The Indian Panorama

Month: July 2023

  • Turn your smartphone into TV remote

    – Open the Google Play Store and install the Google TV app.
    – Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn’t have Wi-Fi, you can also use Bluetooth to connect your phone and TV.
    – Open the Google TV app. Once the app is open, tap the Remote button in the bottom right corner.
    – The app will start scanning for devices. Once your TV is found, select it from the list.
    – A code will appear on your TV screen. Enter the code into the app and tap Pair.
    – Once your phone is paired with your TV, you can use it to control the TV just like you would with a regular remote.
    – How to turn your iPhone into a TV remote
    – Make sure that your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
    – Download and install the Google TV app from the App Store.
    – Open the Google TV app on your iPhone.
    – Tap on the TV Remote icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
    – The app will automatically start looking for your TV. If it doesn’t find your TV, tap on the Scan for devices button.
    – Once your TV is found, select it and enter the 6-digit code that appears on your TV screen.
    – Tap on Pair to connect your iPhone to your TV.
    Once your iPhone is connected to your TV, you can use it to control your TV just like you would with a regular remote control. You can use the app to change the channel, adjust the volume, control playback, and more.

  • Google Meet getting new companion mode check-in feature

    Google Meet getting new companion mode check-in feature

    Tech giant Google has announced that it is rolling out a new companion mode check-in feature in the video communication service ‘Meet’. “One of the challenges of joining a virtual meeting from a conference room, is that the people in the room are identified by the name of the conference room rather than as individuals,” the tech giant said in a Workspace Updates blogpost. However, with the new feature, if someone joins a meeting from a conference room, they can use companion mode on their personal device to check in to that specific room. Rather than being represented in a meeting just by the conference room users are in, room check-in helps to make sure that everyone in the meeting can see their name and be aware of their presence. Room check-in will be available by default, but admins can turn this feature off for specific Meet hardware devices or specific users.
    Meanwhile, earlier this month, the tech giant was rolling out a new viewer mode in the video communication service, which allows users to select “Everyone is a viewer” when creating their Calendar invite. Source: IANS

  • Add onions to your diet for managing diabetes, arthritis

    Add onions to your diet for managing diabetes, arthritis

    Apart from its culinary use, onions are widely used in traditional medicine for digestive issues like loss of appetite, upset stomach, or gallbladder disorders. Onions are also used in treatment of heart and blood vessel issues like chest pain and high blood pressure. Onion hair masks are also widely used as it has many benefits for hair health from promoting hair growth, preventing itchy scalp, hair loss to treating dandruff.
    Here’s how onions can help control blood sugar levels:
    Specific compounds found in onions, such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, also possess antidiabetic effects. High amounts of fibre, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and various essential micronutrients that promote health in a number of ways. Quercetin has been shown to interact with cells in the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, fat tissue, and liver to control whole-body blood sugar regulation. They lower the blood sugar due to the fact they are prebiotics, undigested fibres that pass through the upper digestive tract to the large intestine where they stimulate growth of beneficial bacteria. And surprisingly, gut bacteria are involved in glucose regulation. It should be noted that the raw onion is the most beneficial to our health. The low glycaemic index shows that it can help control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Ripe onion juice has been shown to provide anti-diabetic properties and prevent hyperglycaemia.
    How to consume onions for diabetes management
    Onions can be used in fresh raita, dosa, stuffed chapati or salads apart from your regular cooking.
    Moderation is the key as onion contains sulfur and may aggravate gastritis or reflux when taken on empty stomach.
    Benefits of onions in arthritis
    Onions can help reduce the inflammation in joints as it contains quercetin, flavonoids which is present abundantly in onions known to modulate immune responses. A study conducted on women with rheumatoid arthritis, were administered a constant dose of quercetin(500mg/day) for a duration of 8 weeks or so. Quercetin supplementation reduced early morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Factors responsible for inflammation were also suppressed.

  • Depressed patients less likely to take their heart medications

    Depressed patients less likely to take their heart medications

    Patients, who feel low when having a cardiac device implanted, are more likely to stop taking their heart medications than those without depression, according to research presented at the ACNAP 2023, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation is recommended for people at high risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia and for those who have had a sudden cardiac arrest.
    Most patients with an ICD are prescribed medication to manage their heart disease. Failure to take cardiac medications increases the risk of complications and death, making it crucial to identify patients who are more likely to stop taking their medication so that support measures can be initiated.
    The study included 322 patients to examine whether anxiety and depression at the time of ICD implantation are associated with medication adherence one year after receiving the device.
    The findings showed that patients with higher levels of depressive symptoms at the time of ICD implantation were less likely to be taking their heart medications one year later.
    The effect of depression was statistically significant but small, which is not surprising given the complexity and multitude of factors involved in medication adherence, Skov said.
    “These results highlight the importance of considering the psychological status of people receiving an ICD. Those with symptoms of depression at the time of implantation could be at risk of discontinuing their heart medications, even if they are taking them initially, and may need extra support,” he added.
    Source: IANS

  • Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fibre to boost heart health

    Omega-3 fats, fibre and antioxidants all help in promoting heart health and general well-being.
    Omega-3 fatty acids
    Omega-3 fats, found in fatty fish like salmon, avocado, chia seeds, walnuts and soybeans, offer a multitude of heart-protective benefits. They help to thin the blood, reducing the risk of blood clots and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, they promote heart health by reducing inflammation, thereby decreasing the chances of developing heart disease. Including these omega-3-rich foods in your diet can significantly contribute to a healthier heart.
    Fibre
    Fibre plays a critical role in maintaining heart health. It is abundantly found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. This nutrient is essential for reducing cholesterol levels as it prevents the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. By incorporating fibre into your diet, you can not only lower cholesterol but also control blood sugar levels, aiding in diabetes management, and ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, fibre helps control body weight by promoting satiety and supporting healthy digestion. Prioritising fibre-rich foods is key to protecting your heart.
    Antioxidants
    Antioxidants are vital for maintaining a healthy heart. These powerful compounds combat the formation of free radicals, which are harmful molecules that damage cells, promote inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease. By consuming foods rich in antioxidants like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens and nuts, you can counteract free radical activity and protect your cells from further damage. Integrating these antioxidant-packed foods into your diet contributes to a stronger, healthier heart.

  • Skin ageing: How to avoid wrinkles?

    Skin ageing: How to avoid wrinkles?

    We are aware that wrinkles are ridges, folds, or creases in the epidermis of the skin. As we become older, they naturally develop. It is however perfectly normal to have wrinkles on your skin. As we age, our skin normally becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic. However, it may be concerning if you start to wrinkle before your time.
    Sunlight exposure
    Wrinkles are primarily brought on by the sun. UV radiation from sunlight can penetrate the deepest layers of skin and break down collagen, which makes the skin less flexible. Wear sunscreen that is suited for your skin type whether you are inside or outside, whether you are driving or just relaxing by the window. Given the previous weather, SPF 30 or higher is recommended. The sun`s indirect rays might also lead to wrinkles. People who work in the sun are more likely to get early wrinkles. Wrinkles may be avoided by donning clothes that covers the skin, such as long sleeves or a hat.
    Smoking and alcohol consumption
    Smoking often reduces the blood flow to the skin, accelerating skin ageing. Skin is dried out by alcohol. As a result, the skin loses strength and flexibility. Wrinkles start to develop as the skin begins to sag. So for the sake of your skin, give up drinking and smoking.
    Squinting
    Squinting and particularly active facial movements like furrowing your brows and frowning can also contribute to wrinkles. When you squint, your face muscles stiffen up. As a result, your skin cells become squeezed and lose their suppleness. Many individuals have a tendency to squint. But you may change this negative behaviour and stop wrinkles from forming by making conscious efforts.
    Stress is a key culprit
    As we age, the body produces less collagen, and stress also decreases collagen production and can cause inflammation. Collagen loses flexibility and rigidity as it ages, making it less effective at promoting skin regeneration and wound healing. Both a loss of flexibility and persistent brow furrowing brought on by stress can cause wrinkles. Stress can also cause wrinkles to emerge because high amounts of the stress hormone cortisol can break down the collagen and elastin in skin.
    Lack of sleep
    Lack of sleep makes skin healing more difficult. The skin’s ability to retain moisture is compromised, as well as the pH level. All of this causes insufficient collagen formation, which speeds up the development of wrinkles.
    Excessive cosmetic use
    Your skin can benefit from cosmetics, but overusing them could have the opposite effect. They could cause rashes, edoema, clogged pores, and other unfavourable outcomes. All of them can delay the onset of wrinkles by reducing the production of collagen and sebum.
    Food Deficiencies
    On the other hand, dietary deficiencies wreak havoc on your skin, causing breakouts, rashes, dry skin, wrinkles before their time, etc. If you don’t get enough vitamins, your skin may start to show it by becoming dry, pigmented, dull, or overly oily. Your face and body show the effects of the food you eat. Include vitamin C, D, B, E, and K in your diet; these nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

