The Indian Panorama

Year: 2022

  • Best backwaters destinations In Kerala

    Best backwaters destinations In Kerala

    Kerala’s popularity as a tourist destination can be attributed to its wonderful tropical climate, Ayurveda, wildlife, forts, and, most of all, backwaters. The backwater destinations in Kerala present a spectacular sight, flanked by palm trees whose reflections form a perfect image on the clear waters. The best way of exploring the backwaters, however, is on a houseboat, also known as “kettuvallam”. Traditionally used for transporting rice, spices, and passengers, they take you to the otherwise inaccessible hinterlands of the state. At night, when the surroundings are bathed in blue, the perfect silence is interrupted by the rhythmic sound of the paddles. The sweetness of such moments stays on for a long time. If you have not visited the backwaters of Kerala, you have missed out on an incredible experience. This blog lets you know the best backwater destinations in Kerala that you should visit.

    Kumarakom Backwaters

    The small village of Kumarakom, a collection of tiny islands on the Vembanad Lake, is a part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary, spread across 14 acres of land, is visited by migratory birds, thus making it a perfect haven for bird lovers and ornithologists. Some birds observed on this lake are Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoo, Wild Duck, and migratory birds like Siberian Stork, among others. It’s also one of the most enchanting backwater destinations in Kerala. Visitors can enjoy fishing and boat tours here. These boat tours circle the islands and provide an amazing view of the coconut palms and the water birds.

    Alleppey Backwaters

    The Alleppey Backwaters are one of the most popular Kerala backwater destinations. A houseboat cruise on these backwaters is an enchanting experience. Today’s houseboats are a modified version of the “Kettuvallams” that existed in the olden times. Located around 62km southward of Kochi, the backwaters connect this place to those of Kochi and Kumarakom.

    Kozhikode Backwaters

    The Kozhikode Backwaters are also known as the Vasco Da Gama, the first European landed here in 1948. The virgin backwaters here leave visitors with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Catching a ride on the Kozhikode Houseboats is the best way of experiencing the beauty of the backwaters. The houseboats here are enormous in size yet move graciously enough. One can witness some spectacular scenery around the Kallai River and Canoli canals. Explore the best holiday packages in Kozhikode.

    Kasargod Backwaters

    Kerala is home to several backwater destinations, each offering a unique experience. When you explore the Kasargod Backwaters with Kerala backwaters houseboat tour packages, know that you are in for a thrilling experience. A backwater cruise here takes you to a lush landscape where 4 tiny islands, embraced by river streams, join these backwaters. The best part is they are still away from the prying eyes of the tourists and offer complete solitude and tranquility.

    Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kollam

    The backwater stretches of Ashtamudi are believed to be the second largest and deepest wetland ecosystem. When you enter these backwater stretches, you are greeted by coconut groves and palm trees scattered among the villages. The Ashtamudi Lake, which also serves as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, has inspired many writers and artists. One familiar sight here is that of the Chinese Fishing Nets, also called “cheena vala”, which seemed to be absorbed in a daylong meditation.

    Kochi Backwaters

    Kochi is home to various attractions, but the prominent amongst them are the backwaters. A ride on these beautiful backwaters brings you across the several attractions of this place, including the several islands scattered here and there as well as the dense greenery along the banks. On a backwater cruise here, the sights of Chinese fishing nets also greet your eyes. On the way, you can also watch the cargo ships and passenger ships pass by. It’s a memorable experience altogether.

    Trivandrum Backwaters

    When it comes to the best backwater destination in Kerala, it has to be Trivandrum. The network of canals, lagoons, lakes, and tropical vegetarian forests closely resemble a watery paradise. The biggest backwater here is Vembanad Lake, which is around 200sq. km in area. The most popular backwater cruise can be experienced along the route of Kovalam, which is a stretch of perfect serenity. The other backwater stretch, along the route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides, besides being the meeting point of two rivers – Killi and Karamana.

    Kavvayi Backwater at Payyanur

    Kavvayi Kayal is another backwater stretch with its own unique attractions. Here, it’s all about finding peace with yourself. Also known as the backwaters of Kavvayi, it is the result of the coming together of five rivers, River Kavvayi and its tributary streams, Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan. While enjoying a houseboat cruise on these backwaters, you will come across an interesting sight in the form of half a dozen small and big islands.

     Kuttanad Backwaters

    A journey through the backwaters of Kuttanad fascinates you in more ways than one. The journey from Kottayam to Alappuzha via the Kuttanad backwaters commences from the Kodimatha boat jetty in the Kottayam district. The first stop along this cruise is Pallom, where the Munroe Light House is located. This region is also famous as the rice bowl of Kerala, and on a cruise, one witnessed, not just rice fields but also a rare place where farming is carried out at 10ft below sea level.

                    Source: Tourismofindia

  • Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

    Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

    Bhairav Ashtami, also known as Bhairavashtami, Bhairava Jayanti, Kaal-Bhairava Ashtami and Kaal-Bhairava Jayanti, is the holy day of Hinduism that is the day of taking Bhairava, a sinister and angry incarnation of Lord Shiva. This day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Bhairava. It falls on the fifteenth day (Ashtami) of the Hindu month of Kartik, in the fortnight of the decreasing moon (Krishna Paksha). Bhairav Ashtami falls on a single day in November, December or January. The name Kalashtami is sometimes used to refer to this day, but can also refer to any Ashtami in the Krishna Paksha, all these are the holy days of Bhairava, also known as Dandapani. Lord Bhairav’s vehicle is a dog, that is, Lord Bhairava rides a dog. Bhairava is the incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of anger. It can be said that Bhairava is the manifestation of Lord Shiva’s wrath. According to the narrative narrated on this occasion, the trinity gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were talking in a serious mood about who was the best among them. In this debate, Shiva got a little angry with the comment made by Brahma and instructed his gana Bhairava to cut off one of the five heads of Brahma. Bhairava obeyed Shiva’s command and one head of Brahma was cut off and thus he became the four head. Filled with fear, all the others prayed to Shiva and Bhairava.

    According to the legend, when Brahma insulted Shiva, Kaal Bhairava appeared from the forehead of the enraged Shiva and cut off Brahma’s head, leaving only four heads. Due to the sin of killing Brahma, Brahma’s head got stuck on the left palm of Bhairava – Brahmana or Brahmanism. To get rid of the sin of Brahmana, Bhairava had to fast for a Kapali. Wandering the world as a naked beggar with the skull of a beggar as his beggar. Bhairav’s sin comes to an end when he reaches the holy city of Varanasi, where a temple dedicated to him still exists.

    Lord Bhairav or Bhairon is an incarnation (avatar) of Lord Shiva. Lord Bhairav is widely worshipped by tantriks and yogis to gain various siddhis. Bhairon is regarded as the protector and the kotwal. In astrology Lord Bhairav is the Lord of star (graha) Rahu so to attain the maximum benefits of Rahu, people worships Lord Bhairav. Bhairav is a fierce form of Shiva. It is believed that Bhairon is connected to the Mahavidya goddess named Bhairavi who gives Lagna shuddhi (purification of the follower). This purifies and protects the body, character, personality and other qualities associated with the follower. Worship of Lord Bhairon is very useful to win over your enemies, success and all materialistic comforts. It is very easy to please lord Bhairav by doing normal worship daily. Coconut, Flowers, Sindoor, Mustard oil, black til etc are offered to the God to get God’s Blessings. Bhairava himself has eight manifestations, Kala Bhairava, Asitanga Bhairava, Samhara Bhairava, Guru Bhairava, Krodh Bhairava, Kapala Bhairava, Rudra Bhairava and Unmatta Bhairava.

