NEW YORK (TIP): Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst on Sunday , January 30 morning allegedly jumped to death from a New York City high- rise apartment building. The 2019 pageant winner who had a ninth-floor apartment in Manhattan’s 60-storey Orion Building was found dead in the street below. The 30-year-old was last seen on a terrace in the building’s 29th floor shortly after 7am, sources told The New York Post. “In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,” her family said in a statement. “Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed, and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on Extra.” And they added: “But most importantly as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.” The former Miss North Carolina was a lawyer who also worked as a reporter for the Extra TV show. “Our hearts are broken,” the company said in a statement. Just hours before her death, Kryst wrote on Instagram, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
Month: February 2022
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IDC COMMEMORATES INDIA’S REPUBLIC DAY 2022
NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) and its global affiliates, on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of India’s Republic Day, extend warm and special congratulations to people of India and Indians living in other countries who take much pride in this annual celebration.
Republic Day marks the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26th January 1950, replacing the Government of India Act, turning the nation into a newly formed republic. “Freedom is not given; it is taken” – Subha Chandra Bose
Indians sacrificed for many years with struggles and lives lost in attaining their hard fought and wrenching freedom from Britain on 15th August 1947. The Indian people used various independence movements, in particular nonviolent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, to become free and independent. The partition with Pakistan resulted in violent riots, mass casualties and dislocation of millions of people. Despite many initial difficulties, India has made enormous strides and progress, from dependency to becoming a major geo-economic and strategic entity in the global arena. As India continues its transformation and adaptation as it has done for centuries, the future bodes well for continued progress that is beneficial to all Indians and the world. India’s enduring vitality is always strong and vibrant. While India produced huge amounts of Covid-19 vaccines for its own people and many countries as well, the impact of Covid-19 has resulted in many setbacks, including the curtailment of most migration of Indians to work and live in other countries. Indians take much pride in their country’s stalwart position as the bulwark against aggression. Post Covid-19 trends show a resurgence of economic growth, and social, health and educational programs beneficial to all its people. India takes pride in its sons and daughters achieving most prominent positions globally in science and technology, politics, businesses, medical and legal professions, health and academia.
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New York-India partnership will grow even stronger, says Mayor Adams
NEW YORK(TIP): Ambassador of India to the United States of America Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhumet New York City Mayor, Mr. Eric Adams on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the City Hall. Ambassador Sandhu was accompanied by Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, India’s Consul General in New York, and Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General while Mayor Adams was joined by New York State Assemblywoman Ms. Jenifer Rajkumar, Deputy Mayor Ms. Meera Joshi and other senior aides. Ambassador Sandhu congratulated Mayor Adams on his historic election as the New York City’s Mayor and conveyed his best wishes. He thanked the Mayor for his support to India-US partnership and to the Indian diaspora in New York. They held discussion on further bolstering the strong partnership between India and the City of New York with special emphasis on key areas including affordable healthcare, renewable energy, new and emerging technology, education and knowledge partnership, IT and fintech.
Ambassador Sandhu sought the support and participation of Mayor Adams and his team in the Consulate’s programs to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating rich cultural heritage of India in the city of New York, and further strengthening people to people ties.
After the delegation level meeting, the two sides were joined by around thirty prominent members of the City’s Indian American diaspora. Indian community in New York and USA is the living bridge between the two countries. Its contribution was acknowledged by Mayor Adams, and he assured that New York-India partnership will grow even stronger under his leadership.
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Democratic District Leader Dr. Neeta Jain organized a Vigil for fallen NYPD heroes
NEW YORK (TIP): Hindu Center Inc. and International Ahimsa Foundation organized a candlelight vigil and interfaith prayers at Hindu Center Inc. Flushing, NY. Tribute Ceremony was organized by Democratic District Leader Dr. Neeta Jain at Hindu Center for our fallen NYPD heroes Detective Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora, who lost their lives in line of duty. A record number of police officers from 109 and 107 precincts attended the Vigil.
Prayers were started by Head Priest of Hindu Center Dr. K. P. Dixit followed by Jain prayer recited by Dr. Neeta Jain, Rev. Dr. Frank Kaufman from Twelve Gates Communities, Imam Abdel Ghani Benyahya from Muslim Center of New York, Ravi Vaidyanaat Shivcharya from Hindu Temple Society of North America, Dr. Vipul Patel from BAPS, Guru Dileepji from UN, Raghbir Singh Subhanpur from Gurudwara Baba Makhan Shah, Richmond Hill, Detective Rudy from Desi Society of NYPD. Vigil was also attended by Consul Community Affairs Mr. Vijay Krishnan from Consulate General of India in New York, and a representative from Assemblyman David Weprin.
Dr. Urmilesh Arya, National President of AIA stressed the need of nonviolence and gun control. Dr. Ravindra Goyal president of Hindu Center Inc. assured the NYPD officers that our community is there any time they need us. Dr. Jain also said that it is a partnership between community and our law enforcement. Officers. We need to work together to keep both of us safe. Precinct 109 Commanding Officer deputy Inspector John O’Connell Inspector thanked for support of Community. Commanding officer from precinct 107 Deputy Inspector Kevin advised to say hello and greet when you see a police officer. All prayed to Almighty to rest both brave souls in Peace and give strength to both families to bear tremendous loss.
(Press Release)
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Seven State Lawmakers Join GOPIO’s Northeastern Chapters to Celebrate India’s 73rd Republic Day
NEW YORK (TIP): Hundreds of Indian Americans representing GOPIO New York, GOPIO Manhattan, GOPIO-CT, GOPIO-Central Jersey and other community organization in a show of unity came together to celebrate India’s 73rd Republic Day virtually on Wednesday, January 26th, 2022, paying rich tributes to their motherland, India as she stands tall among nations of the world, proclaiming freedom, democratic values, economic and technological advancements, and the rich cultural traditions. In his inaugural address, Indian Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, a career diplomat with over two decades of diplomatic career serving in Portugal, Cuba, South Africa and at the Permanent Mission of India in New York, greeted the Diaspora in the United States and around the world on the occasion of India’s 73rd Republic Day celebrations.
Dignitaries and elected officials at the celebration, from left Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Impact Executive Director Neil Makhija, Vermont State Senator Kesha Ram, NJ State Senator Vin Gopal, Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani, CT. Rep. Harry Arora, NH Rep. Latha Mangipudi, BY Rep. Jenifer Rajkumar and NJ Rep. Raj Mukherji Stating that celebrating India’s Republic Day is special each year, but this year it’s more so because it is the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ambassador Jaiswal pointed to the several events that are being organized across the United States to commemorate the event, where a large number of people joined virtually and in person, including Greetings and Proclamations from the Governors of the state of New York And Ohio and from the mayor of New York City as well as from the NY state Senate. Referring to fact that the “Indian Diaspora in the United States is very strong, and has contributed immensely to the India-US relations and to Mother India,” Ambassador Jaiswal said, “The Indian Diaspora is playing a very important role in the cooperation between India and the United States in all areas, especially in the healthcare sector. “Covid is one area where scientists from India and the United States are collaborating in developing vaccines and medicines. We are grateful to the Diaspora for all of your contributions.”
American National Anthem by Mathy Pillai and Indian National Anthem by Jyothi Gupta and her team. Referring to the several elected Indian American leaders who attended the event, Ambassador Jaiswal said, “Your presence and greetings mean a lot to us and to the Indian Diaspora and to the Indo-US relationship.” Announcing that India has provided 1.6 Billion does of Covid vaccination in the past 1 year, the senior diplomat representing India told the participants, how India’s economy is doing remarkably well and that there are 60,000 StartUP Companies established in the past year. He praised India’s efforts towards women’s empowerment as India continues to contribute towards world peace and prosperity.
Neil Makhija, Executive President of Indian American Impact spoke about how they work towards helping NRIs get elected to state and national offices. “Our goal is to increasing the representation of Indian Americans in all states,” he said. “Across the country, a record number of Indian-Americans have been elected to the state and national offices. I am thrilled to be where we are today.” He went onto introducing each of the elected officials who had joined the celebrations today.
New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopalrecalled his visit with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy traveling to several states in India meeting with several Chief Ministers and building relationships collaborating in several areas between India and New Jersey, which now has the fastest growing Indian American community in the United States. He proudly stated about how New Jersey has passed the legislation including Asian American history in the school curriculum teaching Indian history to all school children in the state. Referring to his frequent trips to India to meet with his grandparents, the young Senator said, “I am inspired by the values taught by family, which we carry them in our lives.”
