The Indian Panorama

Month: July 2022

  • Russian lawmakers approve bill on banning foreign media

    Russian lawmakers approve bill on banning foreign media

    Moscow (TIP): The lower house of Russia’s parliament gave final approval on Thursday to a bill that would allow the banning of foreign news media in response to other countries’ actions against Russian news outlets. The Kremlin-controlled State Duma approved the bill on its final, third reading. The equally pliant upper house of parliament is set to quickly rubber-stamp the measure before Russian President Vladimir Putin signs it into law. Russia has repeatedly complained in recent months that Western countries were improperly restricting Russian media by banning their operation or denying visas to their journalists.

    In early June, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called in representatives of American media, including The Associated Press, to warn that they could be denied renewal of their visas and accreditation.

    The new bill also allows Russia’s prosecutor general to cancel the registration of media outlets for disseminating “illegal, dangerous, unreliable publicly significant information or information expressing clear disrespect for society, the state, the Constitution of the Russian Federation, as well as aimed at discrediting the Russian armed forces”.

    Many foreign news organisations suspended or curtailed their operations in Russia following the passage in March of a law calling for up to 15 years in prison for reports seen as discrediting the Russian military.

    The Russian Foreign Ministry in May ordered the closure of the Moscow bureau of the state-funded Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in response to Canada’s ban on RT, a Russian state-controlled broadcaster.

    In February, as Russia built up troops along Ukraine’s border, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle was ordered to close in Moscow after Germany banned the broadcast of RT’s German-language programmes.

    Russia in recent years has persistently clamped down on independent journalism. Following the start of the Ukraine conflict, many significant independent news media shut down or suspended operations. They included the EkhoMoskvy radio station and the Novaya Gazeta newspaper, whose editor, Dmitry Muratov, was last year’s co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. AP

  • It would be ‘disgusting’ to see Boris Johnson ‘naked’: Putin

    It would be ‘disgusting’ to see Boris Johnson ‘naked’: Putin

    London (TIP): Vladimir Putin has hit back at western leaders who mocked his athletic exploits, saying it would be ‘disgusting’ if Britain’s Boris Johnson tried to emulate his topless appearances in front of the camera, media reports said.

    Speaking during a visit to Turkmenistan, the Russian President also taunted his advisories over their ‘lack of machismo’—when asked about western leaders joking about him at the G7 summit on June 28.

    As they sat down for talks amid tensions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Johnson jested that G7 leaders could take their clothes off to “show that we’re tougher than Putin”. “Jackets on? Jackets off? Shall we take our clothes off…?” the British leader said while bantering with the other leaders. “We all have to show that we’re tougher than Putin,” he said, Daily Mail reported. Canadian premier Justin Trudeau joked that the Western leaders should emulate the Kremlin leader’s naked torso pictures with a “bare-chested horseback riding display”.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen replied: “Oh yes. Horseback riding is the best.” Putin, 69, hit back during the summit, body shaming his foes and telling reporters: “I don’t know exactly how far they wanted to get undressed, above or below the waist. But I think, either way, it would be a disgusting sight.” He claimed that, unlike him, the Western leaders abused alcohol and did not do sports to keep in shape.

    Putin, who claims to be a martial arts black-belt and fitness fanatic, said: “Recall Pushkin…who said: ‘One might be all about business, yet still take care of the beauty of one’s nails.’ I certainly agree with that.”—IANS

  • Parl dissolved, Israel heads for fifth election in 4 years

    Jerusalem (TIP): Israel’s experiment with the most diverse political alliance ranging from the Left, Centre and Right to even an Islamist Arab party finally came to an end on June 30 with the Knesset voting to disperse itself in an overwhelming 92-0 vote, clearing the way for fresh poll — the fifth in less than four years. The “anti-Netanyahu” glue (the resolve to keep former PM Benjamin Netanyahu away from power) that kept the diverse partners with sharp ideological differences together for a little more than a year finally gave in under the weight of its incompatibility.

    Members kept the government on its toes all through its stint and chose to go with “their conscience” finally making it untenable while the Netanyahu bloc remained loyal to him, blocking the government even on issues that otherwise gelled along with their ideology. The decision to dissolve the 120-member Knesset came right up to the wire, as Israel stood on the threshold of entering an unprecedented and chaotic legal situation on the West Bank. (PTI)

  • Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina opens Padma Bridge, calls it symbol of country’s pride

    Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina opens Padma Bridge, calls it symbol of country’s pride

    Dhaka (TIP): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on June 29 inaugurated a gigantic bridge over the Padma river, which will reduce travel time not only for the citizens in 21 districts across the river, but also open up vistas of seamless connectivity from India to South East Asia. “Padma Bridge is not a pile of brick and cement, but a symbol of Bangladesh’s pride, capacity and dignity,” she said. The project went through tumultuous times and allegations of corruption were once made by western countries to unseat her. India at that time had expressed steadfast support to Hasina as it had helped build the bridge by extending a $200 million loan for the rail part of the bridge as well as supplying building material. Hasina mentioned this conspiracy in a speech after the colourful ceremony that featured helicopters flying over the bridge with the national flag slung under their undercarriages, jet fighters emitting multi-coloured exhaust, while on the ground hundreds of coloured balloons went up in the air. That it was a coming out party for Bangladesh was reflected in the massive publicity that preceded the inauguration. Her eyes welling up with tears, Hasina said the bridge was a response to all naysayers. “We’ve been able to give a befitting reply to those who tried to obstruct the construction of Padma Bridge. My family was the target of despicable attacks. They were defamed and false information was spread,” she said. The case was later quashed by a Canadian court.

    “The Padma Bridge has been completed. Bangladesh’s economy has not collapsed. The country is moving forward at a breakneck pace. We have proved to the world,” she said. “The Padma Bridge therefore not only proves one’s self-esteem and ability of the Bengalis, but is also a revenge for the insult that was done to the entire nation. The people of Bangladesh are the source of my courage. I salute them,” observed the Bangladesh PM.

    Soon after the World Bank and other funding agencies had pulled out of the project, Hasina had resolved to build the road bridge with Bangladesh’s own funds, setting aside a certain sum in each annual budget towards that aim. (TNS)

  • Reports surface of ex-ISI chief ‘joining’ Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf

    Reports surface of ex-ISI chief ‘joining’ Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf

    Islamabad (TIP): Retired Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam, the former chief of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), remained in the media spotlight after reports surfaced that he had apparently waded into the political sphere and “joined” a political party. However, Gen Islam has not commented on these reports so far, reports Dawn news. On Sunday, journalist Saleem Safi posted a picture of the former DG ISI on his Twitter account, where the latter could be seen standing at a podium, ostensibly while delivering a speech at a political event, that was emblazoned with the flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

    Several commenters assumed that the former general had waded into politics and announced his support for PTI, however, the party’s information secretary has dispelled this impression.

    Former Information Minister FawadChaudhry said Gen Islam had participated in a political event in support of a PTI candidate in the upcoming Punjab Assembly by-polls, Dawn reported.

    The candidate he is said to have been supporting is ShabbirAwan, who is running for MPA from a Rawalpindi constituency.

    Chaudhry told Dawn news there was no truth to rumours that Gen Islam had joined the party, adding that he was merely expressing support for a PTI candidate who happened to be a relative of the retired general.

    Gen Islam served as the ISI chief from March 2012 to November 2014.

    During this time, it was speculated that he had provided tacit support to the PTI during their sit-in outside parliament and remained a part of negotiations held to try and seek a peaceful resolution of the sit-in. IANS

  • Canada to slap warning labels on sugary, salty and fatty foods

    Ottawa (TIP): Foods high in sugars, sodium and saturated fat will come with clear warning labels in Canada starting in 2026, the federal government said on June 30, in an effort to promote healthier eating choices and reduce chronic health risks.