  • Stop washing your face with soap

    Stop washing your face with soap

    Soap is a popular cleaner, but it may strip away natural oils and alter the delicate balance of your skin’s microbiota, resulting in dryness, irritation, and breakouts. Also, soap may not remove all debris, makeup, and other pollutants from your skin.
    Face washing is an important element of your everyday skincare regimen. It aids in the removal of dirt, oil, and pollutants from the skin, keeping it clean and healthy. But, several alternatives exist when selecting the best product for cleaning your face, including soap.
    While soap may appear to be a simple and inexpensive way to cleanse your face, there may be better solutions for your skin. Here are 5 side effects of cleaning your face with soap:
    Acne and outbreaks can be caused by soap
    Washing your face with soap can clog your pores and cause acne and outbreaks. This is because soap may leave a film of residue on your skin that traps oil, debris, and germs, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
    Most soaps include harsh chemicals that can deplete your skin’s natural oils, causing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. This can be especially troublesome for persons with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis.
    Soap can upset the pH balance of your skin
    Your skin’s pH level is critical for maintaining health and protecting it from external irritants. The skin’s pH is somewhat acidic, ranging between 4.5 and 5.5. Soap, on the other hand, has an alkaline pH of roughly 9-10. Washing your face with soap regularly can upset your skin’s pH balance, resulting in dryness, irritation, and acne.
    Soap can hasten skin ageing
    Harsh chemicals in the soap can harm the skin’s natural barrier, causing accelerated ageing. This can cause your skin to look dull, dry, and wrinkled, making you appear older than your actual age.
    Soap can irritate and irritate the skin
    Certain soaps contain scents, preservatives, and other ingredients that might irritate and irritate the skin. This can cause redness, irritation, and inflammation in your skin, making it appear and feel uncomfortable.
    A soothing, pH-balanced face cleanser mainly developed for your skin type is an alternative to soap. Look for natural products that help soothe and nourish your skin, such as aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea.

  • Chicken Curry With Chickpeas

    Chicken Curry With Chickpeas

    INGREDIENTS
    1 pounds chicken thighs, salt as required, 1/2 teaspoon, coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1 1/2 cup tomato, 1 cup chick peas, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon mint, 1 tablespoon butter, 4 tablespoon refined oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 onion, 1/2 inch ginger, 1 tablespoon almonds, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, 1 tablespoon dill leaves
    Method
    – Use soaked chickpeas overnight or for about 6 hours. Preheat oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with parchment. Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces and place in large mixing bowl.
    – Add 2 tbsp oil, salt to taste and ¼ tsp of all the spices. Mix well and then spread chicken in single layer on the parchment-lined tray. Bake for 20 minutes. Take it out from the oven and reserve chicken with all of its juices.
    – Warm the remaining 2 tbsp oil in a deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, ginger and garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes until it softens. Reduce the heat to medium and add tomatoes, salt to taste, remaining ¼ tsp of all the spices and ground almonds.
    – Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Add chickpeas, water and reserved chicken with juices. Mix well, cover skillet and cook for 20 minutes on medium-low heat. Fold in chopped herbs and butter. Serve hot.

  • Satyaprem Ki Katha: Kartik & Kiara enact their iconic dialogue from the film

    Satyaprem Ki Katha: Kartik & Kiara enact their iconic dialogue from the film

    Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani enacted their iconic ‘sau takka’ dialogue from their upcoming film ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ during a musical concert in Navi Mumbai. Ahead of its release on June 29, Kartik and Kiara joined Meet Bros to enthral the audience with their performances at the concert, and on the insistence of fans, they enacted the dialogue on stage.
    Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani also greeted their fans who gave them an overwhelming response at the event and posed for pictures.
    The musical romantic family drama features an ensemble cast consisting of Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, Supriya Pathak, Gajraj Rao, Shikha Talsania, Siddharth Randeria and Anuradha Patel.
    Helmed by Sameer Vidwans, ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ has been jointly produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Namah Pictures.
    Kartik Aaryan will later be seen in Hansal Mehta’s next, ‘Captain India’. and in Kabir Khan’s forthcoming untitled project. Kiara Advani, meanwhile, will be seen in Shankar’s next, ‘Game Changer’, opposite Ram Charan.
    Meanwhile, during a promotional event, the Shehzada actor was captured helping Kiara fix her dress by standing between her and the paparazzi. In the video, the actor can be seen shielding Kiara from the cameras and helping her fix the dress while standing on stage. After helping Kiara, Kartik can be seen getting off the stage to let his co-actor pose for the shutterbugs. Kartik, however, later joins Kiara to pose cutely for some more pictures. For the event, Kiara Advani can be seen wearing a beautiful red dress while Kartik complements her in a white casual wear.