Vermont State Senator Kesha Ramshared of the reasons for her entering politics. “I got engaged with the community for long, where we care for each other.” One of the youngest ever to be elected to State Assembly at the age of 21, she said, “I am the first ever woman of color top be elected to the state Assembly in Vermont. Continuing to break through the barriers, we can work together to elect more NRIs. “It’s incredible to be of public service, following in the footsteps of my great grandfathers,” she said, referring to her ancestry back in India, who had fought for the freedom for India. “We have carried with us that spirit of community service.”
Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani, said, he is the 2nd Indian American ever elected to a statewide office and he is one of the only Republicans of Indian Origin to be elected. “Freedom is rare and needs to be upheld and protected. I work hard to reach across the aisleand cooperate with people in both the Parties to legislate.” Sharing his early days and inspiration to enter politics, he said, “My parents worked hard to live the American dream. There is a need for us to be at the decision-making table. Everyone is able to realize the dream. We stand on your shoulders, to carry on the Indian values.”
New Jersey State Rep. Raj Mukerji said, “We are celebrating the world’s largest democracy today and India’s contributions to building a better world for all.” He pointed to how the Indian American Caucuses are growing across the nation and in several states. In the state of New Jersey, the Indian American representation in state offices has grown from 1 to 7 this year. “That’s the way it should be. I am proud of all that GOPIO has contributed socially and financially to make this happen. I am proud of the contributions of the Indian Diaspora, who are in the front lines of global healthcare. NRIs are helping the nation and the world, come out of the Covid. And it’s the time to celebrate.”
NY State Representative Jenifer Rajkumar from the 28th District thanked GOPIO and the Indian American community for the inspiration she has had in her life, “Indian identity is central to my election to the state assembly in New York. I stand on your shoulders as GOPIO has played a great role in helping me get elected to the State Assembly.” Referring to the record three Indian Americans elected to the state, she said, “We made history and I want to thank the community leaders who have made this possible.” Rajkumar shared with the audience as to how growing up in a family that emphasized the teachings of Gandhian principles has helped her to appreciate diversity, justice and equality for all. She referred to the Bills she has introduced in the Assembly to celebrate Punjabi culture and declaring and October as Hindu heritage month as well as to celebrate India’s Independence Day.
GOPIO officials and organizers of the celebration, Top row, from l. to r. GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-Manhattan Executive VP Prof. Raj Vangapaty and President Shivender Sofat. Bottom row, from l. to r. GOPIO-Manhattan Committee Member Chitranjan Belwariar, GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani and GOPIO VP Ram Gadhavi New Hampshire State Rep. Latha Mangipudi, who has been elected again to the NH House of Representatives, shared with the audience about her own life, challenges in becoming a female, non-White elected official from a state which is majority White. “It was a very slow and gradual journey after I had come to the US to pursue higher studies in the 1980s.” Inspired by Gandhiji’s message of non-violence, which Martin Luther and late Rep. John Lewis had imbibed in their public life, the 1st generation Indian American said, “I am a woman, Brown colored, 1st generation Indian and very vocal in expressing my views.” Stating that she has introduced traditional health systems of India including Ayurveda in New Hampshire, she thanked the Indian Consulate which has “worked with us to enhance awareness on India and its diverse culture and democratic values.”
Connecticut State Representative Harry Arora said, “We know how powerful it is to have set up of laws and rules of laws, the power of a country comes from a beautifully written constitution which was adopted on that day and the fact that we have lived with that beautifully so many years with that constitution in India, which works.” Rep. Arora also added that we may complain that sometimes things might not work, but overall on a macro level it has worked.
GOPIO Chairman, Dr. Thomas Abraham in his introductory remarks highlighted how India, after a long non-violent struggle, got its independence from the British Colonial Rule and declared itself a Republic in 1950 with one of the longest written constitutions. “Although we started with almost nothing, in 75 years, India made progress under democratic rule and is now moving forward to become the Third Largest economy in the world. As we celebrate 73rd Republic Day of India, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of democracy, freedom, justice, and peace not only in India but all over the world,” he said.
Dr. Abraham, a veteran Non-Resident Indian community leader pointed out that India has sent a large number of its brightest to America, who have made substantial contributions in building up the economy of America. “Our contributions are noted very well in the Health Care especially our doctors and nurses are frontline workers against Covid. We have also made outstanding contributions in hospitality, science and technology and education. We are also not behind in the political process. The biggest achievement came when one of us, an African/Indian American woman Senator Kamala Harris was sworn in as the Vice President of the USA. The last General Election also saw a larger number of Indian Americans being elected to state legislatures. Eight of them from the Northeast have joined us this evening. Thank you to all for joining us,” Dr. Abraham said.
GOPIO members have been in the forefront, contributing to the larger community here in the United States and towards supporting various initiatives back home in India, especially during the Covid pandemic. “We had sent Oxygen concentrators to India last year when the Pandemic was at its peak. Many GOPIO chapters continue to serve the local communities in different countries by donating and serving food to the homeless and needy and replenishing and providing cash to the food pantries which serve the homeless and needy families.” He urged the larger Indian Diaspora members to become GOPIO members, either at the International level or the chapter level.” Dr. Jaya Daptardar eloquently emceed the event. American National Anthem was sung by: Mathy Pillai, while the Indian National Anthem was by Jyothi Gupta and team from Long Island. Popular artists from New Jersey and Connecticut, including Pallavi Belwariar, Kedar Godbole, Srinivas Gunupuru, and Trupti Shah presented popular evergreen patriotic songs such as VandeMataram and Jai Ho with their beautiful voices. Media Sponsor and Live Streaming was provided by Indus TV (New Jersey). GOPIO-Manhattan Committee Member Chitranjan Belwariar proposed a vote of thanks which was followed by introduction of all sponsoring organizations by GOPIO-Manhattan Executive.
Emcee and singers at the celebration, from l. to r.: Emcee Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Pallavi Belwariar, Kedar Godbole, Srinivas Gunupuru and Tripti Shah. Prominent among those who had joined the Republic Day celebrations included GOPIO VP Ram Gadhavi who is also the chair of Gujarat Literary Academy of North America; Lal Motwani, GOPIO Foundation Executive Trustee; Dr. Asha Samant, GOPIO International Coordinator-at-Large; and several GOPIO Chapter Presidents, including, GOPIO New York President Beena Kothari; GOPIO Manhattan President Shivender Sofat; GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani; GOPIO-Central Jersey Kunal Mehta; and, Rockland County Legislature Anney Paul. Co-Sponsoring Organizations and the leaders who had attended the event included: President of the National Federation of Indian American Association Lavanya Reddy from Seattle and Secretary Ashok Patnaik from Los Angeles, VP for New York Region Gunja Rastogi, who is the President of National Indian American Association for Senior Citizens; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Executive Director Sudhir Vaishnav; Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York President Mukund Mehta; Jiwan Jyoti Chairman Suresh Arya from Rockland County; Jhilmil President Anoop Bhargava from New Jersey; Milan Cultural Association President Suresh Sharma from Hartford, CT; Kerala Center President Alex Esthappan from Elmont, New York; National AIA President Gobind Munjaland India Association of Long Island President Bina Sabapathi.
Participants at the celebration. GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization with Individual Life Members and over 100 chapters in 35 countries. GOPIO’s volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities, building networks, bonds, friendships, alliances, and the camaraderie of citizens and colleagues alike. GOPIO volunteers believe that when they help network the global Indian community, they facilitate makingtomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora and the countries they live in.
The taped program can be seen on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3d90UWW8SvA.