    “We know that it’s not always easy to make healthy choices,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos told reporters. “We need a quick and easy way of knowing exactly what options are the healthiest.” Under the new rules, a magnifying glass label will be required on all packaged foods with high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat, along with text to make clear what “nutrients of concern” a food contains, Health Canada said. Manufacturers will have more than three years to prepare for the changes, with the rules set to go into force on January 1, 2026, the agency added. The policy will not apply to certain foods, such as plain milk and whole eggs, due to their health value. It will also exclude raw fish and meat, whether whole cut or ground. Those exemption will come as a relief to Canada’s meat industry, which lobbied against an earlier proposal that would have seen ground beef slapped with a warning label.

     (Reuters)

  • Sri Lanka to operate only essential services till July 10 amid fuel crisis

    Colombo (TIP): The Sri Lankan Government on June 28 announced that only essential services would operate from midnight till July 10 and all other operations would be temporarily suspended as the crisis-hit nation faces acute fuel shortage.The move came days after Prime Minister RanilWickremesinghe on June 29 said the debt-laden economy of the island nation had “collapsed” after months of shortages of food, fuel and electricity, and cannot even purchase imported oil. Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Minister decided that only essential services would operate from Monday midnight to July 10. The state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will issue diesel and petrol only for essential services with effect from midnight, it said. These services include ports, airports, health, food distribution and agriculture, the report said, quoting transport minister Gunawardena.  (PTI)

  • Nepal imposes ban on sale of street food items in Kathmandu as cholera cases touches 12

    Kathmandu (TIP): Nepal on June 29 banned the sale of street food items in the Kathmandu valley in an effort to contain the spread of cholera disease in the capital city. The decision to ban the sale of street food items was issued by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) as 12 positive cases of cholera were reported in the area since Sunday. “As the number of cholera patients have been increasing in Kathmandu at present, the sale and distribution of food items has been banned for the time being,” said BalramTripathi, the Chief of the Health Department of the metropolis. Last week, the Lalitpur Metropolitan City decided to stop the sale and distribution of panipuri in the metropolis, claiming that cholera bacteria were found in the water used in panipuri. The KMC has also requested the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control to check the level of food hygiene in hotels and restaurants across the city.Tripathi said that the Kathmandu UpatyakaKhanepani Limited has been urged to keep eye into the condition of the water pipeline and sewage system. The KMC has also instructed the urban health facilities to prepare for any possible shortage of Oral Rehydration Salt and water purification tablets. Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. The disease causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours, even in previously healthy people. (PTI)

  • Indo Canadians cheer Kapil Sharma as he pays tribute to Sidhu Moosewala at a concert in Vancouver

    Indo Canadians cheer Kapil Sharma as he pays tribute to Sidhu Moosewala at a concert in Vancouver

    The background of the stage where Kapil performed had images of late singer Sidhu Moosewala and KK, including others who lost their lives recently

    VANCOUVER (TIP): Kapil Sharma is in Vancouver, Canada with his TKSS team for live shows, the first of which saw him paying tribute to ‘younger brother’ Sidhu Moosewala, who was killed in Mansa, Punjab on May 29. Kapil sang Sidhu’s popular song 295 which moved the audience and made them cheer for him louder. Recently, the track ‘295’ made it to the Billboard Global 200 Chart. The song was listed at the 154 spot earlier this month, while its viewership number on YouTube has gone past the 200 million mark. The background of the stage where Kapil performed had images of late singer Sidhu Moosewala and KK, including others who lost their lives recently. Meanwhile on Sunday, June 26, Sidhu’s posthumously released controversial song ‘SYL’ was taken off from YouTube in India.

  • Indian jailed in case linked to petroleum theft at Singapore refinery

    Indian jailed in case linked to petroleum theft at Singapore refinery

    Srinivasan  was sentenced to four weeks’ jail and ordered to pay a penalty of SGD 4,046.70

    SINGAPORE (TIP): A 39-year-old Indian national in Singapore was on Thursday sentenced to four weeks’ jail and ordered to pay a penalty, equivalent to the bribe amount he received in 2016 from a Shell employee, according to a media report.

    Paramanandham Srinivasan, a surveyor, who accepted USD 3,000 as bribe from Muzaffar Ali Khan Muhamad Akram, a Shell employee, and turned a blind eye to the misappropriation of gas oil at Shell PulauBukom refinery.

    Srinivasan pleaded guilty to one corruption charge. He was sentenced to four weeks’ jail and ordered to pay a penalty of SGD 4,046.70 – the local dollar equivalent of the bribe amount by a court here, The Straits Times newspaper reported. Srinivasan, was among 12 surveyors who were charged on April 14 for allegedly accepting bribes from then Shell employees Muzaffar, JuandiPungot and Richard Goh Chee Keong, the report said. Paramanandham had spotted Muzaffar sometime around April 28, 2016, on board a vessel which his company was engaged to inspect. Deputy Public Prosecutor Norman Yew said in court documents that Paramanandham’s company, SGS Testing and Control Services Singapore, offered surveying services, including the inspection of the quantity of cargo supplied to vessels in Singapore by suppliers like Shell.

    After receiving the bribe, the accused did not accurately report the amount of cargo loaded onto that vessel and turned a blind eye to Muzaffar’s misappropriation of gas oil at Shell PulauBukom, Yew said. “By these actions, the accused helped Muzaffar, Juandi and their co-conspirators to conceal the misappropriation of gas oil,” Deputy Public Prosecutor Yew said. As a result of Paramanandham’s action, the misappropriation of Shell oil worth USD 236,956.14 went undetected by the company in 2016.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi wins Democratic primary from Illinois

    Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi wins Democratic primary from Illinois

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Indian-origin US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has won the Democratic primary from Illinois with a decisive mandate, successfully overcoming a highly communal campaign run by his opponent Junaid Ahmed.

    Krishnamoorthi, 48, who is popular in the eighth Congressional District of Illinois, defeated Ahmed by polling over 71 per cent of the votes. “I am honored that the Democratic primary voters in Illinois’ eighth Congressional District voted in an overwhelming and decisive fashion in support of my re-election campaign for Congress,” Krishnamoorthi said.

    “My constituents want peace, progress and prosperity. In Congress, I am for the middle class, for women’s reproductive rights, and against inflation and increasing gas prices. I will continue to work tirelessly to address these issues in the important months ahead,” he said. He has been serving as the US representative for Illinois’ 8th congressional district since 2017.

    Krishnamoorthi’s parents are from Tamil Nadu. The three-term Congressman, who was born in New Delhi, will face Republican Chris Dargis in the November 8 general election. “We now turn our attention to November, where our fundamental freedom and human rights are on the ballot,” Krishnamoorthi added. Last month, he was honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding career and dedication to public service.

  • 2 Indian-Americans plead guilty to USD1.2 million robocall fraud

    2 Indian-Americans plead guilty to USD1.2 million robocall fraud

    Arushobike Mitra and Garbita Mitra tricked the victims into sending  huge amounts of money

    WASHINGTON , D.C. (TIP): Two Indian-Americans have pleaded guilty of a conspiracy to commit fraud by obtaining USD1.2 million in wire transfers from victims across the country, a US attorney said. Arushobike Mitra (27) and Garbita Mitra (24) were part of an international fraud under which India-based call centers targeted US residents, particularly the elderly, through robocalls, according to a media release. Elaborating on the racket’s mode of operation, US attorney Philip R Sellinger said that after contacting the victims through automated calls, other members of the racket would coerce or trick them into sending large sums of money either physically or through wire transfers. These fraudsters would impersonate government officials from agencies such as the Social Security Administration, FBI or DEA and threatened the victims with severe legal or financial consequences if they did not comply, federal prosecutors alleged. The callers would also make the victims believe that they were speaking to someone from a tech support company and coerced them into granting the caller remote access to their personal computers, the media release stated. The fraudsters would then access the victim’s bank accounts and make it appear that the caller had inadvertently added money to the victim’s bank account when in fact they had simply transferred the money from another one of the victim’s accounts, it added. The caller would then instruct the victim to “return” the money by way of mail or wire transfer to other members of the conspiracy, including the Mitras. Arushobike and Garbita Mitra are charged with receiving fraudulent transfers of cash from 48 victims across the US, the media release said. The two face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of USD 2,50,000 or twice the amount of the loss, whichever is greater, it stated.