    Origin of Lord Bhairav

    The origin of Bhairava or Bhairon can be drawn from the conversation between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu described in “Shiv Maha-Puran” where Lord Vishnu asks Lord Brahma who is the supreme creator of the Universe. Lord Brahma proclaimed himself to be that superior person.  On hearing this, Lord Vishnu chided Lord Brahma for his hasty and overconfident words.  After the debate they decided to seek the answer from the four Vedas.  Rig Veda designated Lord Rudra (Shiva) as supreme as He is the omnipotent deity who controls all living beings.  Yajur Veda replied that He, whom we worship through various Yajnas (Yagna) and other such rigorous rituals, is none other than Shiva, who is supreme.  Sam Veda stated that the respected figure who is worshipped by various Yogis and that Person who controls the entire world is none other than Triambakam (Shiva).  Finally, Atharva Veda said, all human beings can see the Lord through Bhakti Marg and such a deity who can remove all the worries of human beings is indeed Shankar (Shiva). But both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu started laughing in disbelief.

    Then Lord Shiva appeared as a powerful divine light.  Lord Brahma stared at Him furiously with his fifth head.  Lord Shiva immediately created one living being and stated that he will be King of Kaal and will be known as Kaal (Death) Bhairav. Meanwhile, Lord Brahma’s fifth head was still burning with fury and Kaal Bhairav pulled that head from Brahma. Lord Shiva directed Bhairav to go around various holy places (teerths) to get rid of Brahma Hatya.  Kaal Bhairav, with Brahma’s head in his hand, started took bath in various holy places (Teerths), worshipped various Lords, nevertheless saw that Brahma Hatya Dosh was following him all along.  He could not get rid of that affliction. Finally, Kaal Bhairav reached the Moksha Puri, Kashi. The moment Kaal Bhairav entered Kashi, Brahma Hatya Dosha disappeared into the netherworld.  The head of Brahma, (Kapal) fell at a place which was called Kapal Mochan and there was a Teerth which was later called Kapal Mochan Teerth. Then onwards Kaal Bhairav stationed himself permanently in Kashi, giving shelter to all his devotees.  Those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he grants protection to all his devotees.

    Ashtami day (eighth day after Purnima) in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  Besides, Sundays, Tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  A person who circumambulates Lord Kaal Bhairav eight times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him.  A devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for six months will attain all types of Siddhi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 31).

    Another story of the origin of Bhairava is the tale of Shiva and Shakti. Shakti, the daughter of the king of gods, Daksha chosen Shiva for marriage. Her father disapproved the marriage because he alleged that Shiva resides in jungles with animals and ghosts and hence has no equality with him. But Shakti decides otherwise and marry Shiva. After some time King Daksha held a Yagna and invited all the gods, but not Shiva. Shakti came to the yagna alone, where Daksha publicly spoke in a belittling manner about Shiva. Shakti could not bear to hear her husband insult and jumped in the holy fire of Yagna and sacrificed her.

    On hearing this Lord destroyed the yagna and killed Daksha by beheading him. Then Shiva carried Shakti’s corpse on his shoulders and ran uncontrollably all around the world for days. Since this would eventually destroy all creation, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Shakti’s body into pieces, which then fell all around. These spots where Shakti’s body parts fell are now known as Shakti Peethas. In the form of the frightful Bhairava, Shiva is said to be guarding each of these Shakti Peeths. Each Shaktipeeth temple is accompanied by a temple dedicated to Bhairava (Bhairon).

    There are eight types of Bhairava and they are called ashta Bhairava. They are Asithanga Bhairavar, Ruru Bhairavar, Chanda Bhairavar, Krodh Bhairava, Unmatta Bhairavar, Kapala Bhairavar, Bhishana Bhairavar and Samhara Bhairavar. Apart from these eight forms there is yet another form called Swarna akarshana Bhairavar. Maha Bhairavar is said to be Shiva himself.

    He is also the “Aapaduddhaarana murti” – the one who uplifts us in times of crisis. He averts all kinds of dangers. The one who worships Swarna akarshana Bhairava gets everything. He gets all the wealth and richness in his life and also is constantly protected from all the perils in his life. Above all, because Swarna akarshana Bhairava is the one of the Bhairava – the terrifying ones – he liberates us from all the patterns and karmas causing the cycle of birth and death.

  • Salman says Prem will return and marry too

    Salman says Prem will return and marry too

    Actor Anupam Kher organized a special screen of his new film ‘Uunchai’ in Mumbai on Wednesday that was attended by film’s director Sooraj, Salman Khan among others. Salman has starred in several Sooraj Bharjatya films over the years and there were talks about their reunion too. At the ‘Uunchai’ premiere, when Salman Khan walked the red carpet with the filmmaker, the media stationed there asked Sooraj if he has ideas on creating a new version of Salman’s iconic Prem series of characters in his next film? Responding to them, Sooraj said, “Prem will return,” and added, “title registered.” Salman then jokingly said, “Prem will return and he will make sure that he gets married too. Inhone picture ka title bhi announce bhi kar diya, Prem Ki Shaadi.”

  • Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon Open Up About Their Special Bond In ‘Bhediya’

    Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon Open Up About Their Special Bond In ‘Bhediya’

    The makers of ‘Bhediya’ have just released an exclusive behind the scenes video featuring leads Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon disclosing some interesting tid-bits about each other. Kriti remarks how Varun has become a better listener. The two stars also reveal their favourite song from ‘Bhediya’, which turns out to be the recently released ‘Apna Bana Le’. Talking about their unique rapport, Varun says, “Kriti and I are working together after six years. While not much has changed in that time, we now communicate even more effortlessly with each other, and this shows in our chemistry.” “Funnily enough, this is one of the reasons our director was worried that we might exude too much chemistry in the film.” Kriti adds: “Varun and I have genuinely been very good friends since Dilwale. We are extremely comfortable with each other, and that comfort translates beautifully on screen. We play off each other amazingly.”

    “We worked together after 6 years, and in these 6 years we’ve grown as people, and as actors, and our bond has only strengthened! I had a blast working with him!” AJio Studios & Dinesh Vijan present, ‘Bhediya’. A Maddock Films production, directed by Amar Kaushik, produced by Dinesh Vijan and starring Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Deepak Dobriyal and Abhishek Banerjee among others, is releasing in cinemas pan-India in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil in 2D and 3D on November 25.

  • Jennifer Lopez reveals how Ben Affleck took the first step towards their rekindled love story

    Jennifer Lopez reveals how Ben Affleck took the first step towards their rekindled love story

    Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have finally tied the knot after reklindling their relationship from the early ‘2000s. They married earlier in 2022 in a secret Las Vegas ceremony with only their children as witnesses. Until now, we had no idea who approached who as they started dating one more time after many years apart. They both got married and had children to other celebrities but they found their way back to each other. Jennifer Lopez finally opened up about therekindled love between the two.