(Press Release)
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BSF to start Beating Retreat along international border in Rajasthan by March
Special Correspondent
JAIPUR (TIP): On the lines of Wagah-Attari border’s Beating Retreat, Border Security Force (BSF) will soon open a border tourism spot in Rajasthan’s International Indo-Pak border in Jaisalmer district at Babliyan post to woo tourists, both domestic and international, by March this year. Besides the stadium for retreat, a museum and cafeteria would also be functional there for tourists’ who travel a long way from other parts of India and the world throughout the year specially from September to March. “A stadium with a capacity of over 2000 tourist visitors is being built at Babliyan post by the Jaisalmer district administration and will be readied by February end, and BSF would then start Beating Retreat event like the one at Attari border”, Pankaj Goomar, IG, BSF (Rajasthan Frontier) told TIP when contacted. Domestic and international tourists used to throng Jaisalmer to visit forts, sand dunes in Sam, and Tanot Mata Mandir, and many of them seek permission to view the international border guarded by the BSF but did get easily, Goomar said, adding the Beating Retreat kind of event would give access to them with a new idea and view along the border which would be 2 to 3 kms from the actual fenced border line.
“Its tourist fee and other modalities would be decided later on by the BSF authorities which will monitor everything once it is built by the Jaisalmer administration”, he said, adding a museum would also be readied at Babliyan post, which is about 145 kms.Once Babliy an post gets ready, BSF had a plan to start similar event at Bikaner’s Khajuwala and Sanchu border posts. The border tourism is chosen due to the importance of Tanot Mata temple where thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit every year. It is an incarnation of divine goddess Hingla Mata and it was attacked by the Pakistan Army during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965 during which 3,000 bombs were fired towards the temple. However, as per local lore, the bombs either missed their target or did not explode. After the 1965 war, India’s BSF took charge of the temple and the responsibility of managing and maintenance. Tanot was attacked again during the Indo-Pak war of 1971, but this time the attacking tanks got bogged down in the sand, allowing the Indian Air Force to destroy them. After the 1971 war, the Indian Army built a Vijay Stambha (Victory tower) inside the temple compound to commemorate the victory in the battle of Longewala.
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Daughters and Sons are Gifts from God
By Dr. Jagdeep Kaur Kahlon
God gives us both, sons and daughters. Girls and boys are equally intelligent, and both are capable of joining various professions. Daughters should never be considered a burden and so they must never be married off at a very young age when they have not attained requisite maturity to live a responsible married life. We should celebrate Lohri for daughters, just like for the sons. Girls must be given equal love and care. They should be given all the required good education, nutrition & proper healthcare. And they must receive from their parents, all the opportunities for progress and growth in life. When a young girl is nurtured well and gets good education, she can easily blossom into an intelligent and independent woman, who can succeed in her chosen field of work. Her interests would, then, lead to generating an adequate income, which results in a good, contented and happy life.
Parents must be made aware of giving all rights to their daughters and not to dominate them and not to discriminate against them. Getting out of the shadow of father, brother, husband and son gifts the girl or woman great self-esteem and confidence. Only then can she provide joy to her family. Once she is working and is happy with her work, she can become the source of inspiring innumerable other young women to follow suit and succeed in their professions.Such empowerment would become the catalyst for all women to live a joyous and fruitful life. They would be enabled to take equal care of their family life and professional life and shall become an inspirational role-model for all young girls, regarding learning to maintain a good balance. This is a cycle because such role-models would, in turn, become an exemplary motivating factor for other parents, who would encourage their daughters to study, along with learning household work. Such noble, commendable, worthy, good attitude of parents towards their daughters would give a great boost to the morale of the girls who would be encouraged to follow their heart and soul in studying the subject of their choice and then to go into a profession as per their interest and capability, instead of being rushed and pushed into early marriage.
(The author can be reached at 011-91- 9876584647)
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Queens becomes first county in New York to have 2 million residents receive COVID-19 vaccine
QUEENS, NY (TIP): As the city continues to encourage New Yorkers to get tested, vaccinated and boosted to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Queens on Jan. 8 became the first county in New York state to have 2 million residents receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the city’s Health Department.
It’s a milestone for the “World’s Borough,” which was once the original “epicenter of the epicenter” of the greatest public health crisis in our lifetime, according to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
“Queens has proven again and again, culminating with today’s incredible milestone, no borough has shown more strength, resilience and resolve in our collective comeback than our own,” Richards said. “The pandemic is not over yet, as we’ve learned with the recent surge in cases brought on by the omicron variant, and neither is our fight against it. To all our neighbors who continue to roll up their sleeves to get both vaccinated and boosted and to all our healthcare workers who continue to serve their communities with unparalleled heroism, thank you for stepping up on behalf of our shared borough.”
In April 2021, Queens became the first county in New York state to have 1 million residents receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. As of Jan. 11, 89% of all Queens residents, regardless of age, have received at least one dose — 7 percentage points higher than the city average. In terms of percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated, Queens leads the five boroughs at 80%. For children ages 5 to 17 in Queens, 66% have received at least one dose of a vaccine and 51% are fully vaccinated — nearly 10 points higher than the city average for both criteria.
During the Queens Borough Board meeting held on Monday, Jan. 10, NYC Test & Trace Corps and the city Health Department reported a 960% increase in COVID cases between November 2021 and December 2021.
“We’ve pulled all of the levers we’ve had to put testing in as many places as possible,” said Laura Atlas, director of External Affairs at NYC Test & Trace Corps. According to the city Health Department’s data for Queens, there have been immense rates of transmission, with the latest seven-day cases at 10,000 per day.
Chelsea Cipriano, executive director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the city Health Department, said their number one tool in the fight against COVID-19 is getting people vaccinated.
“If you’re fully vaccinated, your job is not done. Now is the time to get a booster shot,” Cipriano said. “The vaccine works. Yes, there are cases among those that are vaccinated, but it is by and large among those that are not vaccinated.”
Cipriano and Atlas reiterated that it’s important for people to get tested before they travel and gather with friends and family. According to Atlas, NYC Test & Trace Corps have been adding new vendors, partners and locations — brick-and-mortar, mobile units and tent teams — for vaccination sites in Queens.
There are CDC units in the borough and a state mass testing site at York College in Jamaica. Additionally, there are tent teams providing relief at emergency rooms in hospitals to get people tested.
When asked by the borough president how they are targeting communities with higher rates of transmission, Atlas said they are maintaining an extensive presence with brick-and-mortar and mobile units in those communities and are relying on people to inform them of the places residents would go to for testing.
COVID-19 testing is also provided at multiple sites at JFK airport, according to Atlas, and at LaGuardia Airport to service residents in East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Corona and Jackson Heights.
“Those folks who are going to LaGuardia instead of Elmhurst Hospital have other alternatives. We also opened a testing site at Newtown High School,” Atlas said.
Atlas says they’re also distributing rapid at-home testing kits to hospital emergency rooms and public schools.
According to Richards, testing and vaccination sites have been expanded in College Point and Forest Hills. A testing unit is also open at the Ridgewood Clinic providing PCR and antigen COVID-19 testing.
The borough president noted that they’re working on expanding testing sites into other areas across the borough. In Far Rockaway, the percentage of vaccinated residents increased from 32% last summer to 60%, according to Richards. Richards said they will continue to work with the city Department of Health and the state to continue providing resources and information to the Queens community.
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Queens becomes first county in New York to have 2 million residents receive COVID-19 vaccine
QUEENS, NY (TIP): As the city continues to encourage New Yorkers to get tested, vaccinated and boosted to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Queens on Jan. 8 became the first county in New York state to have 2 million residents receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the city’s Health Department. It’s a milestone for the “World’s Borough,” which was once the original “epicenter of the epicenter” of the greatest public health crisis in our lifetime, according to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
“Queens has proven again and again, culminating with today’s incredible milestone, no borough has shown more strength, resilience and resolve in our collective comeback than our own,” Richards said. “The pandemic is not over yet, as we’ve learned with the recent surge in cases brought on by the omicron variant, and neither is our fight against it. To all our neighbors who continue to roll up their sleeves to get both vaccinated and boosted and to all our healthcare workers who continue to serve their communities with unparalleled heroism, thank you for stepping up on behalf of our shared borough.”
In April 2021, Queens became the first county in New York state to have 1 million residents receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. As of Jan. 11, 89% of all Queens residents, regardless of age, have received at least one dose — 7 percentage points higher than the city average.
In terms of percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated, Queens leads the five boroughs at 80%. For children ages 5 to 17 in Queens, 66% have received at least one dose of a vaccine and 51% are fully vaccinated — nearly 10 points higher than the city average for both criteria.
During the Queens Borough Board meeting held on Monday, Jan. 10, NYC Test & Trace Corps and the city Health Department reported a 960% increase in COVID cases between November 2021 and December 2021.