    (Source/ DOJ)

  • Celebrating the Achievements of Indian American Physicians,AAPI’s Historic 40th Convention Concludes in San Antonio

    Celebrating the Achievements of Indian American Physicians,AAPI’s Historic 40th Convention Concludes in San Antonio

    SAN ANTONIO, TX (TIP): The historic 40th annual convention organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) concluded at the world-famous Riverwalk Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio in Texas on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 with a Gala Bollywood Nite, during which a new Leadership Team led by Dr. Ravi Kolli assumed charge of the four decades old premier Medical Organization, representing the strong and powerful 120,000 physicians of Indian heritage. The four days long annual convention and scientific assembly, attended by over 10,000 AAPI delegates, while celebrating the achievements of the Indian American Physicians, focused on the theme, “Physician Heal Thyself” with several unique and first-of-a-kind opportunities to help AAPI members self-care, especially in the context of Covid related physicians burn out, paid tributes and celebrated freedom and democracy, honoring India and its  75 years of Independence Day celebrations- co-sponsored by the Embassy of India & the Consulate General of India (CGI) – Houston. “AAPI’s strength is its numbers and members. Our Sakthi is in our Samkhya and our Sabhyas,” Dr. Ravi Kolli stated in his inaugural address immediately after he assumed charge as the 41st President of AAPI. “You are that powerful threads of this colorful and strong fabric, and your participation and contributions are essential for its continued success. So, thank you all,” Dr. Kolli told AAPI delegates and distinguished guests who had packed the Ball Room at the Henry Gonzalez Convention Center during the Presidential Gala.

    Dr. Kolli  will work with Dr. Anjana Sammadar, President-Elect; Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Vice President; Dr. Meherbala Medavaram,Secretary andDr. Sumul Raval, Treasurer of AAPI for the year 2022-23. Dr. V. Ranga will serve as the Chair, AAPI Board of Trustees. Giving representation and strengthening the voice of young physicians of Indian origin, Dr. Pooja Kinkhabwala will serve as the President, AAPI Young Physicians Section (YPS) and Dr. Ammu Susheela is the President of AAPI- Medical Student/Residents & Fellows Section (MSRF). Dr. Anupama Gotimukula will serve as the Immediate Past President of AAPI. Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, the Immediate Past President of AAPI said, “Our leadership team has worked diligently on so many wonderful projects and activities including educational, philanthropic, legislative, networking, and many more activities benefitting our members and communities. This has been possible because of the incredible work and support from the dedicated team of leaders, members, and our supporting office staff,” the only 4th woman President of AAPI in the four decades long history of AAPI, said. “Our physician members have worked very hard during the covid 19 pandemic. The 2022 convention is a perfect time to heal the healers with a special focus on wellness,” said Dr.  Jayesh Shah, Chair of AAPI Convention 2022. Dr. Shah praised the dedication and generosity of each member for giving their best, to make this Convention truly a memorable one for every participant. Put together by a highly talented and dedicated team of Convention Committee members, the convention was filled with programs and activities that cater to the body, mind and soul. The Convention was a unique experience for everyone, Dr. Sathessh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI said.

    During the BOT luncheon chaired by Dr. Kusum Punjabi, the youngest ever to hold the position, handed over the office to the new Chair, Dr. Vishweshwar R. Ranga. In her address, Dr. Punjabi highlighted the many initiatives under her leadership. She said, “The Board of Trustees this year has launched the AAPI Medical Project Grant (MPG). The purpose of this grant is to financially support AAPI medical students/residents/fellows/young physicians in various medical projects such as observerships, community service projects, entrepreneurships, innovation developments, etc.:

    Dr. V. Ranga in his address he said, “My goal in the coming year is to formalize and create AAPI leadership academy working with executives from American College of Physicians for the development of leadership roles for all AAPI members. I want to work hard to engage young physicians and attract them to AAPI. They are the future of AAPI.”

    Dr. Surender Purohit, Chair of AAPI’s Charitable Foundation provided a brief summary of the many initiatives AAPI has undertaken in recent years, especially benefitting the remotest villages in the country. Welcoming AAPI delegates to San Antonio, Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, declared June 24th as AAPI Day and International Yoga Day in the City of San Antonio. While praising AAPI and its members for their contributions, Nirenberg said, “We are honored to host the largest gathering of Indian American physicians in our vibrant city, home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the nation.”

    AAPI delegates had a rare glimpse to the rich cultural heritage of India through a video presentation depicting the unique diversity of India and a variety of mesmerizingperformances of Indian/Mexican Fusion Dances, ranging from Bharatnatyam, folk dances, and the traditional Indian dances in sync with Mexican pop dances, which were a treat to the hearts and souls  of everyone. National Spieling Bee Champion 2022 Harini Logan was recognized during the convention Gala.

    In his keynote address, Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu lauded the several initiatives of AAPI over the past four decades and said, “Over the past four decades, AAPI has been doing an outstanding job in advocacy and health education. You play an important role, especially during the Covid Pandemic/” Speaking at length on the growing Indo-US relationship, the veteran diplomat said, “Over the last two decades, India and the United States have overcome the hesitations of history and fashioned a remarkable partnership, built on a bipartisan consensus in the U.S. and cross-party support in India.” Elaborating on the collaboration between India and the US, he said, “From the provision of active pharmaceutical ingredients to generic medicines that have lowered drug prices and created jobs and investments, India has demonstrated its reliability as a supply chain partner, especially as de-risking from single country supplies has become a priority.”

    Aseem Mahajan, Consul General of India in Houston, referred to the significance of “India and the United States, the two most vibrant democracies, representing two great multicultural societies with shared values, who are natural partners” working together in several areas of interest to both the nations.

    Dr. Jack Resneck, President of American Medical Association praised the contributions and achievements of Indian American physicians, who serve and provide best healthcare to every 7th patient in the United States. “It’s time our nation renews our commitment to you for the incredible services you provide to our nation,” he said. During a Plenary session, he provided a detailed description of the many steps AMA has been undertaking to root out the causes for physician burn out and enhance healthcare delivery in the nation through education and advocacy at the state and national levels.

    Keynote speaker, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar was introduced by Venky Adivi, Chief Executive Officer of the Convention. Gavaskar, a record holder of numerous international Cricket matches, in his address said, “Yours is the greatest of all professions in the world. You have put your lives at risk during the Pandemic to save the lives of others. Yours is the noble profession that I have admired always.”

    Dr. Rahul Gupta, the nation’s “drug czar” and top drug policy official, while conveying the greetings from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris praised the contributions of Indian American Physicians. “The role of the Drug Czar has never been as critical as it’s today,” he told the AAPI delegates, who have been advocating for prize control of drugs to contain overall healthcare costs. “AS physicians of Indian Origin, we have learnt  to find simple solutions to complex problems. We need 21st century solutions to 21st century problems.” And he encouraged his colleagues to think and find ways to make a difference in the healthcare delivery in the country.