    As it turns out, Ben Affleck was the one who made contact again through an email. He revealed to J-Lo that he had raved about oher during an interview right after ending his relationship with Ana de Armas. After getting that first email from Ben, the couple never stopped communicating as they eventually began hanging out. One thing led to the other and their romance was reignited again.

    Jennifer Lopez is the cover of hte next Vogue issue, she offered an interview about her newlywed life with Ben Affleck. This is what she told the publication: “Obviously we weren’t trying to go out in public. But I never shied away from the fact that for me, I always felt like there was a real love there, a true love there. People in my life know that he was a very, very special person in my life. When we reconnected, those feelings for me were still very real. I don’t know that I recommend this for everybody. Sometimes you outgrow each other, or you just grow differently.

    “Not to discredit anything in between that happened, because all those things were real too. All we’ve ever wanted was to kind of come to a place of peace in our lives where we really felt that type of love that you feel when you’re very young and wonder if you can have that again. Does it exist? Is it real? All those questions that I think everyone has. You go through all these relationships, and you’re searching and you’re connecting and you’re disconnecting with people, and you’re like, ‘God, is this just what life is? Like a carousel, roller coaster, carnival ride?’ And then it settles. But the journey to that is the mystery for everybody.”

  • Daniel Craig is back for new Knives Out mystery

    Daniel Craig is back for new Knives Out mystery

    The official trailer for Glass Onion : A Knives Out Mystery was released on Monday. This marks the return of detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig for the sequel of Knives Out (2019). Written and directed by Rian Johnson, Glass Onion places the detective in an unusual locale this time, in an island in Greece where a murder is yet to happen. In the trailer we see a host of people arrive at an island, one amongst whom is detective Benoit Blanc. “When’s the murder mystery start?” he asks. At the table, the host Mr. Bron (Edward Norton) announces that he has invited everyone here because he is sure that a murder will be committed that night. “My murder.” he says. He also warns that he has hidden clues across the island for which each one of them have to be on constant lookout. In the next shot, there is a power cut, and a gunshot across a glass pane is seen. As Benoit Blanc looks at everyone around him, he says, “Ladies and gentleman, there’s been a murder, and the killer is in plain sight.”

  • Jennifer Aniston reveals sadness at failed in vitro fertilisation attempt

    Jennifer Aniston has opened up to the media to talk for the first time about a personal issue, infertility. The actress revealed that behind the pregnancy rumors that haunted her for years, she was fighting a personal battle. While the media debated whether or not she wanted to have children, Aniston was suffering what no one could have imagined. Or perhaps, they could had they stopped to consider it. “All the years and years and years of speculation… It was really hard,” Aniston told Allure.

    “I was going through IVF, drinking Chinese teas, you name it. I was throwing everything at it.

    “I would’ve given anything if someone had said to me, ‘Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favor.’ You just don’t think it. So here I am today. The ship has sailed.” Today, the actress best known for her role as ‘Rachel’ on Friends, has been married twice and never had children.

    One of her most difficult periods was when she separated from Brad Pitt, her first engagement. In 2005, after five years of life as a couple, both decided to put an end to their relationship, which the media at the time speculated was because Aniston would have preferred to focus on her professional career, instead of being a mother. She has revealed this was all false.

    “That narrative that I was just selfish, that I just cared about my career. And God forbid a woman is successful and doesn’t have a child,” said Aniston. “And the reason my husband left me, why we broke up and ended our marriage, was because I wouldn’t give him a kid.

    “It was absolute lies. I don’t have anything to hide at this point.” Aniston gave no timeline for her IVF journey, Allure noted that it was simply “several years ago.” But now, at 53, she said she has “no regrets” about how things worked out.

  • ‘I said yes’: Did Malaika Arora just confirm that she’s engaged to Arjun Kapoor?

    Malaika Arora appeared to suggest that she is engaged to be married. On Thursday, November 10,  she took to Instagram to share a picture of herself, and wrote in the caption of her post, “I said YES…” She didn’t tag her boyfriend, actor Arjun Kapoor, and nor did he post something similar on his page. Several people took to the comments section to wish Malaika and Arjun all the best. “Woah woah woah!!” wrote actor Karan Tacker, while stylist Tanya Ghavri commented, “Oh my god !.”

    Malaika and Arjun have been dating for several years, but they publicly confirmed their relationship only in 2019, on Arjun’s birthday. The two have been fielding questions about marriage for a long time now, and Arjun has always maintained in interviews that they will be the first to make the announcement once a concrete decision has been made. In a recent appearance on Koffee with Karan, Arjun said that marriage is not on the cards for them. “I want to focus on my career. I want to see where I am going. I am a realistic person. I’m not hiding anything and neither am I coy. I want to be more stable, not just financially. If I am happy, only then I can make my partner happy, and a lot of happiness comes from my work,” he said.

    Arjun has said in interviews that they took ‘baby steps’ in making their relationship public, because they knew what it would entail.

    On Koffee with Karan, Arjun said, “I will always think about everyone first. It is my choice to be with her, but I cannot expect everyone to understand. It has to be allowed to grow. I cannot expect everyone to understand easily… It’s not that we didn’t talk about it as a couple. But there are baby steps. There is a basic understanding that she has had a life, she has a son, and I’m coming from a past that is aware of that. The moral compass of the country you cannot dictate.”    Source: The Indian Express

  • Rakhi Sawant, Sherlyn Chopra file police complaints against each other

    Bollywood celebrities Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra have filed FIRs against each other for using objectionable language, according to the police on Wednesday. The Mumbai Police said that upon the complaint of Chopra, an FIR was registered against Rakhi Sawant and advocate Falguni Brahmbhatt. “FIR registered against actress Rakhi Sawant & adv Falguni Brahmbhatt under multiple sections of IPC & IT Act on the complaint of an actress. The complainant alleges that the 2 showed an objectionable video of her during a press conference and used objectionable language,” Mumbai Police said.

    On the other hand, Rakhi Sawant filed a case against actor Sherlyn Chopra at Mumbai’s Oshiwara police station. Rakhi Sawant said, Sherlyn in her video accused her of changing boyfriends. Rakhi told the police that Sherlyn Chopra had uploaded a video on YouTube and Instagram on November 6, 2022, in which Sherlyn had made objectionable remarks against her and used abusive language. The Oshiwara police started the further investigation by registering a case under sections 500, 504, 506 and 509 of the IPC. Earlier this month, in the latest development in Sherlyn Chopra and Rakhi Sawant’s ongoing controversy, the former shared a tweet saying nudity is not equal to consent.Taking to the microblogging site Sherlyn wrote in Hindi, “Hamari ladai yaun shoshan/yaun shoshan krne waalon ke khilaaf hai. Nyay ki guhar lagaane ka hmaara samvaidhanik (constitutional) haq (right) hai. Ye haq humse koi nahi cheen sakta hai. Ye baat hamaare aaropiyon ki behnein sun lein aur samajh lein. Nudity is not equal to consent. Vastraheen hona razamandi nahi.”