  • Ranveer-Alia’s love ballad is perfect tribute to Yash Chopra

    Ranveer-Alia’s love ballad is perfect tribute to Yash Chopra

    The makers of the upcoming film, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ released the first romantic track, ‘Tum Kya Mile’ on June 28. The song crooned by Arijit Singh, features the sizzling chemistry between the leads, Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. The forthcoming movie, helmed by Karan Johar, will mark his return to direction after a long hiatus of seven years. The film is slated to release in theatres on July 28, 2023.
    Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt’s starrer ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ is one of the most awaited films of 2023. The film features an ensemble star cast including Dharmendra, Shabana Amzi and Jaya Bachchan in key roles. Recently, the teaser was released and it left netizens mighty impressed. On June 28, the makers dropped the first song from the movie, and it is pure love.
    The song, which looks like an ode to Yash Chopra, features Alia spreading her magic in chiffon sarees as she romances Ranveer. Starting from the picturesque mountains and the snow-clad areas to the hot chemistry between the lead pair, the song is sure to bring back the memories of the 90s Yash Chopra films. Despite being his first lip sync mountain love song, Ranveer proved to be a real trooper. The viewers will definitely feel the love as much as the stars felt cold while shooting the romantic track.
    ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ is a romantic comedy film directed by Karan Johar and written by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan and Sumit Roy. The film is produced by Dharma Productions and Viacom18 Studios. The film also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. Saif Ali Khan’s son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, is working as an assistant director on the film. The film was shot in Mumbai, New Delhi, Russia and Jammu & Kashmir. The music of the film is composed by Pritam and cinematography is handled by Manush Nandan.

  • Bhumi Pednekar spotted with rumored boyfriend at airport

    Bhumi Pednekar spotted with rumored boyfriend at airport

    Bhumi Pednekar was spotted with her rumoured boyfriend at the Mumbai airport on Wednesday. The mystery man is Yash Kataria, a builder who is friends with other Bollywood celebrities like Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani and others as well. The two were linked together after they were spotted at Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani’s wedding reception in Mumbai.
    A paparazzo shared a video of Bhumi and Yash from the airport. It shows Bhumi making her way to the parking lot while keeping a low profile. Yash is also seen walking separately on his way to the car. The two are then sitting in the same car in the parking lot. While Bhumi is seen in a black sweatshirt and white track pants, Yash is seen in a graphic white T-shirt and blue denims.
    Many tried to pass negative comments about Bhumi. However, one of her fans said in her defense: “People need to get it straight that not everyone falls for looks and money ..there is a thing called understanding, vibes matching … real gold diggers and opportunity seekers assembled here.” A fan also wrote, “I think they look good as a couple.”

  • Is Khloe Kardashian dating Michele Morrone?

    Is Khloe Kardashian dating Michele Morrone?

    Khloe confessed that she is attracted to the Italian model. Describing him as “super hot”, she went on to reveal that she is fond of his masculine appeal. The latest episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, along with Khloe Kardashian, and Michele Morrone’s viral pictures led to speculation about the two being romantically involved.
    Khloe Kardashian and Michele Morrone met during the Dolce & Gabbana show recently and started talking backstage. These two even introduced each other to their respective friends. Michele Morrone later took to his Instagram handle and posted his pictures with the reality television star.
    Talking about the incident, Khloe Kardashian said that she found the situation humorous, “I don’t care because it’s so funny. He’s, like, kissing my forehead.” The photo of the two going viral amused Khloe Kardashian, who admitted, “I like the narrative. It’s better than the narrative I’ve been having.”

  • Tom Holland, Zendaya spotted on a date at Beyonce’s concert in Poland

    Tom Holland, Zendaya spotted on a date at Beyonce’s concert in Poland

    Tom Holland and Zendaya, who started dating on the sets of Spider-Man: Homecoming, were seen enjoying Beyonce’s concert in Warsaw, Poland recently. In a video posted by a fan, actors Tom Holland and Zendaya are seen enjoying a concert in Warsaw, Poland, part of popstar Beyonce’s Renaissance tour. The two are seen in a relaxed mode, sporting casual outfits.
    “I need you to fall in love with me, really, for it to work. So, long game. Probably making a movie with each other — it definitely helps when the characters are falling in love with one another, you can sort of blur the lines a little bit. That’s kind of where my rizz is at. And, you know, I’m locked up. I’m happy and in love so I’ve got no need for rizz,” Tom said in an interview to Buzzfeed.
    The couple was recently in India for the launch of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. They arrived together in Mumbai and also enjoyed a day out with some desi hosts on a yacht. Later, they made separate appearances on the NMACC red carpet but came together once inside the venue.
    Tom and Zendaya’s last film together, Spiderman: No Way Home was a big success. Zendaya will be promoting her film Dune 2 with friend Timothee Chalamet soon.
    The two will be seen reuniting on screen for the fourth instalment of the Spider-Man franchise. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tom confirmed that there’s indeed a fourth part of his Spider-Man franchise.