    Others who addressed the Convention included Dr. Bobby Mukamala, Chair of BOT at American Medical Association, Congressman Joaquin Castro from Texas, and Peter Jay Hortez,, who was part of the plenary session on “Covid Vaccination Globally and Vaccine Hesitancy.” In her spiritual discourse, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, PhD, Spiritual leader, teacher and author, while pointing to how we are creating a vicious negative health through fear, stress and anxiety in this country, her message today was to focus on the Synonym for HEALTH: Health, Embrace, Allow, Love, Time for yourself, and Help others.

    In his live video message, Paramaguru Sharath Jois, Lineage holder of Ashtanga Yoga, told AAPI leaders as to how “each of you have sacrificed your life. I congratulate the organizers for focusing on heal the healers and using Yoga our traditional method to help us in our daily lives.” Referring to the 7th anniversary of India’s Independence he said, “It must help us transcend all that divide us on the basis of caste, creed and status.”

    The much-anticipated wellness package in collaboration with all the 10 City Council Districts of San Antonio, TX and Mayor Ron Nirenberg and iDoYoga San Antonio organized its flagship Free Yoga Classes and Education on the benefits and ways to make yoga a part of one’s daily life during the course of the entire convention. The convention was focused on themes such as how to take care of self and find satisfaction and happiness in the challenging situations they are in, while serving hundreds of patients everyday of their dedicated and noble profession.

    Led by internationally famed yoga gurus, including  Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, PhD, Spiritual leader, teacher and author; Paramaguru Sharath Jois, Lineage holder of Ashtanga Yoga; and, Eddie Stern, Yoga teacher, speaker and author, the highly anticipated and popular Yoga on the famous Riverwalk was part of the global celebration of the 8th International Day of Yoga (IDY). Some of the major themes at the convention included: Yoga and Meditation practices, Welcome kit with books & self-care supplies, A Personal Reflexology Session, Take home wellness routine, Ailment based yoga therapy sessions, Workshop on Spiritual well-being, Book talk with Yoga Gurus, including on the science of Yoga & Lifestyle medicine. Yoga gurus and experts leading the wellness sessions include Paramguru Sharatha Jois, Sadhvi Bhagawati, Saraswati Eddie Stern, Dr. Sat Bir Khalsa, Dr. Dilip Sarkar, Dr. Pankaj Vij, and Dr. Param Dedhia. Dr. Anjana Sammadar, President-Elect , pointed out: “There was a sense of joy and relief on the faces of the over 1,000 physicians who have come together to celebrate their achievements, contributions, and to network and deepen their relationship even as the Covid Pandemic is waning and people are able to mingle freely and interact with one another cautiously.”

    AAPI delegates attended a multidisciplinary CME conference that allowed specialists and primary care physicians to interact in an academic forum. World-renowned speakers discussed gaps between current and best practice of wide-ranging topics at the CME sessions. Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Vice President of AAPI said, as many as CME credit hours have been provided by outstanding speakers all year and provided cutting edge CMEs to members. He thanked the Chicago Medical Society, Dr. Vemuri Murthy, Dr. Amit Chakraborty, CME Chair  and Dr. Sagar Galvankar, & Co-Chair for their diligent efforts all the prominent speakers who shared their expertise with AAPI delegates. Dr. Meherbala Medavaram said, some of the major events at the convention included: Workshops and hands-on sessions on well-being, 10-12 hours of CMEs, Women’s Forum, CEOs Forum, AAPI Got Talent, Mehfil, Bollywood Nite, Fashion Show, Medical Jeopardy, Poster/Research Contest, Alumni and Young Physicians events and Exhibition and Sale of Jewelry, Clothing, Medical Equipment, Pharma, Finance and many more.

    According to Dr. Sumul Raval, the convention offered a venue for Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally to convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year.

    The panelists at the prestigious Women’s Forum included: Dr. Juby A. Jacob-Nara, a Public Health Physician, Vice President and Head of Global Medical Respiratory Allergy & Gastroenterology (Sanofi-Genzyme); Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli, Endowed Professor for Pulmonary Disorders, Baylor College of Medicine; Dr. Sowjanya Mohan, Group Chief Medical Officer, Texas Group/Tenet Health; and, Ms. Rosemary Hickman, Semmes Foundation Education Manager at the Mcnay Art Museum.

    The CEOs Forum moderated by Dr. Joseph Chalil had a panel of Industry Leaders including Dr. Juby A Jacob-Nara, Vice President, Head of Global Medical- Sanofi-Genzyme; Robert Mattchione, from NOVA; Dr. Monika Kapur; Ms. Rebecca Seidel. Medtronix; and Mario Ball. A pioneering AAPI Medical Leadership Council is being formed to collaborate with Industry leaders and to be the voice of healthcare providers, said Dr. Chalil.

    Mehfil gave AAPI members to showcase their skills. Dr. Satheesh Kathula in the incoming Vice President of API was declared the winner of the contest. During the popular Fashion Parade presented by world renowned fashion designer Archana Kochar had beautiful and handsome young men and women wearing handmade colorful apparel made by villagers in Madhya Pradesh, cat walked on the ramp.

    Dozens of local children from ages 8 to 16, trained by Yoga Masters in San Antonio by presenting and demonstrating multiple Yoga Aasanas to the tune of Vande Mataram provided valuable education on Yoga and its importance in life. Every evening the popular AAPI Got Talent and Each day of the convention had a specific theme. On Thursday, the theme chosen is “Unity in Diversity” and the delegates showcased one’s own state dress code. Heritage India was the theme for Friday honoring and celebrating India’s rich culture and diversity. On Saturday, the focus was on the much-loved Bollywood with special performance by popular Bollywood singer Shaan. The cuisine served each will day match the theme chosen for each day.

    Dr. Jagan Ailinani was honored with Lifetime Achievement Award. The Distinguished Physician Award was given to Dr. Vijay Yeldandi and AAPI’s Most Distinguished Award was given to Dr. Ravindra Nathan.  AAPI’s Most Distinguished YPS Award was given to Dr. Sejal Hathi and the AAPI’s Most Distinguished MSRF Award was given to Aaiswariya Gulani. r. Gotimukula honored Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, Dr. Dwarkanath Reddy and AAPI’s Legal Advisor with Presidential Awards for their dedication and support during her presidency.

    “Welcome to Philadelphia for the 41st annual convention which will provide you all with extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the al and evening social events,” Dr. Ravi Kolli announced. For more details, please visit:  www.aapiconvention.org  and www.aapiusa.org

  • US newspapers continuing to die at the rate of 2 each week

    US newspapers continuing to die at the rate of 2 each week

    Country had 6,377 newspapers at the end of May, down from 8,891 in 2005: Media report

    NEW YORK (TIP): Despite a growing recognition of the problem, the US continues to see newspapers die at the rate of two per week, according to a report issued on the state of local news. Areas of the country that find themselves without a reliable source of local news tend to be poorer, older and less educated than those covered well, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications report said on Wednesday. The country had 6,377 newspapers at the end of May, down from 8,891 in 2005, the report said. While the pandemic didn’t quite cause the reckoning that some in the industry feared, 360 newspapers have shut down since the end of 2019, all but 24 of them weeklies serving small communities. An estimated 75,000 journalists worked in newspapers in 2006, and now that’s down to 31,000, Northwestern said. Annual newspaper revenue slipped from USD 50 billion to USD 21 billion in the same period. Even though philanthropists and politicians have been paying more attention to the issue, the factors that drove the collapse of the industry’s advertising model haven’t changed. Encouraging growth in the digital-only news sector in recent years hasn’t been enough to compensate for the overall trends, said Penelope Muse Abernathy, visiting professor at Medill and the report’s principal author. Many of the digital-only sites are focused on single issues and are clustered in or close to big cities near the philanthropic money that provides much of their funding, the report said. News “deserts” are growing: The report estimated that some 70 million Americans live in a county with either no local news organization or only one. “What’s really at stake in that is our own democracy, as well as our social and societal cohesion,” Abernathy said. True “daily” newspapers that are printed and distributed seven days a week are also dwindling, it said.