    Source: ANI

  • Indian-origin Jasmeet Bains becomes first Sikh woman to be elected to California Assembly

    Indian-origin Jasmeet Bains becomes first Sikh woman to be elected to California Assembly

    BAKERSFIELD, CA (TIP): Jasmeet Kaur Bains, a family physician from Bakersfield, made history by becoming the first Indian-origin Sikh woman to be elected to the California Assembly.

    In a Democrat vs Democrat race for the 35th Assembly District in Kern County, Bains took an early lead over her opponent Leticia Perez.

    According to the Kern County Election Results website, Bains led the race on Wednesday with 10,827 votes, or 58.9 per cent — while Perez trailed significantly with 7,555 votes, or 41.1 per cent.

    Bains is a medical director at Bakersfield Recovery Services, a non-profit that treats adults suffering from addiction.

    In her campaign pitch, she said she would prioritize healthcare, homelessness, water infrastructure and air quality.

    Bains watched election returns with nearly 100 family members, friends and supporters at Tony’s Firehouse Grill and Pizza, a restaurant in the northern Kern County city of Delano, where she grew up.

    “It’s an exciting night… I’m encouraged by the early returns and couldn’t be more grateful for the support we’ve received across Kern County,” she wrote in a text message to the media.

    “I love being a doctor,” Bains said, explaining why the decision to enter the Assembly contest was not an easy decision.

    “If I want to be the physician that I always dreamed of being, I need to make sure that we have the correct legislation in place,” she told the media. The 35th Assembly district stretches from Arvin to Delano and includes much of East Bakersfield.

    The daughter of immigrant parents from India, Bains watched her father build a business, starting as an auto mechanic and ultimately owning successful car dealerships. After college, Jasmeet worked with her father before pursuing her career in medicine.

    When the pandemic hit, Bains was on the frontlines, establishing field hospital sites to treat Covid patients. She has also spearheaded landmark mental health and addiction treatment programs. She was awarded the 2019 Hero of Family Medicine by the California Academy of Family Physicians, and the 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Award from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.

     

  • Indian American professor Pavithra Prabhakar receives Amazon Research Award to study evolving machine learning systems

    Indian American professor Pavithra Prabhakar receives Amazon Research Award to study evolving machine learning systems

    KANSAS (TIP): An Indian American professor of computer science at a US university has received an Amazon Research Award to design a tool that minimizes negative user experiences. Pavithra Prabhakar, who is the Peggy and Gary Edwards chair in engineering, was one of 74 recipients of the awards from Amazon, which also includes an unrestricted gift, access to more than 300 Amazon public datasets, and Amazon Web Services’ artificial intelligence and machine learning services and tools, the Kansas State University said in a statement. Prabhakar currently serves as a program director at the National Science Foundation while on sabbatical from K-State. The tool itself would be utilized to minimize disruptive changes to the user experience of machine learning-based software systems as the product is refined and retrained over time. She explained the issue with an example of a search engine tool being retrained to provide superior automated results but, in the process, losing some of the results the end user expects to see. “The broad objective of the project is to automatically characterize how much two versions of machine learning-based systems are similar or different,” Prabhakar said.

     

  • Indian American Nabeela Syed makes history as youngest member of Illinois House

    Indian American Nabeela Syed makes history as youngest member of Illinois House

    ILLINOIS (TIP): Nabeela Syed, a 23-year-old Indian-American Muslim woman, has made history by becoming the youngest person to win a House seat in Illinois. Syed, a Democrat, also becomes the first South Asian in the state legislature.

    In winning the 51st House district in the Nov 8 midterm elections, Syed also flipped Republican-held suburban district defeating incumbent Chris Bos. An elated Syed took to Twitter to share her happiness over her election.

    “My name is Nabeela Syed. I’m a 23-year-old Muslim, Indian-American woman. We just flipped a Republican-held suburban district,” she tweeted noting, “I will be the youngest member of the Illinois General Assembly.”

    Syed contended that she won the election because she engaged in a conversation with people – to give them a reason to get involved in our democracy and hope for better leadership that represents their values.

    “When I announced for State Representative, I made it a mission to genuinely engage in conversation with people – to give them a reason to get involved in our democracy and hope for better leadership that represents their values.” she wrote on Instagram. “We won this race because we engaged in that conversation.”

    “We talked to seniors about the rising cost of prescription drugs. We talked to working families about the growing burden of property taxes. We talked to women, pledging that I would protect their right to reproductive healthcare. We spoke with parents about their desire to strengthen commonsense gun safety laws,” Syed wrote.

    “We won this race because the people of the 51st District want a representative who is ready to fight for them and their families. I knocked on every door in this district. Tomorrow, I start knocking them again to thank them for placing their trust in me. I’m ready to get to work,” she added. Born and raised in Illinois, Syed graduated from the University of California with a degree in Political Science and Business and served as the president of a pro-bono consulting organization that helped local businesses.

    She currently works for a non-profit, helping them in digital strategy and supporting a myriad of civic engagement initiatives such as mobilizing voters, curbing sexual assault on college campuses, and enhancing gender equity, according to her official website.

    She is also active in her religious community at the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs and advocates interfaith dialogue and aims to empower young Muslim women to lead, according to her website.

     

  • Indian American candidate Vibhuti Jha apologizes to Muslims for his tweet

    Indian American candidate Vibhuti Jha apologizes to Muslims for his tweet

    NEW YORK (TIP): An Indian American Republican candidate, who is contesting for the upcoming general election for the New York State Assembly District 16, has apologized for a tweet targeting the Muslim community, saying his intent was never to hurt anyone.

    Vibhuti Jha, 70, who has now deleted the tweet, is running against Democrat Gina Sillitti for the New York State Assembly District 16 elections to be held on Tuesday. “I deleted a tweet that appeared several months ago forwarded by someone to me! I believe some of the Muslim groups were unhappy about the content & comparison made therein. The joke didn’t go down well. I confirm the intent was never to hurt anyone,” Jha tweeted last week. “I want to add I have very good Muslim friends; we share mutual respect and share jokes and laughter in these difficult times. Friendship is all about sharing joy, anger and move life forward. We must face our challenges together,” he said. According to his LinkedIn profile, Jha is the Managing Director of New York-based financial services firm Global Capital Service Group. He is also the co-founder of Relaxxapp, a mind and body fitness app. New York’s 16th State Assembly district is one of the 150 districts in the New York State Assembly. It has been represented by Sillitti since 2021. District 16 is in Nassau County within the town of North Hempstead. The district includes the villages of Great Neck, North Hills, East Hills, Flower Hill, Old Westbury, Roslyn Estates, and Lake Success, as well as the hamlets of Roslyn Heights, Port Washington and Herricks.

  • Aruna Miller is the first Indian American to win Maryland Lieutenant Governor

    Aruna Miller is the first Indian American to win Maryland Lieutenant Governor

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Aruna Miller on Tuesday, November 8, scripted history by becoming the first Indian American politician to win the race of Lieutenant Governor in the state of Maryland, adjoining the US capital. Miller, 58, a former delegate to the Maryland House, was on the Lieutenant Governor ticket along with Wes Moore — the Democratic Governor elect. The Lieutenant Governor is the state’s highest official following the Governor and assumes the role when the Governor is out of state or incapacitated. The Lieutenant Governor also becomes the Governor should the Governor die, resign or be removed from office. Soon after the polling closed on Tuesday evening, Moore and Miller were declared elected against their Republican challengers.

    Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had campaigned in favor of Moore and Miller. In winning the Lieutenant Governor race in Maryland, Miller overcame a last-minute stiff opposition from her distracters who accused her of courting Hindu nationalists, a charge she denied. In fact, her popularity among Indian Americans in Maryland is bipartisan. Some of the top Trump and Republican supporters came out in support of her and raised funds. Prominent among them include Jasdip Singh Jassee.

  • Diwali Celebrations in Guatemala and Honduras

    GUATEMALA CITY/NEW YORK (TIP): Guatemala and Honduras had an eventful and colorful last week as the Embassy of India in Guatemala organized grand-scale, first-of-its-kind Diwali celebrations in Honduras and Guatemalan and ended a week with Unity Bicycle Rally as a part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Diwali celebrations started on 27 October in Honduras, where, in the presence of more than 80 dignitaries, including Representatives of the Honduran Government, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Indian Community members, ITEC alumni, Yoga lovers & Friends of India, Mission organized the first-ever Diwali Celebrations with the lighting of Diyas, an incredible firecrackers show & delicious Indian food.

    Continuing with Diwali Celebrations, Mission participated in Diwali Celebrations organized at Brahmakumaris Guatemala on 29 October. The large-scale participation of the local Guatemalan community, along with Indian community members, was the highlight of the celebrations. Hundreds of traditional diyas and a firecracker show lit the atmosphere. And celebrations ended with traditional Garba dance & delicious Indian food. The main Diwali celebrations were held on 30 October at the Embassy’s premises in the presence of more than 150 people, including Hon’ble Minister of Education, Ms Claudia Ruiz, Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ms Ava Atzum Arevalo and Vice Minister of Economy, Mr Fernando Escalante, Diplomatic corps, Indian community members and friends of India. The celebrations started with a Cultural programme by the Indian community with Indian dance and Music. The people were mesmerized by the lighting of diyas and an hour-long firecracker show and had a taste of Indian food.

    The eventful week ended on a solid note with the organization of Unity Bicycle Rally on 30 October as a part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel where Indian community members participated in the rally and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his immense contribution for uniting India. After Diwali Celebrations in Guatemala and Honduras, Embassy in collaboration with Foreign Ministry of El Salvador is organizing first-ever grand Diwali celebrations in San Salvador on 10 November with the participation of hon’ble Foreign Minister of El Salvador, officials from Salvador government, Indian community, ITEC alumni and friends of India. In continuation of International Day of Yoga and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, on 12 November, Embassy is also organizing a grand Yoga Festival with the participation of more than 3000 Guatemalans in Guatemala City.

  • A renewed momentum in India-US bilateral ties: Ambassador Sandhu

    A renewed momentum in India-US bilateral ties: Ambassador Sandhu

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): There is a renewed momentum in the India-US relationship, New Delhi’s top envoy to the United States told a think-tank here, observing that the strategic partnership between the two sides has deepened and the overall bilateral partnership broadened. He said the continuous high-level political engagements between India and the US signals bipartisan support on both sides for further deepening the partnership. “One of our ministers, the other day, spoke about the sunrise moment in our bilateral relations. Sunrise is beautiful, it is promising and brings with it a lot of positive energy. We are in such a moment, in our bilateral partnership,” India’s Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said. “However, if we are complacent, that moment is going to pass. It will not wait for us. We need to seize the moment,” he said at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think-tank.

    In a conversation with Ashley Tellis for a discussion examining these global developments and the future of the relationship between the United States and India, Sandhu said a lot has happened “undoubtedly” between the two countries.

    “I have two points to make here. First, our strategic partnership has deepened. Second, our overall bilateral partnership has broadened. There is a renewed momentum in our bilateral ties,” he said. “If I ask my team to tell me, the number of times President Biden and PM Modi have met, in person and virtually, they hold up their hands! Same with EAM and Secretary Blinken and other ministers too. This is precisely how things are between friends!” Sandhu said.

    He said the deepening of the strategic and defense ties on the bilateral front has been significant. Signing of foundational agreements on defense (LEMOA; COMCASA; ISA; BECA). For the first time, a US Ship was repaired in an Indian shipyard. An Indian Ship visited a US port in August, which was also a historical first, the Ambassador said. “We are also actively joining hands in some of the plurilateral platforms. Of course, the Quad has taken off in a big way,” he said, adding that Quad nations are going beyond the G-to-G format. For example, the Quad Investors’ Network has been announced, Sandhu said. He said India has become a member of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. “We are also working closely under I2U2,” he told the think-tank. There are also some new domains of the partnership, he said. “So widening of the baskets, so to speak. health; energy; tech; space; Education etc. etc.” NASA and ISRO are working on interesting stuff such as helio-physics (to study the sun), human space flight programme, and on NISAR – the RADAR, which will help us better monitor the implications of climate change, Sandhu said.

    “We are working closely on counter ransomware, cyber security, advanced telecommunications, 5G and ORAN. We announced a new Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies-iCET- in May this year. We resolved decades-old market access issues of some agricultural products at the TPF last year,” he said.

    “You are all well aware of the Covid vaccine partnership. Notwithstanding all the debates, about India’s energy imports, India-US energy partnership is thriving, and touching new areas, such as green hydrogen,” he added. After the announcement of the National Education Policy, we are looking at new ways of collaboration between Indian and US universities, Sandhu said.

    “We just had the launch of the India-US CEO Forum yesterday. (Treasury) Secretary (Janet) Yellen is currently in Delhi for the Economic and Financial Partnership Dialogue,” he said.

  • STELLAR ARTIST LINEUP HONORS NJPAC’S JAZZ FEST

    By Mabel Pais

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has an exciting artist line-up of the highly anticipated 11th annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival, November 2022. This year’s program offers events combining jazz luminaries in collaboration with artists known for R&B, poetry, hip hop, and much more.

     Here are some highlights:

    DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER AND SAVION GLOVER: NTERPRETATIONS

    Dee Dee Bridgewater with Savion Glover. Photo /njpac.org 

    DEE BRIDGEWATER, over the course of a multifaceted career spanning four decades, Grammy and Tony Award-winning Jazz giant Dee Dee Bridgewater has ascended to the upper echelon of vocalists, putting her unique spin on standards, as well as taking intrepid leaps of faith in re-envisioning jazz classics. Ever the fearless voyager, explorer, pioneer and keeper of tradition, the three-time Grammy-winner most recently won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album for Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee. Bridgewater’s career has always bridged musical genres. She earned her first professional experience as a member of the legendary Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band, and throughout the 70’s she performed with such jazz notables as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie. After a foray into the pop world during the 1980s, she relocated to Paris and began to turn her attention back to Jazz.