“We’ve pulled all of the levers we’ve had to put testing in as many places as possible,” said Laura Atlas, director of External Affairs at NYC Test & Trace Corps.
According to the city Health Department’s data for Queens, there have been immense rates of transmission, with the latest seven-day cases at 10,000 per day.
Chelsea Cipriano, executive director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the city Health Department, said their number one tool in the fight against COVID-19 is getting people vaccinated.
“If you’re fully vaccinated, your job is not done. Now is the time to get a booster shot,” Cipriano said. “The vaccine works. Yes, there are cases among those that are vaccinated, but it is by and large among those that are not vaccinated.”
Cipriano and Atlas reiterated that it’s important for people to get tested before they travel and gather with friends and family. According to Atlas, NYC Test & Trace Corps have been adding new vendors, partners and locations — brick-and-mortar, mobile units and tent teams — for vaccination sites in Queens.
There are CDC units in the borough and a state mass testing site at York College in Jamaica. Additionally, there are tent teams providing relief at emergency rooms in hospitals to get people tested.
When asked by the borough president how they are targeting communities with higher rates of transmission, Atlas said they are maintaining an extensive presence with brick-and-mortar and mobile units in those communities and are relying on people to inform them of the places residents would go to for testing.
COVID-19 testing is also provided at multiple sites at JFK airport, according to Atlas, and at LaGuardia Airport to service residents in East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Corona and Jackson Heights.
“Those folks who are going to LaGuardia instead of Elmhurst Hospital have other alternatives. We also opened a testing site at Newtown High School,” Atlas said.
Atlas says they’re also distributing rapid at-home testing kits to hospital emergency rooms and public schools.
According to Richards, testing and vaccination sites have been expanded in College Point and Forest Hills. A testing unit is also open at the Ridgewood Clinic providing PCR and antigen COVID-19 testing.
The borough president noted that they’re working on expanding testing sites into other areas across the borough. In Far Rockaway, the percentage of vaccinated residents increased from 32% last summer to 60%, according to Richards.Richards said they will continue to work with the city Department of Health and the state to continue providing resources and information to the Queens community.
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Eight Indian Americans among100 Most Influential Academics in Government
NirpalShergill
LONDON (TIP): As many as eight Indian American academics, including IMF’s Gita Gopniath figure in London based Apolitical’s latest list of 100 Most Influential Academics in Government whose work influenced policymaking in five key areas. This year’s list recognizes academics working in five timely policy areas that represent problems being faced by government everywhere, and present an opportunity for intergovernmental collaboration, it said. They are: Recovery from Covid-19; Employment and skills social policy, Climate and sustainability and Policymaking processes and approaches.
Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, its number-two leadership position, since Jan 21, has been recognized in the area of Economics, employment & skills.
Karthik Muralidharan, Tata Chancellor’s Professor of Economics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and Rohini Pande, the Henry J. Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Center, Yale University too have been selected in the same category.
Nitin Nohria, Dean of Harvard Business School, has been recognized for his work in other policy areas along with Devesh Kapur, Starr Foundation Professor of South Asian Studies and Pradeep Khosla, Eighth Chancellor, University of California San Diego.
Anup Malani, Lee and Brena Freeman Professor at the University of Chicago Law School, and Manoj Mohanan, Associate Professor at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, have been chosen in Recovery from Covid-19 category.
The John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and of Economics at Harvard University, Gopinath is currently on leave of public service from the economics department. She served as the IMF Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 1919 to 2022. Gopinath’s research focuses on International Finance and Macroeconomics. She is currently a member of the Group of Thirty and the Council on Foreign Relations.
Earlier she was a member of the economic advisory panel of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, a visiting scholar at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister of Kerala state in India, and member of the Eminent Persons Advisory Group on G-20 Matters for India’s Ministry of Finance.
Before coming to Harvard, she was an assistant professor of economics at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. She received her PhD in economics from Princeton University, after earning a BA from Lady Sri Ram College, and MA degrees from the Delhi School of Economics and the University of Washington.
Nohria’s intellectual interests center on human motivation, leadership, corporate transformation and accountability, and sustainable economic and human performance. He is co-author or co-editor of 16 books as also author of over 50 journal articles, book chapters, cases, working papers, and notes.
Prior to joining the Harvard Business School faculty in July 1988, Nohria received his PhD in Management from the Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He is a BTech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (which honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2007). He was a visiting faculty member at the London Business School in 1996.
Anup Malani is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. He conducts research in development economics, health economics and law and economics. During the Covid pandemic, Malani led a modeling team that developed a forecasting model and method of adaptive control for Covid in India; that model was used to inform policy in Bihar and in Indonesia.
Malani was an investigator on population-level viral surveys in Bihar, serological (antibody) surveys in Mumbai, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and a cellular immunity survey in Bangalore.
This work on Covid has won two Emergent Ventures prizes. He worked on vaccine distribution policies for Indonesia and India. He also used a large, panel survey to estimate the number of excess deaths in India during the pandemic and to understand the economic impacts of the pandemic.
He is now conducting verbal autopsies on roughly 30,000 to determine the fraction of excess deaths that are attributable to Covid. Finally, Malani has studied how Indian households adapted financially to Covid and the impact of Covid on individual income inequality in India. Prior to the pandemic, Malani’s research focused on development economics. He is the co-founder and Faculty Director of the International Innovation Corps, a social service program that sends postgraduates to work on innovative projects with government officials in India and the US.
Malani has a JD and PhD in economics from the University of Chicago. He was a law clerk to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court and the founding Faculty Director of the Tata Centre for Development at the University of Chicago.
Manoj Mohanan’s research focuses primarily on the economics of health and development, and health policy. His past research has examined topics including performance incentive contracts, public private partnerships, quality of care, social franchising, accountability interventions, and household health behavior across multiple countries.
His research also contributed to early evidence on Covid from seroprevalence studies in India. His ongoing research aims to understand long term consequences of large-scale disruptions caused by the pandemic and its effect on vulnerability of households.
Mohanan was trained as a health economist at Harvard University’s Inter-Faculty PhD Program in Health Policy (Economics), and also holds additional degrees in public health and medicine.
Born and raised in India, Prof. Muralidharan earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University (summa cum laude), an MPhil in economics from Cambridge University (ranked first), and a PhD in economics from Harvard University.
His research spans development, public, and labor economics with a focus on improving the effectiveness of public spending in the social sector (education, health, and social protection programs).
His research program is characterized by large-scale randomized experiments conducted in partnership with governments to study the impact of programs and policies at scale.
A Fellow and Board Member of the Bureau of Economic Analysis of Development (BREAD), he is actively involved in policy advising and capacity building in India at both the central and state government level.
A co-editor of American Economic Review: Insights, Rohini Pande’s research is largely focused on how formal and informal institutions shape power relationships and patterns of economic and political advantage in society, particularly in developing countries.
She is interested the role of public policy in providing the poor and disadvantaged political and economic power, and how notions of economic justice and human rights can help justify and enable such change.
Her most recent work focuses on testing innovative ways to make the state more accountable to its citizens, such as strengthening women’s economic and political opportunities, ensuring that environmental regulations reduce harmful emissions, and providing citizens effective means to voice their demand for state services.
In 2018, Pande received the Carolyn Bell Shaw Award from the American Economic Association for promoting the success of women in the economics profession.
Before coming to Yale, Pande was the Rafik Harriri Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School, where she co-founded Evidence for Policy Design.
Pande received a PhD in economics from London School of Economics, a BA/MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University and a BA in Economics from Delhi University.
Devesh Kapur joined the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in July 2018 from the University of Pennsylvania
There, he was a professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for the Advanced Study of India, holding the Madan Lal Sobti Chair for the Study of Contemporary India.
Prior to his tenure at Penn, he was Associate Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin, and the Frederick Danziger Associate Professor of Government at Harvard.
Kapur received the Joseph R. Levenson Teaching Prize, awarded to the best junior faculty at Harvard College and Outstanding Teaching in Political Science by the American Political Science Association, in 2005.
Kapur’s research has focused on five broad areas that examine the political and institutional determinants of economic development: international financial institutions; political and economic consequences of international and internal migration; the effects of market forces and urbanization on the well-being of socially marginalized groups in India; governance and public institutions; and higher education.