  • Harrison Ford hangs up his Indiana Jones hat in Dial of Destiny

    Harrison Ford hangs up his Indiana Jones hat in Dial of Destiny

    Harrison Ford is bidding farewell to one of his most famous roles with new film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The 80-year-old Ford, who plays the adventurous Nazi-punching archaeologist, confirmed to Reuters that he will not be returning for more relic-related escapades. “I’m saying goodbye to a brilliant opportunity to bring joy to people,” Ford said in an interview, “but I wanted that last iteration of the series to be about character as much as anything.”
    The film starts with a digitally de-aged Ford, created with help from artificial intelligence, fighting Nazis to secure one half of classical inventor Archimedes’ dial of destiny. While Harrison Ford has praised his youthful appearance in the film, he told Reuters he does not think a full-length movie with his younger image would be produced. “I can’t imagine that will happen,” he said.

  • Jennifer Lawrence says she is scared to work with method actors

    Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence says she is “scared” of working with somebody who is a method actor. During an appearance on the talk show “Hot Ones”, the actor said: “I would be scared to work with somebody who’s method because I would have no idea how to talk to them. Like, do I have to be in character?” “That would just make me nervous. But I haven’t seen another process that I’ve been curious about, because you don’t really know about them all the time,” she added.
    Jennifer Lawrence has teamed with Christian Bale, known for his method approach, on David O. Russell’s American Hustle. The actor said while working on the film she tried to understand how Bale prepared before the shot.
    “I had always been very on/off, on/off until I did American Hustle when I worked with Chrisitan Bale and I noticed when the camera started rolling and the crew kind of started preparing like it was going to be 10 seconds or whatever until action, he would start getting ready. And then I saw that and I was like, ‘That seems like a really good idea.’ And then I started to do that,” she recalled.
    Jennifer Lawrence has teamed with Christian Bale, known for his method approach, on David O. Russell’s American Hustle. The actor said while working on the film she tried to understand how Bale prepared before the shot.

  • 25 bus passengers charred to death as vehicle catches fire on expressway in Maharashtra

    25 bus passengers charred to death as vehicle catches fire on expressway in Maharashtra

    Mumbai (TIP)- At least 25 people died after a bus carrying 33 passengers burst into flames on the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway in Maharashtra’s Buldhana, police said. Deputy SP Baburao Mahamuni said that the injured were to Buldhana Civil Hospital, reported ANI. The incident happened around 2 am on Saturday, July 1, when a private travels bus was on its way from Nagpur to Pune and rammed into a divider near Sindkhedraja in Buldhana district, police said.
    Buldhana SP Sunil Kadasne told PTI that as per preliminary information, a bus tyre burst and the vehicle hit a pole, collided with a divider and caught fire. Of the 33 passengers in the bus, 25 were charred to death.
    The driver of the bus, who survived the incident, said that the bus overturned after a tyre burst leading to flames in the bus, according to Kadasane.
    Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased in the bus accident, according to his office.
    Calling the incident ‘very shocking and heart-wrenching’, Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said his government is in touch with the district as well as the police administration and all kinds of help are being provided immediately.
    “The state government will bear the cost of treatment of the injured,” he said.
    Union home minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the incident and said that treatment is being provided to the injured by the administration.
    “The road accident in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district is heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this horrific accident. Quick treatment is being provided to the injured by the administration. I pray to God for his speedy recovery,” Shah said in a tweet in Hindi.
    Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath tweeted, “The loss of lives in the unfortunate incident of fire in a bus on the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved families.”
    “I pray to God that the departed souls get a place in his holy feet and the injured get speedy recovery.”