    As a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bridgewater continues to appeal for international solidarity to finance global grassroots projects in the fight against world hunger. In April 2017 was the recipient of an NEA Jazz Masters Fellows Award with honors bestowed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In December 2017, Bridgewater was presented with the ASCAP Foundation Champions award acknowledging her charitable contributions. In 2018, Bridgewater received the prestigious Doris Duke Artist Award. 2019 brought her induction in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to music and in celebration of her latest CD, “Memphis, Yes…I’m Ready.” That same year, Bridgewater launched The Woodshed Network, a non-profit partnership with 651 Arts created to mentor, connect, support, and educate women in Jazz. Bridgewater serves as Artistic Director, along with Associate Artistic Director and Program Curator Tulani Bridgewater-Kowalski with lead support by The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

    The Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band is a swinging all-women Big Band in the spirit of the ‘International Sweethearts of Rhythm’ and drawing on Dee Dee’s time with the ‘Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra.’ Incorporating alumnae of The Woodshed Network, Bridgewater’s non-profit program for self-identifying women in jazz, audiences should prepare to hold on to their seats. Bridgewater is “bringing it” with all the energy, dynamism and joy fans have come to expect from the legendary polymath.

    Connect with Dee Online:

    www.DeeDeeBridgewater.com

    Facebook & Instagram @deedeebridgewater

    Twitter @ddbprods

    SAVION GLOVER is a Tony Award-winning choreographer and legendary hoofer, whose career has spanned nearly four decades. He began his Broadway stage career as The Tap Dance Kid, and continued with Black and Blue, Jelly’s Last Jam and his award-winning Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk, which garnered him a Tony Award for Best Choreography. He has performed worldwide with jazz legends including McCoy Tyner, Roy Haynes and Jack DeJohnette.

    Film credits include Tap, starring Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr.; Spike Lee’s Bamboozled and George Miller’s Happy Feet and Happy Feet Two. Serving as dance advisor for NJPAC and as a member of its board of directors, he is dedicated to furthering arts education programming with Summer Intensives, established to help youth explore artistic expression.

    This event takes place on November 12.

     NJMEA ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND CHOIR TEAM UP WITH SPECIAL GUEST

    Catch the next generation of great jazz artists from New Jersey. This annual concert event, co-presented by NJPAC’s Arts Education Department and the New Jersey Music Educators Association, brings together some of the very best young musicians and vocalists from across the state for a dynamic group performance. The NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and NJMEA All-State Jazz Choir will be joined by special guest Christian McBride—NJPAC Jazz Advisor and acclaimed jazz bassist, bandleader and composer.

    This event happens on November 18.

    REPRESENT: A NIGHT OF JAZZ,

    HIP HOP & SPOKEN WORD

    Christian McBride: Musical Director

    Performer: Major Ras Baraka

    For one not-to-miss night, NJPAC unites the leading voices in jazz, hip hop and poetry.

    The legendary lineup includes hip hop stars Black Thought (The Roots), Rakim (Paid in Full), Speech (Arrested Development), Chuck D (Public Enemy), Dupre ‘Doitall’ Kelly (Lords of the Underground) award-winning poets and spoken word performers Nikki Giovanni, jessica Care moore, Mayor Ras Baraka, and The Last Poets (Abiodun Oyewole, Umar Bin Hassan, and Babadon Babatunde), Sean Battle and Treasure Borde (EvoluCulture); Saxophonists Javon Jackson and Ravi Coltrane, Musical Director (and NJPAC Jazz Advisor) Christian McBride and A Christian McBride Situation; Blaring horns and baring souls, these masterful artists exclaim their vision of justice, change, and joy. This performance is a presentation of City Verses: ‘Amplifying New Voices through Jazz and Poetry,’ a unique joint-initiative of NJPAC and Rutgers-Newark’s which celebrates the rich historical connection between jazz and poetry, creates opportunities for public engagement, strengthens community ties through the arts, amplifies the authentic voices of the people of Greater Newark, and engages a new generation of poets, jazz musicians and teaching artists.

    Who’s up next!

    Right after the show, join the artists for music and poetry! Witness history in the making when you experience UP NEXT, a showcase of the next generation of poets, followed by DJ Storm Norm the General on the ones and twos, hosted by Ms Jones from 94.7 The Block.

     This event happens on November 19.

    SARAH VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION

    Sarah Vaughan. Photo /njpac.org

    The divine Sarah Vaughan—Newark’s greatest musical gift to the world—got her start as the winner of a talent contest. NJPAC honors her legacy every year with The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Now entering its second decade, “The SASSY Awards” is the only international jazz vocal competition of its kind, open to all genders. At this public performance, you’ll witness the next generation of powerhouse jazz vocalists ready to take their rightful place in the global spotlight.

    The event is hosted by WBGO ‘Morning Jazz’ host Gary Walker. NJPAC’s panel of all-star judges includes Regina Carter, Christian McBride, T.S. Monk, Pat Prescott and Maria Schneider. Contestants are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize and a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business.

    With Black Thought, Rakim, Speech, Chuck D, Dupre ‘Doitall’ Kelly, Nikki Giovanni, jessica Care moore, Javon Jackson, Ravi Coltrane, Mayor Ras Baraka, The Last Poets, Sean Battle, Treasure Borde, and A Christian McBride Situation.

    This event takes place on November 20.

    TICKETS

    For more information on each event and tickets, visit njpac.org/tickets-events

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)

  • Ayurveda Day Celebrated

    Ayurveda Day Celebrated

    NEW YORK (TIP): World Ayurveda Day this year was on Dhanvantri Jayanti, October 23rd. To commemorate this day, leading Ayurvedic organizations collaborated on an engaging virtual program that included distinguished guests from US and overseas followed by a robust panel discussion on Ayurveda for Global Health Care. The event was a joint effort of the American Association of Ayurvedic Professionals (AAAP-USA), Global Council for Ayurveda Research (GCAR-USA), National Credentialing and Certification Board for Ayurvedic Medicine (NCCBAM-USA) and was supported by the Ayurvidya Anusandhan Abhiyan Foundation (AAAF-INDIA). The mission, purpose and goals of these organizations were shared by Dr Vivek Shanbhag, President of AAAP-USA, Dr Pratibha Shah, Founder President of GCAR-USA and Dr. Somesh Kaushik, President of NCCBAM-USA. The first half of the program featured dignitaries and was moderated by event coordinator, Dr. Renee Mehrra, well known broadcaster, community activist and ambassador of Ayurveda and Yoga. In his message, Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India complimented the organizers for their commitment and dedication in celebrating Ayurveda Day. He added that there was an increased global acceptance and awareness of Ayurveda, and wewere witnessing a highly receptive environment for Ayurveda’s holistic health care approach. He pointed out that as the world gravitates towards holistic wellbeing, all eyes are on India as the leading global healing destination.

    Honorable Consul Vipul Dev, Consul for Press, Information and Culture, Consulate General of India in New York underscored the importance of Ayurveda which is not only holistic but also brings a radical departure in our entire thinking as to how we see healthcare and puts the human being in the center of this conversation. For the past few years, the Government of India has put a lot of momentum and energy to research in Ayurveda, and the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat is a big milestone in bringing Ayurveda closer to the modern ways of conducting research. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi who represents Illinois’ 8th congressional district spokeabout the contribution of ayurvedic medicine especially during the pandemic, and how the combination of body, mind and spirit is essential to curing what ails us. He further said that there is a growing recognition that these traditional forms of medicine have a place in the general health care system and, the WHO’s Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India would help to harness the power of science to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine.

    Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), and CEO of the National Medicinal Plant Board under the Ministry of AYUSH was happy to note that 26 ministries in India participated in Ayurveda Day celebrations. There were over 10,000 programs with 8 million people and 25 million people officially expressed their support to Ayurveda through the website www.ayurveda.

    In his remarks, Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) commented that Ayurveda has a lot to contribute to the global health care and wellness movement. By integrating the ancient knowledge and wisdom and the scientific basis of its practices and prescriptions, and integrating it with western medicine, we could achieve the goal of improving health outcomes of a vast number of populations who do not have any access to their critical health care needs. He further added that Ayurveda will be the next big contribution from India to humanity just like Yoga and Meditation has been in recent times.

    Dr. Geetha Krishnan, Technical Officer for Traditional Medicine with the World Health Organization talked about the inclusion of Ayurvedic herbs in the pharmacopeia published by WHO on herbal medicine. In his presentation, Dr. Shuvendu Sen, Vice Chair for Research at the Jersey Shore UniversityMedical Center talked about the trajectory of Traditional Medicine from alternative to complementary to integrative and now embraced by modern medicine.

    Mr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee, International Chairman for Friends for Good Health expressed his close affinity to Ayurveda and Homeopathy and shared his experience of growing in a village inIndia where there was no hospital close by and people lived a holistic long life in tune with nature. The second part of this inspirational program was a Panel Discussion moderated by Chair of theevent, Vaidya Pratibha Shah (MD in Ayurveda, MPH, USA) on Ayurveda for Global Healthcare. This was a collective of Ayurvedic medicine experts from different countries including Prof. Madan Thangavelu, Genome Biologist, Research Director, UK; Vaidya Harish Sharma, Ayurvedacharya, Teacher, Author, Canada; Dr. Trupti Gokani, Integrative MD, Pain Specialist, Author & Yogini, USA; Diane Finlayson, Maryland University of Integrative Health, USA; Dr.Nina Silva, Professor/Researcher at the Faculty of Pharmacy/UFRJ; and Mamta Landerman, Clinical Ayurveda and Panchakarma, USA. The program concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Somesh Kaushik, President of NCCBAM.

    (Press release issued by Dr. Renee Mehrra. She can be reached at reneemehrra@mail.com

  • Shikshayatan Cultural Center celebrates 34th Anniversary and Diwali

    NEW YORK (TIP): Shikshayatan Cultural Center, a well-known educational and cultural organization celebrated its 34th Anniversary and Diwali on October 29, with great audience, artists, students, and dedicated volunteers under the leadership of Smt. Purnima A. Desai Founder/President/Director. The performances by local New York and N.J. top artists were truly memorable and soul-stirring. The program started with Garba dance by a few enthusiastic community leaders and participants. Garba was accompanied by live singing and music by vocalists Ghanshyam Josh, Virendra Banker, Kirti Shukla and Neela Gordia. Shikshayatan’s students recited opening prayers – Sanskrit shlokas and Hindi dohas with confidence. Pihu & Parth Gathuria and Sonali Saxena Shikshayatan students also sang two devotional songs. Child artists Angel Shah and Avantika Shah’s dance performances were especially attractive and worthy of praise. Pandit Prakaash Latchminarine performed Classical and Light Music in his melodious voice. Internationally renowned vocalist Biplab Mukherjee gave a splendid performance accompanied by renowned harmonium player Anirban Chakraborty and accomplished table player Rabi Shankar Bhattacharya. Popular vocalist and Guitarist Suresh Ketwaroe sang famous film songs. Chorus singing by Flora Parekh and Tejal Desai “Hum honge kaamyaab” lifter the spirit of the audience. Tejal Desai sang a solo song “ghoonghat ki aad se” accompanied by Suresh ji on guitar and Rabi ji on table. Founder/President Mrs. Purnima Desai sang two devotional songs written by her. The second half of the show kicked off by Anuron Chakraborty, a young male Kathak dancer’s energetic performance. Rhythm spec Artists- a group of eighteen professional artists stole the show with their melodious voices and professional andaaz. A bouquet of roses was presented to the organizer and President Mrs. Purnima Desai by Mr. Rohit Pandya. Purnima ji thanked all the supporters specially the community leaders Surindra Kathuria of Hindu Center, Gopi Udeshi, Devendra Vora, Pankaj Devashreye, Anuradha Khanna, Malini Shah and many important guests for their time. Appreciation and Recognition awards as shawls and trophies were presented to all those deserving participants by Consul (HOC) Smt. Suman Singh from Consulate General’s office. All participants and the audience cherished the hot dinner (Prasad).

    (Report by Purnima A. Desai. She can be reached at 646-472-9255

  • Twitter chaos deepens as key executives quit

    Twitter chaos deepens as key executives quit

    SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Twitter chief security officer Lea Kissner along with other key privacy or security executives step down Elon Musk’s ownership of Twitter descended ever deeper into chaos on Thursday, November 10, as key security executives resigned from the platform, drawing a sharp warning from U.S. regulators. The walkouts came a day after the turbulent launch of new features introduced by Tesla and SpaceX owner Musk following his $44 billion buyout of the influential messaging app. Musk on Thursday, November 10, warned employees that the site was burning dangerously through cash, raising the specter of bankruptcy if the situation was not turned around.

    “I’ve made the hard decision to leave Twitter,” tweeted chief security officer Lea Kissner, who reportedly stepped down with other key privacy or security executives. In the most extraordinary exit, U.S. media reported that Yoel Roth, the site’s head of trust and safety stepped down just a day after staunchly defending Musk’s content moderation policy to advertisers.

    The convulsions followed the unveiling of the site’s long-awaited Twitter Blue subscription service, which allows users to pay $7.99 per month for a coveted blue tick, as well as a separate gray “official” badge for some high-profile accounts.But the release descended into tumult on Wednesday when Musk scrapped the new gray label almost immediately, overshadowing the launch of the pay service, which is currently only available on the mobile app on iPhones and in the United States.The launch also saw the emergence of a flurry of fake accounts as users used the opportunity to impersonate celebrities and politicians such as NBA star LeBron James or former British prime minister Tony Blair. Early media reports also said Robin Wheeler, who held a key role linking Twitter with advertisers and was considered a key Musk ally inside the company, was leaving but late Thursday she tweeted: “I’m still here.”

    ‘’Deep concern,’ says Federal Trade Commission

    The chaos drew a rare warning from the Federal Trade Commission, the US authority that oversees consumer safety which had put Twitter under watch for past security and privacy breaches. “We are tracking recent developments at Twitter with deep concern,” a spokesperson for the FTC said in a statement. “No CEO or company is above the law, and companies must follow our consent decrees,” the spokesperson added, referring to past commitments by Twitter to obey U.S. privacy rules. Violating FTC decisions could cost Twitter millions of dollars in fines. The 51-year-old entrepreneur fired half of the 7,500 employees of the California company a week ago, 10 days after buying the site and becoming its sole owner. For the first time since the layoffs, Musk on Thursday addressed his remaining employees and urged them to help the site reach one billion users, according to employee text messages seen by AFP.

    Musk also warned that the company was bleeding cash and expressed fear about the effects of the poor economy on his newly bought business. “You may have noticed I sold a bunch of Tesla stock. The reason I did that is to save Twitter,” he is reported to have said.