Kapur has a BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT (BHU) Varanasi; MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota; PhD from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton.
Pradeep Khosla’s research interests encompass the areas of internet-enabled collaborative design, collaborating autonomous systems, agent-based architectures for distributed design and embedded control, software composition and reconfigurable software for real-time embedded systems, reconfigurable and distributed robotic systems, integrated design-assembly planning systems and distributed information systems.
His research has resulted in three books and more than 350 journal articles and conference and book contributions. He is also the founding director of the Carnegie Mellon CyLab and the Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, which pursues interdisciplinary projects.
Khosla is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Association of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and the Indian Academy of Engineering.
He is an Honorary Fellow of the Indian Academy of Science. His other awards include the 2012 Light of India Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the W. Wallace McDowell Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society.
In 2012, he was named as one of the 50 most influential Indian-Americans by SiliconIndia.
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Two Indias-one for the rich and the other for the poor: Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha
You’re fiddling with the idea of India; your policies show a lack of understanding of history
NEW DELHI (TIP): In a scathing attack on Modi and his government, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of behaving like a “King” and of fiddling with the “idea of India”.India faces a challenge that is the creation of two Indias—one extremely wealthy and the other is being pushed deeper into poverty, said Rahul Gandhi.
Gandhi was speaking in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, February 2, on the “motion of thanks” on the Presidential Address.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhB0JGdeWnI
Gandhi, in fact, drew attention to three crucial problems India has been grappling with at the current moment – rising unemployment, strategic failures to corner China and Pakistan, and an unprecedented attack on the country’s institutional framework. These are concerns that every opposition political party and scores of civil society groups have been pinpointing and on which they have failed to draw a convincing response from the Union government. Gandhi said one India is for extremely rich people and those who have immense wealth and power, while the other side has those who are being pushed into poverty.
“The poor of India have no jobs. The Presidential address had not a word on unemployment,” he said. “About 3 crore jobs were lost in 2021. The SME and MSME enterprises have had no support rather have been attacked by the Government.”
He listed demonetization, the wrong implementation of GST, and lack of support during coronavirus as causes of the “attack”.
“The UPA uplifted 27 crore people from poverty and you have pushed 23 crore people into poverty,” he said. He claimed monopolies were being created in the formal sector and accused ‘Adani and Ambani’ of cornering ports, airports, petrochemicals, power transmission, green energy, telecom and e-commerce. “There can be no ‘Make in India’ until SMEs and MSMEs are doing better. Manufacturing has been reduced by 46 percent,” he said. “You have focused only on 5 or 10 big industries.”
“I am not against the big industry,” he qualified.Taking on the BJP and Modi, he said it is Union of India, “a partnership and not a Kingdom”. “The only way India has been ruled is by conversation and negotiation. You people are confused. You think you can suppress people. You have no idea of history.”
“There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the center. Every time it has been done that stick has been broken,” said Gandhi and said he was not afraid to speak about the Emergency when it was pointed out by the ruling party.
Gandhi cited the example of farmers saying they stood in protest for one year.
“But it did not matter, the King does not agree. You don’t listen to anyone”, he added, accusing the BJP and the Prime Minister of functioning like a King. The confused understanding of the country is playing havoc, he said.
Pegasus, the judiciary, and control over the Election Commission are all acts of destroying the country.
“The PM personally goes to Israel and authorizes use of Pegasus,” he said.
“My great-grandfather (Jawaharlal Nehru) spent 15 years in jail, my grandmother (Indira Gandhi) took 32 bullets, and my father (Rajiv Gandhi) was blown away with pieces, I know history,” he said.
“Please stop. If you don’t stop you will create problems. What you are doing is dangerous and demonstrates a lack of understanding of history”, said Gandhi. “Go back and look at empires that have ruled in India. It is always a union of states.”
He accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the BJP of weakening the foundation of the country. Rahul Gandhi also criticized the country’s foreign policy, saying that India currently stood isolated in her own neighborhood.
“The Chinese have a clear vision about what they want to do. The single biggest strategic goal of India’s foreign policy was to keep China and Pakistan separate, you have brought them together,” Gandhi said. “China acts in Doklam and Ladakh are the foundation of serious threat.” Gandhi’s remarks about unemployment in the country came a few days after unrest among candidates of the Railway Recruitment Board’s NTPC exam. Protests over the exam’s shortlisting process turned violent in Bihar earlier this week.
(With input from agencies)
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‘Indian intelligence service’ bought Pegasus from Israel, coordinated with Mossad: New York Times
NEW DELHI (TIP): The “Indian intelligence service” purchased Pegasus from Israeli company NSO in a deal pegged at “dozens of millions of dollars”, a The New York Times (NYT) reporter involved in the newspaper’s investigation into the use of the surveillance system worldwide has said. The New York Times said the purchase was finalized during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel and cleared by the then Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in 2017.
Describing the NSO procedure for Pegasus, which is a high-grade cyberweapon on Israel’s export control list, The New York Time’s Tel Aviv-based correspondent Ronen Bergman said the Israeli Ministry of Defense had cleared the contract, and that NSO engineers would have had to travel to India to install the system themselves and Israeli intelligence agency Mossad liaised with them. However, neither the NYT nor Mr. Bergman specified whether they meant the Intelligence Bureau (IB) or the Research and Analysis wing ((R&AW), or any other agency reporting to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) under National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval.
Mr. Bergman also said that the entity that signed the Pegasus purchase agreement would have had to give three guarantees to the Israeli Ministry of Defense: that it would use it only by itself, that it would get prior written permission to share it with any other entity, and that it would use it Pegasus surveillance against terrorism and organized crime.
“While the ongoing technical maintenance is done by NSO vis-a-vis, in this case, Indian intelligence service, which was the entity that purchased Pegasus – the overall connection is also with the involvement of the agency in Israel that is in charge of running secret intelligence and political relationships, which is the Mossad,” Mr. Bergman said in an interview to Indian news portal The Wire, which had taken part in the global investigation by several agencies that found thousands of phones belonging to civilians, including politicians, judges, journalists, activists with no criminal record had been hacked using the Pegasus software. Journalists belonging to The Wire, The Hindu and other Indian agencies were also on the list. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs declined to comment on the New York Times story and the latest interview.
Last July, in Parliament, IT and Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, whose phone was also on the list of Pegasus- hacked devices, said the news reports were “sensational” and “had no factual basis and were categorically denied by all parties including in the Supreme Court,” referring to an ongoing case in the apex court, which subsequently ordered its own enquiry committee to investigate the allegations against the government. Separately, the Ministry of Defense had said it had “not had any transactions” with the NSO group.
Significantly, the NSCS had for the first time seen a 10-fold increase in budgetary allocation in 2017-18, when its allocation shot up to ₹333 crore and it was further increased to ₹841.73 crore in 2018-19 but was revised to ₹140.92 crore in 2019-20, and officials did not respond to The Hindu report requesting explanations for the sudden surge in outlay. The functioning of the NSCS, IB and the R&AW are exempted from the provisions of the Right to Information Act (RTI) and also from Parliament scrutiny. The organizations cannot be financially audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also.
In the interview, Mr. Bergman offered no evidence of the NYT’s claims, but detailed the workings of NSO and procedure involved by each of the countries, including India, Mexico, Hungary, Morocco, KSA etc., who had purchased the Pegasus program. He said he couldn’t divulge his sources, but The New York Times had conducted an extensive multi-country investigation based on documents that he was privy to. “Some of the details that are specified, this comes from a very sensitive, a long-time dealing with sources, and, therefore, I’ll be a little bit cagey in some of the details… we have been working for a year in 12 different countries, speaking with intelligence officials, with leaders of law enforcement agencies, politicians, leaders, cyber experts, human rights activists, etc. and I think we got as close as possible to the full picture – if not the whole picture,” Mr. Bergman stated.
As the programme is on a controlled export list, NSO officials have said all their contracts are cleared by the Israeli government. The NYT story had linked the Pegasus purchase in each of the countries to relations between their leaders and Mr. Netanyahu and claimed that those governments had changed their foreign policy, and votes at the United Nations as a result of the relationship.