  • Storm over ‘resignation’, Manipur CM Biren N Singh says won’t quit

    Storm over ‘resignation’, Manipur CM Biren N Singh says won’t quit

    New Delhi (TIP)- N Biren Singh, chief minister of Manipur, a state that has been roiled by ethnic violence for close to two straight months with little end in sight, seemed to begin the process of resigning on Friday, June 30, afternoon, before protesters that collected outside his Imphal home prevented him from proceeding to the Governor’s residence 200 metres away, following which he “clarified” he would not demit office. The dramatic scenes outside Singh’s chief ministerial bungalow saw thousands of Meitei women gathering outside his home from the morning as rumours swirled; they raised slogans hailing him; and they tore a sheet of paper that contained his resignation, which was brought out and read by Singh’s cabinet colleague.
    Images of that torn letter, on Singh’s letter-head, were circulated widely, as if to show the world at large that Singh was not being allowed to resign. And soon after, the chief minister put out a clarification on Twitter, saying he would not quit at this “critical juncture”.
    There was no immediate comment by the Union home ministry, which is believed to have prevailed on Singh to resign after a series of phone calls on Thursday.
    By 10.30 on Friday morning, spurred by local news reports that Singh intended to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey and tender his resignation, supporters, most of them women, gathered in front of the Nupi-Lal memorial complex in Imphal in front of Singh’s residence. They said that they had heard that he intended to resign and that the current situation could not be fixed by such a move. Ima Leirikleima, one of the elderly Meitei women at the protest said: “This is the time for Chief Minister N Biren Singh to stand firm.”
    Another protester said, “We are protesting to stop CM N Biren Singh from resigning. He is highlighting our issues, which we appreciate. He is working not only for Manipur but for the whole nation.”
    Singh is a Meitei himself, and his response to the ethnic strife in the state — many analysts believe he has been openly partisan — has only increased his standing in the community.
    At around 2.20 in the afternoon, Singh emerged from his residence and attempted to drive off to the Raj Bhavan, all of 200 metres away, but was stopped by doing so by the crowds. Before this, Singh was joined at his residence by several cabinet colleagues that still back him, who emerged with him.
    Greeted with slogans in his support, Singh then returned inside. Minutes later, a group of ministers led by consumer affairs minister L Susindro emerged with a piece of paper. Using a mike, and speaking to an increasingly agitated crowd, Susindro read out Singh’s resignation letter that read, “Honourable Governor Madam, I hereby submit my resignation as Chief Minister of Manipur. I thank you for your cooperation and guidance during the past few months.” An elderly woman then took that piece of paper and tore it.
    Soon after, Singh took to Twitter to say: “At this crucial juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister.”
    From May 3, Manipur has been in the throes of ethnic clashes, triggered by an order by the Manipur high court that recommended to the government that the Meiteis, the dominant community in Manipur with 53% of the population, be included in the scheduled tribe list. This caused protests among the tribal population, particularly the Kukis, and tensions lead to clashes that were first concentrated in Meitei dominated Imphal Valley and districts in the hills like Churachandpur that have a heavy tribal population, but soon spread across the state. In three violent days between May 3 and 6, there was a wave of attacks and arson with people fleeing from their homes, and the army called in to control the situation. Since then however, in a sign of the simmering tension within, sporadic violence has continued, with at least 117 dead, over 300 injured, and nearly 50,000 displaced from their homes.
    Source: HT

  • Can a governor dismiss a minister? TN row revives debate on discretionary powers

    Can a governor dismiss a minister? TN row revives debate on discretionary powers

    New Delhi (TIP)- On Thursday, June 29, evening, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi announced Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader V. Senthil Balaji’s dismissal from the state council of ministers. The move not only put him on the warpath with the state’s DMK government, but also led to constitutional questions, the chief among them being whether the governor had overstepped his authority.
    The governor eventually put his decision in abeyance, telling Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in a letter that he had been advised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek the attorney general’s opinion on the matter.
    Around 7:30 pm Thursday, the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan had issued a statement saying Balaji’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam was the reason for his dismissal. The statement said the minister was “facing serious criminal proceedings in a number of cases of corruption, including taking cash for jobs and money laundering”.
    Balaji was arrested by the federal investigation agency in the early hours of 14 June, after 18 hours of questioning. The ED accuses Senthil of misusing his office and engineering a job racket scam in the state transport undertakings in 2014-15, when he was transport minister in the then All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government in the state.
    Before his arrest this month, Balaji was minister of electricity, prohibition and excise in the DMK government. Following his arrest, his responsibilities were reassigned, and he remains a ‘minister without portfolio’.
    Reacting to the minister’s dismissal order Thursday, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had said Ravi had “no power” to dismiss his minister. “We will face this legally,” Stalin had said in an official reaction.
    Ravi’s decision to suspend Balaji raised several questions on the limits on the powers of the governor — an issue that remains controversial in India and has often ended up in the Supreme Court.
    What the Constitution says
    Article 164 of the Constitution says that the governor will appoint the chief minister, and that the other ministers will be appointed by him on the advice of the latter. The ministers, it says, will hold office during the “pleasure of the Governor”.
    Additionally, Article 163 of the Constitution requires the governor to act on the “aid and advise” of the council of ministers, headed by the chief minister of the state.
    But the provision also adds the governor would not need this advice if the Constitution requires him to carry out any function at his discretion.
    The Supreme Court usually reads these provisions together to outline the powers of governors — primarily to explain when they need to act on the advice of the council of ministers and when they can use their discretion. Source: The Print

  • Xi Jinping , Shehbaz Sharif to join India-hosted SCO meet

    China, Russia and Pakistan have confirmed participation in the next week’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which for the first time will be hosted by India, though in a virtual mode. India holds the rotating presidency of the organisation this year.
    At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO on July 4 and deliver “important remarks”, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a brief press release. This is the first official announcement about Xi’s participation in the SCO summit being hosted by India. Similarly, the Pakistan Foreign Office announced the participation of PM Shehbaz Sharif in the summit. It mentioned that the PM had received an invitation from his Indian counterpart. Till last week, Pakistan was noncommittal about its participation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already confirmed his attendance, so has neighbour Belarus which is hoping to become a full member by next year. This year, Iran is expected to be accorded the status as the ninth SCO member. India has fixed the theme of the summit around the acronym “SECURE”, which stands for “security, economy and trade, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environment”. Source: TNS