    Wedbush analyst Dan Ives meanwhile warned that the Twitter episode could have serious repercussions for electric car manufacturer Tesla. “Brand destruction is our biggest worry with this Twitter circus show. It’s that simple and I can’t ignore it for Tesla stock,” Ives wrote on the site. Twitter is also crippled by the decision of advertisers to stay away from the platform, concerned about Musk’s plans. The tycoon announced he was ending work-from-home policies at Twitter, which had been a widespread practice at the San Francisco-based company. “If you don’t show up at the office, resignation accepted,” he told employees.

  • Biden, Modi have productive, very practical relationship: US NSA

    Biden, Modi have productive, very practical relationship: US NSA

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a productive and very practical relationship, the American national security advisor has said ahead of the bilateral between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. “I would point out Prime Minister Modi has already been to the White House since President Biden took office, and the two of them have had the opportunity to meet in person multiple times and to talk by phone and on video multiple times,” US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

    He said the two leaders see common interests on a number of critical issues and have really worked together to strengthen the US-India partnership. “When you add all that up, it is a productive, very practical relationship,” Sullivan added. “President Biden is looking forward to seeing Prime Minister Modi at the G20 this year, as we look ahead to the next year,” he said. India will hold the presidency of the G20 next year and there is a possibility of a US presidential visit to the country. “President Biden certainly intends to be a participant in that G20. I don’t have anything to announce about visits prior to that, to India, or visits to the White House,” Sullivan said.

    (Source: PTI)

  • November 11 New York & Dallas E – Edition

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Print Replica- Digitally

    E-Editions

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Dual Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F11%2FTIP-November-11-Dual-Edition.pdf”][vc_single_image image=”132959″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TIP-November-11-Dual-Edition.pdf”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”82828″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][vc_single_image image=”82829″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This Week” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2F”][vc_wp_posts number=”8″ show_date=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Foods to boost your skin’s collagen production

    Diet plays a huge role in maintaining the youthfulness of your skin and that comes down to how much collagen your body is producing. It is the protein that provides the skin with its structure, suppleness and stretch. As we age, we produce less collagen in our skin that causes wrinkles and thinning of skin. There has been a boom of collagen supplements in the form of pills and powders, but it is not the best route to boost your skin’s collagen production. The key difference is that food contains a bioavailable form of collagen your body can use right away. Moreover, over-the-counter supplements are largely unregulated. So, here are top seven foods that improve your skin’s collagen:

    Bone Broth

    Bone Broth is one of the most popular sources of collagen. Cooked by simmering animal bones in water, this process extracts the collagen from the bones. You can even season the broth with spices. The broth is made of bones and connective tissue so it contains calcium, collagen, magnesium, phosphorus, amino acid and many other nutrients. To take care of the quality of your broth, make sure to buy meat from a reputable source.

    Chicken

    The white meat contains connective tissues which are a rich source of dietary collagen, no wonder so many supplements are derived from chicken. Several studies have shown that the chicken’s neck and cartilage is a source of collagen for arthritis treatment.

    Fish and shellfish

    Like other meats, fish and shellfish have bones and ligaments made of collagen. It is claimed that marine collagen is one of the most easily absorbed. However, we do not tend to consume the less desirable parts of the fish that contain more collagen such as the head and scales. In fact, researchers have proven that fish skin is a source of collagen peptides.

    Egg whites

    Eggs do not contain connective tissues like many other animal products, but have large amounts of proline, one of the three amino acids important for collagen production.

    Citrus fruits

    Vitamin C plays a prominent role in the production of pro-collagen, the body’s precursor to collagen. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes are full of this vitamin. You must include a citrus fruit to your diet on a daily basis. You can do this by adding them to your cereals or salads.

                     Source: Herzindagi

  • US visa processing time to fall by mid-2023

    US visa processing time to fall by mid-2023

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The waiting period for US visas is expected to see a significant fall by summer of 2023 and the number of visa applications is projected to reach around 1.2 million, a senior official of the US embassy said on Thursday. The processing time for nearly all categories of US visas is among the highest in India, with B1 and B2 visa applicants have to wait for 925 days as against just two days for Beijing and 44 days for Tokyo. At a special briefing to clear the air on the matter, the official said 82,000 student visas for India had already been issued this year and the next priority was to reduce the waiting time for non-immigrant work visas in the H and L categories, including H-1B, B-1, B-2 and visas for crews of shipping companies and airlines. H-1B visa holders in the US, who want to visit India for family reunions, will get special attention. As per the official, the visa-issuing Bureau of Consular Affairs was hit hard by Covid, affecting its operations and income.

  • Centre releases over Rs 1.16 lakh-crore tax devolution to states to accelerate capex

    Centre releases over Rs 1.16 lakh-crore tax devolution to states to accelerate capex

    New Delhi (TIP)- The Union government on Thursday, November 10,  released two instalments of tax devolution totalling over Rs 1.16 lakh crore to states to help accelerate their capital expenditure and welfare activities. “The Union government has released two instalments of tax devolution to state governments amounting to Rs 1,16,665 crore today (Thursday), as against normal monthly devolution of Rs 58,333 crore,” the Union finance ministry said in a statement on Thursday. “This is in line with the commitment of Government of India to strengthen the hands of States to accelerate their capital and developmental expenditure.”

    At the time when advanced economies are slowing down due to adverse geopolitical developments due to the Ukraine war and resorting to raising interest rates to calm unprecedented jump in inflation rates, the Indian economy is growing at a faster pace and government is making all efforts to keep it up, an official aware of the development said.

    “The Centre quickly transfers money to states from the tax kitty so that they can accelerate pace of public expenditures – both in capex and developmental works,” the official said, requesting anonymity. “There is no delay, in fact, we are releasing money in advance.”

    Money has been given upfront to the states so that they can frontload their capital expenditure and give infrastructure push that would propel the economic growth, the official added.

    Notwithstanding global headwinds, the Indian economy is strong compared to other countries on the back of government’s three-pronged strategy — judicious mix of demand and supply side actions; timely, targeted and impact-oriented welfare measures; and an upthrust to public spending while balancing growth-inflation dynamics. Inflation in India is relatively low compared to other countries, including advanced economies (AEs). The Indian economy is also expanding faster compared to AEs.

    Public expenditure, particularly capital investments, has been aggressively pursued for its multiplier effect on the economy. While the return on Rs 1 spent for revenue expenditure is only 45 paise, the same amount spent on infrastructure gets a return of Rs 2.45 in the first year and Rs 3.14, and Rs 3.25 in subsequent years, the official said. In order to have a multiplier impact of capex, the 2022-23 Union Budget raised capital expenditure by 35.4% to Rs 7.50 lakh crore in the current financial year from Rs 5.54 lakh crore in 2021-22.

    Referring to the enhanced capital expenditure in 2022-23, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech on February 1 had said: “With this investment taken together with the provision made for creation of capital assets through Grants-in-Aid to States, the ‘Effective Capital Expenditure’ of the Central Government is estimated at Rs 10.68 lakh crore in 2022-23, which will be about 4.1% of GDP (gross domestic product).”      Source: HT