“[In] India, [there is] the relationship, a close personal relationship between the leaders of India and Israel that gave birth to, I would say, a new generation of military expenditure as well as a new Indian stand, including international public steps towards Israel,” Mr. Bergman said, adding that according to his sources, there was “a specific interest and specific emphasis from the Indian leadership to the Israeli leadership to obtain that specific license” for Pegasus.
(Source: The Hindu)
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TMC MP Mahua Moitra takes the Modi government to task for its dismal misgovernance
NEW DELHI (TIP): TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address enumerated a number of human rights violations and alleged executive excesses during the last few years of the Narendra Modi government. In her usual belligerent style, she made a note of how the US-based Freedom House Report downgraded India’s status from “free” to “partly free” and that India has fallen 17 spots to 111th position out of 160 countries in the Human Freedom Index. She also mentioned that India is at an abysmal 142nd position out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, adding that the country “remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists today.” Her speech was peppered with references to the farmers’ agitation, the ‘Bulli Deals’ app in which Muslim women were auctioned and the Pegasus spyware controversy.Ms Mahua said: “The way the masters of the republic mistrust the present is most accurately illustrated by the Pegasus mess. The government stands accused of having spent taxpayers’ money to buy technology to spy for years on its own citizens. To paraphrase a leading journalist, the New York Times is lying, The Wire is lying, Amnesty is lying, the French government is lying, the German government is lying, the US government is lying, WhatsApp and Apple – who have sued NSO are lying. Only this government is in splendid isolation with the truth on Pegasus. One minister calls it Supari media, another stands up in this house and lies to us blatantly. The government has misled even the Supreme Court.”She continued with references to raids on opposition leaders ahead of elections, targeting of Muslims by Hindu fundamentalists and recent attacks on Christians by the same groups in 19 Indian towns. She lashed out at the Union government’s attempts to alter IAS cadre rules and said that the tweaking of rules was a heavy-handed move by the Union government to “bully” bureaucrats in the states.“You mistrust the Jats, Sikhs and anyone who stands up to you. But as elections are around the corner, you shamelessly put on a pagdi,” she said in an apparent reference to the prime minister who had donned a Sikh turban during the NCC Republic Day camp. “You (the government) want to get inside our homes, what we eat, what we wear,” Moitra said.
Moitra claimed that the mention of freedom fighters in the president’s address was mere “lip service”. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who Kovind referred to in the speech, held the view that the government of India should have an absolutely neutral and impartial attitude towards all religions. Stating this, she asked, “Would Netaji have approved of a Haridwar Dharma Sansad that issues blood-curdling calls for Muslim genocide?”Moitra also accused the government of being in fear of an India which was “comfortable in its own skin”. “Ours is a living constitution, it breathes as long as we are willing to breathe life into it. Otherwise, it is just a piece of paper, black and white, that can be smudged into shades of grey by any majoritarian government,” she said.
The TMC MP also accused the Modi government of seeking to “alter history” and said, “They are fearful of the future and they mistrust the present.” She added that “this battle of 80% vs 20% that this government has started risks destroying our republic.” She appealed to all opposition parties to come together and defeat the BJP. “Woh Subah hum hi se aayegi (That dawn will come from us). Enough of sahanshilta (tolerance), daya (symapthy), Kshama (forgiveness), it is time now to become Tipu’s (Sultan) springing tiger.”
(With inputs collected by Dave Makkar)
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Tax Time Guide: Important considerations before filing a 2021 tax return
WASHINGTON(TIP): Now that the 2022 tax season is open, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to make sure they’ve got what they need before they file and to consider free resources available to help them get organized. This news release is part of a series called the Tax Time Guide, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available at IRS.gov or in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax.
Don’t file before ready
While taxpayers should not file late, they also should not file prematurely. People who file before they receive all the proper tax reporting documents risk making a mistake that may lead to processing delays.
Typically, year-end forms start arriving by mail – or are available online – in January. Taxpayers should review them carefully. If any of the information shown is inaccurate or not available, taxpayers should contact the payer right away for a correction or to ensure they have their current mailing or email address.
New this year, the IRS sent Letter 6419, Advance Child Tax Credit Reconciliation, in January 2022 to help individuals reconcile and receive the full amount of their 2021 Child Tax Credit. This letter includes the total amount of the 2021 advance Child Tax Credit payments issued and the number of qualifying children used to calculate their advance payments. People need this important information to accurately claim the other half of the 2021 Child Tax Credit when filing their 2021 tax return and prevent delays in processing. The IRS reminds people to check this information carefully.
Most eligible people were already issued their third Economic Impact Payment and won’t include any information about it when they file. However, people who didn’t qualify for a third payment or did not receive the full amount may be eligible for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax situation. They will need the total amount of their third Economic Impact Payment to file an accurate tax return to avoid a processing delay. Taxpayers can sign into their IRS Online Account to view the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment or wait to receive IRS Letter 6475.
Individuals not required to file must file a tax return to claim important tax credits
The IRS strongly encourages individuals who are not required to file a tax return to file one this season to claim potentially thousands of dollars in tax credits. By filing a tax return, individuals could claim:
The Recovery Rebate Credit to receive any remaining 2021 stimulus payments that they might not have received (for example, if they added a new child or other dependent in 2021);
The remaining Child Tax Credit for which they are eligible, including any monthly payments that they might not have received (for example, if they added a new qualifying child in 2021); and
The Earned Income Tax Credit, the federal government’s largest refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income families (the amount of which has been nearly tripled for filers without children).
View IRS account information online
Individuals can use their IRS Online Account to securely access information about their federal tax account, including payments, tax records and more.
To help with filing a return, individuals can view:
The total amounts of Economic Impact Payments issued for tax year 2021
The total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments
Their adjusted gross income from their last tax return
The total of any estimated tax payments they made, and refunds applied as a credit
They can also now make and track payments and manage communication preferences, including the option to go paperless and request email notifications for certain notices available online. Taxpayers are encouraged to register for an online account, if they haven’t already, or sign in to access this information and explore these new features.
Important 2021 Tax Documents
Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may help taxpayers find overlooked deductions or credits. Taxpayers should wait to file until they have all their supporting income statements including but not limited to:
Forms W-2 from employer(s)
Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment compensation, dividends and distributions from a pension, annuity or retirement plan
Form 1099-K, 1099-Misc, W-2 or other income statement if they worked in the gig economy
Form 1099-INT if they received interest payments
Other income documents and records reporting virtual or crypto currency transactions
Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance Premium Tax Credits for Marketplace coverage
Letter 6419, 2021 Total advance Child Tax Credit Payments to reconcile advance Child Tax Credit payments
Letter 6475, 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Free help
Once taxpayers have collected all their tax documents and information, they’re ready to consider how they will file.
IRS Free File is a great option for eligible taxpayers who are only filing a tax return to reconcile 2021 advance payments and claim the remaining portion of their Child Tax Credit or to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, either because they didn’t receive a third-round Economic Impact Payment or did not receive the full amount. IRS Free File can also be used to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides a refundable tax credit based on a filer’s income and family size.
IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. This year, there are eight IRS Free File products in English and one in Spanish.
Taxpayers can use a “look up” tool to choose from one of the Free File Providers. Each provider sets its own eligibility standards, generally based on income, age and state residency giving taxpayers who earned $73,000 or less at least one product to use for free.
Free File is just one way the IRS provides free tax preparation options to taxpayers through a partnership model. The IRS also partners with community organizations to train IRS-certified volunteers to prepare and electronically file basic income tax returns for qualified individuals for free.
Qualified taxpayers who generally make $58,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need help preparing their own tax returns can get free tax help at one of thousands of community volunteer sites through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
And the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offered by AARP, offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
Members of the military and qualifying veterans can use MilTax, a Department of Defense program that generally offers free online tax preparation and e-filing software for federal returns and up to three state returns.
New alternative media preference to help taxpayers
Beginning Jan.31, 2022, taxpayers can complete Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference, to choose to receive their IRS tax notices in Braille, large print, audio or electronic formats. This includes notices about additional taxes or penalties owed. Taxpayers can include the completed form with their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or call 800-829-1040 to elect their preferred format.
As a reminder, Forms 1040 and 1040-SR are available in Spanish, and Schedule LEP, Request for Change in Language Preference, allows taxpayers to request information in 20 different languages besides English.