  • Twitter loses case against Centre, fined Rs 50 lakh

    Social media giant Twitter suffered a major setback on Friday, June 30, with the Karnataka High Court dismissing its plea challenging many of the Centre’s directives on blocking unlawful content in a move that bolstered India’s position that big tech was obligated to comply with national laws. The HC also slapped a fine of Rs 50 lakh on the micro-blogging site, close on the heels of Twitter founder and former boss Jack Dorsey accusing India of pressuring the group into taking down unfavourable handles and content.
    “I am convinced with the contention of the Centre that they have powers to block tweets and block accounts. Your client was given notices and your client did not comply. Punishment for non-compliance is seven years imprisonment and unlimited fine. That also did not deter your client. You have not given any reason why you delayed compliance for more than a year. Then all of a sudden you comply and approach the court. You are not a farmer but a billion dollar company,” a single-judge Bench of Justice Krishna S Dixit ruled in a 109-page judgment.

  • Reduce age of consent from 18 to 16, high court urges Centre

    The Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has requested the central government to reduce the age of consensual physical relations between a man and a woman from 18 years to 16 years. The single-judge bench of Justice Deepak Kumar Agarwal made the remark on Tuesday while hearing a petition filed in connection with a rape case reported on July 17, 2020.
    Justice Agarwal was hearing a petition filed by Rahul Chandel Jatav for quashing an FIR registered under relevant sections of the IPC, Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO), and the IT Act. A sessions trial was also pending in the case.
    “This Court would like to share its experience as a Judge that before amendments in IPC under Section 375 of IPC regarding age of prosecutrix for the purpose of consent that was 16 years and subsequently enhanced by amendment up to 18 years due to this amendment, fabric of society has been disturbed. Nowadays, every male or female near the age of 14 years due to social media awareness and easily accessible internet connectivity is getting puberty at an early age,” read the judgment. “Owing to this, female and male children are getting attraction and these attractions are resulting in physical relationship with consent. In these cases, male persons are not at all criminal. It is only a matter of age when they come into contact with a female and develop physical relationships. Only due to this reason, lawmakers in IPC, when it came into force, put the age of female as 16 years since they were well aware of the aforesaid facts,” it added.

  • France must address ‘deep’ police racism: UN

    France must address ‘deep’ police racism: UN

    GENEVA (TIP): France must address deep issues of racial discrimination in its police, the United Nations said on June 30, after a third night of unrest sparked by the fatal police shooting of a teenager. The death of 17-year-old Nahel during a traffic stop has revived long-standing grievances about policing and racial profiling in France’s low-income and multi-ethnic suburbs. “We are concerned by the killing of a 17-year-old of North African descent by police in France on Tuesday,” UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a media briefing in Geneva. “We note that an investigation has been launched into alleged voluntary homicide. This is a moment for the country to seriously address the deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement.”
    French President Emmanuel Macron was to lead a crisis meeting of ministers on Friday after a third night of protests saw cars torched, shops ransacked and hundreds arrested.
    “We also emphasize the importance of peaceful assembly,” Shamdasani said.
    “We call on the authorities to ensure the use of force by police to address violent elements in demonstrations always respects the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination, precaution, and accountability.”
    “Any allegations of disproportionate use of force must be swiftly investigated.”
    Shamdasani said the UN rights office was concerned about the unrest that followed the shooting, and the large number of police officers injured.
    “There has been quite a lot of looting and violence as well by certain elements who are using the protests for these purposes,” she said.
    The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is a body of independent experts that monitors how states are implementing the convention on eliminating all forms of such discrimination.
    In December, CERD voiced its own deep concerns about the frequent use in France of identity checks, discriminatory stops, and criminal fixed fines that the committee said disproportionately targeted members of certain minority groups. (AFP)
    Stop the press: Vienna newspaper Wiener Zeitung ends daily print edition after 320 years
    BERLIN (TIP): One of the world’s oldest newspapers, the Vienna-based Wiener Zeitung, ended its daily print run on June 30 after more than three centuries.
    First published under the name Wiennerisches Diarium, the paper set out to provide a sober account of the news “without any oratory or poetic gloss” when it was launched on Aug. 8, 1703.
    “320 years, 12 presidents, 10 emperors, 2 republics, 1 newspaper,” the print edition’s final front page read.
    The Wiener Zeitung, which is owned by the Austrian government but editorially independent, suffered a sharp decrease in revenue after a recent law dropped a requirement for companies to pay to publish changes to the commercial registry in the print edition.
    The newspaper, which is considered a quality publication with a wide range of articles covering domestic and foreign news, culture and business, was forced to cut 63 jobs and reduce its editorial staff by almost two-thirds to 20.
    It will continue to operate online and plans a monthly print edition. (AP)