    The report said 40 of the largest 100 newspapers in the country publish only- digital versions at least once a week. Inflation is likely to hasten a switch away from printed editions, said Tim Franklin, director of the Medill Local News Initiative. Much of the industry churn is driven by the growth in newspaper chains, including new regional chains that have bought hundreds of newspapers in small or mid-sized markets, the report said. Less than a third of the country’s 5,147 weekly newspapers and a dozen of 150 city and regional daily papers are now locally owned and operated, Medill said.Abernathy’s report pointed to a handful of “local heroes” to counter the pessimism that the raw numbers provide. One is Sharon Burton, publisher and editor of the Adair County Community Voice in Kentucky, where she pushes her staff toward aggressive journalism while also successfully lobbying to expand postal subsidies for rural newspapers.

  • SCOTUS Overturns  Trump era “Remain in Mexico”

    SCOTUS Overturns  Trump era “Remain in Mexico”

    Immigrant advocates applaud ruling and call for swift action to ensure asylum seekers can access refuge at the border

    NEW YORK (TIP): In  a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States on June 30,  ruled that former President Trump’s Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), or Remain in Mexico program, can be terminated by the current Biden administration. The New York Immigration Coalition applauds this decision and demands the immediate end of the Remain in Mexico policy without further delay. Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition said: “Today, the Supreme Court has issued a long-awaited decision to allow the end of the Trump administration’s Remain in Mexico policy, opening the door to the thousands of asylum seekers who have been stuck in limbo at the border. The Remain in Mexico policy put hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in harm’s way despite our human rights obligations to provide a sanctuary and due process for them. Although the overturning of this racist and fear-mongering policy is a welcome step forward in restoring the United States’ historic role as a destination for refugees and immigrants, the Biden administration must act without delay and end this policy immediately. Every day that our leaders wait to end this cruel and discriminatory policy, millions of people seeking freedom from violence and poverty will be subjected to continued persecution and inhumane conditions.”

  • Rev. Peter Cook of the NY council of Churches speaking about his deportation from India solely because he is a Christian!

    Rev. Peter Cook of the NY council of Churches speaking about his deportation from India solely because he is a Christian!

  • PM Modi understands potential of India-US relationship: Ambassador Sandhu

    PM Modi understands potential of India-US relationship: Ambassador Sandhu

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands the potential of the India-US relationship and has played a key role in building trust between the two countries, India’s envoy to Washington, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, has said as he hailed the record USD 160 billion bilateral trade last year despite the pandemic. “As the head of 1.4 billion citizens, our Prime Minister has encouraged each of us to dream big. In a real sense, he has gone on and has shown us that these dreams can be achieved if pursued with determination and persistence as seen in India’s rise on the global map,” Sandhu said at an event in Chicago on Sunday. “Let us all continue to dream big and work passionately towards achieving those dreams,” Sandhu told the gathering at the “Vishwa Sadbhavana’” event organized by the NID Foundation in Chicago.Prime Minister Modi, he said, understands the potential of the India-US relationship and has played an important role in building trust between the two countries.

    “In the US, the Prime Minister saw a very close friend and a strong partner, critical to transforming the dreams and the development aspirations of nearly 1.4 billion Indians into reality,” he added.

    “Modi has shaped this relationship with his firm vision and showed that tangible outcomes are possible with focused and regular actions. The United States has designated India as a Major Defense Partner, which is the basis for our strong collaboration in the defense…sector. India and the USA do more bilateral military exercises with each other, today than with any other country,” Sandhu said. India’s defense trade with the USA which was almost zero in the late 1990s is now more than USD 20 billion in 2022. Similarly, the energy trade, which five years ago was almost zero, stands at USD 20 billion now.

    “Last year, we hit a historic high of more than USD 160 billion in India-US bilateral trade. It is beyond impressive that we were able to achieve this during the Covid-19 pandemic without any formal trade agreement and despite supply chain disruptions,” he said. The Indian Ambassador told the audience that India under Modi has been showing the world the way forward.

    “Be it the act of providing the entire world with COVID-19 vaccines, relief missions in countries such as Afghanistan or hand-holding nations in education or space research; be it his stance during COP26 Global Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow or during World Economic Forum’s Davos Summit, Narendra Modi has truly shown the world the way forward,” he said.

    Organized by eminent Indian-Americans including Bharat Barai, Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, the event was attended by a large number of Sikhs from various parts of the Midwest.

    Prominent among those who attended the event included senior US senator Ron Johnson, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr Debbie Ford, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Robin Vos, Speaker of Wisconsin State Assembly, S Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chief Patron, NID foundation and Chancellor, Chandigarh University and General Atomic Chief Executive, Vivek Lall.

    Two books ‘Heartfelt-The Legacy Of Faith’ and ‘Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery’ were also released on the occasion. In his address, Sri Ravishankar applauded Prime Minister Modi for various initiatives taken by him in the past eight years. “India has gone under a sea of change. From infrastructure development to attending to the poorest of the poor sections of the society, from the ease of doing business and many other initiatives, the progress and development undertaken by the Prime Minister are phenomenal,” he said. Senator Johnson said that the India-US relationship has deepened and strengthened after Modi came to power. “The US has always considered India as its natural ally. There is so much that the two countries are doing together and will continue to do together. The two countries are continuously deepening the major defense partnership, encouraging economic engagement and expanding the partnership on global health, pandemic preparedness and critical and emerging technologies,” he said. Satnam Singh Sandhu, chief patron of the NID Foundation said Modi’s political and humane acumen has ensured the role of the Indian diaspora in India’s pursuit of becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (World Leader) again remains the most important. “On every trip of any country, the Prime Minister takes out time to meet the Indian community there, to talk to them, interact with them and take stock of any problem or issues they might be facing. The spirit of Vishwa Sadhbhavana stems from this very love and respect that the honorable Prime Minister has for the people and humanity at the global level,” he said.

    (Source: PTI)

  • India Day Parade of Long Island set for August 7

    India Day Parade of Long Island set for August 7

    IDPUSA Founder Bobby Kalotee with past and present President, addresses the gathering.
    Organizers and guests on the occasion of the curtain-raiser.

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP):  In celebration of India’s 75th anniversary of independence, IDP USA will hold its 12th annual India Day Parade in Hicksville, Long Island on August 7, it was announced at the Curtain Raiser on June 21 held at the prestigious Nassau County Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, NY. The event was attended by IDP USA team members, past presidents, community leaders, officials of Nassau County as well as the Town of Oyster Bay, and press persons. Vimal Goyal, IDP USA President, said that the parade this time will originate from Hicksville Community Center on Carl Street West, adding  that the enthusiasm this time is high since this is the 75th landmark year of India’s Independence, and the parade will proudly celebrate Indian Government initiative ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters, some known and some not so. How important independence is for a country you can see in Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s aggression, he pointed out. IDP USA Founder Bobby K Kalotee, Chair of Nassau County Commission on Human Rights, in his address praised India’s intellectual force and free thinking and said that nobody could have kept the country in shackles. He also promised full support and protection for the parade on behalf of the Town and County.

    The program emceed by Past President Mukesh Modi started with the recital of the Indian and American anthems, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting. The first item was an energetic dance item, Ganesh Vandana, performed by a young girl, Angel.