E-file and choose direct deposit
The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically and use direct deposit to get their refunds. Combining e-file with direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive a refund. Taxpayers can file electronically through a tax professional, IRS Free File or commercial tax preparation software. When choosing e-file and direct deposit, most people receive their refunds in less than 21 days.
People who don’t have a bank account can visit the FDIC website or use the National Credit Union Administration’s Credit Union Locator Tool to find an institution that allows them to open an account online and for tips on how to choose the right account. Veterans can check out the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for access to financial services at participating banks. Taxpayers can also ask their preparer if they offer other electronic refund options.
Although most refunds are delivered in 21 days, it could take longer if the tax return includes errors, is incomplete or requires further security review. Paper-filed tax returns and paper refund checks will take even longer this year.
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IRS warning: Scammers work year-round; stay vigilant
WASHINGTON(TIP): As the new year begins, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to protect their personal and financial information throughout the year and watch out for IRS impersonation scams, along with other schemes, that try to trick people out of their hard-earned money. These schemes can involve text message scams, e-mail schemes and phone scams. This tax season, the IRS also warns people to watch out for signs of potential unemployment fraud.
“With filing season underway, this is a prime period for identity thieves to hit people with realistic-looking emails and texts about their tax returns and refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Watching out for these common scams can keep people from becoming victims of identity theft and protect their sensitive personal information that can be used to file tax returns and steal refunds.”
The IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry – working together in the Security Summit initiative – have taken numerous steps since 2015 to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from identity thieves. Summit partners continue to warn people to watch out for common scams and schemes this tax season.
Text message scams
Last year, there was an uptick in text messages that impersonated the IRS. These scams are sent to taxpayers’ smartphones and have referenced COVID-19 and/or “stimulus payments.” These messages often contain bogus links claiming to be IRS websites or other online tools. Other than IRS Secure Access, the IRS does not use text messages to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving bills or refunds. The IRS also will not send taxpayers messages via social media platforms. If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited SMS/text that appears to be from either the IRS or a program closely linked to the IRS, the taxpayer should take a screenshot of the text message and include the screenshot in an email to phishing@irs.gov with the following information:
Date/time/time zone they received the text message
Phone number that received the text message
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February 4 New York & Dallas E – Edition
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Monthly Horoscope- February 2022
By Chirag Bejan Daruwalla
We know February Month as a romantic month because of Valentine’s Day and week. Also, there are some astrological changes this month like there will be a full moon in Leo. Ganesha says this month there will be cherished changes that you will face in your zodiac sign. We will list all the good and bad things that you can expect in this second month of 2022. For February month its structure and days are different compared to other months. And also, this month holds something really special in it love-wise. We will give you complete knowledge about this new month based on your zodiac sign.
Each sign has its changes in the planets and stars systems. There will be some new transits we will see this month. And how it will affect your zodiac sign and life. If it is good, then fine but there are some bad times then how to overcome them. All this will be answered by Ganesha.
Aries: Ganesha says that Aries natives have the perfect time to bond in a relationship. Whether it is personal life or professional, make a team or friends in this month. You will have a great time this month and you will be in the spotlight of life. There will be many new things which will attract you. It is advised that you learn about it. Because there is a chance it will bring great benefits in your life. After that, there will be a reduction in your issues in life for the rest of the year. And you will enjoy the most gala time of your life.
Taurus: Ganesha says to Taurus natives that this month is the ambitious month for you. The month will give you good opportunities to explore in the life direction which you always wanted. But there will also be some major obstacles and issues you will face in this journey. Work hard on your dreams and you will definitely achieve the goal without any worries this month. After that, for the rest of the year, there will be fewer worries and issues in your life. And everything will fall into place as you always wanted it.
Gemini: Ganesha says that Gemini natives will hear some good news in their job this month. If you own a business, you will make new contacts and earn great profits. This month you will be fully beneficial and of complete growth in life. There will be zero obstacles in your professional life this month. Everything will fall in place as you always wanted it in life. February is the month of profit for you. So, grab this opportunity and work hard on it. To make the rest of the year easy-going and peaceful.
Cancer: Ganesha says the Cancer natives will pass through some tests this month. The start of the month will be favourable and stable for you. But after that, you will face some shaky phases in your career, personal life, and family matters. But deal with this patiently and you will find the perfect solutions regarding it. And get the rest of the month or year back on track. February is the month of tests for you to pass it with flying colours and get yourself a good time in life with fewer worries and issues. So that you can enjoy the rest of the year.
Leo: Ganesha indicates that Leo natives need to push forward to make things work. You have to be courageous and hard working for every goal. There will be great support from family and spouses in your life. This will keep you going happily in life without any worries. There will be just good times in life after some time and effort given by you. After the hard work, the results will be completely amazing and worthwhile in your life. Make sure to use this February month as your month in life.
Virgo: Ganesha says that Virgo natives need to be careful of the people surrounding them this month. Most importantly you don’t need to trust anyone desperately and blindly. This will cause you to harm in life. It is advised to choose your people wisely and trust them carefully. Otherwise, if you are planning something big this month will not fall in place and you will have a hard time in life. Make sure to deal with this carefully this month. Then you will be relaxed for the rest of the year and face good times in a year with fewer worries and the removal of unwanted people.
Libra: Ganesha says that this upcoming February Month is the most auspicious month for Libra. You will have a good income and constant wealth source. With that, there will be a supportive family and great love life. The things will be hopelessly romantic and full of joy in your life. Just be careful not to get carried away in this. Other than that, this will be one of the happiest months for Libra natives. If you successfully deal with this month and prepared yourself for the rest of the year. Then you will have good times this year with lesser worries and problems in life.
Scorpio: Ganesha says that the role and responsibility of the Scorpio natives will increase this month. Whether it is in personal life or professional life you will see a rise in you. There will be good times you will have this month but it will come with certain responsibilities which you need to fulfil completely. If you did that successfully then nothing can stop you in your personal and professional life. And for the rest of the year, many things will be sorted out for you. There will be just a happy and peaceful year laid ahead of you in 2022.
Sagittarius: Ganesha says that Sagittarius natives can face some ups and downs in professional life. You might have a hard time in your professional life. Where there will be tension, conflict, or not getting the results you expected. But apart from all of these, there will be great support from family and happy times in love life. This will keep you going this month. And help you to overcome professional life problems in minimum time. After that, you will be less worried about every aspect of life for the rest of the year.
Capricorn: Ganesha says that for the Capricorn natives this New Year is very driven and passionate. You will have many things planned in your life and have a certain idea to execute in your career. This month is perfect for you to work on it because it will give you direct openness in this month. Alongside that, you will have support from family and your spouse which will help you greatly and having said that there will also be a good income source. This month is perfect for you to work passionately on your desired things in life with fewer worries and problems.
Aquarius: Ganesha says this month is one of the most advantageous months of this year for the natives. There will be new openings, guidance, path, and direction in your life. This will help you and lead towards new things in your life. In your professional life, new doors can be opened for you. So, choose the door wisely, and for your personal life, you will be intrigued and fall in love with your partner more. This will definitely bring good times to your life. Make this month of February a worthy month for you.
Pisces: Ganesha says this month for the Pisces natives is a struggling month where you will need to really work hard on new things. And take some major decisions in career life. By doing this you will face temporary problems in life but this is really beneficial for the long-term life. Apart from that, your personal life will be happy, stable, and peaceful for you. This will work as a great support system for you in life with no worries and issues. And you will have a good time after some tough decisions and times in life.
To Sum Up: Every month there is a new type of change astrologically. And this affects every zodiac sign. For the month of February, there will be some transit and the Moon enters Leo. But most importantly how it will affect your sign and how you can overcome the tough time or enjoy a good time in this month is all needed as guidance and solutions.
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Birthday Horoscope-Feb 7 to Feb 13, 2022
- By Astro Friend Chirag – Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla
February 7: Ganesha says you will notice that you’re overly excited today.Your extrovert behavior and your cheerful disposition are highly appreciated in the social circle. Your strong leadership qualities will make you confident enough that you will be able to do all the work very well.Success will come your way if you work really hard. Today will bring in some good fortune as the planets align in your favor.
February 8: Ganesha says today your day will be very kind. Today you will be able to complete the remaining task in projects. You may complete your work early, due to which you will be able to enjoy your time with family. You may plan for a trip with your partner. Your business will go great today. Today things will turn out the way you want as you have a lot of luck. One new opportunity will arise which will come immediately today itself and make you a lot of profits. Stars are in your favor which will help you navigate through any problems easily regarding this new opportunity.