  • Thousands protest in Iraq for second day over burning of Quran in Sweden

    Thousands protest in Iraq for second day over burning of Quran in Sweden

    BASRA (TIP): Thousands of followers of a firebrand Iraqi Shiite cleric rallied in major cities in Iraq on June 30, condemning the burning of a Quran during a protest in Sweden earlier this week. Some of the demonstrators called for the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador from Iraq. At the rallies in the capital of Baghdad and the southern city of Basra, followers of Muqtada al-Sadr, a cleric with a large grassroots following and political leader, burned Swedish flags and rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flags and chanted “Yes, yes to Islam” and “No, no to the devil.” Addressing the crowds in a speech in the Baghdad suburb of Sadr City, Friday prayers preacher Sayyid Sattar Batat, called on Iraqi authorities to “if necessary, expel the Swedish ambassador and cut all diplomatic relations with them.”
    The protests came a day after hundreds of protesters briefly stormed the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad.
    On Wednesday, a man who identified himself in Swedish media as a refugee from Iraq burned a Quran outside a mosque in central Stockholm.
    An Iraqi security official said the man was an Iraqi Christian who had previously fought in a Christian unit of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a collection of mostly Shiite militias that were incorporated into the country’s armed forces in 2016. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under regulations.
    Swedish police had authorized the protest, citing freedom of speech, after a previous decision to ban a similar protest was overturned by a Swedish court.
    The act, coming during the major Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, drew widespread condemnation in the Muslim world. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday suggested that the incident would pose another obstacle to Sweden’s bid for NATO membership. Iraqi officials have called on Sweden to extradite the man who had burned the Quran for prosecution in Iraq. (AP)

  • June 30 New York & Dallas E – Edition

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”E-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%2F2023%2F07%2FTIP-June-30-E-Edition.pdf”][vc_single_image image=”146132″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/TIP-June-30-E-Edition.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This week” 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=”5″ show_date=”1″][/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]

  • French president urges parents to keep teens at home as government orders buses to stop at 9 p.m.

    French president urges parents to keep teens at home as government orders buses to stop at 9 p.m.

    PARIS (TIP): French President Emmanuel Macron urged parents on June 30 to keep teenagers at home and blamed social media for fueling rioting that has spread dramatically across France following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old driver.
    In the face of a growing crisis that hundreds of arrests and massive police deployments have failed to quell, Macron held off on declaring a state of emergency, an option that was used in similar circumstances in 2005. Instead, his government ratcheted up a law enforcement response that has resulted in 875 arrests.
    The interior minister ordered a nationwide nighttime shutdown of all public buses and trams, which were among the targets of three consecutive nights of urban unrest. Macron also zeroed in on social media platforms that have relayed dramatic images of cars and buildings being torched and other acts of violence.
    Social networks are playing a “considerable role” in the violence, the French leader said. Singling out Snapchat and TikTok by name, he said the platforms were being used to organize unrest and serving as conduits for copycat violence.
    Macron said his government would work with technology companies to establish procedures for “the removal of the most sensitive content.” He did not specify the content he had in mind but said, “I expect a spirit of responsibility from these platforms.”
    French authorities also plan to request, when “useful,” the identities “of those who use these social networks to call for disorder or exacerbate the violence,” the president said.
    The police shooting of the 17-year-old, who only has been identified by his first name, Nahel, was captured on video. The boy’s death has shocked France and stirred up long-simmering tensions between police and young people in housing projects and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
    Macron said a third of the individuals arrested Thursday night were “young people, sometimes very young,” and that “it’s the parents’ responsibility” to keep their children at home.
    “We sometimes have the feeling that some of them are living out, in the streets, the video games that have intoxicated them,” he said of rioters.
    Since a police officer shot and killed a teenager on Tuesday in the northwestern Paris suburb of Nanterre, rioters have erected barricades, lit fires and shot fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades. Police said at least 200 officers have been injured.
    Macron’s government has deployed 40,000 officers to restore order and make arrests over behaviour he described as “unacceptable and unjustifiable.” He stopped short of announcing a state of emergency, a tactic used in 2005 to quell rioting after the accidental deaths of two boys while they fled police.
    This week’s unrest comes just over a year before Paris and other French cities rattled by violence are due to host 10,500 Olympians and millions of visitors for the Summer Olympic Games. The Paris 2024 organizing committee said it was closely monitoring the situation and that preparations for the Olympics continued.
    Nanterre prosecutor Pascal Prache said officers tried to pull Nahel over because he looked so young and was driving a Mercedes with Polish license plates in a bus lane. (AP)