    IDP Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Past President Beena Kothari, in  their brief speeches, gave a call to the community to support the parade with tan-man-dhan (body, mind and funds). The parade that culminates in an entertainment program will showcase India’s heritage and culture and Indian Americans’ achievements. Children’s carnival and games area will be free. Raffle will have attractive prizes. A couple of Indian Americans running for elected office in the New York primaries were in attendance. Dinner was provided by Rajbhog.

    For more details: Vimal Goyal, IDP USA President, 516 978 7125, VimKGoyal@yahoo.com

    Parveen Chopra (Media Coordinator), 516 710 0508, Parveen.Chopra@gmail.com

    (Based on a press release issued by Parveen Chopra)

  • Long Island Indo-American Lions Club President Indu Gajwani passes the baton to Dr. Sunil Mehra

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The Installation Ceremony of the Long Island Indo-American Lions Club was held on June 22nd, 2022. PDG-T.J. Anand, PDG-Anthony Paradiso, Immediate past district governor-Terri Oster graced the occasion. Emcee of the evening was Anju Sharma, who welcomed all and highlighted the amazing work done by our club. The club is three years OLD, despite of Pandemic the club has done tremendous job. President The club is recognized as number one:

    • First club founded with 34 charter members
    • Maximum Membership (just in a short period of time in two and half years 118 members.)
    • Maximum donations made by club.
    • Maximum Melvin Jones Award recipients are from our club.

    President Indu Gajwani Recognized & appreciatedLions for their services towards Community. Krishna Maddipatla was awarded “ Lion of The Year”.  Community Service Awards were presented to Kanak Golia,  Nand Panjwani, Bobby Patel, Jay Shah, Anil Shah, Naveen Shah and  Gary Sikka. Anju Sharma & Sanju Sharma was recognized for  Excellent Leadership award. Rita Shah, Gobind Bathija, Nimesh Shah, Vijay Shah, Saurabh Seth, Pradeep Gosalia, Poojaa Makhijani, Dr. Kalpesh Amin,Dr. Yogendra Saxena, Pawan Singla, Dr. Usha Tandon, Sital Shah, Yogini Oza, Madhu Pareek, Vandana Kumar were awarded Recognition awards for their services for the club.

    Sanjiv Jindal Represented the office of Senator Anna Kaplan and Citations were presented to Kanak Golia, Krishna Maddipatla,  Anju Sharma, Dr. Sunil Mehra, Rita Shah, Sanju Sharma, Indu Gajwani & Shyam Gajwani for their outstanding services. Shyam Gajwani ‘LCIF officer’ was appreciated and recognized for his support and dedication throughout the years. Outgoing President Indu Gajwani was awarded ‘Excellent performance Award’ for outstanding work within short period of time.

    38 New Members were inducted at installation ceremony. President Indu Gajwani introduced New Incoming President (2022-2023)Dr. Sunil Mehra. She handed over the Lions Bell and gavel  to Dr. Mehra as responsibility of the club and wished him all the best. She also promised to continue her support to the club. The Executive committee of 2022-2023 was announced byDr. Sunil Mehra. Kanak Golia, Gobind Bathija, Nimesh Shah & Anju Sharma were announced as Vice Presidents. Sanju Sharma Secretary and Vijay Shah Treasurer for the upcoming year.  Krishna Maddipatla, Dr. Kalpesh Amin, Saurbh Seth, Nand Panjwani, And Dr. Abhay Malhotra will serve as Board of Directors. Dr. Mehra requested team members for their support for the club. He promised  to continue to serve the community and urged the members to work together to keep club at the position of “ Number One”. Vote of thanks by given by Secretary Nimesh ‘Bunty’ Shah. The program ended with Bollywood dance presentation and Dance floor open to all.

    Long Island Indo-American Lions Club is committed to serve the community and to create a better tomorrow for the less privileged. In a very short period of time of 3 years this club has done incredible Job through various events under the leadership of Founding President Indu Gajwani. The events organized by our club are not only limited to reaching out to community to help with Food Drive, Clothes drive, etc. The club also organizes Health and Wellness Fairs, Cultural activities, Social and educational events.  As Lions club worldwide tries to provide healthy meals for the hungry by donating to local pantries where hundreds of people are served daily, Our Local club follows these footsteps. Our club has made efforts to touch lives globally by making donations towards Cancer Cure, eyesight testing, eye surgeries, donation of thousands of eyeglasses, delivery of groceries, Winter jackets and blankets under the project ‘Spread the warmth’ not only in USA but reaching out the less privileged  people in INDIA.

  • Gandhian Society hosts Interfaith Prayer Meet and Khadi Fashion Show in New Jersey

    American Indian Children who participated in the Khadi Fashion show.
    Dignitaries at the Interfaith Prayer Meet Organized by Gandhian Society.

    PARSIPPANY, NJ (TIP): The Gandhian Society in partnership with Rotary Club and Zakir Husain Foundation organized an Interfaith Prayer meet and Khadi Fashion show in Parsippany (New Jersey) on June 26, 2022. The event was organized to pray for peace, understanding and spreading love/ brotherhood amongst all human beings and also to show cause the national fabric of India – Khadi in a modern way for the younger generation of American Indian’s. Khadi represents the Indian thinking of simple living with elegance and dignity. The event was attended by most of the elected officials from District 11/ Morris County/ Parsippany including District 11 House of Representative Candidate (Republican) – Paul DeGroot, Mayor Jamie Barbierio, Council President – Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Ponnala Lakshmiah (Indian Politician who earlier lived in Parsippany). The event started with the singing of National Anthem’s for USA and India and continues with Devotional Songs that Mahatma Gandhi used to have during his prayer meetings. The religious leaders from many diverse faiths like Christianity,  Hindu (Iskcon) Islam, Jewish (Hebrew), Jain, BAHA’i and many faiths prayed for peace, understanding and making the world a better place.

    This was followed by a Khadi Fashion designed/ conceptualized by designer Sonal Gadhavi and choreographed by Bharat Gadhavi. Sonal had a workshop with the kids prior to the fashion show to explain to them the significance of Khadi and the designs being displayed. The fashion show saw many American Indian children take part and display Khadi in a modern and elegant manner. Charkha Boutique sponsored the Khadi clothes for the fashion show. Gandhian Society Founder Bhadra Butala was instrumental in sponsoring the show with support fron sponsors. The Gandhian Society also honored Dr.Satish Aanchan and Ramesh Maganti for their community service and also honored them with a special certiciate and Gandhian Statue. Ponnala Lakshmiah was recognized for his role in helping rural India with his earlier role as Major Irrigation Minister where he helped irrigate thousands of acres of land that helped millions of farmers in South India.

    The Interfaith and Khadi event was mainly organized by Balaji Jilla, Rajender Dichpally and supported friendly by Santosh Peddi (Rotary International  Club members of Parsippany). The Gandhian Society team of Mahesh Wani, Shravan Natyakala, Varsha Joshi, Dr.Deepak Naran, Asha Sawant, Shiv Kumar, Hasmukh Patel, Vijaya Nadella and others. A simple Gandhian lunch was provided for participants and devotional songs that Mahatma Gandhi used to listen to were sung at the event. Free biographies of Mahatma Gandhi were distributed at the event for participants.