February 9: Ganesha says you will notice that things are working out for you without much effort. Little good things will keep happening throughout the day. It is great that everything will work out for you today but do not get lazy and focus on the things you need to get done today. You are very lucky today because you will get what you wish for, make sure you use the luck you have today to benefit yourself and not others because only then it will remain a positive thing for you.
February 10 : Ganesha says wake up and meditate the first thing in the morning; it will be beneficial for your personal as well as professional life. You will make great profits in your business hence you will have a good day today. You will lean more towards altruism today considering the spiritual awaking in your sign. Ensure that you do not drift away from your dreams & ambitions as you might come across a few distractions today. Ensure that you’re ethical both in your personal & professional life.
February 11: Ganesha says you will feel a lot of love and care coming towards you from family friends as well as your partner. Your day will be a tough one today but you will feel supported and cared for in all ways, at the end of the day you will feel very satisfied with where you are in your life currently. Your partner’s loving and caring nature will make you fall in love with your partner a lot today. You will experience firsthand how beautiful it is to be loved and cared for by someone you trust and love with all your heart.
February 12: Ganesha says your love life has been on a roller coaster, but you will experience stability for today. Try to say what you have been thinking. Expressing your feelings will help you better your love life. Venus will bring love and the moon will bring fortune in your face today.You are entering a new phase that marks the start of a lane named success. Along with your old commitments you will be taking on additional responsibilities today, but it won’t seem like hard or tough work as you will enjoy doing it thoroughly.
February 13: Ganesha says you are very lucky today because you will get what you wish for; make sure you use the luck you have today to benefit yourself and not others because only then it will remain a positive thing for you. You will tend to focus more on your financial issues hence your love life will be on a back seat. Immense support from your partner might surprise you a little bit. Try to have patience and understanding. You are extremely close to finding that person that will support you in everything, do not annoy that person.
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Weekly Horoscope -February 7 to February 13, 2022
Shree Ganeshaya Namah!!!
Aries: Ganesha says this week, you’ll have a “can-do” attitude. Make use of your disposition to your advantage. You will carry out your strategy and make things happen as you intend. This week, you’ll disseminate the get-it-done mindset wherever you go. You will motivate your coworkers to dream big and achieve their objectives. Your zeal will land you fantastic chances and clientele. This week, keep your spirits high. Your relationship fronts look very strong this week as your partner will be able to spend a lot of time with you this week. Your health will need some attention this week as you might feel fatigued do too long working hours every day.
Taurus: This week will be all business and no leisure for you. This perspective will aid you in making a favorable view of your bosses. You’ll enchant your clientele and form strong bonds with them. In the future, the links will help you with your errand. There will be no disruptions during the critical meeting set for this week. Nobody will be able to stop you from succeeding in your job. This week is a critical week at the workplace for you. This week, you will hardly pay any heed to your romantic life and this will make you feel less contented. In the latter half of the week, energies coming from Venus will affect your 7th house and your connection with your partner will start to shine again. Avoid traveling to distant places this week.
Gemini: You will begin your week on a high note and with optimistic thoughts. Your week will be jam-packed with both excellent learning and anxiety. This week, you’ll be more hands-on, and you’ll avoid making decisions based on emotions. Your work attitude will improve as a result of your pragmatic and effective perspective. This week, you’ll be able to strike a better balance between your business and personal lives. This week, you’ll discover out what your life’s mission is. Your week will provide answers to some of your job and goal-related questions. This week, you will have to make a visit to your family doctor or a physiotherapist as you will find it difficult to deal with your back pain issues.
Cancer: This is the week you invest in a company that you’ve been dreaming about for a long time. The stars are aligned wonderfully in your favor. Your primary source of nourishment will be your family. You have a tendency to be a bit apprehensive, but you are going to work marvels. Your well-wishers will assist you in making decisions by providing valuable advice for your new business. You will have no trouble raising funds for your business.Your romantic fronts will see several faces this week. You will find it difficult to make your partner understand your need to have your own little “me time”. Things will get better before the end of the week so keep yourself calm.
Leo: You have a busy week ahead of you. From the start of your week, you will feel a huge surge of power moving towards you. This week at work, you’ll have a lot of meetings, but you’ll be able to complete all of your tasks. This week, your mental abilities will be put to good use. As a result, you must take full advantage of any possibilities that come your way. People who are already married will find comfort in their spouses after feeling worn out and tired with all the work they will have to do this week. Single people will feel changes in their feelings for their close friends. Your health will be totally fine this week.
Virgo: How could a week of creation possibly go wrong!! It isn’t possible! This week, you will spend the whole week making something. This week, everything you give a shape up oryour design will teach you something about life. This week is a good time to reflect and work on yourself. This week, you’ll meet a lot of eager folks. This week is going to be a lot of fun and happiness even in your romantic life. Although you will not be able to meet your partner on most of the days of the week, things will eventually get better with a new relationship. Try to stay away from loud noises and tensing people as you might face issues of headache in the first half of the week as the position of the moon will affect you adversely.
Libra: You’ll spend your week admiring and praising whatever you have. You will assist illiterate females in obtaining employment and living on their terms. Your gratification will come from assisting them. This week, you will stop carping about the bad things that are happening in your life and instead focus on the wonderful and better things! Your professional front will stay uptight as your 8th house will stay blessed by Lord Sun throughout the week. There might be some issues on your romantic front or marital life as you will find it difficult to forgive the mistakes your partner has made recently. Your relationship deserves true happiness and hence, be a bigger person here and try to make things better with your partner. Keep your mental healthon a good watch this week.
Scorpio: Your children will get promoted and achieve success in their various fields this week. This week, you will be fulfilled and content. This week, you’ll have visitors who will brighten your week even more. This week will be a week of festivities for you. It’ll be the week you celebrate. Your entire family will be together in one place to honor you and your children! Marital fronts and romantic fronts will be blessed as Venus will transit to a positive spot from an unfavorable position. A very good bond will start to reconstruct between couples. There will be a lot of improvement in your health issues this week. Hence, do not stay anxious about your fitness.
Sagittarius: This week, you’ll finish a project that will be beneficial for your company, especially if it involves real estate. Your greatest power is your healthy approach, and you must behave appropriately. Someone close to you will urge you to practice this virtue. You will be able to experience a wide range of emotions as well as spiritual development. You will thrive as a result of new experiences. This week, you’ll discover out where you stand in your career. Although you will stay very much occupied with all the big changes, you will find time for making things lively in your romantic life. The latter half of the week will not be favorablefor traveling as it might affect your health adversely.
Capricorn: This week will be particularly memorable for you since your efforts will be recognized. It’s a new week, and it’s full of possibilities. Your hard effort is going to pay off in the end. This week, you could encounter new people who wish to collaborate with you. Jupiter appears to be on your side, and this week is a favorable week for you to make commercial decisions. You will receive wonderful news from your family in the second half of the week. Marital friends will be blessed this week. People what thinking to propose should wait a little bit as this week will not be favorable to build new connections. Your health will be alright do not worry about it.
Aquarius: This week, your major goal is to take care of yourself. This week, you will reclaim your charisma in your life. It’ll be a pleasant and relaxing week ahead. Your good attitude will benefit the business as a whole as well as all of its personnel. You’ll have a solid week ahead of you. This week, you’ll get closer to the universe. This week, your planets are in an excellent position.The position of Venus in your 7th house will lead to a bigger development on your romantic fronts. Although you and your partner will not be able to spend much time with each other, you will stay very much emotionally connected. Minor back pain might bother you in the latter half of the week therefore avoid doing heavy physical activities.
Pisces: Your new moon will travel to a location this week that will increase your inner resilience. You will be able to make an important decision about your family’s future. Your chosen career will have a positive impact on your judgment. Your planetary placements will aid you in taking a strategic approach to a scenario. Your coworkers will back you up this week when you take on your boss. You’ve got a lot of important decisions to make this week. This week will present you with a slew of fantastic possibilities. This week, your partner will plan out something very special for you as they will not be available to attend you in a few upcoming days. You will get a little nostalgic while having meaningful conversations with your spouse/ partner. Your health will be totally alright this week.