a problem for the past 25 years”. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement from Nevada said that this reported neglect and unfair treatment of Harvard Hindu and Muslim students was unacceptable and must be looked into immediately and quickly resolved. Did not they deserve the same respect, welcome, recognition and right as students of other faiths to “gather in religious spaces that let light in”? Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked.

    Zed urged Harvard University President Lawrence S. Bacow and its Board of Overseers President Helena Buonanno Foulkes to offer a formal apology for this reported blatant mistreatment and dereliction which was allowed to continue for so long.

    Rajan Zed stated that it was perturbing to learn that Harvard Hindu and Muslim students had to practice their religion in “low-ceilinged, dark, isolated rooms in the basement”, which was “in stark contrast to the spaces on campus” which students of some other faiths enjoyed.

    Zed further said that light, like many other faiths, was highly significant in Hinduism; as light dispelling darkness helped our approach to the divine. Gayatri-mantra, considered the most sacred and powerful mantra of Hinduism, taken from world’s oldest extant scripture Rig-Veda, talked about stimulating and illuminating our minds by meditating on excellent radiance of Sun god. Ancient Hindu text Brahadaranyakopanisad indicated leading one from darkness to Light. Another ancient text Bhagawad-Gita noted: The light of this knowledge shines like the sun, revealing the supreme Brahman (the supreme Godhead). Moreover, Hindus celebrated light with Diwali (festival of light which was the most popular Hindu festival) and Makar Sankranti.

    Rajan Zed pointed out that an educational institution like Harvard should not be in the business of celebrating, nurturing and respecting certain religions; while neglecting, disregarding and maltreating some others.

    The Harvard Crimson, which claims to be “nation’s oldest continuously published daily college newspaper”, was founded in 1873.  Over 25 Crimson alumni said to have won the Pulitzer Prize and its past editors included Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.

  • The South Asia Peace Council-A Think Tank For Promotion Of Peace in South-Asia Established

    The South Asia Peace Council-A Think Tank For Promotion Of Peace in South-Asia Established

    TYSON (TIP): “The South Asia Peace Council (SAPC) is committed to promoting peace and cooperation through leadership consultations and grassroots activities,” said Sajid Tarar, Founder and Chairman, at the inaugural event held in Tyson—a suburb of Metropolitan Washington on November 6, 2021. Khurram Shahzad, President, and co-founder apprised the audience of the mission of the SAPC. “It aims to provide platforms for dialogue and networking, conduct academic and policy research on peace, promote policy communication and coordination, promote the visibility and impact of SAPC in the region aligned with American interest.”

    Jasdeep Singh, co-founder, and vice president said that the “The focus of SAPC is to engage leaders from diverse communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to build bridges of understanding respect while serving our motherland.”

    Many distinguished South-Asian Americans, who believe in promoting peace through dialogue, mediation in the South-Asian region while safeguarding American interests, participated in this inaugural function. Former ambassadors Akbar Ahmed and Touqir Hussain appreciated the initiative and offered their help as needed. Other community leaders who addressed the audience are Abdul Rauf Shakoori, Adnan Bukhari, Akbar Choudhry, Ali Saddiqui, Anjana Bordoloi, Baljinder Singh Shammi, Bina Goindi, Dr. Javed Manzoor, Dr. Nirmal Pahadia, Dr. Nisar Choudhry, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Farhan Chughtai, former senator Akbar Khawaja, Ghazanfar Hashmi, Hamid Mahmood, Kalpana Barua, Keerthy Swamy, Manisha Singh, Mike Billington, Mohan Grover, Nabeela Khatak, Nuzaira Azam, Pavan Bezwada, Pritpal Singh Lucky, Priya Grover, Raj Kumar Gujjar, Rama Sharma, Sofyan Yusufi, and Vikram More.

    Thanking all participants, Yousuf Choudhry, co-founder and vice president of the Council, said, “Our vision is strengthening of the South-Asia region using tools such as promotion of inter-religious cooperation and good governance,” The Council plans to have four major events and prepare an annual report every year to gauge the effectiveness and performance of the Council.

    (Press release issued by Zafar Iqbal, PhD)

  • IRS updates 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments Frequently Asked Questions

    IRS updates 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments Frequently Asked Questions

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The Internal Revenue Service, on November 9, updated frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) for the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments to describe how taxpayers can now provide the IRS an estimate of your 2021 income using the Child Tax Credit Update Portal (CTC UP).