  • Indian Christian Day: A Celebration of Christian heritage in India

    Indian Christian Day: A Celebration of Christian heritage in India

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian Christian community of all rites and denominations in New York, New Jersey, “Connecticut area is all set to celebrate the two-thousand-year-old heritage of Christianity in India and the martyrdom of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ in AD 72 in Chennai.  Indian Christians from all Indian states will come together at the Syro Malankara Catholic Church at 1500 Depaul Street in Elmont, New York on Sunday, July 3rd at 5 pm.  They will be joined by spiritual and religious leaders across the United States. The event initiated by the Federation of Indian Christians of North America (FIACONA) is “a collaborative effort of Church of South India, Indian Orthodox Syrian Church, Tamil Lutheran Church, Episcopal Church, Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Syro Malankara Catholic Church, United Methodist Church, Bethlehem Punjabi Church, Marthoma Church, Jacobite Syrian Church, Gujarati Christians, and Saint Thomas Evangelical Church of South India who pride themselves for the contributions and participation  the Indian Christians to the history, development and growth of India over almost two thousand years” says Koshy George, president if FIACONA.

    The evening begins with a procession accompanied by chenda (drum) mela and thalappoli.   Religious leaders and other spiritual leaders will then say insightful felicitations.  Colorful cultural programs will be presented by talents from Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu communities.  The events will conclude with dinner.  Entry is free and open for everyone.  The organizers said that it will be helpful for food and water arrangements if people could RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/362745139477.

  • Indian-origin man shot dead in parked vehicle in New York

    Indian-origin man shot dead in parked vehicle in New York

    SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY (TIP): A 31-year-old Indian-origin man was shot dead in Queens here as he sat in a borrowed SUV parked down the street from his home, days after an Indian national was killed after sustaining an apparent gunshot wound to his head in the US state of Maryland. Satnam Singh was sitting behind the wheel of a black Jeep Wrangler Sahara that was parked in South Ozone Park when a gunman approached and started shooting at him around 3.45 pm on Saturday, June 25, a report in The New York Daily News said. The police said Satnam lived just down the street from where he was shot.

    Satnam was struck in the chest and neck and was rushed to a local hospital, where he died later, according to the police. It appears that Satnam had borrowed the car from a friend a short time earlier and needed it to pick someone up, the police said.

    Detectives were trying to “determine if the gunman was aiming at Satnam or was hoping to kill the SUV’s owner and was unaware who was inside,” the report said, adding that no arrests have been made so far in the case.

  • City of Bridgeport, Connecticut to support construction of International Standard Cricket Stadium and Practice Facilities in the city

    City of Bridgeport, Connecticut to support construction of International Standard Cricket Stadium and Practice Facilities in the city

    BRIDGEPORT, CT (TIP): The City of Bridgeport, Connecticut,  announced on June 30,  its support for the development of an International Standard Cricket Stadium and Practice Facilities in the city of Bridgeport, capable of hosting International level matches with an eye towards bagging a game or two in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by the US and the Caribbean. The stadium proposal was presented by Connecticut Cricket Inc. (CCI), who anticipate the successful completion of the new stadium in time for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in the hope of hosting matches at the venue.

    CCI leaders find Bridgeport to be the ideal location to bring top-level cricket to the Northeast United States. “Bridgeport has the perfect mix of accessibility, infrastructure and cricket history” said Ravi Nichani, a CCI principal. “The support and interest of the municipal leaders is gratifying, and we look forward to a long relationship between cricket and the City” added Mr. Nichani.

    Bridgeport Mayor, Joseph P. Ganim, offered strong support of the City of Bridgeport to the future development of the cricket stadium in the city. “Bridgeport is impressed with the experience and capabilities of the CCI leadership and their proposed plan and looks forward to working together to achieve this goal of bringing the 2024 World Cup to Bridgeport, as well as establishing Bridgeport as an international cricket location” Mr. Ganim said. Bridgeport, Connecticut is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, adjacent to the Long Island Sound and is well connected by Metro North, ferries to Long Island and interstate highways that connect Bridgeport to New York and New Jersey.

    CONTACT: Frank Farricker 203-554-6140 or Ravi Nichani 203-363-4900

  • CHANCELLOR BANKS ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

    CHANCELLOR BANKS ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

    A School Without Walls Program will provide hybrid and fully virtual pathways for 200 rising 9th graders this fall

    NEW YORK (TIP): Schools Chancellor David C. Banks  announced , June 23, A School Without Walls Program, a new NYCDOE high school program offering students a new way of learning through Hybrid and Virtual schooling pathways. A School Without Walls Program gives students the independence of remote learning, while grounding their education in an array of individualized, interdisciplinary, project-based learning and internship opportunities.

    Applications for rising 9th graders open today. Families can apply via their MySchools Accounts through Wednesday, July 6th.

    “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is abundantly clear that our education system needs to work for our young people in a way that it never has before. This virtual academy is about giving our students the freedom in their learning to explore their interests, learn outside of the box, lean into their talents, and use our city’s incredible resources as their classroom,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I’m proud to be able to provide virtual and hybrid learning pathways to rising 9th graders this coming fall, and to meet our students where they are with the tools they need to excel.”

    “The pandemic underscored the importance of reimagining the student experience for our children, giving them the opportunity to freely pursue their interests and passions as part of their high school journey. It is up to us as educators to meet students where they are with opportunities that empower them in their learning,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “We closely collaborated with students to design A School Without Walls Program and we are taking the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to reimagine school using innovative tools and practices. We are thrilled to be able to offer these new pathways in response to what we heard from our students and families.”

    Following the pandemic, it became clear that the ways we educate our young people needed to be re-imagined to better support our schools, our students and their needs during this time. With that in mind, A School Without Walls Program was established in close collaboration with students. With support from our partners at NYC Outward Bound Schools, A School Without Walls Program engaged NYC high school students in a year-long design journey that included a summer intensive and fall internship program to field test projects and intern-based curriculum, and which continued into the spring where student interns co-designed every aspect of the new program as part of the design team.

    “As partners in the design phase of A School Without Walls Program it has been exciting to work with the design team to take the real-world learning and student-centered approach we use in our network schools to an innovative hybrid learning environment,” said Vanessa Rodriguez, CEO of NYC Outward Bound Schools. “A School Without Walls Program has changed my point of view so much because I always believed that adults plan everything and that’s it. But this internship has made me value students’ roles just as much as adults,” said Abijayil, a student at Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women who participated in the design internship. “It made me realize that young people can make so much change.”

    “At A School Without Walls Program, I learned that creating a positive and supportive environment isn’t just dumb luck. I used to think having a good community just came from certain personalities meshing together, but this showed me that building strong community is something that can be worked towards, said Pete, a student at City As School who also participated in the internship. “Creating connections and trust within a community can be achieved by creating opportunities for team building and getting to know one another.”

    A School Without Walls Program moves beyond the classroom, giving students the freedom to design their own path to earning a high school diploma. Students will be encouraged to experience New York City and their local communities as their classroom by way of internships, service learning, and place-based learning initiatives. Interested students will choose between a Hybrid learning model and a Virtual model, with 100 seats available in each distinct pathway. Both pathways will be physically housed in DOE facilities, with teachers providing synchronous and asynchronous instruction from a fully equipped and operational classroom. All participating students will have access to these locations and to the vital resources available at brick-and-mortar schools, such as counseling services. Students will receive a laptop to use at home and can visit the school site to troubleshoot any technological issues. Students also have the option to participate in virtual and in-person extracurricular activities, including arts and music programming, sports, and interest-based clubs and electives.

    About Enrollment

    Students may apply to A School Without Walls Program starting today, June 23. To apply, interested families and students should select A School Without Walls Program Hybrid or Virtual pathway by starring it in their MySchools accounts. The deadline for application is Wednesday, July 6th, and families will be notified of lottery results by mid-July. Waitlist offers will be made to families on a rolling basis.

    About the Hybrid Pathway

    The Hybrid pathway blends in-person and remote learning opportunities for incoming 9th grade high school students. The Hybrid model supports students’ socio-emotional wellness while also prioritizing individualized academic support both in-person and remotely. Students in the Hybrid pathway will attend classes in person on a half day schedule at 131 Livingston Street in Brooklyn and will then participate remotely by engaging in both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (at their own pace) learning.