    These FAQs update the Advance Child Tax Credit Topic A FAQs by adding a new question, question 17 and Topic F FAQs by adding new questions, questions 2 through 6.

    These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible. More information about reliance is available.

    Additional Advance Child Tax Credit information

    The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021 page designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments. It’s at IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021.

    The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share information and use available online tools and toolkits to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up. People can check their eligibility by using the Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant.

    The webpage features a set of frequently asked questions. It also provides direct links to the portal, as well as two other online tools – the Non-filer Sign up Tool and the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant – and other useful resources.

    (IRS Press Release)

  • Pulsar Discoverer Santokh Singh Badesha Becomes a Sikh Achiever of National Academy Of Engineering’s Distinction

    Pulsar Discoverer Santokh Singh Badesha Becomes a Sikh Achiever of National Academy Of Engineering’s Distinction

    By Harbans Lal, PhD; D.Litt.

    The National Academy of Sciences elects members in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.Thus,this year, the Academy considered the original and outstanding research accomplishments of Dr. Badesha at XeroxCorporation where he is a Fellow and manager of open innovation.

    At Xerox, Dr. Santokh S. Badesha is responsible for leading inter-organizational efforts with both internal and external value chain partners, building academic and industrial partnerships, and providing critical technical support for product programs. He is also a technical liaison for talent development and acquisition and collaborative research to academic intuitions including Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, PENN State, University Of Rochester, North Carolina State University, Purdue U, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.  These strategic partnerships design and execute front-end research to develop and deliver functional materials, components, and marking subsystems. In addition, Badesha is also responsible for exploring external funding opportunities from the State and Federal sources with and without external collaborations that include academia and private businesses. In addition, he serves on internal committees which are responsible for Intellectual Property generation (IPC), Intellectual Property evaluation (TAP), and Intellectual Property management (MIP, COMIP).

    Dr. Badesha joined Xerox Research Center Webster in 1980 as a senior research scientistto conduct independent research programs to design novel materials for image generation devices. He was appointed theprincipal scientist in 1990, and principal scientist and technical manager in 1994. As a manager, he provided direction and strategies for materials research and led cross-functional development efforts in high-performance materials for component design for marking subsystems.

    Prior to joining Xerox Badesha was a Teaching Fellow at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY.

    Badesha holds bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees with honors in chemistry from Punjab University, India. He received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the Punjab Agricultural University and then received a second Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K.

    He received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Clarkson University in 2007 for his contributions to science, technology, and intellectual property, building academic and industrial partnerships, and his help in shaping research programs.

    Badesha holds 255 U.S. Patents, also filed in multiple countries. This makes him one of the most prolific inventors ever in the history ofapplied science.

    Sikh contributions

    Santokh Singh Badesha was born in a Sikh family in Taragarh, Punjab, finished Khalsa Higher Secondary School in Batala and earned a PhD degree in Chemistry from the Punjab University. He earned another Ph.D. degree from England. He immigrated to USA in 1976 to teach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. In 1980 he joined the research department at Xerox.

    While working at Xerox Corporation, Dr. Badesha joined Rochester Sikh Community participating in religious and cultural activities. In those early days, Sikhs families were holding services in individual homes. It is at that time that the author was introduced to Santokh.

    Dr. Badesha joined the initiative to spearhead efforts for establishing a legal entity that is now called the ‘Gurdwara of Rochester, Inc. which is located at 2041 Dublin Road, Penfield New York, USA.  He helped secure an eight-acre parcel of land for building the Gurdwara, and more importantly, collected contributions from the local Sangat by going door to door and as well as funds from family & friends living abroad.  Today, you would see him performing physical services side by side with his wife Amarjit Kaur Badesha and son Jason Singh Badesha along with other Sangat members during various phases of the maintaining and construction projects.Dr. Badesha’s wife.Jason, while a student at the University of Illinois founded a Sikh student forum.

    It is noteworthy that, the Punjab Science Congress held at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, and presided by the Governor of Punjab, honored Dr. Santokh Singh Badesha with an Honorary Fellowship. Mr. R. S. Gill (Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University) also recognized Dr. Bethesda as a Sikh scholar and presented him with a portrait of Baba Farid Ji. We congratulate Dr. Santokh Singh Badesha on his achievements and bringing honor to the Sikh community of the USA.

    (The author is Emeritus Professor and Chairman, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas, and Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University at Amritsar. He can be reached at harbansl@gmail.com)