    About the Virtual Pathway

    The Virtual pathway will offer a fully remote program using an interdisciplinary, project-based model, along with deep and meaningful community building to ensure wellness and success in a virtual environment. To support both the academic and socio-emotional needs of our incoming 9th graders, the virtual pathway will offer: daily synchronous attendance and advisory, daily synchronous humanities or STEM sessions, and instructional sessions for social studies, science, health, lab, art/music, and elective courses. The Department of Education is currently working in close collaboration with the New York State Education Department to finalize the necessary details to make these programs full schools that can graduate students. In the meantime, students will be officially enrolled in a traditional high school while participating in the A School Without Walls Program.

  • Following Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade, New York City Council Women’s Caucus Unveils Legislative Package on Abortion and Reproductive Health Care

    Women Council members also announce intention to provide city funding for abortion care and support services

    CITY HALL, NY (TIP): In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Speaker Adrienne Adams and the City’s first women majority New York City Council unveiled a “NYC Abortion Rights Act” legislative package to safeguard abortion and advance reproductive health care in the City. The package of laws seeks to protect women, trans, and gender non-conforming people’s access to safe abortion and reproductive healthcare in New York City, as states across the country begin to restrict access to services in response to the Supreme Court decision. The Council also announced its support, through a resolution, for a state constitutional amendment to enshrine equal rights and protection against discrimination into the state’s constitution. The state constitutional amendment would expand protected classes to include ethnicity, national origin, disability or sex including pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and would protect an array of civil rights, including abortion. The historic women-led Council also indicated its intention to provide funding for abortion care and support services through city budget allocations. The Council’s proposed legislative package focuses on expanding reproductive health services across the five boroughs and protecting those seeking access to care. The bills include an expansion of language access for abortion care providers, prohibitions against abortion restrictions and interference, and increases to abortion and reproductive healthcare services. The legislative package codifies New York City’s role as a safe harbor for abortion care, protecting against attacks on reproductive health services. The various bills in the legislative package will be heard in several different Council committees over the coming days, including the Civil and Human Rights Committee, the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, the Health Committee, and the Women and Gender Equity Committee. In announcing its response to the Supreme Court decision, the Council, led by Speaker Adams, was represented by over a dozen of its women members, who for the first time make up the legislative body’s majority. The Council has long championed abortion access, establishing New York City’s abortion fund. The $250,000 annual allocations have helped New Yorkers and people traveling from other states to secure safe abortions in New York City.

    “The right to safe and legal abortion is a fundamental human right and must be protected for all who seek reproductive healthcare, especially in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s dangerous decision,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “This package of Council legislation will help ensure the necessary protections and expanded resources to meet New Yorkers’ reproductive health needs and those of all who come to our city in need of access to care. It is also essential that the New York State Legislature pass the Equality Amendment to support enshrining key protections into our state constitution. Leaders of this Council’s historic women-majority are prepared to take significant action to protect women, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals, and this leadership is critical to expanding and protecting the rights that we rightfully deserve.”

    “The United States Supreme Court’s cruel decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last week ignored nearly 50 years of legal precedent and is dangerous to the health and rights of more than 36 million Americans,” said Council Member Amanda Farías, Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus. “People’s lives and bodies are now at the mercy of their state governments, and we know many have already restricted access to reproductive health care due to trigger laws and more will continue to do so.  The laws introduced by my colleagues today seek to expand and protect women, trans, and gender expansive people’s access to safe abortion and reproductive healthcare in our City.  It focuses on protection through language access, prohibitions against restrictions and interference, increased services, and codifies New York City’s role as a destination for abortion care. Supporting abortion care will now be even more necessary than ever before as an estimated 190,000 to 280,000 people from other states, will be relying on New York. Today we express full support of the Equality Amendment to the NYS Constitution – everyone must be protected. We are here as the first Women Majority Council setting the example and tone for City’s across America by championing the first ever abortion fund that is paid with municipal dollars and pushing our state constitution to expand its protective language to include ethnicity, national origin, disability or sex including pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and would protect an array of civil rights, including abortion.”

    The proposed legislative package is as follows:

    • Introduction 458 (Sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams): Requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to maintain language access services for abortion providers.
    • Introduction 465 (Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán): Requiring DOHMH to report on the provision of medical services related to reproductive health care.
    • Introduction 466 (Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Shahana Hanif): Prohibiting the use of City resources to enforce abortion restrictions.
    • Introduction 474 (Sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif): Requiring the Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to conduct a public information and outreach campaign about the Access to Reproductive Health Care Facilities Law (LL 24 of 2009) as well as the protections available in the Human Rights Law (HRL) and right to bring a civil action under the HRL.
    • Introduction 475 (Sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif, Council Member Tiffany Cabán, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Council Member Farah Louis, Council Member Carlina Rivera, Council Member Crystal Hudson and Council Member Amanda Farías): Creating a private right of action related to interference with medical care.
    • Introduction 506 (Sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, at request of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson): Requiring the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to report information on pregnancy services centers in the city and implement an information campaign on such centers
    • Introduction 507 (Sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and Council Member Rita Joseph): Requiring DOHMH to make mifepristone and misoprostol available free of charge at its health centers, health stations, health clinics and other health facilities.
    • Resolution 195 (Sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer and Council Member Julie Menin): Calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, The Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program (S.9078/A.10148A), which would establish a grant program to provide funding to New York abortion providers and non-profit organizations to increase access to abortion care.
    • Resolution 196 (Sponsored by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers): Calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.9137/A.10357, which would allow out of state physicians to provide reproductive health services in this state while awaiting full licensure.
    • Resolution 197 (Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, Council Member Marjorie Velázquez, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Crytal Hudson): Declaring New York City a safe city for all those in need of abortion-related care.
    • Resolution 200 (Sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin): Declaring January 22, 2023 as Roe v. Wade Day in the City of New York to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision.
    • Resolution 242 (Sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin): Resolution calling upon the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.10468/S.8797B, proposing an amendment to Article 1 of the New York State Constitution, in relation to equality of rights and protection against discrimination.
    • Resolution 245 (Public Advocate Jumaane Williams): Calling on the United States Senate to pass and the President to sign the Women’s Health Protection Act.

    In New York State, abortion is protected by state law under the Reproductive Health Act. It codified abortion in state law, treating it as health care. “The overturning of Roe vs. Wade was a watershed moment in American history; dismantling almost 50 years of legal precedent in one sweeping judgment,” said Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers. “I, as a member of the first majority-female New York City Council, am honored to work alongside my colleagues to advance Reso. 196, and the “NYC Abortion Rights Act” legislative package that protects women’s bodily autonomy in New York City and funds reproductive healthcare, abortion care, and supportive services. We must do all we can in this legislative body to ensure Women’s Rights!”

    “Banning abortion only bans safe abortion and condemns women to suffering, hardship, and possible death. Generations have fought for autonomy over women’s bodies and this ruling pushes the United States backwards – and could threaten other privacy rights that were Court-established precedent,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “States will now be divided into abortion deserts and abortion havens. New York will remain a haven- having codified Roe into law – but we must stand in solidarity with those living in abortion deserts, deprived of access to safe reproductive health services.”

    “I thank Speaker Adams for her leadership as the Supreme Court has turned back the clock 100 years on women’s rights,” said Council Member Julie Menin. “To think that our daughters have less rights than we had is unconscionable.  For women without abortion access, they need hope and they need our help. Our message is clear: New York will stand firm to once again be a safe haven and beacon for people who most need access to abortion. The City Council will do all in its power to protect women and their health care rights.”